Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Matériaux composites à matrice polymère : modélisation numérique de la phase de remplissage du procédé R.T.M. et détermination expérimentale de la perméabilité d'un renfort fibreux

L'objectif de ce travail est de contribuer a ameliorer la maitrise des conditions d'impregnation d'un renfort fibreux par une resine polymere dans les procedes d'elaboration de materiaux composites de type R. T. M. Les phenomenes impliques dans l'ecoulement de la resine dans le renfort sont etudies de facon experimentale et numerique. Ces etudes ont ete focalisees sur le terme de permeabilite du milieu poreux constitue par le renfort. Un modele numerique d'ecoulement isotherme d'un fluide au travers d'un milieu poreux anisotrope et non deformable est propose. Les variations de porosite du fait de la compressibilite du renfort ou du tassement des fibres au seuil du point d'injection ne sont pas prises en compte. Cependant, nous introduisons le calcul du deplacement d'un fluide a travers un milieu poreux sature deformable afin que cet aspect soit utilise qualitativement dans la discussion de nos resultats. Des donnees precises doivent etre introduites dans les codes de calcul, par exemple la permeabilite dans le cas de notre etude. Afin de determiner les permeabilites directionnelles d'un renfort anisotrope, divers dispositifs experimentaux ont ete mis en œuvre. Ceux-ci nous ont permis de determiner la permeabilite dans une direction pour un ecoulement unidirectionnel, dans les directions principales pour des ecoulements plans ou spatiaux. Dans ce dernier cas, un dispositif original a ete concu ou l'ecoulement de fluide dans le milieu opaque du renfort est suivi par radioscopie X. Une analyse des differents resultats experimentaux permet de quantifier, d'expliquer et de justifier l'influence des multiples parametres lies au type d'ecoulement, aux conditions d'injection, a la geometrie du moule et a la structure du renfort. L'etude comparative et parametrique des methodes de mesure de permeabilite contribue a l'objectif de mise en place d'un dispositif de mesure simple et normalise couplee a une methode d'analyse bien adaptee.
Discriminating Multi-Species Populations in Biofilms with Peptide Nucleic Acid Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (PNA FISH)

Background Our current understanding of biofilms indicates that these structures are typically composed of many different microbial species. However, the lack of reliable techniques for the discrimination of each population has meant that studies focusing on multi-species biofilms are scarce and typically generate qualitative rather than quantitative data. Methodology/Principal Findings We employ peptide nucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridization (PNA FISH) methods to quantify and visualize mixed biofilm populations. As a case study, we present the characterization of Salmonella enterica/Listeria monocytogenes/Escherichia coli single, dual and tri-species biofilms in seven different support materials. Ex-situ, we were able to monitor quantitatively the populations of ∼56 mixed species biofilms up to 48 h, regardless of the support material. In situ, a correct quantification remained more elusive, but a qualitative understanding of biofilm structure and composition is clearly possible by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) at least up to 192 h. Combining the data obtained from PNA FISH/CLSM with data from other established techniques and from calculated microbial parameters, we were able to develop a model for this tri-species biofilm. The higher growth rate and exopolymer production ability of E. coli probably led this microorganism to outcompete the other two [average cell numbers (cells/cm2) for 48 h biofilm: E. coli 2,1×108 (±2,4×107); L. monocytogenes 6,8×107 (±9,4×106); and S. enterica 1,4×106 (±4,1×105)]. This overgrowth was confirmed by CSLM, with two well-defined layers being easily identified: the top one with E. coli, and the bottom one with mixed regions of L. monocytogenes and S. enterica. Significance While PNA FISH has been described previously for the qualitative study of biofilm populations, the present investigation demonstrates that it can also be used for the accurate quantification and spatial distribution of species in polymicrobial communities. Thus, it facilitates the understanding of interspecies interactions and how these are affected by changes in the surrounding environment.
Changes of Vision-Related Quality of Life in Retinal Detachment Patients after Cataract Surgery

Rhegmatenous retinal detachment (RRD) is one of the most serious complications after phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation surgery. It has been reported that vision-related quality of life (VRQoL), as well as visual acuity rapidly decreased when RRD developed. However, little is known of the VRQoL in those RRD patients after anatomical retinal re-attachment, especially whether or not the VRQoL is higher than that before cataract surgery. In this prospective case series study, we use the Chinese-version low vision quality of life questionnaire (CLVQOL) to assess the changes of VRQoL in age-related cataract patients who suffered from RRD after phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (phaco-IOL) implantation. All participants were asked to complete questionnaires in face- to-face interviews one day before and two weeks after cataract surgery, as well as one day before and three months after RRD surgery. A total of 10,127 consecutive age-related cataract patients were followed up to one year after phaco-IOL implantation; among these patients, 17 were diagnosed as RRD. The total CLVQOL scores and subscale scores except “Mobility” decreased significantly when RRD developed. After retinal surgery, only the score of “General vision and lighting” in the CLVQOL questionnaires improved when compared to the scores two weeks after cataract surgery, although the best corrected visual acuity of all patients significantly raised up. However, the mean CLVQOL scores and subscale scores were still considerably higher than the level prior to cataract surgery. Our study suggests that cataract patients at high risk of postoperative RRD should not deny the opportunity to undergo phaco-IOL implantation, even though potential VRQoL impairment induced by RRD exists.
Recurrent Memory Array Structures

The following report introduces ideas augmenting standard Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) architecture with multiple memory cells per hidden unit in order to improve its generalization capabilities. It considers both deterministic and stochastic variants of memory operation. It is shown that the nondeterministic Array-LSTM approach improves state-of-the-art performance on character level text prediction achieving 1.402 BPC on enwik8 dataset. Furthermore, this report estabilishes baseline neural-based results of 1.12 BPC and 1.19 BPC for enwik9 and enwik10 datasets respectively.
Cerebral arterial compliance in patients with internal carotid artery disease

Background: A decrease in arterial compliance of the internal carotid artery has been associated with an increased risk in ipsilateral ischaemic stroke. However, so far, no technique has been validated to monitor the compliance of intracerebral arteries (Ca) in patients with carotid artery disease. In this study, we sought to monitor Ca in patients with unilateral symptomatic disease and to determine its variations during changes in PaCO2.
Using Simultaneous Best Response to Find Symmetric Bayes-Nash Equilibria in Auctions

Finding Nash and Bayes-Nash equilibria in games is a hard problem both analytically and computationally. We restrict out attention to symmetric Bayes-Nash equilibria in auctions and propose a computational method that takes advantage of the symmetry of equilibria and structure of auction games. The method is iterated best-response where all players move simultaneously. We present experimental results for single unit firstand second-price auctions with discrete values and bids.
A sector-based campus-wide indoor positioning system

The purpose of this paper is to describe a campus-wide indoor and outdoor positioning system developed at the School of Surveying and Spatial Information Systems at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. The system uses a Wi-Fi positioning technique known as ‘fingerprinting’ to locate users indoors, and GPS to locate users outdoors. Fingerprinting first requires the building up of a database of signal strengths from different Wi-Fi access points taken at different points across the area of interest. Then, the user scans the signal strengths in the wireless network and sends the data to the database, which will find the closest match, and return the likeliest location of the user. Our work investigates different approaches to database generation and fingerprint matching, and their impact on system performance. We find that reducing the time for the survey phase by half does not impact significantly on the final accuracy of the system. The system is also tested outdoors to investigate whether Wi-Fi can challenge GPS for outdoor positioning, and we find that Wi-Fi can match, and sometimes outperform GPS in terms of accuracy.
A Range Image Sensor Based on 10- $\mu{\hbox {m}}$ Lock-In Pixels in 0.18-$\mu$m CMOS Imaging Technology

This paper presents the design and characterization of a lock-in pixel array based on a buried channel photo-detector aimed at time-of-flight range imaging. The proposed photo-demodulator has been integrated in a 10-μm pixel pitch with a fill factor of 24%, and is capable of a maximum demodulation frequency of 50 MHz with a contrast of 29.5%. The sensor has been fabricated in a 0.18-μm CMOS imaging technology and assembled in a range camera system setup. The system provides a stream of three-dimensional images at 5-20 fps on a 3-6 m range, with a linearity error lower than 0.7% and a repeatability of 5-16 cm, while the best achievable precision is 2.7 cm at a 50-MHz modulation frequency.
Wideband Characterization of RF Propagation for Time-of Arrival Localization of Wireless Video Capsule Endoscope Inside Small Intestine

Localization of Wireless Capsule Endoscope (WCE) inside the small intestine is a very challenging problem, which is very important for the diagnosis of certain diseases. Previous studies have shown that Time-of-Arrival (TOA) localization can be more effective than Received Signal Strength (RSS) based localization. Performance evaluation of TOA-based localization techniques for WCE requires understanding of wideband RF propagation characteristics from the internals of small intestines. Since these measurements are difficult, we need to resort to simulation techniques and validating the results of simulations with empirical measurements. In this paper, we first validate the measurements of wideband characteristics of RF signals pertinent to TOA in homogeneous tissues using a SEMCAD X simulation software platform. Then we use the software for simulation of TOA from inside the human body and the small intestine. Finally, we analyze and assess TOA techniques regarding the nonhomogeneous environment inside the human body. Keywords—SEMCAD X, simulation, nonhomogeneous tissue, Wideband measurement, BAN application, small intestine, Wirelss Capulse Endoscopy
Bioinformatic Analysis of Circadian Gene Oscillation in Mouse Aorta

Background— Circadian rhythmicity of many aspects of cardiovascular function—blood pressure, coagulation and contractile function—is well established, as is diurnal variation in important clinical events, such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Here, we undertake studies to globally assess circadian gene expression in murine aorta. Methods and Results— Aortae from mice were harvested at 4-hour intervals for 2 circadian cycles (48 hours). Gene expression was assessed by expression profiling and subjected to a gene ontology bioinformatics analysis. Three hundred thirty transcripts exhibited a circadian pattern of oscillation in mouse aorta, including those intrinsic to the function of the molecular clock. In addition, many genes relevant to protein folding, protein degradation, glucose and lipid metabolism, adipocyte maturation, vascular integrity, and the response to injury are also included in this subset of roughly 7000 genes screened for circadian oscillation. Conclusions— Detection of functional cassettes of vascular genes that exhibit circadian regulation in the mouse will facilitate elucidation of the mechanisms by which the molecular clock may interact with environmental variables to modulate cardiovascular function and the response to therapeutic interventions.
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS ON THE STRENGTH-MATURITY RELATION OF MORTAR

A study was performed to gain a fundamental understanding of the traditional maturity method used to predict the in-place strength of concrete. Research was undertaken to answer two questions; 1) What are the quantitative effects of curing temperature on the compressive strength-maturity relation of concrete? 2) Is there an age beyond which temperature no longer affects the strength-maturity relation of concrete? To simplify testing, mortar cubes were used as specimens for compressive strength determinations. Penetration resistance measurements were performed to determine initial and final setting times. Phase I of the research addressed the first question and involved preparing and curing specimens at 5 , 12 , 23 , 32 and 43 C. Phase II addressed the second question and involved curing specimens at 5 and 32 C for short periods, followed by additional curing at 23 C. It was found that initial set occurred at approximately the same maturity regardless of the curing temperature. A three-parameter hyperbolic equation was used to represent the strength-maturity relation. The parameters, determined by regression analysis, were found to vary systematically with curing temperature. Theoretical justification for the hyperbolic equation is presented and a key assumption in the maturity method is identified. The strength versus age data were also analyzed and a new concept, effective age, is suggested as a possible alternative for representing the combined effects of time and temperature on the compressive strength development of concrete. Keywords; Concrete; compressive strength; curing temperature; early age; final set; hydration; initial set; laboratory testing; maturity; mortar; regression analysis; strength prediction; temperature effects.
Improved combined binary/decimal fixed-point multipliers

Decimal multiplication is important in many commercial applications including banking, tax calculation, currency conversion, and other financial areas. This paper presents several combined binary/decimal fixed-point multipliers that use the BCD-4221 recoding for the decimal digits. This allows the use of binary carry-save hardware to perform decimal addition with a small correction. Our proposed designs contain several novel improvements over previously published designs. These include an improved reduction tree organization to reduce the area and delay of the multiplier and improved reduction tree components that leverage the redundant decimal encodings to help reduce delay. A novel split reduction tree architecture is also introduced that reduces the delay of the binary product with only a small increase in total area. Area and delay estimates are presented that show that the proposed designs have significant area improvements over separate binary and decimal multipliers while still maintaining similar latencies for both decimal and binary operations.
An Ordinal Model of Risk Based on Mariner's Judgement

This paper describes a statistical method for learning and estimating the risk posed by other craft in the vicinity of a vessel and an overview of its possible spatial application, simulating how professional mariners perceive and assess such risk and using navigational data obtained from a standard integrated bridge. We propose a non-linear model for risk estimation which attempts to capture mariners' judgement. Questionnaire data has been collected that captures and quantifies mariners’ judgements of risk for craft in the vicinity, where each craft is described by measurements that can be obtained easily from the data already present in the ship's navigational equipment. The dataset has then been used for analysis, training and validating Ordered Probit models in order to obtain a computationally efficient data driven model for estimating the risk probability vector posed by other craft. Finally, we discuss how this risk model can be incorporated into decision making and path finding algorithms.
The smoking problem: a review of the research and theory in behavioral risk modification.

This article reviews findings and examines theoretical implications of studies concerned with initiation, maintenance, and therapy of cigarette smoking in children and adults. The following conclusions are offered: (a) Recent increases in success rates may be due to changes in the social environment that multiply the action of previously unsuccessful procedures, (b) current interventions are based on communication and behavioral models that ignore features unique to smoking, (c) methodological refinements of current interventions are unlikely to significantly increase success rates, (d) prevention studies should be directed toward critical steps in the developmental history of smoking (e.g., preventing initial attempts, facilitating negative interpretations of initial attempts, and retarding regular usage), and (e) studies of cessation and withdrawal must consider findings and theories of nicotine dependence. A hypothesis is presented to account for the development of craving conditioned to internal and external cues, and suggestions about how to eliminate the craving state are made.
Culture in Global Software Development - A Weakness or Strength?

Cultural diversity is assumed to be a fundamental issue in global software development. Research carried out to date has raised concerns over how to manage cultural differences in global software development. Our empirical research in India, a major outsourcing destination, has helped us investigate this complex issue of global software development. A triangulated study based on a questionnaire, telephonic interviews and structured face-to-face interviews with 15 Project Managers and Senior Executives has revealed how they cope with the demands of cultural differences imposed by a geographically distributed environment. This research study brings forward various techniques initiated by these project managers to deal with cultural differences that exist within geographically distributed software development teams. We also discuss different strategies and make a case to explain how to build on and take advantage of cultural differences that exist in global software development.
Female Chimpanzees Use Copulation Calls Flexibly to Prevent Social Competition

The adaptive function of copulation calls in female primates has been debated for years. One influential idea is that copulation calls are a sexually selected trait, which enables females to advertise their receptive state to males. Male-male competition ensues and females benefit by getting better mating partners and higher quality offspring. We analysed the copulation calling behaviour of wild female chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) at Budongo Forest, Uganda, but found no support for the male-male competition hypothesis. Hormone analysis showed that the calling behaviour of copulating females was unrelated to their fertile period and likelihood of conception. Instead, females called significantly more while with high-ranking males, but suppressed their calls if high-ranking females were nearby. Copulation calling may therefore be one potential strategy employed by female chimpanzees to advertise receptivity to high-ranked males, confuse paternity and secure future support from these socially important individuals. Competition between females can be dangerously high in wild chimpanzees, and our results indicate that females use their copulation calls strategically to minimise the risks associated with such competition.
The Zamolodchikov-Faddeev Algebra for AdS5 x S5 Superstring

We discuss the Zamolodchikov-Faddeev algebra for the superstring sigma-model on AdS5 ×S 5 . We find the canonical su(2|2) 2 invariant S-matrix satisfy- ing the standard Yang-Baxter and crossing symmetry equations. Its near-plane-wave expansion matches exactly the leading order term recently obtained by the direct per- turbative computation. We also show that the S-matrix obtained by Beisert in the gauge theory framework does not satisfy the standard Yang-Baxter equation, and, as a consequence, the corresponding ZF algebra is twisted. The S-matrices in gauge and string theories however are physically equivalent and related by a non-local transformation of the basis states which is explicitly constructed.
Neurons regulate Schwann cell genes by diffusible molecules

Successful peripheral nerve regeneration and functional recovery require the reestablishment of the neuron-Schwann cell relationship in the regenerating rat sciatic nerve, neurons differentially regulate Schwann cell genes. The message for the low-affinity NGF receptor, p75NGFR, is induced in Schwann cells distal to the injury and is repressed as regenerating axons make contact with these cells. The inverse is true for mRNA of the myelin gene P0; expression decreases distal to injury and increases as new axons contact Schwann cells and a program of myelination is initiated. Using an in vitro co-culture paradigm in which primary neurons and adult Schwann cells are separated by a microporous membrane, we show that axon contact is not an absolute requirement for neuronal regulation of Schwann cell genes. In this system neurons but not other cell types, repress the expression of Schwann cell p75NGFR while inducing the expression of the POU domain transcription factor, suppressed cAMP inducible POU, and myelin P0. These results demonstrate that regenerating axons can direct the Schwann cell genetic program from a distance through diffusible molecules.
Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation Using Long Coiled Electrodes: Impact of Irrigation on Lesion Dimensions and Incidence of Coagulum Formation

WEISS, C. , et al.: Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation Using Long Coiled Electrodes: Impact of Irrigation on Lesion Dimensions and Incidence of Coagulum Formation. Ablation catheters with multiple long coiled electrodes have been recently developed to induce continuous linear lesions for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. The efficacy and safety of ablation catheters with multiple long coiled electrodes has not been evaluated. The aim of the present in vivo study was to investigate the influence of saline irrigation on lesion dimensions and coagulum formation during RF current ablation using those ablation catheters. In 14 anesthetized sheep, the thigh muscle was prepared as a cradle and filled with heparinized blood (37°C). The quadripolar coiled ablation catheter (electrode length 7 mm, electrode distance 2 mm) was placed parallel to the muscle with standardized 10‐g contact pressure. RF current energy was delivered sequentially temperature‐ (70°C) or power‐controlled (10, 20, 30, or 40 W) with additional irrigation of the electrode (10 mL/min normal saline) for 90 seconds. Forty‐two of 129 RF current lesions were induced by temperature‐controlled and 87 by irrigated ablation. Except for three lesions following low energy irrigated application (10 W), all lesions were continuous. Significantly larger lesions following irrigated RF current applications were produced with a power output of 30 W (depth 0.74 ± 0.13 cm, width 0.78 ± 0.13 cm) and 40 W (depth 0.75 ± 0.16 cm, width 0.92 ± 0.28 cm) as compared to 20 W (depth 0.47 ± 0.13 cm, width 0.82 ± 0.22 cm). Coagulum formation adherent to the electrode was exclusively observed following 18 of 42 nonirrigated RF current ablations. In conclusion, irrigated coiled ablation electrodes induce continuous linear lesions with a power output of 20–40 W. The risk of coagulum formation at the coiled electrode can be avoided by irrigation.