pinecone/core-2020-05-10-deduplication huggingface dataset:
Delamination effects on cracked steel members reinforced by prestressed composite patch

Prestressed composite patch bonded on cracked steel section is a promising technique to reinforce cracked details or to prevent fatigue cracking on steel structural elements. It introduces compressive stresses that produce crack closure effect. Moreover, it modifies the crack geometry by bridging the crack lips and reduces the stress range at crack tip. Fatigue tests were performed on notched steel plate reinforced by CFRP strips as a step toward the validation of crack patching for fatigue life extension of riveted steel bridges. A debond crack in the adhesive–plate interface was observed by optical technique. Debond crack total strain energy release rate is computed by the modified virtual crack closure technique. A parametric analysis is performed in order to investigate the influence of some design parameters such as the composite patch Young’s modulus, the adhesive thickness and the pretension level on the adhesive–plate interface debond.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0167-8442(02)00138-
Strong first order S-ROCK methods for stochastic differential equations

Explicit stochastic Runge–Kutta (SRK) methods are constructed for non-commutative Itô and Stratonovich stochastic differential equations. Our aim is to derive explicit SRK schemes of strong order one, which are derivative free and have large stability regions. In the present paper, this will be achieved by embedding Chebyshev methods for ordinary differential equations in SRK methods proposed by Rößler (2010). In order to check their convergence order, stability properties and computational efficiency, some numerical experiments will be performed
Atom probe microscopy of zinc isotopic enrichment in ZnO nanorods

We report on atomic probe microscopy (APM) of isotopically enriched ZnO nanorods that measures the spatial distribution of zinc isotopes in sections of ZnO nanorods for natural abundance natZnO and 64Zn and 66Zn enriched ZnO nanorods. The results demonstrate that APM can accurately quantify isotopic abundances within these nanoscale structures. Therefore the atom probe microscope is a useful tool for characterizing Zn isotopic heterostructures in ZnO. Isotopic heterostructures have been proposed for controlling thermal conductivity and also, combined with neutron transmutation doping, they could be key to a novel technology for producing p-n junctions in ZnO thin films and nanorods
Nuclear data requirements for the ADS conceptual design EFIT: Uncertainty and sensitivity study

In this paper, we assess the impact of activation cross-section uncertainties on relevant fuel cycle parameters for a conceptual design of a modular European Facility for Industrial Transmutation (EFIT) with a “double strata” fuel cycle. Next, the nuclear data requirements are evaluated so that the parameters can meet the assigned design target accuracies. Different discharge burn-up levels are considered: a low burn-up, corresponding to the equilibrium cycle, and a high burn-up level, simulating the effects on the fuel of the multi-recycling scenario.\ud
In order to perform this study, we propose a methodology in two steps. Firstly, we compute the uncertainties on the system parameters by using a Monte Carlo simulation, as it is considered the most reliable approach to address this problem. Secondly, the analysis of the results is performed by a sensitivity technique, in order to identify the relevant reaction channels and prioritize the data improvement needs. Cross-section uncertainties are taken from the EAF-2007/UN library since it includes data for all the actinides potentially present in the irradiated fuel.\ud
Relevant uncertainties in some of the fuel cycle parameters have been obtained, and we conclude with recommendations for future nuclear data measurement programs, beyond the specific results obtained with the present nuclear data files and the limited available covariance information. A comparison with the uncertainty and accuracy analysis recently published by the WPEC-Subgroup26 of the OECD using BOLNA covariance matrices is performed. Despite the differences in the transmuter reactor used for the analysis, some conclusions obtained by Subgroup26 are qualitatively corroborated, and improvements for additional cross sections are suggested
Permutation tests for nonparametric detection

In this paper, the authors provide a methodology to design nonparametric permutation tests and, in particular, nonparametric rank tests for applications in detection. In the first part of the paper, the authors develop the optimization theory of both permutation and rank tests in the Neyman?Pearson sense; in the second part of the paper, they carry out a comparative performance analysis of the permutation and rank tests (detectors) against the parametric ones in radar applications.\ud
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 First, a brief review of some contributions on nonparametric tests is realized. Then, the optimum permutation and rank tests are derived. Finally, a performance analysis is realized by Monte-Carlo simulations for the corresponding detectors, and the results are shown in curves of detection probability versus signal-to-noise rati
Forest Biodiversity Assessment in Peruvian Andean Montane Cloud Forest

Cloud forests are unusual and fragile habitats, being one of the least studied and least understood ecosystems. The tropical Andean dominion is considered one of the most significant places in the world as rega rds biological diversity, with a very high level of endemism. The biodiversity was analysed in an isolated remnant area of a tropical montane cloud forest known as the ?Bosque de Neblina de Cuyas?, in the North of the Peruvian Andean range. Composition, structure and dead wood were measured or estimated. The values obtained were compared with other cloud forests. The study revealed a high level of forest biodiversity, although the level of biodiversity differs from one area to another: in the inner areas, where human pressure is almost inexistent, the biodiversity values increase. The high species richness and the low dominance among species bear testimony to this montane cloud forest as a real enclave of biodiversity
User centered design to incorporate predictive models for type 2 Diabetes screening and management into professional decision support tools: preliminary results

Type 2 Diabetes screening and risk stratification tools could benefit from the incorporation of predictive systems based on computer modelling. The adoption of User Centered Design techniques is fundamental in order to integrate these systems in an effective and successful way. The work presented in this paper describe the methodologies used in the context of a multidisciplinary research project and provides an overview of the preliminary results. Keywords? User Centered Design, Predictive Modelling and Data Mining, Diabetes Screening and Risk Stratification, Decision Support Tools
Correlates of objectively measured sedentary time in adults with intellectual disabilities

Sedentary behaviour is an independent risk factor for adverse health conditions. Adults with intellectual disabilities spend a high proportion of their day engaged in sedentary behaviour, however, there is limited evidence on potential correlates of objectively measured sedentary behaviour in this population group. In Glasgow, UK from July to September 2017, a secondary analysis of pooled baseline accelerometer data from two randomised controlled trials of lifestyle behaviour change programmes was conducted. Backwards linear regression was used to investigate the associations between demographic, biological, and environmental correlates and objective measure of sedentary behaviour (percentage of time spent sedentary). One-hundred and forty-three participants provided valid accelerometer data. Mean percentage time spent sedentary (adjusted for wear time) was 72.9% [Standard Deviation (SD) = 8.7] per day. In the final model, physical and mental health problems were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with increased percentage time spent sedentary. This is the first study to provide evidence on multi-level, demographic, biological, and environmental correlates of objectively measured sedentary behaviour in adults with intellectual disabilities. To inform the development of interventions to modify sedentary behaviours in adults with intellectual disabilities, further research is required including a wide range of socio-ecological correlates
Third-generation Sequencing Reveals Extensive Polycistronism and Transcriptional  Overlapping in a Baculovirus

The Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) is an insect-pathogen baculovirus. In this study, we applied the Oxford Nanopore Technologies platform for the analysis of the polyadenylated fraction of the viral transcriptome using both cDNA and direct RNA sequencing methods. We identified and annotated altogether 132 novel transcripts and transcript isoforms, including 4 coding and 4 non-coding RNA molecules, 47 length variants,  5 splice isoforms, as well as 23 polycistronic and 49 complex transcripts. All of the identified novel protein-coding genes were 5'-truncated forms of longer host  genes. In this work, we demonstrated that in the case of transcript start site isoforms, the promoters and the initiator sequence of the longer and shorter variants belong to the same kinetic class. Long-read sequencing also revealed a complex meshwork of transcriptional overlaps, the function of which needs to be clarified. Additionally, we developed bioinformatics methods to improve the transcript annotation and to eliminate the non-specific transcription reads generated by template switching and false priming
Pseudopolymorphic transitions of niclosamide monitored by Raman spectroscopy

Niclosamide suffers pseudopolymorphic transformations when exposed to different ambient conditions, which can lead to changes in its bioavailability. In this study, the kinetics of the pseudopolymorphic transitions of niclosamide crystals are characterized. FT-Raman spectroscopy is used to quantify the anhydrate and hydrate forms of niclosamide crystals, mostly because of its high sensitivity to the strong intermolecular interactions present in these systems. The samples are exposed to well-characterized relative humidity (RH) conditions during different periods of time and both water diffusion and polymorphic changes are monitored from the corresponding changes observed in the vibrational spectra. Both hydration and dehydration were found to be single-step processes, with a half-life time of ca. 142 and 63 h, respectively, at 24 °C. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jrs.205
Whole-stream nitrate addition affects litter decomposition and associated fungi but not invertebrates

Abstract  We assessed the effect of whole-stream nitrate enrichment on decomposition of three substrates differing in nutrient quality (alder and oak leaves and balsa veneers) and associated fungi and invertebrates. During the 3-month nitrate enrichment of a headwater stream in central Portugal, litter was incubated in the reference site (mean NO3-N 82 µg l-1) and four enriched sites along the nitrate gradient (214–983 µg NO3-N l-1). A similar decomposition experiment was also carried out in the same sites at ambient nutrient conditions the following year (33–104 µg NO3-N l-1). Decomposition rates and sporulation of aquatic hyphomycetes associated with litter were determined in both experiments, whereas N and P content of litter, associated fungal biomass and invertebrates were followed only during the nitrate addition experiment. Nitrate enrichment stimulated decomposition of oak leaves and balsa veneers, fungal biomass accrual on alder leaves and balsa veneers and sporulation of aquatic hyphomycetes on all substrates. Nitrate concentration in stream water showed a strong asymptotic relationship (Michaelis–Menten-type saturation model) with temperature-adjusted decomposition rates and percentage initial litter mass converted into aquatic hyphomycete conidia for all substrates. Fungal communities did not differ significantly among sites but some species showed substrate preferences. Nevertheless, certain species were sensitive to nitrogen concentration in water by increasing or decreasing their sporulation rate accordingly. N and P content of litter and abundances or richness of litter-associated invertebrates were not affected by nitrate addition. It appears that microbial nitrogen demands can be met at relatively low levels of dissolved nitrate, suggesting that even minor increases in nitrogen in streams due to, e.g., anthropogenic eutrophication may lead to significant shifts in microbial dynamics and ecosystem functioning.http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00442-006-0478-
A dynamic location problem with maximum decreasing capacities

Abstract  In this paper a capacitated dynamic location problem with opening, closure and reopening of facilities is formulated and a primal-dual heuristic that can solve this problem is described. The problem formulated considers the situation where a facility is open (or reopens) with a certain maximum capacity that decreases as clients are assigned to that facility during its operating periods. This problem is NP-hard. Computational results are presented and discussed.http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10100-008-0055-
Common variants in the ARC gene are not associated with cognitive abilities

Introduction The Activity-Regulated Cytoskeleton-associated (ARC) gene encodes a protein that is critical for the consolidation of synaptic plasticity and long-term memory formation. Given ARC's key role in synaptic plasticity, we hypothesized that genetic variations in ARC may contribute to interindividual variability in human cognitive abilities or to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) susceptibility, where cognitive impairment often accompanies the disorder.
Methods We tested whether ARC variants are associated with six measures of cognitive functioning in 670 healthy subjects in the Norwegian Cognitive NeuroGenetics (NCNG) by extracting data from its Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS). In addition, the Swedish Betula sample of 1800 healthy subjects who underwent similar cognitive testing was also tested for association with 19 tag SNPs.
Results No ARC variants show association at the study-wide level, but several markers show a trend toward association with human cognitive functions. We also tested for association between ARC SNPs and ADHD in a Norwegian sample of cases and controls, but found no significant associations.
Conclusion This study suggests that common genetic variants located in ARC do not account for variance in human cognitive abilities, though small effects cannot be ruled out
Energy Efficiency Improvements in Dry Drilling with Optimised Diamond-Like Carbon Coating

We demonstrate enhancements of performance and energy efficiency of cutting tools by deposition of diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings on machine parts.  DLC was deposited on steel drill bits, using plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) with the acetylene precursor diluted with argon, to produce a surface with low friction and low wear rate.  Drill bit performance in dry drilling of aluminium was quantified by analysis of power consumption and swarf flow.  Optimised deposition conditions produced drill bits with greatly enhanced performance over uncoated drill bits, showing a 25% reduction in swarf clogging, a 36% reduction in power consumption and a greater than five-fold increase in lifetime.  Surface analysis with scanning electron microscopy shows that DLC coated drills exhibit much lower aluminium build up on the trailing shank of the drill, enhancing the anti-adhering properties of the drill and reducing heat generation during operation, resulting in the observed improvements in efficiency.  Variation of drilling efficiency with argon dilution of precursor is related to changes in the microstructure of the DLC coating
Greenhouse Gas Emissions in a Dynamics-as-Usual Scenario of Economic and Energy Development

This article describes two greenhouse gas (GHG) scenarios covering the period 1990-2100. The first of these, the B2 scenario, is a successful attempt to provide an internally consistent quantification -- checked by the computer models Scenario Generator (SG), MESSAGE, MACRO, and MAGICC -- of key variables describing a plausible but unremarkable "storyline" that complements the other storylines discussed in this special issue of Technological Forecasting and Social Change. \ud
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In the B2 scenario global carbon emissions from energy use and industrial sources rise from 6.5 gigatons of carbon (GtC) in 1990 to 14.2 GtC in 2100. Primary energy use climbs from 350 exajoules (EJ) to 1,360 EJ. The global primary energy structure shifts away from gas and oil (28% in 2100 compared to 55% in 1990) and toward non-fossil energy sources (50% in 2100 compared to 18% in 1990). The share of coal is 22% in 2100, only four percentage points lower than in 1990. Among regions there are significant variations  in the primary energy structure. Synthetic liquid production grows to 330 EJ in 2100, driven largely by assumptions about the long-term decline of oil and a continuation in current trends towards increasingly flexible, convenient, and cleaner forms of final energy
Higher order BLG supersymmetry transformations from 10-dimensional super Yang Mills

We study a Simple Route for constructing the higher order Bagger-Lambert-Gustavsson theory - both supersymmetry transformations and Lagrangian - starting from knowledge of only the 10-dimensional Super Yang Mills Fermion Supersymmetry transformation. We are able to uniquely determine the four-derivative order corrected supersymmetry transformations, to lowest non-trivial order in Fermions, for the most general three-algebra theory. For the special case of Euclidean three-algbera, we reproduce the result presented in arXiv:1207.1208, with significantly less labour. In addition, we apply our method to calculate the quadratic fermion terms in the higher order BLG fermion supersymmetry transformation
Interactions of melatonin with mammalian mitochondria. Reducer of energy capacity and amplifier of permeability transition.

Melatonin, a metabolic product of the amino acid tryptophan, induces a dose-dependent energy drop correlated with a decrease in the oxidative phosphorylation process in isolated rat liver mitochondria. This effect involves a gradual decrease in the respiratory control index and significant alterations in the state 4/state 3 transition of membrane potential (ΔΨ). Melatonin, alone, does not affect the insulating properties of the inner membrane but, in the presence of supraphysiological Ca2+, induces a ΔΨ drop and colloid-osmotic mitochondrial swelling. These events are sensitive to cyclosporin A and the inhibitors of Ca2+ transport, indicative of the induction or amplification of the mitochondrial permeability transition. This phenomenon is triggered by oxidative stress induced by melatonin and Ca2+, with the generation of hydrogen peroxide and the consequent oxidation of sulfydryl groups, glutathione and pyridine nucleotides. In addition, melatonin, again in the presence of Ca2+, can also induce substantial release of cytochrome C and AIF (apoptosis-inducing factor), thus revealing its potential as a pro-apoptotic agent
Retrieval and classification methods for textured 3D models: a comparative study

International audienceThis paper presents a comparative study of six methods for the retrieval and classification of tex-tured 3D models, which have been selected as representative of the state of the art. To better analyse and control how methods deal with specific classes of geometric and texture deformations, we built a collection of 572 synthetic textured mesh models, in which each class includes multiple texture and geometric modifications of a small set of null models. Results show a challenging, yet lively, scenario and also reveal interesting insights in how to deal with texture information according to different approaches, possibly working in the CIELab as well as in modifications of the RGB colour space
Effects of chronic morphine and morphine withdrawal on gene expression in rat peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

International audienceChronic morphine treatment alters gene expression in brain structures. There are increasing evidences showing a correlation, in gene expression modulation, between blood cells and brain in psychological troubles. To test whether gene expression regulation in blood cells could be found in drug addiction, we investigated gene expression profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear (PBMC) cells of saline and morphine-treated rats. In rats chronically treated with morphine, the behavioral signs of spontaneous withdrawal were observed and a withdrawal score was determined. This score enabled to select the time points at which the animals displayed the mildest and strongest withdrawal signs (12 h and 36 h after the last injection). Oligonucleotide arrays were used to assess differential gene expression in the PBMCs and quantitative real-time RT-PCR to validate the modulation of several candidate genes 12 h and 36 h after the last injection. Among the 812 differentially expressed candidates, several genes (Adcy5, Htr2a) and pathways (Map kinases, G-proteins, integrins) have already been described as modulated in the brain of morphine-treated rats. Sixteen out of the twenty-four tested candidates were validated at 12 h, some of them showed a sustained modulation at 36 h while for most of them the modulation evolved as the withdrawal score increased. This study suggests similarities between the gene expression profile in PBMCs and brain of morphine-treated rats. Thus, the searching of correlations between the severity of the withdrawal and the PBMCs gene expression pattern by transcriptional analysis of blood cells could be promising for the study of the mechanisms of addiction
Autism: a world changing too fast for a mis-wired brain ?

International audienceDisorders in verbal and emotional communication and imitation, social reciprocity and higher order cognition observed in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are presented here as phenotypic expressions of temporo-spatial processing disorders (TSPDs). TSPDs include various degrees of disability in (i) processing multi-sensory dynamic stimuli online, (ii) associating them into meaningful and coherent patterns and (iii) producing real-time sensory-motor adjustments and motor outputs. In line with this theory, we found that slowing down the speed opf facial and vocal events enhanced imitative, verbal and cognitive abilities in some ASD children, particularly those with low functioning autism. We then argue that TSPDs may result from Multi-system Brain Disconnectivity-Dissynchrony (MBD), defined as an increase or decrease in functional connectivity and neuronal synchronization within/between multiple neurofunctional territories and pathways. Recent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electrophysiological studies supporting MBD are outlined. Finally, we review the suspected underlying neurobiological mechanisms of MBD as evidenced in neuroimaging, genetic, environmental and epigenetic studies. Overall, our TSPD/MBD approach to ASD may open new promising avenues for a better understanding of neuro-physio-psychopathology of ASD and clinical rehabilitation of people affected by these syndromes