pinecone/core-2020-05-10-deduplication huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous estimation of actual litter enzymatic catalysis and respiration rates with a simple model of C dynamics in Sphagnum-dominated peatlands.

International audienceC dynamics in soils plays an important role in the interactions between climate and terrestrial ecosystems. Given the importance of the soil C pool in future climate scenarios, accurate models are required which can then be integrated into global models. On the one hand, models of soil C dynamics can be very simplistic in that only solid organic matter (OM) is taken into account with constant rates. Such models can miss important features of soil C dynamics such as enzymatic activity and CO2 production. On the other hand, some models are too complicated to be experimentally calibrated, tested and widely used. We propose a model of soil C dynamics that (i) integrates all C fluxes from the solid to the gaseous form, and (ii) can be easily implemented experimentally. Because peatlands are important C stores that are experiencing vegetation changes, the model was tested on experimental results obtained with peatland litter: Sphagnum cuspidatum (autochtonous vegetation), Molinia caerulea and Betula spp (both invasive species). Our model was able to accurately describe the early stages of C dynamics in litter especially when only one pool of OM was used and when catalysis and respiration rates were allowed to decrease with time. Our model is efficient in assessing the entire actual catalysis rate. This is a notable achievement as usually, enzyme activity is measured on specific enzymes in conditions often far from actual ones. Our model appeared to be sufficiently robust and worthy of development, keeping in mind that it should remain experimentally testable
Dynamic study of blood-brain barrier closure after its disruption using ultrasound: a quantitative analysis.

International audienceDelivery of therapeutic or diagnostic agents to the brain is majorly hindered by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Recently, many studies have demonstrated local and transient disruption of the BBB using low power ultrasound sonication combined with intravascular microbubbles. However, BBB opening and closure mechanisms are poorly understood, especially the maximum gap that may be safely generated between endothelial cells and the duration of opening of the BBB. Here, we studied BBB opening and closure under magnetic resonance (MR) guidance in a rat model. First, MR contrast agents (CA) of different hydrodynamic diameters (1 to 65 nm) were employed to estimate the largest molecular size permissible across the cerebral tissues. Second, to estimate the duration of the BBB opening, the CA were injected at various times post-BBB disruption (12 minutes to 24 hours). A T(1) mapping strategy was developed to assess CA concentration at the ultrasound (US) focal point. Based on our experimental data and BBB closure modeling, a calibration curve was obtained to compute the half closure time as a function of CA hydrodynamic diameter. These findings and the model provide an invaluable basis for optimal design and delivery of nanoparticles to the brain
Seismoacoustic coupling induced by the breakup of the 15 February 2013 Chelyabinsk meteor

International audienceOn 15 February 2013 around 03:20:00 UTC, the largest meteor reported since the 1908 Tunguska event was observed as a fireball traveling through the Earth's atmosphere, exploding in an air burst near the city of Chelyabinsk, Russia. The rarity of such an event provides a unique window on the physics of meteoroid collision. We report the fine seismic detection of Rayleigh waves produced by the coupling of ground motion with the incident shock wave at distances up to 4000 km from the event. Combining information from seismic beam-forming analysis, recon- structed trajectory from casual video records, and remote sensing, we identify the Rayleigh waves as being initiated by the shock wave produced by the main blast that occasioned damages and injuries in Chelyabinsk. From the Rayleigh wave observations, we report a magnitude Ms ~ 3.7 seismic source
When Does a Developing Country Use New Technologies?

International audienceWe develop a model of optimal pattern of economic development that is ﬁrst rooted in physical capital accumulation and then in technical progress. We study an economy where capital accumulation and innovative activity take place within a two sector model. The ﬁrst sector produces a consumption good using physical capital and non skilled labor. Technological progress in the consumption sector is driven by the research activity that takes place in the second sector. Research activity which produces new technologies requires technological capital and skilled labor. New technologies induce an endogenous increase of the Total Factor Productivity of the consumption sector. Physical and technological capital are not substitutable while skilled and non skilled labor may be substitutable. We show that under conditions of the adoption process of new technologies, the optimal strategy for a developing country consists in accumulating physical capital ﬁrst; postponing the importation of technological capital to the second stage of development. This result is due to a threshold effect from which new technologies begin to have an impact on the productivity of the consumption sector. However, we show that once a certain level of wealth is reached, it becomes optimal for the economy to import technological capital toproduce new technologies
Change detection in floodable areas of the Danube delta using radar images

International audienceIn the wetlands of the Danube delta floodplain, flooding is a major natural risk. The coastal wetlands have been seriously impacted by floods in 2002, 2005, 2006 and 2010. Using hydrological and satellite observations acquired in 2009 and during the summer of 2010, this paper tackles the issue of forecasting risk based on land cover information and observations. A major objective of this methodological work consists in exploring several types of data from the Japanese ALOS satellite. These data are used to illustrate a multitemporal radar data processing methodology based on temporal entropy analysis that enables change detection in the floodable areas of the Danube delta
Eruption dynamics inferred from microlite crystallization experiments: Application to Plinian and dome-forming eruptions of Mt Pelée (Martinique, Lesser Antilles).

International audienceDecompression experiments have been conducted to simulate syn-eruptive crystallization in the volcanic conduit, in order to infer magma ascent rates and conditions during dome-forming and Plinian eruptions of silicic arc volcanoes. The experiments were carried out starting from Mt Pelée rhyolitic interstitial melt (76 wt. % SiO2) and consisted in three consecutive steps: hydration, decompression, and annealing. Hydration (saturated and undersaturated) was performed at 850°C and 200 MPa and followed by isothermal decompression, either linearly or stepwise, to a final pressure, Pf, of 30 or 5-10 MPa. Decompression rates range from 0.003 to 25 MPa/min (decompression durations of 15 min to 40 days). Two samples were cooled by 25°C and 50°C during a 3-days step at Pf. Subsequent to decompression, the samples were held up to 15 days at Pf. The experiments generated three types of crystals: pre-, syn-, and post-decompression crystallization. The experiments basically differ from previous studies in that they are specifically designed to discriminate crystal nucleation from growth and to evaluate the influence of pre-decompression crystals on the decompression-induced crystallization. The effects of pre-decompression crystals, decompression rate, undercooling (Pf), and terminal cooling have been determined on plagioclase nucleation, growth, morphology, and composition. The main results i) suggest a positive correlation between decompression rate and the number density of plagioclases nucleated at Pf and ii) highlight the effect of pre-decompression crystals in further decompression-induced crystallization. The relations between the decompression conditions and the plagioclase characteristics have been used to infer Mt Pelée eruption dynamics, suggesting that i) Plinian magmas ascend from the reservoir within less than 1 hour (1-10 m/s), ii) dome and block-and-ash flows magmas ascend within more than 2-5 days, giving time for syn-decompression crystallization around pre-existent microlites, iii) dome magmas evidence long stagnation and cooling at low pressure, and iv) surge magmas ascend without significant crystallization (within less than ~4 days) and massively nucleate plagioclase at very low pressure. The extent and violence of dome destruction may depend on the size/age of the dome, with large/old domes favouring mildly-explosive BAFs, whereas small/young protodomes may generate highly-explosive surges
Mineralogical and isotopic record of biotic and abiotic diagenesis of the Callovian-Oxfordian clayey formation of Bure (France)

International audienceThe Callovian-Oxfordian (COx) clayey unit is being studied in the Eastern part of the Paris Basin at depths between 400 and 500 m depth to assess of its suitability for nuclear waste disposal. The present study combines new mineralogical and isotopic data to describe the sedimentary history of the COx unit. Petrologic study provided evidence of the following diagenetic mineral sequence: (1) framboidal pyrite and micritic calcite, (2) iron-rich euhedral carbonates (ankerite, sideroplesite) and glauconite (3) limpid calcite and dolomite and celestite infilling residual porosity in bioclasts and cracks, (4) chalcedony, (5) quartz/calcite. Pyrite in bioturbations shows a wide range of δ34S (−38‰ to +34.5‰), providing evidence of bacterial sulphate reduction processes in changing sedimentation conditions. The most negative values (−38‰ to −22‰), measured in the lower part of the COx unit indicate precipitation of pyrite in a marine environment with a continuous sulphate supply. The most positive pyrite δ34S values (−14‰ up to +34.5‰) in the upper part of the COx unit indicate pyrite precipitation in a closed system. Celestite δ34S values reflect the last evolutionary stage of the system when bacterial activity ended; however its deposition cannot be possible without sulphate supply due to carbonate bioclast dissolution. The 87Sr/86Sr ratio of celestite (0.706872-0.707040) is consistent with deposition from Jurassic marine-derived waters. Carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions of bulk calcite and dolomite are consistent with marine carbonates. Siderite, only present in the maximum clay zone, has chemical composition and δ18O consistent with a marine environment. Its δ13C is however lower than those of marine carbonates, suggesting a contribution of 13C-depleted carbon from degradation of organic matter. δ18O values of diagenetic chalcedony range between +27‰ and +31‰, suggesting precipitation from marine-derived pore waters. Late calcite crosscutting a vein filled with chalcedony and celestite, and late euhedral quartz in a limestone from the top of the formation have lower δ18O values (not, vert, similar+19‰), suggesting that they precipitated from meteoric fluids, isotopically close to present-day pore waters of the formation. Finally, the study illustrates the transition from very active, biotic diagenesis to abiotic diagenesis. This transition appears to be driven by compaction of the sediment, which inhibited movement of bacterial cells by reduction of porosity and pore sizes, rather than a lack of inorganic carbon or sulphates
Decisions for lung cancer chemotherapy: the influence of physician and patient factors

Purpose The purpose of this study is to review the literature examining how the beliefs and behaviours of physicians and patients influence clinical communication, doctor-patient interaction and treatment decisions for lung cancer treatment. Methods Literature was obtained via electronic database searches and hand searching of journals from 1990 to 2011. Results Wide variability in perceptions of the value of chemotherapy in lung cancer is present among both physicians and patients. There is a mismatch in the degree patients and physicians weigh survival, such that patients value survival benefits highly whilst physicians strongly emphasize toxicity and associated symptoms. This lack of congruence between patients and clinicians is influenced by a range of factors and has implications for treatment decisions, long-term survival and quality of life in people affected by lung cancer. Conclusion The divergence of treatment priorities indicates a need for improved communication strategies addressing the needs and concerns of both patients and clinicians. Patients should understand the benefits and risks of treatment options, while clinicians can gain a greater awareness of factors influencing patients' decisions on treatments. Reflecting these perspectives and patient preferences for lung cancer treatment in clinical guidelines may improve clinician awareness
Modelling signaling networks underlying plant defence

Transcriptional reprogramming plays a significant role in governing plant responses to pathogens. The underlying regulatory networks are complex and dynamic, responding to numerous input signals. Most network modelling studies to date have used large-scale expression data sets from public repositories but defence network models with predictive ability have also been inferred from single time series data sets, and sophisticated biological insights generated from focused experiments containing multiple network perturbations. Using multiple network inference methods, or combining network inference with additional data, such as promoter motifs, can enhance the ability of the model to predict gene function or regulatory relationships. Network topology can highlight key signaling components and provides a systems level understanding of plant defence
Yttrium phosphate microspheres with enriched phosphorus content prepared for radiotherapy of deep-seated cancer

Ceramic microspheres composed of β-emitters are useful for in situ radiotherapy of deep-seated cancer by implantation around the tumor. In addition, microspheres 20–30 µm in diameter can combine β-emission with the embolization effect. Yttrium phosphate is an attractive candidate material for such microspheres, because both Y and P play roles as β-emitters. The half-life of 31P is known to be much larger than that of 90Y. Therefore, it is expected that yttrium phosphate microspheres with high P content can maintain a longer radiotherapy effect. In the present study, preparation of microspheres with enriched P content has been attempted by water-in-oil emulsions using polyphosphate as a starting material. Yttrium phosphate microspheres with a higher P/Y molar ratio (2.5) than in previously reported YPO4 microspheres were obtained. It was found that emulsification for sufficient time (more than 10 min) is necessary to obtain microspheres that are 20–30 µm in size. Although the microspheres released Y sparingly, they released larger amounts of P than previously reported YPO4 microspheres in a simulated body environment. Heat treatment at moderate temperature can suppress P release to some extent. Further improvement in chemical durability through surface modification is essential for long-term clinical use
CHEMICALLY- BONDED BRICK PRODUCTION BASED ON BURNT CLAY BY MEANS OF SEMIDRY PRESSING

We presented a study on the possibility of using the burned rocks of the Krasnoyarsk Territory for production
chemically- bonded materials in the form of bricks, so widely used in multistory housing and private house building. The
radiographic analysis of the composition of burnt rock was conducted and a modifier to adjust the composition uniformity
was identified. The mixing moisture content was identified and optimal amount at 13-15% was determined. The method of
semidry pressing has been chosen. The process of obtaining moldings has been theoretically proved, the advantages of
chemically- bonded wall materials compared to ceramic brick were shown. The production of efficient artificial stone based
on material burnt rocks, which is comparable with conventionally effective ceramic materials or effective with cell tile was
proved, the density of the burnt clay - based cell tile makes up 1630-1785 kg \ m3, with compressive strength of 13,6-20,0 MPa depending on the compression ratio and cement consumption, frost resistance index is F50, and the thermal
conductivity in the masonry is λ = 0,459-0,546 W \ m * 0C. The clear geometric dimensions of pressed products allow the use of the chemically- bonded brick based on burnt clay as a facing brick
Characterization of meta-Cresol Purple for spectrophotometric pH measurements in saline and hypersaline media at sub-zero temperatures

Accurate pH measurements in polar waters and sea ice brines require pH indicator dyes characterized at near-zero and below-zero temperatures and high salinities. We present experimentally determined physical and chemical characteristics of purified meta-Cresol Purple (mCP) pH indicator dye suitable for pH measurements in seawater and conservative seawater-derived brines at salinities (S) between 35 and 100 and temperatures (T) between their freezing point and 298.15 K (25 °C). Within this temperature and salinity range, using purified mCP and a novel thermostated spectrophotometric device, the pH on the total scale (pHT) can be calculated from direct measurements of the absorbance ratio R of the dye in natural samples as\ud
pHT=−log(kT2e2)+log(R−e11−Re3e2)\ud
\ud
Based on the mCP characterization in these extended conditions, the temperature and salinity dependence of the molar absorptivity ratios and − log(kT2e2)\ud
of purified mCP is described by the following functions: e1 = −0.004363 + 3.598 × 10−5T, e3/e2 = −0.016224 + 2.42851 × 10−4T + 5.05663 × 10−5(S − 35), and − log(kT2e2) = −319.8369 + 0.688159 S −0.00018374 S2 + (10508.724 − 32.9599 S + 0.059082S2) T−1 + (55.54253 − 0.101639 S) ln T −0.08112151T. This work takes the characterisation of mCP beyond the currently available ranges of 278.15 K ≤ T ≤ 308.15 K and 20 ≤ S ≤ 40 in natural seawater, thereby allowing high quality pHT measurements in polar systems
Circuit FPGA for active rules selection in a transition P system region

P systems or Membrane Computing are a type of a distributed, massively parallel and non deterministic system based on biological membranes. These systems perform a computation through transition between two consecutive configurations. As it is well known in membrane computing, a configuration consists in a m-tuple of multisets present at any moment in the existing m regions of the system at that moment time. Transitions between two configurations are performed by using evolution rules which are in each region of the system in a non-deterministic maximally parallel manner. This article shows the development of a hardware circuit of selection of active rules in a membrane of a transition P-system. This development has been researched by using the Quartus II tool of Altera Semiconductors. In the first place, the initial specifications are defined in orfer to outline the synthesis of the circuit of active rules selection. Later on the design and synthesis of the circuit will be shown, as well as, the operation tests required to present the obtained results
Stopping region-based image segmentation at meaningful partitions

This paper proposes a new stopping criterion for automatic image segmentation based on region merging. The criterion is dependent on image content itself and when combined with the recently proposed approaches to syntactic segmentation can produce results aligned with the most salient semantic regions/objects present in the scene across heterogeneous image collections. The method identifies a single iteration from the merging process as the stopping point, based on the evolution of an accumulated merging cost during the complete merging process. The approach is compared to three commonly used stopping criteria: (i) required number of regions, (ii) value of the least link cost, and (iii) Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR). For comparison, the stopping criterion is also evaluated for a segmentation approach that does not use syntactic extensions. All experiments use a manually generated segmentation ground truth and spatial accuracy measures. Results show that the proposed stopping criterion improves segmentation performance towards reflecting real-world scene content when integrated into a syntactic segmentation framework
Non-local realistic theories and the scope of the Bell theorem

According to a widespread view, the Bell theorem establishes the untenability of so-called 'local realism'. On the basis of this view, recent proposals by Leggett, Zeilinger and others have been developed according to which it can be proved that even some non-local realistic theories have to be ruled out. As a consequence, within this view the Bell theorem allows one to establish that no reasonable form of realism, be it local or non-local, can be made compatible with the (experimentally tested) predictions of quantum mechanics. In the present paper it is argued that the Bell theorem has demonstrably nothing to do with the 'realism' as defined by these authors and that, as a consequence, their conclusions about the foundational significance of the Bell theorem are unjustified
A Review on the Young History of the Wind Power Short-term Prediction

This paper makes a brief review on 30 years of history of the wind power short-term prediction, since the first ideas and sketches on the theme to the actual state of the art on models and tools, giving emphasis to the most significant proposals and developments. The two principal lines of thought on short-term prediction (mathematical and physical) are indistinctly treated here and comparisons between models and tools are avoided, mainly because, on the one hand, a standard for a measure of performance is still not adopted and, on the other hand, it is very important that the data are exactly the same in order to compare two models (this fact makes it almost impossible to carry out a quantitative comparison between a huge number of models and methods). In place of a quantitative description, a qualitative approach is preferred for this review, remarking the contribution (and innovative aspect) of each model. On the basis of the review, some topics for future research are pointed out
Photoreflectance analysis of a GaInP/GaInAs/Ge multijunction solar cell

We have analyzed the photoreflectance spectra of a GaInP/GaInAs/Ge triple junction solar cell. The spectra reveal signatures from the window layer and middle and top subcells included in the stack. Additional contributions from the multilayer buffer introduced between the mismatched bottom and middle cells have been detected. Franz–Keldysh oscillations (FKOs) dominate the spectra above the fundamental bandgaps of the GaInP and GaInAs absorbers. From the FKO analysis, we have estimated the dominant electric fields within each subcell. In light of these results, photoreflectance is proposed as a useful diagnostic tool for quality assessment of multijunction structures prior to completion of the device or at earlier stages during its processing