pinecone/core-2020-05-10-deduplication huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of the agroecosystem in the Ganges basin to inter-annual rainfall variability and associated changes in land use

The rate of growth in agricultural production has been decreasing in several regions of the world in recent years. The availability of water, which is one of the main inputs, is becoming limiting and more variable. In this article, we study the sensitivity of the agroecosystem to rainfall variability in order to identify vulnerable areas. We applied a longitudinal assessment of remote sensing time-series data, using the correlation between inter-annual rainfall anomalies and anomalies in Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), a proxy for crop production. With a novel approach, we then identified whether the sensitivity results from a variation in crop growth or from a deliberate adjustment in the cropping pattern, reflecting a coping strategy. In our case study area, the Ganges basin, 25% of the basin area showed a significant correlation (p<0.10) between rainfall and NDVI anomalies during the summer monsoon-dominated cropping season, both positive and negative. During the consecutive dry season, 18% of the basin area showed a significant correlation, mostly positive. This variation in sensitivity shows the added value of spatially explicit information from remote sensing over lumped crop statistics. Primarily in the drier western part of the basin, a coping strategy of increasing fallow land in years with below-average rainfall was detected. Distinguishing a coping strategy from a crop yield reduction is important from both an economic and a hydrologic perspective
Imaging proto-oceanic crust off the Brazilian Continental Margin

International audienceS U M M A R Y During the Sanba (Santos basin seismic transect) experiment in 2010–2011, a 380-km-long combined wide-angle and reflection seismic profile has been acquired using 30 ocean-bottom seismometers, a 4.5 km seismic streamer and a 8900 in. 3 airgun array. The Sanba 3 profile crosses the southern flank of the Sao Paulo Plateau, the Sao Paulo Ridge and the easternmost Santos Basin in an east–west direction. Its eastern end is located on undisturbed oceanic crust. Tomographic and forward modelling of the wide-angle seismic data reveals that the sedimentary thickness is variable with only 1–2 km on top of the ridge and thickening to 4–5 km in the basin. Crustal thickness at the ridge is about 18 km and the relative layer thickness and velocity gradients indicate a continental origin of this ridge. The eastern Santos Basin is underlain by crust of only 5 km thickness, characterized by high seismic velocities between 6.20 km s –1 in the upper crust and 7.40 km s –1 in the lower crust. Three hypotheses for the nature of the crust in this region are tested here: (i) thinned continental crust, (ii) serpentinized upper mantle material, (iii) thin oceanic crust. As seismic velocity gradients seem to rule out a continental origin of this region, and clear Moho reflections argue against serpentinized upper mantle, we propose that the crust underlying the easternmost Santos Basin is of oceanic origin. Deviations from normal oceanic crustal velocities in the lower crust (6.70–7.00 km s –1) can be explained by accretion at slow spreading rates leading to the inclusion of serpentinite into the lower crust at the onset of organized seafloor spreading
Quadratic spline quasi-interpolants and collocation methods

International audienceUnivariate and multivariate quadratic spline quasi-interpolants provide interesting approximation formulas for derivatives of approximated functions that can be very accurate at some points thanks to the superconvergence properties of these operators. Moreover, they also give rise to good global approximations of derivatives on the whole domain of definition. From these results, some collocation methods are deduced for the solution of ordinary or partial differential equations with boundary conditions. Their convergence properties are illustrated on some numerical examples of elliptic boundary value problems
Diffusion behavior of transition metals in field-assisted ion-exchanged glasses

The use of ion-exchange techniques for doping silicate glasses with transition metals has attracted much attention in the last decades for its potential in several applications, namely, light waveguides technology, luminescent materials, and for the possibility to realize systems in which metal nanocluster formation is controlled by suitable post-exchange techniques. In this framework, the control of metal distribution inside the glass is a central issue for both the understanding of the incorporation process and for the definition of effective preparation protocols. In this experiment, metallic films (Ag, Cu, Au, Co) were deposited onto the substrates by the rf-sputtering technique. Metal ions then penetrate to substitute glass alkali by means of field-assisted ion-exchange, realized at different temperature and electric field values. In particular, we present in this paper the Au doping of silicate glasses, successfully realized for the first time with this method. The gold diffusion profiles, as measured by Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS), indicate that the migration depends on the experimental parameters (temperature and electric field), but also on the local structure, as well as on chemical phenomena occurring at the metal/glass interface
Organocatalyzed Beckmann rearrangement of cyclohexanone oxime by trifluoroacetic acid in aprotic solvent

The Beckmann rearrangement of cyclohexanone oxime to ε-caprolactam catalyzed by trifluoroacetic acid in aprotic solvents such as toluene, 1,2-dichloroethane, acetonitrile, benzonitrile, nitromethane and their mixtures is described. High yield and selectivity in ε-caprolactam have been observed. Data relative to cyclohexanone oxime protonation equilibrium, interaction of ε-caprolactam with the acid, solvent effect on reaction kinetics and apparent activation energy are given together with some thoughts on the reaction mechanism
Prosodic tools for language learning

In this paper we will be concerned with the role played by prosody in language learning and by the speech technology already available as commercial product or as prototype, capable to cope with the task of helping language learner in improving their knowledge of a second language from the prosodic point of view. The paper has been divided into two separate sections: Section One, dealing with Rhythm and all related topics; Section Two dealing with Intonation. In the Introduction we will argue that the use of ASR (Automatic Speech Recognition) as Teaching Aid should be under-utilized and should be targeted to narrowly focussed spoken exercises, disallowing open-ended dialogues, in order to ensure consistency of evaluation. Eventually, we will support the conjoined use of ASR technology and prosodic tools to produce GOP useable for linguistically consistent and adequate feedback to the student. This will be illustrated by presenting State of the Art for both sections, with systems well documented in the scientific literature of the respective field.
In order to discuss the scientific foundations of prosodic analysis we will present data related to English and Italian and make comparisons to clarify the issues at hand. In this context, we will also present the Prosodic Module of a courseware for computer-assisted foreign language learning called SLIM—an acronym for Multimedia Interactive Linguistic Software, developed at the University of Venice (Delmonte et al. in Convegno GFS-AIA, pp. 47–58, 1996a; Ed-Media 96, AACE, pp. 326–333, 1996b). The Prosodic Module has been created in order to deal with the problem of improving a student’s performance both in the perception and production of prosodic aspects of spoken language activities. It is composed of two different sets of Learning Activities, the first one dealing with phonetic and prosodic problems at word level and at syllable level; the second one dealing with prosodic aspects at phonological phrase and utterance suprasegmental level. The main goal of Prosodic Activities is to ensure consistent and pedagogically sound feedback to the student intending to improve his/her pronunciation in a foreign language
Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells: From the Crypt to the Clinic

Since their first discovery, investigations of colorectal cancer stem cells (CSCs) have revealed some unexpected properties, including a high degree of heterogeneity and plasticity. By exploiting a combination of genetic, epigenetic, and microenvironmental factors, colorectal CSCs metastasize, resist chemotherapy, and continually adapt to a changing microenvironment, representing a formidable challenge to cancer eradication. Here, we review the current understanding of colorectal CSCs, including their origin, relationship to stem cells of the intestine, phenotypic characterization, and underlying regulatory mechanisms. We also discuss limitations to current preclinical models of colorectal cancer and how understanding CSC plasticity can improve the development of clinical strategies
A snapshot of soil water composition as an indicator of contrasted redox environments in a hedged farmland plot

International audienceWhile soil water composition has long been recognised as being related to soil type (characteristics of the horizons), the influence of structures resulting from agricultural activities (hedges, ditches, wheel ruts, etc) is still under discussion. This work was undertaken to show that a snapshot of spatial variability of the geochemical characteristics of soil water at the scale of a plot can improve our understanding of soil geochemistry in a farmland setting. We selected a 3 hectare hedged plot located on a hillside, limited by a stream and used as pasture where soils have developed in weathered gneiss. The water depth, electrical conductivity, major ions, temperature, pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content, dissolved oxygen content, fluorescence, alkalinity, Fe2+, Mn2+, NO2−, Fe(III) and F− contents were measured in 62 auger holes randomly drilled on the site. Four sectors were identified in order to describe the distribution of the main geochemical parameters. Electrical conductivity and some major ions, especially sulphate, had larger concentrations near hedges where oxic conditions prevailed. These features were attributed to the impact of the linear anthropogenic network on the circulation of subsurface soil waters and evapo-transpiration and represent sector I. Dissolved Mn was an indicator of well channelled runoff subsurfaces facilitating the circulation of more highly reducing water (sector III), while DOC probably marked areas drained less well, with a prolonged contact time between soil solutions and organic topsoil horizons (sector II). The presence of dissolved Mn and Fe(II) indicates bottomland anoxic conditions (sector IV). It is concluded that a survey of the chemical composition of soil water may be a direct approach to show the influence of permanent structures on current soil properties and dynamics
Transmigration characteristics of breast cancer and melanoma cells through the brain endothelium: role of Rac and PI3K.

Brain metastases are common and devastating complications of both breast cancer and melanoma. Although mammary carcinoma brain metastases are more frequent than  those originating from melanoma, this latter has the highest tropism to the brain. Using static and dynamic in vitro approaches, here we show that melanoma cells have increased adhesion to the brain endothelium in comparison to breast cancer cells. Moreover, melanoma cells can transmigrate more rapidly and in a higher number through brain endothelial monolayers than breast cancer cells. In addition, melanoma cells have increased ability to impair tight junctions of cerebral endothelial cells. We also show that inhibition of Rac or PI3K impedes adhesion of breast cancer cells and melanoma cells to the brain endothelium. In addition, inhibition of Rac or PI3K inhibits the late phase of transmigration of  breast cancer cells and the early phase of transmigration of melanoma cells. On the other hand, the Rac inhibitor EHT1864 impairs the junctional integrity of the brain endothelium, while the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 has no damaging effect on interendothelial junctions. We suggest that targeting the PI3K/Akt pathway may represent a novel opportunity in preventing the formation of brain metastases of  melanoma and breast cancer
Model for tracing variability from features to product-line architectures: a case study in smart grids

In current software systems with highly volatile requirements, traceability plays a key role to maintain the consistency between requirements and code. Traceability between artifacts involved in the development of Software Product Lines (SPL) is still more critical because it is necessary to guarantee that the selection of variants that realize the different SPL products meet the requirements. Current SPL traceability mechanisms trace from variability in features to variations in the configuration of product-line architecture (PLA) in terms of adding and removing components. However, it is not always possible to materialize the variable features of a SPL through adding or removing components, since sometimes they are materialized inside components, i.e. in part of their functionality: a class, a service and/or an interface. Additionally, variations that happen inside components may crosscut several components of architecture. These kinds of variations are still challenging and their traceability is not currently well-supported. Therefore, it is not possible to guarantee that those SPL products with these kinds of variations meet the requirements. This paper presents a solution for tracing variability from features to PLA by taking these kinds of variations into account. This solution is based on models and traceability between models in order to automate SPL configuration by selecting the variants and realizing the product application. The FPLA modeling framework supports this solution which has been deployed in a software factory. Validation has consisted in putting the solution into practice to develop a product line of power metering management applications for Smart Grids
A design for rapid transit networks considering rolling stock's reliability and redistribution of services during disruptions

This paper presents a model for designing a public transit network system combining the traditional approach of transport demand coverage in bimodal scenarios of operation with the recovery of possible disruptions due to limited reliability of the rolling stock. The model balances construction and operational costs with the benefits to the users for the optimization of their travel times. Two transportation modes have been considered, public and private transport and the proportion of the users choosing one mode or the other is assumed to obey to a bimodal logit choice model. While construction costs are a first stage decision, user travel costs and recovery action costs are scenario dependent. Two types of scenarios are taken into account: a) the scenarios of normal operation and b) disruption scenarios which are associated to a link's breakdown of the network. The disruptions in the links are assumed to follow a probability disruption model accordingly to the number of services that operate on them. The model can be used to analyze the influence of the rate of failures of the units on the reliability of the designed RTN. The proposed model can be considered as a two recourse stochastic programming model with a bi-level structure where the probabilities of failure are an implicit function of the number of services and the routing of the transit lines of the transport system. A heuristic solution method is examined for small to medium networks demonstrating the computational viability of the approach
Choosing Between Methods of Combining p-values

Combining p-values from independent statistical tests is a popular approach
to meta-analysis, particularly when the data underlying the tests are either no
longer available or are difficult to combine. A diverse range of p-value
combination methods appear in the literature, each with different statistical
properties. Yet all too often the final choice used in a meta-analysis can
appear arbitrary, as if all effort has been expended building the models that
gave rise to the p-values. Birnbaum (1954) showed that any reasonable p-value
combiner must be optimal against some alternative hypothesis. Starting from
this perspective and recasting each method of combining p-values as a
likelihood ratio test, we present theoretical results for some of the standard
combiners which provide guidance about how a powerful combiner might be chosen
in practice
Optimizing replacement policy for a cold-standby system with waiting repair times

This paper presents the formulas of the expected long-run cost per unit time for a cold-standby system composed of two identical components with perfect switching. When a component fails, a repairman will be called in to bring the component back to a certain working state. The time to repair is composed of two different time periods: waiting time and real repair time. The waiting time starts from the failure of a component to the start of repair, and the real repair time is the time between the start to repair and the completion of the repair. We also assume that the time to repair can either include only real repair time with a probability p, or include both waiting and real repair times with a probability 1 - p. Special cases are discussed when both working times and real repair times are assumed to be geometric processes, and the waiting time is assumed to be a renewal process. The expected long-run cost per unit time is derived and a numerical example is given to demonstrate the usefulness of the derived expression
An extended preorder index for optimising XPath expressions

Many of the problems with native XML databases relate to\ud
query performance and subsequently, it can be difficult to convince traditional database users of the benefits of using semi- or unstructured databases. Presently, there still lacks an index structure providing efficient support for structural queries and the traditional data-centric and\ud
content queries. This paper presents an extended index structure based on the preorder traversal rank and the level (or depth) rank of each node in a document tree. The extended index fully supports the navigation of all XPath axes while efficiently supporting data-centric queries. The ability to start path traversals from arbitrary nodes in a document tree also enables the extended index to support the evaluation of path traversals embedded in XQuery expressions. Furthermore, an encoding technique is presented where properties of the level ranking may be exploited to provide efficient and optimised level-based XPath evaluations
Hazard-consistent response spectra in the Region\ud
of Murcia (Southeast Spain): comparison\ud
to earthquake-resistant provisions

Hazard-consistent ground-motion characterisations of three representative sites located in the Region of Murcia (southeast Spain) are presented. This is the area where the last three damaging events in Spain occurred and there is a significant amount of data for comparing them with seismic hazard estimates and earthquake-resistant provisions. Results of a probabilistic seismic hazard analysis are used to derive uniform hazard spectra (UHS) for the 475-year return period, on rock and soil conditions. Hazard deaggregation shows that the largest hazard contributions are due to small, local events for short-period target motions and to moderate, more distant events for long-period target motions. For each target motion and site considered, the associated specific response spectra (SRS) are obtained. It is shown that the combination of two SRS, for short- and long-period ground motions respectively, provides a good approximation to the UHS at each site. The UHS are compared to design response spectra contained in current Spanish and European seismic codes for the 475-year return period. For the three sites analysed, only the Eurocode 8 (EC8) type 2 spectrum captures the basic shape of the UHS (and not the EC8 type 1, as could be expected a priori). An alternative response spectrum, anchored at short- and long-period accelerations, is tested, providing a close match to the UHS spectra at the three sites. Results underline the important contribution of the frequent, low-to-moderate earthquakes that characterize the seismicity of this area to seismic hazard (at the 475-year return period)
Communication Paradigms for High-Integrity Distributed Systems with Hard Real-Time Requirements

The development and maintenance of high-integrity software is very expensive, and a specialized development process is required due to its distinctive characteristics. Namely, safety-critical systems usually execute over a distributed embedded platform with few hardware resources which must provide real-time communication and fault-tolerance. This work discusses the adequate communication paradigms for high-integrity distributed applications with hard real-time requirements, and proposes a restricted middleware based on the current schedulability theory which can be certified and capable to obtain the required predictability and timeliness of this kind of systems
Effects of glyphosate on isolated maize mitochondria

The effects of the herbicide glyphosate (K+ salt) on isolated maize mitochondria have been investigated. Protein synthesis, oxygen uptake (state 3 and state 4 respiration) and passive swelling were inhibited at concentrations in the 10−6–10−2 M range. No decrease of the respiratory control ratio (RCR) or stimulation of ATPase activity by glyphosate (K+ salt) were observed. It is concluded that the previously reported decrease of the RCR and ATPase stimulation by glyphosate (isopropylamine salt) were probably due to the isopropylamine moiety or to impurities of the technical product
Model reduction in the back step fluid–thermal problem with variable geometry

A methodology is presented to undertake the development of reduced-order models (ROMs) in variable geometry fluid–thermal problems using the method of snapshots. First, some snapshots are calculated in computational domains that vary in both shape and number of grid points. These snapshots are projected onto a so-called virtual grid (defined in a virtual geometry) using a smooth transformation. Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) modes are obtained from the associated virtual snapshots and projected back onto the original grids, where they are used to define expansions of the flow variables. The associated POD mode amplitudes are obtained minimizing a residual, which is calculated in terms of the reconstructed solution. POD modes are calculated using only a part of the computational domain, which will be called the projection window, and the residual is defined using only a limited number of points of the computational domain. This methodology is illustrated addressing the problem of heat transfer downstream of a backward facing step in the 2-D steady, laminar regime, with three free parameters, namely the Reynolds number, the wall temperature, and the step height