pinecone/core-2020-05-10-deduplication huggingface dataset:
Sequential precipitation of a new goethite-calcite nanocomposite and its possible application in the removal of toxic ions from polluted water

International audienceThis study proposes a simple and innovative synthesis route for a goethite-calcite nanocomposite. This synthesis is summarized by three sequential precipitation reactions: (1) precipitation of nanosized acicular goethite (α-FeOOH) using a high OH/Fe molar ratio (=5); (2) instantaneous precipitation of portlandite (Ca(OH)2) by adding CaCl2 salt to a goethite alkaline suspension (2NaOH + CaCl2=Ca(OH)2 + 2NaCl) and; (3) sub-micrometric calcite precipitation by injection of CO2 into a goethite-portlandite alkaline suspension (Ca(OH)2 + CO2=CaCO3+H2O). The XRD patterns have confirmed the goethite and calcite mineral composition in the composite precipitated at 30 and 70°C. FESEM and TEM observations have revealed the formation of nanosized goethite particles well dispersed with sub-micrometric calcite particles, leading to an orange-brown colour nanocomposite with high specific surface area of around 92 m2/g for a composite synthesized at 30°C and 45 m2/g for a composite synthesized at 70°C. Both values were determined using the conventional BET method on N2 sorption isotherms. Finally, a goethite/calcite weight ratio equal to 0.8 in the composite was determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Additionally, some adsorption experiments carried out at two different pH values revealed that the goethite-calcite composite has a good sequestration capacity for Cu>Cd>As(III)>Se(IV)>As(V). Conversely, the Se(VI) did not show any chemical affinity with the goethite-calcite composite under the physico-chemical conditions studied. In practice, the goethite-calcite composite can neutralise acidic wastewater by slight calcite dissolution, enhancing the removal of heavy metals (e.g. Cu and Cd) at the calcite-solution interfaces
Are Automatically Identified Reading Strategies Reliable Predictors of Comprehension?

International audienceIn order to build coherent textual representations, readers use cognitive procedures and processes referred to as reading strategies; these specific procedures can be elicited through self-explanations in order to improve understanding. In addition, when faced with comprehension difficulties, learners can invoke regulation processes, also part of reading strategies, for facilitating the understanding of a text. Starting from these observations, several automated techniques have been developed in order to support learners in terms of efficiency and focus on the actual comprehension of the learning material. Our aim is to go one step further and determine how automatically identified reading strategies employed by pupils with age between 8 and 11 years can be related to their overall level of understanding. Multiple classifiers based on Support Vector Machines are built using the strategies' identification heuristics in order to create an integrated model capable of predicting the learner's comprehension level
Compositional phrasal verbs with up: Direction, aspect, intensity

International audienceThis study examines a corpus of 300 compositional phrasal verbs in English using the particle up. Whereas frozen phrasal verbs clearly do not have the same meaning without the particle and must be listed in the lexicon grammar of idiomatic expressions (e.g., break up the audience “cause to laugh”), compositional phrasal verbs merely add an aspectual element to the simple verb, and particle usage might be better analyzed as a property of the simple verb. Although this meaning is difficult to characterize precisely, it generally indicates direction (ride up the elevator), completion (open up the store), intensity (hype up the book), or combinations (polish up the silverware, completion and intensity). These properties are added to the table of compositional phrasal verbs. Optional particle usage can also identify the meaning of a potentially ambiguous simple verb. For example, the simple verb call “phone” can take the particle up but not out, while the simple verb call “announce” can take the particle out but not up. The simple verb tables, however, will become enormously complex when all English particles (fifteen different particles according to B. Fraser 1976) are taken into account
Dynamic simulation of forest management normative scenarios : the case of timber plantations in the southern Chile

International audienceAccounting for spatial issues (spatially explicit simulation, geographical amenities and advantages of land use 10 and cover changes, etc.) to build prospective scenarios is a crucial issue for better assessment of possible impacts on the environment. Such spatialized scenarios and their implications allow societies to reduce the uncertainty of the future by exploring various strategies for land use changes. Despite the wide diversity in existing scenario-building techniques, two different approaches can be distinguished (exploratory vs. normative) for their methodological implications. The originality in this study comes from the use of a relevant exploratory 15 (dynamic) approach to map normative scenarios which, in most cases, are represented throughout the combination of narratives and synchronic land use and cover maps. The objective of the article is to apply this dynamic exploratory simulation approach to spatialize normative scenarios within the framework of forest management in southern Chile. In the results, two contrasting images of the future are compared, with the preservation of native forests on one hand and the spread of exotic timber plantations on the other
Usability testing: a review of some methodological and technical aspects of the method

International audienceThe aim of this paper is to review some work conducted in the field of user testing that aims at specifying or clarifying the test procedures and at defining and developing tools to help conduct user tests. The topics that have been selected were considered relevant for evaluating applications in the field of medical and health care informatics. These topics are: the number of participants that should take part in a user test, the test procedure, remote usability evaluation, usability testing tools, and evaluating mobile applications
Spectral Asymptotics for Large Skew-Symmetric Perturbations of the Harmonic Oscillator

International audienceOriginally motivated by a stability problem in Fluid Mechanics, we study the spectral and pseudospectral properties of the differential operator H ǫ = −∂ 2 x + x 2 + iǫ −1 f (x) on L 2 (R), where f is a real-valued function and ǫ > 0 a small parameter. We define Σ(ǫ) as the infimum of the real part of the spectrum of H ǫ , and Ψ(ǫ) −1 as the supremum of the norm of the resolvent of H ǫ along the imaginary axis. Under appropriate conditions on f , we show that both quantities Σ(ǫ), Ψ(ǫ) go to infinity as ǫ → 0, and we give precise estimates of the growth rate of Ψ(ǫ). We also provide an example where Σ(ǫ) ≫ Ψ(ǫ) if ǫ is small. Our main results are established using variational " hypocoercive " methods, localization techniques and semiclassical subelliptic estimates
Cortical surface mapping using topology correction, partial flattening and 3D shape context-based non-rigid registration for use in quantifying atrophy in Alzheimer's disease.

International audienceMagnetic resonance (MR) provides a non-invasive way to investigate changes in the brain resulting from aging or neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Performing accurate analysis for population studies is challenging because of the interindividual anatomical variability. A large set of tools is found to perform studies of brain anatomy and population analysis (FreeSurfer, SPM, FSL). In this paper we present a newly developed surface-based processing pipeline (MILXCTE) that allows accurate vertex-wise statistical comparisons of brain modifications, such as cortical thickness (CTE). The brain is first segmented into the three main tissues: white matter, gray matter and cerebrospinal fluid, after CTE is computed, a topology corrected mesh is generated. Partial inflation and non-rigid registration of cortical surfaces to a common space using shape context are then performed. Each of the steps was firstly validated using MR images from the OASIS database. We then applied the pipeline to a sample of individuals randomly selected from the AIBL study on AD and compared with FreeSurfer. For a population of 50 individuals we found correlation of cortical thickness in all the regions of the brain (average r=0.62 left and r=0.64 right hemispheres). We finally computed changes in atrophy in 32 AD patients and 81 healthy elderly individuals. Significant differences were found in regions known to be affected in AD. We demonstrated the validity of the method for use in clinical studies which provides an alternative to well established techniques to compare different imaging biomarkers for the study of neurodegenerative diseases
Compound Poisson Approximation and Testing for Gene Clusters with Multigene Families

International audienceWe present in this article a compound Poisson approximation for computing probabilities involved in significance tests for conserved genomic regions between different species. We consider the case when the conserved genomic regions are found by the reference region approach. An important aspect of our computations is the fact that we are taking into account the existence of multigene families. We obtain convergence results for the error of our approximation by using the Stein-Chen method for compound Poisson approximation
A model-driven traceability framework for software product lines

International audienceSoftware product line (SPL) engineering is a recent approach to software development where a set of software products are derived for a well defined target application domain, from a common set of core assets using analogous means of production (for instance, through Model Driven Engineering). Therefore, such family of products are built from reuse, instead of developed individually from scratch. SPL promise to lower the costs of development, increase the quality of software, give clients more flexibility and reduce time to market. These benefits come with a set of new problems and turn some older problems possibly more complex. One of these problems is traceability management. In the Europe an AMPLE project we are creating a common traceability framework across the various activities of the SPL development. We identified four orthogonal traceability dimensions in SPL development, one of which is an extension of what is often considered as "traceability of variability". This constitutes one of the two contributions of this paper. The second contribution is the specification of a metamodel for a repository of traceability links in the context of SPL and the implementation of a respective traceability framework. This framework enables fundamental traceability management operations, such as trace import and export, modification, query and visualization. The power of our framework is highlighted with an example scenari
Serre-type equations in deep water

27 pages, 4 figures, 56 references. Other author's papers can be downloaded at http://www.denys-dutykh.com/National audienceThis manuscript is devoted to the modelling of water waves in the deep water regime with some emphasis on the underlying variational structures. The present article should be considered as a review of some existing models and modelling approaches even if new results are presented as well. Namely, we derive the deep water analogue of the celebrated Serre-Green-Naghdi equations which have become the standard model in shallow water environments.  The relation to existing models is discussed. Moreover, the multi-symplectic structure of these equations is reported as well. The results of this work can be used to develop various types of robust structure-preserving variational integrators in deep water. The methodology of constructing approximate models presented in this study can be naturally extrapolated to other physical flow regimes as well
Assessing the role of the active-site cysteine ligand in the superoxide reductase from Desulfoarculus baarsii.

International audienceSuperoxide reductase is a novel class of non-heme iron proteins that catalyzes the one-electron reduction of O(2)(.) to H(2)O(2), providing an antioxidant defense in some bacteria. Its active site consists of an unusual non-heme Fe(2+) center in a [His(4) Cys(1)] square pyramidal pentacoordination. In this class of enzyme, the cysteine axial ligand has been hypothesized to be an essential feature in the reactivity of the enzyme. Previous Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies on the enzyme from Desulfoarculus baarsii revealed that a protonated carboxylate group, proposed to be the side chain of Glu(114), is in interaction with the cysteine ligand. In this work, using pulse radiolysis, Fourier transform infrared, and resonance Raman spectroscopies, we have investigated to what extent the presence of this Glu(114) carboxylic lateral chain affects the strength of the S-Fe bond and the reaction of the iron active site with superoxide. The E114A mutant shows significantly modified pulse radiolysis kinetics for the protonation process of the first reaction intermediate. Resonance Raman spectroscopy demonstrates that the E114A mutation results in both a strengthening of the S-Fe bond and an increase in the extent of freeze-trapping of a Fe-peroxo species after treatment with H(2)O(2) by a specific strengthening of the Fe-O bond. A fine tuning of the strength of the S-Fe bond by the presence of Glu(114) appears to be an essential factor for both the strength of the Fe-O bond and the pK(a) value of the Fe(3+)-peroxo intermediate species to form the reaction product H(2)O(2)
Is distinctiveness gender-based ?

International audienceTwo experiments were carried out to study the role of gender category in evaluations of face distinctiveness. In Experiment 1, participants had to evaluate the distinctiveness and the femininity-masculinity of real or artificial composite faces. The composite faces were created by blending either faces of the same gender (sexed composite faces, approximating the sexed prototypes) or faces of both genders (nonsexed composite faces, approximating the face prototype). The results show that the distinctiveness ratings decreased as the number of blended faces increased. Distinctiveness and gender ratings did not covary for real faces or sexed composite faces, but they did vary for nonsexed composite faces. In Experiment 2, participants were asked to state which of two composite faces, one sexed and one nonsexed, was more distinctive. Sexed composite faces were selected less often. The results are interpreted as indicating that distinctiveness is based on sexed prototypes. Implications for face recognition models are discussed
Phase space gaps and ergodicity breaking in systems with long range interactions

International audienceWe study a generalized isotropic XY-model which includes both two-spin and four-spin mean-field interactions. This model can be solved in the microcanonical ensemble. It is shown that in certain parameter regions the model exhibits gaps in the magnetization at fixed energy, resulting in ergodicity breaking. This phenomenon has previously been reported in anisotropic and discrete spin models. The entropy of the model is calculated and the microcanonical phase diagram is derived, showing the existence of first order phase transitions from the ferromagnetic to a paramagnetic disordered phase. It is found that ergodicity breaking takes place both in the ferromagnetic and the paramagnetic phases. As a consequence, the system can exhibit a stable ferromagnetic phase within the paramagnetic region, and conversely a disordered phase within the magnetically ordered region
Introducing Preference-Based Argumentation to Inconsistent Ontological Knowledge Bases

International audienceHandling inconsistency is an inherent part of decision making in traditional agri-food chains – due to the various concerns involved. In order to explain the source of inconsistency and represent the existing conflicts in the ontological knowledge base, argumentation theory can be used. However, the current state of art methodology does not allow to take into account the level of significance of the knowledge expressed by the various ontological knowledge sources. We propose to use preferences in order to model those differences between formulas and evaluate our proposal practically by implementing it within the INRA platform and showing a use case using this formalism in a bread making decision support system
Structure of an active volcano associated with a resurgent block inferred from thermal mapping: The Yasur–Yenkahe volcanic complex (Vanuatu)

International audienceSubsurface thermal measurements provide a valuable tool to map hydrothermal-fluid release zones in active volcanic areas. On the Yasur–Yenkahe volcanic complex (Tanna Island, Vanuatu archipelago), fumaroles and hot springs abound, signs of upraising heat fluxes associated to a well-developed hydrothermal activity. Combination of high resolution mapping of ground thermal anomalies with geomorphological analysis allows the characterization of the structural relationships between the active Yasur volcano and the Yenkahe resurgent block.A complex system of heat release and hydrothermal fluid circulation below the Yasur–Yenkahe complex is evidenced. Circulation, though propagating vertically as a whole, is funneled by stratification. Thus, the main thermal fluid released is almost exclusively concentrated along structural limits that break the seals induced by the stratified nature of the ground. Three types of medium/high temperature anomalies have been evidenced: (1) broad hydrothermalized areas linked with planar stratification that favor lateral spreading, (2) linear segments that represent active faults, and (3) arcuate segments related to paleo-crater rims. The limit between the Yasur volcano and the Yenkahe resurgent block is characterized by an active fault system accommodating both the rapid uplift of the Yenkahe block and the overloading induced by the volcano weight. In such a setting, faults converge below the cone of Yasur, which acts as a focus for the faults. Evidence of such structures, sometimes hidden in the landscape but detected by thermal measurements, is critical for risk assessment of flank landslides
In Vitro and In Vivo Modulation of Alternative Splicing by the Biguanide Metformin

International audienceMajor physiological changes are governed by alternative splicing of RNA, and its misregulation may lead to specific diseases. With the use of a genome-wide approach, we show here that this splicing step can be modified by medication and demonstrate the effects of the biguanide metformin, on alternative splicing. The mechanism of action involves AMPK activation and downregulation of the RBM3 RNA-binding protein. The effects of metformin treatment were tested on myotonic dystrophy type I (DM1), a multisystemic disease considered to be a spliceopathy. We show that this drug promotes a corrective effect on several splicing defects associated with DM1 in derivatives of human embryonic stem cells carrying the causal mutation of DM1 as well as in primary myoblasts derived from patients. The biological effects of metformin were shown to be compatible with typical therapeutic dosages in a clinical investigation involving diabetic patients. The drug appears to act as a modifier of alternative splicing of a subset of genes and may therefore have novel therapeutic potential for many more diseases besides those directly linked to defective alternative splicing
Probing Transient Conformational States of Proteins by Solid-State R 11 Relaxation-Dispersion NMR Spec- troscopy

International audienceSolution-state NMR spectroscopic techniques, and in par-ticular so-called relaxation-dispersion (RD) NMR approaches, have proven very successful for studying ms–ms motion and characterizing the exchanging short-lived con-formations. [1] RD NMR techniques exploit the effect of conformational-exchange processes on line broadening, that is, on the relaxation rates of nuclear spin coherence (R 2 , R 11). By quantifying spin relaxation rates in the presence of a variable radiofrequency (rf) field, RD approaches provide information about relative populations and exchange rates, as well as chemical shifts of short-lived conformational states, and thus about local structure. [1, 2] In the case of very large assemblies or insoluble aggregates, where solution-state NMR is severely challenged, magic-angle-spinning solid-state NMR (MAS ssNMR) is rapidly emerging as a tool for the study of structure and dynamics. However, the character-ization of conformational-exchange dynamics in the solid state remains challenging. Herein, we show a ssNMR approach in which amide-15 N R 11 RD data, that is, the rate of coherence decay under 15 N spin-lock fields of variable field strengths, are quantitatively analyzed and interpreted in terms of conformational dynamics, providing insight into short-lived states in terms of chemical shifts and bond vector orientations. We investigate the robustness of this approach by studying a conformational flip in crystalline ubiquitin. Conformational fluctuations between different states expose a given nuclear spin in a protein to different local environments, which are characterized by different bond geometries. A simple case, exchange between two states, is shown in Figure 1 a. As a result of conformational-exchange dynamics, a given spin will experience a fluctuation of its chemical shift (CS), as well as of its bond vector orientations and, thus, dipolar coupling interactions with neighboring spins and CS anisotropies (CSA). In solution-state NMR, dipolar coupling and CSA interactions are averaged to zero by Brownian movement (molecular tumbling). Consequently, only fluctuations of the isotropic CS are relevant when considering conformational dynamics on the microsecond to millisecond timescale. R 11 RD experiments in solution can thus only pick up conformational dynamics if they involve a change in the isotropic CS. The relevant theory is well established, and the effects of exchange can be described by the Bloch–McConnell equations. [3
Two-dimensional SDS-PAGE fractionation of biological samples for biomarker discovery.

International audienceTwo-dimensional electrophoresis is still a very valuable tool in proteomics, due to its reproducibility and its ability to analyze complete proteins. However, due to its sensitivity to dynamic range issues, its most suitable use in the frame of biomarker discovery is not on very complex fluids such as plasma, but rather on more proximal, simpler fluids such as CSF, urine, or secretome samples. Here, we describe the complete workflow for the analysis of such dilute samples by two-dimensional electrophoresis, starting from sample concentration, then the two-dimensional electrophoresis step per se, ending with the protein detection by fluorescence