pinecone/core-2020-05-10-deduplication huggingface dataset:
FocusDET, a new toolbox for SISCOM analysis. Evaluation of the registration accuracy using monte carlo simulation

Subtraction of Ictal SPECT Co-registered to MRI (SISCOM) is an imaging technique used to localize the epileptogenic focus in patients with intractable partial epilepsy. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of registration algorithms involved in SISCOM analysis using FocusDET, a new user-friendly application. To this end, Monte Carlo simulation was employed to generate realistic SPECT studies. Simulated sinograms were reconstructed by using the Filtered BackProjection (FBP) algorithm and an Ordered Subsets Expectation Maximization (OSEM) reconstruction method that included compensation for all degradations. Registration errors in SPECT-SPECT and SPECT-MRI registration were evaluated by comparing the theoretical and actual transforms. Patient studies with well-localized epilepsy were also included in the registration assessment. Global registration errors including SPECT-SPECT and SPECT-MRI registration errors were less than 1.2 mm on average, exceeding the voxel size (3.32 mm) of SPECT studies in no case. Although images reconstructed using OSEM led to lower registration errors than images reconstructed with FBP, differences after using OSEM or FBP in reconstruction were less than 0.2 mm on average. This indicates that correction for degradations does not play a major role in the SISCOM process, thereby facilitating the application of the methodology in centers where OSEM is not implemented with correction of all degradations. These findings together with those obtained by clinicians from patients via MRI, interictal and ictal SPECT and video-EEG, show that FocusDET is a robust application for performing SISCOM analysis in clinical practice
Deflationary Representation, Inference, and Practice

This paper defends the deflationary character of two recent views regarding scientific representation, namely RIG Hughes’ DDI model and the inferential conception. It is first argued that these views’ deflationism is akin to the homonymous position in discussions regarding the nature of truth. There, we are invited to consider the platitudes that the predicate “true” obeys at the level of practice, disregarding any deeper, or more substantive, account of its nature. More generally, for any concept X, a deflationary approach is then defined in opposition to a substantive approach, where a substantive approach to X is an analysis of X in terms of some property P, or relation R, accounting for and explaining the standard use of X. It then becomes possible to characterize a deflationary view of scientific representation in three distinct senses, namely: a “no-theory” view, a “minimalist” view, and a “use-based” view – in line with three standard deflationary responses in the philosophical literature on truth. It is then argued that both the DDI model and the inferential conception may be suitably understood in any of these three different senses. The application of these deflationary ‘hermeneutics’ moreover yields significant improvements on the DDI model, which bring it closer to the inferential conception. It is finally argued that what these approaches have in common – the key to any deflationary account of scientific representation – is the denial that scientific representation may be ultimately reduced to any substantive explanatory property of sources, or targets, or their relations
From spin vertex to string vertex

In the recent publication [1] the spin vertex was introduced as a new approach for computing three-point functions in N = 4 $$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$ SYM. In this note we consider the BMN limit of the spin vertex for scalar excitations and show that it reproduces the string vertex in the light-cone string field theory which describes the string interactions in the pp-wave background at the leading order of λ ′ expansion. This is achieved by introducing a polynomial representation for the spin vertex. We derive the Neumann coefficients from the spin vertex at weak coupling and show they match with the Neumann coefficients from the string field theory
Dark matter with topological defects in the Inert Doublet Model

We examine the production of dark matter by decaying topological defects in the high mass region mDM ≫ mW of the Inert Doublet Model, extended with an extra U(1) gauge symmetry. The density of dark matter states (the neutral Higgs states of the inert doublet) is determined by the interplay of the freeze-out mechanism and the additional production of dark matter states from the decays of topological defects, in this case cosmic strings. These decays increase the predicted relic abundance compared to the standard freeze-out only case, and as a consequence the viable parameter space of the Inert Doublet Model can be widened substantially. In particular, for a given dark matter annihilation rate lower dark matter masses become viable. We investigate the allowed mass range taking into account constraints on the energy injection rate from the diffuse γ-ray background and Big Bang Nucleosynthesis, together with constraints on the dark matter properties coming from direct and indirect detection limits. For the Inert Doublet Model high-mass region, an inert Higgs mass as low as ∼ 200 GeV is permitted. There is also an upper limit on string mass per unit length, and hence the symmetry breaking scale, from the relic abundance in this scenario. Depending on assumptions made about the string decays, the limits are in the range 1012 GeV to 1013 GeV
Naturalness and dimensional transmutation in classically scale-invariant gravity

We discuss the nature of quantum field theories involving gravity that are classically scale-invariant. We show that gravitational radiative corrections are crucial in the determination of the nature of the vacuum state in such theories, which are renormalisable, technically natural, and can be asymptotically free in all dimensionless couplings. In the pure gravity case, we discuss the role of the Gauss-Bonnet term, and we find that Dimensional Transmutation (DT) à la Coleman-Weinberg leads to extrema of the effective action corresponding to nonzero values of the curvature, but such that these extrema are local maxima. In even the simplest extension of the theory to include scalar fields, we show that the same phenomenon can lead to extrema that are local minima of the effective action, with both non-zero curvature and non-zero scalar vacuum expectation values, leading to spontaneous generation of the Planck mass. Although we find an asymptotically free (AF) fixed point exists, unfortunately, no running of the couplings connect the region of DT to the basin of attraction of the AF fixed point. We also find there remains a flat direction for one of the conformal modes. We suggest that in more realistic models AF and DT could be compatible, and that the same scalar vacuum expectation values could be responsible both for DT and for spontaneous breaking of a Grand Unified gauge group
Microstructural studies of AgNbO3 ceramic by using complex impedance spectroscopy

Lead-free piezoelectric silver niobate ceramic was synthesized by conventional solid state route. Room temperature X-ray diffraction pattern revealed that the sample crystallizes in single phase orthorhombic perovskite structure. Scanning electron micrographs of AgNbO3 ceramic showed that the average grain size is in the range 2–3 µm. The electrical properties were investigated by using impedance spectroscopy. Appearance of single semicircular arc in the Nyquist plot indicated the presence of grain contribution in the sample. Single RC parallel circuit model was employed to extract bulk capacitance (C b), resistance (R b) and electrical conductivity ( σ b). The activation energy calculated from impedance and modulus data indicate that same types of charge carriers (oxygen vacancy movements) are responsible for conduction and relaxation
Characterization of transient noise in Advanced LIGO relevant to
  gravitational wave signal GW150914

On September 14, 2015, a gravitational wave signal from a coalescing black
hole binary system was observed by the Advanced LIGO detectors. This paper
describes the transient noise backgrounds used to determine the significance of
the event (designated GW150914) and presents the results of investigations into
potential correlated or uncorrelated sources of transient noise in the
detectors around the time of the event. The detectors were operating nominally
at the time of GW150914. We have ruled out environmental influences and
non-Gaussian instrument noise at either LIGO detector as the cause of the
observed gravitational wave signal
Ultra high temperature latent heat energy storage and thermophotovoltaic energy conversion

A conceptual energy storage system design that utilizes ultra high temperature phase change materials is\ud
presented. In this system, the energy is stored in the form of latent heat and converted to electricity upon\ud
demand by TPV (thermophotovoltaic) cells. Silicon is considered in this study as PCM (phase change\ud
material) due to its extremely high latent heat (1800 J/g or 500 Wh/kg), melting point (1410 C), thermal\ud
conductivity (~25 W/mK), low cost (less than $2/kg or $4/kWh) and abundance on earth. The proposed\ud
system enables an enormous thermal energy storage density of ~1 MWh/m3, which is 10e20 times\ud
higher than that of lead-acid batteries, 2e6 times than that of Li-ion batteries and 5e10 times than that\ud
of the current state of the art LHTES systems utilized in CSP (concentrated solar power) applications. The\ud
discharge efficiency of the system is ultimately determined by the TPV converter, which theoretically can\ud
exceed 50%. However, realistic discharge efficiencies utilizing single junction TPV cells are in the range of\ud
20e45%, depending on the semiconductor bandgap and quality, and the photon recycling efficiency. This\ud
concept has the potential to achieve output electric energy densities in the range of 200-450 kWhe/m3,\ud
which is comparable to the best performing state of the art Lithium-ion batteries
Effects of spin-orbit interaction on nuclear response and neutrino mean free path

PTHThe effects of the spin-orbit component of the particle-hole interaction on nuclear response functions and neutrino mean free path are examined. A complete treatment of the full Skyrme interaction in the case of symmetric nuclear matter and pure neutron matter is given. Numerical results for neutron matter are discussed. It is shown that the effects of the spin-orbit interaction remain small, even at momentum transfer larger than the Fermi momentum. The neutrino mean free paths are marginally affected
Immunogenicity of long-lasting recombinant factor VIII products

International audienceReplacement therapy for patients with hemophilia A using plasma-derived or recombinant factor VIII (FVIII) is complicated by the short half-life of the FVIII products and by the occurrence of neutralizing antibodies in a substantial number of patients. In the recent years, enormous efforts have been invested to develop new generations of coagulation factors with extended half-lives. Presumably, the use of long-lasting FVIII products should reduce the frequency of administration to the patients and drastically improve their quality of life. The question of their immunogenicity remains however unanswered as yet. The present review proposes a summary of the different strategies developed to enhance the half-life of FVIII, including fusion of FVIII to the Fc fragment of the human IgG1 or to human serum albumin, or attachment of polyethylene glycol. Based on the available literature, we hypothesize on the potential benefits or risks associated with each of the latter strategies in terms of immunogenicity of the newly derived hemostatic drugs
A Core Calculus for XQuery 3.0
 : 
Combining Navigational and Pattern Matching Approaches

International audienceXML processing languages can be classified according to whether they extract XML data by paths or patterns. The strengths of one category correspond to the weaknesses of the other. In this work, we propose to bridge the gap between these two classes by considering two languages, one in each class: XQuery (for path-based extraction) and CDuce (for pattern-based extraction). To this end, we extend CDuce so as it can be seen as a succinct core λ-calculus that captures XQuery 3.0. The extensions we consider essentially allow CDuce to implement XPath-like navigational expressions by pattern matching and precisely type them. The elaboration of XQuery 3.0 into the extended CDuce provides a for-mal semantics and a sound static type system for XQuery 3.0 programs
Functional MRI evidence for the decline of word retrieval and generation during normal aging

International audienceThis fMRI study aimed to explore the effect of normal aging on word retrieval and generation. The question addressed is whether lexical production decline is determined by a direct mechanism, which concerns the language operations or is rather indirectly induced by a decline of executive functions. Indeed, the main hypothesis was that normal aging does not induce loss of lexical knowledge, but there is only a general slowdown in retrieval mechanisms involved in lexical processing , due to possible decline of the executive functions. We used three tasks (verbal fluency, object naming , and semantic categorization). Two groups of participants were tested (Young, Y and Aged, A), without cognitive and psychiatric impairment and showing similar levels of vocabulary. Neuropsychological testing revealed that older participants had lower executive function scores, longer processing speeds, and tended to have lower verbal fluency scores. Additionally, older participants showed higher scores for verbal automa-tisms and overlearned information. In terms of behav-ioral data, older participants performed as accurate as younger adults, but they were significantly slower for the semantic categorization and were less fluent for verbal fluency task. Functional MRI analyses suggested that older adults did not simply activate fewer brain regions involved in word production, but they actually showed an atypical pattern of activation. Significant correlations between the BOLD (Blood Oxygen Level Dependent) signal of aging-related (A > Y) regions and cognitive scores suggested that this atypical pattern of the activation may reveal several compensatory mechanisms (a) to overcome the slowdown in retrieval, due to the decline of executive functions and processing speed and (b) to inhibit verbal automatic processes. The BOLD signal measured in some other aging-dependent regions did not correlate with the behavioral and neuro-psychological scores, and the overactivation of these uncorrelated regions would simply reveal dedifferentia-tion that occurs with aging. Altogether, our results suggest that normal aging is associated with a more difficult access to lexico-semantic operations and representations by a slowdown in executive functions, without any conceptual loss
Consequences of volcano sector collapse on magmatic storage zones: insights from numerical modeling

International audienceMajor volcano flank collapses strongly affect the underlying magmatic plumbing system. Here, we consider the magma storage zone as a liquid pocket embedded in an elastic medium, and we perform numerical simulations in two-dimensional axisymmetric geometry as well as in three dimensions in order to evaluate the consequences of a major collapse event. We quantify the pressure decrease induced within and around a magma reservoir by a volcano flank collapse. This pressure reduction is expected to favor replenishment with less evolved magma from deeper sources. We also estimate the impact of the magma pressure decrease, together with the stress field variations around the reservoir, on the eruptive event associated with the edifice failure. We show that, for a given magma reservoir geometry, the collapse of a large strato-volcano tends to reduce the volume of the simultaneous eruption; destabilization of large edifices may even suppress magma emission, resulting in phreatic eruptions instead. This effect is greater for shallow reservoirs, and is more pronounced for spherical reservoirs than for vertically-elongated ones. It is reduced for compressible magmas containing a large amount of volatiles. Over a longer time scale, the modification of pressure conditions for dyke initiation at the chamber wall may also explain an increase in eruption rate as well as an apparent change of magma storage location
A Novel Multimodal Data Analytic Scheme for Human Activity Recognition

Part 8: International Workshop on Information Engineering and ManagementInternational audienceIn this article, we propose a novel multimodal data analytics scheme for human activity recognition. Traditional data analysis schemes for activity recognition using heterogeneous sensor network setups for eHealth application scenarios are usually a heuristic process, involving underlying domain knowledge. Relying on such explicit knowledge is problematic when aiming to create automatic, unsupervised or semi-supervised monitoring and tracking of different activities, and detection of abnormal events. Experiments on a publicly available OPPORTUNITY activity recognition database from UCI machine learning repository demonstrates the potential of our approach to address next generation unsupervised automatic classification and detection approaches for remote activity recognition for novel, eHealth application scenarios, such as monitoring and tracking of elderly, disabled and those with special needs
Status of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix and Unitarity Triangle fits

The status of the Unitarity Triangle analysis realized by the UTfit Collaboration is presented. The most recent determinations of theoretical and experimental parameters are used in order to over-constrain the apex of the Unitarity Triangle in the Standard Model. In addition, we present the analysis of the Unitarity Triangle beyond the Standard Model, by parametrizing New Physics contributions in DeltaF = 2 processes. With the new measurements from the Tevatron, namely the mass difference Delta m_s, the width difference Delta Gammas and the di-muon asymmetry, it is possible to establish significant bounds on New Physics parameters also in the B_s sector. The results and the plots presented in this paper can be found at the URL httpwwwutfit.org, where they are continuously kept up-to-date
Review: Güldemann, Tom. 2008. Quotative indexes in African languages: A synchronic and diachronic survey. Berlin: Mouton de Gruyter. (Empirical Approaches to Language Typology 34). ISBN 978-3-11-018590-4

pre-final versionInternational audienceThe book under review provides a thorough construction-oriented synchronic and diachronic investigation of quotative indexes in a representative sample of 39 African languages. The study is typologically and theoretically well-informed and offers a good of deal of thought-provoking findings and insightful generalizations of general interest, well beyond the Africanist readership whose attention the title may attract most. The book also contains a wealth of language-specific data and analyses, both synchronic and diachronic. These data and analyses will be relevant not only to the specialists in the respective languages and language families, who could profit a lot from the new perspective on the data they may already be familiar with, but also to a readership attentive to issues of cross-linguistic diversity and language change
Is it worth identifying service employment (sub)centres when modelling apartment prices?

International audienceThe use of the attributes of the central business district and several subcentres instead of the characteristics of all the land parcels or zones can be seen as a higher level of analysis in real estate valuation. However, old technological limitations on considering smaller territorial units are being successfully overcome. The question is whether or not we still need generalisation, i.e. to identify urban centres when modelling real estate prices, or whether it is preferable to operate at a lower spatial level. The application of the traditional approach of identifying centres is compared with an 'objective' centrality index and a 'subjective' accessibility index calculated for each zone. The purpose is to find out which of the three concepts best fits a regression model of apartment prices and provides the best prediction. Both global and geographically weighted ordinary least squares regressions are used as well as spatial lag and spatial error models. We conclude that if a model is spatially weighted or the spatial effects are controlled, it is not that important which of the concepts is applied. Nevertheless, in most cases the highest predictive capacity is obtained with duocentric models
Development of workflow task analysis during cerebral diagnostic angiographies: Time-based comparison of junior and senior tasks

International audienceOBJECTIVE: Assessing neuroradiologists' skills in the operating room (OR) is difficult and often subjective. This study used a workflow time-based task analysis approach while performing cerebral angiography. METHODS: Eight angiographies performed by a senior neuroradiologist and eight performed by a junior neuroradiologist were compared. Dedicated software with specific terminology was used to record the tasks. Procedures were subdivided into phases, each comprising multiple tasks. Each task was defined as a triplet, associating an action, an instrument and an anatomical structure. The duration of each task was the metric. Total duration of the procedure, task duration and the number of times a task was repeated were identified. The focus was on tasks using fluoroscopy and for moving the X-ray table/tube. RESULTS: The total duration of tasks to complete the entire procedure was longer for the junior operators than for the seniors (P=0.012). The mean duration per task during the navigation phase was 86s for the juniors and 43s for the seniors (P=0.002). The total and mean durations of tasks involving the use of fluoroscopy were also longer for the juniors (P=0.002 and P=0.033, respectively). For tasks involving the table/tube, the total and mean durations were again longer for the juniors (P=0.019 and P=0.082, respectively). CONCLUSION: This approach allows reliable skill assessment in the radiology OR and comparison of junior and senior competencies during cerebral diagnostic angiography. This new tool can improve the quality and safety of procedures, and facilitate the learning process for neuroradiologists