pinecone/core-2020-05-10-deduplication huggingface dataset:
The cost of multiple sclerosis in Norway

Health economic aspects have been increasingly
important during introduction of new treatments for
multiple sclerosis. As a partial response for Norway, a costof-
illness study was carried out to estimate the yearly cost
of the illness to society and relate costs and patients’
quality of life to illness severity. Estimated cost to society
was Euro 439 million in 2002 exclusive of the cost of
reduced quality of life. The cost per patient was close to
Euro 65,000. Account taken of methodological differences,
the results compare to results for Sweden, Norway’s closest
neighboring country. The illness reduced patients’ quality
of life with 0.26. More patients were early retired because
of their MS in Norway than in any of nine other European
countries comprised by a recent European study, illustrating
a liberal practice in Norway. The Norwegian cost of
unpaid assistance was almost identical to the Swedish cost
that was the lowest found across the countries in the
European study. When related to illness severity, the cost
per patient increased, and the patients’ experienced quality
of life decreased with increasing EDSS levels in line with
what has been found for other countries. Cost-of-MS
studies have been carried out for a number of countries.
Together they contribute to our understanding of the economic
consequences of multiple sclerosis and, if their
results are related to illness severity, also provide valuable
information for further economic analyses of treatment and
medication. Our study adds to this
Electrical decoupling effect on intermediate band Ti-implanted silicon layers

We investigated the electrical transport properties of ultraheavily Ti-implanted silicon layers subsequently pulsed laser melted (PLM). After PLM, the samples exhibit anomalous electrical behaviour in sheet resistance and Hall mobility measurements, which is associated with the formation of an intermediate band (IB) in the implanted layer. An analytical model that assumes IB formation and a current limitation effect between the implanted layer and the substrate was developed to analyse this anomalous behaviour. This model also describes the behaviour of the function V/Delta V and the electrical function F that can be extracted from the electrical measurements in the bilayer. After chemical etching of the implanted layer, the anomalous electrical behaviour observed in sheet resistance and Hall mobility measurements vanishes, recovering the unimplanted Si behaviour, in agreement with the analytical model. The behaviour of V/Delta V and the electrical function F can also be successfully described in terms of the analytical model in the bilayer structure with the implanted layer entirely stripped
M-theory compactifications to three dimensions with M2-brane potentials

We study a class of compactifications of M-theory to three dimensions that preserve N = 2 supersymmetry and which have the defining feature that a probe space-time filling M2 brane feels a non-trivial potential on the internal manifold. Using M-theory/F-theory duality such compactifications include the uplifts of 4-dimensional N = 1 type IIB compactifications with D3 potentials to strong coupling. We study the most general 8-dimensional manifolds supporting these properties, derive the most general flux that induces an M2 potential, and show that it is parameterised in terms of two real vectors. We study the supersymmetry equations when only this flux is present and show that over the locus where the M2 potential is non-vanishing the background takes the form of a Calabi-Yau three-fold fibered over a 2-dimensional base spanned by the flux vectors, while at the minima of the potential the flux vanishes. Allowing also for non-vanishing four-form flux with one leg in the internal directions we find that the Calabi-Yau three-fold in the fibration is replaced by an SU(3)-structure manifold with torsion classes satisfying 2 W 4 = − W 5
Emergence of spontaneously broken supersymmetry on an anti-D3-brane in KKLT dS vacua

The KKLT construction of de Sitter vacua includes an uplifting term coming from an anti-D3-brane. Here we show how this term can arise via spontaneous breaking of supersymmetry, based on the emergence of a nilpotent chiral supermultiplet on the world-volume of the anti-D3-brane. We establish and use the fact that both the DBI as well as the WZ term, with account of orientifolding, acquire a form of the Volkov-Akulov action. For an O3 orientifold involution of ℝ 9,1 we demonstrate the cancellation between the fermionic parts of the DBI and WZ term for the D3-brane action. For the anti-D3-brane we show that the DBI action and the WZ action combine and lead to the emergence of the goldstino multiplet which is responsible for spontaneous breaking of supersymmetry. This provides a string theoretic explanation for the supersymmetric uplifting term in the KKLT effective supergravity model supplemented by a nilpotent chiral multiplet
Connecting the hadron mass scale to the fundamental mass scale of quantum chromodynamics

Establishing an explicit connection between the long distance physics of confinement and the dynamical interactions of quarks and gluons at short distances has been a long-sought goal of quantum chromodynamics. Using holographic QCD, we derive a direct analytic relation between the scale κ which determines the masses of hadrons and the scale Λs which controls the predictions of perturbative QCD at very short distances. The resulting prediction Λs=0.341±0.032 GeV in the MS‾ scheme agrees well with the experimental average 0.339±0.016 GeV . We also derive a relation between Λs and the QCD string tension σ . This connection between the fundamental hadronic scale underlying the physics of quark confinement and the perturbative QCD scale controlling hard collisions can be carried out in any renormalization scheme
Holographic heavy quark symmetry

We investigate the heavy quark spin symmetry, i.e. the mass degeneracy of pseudo-scalar and vector quarkonia at heavy quark limit, by using the gauge/gravity correspondence. We allow generic D3-like geometry with a flavor D7-brane, to avoid supersymmetric mass degeneracy. For geometries admitting physical QCD-like properties, we find that the mass degeneracy is generically achieved in a good accuracy, up to a few percent mass splitting. We also compute spectra of excited quarkonia states, and discuss comparisons with experiments and quark-model calculations
Detecting boosted dark matter from the Sun with large volume neutrino detectors

We study novel scenarios where thermal dark matter (DM) can   be efficiently captured in the Sun and annihilate into boosted dark   matter. In models with semi-annihilating DM, where DM has a   non-minimal stabilization symmetry, or in models with a   multi-component DM sector, annihilations of DM can give rise to   stable dark sector particles with moderate Lorentz boosts.  We   investigate both of these possibilities, presenting concrete models   as proofs of concept.  Both scenarios can yield viable thermal relic   DM with masses O(1)-O(100) GeV. Taking advantage of the energetic   proton recoils that arise when the boosted DM scatters off matter,   we propose a detection strategy which uses large volume terrestrial   detectors, such as those designed to detect neutrinos or proton   decays.  In particular, we propose a search for proton tracks   pointing towards the Sun.  We focus on signals at   Cherenkov-radiation-based detectors such as Super-Kamiokande (SK)   and its upgrade Hyper-Kamiokande (HK). We find that with   spin-dependent scattering as the dominant DM-nucleus interaction at   low energies, boosted DM can leave detectable signals at SK or HK,   with sensitivity comparable to DM direct detection experiments while   being consistent with current constraints.  Our study provides a new   search path for DM sectors with non-minimal structure
Explosions at the water surface

International audienceWe study the shape and dynamics of cavities created by the explosion of firecrackers at the surface of a large pool of water. Without confinement, the explosion generates a hemispherical air cavity which grows, reaches a maximum size and collapses in a generic w-shape to form a final central jet. When a rigid open tube confines the firecracker, the explosion produces a cylindrical cavity that expands without ever escaping the free end of the tube. We discuss a potential flow model, which captures most of these feature
Lower Limb Mechanical Properties: Significant References Omitted

International audienceWe read with attention the recent narrative literature review by Pearson and McMahon [1]. We were very surprised and quite disappointed by the amount of relevant literature omitted by the authors on lower limb mechanical properties and, specifically, how ‘limb stiffness’ could affect performance and risk of injury. Although this review focuses on muscle-tendon unit (MTU) stiffness, the more global vertical, leg and joint stiffness (i.e. referred to as limb stiffness, collectively) are also reviewed, as the authors assume that limb stiffness is primarily controlled by MTU stiffness
Volumetric mass transfer coefficients characterising VOC absorption in water/silicone oil mixtures

International audienceThe physical absorption of three Volatile Organic Compounds (dimethyldisulphide (DMDS), dimethylsulphide (DMS) and toluene) in "water/silicone oil" systems at a constant flow rate for mixtures of different compositions (f = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 100%) was investigated using a dynamic absorption method. The results indicate that silicone oil addition leads to a dramatic decrease in KLa which can be related to the change in the partition coefficient (Hmix). They confirm the results obtained for styrene absorption using another measurement technique [15]. The interpretation of the results using dimensionless ratios KLa(f)/KLa(f=0%) and KLa(f)/KLa(f=100%) versus f also confirms the importance of the partition coefficient ratio mR = Hwater/Hoil in the KLa change. Moreover, the results obtained for toluene absorption in "air/water/silicone oil" systems (f = 10, 15 and 20%) suggest that the mass transfer pathway is in the order gas→water→oil for these operating conditions
Unified Model for Assessing Checkpointing Protocols at Extreme-Scale

International audienceIn this paper, we present a unified model for several well-known checkpoint/restart protocols. The proposed model is generic enough to encompass both extremes of the checkpoint/restart space, from coordinated approaches to a variety of uncoordinated checkpoint strategies (with message logging). We identify a set of crucial parameters, instantiate them and compare the expected efficiency of the fault tolerant protocols, for a given application/platform pair. We then propose a detailed analysis of several scenarios, including some of the most powerful currently available HPC platforms, as well as anticipated Exascale designs. The results of this analytical comparison are corroborated by a comprehensive set of simulations. Altogether, they outline comparative behaviors of checkpoint strategies at very large scale, thereby providing insight that is hardly accessible to direct experimentation
Synthesis and solid state structures of Chalcogenide compounds of Imidazolin-2-ylidene-1,1-Diphenyl-phosphinamine

We report the synthesis and solid state structures of 1,3-di-aryl-imidazolin-2-ylidine-1,1-diphenylphosphinamine [(aryl = mesityl (1a) and aryl = 2,6-diisopripyl (1b)] and their chalcogenide compounds 1, 3-di-aryl-imidazolin-2-ylidine- P,P-diphenylphosphinicamide (2a,b), 1,3-di-aryl-imidazolin-2-ylidine-P,P-diphenyl-phosphinothioicamide (3a,b) and 1,3-diaryl-imidazolin-2-ylidine- P,P-diphenyl-phosphinoselenoic-amide (4a,b). The compounds 1a,b were prepared in good yield by the reaction of 1,3-di-aryl-imidazolin-2-imine and chlorodiphenylphosphine in the presence of triethylamine in toluene. The reactions of 1a,b with elemental sulphur and selenium afforded the corresponding chalcogenide compounds 3a,b and 4a,b respectively. The corresponding oxo- derivative (2a,b) was obtained by reacting compound 1a,b with 30% aqueous hydrogen peroxide in THF. The molecular structures of 1a, 2a, 3a and 4a,b have been established by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. The molecular structures reveal that even C1–N1–P1 angle (124.62 ∘) in compound 1a is less obtuse compared to the corresponding C1–N1–Si1 angles (157.8 ∘) observed in related N-silylated 2-iminoimidazolines and trimethylsilyl iminophosphoranes. C1–N1–P1 angles are further widened in compounds 2a, 3a, and 4a,b due to the attachment of chalcogen atoms onto phosphorus atom
Bubble number in a caviting flow

9 pagesInternational audienceCavitation is a general phenomenon of the fluid flows with obstacles. It appears in the cooling conduits of the fast nuclear engines. A model of this phenomenon using the theory of Laplace and a common non-convex energy for the liquid and vapour bulks is proposed. This model makes it possible to determine a higher limit of the density of bubbles (a number of bubbles per unit of volume in the flow). The maximum intensity of cavitation is associated with the mechanical and thermal characteristics of the fluid flow
Inter-basin transfers as a supply option: the end of an era?

International audienceThis chapter discusses the evolving role of interbasin transfers (IBT) in urban water management. After providing an historical overview of IBT development, the chapter describes how IBTs are challenged by a change in the technological and socio-economic context. The emergence of alternative technologies, such as desalination, wastewater reclamation and reuse, or managed artificial groundwater recharge is reducing the attractiveness of IBTs. Water utilities are also becoming increasingly aware that water conservation programs can save volumes of water at a much cheaper cost than IBT. Various international examples are used to show that IBTs trigger increasing concerns from communities involved or affected, in particular related to the environmental impact on donor and receiving river basins, the economic impact on donor regions, the impact on local cultures and livelihoods, how costs and benefits are distributed (social justice), and issues related to public participation. The chapter concludes by looking ahead at new and more efficient uses of existing IBTs. As conjunctive use management approaches gain support, IBTs will be operated in conjunction with aquifer storage and recovery schemes. They will probably also support the development of emerging water markets, in particular during drought years
GMRT discovery of PSR J1544+4937, an eclipsing black-widow pulsar identified with a Fermi LAT source

15 pages, 4 figures, 1 table, accepted for publication in ApJ LettersInternational audienceUsing the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) we performed deep observations to search for radio pulsations in the directions of unidentified Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) gamma-ray sources. We report the discovery of an eclipsing black-widow millisecond pulsar, PSR J1544+4937, identified with the un-cataloged gamma-ray source Fermi J1544.2+4941. This 2.16 ms pulsar is in a 2.9 hours compact circular orbit with a very low-mass companion (Mc > 0.017 Msun). At 322 MHz this pulsar is found to be eclipsing for 13% of its orbit, whereas at 607 MHz the pulsar is detected throughout the low-frequency eclipse phase. Variations in the eclipse ingress phase are observed, indicating a clumpy and variable eclipsing medium. Moreover, additional short-duration absorption events are observed around the eclipse boundaries. Using the radio timing ephemeris we were able to detect gamma-ray pulsations from this pulsar, confirming it as the source powering the gamma-ray emission
PRISM: Recovery of the primordial spectrum from Planck data

International audienceAims. The primordial power spectrum describes the initial perturbations that seeded the large-scale structure we observe today. It provides an indirect probe of inflation or other structure-formation mechanisms. In this Letter, we recover the primordial power spectrum from the Planck PR1 dataset, using our recently published algorithm PRISM. Methods. PRISM is a sparsity-based inversion method that aims at recovering features in the primordial power spectrum from the empirical power spectrum of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). This ill-posed inverse problem is regularised using a sparsity prior on features in the primordial power spectrum in a wavelet dictionary. Although this non-parametric method does not assume a strong prior on the shape of the primordial power spectrum, it is able to recover both its general shape and localised features. As a results, this approach presents a reliable way of detecting deviations from the currently favoured scale-invariant spectrum. Results. We applied PRISM to 100 simulated Planck data to investigate its performance on Planck-like data. We then applied PRISM to the Planck PR1 power spectrum to recover the primordial power spectrum. We also tested the algorithm’s ability to recover a small localised feature at k ~ 0.125 Mpc-1, which caused a large dip at ℓ ~ 1800 in the angular power spectrum. Conclusions. We find no significant departures from the fiducial Planck PR1 near scale-invariant primordial power spectrum with As = 2.215 × 10-9 and ns = 0.9624
A review of the pre-Permian geology of the Variscan French Massif Central

International audienceThe Massif Central, like the southern part of the Massif Armoricain, belongs to the North Gondwana margin. The Massif Central consists of a stack of nappes resulting of six main tectonic-metamorphic events. The first one, D0, is coeval with an Early Late Silurian (ca 415 Ma) high-pressure (or ultra high-pressure) metamorphism for which the associated structures are poorly documented. The Early Devonian D1 event, responsible for top-to-the-SW nappe displacement, is coeval with migmatization and exhumation of high-pressure rocks around 385-380 Ma. In the northern part of the Massif Central, metamorphic rocks with retrogressed eclogites are covered by Late Devonian undeformed sedimentary rocks. The Late Devonian-Early Carboniferous D2 event is a top-to-the-NW shearing coeval with an intermediate pressure-temperature metamorphism dated around 360-350 Ma. The Visean D3 event is a top-to-the-south ductile shearing widespread in the southern Massif Central. Coevally, in the northern Massif Central, the D3 event corresponds to the onset of synorogenic extension. The next two events, D4 and D5, of Early and Late Carboniferous age, correspond to the syn and late orogenic extensional tectonics, respectively. The former is controlled by NW-SE stretching whereas the later is accommodated by a NNE-SSW stretching. These structural and metamorphic events are replaced in a geodynamic evolution model. The possibilities of one or two cycles involving microcontinent drifting, rewelding and collision are discussed
Low complexity and efficient dynamic spectrum learning and tunable bandwidth access for heterogeneous decentralized cognitive radio networks

International audienceThis paper deals with the design of the low complexity and efficient dynamic spectrum learning and access (DSLA) scheme for next-generation heterogeneous decentralized Cognitive Radio Networks (CRNs) such as Long Term Evolution-Advanced and 5G. Existing DSLA schemes for decentralized CRNs are focused predominantly on the decision making policies which perform the task of orthogonalization of secondary users to optimum vacant subbands of fixed bandwidth. The focus of this paper is the design of DSLA scheme for decentralized CRNs to support the tunable vacant bandwidth requirements of the secondary users while minimizing the computationally intensive subband switchings. We first propose a new low complexity VDF which is designed by modifying second order frequency transformation and subsequently combining it with the interpolation technique. It is referred to as Interpolation and Modified Frequency Transformation based VDF (IMFT-VDF) and it provides tunable bandpass responses anywhere over Nyquist band with complete control over the bandwidth as well as the center frequency. Second, we propose a tunable decision making policy, ρt_randρt_rand, consisting of learning and access unit, and is designed to take full advantage of exclusive frequency response control offered by IMFT-VDF. The simulation results verify the superiority of the proposed DSLA scheme over the existing DSLA schemes while complexity comparisons indicate total gate count savings from 11% to as high as 87% over various existing schemes. Also, lower number of subband switchings make the proposed scheme power-efficient and suitable for battery-operated cognitive radio terminals
Cultural Proximity and Trade

International audienceCultural proximity is an important determinant of bilateral trade volumes. However, empirical quantification and testing are difficult due to the elusiveness of the concept and lack of observability. This paper draws on bilateral score data from the Eurovision Song Contest, a very popular pan-European television show, to construct a measure of cultural proximity which varies over time and within country pairs, and that correlates strongly with conventional indicators. Within the framework of a theory-grounded gravity model, we show that our measure positively affects trade volumes even if controlling for standard measures of cultural proximity and bilateral fixed effects
Training to Perform Ankle-Brachial Index: Systematic Review and Perspectives to Improve Teaching and Learning

International audienceObjective: To conduct a systematic review focusing on the impact of training programs on ankle-brachial index (ABI) performance by medical students, doctors and primary care providers. Lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a highly prevalent disease affecting ∼202 million people worldwide. ABI is an essential component of medical education because of its ability to diagnose PAD, and as it is a powerful prognostic marker for overall and cardiovascular related mortality. Methods A systematic search was conducted (up to May 2015) using Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Results: Five studies have addressed the impact of a training program on ABI performance by either medical students, doctors or primary care providers. All were assigned a low GRADE system quality. The components of the training vary greatly either in substance (what was taught) or in form (duration of the training, and type of support which was used). No consistency was found in the outcome measures. Conclusion: According to this systematic review, only few studies, with a low quality rating, have addressed which training program should be performed to provide the best way of teaching how to perform ABI. Future high quality researches are required to define objectively the best training program to facilitate ABI teaching and learnin