pinecone/core-2020-05-10-deduplication huggingface dataset:
Combined use of geophysical methods and remote techniques for characterizing the fracture network of a potential unstable cliff site (the “Roche du Midi”, Vercors massif, France)

International audienceStability assessment of a cliff strongly depends on the fracture pattern and the face topography. Geological observations as well as classical geodetic measurements are difficult to perform on high nearly vertical cliffs like the ones surrounding the town of Grenoble (French Alps). In this study we combine remote and ground imaging techniques for characterizing the geometry and the fracture pattern of potential unstable cliff sites. A Dense Digital Surface Model (DDSM) of the rock face can now be obtained from laser scanning (Lidar) or photogrammetry. These techniques are safer and quicker than direct measurements. They offer the possibility to collect structural data and to sample the shape of the outcrop at a centimetric resolution. We applied these two techniques to a potential unstable site (the “Roche du Midi”, Vercors massif) for determining the main fracture families affecting the rock mass and we obtained results similar to direct measurements performed on the nearby outcrops and on the cliff face itself. The laser scanning data suffers a bias in the illumination of the site. Geophysical experiments were also conducted on the plateau and on the cliff face in order to delineate the fracture pattern inside the rock mass. ERT (Electrical Resistivity Tomography) and GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) profiles were performed on the plateau and allowed near-vertical open fractures to be located in the vicinity of the surface. Best geophysical results in terms of penetration and resolution were however obtained from GPR profiles conducted directly on the cliff face. Laser scanning data were combined with GPR data in order to take into account the shape of the sampled profiles. The combination of vertical and short horizontal profiles allowed the strike and dip of the discontinuities to be determined. The two main families were imaged, as well as a major continuous inward dipping reflector which was not shown during the initial reconnaissance. Further investigation inside the mass effectively showed the existence of this fracture. These results highlight the power of the GPR technique in characterizing the discontinuity pattern inside rock mass for improving the model in view of hazard assessment
Towards the Next Generation Video Broadcasting
 : 
Improved Performance using Distributed MIMO

International audienceDistributed multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) is a promising technique for the future terrestrial TV broadcasting systems due to its higher efficiency over the traditional single-antenna transmission scheme. In this article, we investigate the application of distributed MIMO technique in the future broadcasting systems. We first show the advantage of the distributed MIMO from the channel capacity perspective. Then different space-time block codes (STBCs) that can be applied in the distributed MIMO broadcasting scenarios are discussed and compared with real system configurations and channel conditions. It is shown that the simple and sophisticated STBCs have mutually complementary application scenarios. Particularly, short 3D MIMO code is a good performance versus decoding complexity compromise among different application scenarios
Optimized dynamic compilation of dataflow representations for multimedia applications

International audienceThis paper proposes two optimization methods based on dataflow representations and dynamic compilation that enhance flexibility and performance of multimedia applications. These optimization methods are intended to be used in an adaptive decoding context, or, in other terms, where decoders have the ability to adapt their decoding processes according to a bitstream. This adaptation is made possible by coupling the decoding information to process a stream inside a coded stream. In this paper, we use dataflow representations from the upcoming MPEG Reconfigurable Media Coding (RMC) standard to supply the decoding information to adaptive decoders. The benefits claimed by MPEG RMC are a reuse of coding tools between different specifications of decoder and an execution scalability on different processing units with a single specification, which can target either hardware and/or software platforms. These benefits are not yet achievable in practice as these specifications are not used at the receiver side in MPEG RMC. We valid these benefits and propose two optimizations for the generation and the execution of dataflow models: the first optimization takes benefits of the reuse of coding tools to reduce the time to obtain--configure--enforceable decoders. The second provides an efficient, dynamic, and scalable execution according to the features of the execution platform. We show the practical impact of these two optimizations on two decoder representations compliant with the MPEG-4 part 2 Simple Profile standard and the MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding standard. The results shows that configuration time can be reduced by 3 and the performance of decoders can be increased by 50 %
An asymptotic preserving scheme for the Kac model of the Boltzmann equation in the diffusion limit

International audienceIn this paper we propose a numerical scheme to solve the Kac model of the Boltzmann equation for multiscale rarefied gas dynamics. This scheme is uniformly stable with respect to the Knudsen number, consistent with the fluid-diffusion limit for small Knudsen numbers, and with the Kac equation in the kinetic regime. Our approach is based on the micro-macro decomposition which leads to an equivalent formulation of the Kac model that couples a kinetic equation with macroscopic ones. This method is validated with various test cases and compared to other standard methods
Random Generation of Deterministic Tree (Walking) Automata

The original publication is a available at www.springerlink.comInternational audienceUniform random generators deliver a simple empirical means to estimate the average complexity of an algorithm. We present a general rejection algorithm that generates sequential letter-to-letter transducers up to isomorphism. We tailor this general scheme to randomly generate deterministic tree walking automata and deterministic top-down tree automata. We apply our implementation of the generator to the estimation of the average complexity of a deterministic tree walking automata to nondeterministic top-down tree automata construction we also implemented
A controlled migration genetic algorithm operator for hardware-in-the-loop experimentation

In this paper, we describe the development of an extended migration operator, which combats the negative effects of noise on the effective search capabilities of genetic algorithms. The research is motivated by the need to minimize the num- ber of evaluations during hardware-in-the-loop experimentation, which can carry a significant cost penalty in terms of time or financial expense. The authors build on previous research, where convergence for search methods such as Simulated Annealing and Variable Neighbourhood search was accelerated by the implementation of an adaptive decision support operator. This methodology was found to be effective in searching noisy data surfaces. Providing that noise is not too significant, Genetic Al- gorithms can prove even more effective guiding experimentation. It will be shown that with the introduction of a Controlled Migration operator into the GA heuristic, data, which repre- sents a significant signal-to-noise ratio, can be searched with significant beneficial effects on the efficiency of hardware-in-the- loop experimentation, without a priori parameter tuning. The method is tested on an engine-in-the-loop experimental example, and shown to bring significant performance benefits
Smart Sensor Based Obstacle Detection for High-Speed Unmanned Surface Vehicle

This paper describes an obstacle detection system for a high-speed and agile unmanned surface vehicle (USV), running at speeds up to 30m/s. The aim is a real-time and high performance obstacle detection system using both radar and vision technologies to detect obstacles within a range of 175 m. A computer vision horizon detector enables a highly accurate attitude estimation despite large and sudden vehicle accelerations. This further facilitates the reduction of sea clutter by utilising a attitude based statistical measure. Full scale sea trials show a significant increase in obstacle tracking performance using sensor fusion of radar and computer vision.(c) 2015, IFAC (International Federation of Automatic Control) Hosting by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. This is the author' accepted and refereed manuscript to the article. Locked until 2017-01-01
Ribosome hijacking: a role for small protein B during trans-translation.

International audienceTight recognition of codon-anticodon pairings by the ribosome ensures the accuracy and fidelity of protein synthesis. In eubacteria, translational surveillance and ribosome rescue are performed by the 'tmRNA-SmpB' system (transfer messenger RNA-small protein B). Remarkably, entry and accommodation of aminoacylated-tmRNA into stalled ribosomes occur without a codon-anticodon interaction but in the presence of SmpB. Here, we show that within a stalled ribosome, SmpB interacts with the three universally conserved bases G530, A1492 and A1493 that form the 30S subunit decoding centre, in which canonical codon-anticodon pairing occurs. The footprints at positions A1492 and A1493 of a small decoding centre, as well as on a set of conserved SmpB amino acids, were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance. Mutants at these residues display the same growth defects as for DeltasmpB strains. The SmpB protein has functional and structural similarities with initiation factor 1, and is proposed to be a functional mimic of the pairing between a codon and an anticodon
Benchmark 3D: a version of the DDFV scheme with cell/vertex unknowns on general meshes

International audienceThis paper gives numerical results for a 3D extension of the 2D DDFV scheme. Our scheme is of the same inspiration as the one called CeVe-DDFV ([9]), with a more straightforward dual mesh construction. We sketch the construction in which, starting from a given 3D mesh (which can be non conformal and have arbitrary polygonal faces), one defines a dual mesh and a diamond mesh, reconstructs a discrete gradient, and proves the discrete duality property. Details can be found in [1]
The role of coherent vorticity in turbulent transport in resistive drift-wave turbulence

International audienceThe coherent vortex extraction method, a wavelet technique for extracting coherent vortices out of turbulent flows, is applied to simulations of resistive drift-wave turbulence in magnetized plasma (Hasegawa-Wakatani system). The aim is to retain only the essential degrees of freedom, responsible for the transport. It is shown that the radial density flux is carried by these coherent modes. In the quasi-hydrodynamic regime, coherent vortices exhibit depletion of the polarization-drift nonlinearity and vorticity strongly dominates strain, in contrast to the quasiadiabatic regime
Bayesian Model Averaging for multivariate extremes

International audienceThe main framework of multivariate extreme value theory is well-known in terms of probability, but inference and model choice remain an active research field. Theoretically, an angular measure on the positive quadrant of the unit sphere can describe the dependence among very high values, but no parametric form can entirely capture it. The practitioner often makes an assertive choice and arbitrarily fits a specific parametric angular measure on the data. Another statistician could come up with another model and a completely different estimate. This leads to the problem of how to merge the two different fitted angular measures. One natural way around this issue is to weigh them according to the marginal model likelihoods. This strategy, the so-called Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA), has been extensively studied in various context, but (to our knowledge) it has never been adapted to angular measures. The main goal of this article is to etermine if the BMA approach can offer an added value when analyzing extreme values
Interferometric detectors of gravitational waves on Earth: the next generations

International audienceThe interferometric detectors of gravitational waves of first generation are now taking data. A first detection might be possible with these instruments, but more sensitive detectors will be needed to start the gravitational wave astronomy. The interferometers of second generation will improve the sensitivity by a factor ten, allowing to explore a universe volume 1000 times larger. The technology is almost ready and the construction will start at the beginning of next decade. The community of the physicists involved in the field has also started to make plans for third generation detectors, for which a long term technology development will be required. The plans for the upgrades of the existing detectors and the scenario for the evolution of the field will be reviewed in this paper
Modern Rutherford experiment: Tunneling of the most neutron-rich nucleus

Expérience GANIL/SPIRALA modern variation of the Rutherford experiment to probe the tunneling of exotic nuclear matter from the measurement of the residues formed in the bombardment of 197Au by extremely neutronrich 8He nuclei is presented. Using a novel off-beam technique the most precise and accurate measurements of fusion and neutron transfer involving re-accelerated unstable beams are reported. The results show unusual behavior of the tunneling of 8He compared to that for lighter helium isotopes, highlighting the role of the intrinsic structure of composite many-body quantum systems and pairing correlations
A free surface capturing discretization for the staggered grid finite difference scheme

International audienceThe coupling that exists between surface processes and deformation within both the shallowcrust and the deeper mantle-lithosphere has stimulated the development of computationalgeodynamic models that incorporate a free surface boundary condition. We introduce a treatmentof this boundary condition that is suitable for staggered grid, finite difference schemesemploying a structured Eulerian mesh. Our interface capturing treatment discretizes the freesurface boundary condition via an interface that conforms with the edges of control volumes(e.g. a ‘staircase’ representation) and requires only local stencil modifications to be performed.Comparisons with analytic solutions verify that the method is first-order accurate. Additionalintermodel comparisons are performed between known reference models to further validateour free surface approximation. Lastly, we demonstrate the applicability of a multigrid solverto our free surface methodology and demonstrate that the local stencil modifications do notstrongly influence the convergence of the iterative solver
Weighting schemes in global VAR modelling: a forecasting exercise

We provide a comprehensive analysis of the out-of-sample predictive accuracy of different global vector autoregressive (GVAR) specifications based on alternative weighting schemes to address global spillovers across countries. In addition to weights based on bilateral trade, we entertain schemes based on different financial variables and geodesic distance. Our results indicate that models based on trade weights, which are standard in the literature, are systematically outperformed in terms of predictive accuracy by other specifications. We find that, while information on financial linkages helps improve the forecasting accuracy of GVAR models, averaging predictions by means of simple predictive likelihood weighting does not appear to systematically lead to lower forecast errors
Electrical properties of polysilicon nanowires for devices applications

4 pagesInternational audiencePolysilicon nanowires are synthesized using the well known and low cost technique commonly used in microelectronic industry: the sidewall spacer formation technique. Polysilicon layer is de-posited by Low Pressure Chemical Vapour Deposition technique on SiO2 wall patterned by conventional UV lithography tech-nique. Polysilicon film is then plasma etched. Accurate control of the etching rate leads to the formation of nanometric size side-wall spacers with a curvature radius as low as 100nm used as polysilicon nanowires. These polysilicon nanowires are first in-tegrated into the fabrication of electrical devices as resistors and electrical properties are studied in function of in situ phosphorus doping levels. I(T) measurements show that polysilicon nanowires dark conductivity is thermally activated according to the Seto's theory. In addition, field effect transistors made with such polysilicon nanowires used as channel region highlight promising field effect behaviour
Stream-scanning laser system, electric sensing counter and settling grain size analysis: a comparison using reference materials and marine sediments.

Surface and deep-sea core sediments and two sets of standards were measured by three different techniques - Galai Cis I laser system, Coulter Counter TAII, and Micromeritics SediGraph 5000D - in order to compare the Galai results with the other two. \ud
The differences between the three types of measuring device turned out to be greater in sediments than in standards, and were attributed to the physical properties, shape, density and composition of the particles (complexity of the matrix). \ud
Comparison between moment statistics showed that the Galai determines coarser grain sizes than the Coulter and finer than the SediGraph, particularly as regards analysis of surface sediments. The relationships between Galai and SediGraph were estimated using analysis of variation/residuals within individual intervals. The analysis showed a higher variability of residuals for the coarser fractions (8-16 µm and 16-32 µm) with respect to the finer (2-4 µm and 4-8 µm) fractions. The <2 µm SediGraph fraction, with a cut-off at 0.49 µm, showed good correspondence with the <2.5 µm Galai analysis
Which factors affect the choice of the inhaler in chronic obstructive respiratory diseases?

Inhalation is the preferred route of drug administration in chronic respiratory diseases because it optimises delivery of the active compounds to the targeted site and minimises side effects from systemic distribution. The choice of a device should be made after careful evaluation of the patient's clinical condition (degree of airway obstruction, comorbidities), as well as their ability to coordinate the inhalation manoeuvre and to generate sufficient inspiratory flow. These patient factors must be aligned with the specific advantages and limitations of each inhaler when making this important choice. Finally, adherence to treatment is not the responsibility of the patient alone, but should be shared also by clinicians. Clinicians have access to a wide selection of pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) and dry powder inhalers (DPIs) that can be used effectively when matched to the needs of individual patients; this should be perceived as an opportunity rather than a limitation
Effect of gas flow on the growth of In-rich AlInN films by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition

Indium-rich AlInN are grown by metal-organic(MO) chemical vapor deposition using
	trimethylaluminum, trimethylindium, and ammonia. Under the conservation of MO influx, the
	effects of gas flow in the MO route on AlInN growth and Al-related parasitic reaction are
	investigated. With an increase in this gas flow, the suppression of Al-related parasitic reaction, i.e.,
	enhancement in Al content incorporation and improvement of crystalline quality, is satisfactorily
	shown until the occurring of severe phase separation. Accordingly, Al content x in AlxIn1−xN can be
	tuned from x=0.02 to 0.26. The Raman spectra of those AlInN samples with phase separation are
	analyzed by the resonant excitation effect and two-mode behavior for A1(LO). Finally, we propose
	a phase diagram to interpret the phase separation and Al content evolution under the influence of gas flow
Identification of novel macrolides with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and type I and III IFN-augmenting activity in airway epithelium

Background Exacerbations of asthma and COPD are triggered by rhinoviruses. Uncontrolled inflammatory pathways, pathogenic bacterial burden and impaired antiviral immunity are thought to be important factors in disease severity and duration. Macrolides including azithromycin are often used to treat the above diseases, but exhibit variable levels of efficacy. Inhaled corticosteroids are also readily used in treatment, but may lack specificity. Ideally, new treatment alternatives should suppress unwanted inflammation, but spare beneficial antiviral immunity. Methods In the present study, we screened 225 novel macrolides and tested them for enhanced antiviral activity against rhinovirus, as well as anti-inflammatory activity and activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Primary bronchial epithelial cells were grown from 10 asthmatic individuals and the effects of macrolides on rhinovirus replication were also examined. Another 30 structurally similar macrolides were also examined. Results The oleandomycin derivative Mac5, compared with azithromycin, showed superior induction (up to 5-fold, EC50 = 5–11 μM) of rhinovirus-induced type I IFNβ, type III IFNλ1 and type III IFNλ2/3 mRNA and the IFN-stimulated genes viperin and MxA, yet had no effect on IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA. Mac5 also suppressed rhinovirus replication at 48 h, proving antiviral activity. Mac5 showed antibacterial activity against Gram-positive Streptococcus pneumoniae; however, it did not have any antibacterial properties compared with azithromycin when used against Gram-negative Escherichia coli (as a model organism) and also the respiratory pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa and non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae. Further non-toxic Mac5 derivatives were identified with various anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial activities. Conclusions The data support the idea that macrolides have antiviral properties through a mechanism that is yet to be ascertained. We also provide evidence that macrolides can be developed with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral activity and show surprising versatility depending on the clinical need
‘If you look the part you’ll get the job’: should career professionals help clients to enhance their career image?

This article presents a critical exploration of the role of career professionals in supporting people to reflect on and enhance their appearance, attractiveness and self-presentation (career image). The article is conceptual and based on a review of the broader literature on career success, appearance and attractiveness. It explores the evidence for a relationship between attractiveness and career, and the authors propose a conceptual framework in which career image is comprised of three elements (interpersonal skills, aesthetic presentation and beauty). The paper examines a possible role for career professionals in relation to this and then critically examines this role and concludes with the proposition of a research agenda in this area
A vibrational approach to node centrality and vulnerability in complex networks

We propose a new measure of vulnerability of a node in a complex network. The measure is based on the analogy in which the nodes of the network are represented by balls and the links are identified with springs. We define the measure as the node displacement, or the amplitude of vibration of each node, under fluctuation due to the thermal bath in which the network is supposed to be submerged. We prove exact relations among the thus defined node displacement, the information centrality and the Kirchhoff index. The relation between the first two suggests that the node displacement has a better resolution of the vulnerability than the information centrality, because the latter is the sum of the local node displacement and the node displacement averaged over the entire network