pinecone/core-2020-05-10-deduplication huggingface dataset:
Shewanella secretes flavins that mediate extracellular electron transfer

Bacteria able to transfer electrons to metals are key agents in biogeochemical metal cycling, subsurface bioremediation, and corrosion processes. More recently, these bacteria have gained attention as the transfer of electrons from the cell surface to conductive materials can\ud
be used in multiple applications. In this work, we adapted electrochemical techniques to probe intact biofilms of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 and Shewanella sp. MR-4 grown by using a poised electrode as an electron acceptor. This approach detected redox-active molecules within biofilms, which were involved in electron transfer to the electrode. A combination of methods identified a mixture of riboflavin\ud
and riboflavin-5-phosphate in supernatants from biofilm reactors, with riboflavin representing the dominant component during sustained incubations (>72 h). Removal of riboflavin from biofilms reduced the rate of electron transfer to electrodes by >70%, consistent with a role as a soluble redox shuttle carrying electrons from the cell surface to external acceptors. Differential pulse voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry revealed a layer of flavins adsorbed to electrodes, even after soluble components were removed, especially in older biofilms. Riboflavin adsorbed quickly to other surfaces of geochemical\ud
interest, such as Fe(III) and Mn(IV) oxy(hydr)oxides. This in situ demonstration of flavin production, and sequestration at surfaces, requires the paradigm of soluble redox shuttles in geochemistry to be adjusted to include binding and modification of surfaces. Moreover, the known ability of isoalloxazine rings to act as metal chelators,\ud
along with their electron shuttling capacity, suggests that extracellular respiration of minerals by Shewanella is more complex than originally conceived
Improving software development process through economic mechanism design

We introduce the novel concept of applying economic mechanism design to software development process, and aim to find ways to adjust the incentives and disincentives of the software organization to align them with the motivations of the participants in order to maximize the delivered value of a software project. We envision a set of principles to design processes that allow people to be self motivated but constantly working toward project goals. The resulting economic mechanism will rely on game theoretic principles (i.e. Stackelberg games) for leveraging the incentives, goals and motivation of the participants in the service of project and organizational goals
MIRACLE at ImageCLEFannot 2008: Nearest Neighbour Classification of Image Feature Vectors for Medical Image Annotation

This paper describes the participation of MIRACLE research consortium at the ImageCLEF Medical Image Annotation task of ImageCLEF 2008.\ud
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During the last year, our own image analysis system was developed, based on MATLAB. This system extracts a variety of global and local features including histogram, image statistics, Gabor features, fractal dimension, DCT and DWT coefficients, Tamura features and co-occurrence matrix statistics. A classifier based on the k-Nearest Neighbour algorithm is trained on the extracted image feature vectors to determine the IRMA code associated to a given image. The focus of our participation was mainly to test and evaluate this system in-depth and to compare among diverse configuration parameters such as number of images\ud
for the relevance feedback to use in the classification module..
Strictly and asymptotically scale invariant probabilistic models of N correlated binary random variables having q-Gaussians as N → ∞ limiting distributions

The celebrated Leibnitz triangle has a remarkable property, namely that each of its elements equals the sum of its south-west and south-east neighbors. In probabilistic terms, this corresponds to a specific form of correlation of N equally probable binary variables which satisfy scale invariance. Indeed, the marginal probabilities of the N-system precisely coincide with the joint probabilities of the (N − 1)-system. On the other hand, the non-additive entropy Sq ≡ (1 − ∫_∞^∞▒〖p(x)]q)/(q - 1)〗 (q ∈ R; S1 = −∫_∞^∞▒〖p(x) ln p(x)〗), which grounds non-extensive statistical mechanics, is, under appropriate constraints, extremized by the (q-Gaussian) distribution pq(x) ∝ [1 − (1 − q)β x2]1/(1−q) (q < 3; p1(x) ∝ e−βx2 ). These distributions also result, as attractors, from a generalized central limit theorem for random variables which have a finite generalized variance, and are correlated in a specific way called q-independence. In order to provide physical enlightenment as regards this concept, we introduce here three types of asymptotically scale invariant probabilistic models with binary random variables, namely (i) a family, characterized by an index ν = 1, 2, 3, . . ., unifying the Leibnitz triangle (ν = 1) and the case of independent variables (ν →∞); (ii) two slightly different discretizations of q-Gaussians; (iii) a special family, characterized by the parameter χ, which generalizes the usual case of independent variables (recovered for χ = 1/2). Models (i) and (iii) are in fact strictly scale invariant. For models (i), we analytically show that the N → ∞ probability distribution is a q-Gaussian with q = (ν − 2)/(ν − 1). Models (ii) approach q-Gaussians by construction, and we numerically show that they do so with asymptotic scale invariance. Models (iii), like two other strictly scale invariant models recently discussed by Hilhorst and Schehr, approach instead limiting distributions which are not q-Gaussians. The scenario which emerges is that asymptotic (or even strict) scale invariance is not sufficient but it might be necessary for having strict (or asymptotic) q-independence, which, in turn, mandates q-Gaussian attractors
A MOS-based Dynamic Memetic Differential Evolution Algorithm for Continuous Optimization: A Scalability Test

Continuous optimization is one of the areas with more activity in the field of heuristic optimization. Many algorithms have been proposed and compared on several benchmarks of functions, with different performance depending on the problems. For this reason, the combination of different search strategies seems desirable to obtain the best performance of each of these approaches. This contribution explores the use of a hybrid memetic algorithm based on the multiple offspring framework. The proposed algorithm combines the explorative/exploitative strength of two heuristic search methods that separately obtain very competitive results. This algorithm has been tested with the benchmark problems and conditions defined for the special issue of the Soft Computing Journal on Scalability of Evolutionary Algorithms and other Metaheuristics for Large Scale Continuous Optimization Problems. The proposed algorithm obtained the best results compared with both its composing algorithms and a set of reference algorithms that were proposed for the special issue
Enhancement of optical absorption in Ga-chalcopirite-based intermediate-band materials for high efficiency solar cells

We present absorption properties enhancement for two CuGaS2-based intermediate-band materials, as promising compounds for high efficiency, lower-cost photovoltaic devices. Previous band diagrams calculations predicted that these materials present a partially filled localized band within the band gap of the host semiconductor, which would increase the absorption of low-energy photons, creating additional electron–hole pairs respect to a conventional semiconductor. This could ideally result in an increase of the photocurrent of the cell without the fall of the open-circuit voltage. In this paper we show, using density functional methods, the effect of this intermediate band on the optical properties of the derived alloys. We highlight the significant enhancement of the absorption coefficient observed in the most intense range of the solar emission and we study the reflectance and transmittance properties of the materials in order to understand the effect of the thickness of the sample on the optical properties. We compare two different substituents of the Ga atoms in CuGaS2, namely, Ti and Cr atoms, able to form the intermediate-band material, and their interest for photovoltaic applications
Carbon epoxy composites thermal conductivity at 80 K and 300 K

The in-plane and in-depth thermal conductivities of epoxy-carbon fiber composites have been measured at 77 K and 300 K. The experimental technique rests on the hot disk method. The two thermal conductivities as well as the thermal contact resistance between the probe and the composite materials are estimated from measurement data and an analytical heat transfer model within the experimental configuration. The results obtained at 77 K explained well the ignition test results performed on the composites at 77 K with regards to liquid oxygen storage
On non-Newtonian incompressible fluids with phase transitions

A modified model for a binary fluid is analysed mathematically. The governing equations of the motion consists of a Cahn-Hilliard equation coupled with a system describing a class of non-Newtonian incompressible fluid with p-structure. The existence of weak solutions for the evolution problems is shown for the space dimension d=2 with p≥ 2 and for d=3 with p≥ 11/5. The existence of measure-valued solutions is obtained for d=3 in the case 2≤ p< 11/5. Similar existence results are obtained for the case of nondifferentiable free energy, corresponding to the density constraint |psi| ≤ 1. We also give regularity and uniqueness results for the solutions and characterize stable stationary solutions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mma.73
Patient autonomy and choice in healthcare: Self-testing devices as a case in point

This paper aims to critique the phenomenon of advanced patient autonomy and choice in healthcare within the specific context of self-testing devices. A growing number of self-testing medical devices are currently available for home use. The premise underpinning many of these devices is that they assist individuals to be more autonomous in the assessment and management of their health. Increased patient autonomy is assumed to be a good thing. We take issue with this assumption and argue that self-testing provides a specific example how increased patient autonomy and choice within healthcare might not best serve the patient population. We propose that current interpretations of autonomy in healthcare are based on negative accounts of liberty to the detriment of a more relational understanding. We also propose that Kantian philosophy is often applied to the healthcare arena in an inappropriate manner. We draw on the philosophical literature and examples from the self-testing process to support these claims. We conclude by offering an alternative account of autonomy based on the interrelated concepts of relationality, care and responsibility
Optimal fits of diffusion constants from single-time data points of Brownian trajectories

Experimental methods based on single particle tracking (SPT) are being increasingly employed in the physical and biological sciences, where nanoscale objects are visualized with high temporal and spatial resolution. SPT can probe interactions between a particle and its environment but the price to be paid is the absence of ensemble averaging and a consequent lack of statistics. Here we address the benchmark question of how to accurately extract the diffusion constant of one single Brownian trajectory. We analyze a class of estimators based on weighted functionals of the square displacement. For a certain choice of the weight function these functionals provide the true ensemble averaged diffusion coefficient, with a precision that increases with the trajectory resolution
Revisiting the method to obtain the mechanical properties of hydrided fuel cladding in the hoop direction

The method reported in the literature to calculate the stress–strain curve of nuclear fuel cladding from ring tensile test is revisited in this paper and a new alternative is presented. In the former method, two universal curves are introduced under the assumption of small strain. In this paper it is shown that these curves are not universal, but material-dependent if geometric nonlinearity is taken into account. The new method is valid beyond small strains, takes geometric nonlinearity into consideration and does not need universal curves. The stress–strain curves in the hoop direction are determined by combining numerical calculations with experimental results in a convergent loop. To this end, ring tensile tests were performed in unirradiated hydrogen-charged samples. The agreement among the simulations and the experimental results is excellent for the range of concentrations tested (up to 2000 wppm hydrogen). The calculated stress–strain curves show that the mechanical properties do not depend strongly on the hydrogen concentration, and that no noticeable strain hardening occurs. However, ductility decreases with the hydrogen concentration, especially beyond 500 wppm hydrogen. The fractographic results indicate that as-received samples fail in a ductile fashion, whereas quasicleavage is bserved in the hydrogen-charged samples
Highly correlated ab initio study of the far infrared spectra of methyl acetate

Highly correlated ab initio calculations (CCSD(T)) are used to compute gas phase spectroscopic parameters of three isotopologues of the methyl acetate (CH3COOCH3, CD3COOCH3, and CH3COOCD3), searching to help experimental assignments and astrophysical detections. The molecule shows two conformers cis and trans separated by a barrier of 4457 cm−1. The potential energy surface presents 18 minima that intertransform through three internal rotation motions. To analyze the far infrared spectrum at low temperatures, a three-dimensional Hamiltonian is solved variationally. The two methyl torsion barriers are calculated to be 99.2 cm−1 (C–CH3) and 413.1 cm−1 (O–CH3), for the cis-conformer. The three fundamental torsional band centers of CH3COOCH3 are predicted to lie at 63.7 cm−1 (C–CH3), 136.1 cm−1 (O–CH3), and 175.8 cm−1 (C–O torsion) providing torsional state separations. For the 27 vibrational modes, anharmonic fundamentals and rovibrational parameters are provided. Computed parameters are compared with those fitted using experimental data
Intergenerational contacts and depressive symptoms among older parents in Eastern Europe

Objective: We investigate the association between parent-child contact frequency and changes in older parents’ depressive symptoms in Bulgaria, Georgia and Russia. These are countries in which societal transformations may mean that psychological feelings of security engendered by having children in close contact may have particularly important implications for the mental health of older parents.\ud
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Methods: We analysed data from two waves of the Generation and Gender Surveys conducted three years apart and took account of relationships with more than one child. Analyses were performed using OLS regression models, adjusted for depressive symptoms at baseline.\ud
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Results: Among mothers increases in depressive symptoms were greater for those who lacked at least weekly contact with any child than for those with frequent contact with at least one child (b = 0.64; p<0.01). Increases in depressive symptoms were associated with infrequent contacts with children, even after controlling for relationship quality (b = 0.55; p<0.05). Among unpartnered fathers, less than weekly meetings with children were associated with increases in depressive symptoms.\ud
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Conclusions: Among mothers and unpartnered fathers changes in depressive symptoms varied by parent-child contact. The adverse effect of not having a partner on fathers’ mental health was reduced, but not eliminated, by having frequent contacts with adult children
Physics Needs Philosophy. Philosophy Needs Physics.

Contrary to claims about the irrelevance of philosophy for science, I argue that philosophy has had, and still has, far more influence on physics than is commonly assumed. I maintain that the current anti-philosophical ideology has had damaging effects on the fertility of science. I also suggest that recent important empirical results, such as the detection of the Higgs particle and gravitational waves, and the failure to detect supersymmetry where many expected to find it, question the validity of certain philosophical assumptions common among theoretical physicists, inviting us to engage in a clearer philosophical reflection on scientific method
Parsimony and the Fisher-Wright Debate

In the past five years, there have been a series of papers in the journal Evolution debating the relative significance of two theories of evolution, a neo-Fisherian and a neo-Wrightian theory, where the neo-Fisherians make explicit appeal to parsimony. My aim in this paper is to determine how we can make sense of such an appeal. One interpretation of parsimony takes it that a theory that contains fewer entities or processes, (however we demarcate these) is more parsimonious. On the account that I defend here, parsimony is a ‘local’ virtue. Scientists’ appeals to parsimony are not necessarily an appeal to a theory’s simplicity in the sense of it’s positing fewer mechanisms. Rather, parsimony may be proxy for greater probability or likelihood. I argue that the neo-Fisherians' appeal is best understood on this interpretation. And indeed, if we interpret parsimony as either prior probability or likelihood, then we can make better sense of Coyne et al. argument that Wright’s three phase process operates relatively infrequently
Differential postreceptor signaling events triggered by excitotoxic stimulation of different ionotropic glutamate receptors in retinal neurons

The aim of this work was to investigate whether excitotoxicity induced by overstimulation of different ionotropic glutamate receptors could trigger different intracellular signaling cascades. Cultured chick neuronal retina cells, essentially amacrine-like, were particularly sensitive to the toxicity induced by non-NMDA glutamate receptor agonists. One hour stimulation with 100 muM kainate induced a reduction of cell viability of about 44%, as assessed by the MTT test 24 hr after stimulation. Kainate-induced toxicity was mediated through AMPA receptors. Glutamate (100 muM, 1 hr) reduced cell viability by 26%, essentially acting through N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. Five hours after stimulation, neuronal retina cells had an apoptotic-like nuclear morphology. In retinal neurons, the excitotoxic stimulation, with either glutamate or kainate, induced a calcium-dependent enhancement of the DNA-binding activity of the activating protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor, which was maximal 2 hr after stimulation. Glutamate induced a greater increase in the AP-1 DNA-binding activity than did kainate. Supershift assays using antibodies directed against different members of the Fos and Jun protein families showed that the AP-1 complex in retinal neurons includes proteins of the Fos family, namely, Fra-2, c-Jun, and Jun D. The DNA-binding activity of the nuclear factor-kappaB transcription factor was not significantly changed upon excitotoxic stimulation with any agonist. Stimulation of glutamate receptors with 100 muM kainate or 100 muM glutamate for 2 min was sufficient to induce the activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Inhibition of the ERK activation with the MEK inhibitors U 0126 and PD 98059 increased the toxicity induced by kainate but was without effect on the toxicity induced by glutamate. These results indicate that, although stimulation with both glutamate receptor agonists increased ERK phosphorylation, only kainate-induced ERK activation correlates with the activation of a survival signaling pathway. Our results suggest that, in chick embryo retinal neurons, the signaling pathways that mediate excitotoxic cell death and neuroprotection are stimulus specific. J. Neurosci. Res. 66:643-655, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jnr.1003
Experimental study on the fatigue behaviour of welded tubular K-joints for bridges

Fatigue tests were carried out on welded circular hollow section K-joints typical to bridges. The tests specimens were large-scale (approximately 9 m long and 2 m high) trusses loaded in the plane of the truss. Measured member stresses showed that a significant proportion of the load in a truss member may be due to bending, underlining the importance of considering correctly this load case in the design of these structures. Measured hot-spot stresses in the joints were compared with hot-spot stresses calculated using the current design guidelines. It was found that the measured values are considerably lower than the calculated values, calling into question the applicability of the design guidelines to these types of (bridge) structures.
The S–N fatigue results from the current study, on the other hand, showed that the fatigue resistance of the joints that were tested is lower than the corresponding S–N design curves. This means that when the considerably higher calculated hot-spot stress range is applied to the corresponding design curve, the predicted resistance is similar to the resistance predicted using the lower measured hot-spot stresses in combination with the lower measured S–N curve too. This has highlighted the importance of relating hot-spot stresses to the appropriate, corresponding S–N curves.
Evidence from the fatigue tests has clearly demonstrated the effect of size on the fatigue strength of welded tubular joints. A comparison of fatigue S–N results from smaller and larger welded circular hollow section (CHS) joints has shown the same trend indicated in design specifications: a thicker failed member results in a lower fatigue strength. The size correction factor integrated into the S–N design curves of the specifications, however, does not seem to represent this significant effect justly. In light of the size effect results presented in this paper and the major influence of this effect on the design of welded CHS joints in general, it is recommended that a soundly based solution with targeted S–N curves and a representative size effect should be sought.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2005.10.00
Application of process mapping for digitization of mechanical parts with 3D laser scanner

This work presents a systematization method for digitization of mechanical parts with threedimensional
(3D) laser scanner using the process mapping method. The application involves the use of the
IDEFØ methodology of process mapping to address the sequence of steps required to obtain the computer-aided design (CAD) model of the measured part. The variables involved in the setup and measurement with 3D laser scanner were investigated and applied to regular and free-form parts, and the parameter geometry, texture, light reflection and procedure of data acquisition were considered in the analysis. The software commands used to create the CAD models were also included and the ones related to mesh and surface creation were detailed. The systematized measurement planning was graphi graphically presented, and it proved useful to operators during the digitization process