165 research outputs found
The MAGNET model framework for assessing policy coherence and SDGs: Application to the bioeconomy
This report presents a description of the economic modelling tool MAGNET employed by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) to perform assessments of, among others, the bioeconomy. Additional sector splits of the bio-based sectors as well as the launch of the MAGNET Sustainable Development Goal Insights Module, has further consolidated MAGNET as an attractive option for policy coherence assessments of different scenarios through the evaluation of synergies or trade-offs. To illustrate the flexibility of the model, a detailed medium-term baseline to 2030 is described, replete with numerous economic-, demographic-, biophysical- and policy-drivers.JRC.D.4-Economics of Agricultur
Welcher Weg? A trajectory representation of a quantum Young's diffraction experiment
The double slit problem is idealized by simplifying each slit by a point
source. A composite reduced action for the two correlated point sources is
developed. Contours of the reduced action, trajectories and loci of transit
times are developed in the region near the two point sources. The trajectory
through any point in Euclidian 3-space also passes simultaneously through both
point sources.Comment: 12 pages LaTeX2e, 9 figures. Typos corrected. Author's final
submission. A companion paper to "Interference, reduced action, and
trajectories", quant-ph/0605120. Keywords: interference, Young's experiment,
entanglement, nonlocality, trajectory representation, determinis
Understanding quantization: a hidden variable model
We argue that to solve the foundational problems of quantum theory one has to
first understand what it means to quantize a classical system. We then propose
a quantization method based on replacement of deterministic c-numbers by
stochastically-parameterized c-numbers. Unlike canonical quantization, the
method is free from operator ordering ambiguity and the resulting quantum
system has a straightforward interpretation as statistical modification of
ensemble of classical trajectories. We then develop measurement without wave
function collapse \`a la pilot-wave theory and point out new testable
predictions.Comment: 16 pages, based on a talk given at "Emergent Quantum Mechanics (Heinz
von Foerster Conference 2011)", see http://iopscience.iop.org/1742-6596/361/
Grounding Bohmian Mechanics in Weak Values and Bayesianism
Bohmian mechanics (BM) is a popular interpretation of quantum mechanics in
which particles have real positions. The velocity of a point x in configuration
space is defined as the standard probability current j(x) divided by the
probability density P(x). However, this ``standard'' j is in fact only one of
infinitely many that transform correctly and satisfy \dot P + \del . j=0. In
this article I show that there is a unique j that can be determined
experimentally as a weak value using techniques that would make sense to a
classical physicist. Moreover, this operationally defined j equals the standard
j, so, assuming \dot x = j/P, the possible Bohmian paths can also be determined
experimentally from a large enough ensemble. Furthermore, this approach to
deriving BM singles out x as the hidden variable, because (for example) the
operationally defined momentum current is in general incompatible with the
evolution of the momentum distribution. Finally I discuss how, in this setting,
the usual quantum probabilities can be derived from a Bayesian standpoint, via
the principle of indifference.Comment: 11 page
An explanation of interference effects in the double slit experiment: Classical trajectories plus ballistic diffusion caused by zero-point fluctuations
A classical explanation of interference effects in the double slit experiment
is proposed. We claim that for every single "particle" a thermal context can be
defined, which reflects its embedding within boundary conditions as given by
the totality of arrangements in an experimental apparatus. To account for this
context, we introduce a "path excitation field", which derives from the
thermodynamics of the zero-point vacuum and which represents all possible paths
a "particle" can take via thermal path fluctuations. The intensity distribution
on a screen behind a double slit is calculated, as well as the corresponding
trajectories and the probability density current. The trajectories are shown to
obey a "no crossing" rule with respect to the central line, i.e., between the
two slits and orthogonal to their connecting line. This agrees with the Bohmian
interpretation, but appears here without the necessity of invoking the quantum
potential.Comment: 26 pages, 6 figures; accepted version to be published in Annals of
Physics (2012
3D meso-scale modelling of concrete material in spall tests
Tensile strength is one of the key factors of concrete material that need be accurately defined in analysis of concrete structures subjected to high-speed impact loads. Dynamic tensile strength of concrete material is usually obtained by conducting laboratory tests such as direct tensile test, Brazilian splitting test and spall test. Concrete is a heterogeneous material with different components, but is conventionally assumed to be homogeneous, i.e., cement mortar only, in most previous experimental or numerical studies. The aggregates in concrete material are usually neglected owing to testing limitation and numerical simplification. It has been well acknowledged that neglecting coarse aggregates might not necessarily give accurate concrete dynamic material properties. In the present study, a 3D meso-scale model of concrete specimen with consideration of cement mortar and aggregates is developed to simulate spall tests and investigate the behaviour of concrete material under high strain rate. The commercial software LS-DYNA is used to perform the numerical simulations of spall tests. The mesh size sensitivity is examined by conducting mesh convergence tests. The reliability of the numerical model in simulating the spall tests is verified by comparing the numerical results with the experimental data from the literature. The influence of coarse aggregates on the experimental test results is studied. The wave attenuation in concrete specimen is analysed, and empirical equations are proposed for quick assessment of the test data to determine the true dynamic tensile strength of concrete material. The contributions of aggregates to dynamic strength in spall tests are quantified for modifying the test results based on mortar material in the literature
Controllable Synthesis of Fluorescent Carbon Dots and Their Detection Application as Nanoprobes
Differential Expression of CD163 on Monocyte Subsets in Healthy and HIV-1 Infected Individuals
CD163, a haptoglobin-hemoglobin (Hp-Hb) scavenger receptor, expressed by monocytes and macrophages, is important in resolution of inflammation. Age-related non-AIDS co-morbidities in HIV-infected individuals, particularly dementia and cardiovascular disease, result in part from effects of HIV-1 infection on monocyte and macrophage biology. CD163 co-expression on CD14+CD16++ monocytes has been proposed as a useful biomarker for HIV-1 disease progression and the presence of HIV associated dementia. Here we investigated CD163 expression on monocyte subsets ex vivo, on cultured macrophages, and soluble in plasma, in the setting of HIV-1 infection. Whole blood immunophenotyping revealed CD163 expression on CD14++CD16- monocytes but not on CD14+CD16++ monocytes (Pβ=β0.004), supported by CD163 mRNA levels. Incubation with M-CSF induced CD163 protein expression on CD14+CD16++ monocytes to the same extent as CD14++CD16β monocytes. CD163 expression on CD14++CD16+ monocytes from HIV-infected subjects was significantly higher than from uninfected individuals, with a trend towards increased expression on CD14++CD16β monocytes (Pβ=β0.019 and 0.069 respectively), which is accounted for by HIV-1 therapy including protease inhibitors. Shedding of CD163 was shown to predominantly occur from the CD14++CD16β subset after Ficoll isolation and LPS stimulation. Soluble CD163 concentration in plasma from HIV-1 infected donors was similar to HIV-1 uninfected donors. Monocyte CD163 expression in HIV-1 infected patients showed a complicated relationship with classical measures of disease progression. Our findings clarify technical issues regarding CD163 expression on monocyte subsets and further elucidates its role in HIV-associated inflammation by demonstrating that CD163 is readily lost from CD14++CD16β monocytes and induced in pro-inflammatory CD14+CD16++ monocytes by M-CSF. Our data show that all monocyte subsets are potentially capable of differentiating into CD163-expressing anti-inflammatory macrophages given appropriate stimuli. Levels of CD163 expression on monocytes may be a potential biomarker reflecting efforts by the immune system to resolve immune activation and inflammation in HIV-infected individuals
Differential Expression of CD163 on Monocyte Subsets in Healthy and HIV-1 Infected Individuals
CD163, a haptoglobin-hemoglobin (Hp-Hb) scavenger receptor, expressed by monocytes and macrophages, is important in resolution of inflammation. Age-related non-AIDS co-morbidities in HIV-infected individuals, particularly dementia and cardiovascular disease, result in part from effects of HIV-1 infection on monocyte and macrophage biology. CD163 co-expression on CD14+CD16++ monocytes has been proposed as a useful biomarker for HIV-1 disease progression and the presence of HIV associated dementia. Here we investigated CD163 expression on monocyte subsets ex vivo, on cultured macrophages, and soluble in plasma, in the setting of HIV-1 infection. Whole blood immunophenotyping revealed CD163 expression on CD14++CD16- monocytes but not on CD14+CD16++ monocytes (Pβ=β0.004), supported by CD163 mRNA levels. Incubation with M-CSF induced CD163 protein expression on CD14+CD16++ monocytes to the same extent as CD14++CD16β monocytes. CD163 expression on CD14++CD16+ monocytes from HIV-infected subjects was significantly higher than from uninfected individuals, with a trend towards increased expression on CD14++CD16β monocytes (Pβ=β0.019 and 0.069 respectively), which is accounted for by HIV-1 therapy including protease inhibitors. Shedding of CD163 was shown to predominantly occur from the CD14++CD16β subset after Ficoll isolation and LPS stimulation. Soluble CD163 concentration in plasma from HIV-1 infected donors was similar to HIV-1 uninfected donors. Monocyte CD163 expression in HIV-1 infected patients showed a complicated relationship with classical measures of disease progression. Our findings clarify technical issues regarding CD163 expression on monocyte subsets and further elucidates its role in HIV-associated inflammation by demonstrating that CD163 is readily lost from CD14++CD16β monocytes and induced in pro-inflammatory CD14+CD16++ monocytes by M-CSF. Our data show that all monocyte subsets are potentially capable of differentiating into CD163-expressing anti-inflammatory macrophages given appropriate stimuli. Levels of CD163 expression on monocytes may be a potential biomarker reflecting efforts by the immune system to resolve immune activation and inflammation in HIV-infected individuals
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