1,735 research outputs found
Delegation in inconsistency: the Lisbon strategy record as an institutional failure
In this paper, we develop an analysis of the reasons for the apparent failure of the âLisbon strategyâ (2000) so far. After having made the general case for a comprehensive âinstitutionalist perspectiveâ on the European economy, we first try to formalise the objectives of âLisbonâ in order to present a mid-term review of the results attained. Since we find, like many others, that too little has been achieved, we then offer some possible explanations. Apart from an inconsistency problem between the different objectives set, we argue that the major reason for this failure appears to lie in the contradiction between the EU macroeconomic policy framework, based on the logic of delegation of power and control to independent authorities with conservative objectives, and the proactive policies required by the âLisbon strategyâ, which objectives the EU member states eventually find themselves accountable for (not) achieving individually.European Union, âLisbon strategyâ, Institutions, Delegation, Inconsistency, Macroeconomic policy, Structural Reform
How do the grains slide in fine-grained zirconia polycrystals at high temperature?
Degradation of mechanical properties of zirconia polycrystals is hardly
discussed in terms of solution-precipitation grain-boundary sliding due to
experimental controversies over imaging of intergranular amorphous phases at
high and room temperatures. Here, the authors applied the techniques of
mechanical spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to shed
light on the amorphization of grain interfaces at high temperature where the
interface-reaction determines the behaviour of fine-grained zirconia
polycrystals. They present mechanical spectroscopy results, which yield
evidences of an intergranular amorphous phase in silica doped and high-purity
zirconia at high temperature. Quenching of zirconia polycrystals reveals an
intergranular amorphous phase on TEM images at room temperature.Comment: 12 pages, 3 figure
Membrane imaging by simultaneous second-harmonic generation and two-photon microscopy
International audienceWe demonstrate that simultaneous second-harmonic generation (SHG) and two-photon-excited fluorescence (TPEF) can be used to rapidly image biological membranes labeled with a styryl dye. The SHG power is made compatible with the TPEF power by use of near-resonance excitation, in accord with a model based on the theory of phased-array antennas, which shows that the SHG radiation is highly structured. Because of its sensitivity to local asymmetry, SHG microscopy promises to be a powerful tool for the study of membrane dynamics
Dead space and CO2 elimination related to pattern of inspiratory gas delivery in ARDS patients
Introduction: The inspiratory flow pattern influences CO2 elimination by affecting the time the tidal volume remains resident in alveoli. This time is expressed in terms of mean distribution time (MDT), which is the time available for distribution and diffusion of inspired tidal gas within resident alveolar gas. In healthy and sick pigs, abrupt cessation of inspiratory flow (that is, high end-inspiratory flow (EIF)), enhances CO2 elimination. The objective was to test the hypothesis that effects of inspiratory gas delivery pattern on CO2 exchange can be comprehensively described from the effects of MDT and EIF in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods: In a medical intensive care unit of a university hospital, ARDS patients were studied during sequences of breaths with varying inspiratory flow patterns. Patients were ventilated with a computer-controlled ventilator allowing single breaths to be modified with respect to durations of inspiratory flow and postinspiratory pause (T-P), as well as the shape of the inspiratory flow wave. From the single-breath test for CO2, the volume of CO2 eliminated by each tidal breath was derived. Results: A long MDT, caused primarily by a long TP, led to importantly enhanced CO2 elimination. So did a high EIF. Effects of MDT and EIF were comprehensively described with a simple equation. Typically, an efficient and a less-efficient pattern of inspiration could result in +/- 10% variation of CO2 elimination, and in individuals, up to 35%. Conclusions: In ARDS, CO2 elimination is importantly enhanced by an inspiratory flow pattern with long MDT and high EIF. An optimal inspiratory pattern allows a reduction of tidal volume and may be part of lung-protective ventilation
Influence of fillers on mechanical properties of ATH filled EPDM during ageing by gamma irradiation
International audienceThe presence of a significant content of fillers accelerates the degradation of ATH filled EPDM subjected to gamma irradiation at room temperature. Above the melting temperature of the EPDM, this induces a decrease in the apparent mechanical reinforcement of the fillers. This also promotes de-cohesion mechanisms which leads to an increase in the strain at break with irradiation dose. It is not clear whether the use of a filler treatment attenuates this accelerating effect or not; however, part of this treatment remains efficient at a high dose and seems also to delay but not suppress the occurrence of de-cohesion mechanisms at large strain. Moreover, at room temperature, i.e. below the melting temperature, all the consequences of ageing by gamma irradiation are strongly attenuated by the presence of a semicrystalline microstructure, the morphology of which is not too strongly modified by irradiation. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
A metabolomic approach to quality determination and authentication of raw plant material in the fragrance field. Iris rhizomes: A case study
Integrating nuclear receptor mobility in models of gene regulation
The mode of action of nuclear receptors in living cells is an actively investigated field but much remains hypothetical due to the lack, until recently, of methods allowing the assessment of molecular mechanisms in vivo. However, these last years, the development of fluorescence microscopy methods has allowed initiating the dissection of the molecular mechanisms underlying gene regulation by nuclear receptors directly in living cells or organisms. Following our analyses on peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) in living cells, we discuss here the different models arising from the use of these tools, that attempt to link mobility, DNA binding or chromatin interaction, and transcriptional activity
Determining transit times and hydraulic response of saturated hillslope flow using a low-cost chloride sensor system and groundwater modelling
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