A reciprocity formula from abelian BF and Turaev-Viro theories

In this article we show that the use of Deligne-Beilinson cohomology in the context of the $U(1)$ BF theory on a closed 3-manifold $M$ yields a discrete $\Z_N$ BF theory whose partition function is an abelian TV invariant of $M$. By comparing the expectation values of the $U(1)$ and $\mathbb{Z}_N$ holonomies in both BF theories we obtain a reciprocity formula

Abelian BF theory and Turaev-Viro invariant

The U(1) BF Quantum Field Theory is revisited in the light of Deligne-Beilinson Cohomology. We show how the U(1) Chern-Simons partition function is related to the BF one and how the latter on its turn coincides with an abelian Turaev-Viro invariant. Significant differences compared to the non-abelian case are highlighted.Comment: 47 pages and 6 figure

Inverse identification processes of elastoplastic constitutive models using advanced optimisation strategies

The success of simulation tools in reproducing the mechanical behaviour of materials, particularly for metals, depends on the quality of the models and their inherent material parameters. However, the commonly used parameter identification strategies are still expensive and non-robust. The robustness and efficiency of these strategies are closely related with the single-stage optimisation methods adopted. The aim of this work is to implement and analyse optimisation strategies such as sequential, parallel and hybrid approaches in a parameter identification problem using full-field methods, particularly the Virtual Fields Method (VFM) and the Finite Element Model Updating (FEMU). The definition of the objective functions of both VFM and FEMU methods is also discussed in the framework of optimisation.publishe

Material parameters identification: Gradient-based, genetic and hybrid optimization algorithms

This paper presents two procedures for the identification of material parameters, a genetic algorithm and a gradient-based algorithm. These algorithms enable both the yield criterion and the work hardening parameters to be identified. A hybrid algorithm is also used, which is a combination of the former two, in such a way that the result of the genetic algorithm is considered as the initial values for the gradient-based algorithm. The objective of this approach is to improve the performance of the gradient-based algorithm, which is strongly dependent on the initial set of results. The constitutive model used to compare the three different optimization schemes uses the Barlat'91 yield criterion, an isotropic Voce type law and a kinematic Lemaitre and Chaboche law, which is suitable for the case of aluminium alloys. In order to analyse the effectiveness of this optimization procedure, numerical and experimental results for an EN AW-5754 aluminium alloy are compared.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6TWM-4SJGWMW-1/1/01e8be60ce61e8fc30473d85439fbe3

Accumulation and deposition of triacylglycerols in the starchy endosperm of wheat grain

A combination of lipidomics, transcriptomics and bioimaging has been used to study triacylglycerol synthesis and deposition in the developing starchy endosperm of wheat. The content of TAG increased between 14 and 34 days after anthesis, from 50 to 115 mg/g dry wt and from about 35 to 175 mg/g dry wt in two experiments. The major fatty acids were C16 (palmitic C 16:0 and palmitoleic C16:1) and C18 (stearic C18:0, oleic C18:1, linoleic C18:2 and linolenic C18:3), with unsaturated fatty acids accounting for about 75-80% of the total throughout development. Linoleic acid (C18:2) was the major component at all stages and the proportion increased during development. Transcript profiling indicated that predominant route to TAG synthesis and oil accumulation is via the Kennedy pathway and diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) activity. Confocal microscopy of stained tissue sections showed that TAG accumulated in droplets concentrated in the cells below the sub-aleurone cells which are associated with protein. Transcripts encoding 16kd oleosins were also expressed, indicating that the oil droplets are stabilised by oleosin proteins

New xenon results of Phoenix at 28 GHz

The classical PHOENIX 28 GHz electron cyclotron resonance ion Source (ECRIS) has been developed to prospect high pulsed multi charged lead ion (MCI lead) beams for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) [1,2]. The goal of the experiment is to reach 1 emA pulses of Pb27+ during 0.4 ms with a 10 Hz repetition rate. This high beam current is one order of magnitude higher than the ones available nowadays. The strategy to take up this challenge is based on an increase of the radio frequency (RF) to 28 GHz and an increase of the RF power density. A new high acceptance, high resolution analysing beam line has been coupled to PHOENIX in order to study efficiently the intense beams delivered by the source. Thus, 0.6 emA of Xe20+ has been measured in the afterglow (AFG) among 9 emA analysed in the Faraday Cup (FC). The lead production is under study and a preliminary beam of 0.6 emA of Pb24+ AFG has already been obtained. The cross check of a 3D beam simulation program and measured beam characteristics enables to estimate the beam emittance to be ~ 200 mm.mrad. The project of development of an upgraded version of PHOENIX is presented (a new ECRIS named APHOENIX)

Which solar EUV indices are best for reconstructing the solar EUV irradiance ?

The solar EUV irradiance is of key importance for space weather. Most of the time, however, surrogate quantities such as EUV indices have to be used by lack of continuous and spectrally resolved measurements of the irradiance. The ability of such proxies to reproduce the irradiance from different solar atmospheric layers is usually investigated by comparing patterns of temporal correlations. We consider instead a statistical approach. The TIMED/SEE experiment, which has been continuously operating since Feb. 2002, allows for the first time to compare in a statistical manner the EUV spectral irradiance to five EUV proxies: the sunspot number, the f10.7, Ca K, and Mg II indices, and the He I equivalent width. Using multivariate statistical methods such as multidimensional scaling, we represent in a single graph the measure of relatedness between these indices and various strong spectral lines. The ability of each index to reproduce the EUV irradiance is discussed; it is shown why so few lines can be effectively reconstructed from them. All indices exhibit comparable performance, apart from the sunspot number, which is the least appropriate. No single index can satisfactorily describe both the level of variability on time scales beyond 27 days, and relative changes of irradiance on shorter time scales.Comment: 6 figures, to appear in Adv. Space. Re

Analysis of machine perfusion benefits in kidney grafts: a preclinical study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Machine perfusion (MP) has potential benefits for marginal organs such as from deceased from cardiac death donors (DCD). However, there is still no consensus on MP benefits. We aimed to determine machine perfusion benefits on kidney grafts.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We evaluated kidney grafts preserved in ViaspanUW or KPS solutions either by CS or MP, in a DCD pig model (60 min warm ischemia + 24 h hypothermic preservation). Endpoints were: function recovery, quality of function during follow up (3 month), inflammation, fibrosis, animal survival.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>ViaspanUW-CS animals did not recover function, while in other groups early follow up showed similar values for kidney function. Alanine peptidase and β-NAG activities in the urine were higher in CS than in MP groups. Oxydative stress was lower in KPS-MP animals. Histology was improved by MP over CS. Survival was 0% in ViaspanUW-CS and 60% in other groups. Chronic inflammation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and fibrosis were lowest in KPS-MP, followed by KPS-CS and ViaspanUW-MP.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>With ViaspanUW, effects of MP are obvious as only MP kidney recovered function and allowed survival. With KPS, the benefits of MP over CS are not directly obvious in the early follow up period and only histological analysis, urinary tubular enzymes and red/ox status was discriminating. Chronic follow-up was more conclusive, with a clear superiority of MP over CS, independently of the solution used. KPS was proven superior to ViaspanUW in each preservation method in terms of function and outcome. In our pre-clinical animal model of DCD transplantation, MP offers critical benefits.</p