Nuclear Self-energy and Realistic Interactions

The structure of nucleon self-energy in nuclear matter is evaluated for various realistic models of the nucleon-nucleon (NN) interaction. Starting from the Brueckner-Hartree-Fock approximation without the usual angle-average approximation, the effects of hole-hole contributions and a self-consistent treatment within the framework of the Green function approach are investigated. Special attention is paid to the predictions for the spectral function originating from various models of the NN interaction which all yield an accurate fit for the NN phase shifts.Comment: 26 pages, 12 figure

Infrastructure for Detector Research and Development towards the International Linear Collider

The EUDET-project was launched to create an infrastructure for developing and testing new and advanced detector technologies to be used at a future linear collider. The aim was to make possible experimentation and analysis of data for institutes, which otherwise could not be realized due to lack of resources. The infrastructure comprised an analysis and software network, and instrumentation infrastructures for tracking detectors as well as for calorimetry.Comment: 54 pages, 48 picture

Energy and Resource Efficiency of SLS/SLM Processes

Manufacturing processes, as used for discrete part manufacturing, are responsible for a substantial part of the environmental impact of products, but are still poorly documented in terms of their environmental footprint. The lack of thorough analysis of manufacturing processes has as consequence that optimization opportunities are often not recognized and that improved machine tool design in terms of ecological footprint has only been targeted for a few common processes. Additive manufacturing processes such as Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Selective Laser Melting (SLM) allow near-net shape manufacturing of complex work pieces. Consequently, they inherently offer opportunities for minimum-waste and sustainable manufacturing. Nevertheless, powder production, energy consumption as well as powder losses are important and not always optimized environmental impact drivers of SLS and SLM. This paper presents the results of a data collection effort, allowing to assess the overall environmental impact of these processes using the methodology of the CO2PE! (Cooperative Effort on Process Emissions in Manufacturing) initiative. Based on the collected LCI data, a subsequent impact assessment analysis allows identifying the most important contributors to the environmental impact of SLS/SLM. Next to the electricity consumption, the consumption of inert gasses proves to be an important cause of environmental impact. Finally, the paper sketches the improvement potential for SLS/SLM on machine tool as well as system level.Mechanical Engineerin

Structuring of early design decisions in large infrastructure tenders: How to find the optimal design?

Decision making in the tender phase of large infrastructural projects is a complex task for contractors as they have to make design decisions with long term effects and based on complex client requirements. Further complexity is added by the constrained environment of a tender and the uncertainty of winning the tender. As the context and the project are unique, there are no standard models for organizing the decision making during a tender. The introduction of Systems Engineering (SE) in the construction industry has led to a more structured way of working, but the application of the methods in the tender phase does not provide a suitable structure for organizing the decision making. As a result contractors struggle with designing an optimal design solution that will convince the client but will also reduce the risks associated with the construction and maintenance of the solution. In this paper we explore the implementation difficulties of SE in a large infrastructural tender. We report our initial findings of this in-depth single case study comprising document studies and open interviews with the tender team. We found that the allocation of design responsibilities between subsystems hampers cooperation for the integration of design and that the used SE approach lacks guidance for organizing a collaborative design process. We make propositions for further research and recommendations based on these initial findings.Structural EngineeringCivil Engineering and Geoscience

A fortuitous but characteristic blood smear observation allowing a late diagnosis of MPS-VII

SCOPUS: le.jDecretOANoAutActifinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Inulin-type fructans modulate intestinal Bifidobacterium species populations and decrease fecal short-chain fatty acids in obese women

Background & aims : Inulin-type fructans (ITF) prebiotics promote changes in the composition and activity of the gut microbiota. The aim of this study was to determine variations on fecal short chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentration in obese women treated with ITF and to explore associations between Bifidobacterium species, SCFA and host biological markers of metabolism. Methods Samples were obtained in a randomized, double blind, parallel, placebo-controlled trial, with 30 obese women randomly assigned to groups that received either 16 g/day ITF (n = 15) or maltodextrin (n = 15) for 3 months. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of Bifidobacterium spp. was performed in feces by PCR-DGGE and q-PCR, and SCFA profile was analyzed by gas chromatography. Spearman correlation analysis was performed between the different variables analyzed. Results The species Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum and Bifidobacterium adolescentis were significantly increased at the end of the treatment in the prebiotic group (p <0.01) with being B. longum negatively correlated with serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin (p <0.01). Total SCFA, acetate and propionate, that positively correlated with BMI, fasting insulinemia and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) (p <0.05), were significantly lower in prebiotic than in placebo group after the treatment period. Conclusions ITF consumption selectively modulates Bifidobacterium spp. and decreases fecal SCFA concentration in obese women. ITF could lessen metabolic risk factors associated with higher fecal SCFA concentration in obese individuals