Data decision diagrams for Promela systems analysis

In this paper, we show how to verify computation tree logic (CTL) properties, using symbolic methods, on systems described in Promela. Symbolic representation is based on data decision diagrams (DDDs) which are n-valued Shared Decision Trees designed to represent dynamic systems with integer domain variables. We describe principal components used for the verification of Promela systems (DDD, representation of Promela programs with DDD, the transposition of the execution of Promela instructions into DDD). Then we compare and contrast our method with the model checker SPIN or classical binary decision diagram (BDD) techniques to highlight as to which system classes SPIN or our tool is more relevant.     

Constitutive equations for orthotropic nonlinear viscoelastic behaviour using a generalized Maxwell model Application to wood material

This paper presents a nonlinear viscoelastic orthotropic constitutive equation applied to wood material. The proposed model takes into account mechanical and mechanosorptive creep via a 3D stress ratio and moisture change rate for a cylindrical orthotropic material. Orthotropic frame is based on the grain direction (L), radial (R) and hoop (T) directions, which are natural wood directions. Particular attention is taken to ensure the model to fulfill the necessary dissipation conditions. It is based on a rheological generalized Maxwell model with two elements in parallel in addition with a single linear spring taking into account the long term response. The proposed model is implemented in the finite element code ABAQUS/Standard^® via a user subroutine UMAT and simple example is shown to demonstrate the capability of the proposed model. Future works would deal with damage and fracture prediction for wooden structures submitted to climate variations and mechanical loading.     

Role of adrenocorticotropic hormone in the development and maintenance of the adrenal cortical vasculature

The adrenal cortex is a highly vascularized endocrine tissue. A dense network of blood capillaries centripetally irrigates the adrenal gland, allowing every endocrine cell to be in contact with an endothelial cell. The pituitary hormone ACTH controls the coordinated development of the vasculature and the endocrine tissue mass. This suggests that paracrine secretions between steroidogenic adrenocytes and capillary endothelial cells participate in the control of adrenocortical homeostasis. Besides its effect on the vascular tone of arteries, ACTH induces the expression of the angiogenic cytokine VEGF-A (vascular endothelial growth factor-A) in primary cultures of adrenocortical cells. This growth factor is a specific mitogen for endothelial cells and is likely to mediate the hormonal control of adrenocortical vascularization through a paracrine mechanism. The newly discovered angiogenic factor EG-VEGF (endocrine-gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor), the expression of which is restricted to endocrine glands and which is preferentially mitogenic for endocrine tissue-derived endothelial cells, is another candidate mediator of great potential interest.     

Widely tunable continuous-wave mid-infrared radiation (5.5-11 microm) by difference-frequency generation in LiInS2 crystal

The first demonstration, to the best of our knowledge, of continuous-wave (cw) difference-frequency generation (DFG) in LiInS2 crystal is reported. Wide spectral coverage (5.5-11.3 microm) has been obtained with angle and wavelength tuning for type II (eoe) critically phase-matched parametric interaction. The phase-matching conditions in cw DFG have been investigated, which allowed us to improve the Sellmeier parameters by use of a two-pole dispersion equation. An effective nonlinear coefficient deff = 6.9 +/- 0.8 pm/V has been determined at approximately 7 microm relative to the well-known nonlinear coefficient d36 of AgGaS2, which yields a power-conversion efficiency of approximately 12.4 microW/(W2 cm). We evaluated the high-resolution spectral characteristics of the DFG source by recording C2H2 and SO2 spectra.     

Long-term trends in accumulated metals (Cd, Cu and Zn) and metallothionein in bivalves from lakes within a smelter-impacted region

Temporal monitoring studies are needed to detect long-term trends in ecosystem health. In the present study, we tested metallothionein (MT) as a potential biomarker for long-term variations in trace metal levels in lakes subject to atmospheric metal inputs from a nearby copper smelter. Over a 13-year period, we estimated on several occasions ambient free Cd2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ concentrations at the sediment-water interface in six lakes with contrasting metal levels, and measured metal and metallothionein concentrations in gills of bivalves (Pyganodon grandis) living in these lakes. All but one of the study lakes had comparable drainage ratios, so inter-lake differences in hydrological export of metals from contaminated watersheds to receiving waters were likely minimal. Declines in the metal emissions from the smelter (especially for Cd and Zn) during the 1980s led to appreciable decreases in both calculated free Cd2+ ion concentrations in the study lakes (-59+/-21% between 1989 and 1998) and accumulated Cd levels in their clam populations (-46+/-12% between 1989 and 2002). Taking all lakes into account, MT concentrations in bivalves have comparatively dropped by 44% (+/-10%) since 1989. In contrast to what we found for Cd, there were no significant reductions in the calculated free Cu2+ and Zn2+ concentrations in the various lakes during our study period (-2 and -10%, respectively, with 95% confidence intervals spanning zero). Overall, observed decreases in MT in bivalves over time were best correlated with similar decreases in both ambient and accumulated Cd levels (r = 0.77, P = 0.0003 and r = 0.79, P < 0.0001, respectively, both P-values corrected for temporal autocorrelation), suggesting that long-term trends in gill MT concentrations in P. grandis may be useful as predictors of temporal changes in environmental Cd contamination in lakes.     

Integrating Catalyst and Co‐Catalyst Design in Olefin Polymerization Catalysis: Transferable Dianionic Ligands for the Activation of Late Transition Metal Polymerization Catalysts

Treatment of nickel and palladium α‐diimine catecholate complexes with alkylaluminum catecholates leads to active ethylene polymerization catalysts. Comparison of the catalytic activities achieved with combinations of α‐diimine catecholate or halide complexes as catalyst precursors with different activators (MMAO or alkylaluminum catecholates) reveals that the presence of the catecholate ligand in both catalyst components is beneficial for achieving high activity levels at very low M/Al ratios.     

A Manifold Learning Approach to Data-Driven Computational Elasticity and Inelasticity

Standard simulation in classical mechanics is based on the use of two very different types of equations. The first one, of axiomatic character, is related to balance laws (momentum, mass, energy,...), whereas the second one consists of models that scientists have extracted from collected, natural or synthetic data. Even if one can be confident on the first type of equations, the second one contains modeling errors. Moreover, this second type of equations remains too particular and often fails in describing new experimental results. The vast majority of existing models lack of generality, and therefore must be constantly adapted or enriched to describe new experimental findings. In this work we propose a new method, able to directly link data to computers in order to perform numerical simulations. These simulations will employ axiomatic, universal laws while minimizing the need of explicit, often phenomenological, models. This technique is based on the use of manifold learning methodologies, that allow to extract the relevant information from large experimental datasets.