Runge–Kutta Residual Distribution Schemes

We are concerned with the solution of time-dependent non-linear hyperbolic partial differential equations. We investigate the combination of residual distribution methods with a consistent mass matrix (discretisation in space) and a Runge–Kutta-type time-stepping (discretisation in time). The introduced non-linear blending procedure allows us to retain the explicit character of the time-stepping procedure. The resulting methods are second order accurate provided that both spatial and temporal approximations are. The proposed approach results in a global linear system that has to be solved at each time-step. An efficient way of solving this system is also proposed. To test and validate this new framework, we perform extensive numerical experiments on a wide variety of classical problems. An extensive numerical comparison of our approach with other multi-stage residual distribution schemes is also given.     

Fabrication of mesoporous calcium silicate/calcium phosphate cement scaffolds with high mechanical strength by freeform fabrication system with micro-droplet jetting

In this study, we explored the feasibility of fabrication bioactive mesoporous calcium silicate/calcium phosphate cements (MCS/CPC) scaffolds with high mechanical strength by Freeform Fabrication System with Micro-Droplet Jetting. After preparation of ordered mesoporous calcium silicate (MCS) powder, ready-to-use MCS/CPC paste was formed by mixing calcium phosphate cement (CPC) powder and MCS powder with the binder polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) aqueous solution at a certain ratio of powder to liquid. MCS/CPC scaffolds with various architectures, pore sizes, and interconnectivity were then directly printed at room temperature using MCS/CPC paste. The mechanical strength, apatite formation, degradation rate, and cytocompatibility of the composite scaffolds were systematically investigated. The results showed that MCS/CPC paste exhibited outstanding printability to form MCS/CPC scaffolds. The hybrid MCS/CPC scaffolds with predefined pore size of 350 μm showed fast degradation rate, high mechanical strength, and good cytocompatibility. It was indicated that the hybrid MCS/CPC scaffolds might be a promising candidate for critical bone defect repair.     

Predicting nitrogen leaching with the modified LEACHM model: validation in soils receiving long-term application of animal manure composts

A variety of process-based models have been developed for predicting nitrogen (N) dynamics in agro-ecosystem; however, no reliable models have been validated for N leaching from soils receiving a long-term application of different types of animal manure composts. The Leaching Estimation and Chemistry Model (LEACHM) was recently modified by incorporating the basic structure of Rothamsted Carbon Model for extending its ability to describe soil organic matter decomposition and subsequent N leaching in soils rich in organic matter. We evaluate the applicability of the modified LEACHM in cropped Yellow soils receiving 10-year application of cattle or swine manure compost in addition to chemical fertilizers, where high-frequency field monitoring data of soil water contents, soil N contents and leachate N concentrations were available for the last 3 years. Particular attention was paid to determine all input parameters from independent measurements, parameterization from known soil properties or databases without optimisation to fit the measured field data. The model reasonably predicted temporal changes in the soil NH₄-N and NO₃-N contents, and inorganic N concentrations in the leachate as well as their differences due to different manure compost/chemical fertilizer applications. The simulations of leached N concentration yielded a Willmott index of agreement (IA) of 0.62–0.68, with those for soil moisture, soil nitrate content and crop N uptake all within an acceptable IA range. In view of the good performance without site-specific calibrations, the modified LEACHM appears to be a valuable tool for predicting N leaching from cropped soils receiving long-term manure compost applications.     

Role of the pore fluid in crack propagation in glass

We investigate pore fluid effects due to surface energy variation or due to chemical corrosion in cracked glass. Both effects have been documented through experimental tests on cracked borosilicate glass samples. Creep tests have been performed to investigate the slow crack propagation behavior. We compared the dry case (saturated with argon gas), the nonreactive water saturated case (commercial mineralized water), and the distilled and deionized water saturated case (pure water). Chemical corrosion effects have been observed and evidenced from pH and water composition evolution of the pure water. Then, the comparison of the dry case, the mineral water saturated case, and the corrosion case allow to (i) evidence the mechanical effect of the presence of a pore fluid and (ii) show also the chemical effect of a glass dissolution. Both effects enhance subcritical crack propagation.     

Is the List of Incomplete Open Cubes Complete?

Variations of Incomplete Open Cubes is the major project by the twentieth-century conceptual artist Sol LeWitt. In this paper we interpret the enumerative component of the project as embeddings of graphs. This formulation permits use of an algorithm to check the completeness of the list of the structures produced by the artist. Our conclusion is that the artist found the correct number of structures (that is, 122), but that his list contains a mistake in the presentation of a pair of incomplete cubes, a discovery that appears not to have been noted before.     

Notch Signaling Regulation in Autoinflammatory Diseases

Notch pathway is a highly conserved intracellular signaling route that modulates a vast variety of cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation, migration, cell fate and death. Recently, the presence of a strict crosstalk between Notch signaling and inflammation has been described, although the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this interplay have not yet been fully unravelled. Disruptions in Notch cascade, due both to direct mutations and/or to an altered regulation in the core components of Notch signaling, might lead to hypo- or hyperactivation of Notch target genes and signaling molecules, ultimately contributing to the onset of autoinflammatory diseases. To date, alterations in Notch signaling have been reported as associated with three autoinflammatory disorders, therefore, suggesting a possible role of Notch in the pathogenesis of the following diseases: hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), Behçet disease (BD), and giant cell arteritis (GCA). In this review, we aim at better characterizing the interplay between Notch and autoinflammatory diseases, trying to identify the role of this signaling route in the context of these disorders.     

Spin Effects on Heat Current Through a Quantum Dot Attached to Ferromagnetic Leads

A heat current originating from electron–phonon coupling in a quantum dot (QD) molecule connected to ferromagnetic leads is studied by the non-equilibrium Green’s function technique. The system is driven out of equilibrium by a temperature gradient (thermal bias) applied across the two terminals of the structure. We find that when the magnetic moments of the two leads are arranged in parallel configuration, the heat current is not sensitive to the leads’ ferromagnetism, whereas in the case of antiparallel configuration, the magnitude of the heat current increases with increasing spin polarization of the leads, with the reduction of the electric current’s intensity. We also find that the ferromagnetism on the leads can amplify the heat rectification effect occurring for some particular dot levels, i.e., the strength of the heat flowing between the QD and the phonon bath can be very small for one direction of the temperature gradient, while it becomes quite large when the corresponding direction of the temperature gradient is reversed.