Mining frequent conjunctive queries in relational databases through dependency discovery

We present an approach for mining frequent conjunctive in arbitrary relational databases. Our pattern class is the simple, but appealing subclass of simple conjunctive queries. Our algorithm, called Conqueror $^+$ , is capable of detecting previously unknown functional and inclusion dependencies that hold on the database relations as well as on joins of relations. These newly detected dependencies are then used to prune redundant queries. We propose an efficient database-oriented implementation of our algorithm using SQL and provide several promising experimental results.     

Experimental tracking of silica dispersion into silicone polymer

This work deals with the experimental tracking of a dispersion of very fine silica particles in PDMS using a new, easily implemented methodology. The dispersion experiments are carried out in an 8-l capacity mixer equipped with a torquemeter. Using a Couette analogy, the torque-rotational speed data can be converted into process viscosity-effective shear rate data. Simultaneously, the Particle Size Distribution (PSD) evolution is followed through Laser Light Scattering measurements on diluted samples. The PSD evolution allowed us to interpret the dispersion process in terms of different mechanisms, such as breaking-up and erosion of aggregates, as well as, in some cases, re-agglomeration (or flocculation) of particles.     

Photocatalytic degradation of a phenylurea, chlortoluron, in water using an industrial titanium dioxide coated media

The degradation of an herbicide, chlortoluron, by UV/TiO₂ photocatalysis in water using industrial titanium dioxide coated non-woven paper was studied. The influence of parameters such as adsorption capacity, initial concentration and TiO₂ implementation (coated or in suspension) was investigated. The results emphasize the importance of operational conditions and reactor geometry on the kinetic degradation rate. The analysis of the first organic by-products suggests that a hydroxyl radical attack occurs on the phenyl ring and methyl groups of the chlortoluron before the opening of the aromatic ring. The fate of hetero-atoms has been investigated. The fates of the two nitrogen atoms in the molecule are different, not only did it depend on their initial oxidation degree, as both had the same oxidation degree, but also on the initial oxidation state of neighboring carbons. The chlorine atoms were completely released as chloride ions. The study of the influence of the oxygen concentration showed the importance of the oxygen mass transfer when designing an industrial photocatalytic reactor. An original calculation process was carried out to evaluate the adsorption constant of oxygen over the whole photocatalysis period and not only in the initial conditions as previously provided. This work points out the necessity of extending the understanding of the efficiency of chlortoluron removal or of the removal of various complex pesticide mixtures found in agricultural wastewater, using alternative, more industrially realistic, reactors.     

Experience with a Hybrid Processor: K-Means Clustering

We discuss hardware/software co-processing on a hybrid processor for a compute- and data-intensive multispectral imaging algorithm, k-means clustering. The experiments are performed on two models of the Altera Excalibur board, the first using the soft IP core 32-bit NIOS 1.1 RISC processor, and the second with the hard IP core ARM processor. In our experiments, we compare performance of the sequential k-means algorithm with three different accelerated versions. We consider granularity and synchronization issues when mapping an algorithm to a hybrid processor. Our results show that speedup of 11.8X is achieved by migrating computation to the Excalibur ARM hardware/software as compared to software only on a Gigahertz Pentium III. Speedup on the Excalibur NIOS is limited by the communication cost of transferring data from external memory through the processor to the customized circuits. This limitation is overcome on the Excalibur ARM, in which dual-port memories, accessible to both the processor and configurable logic, have the biggest performance impact of all the techniques studied.     

Animation by Deformation of Space-Time Objects

This article presents the properties of animation with space-time objects. A space-time object means here a geometrical object embedded in R⁴ with a volumic topology. Resulting animations are obtained by deforming space-time objects with a free-form deformation model. In this way topological modifications, such as disconnecting or hole making, as well as classical geometrical modifications, can be created in an animated object.     

Finite element of slender beams in finite transformations: a geometrically exact approach

This article is devoted to the modelling of thin beams undergoing finite deformations essentially due to bending and torsion and to their numerical resolution by the finite element method. The solution proposed here differs from the approaches usually implemented to treat thin beams, as it can be qualified as ‘geometrically exact’. Two numerical models are proposed. The first one is a non‐linear Euler–Bernoulli model while the second one is a non‐linear Rayleigh model. The finite element method is tested on several numerical examples in statics and dynamics, and validated through comparison with analytical solutions, experimental observations and the geometrically exact approach of the Reissner beam theory initiated by Simo. The numerical result shows that this approach is a good alternative to the modelling of non‐linear beams, especially in statics. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mass Spectrometry,Ion Mobility Separation and Molecular Modelling: A Powerful Combination for the Structural Characterisation of Substituted Cyclodextrins Mixtures

When working on the synthesis of substituted cyclodextrins (CDs), the main challenge remains the analysis of the reaction media content. Our objective in this study was to fully characterise a complex isomers mixture of Lipidyl-βCDs (LipβCD) obtained with a degree of substitution 1 (DS = 1) from a one-step synthesis pathway. The benefit of tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and ion mobility separation hyphenated with mass spectrometry (IM-MS) was investigated. The MS/MS fragment ion‘s relative intensities were analysed by principal component analysis (PCA) to discriminate isomers. The arrival time distribution (ATD) of each isomer was recorded using a travelling wave ion mobility (TWIM) cell allowing the determination of their respective experimental collision cross section (CCS_exp). The comparison with the predicted theoretical CCS (CCS_th) obtained from theoretical calculations propose a regioisomer assignment according to the βCD hydroxyl position (2, 3, or 6) involved in the reaction. These results were validated by extensive NMR structural analyses of pure isomers combined with molecular dynamics simulations. This innovative approach seems to be a promising tool to elucidate complex isomer mixtures such as substituted cyclodextrin derivatives.     

Hepatotoxicity of Drugs Used in Multiple Sclerosis,Diagnostic Challenge,and the Role of HLA Genotype Susceptibility

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system and the association with other autoimmune diseases is well-documented. There are many therapeutic options for the treatment of MS. Most of the available drugs cause drug-induced liver injury (DILI) to variable extents with heterogeneous clinical and biological manifestations, including liver injury with or without signs of hypersensitivity and autoimmunity. The diagnosis of DILI may be particularly difficult because MS is frequently associated with idiopathic autoimmune hepatitis. Recent advances suggest that MS and immune-mediated DILI could be promoted by genetic factors, including HLA genotype. In addition, some of these drugs may promote hepatitis B virus reactivation. This review explores the potential hepatotoxicity of drugs used to treat MS and the criteria to distinguish DILI from idiopathic autoimmune hepatitis associated with MS. The role of susceptible genes both promoting MS and causing the hepatotoxicity of the drug used for MS treatment is also discussed.