FA composition and regiospecific analysis of Acer saccharum (sugar maple tree) and Acer saccharinum (silver maple tree) seed oils

GC analysis was performed to determine regiospecific distribution and FA composition in seed oils of the Aceraceae species, Acer saccharum and A. saccharinum. The oil content in the seeds was low at 5.0% in A. saccharum and 5.8% in A. saccharinum, and the main FA were linoleic (30.8 and 29.4%), oleic (21.3 and 27.6%), palmitic (10.1 and 10.5%), and cis-vaccenic (9.4 and 7.9%) acids, respectively. In addition, both oils contained long-chain monoenes of the n−9 and n−7 groups, including 11-eicosenoic, 13-docosenoic, 15-tetracosenoic, 13-eicosenoic, and 15-docosenoic acids, whereas γ-linolenic acid accounted for 0.8% of total FA in A. saccharum, and 0.5% in A. saccharinum. Regiospecific analysis, performed using the methodology of dibutyroyl derivatives of MAG, indicated that linoleic, oleic, and linolenic acids were mainly esterified at the internal position of TAG in both seed oils, whereas long-chain monoenes of the n−7 group were almost exclusively esterified on the external positions.     

A Neuro-fuzzy Coding for Processing Incomplete Data: Application to the Classification of Seismic Events

This letter presents a method for modelling and processing incomplete data in connectionist systems. The approach consists in applying a neuro-fuzzy coding to the input data of a neural network. After an introduction to the different kinds of imperfections, we propose a neuro-fuzzy coding in order to take incomplete data into account. We show the efficiency of this coding on the problem of the classification of seismic events. The results show that a neuro-fuzzy coding of the inputs of a neural network increases the performance and classifies incomplete data with little affect on the results.     

Glial Modulation of Energy Balance: The Dorsal Vagal Complex Is No Exception

The avoidance of being overweight or obese is a daily challenge for a growing number of people. The growing proportion of people suffering from a nutritional imbalance in many parts of the world exemplifies this challenge and emphasizes the need for a better understanding of the mechanisms that regulate nutritional balance. Until recently, research on the central regulation of food intake primarily focused on neuronal signaling, with little attention paid to the role of glial cells. Over the last few decades, our understanding of glial cells has changed dramatically. These cells are increasingly regarded as important neuronal partners, contributing not just to cerebral homeostasis, but also to cerebral signaling. Our understanding of the central regulation of energy balance is part of this (r)evolution. Evidence is accumulating that glial cells play a dynamic role in the modulation of energy balance. In the present review, we summarize recent data indicating that the multifaceted glial compartment of the brainstem dorsal vagal complex (DVC) should be considered in research aimed at identifying feeding-related processes operating at this level.     

Architectural optimization for microelectronic packaging

The aim of this paper is to provide a methodical approach for architectural optimization of power microelectronic devices. Because critical parameters of electronic devices are linked with reliability, architectural optimization, selection of the geometrical parameters of device and optimization of these parameters by iteration method associated by numerical analysis of reliability have to be achieved. In this way, this paper discusses about a methodical and numerical approach for the optimization of reliability in electronic devices, in particular the influence of geometrical parameters on the device reliability.     

Modelling mechanical properties of spruce and Douglas fir timber by means of X-ray and grain angle measurements for strength grading purpose

This study proposes a model using data from a scanner (X-ray and grain angle measurements) to perform strength grading. The research also includes global measurements of modulus of elasticity (obtained by vibrations and ultrasound methods), static bending stiffness and bending strength of 805 boards of Douglas fir and 437 boards of spruce. This model can be used in an industrial context since it requires low computational time. The results of this study show that the developed model gives better results than the global non-destructive measurements of the elastic modulus commonly used in the industry. It also shows that this improvement is particularly higher in the case of Douglas fir than for spruce. The comparison has been made on both the quality of the mechanical properties assessment and on the improvement of the grading process according to the European standards by using different index.     

On convergence in the methods of Strat and of Smith for Shape from Shading

We study the convergence of two iterative Shape from Shading methods: the methods of Strat and of Smith. We try to determine the spectral radius of the Jacobian matrix of each iteration at any possible fixed point. We show that the method of Strat diverges for any image containing at least four pixels forming a square, any reflectance map and any relative weight between the irradiance term and the integrability term. An example is provided, in which divergence occurs after a large number of iterations, even if the reconstructed surface approaches the real surface after only a few iterations. We show then by a similar way that the method of Smith diverges for any image containing at least nine pixels forming a square, any reflectance map and any relative weight between the irradiance term and the smoothing term.     

Mesoscale pore structure of a high-performance concrete by coupling focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy and small angle X-ray scattering

This contribution couples (a) Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments of a high-performance concrete (HPC) at the millimetric scale, and (b) Focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) of the cement paste of the HPC, with 10-20 nm voxel size. The aim is to improve the understanding of the 3D pore network of the HPC at the mesoscale (tens of nm), which is relevant for fluid transport. The mature HPC is an industrial concrete, based on pure Portland CEMI cement, and planned for use as structural elements for deep underground nuclear waste storage. Small angle X-ray scattering patterns are computed from the 3D pore images given by FIB/SEM (volumes of 61-118 μm³). They are positively correlated with SAXS measurements (volumes of 5 mm³). Aside from correlations with FIB/SEM data, experimental SAXS allows to investigate a wider range of effects on the pore structure. These are mainly the HPC drying state, the presence of aggregates (by analyzing data on cement paste alone), and the use of Poly Methyl MethAcrylate resin impregnation.     

Amorphous alumina coatings: processing, structure and remarkable barrier properties

Amorphous aluminium oxide coatings were processed by metalorganic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD); their structural characteristics were determined as a function of the processing conditions, the process was modelled considering appropriate chemical kinetic schemes, and the properties of the obtained material were investigated and were correlated with the nanostructure of the coatings. With increasing processing temperature in the range 350 degrees C-700 degrees C, subatmospheric MOCVD of alumina from aluminium tri-isopropoxide (ATI) sequentially yields partially hydroxylated amorphous aluminium oxides, amorphous Al2O3 (415 degrees C-650 degrees C) and nanostructured gamma-Al2O3 films. A numerical model for the process allowed reproducing the non uniformity of deposition rate along the substrate zone due to the depletion of ATI. The hardness of the coatings prepared at 350 degrees C, 480 degrees C and 700 degrees C is 6 GPa, 11 GPa and 1 GPa, respectively. Scratch tests on films grown on TA6V titanium alloy reveal adhesive and cohesive failures for the amorphous and nanocrystalline ones, respectively. Alumina coating processed at 480 degrees C on TA6V yielded zero weight gain after oxidation at 600 degrees C in lab air. The surface of such low temperature processed amorphous films is hydrophobic (water contact angle 106 degrees), while the high temperature processed nanocrystalline films are hydrophilic (48 degrees at a deposition temperature of 700 degrees C). It is concluded that amorphous Al2O3 coatings can be used as oxidation and corrosion barriers at ambient or moderate temperature. Nanostructured with Pt or Ag nanoparticles, they can also provide anti-fouling or catalytic surfaces.     

LED-Based Photometric Stereo: Modeling,Calibration and Numerical Solution

We conduct a thorough study of photometric stereo under nearby point light source illumination, from modeling to numerical solution, through calibration. In the classical formulation of photometric stereo, the luminous fluxes are assumed to be directional, which is very difficult to achieve in practice. Rather, we use light-emitting diodes to illuminate the scene to be reconstructed. Such point light sources are very convenient to use, yet they yield a more complex photometric stereo model which is arduous to solve. We first derive in a physically sound manner this model, and show how to calibrate its parameters. Then, we discuss two state-of-the-art numerical solutions. The first one alternatingly estimates the albedo and the normals, and then integrates the normals into a depth map. It is shown empirically to be independent from the initialization, but convergence of this sequential approach is not established. The second one directly recovers the depth, by formulating photometric stereo as a system of nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs), which are linearized using image ratios. Although the sequential approach is avoided, initialization matters a lot and convergence is not established either. Therefore, we introduce a provably convergent alternating reweighted least-squares scheme for solving the original system of nonlinear PDEs. Finally, we extend this study to the case of RGB images.     

Three dimensional stress analysis of a composite patch using stress functions

A stress function-based analysis is proposed to provide a simple and efficient approximation method of three-dimensional (3D) state of stress that exists near the free edge of bonded composite patches. In order to apply plane strain assumption in a composite patch, a linear superposition of sliced section from a bonded patch is used. In addition, to describe the load transfer mechanism from the substrate to the composite patch, a simple shear lag model is introduced. The 3D stress behavior at the free edge of the composite patch is modeled by Lekhnitskii stress functions, and the governing equations of the given composite patch are obtained by applying the principle of complementary virtual work. After a suitable expansion of the functions, the governing equations are transformed into two coupled ordinary differential equations, and they are solved by a general eigenvalue solution procedure. As the number of base functions increases, the interlaminar stresses converge. The interlaminar stresses reach maximum at the free edge and decrease sharply at the inner part of the patch. The interlaminar stresses are concentrated at the interface between the layers because of the mismatch of material properties and the geometric singularity. Since the proposed method accurately predicts the 3D stresses in a composite patch bonded on the metal substrate, it can be used as a simple and efficient analytical tool for designing such structural components.