Hypersurfaces with small extrinsic radius or large λ1\lambda_1 in Euclidean spaces

We prove that hypersurfaces of $\R^{n+1}$ which are almost extremal for the Reilly inequality on $\lambda_1$ and have $L^p$-bounded mean curvature ($p>n$) are Hausdorff close to a sphere, have almost constant mean curvature and have a spectrum which asymptotically contains the spectrum of the sphere. We prove the same result for the Hasanis-Koutroufiotis inequality on extrinsic radius. We also prove that when a supplementary $L^q$ bound on the second fundamental is assumed, the almost extremal manifolds are Lipschitz close to a sphere when $q>n$, but not necessarily diffeomorphic to a sphere when $q\leqslant n$.Comment: 24 page

Change of scale strategy for the microstructural modelling of polymeric rohacell foams

International audienceIn this paper a numerical model dedicated to the simulation of the mechanical behaviour of polymeric Rohacell foams is presented. The finite elements model is developed at the scale of the microstructure idealized by a representative unit cell: the truncated octahedron. Observations made on micrographs of Rohacell lead to mesh this representative unit cell as a lattice of beam elements. Each beam is assigned a brittle linear elastic mechanical behaviour in tension and an elasto-plastic behaviour in compression. The plasticity in compression is introduced as a way to mimic the buckling of the edges of the cells observed in experimental crushing tests. A contact law introduced between the beams stands for densification. A change in scale is then realized by increasing the length of the edges of the unit cell. Several computations show the ability of the proposed approach to preserve the physical degradation phenomena and the loads while drastically decreasing the computational time

Morphologie et propriétés rhéologiques de mélanges ternaires PE/PA/argile : influence du mode d'élaboration et de la fraction d'argile.

L'amélioration des propriétés des mélanges de polymères immiscibles par l'ajout d'argile fait l'objet d'un intérêt croissant. Les systèmes ternaires étudiés sont constitués de polyéthylène, de polyamide et d'une nanocharge argileuse présentant une bonne affinité avec le polyamide. Deux modes d'élaboration sont confrontés : mélange d'un nanocomposite PA/argile et du polyéthylène d'une part, et mélange simultanément des trois composants d'autre part. L'influence du taux d'argile sur les propriétés morphologiques et rhéologiques de chaque système est étudiée. La morphologie des systèmes ternaires est très dépendante du mode d'élaboration et de la fraction de la phase dispersée. Les propriétés viscoélastiques sont étudiées en relation avec les propriétés morphologiques. Le comportement viscoélastique a été confronté aux prédictions du modèle de Palierne. Les différences dues au mode d'élaboration sont attribuées à la localisation préférentielle de l'argile dans la phase polyamide et/ou à l'interface PE/PA

Kinetochore component function in C. elegans oocytes revealed by 4D tracking of holocentric chromosomes

During cell division, chromosome congression to the spindle center, their orientation along the spindle long axis and alignment at the metaphase plate depend on interactions between spindle microtubules and kinetochores, and are pre-requisite for chromosome bi-orientation and accurate segregation. How these successive phases are controlled during oocyte meiosis remains elusive. Here we provide 4D live imaging during the first meiotic division in C. elegans oocytes with wild-type or disrupted kinetochore protein function. We show that, unlike in monocentric organisms, holocentric chromosome bi-orientation is not strictly required for accurate chromosome segregation. Instead, we propose a model in which initial kinetochore-localized BHC module (comprised of BUB-1Bub1, HCP-1/2CENP-F and CLS-2CLASP)-dependent pushing acts redundantly with Ndc80 complex-mediated pulling for accurate chromosome segregation in meiosis. In absence of both mechanisms, homologous chromosomes tend to co-segregate in anaphase, especially when initially mis-oriented. Our results highlight how different kinetochore components cooperate to promote accurate holocentric chromosome segregation in oocytes of C. elegans.This work was supported by CNRS and University ParisCité, by NIHR01GM117407 and R01GM130764 (J.C.C.), and by grants from the European Research Council ERC-CoG ChromoSOMe 819179 and from the Agence Nationale de la Recherche ANR-19-CE13-0015 (J.D.).Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Match-Making Reactors to Chemistry: A Continuous Manufacturing-Enabled Sequence to a Key Benzoxazole Pharmaceutical Intermediate

The focus of this study was to develop a chemical reaction sequence toward a key benzoxazole building block, required for clinical manufacturing of a lead candidate in the respiratory disease area. The chemistry consisted of initial low-temperature reactions with an organometallic reagent to generate the benzoxazole core, and was followed by noncryogenic transformations toward a sulfonamide substituent. With particular interest in continuous-flow manufacturing we attempted to integrate the entire sequence on lab scale. Subsequent in-depth process research, supported by PAT and calorimetry studies, revealed the critical parameters of each step, leading to a more rational attribution of mode of operation: flow, batch, or semibatch. Two bench-scale cascades of continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTRs) were constructed to meet the challenge of high exothermicity and solids formation and were key to smoothly upscaling the chemistry to deliver 17 kg of benzoxazole in superior yield, quality, and robustness

Mutations et permanence architecturales au cœur de Thasos (VIIIe s. av. J.-C. – VIIe s. apr. J.-C.)

Η περιοχή ανάμεσα στην Αρχαία Αγορά, το Διονύσιο και το Αρτεμίσιο στη Θάσο έτυχε ενδελεχούς ανασκαφικής έρευνας ήδη από τα πρώτα έτη της παρουσίας Γάλλων αρχαιολόγων στο νησί στις αρχές του 20ου αι. που συνεχίζεται ως τις μέρες μας. Την περίοδο προ της ελεύσεως των Παρίων αποίκων και τον πρώτο αιώνα μετά την ίδρυση της αποικίας ο χώρος ήταν εργαστηριακός. Τον 6ο ή 5ο αι. π.Χ. κτίζεται ένα κτήριο που παραμένει σε χρήση, παρά τις αλλαγές και προσθήκες, ως τον 4ο αι. π.Χ. Στα τέλη του αιώνα αυτού το κτήριο ενσωματώνεται σε ένα μεγάλο ιδιωτικό οίκημα που κτίζεται αδιαφορώντας για την υπάρχουσα ρυμοτομία και παραμένει σε χρήση ως τις πρώτες δεκαετίες του 7ου αι. μ.Χ. Επομένως, η περιοχή που εξετάζουμε επιβιώνει οικιστικά για περισσότερους από 13 αιώνες

The Development of Functional Overreaching Is Associated with a Faster Heart Rate Recovery in Endurance Athletes

Purpose The aim of the study was to investigate whether heart rate recovery (HRR) may represent an effective marker of functional overreaching (f-OR) in endurance athletes. Methods and Results Thirty-one experienced male triathletes were tested (10 control and 21 overload subjects) before (Pre), and immediately after an overload training period (Mid) and after a 2-week taper (Post). Physiological responses were assessed during an incremental cycling protocol to exhaustion, including heart rate, catecholamine release and blood lactate concentration. Ten participants from the overload group developed signs of f-OR at Mid (i.e. -2.1 ± 0.8% change in performance associated with concomitant high perceived fatigue). Additionally, only the f-OR group demonstrated a 99% chance of increase in HRR during the overload period (+8 ± 5 bpm, large effect size). Concomitantly, this group also revealed a >80% chance of decreasing blood lactate (-11 ± 14%, large), plasma norepinephrine (-12 ± 37%, small) and plasma epinephrine peak concentrations (-51 ± 22%, moderate). These blood measures returned to baseline levels at Post. HRR change was negatively correlated to changes in performance, peak HR and peak blood metabolites concentrations. Conclusion These findings suggest that i) a faster HRR is not systematically associated with improved physical performance, ii) changes in HRR should be interpreted in the context of the specific training phase, the athletes perceived level of fatigue and the performance response; and, iii) the faster HRR associated with f-OR may be induced by a decreased central commandand by a lower chemoreflex activity

MR Volumetry of Lung Nodules: A Pilot Study

Introduction: Computed tomography (CT) is currently the reference modality for the detection and follow-up of pulmonary nodules. While 2D measurements are commonly used in clinical practice to assess growth, increasingly 3D volume measurements are being recommended. The goal of this pilot study was to evaluate preliminarily the capabilities of 3D MRI using ultra-short echo time for lung nodule volumetry, as it would provide a radiation-free modality for this task.Material and Methods: Artificial nodules were manufactured out of Agar and measured using an ultra-short echo time MRI sequence. CT data were also acquired as a reference. Image segmentation was carried out using an algorithm based on signal intensity thresholding (SIT). For comparison purposes, we also performed manual slice by slice segmentation. Volumes obtained with MRI and CT were compared. Finally, the volumetry of a lung nodule was evaluated in one human subject in comparison with CT.Results: Using the SIT technique, minimal bias was observed between CT and MRI across the entire range of volumes (2%) with limits of agreement below 14%. Comparison of manually segmented MRI and CT resulted in a larger bias (8%) and wider limits of agreement (−23% to 40%). In vivo, nodule volume differed of <16% between modalities with the SIT technique.Conclusion: This pilot study showed very good concordance between CT and UTE-MRI to quantify lung nodule volumes, in both a phantom and human setting. Our results enhance the potential of MRI to quantify pulmonary nodule volume with similar performance to CT

Green Edge ice camp campaigns : understanding the processes controlling the under-ice Arctic phytoplankton spring bloom

The Green Edge initiative was developed to investigate the processes controlling the primary productivity and fate of organic matter produced during the Arctic phytoplankton spring bloom (PSB) and to determine its role in the ecosystem. Two field campaigns were conducted in 2015 and 2016 at an ice camp located on landfast sea ice southeast of Qikiqtarjuaq Island in Baffin Bay (67.4797∘ N, 63.7895∘ W). During both expeditions, a large suite of physical, chemical and biological variables was measured beneath a consolidated sea-ice cover from the surface to the bottom (at 360 m depth) to better understand the factors driving the PSB. Key variables, such as conservative temperature, absolute salinity, radiance, irradiance, nutrient concentrations, chlorophyll a concentration, bacteria, phytoplankton and zooplankton abundance and taxonomy, and carbon stocks and fluxes were routinely measured at the ice camp. Meteorological and snow-relevant variables were also monitored. Here, we present the results of a joint effort to tidy and standardize the collected datasets, which will facilitate their reuse in other Arctic studies

Seasonal and Regional Dynamics of M. ulcerans Transmission in Environmental Context: Deciphering the Role of Water Bugs as Hosts and Vectors

Buruli ulcer, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, is a devastating skin disease. Most cases of Buruli ulcer occur in poor rural communities. As a result, treatment is frequently sought too late and about 25% of those infected—particularly children—become permanently disabled. Outbreaks of Buruli ulcer have always been associated with swampy areas. However, the route(s) of bacillus transmission is (are) still unclear. This Mycobacterium species resides in water where it colonizes many ecological niches such as aquatic plants, herbivorous animals and predatory/carnivorous insects. For several years the role of water bugs as hosts and vectors of M. ulcerans was suspected and was demonstrated under laboratory conditions. The aim of this work was to further assess the role of water bugs as hosts and vectors of M. ulcerans in environmental context. This work identifies several water bug families as hosts of M. ulcerans in Buruli ulcer endemic area. The detection of bacilli in saliva of human biting insects provides further evidence for their role in M. ulcerans transmission. Interestingly, three of these insects are good flyers, and as such could participate in M. ulcerans dissemination