Limit theory of sparse random geometric graphs in high dimensions

We study topological and geometric functionals of l∞-random geometric graphs on the high-dimensional torus in a sparse regime, where the expected number of neighbors decays exponentially in the dimension. More precisely, we establish moment asymptotics, functional central limit theorems and Poisson approximation theorems for certain functionals that are additive under disjoint unions of graphs. For instance, this includes simplex counts and Betti numbers of the Rips complex, as well as general subgraph counts of the random geometric graph. We also present multi-additive extensions that cover the case of persistent Betti numbers of the Rips complex.</p

Alkane-grown Beauveria bassiana produce mycelial pellets displaying peroxisome proliferation, oxidative stress, and cell surface alterations

The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana is able to grow on insect cuticle18 hydrocarbons as the sole carbon source, inducing several enzymes involved in alkane19 assimilation and concomitantly increasing virulence against insect hosts. In this study, we20 describe some physiological and molecular processes implicated in growth, nutritional21 stress response, and cellular alterations found in alkane-grown fungi. The fungal cytology22 was investigated using light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) while the surface23 topography was examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Fungal hydrophobicity24 was also measured on the cell surface. Additionally, the expression pattern of several genes25 associated with oxidative stress, peroxisome biogenesis, and hydrophobicity were analysed26 by qPCR. We found a novel type of growth in alkane-cultured B. bassiana similar to27 mycelial pellets described in other alkane-free fungi, which were able to germinate and28 produce viable conidia in media without a carbon source and to be pathogenic against29 larvae of the beetles Tenebrio molitor and Tribolium castaneum. Optical microscopy and30 TEM showed that pellets were formed by hyphae cumulates with high peroxidase activity,31 exhibiting peroxisome proliferation and an apparent surface thickening. Alkane-grown32 conidia appeared to be more hydrophobic and cell surfaces displayed different topography33 than glucose-grown cells, as it was observed by AFM. We also found a significant34 induction in several genes encoding for peroxins, catalases, superoxide dismutases, and35 hydrophobins. These results show that both morphological and metabolic changes are36 triggered in mycelial pellets derived from alkane-grown B. bassiana.Fil: Huarte Bonnet, Carla. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata ; ArgentinaFil: Santos Da Paixao, Flavia Regina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata ; ArgentinaFil: Ponce, Juan C. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata ; ArgentinaFil: Santana, Marianela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata ; ArgentinaFil: Prieto, Eduardo Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas; ArgentinaFil: Pedrini, Nicolás. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata ; Argentin

Iterative Search with Local Visual Features for Computer Assisted Plant Identification

To support computer assisted plant species identification in a realistic, uncontrolled picture-taking condition, we put forward an approach relying on local image features. It combines query by example and relevance feedback to support both the localization of potentially interesting image regions and the classification of these regions as representing or not the target species. We show that this approach is successful, and makes prior segmentation unnecessary

Threshold phenomena for high-dimensional random polytopes

Let $X_1,\ldots,X_N$, $N>n$, be independent random points in $\mathbb{R}^n$, distributed according to the so-called beta or beta-prime distribution, respectively. We establish threshold phenomena for the volume, intrinsic volumes, or more general measures of the convex hulls of these random point sets, as the space dimension $n$ tends to infinity. The dual setting of polytopes generated by random halfspaces is also investigated.Comment: 26 page

La nouvelle équipe de recherche Cosmos de l’université de Bourgogne

L’équipe de recherche COSMOS (COmmunication, Savoirs, Médiations et OrganisationS, dir. Jacques Bonnet/Enesad), est l’une des trois composantes de l’Equipe d’Accueil CIMEOS (EA n°4177, dir. Daniel Raichvarg) de l’Université de Bourgogne. Elle a pour objectif de développer une approche informationnelle et communicationnelle des importants changements culturels et socio-économiques qui affectent les organisations, dans leurs identités, leurs messages et leurs activités. Ces changements sont con..

Off-pump replacement of the pulmonary valve in large right ventricular outflow tracts: A hybrid approach

BackgroundPercutaneous pulmonary valve replacement has recently been introduced and is under investigation in humans. This technique is, however, limited to patients with a right ventricular outflow tract that does not exceed 22 mm in diameter. We report our experience of off-pump pulmonary valve replacement using a hybrid approach in animals with large right ventricular outflow tracts.MethodsEight ewes were included in the protocol and were equally divided into 2 groups. A left thoracotomy was first performed, and the main pulmonary artery was banded by using 2 radiopaque rings with a diameter of 18 mm that allowed for further pulmonary valve replacement. We then intended to implant a valved stent either percutaneously (group 1) or through a transventricular approach (group 2). All animals were killed after valve implantation. The operation allowed the pulmonary diameter to be reduced from 30 to 17.6 mm.ResultsThe right ventricular pressure did not significantly increase after reduction of the pulmonary artery diameter (25 vs 36 mm Hg). Subsequent pulmonary valve replacement through a percutaneous or a transventricular approach was always possible without any requirement for extracorporeal circulation. All devices were successfully delivered inside the pulmonary artery banding and were functioning perfectly at early evaluation.ConclusionsImplantation of a pulmonary valve is possible in ewes through a hybrid approach when the right ventricular outflow tract exceeds 22 mm in diameter. This involves both surgeons and interventionists and allows for a staged procedure in which the valvulation is performed percutaneously or, for a combined hybrid approach, in which the valve is implanted off pump transventricularly during the same operation