The topological structure of scaling limits of large planar maps

We discuss scaling limits of large bipartite planar maps. If p is a fixed integer strictly greater than 1, we consider a random planar map M(n) which is uniformly distributed over the set of all 2p-angulations with n faces. Then, at least along a suitable subsequence, the metric space M(n) equipped with the graph distance rescaled by the factor n to the power -1/4 converges in distribution as n tends to infinity towards a limiting random compact metric space, in the sense of the Gromov-Hausdorff distance. We prove that the topology of the limiting space is uniquely determined independently of p, and that this space can be obtained as the quotient of the Continuum Random Tree for an equivalence relation which is defined from Brownian labels attached to the vertices. We also verify that the Hausdorff dimension of the limit is almost surely equal to 4.Comment: 45 pages Second version with minor modification

Magnetization reversal and spin dynamics exchange in biased F/AF bilayers probed with complex permeability spectra

The spin dynamics of the ferromagnetic pinned layer of ferro-antiferromagnetic coupled NiFe/MnNi bilayers is investigated in a broad frequency range (30 MHz-6 GHz). A phenomenological model based on the Landau-Lifshitz equation for the complex permeability of the F/AF bilayer is proposed. The experimental results are compared to theoretical predictions. We show that the resonance frequencies, measured during the magnetization, are likewise hysteretic.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Seeds and plant protection substances for French organic oilseed crops: what are the challenges for tomorrow?☆

Organic production systems rely on different combinations of agronomic levers to ensure their sustainability, notably seeds and crop protection products. These inputs were mostly developed for conventional farming, which is the main market, and then evaluated under organic conditions. However, the growth of organic farming raises the question of producing inputs more specifically designed for this type of production, with its technical constraints, concepts and ethics. Recently, changes to European regulations on organic farming have opened up new perspectives, particularly in terms of varietal selection and evaluation, with introduction of the notions of “organic variety” and “organic heterogeneous material”. These two notions challenge and question the concept of variety, as well as the classic methods for evaluating their performance. With regard to crop protection products, a number of products can now be used on oilseed crops, including basic substances, low-risk substances and biocontrol agents but, the list remains limited, particularly for sunflower and soybean. However, new innovations are emerging, particularly in biocontrol agents, which augur new possibilities for controlling diseases and pests for which no solution is currently available. It is therefore necessary to support research in order to provide rapid solutions, and also to ensure that regulations evolve to promote their integration and availability to farmers. The use of inputs (seeds and plant protection products) in organic farming is governed by a number of European regulations, which are sometimes difficult to harmonize

Renormalization Theory for Interacting Crumpled Manifolds

We consider a continuous model of D-dimensional elastic (polymerized) manifold fluctuating in d-dimensional Euclidean space, interacting with a single impurity via an attractive or repulsive delta-potential (but without self-avoidance interactions). Except for D=1 (the polymer case), this model cannot be mapped onto a local field theory. We show that the use of intrinsic distance geometry allows for a rigorous construction of the high-temperature perturbative expansion and for analytic continuation in the manifold dimension D. We study the renormalization properties of the model for 0<D<2, and show that for d<d* where d*=2D/(2-D) is the upper critical dimension, the perturbative expansion is UV finite, while UV divergences occur as poles at d=d*. The standard proof of perturbative renormalizability for local field theories (the BPH theorem) does not apply to this model. We prove perturbative renormalizability to all orders by constructing a subtraction operator based on a generalization of the Zimmermann forests formalism, and which makes the theory finite at d=d*. This subtraction operation corresponds to a renormalization of the coupling constant of the model (strength of the interaction with the impurity). The existence of a Wilson function, of an epsilon-expansion around the critical dimension, of scaling laws for d<d* in the repulsive case, and of non-trivial critical exponents of the delocalization transition for d>d* in the attractive case is thus established. To our knowledge, this provides the first proof of renormalizability for a model of extended objects, and should be applicable to the study of self-avoidance interactions for random manifolds.Comment: 126 pages (+ 24 figures not included available upon request), harvmac, SPhT/92/12

Low-field H-1 NMR spectroscopy for distinguishing between arabica and robusta ground roast coffees

This work reports a new screening protocol for addressing issues of coffee authenticity using low-field (60 MHz) bench-top H-1 NMR spectroscopy. Using a simple chloroform-based extraction, useful spectra were obtained from the lipophilic fraction of ground roast coffees. It was found that 16-O-methylcafestol (16-OMC, a recognized marker compound for robusta beans) gives rise to an isolated peak in the 60 MHz spectrum, which can be used as an indicator of the presence of robusta beans in the sample. A total of 81 extracts from authenticated coffees and mixtures were analysed, from which the detection limit of robusta in arabica was estimated to be between 10% and 20% w/w. Using the established protocol, a surveillance exercise was conducted of 27 retail samples of ground roast coffees which were labelled as "100% arabica". None were found to contain undeclared robusta content above the estimated detection limit. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier Ltd

Confluence of geodesic paths and separating loops in large planar quadrangulations

We consider planar quadrangulations with three marked vertices and discuss the geometry of triangles made of three geodesic paths joining them. We also study the geometry of minimal separating loops, i.e. paths of minimal length among all closed paths passing by one of the three vertices and separating the two others in the quadrangulation. We concentrate on the universal scaling limit of large quadrangulations, also known as the Brownian map, where pairs of geodesic paths or minimal separating loops have common parts of non-zero macroscopic length. This is the phenomenon of confluence, which distinguishes the geometry of random quadrangulations from that of smooth surfaces. We characterize the universal probability distribution for the lengths of these common parts.Comment: 48 pages, 33 color figures. Final version, with one concluding paragraph and one reference added, and several other small correction

Retrospective analysis of anthropometric and fitness characteristics associated with long-term career progression in Rugby League.

The current study retrospectively investigated the differences in anthropometric and fitness characteristics of junior rugby league players selected onto a talent identification and development (TID) programme between long-term career progression levels (i.e., amateur, academy, professional)

16-O-methylcafestol is present in ground roast Arabica coffees: Implications for authenticity testing

High-field and low-field proton NMR spectroscopy were used to analyse lipophilic extracts from ground roast coffees. Using a sample preparation method that produced concentrated extracts, a small marker peak at 3.16 ppm was observed in 30 Arabica coffees of assured origin. This signal has previously been believed absent from Arabicas, and has been used as a marker for detecting adulteration with robusta. Via 2D 600 MHz NMR and LC-MS, 16-O-methylcafestol and 16-O-methylkahweol were detected for the first time in Arabica roast coffee and shown to be responsible for the marker peak. Using low-field NMR, robusta in Arabica could be detected at levels of the order of 1-2% w/w. A surveillance study of retail purchased "100% Arabica" coffees found that 6 out of 60 samples displayed the 3.16 ppm marker signal to a degree commensurate with adulteration at levels of 3-30% w/w

APOE genotype influences the gut microbiome structure and function in humans and mice: relevance for Alzheimer’s disease pathophysiology

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype is the strongest prevalent genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Numerous studies have provided insights into the pathologic mechanisms. However, a comprehensive understanding of the impact ofAPOEgenotype onmicroflora speciation and metabolismis completely lacking. In this study,we investigated the association between APOE genotype and the gut microbiome composition in human and APOE–targeted replacement (TR) transgenic mice. Fecal microbiota amplicon sequencing from matched individuals with different APOE genotypes revealed no significant differences in overall microbiota diversity in group aggregated human APOE genotypes. However, several bacterial taxa showed significantly different relative abundance between APOE genotypes. Notably, we detected an association of Prevotellaceae and Ruminococcaceae and several butyrate-producing genera abundances with APOE genotypes. These findings were confirmed by comparing the gutmicrobiota ofAPOE-TRmice. Furthermore, metabolomic analysis of murine fecalwater detected significant differences in microbe-associated amino acids and short-chain fatty acids between APOE genotypes. Together, these findings indicate that APOE genotype is associated with specific gut microbiome profiles in both humans and APOE-TR mice. This suggests that the gut microbiome is worth further investigation as a potential target to mitigate the deleterious impact of the APOE4 allele on cognitive decline and the prevention of A