Novel Method for Improving the Capacity of Optical MIMO System Using MGDM

In current local area networks, multimode fibers (MMFs), primarily graded index (GI) MMFs, are the main types of fibers employed for data communications. Due to their enormous bandwidth, it is considered that they are the main channel medium that can offer broadband multiservices using optical multiplexing techniques. Amongst these, mode group diversity multiplexing (MGDM) has been proposed as a way to integrate various services over an MMF network by exciting different groups of modes that can be used as independent and parallel communication channels. In this paper, we study optical multiple-input–multiple-output (O-MIMO) systems using MGDM techniques while also optimizing the launching conditions of light at the fiber inputs and the spot size, radial offset, angular offset, wavelength, and the radii of the segment areas of the detectors. We propose a new approach based on the optimization of launching and detection conditions in order to increase the capacity of an O-MIMO link using the MGDM technique. We propose a (3 $times$ 3) O-MIMO system, where our simulation results show significant improvement in GI MMFs' capacity compared with existing O-MIMO systems. Optical multiple-input-multiple-output multiplexing of parallel communication multichannels over a single multimode fiber network. Optical multiple-input-multiple-output multiplexing of parallel communication multichannels over a single multimode fiber network

Myasthenie - spondylarthropathies: association fortuite ? A propos d’un cas et revue de la littérature

Propos Nous rapportons le cas d’un patient atteint d’une myasthénie associée à une spondylarthropathie. Cette observation est originale de part sa rareté, six cas seulement on été rapportés dans la littérature et le problème que pose cette association : est ce qu’elle est fortuite ou impliquerait-elle d’autres facteurs génétiques qui restent à prouver ?Observation Monsieur J.H. âgé de 32 ans, aux antécédents de myasthénie depuis 2002, était hospitalisé en avril 2004 pour polyarthrite chronique bilatérale et asymétrique évoluant depuis un an, touchant le poignet gauche, les inter phalangiennes proximales des 3ème et 5ème doigts droits et le genou droit associées à des talalgiesbilatérales et une douleur des articulations sacro-iliaques. La biologie montrait un syndrome inflammatoire modéré, des facteurs rhumatoïdes faiblement positifs et un typage HLA B7 et B17. Le bilan radiologiquemontrait une arthrite des mains, une enthésite calcanéenne et permettait de suspecter une sacro-iliite bilatérale qui était confirmée par un scanner. L’évolution était bonne sous anti- inflammatoires nonstéroïdiens pendant 6 mois. Il consulte en janvier 2006 pour le même tableau associé à une sècheresse buccale et oculaire. Le bilan trouvait une VS à 20, des facteurs rhumatoïdes faiblement positifs mais desAAN positifs à un taux 1/160 homogènes avec des anti SSA. Les radiographies standard montraient une carpite stade II gauche. L’examen ophtalmologique a confirmé le syndrome sec oculaire. La biopsie des glandes salivaires accessoires a montré un syndrome de Gougerot Sjögren grade 2 de Shisholm

Financing micro-entrepreneurs for poverty alleviation: a performance analysis of microfinance services offered by BRAC, ASA, and Proshika from Bangladesh

Microfinance services have emerged as an effective tool for financing microentrepreneurs to alleviate poverty. Since the 1970s, development theorists have considered non-governmental microfinance institutions (MFIs) as the leading practitioners of sustainable development through financing micro-entrepreneurial activities. This study evaluates the impact of micro-finance services provided by MFIs on poverty alleviation. In this vein, we examine whether microfinance services contribute to poverty alleviation, and also identify bottlenecks in micro-finance programs and operations. The results indicate that the micro-loans have a statistically significant positive impact on the poverty alleviation index and consequently improve the living standard of borrowers by increasing their level of income

Intrasplicing coordinates alternative first exons with alternative splicing in the protein 4.1R gene

In the protein 4.1R gene, alternative first exons splice differentially to alternative 3' splice sites far downstream in exon 2'/2 (E2'/2). We describe a novel intrasplicing mechanism by which exon 1A (E1A) splices exclusively to the distal E2'/2 acceptor via two nested splicing reactions regulated by novel properties of exon 1B (E1B). E1B behaves as an exon in the first step, using its consensus 5' donor to splice to the proximal E2'/2 acceptor. A long region of downstream intron is excised, juxtaposing E1B with E2'/2 to generate a new composite acceptor containing the E1B branchpoint/pyrimidine tract and E2 distal 3' AG-dinucleotide. Next, the upstream E1A splices over E1B to this distal acceptor, excising the remaining intron plus E1B and E2' to form mature E1A/E2 product. We mapped branch points for both intrasplicing reactions and demonstrated that mutation of the E1B 5' splice site or branchpoint abrogates intrasplicing. In the 4.1R gene, intrasplicing ultimately determines N-terminal protein structure and function. More generally, intrasplicing represents a new mechanism whereby alternative promoters can be coordinated with downstream alternative splicing

Predictive tools to control the structure and the properties ofmetakaolin based geopolymer materials

Geopolymers are innovative mineral binders. These materials are still under research development in order to better understand the formation mechanism, the local structure and the final working properties. The aim of this study is to provide predictive tools permitting to control the geopolymerisation reaction. At first, it is important to determine the parameters responsible of raw materials reactivity. For alkaline solutions, the siliceous species distribution and connectivity control the reactivity. Concerning metakaolins, the Si/Al molar ratio, the wettability value, the amorphous phase content and the amount of reactive tetrahedral aluminum are responsible of metakaolin reactivity. Moreover, the reactivity of raw materials was proven to determine the geopolymer existence domains in the Si–Al–M/O ternary diagram. Thermal analysis during and after curing give informations about the amount of water consumed during the reaction and trapped in the final structure as well as the energy required for oligomer formation which seem to be directly related to raw materials reactivity. The pores distribution and size are also influenced by raw materials reactivity. Reactive precursors, especially reactive alkaline solutions, induce higher densification rate and, therefore, lower porosity and larger pore size. Furthermore, reactive precursors favor the formation of geopolymer network. This fact was evident by 29Si NMR. As a consequence, the increase of geopolymer phase in the structure improves the mechanical strength while the competition of different networks is source of weakness

Biogeochemical and biological impacts of diazotroph blooms in a low-nutrient, low-chlorophyll ecosystem: synthesis from the VAHINE mesocosm experiment (New Caledonia)

In marine ecosystems, biological N₂ fixation provides the predominant external source of nitrogen (N; 140 ± 50 Tg N yr⁻¹), contributing more than atmospheric and riverine inputs to the N supply. Yet the fate and magnitude of the newly fixed N, or diazotroph-derived N (hereafter named DDN) in marine ecosystems is poorly understood. Moreover, whether the DDN is preferentially and directly exported out of the photic zone, recycled by the microbial loop and/or transferred into larger organisms remains unclear. These questions were investigated in the framework of the VAHINE (VAriability of vertical and tropHIc transfer of diazotroph derived N in the south wEst Pacific) project. Triplicate large volume ( ∼  50 m³) mesocosms were deployed in the tropical south-west Pacific coastal ocean (New Caledonia). The mesocosms were intentionally fertilized with  ∼  0.8 µM dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) at the start of the experiment to stimulate diazotrophy. A total of 47 stocks, fluxes, enzymatic activities and diversity parameters were measured daily inside and outside the mesocosms by the 40 scientists involved in the project. The experiment lasted for 23 days and was characterized by two distinct and successive diazotroph blooms: a dominance of diatom-diazotroph associations (DDAs) during the first half of the experiment (days 2–14) followed by a bloom of unicellular cyanobacterial lineage C (UCYN-C during the second half of the experiment (days 15–23). These conditions provided a unique opportunity to compare the DDN transfer and export efficiency associated with different diazotrophs. Here we summarize the major experimental and modelling results obtained during the project and described in the VAHINE special issue, in particular those regarding the evolution of the main standing stocks, fluxes and biological characteristics over the 23-day experiment, the contribution of N₂ fixation to export fluxes, the DDN released to dissolved pool and its transfer to the planktonic food web (bacteria, phytoplankton, zooplankton). We then apply our Eco3M modelling platform to further infer the fate of DDN in the ecosystem and the role of N₂ fixation on productivity, food web structure and carbon export. Recommendations for future work are finally provided in the conclusion section

Biodiversité du milieu marin : Le phytoplankton.

L'évocation de l'environnement en Guyane renvoie intuitivement à la forêt amazonienne, poumon de la Terre, avec ses faunes et flores exubérantes. Il existe pourtant une autre Guyane, moins emblématique, celle des espaces côtiers et littoraux, paradoxalement moins accessible et de ce fait mieux préservée. Entre milieu marin, pointes rocheuses, plages de sable, étendues de vase, mangroves, marais, forêts et savanes, la Guyane côtière recèle en effet des écosystèmes très divers, dont on commence seulement à découvrir la richesse, l'organisation et le fonctionnement. Rédigé par un collectif de chercheurs impliqués dans l'observation, la description et l'analyse de ces environnements et de leurs biodiversités, Guyane océane présente ainsi pour la première fois ces milieux méconnus à un large public