Heavy neutrino matter at finite temperature

Includes bibliographical references.We study, for a system of massive fermions which interact only gravitationally, the phase transition that is associated with gravitational collapse. It is shown that by cooling a non-degenerate gas of massive neutrinos below some critical temperature, a condensed phase emerges, consisting of quasi-degenerate super-massive neutrino stars. These compact dark objects could play an important role in structure formation in this universe, as they might in fact provide the seeds for galactic nuclei and quasi-stellar objects

Characterisation of juvenile hormone esterase in Drosophila melanogaster

International audienceThis work is devoted to the study of the influence of inter-component coupling on the performance of EMC filters. A preliminary study on a simple LC filter allowed us to highlight the influence of the components placements on the quality of the filter. A procedure for evaluating inter-component coupling using optimization methods and 3D digital models is proposed. This procedure has been validated in the case of a loop-loop structure. The developed models will be used later to perform optimizations of the components placements to improve the quality of the filter in its design

Micro-Fabrication of Planar Inductors for High Frequency DC-DC Power Converters

International audienc

De novo assembled expressed gene catalog of a fast-growing Eucalyptus tree produced by Illumina mRNA-Seq

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>De novo </it>assembly of transcript sequences produced by short-read DNA sequencing technologies offers a rapid approach to obtain expressed gene catalogs for non-model organisms. A draft genome sequence will be produced in 2010 for a <it>Eucalyptus </it>tree species (<it>E. grandis</it>) representing the most important hardwood fibre crop in the world. Genome annotation of this valuable woody plant and genetic dissection of its superior growth and productivity will be greatly facilitated by the availability of a comprehensive collection of expressed gene sequences from multiple tissues and organs.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We present an extensive expressed gene catalog for a commercially grown <it>E. grandis </it>× <it>E. urophylla </it>hybrid clone constructed using only Illumina mRNA-Seq technology and <it>de novo </it>assembly. A total of 18,894 transcript-derived contigs, a large proportion of which represent full-length protein coding genes were assembled and annotated. Analysis of assembly quality, length and diversity show that this dataset represent the most comprehensive expressed gene catalog for any <it>Eucalyptus </it>tree. mRNA-Seq analysis furthermore allowed digital expression profiling of all of the assembled transcripts across diverse xylogenic and non-xylogenic tissues, which is invaluable for ascribing putative gene functions.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p><it>De novo </it>assembly of Illumina mRNA-Seq reads is an efficient approach for transcriptome sequencing and profiling in <it>Eucalyptus </it>and other non-model organisms. The transcriptome resource (Eucspresso, <url>http://eucspresso.bi.up.ac.za/</url>) generated by this study will be of value for genomic analysis of woody biomass production in <it>Eucalyptus </it>and for comparative genomic analysis of growth and development in woody and herbaceous plants.</p

Modeling, Fabrication, and Characterization of Planar Inductors on YIG Substrates

International audienceThis paper presents the design, fabrication, and characterization of micro planar inductors on a microwave magnetic material (YIG). Planar spiral inductors were designed for monolithic DC-DC converters in System-In-Package with 100 MHz switching frequency (1 W, Vin= 3.6 V, Vout= 1 V). A microwave magnetic substrate (YIG) serves as mechanical support, and also presents a double purpose by increasing inductance value and reducing electromagnetic interferences (EMI). This last point is critical to improve the behavior of a switching mode power supply (SMPS). In order to obtain an optimal design for the inductor, geometrical parameters were studied using Flux2D simulator and an optimized 30 to 40 nH spiral inductor with expected 25 mΩ RDC, 3 mm2 footprint area was designed. Subsequently, samples have been fabricated by electroplating technique, and tested using a vector network analyzer in the 10 MHz to 100 MHz frequency range. Results were then compared to the predicted response of simulated equivalent model

Design of a Low-Capacitance Planar Transformer for a 4 kW/500 kHz DAB Converter

International audienceIncreasing electrification in transport sectors, from automotive to aerospace, highlights the need for low size and high power density components. The recent advent of planar technology theoretically allows to reduce considerably the size of the magnetic components. This article focuses on the design of a high frequency planar transformer intended to be used in a 4 kW 500 kHz DAB converter. In particular, the inter-winding capacitances are assessed, as they have a strong influence on the behaviour of the DAB, and in some extreme cases may impede operation entirely. Analytical and finite element models are used to evaluate the stray elements of the transformer (resistance of the conductors, inter-winding capacitance and leakage inductance), and the resulting circuit model is compared with experimental measurements. This work focuses on influences of design parameters on the transformer stray elements

Low cost power and flow rates measurements in manufacturing plants

International audienceThe ability to measure, monitor and control energy consumption at several key locations in a manufacturing plant is a major prerequisite for any efficient energy management program. To identify and evaluate energy savings, one must get a clear view of how the energy is used. Furthermore, measuring energy flows is one of the necessary conditions for long lasting energyefficient solutions. Most of the time energy managers are reluctant to put in place power and flow rate measuring devices either because of their cost or because this implies stopping production. To find acceptable and economical solutions for long lasting energy measurements in Industry, EDF R&D launched a 3-year collaborative research project called CHIC. This project is funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR) and involves 7 partners. Its total budget amounts to 2.55 M€. This project serves two purposes: to build a clamp-on power meter that could be installed around multi-conductors power cables without interrupting power supply, and to build power and flow meters that derive the sought-for variable from mathematical models and from simple and easy to collect other physical measurements (e.g. command signals, etc...)

Fostering Energy Efficiency in manufacturing plants through economical breakthroughs in power and flow rate measurement

International audienceThe ability to measure, monitor and control energy consumption at several key locations in a manufacturing plant is a major prerequisite for any efficient energy management program. To identify and evaluate energy savings, one must get a clear view of how the energy is used. Furthermore, measuring energy flows is one of the necessary conditions for long lasting energy-efficient solutions. Most of the time energy managers are reluctant to put in place power and flow rate measuring devices either because of their cost or because this implies disrupting production. To find acceptable and economical solutions for long lasting energy measurements in Industry, EDF R&D launched a 3-year collaborative research project called CHIC. This project is funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR) and involves 7 partners. Its total budget amounts to 2.55 M€. Because energy measuring devices acceptability relies mostly on their ability to be installed without disrupting production as well as on their installation and maintenance costs, two non intrusive and low cost technologies will be explored within the project: A physical approach is being used to build a clamp-on power meter that could be installed around multi-conductors power cables without interrupting power supply, A software based approach is being used to build power and flow meters that derive the sought-for variable from models and from simple and easy to collect other physical measurements (e.g. command signals, etc...). Introductio