Applied Studies of Raptor Sensory Ecology are Rare

Light and noise often act as pollutants, but can also be used as tools for managing wildlife (e.g., sensory deterrents). Given that raptors are among the most threatened groups of birds, we expected there to be a moderate amount of applied research on their sensory ecology. We searched Web of Science and Google Scholar to quantify and classify the research that has been conducted on the applied sensory ecology of raptors. Of 32 studies assessing the effects of sensory pollution on raptors, we found that 10 studies examined effects of light pollution and 24 studies examined effects of noise pollution. Most of the studies regarding sensory pollution were of owls (21 studies). The United States was the site of the most noise pollution studies (seven studies) whereas Spain and Poland (two studies each) were sites of the most studies of light pollution. We found only seven studies that directly collected data regarding sensory deterrents. With so few studies examining applied aspects of the sensory ecology of raptors, we argue that effects of sensory pollution are poorly understood and the efficacy of sensory deterrents is largely unknown. Light and noise pollution are spreading across much of the globe. Applied research on the sensory ecology of raptors must be made a priority if wildlife managers are to conserve this imperiled group of birds

An improved topology for reconfigurable CPSS-based reflectarray cell,

International audienceAn improved topology of a CPSS-based unit-cell is proposed as a building block of reconfigurable dual-CP reflectarrays in X-band. Its performance is first studied numerically under oblique incidence. Then, we show that it is possible to reduce significantly the number of active components needed to reconfigure the unit-cell, thus leading to an easier implementatio

Design of a CPSS-based reflectarray cell with controllable reflected phase for dual-circularly-polarised reflectarrays

International audienceA first step towards the design of dual-circularly polarised reflectarrays with independent control of both polarisations is proposed in X-band. A reconfigurable unit-cell based on a circularly- polarised selective surface is studied at 8.5 GHz. It provides a 2-bit phase resolution in reflection for the left hand circular polarisation (LHCP) and is nearly transparent in right hand circular polarisation (RHCP). The simulated characteristics are excellent over a 6.4% bandwidth. The proposed unit-cell is fabricated using stacked substrates. A loss budget demonstrates that loss is quite balanced between loss in materials and polarisation conversion. Then, a study of the effect of realistic switches is shown in order to demonstrate that conventional p.i.n. diodes would cause an acceptable loss increase

Cellule déphaseuse en bipolarisation circulaire pour antenne à réseau réflecteur

National audienceUne nouvelle cellule unitaire pour une antenne à réseau réflecteur reconfigurable en bipolarisation circulaire est proposée. Elle permet d'obtenir une résolution en phase d'environ 2 bits en réflexion pour les deux ondes incidentes en polarisation circulaire (droite et gauche). La cellule est étudiée et mesurée à 8,4 GHz et offre expérimentalement une bande passante de 320 MHz

Design and Characterization of a CPSS-based Unit-Cell for Circularly Polarized Reflectarray Applications

International audienceA CPSS-based unit-cell is proposed as a building block of future reconfigurable dual-CP reflectarrays illuminated by a dual CP primary feed. It is based on an enhanced version of the original Pierrot's cell with multiple wires bent in a crank-like shape. It provides a 2-bit phase resolution in reflection for the left hand circular polarization (LHCP) and is nearly transparent in right hand circular polarization (RHCP). The main design steps and measurement procedure of the optimized cell are described in detail. The simulated and measured characteristics are in good agreement. The experimental results demonstrate a 6.4% bandwidth for a phase resolution better than 1.9bits and an insertion loss of 0.5dB at resonance

Organiseur typologique

Expérimentations par algorithmes basés-agents pour la spatialisation de réseaux typologiques. Un outil accessible, permettant l’organisation d’un ensemble complexe de programmes architecturaux, dans des conditions d’exigence proches du réel, et autorisant tant la manipulation des règles et paramètres régissant le processus de spatialisation que le retour sur le résultat peut être un instrument intéressant du dialogue des différentes parties à la conception d’un projet. Nous proposons une approche possible pour un outil de ce type, explorant les limites et perspectives ouvertes par les différentes logiques de fonctionnement

Binocular vision and foraging in ducks, geese and swans (Anatidae)

Wide variation in visual field configuration across avian species is hypothesized to be driven primarily by foraging ecology and predator detection. While some studies of selected taxa have identified relationships between foraging ecology and binocular field characteristics in particular species, few have accounted for the relevance of shared ancestry. We conducted a large-scale, comparative analysis across 39 Anatidae species to investigate the relationship between the foraging ecology traits of diet or behaviour and binocular field parameters, while controlling for phylogeny. We used phylogenetic models to examine correlations between traits and binocular field characteristics, using unidimensional and morphometric approaches. We found that foraging behaviour influenced three parameters of binocular field size: maximum binocular field width, vertical binocular field extent, and angular separation between the eye-bill projection and the direction of maximum binocular field width. Foraging behaviour and body mass each influenced two descriptors of binocular field shape. Phylogenetic relatedness had minimal influence on binocular field size and shape, apart from vertical binocular field extent. Binocular field differences are associated with specific foraging behaviours, as related to the perceptual challenges of obtaining different food items from aquatic and terrestrial environments

Combined assessment of DYRK1A, BDNF and homocysteine levels as diagnostic marker for Alzheimer’s disease

Early identification of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk factors would aid development of interventions to delay the onset of dementia, but current biomarkers are invasive and/or costly to assess. Validated plasma biomarkers would circumvent these challenges. We previously identified the kinase DYRK1A in plasma. To validate DYRK1A as a biomarker for AD diagnosis, we assessed the levels of DYRK1A and the related markers brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and homocysteine in two unrelated AD patient cohorts with age-matched controls. Receiver-operating characteristic curves and logistic regression analyses showed that combined assessment of DYRK1A, BDNF and homocysteine has a sensitivity of 0.952, a specificity of 0.889 and an accuracy of 0.933 in testing for AD. The blood levels of these markers provide a diagnosis assessment profile. Combined assessment of these three markers outperforms most of the previous markers and could become a useful substitute to the current panel of AD biomarkers. These results associate a decreased level of DYRK1A with AD and challenge the use of DYRK1A inhibitors in peripheral tissues as treatment. These measures will be useful for diagnosis purposes.This work was supported by the FEANS. We acknowledge the platform accommodation and animal testing of the animal facility at the Institute Jacques-Monod (University Paris Diderot) and the FlexStation3 facility of the Functional and Adaptive Biology (BFA) LaboratoryPeer reviewe

A variant in XPNPEP2 is associated with angioedema induced by angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitors

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi), which are used to treat common cardiovascular diseases, are associated with a potentially life-threatening adverse reaction known as angioedema (AE-ACEi). We have previously documented a significant association between AE-ACEi and low plasma aminopeptidase P (APP) activity. With eight large pedigrees, we hereby demonstrate that this quantitative trait is partially regulated by genetic factors. We tested APP activity using a variance-component QTL analysis of a 10-cM genomewide microsatellite scan enriched with seven markers over two candidate regions. We found significant linkage (LOD = 3.75) to a locus that includes the YPNPEP2 candidate gene encoding membrane-bound APP. Mutation screening of this QTL identified a large coding deletion segregating in one pedigree and an upstream single-nucleotide polymorphism (C2399A SNP), which segregates in the remaining seven pedigrees. Measured genotype analysis strongly suggests that the linkage signal for APP activity at this locus is accounted for predominantly by the SNP association. In a separate case-control study (20 cases and 60 controls), we found significant association of this SNP to ACEi-induced AE (P =.0364). In conclusion, our findings provide supporting evidence that the C-2399A variant in YPNPEP2 is associated with reduced APP activity and a higher incidence of AE-ACEi