Cross density of states and mode connectivity: Probing wave localization in complex media

We introduce the mode connectivity as a measure of the number of eigenmodes of a wave equation connecting two points at a given frequency. Based on numerical simulations of scattering of electromagnetic waves in disordered media, we show that the connectivity discriminates between the diffusive and the Anderson localized regimes. For practical measurements, the connectivity is encoded in the second-order coherence function characterizing the intensity emitted by two incoherent classical or quantum dipole sources. The analysis applies to all processes in which spatially localized modes build up, and to all kinds of waves

Processeurs SAR Basés sur des Détecteurs de Sous-Espaces

Classical SAR Imagery algorithms or SAR processors are all based on the isotropic point model. When detecting Man Made Targets (MMT), this assumption shows its limitation because of the directive behavior of these kind of targets: this model does not take into account their physical properties. The basic idea of this thesis is that we shall be able to develop more efficient SAR processors for the detection of MMT, provided that we adopt a more suited description for these targets. A natural way to model these MMT is to consider them as sets of canonical elements with unknown orientation. If the signal backscattered by the canonical element, whatever its orientation, belongs to a low dimensional subspace, it is then possible to develop a SAR processor based on subspace detectors matched to the canonical element. This processor is called Subspace Signal Detector SAR (SSDSAR) algorithm. When the MMT is embedded in a medium, where specific scatterers create interferences, one can model the electromagnetic response of these scatterers to clear them from the SAR image. Once again, if the set of signals backscattered by the element used to model the scatterer, whatever its orientation, belongs to a low dimensional subspace, a SAR processor based on subspace detectors can be developed. This processor is called Signal or Interference Subspace Detector SAR (SISDSAR) algorithm. Different ways to implement SSDSAR and SISDSAR are presented. Theoretical performances of the two new algorithms are studied in details. Finally, we apply these two processors to simulated and real data.Les algorithmes classiques d'imagerie SAR sont tous basés sur le modèle du point isotrope. Lors de la détection de cibles manufacturées (Man-Made Targets ou MMT), cette hypothèse montre ses limites en raison de la diffusion directive de ce genre de cibles: ce modèle ne tient pas compte de leurs propriétés physiques. L'idée de base de cette thèse est que nous serons en mesure de développer des processeurs SAR plus efficaces pour la détection du MMT, à condition que nous adoptions une description plus adaptée à ces objectifs. Une façon naturelle de modéliser ces MMT est de les considérer comme des ensembles d'éléments canoniques avec orientation inconnue. Si le signal rétrodiffusé par l'élément canonique, quelle que soit son orientation, appartient à un sous-espace de faible dimension, il est alors possible d'élaborer un processeur SAR sur la base de détecteurs de sous-espaces adaptés à l'élément canonique. Cet algorithme est appelé processeur SAR basé sur un Détecteur de Sous Espaces Signaux (SSDSAR). Lorsque le MMT est intégré dans un milieu où les diffuseurs spécifiques créent des interférences, on peut modéliser la réponse électromagnétique de ces diffuseurs pour les faire disparaître de l'image SAR. Encore une fois, si l'ensemble des signaux rétrodiffusés par l'élément utilisé pour modéliser le diffuseur, quelle que soit son orientation, appartient à un sous-espace de dimension faible, un processeur SAR basé sur des détecteurs subspatiales peut être développé. Ce processeur est appelé processeur SAR basé sur des Détecteurs de Sous Espaces Signaux ou Interférences (SISDSAR). Différentes façons de mettre en œuvre SSDSAR et SISDSAR sont présentées. Les performances théoriques des deux nouveaux algorithmes sont étudiées en détail. Enfin, nous appliquons ces deux processeurs à des données réelles et simulées

Silicon on Nothing Mems Electromechanical Resonator

The very significant growth of the wireless communication industry has spawned tremendous interest in the development of high performances radio frequencies (RF) components. Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) are good candidates to allow reconfigurable RF functions such as filters, oscillators or antennas. This paper will focus on the MEMS electromechanical resonators which show interesting performances to replace SAW filters or quartz reference oscillators, allowing smaller integrated functions with lower power consumption. The resonant frequency depends on the material properties, such as Young's modulus and density, and on the movable mechanical structure dimensions (beam length defined by photolithography). Thus, it is possible to obtain multi frequencies resonators on a wafer. The resonator performance (frequency, quality factor) strongly depends on the environment, like moisture or pressure, which imply the need for a vacuum package. This paper will present first resonator mechanisms and mechanical behaviors followed by state of the art descriptions with applications and specifications overview. Then MEMS resonator developments at STMicroelectronics including FEM analysis, technological developments and characterization are detailed.Comment: Submitted on behalf of EDA Publishing Association (http://irevues.inist.fr/EDA-Publishing

Plasticity of gene expression according to salinity in the testis of broodstock and F1 black-chinned tilapia, Sarotherodon melanotheron heudelotii

The black-chinned tilapia Sarotherodon melanotheron heudelotii Ruppell 1852 (Teleostei, Cichlidae) displays remarkable acclimation capacities. When exposed to drastic changes of salinity, which can be the case in its natural habitat, it develops quick physiological responses and keeps reproducing. The present study focused on the physiological impact of salinity on male reproductive capacities, using gene expression as a proxy of acclimation process. Two series of experimental fish were investigated: the first one was composed of fish maintained in freshwater for several generations and newly acclimated to salinities of 35 and 70, whereas the second one consisted of the descendants of the latter born and were raised under their native salinity. Expression patterns of 43 candidate genes previously identified from the testes of wild males was investigated in the three salinities and two generations. Twenty of them showed significant expression differences between salinities, and their predicted function revealed that most of them are involved in the osmotic tolerance of sperm cells and/or in the maintenance of sperm motility. A high level of expression variation was evidenced, especially for fish maintained in freshwater. In spite of this, gene expression patterns allowed the differentiation between fish raised in freshwater and those maintained in hypersaline water in both generations. Altogether, the results presented here suggest that this high variability of expression is likely to ensure the reproductive success of this species under varying salinities

The explosion mechanism of core-collapse supernovae: progress in supernova theory and experiments

The explosion of core-collapse supernova depends on a sequence of events taking place in less than a second in a region of a few hundred kilometers at the center of a supergiant star, after the stellar core approaches the Chandrasekhar mass and collapses into a proto-neutron star, and before a shock wave is launched across the stellar envelope. Theoretical efforts to understand stellar death focus on the mechanism which transforms the collapse into an explosion. Progress in understanding this mechanism is reviewed with particular attention to its asymmetric character. We highlight a series of successful studies connecting observations of supernova remnants and pulsars properties to the theory of core-collapse using numerical simulations. The encouraging results from first principles models in axisymmetric simulations is tempered by new puzzles in 3D. The diversity of explosion paths and the dependence on the pre-collapse stellar structure is stressed, as well as the need to gain a better understanding of hydrodynamical and MHD instabilities such as SASI and neutrino-driven convection. The shallow water analogy of shock dynamics is presented as a comparative system where buoyancy effects are absent. This dynamical system can be studied numerically and also experimentally with a water fountain. The potential of this complementary research tool for supernova theory is analyzed. We also review its potential for public outreach in science museums.Comment: 19 pages, 6 figures, invited review accepted for publication in PAS

Algorithme de synthèse d'ouverture basé sur un détecteur à sous espace

Cet article traite de l'imagerie de cibles localisées sous un couvert forestier à l'aide d'un Radar à Synthèse d'Ouverture (RSO) Large Bande, fonctionnant en UHF-VHF (fréquence centrale entre 100 MHz et 1 GHz). Partant de l'idée qu'une cible est constituée d'un ensemble de plaques, nous développons un algorithme original d'imagerie basé sur un détecteur à sous espace. Nous montrons que quelque soit l'orientation d'une plaque, l'ensemble de ses réponses appartient à un sous espace restreint et nous projetons le signal reçu réel dans ce sous espace. Ensuite, cet algorithme est testé sur des cas simples de simulation où la cible est une plaque et les performances de détection de cet algorithme sont comparées avec un algorithme traditionnel d'imagerie RSO. Les résultats montrent une nette amélioration des performances de localisation et de détection dans le cas de plaques noyées dans du bruit blanc, gaussien

Upregulated IL-32 expression and reduced gut short chain fatty acid caproic acid in people living with HIV with subclinical atherosclerosis

Despite the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV (PLWH) are still at higher risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) that are mediated by chronic inflammation. Identification of novel inflammatory mediators with the inherent potential to be used as CVD biomarkers and also as therapeutic targets is critically needed for better risk stratification and disease management in PLWH. Here, we investigated the expression and potential role of the multi-isoform proinflammatory cytokine IL-32 in subclinical atherosclerosis in PLWH (n=49 with subclinical atherosclerosis and n=30 without) and HIV- controls (n=25 with subclinical atherosclerosis and n=24 without). While expression of all tested IL-32 isoforms (α, β, γ, D, ϵ, and θ) was significantly higher in peripheral blood from PLWH compared to HIV- controls, IL-32D and IL-32θ isoforms were further upregulated in HIV+ individuals with coronary artery atherosclerosis compared to their counterparts without. Upregulation of these two isoforms was associated with increased plasma levels of IL-18 and IL-1β and downregulation of the atheroprotective protein TRAIL, which together composed a unique atherosclerotic inflammatory signature specific for PLWH compared to HIV- controls. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that modulation of these inflammatory variables was independent of age, smoking, and statin treatment. Furthermore, our in vitro functional data linked IL-32 to macrophage activation and production of IL-18 and downregulation of TRAIL, a mechanism previously shown to be associated with impaired cholesterol metabolism and atherosclerosis. Finally, increased expression of IL-32 isoforms in PLWH with subclinical atherosclerosis was associated with altered gut microbiome (increased pathogenic bacteria; Rothia and Eggerthella species) and lower abundance of the gut metabolite short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) caproic acid, measured in fecal samples from the study participants. Importantly, caproic acid diminished the production of IL-32, IL-18, and IL-1β in human PBMCs in response to bacterial LPS stimulation. In conclusion, our studies identified an HIV-specific atherosclerotic inflammatory signature including specific IL-32 isoforms, which is regulated by the SCFA caproic acid and that may lead to new potential therapies to prevent CVD in ART-treated PLWH