University of Franche-Comté

Thermal nonreciprocity are typically realized by using nonlinear heat conductivity, external field bias or spatiotemporal modulation of thermal parameters, but these methods require specific material properties or accurate modulation means. Low-dimensional materials like graphene provides a platform to engineer heat transport characteristics at the molecular level. Here, by simply tuning graphene’s wrinkle morphology, the approach to generate nonreciprocal heat transfer is reported, which applies to both static and dynamic heat signals. Such nonreciprocity is attributed to the tunable responses of thermal conductivity on both temperatures and wrinkles. Phonon density of states of the wrinkled graphene exhibit distinct spectra, especially at the low frequency (around 17 THz), which results in reduced temperature-sensitivity of thermal conductivities and eventually induces thermal nonreciprocity. The findings provide insights into the physics of thermal transport in wrinkled graphene, and paves a new avenue for mechanically modulating thermal nonreciprocity. Our method to obtain thermal nonreciprocity is reversible, tunable and controllable, meanwhile remains structural integrity, which benefits functional applications such as heat management in electronics.

The Mimosa pudica leaf has motor organs allowing movements driven by cell osmotic changes in the parenchyma cells in response to various stimuli. Short white light pulses induce rapid and large seismonastic‐like movements (denoted “photostimulation”) of the primary pulvini in various leaves within 120 s after the onset of light. An early event recorded is a wavelength‐related modification of the plasma membrane difference: potential depolarization under white, blue, green, and red wavelengths, and hyperpolarization under far red wavelengths (and also in darkness). The photoreactivity of the pulvini is controlled by a circadian rhythm and modulated by the applied diurnal photoperiod cycle (photophase ranging from 6 to 18 h). The reactivity varied among plants and even between leaves on the same plant. The level of reactivity is related to the photon fluence rate in the range from 10 to 140 μmol m ⁻² s ⁻¹ under white light and to the experimental temperature in the range 15°C–35°C. An “accommodation” to light supply is evidenced by a modulation of the reactivity in relation to the schedule of light application under low fluence rates and the introduction of short darkness intervals during the first 30‐s light pulse. The blue light‐induced photostimulation is under phytochrome control.

Background Emergency medical services (EMS) must incorporate the patient’s physiologic state and end-of-life wishes when determining whether to initiate and/or continue cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This study aims to describe and analyze the use of advance directives (ADs) in CPR by emergency physicians (EPs). Methods A qualitative approach using semi-directed interviews was conducted. EPs were confronted with three fictitious clinical situations where they would have to take under their care a young patient with no previous history or treatment, presenting with a cardiac arrest and a do not attempt CPR (DNACPR) order. Results Twenty EPs, 10 men and 10 women (mean age 39.7 ± SD 11,21), were included either for individual interviews or a focus group. Without the AD, EPs all declared that they would have started CPR. With the AD, 6 physicians accepted ADs and did nothing, 5 physicians performed a time-limited trial to allow time for collegial discussion, and 9 physicians rejected ADs alone and resuscitated. Inductive analysis of the verbatims identified 4 themes (reflection, assessment of the medical situation, determining the validity of ADs, cognitive dissonance) and the opposability of ADs to medical decisions was the point of divergence within the focus group. Conclusion This difference seems to be explained by different thought processes, notably concerning two steps: determining the validity of ADs, and the cognitive dissonance induced by the situation. EPs seem to respect ADs in cardiac arrest when determining the validity of ADs can be quick and the physician understands why the AD was written.

When considering the vibroacoustical behavior of the family of violin instruments, especially related to their construction, numerous beliefs and theories coexist that are not necessarily compatibles between each other. More specifically, the resulting sound or dynamics of the instrument are associated to tonewood properties and geometry, but with ranking and weights that vary according to beliefs and testimony of makers. This study presents an approach to understanding the relative influence of both geometrical and material properties on the vibrational dynamics of the violin. By conducting a screening analysis, using finite element method based computations of a complete violin, we explore impact of maker’s choices during the construction process. The results highlight that the dynamical behavior of the violin is mainly depending on geometrical choices, such as thickness of back and top plate or f-holes shapes, rather than the complete variability of properties of tonewoods. Therefore, the wood selection appears to be a second order effect compared to other luthier’s choices, supporting a craftsmanship practice and can pave the way to the use of lower grade woods, which are more in adequacy with what the resource can offer. This work offers new insights that can assist violin makers in optimizing their design choices and adapting to sustainable material use without compromising subsequent behavior.

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a well‐characterized rare genetic connective tissue disorder. The features of MFS are primarily skeletal, ocular, and cardiovascular and are mainly caused by single‐nucleotide variants (SNVs) in the FBN1 gene (MIM#134797) located on chromosome 15q21.1. We describe two patients, a 26‐year‐old male and a 10‐year‐old female from unrelated distinct families, with clinically diagnosed sporadic MFS. After years of unsuccessful molecular diagnosis for genetic counseling purposes, genome sequencing was performed and revealed a balanced translocation in both patients: de novo t(9;15)(p13.3;q21.1) translocation in the male patient, and de novo t(15;16)(q21.1;p13.13) translocation in the female patient, respectively, disrupting intron 40 and 45 of FBN1 . The other breakpoints were not clinically relevant. These translocations were confirmed by specific fluorescence in situ hybridization probes and conventional karyotyping. In the literature, only one family has been described, leading to four cases of MFS caused by balanced translocations. Genetic counseling for balanced translocations differs from SNVs and even interstitial deletions since it is not restricted to MFS recurrence, but also involves the risk of unbalanced gametes, leading to miscarriage or unbalanced progeny. In case of clinical certainty, MFS patients should be screened for balanced translocations to ensure appropriate genetic counseling.

Aims Sebaceous neoplasms constitute a group of adnexal tumours, including sebaceous adenoma, sebaceoma and sebaceous carcinoma. Although mismatch repair deficiency may be observed, the nature of the genetic alterations contributing to the development of most of these tumours is still unknown. In the present study, we describe the clinical, microscopic, and molecular features of eight sebaceomas with GRHL gene rearrangement. Methods and results Among these sebaceomas, four occurred in women and four in men; the median age was 63 years (range = 29–89). The tumours were located in the head and neck area in all cases. Microscopic examination revealed a well‐demarcated lesion located in the dermis with focal extension into the subcutaneous tissue (three cases). The neoplasms displayed macronodular (eight cases), cribriform (seven cases) and organoid (six cases) growth patterns, occurring in combination. The tumours were mainly composed of immature basophilic cells associated with scattered mature sebocytes. Numerous small infundibular cysts were present in seven cases. Mitotic activity was low (none/one to four mitoses/mm ² ). Immunohistochemistry showed positivity for androgen receptor and p63. Preserved expression of MLH1, PMS2, MSH2 and MSH6 was observed in all cases. RNA‐sequencing revealed RCOR1 :: GRHL2 (three cases), BCL6::GRHL1 (two cases), a BCOR :: GRHL2 (one case), RCOR1 :: GRHL1 (one case) and TLE1::GRHL1 (one case) fusion transcript. Methylation analysis demonstrated that GRHL ‐fused sebaceomas form an independent cluster and highlight the proximity of such tumours with poromas with folliculo‐sebaceous differentiation. Conclusions In conclusion, we report recurrent fusions of the GRHL genes in a distinctive subset of sebaceomas harbouring infundibulocystic differentiation, a frequent organoid growth pattern and lack of mismatch repair deficiency.

The mixture theory framework is a powerful way to describe multi-phasic systems at an intermediary scale between microscopic and macroscopic scales. In particular, mixture theory reveals a powerful approach to represent microbial biofilms where a consortium of cells is embedded in a polymeric structure. To simulate a model of microalgal biofilm, we propose an upgraded numerical scheme, consolidating the one proposed by Berthelin et al. (2016) to enforce the volume-filling constraint in mixture models including mass exchanges. The strategy consists in deducing the discrete version of the incompressibility constraint from the discretized mass balance equations. Numerical simulations show that this method constrains the total volume filling constraint, even at the discrete level. Moreover, we add viscous terms in the biofilm model to properly represent biofilms interactions with its fluidic environment. It turns out that a well-balanced numerical scheme becomes of outmost importance to capture the biofilm dynamic when including the viscosity. This modelling upgrade also involves recalibrating model parameters. In particular, the elastic tensors to recover realistic front features. With the new parameters, the numerical set-up becomes more demanding to reach convergence.

In this chapter we investigate the propagation of acoustic waves in a two-dimensional array of cylindrical pillars on the surface of a semi-infinite substrate. Through the computation of the acoustic band diagram and transmission spectra of periodic pillars arranged in different symmetries, we show that these structures possess acoustic metamaterial features for surface acoustic waves. The pillars on the top of the surface introduce new guided modes in the non-radiative region of the substrate outside the sound cone. The modal shape and polarization of these guided modes are more complex than those of classical surface waves propagating on a homogeneous surface. Significantly, an in-plane polarized wave and a transverse wave with sagittal polarization appear that are not supported by the free surface. In addition, the band diagram of the guided modes defines band gaps that appear at frequencies markedly lower than those expected from the Bragg mechanism. We identify them as originating from local resonances of the individual cylindrical pillar and we show their dependence on the geometrical parameters, in particular with the height of the pillars. The frequency positions of these band gaps are invariant with the symmetry, and thereby the period, of the lattices, which is unexpected in band gaps based on Bragg mechanism. However, the role of the period remains important for defining the non-radiative region limited by the slowest bulk modes and influencing the existence of new surface modes of the structures. The surface acoustic wave transmission across a finite array of pillars corroborates the signature of the locally resonant band gaps for surface modes and their link with the symmetry of the source and its polarization. Numerical simulations based on an efficient finite element method and considering Lithium Niobate pillars on a Lithium Niobate substrate are used to illustrate the theory.

In this chapter, we use analogies between the governing equations for linear surface liquid waves (LSWs) and surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) in order to control their trajectories using geometric transforms. These two routes towards cloaking are emerging areas of physics known as transformational acoustics and plasmonics. We first analyze cloaking of LSWs propagating through a circular cloak, which consists of concentric layers cut into a large number of small sectors with rigid pillars. This water wave cloak behaves as an effective anisotropic fluid. We experimentally observe the decreased backscattering around the frequency 10 Hz of a fluid with low viscosity and finite density (Methoxynonafluorobutane) from a cylindrical rigid obstacle surrounded by the cloak when it is located a couple of wavelengths away from the acoustic source. We then study theoretically, and numerically, the cloaking of SPPs propagating on a structured metal surface, and we manufacture and experimentally validate a plasmonic carpet working in the visible spectrum using dielectric plots of TiO2 arranged along a quasi-conformal grid on a metal plate. Finally, we discuss control of surface seismic waves in structured soils performed by the civil engineering team of Stéphane Brûlé at Ménard in 2012 and by the geophysics team of Philippe Roux at ISTERRE in 2016, which are based on analogies with governing equations for LSWs and SPPs.

The use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) covalently grafted on surfaces has been recognized in recent years as a promising strategy to fight against biofilm formation. However, after grafting, the understanding of AMP–bacteria interactions is still debated in the literature. In this study, Nisin, a cyclic AMP, was grafted onto gold surfaces via an indirect grafting on acidic thiol self-assembled monolayers using succinimide linkers. The physical and chemical properties of these SAMs were then finely characterized by XPS and FT-IR to confirm the covalent grafting of Nisin. The antiadhesion and bactericidal effects were then studied for Escherichia coli ATCC25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, and Listeria ivanovii Li4(pVS2) by a posteriori analysis of the culture supernatants (i.e., indirect technique) and ex situ by optical microscopy following crystal violet staining (i.e., direct technique). Statistical analysis reveals that the Nisin coating has bactericidal and antiadhesive properties towards Gram-positive bacteria, while no significant results were obtained for Gram-negative bacteria.

Organic amendments are commonly applied singularly to soils to improve physical, biological and chemical properties, but their combination may be even more advantageous than when applied alone. In this study manure was applied singularly and in combination with biochar (90:10 and 50:50 ratios) to a drought prone agricultural Regosol in a field evaluation. Samples were collected twice a year for 2 years and subjected to testing for moisture retention, nutrient status and microbial activity whilst weed growth was monitored by drone. Substantial seasonal variability in all parameters measured was observed, though all amendments increased actual soil moisture content between 18 and 41% initially; without the addition of biochar (i.e., manure alone) this reverted back to reduced moisture content towards the second year of sampling. None of the tested amendment combinations significantly affected soil‐saturated hydraulic conductivity. Cation exchange capacity decreased as a result of manure addition alone, the addition of 10% biochar and 50% biochar increased this significantly (23%–54% increase). Though microbial biomass and enzyme soil health indicators showed no decisive changes as a result of amendment application, and plant biomass was variable by ground sampling, drone imagery proved that plant heights and health were generally increased as a result of biochar addition to manure, compared with manured soil alone. In summary, despite much field seasonal variability limiting the interpretation of the data, this study nonetheless demonstrates a useful maintenance of improved soil moisture achieved by adding biochar together with manure to a drought‐prone soil agricultural soil.

Background Quality of life is decreased in bipolar disorders (BD) and contributes to poor prognosis. However, little is known about the causal pathways that may affect it. This study aimed to explore health-related QoL (HRQoL) in BD and investigate its relationship with cognition and psychosocial functioning. Methods This multicenter cross-sectional study used a neuropsychological battery to assess five cognition domains. Functioning was evaluated using global and domain-based tools, and health-related HRQoL was assessed using the EQ-5D-3L. Structural equation modeling was used to test whether the association between cognition and HRQoL would be mediated by functioning in BD while controlling for covariates such as residual depression, anxiety, antipsychotic medication, and psychotic features. ResultsWe included 1 190 adults with euthymic BD. The model provided a good fit for the data. In this model, the direct effect of cognition on HRQoL was not significant (β = − 0.03, z = −0.78, p = 0.433). The total effect of cognition on HRQoL was weak, albeit significant (β = 0.05, z = 3.6, p < 0.001), thus suggesting that cognition affected HRQoL only indirectly through functioning. Anxiety was associated with decreased functioning (β = −0.27, z = −7.4, p < 0.001) and QoL (β = −0.39, z = −11.8, p < 0.001). Conclusions These findings suggest that improving cognition may not directly lead to a higher HRQoL. Cognitive remediation is expected to improve HRQoL only through functioning enhancement. They also reveal the potential importance of functional remediation and reduction of comorbid anxiety symptoms in improving HRQoL in BD.

Purpose MYRF ‐related cardiac‐urogenital syndrome ( MYRF ‐CUGS) is a rare condition associated with heterozygous MYRF variants. The description of MYRF ‐CUGS phenotype is mostly based on postnatal cases and 36 affected individuals have been published so far. We aim now to delineate the prenatal phenotype of MYRF ‐CUGS by reporting clinical data from fetuses and neonates with a pathogenic MYRF variant. Methods Detailed radiographic, pathological, clinical, and molecular data from 12 prenatal cases were collected through an international collaborative study. Adding the five fetuses previously published, we were able to study a cohort of 17 cases. Results Main ultrasound‐accessible manifestations of MYRF ‐CUGS include congenital heart defects (13/17, 76%), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (10/17, 59%) and disorders of sexual differentiation in 46, XY fetuses (7/14; 50%). Postnatal examination and/or autopsy data highlighted additional birth defects and neurological findings with a large spectrum of severity. Molecular results revealed ten previously unpublished variants, one missense and nine predicted truncating variants (three frameshift, three nonsense and three splice site variants). Conclusion We report the first prenatal cohort of MYRF ‐CUGS, allowing us to further characterize the variable expressivity of this rare disorder in fetuses. Severe congenital anomalies with a poor prognosis are more frequent than previously described in postnatal cases. Our data suggest that MYRF ‐CUGS is characterized by a recurrent recognizable malformative association, accessible to prenatal diagnosis, with a significant intrafamilial phenotypic variability making genetic counseling challenging.

Séraphin (1747–1800) is considered the founder of shadow puppetry in France. This “facetious hunchback”, well known to Parisians in the late 18th century, ran his own theater until his death in 1800 at the age of 53. His deformity seems to have left its mark on popular memory, and was an integral part of the “Théâtre Séraphin”. Part of his skeleton was preserved in the Dupuytren Museum in Paris. In 1897, it was described as a “particular kind of ankylosis, probably different from ordinary kyphosis”. Then, in 1899, Dr. André Léri, a pupil of Pierre Marie, hypothesized from skeletal analysis that Séraphin must have suffered from rhizomelic spondylosis (the first french name for ankylosing spondylitis). In this article, we present the recent analysis of his skeleton, restored at the Dupuytren Museum, as well as old documents, a graphic representation and texts that allow us to make the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis. These documents show how this deforming disease contributed to the success of Seraphin’s theatre.

The X‐chromosome‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) plays a crucial role in controlling cell survival across multiple regulated cell death pathways and coordinating a range of inflammatory signalling events. The discovery of selective inhibitors for XIAP‐BIR2, able to disrupt the direct physical interaction between XIAP and RIPK2, offer promising therapeutic options for NOD2‐mediated diseases like Crohn's disease, sarcoidosis, and Blau syndrome. The objective of this study was to design, synthesize, and evaluate small synthetic molecules with binding selectivity to XIAP‐BIR2 domain. To achieve this, we applied an interdisciplinary drug design approach and firstly we have synthesized an initial fragment library to achieve a first XIAP inhibition activity. Then using a growing strategy, larger compounds were synthesized and one of them presents a good selectivity for XIAP‐BIR2 versus XIAP‐BIR3 domain, compound 20 c. The ability of compound 20 c to block the NOD1/2 pathway was confirmed in cell models. These data show that we have synthesized molecules capable of blocking NOD1/2 signalling pathways in cellulo, and ultimately leading to new anti‐inflammatory compounds.