Collège de France

About: Collège de France is a education organization based out in Paris, France. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Receptor. The organization has 6541 authors who have published 11983 publications receiving 648742 citations. The organization is also known as: College de France.

Why is nacre strong? Elastic theory and fracture mechanics for biocomposites with stratified structures

Abstract: Nacre, stratified ceramic layers surrounded by organic matrix, is a tough material found inside certain seashells. We construct a coarse-grained elastic energy for such an anisotropic system and present an analytic solution for a notch crack normal to the stratified sheets. This analysis proves the reduction in stress concentration which was announced in our earlier work (P. G. de Gennes and K. Okumura, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris 1, Ser. IV, 257 (2000)) and the related increase in toughness.

Modeling Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Drosophila

Abstract: Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a recessive hereditary neurodegenerative disease in humans, has been linked to mutations in the survival motor neuron (SMN) gene. SMA patients display early onset lethality coupled with motor neuron loss and skeletal muscle atrophy. We used Drosophila, which encodes a single SMN ortholog, survival motor neuron (Smn), to model SMA, since reduction of Smn function leads to defects that mimic the SMA pathology in humans. Here we show that a normal neuromuscular junction (NMJ) structure depends on SMN expression and that SMN concentrates in the post-synaptic NMJ regions. We conducted a screen for genetic modifiers of an Smn phenotype using the Exelixis collection of transposon-induced mutations, which affects approximately 50% of the Drosophila genome. This screen resulted in the recovery of 27 modifiers, thereby expanding the genetic circuitry of Smn to include several genes not previously known to be associated with this locus. Among the identified modifiers was wishful thinking (wit), a type II BMP receptor, which was shown to alter the Smn NMJ phenotype. Further characterization of two additional members of the BMP signaling pathway, Mothers against dpp (Mad) and Daughters against dpp (Dad), also modify the Smn NMJ phenotype. The NMJ defects caused by loss of Smn function can be ameliorated by increasing BMP signals, suggesting that increased BMP activity in SMA patients may help to alleviate symptoms of the disease. These results confirm that our genetic approach is likely to identify bona fide modulators of SMN activity, especially regarding its role at the neuromuscular junction, and as a consequence, may identify putative SMA therapeutic targets.

Electron paramagnetic resonance imaging for real-time monitoring of Li-ion batteries

Abstract: Batteries for electrical storage are central to any future alternative energy paradigm. The ability to probe the redox mechanisms occurring at electrodes during their operation is essential to improve battery performances. Here we present the first report on Electron Paramagnetic Resonance operando spectroscopy and in situ imaging of a Li-ion battery using Li 2 Ru 0.75 Sn 0.25 O 3 , a high-capacity (4270 mAh g A 1) Li-rich layered oxide, as positive electrode. By monitoring operando the electron paramagnetic resonance signals of Ru 5 þ and paramagnetic oxygen species, we unambiguously prove the formation of reversible (O 2) n A species that contribute to their high capacity. In addition, we visualize by imaging with micrometric resolution the plating/stripping of Li at the negative electrode and highlight the zones of nucleation and growth of Ru 5 þ /oxygen species at the positive electrode. This efficient way to locate 'electron'-related phenomena opens a new area in the field of battery characterization that should enable future breakthroughs in battery research.