Gauss-Bonnet theorem for 2-dimensional foliations (Q1110139)

Let M be a compact Riemannian manifold equipped with a 2-dimensional oriented foliation \({\mathcal F}\). Denote by k(x) (x\(\in M)\) the Gaussian curvature at x of the leaf L(x) of \({\mathcal F}^ w.\)r.t. the induced metric. Assume that \(\mu\) is an \({\mathcal F}\)-harmonic measure in the sense of \textit{L. Garnett} [J. Funct. Anal. 51, 285-311 (1983; Zbl 0524.58026)]. If the set of spherical leaves of \({\mathcal F}\) is \(\mu\)-negligible, then \(\int_{M}k d\mu \leq 0\). This generalizes the result of \textit{A. Connes} [A survey on foliations and operator algebras, in: Operator algebras and applications, Proc. Symp. Pure Math. 38, Part 1, Kingston/Ont. 1980, 521- 628 (1982; Zbl 0531.57023)] proving (1) for measures \(\mu\) obtained by combining the area form of leaves with transverse invariant measures.