Analysis of factors influencing the ultrasonic fetal weight estimation

Objective: The aim of our study was the evaluation of sonographic fetal weight estimation taking into consideration 9 of the most important factors of influence on the precision of the estimation. Methods: We analyzed 820 singleton pregnancies from 22 to 42 weeks of gestational age. We evaluated 9 different factors that potentially influence the precision of sonographic weight estimation ( time interval between estimation and delivery, experts vs. less experienced investigator, fetal gender, gestational age, fetal weight, maternal BMI, amniotic fluid index, presentation of the fetus, location of the placenta). Finally, we compared the results of the fetal weight estimation of the fetuses with poor scanning conditions to those presenting good scanning conditions. Results: Of the 9 evaluated factors that may influence accuracy of fetal weight estimation, only a short interval between sonographic weight estimation and delivery (0-7 vs. 8-14 days) had a statistically significant impact. Conclusion: Of all known factors of influence, only a time interval of more than 7 days between estimation and delivery had a negative impact on the estimation

Anomalous accelerations in spacecraft flybys of the Earth

[EN] The flyby anomaly is a persistent riddle in astrodynamics. Orbital analysis in several flybys of the Earth since the Galileo spacecraft flyby of the Earth in 1990 have shown that the asymptotic post-encounter velocity exhibits a difference with the initial velocity that cannot be attributed to conventional effects. To elucidate its origin, we have developed an orbital program for analyzing the trajectory of the spacecraft in the vicinity of the perigee, including both the Sun and the Moon¿s tidal perturbations and the geopotential zonal, tesseral and sectorial harmonics provided by the EGM96 model. The magnitude and direction of the anomalous acceleration acting upon the spacecraft can be estimated from the orbital determination program by comparing with the trajectories fitted to telemetry data as provided by the mission teams. This acceleration amounts to a fraction of a mm/s2 and decays very fast with altitude. 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Formation of gullies on Mars by debris flows triggered by CO_2 sublimation

Martian gully landforms resemble terrestrial debris flows formed by the action of liquid water and have thus been interpreted as evidence for potential habitable environments on Mars within the past few millennia. However, ongoing gully formation has been detected under surface conditions much too cold for liquid water, but at times in the martian year when a thin layer of seasonal CO_2 frost is present and defrosting above the regolith. These observations suggest that the CO_2 condensation–sublimation cycle could play a role in gully formation. Here we use a thermo-physical numerical model of the martian regolith underlying a CO_2 ice layer and atmosphere to show that the pores beneath the ice layer can be filled with CO_2 ice and subjected to extreme pressure variations during the defrosting season. The subsequent gas fluxes can destabilize the regolith material and induce gas-lubricated debris flows with geomorphic characteristics similar to martian gullies. Moreover, we find that subsurface CO_2 ice condensation, sublimation and pressurization occurs at conditions found at latitudes and slope orientations where gullies are observed. We conclude that martian gullies can result from geologic dry ice processes that have no terrestrial analogues and do not require liquid water. Such dry ice processes may have helped shape the evolution of landforms elsewhere on the martian surface

Aspects médico-économiques du dépistage échographique des malformations fœtales : revue de la littérature

Objectives: The systematic use of ultrasound during pregnancy aims at birth defect detection. Our objective was to assess the economic efficiency of prenatal ultrasound screening for fetal malformations. Methods: We carried out a literature review on Medline via PubMed between 1985 and 2015, from the economic perspective of the prenatal ultrasound screening for fetal malformations. Results: The literature on this subject was sparse and we selected only twelve articles presenting relevant economic data, of which only eight were proper medico-economic studies. We found arguments for the economic effectiveness of ultrasound screening for fetal malformation detection, which is largely linked to the terminations of pregnancies and to the cost of the handicaps "avoided". However, none of the reviewed articles could reach medico-economic conclusions. Additionally, we highlighted various elements making economic analyses more complex in this field: the choice of the method, the uncertainty around two essential parameters (the efficiency of ultrasound and the costs of procedures) and the difficulties to compare or to generalize results. We also noticed important methodological heterogeneity among the studies and the absence of French study. Conclusions: Previously published data are insufficient to assess the economic efficiency of prenatal ultrasound screening for fetal malformations.Objectifs: L’un des objectifs majeurs de l’utilisation systématique de l’échographie obstétricale pendant la grossesse est le dépistage des malformations fœtales. Notre objectif était d’analyser l’efficience médico-économique de ce dépistage. Méthodes: Nous avons réalisé une revue de la littérature à partir de Medline via PubMed, entre 1985 et 2015, sur l’aspect médico-économique du dépistage par échographie des malformations fœtales. Résultats: La littérature était très pauvre sur le sujet et nous n’avons pu retenir et analyser que 12 articles présentant des données intéressantes pour notre revue, dont huit véritables études médico-économiques. Nous avons identifié des arguments en faveur du caractère économiquement pertinent d’un programme de dépistage des malformations, ceci étant en grande partie lié à la pratique des interruptions médicales de grossesse et aux coûts des handicaps « évités », mais sans pouvoir conclure d’un point de vue médico-économique. Nous avons surtout pu mettre en évidence plusieurs éléments compliquant l’application de ces analyses dans ce domaine : le choix du type d’étude, la forte incertitude sur deux paramètres essentiels (l’efficacité de l’échographie et le coût des procédures), la difficulté à comparer ou généraliser les résultats. Nous avons aussi constaté l’hétérogénéité méthodologique des études et l’absence d’étude française. Conclusion: Les données existantes de la littérature sont actuellement insuffisantes pour évaluer l’efficience médico-économique du dépistage des malformations par échographie

Gene expression profiling of reproductive meristem types in early rice inflorescences by laser microdissection

In rice, inflorescence architecture is established at early stages of reproductive development and contributes directly to grain yield potential. After induction of flowering, the complexity of branching, and therefore the number of seeds on the panicle, is determined by the activity of different meristem types and the timing of transitions between them. Although some of the genes involved in these transitions have been identified, an understanding of the network of transcriptional regulators controlling this process is lacking. To address this we used a precise laser microdissection and RNA-sequencing approach in Oryza sativa ssp. japonica cv. Nipponbare to produce quantitative data that describe the landscape of gene expression in four different meristem types: the rachis meristem, the primary branch meristem, the elongating primary branch meristem (including axillary meristems), and the spikelet meristem. A switch in expression profile between apical and axillary meristem types followed by more gradual changes during transitions in axillary meristem identity was observed, and several genes potentially involved in branching were identified. This resource will be vital for a mechanistic understanding of the link between inflorescence development and grain yield

Mosaic intragenic deletion of FBN2

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