The properties of tagged lattice fluids: II. Velocity correlation functions

We report preliminary measurements of the velocity autocorrelation function for a tagged particle in a lattice gas. These measurements agree with the Boltzmann-level theory. The Green-Kubo integration of these measurements agrees with theoretical predictions for the diffusion coefficient. To within the error bars of the simulations (3 /times/ 10/sup /minus/3/) we observe no long-time tails. 9 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab

Seismic risk in the city of Al Hoceima (north of Morocco) using the vulnerability index method, applied in Risk-UE project

The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11069-016-2566-8Al Hoceima is one of the most seismic active regions in north of Morocco. It is demonstrated by the large seismic episodes reported in seismic catalogs and research studies. However, seismic risk is relatively high due to vulnerable buildings that are either old or don’t respect seismic standards. Our aim is to present a study about seismic risk and seismic scenarios for the city of Al Hoceima. The seismic vulnerability of the existing residential buildings was evaluated using the vulnerability index method (Risk-UE). It was chosen to be adapted and applied to the Moroccan constructions for its practicality and simple methodology. A visual inspection of 1102 buildings was carried out to assess the vulnerability factors. As for seismic hazard, it was evaluated in terms of macroseismic intensity for two scenarios (a deterministic and probabilistic scenario). The maps of seismic risk are represented by direct damage on buildings, damage to population and economic cost. According to the results, the main vulnerability index of the city is equal to 0.49 and the seismic risk is estimated as Slight (main damage grade equal to 0.9 for the deterministic scenario and 0.7 for the probabilistic scenario). However, Moderate to heavy damage is expected in areas located in the newer extensions, in both the east and west of the city. Important economic losses and damage to the population are expected in these areas as well. The maps elaborated can be a potential guide to the decision making in the field of seismic risk prevention and mitigation strategies in Al Hoceima.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

The tree that hides the forest: Cryptic diversity and phylogenetic relationships in the Palaearctic vector Obsoletus/Scoticus Complex (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) at the European level

Background: Culicoides obsoletus is an abundant and widely distributed Holarctic biting midge species, involved in the transmission of bluetongue virus (BTV) and Schmallenberg virus (SBV) to wild and domestic ruminants. Females of this vector species are often reported jointly with two morphologically very close species, C. scoticus and C. montanus, forming the Obsoletus/Scoticus Complex. Recently, cryptic diversity within C. obsoletus was reported in geographically distant sites. Clear delineation of species and characterization of genetic variability is mandatory to revise their taxonomic status and assess the vector role of each taxonomic entity. Our objectives were to characterize and map the cryptic diversity within the Obsoletus/Scoticus Complex. Methods: Portion of the cox1 mitochondrial gene of 3763 individuals belonging to the Obsoletus/Scoticus Complex was sequenced. Populations from 20 countries along a Palaearctic Mediterranean transect covering Scandinavia to Canary islands (North to South) and Canary islands to Turkey (West to East) were included. Genetic diversity based on cox1 barcoding was supported by 16S rDNA mitochondrial gene sequences and a gene coding for ribosomal 28S rDNA. Species delimitation using a multi-marker methodology was used to revise the current taxonomic scheme of the Obsoletus/Scoticus Complex. Results: Our analysis showed the existence of three phylogenetic clades (C. obsoletus clade O2, C. obsoletus clade dark and one not yet named and identified) within C. obsoletus. These analyses also revealed two intra-specific clades within C. scoticus and raised questions about the taxonomic status of C. montanus. Conclusions: To our knowledge, our study provides the first genetic characterization of the Obsoletus/Scoticus Complex on a large geographical scale and allows a revision of the current taxonomic classification for an important group of vector species of livestock viruses in the Palaearctic region.[Figure not available: See fulltext.

Carmustine and methotrexate in combination after whole brain radiation therapy in breast cancer patients presenting with brain metastases: a retrospective study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Since 1999, patients presenting with brain metastases (BM) from breast cancer (BC) are treated in our institution with a carmustine (BCNU) - methotrexate (MTX) combination. We report here our clinical experience regarding this combination.</p> <p>Patients and Methods</p> <p>Patients were treated by a combination of BCNU 100 mg/m² on day 1 and MTX 600 mg/m² on day 1 and 15 of a 28 day cycle. Treatment was continued until progression or unacceptable toxicity.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>50 patients were treated between 1999 and 2007. 94% of the patients presented with concomitant extra-cerebral disease. Median number of previous metastatic setting chemotherapy regimens was 2 (0-5). Median number of cycles was 3 (1-20). There were 11 objective responses (23% [95%CI 12-37]) among 48 evaluable patients. Median progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) were 4.2 (95%CI: 2.8-5.3) and 6.9 (4.2-10.7) months respectively, with a one-year OS rate of 32% (20-46). Median Relative Dose Intensity for BCNU and MTX were 0.98 (0.31-1.1) and 0.96 (0.57-1.66) respectively. There were 2 presumed treatment-related deaths. One patient developed febrile neutropenia. Performance status, BS-BM score and presence of liver metastases were associated with OS in univariate analysis.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This combination appears to be effective and well tolerated in good performance status BC patients presenting with BM.</p

The tree that hides the forest: cryptic diversity and phylogenetic relationships in the Palaearctic vector Obsoletus/Scoticus Complex (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) at the European level

Abstract Background Culicoides obsoletus is an abundant and widely distributed Holarctic biting midge species, involved in the transmission of bluetongue virus (BTV) and Schmallenberg virus (SBV) to wild and domestic ruminants. Females of this vector species are often reported jointly with two morphologically very close species, C. scoticus and C. montanus, forming the Obsoletus/Scoticus Complex. Recently, cryptic diversity within C. obsoletus was reported in geographically distant sites. Clear delineation of species and characterization of genetic variability is mandatory to revise their taxonomic status and assess the vector role of each taxonomic entity. Our objectives were to characterize and map the cryptic diversity within the Obsoletus/Scoticus Complex. Methods Portion of the cox1 mitochondrial gene of 3763 individuals belonging to the Obsoletus/Scoticus Complex was sequenced. Populations from 20 countries along a Palaearctic Mediterranean transect covering Scandinavia to Canary islands (North to South) and Canary islands to Turkey (West to East) were included. Genetic diversity based on cox1 barcoding was supported by 16S rDNA mitochondrial gene sequences and a gene coding for ribosomal 28S rDNA. Species delimitation using a multi-marker methodology was used to revise the current taxonomic scheme of the Obsoletus/Scoticus Complex. Results Our analysis showed the existence of three phylogenetic clades (C. obsoletus clade O2, C. obsoletus clade dark and one not yet named and identified) within C. obsoletus. These analyses also revealed two intra-specific clades within C. scoticus and raised questions about the taxonomic status of C. montanus. Conclusions To our knowledge, our study provides the first genetic characterization of the Obsoletus/Scoticus Complex on a large geographical scale and allows a revision of the current taxonomic classification for an important group of vector species of livestock viruses in the Palaearctic region

State of the Art on Latin-American Territorial Research.

à paraitre.International audienc

New U-Pb data on zircons from the Amalia greenstone belt Southern Africa: insights into the Neoarchaean evolution of the Kaapvaal Craton

Evidence for the existence of Neoarchaean greenstone rocks in the western part of the Kaapvaal Craton is provided by ID-TIMS and SHRIMP U-Pb age data on zircons from supracrustal rocks of the Amalia greenstone belt. Although all the units described from the Amalia greenstone belt might not be coeval, an age of 2750.1 ± 4.6 Ma found for two samples appears to be the best estimate for the deposition of this part of the Amalia greenstone belt sequence. These samples also contain younger zircons, the majority of them yielding a 1099 ± 32 Ma upper intercept age. This date of ∼ 1.1 Ga might indicate that these rocks have been affected by the crustal thickening and magmatism event coeval with the peak of metamorphism during the Namaqua orogeny ∼1.1 Ga. These data provide the first evidence for the development of a Neoarchaean greenstone sequence in the western part of the Kaapvaal Craton. They also demonstrate that the Namaqua orogeny affected rocks within the craton itself

Insulin resistance is a cause of steatosis and fibrosis progression in chronic hepatitis C

Background: Insulin resistance is a frequent feature of chronic hepatitis C. Whether insulin resistance could be the cause or consequence of steatosis and fibrosis is unknown. The ability of HCV genotype 3 to promote steatosis by itself provides an unique opportunity to answer this question. Aims: The aim of the present study was to assess the relationships between insulin resistance, steatosis, and fibrosis according to genotype in 141 non-diabetic patients with biopsy proven non-cirrhotic chronic hepatitis C. Methods: All patients had fasting serum glycaemia and insulinaemia measurements. Insulin resistance was evaluated using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA IR) method. Liver steatosis was determined according to hepatitis C virus genotype (1 or 3). Logistic regression and multivariate regression analysis were used to identify variables independently associated with insulin resistance, fatty liver, and fibrosis. Results: Although steatosis and fibrosis were more severe in genotype 3 patients, median HOMA IR was significantly higher in patients with genotype 1 related steatosis than in those with genotype 3 related steatosis (2.1 v 1; p = 0.001). Independent risk factors for steatosis were insulin resistance in genotype 1 patients (p = 0.001) and viral load in genotype 3 patients (p = 0.003). Among genotype 1 patients, independent parameters associated with insulin resistance were age (p = 0.04) and steatosis (p = 0.004). Steatosis was associated with more severe fibrosis whatever the genotype (p = 0.002). Among genotype 1 patients, although there was a significant relationship between circulating insulin level and fibrosis stage (p = 0.006), only steatosis and inflammatory score were independently associated with fibrosis. Conclusion: This study shows that insulin resistance is the cause rather than the consequence of steatosis and fibrosis in genotype 1 patients and that increased circulating insulin is a risk factor for fibrosis through insulin resistance induced steatosis

Évaluation-Cognition-Polyhandicap (ECP) : apports d’une approche qualitative dans l’élaboration et la validation d’un outil

International audienceBackgroundSetting up a personalised project for any person with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) requires an evaluation of their cognitive skills. Nevertheless an international literature review highlights: a lack of adequate tools for evaluation of the cognitive skills of people with PIMD; the need to create standardised protocols. In 2009, Scelles et al. proposed the P2CJP–Profil de Compétences Cognitives du Jeune Polyhandicapé. This tool was designed for children up to 14 years of age. In 2017, this scale has been revised and extended to the adults, and called ECP (Evaluation-Cognition-PIMD).MethodTo elaborate and validate this tool, a statistical methodology has been combined with a qualitative process close to professionals and parents. The aim was to assess the relevance and the ergonomic of the ECP, the comprehension of items, the facility of use, the guideline and at least the effects regarding the practice.ResultsThe qualitative analyse of user backgrounds, at all validation stages, let adapt the ECP as well on the content as on the form. This work reveals the necessity to continue to adapt the ECP through interactions between users and searchers.ContexteDans les situations de polyhandicap, l’intrication complexe de déficiences multiples complique l’évaluation des compétences cognitives. Le P2CJP, échelle d’évaluation cognitive dédiée aux enfants et adolescents polyhandicapés, a été révisé sous le nom d’ECP (Évaluation-Cognition-Polyhandicap ; 2017) pour permettre son administration à tout âge, pour un bilan psychologique ; pour concevoir des aides adaptées et en évaluer les effets.ObjectifsCet article présente la méthodologie de validation de l’échelle et particulièrement l’approche qualitative complétant la validation statistique de l’outil, ceci, dans le cadre d’une recherche participative. L’analyse qualitative a permis d’évaluer l’ergonomie de l’outil, d’en comprendre son utilisation et ses effets.RésultatsSuivant les stades de validation de l’outil, l’analyse qualitative de l’expérience des utilisateurs de l’échelle a permis de modifier la forme et le fond de l’outil. Il est alors important de continuer à faire évoluer cette échelle dans une interaction féconde entre utilisateurs et chercheurs