On the harmonic superspace language adapted to the Gelfand-Dickey algebra of differential operators

Methods developed for the analysis of non-linear integrable models are used in the harmonic superspace (HS) framework. These methods, when applied to the HS, can lead to extract more information about the meaning of integrability in non-linear physical problems. Among the results obtained, we give the basic ingredients towards building in the HS language the analogue of the G.D. algebra of pseudo-differential operators. Some useful convention notations and algebraic structures are also introduced to make the use of the harmonic superspace techniques more accessible.Comment: 14 page

Modelled evaluation of multi-component meningococcal vaccine (Bexsero®) for the prevention of invasive meningococcal disease in infants and adolescents in the UK

Neisseria meningitidis is the main cause of bacterial meningitis and sepsis in the UK, and can potentially be lethal or cause long-term sequelae. Bexsero® (4CMenB) is a new multi-component vaccine approved by the European Commission for use in individuals aged ⩾2 months. A theoretical transmission model was constructed to assess the long-term effectiveness of Bexsero compared to standard care. The model was populated with UK-specific demographic data and calibrated to ensure that the transmission dynamics of meningococcal disease in the UK were adequately simulated. The model showed the best strategy to be a routine vaccination programme at ages 2, 3, 4, 12 months and 14 years combined with a 5-year catch-up programme in toddlers aged 12-24 months and adolescents aged 15-18 years. This would lead to a 94% reduction in meningococcal cases or 150000 cases and 15000 deaths over a 100-year time-fram

†Kenyaichthyidae fam. nov and †Kenyaichthys gen. nov - First Record of a Fossil Aplocheiloid Killifish (Teleostei, Cyprinodontiformes)

The extant Cyprinodontiformes (killifishes) with their two suborders Cyprinodontoidei and Aplocheiloidei represent a diverse and well-studied group of fishes. However, their fossil record is comparatively sparse and has so far yielded members of the Cyprinodontoidei only. Here we report on cyprinodontiform fossils from the upper Miocene Lukeino Formation in the Tugen Hills of the Central Rift Valley of Kenya, which represent the first fossil record of an aplocheiloid killifish. A total of 169 specimens - mostly extraordinarily well preserved and a sample of ten extant cyprinodontiform species were studied on the basis of morphometrics, meristics and osteology. A phylogenetic analysis using PAUP was also conducted for the fossils. Both the osteological data and the phylogenetic analysis provide strong evidence for the assignment of the fossils to the Aplocheiloidei, and justify the definition of the new family dagger Kenyaichthyidae, the new genus dagger Kenyaichthys and the new species dagger K. kipkechi sp. nov. The phylogenetic analysis unexpectedly places dagger Kenyaichthys gen. nov. in a sister relationship to the Rivulidae (a purely Neotropical group),a probable explanation might be lack of available synapomorphies for the Rivulidae, Nothobranchiidae and Aplocheilidae. The specimens of dagger K. kipkechi sp. nov. show several polymorphic characters and large overlap in meristic traits, which justifies their interpretation as a species flock in statu nascendi. Patterns of variation in neural and haemal spine dimensions in the caudal vertebrae of dagger Kenyaichthys gen. nov. and the extant species studied indicate that some previously suggested synapomorphies of the Cyprinodontoidei and Aplocheiloidei need to be revised

Les protéines sériques du mouton de race locale

A partir d'un échantillon de 400 ovins d'âge, de sexe et de conditions d'élevages différents, nous avons calculé un taux moyen des protéines sériques qui est de l'ordre de 66 g/l. L'étude des variations de ce taux nous a permis d'apprécier le rôle de certains facteurs physiologiques. C'est  ainsi que l'âge semble jouer un rôle prépondérant puis vient l'effet de la saison qui serait lié notamment à l'alimentation et à l'état physiologique (gestation, lactation). Des facteurs d'ordre pathologique sont également susceptibles d'entrainer des variations du taux des protéines sériques mais sont très peu différentes des valeurs normales. Il est alors difficile de porter un diagnostic de certitude par le simple dosage de ces protéines. Le fractionnement des protéines  sériques par électrophorèse nous a permis de mettre en évidence une augmentation de la fraction électrophorétique gamma lors d'atteinte du f oie et du poumon en particulier. Dans le cas de la pathologie du foie, il se produit en outre une diminution du taux d'albumine ce qui traduit une diminution plus importante du rapport albumine/globulines, et l'équilibre protéique se trouve davantage perturbé