Les glitchs, ces moments où les algorithmes tremblent

De suite d’instructions traduites en langage informatique, les “algorithmes” ont été investis d’un sens bien différent depuis qu’ils sont devenus des compagnons quotidiens de nos activités en ligne, et influencent notre vie économique, sociale et politique. Ils sont aussi de vastes assemblages sociotechniques distribués qui comprennent données, plateformes, calculs, hypothèses, monétisation de l’attention, etc., qui reconfigurent l’innovation dans un large éventail d’activités et concentrent un pouvoir dont il est difficile de saisir la nature. La relation entre la société et ses algorithmes est conflictuelle. Par l’intermédiaire d’une méthodologie interdisciplinaire croisant sciences sociales et design, nous cherchons à nous saisir des erreurs commises au quotidien par les technologies de calcul pour en rendre visible certaines caractéristiques, rendre compte de l’expérience des utilisateurs de services numériques qui sont calculés par les algorithmes, et poser les bases d’une éthique de la négociation avec l’agentivité algorithmique. Nous faisons appel à la figure du glitch pour convoquer un imaginaire alternatif qui rééquilibre la relation entre intelligence humaine et intelligence artificielle.From series of instructions translated into programming language, “algorithms” have taken a very different meaning since they became daily companions of online activities and started influencing our economic, social and political life. They are also vast and distributed socio-technical assemblages that comprise data, platforms, computation technologies, hypotheses, attention, etc., reconfigure innovation in numerous fields of activities, and muster a power whose nature is difficult to grasp. The relationship between society and its algorithms is strained. Through an interdisciplinary methodology mixing social sciences and design, we seek to make sense of routine mistakes computation techniques make to foreground some of their features, account for the experience of users of online services who are being calculated by algorithms, and lay the foundations of an ethic of negotiation with algorithmic agencies. We call upon the figure of the glitch to summon an alternative imaginary that rebalances the relation between human intelligence and artificial intelligence

Open and Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy: Comparison and Validation of Preoperative Scoring Systems, Including PADUA, RENAL, ABC Nephrometric Scores and Perinephric Fat Evaluation with Mayo Adhesive Probability Score

peer reviewedPurpose: To evaluate potential associations between 4 nephrometric scoring systems, namely the PADUA (preoperative aspects and dimensions used for anatomical classification), RENAL (radius endophytic/exophytic nearness anterior posterior location), ABC (arterial-based com- plexity), and MAP (Mayo adhesive probability) scores and their individual components, with surgical and oncological outcomes of patients undergoing a partial nephrectomy. Materials and Methods: A consecutive, monocentric cohort of partial nephrectomy patients was retrospectively analyzed. PADUA, RENAL, ABC and MAP nephrometry scores were determined from preoperative axial images. Unadjusted and adjusted associations between overall scores, individual components, surgical approach, complications and onco- logical outcomes were determined using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions. Results: A total of 189 partial nephrectomies were performed in 181 patients, via an open or a laparoscopic approach. Among scoring systems, only the MAP classification, which assesses adherent perinephric fat, was associated with severe surgical complications as well as with operative time (p<0.05). Among all components of the PADUA and RENAL scores, only proximity of the tumor to the collecting system was associated with overall surgical complication rates, while the diameter of the tumor influenced the operative time (p<0.05). The ABC score was not relevant. Male gender, antiplatelet therapy, and a laparoscopic approach were associated with higher overall surgical complication rates (p<0.05). The number of oncologic recurrences during follow-up was too low to run statistical analyses. Conclusion: Nephrometry scores could be simplified to predict surgical complications after partial nephrectomy. In this framework, adherent perinephric fat seemed to be strongly associated with an increased risk of surgical complications

Male-induced early puberty correlates with the maturation of arcuate nucleus kisspeptin neurons in does

In goats, early exposure of spring-born females to sexually active bucks induces an early puberty onset assessed by the first ovulation. This effect is found when females are continuously exposed well before the male breeding season starting in September. The first aim of this study was to evaluate whether a shortened exposure of females to males could also lead to early puberty. We assessed the onset of puberty in Alpine does isolated from bucks (ISOL), exposed to wethers (CAS), exposed to intact bucks from the end of June (INT1), or mid-August (INT2). Intact bucks became sexually active in mid-September. At the beginning of October, 100% of INT1 and 90% of INT2 exposed does ovulated, in contrast to the ISOL (0%) and CAS (20%) groups. This demonstrated that contact with males that become sexually active is the main factor prompting precocious puberty in females. Furthermore, a reduced male exposure during a short window before the breeding season is sufficient to induce this phenomenon. The second aim was to investigate the neuroendocrine changes induced by male exposure. We found a significant increase in kisspeptin immunoreactivity (fiber density and number of cell bodies) in the caudal part of the arcuate nucleus of INT1 and INT2 exposed females. Thus, our results suggest that sensory stimuli from sexually active bucks (e.g., chemosignals) may trigger an early maturation of the ARC kisspeptin neuronal network leading to gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion and first ovulation

Let the right one in : attestation as a usable CAPTCHA alternative

CAPTCHAs are necessary to protect websites from bots and malicious crawlers, yet are increasingly solvable by automated systems. This has led to more challenging tests that require greater human effort and cultural knowledge; they may prevent bots effectively but sacrifice usability and discourage the human users they are meant to admit.We propose a new class of challenge: a Cryptographic Attestation of Personhood (CAP) as the foundation of a usable, pro-privacy alternative. Our challenge is constructed using the open Web Authentication API (WebAuthn) that is supported in most browsers. We evaluated the CAP challenge through a public demo, with an accompanying user survey. Our evaluation indicates that CAP has a strong likelihood of adoption by users who possess the necessary hardware, showing good results for effectiveness and efficiency as well as a strong expressed preference for using CAP over traditional CAPTCHA solutions. In addition to demonstrating a mechanism for more usable challenge tests, we identify some areas for improvement for the WebAuthn user experience, and reflect on the difficult usable privacy problems in this domain and how they might be mitigated

Substrate transfer and ex situ characterization of on-surface synthesized graphene nanoribbons

Recent progress in the on-surface synthesis of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) has given access to atomically precise narrow GNRs with tunable electronic band gaps that makes them excellent candidates for room-temperature switching devices such as field-effect transistors (FET). However, in spite of their exceptional properties, significant challenges remain for GNR processing and characterization. This contribution addresses some of the most important challenges, including GNR fabrication scalability, substrate transfer, long-term stability under ambient conditions and ex situ characterization. We focus on 7- and 9-atom wide armchair graphene nanoribbons (i.e, 7-AGNR; and 9-AGNR) grown on 200 nm Au(111)/mica substrates using a high throughput system. Transfer of both, 7- and 9-AGNRs from their Au growth sub-strate onto various target substrates for additional characterization is accomplished utilizing a polymer-free method that avoids residual contamination. This results in a homogeneous GNR film morphology with very few tears and wrinkles, as examined by atomic force microscopy. Raman spectroscopy indicates no significant degradation of GNR quality upon substrate transfer, and reveals that GNRs have remarkable stability under ambient conditions over a 24-month period. The transferred GNRs are analyzed using multi-wavelength Raman spectroscopy, which provides detailed insight into the wavelength dependence of the width-specific vibrational modes. Finally, we characterize the optical properties of 7- and 9-AGNRs via ultra-violet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopyComment: 30 pages, 14 figure

Combining gene mapping and phenotype assessment for fast mutation finding in non consanguineous autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa: mutation finding in non consanguineous families

International audienceAmong inherited retinal dystrophies, autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (arRP) is the most genetically heterogenous condition with 32 genes currently known that account for ~60 % of patients. Molecular diagnosis thus requires the tedious systematic sequencing of 506 exons. To rapidly identify the causative mutations, we devised a strategy that combines gene mapping and phenotype assessment in small non consanguineous families. Two unrelated sibships with arRP had whole-genome scan using SNP microchips. Chromosomal regions were selected by calculating a score based on SNP coverage and genotype identity of affected patients. Candidate genes from the regions with the highest scores were then selected based on phenotype concordance of affected patients with previously described phenotype for each candidate gene. For families RP127 and RP1459, 33 and 40 chromosomal regions showed possible linkage, respectively. By comparing the scores with the phenotypes, we ended with one best candidate gene for each family, namely TULP1 and C2ORF71 for RP127 and RP1459, respectively. We found that RP127 patients were compound heterozygous for 2 novel TULP1 mutations, p.Arg311Gln and p.Arg342Gln, and that RP1459 patients were compound heterozygous for 2 novel C2ORF71 mutations, p.Leu777PhefsX34 and p.Leu777AsnfsX28. Phenotype assessment showed that TULP1 patients had severe early onset arRP and that C2ORF71 patients had a cone rod dystrophy type of arRP. Only 2 affected individuals in each sibship were sufficient to lead to mutation identification by screening the best candidate gene selected by a combination of gene mapping and phenotype characterization

Limited Resection Versus Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Duodenal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors? Enucleation Interferes in the Debate: A European Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study

Background The optimal surgical procedure for duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (D-GISTs) remains poorly defined. Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) allows for a wide resection but is associated with a high morbidity rate. Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of PD versus limited resection (LR) for D-GISTs and to evaluate the role of tumor enucleation (EN). Methods In this retrospective European multicenter cohort study, 100 patients who underwent resection for D-GIST between 2001 and 2013 were compared between PD (n = 19) and LR (n = 81). LR included segmental duodenectomy (n = 47), wedge resection (n = 21), or EN (n = 13). The primary objective was to evaluate disease-free survival (DFS) between the groups, while the secondary objectives were to analyze the overall morbidity and mortality, radicality of resection, and 5-year overall survival (OS) and recurrence rates between groups. Furthermore, the short- and long-term outcomes of EN were evaluated. Results Baseline characteristics were comparable between the PD and LR groups, except for a more frequent D2 tumor location in the PD group (68.3% vs. 29.6%; p = 0.016). Postoperative morbidity was higher after PD (68.4% vs. 23.5%; p &lt; 0.001). OS (p = 0.70) and DFS (p = 0.64) were comparable after adjustment for D2 location and adjuvant therapy rate. EN was performed more in American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) stage III/IV patients with tumors &lt; 5 cm and was associated with a 5-year OS rate of 84.6%, without any disease recurrences. Conclusions For D-GISTs, LR should be the procedure of choice due to lower morbidity and similar oncological outcomes compared with PD. In selected patients, EN appears to be associated with equivalent short- and long-term outcomes. Based on these results, a surgical treatment algorithm is proposed

Suivi national des PDU : le point au 30 juin 2000

La loi sur l’air du 30 décembre 1996 a rendu obligatoire l’élaboration d’un plan de déplacements urbains dans les agglomérations de plus de 100 000 habitants. Pour faire le point sur les PDU à la date du 30 juin 2000 fixée par la loi sur l’air modifiée pour l’approbation des PDU, le Gart et le Certu, en collaboration avec la direction des transports terrestres (DTT), la direction de la circulation et la sécurité routière (DSCR) et l’ADEME, ont analysé les démarches les plus avancées (PDU approuvés et projets de PDU arrêtés), avec l’appui des centres d’études techniques de l’Équipement (CETE) et de la direction régionale de l’équipement d’Ile-de-France (DREIF).58 agglomérations de plus de 100 000 habitants ont l’obligation d’élaborer un PDU. Au 30 juin 2000, huit PDU étaient approuvés (Bordeaux, Grenoble, Lille, Lyon, Orléans, Rouen, Saint-Etienne, Troyes) ; deux autres l’ont été en juillet 2000 (Nancy, Strasbourg). Une trentaine d’autres collectivités avaient délibéré sur leur projet de plan, celui-ci étant alors en consultation auprès des personnes publiques, en enquête publique ou en attente d’approbation ; une vingtaine de PDU devaient être prochainement arrêtés, tandis que pour une dizaine de PDU, la démarche était à peine engagée.La plupart des PDU affichent un objectif de réduction de l’usage de la voiture, grâce à un meilleur partage de la voirie au profit des autres modes, notamment avec des projets de transport en commun en site propre (TCSP), des aménagements cyclables et des actions visant à renforcer le confort et la sécurité des piétons. Outre les projets de requalification de voirie urbaine dans les parties centrales, la plupart des PDU comportent des projets de voie nouvelle, notamment de rocade à créer ou achever. Par ailleurs, les PDU prévoient une amélioration de l’intermodalité. Le volet stationnement porte d’une part, sur la réalisation de parcs relais sur les axes de TCSP, et d’autre part, sur une meilleure gestion de l’offre de centre-ville au profit des résidents et des visiteurs, avec néanmoins peu de mesures en faveur de la surveillance. Les marchandises, thème nouveau des PDU, sont abordées dans l’ensemble des documents : si le manque de connaissances dans ce domaine a freiné la réflexion, des propositions d’actions parfois très innovantes sont présentées dans quelques agglomérations. Par ailleurs, le concept nouveau de plan de mobilité pour les entreprises ou collectivités émerge dans quelques agglomérations. Concernant l’environnement, si la plupart des PDU fixent des objectifs en matière de bruit et de pollution, leur traduction opérationnelle est encore à préciser. Les PDU traitent également des questions de sécurité routière et d’articulation avec l’urbanisme

A novel locus (CORD12) for autosomal dominant cone-rod dystrophy on chromosome 2q24.2-2q33.1

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Rod-cone dystrophy, also known as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and cone-rod dystrophy (CRD) are degenerative retinal dystrophies leading to blindness. To identify new genes responsible for these diseases, we have studied one large non consanguineous French family with autosomal dominant (ad) CRD.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Family members underwent detailed ophthalmological examination. Linkage analysis using microsatellite markers and a whole-genome SNP analysis with the use of Affymetrix 250 K SNP chips were performed. Five candidate genes within the candidate region were screened for mutations by direct sequencing.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We first excluded the involvement of known adRP and adCRD genes in the family by genotyping and linkage analysis. Then, we undertook a whole-genome scan on 22 individuals in the family. The analysis revealed a 41.3-Mb locus on position 2q24.2-2q33.1. This locus was confirmed by linkage analysis with specific markers of this region. The maximum LOD score was 2.86 at θ = 0 for this locus. Five candidate genes, <it>CERKL</it>, <it>BBS5, KLHL23, NEUROD1</it>, and <it>SF3B1 </it>within this locus, were not mutated.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>A novel locus for adCRD, named <it>CORD12</it>, has been mapped to chromosome 2q24.2-2q33.1 in a non consanguineous French family.</p

Exome sequencing identifies germline variants in DIS3 in familial multiple myeloma

[Excerpt] Multiple myeloma (MM) is the third most common hematological malignancy, after Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Leukemia. MM is generally preceded by Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) [1], and epidemiological studies have identified older age, male gender, family history, and MGUS as risk factors for developing MM [2]. The somatic mutational landscape of sporadic MM has been increasingly investigated, aiming to identify recurrent genetic events involved in myelomagenesis. Whole exome and whole genome sequencing studies have shown that MM is a genetically heterogeneous disease that evolves through accumulation of both clonal and subclonal driver mutations [3] and identified recurrently somatically mutated genes, including KRAS, NRAS, FAM46C, TP53, DIS3, BRAF, TRAF3, CYLD, RB1 and PRDM1 [3,4,5]. Despite the fact that family-based studies have provided data consistent with an inherited genetic susceptibility to MM compatible with Mendelian transmission [6], the molecular basis of inherited MM predisposition is only partly understood. Genome-Wide Association (GWAS) studies have identified and validated 23 loci significantly associated with an increased risk of developing MM that explain ~16% of heritability [7] and only a subset of familial cases are thought to have a polygenic background [8]. Recent studies have identified rare germline variants predisposing to MM in KDM1A [9], ARID1A and USP45 [10], and the implementation of next-generation sequencing technology will allow the characterization of more such rare variants. [...]French National Cancer Institute (INCA) and the Fondation Française pour la Recherche contre le Myélome et les Gammapathies (FFMRG), the Intergroupe Francophone du Myélome (IFM), NCI R01 NCI CA167824 and a generous donation from Matthew Bell. This work was supported in part through the computational resources and staff expertise provided by Scientific Computing at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Research reported in this paper was supported by the Office of Research Infrastructure of the National Institutes of Health under award number S10OD018522. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. The authors thank the Association des Malades du Myélome Multiple (AF3M) for their continued support and participation. Where authors are identified as personnel of the International Agency for Research on Cancer / World Health Organization, the authors alone are responsible for the views expressed in this article and they do not necessarily represent the decisions, policy or views of the International Agency for Research on Cancer / World Health Organizatio