Instantons and the Path to Intermittency in Turbulent Flows.

Processes leading to anomalous fluctuations in turbulent flows, referred to as intermittency, are still challenging. We consider cascade trajectories through scales as realizations of a stochastic Langevin process for which multiplicative noise is an intrinsic feature of the turbulent state. The trajectories are conditioned on their entropy exchange. Such selected trajectories concentrate around an optimal path, called instanton, which is the minimum of an effective action. The action is derived from the Langevin equation, estimated from measured data. In particular instantons with negative entropy pinpoint the trajectories responsible for the emergence of non-Gaussian statistics at small scales.

Joint analysis of BICEP2/keck array and Planck Data.

We report the results of a joint analysis of data from BICEP2/Keck Array and Planck. BICEP2 and Keck Array have observed the same approximately 400 deg^{2} patch of sky centered on RA 0 h, Dec. -57.5°. The combined maps reach a depth of 57 nK deg in Stokes Q and U in a band centered at 150 GHz. Planck has observed the full sky in polarization at seven frequencies from 30 to 353 GHz, but much less deeply in any given region (1.2 µK deg in Q and U at 143 GHz). We detect 150×353 cross-correlation in B modes at high significance. We fit the single- and cross-frequency power spectra at frequencies ≥150 GHz to a lensed-ΛCDM model that includes dust and a possible contribution from inflationary gravitational waves (as parametrized by the tensor-to-scalar ratio r), using a prior on the frequency spectral behavior of polarized dust emission from previous Planck analysis of other regions of the sky. We find strong evidence for dust and no statistically significant evidence for tensor modes. We probe various model variations and extensions, including adding a synchrotron component in combination with lower frequency data, and find that these make little difference to the r constraint. Finally, we present an alternative analysis which is similar to a map-based cleaning of the dust contribution, and show that this gives similar constraints. The final result is expressed as a likelihood curve for r, and yields an upper limit r_{0.05}<0.12 at 95% confidence. Marginalizing over dust and r, lensing B modes are detected at 7.0σ significance.

PRRSV detection by qPCR in processing fluids and serum samples collected in a positive stable breeding herd following mass vaccination of sows with a modified live vaccine.

In the last two decades, in France, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) stabilization protocols have been implemented using mass vaccination with a modified live vaccine (MLV), herd closure and biosecurity measures. Efficient surveillance for PRRSV is essential for generating evidence of absence of viral replication and transmission in pigs. The use of processing fluid (PF) was first described in 2018 in the United States and was demonstrated to provide a higher herd-level sensitivity compared with blood samples (BS) for PRRSV monitoring. In the meantime, data on vertical transmission of MLV viruses are rare even as it is a major concern. Therefore, veterinarians usually wait for several weeks after a sow mass vaccination before starting a stability monitoring. This clinical study was conducted in a PRRSV-stable commercial 1000-sow breed-to-wean farm. This farm suffered from a PRRS outbreak in January 2018. After implementing a stabilisation protocol, this farm was controlled as stable for more than 9 months before the beginning of the study. PF and BS at weaning were collected in four consecutive batches born after a booster sow mass MLV vaccination. We failed to detect PRRSV by qPCR on PF and BS collected in a positive-stable breeding herd after vaccination with ReproCyc® PRRS EU (Boehringer Ingelheim, Ingelheim, Germany).

The microscopic (optical and SEM) examination of putrefaction fluid deposits (PFD). Potential interest in forensic anthropology.

This article describes the potential interest in physical and forensic anthropology of the microscopic analysis of residues of putrefaction fluid, a calcified deposit frequently found associated with bone rests. Its sampling and analysis seem straightforward and relatively reproducible. Samples came from archeological material (Monterenzio Vecchia, an Etruscan necropolis from the north of Italy dated between the fifth and third century B.C.; body rests of Agnès Sorel, royal mistress died in 1450 A.D.; skull and grave of French King Louis the XI and Charlotte of Savoy dated from 1483 A.D.). All samples were studied by direct optical microscope and scanning electron microscopy. Many cytological, histological, and elemental analysis were possible, producing precious data for the identification of these remains and, in some cases, the cause of death.

[Palaeoparasitological study of atypical elements of the low and High Nile Valley]. / Etude paléoparasitologique d'eléments atypiques de la Basse et Haute Vallée du Nil.

Paleoparasitology in the Old World has mainly concerned the study of latrine sediments and coprolites collected from mummified bodies or archaeological strata, mostly preserved by natural conditions. For the first time, different unusual archaeological samples were studied to look for the eggs of helminths parasites (embalming reject jar, canopic package, shroud). Now, samples of organic matter have been successfully processed in order to extract helminths eggs, following the protocol of BOUCHET 2001 (4). Helminth eggs are frequently preserved in the late Quaternary archaeological contexts because of their hard-wearing chitin shell. Six types of eggs were revealed (Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma haematobium, Taenia, Enterobius vermicularis, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura). This study allows to enlarge the Palaeoparasitological research with material never exploited. Moreover, if we take into account identified parasite and geography, it's possible to enlarge the debate to parasite spatio-temporal migration. Considering the particular context of samples preservation, it's interesting to observe an exceptional conservation of parasitological sign related to excellent taphonomic condition (aridity anaeroby, rapid interruption of thanatomorphosis, natural "mummification").

[Non-palpable breast lesions and core needle biopsy with Mammotome 11G: is surgery required in patients with atypical ductal hyperplasia?]. / Lésions mammaires impalpables et macrobiopsies stéréotaxiques avec le Mammotome 11 G: faut-il opérer après diagnostic d'hyperplasie canalaire atypique?

Atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) of the breast is a difficult histologic diagnosis. It is usually found, but not always, on clusters of microcalcifications. The subsequent risk of breast carcinoma is 4 to 5 times more important and the carcinoma can arise in the same breast or in the contralateral breast. Diagnosis can be establish on core needle biopsy with Mammotome 11G. The risk of under-estimation (ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive carcinoma) is about 20%. This risk is drastically decreased if the target (the calcifications) is completely removed by the Mammotome. This study includes 62 cases of ADH found on 633 calcifications biopsied by Mammotome 11G. In 31 cases, surgery was performed and ADH was confirmed in 25 cases (6 cases was under-estimated). In the other 31 cases, all calcifications were removed, there was no other risk factor and follow-up was suggested. Like after surgery, yearly bilateral mammography during about 20 years is recommended. In this last group, there was no false-negative result, median follow-up: 35,5 months (22-62).

[Can positron emission tomography assessment of response to treatment help to individualize use of erlotinib in non-small cell lung cancer?] / L'imagerie par émission de positons à la 3'-désoxy-3'-[18F]-fluorothymidine ([18F]FLT) peut-elle avoir un rôle théranostique lors du traitement par erlotinib dans le cancer bronchique non à petites cellules ?

Erlotinib can be prescribed in the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small lung cancer cell (NSCLC) after failure of at least one prior chemotherapy regimen on the basis of the BR-21 study. Several publications have recently questioned these results. The metabolic imaging of solid tumours by positron emission tomography is a research field that could help customize the treatment of NSCLC and so complement the treatment approaches allowed by genetic analyses. This strategy is part of an innovative "early metabolic look" approach. The primary objective of this study is to determine if metabolic progression observed between the 7th and 14th day after initiation of treatment with erlotinib by 3'-Deoxy-3'-[18F]-Fluorothymidine PET in patients with EGFR naive NSCLC is predictive for morphological progression after 6 to 8 weeks of treatment. A health economic analysis will be conducted. This study is particularly innovative because it begins the exploration of the era of metabolic evaluation of therapeutic response in NSCLC.

Ancient DNA from Ascaris: extraction amplification and sequences from eggs collected in coprolites.

On the Middle-Age site of Namur (Belgium) the analysis of coprolites revealed the presence of many well-preserved Ascaris eggs. Following rehydratation of the coprolite samples, 104 eggs were collected and extracted with an ultrasonication and phenol-chloroform based method. Three overlapping fragments of the 18S rRNA gene and one fragment of the cytochrome b gene have been reproducibly amplified, cloned and sequenced. The analysis of these sequences confirms the identification of the eggs as coming from Ascaris. Our study reveals that coprolites can be an interesting source of parasites that can be readily identified using molecular approaches. The study of ancient DNA from helminth parasites is of interest as it may answer long-standing questions in the history of infectious diseases and gives a possibility to compare these ancient sequences with those of modern populations.

Entropy maps characterize drug effects on brain dynamics in Alzheimer's disease.

Non-linear quantifiers of brain electrical dynamics (entropy maps computed from the degradation of temporal forecasting of EEG signals) were studied in relation to drug treatment of Alzheimer's disease. A placebo condition was compared to three drug doses (50, 100 and 200 mg). A significant general effect of the drug was found when compared to placebo and specific contrasts between placebo and each of the three drug doses only reveal a significant entropy increase for the highest dose. These effects were localized bilaterally in fronto-temporal areas and support changes in the dynamics of the cerebral structures involved in memory processes.

Recovery of helminth eggs from archeological excavations of the Grand Louvre (Paris, France).

Archeological excavations at the Grand Louvre in Paris, France, during 1985-1990, provided an opportunity for paleoparasitological investigation at various ancient sites of habitation, dating from the 11th to the 16th centuries. Eggs of helminths were recovered by means of sedimentation and flotation. The genera of helminths represented were Ascaris, Trichuris, Heterakis, Metastrongylus, Fasciola, and Dicrocoelium.

Dioctophymidae eggs in coprolites from Neolithic site of Arbon-Bleiche 3 (Switzerland).

Dioctophymidae eggs were found in human coprolites dated from 3,384 to 3,370 BC from the site Arbon-Bleiche 3, Switzerland. This is the first record of dioctophymiasis in archaeological material. The important percentage of this disease in the studied coprolites raises the question of a higher prevalence during the Neolithic than at present.

First paleoparasitological analysis of a midden in the Aleutian Islands (Alaska): results and limits.

Excavations on Buldir Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska, have revealed the remains of several features dated between the 13th and 17th centuries A.D. Soil from an open-air workshop, represented by 2 excavated pits, and a structure built of whale bones were sampled for evidence of parasites and microfloristic remains. Two groups of helminth eggs (Diphyllobothrium and Ankylostomidae) were identified in samples from the open-air pits; microfloristical remains were found in all samples. This is the first paleoparasitological analysis conducted on an Aleutian midden.

First recovery of Schistosoma mansoni eggs from a latrine in Europe (15-16th centuries).

Schistosoma mansoni eggs were found in a latrine dated AD 1450-1550 in Montbéliard, France. This is the first record of intestinal schistosomiasis in archaeological material. Because the parasite has an African origin, its presence in Europe at that time may be due to African slaves. However, intestinal schistosomiasis has never been established in Europe.

Crab louse infestation in pre-Columbian America.

Until now, Pthirus pubis infestation in ancient human populations had only been recorded in the Old World. We found crab lice on South American mummified bodies from the Atacama Desert region. Crab louse eggs were found attached to the pubic hairs of a 2,000-yr-old Chilean mummy. Well-preserved adults were found in sediment and clothing from a Peruvian mummy dated 1,000 yr ago. Paleoparasitological evidence expands the knowledge of the distribution of this ectoparasite in ancient populations. As with many other parasites, pubic lice recorded in Andean populations show the antiquity of this parasite in the New World. It is likely that P. pubis entered the continent with early human migration to the New World.

Laboratory rearing of Phlebotomus perniciosus (Diptera: Psychodidae) and fungal growth problems.

One of the difficulties of growing sandflies in the laboratory is fungal contamination. This study of the laboratory rearing of Phlebotomus perniciosus reports on the nature and circumstances of fungal contamination. Fungal growth is favoured during winter and diapause. The harmful effects vary with the fungal species and the larval stages. The solution to the problem lies on the use of aseptic techniques and the avoidance of overfeeding.

[Venous Doppler ultrasonography. Methods, indications and limits]. / Le doppler veineux. Méthodes, indications et limites.

The analysis of velocities by the Doppler effect has limited applications in venous pathology. There are, however, many potential advantages: the introduction of deep venous catheters, early diagnosis of venous thrombosis, studies of venous incompetence, right sided cardiopathies, follow-up of medical and surgical treatment (thrombolytics, venous thrombectomy, bypass surgery, vena cava clips). The results in a series of venous thrombosis are reported: the correlation between Doppler and phlebography was 86,5% in 110 investigations. Doppler sensitivity was 86% and specificity 91%. These results are compared to other reports. A 90% correlation was found with isotope venography in 32 cases in which the permeability of vena cava clips was studied. The sensitivity of doppler in the diagnosis of thrombosis of the clip was 75% and its specificity 100%. The main limitations were the lack of sensitivity in the diagnosis of distal thrombosis and incomplete occlusion (floating thrombi). As a complement to occlusive plethysmography and other non-invasive investigations, Doppler ultrasonography helps determine the indications for phlebography. It is useful in detecting high risk patients and is a sensitive, effective non-invasive method of surveillance in the postoperative period.

[Arguments for and description of the Doppler venous examination (author's transl)]. / Défense et illustration du doppler veineux.

Analysis of blood flow rates by Doppler effect on veins has many advantages: deep insertion of venous catheters, diagnosis of deep veins thrombosis, venous insufficiency, right heart cardiopathies, and supervision of medical and surgical treatment of venous disease. The agreement between Doppler examination and phlebography was, in venous thrombosis, 86.5 % for 110 examinations. Sensitivity of Doppler technique is 86%, specificity 91 %. If used to check permeability of vena cava interruption, concordance between Doppler ultrasound and isotopic phlebography was 90 % for 32 cases. The main limitation of the method is a poor sensibility in diagnosis of distal thrombosis and in not entirely occluding clots.

[Neuromuscular complications of D-penicillamine in rheumatoid arthritis]. / Complications neuromusculaires de la D. pénicillamine dans la polyarthrite rhumatoïde.

Between 1979 and 1990 we have seen 8 patients (7 females) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who developed a neuro-muscular involvement while on D-penicillamine (D.P.). Five of them had a drug-induced myasthenia. D.P. withdrawal led to a complete recovery in 1.5 to 5 months. Another patient presented with a myopathy which led to the diagnosis of Grave's disease. She was treated with D.P. for 4 months. D.P. was reintroduced and 5 months later a myasthenic syndrome developed. A thymoma was discovered 1 year later. In the last 2 patients D.P. induced polymyositis which, in one, was associated with features of systemic lupus erythematosus. In the other patient, the evolution was fatal in spite of D.P. withdrawal, high dose steroids and plasma exchanges. A literature survey has shown 150 D.P. induced myasthenia and 38 D.P. induced polymyositis cases.

[First paleoparasitologic approach of the neolithic site in Chalain (Jura, France)]. / Premiére approche paléoparasitologique du site néolithique de Chalain (Jura, France).

On the neolithic site of Chalain, the analysis of 12 human coprolites and of 10 sediment samples rich in organic matters has revealed the presence of many well preserved eggs of Helminths: eggs of Trichuris/Capillaria, Fasciola hepatica and Diphyllobothrium sp. The interest of palaeoparasitological analysis in Archaeology and the impact of taphonomical process on the parasitological material are discussed.