Generalized low-density codes with BCH constituents for full-diversity near-outage performance

A new graph-based construction of generalized low density codes (GLD-Tanner) with binary BCH constituents is described. The proposed family of GLD codes is optimal on block erasure channels and quasi-optimal on block fading channels. Optimality is considered in the outage probability sense. Aclassical GLD code for ergodic channels (e.g., the AWGN channel,the i.i.d. Rayleigh fading channel, and the i.i.d. binary erasure channel) is built by connecting bitnodes and subcode nodes via a unique random edge permutation. In the proposed construction of full-diversity GLD codes (referred to as root GLD), bitnodes are divided into 4 classes, subcodes are divided into 2 classes, and finally both sides of the Tanner graph are linked via 4 random edge permutations. The study focuses on non-ergodic channels with two states and can be easily extended to channels with 3 states or more.

Extrasystoles ventriculaires idiopathiques de ta chambre de chasse: evaluation, pronostic et prise en charge [Idiopathic premature ventricular complexes originating from the ventricular outflow tract: evaluation, prognosis and management].

Idiopathic premature ventricular complexes originating from the ventricular outflow tract: evaluation, prognosis and management The prognosis of ventricular premature complexes (VPC) in the absence of heart disease is considered benign. VPC usually originate from the right or, less commonly, left ventricular outflow tract. QRS complexes therefore usually assume a left bundle branch block and inferior axis morphology. These VPC, particularly if very frequent (> 20,000 per day), may adversely affect left ventricular function and their suppression can restore normal function. Moreover, there is a clinical overlap with arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia and this diagnosis should be considered when facing a left bundle branch block shaped VPC. However, the prognosis of outflow tract VPC is good for appropriately selected patients with normal left ventricular function, absence of syncope or ventricular tachycardia, and no evidence of cardiac disease.

Prise en charge d'une lésion hépatique découverte fortuitement [The management of an incidental liver lesion]

The widespread use of abdominal imaging technologies has led to an increase in the incidental finding of liver tumors. Most of these lesions are asymptomatic and will not require any treatment. With the use of contrast-enhanced radiological studies, most of the tumors can be reliably diagnosed by non-invasive means. In case of diagnostic uncertainty, patients should not undergo percutaneous biopsy but rather complete resection of the lesion for an unequivocal diagnosis. Such pathologies must be taken charge of in centers with expertise by interdisciplinary teams.

La surveillance active dans la prise en charge du cancer de la prostate précoce. [Active surveillance for early-stage prostate cancer]

Diagnostic and treatment management of prostate cancer at its initial stage continues to raise important debates within the involved medical community. To establish a protocol for active surveillance, a validated option in specific conditions of localised prostate cancer management for eight years, is a unique opportunity to gather different specialists in this field. This paper presents this concept.

Shifts in species and phylogenetic diversity between sapling and tree communities indicate negative density dependence in a lowland rain forest

1. As trees in a given cohort progress through ontogeny, many individuals die. This risk of mortality is unevenly distributed across species because of many processes such as habitat filtering, interspecific competition and negative density dependence. Here, we predict and test the patterns that such ecological processes should inscribe on both species and phylogenetic diversity as plants recruit from saplings to the canopy. 2. We compared species and phylogenetic diversity of sapling and tree communities at two sites in French Guiana. We surveyed 2084 adult trees in four 1-ha tree plots and 943 saplings in sixteen 16-m2 subplots nested within the tree plots. Species diversity was measured using Fisher's alpha (species richness) and Simpson's index (species evenness). Phylogenetic diversity was measured using Faith's phylogenetic diversity (phylogenetic richness) and Rao's quadratic entropy index (phylogenetic evenness). The phylogenetic diversity indices were inferred using four phylogenetic hypotheses: two based on rbcLa plastid DNA sequences obtained from the inventoried individuals with different branch lengths, a global phylogeny available from the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group, and a combination of both. 3. Taxonomic identification of the saplings was performed by combining morphological and DNA barcoding techniques using three plant DNA barcodes (psbA-trnH, rpoC1 and rbcLa). DNA barcoding enabled us to increase species assignment and to assign unidentified saplings to molecular operational taxonomic units. 4. Species richness was similar between saplings and trees, but in about half of our comparisons, species evenness was higher in trees than in saplings. This suggests that negative density dependence plays an important role during the sapling-to-tree transition. 5. Phylogenetic richness increased between saplings and trees in about half of the comparisons. Phylogenetic evenness increased significantly between saplings and trees in a few cases (4 out of 16) and only with the most resolved phylogeny. These results suggest that negative density dependence operates largely independently of the phylogenetic structure of communities. 6. Synthesis. By contrasting species richness and evenness across size classes, we suggest that negative density dependence drives shifts in composition during the sapling-to-tree transition. In addition, we found little evidence for a change in phylogenetic diversity across age classes, suggesting that the observed patterns are not phylogenetically constrained.

Male reproductive success and multiple paternity in wild, low-density populations of the adder (Vipera berus).

We studied for the first time the occurrence of multiple paternity, male reproductive success, and neonate survival in wild, low-density adder (Vipera berus) populations using 13 microsatellite loci. Paternity was assigned for 15 clutches, collected during 3 years. Our data demonstrated that multiple paternity can occur at a high level (69%) in natural populations of V. berus, even if the density of adults is low. The high proportion of multiple sired clutches was comparable to the proportion observed in captive populations. Male reproductive success significantly increased with body length, and only the largest males successfully sired entire clutches. Finally, no relationship was detected between the number of fathers per clutch and neonate survival. These results suggest that multiple matings could be beneficial in populations with high level of inbreeding or low male fecundity.

Evaluation of Muscardinus avellanarius population density by nest box and by trap checking

Population densities of marked common dormice Muscardinus avellanarius are generally based on nest box checks. As dormice also use natural cavities and leaf nests, we tried to answer the question "what proportion of the population cannot be monitored by nest boy checks", using parallel trapping sessions. We selected a forest of 1.7ha where a 5-year nest box survey revealed an annual mean of 3.4 ± 1.4 dormice per check. The trap design (permanent grid of 77 hanging platforms) was developed in June. During July and August the traps were set every second week (4 sessions of two nights = 8 nights) resulting in a total of 75 captures with mean of 9.4 dormice per night and the presence of 16 different individuals. The grid of 60 nest boxes was checked weekly (8 times) which allowed the recapture of 19 dormice with a mean of 2.4 dormice, per control day and the presence of 6 different individuals. Population density estimated by calendar of capture and the minimal number of dormice alive methods gave for nest-box checks a value of 2.4 animals/ha and the trap checks 6.6 animals/ha with the conclusion that 63% of the population were not being monitored by nest box checks.

Improve the quality of care for diabetic patients in the hospital. [Améliorer la qualité de la prise en charge des patients diabétiques à l'hôpital.]

Objectif : La prise en charge des patients avec hyperglycémie en soins aigus estdifficile et les erreurs de prescription d'insuline sont fréquentes. Notre objectifest de promouvoir l'évolution des pratiques vers une gestion efficace et sécuritairede l'hyperglycémie.Matériels et méthodes : Création d'un programme de formation structuré pourla gestion de l'hyperglycémie en soins aigus. Ce programme est le produit dumétissage entre le modèle de l'accompagnement thérapeutique et la systémiquedu management. Il vise l'acquisition d'une métacognition pour une réflexiontransversale face à l'hyperglycémie. Les objectifs spécifiques sont : comprendreles particularités de l'hyperglycémie en aigu ; gérer le basal/bolus ; argumenterle choix thérapeutique ; s'approprier l'outil sécuritaire d'aide à l'insulinothérapie ;anticiper la sortie du patient. Une analyse mixte a été effectuée : quantitative,glycémies, hypoglycémies, durée de séjour et qualitative, évolution de la réflexionautour de l'hyperglycémie.Résultats : Nov. 2009-2010, dans le Service de Médecine du CHUV, nous avonsdispensé 3 sessions de formation (15 cours), suivies d'une période de coaching,pour 78 internes. Évaluation quantitative : 85 patients (56,4 % H), âge moyen72,7 ± 9,6 ans, glycémies à J3 dans la cible (4-8,5 mmol/l) 44,6 %, glycémiemoyenne 8,5 ± 1,8 mmol/l, hypoglycémies 0,9 %, durée moyenne de séjour9,7 ± 5,4 J. Évaluation qualitative : choix du schéma thérapeutique pertinentdans la majorité des cas, environ 90 % des internes ont intégré les éléments depondération de l'insulinothérapie, estiment que cette formation a eu un impactpositif sur leur gestion, sont plus confiants dans leurs capacités et ont unmeilleur sentiment d'auto-efficacité. Les modalités pédagogiques adoptées ontfavorisé le transfert des compétences et le niveau de satisfaction globale atteint90 %.Conclusion : Le développement d'un programme de formation des soignants,basé sur l'approche réflexive et participative, permet une amélioration importantede la gestion de l'hyperglycémie. Notre projet s'inscrit dans une démarcheglobale visant à doter les bénéficiaires d'une vision systémique du diabète.

Sentence de la maîtrise des eaux et forêts qui ordonne que les maîtres oiseleurs de Paris, ainsi que les marchands forains qui apporteront en cette ville des serins et autres oiseaux rares et étrangers, seront respectivement maintenus au libre exercice de ce commerce, à la charge de se conformer aux statuts et réglements pour l'exposition, acquit et vente desdits oiseaux ; et pour la contravention faite par un marchand forain y dénommé confisque, au profit de la communauté des oiseleurs, les perroquets, cages et augets saisis sur ce particulier

[Acte. 1755-08-26. Paris]

Sentence de la maîtrise des eaux et forêts qui déclare la saisie d'un filet prohibé et de nouvelle invention, appelé les cliquettes, faite par les jurés de la communauté des pêcheurs à engins de Paris sur Louis Laisné, juré en charge de la communauté, bonne et valable ; ordonne que ledit filet sera confisqué pour être brûlé

[Acte. 1751-08-06. Paris]

Low density lipoprotein signaling and pancreatic beta cells protection

SummaryLow-density lipoproteins (LDLs) have an important physiological role in organism transporting cholesterol and other fatty substances to target tissues. However, elevated LDL levels in the blood are associated with the formation of arterial plaques and consequently atherosclerosis. It is therefore important to characterize the intracellular pathways induced upon LDL stimulation as they might be involved in the pathological properties of these lipoproteins. It has been previously found that LDL stimulation of mouse embryonic fibroblasts activates p38 mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs). This leads to cell spreading and increase in the wound healing capabilities of the cells. These two responses might occur within atherosclerotic plaques.The aim of this project is to reveal the missing links between LDL particle and activation of p38 MAPK kinase. As previously shown in our lab activation of p38 MAPK kinase by the LDL particles occur independently of classical LDL receptor (LDLR). In this study we have shown that scavenger receptor type Β class I (SR-BI) is responsible for the signal transduction from the LDLs to the p38 MAPK. We have also shown that Mitogen activated kinase kinases (MKKs) that can directly activate ρ 38 MAPK in these conditions are MKK3 and MKK6 but not MKK4. We have also tested some of the intermediate components of the pathway like Ras and PI3 kinase but found that they do not play a role.The data obtained in this study showed a part of molecular mechanism responsible for p38 MAPK activation and subsequent wound healing and can contribute to our knowledge on function of the fibroblasts in the development of the atherosclerotic plaques.Diabetes Mellitus is a condition caused by disordered metabolism of blood glucose level. It is one of the most commonly spread disease in the western world, with the incidence reaching 8% of population in United States. Two most common types of diabetes are type 1 and 2 that differs slightly in the mechanism of the development. However in the basis of both types lies the cell death of pancreatic beta cells. The aim of this work is to improve beta cells survival in different pathophysiological settings. This could be extrapolated to the conditions in which Diabetes develops in humans. We decided to use RasGAP- derived fragment Ν with its strong antiapoptotic effect in beta cells. In our lab we have demonstrated that in the mild stress conditions RasGAP can be cleaved by caspases at the position 455 producing two fragments, fragment Ν and fragment C. Fragment Ν exerts

Rhumatologie. Une nouvelle option thérapeutique dans la prise en charge de l'inflammation chronique en rhumatologie: les inhibiteurs des janus kinases [A new therapeutical option for chronic inflammation in rheumatology: janus kinases inhibitors (JAK)].

In the last 15 years, the therapeutical options for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases in rheumatology have increased a lot. Nevertheless, some patients do not respond or respond partially to the current therapies--including to the biologics therapy. Tofacitinib (Xeljanz) is now on the Swiss market. It inhibits the JAK pathway. Tofacitinib--as monotherapy or with methotrexate--improves the control of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In a comparative study, tofacitinib was as effective as adalimumab. Further, tofacitinib reduced structural damages in RA and is considered as an alternative, in case of non-response, to anti-TNF and probably to other biologics therapy. The side effects are upper respiratory tract and opportunist infections and tuberculosis. Blood count, lipids, kidney function, liver tests, CK and blood pressure have to be monitored.

Assessment of volumetric bone mineral density of the femoral neck in postmenopausal women with and without vertebral fractures using quantitative multi-slice CT.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the validity and reliability of volumetric quantitative computed tomography (vQCT) with multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for hip bone mineral density (BMD) measurements, and to compare the differences between the two techniques in discriminating postmenopausal women with osteoporosis-related vertebral fractures from those without. METHODS: Ninety subjects were enrolled and divided into three groups based on the BMD values of the lumbar spine and/or the femoral neck by DXA. Groups 1 and 2 consisted of postmenopausal women with BMD changes <-2SD, with and without radiographically confirmed vertebral fracture (n=11 and 33, respectively). Group 3 comprised normal controls with BMD changes > or =-1SD (n=46). Post-MSCT (GE, LightSpeed16) scan reconstructed images of the abdominal-pelvic region, 1.25 mm thick per slice, were processed by OsteoCAD software to calculate the following parameters: volumetric BMD values of trabecular bone (TRAB), cortical bone (CORT), and integral bone (INTGL) of the left femoral neck, femoral neck axis length (NAL), and minimum cross-section area (mCSA). DXA BMD measurements of the lumbar spine (AP-SPINE) and the left femoral neck (NECK) also were performed for each subject. RESULTS: The values of all seven parameters were significantly lower in subjects of Groups 1 and 2 than in normal postmenopausal women (P<0.05, respectively). Comparing Groups 1 and 2, 3D-TRAB and 3D-INTGL were significantly lower in postmenopausal women with vertebral fracture(s) [(109.8+/-9.61) and (243.3+/-33.0) mg/cm3, respectively] than in those without [(148.9+/-7.47) and (285.4+/-17.8) mg/cm(3), respectively] (P<0.05, respectively), but no significant differences were evident in AP-SPINE or NECK BMD. CONCLUSION: the femoral neck-derived volumetric BMD parameters using vQCT appeared better than the DXA-derived ones in discriminating osteoporotic postmenopausal women with vertebral fractures from those without. vQCT might be useful to evaluate the effect of osteoporotic vertebral fracture status on changes in bone mass in the femoral neck.

Prise en charge du patient avec bronchopneumopathie obstructive: ambulatoire ou hospitalière [Management of the patient with COPD: home case or hospitalization].

Acute exacerbation of COPD is one of the most common causes of hospital admission in patients affected with this disease. In most cases, consideration of differential diagnoses and assessment of important comorbidities will allow to make the decision whether or not the patient needs to be hospitalized. A decision to hospitalize will be based on specific symptoms and signs, as well on the patient's history. Contrary to bronchial asthma, a systematic action plan strategy is lacking for COPD. However, a disease management plan involving all the health care providers may have the potential to improve the patient's well being and to decrease costs related to these exacerbations.

Population density and offspring size in the cladoceran Simocephalus vetulus (Müller)

r/K theory classically predicts that offspring size should increase under density-dependent selection. However, this is questionable, being based on implicit rather than explicit assumption (the logistic model does not include offsring size as a parameter). From recent models of optimal offspring size (Sibly & Calow, 1983; Taylor & Williams, 1984) it can be shown that density should select for larger offspring if density-dependence in the per capita rate of increase is mainly due to a reduction of the juvenile growth rate or survivorship. In contrast, density should select for smaller offspring if such density-dependence is mainly due to a reduction of adult fecundity or survivorship. Therfore, the outcome of selection cannot be predicted without precise knowledge of the density-dependence of age-specific reproduction and mortality rates. To test the above models, genetically identical individuals of Simocephalus vetulus (Müller) were reared in a density gradient; density-dependence in the per capita rate of increase was shown to be mainly due to a reduction of the juvenile growth rate, thereby selecting for larger offspring; offspring size at birth appeared to be phenotypically plastic and to increase with density. Models were therefore qualitatively supported. However, a discrepancy occurred in quantitative predictions; offspring were produced larger than predicted. Field and laboratory studies are suggested to address this.