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Algeria, an arid to semi-arid country, is highly vulnerable to climate change. Rainfall is limited in the coastal zone, uncertain or even non-existent towards the South, and is particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of global warming. There is a downward trend in rainfall since 1975 and the rising phase is not yet ready to begin. The purpose of this work is to analyze the interannual variability of the rainfall time series of 17 stations in the Upper and Middle Cheliff watershed over the period 1972/73-2012/13 (42 years). The seven-year moving average method and non parametric statistical tests (Pettitt and Mann-Kendall) have been used to analyze these time series. This analysis shows the existence of a succession of wet (1972/73 to 1979/80) and dry (1979/80 to 2005/06) sequences common to 14 stations. The rupture date detected for the majority of the stations is between the end of the 1970s and the middle of the 1980s. Indeed, 6 stations out of 17 have a regular rainfall pattern, while the remaining 11 stations have a rainfall deficit that fluctuates between 16% and 29%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different factors are likely to weaken the continuity and consistency of the care of a sick newborn. Some are related to variability, that is, difference in care policy or conditions of announcement from one institution to another, and from one professional to another. Usually presented as a lack of competence by benchmarking studies, even seeking to be corrected by the recommendations established by the learned societies, this variability probably partially relates to other origins belonging to the "palatability" of the teams for a particular type of medical practice or communication. This article aims to help professionals of all disciplines to become aware of their positioning in the way of delivering care and communicating with families. It is a question of walking together to understand why it is so difficult to apply the medical recommendations while taking into account the subjectivity of each situation. Limiting the impact of what may be felt as a lack of medical coherence in the eyes of parents seems like a goal not to let go. Resuscitation situations at the threshold of viability have made us make considerable progress in the anticipatory movement carried out with antenatal parents so that they can accept and accompany the stay in intensive care of their child and the subsequent follow-up in a continuity sufficient to avoid the development of attachment disorders. It is now up to us to reflect on this continuity in less critical but everyday situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to know the uses and some nutritional potentials of Sclerocarya birrea. The African plum tree called Sclerocarya birrea is a fruit tree of the Anacardiaceae family, which provides populations some consumable fruits during the lean season. Although it is present in Sudano-Sahelian regions of Senegal, its favorite repartition zone is the Ferlo. Sclerocarya birrea is being rehabilitated in the framework of the implementation of the African Union program called the "Green Wall". Unfortunately, no scientific studies have mentioned the nutritional content of fruits coming from this area. In the context of the reconstitution of the vegetation cover, knowledge of the relations between man and his environment is important. Thus, the present study is undertaken with the aim of knowing the uses of Sclerocarya birrea and its fruits attibutes. According to that, ethnobotanical surveys have gathered knowledge on the species' uses in the Ferlo area (Senegal). Samples of ripe fruits harvested were analyzed using standard and conventional assay techniques. The results revealed that the populations of the Ferlo are well acquainted with Sclerocarya birrea and that its medicinal use is by far the most important (79%). In medicinal use, the most commonly used plant organs are barks and leaves. The results obtained on the pulp of the fruit showed that it is a good source of vitamin C, sugars, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium and total polyphenols. The almond oil has characteristics that remain within the accepted food standards. These results are marked by a high variability in the physicochemical composition, which appears to be linked to variations in edaphic and climatic conditions. The analysis shows that the fruit of Sclerocarya birrea is an excellent source of nutrients and can validly fill certain nutritional deficiencies of indigenous peoples. The fruit also has potential for transformation that needs to be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the effect of 25 (OH) vitamin D supplementation on blood pressure (BP) variability in hypertensive women in the pre-menopausal and post-menopausal periods. Materials and methods 881 hypertensive women prospectively followed for an interventional study between January 2016 and September 2017, in specialized consultation at the department of internal medicine at the Blida University Hospital (Algeria). Four hundred and thiry nine premenopausal women (group I) and 442 menopausal women (group II). The initial serum 25 (OH) D level for each group was determined by the enzyme immunoassay. In groups I and II, we identified 2 subgroups, A: insufficiency (vit D between 29 and 20 ng/ml) and B: deficiency (vit D less than 20 ng/L). Antihypertensive therapy was supplemented with an additional 200000 IU/month cholecalciferol for the two B subgroups. The variability in BP was calculated as the ratio of mean systolic and diastolic BP during daytime and nighttime, with performing ambulatory BP measurement at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up. Results At inclusion, the level of 25 (OH) D was lower ( P < 0.05) in subgroups IB (19.3 ± 8.5 ng/ml) and IIB (18.2 ± 9, 5 ng/ml) compared to subgroups IA (28.1 ± 10.7 ng/ml) and IIA (25.2 ± 10.1 ng/ml). After supplementation, the level of 25 (OH) D increased in subgroup IB (38.3 ± 11.9 ng/ml) and in subgroup IIB (37.3 ± 10, 5 ng/ml) and became higher ( P < 0.001) than in subgroups IA and IIA. Between subgroups IA and IB, at inclusion, there is no difference ( P > 0.05) in the SBP and DBP variability during the day and at night. After treatment, the variability of the SBP at night became lower ( P < 0.02) in group IB compared to group IA. In subgroup IIB, daytime variability indices were higher ( P = 0.04) at inclusion than in group IIA. After treatment, the variability of SBP during the day decreased but remained the highest ( P < 0.05) in subgroup IIB (14.8 ± 10.8 mmHg) compared to subgroup IB (12.0 ± 8.1 mmHg), as well as to subgroups IIA (10.9 ± 9.8 mmHg) and IA (10 ± 8.1 mmHg). We found a significant correlation of cholecalciferol with the variability of SBP during the day. Conclusions Vitamin D deficiency appears to be a factor of BP variability. Although the variability of the postmenopausal group remains higher than that of the other groups, the correction of the level of 25 (OH) D by the supply of cholecalciferol 200000 IU per month leads to a reduction in the variability of BP in the studied hypertensive women could help to prevent morbimortal complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results of tests performed on joints used in timber-frame construction allow characterizing the variability of their mechanical behavior, which differs substantially from one joint to the next. The parameters of a constitutive model of the joints and their variability are identified. Finite element (FE) models of a shear wall and a timber-frame house are used in nonlinear dynamic calculations to study the propagation of uncertainty through the structure. It demonstrates that for a single-story 6 m × 6 m house, the variations in mechanical strength of each connection do not significantly affect the structural behavior of the house. Both the numerical and experimental results (on a shaking table) are quite similar, proving the model accuracy, its ability to study the propagation of uncertainty and its relevance for future development (non-regular, multi-story buildings...). Moreover, a sensitivity analysis performed on a FE wall model under uncertain seismic loads reveals the importance of earthquake motion modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Acheulean of the southern Iberian Peninsula is markedly similar to the north African Acheulean. However, the characteristics of the stone tool assemblages are heterogeneous and represent complex cultural phenomena. From MIS 15, the lithic assemblages in fluvial (Guadiana, Guadalquivir and Guadalete rivers), fluvio-lacustrine (Solana del Zamborino) and karstic (Cueva del Ángel, Bolomor, Cueva Negra del río Quípar, Cueva Horá and Santa Ana) contexts exhibit analogies and technical differences representative of a phenomenon of multiplicity. Contributing to this phenomenon is the perception of technological stasis or conservatism of the Acheulean technocomplex and the different technical responses articulated by hominins to achieve equivalent results. These equivalences generate the uniformity that allows us to recognise typologies of large cutting tools (LCTs) regardless of the lithic materials used or the organisational structures of the operational sequences. These diversified typologies include handaxes, picks, and cleavers, which maintain a consistent presence despite innovations such as the Levallois flaking method. In some cases, the presence of cleavers and spheroids affects the range of represented typologies. Beneath the uniformity of the handaxes, lie organisational differences in the operational sequences. The changes and differences in the use of flakes to shape handaxes, the representation of cleavers and diversification of shaped-tool typologies all suggest differential cultural behaviours linked in part to divergent contexts. These aspects indicate that this multiplicity is related to diffusion, adaptation and cultural changes produced at the margins of the conservatism of this technocomplex. Observed changes could indicate inter-group cultural replacements, most of which retained a similar techno-typological diversity to that seen in the north African Acheulean until MIS 5. Cyclical climate change during the Middle Pleistocene affected the Strait of Gibraltar, regulating its function and conditioning the circulation of hominins and affecting cultural interactions between southern Iberian groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a theoretical point of view, the aim of our article is to reflect about the development of the competences, in a working context, starting from the study of the human activity and its conceptual organization in a social context. We point out two characteristics of activity; the changeable and the development. We start from this theory to question the planning of the practice of the nursing care, in the context of changing shifts. Planning is an activity of conceptualizing, constant adaptation to a specific context, elaborating and elaborating again the concepts, rules, past actions, in a present context. The planning activity placed in a specific context and when constructive, favors the development of abstraction. We suggest a formalization of the abstract development, articulating the macrogenetics and microgenetics of the planning activity, studied in a simulated situation of changing shifts and followed by the realization of a conceptual interview. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between the intercultural and the national identity is conceived as an issue of Ego, the self and the self of the Other, of the meeting of two or more cultures in the same social space, the acceptance or non-acceptance of the Other. Therefore, we set a goal to examine this relationship, its impact on the host identity on the one hand, and on the identity of the migrant, on the other hand, we highlight the role of time in the interaction between the constancy and variability of identity, on the quantitative and qualitative dimension of the analyzed entity. The complexity of identity lies in several factors, one of which would be that of persistence of constancy and variability in its structure. It is the time that shows above all the continuity of permanence in time of constancy and coexistence of two components, variable and invariable, of the identity. The two features of identity, that of the constancy and that of the variability, also relate to the quantitative and qualitative dimension of identity. Globalization affects personal identity as well as the national identity by making changes to the two dimensions of identity. It came to erase or even to dislodge a number of values practiced and rooted in us, it has transformed the supreme value of personal identity, that of the human, installing practices, properties in our Ego incompatible with mankind. It has changed the way we act, interact and react. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abundant remains of Protechimys major Schlosser (1884) (Rodentia, Theridomyinae) from Mas-de-Pauffié (Lot, France; standard–locality MP26, e.g., BiochroM’1997; Early Chattian) are described and their morphological and dimensional variability are analyzed. At this locality, and also at Les-Milles (Bouches-du-Rhône), P. major is associated with a few teeth of Archaeomys-Blainvillimys sp. Due to this scarcity and to similar evolutionary trends in the pattern of lower molars, it is not possible to find accurate features likely to distinguish Protechimys from Archaeomys or advanced Blainvillimys , but lines of research are given. Their co-occurrence with Issiodoromys pauffiensis Vianey-Liaud (1976) is documented at localities with different depositional conditions; together with the analysis of precise and focused samples made in the limited outcrop, it contributes to demonstrate the temporal homogeneity of the MP26 rodent assemblage from Mas-de-Pauffié. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Australian Water Balance model (AWBM) and the SimHyd rainfall–runoff model are conceptual models widely used for simulating daily flows in Australia. To evaluate their ability to model non-stationary daily flows, to quantify the effect of land disturbance, and to assess their performance in catchments outside Australia, these two models were applied to two small watersheds, the Fernow watershed No. 6 in West Virginia, USA, for the period 1959–2009, and the River Rimbaud watershed in the French Alps for the period 1968–2006. Both watersheds have experienced well documented disturbances as a result of clearing and fire, respectively. The modelling protocol followed was adopted for a workshop on hydrology under change, held during the 2013 IAHS Assembly in Göteborg, Sweden, which was based on split-sample tests. On balance, the AWBM worked marginally better than SimHyd for these two catchments, and neither model worked satisfactorily for the Fernow watershed where forest clearing, application of herbicide and changes in species composition had occurred. There is little difference in terms of model performance between periods when land disturbances occurred and other periods with relatively stable conditions. Conceptual models are better equipped to simulate climate-driven variations in the observed streamflow (e.g. the River Rimbaud), and inadequate in reproducing streamflow variability as a result of complex forest management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper quantifies the impacts of bushfire and climate variability on streamflow from three southeast Australian catchments where bushfires occurred in February 1983. Three hydrological models (AWRA-L, Xinanjiang and GR4J) were first calibrated against streamflow data from the pre-bushfire period and then used to simulate runoff for the post-bushfire period with the calibrated parameters. The difference in simulated streamflow between pre- and post-bushfire periods provides an estimate of the impact of climate variability on streamflow. The impact of bushfire on streamflow is quantified by removing the climate variability impact from the difference in mean annual observed streamflow between post- and pre-bushfire periods. For the first 15 years after the 1983 bushfires, the results from hydrological models for the three catchments indicate that there is a substantial increase in streamflow; this is attributed to initial decreases in evapotranspiration and soil infiltration rates resulting from the fires, followed by logging activity. After 15 years, streamflow dynamics are more heavily influenced by climate effects, although some impact from fire and logging regeneration may still occur. The results show that hydrological models provide reasonably consistent estimates of bushfire and climate impacts on streamflow for the three catchments. The models can be used to quantify relative contributions of forest disturbance (bushfire, logging and other forest management) and climate variability. The results presented can also help forest managers understand the relationship between bushfire and climate variability impacts on water yield in the context of climate variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenological studies are rarely reported from arctic and subarctic regions, but are essential to evaluate species' response to climate change in these rapidly warming ecosystems. Here, we present a phylogenetic analysis of flowering phenology across an elevational gradient in the Canadian subarctic. We found that the timing of first flower was best explained by a combination of snowmelt, elevation, and growing degree-days. We also show that early flowering species have demonstrated lower intraspecific variability in their response to climate cues in comparison with late flowering species, such that individual flowering times of early species are more closely tied to environmental predictors. Previous work has suggested that early flowering species are more variable in their phenology. However, these studies have mostly examined variation in phenology over time, whereas we examined variation in phenology over space. We suggest that both patterns can be explained by the tighter coupling between phenology and climate cues for early flowering species. Thus, early flowering species have low intraspecific variance in flowering times within a single growing season as individuals respond more uniformly to a common set of cues in comparison with late flowering species. However, these same species may show large variance between years reflecting interannual variation in climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: The present observational study reports the results of a multi-institutional dummy-run designed to estimate the consistency of interobserver variability in clinical target volume delineation in two different cases of soft-tissue sarcomas in which postoperative and preoperative radiotherapy were prescribed, respectively. The purpose of this work was to quantify interobserver variability in routine clinical practice. Patients and methods: Two different cases of soft-tissues sarcomas were chosen: a case of postoperative and a case of preoperative radiation therapy. Participating centres were requested to delineate clinical target volumes according to their experience in both cases. Descriptive statistic was calculated for each variable (volume, diameters) separately for two cases. Box-whiskers plots were used for presentation of clinical target volume. A Shapiro-Wilk's test was performed to evaluate the departures from normality distribution for each variable. The comparison between relative variations of diameters was evaluated using the Student's t test. Results: Several variations affecting both volumes and diameters were observed. Main variations were observed in the craniocaudal and laterolateral diameters. Each case showed similar dispersion, indicating a lack of reproducibility in volumes definition. Conclusions: This observational study highlighted that, in the absence of specific instructions or guidelines, the interobserver variability can be significant both in postoperative and preoperative radiotherapy of soft-tissue sarcomas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Resistive exercise is used in the assessment of musculoskeletal health, performance, training interventions, and population differences (i.e., gender, age, training status). There is a need to determine the amount of familiarization required to stabilize performance prior to testing. Fifteen males completed a familiarization session consisting of 3 blocks of 5 maximal isometric dorsiflexion contractions, followed by a retention test (an additional block of 5 contractions) performed 3 days later. Mean force and surface electromyography (sEMG) from both the agonist and antagonist muscles were collected. A variance ratio, representing the stability between trials, was calculated for each of the 4 blocks of 5 contractions for both force and sEMG. The variance ratio for both force and agonist sEMG decreased significantly within the first 10 trials and remained stable during the retention test. The variance ratio for antagonist sEMG was stable across the 3 blocks of familiarization and significantly decreased during the retention test. The magnitude variables all remained stable across the 3 familiarization blocks. However, an 11% increase in mean force was seen during the retention test while both agonist and antagonist sEMG remained stable. Although slight changes occurred in the magnitude variables during the retention test, the stabilization of the force and agonist sEMG variance ratios suggest that familiarization to the task was achieved within the first 10 contractions and was sustained over a 3-day period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suspended sediment and bedload discharges in sand-bed rivers shape semi-arid landscapes and impact sediment delivery from these landscapes, but are still incompletely understood. Suspended sediment and bedload fluxes of the intermittent Exu River, Brazil, were sampled by direct measurements. The highest suspended sediment concentration observed was 4847.4 mg L-1and this value was possibly associated with the entrainment of sediment that was deposited in the preceding year. The bedload flux was well related to the stream power and the river efficiently transported all available bedload with a mean rate of 0.0047 kg m-1s-1, and the percentage of bedload to suspended sediment varied between 4 and 12.72. The bed sediment of Exu River was prone to entrainment and showed a proclivity for transport. Thus, sand-bed and gravel-bed rivers of arid environments seem to exhibit the same mobility in the absence of armour layer. EditorD. Koutsoyiannis;Associate editorB. Touaibia CitationCantalice, J.R.B., Cunha Filho, M., Stosic, B.D., Piscoya, V.C., Guerra, S.M.S., and Singh, V.P., 2013. Relationship between bedload and suspended sediment in the sand-bed Exu River, in the semi-arid region of Brazil.Hydrological Sciences Journal, 58 (8), 1789–1802. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Résumé: La place des industries paléolithiques chinoises par rapport à celles des autres régions de l’Ancien Monde est depuis longtemps un objet de controverse. Les analyses typologiques ont permis aux préhistoriens chinois de montrer l’existence d’une variabilité entre les industries lithiques de différentes régions de la Chine en termes de traditions techniques et de structures. Mais cette reconnaissance, basée sur des caractères morphologiques, n’est pas à même de définir systématiquement les modes de production existant sur chaque site. Envisager ces questions nécessite un recours à de nouvelles méthodes. Ainsi le matériel lithique provenant de 8 sites chinois datés d’environ 300 000ans à 50 000ans est ici sélectionné et analysé au moyen d’une analyse technologique et d’une nouvelle approche d’analyse structurale des nucléus. Cette étude présente principalement les résultats de l’analyse des modes de débitage, et montre que les modes de débitage de cette période en Chine se caractérisent essentiellement par la présence des système C (débitage simple) et E (discoïde) et que le concept Levallois est absent des systèmes techniques de production lithique chinois (les industries chinoises ayant livré le concept Levallois sont Shuidonggou et Jinsitai, mais elles sont datées du Paléolithique supérieur récent). Les industries lithiques chinoises entre 300 000ans et 50 000ans témoignent d’une unité à l’échelle du continent et d’une différence marquée par rapport aux autres régions du monde. Donc une évolution stable et continue, mais indépendante ou isolée des autres continents est constatée pour cette période. En outre, malgré cette apparente homogénéité, une réelle variabilité existe également entre ces différents sites chinois. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Introduction: The purpose on this work was to analyze the interest to use a walkway GAITRite® to assess the progress of stroke patients who received treatment with botulinum toxin in the lower limb. Methods: Ten healthy subjects and 21 patients were registered on the system during eight walking test at free velocity. They were tested one week before and then six weeks after the injection. The spatiotemporal parameters were measured, gait variability and asymmetry of the locomotor pattern calculated. Conclusion: This protocol allow us to distinguish patients from control subjects on all parameters measured. Toxin injections affect walking velocity, time support, asymmetry and variability between the two members. No differences were observed on the step length and swing time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intra- and inter-specific variability in the reproduction of oniscid isopods is encountered during all stages of the reproductive cycle in the dimensions of the ovaries and oocytes, as well as in the numbers of the latter. It is also noticeable in numbers of marsupial eggs, embryos and mancae, as well as in the numbers of newborn mancae. The lowest intra-specific variability (3.3%) was found in the number of oocytes in Hemilepistus reaumurii, but generally exceeded 10%. Thus, interspecific variability ranges between 15.7 and 19% in ovarian length and between 29 and 40% in width, depending on the species. It ranges over 11.4-43.3% in oocyte diameter. Variability in oocyte numbers ranged from 3.3 to 18.6% depending on the species. The range of variability varied between 8.3 and 23.9% in five different species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the 1990s, the variability of responses to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) could only be tracked by phenotypic criteria such as the number of CD4T lymphocytes, the occurrence of opportunistic infection, the disease free survival without treatment. In 1996, the viral load is the leading phenotype for genetic studies. Ever since, thanks to a better understanding of the HIV infection pathophysiology, numerous studies helped to highlight the influence of genetic variability on inter-individual response to this virus. Among the genes having an impact, we can quote the following examples: CCR5, HLA-B and HLA-C genes. Practical applications of genetics in clinical medicine include search for HLA-B*57:01 before abacavir introduction. Recently, an eradicating treatment for HIV disease after bone marrow transplantation with a donor homozygote for a CCR5 gene non-functional variant (CCR5Δ32) has been reported. Interest in genetics of chronic viral infection is not specific to HIV. It has also been used on other viral diseases and it has gained a major place on the management of diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We report the 2 cases of schizophrenic patients with clozapine treatment and particularly, we underlined a reduced variability and low short-term variability, whereas biophysical ultrasound score, Dopplers and perception of fetal movements were acceptable and comfortable concerning the fetal vitality. Our aim is to show the limits of the analyzed fetal heart rate under clozapine. So, we may change our observation of fetus in chronic suffering that is usually mainly made with an informatics analysis of pregnants under clozapine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Caribbean economies, lifestyles, activities, practices and operational cycles are intricately linked to climate, making them vulnerable to its variations and/or changes. As examples, climate extremes impact agriculture, fisheries, health, tourism, water availability, recreation, and energy usage, among other things. There is however limited incorporation of climate information in the long term developmental plans and policies of the region. This is in part due to a knowledge deficit about climate change, it's likely manifestation in the region and the possible impact on Caribbean societies. In this paper, a review of the growing bank of knowledge about Caribbean climate science; variability and change is undertaken. Insight is offered into the basic science of climate change, past trends and future projections for Caribbean climate, and the possible implications for the region. In the end a case is made for a greater response to the threats posed by climate change on the basis of the sufficiency of our current knowledge of Caribbean climate science. A general profile of what the response may look like is also offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the current state of the debate about the Paleolithic in Europe the analysis of the transitional periods is one of the principal subjects. The accumulation of variable elements in time can determine a change in the technical systems from a more or less wide transitional phase. This paper will analyze the records of the North Plateau of the Iberian Peninsula for its chronology and/or for its technology as they are candidates for representing a transitional phase between the technological Modes 2 and 3 and will relate to the European context. This analysis will focus on support in the need to separate technological phenomena, transitions and the variability determined by the different spaces of occupation, the utilization of raw materials with unequal qualities and the functions of the site. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Reducing intestinal cholesterol absorption with plant sterol consumption is a well-characterized strategy to lower LDL-C and potentially reduce cardiovascular disease risk. However, over 50 years of clinical research demonstrate that there is significant heterogeneity in the individual LDL-C lowering response to plant sterol therapy. A clear understanding of why plant sterols work effectively in some individuals but not in others will ensure optimal integration of plant sterols in future personalized nutritional lipid-lowering strategies. This review will examine the current knowledge base surrounding the metabolic and genetic determinants of LDL-C lowering in response to plant sterol consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in hydro-meteorological historical records are of considerable importance for future planning. This study analyses trends of hydro-climatological indices of annual and seasonal precipitation, temperature and discharge in the “Norte Chico” region of Chile (29–32°S), located in the Central Andes. It addresses how these trends possibly impacted on the water resources in a nival regime, typical for arid mountainous regions. Homogenous records were tested against monotonic trends using the non-parametric rank-based Mann-Kendall test. The results suggested, at a very high confidence level, a strong warming signal trend over recent decades, consistent at the annual and seasonal levels. Furthermore, warmer days are observed in summer, especially at higher elevations. The region also experienced a shift in the rainy season over the last 42 years. However, an increase in precipitation was observed over recent decades, whereas an annual decrease was the general tendency when the whole century was considered. Changes in discharge were not unequivocal and glacier retreat has been compensated for possibly by an increase in snowmelt in recent years. Hence, in an under-studied area, from the hydrological perspective, this work provides some insights for a better understanding of changing hydrological processes in the mid-latitude Andes Cordillera. Editor Z. W. Kundzewicz Citation Souvignet, M., Oyarzún, R., Verbist, K.M.J., Gaese, H. and Heinrich, J., 2012. Hydro-meteorological trends in semi-arid north-central Chile (29–32°S): water resources implications for a fragile Andean region. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 57 (3), 479–495. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variability and frequency of the freeze thaw cycles in Québec region, 1977–2006. Freeze-thaw cycles are most common at the beginning or near the end of the winter season. These cycles have various effects on the ecosystems of Eastern Canada, affecting both biotic and abiotic components of temperate cold environments. Using air temperature minima and maxima from four meteorological stations close to Québec City, we determined the frequency of daily freeze-thaw cycles for the last 30 years. The results show no significant increase in the number of freeze-thaw cycles despite a small increase in air temperature. Polynomial curves describing the relationship between mean air temperatures and the number of freeze-thaw cycles were calculated. Based on these equations and anticipating a climate change scenario, we projected future freeze-thaw cycles. Assuming a 5 °C increase in mean air temperatures by 2100, we estimated that the number of days with a freeze-thaw cycle could increase by approximately 20 days per winter. The increase in the number of such cycles will be concentrated during the coldest months of the winter (January and February). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective Children are often admitted to district hospitals in Africa without an adequate record of clinical examination, a problem that could be reduced by greater involvement of nurses in their assessment. We aimed to ascertain whether hospital nurses in a district hospital could conduct paediatric examinations as reliably as clinical staff, when provided with a short structured training session. Methods Hospital nurses (HN), hospital clinical officers (HCO) and research clinical officers (RCO) repeated examinations on children admitted to the paediatric ward shortly after the first examination by an RCO. Kappa scores were used to compare the agreement on the presence or absence of basic clinical signs by different categories of staff. Results Among 439 paired examinations the agreement between RCOs on clinical signs was slightly higher than for HCOs or HNs; the mean (median) Kappa scores for all signs examined were 0.54 (0.57) for RCO–RCO, 0.49 (0.49) for RCO–HCO and 0.50 (0.49) for RCO–HN. Levels of agreement were lower if children were under the age of 18 months or if they cried during the examination. Conclusions Nurses with basic training appear to perform as well as clinically trained staff in eliciting essential signs in acutely ill children. Their role in the initial and ongoing assessment of these children should be reviewed in light of the critical shortages in clinically trained staff in African hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The variability of one of the oldest known proboscideans, Numidotherium koholense from the Lower Eocene of El Kohol, Algeria, is here examined. The biometrical study of the jugal teeth shows that the population is homogeneous and corresponds to a single species. The important variations of the skull''s shape are interpreted as resulting from sexual dimorphism. The dental variability is analysed and discussed from an evolutionary perspective regarding the adaptative radiation of the proboscidean order at the beginning of the Tertiary. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To study the morphological variability within and among Pistacia atlantica Desf. populations, a comparative analysis was undertaken in eight wild populations grown under different climatic conditions in Algeria. This study addresses the morpho-biometrical aspect of the leaves and the fruits, as well as the micromorphological aspect of leaves. ANOVA as well as mean comparison of the morphological traits revealed a significant diversity within and among the populations. Furthermore, in the multivariate analysis, the populations were separated into four different groups through the discriminating variables: leaf and leaflet dimensions, number of pairs of leaflets, leaf wings, leaf smell and colour, terminal leaflet size and apex, and finally fruit colour and shape. These results showed the originality of the Algerian populations as compared with those commonly described for this species in the literature, in particular by the occurrence of wax on the leaves. The morphological variability exhibited by the Algerian populations of P. atlantica may be interpreted as relevant to the ecological plasticity and the physiological mechanisms discussed in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The rheological study of colloidal suspensions contributes to the understanding of the aggregation phenomena of colloidal particles within a suspended fluid. The infra-2-μm (equivalent diameter) fraction of a bulk material, Volclay MX-80 bentonite was intensively analysed in order to understand the relative rheological data scattering observed with Li-smectite suspensions, prepared with the usual saturation procedure. A good mineralogical characterisation, especially for secondary minerals, coupled to a verification of cation exchanges on clayey fraction allowed us to propose a new way for investigating the observed differences of the bentonites rheological behaviour. Indeed, for a well Li-saturated smectite obtained from the purified infra-2-μm fraction, rheological data proved to be very accurate and perfectly reproducible. This emphasises the role of other minerals as well as the commonly observed discrepancy between the rheological behaviours of natural and industrial bentonites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aim: The aim of our study was to make evident the huge variability in lymph node dissection practice. Material and methods: Therefore a retrospective study was conducted on 330 patients assessed for cervical, axillary or groin dissections. In each case the authors collected the primary diagnosis and clinical stage indicating lymph node clearance, identity of the surgeon and the pathologist, surgical technique including skin incision and landmarks of tissue removal, size of the clearance, and number of lymph nodes removed. Correlations between diagnosis, surgeon''s or pathologist''s identity, size of the clearance and number of nodes were analyzed using non-parametric tests. Results: Standardized procedures as axillary dissections occurred few differences between surgeons. In groin or cervical dissections statistical differences were made evident with great technical variability. There was a positive correlation between size of the piece of lymphadenectomy and number of lymph nodes removed. Conclusion: Standardized procedures as axillary dissections provide few variations. Cervical and especially groin dissections should be harmonized, published and taught harmoniously in schools of surgery. So the expression “regional lymph node clearance” would mean. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Estimating the amplitude of the average annual flood of small, rarely instrumented watercourses is becoming more and more interesting, especially in a systemic environmental management of a drainage basin. Thirty-seven natural rivers draining less than 360 km2 in the province of Quebec were scaled and the variability of series of annual daily maximums are examined. Based on the results obtained, an empirical regression relationship correlating the average annual flood with the drainage basin is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Based on the lithical material from Umm el Tlel VI 3 a’ level, the goal of this study is to show the importance and the potentiality of the technological approach, in general, and of studies about central Syria, in particular. First, description of the archaeological and scientific context will be made, following by the technological study. This one results in a differing production in space and time, with at least three distinct “chaînes opératoires”. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Résumé: La colchicine est surtout prescrite dans le traitement de la crise de goutte mais son indication a été étendue à d''autres maladies inflammatoires, comme la fièvre méditerranéenne familiale. Trois protéines jouent un rôle majeur dans sa pharmacocinétique : son récepteur, la tubuline, qui conditionne sa demi-vie d''élimination sanguine, le CYP3A4 intestinal et hépatique qui joue un rôle essentiel dans la biotransformation de la colchicine et la P-glycoprotéine, pompe de détoxication cellulaire qui régule sa distribution tissulaire et son élimination biliaire et rénale. La détermination de ses concentrations plasmatiques par radio-immunologie a permis de définir ses paramètres pharmacocinétiques. Son absorption par voie orale est très variable (de 24 à 88 % de la dose administrée), sa distribution est très importante (7 l/kg) alors que la liaison à l''albumine est modérée ; son élimination est principalement hépatique et sa demi-vie d''élimination varie de 20 à 40 heures. Lors de son administration réitérée, le niveau d''équilibre est atteint en huit jours avec des concentrations variant de 0,3 à 2,5 ng/ml pour des posologies de l''ordre de 1 mg/j. L''étude des relations pharmacocinétique–pharmacodynamique montre que les effets de la colchicine ne sont pas corrélés aux concentrations plasmatiques mais à celles du compartiment intraleucocytaire. L''apparition d''effets secondaires n''est pas rare, notamment lorsqu''elle est associée à des médicaments capables d''interagir avec le CYP3A4 et/ou la P-glycoprotéine, provoquant alors une diminution de la clairance hépatique et/ou rénale. Le suivi thérapeutique de la colchicine lors de ces circonstances permet de prévenir l''apparition de ces effets toxiques. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Anthracotheres of late Middle Miocene and Late Miocene age have been described from several localities in northern Africa, all of them currently assigned to the genus Libycosaurus Bonarelli, although in several previous works they were assigned to Merycopotamus Falconer and Cautley, a considerably younger and specialised form from the Indian subcontinent which has quite different dental and cranial morphology. Three species of Libycosaurus have been named, but there has been some doubt about the morphometric variation within the various species, with some authors such as Gaziry (1987) placing the fossils from Sahabi (Latest Miocene, Libya) and Beglia (end Middle Miocene to basal Late Miocene, Tunisia) into the same species despite marked size differences, and others (Ducrocq et al., 2001) creating a species for a restricted sample of small specimens from Nementcha (Late Middle Miocene, Algeria), but which overlaps with the range of size variation of Beglia fossils. The aim of this paper is to examine the available samples in greater depth in order to understand the morphometric variation in these anthracotheres. It is confirmed that the Beglia sample is quite variable (Black, 1972), both morphologically and metrically, but it is concluded that it nevertheless belongs to a single species, because specimens from some of the localities within the Beglia Formation (e.g. Loc. 17 in the lower levels at Beglia) span the entire range of variation (Pickford, 1994). The sample from Nementcha cannot be distinguished from the Beglia sample on any consistent metric or morphological basis, but in general the specimens fall at the low end of the range of variation of the Beglia sample. It is thus likely that L. algeriensis is a synonym of L. anisae. The Sahabi and Chad samples (L. petrocchii), in contrast, fall above the known range of variation of the Beglia material in almost all metric features, but are close to it morphologically, and they are considered to represent a species distinct from the Beglia sample. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Using a coupled climate model of intermediate complexity that explicitly simulates the oxygen-18 behaviour, we evaluate a recent scenario of abrupt climatic variability during the last glacial period against a sediment core record of the coast of Portugal (MD95-2042). In particular, we focus on a period centred on the Heinrich Event 4 (about 40 kyrs BP) and the surrounding Dansgaard–Oeschger events to explain some features of the sediment core record and question some choices of the suggested scenario. We demonstrate here (1) that the oxygen-18 signal recorded in the planktic foraminifera during D/O events is likely to be due almost entirely to temperature at the location of this core, and (2) that we cannot reproduce the observed oxygen-18 variations in calcite for Heinrich events if we consider that the melting of icebergs occurred elsewhere than in the IRD belt. To cite this article: D.M. Roche, D. Paillard, C. R. Geoscience 337 (2005). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Our interest is related to the hydrological characteristics of the Moulay Bousselham lagoon. Water samples were taken monthly from July 2001 to June 2002 in 15 stations distributed along the lagoon. The various measured hydrological parameters (temperature, salinity, suspended matter, chlorophyll a) showed significant monthly variations (), whereas spatially among all sampled stations, only the salinity showed significant variations. The variability analysis approached by the analysis of the normalized principal components combined with discriminate analysis showed very small inter-stations variability. Its percentage is 11% and 9% of the total variance during high and low tide, respectively. To cite this article: H. Labbardi et al., C. R. Geoscience 337 (2005). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction. – The variability of the normal ground reaction force (F(z)) is a restrictive factor for the clinical analyse of kinetics parameters recorded during walking.Objective. – The aim of this study is the decrease of the inter-individual variability of the normal ground reaction force: F(z).Material and method. – The method tested consists in imposing a similar speed to the subjects during walking tests, then to class foot according to their function: loading or propulsive foot. A group of seven young adults walk at spontaneous speed (VSpon) for the first walking test then at similar speed (Vsim=>NFr·√ of g·li; where NFr is the Froud’s number, g is the gravitational acceleration and li is the length of the lower limb) for the second walking test. Two forces platforms register the F(z) of two consecutive steps. The normal ground reaction force and the mean coefficient of variability are retained to test for speed (VSim and VSpon) and functional classification effects.Results. – The CoV of F(z) decreases from 13% to 8% when the subjects walk at similar speed rather than at spontaneously chosen speed. The variability decreases by 1–1.5% when the data are classified according to functional criterion. The inter-individual variability of the F(z) significantly reduces when the tests are performed at similar speed and when the loading or propulsive factors are used for functional classification.Conclusion. – The coupling of the methods described must permit to the clinician to constitute a data base which, tainted of less variability, should make easier the detection of pathology affecting the ground reaction force. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective. – To assess the effect of age and speed on the variability of ground reaction forces (GRF) and stride parameters of gait in normal children.Material and method. – Forty-seven children aged 4–10 years were split into three age groups. Each child walked at three constant speeds on a treadmill. Thirty consecutive steps of each leg were recorded. For each child, the mean parameters of the 30 steps were calculated. The mean parameter of each child was taken to calculate the mean parameters of the group. The variability was evaluated by the coefficient of variation (CV). The influence of both age and speed on the variability was examined with a to-way analysis of variance.Results. – The cross effect of age and speed on the variability was not significant. The variability of the parameters decreased significantly with age between 4 and 8 years. The variability of vertical forces increased significantly with speed (between 2.7 and 4.5 km/h), while the variability of antero-posterior forces, the stride and the stance decreased between 2.7 and 3.6 km/h. However, the variability of double stance was not influenced by walking speed between 2.7 and 4.5 km/h. Except the time of production of the vertical force of propulsion (Tz3), the variability of temporal vertical parameters decreased significantly with speed between 2.7 and 4.5 km/h and the variability of temporal antero-posterior parameters decreased significantly between 2.7 and 3.6 km/h.Discussion–conclusion. – The variability of the GRF and spatio-temporal parameters in children was influenced by age between 4 and 8 years old and by speed between 2.7 and 3.6 km/h. Moreover, the effect of age on the GRF persists up to 8 years. The variabilities of the time of production of the antero-posterior force of propulsion (Ty2) and stance duration were lower than the variabilities of the others parameters. These two variables could be the most reliable parameters when assessing gait in children aged 4–10 years, walking at speeds between 2.7 and 4.5 km/h. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ultrasonography Doppler in the assessment of arterial peripheral circulation.Purpose. – The ultrasonography-Doppler study of peripheral arterial circulation requires measurements of arterial area and arterial blood flow. The aim of this study was to assess their variabilities, intra- and interobserver.Methods. – We studied brachial arterial circulation of 13 volunteers. Two experimented investigators carried out the examinations. Arterial blood pressure measurements were obtained at the level of the brachial artery of the left arm by means of a semi automated oscillometric device. The brachial artery was approached by ultrasound scan in semi-decubitus position, the arm in exterior rotation and abduction. Brachial artery cross-sectional areas were obtained by a transversal view with a depth of 4–15-cm upstream the antecubital fossa of the forearm. Cross sectional areas were measured at end diastole (SD) and end systole (SS). We measured maximal systolic and diastolic velocities (Vmax and Vmin), mean velocity (Vmoy) and velocity integral (ITV) of the blood flow. We deduced brachial output (D), resistance and pulsatility index (IR, IP), cross-sectional compliance coefficient (C).Results. – Intra- and interoperator variability as assessed by the Bland–Altman approach was acceptable SS, SD, ITV, D, Vmax , Vmoy, Vmin C, IR, and IP, in regard with values of variation coefficient, biais, and concordance limits.Conclusion. – Conventional B-mode ultrasonography may offer a reliable method for arterial peripheral circulation evaluation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

First discovery of sympatric paromomyid species in Europe. The Conde´-en-Brie locality (Aisne, France – MP8+9), the richest in the Paris Basin Early Eocene, allows us to study morphological and biometrical variability of the paromomyid assemblage. Their high range of variation suggests the presence of two close species, attributed to Arcius fuscus and A. lapparenti. This is the first evidence of sympatric paromomyid species in Europe. To cite this article: A. Aumont, C. R. Palevol 3 (2004). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Developmental variations in neodevonian phacopide trilobites. Heterochrony refers to changes in the timing and the rate of development of ancestral morphological features. This phenomenon has been observed in some neodevonian phacopide trilobites. Their evolution is marked by progressive displacement of the visual complex towards the external margins, accompanied by displacement of the facial suture. This evolutionary pathway is a result of paedomorphosis. These features seem to be adaptative, and may occur in all lineages, leading to convergences between several taxa. A paedomorphic phenomenon also concerns the change of moulting behaviour. This particular feature may not be related to environment but represents a feature inherited from the ancestral forms. To cite this article: C. Crônier, P. Courville, C. R. Palevol 2 (2003). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Vavilov’s dossier. Gould revived the memory of N.I. Vavilov, a victim of the Stalinian system and misjudged among occidental evolutionists. His contribution is impressive in applied research (phytogeography, his list of world-wide plant resources, a unique collection of germplasms intact and always available) as well as in theoretical research work on artificial selection, immunitary relationships between parasite and plant, the bases of his Law of homologous series in hereditary variations, and centers of origin of cultivated plants. Darwinian concept of natural selection were essential for him, but he considered that the evolutionary changes were not only produced by random variations, but by preset channels, recognising the internal constraints of heredity. His heritage has always been maintained in his Institutes. His Evolutionary theories are now confirmed by molecular genetics and systematics. S.J. Gould was the first to revive Vavilov’s memory and scientific importance. During his studies on the gastropod Cerion Gould recognised the balance between external and internal constraints in Evolution. To cite this article: M. Debrenne, F. Debrenne, C. R. Palevol 2 (2003). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Evolution of the Phyllocerataceae, the variability of the dimensional and relative parameters. Variability of the complexity of the suture line. Variability and paedomorphosis. A recent study has shown the importance of heterochronies in the development of Phyllocerataceae. It was attractive to estimate with precision the variability of some morphological characters of the shell and of the suture line in order to study how this variability changed in the course of time (from Jurassic to terminal Cretaceous). This note gives the averages of the calculations of variability in dimensional and relative variables in the shell of Phylloceratidae and variability in the complexity C of their suture lines. Coefficient of variation V is the statistical parameter used here, because it allows the comparison between the dispersions of different populations. This study shows that the variability of the complexity in the suture line and h1 + h2 is more fluctuating among the taxa (usually subfamilies, genera and species) in which heterochrony is evident. On the other hand, the variability of other parameters (V1, V2, D) first grows and then slowly decreases till the branch or the lineage is extinct. This schema is mostly acceptable down to the Lower Cretaceous-Upper Cretaceous in the Tethys and in the marine shelf of Gondwana. In the family of Neophylloceratidae, very clearly in the Tethys, less clearly in marine shelf of Gondwana (it is less obvious in the genus Phyllopachyceras), the variability grows as far as the terminal Cretaceous. The extinction of this family may result from a catastrophic event and not from internal causes. In short, the decrease of variability comes before the extinction of the taxa and consequently it agrees with a Darwinian classic schema. On the other hand, the extinction of Neophylloceratidae that occurs when the variability is maximal probably takes place in another perspective, an external « catastrophic » event. To cite this article, B. Joly, C.R. Palevol 2 (2003). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction La variabilité de la marche représente les fluctuations des paramètres spatiotemporels (PST) d’un pas à l’autre. C’est un indicateur sensible des déficits moteurs et de contrôle de l’équilibre dynamique. Le Gait Variability Index (Gouelle et al., 2013), dérivé de neuf PST, a été proposé pour améliorer la quantification de la variabilité de la marche. L’objectif est d’étudier l’index chez des patients cérébrolésés, à vitesse spontanée, puis rapide. Matériel et méthodes Vingt-neuf patients patients cérébrolésés (âge = 65 à 80 ans) et 29 sujets contrôles ont été enregistrés sur un tapis GAITRite ® , à vitesse spontanée, puis rapide. L’évaluation clinique de l’équilibre était réalisée par la Berg Balance Scale et le Rivermead Mobility Index. Résultats Aucune différence n’était retrouvée entre les conditions de marche spontanée et rapide chez les sujets contrôles (GVI : 87,9 ± 11,6 vs. 89,4 ± 12,8). À l’inverse, 20 patients cérébrolésés ont montré une variabilité moindre (GVI plus grand) à vitesse rapide, avec pour 14 d’entre eux une amélioration de la la symétrie spatiale et/ou temporelle de leur marche. Seuls 3 patients ont présenté à la fois une détérioration de la variabilité et de la symétrie à vitesse rapide. Aucune relation n’a été identifiée avec les tests cliniques. Discussion–conclusion Nos résultats montrent que, contrairement à une idée communément admise, la marche rapide n’influence pas négativement la stabilité dynamique du patient cérébrolésé, en accord avec les études montrant que la vitesse confortable de marche n’est pas une vitesse lente. Il semble que lors de l’examen, nombre de patients portent davantage leur attention à la qualité de leur marche au détriment de l’efficience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objective: To analyse the inter-trial variability of the GT3X over a range of physical activity intensities. Methods: Eight GT3X were assessed during two trials. Repeated measured Anova [trial x condition (rest, sit-stand, 4, 6, 8 and 10km/h)], intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and the Bland-Altman method were performed. Results: High ICC values were found. Differences between trials were found in sit-stand in all axes and at 4km/h in Y, X-axis and VM. Conclusion: GT3X presented good trial reliability, although results suggested that is not a good monitor to assess sedentary behaviour or physical activity levels in sedentary population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Seasonal flu is caused by influenza viruses A and B. These enveloped viruses have a genome made up of seven or eight RNA fragments. The different subtypes are determined by the nature of the two surface glycoproteins HA and NA. Seasonal flu is an epidemic wintertime illness occurring in temperate climate zones. Its epidemiology is linked to the great variability of the virus in time, necessitating an alert system that detects dominating circulating variants each year and that determines the vaccination composition. Clinical flu symptoms are not sufficiently specific to allow for diagnosis with virological tests. This is especially true during non-epidemic periods as well as in subjects older than 65 and younger than five. Children are especially vulnerable to influenza virus infections. Hospitalization occurs more frequently, the younger the child. In children younger than two years, the infection can be pauci-symptomatic and is sometimes detected from non-respiratory symptoms such as lethargy, convulsions, and dizziness. In all cases of respiratory syndrome compatible with influenza virus infection in hospitalized subjects, virological flu diagnosis is of utmost interest. Several tools are available to allow for direct viral detection in respiratory specimens: cell culture isolation, antigenic detection, RNA molecular detection. Choice of method is based on the characteristics of the test: sensibility, specificity, speed and ease of realization, and cost. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Most congenital defects of the hand have a genetic basis, mostly monogenic, especially when they are bilateral. The recent progresses of molecular genetics together with the comprehension of the molecular mechanisms of development have led to identify a growing number of genes whose mutations are implicated in the genesis of hand malformations. When isolated, the mode of inheritance is often autosomal dominant with intrafamilial variability. The hand malformation may be the first manifestation of a more complex syndrome, the other symptoms appearing later in life. Children must be referred to a pediatric and/or genetic clinic in order to perform complementary investigations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]