Stratégie de prospection hydrogéologique du socle de la bordure orientale tchadienne par optimisation du nombre et de la profondeur des sondages de reconnaissance

Sous le climat à faible pluviosité du Tchad, les altérites sont dénoyées et seul le socle fracturé est aquifère. Le taux d'échec des forages atteint 60% car les fractures ont une répartition très discontinue comme le montre leur organisation fractale. Cela entraîne la coexistence de secteurs productifs et stériles. A l'échelle kilométrique, on peut ajuster le nombre de sondages de reconnaissance par village en fonction des caractéristiques climatiques, topographiques et géologiques. On définit ainsi des zones de productivité forte, où le taux de succès atteint 79%, moyenne et faible. On peut alors affecter chaque village d'un " potentiel d'investigation " qui est le produit du nombre de sondages par leur profondeur prévisionnelle.A l'échelle locale, une analyse en composantes principales des paramètres de forage montre que la présence d'eau souterraine est liée aux caractéristiques du socle fracturé et non altéré. Une analyse discriminante fournit une " équation de productivité " qui permet de prévoir 90% des résultats en cours de foration: dès que le forage a traversé une dizaine de mètres de socle non altéré, elle permet de définir une profondeur limite d'investigation dépendant des caractéristiques intrinsèques de chaque site. Elle est surtout applicable dans les zones les moins productives où l'on observe systématiquement un surcreusement inutile des forages négatifs.On dispose ainsi d'une stratégie de prospection alliant le nombre et la profondeur des forages. Elle permet de limiter la profondeur des forages implantés sur des sites peu productifs et de reporter le métré ainsi récupéré sur des sites plus prometteurs.The aim of this study is to define a new strategy for groundwater prospection in sahelian basement aquifers. At present, the number and the depth of boreholes are fixed a priori in the project document: these parameters are the same for all the villages, regardless of their environmental context. In fact, during the drilling campaign, we systematically observe a useless overdrilling of negative boreholes that affects the cumulative drilled length of the project (Table 1). This is particularly important in granitic basement areas under the low rainfall sahelian climate: water is difficult to find because of low success rates, and the driller needs to ensure no groundwater indication appears a few meters under the fatal 60 m depth. An illustration of this methodology is proposed for the Guéra, Ouaddaï and Biltine provinces of eastern Chad (Figure 1). This 150 000 km2 area is situated at the border of the Chadian basin from 10 to 15 ° north latitude at elevations of 400-700 m, with an annual rainfall between 200 and 600 mm. The geology is represented by precambrian granitoïds. Tectonics are well developed with many fractures, faults and photolineations from metric to multi-kilometric scales.In Chad, weak recharge rates imply that the weathered rock reservoir is unsaturated and the aquifer is constituted by the fractured granitic basement. Thus, the overall success rate of 500 boreholes is only 42%. The unequal distribution of fractures leads to the presence of productive and barren adjacent areas with significantly different success rates. A statistical analysis of photolineations shows their fractal distribution with a dimension around 1.57, similar to the 1.59 dimension obtained in fractal fracture models (Figure 2). Fracturation is a main component of hydrogeological knowledge in basement areas and its variations between the villages can explain the different potentials of basement productivity: we must consequently adjust an "investigation potential" depending of the characteristics of each area. The proposed strategy of prospection determines the number of boreholes to drill and their specific depth.At the kilometer scale, the total number of boreholes can be adjusted according to climatic, topographical and geological characteristics (Table 2). We show that only four parameters can explain a range of success rate from 0 to 79% in different villages (Table 3): altitude, average rainfall, petrography and fracturation intensity (measured in situ). Thus we can define the investigation potential which is the previous depth divided by the theoretical success rate of the area including the village. It is interesting to notice that the success rate in the high productivity class is similar to the average value obtained in more rainy basement countries of West Africa: for example 79% in south-west of Burkina Faso or 73% in Togo.At the local scale, a principal components analysis on 12 drilling parameters was performed. It shows that the appearance of groundwater is mainly correlated to parameters describing the unweathered fractured rocks (Figure 3). A discriminant analysis was then performed on four of these parameters: thickness of unweathered drilled basement, depth of first water arrival, number of water arrivals and hammer velocity in the unweathered basement. This yields a "productivity equation" which allows one to anticipate 90% of the borehole results (Table 4). According to this equation, we can define a maximum investigation depth based on the geological characteristics of each borehole site. The last section presents the complete strategy of groundwater basement prospection and two examples applied to Chad. For an average aquifer depth of 60 m, the investigation potential of each village depends on its productivity class: it varies theoretically from 10 boreholes (i.e. 600 m) in low productivity area to 1.3 boreholes (i.e. 76 m) in high productivity zones (Table 5). This potential must then be distributed among the different sites according to the result of their productivity equations.The village of Getgéré is situated in a particularly unproductive zone (see Table 3) where about ten boreholes are statistically needed to obtain a positive result: its investigation potential is supposed to be 300 m. Four negative boreholes were drilled from 62 to 75 m with a total depth of 261 m. In fact, the productivity equation showed all these sites were unproductive from drilled depths of 28 to 40 m deep (Table 6): the same result could have been obtained with only 130 m drilled; 131 m were uselessly consumed. With this excess drilled length, we could have drilled eight extra shallower boreholes and increased the probability of success in obtaining a productive well.The village of Eroua is situated in a productive area where the success rate is 79%: its investigation potential is 60 / 0.79=76 m. The first borehole was negative at depth of 74 m, but the productivity equation already indicated this result after only 38 m of drilling. At the second site, a positive borehole was obtained at 41 m depth where the equation foresaw 43 m. Finally, the cumulative drilled length was 115 m and the investigation strategy would have permitted the transfer of 34 m to another more promising site

The Amateur Sky Survey Mark III Project

The Amateur Sky Survey (TASS) is a loose confederation of amateur and professional astronomers. We describe the design and construction of our Mark III system, a set of wide-field drift-scan CCD cameras which monitor the celestial equator down to thirteenth magnitude in several passbands. We explain the methods by which images are gathered, processed, and reduced into lists of stellar positions and magnitudes. Over the period October, 1996, to November, 1998, we compiled a large database of photometric measurements. One of our results is the "tenxcat" catalog, which contains measurements on the standard Johnson-Cousins system for 367,241 stars; it contains links to the light curves of these stars as well.Comment: 20 pages, including 4 figures; additional JPEG files for Figures 1, 2. Submitted to PAS

Contrôle du Phomopsis, maladie émergente, en culture de carotte porte-graîne

The first triangular browning umbels caused by Diaporthe angelicae on carrot seed crops were observed in France in 2007. This fungal phytopathogen negatively impacted carrot seed production. Little is known about this fungus. In order to control it in carrot seed production, a better understanding of its life cycle and its epidemiology is required. So, this is the reason why a three-years research project named DIAPOCAR was initiated in 2012. It appears that flower is the main sensitive organ and flowering the most sensitive stage of the umbel. In the field, contaminations are particularly observed during flowering of the umbels of order I and II if the weather is favourable to disease. Field fungicide trials show significant efficacy differences between fungicides and only three of them are efficient against carrot phomopsis. Finally, model simulations with the sunflower phomopsis model are promising and this tool to aid decision-making can be used to apply fungicides only when the weather is favourable to the disease. It should help carrot seed growers to determine the best timing for fungicide applications. Thus, a greater understanding of the biology of this fungus has led to a better control of phomopsis on carrot seed crops

Preliminary study on the utilization of Ca2+ and HCO3 − in karst water by different sources of Chlorella vulgaris

This article aims to present a picture of how a university discipline has been created in Lithuania, given the background of changes caused by the Lithuania’s emancipation from the Soviet Union. The theoretical frame of reference is provided by a modified model of Bronfenbrenners developmental ecology. Data collection has primarily been in the form of interviews with university staff from Lithuanian institutions for higher education. In addition to the interviews, literature lists, course schedules and other key documents have been collected and analysed. The analysis focuses on individual’s conceptualisation of three main areas. The study demonstrates how the creation of management and economics as a university discipline in Lithuania has been formed by a combination of political/ideological, economic, institutional and individual factors. One of the study’s main contributions is to highlight the significance of the concept of academic freedom and to focus on the paradox, where constraint under the old system is replaced by another form of constraint. In this case, where the rigidity of the old Soviet doctrine is replaced by a new freedom; but instead of being given greater opportunities to influence and change the subject, the academic staff are forced into a position where, once again they are subjugated to the influences of international sources

Optimization of lipase production by solid-state fermentation of olive pomace: from flask to laboratory-scale packed-bed bioreactor

Lipases are versatile catalysts with many applications and can be produced by solid-state fermentation (SSF) using agro-industrial wastes. The aim of this work was to maximize the production of Aspergillus ibericus lipase under SSF of olive pomace (OP) and wheat bran (WB), evaluating the effect on lipase production of C/N ratio, lipids, phenols, content of sugars of substrates and nitrogen source addition. Moreover, the implementation of the SSF process in a packed-bed bioreactor and the improvement of lipase extraction conditions were assessed. Low C/N ratios and high content of lipids led to maximum lipase production. Optimum SSF conditions were achieved with a C/N mass ratio of 25.2 and 10.2% (w/w) lipids in substrate, by the mixture of OP:WB (1:1) and supplemented with 1.33% (w/w) (NH4)2SO4. Studies in a packed-bed bioreactor showed that the lower aeration rates tested prevented substrate dehydration, improving lipase production. In this work, the important role of Triton X-100 on lipase extraction from the fermented solid substrate has been shown. A final lipase activity of 223 ± 5 U g1 (dry basis) was obtained after 7 days of fermentation.Felisbela Oliveira acknowledges the financial support from Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) of Portugal through grant SFRH/BD/87953/2012. José Manuel Salgado was supported by grant CEB/N2020–INV/01/2016 from Project ‘‘BIOTECNORTE-Underpinning Biotechnology to foster the north of Portugal bioeconomy’’ (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000004). Luı ´s Abrunhosa was supported by grant UMINHO/BPD/51/2015 from project UID/BIO/04469/2013 financed by FCT/MEC (OE). This study was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UID/BIO/04469/2013 unit and COMPETE 2020 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER006684) and BioTecNorte operation (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER000004) funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the scope of Norte2020–Programa Operacional Regional do Norte. Noelia Pérez-Rodríguez acknowledges the financial support of FPU fellowship from the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports. The authors thank the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness for the financial support of this work (Project CTQ2015-71436-C2-1-R), which has partial financial support from the FEDER funds of the European Union.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Genomics and drug profiling of fatal TCF3-HLF-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia identifies recurrent mutation patterns and therapeutic options.

TCF3-HLF-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is currently incurable. Using an integrated approach, we uncovered distinct mutation, gene expression and drug response profiles in TCF3-HLF-positive and treatment-responsive TCF3-PBX1-positive ALL. We identified recurrent intragenic deletions of PAX5 or VPREB1 in constellation with the fusion of TCF3 and HLF. Moreover somatic mutations in the non-translocated allele of TCF3 and a reduction of PAX5 gene dosage in TCF3-HLF ALL suggest cooperation within a restricted genetic context. The enrichment for stem cell and myeloid features in the TCF3-HLF signature may reflect reprogramming by TCF3-HLF of a lymphoid-committed cell of origin toward a hybrid, drug-resistant hematopoietic state. Drug response profiling of matched patient-derived xenografts revealed a distinct profile for TCF3-HLF ALL with resistance to conventional chemotherapeutics but sensitivity to glucocorticoids, anthracyclines and agents in clinical development. Striking on-target sensitivity was achieved with the BCL2-specific inhibitor venetoclax (ABT-199). This integrated approach thus provides alternative treatment options for this deadly disease

Esophageal schwannoma mimicking non-functional parathyroid adenoma on ^99mTc-sestamibi imaging: a case report.

Technetium-99m sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography ( <sup>99m</sup> Tc-sestamibi SPECT/CT) is a mainstay of the pre-operative localization of parathyroid lesions. We report here the case of a 30 year-old woman with a fortuitously discovered 2 cm cervical mass for which a parathyroid origin was originally suspected due to its retro-thyroidal localization and a personal history of nephrolithiasis. Normal serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels excluded primary hyperparathyroidism, raising suspicion of a non-functional parathyroid adenoma, and SPECT/CT imaging showed that the mass was <sup>99m</sup> Tc-sestamibi-avid. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) was performed; cytology was non-diagnostic but the needle washout was negative for thyroglobulin, calcitonin and PTH, arguing against a thyroidal or parathyroidal origin of the mass. Core needle biopsy revealed a schwannoma, ostensibly originating from the recurrent laryngeal nerve; upon surgical resection, it was finally found to arise from the esophageal submucosa. This case illustrates the fact that endocrinologists, radiologists, nuclear medicine, head and neck, and other specialists investigating patients with cervical masses should be aware that schwannomas need to be considered in the differential diagnosis of focal <sup>99m</sup> Tc-sestamibi uptake in the neck region

Imaging features of retroperitoneal extra-adrenal paragangliomas in 10 dogs

Retroperitoneal paragangliomas are rare tumors of the neuroendocrine system. Only a few canine case reports are available with rare descriptions of their imaging features. The objectives of this multi-center, retrospective case series study were to describe the diagnostic imaging features of confirmed retroperitoneal paragangliomas and specify their location. Medical records and imaging studies of 10 affected dogs with cytological or histopathologic results concordant with retroperitoneal paragangliomas were evaluated. Dogs had a median age of 9 years. Four of them had clinical signs and laboratory reports compatible with excessive production of catecholamines. Six ultrasound, four CT, four radiographic, and one MRI studies were included. The paragangliomas did not have a specific location along the aorta. They were of various sizes (median 33 mm, range: 9–85 mm of length). Masses had heterogeneous parenchyma in six of 10 dogs, regardless of the imaging modality. Strong contrast enhancement was found in all CT studies. Encircling of at least one vessel was detected in six of 10 masses, clear invasion of a vessel was identified in one of 10 masses. In five of 10 cases, the masses were initially misconstrued as lymph nodes by the on-site radiologist. Retroperitoneal paragangliomas appear along the abdominal aorta, often presenting heterogeneous parenchyma, possibly affecting the local vasculature, and displaying strong contrast enhancement on CT. Clinical signs can be secondary to mass effects or excessive catecholamine production. Underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis of this tumor are suspected as they can be silent, of small size, or confused with other structures

Design of a Novel Multifunction Decision Support Display for Anesthesia Care: AlertWatch® OR

Abstract Background This paper describes the design of a multifunction alerting display for intraoperative anesthetic care. The design was inspired by the multifunction primary flight display used in modern aviation. Results The display retrieves live data from multiple sources; the physiologic monitors, the anesthesia information management system, the laboratory values and comorbidities from patient’s problem summary list, medical history or history & physical. This information is integrated into a display composed of readily identifiable icons of organ systems, which are color coded to signify normal range, marginal range, abnormal range (by green, yellow, red respectively) and orange outlines for comorbidities/risk factors. There are dozens of text alerts, which can be presented as black text (informational), red text (important information) and red scrolling text (highest importance information). The alerts are derived from current standards in the literature and some involve complex calculations being conducted in the background. Conclusions The goal of such a system is to improve the quality and safety of anesthetic care by providing enhanced situational awareness in a fashion analogous to the “glass cockpit” and its primary flight display which has improved aviation safety

Screening of winery and olive mill wastes for lignocellulolytic enzyme production from Aspergillus species by solid-state fermentation

Wastes from olive oil and wine industries (as exhausted grape marc, vineshoot trimmings, two-phase olive mill waste, vinasses, and olive mill wastewater) were evaluated for lignocellulolytic enzyme production (as endocellulases, endoxylanases, and feruloyl esterases) by solid-state fermentation (SSF) with Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ibericus, and Aspergillus uvarum. To study the effect of different solid medium composition and time in enzyme production, a PlackettBurman experimental design was used. Variables that had a higher positive effect in lignocellulolytic enzyme production were urea, time, and exhausted grape marc. The maximum values of enzymatic activity per unit of substrate dry mass were found with A. niger for feruloyl esterase. Enzymatic extracts from SSF with A. niger achieved maximum feruloyl esterase activity (89.53 U/g) and endoxylanase activity (3.06 U/g) and with A. uvarum for endocellulase activity (6.77 U/g). The enzyme cocktails obtained in the SSF extracts may have applications in biorefinery industries.Jose Manuel Salgado is grateful for the postdoctoral fellowship (EX-2010-0402) of the Education Ministry of Spanish Government. Luis Abrunhosa was supported by the grant SFRH/BPD/43922/2008 from Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia-FCT, Portugal