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We present a novel methodology for integration of multiple InSAR data sets for computation of two dimensional time series of ground deformation. The proposed approach allows combination of SAR data acquired with different acquisition parameters, temporal and spatial sampling and resolution, wavelength and polarization. Produced time series have combined coverage, improved temporal resolution and lower noise level. We apply this methodology for mapping coal mining related ground subsidence and uplift in the Greater Region of Luxembourg along the French–German border. For this we processed 167 Synthetic Aperture Radar ERS-1/2 and ENVISAT images acquired between 1995 and 2009 from one ascending (track 29) and one descending (track 337) tracks and created over five hundred interferograms that were used for time series analysis. Derived vertical and east–west linear deformation rates show with remarkable precision a region of localized ground deformation located above and caused by mining and post-mining activities. Time series of ground deformation display temporal variability: reversal from subsidence to uplift and acceleration of subsidence in the vertical component, and horizontal motion toward the center of the subsidence on the east–west component. InSAR results are validated by leveling measurements collected by the French Geological Survey (BRGM) during 2006–2008. We determined that deformation rate changes are mainly caused by water level variations in the mines. Due to higher temporal and spatial resolution the proposed space-borne method detected a larger number of subsidence and uplift areas in comparison to leveling measurements restricted to annual monitoring of benchmark points along roads. We also identified one deformation region that is not precisely located above the mining sites. Comparison of InSAR measurements with the water levels measured in the mining pits suggest that part of the water that filled the galleries after termination of the dewatering systems may come from this region. Providing that enough SAR data is available, this method opens new opportunities for detecting and locating man-made and natural ground deformation signals with high temporal resolution and precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The aim of the survey was to describe current practice in management of hypotension during spinal anaesthesia for elective caesarean section in Lorraine. Study design: Cross-sectional study by a mail survey. Methods: A 20-item postal questionnaire was sent to all anaesthetists working in public or private hospital with a maternity unit in Lorraine. Results: The response rate was 65%. Fifty-one percent of the respondents did not have a written procedure for the management of spinal-induced hypotension. Fluid preloading with or without vasopressor was the most common practice. Colloids were used by 20% of the respondents. For prevention of hypotension, 37% used ephedrine, 28% used phenylephrine mostly in association with ephedrine and 9% based their choice on heart rate. Twenty-six percent did not administer any vasopressor to prevent hypotension. First choice vasopressor for treatment of hypotension was ephedrine. Anaesthetists in academic practice were more likely to use coloading and phenylephrine administration, but none of them used colloids for pre- or coloading. Conclusion: Management of hypotension during spinal anaesthesia for elective caesarean section was significantly influenced by the type of practice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Over 10,000 closed depressions (CDs) are found in the silty plains of Northeastern France. These small wetlands support the growth of rare plant species. Although their origins, which could be anthropogenic or geologic due to salt/gypsum lens dissolution, have been debated for 150years, they have not yet been the focus of an integrated study. In 39 geological borings along a 15-km² strip, no salt/gypsum lenses and more than 260 CDs were recorded using LiDAR. All of the investigated CDs have a bathtub form with a flat bottom. Complete excavations clearly showed a cut contact between the sediment and the horizontal marl substratum at the bottom, and a cut at the edges of the upper marl layers. Radiocarbon dating of sediment bottoms showed that sedimentation began between the second Iron Age and the Roman period. The frequencies of pollen and Sporormiella-type depict an open landscape with grassland, pasture and cropland. These convergent findings challenge the hypothesis that CDs formed naturally and suggest that they area instead anthropogenic. Because no soil deposits were found around the CDs, digging may have been intended to marl the surrounding acidic silty soils. The high density and small size of CDs will allow the detailed reconstruction of landscape and biodiversity modifications in the region for the two last millennia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The flooding of the Lorraine coal mines (France), representing a huge reservoir of about 154×106 m3, began in June 2006. After attaining thermal equilibrium with the surrounding rocks, the water temperature in the deepest parts is expected to reach 55°C, giving the opportunity for the extraction of low-enthalpy geothermal waters that may be suitable for district heating purposes. We present some numerical modelling results of the thermally driven convective flow in an open vertical shaft and in the entire mine reservoir. A dual permeability/porosity approach was used in the reservoir model, which includes open galleries and vertical shafts, coal panels backfilled with sand, and intact rock masses. Two scenarios of heat extraction with different flow regimes were investigated. A sensitivity analysis shows that the temperature decline in the production zone is highly dependent on the permeability of the surrounding porous rocks. Larger permeabilities result in higher water temperatures at the production shaft due to greater inflows of warm water from those rock masses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: To study the assessment of hygiene practices in anaesthesia in Lorraine between 1998 and 2007, after recommendations from the French Society of Anaesthesia and Reanimation (SFAR) in December 1997, and different local actions. Study design: Two surveys performed at a nine-year interval in Lorraine hospitals. Population and method: Questionnaires about risk infection management and hygiene practices were sent by post to all anaesthetists, nurse anaesthetists and recovery room nurses in 1998 (n =279) and in 2007 (n =259). Results: Between the two surveys multidrug-resistant bacteria signalling, movements of the staff in operating rooms, septic isolation protocol and management of single-use disposable anaesthesia material have been improved (p <0.05). Central venous catheters are less performed in recovery rooms and rings wearing decreased by 16% (p <0.05). Wearing of nonsterile gloves for peripheral venous catheter and intubation is not generalized (p <0.05). About half of the hospitals have cleanup procedures of anaesthesia furniture. Washing of hands by anaesthesia staff is not sometimes respected but it''s more frequent for medicine preparation and between two operations. A good skin disinfection (cleaning – rinsing – drying – antiseptic) is more recurrent in 2007 (61.4%) than in 1998 (41.9%) for arterial catheter. Wearing of glasses for intubation is each times rare, about 15%. Conclusion: Hygiene practices in anaesthesia in Lorraine have been improved between the two surveys by recommendations from the Sfar and the work of the Antenne Régional de Lorraine (audits, manuals, formations). Promising progress has been made but some points must still be worked on. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new fauna of crustacean decapods has been discovered on the occasion of the digging of two large wells in Kimmeridgian marls and limestones at Bure (Lorraine, France). Among the stratigraphically well repaired identified fossils Thalassinoidea are abundant with the species Etallonia isochela (Woodward, 1876). Other fossils are represented by a Paguridae (Palaeopagurus sp.) and two Erymidae: Eryma cf. babeaui (Etallon, 1861) and E. ventrosa (Von Meyer, 1835) this last one has provided fragments of carapace and fragments of chelipeds. Propodes of E. isochela sometime display remains of coloration patterns that indicate a low oxygen level of depositional and diagenetic environments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: To evaluate the results of Off Site preanaesthetic consult in Lorraine and to draw up a method for these pre-operative visits. Study design: Two surveys of the Lorraine-regional practice (from both the anaesthetists and surgeons from Lorraine) and one survey of patient satisfaction. Patients and method: Questionnaires were sent by mail to all anaesthetists (n =270) and surgeons (n =339) in the Lorraine region. In the immediate postoperative period, specific questionnaires were sent by mail to selected patient groups (n =73 in each group), one group having and the other (control) not having Off Site preanaesthetic consult. Results: Anaesthetists'' survey: 48.4% of interviewed anaesthetists belonged to the pre-anaesthetic consult network. 81.2% of these anaesthetists performed Off Site pre-anaesthetic consult. The main recognized advantages were patient comfort (89.6%) and cost effectiveness (57.3%). 26.1% of anaesthetists who did not participate to the network were strongly opposed to this practice, while 60.9% were prepared to enter the network. Surgeons'' survey: 15.6% of surgeons were not satisfied that anaesthetists in their institutions practiced the Off Site pre-anaesthetic consult. Patients'' survey: no difference in satisfaction towards the quality of information delivered during the consultation (anaesthetic technique, analgesia and evaluation of the perioperative risk) nor in terms of perioperative anxiety. The average transportation distance spared by Off Site preanaesthetic Consult was 98 miles. Conclusion: Off Site preanaesthetic consult may have real benefits in terms of, patient satisfaction, comfort and cost-effectiveness. In the Lorraine region, a majority of anaesthetists has experience with this practice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study deals with the reconstruction of intraplate paleostresses. Calcite twinning inversion provides paleostress directions and differential values, even in poorly outcropping areas. However, existing methods are not well adapted to multi-phase deformation cases, and the calculation of stress values provides unreliable estimates.Modifications were brought to a calcite twinning inverse method and to the processing of results. In a new twin data separation process, the whole set of data is used to calculate each tensor. The variability of yield stress value for twinning with strain hardening is taken into consideration. A first order yield stress-calcite grain size dependence function has been established with a sample showing various grain sizes.This modified method of calcite twinning inversion was applied in the eastern Paris Basin (Lorraine, France). In this platform area, measured fractures are preferentially trending NE–SW and NW–SE at all scales. The Meso-Cenozoic paleostress succession reconstructed with fault slips is complex. Jurassic sedimentation occurred during the Tethys rifting. A mainly strike–slip phase with σ1 successively striking NNW and NNE is attributed to the Tertiary Pyrenean orogenesis, and is followed by WNW extension in the Oligocene. After local ENE compression, WNW compression was probably due to the Alpine Late Miocene collision. The calcite twinning inversion has confirmed these tectonic events and their succession order, and the directions of stress axes were specified. Using grain size- and strain rate-sensitive yield stress values, the differential stresses can be estimated with an uncertainty of few MPa. They range between 20 and 30 MPa, depending on the tectonic event. The Oligocene paleodepths of the sampled calcite, estimated using differential stress values, are structurally sensible.Thus, the original calcite twinning inverse method has been improved. Complex paleostress successions such as in platform areas may be deciphered by combination with fault slip inversion. Even if additional improvement is possible, this calcite twinning inverse method opens new ways to determine stress distributions in tectonic plates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Designation of grassland sites in the Natura 2000 Network, in application of the Habitats and Birds Directives requires the definition of appropriate management practices, in order to ensure their conservation in a favorable status. Such grasslands present very diverse ecological and agricultural features, even at a local level, as shown by the example from the Lorraine region (France). In most cases, the fertilizer input has to stay very low. The type (cutting or grazing regime or mixed) and intensity level of management will have a determining role on the evolution of these habitats and on their biodiversity. In some cases, management can lead to conflicting effects on different species or communities protected by these Directives. It is then necessary to designate priority target species or communities. In France, surveys are being carried out by experts to determine, for each habitat type and each species of the Habitats and Birds Directives, the management practices required to ensure their conservation in a favorable status. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]