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For the HL-LHC project, a 90 mm double aperture NbTi quadrupole magnet is being developed as an option to replace the 70 mm aperture LHC quadrupole MQY. This cos2θ magnet has an operating gradient of 120 T/m at 1.9 K and a magnetic length of 3.67 m. A single aperture short model magnet with a magnetic length of 1.2 m has been designed at CEA and is being manufactured in collaboration with CERN. The magnet support structure is relying on self-supporting collars. We present here the mechanical analysis along with the assembly of the short model magnet from coil fabrication and mechanical characterization to collaring and yoking.

For the Future Circular Collider (FCC), a 100-TeV post Large Hadron Collider machine, 750 main quadrupoles with a gradient of around 400 T/m are required. This paper presents an electromagnetic design optimization of a double aperture Nb3Sn quadrupole, fulfilling the specifications and a structural design of a single aperture configuration towards a prototype.

International audience; A future circular collider (FCC) with a center-of-mass energy of 100 TeV and a circumference of around 100 km, or an energy upgrade of the LHC (HE-LHC) to 27 TeV require bending magnets providing 16 T in a 50-mm aperture. Several development programs for these magnets, based on Nb$_3$Sn technology, are being pursued in Europe and in the U.S. In these programs, cos-theta, block-type, common-coil, and canted-cos-theta magnets are explored; first model magnets are under manufacture; limits on conductor stress levels are studied; and a conductor with enhanced characteristics is developed. This paper summarizes and discusses the status, plans, and preliminary results of these programs.

WAVE is a 1-T vector magnet for neutron scattering experiments. It will expand the range of experimental possibilities since applying a 3-D magnetic field and orienting the sample in diffraction conditions will become completely independent. The WAVE magnet is made of 16 coils, all with a vertical axis. The vertical component of the field is produced by four flat coils (two coils in quasi-Helmholtz position and two coils for active shielding), whereas the horizontal components are generated by three sets of four coils each, i.e., two above and two below the diffraction plane connected in an antisymmetric way. The very wide aperture (220° horizontal, ±10° vertical) is crucial for neutron diffraction and inelastic neutron scattering experiments. The homogeneity of the field is in the range of 500 ppm, and the diameter of the sample bore is large (100 mm). The design concepts of WAVE are NbTi solenoids imbedded in an aluminum box, indirectly cooled by liquid helium circulating in a thermosiphon loop and exchanging with a cryocooler. The WAVE coils are energized by four current supplies through HTS current leads. WAVE will be used as a sample environment on neutron scattering instruments relevant for magnetism studies and thus available to a large community of users. This equipment, which is based on an innovative design (Patent FR12 62 070, US extension 14/105,711), is developed with an industrial partner. The magnet will be commissioned in 2017.

Severe neutropenia and post-hepatitis C cirrhosis treatment: is interferon dose adaptation at once necessary?

A collaboration agreement between CERN and CEA-Saclay resulted in the successful development and construction of prototypes of the LHC main superconducting quadrupole magnets and their assembly into cold masses. A call for tender was issued in October 1999 and led to the adjudication of a contract to ACCEL Instruments. A number of components will be provided by CERN to be used either directly by ACCEL for integration into the cold mass units or by sub-suppliers before delivery to ACCEL. During the series fabrication CEA's engineers and technicians, already experienced from their prototype work, will ensure the technology transfer and the technical follow up in the factory. ACCEL had to adapt two large fabrication halls to the needs of the magnet fabrication and the cold mass assembly. Procedures for a tight quality assurance and the logistics for the timely supply of components and a high production rate are being established in close collaboration by the three parties concerned.

This paper reports on the assembly process and cool-down to cryogenic temperature of the support structure of FRESCA2, which is a dipole magnet for upgrading the actual CERN cable test facility FRESCA. The structure of the FRESCA2 magnet is designed to provide the adequate pre-stress, through the use of keys, bladders, and an Al alloy shrinking cylinder. In order to qualify the assembly and loading procedures, the structure was assembled with Al blocks (dummy coils) that replaced the brittle Nb$_{3}$Sn coils, and then cooled-down to 77 K with liquid nitrogen. The evolution of the mechanical behaviour was monitored via strain gauges located on different components of the structure (shell, rods, yokes and dummy coils). We focus on the expected stresses within the structure after assembly, loading and cool-down. The expected stresses were determined from the 3D finite element model of the structure. A comparison of the 3D model stress predictions with the strain gauge data measurements is made. The coherence between the predicted stresses with the experimental gauge measurements will validate the FEM model of the structure.

Background/Aims: The primary prevention of bleeding from esophageal varices is a major therapeutic issue requiring early screening of esophageal varices. Our aim was to study the diagnostic accuracy of non-endoscopic means for the diagnosis of esophageal varices. Methods: Sixty-three clinical, biochemical, endoscopic and Doppler ultrasound variables were prospectively recorded in 207 consecutive patients with chronic liver disease. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by discriminant analysis, first globally using all variables with diagnostic accuracy≥65% in univariate analysis, then by stepwise regression. Results: A) whole group ( n =207), 1) diagnosis of esophageal varices: diagnostic accuracy was globally 81%, and 81% with 1 variable: irregular liver surface at ultrasound, 2) Diagnosis of large esophageal varices (grades 2+3): diagnostic accuracy was globally 80%, and 79% with 2 variables: prothrombin index, γ-globulins. B) patients with cirrhosis ( n =116), 1) diagnosis of esophageal varices: diagnostic accuracy was globally 71%, and 72% with 2 variables: platelet count, prothrombin index, 2) diagnosis of large esophageal varices (grades 2+3): diagnostic accuracy was globally 71%, and 72% with 3 variables: platelet count, prothrombin index, spider naevi. The ROC curve showed that the best threshold for the diagnostic accuracy of platelet count was 160 G/I providing a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 58%. Platelet count ≥260 G/I has a negative predictive value ≥91%. Conclusions: Using a few non-endoscopic criteria, esophageal varices can be correctly diagnosed in 81% of patients with chronic liver disease and in 71% of patients with cirrhosis. These results show that the non-invasive screening of patients who are candidates for the primary prevention of variceal bleeding is possible, but should be improved before being used in a clinical setting.

Background/Aims: Evaluation of the degree of hepatic fibrosis is especially important in patients with chronic liver disease. Our aim was to study the diagnostic accuracy of abdominal ultrasonography for cirrhosis or fibrosis. Methods: Twenty-three clinical ( n =12) and Doppler ultrasonic ( n =11) variables were recorded in 243 patients with chronic (alcoholic and viral) liver disease under conditions close to those of clinical practice. Fibrosis was classified into six grades by two pathologists. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by discriminant analysis, first globally using all variables, then by stepwise analysis. Results: A) Diagnosis of cirrhosis: 1) whole group ( n =243): diagnostic accuracy was globally 84%, and 84% with two variables: spleen length, portal velocity; 2) compensated chronic liver disease ( n =191): diagnostic accuracy was globally 85%, and 82% with two variables: liver surface, liver length (right kidney); 3) alcoholic compensated chronic liver disease ( n =109): diagnostic accuracy was globally 86%, and 88% with two variables: spleen length, liver length (middle clavicle); 4) viral compensated chronic liver disease ( n =83): diagnostic accuracy was globally 86% and 86% with one variable: liver surface. By subtracting the proportion of patients who could not be investigated due to anatomical limitations, the highest calculated univariate diagnostic accuracy decreased by 7%. B) Diagnosis of fibrosis: diagnostic accuracy was globally 84% for extensive fibrosis. Conclusions: Cirrhosis can be correctly diagnosed in 82–88% of patients with chronic liver disease using a few ultrasonographic signs. However, the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound is decreased by the anatomical limitations of this technique.

The density of liquid alumina drops maintained in levitation with an aerodynamic device and heated with CO2 lasers is determined by analysis of high-speed video digital images between 2000 and 3100 K in various gases. It is shown that consistent results can be achieved for the lighter drops (m

The aim of this study was to develop a technique that could serve as an index of portosystemic shunt (PSS) blood flow in portal hypertensive rats whose main shunt is the splenorenal shunt (SRS). The main hemodynamic measurements performed were: SRS blood flow by the transit-time ultrasound (TTU) method, percentage of PSS, and regional blood flows by the microsphere method. We determined the accuracy and reproducibility of SRS blood flow measurements under baseline and pharmacological (octreotide) conditions. SRS blood flow was compared with other hemodynamic characteristics. Two models of portal hypertension were used: secondary biliary and dimethylnitrosamine cirrhosis. The SRS blood flow was correlated with mesenteric (r = .76; P < .001) and splenic (r = .67; P < .01) PSS percentages. The intra- and interobserver agreements for SRS blood flow were excellent: ric = .99 and ric = .98, respectively. SRS blood flow was six times higher in portal hypertensive rats (0.6 ± 0.7 mL · min−1 · 100 g−1) than in sham rats (0.1 ± 0.1 mL · min−1 · 100 g−1 [P < .01]). Octreotide significantly decreased SRS blood flow but not mesenteric or splenic PSS percentages. SRS is the main PSS in rats. The measurement of SRS blood flow by TTU is accurate and reproducible. This method can be used to identify new mechanisms in hemodynamic studies that differ from those identified by the measurement of the percentage of PSS by the microsphere method, especially in pharmacological studies.

Background/Aims: Liver fibrosis is mainly evaluated by qualitative histological examination. Although histological semi-quantitative scores and quantitative determination with image analysis are now possible, these methods have not been fully validated and compared. Therefore, we evaluated these two methods prospectively in 243 patients with chronic liver disease. Methods: The semi-quantitative fibrosis score was evaluated by two independent pathologists, using the Knodell fibrosis score and a 6-grade score derived from the Metavir score; the area of fibrosis was measured by image analysis. The serum levels of hyaluronate, N-terminal peptide of procollagen III, laminin, transforming growth factor-β1, α 2 -macroglobulin, apolipoprotein A1, PGA score and prothrombin index were measured. Results: There was a good correlation between the semi-quantitative fibrosis score and the area of fibrosis ( r =0.84, p −4 ). Using multiple regression analysis, the semi-quantative score was predicted by the 8 serum markers with R 2 =0.69 (R 2 =0.59 for hyaluronate at the 1st step) while the area of fibrosis was predicted with R 2 =0.79 (R 2 =0.76 for hyaluronate at the 1st step), and the Knodell fibrosis score was predicted with R 2 =0.65 (R 2 =0.31 for hyaluronate at the 1st step). Conclusions: The area of fibrosis, as determined by image analysis, and the semi-quantitative score are well correlated. However, for serum markers the correlation is higher with the area of fibrosis than with the semi-quantatitive score. Other characteristics such as reproducibility, rapidity, simplicity, adaptability, and exhaustiveness also favor image analysis.

Our aim was to study the antifibrotic and hemodynamic effects of simvastatin (SMV), pentoxifylline (PTX) and spironolactone (SPN), three drugs which may have antifibrotic and/or portal hypotensive properties, in a model of hepatic fibrosis and portal hypertension induced in rats by bile duct ligation. A blind study was performed in five groups of 53 Sprague-Dawley rats: sham, placebo (PL), SMV (2.5 mg x kg(-1) x J(-1)), PTX (50 mg x kg(-1) x J(-1)) and SPN (100 mg x kg(-1) x J(-1)). Drugs were administered by daily gavage over a 4-week period as soon as bile duct ligation was performed. At day 28, the following parameters were evaluated: area of hepatic fibrosis by image analysis after staining collagen with picrosirius and plasma concentrations of hyaluronate, splanchnic and systemic hemodynamics (radiolabeled microspheres).Portal venous pressure (PL: 15.5+/-1.5, SMV: 15.8+/-2.5, PTX: 15.9+/-1.8, SPN: 13.5+/-2.1 mmHg, p0.05) and porto-systemic shunts (PL: 30+/-31, SMV: 18+/-27, PTX: 25+/-24, SPN: 5+/-4%, p0.05) were significantly reduced in the SPN group; other hemodynamic parameters were not significantly altered. There was a significant correlation between portosystemic shunts and portal pressure (r(s)=0.47, p0.01). The area of fibrosis was not significantly different among the four groups of bile duct ligated rats (PL: 8.7+/-3.9, SMV: 7.1+/-3.6, PTX: 7.8+/-2.7, SPN: 6.6+/-3.3%) but was higher than in sham rats (1.5+/-0.5%, p0.001). Hyaluronate was significantly higher in bile duct ligated rats (from 374+/-162 to 420+/-131 microg/l, among the four groups) than in sham rats (52+/-16 microg/l, p0.0001).In this model, none of the drugs prevented hepatic fibrosis. On the other hand, spironolactone decreased portal pressure and prevented porto-systemic shunts. Therefore, this drug may have beneficial effects in patients with early portal hypertension.

Although great improvements have been performed in containerless experiments, stable levitation of dense and millimeter sized objects still poses challenges that must be taken up for characterization of materials at very high temperature. This paper presents a new analysis cell developed for obtaining in situ structural information by X-ray absorption on samples at very high temperature (up to 2700 K). A gas jet levitator has been used in combination with a laser heating. The first structural analysis were carried out on Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG) compounds above the melting point by using synchrotron radiation facilities.

Resume Introduction Nous decrivons un cas de lymphome malin non hodgkinien a cellules B apparu chez un malade atteint d'une hepatite chronique virale C traitee par interferon α. Exegese Certains virus pourraient etre a l'origine des lymphomes, tels le virus d'Epstein-Barr et le virus du lymphome malin a cellules T de type I et II. La survenue d'un lymphome a cellules B au cours de l'hepatite chronique virale C a ete rapportee et pourrait etre une consequence du tropisme lymphocytaire du virus de l'hepatite C. Conclusion Cette nouvelle association entre une infection par le virus de l'hepatite C et un lymphome malin non hodgkinien doit inciter a rechercher des signes en faveur d'un lymphome chez les malades atteints d'hepatite chronique virale C.

The Next European Dipole (NED) Joint Research Activity was launched on 1st January 2004 to promote the development of high performance Nb$_{3}$Sn conductors in collaboration with European industry (aiming at a non-copper critical current density of 1500 A/mm2 at 4.2 K and 15 T) and to assess the suitability of Nb$_{3}$Sn technology to the next generation of accelerator magnets (aiming at an aperture of 88 mm and a conductor peak field of ~ 15 T). It is part of the Coordinated Accelerator Research in Europe (CARE) project, involves eight collaborators and is half-funded by the European Union. After briefly recalling the Activity organization, we report the main progress achieved over the last year, which includes: the manufacturing of a double-bath He II cryostat for heat transfer measurements through Nb$_{3}$Sn conductor insulation, detailed quench computations for various NED-like magnet configurations, the award of two industrial subcontracts for Nb$_{3}$Sn conductor development, the first results of a cross-calibration program of test facilities for Nb$_{3}$Sn wire characterization, detailed investigations of the mechanical properties of heavily cold-drawn Cu/Nb/Sn composite wires and the preliminary assessment of a new insulation system based on polyimide-sized fiber glass tapes. Last, we briefly review the efforts of an ongoing Working Group on magnet design and optimization.

Plans for LHC upgrade and for the final focalization of linear colliders call for large aperture and/or high-performance dipole and quadrupole magnets that may be beyond the reach of conventional NbTi magnet technology. The Next European Dipole (NED) activity was launched on January 1st, 2004 to promote the development of high-performance, Nb/sub 3/Sn wires in collaboration with European industry (aiming at a noncopper critical current density of 1500 A/mm/sup 2/ at 4.2 K and 15 T) and to assess the suitability of Nb/sub 3/Sn technology to the next generation of accelerator magnets (aiming at an aperture of 88 mm and a conductor peak field of 15 T). It is integrated within the Collaborated Accelerator Research in Europe (CARE) project, involves seven collaborators, and is partly funded by the European Union. We present here an overview of the NED activity and we report on the status of the various work packages it encompasses.

An infrared spectrometer (spectral range 2–6 μm), coupled with a 9 μm pyrometer (Christiansen’s wavelength), has been developed to collect time-resolved measurements (32 spectra/s) of the spectral emissivity of alumina droplets (d≈ 3 mm) freely cooling in an aerodynamic levitation system from the liquid-to-solid phases [2800 → 1500 K]. The temperature and nature of the gaseous atmosphere surrounding the droplet (oxidizing/neutral/reducing) are two important parameters affecting the spectral emissivity in the semi-transparent range. Observations are discussed in the framework of the thermal activation and of the chemical interactions of alumina with the environment.

Whereas the prototypes of the main quadrupoles had been pursued at CEA Saclay under contract with CERN, the contract to build all MQ magnets and the complete cold masses had been placed with ACCEL Instruments GmbH. After careful evaluation of design concepts and fabrication processes some revisions have been introduced to ease an industrial fabrication of the 400 MQ magnets and cold masses to be delivered to CERN. First batches of magnets were successfully cold tested. We report about the upgrading of the fabrication facility including the MQ specific layout of all machinery, the upgrading and qualifying of personnel resources and processes, the technical performance of the products and main activities and experiences on the way to series production.

To evaluate the efficacy of ribavirin, given in second intention in non-responders to interferon alone, by studying viral kinetics.We conducted a trial including 203 patients with chronic hepatitis C, naïve of treatment. Patients were treated with interferon three times a week with or without ribavirin and amantadine according to response. Viral kinetics were assessed by serial measurements of HCV RNA (bDNA 3.0 and Monitor 2.0) and a new assay, trak-C, able to quantify total Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen.A significant initial drop in HCV RNA or HCV core antigen, under interferon alone, was associated with response to therapy, -4.85+/-1.33 log for HCV RNA in sustained responders versus -1.86+/-1.53 log for others groups, P0.001. In patients receiving ribavirin in second intention, we also observed a similar drop in HCV RNA and HCV core antigen, predictive of sustained response, -2.67+/-1.26 log for HCV RNA in sustained responders versus -0.44+/-0.49 log in non-responders, P0.001.Ribavirin has probably an additional antiviral effect in interferon treated patients. Kinetics of HCV RNA and HCV core antigen under treatment are highly predictive of a sustained virological response.

Measurements of the thermophysical and structural properties of liquid materials at high temperature have undergone considerable development in the past few years. Following improvements in electromagnetic levitation, aerodynamic levitation associated with laser heating has shown promise for assessing properties of different molten materials (metals, oxides, and semiconductors), preserving sample purity over a wide range of temperatures and under different gas environments. The density, surface tension and viscosity are measured with a high-speed video camera and an image analysis system. Results on nickel and alumina show that small droplets can be considered in the first approximation to be under microgravity conditions. Using a non-invasive contactless technique recently developed to measure electrical conductivity, results have been extended to variety of materials ranging from liquid metals and liquid semiconductors to ionically conducting materials. The advantage of this technique is the feasibility of monitoring changes in transport occurring during phase transitions and in deeply undercooled states.

Background/Aims: The action sites and kinetic effects of octreotide and terlipressin may be different. Therefore, we studied the hemodynamic effects of acute administration of these drugs alone or in combination in rats with portal hypertension due to portal vein ligation. Methods: In a first study performed in anesthetized rats, hemodynamics were measured before and after drug administration (placebo, octreotide: 8 μg·kg −1 ·h −1 for 30 min, terlipressin: 50 μg/kg bolus, terlipressin + octreotide at the same doses). The second study, performed in conscious rats, included the same groups and drug doses; hemodynamics were measured every 10 min for 1 h. The third study tested the effect of preinfusion of octreotide on responsiveneness to terlipressin. Results: Terlipressin produced more marked systemic effects than octreotide by decreasing heart rate and cardiac output and increasing mean arterial pressure. Terlipressin produced a greater decrease in portal pressure than octreotide: placebo: −3±5%, terlipressin: −42±8%, octreotide: −16±10%, combination: −44±8% (conscious rats at 20 min, p −4 ). The decrease in portal pressure was immediate and lasted at least 60 min with both drugs. Octreotide significantly decreased spleno-renal shunt blood flow (% variation): placebo: −6±8, terlipressin: −15.5±20, octreotide: −22.5±20, combination: −27±10 ( p −2 ). Octreotide preinfusion significantly increased the responsiveness of arterial pressure and heart rate to terlipressin. Conclusions: Terlipressin decreases portal pressure significantly more than octreotide, while only octreotide significantly decreases collateral blood flow. Simultaneous administration of these drugs does not have significant additive effects but has complementary effects. The preadministration of octreotide alters systemic reponse to terlipressin.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The evaluation of the degree of hepatic fibrosis is especially important in patients with chronic liver disease. The aim of this study was to study the diagnostic accuracy of noninvasive means. METHODS: Sixty-three clinical, biochemical (prothrombin index, gamma- glutamyl transpeptidase and apolipoprotein A1 levels [PGA score]; and hyaluronate, alpha2-macroglobulin, N-terminal peptide of type III procollagen, laminin, and transforming growth factor beta1 levels), Doppler ultrasonic, and endoscopic variables were recorded in 243 patients who were divided into four groups: whole, compensated, alcohol- compensated, and viral-compensated liver disease. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by discriminant analysis; first globally, then by stepwise analysis. RESULTS: In three groups, hyaluronate and prothrombin index were the best predictive factors (accuracy, > or=85%). Accuracy for the diagnosis of cirrhosis varied from 89.5% to 95% with global discriminant analysis and from 91% to 94% with stepwise analysis according to the group. In the compensated group, hyaluronate concentration of > or=60 microg/L had a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 73%. Diagnostic accuracy was 87% globally for extensive fibrosis. Prothrombin index and hyaluronate were two independent variables predictive of the area of fibrosis (r2 = .66). CONCLUSIONS: With the use of a few noninvasive criteria, cirrhosis can be correctly diagnosed in 91%-94% of patients with chronic liver disease. Serum hyaluronate concentration is the most sensitive variable for screening. (Gastroenterology 1997 Nov;113(5):1609-16)

It has been suggested that the early administration of propranolol (PR) and a low sodium diet may prevent the development of portosystemic shunts in animals with presinusoidal portal hypertension. Our aim was to study the hemodynamic effects of the early and chronic administration of PR and spironolactone (SPN), alone or in combination, in a model of hepatic fibrosis and sinusoidal portal hypertension induced in rats by bile duct ligation.A blind study was performed in 40 Sprague-Dawley rats divided into four groups: placebo (PL), PR (75 mg/kg per day), SPN (100 mg/kg per day), and PR+SPN at the same doses. Drugs were administered by daily gavage over a 4-week period as soon as bile duct ligation was performed. At day 28, the splanchnic and systemic hemodynamics (radiolabeled microspheres) were evaluated.a) Systemic hemodynamics: PR significantly reduced cardiac index and increased vascular resistance, SPN had no significant effect and PR+SPN significantly decreased mean arterial pressure. b) Splanchnic hemodynamics: portal venous pressure (PL: 15.5 +/- 1.5, PR: 14.8 +/- 1.0, SPN: 13.5 +/- 2.1, PR+SPN: 15.0 +/- 1.3 mmHg, p0.05) and portosystemic shunts (PL: 30 +/- 31, PR: 13 +/- 14, SPN: 5 +/- 4, PR+SPN: 29 +/- 33%, p0.05) were significantly reduced in the SPN group; other hemodynamic parameters were not significantly altered. In multivariate analysis, the only determinant of portosystemic shunts was portal pressure but with a low R2 (0.2).In this model, the early administration of PR, alone or in combination with SPN, had no beneficial hemodynamic effects. On the other hand, SPN alone decreased portal pressure and prevented portosystemic shunts. Therefore, this drug may have beneficial effects in patients with early portal hypertension.

Liver fibrosis is mainly evaluated by qualitative histological examination. Although histological semi-quantitative scores and quantitative determination with image analysis are now possible, these methods have not been fully validated and compared. Therefore, we evaluated these two methods prospectively in 243 patients with chronic liver disease.The semi-quantitative fibrosis score was evaluated by two independent pathologists, using the Knodell fibrosis score and a 6-grade score derived from the Metavir score; the area of fibrosis was measured by image analysis. The serum levels of hyaluronate, N-terminal peptide of procollagen III, laminin, transforming growth factor-beta1, alpha2-macroglobulin, apolipoprotein A1, PGA score and prothrombin index were measured.There was a good correlation between the semi-quantitative fibrosis score and the area of fibrosis (r=0.84, p10(-4)). Using multiple regression analysis, the semi-quantitative score was predicted by the 8 serum markers with R2=0.69 (R2=0.59 for hyaluronate at the 1st step) while the area of fibrosis was predicted with R2=0.79 (R2=0.76 for hyaluronate at the 1st step), and the Knodell fibrosis score was predicted with R2=0.65 (R2=0.31 for hyaluronate at the 1st step).The area of fibrosis, as determined by image analysis, and the semi-quantitative score are well correlated. However, for serum markers the correlation is higher with the area of fibrosis than with the semi-quantitative score. Other characteristics such as reproducibility, rapidity, simplicity, adaptability, and exhaustiveness also favor image analysis.

246 superconducting quadrupoles of ten different kinds have to be built for the HERA proton machine at DESY, Hamburg, West Germany. After several prototypes were made and tested in the SACLAY laboratory the mass fabrication was committed to industry. Three different European firms have been selected to build both the magnets and their cryostats. The technology transfer from laboratory to industry, the fabrication control, and the results on the first magnets made are described. >

Field homogeneity of superconducting dipoles for accelerators is still difficult to achieve. To reach the required homogeneity level of 10-4 the conductors must be located within a few hundreths of mm. At present all the superconducting machines in construction or in project use the most developed technique of the double shell configuration. This technique is very sensitive to conductor size and a great care must be taken to reach the needed field homogeneity. The design proposed in this paper is a current block configuration which uses accuratly punched laminations with slots for conductor location. The design is then much less sensitive to conductor size. Furthermore the tooling needed to build such magnets is much less expensive than the one needed for the shell design. Three short dipoles have been constructed and tested. Very good results in field homogeneity have been obtained directly from the original design.

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