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Resume Introduction L’objectif principal de l’etude etait de comparer la frequence de survenue des symptomes d’inconfort postoperatoire (SIP) apres reconstruction du ligament croise anterieur (LCA), selon le mode d’hospitalisation, ambulatoire (A) ou hospitalisation conventionnelle (HC). Patients et methode Une etude prospective comparative non randomisee mono-operateur a inclus (1) les patients operes en 2012–2013 d’une rupture isolee du LCA, (2) de premiere intention, (3) par greffe courte aux ischio-jambiers. Le groupe A comprenait les patients eligibles a la chirurgie ambulatoire et consentants, et le groupe HC les patients recuses pour l’ambulatoire ou l’ayant refuse. Le critere de jugement principal etait la survenue de j0 a j3 d’au moins 1 SIP (anxiete, nausee et vomissements, malaise, vertige et douleur au ventre). Les criteres de jugement secondaires etaient les difficultes d’endormissement, le lever, la marche reguliere, le nombre de fois ou le patient a souffert de son genou et le reveil du a la douleur. L’ensemble des criteres ont ete saisis en ligne par le patient. Resultats Cent trente-trois patients ont rempli le questionnaire, 70 A/63 HC, âge moyen 30 ± 9 ans, 42 femmes/91 hommes. De j0 a j3, la proportion de patients ayant presente au moins un SIP etait comparable entre les 2 groupes (37 % vs 41 %, p = 0,62). Compares au groupe HC, les patients A ont eu significativement moins de difficultes a s’endormir la premiere nuit ( p = 0,01), se sont leves significativement plus souvent le soir de l’intervention ( p p = 0,03). Lors de la premiere nuit, la douleur a reveille significativement moins de patients A que de patients HC ( p = 0,003). Les facteurs de risque de survenue des SIP etaient le sexe feminin (OR = 4,8 ± 1,9) et l’existence de complications postoperatoires (OR = 3,8 ± 2,5). Conclusion Les patients operes pour une reconstruction du LCA en ambulatoire n’ont pas plus de symptomes d’inconfort postoperatoire que les patients admis en hospitalisation conventionnelle. Niveau de preuve IV ; etude prospective comparative.

IntroductionThe principal objective of the present study was to compare rates of postoperative discomfort after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction between inpatient (In) and outpatient (Out) management.Patients and methodA single-surgeon non-randomized prospective comparative study included patients undergoing primary surgery for isolated ACL tear by short hamstring graft in 2012–13. The Out group comprised patients eligible for and consenting to outpatient surgery and the In group, those not eligible or not consenting. The principal assessment criterion was onset of at least 1 symptom of postoperative discomfort (SPD): anxiety, nausea and vomiting, malaise, vertigo or stomach pain, between postoperative days 0 and 3. Secondary assessment criteria were difficulty in getting to sleep, getting up during the night, regular walking or going out, number of episodes of knee pain and waking because of pain. All criteria were assessed on-line by the patient.ResultsOne hundred and thirty-three patients filled out the questionnaire, 70 in the Out group and 63 in the In group; 42 females, 91 males; mean age, 30±9 years. Between D0 and D3, the proportion of patients with ≥l SPD was comparable between groups (Out 37% vs In 41%, P=0.62). Out-group patients had significantly less difficulty sleeping the first postoperative night (P=0.01), got up significantly more often during the first night after surgery (P

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International audience; We tested the idea that leaf-cutting ants preferentially use one of their mandibles in the leading position when cutting leaves. We recorded the mandible position of both paint-marked and unmarked foragers from a laboratory colony of Acromyrmex echinatior during foraging bouts in two experiments 1 year apart (2012 and 2013). Both types of ants were ambidextrous in 2012, and so were unmarked ants in 2013. In contrast, marked ants in 2013 had a preference for leading with their right mandible. The individual laterality of these latter ants ranged from ambidexterity to about 70 % use of the preferred leading mandible. In 2013, we also estimated the cutting rate (length cut per second spent cutting) and harvesting rate (leaf area harvested per second spent cutting) of cutting events for marked foragers. Despite significant positive correlations between head size and both cutting and harvesting rates, the intensity of lateralization was better explained by cutting and harvesting rates than by head size. Specifically, the most lateralized foragers were the slowest and harvested the smallest leaf area per second. We interpret this association as evidence that lateralization was stronger for ants for which cutting was more challenging.

Resume Introduction L’objectif principal de l’etude etait d’evaluer la faisabilite de la chirurgie ambulatoire dans les reconstructions du ligament croise anterieur (LCA). Notre hypothese etait que si le patient beneficie d’une organisation dediee, sa securite est assuree. Patients et methodes Une etude prospective comparative non randomisee mono-operateur menee en 2012–2013 a inclus l’ensemble des patients operes en premiere intention pour une reconstruction arthroscopique du LCA par greffe courte aux ischio-jambiers. Le groupe « ambulatoire » (A) comprenait les patients eligibles a la chirurgie ambulatoire et consentants, le groupe « hospitalisation conventionnelle » (HC) les patients recuses pour la chirurgie ambulatoire et ceux l’ayant refuse. Le critere de jugement principal etait l’echec du mode d’admission defini par l’hospitalisation d’un patient opere en ambulatoire ou sa re-hospitalisation dans la premiere semaine apres la sortie. Les criteres de jugement secondaires etaient le taux de complications postoperatoires, la douleur postoperatoire, la consommation d’antalgiques et la satisfaction du patient. Cent trente-huit patients ont ete inclus, 71 A/67 HC, d’âge moyen 29,6 ± 9 ans. Vingt-neuf pour cent des patients ont refuse l’ambulatoire. Dans le groupe HC, la duree moyenne d’hospitalisation etait de 2,7 ± 0,8 jours. Resultats Un patient du groupe A a ete hospitalise suite a un saignement localise et aucune re-hospitalisation n’est survenue. Six complications postoperatoires precoces ont ete notees dans chaque groupe. La douleur postoperatoire moyenne j0–j4 et la satisfaction etaient comparables entre les deux groupes. Conclusion Cette etude prospective n’a releve aucun evenement grave. Dans une population selectionnee, les risques sont comparables a ceux d’une hospitalisation conventionnelle. Niveau d’evidence III – etude comparative.

Introduction The main objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of outpatient surgery in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. We hypothesized that if the patient underwent the procedure within a dedicated organization, safety would be ensured. Patients and methods A non-randomized, prospective, comparative, single-operator study conducted in 2012–2013 included all patients undergoing first-line surgery for ACL arthroscopic reconstruction using a short hamstring graft. The outpatient group (OP) included patients who were eligible for outpatient surgery and provided consent; the conventional hospitalization group (CH) comprised those patients not suitable for outpatient surgery and those who refused it. The main evaluation criterion was failure of the admission modality defined as hospitalization of a patient who had undergone outpatient surgery or rehospitalization in the first week after discharge. The secondary evaluation criteria were the rate of postoperative complications, postoperative pain, use of analgesics, and patient satisfaction. A total of 138 patients were included: 71 in the OP group and 67 in the CH group, with a mean age of 29.6 ± 9 years. Twenty-nine percent of the patients refused outpatient surgery. In the CH group, the mean hospital stay lasted 2.7 ± 0.8 days. Results One patient in the OP group was hospitalized with localized bleeding and there were no rehospitalizations. Six early postoperative complications were noted in each group. The mean postoperative pain on D0–D4 and patient satisfaction were similar in the two groups. Conclusion This prospective study encountered no serious events after outpatient ACL reconstruction surgery. In a selected population, the risks are comparable to those in conventional hospitalization. Level of evidence Level III, comparative study.

Resume Introduction En France, la duree mediane d’hospitalisation pour une reconstruction du ligament croise anterieur (LCA) est de 3 jours. Le but de ce travail etait d’evaluer la faisabilite et l’acceptabilite d’une hospitalisation d’un jour pour ce geste chirurgical. Patients et methodes Une etude prospective monocentrique menee en 2011 a inclus une serie continue de patients operes pour une rupture du LCA. Les criteres d’exclusion etaient un âge > 60 ans, les scores ASA 3 et 4 et les patients difficilement gerables en court sejour. Deux groupes de patients ont ete constitues : « court sejour » avec une sortie a j1 et « hospitalisation conventionnelle » avec une sortie a j3. Le protocole antalgique postoperatoire comprenait des antalgiques de palier I-II et de la morphine a la demande en cours d’hospitalisation. Le groupe « court sejour » a beneficie d’un suivi telephonique (j1–j3). Le critere de jugement principal etait la satisfaction du patient a j3. Les criteres de jugement secondaires etaient la douleur postoperatoire evaluee sur une echelle visuelle analogique a j3 et les evenements indesirables. Trente patients ont ete inclus dans chaque groupe, 34 hommes et 26 femmes âges en moyenne de 29 ± 5 ans. Resultats Les patients du groupe « court sejour » etaient en moyenne plus satisfaits que le groupe « hospitalisation conventionnelle », p = 0,01. La douleur etait significativement moins forte dans le groupe « court sejour », p = 0,00001. Aucune complication n’est survenue. Conclusion Les patients hospitalises en court sejour etaient significativement plus satisfaits et moins douloureux que ceux pris en charge en hospitalisation conventionnelle. Les etudes futures devront evaluer la faisabilite de ce geste chirurgical en ambulatoire.

Resume Dans notre experience, le traitement de l’equin de la cheville chez l’IMC fait souvent appel a un appareillage mollet-plante articulee muni d’une sangle de rappel en elastique permettant la dorsiflexion. A partir de novembre 2005, nous avons installe sur les ortheses mollet-plante un dispositif dynamique a tension constante et ajustable de type Ultraflex™ (Ultraflex Systems Inc., 237 South Street, Suite 200, Pottstown, PA 19464, Etats-Unis et UltraflexEurope par Dirame Ortho, 1740 Ternat, Belgique). Dix enfants IMC beneficiant uniquement d’un traitement conservatif (non medicamenteux : kinesitherapie et ortheses) ont participe a cette etude observationnelle. En criteres principaux, nous avons mesure par goniometrie lors des consultations le gain ou la perte d’amplitude au niveau de la cheville selon le type d’orthese et par ailleurs estime le nombre de plâtres d’allongement necessaires pour maintenir le gain en dorsiflexion acquis, malgre la croissance de l’enfant. En criteres secondaires, nous avons score la compliance au traitement : maintien de l’attelle, qualite du sommeil, tolerance de la peau, facilite d’orthetisation. Resultats : benefices principaux. En appliquant une dorsiflexion de la cheville avec orthese sans systeme dynamique, on observe une perte d’amplitude sur la periode concernee. En mesurant le degre de dorsiflexion, on assiste a un gain d’amplitude sur la periode concernee. Le nombre de plâtres d’allongement diminue lors du port d’attelles dynamiques a tension constante et adjustable. Benefices secondaires : le score moyen etabli sur chaque critere de compliance est ameliore avec le type d’orthese dynamique.

Fully consistent axially-symmetric-deformed Quasi-particle Random Phase Approximation (QRPA) calculations have been performed with the D1S Gogny force. Impact of the deformation in giant multipole resonances is discussed. QRPA and 5 Dimensional Collective Hamiltonian results are compared for low lying 2+ states in N = 16 isotones and Ni isotopes. Multipole resonances are also obtained for the heavy nucleus 238 U .

Summary The vitamin D is an essential vitamin of regulation of the bone tissue metabolism. It is essential for the maintenance of a bone in good health. The deficiencies are frequent and are often ignored, in particular in old subjects or insufficiently exposed to the sun. The determination of the vitamin D is thus a good and inexpensive indicator to begin a cure for osteoporosis. We wanted to check that the technique recently marketed by Roche on the Elecsys® immunoassay analyzer provided results comparable with those given by our subcontracting Biomnis laboratory which is using the DiaSorin method on the Liaison® analyzer. The 52 patients of the study are 56% women and 44% men. For 81%, they have more than 70 years. The average age is 72 years. The results of the quality controls reproducibility are in conformity with the announced performances: CV ranging between 3 and 5.8% depending to the different levels. The correlation between the two methods is satisfactory with a linear Bablok et al. regression: Y (Elecsys®) = X (Liaison®) + 8, with r = 0.905. The agreement rate of classification of the patients is 96% at the international recommended threshold for deficiency of 75 nmol/L (30 μg/L). The assay suggested recently by the Roche Company on the Elecsys® apparatus provides comparable results with that of the DiaSorin method. It can thus be used for measuring vitamin D status but with a limit important to know. Indeed, this method determines very specifically only the 25-OH D3 without interference by the 25-OH D2. Consequently, it will be advisable to use another method for the evaluation of the patients treated by the specialities containing ergocalciferol.

Apres avoir travaille sur la sedation terminale et la demande d’euthanasie, la Societe Francaise d’Accompagnement et de Soins Palliatifs a suscite la mise en place d’un groupe de soignants pour s’interroger sur les situations qui paraissent extremes aux yeux du malade, de sa famille, de l’environnement social ou soignant. Si l’enjeu est general et donc ramene a l’universel et a la vie ensemble, chaque situation est bien singuliere. Comment vivre ces tensions ? Est-il possible de surmonter, d’une quelconque maniere, ces situations tragiques et paraissant, par essence, insurmontables ? Apres avoir echange sur des situations extremes que chacun avait pu rencontrer, il a ete tente de faire surgir les vrais enjeux et les tensions profondes de chacune d’elles pour, dans un second temps, reperer les dilemmes et donc les defis a relever. Reactiver, reanimer la notion d’equipe, sont au coeur de la prevention de l’enfermement face a de telles situations. Mieux etre a l’ecoute de toute situation difficile aide l’equipe entiere a anticiper, a partager ses doutes et ses projets, en confrontation positive avec ceux du patient et de sa famille, veritable partenaire de la demarche de soin. La transgression de la loi (juridique ou morale) est souvent le fait d’une personne isolee (reellement ou mentalement).

An inversion algorithm to retrieve a complete set of aerosol optical and physical properties has been developed. The algorithm is based on sun-photometer measurements with emphasis on polarimetric observations. At present, these polarized sun-photometer observations are mainly provided by PHOTONS network included in AERONET worldwide network. With ground-based measurement of direct sun irradiance, as well as total and polarized sky radiance, most of key characteristics of atmospheric aerosols are retrieved, including spectral single-scattering albedo from UV to NIR wavelength, elements of scattering matrix F11 and − F12 (i.e. phase function and polarized phase function), complex refractive index, and size distribution. These parameters are fundamentally valuable in atmospheric physical and chemical studies. The theoretical accuracy is assessed based on three distinct bimodal log-normal aerosol models. The sensitivity studies to measurement uncertainties and to observing geometrical conditions are implemented to estimate the retrieval accuracy. Examples of typical retrievals when applying to real measurements are illustrated and compared with AERONET operational inversions. The particle shape-independent advantage of the retrieved single-scattering albedo, phase function, and polarized phase function is validated by considering a non-spherical aerosol model, which consisted of spheroid particles.

Resume Objectif. – Identifier les symptomes apparaissant a la menopause, evaluer leur niveau d'expression spontanee, leur lien avec la menopause et l'impact de leur mise en evidence sur la prise en charge therapeutique. Population et methode. – Enquete d'opinion menee aupres de 1229 gynecologues francais. Resultats. – Les symptomes classiques de la menopause (bouffees de chaleur, sueurs nocturnes, secheresse vaginale) sont exprimes spontanement par les patientes. Les symptomes atypiques (troubles sexuels, relationnels, neuropsychiques), eux, le sont moins. Les praticiens les reconnaissent comme lies a la menopause, mais moins que les signes classiques. Les symptomes lies au vieillissement (diminution de la masse musculaire, vieillissement cutane, disparition des fantasmes etc.) sont peu exprimes par les patientes et sont associes a la menopause par une minorite de gynecologues. Plus le lien des symptomes avec la menopause est fort, plus le traitement hormonal de la menopause (THM) est justifie aux yeux des praticiens. Ainsi, la presence de symptomes classiques leur apparait un motif de prescription quasi systematique. Elle l'est moins pour les symptomes atypiques, et plus discutable pour les symptomes du vieillissement. Discussion et conclusion. – Au-dela des signes les plus evidents de la menopause, d'autres symptomes peu exprimes par les patientes peuvent, d'apres certains gynecologues, justifier un THM meme lorsque le lien avec la menopause n'est pas reconnu. L'amelioration de la prise en charge globale des femmes menopausees implique la prise en compte de l'ensemble de ces symptomes, avec une substitution hormonale parfois plus large que l'œstrogenotherapie simple (de type androgenique notamment).

Aerosol optical parameters, polarized phase function and single-scattering albdeo, have been retrieved from ground-based sun photometer measurements in Beijing 2003. The measured aerosol optical thickness varies from 0.12 to 0.77 with an average value of 0.39. The measured Angstrom coefficient ranges from 0.75 to 1.47 with an average value of 1.21. The retrieved single-scattering albedo at 870 nm is within the 0.76–0.94 range and the average value is 0.85, suggests there are considerable aerosol absorptions in Beijing. The maximum value of retrieved polarized phase function at 870 nm ranges from 0.068 to 0.225 with an average value of 0.16, and it illustrates good correlations with the Angstrom coefficient, i.e. the relative size of aerosol particles. Analyses of measurements and theoretical calculations show the polarized phase function is sensitive to aerosol size distribution and complex refractive index, especially the imaginary part of the refractive index which denotes aerosol light absorbing effects. These results suggest that the polarized phase function is an effective and unique aerosol optical parameter and is able to improve the retrieval of aerosol physical properties.

Objectif Un traitement antiretroviral a base de lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) debute chez des enfants avant 2 ans et en succes virologique apres 12/15 mois de traitement pourrait etre simplifie par un traitement a base d’efavirenz (EFV). Methodes L’essai ANRS12206 est un essai, de non-inferiorite, randomise de phase 2–3 a Abidjan et Ouagadougou. Tous les enfants infectes par le VIH-1, non co-infectes par la tuberculose, âges de moins de 2 ans, ont ete traites par AZT/ABC-3TC-LPV/r en deux prises par jour. Les enfants en succes virologique a m12/m15 (charge virale [CV] Resultats Au total, 156 enfants ont initie un traitement a un âge median de 13,7 mois. Apres 12/15 mois, 13 enfants sont decedes (8 %), 5 perdus de vue (3 %), 32 en echec virologique (21 %) et 106 ont ete randomises (54 bras-LPV, 52 bras-EFV). Douze mois apres la randomisation, 46 (85,2 %) enfants du bras-LPV versus 43 (82,7 %) du bras-EFV avaient une CV 1000 copies/mL (6/7 bras-EFV, 7/7 bras-LPV) ; 9 enfants avaient >1 mutation majeure aux INNRT, 3/5 ont emerge apres la randomisation dans le bras-EFV alors que toutes pre-existaient a l’initiation du traitement dans le bras-LPV/r. Conclusions La substitution d’un traitement base sur le LPV par un traitement base sur EFV ne peut pas etre envisagee comme une strategie de simplification de routine du traitement antiretroviral chez les enfants en succes virologique en Afrique.

AFM microscope is used here as a surface forces apparatus at the nanometer scale. We show through several examples that the curves forces (nN) vs. distance (nm) obtained are the physico-chemical signature of the interacting surfaces. From such a curve, chemical, frictional (mobility) and mechanical top surface aspects can be studied.

We report here the first successful growth of Polystyrene brushes directly from the apex of a conventional AFM tip using a Langmuir-Blodgett deposition technique [1, 2] associated with a controlled free radical polymerization. The efficiency of the grafting together with the possibility to form multi-layers are checked through AFM force measurements between a bare or functionalized tip and a silicon wafer in water or xylene.

International audience; The polarization measurements achieved by the POLDER instrument on ADEOS-! are used for the remote sensing of aerosols over land surfaces. The key advantage of using polarized observations is their ability to systematically correct for the ground contribution, whereas the classical approach using natural light fails. The estimation of land surface polarizing properties from POLDER has been examined in a previous paper. Here we consider how the optical thickness 30 and ,•ngstr6m exponent a of aerosols are derived from the polarized light backscattered by the particles. The inversion scheme is detailed, and illustrative results are presented. Maps of the retrieved optical thickness allow for detection of large aerosol features, and in the case of small aerosols, the $0 and a retrievals are consistent with correlative ground-based measurements. However, because polarized light stems mainly from small particles, the results are biased for aerosol distributions containing coarser modes of particles. To overcome this limitation, an aerosol index defined as the product AI = •0a is proposed. Theoretical analysis and comparison with ground-based measurements suggest that AI is approximately the same when using •0, and a is related to the entire aerosol size distribution or derived from the polarized light originating from the small polarizing particles alone. This invariance is specially assessed by testing the continuity of AI across coastlines, given the unbiased properties of aerosol retrieval over ocean. Although reducing the information concerning the aerosols, this single parameter allows a link between the POLDER aerosol surveys over land and ocean. POLDER aerosol index global maps enable the monitoring of major aerosol sources over continental areas.

Background High-power semiconductor diode lasers were recently introduced and have been tested in ophthalmology and general surgery. These lasers are attractive from the practical and economical standpoint, and have enough power to perform most surgical procedures. They could replace other surgical lasers such as CO 2 , argon, 1.06 μm, and 1.32 μm Nd-YAG lasers for many applications in neurosurgery. We report our initial experience with the first available 0.805-μm surgical diode laser, the Diomed 25 (Diomed, Ltd, Cambridge, U.K.) in a series of 30 patients. Methods The diode laser was evaluated during surgical resection of various types of central nervous system tumors in 30 patients. It was used free-hand in 27 patients in contact and non-contact, continuous wave (cw) and pulsed modes, and during ventricular endoscopy in three patients. Average time of laser use during a procedure was 248 seconds. Output power ranged from 1 to 25 watts, with an average power per patient of 2.64 to 15.5 watts (mean, 8.78 watts). Total energy delivered ranged from 65 to 11,051 joules per patient. Results Using 600- or 400-μm non-contact optic fiber, well pigmented tumor tissue hemostasis was obtained at cw 3 to 10 watts with a defocused beam, whereas vaporization required 10-25 cw or pulsed watts with a focused beam. Soft and tough tissue section could be obtained using a sculpted cone-shaped (600-300 μm tip) contact fiber at 7-10 cw watts after fiber tip charring. Because of the deeper penetration of 0.805-μm light in non-pigmented tissues, non-contact mode is not recommended for white matter or poorly vascularized tumors. The contact mode was not efficient on very soft tissues such as edematous brain parenchyma. The contact fibers proved to be very fragile because of heat generation. Conclusions The high power diode laser proved to be efficient for hemostasis, section and vaporization, using contact and non-contact modes, at different output powers. Economical and ergonomical advantages of this new generation of surgical lasers may cause them to replace other surgical lasers such as argon, CO 2 , and Nd-YAG lasers, mostly for tumor surgery.

The actinic flux is the only radiometric quantity suitable for photolysisfrequency determination. It is derived from solar spectral irradiancemeasurements performed by a portable spectroradiometer in the 300–850nm wavelength range. The spectral irradiance is first divided into a directpart and a diffuse part, according to the atmospheric conditions, and thenconverted into the corresponding actinic flux quantity. As an intermediary,the ratio $$r_{dd} $$ of diffuse actinic flux to diffuseirradiance is calculated by the spherical harmonics radiative code withrespect to wavelength, solar zenith angle, surface albedo, and aerosolproperties.The results of extensive sensitivity studies of $$r_{dd} $$ asa function of the main atmospheric parameters are discussed and lead to theconclusion that aerosol optical depth is the major critical value for aprecise $$r_{dd} $$ determination. The global algorithm totransform spectral irradiance into actinic flux is finally applied forphotodissociation rate calculations by convolution of the obtained actinicflux spectra with the absorption cross-sections and quantum yields of themolecule studied. Photolysis rates of different atmospheric photooxidants havebeen measured with this spectroradiometric method during the summers of 1993and 1994 in Brittany and in Portugal. The ozone and nitrogen dioxidephotodissociation rates obtained present a good agreement with thej(O3) and j(NO2) actinometerresults, for the same experimental conditions in Brittany.

Measurements of the polarisation state of the atmosphere were performed at Tenerife in June–July 1997, in the framework of ACE-2 (second Aerosol Characterization Experiment), by 2 ground-based instruments: RefPol (a LOA prototype) which took measurements at 445, 665, 870, 1610 nm in the solar principal plane; and an automatic CIMEL (CE 318) sun/sky-photometer which measured polarised radiation at 870 nm in the same observational geometry. Measurements acquired during the campaign, as well as AERONET (AErosol RObotic NETwork) measurements acquired at the sites of Cape Verde and M'Bour, are processed with an algorithm determining the polarised single-scattering sky-radiance due to aerosols, directly proportional to the aerosol polarised phase function (representing the probability to scatter polarised radiation in the direction of the scattering angle). A good correlation between the Angstrom exponent α, representing the spectral dependence of the extinction measurements, and the polarised phase function is observed on each set of data. The uncertainty of retrievals at 445 nm makes the determination of the spectral dependence of polarisation inconclusive but does not prevent confirming the dependence of the aerosol polarised phase function on α, at all wavelengths. An Angstrom exponent of 1 corresponds to a polarised phase function of around 0.1 (±0.04), at 870 nm and at a scattering angle of 60°. For α between 0 and 0.4, the average value of the polarised phase function is 0.05. The correlation shows that polarisation is more sensitive to small particles than to large particles. The discrepancy between retrievals and Mie calculations from an AERONET size distribution, inverted from Izana measurements acquired during a dust event, suggests the presence of small particles, not detected by total sky-radiance measurements. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0889.2000.00046.x

Fully consistent axially-symmetric deformed quasiparticle random-phase approximation (QRPA) calculations have been performed, using the same Gogny D1S effective force for both the Hartree-Fock-Bogolyubov mean field and QRPA matrix. New implementation of this approach leads to the applicability of QRPA to heavy deformed nuclei. Giant resonances and low-energy collective states for monopole, dipole, quadrupole, and octupole modes are predicted for the heavy deformed nucleus $^{238}\mathrm{U}$ and compared with experimental data.

The POLDER (POLarization and Directionality of the Earth's Reflectances) instrument provides polarized reflectance measurements that can be used to distinguish atmospheric and surface contributions to reflectance. Polarized reflectance measurements can then be used for an accurate aerosol estimation over land. The POLDER instrument was flown for the first time on 17 June 1990 over the “La Crau” site, in southern France and the results are present in this article. The POLDER instrument is scheduled for launch in 1995 on the Japanese ADEOS (ADvanced Earth Observing System) platform. Surface based atmospheric optic measurements (spectral optical thickness, sky radiance) are used to estimate the aerosol refractive index and size distribution. The corresponding aerosol model is then used in a radiative transfer model to simulate POLDER polarized measurements. The correlation between the observations and the simulations is good for the 550 nm and 650 nm wavelengths, but the simulation is biased for the 850 nm wavelength. These results indicate that, compared with the atmospheric contribution to the polarized reflectance, the surface contribution can be neglected at shorter wavelengths, but not so in near infrared wavelengths. The POLDER instrument allows multidirectional reflectance measurements. A surface target bidirectional reflectance, therefore, can be sampled at various viewing angles. In this article, we investigate the angular variations of the surface reflectance of various surface covers. The main observed variations are: i) a limb brightening; ii) a larger reflectance in the backscattering direction; iii) a local maximum in the forward direction for the shorter wavelengths, indicating specular reflection by the leaves. A very simple empirical model is proposed to quantify the main reflectance angular variations.

✓ Between July, 1984, and October, 1988, 263 patients (163 male, 100 female), aged from 4 to 83 years (mean 52 years), with malignant brain gliomas underwent surgical procedures: stereotactic biopsy in 160 and resection in 103 patients. There were 170 grade IV astrocytomas, 17 grade IV mixed oligoastrocytomas, 44 grade III astrocytomas, 22 grade III mixed oligoastrocytomas, and 10 malignant oligodendrogliomas. Overall median survival time was 30.1 weeks for grade IV gliomas, 87.7 weeks for grade III gliomas, and 171.3 weeks for malignant oligodendrogliomas. Multivariate analysis in 218 newly diagnosed cases revealed that the variables most strongly correlated with survival time were: tumor grade, patient age, seizures as a first symptom, a Karnofsky Performance Scale score of less than 70%, tumor resection, and a radiation therapy dose greater than 50 Gy. The proportions of patients receiving tumor resection versus biopsy in each of these prognosis factor groups were similar. Since most of the 22 patients with midline and brain-stem tumors were treated with biopsy alone, these were excluded. Considering 196 newly diagnosed patients with cortical and subcortical tumors, grade IV glioma patients undergoing resection of the contrast-enhancing mass (as evidenced on computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) and postoperative external beam radiation therapy lived longer than those undergoing biopsy only and radiation therapy (median survival time 50.6 weeks and 33.0 weeks, respectively; Smirnov test, p = 0.0380). However, survival in patients with resected grade III gliomas was no better than in those with biopsied grade III lesions (p = 0.746). The authors conclude that, in selected grade IV gliomas, resection of the contrast-enhancing mass followed by radiation therapy is associated with longer survival times than radiation therapy after biopsy alone.

Introduction Les benefices de la chirurgie ambulatoire pour le patient sont prouves en termes de satisfaction et de limitation de l’exposition aux infections nosocomiales mais la survenue de symptomes postoperatoires desagreables, le plus souvent sans gravite, peut la remettre en cause. A notre connaissance, aucune etude comparative n’a evalue les symptomes d’inconfort postoperatoire selon le type d’admission. L’objectif principal de l’etude etait de comparer la frequence de survenue des symptomes d’inconfort postoperatoire (SIP) apres reconstruction du ligament croise anterieur (LCA), selon le mode d’hospitalisation, ambulatoire (A) ou hospitalisation conventionnelle (HC). Patients et methode Une etude prospective comparative non randomisee mono-operateur a inclus : – les patients operes en 2012–2013 d’une rupture isolee du LCA ; – de premiere intention ; – par greffe courte aux ischio-jambiers. Le groupe A comprenait les patients eligibles a la chirurgie ambulatoire et consentants, et le groupe HC les patients recuses pour l’ambulatoire ou l’ayant refuse. Le critere de jugement principal etait la survenue de j0 a j3 d’au moins 1 SIP (anxiete, nausee et vomissements, malaise, vertige et douleur au ventre). Les criteres de jugement secondaires etaient les difficultes d’endormissement, le lever, la marche reguliere, le nombre de fois ou le patient a souffert de son genou et le reveil du a la douleur. L’ensemble des criteres ont ete saisis en ligne par le patient. Resultats Cent trente-trois patients ont rempli le questionnaire, 70 A/63 HC, âge moyen 29,7 ± 8,9 ans, 42 femmes/91 hommes. De j0 a j3, la proportion de patients ayant presente au moins un SIP etait comparable entre les 2 groupes (37,1 % vs 41,3 %, p = 0,62). Pour l’ensemble des patients, les symptomes ressentis au moins une fois de j0 a j3 etaient par ordre de frequence les vertiges (21,8 %), les nausees/vomissements (13,5 %), les malaises (9 %), les douleurs au ventre (7,5 %) et l’anxiete (6,8 %). Compares au groupe HC, les patients A ont eu significativement moins de difficultes a s’endormir la premiere nuit ( p = 0,01), se sont leves significativement plus souvent le soir de l’intervention ( p p = 0,03). Lors de la premiere nuit, la douleur a reveille significativement moins de patients A que de patients HC ( p = 0,003). Les facteurs de risque de survenue des SIP etaient le sexe feminin (OR = 4,8 ± 1,9) et l’existence de complications postoperatoires (OR = 3,8 ± 2,5). Conclusion Les patients operes pour une reconstruction du LCA en ambulatoire n’ont pas plus de symptomes d’inconfort postoperatoire que les patients admis en hospitalisation conventionnelle.

Introduction Les benefices de la chirurgie ambulatoire pour le patient sont prouves en termes de satisfaction et de limitation de l’exposition aux infections nosocomiales [1] . Une etude recente a montre la faisabilite d’une hospitalisation courte d’1 jour dans les reconstructions du ligament croise anterieur (LCA) [2] . L’objectif principal de l’etude etait d’evaluer la faisabilite de la chirurgie ambulatoire dans les reconstructions du LCA. L’objectif secondaire etait d’evaluer la frequence de survenue des symptomes d’inconfort postoperatoire. Materiel et methodes Une etude prospective comparative non randomisee mono-operateur menee en 2012-2013 a inclus l’ensemble des patients operes en premiere intention pour une reconstruction arthroscopique du LCA par greffe courte aux ischio-jambiers. Le groupe « ambulatoire (A) » comprenait les patients eligibles a la chirurgie ambulatoire et consentants, le groupe « hospitalisation conventionnelle (HC) » les patients recuses pour la chirurgie ambulatoire et ceux l’ayant refuse. Un chemin clinique detaille a ete elabore. Le protocole anesthesique a ete standardise. Le protocole antalgique postoperatoire comprenait des antalgiques de palier I ou II et, pour les patients hospitalises, de la morphine a la demande. Le critere de jugement principal etait l’echec du mode d’admission defini par l’hospitalisation d’un patient opere en ambulatoire ou sa re-hospitalisation dans la premiere semaine apres la sortie. Les criteres de jugement secondaires etaient la survenue de J0 a J3 d’au moins 1 symptome d’inconfort postoperatoire (anxiete, nausee et vomissements, malaise, vertige et douleur au ventre), les difficultes d’endormissement lors de la premiere nuit postoperatoire (oui/non), la douleur postoperatoire et la consommation d’antalgiques. Resultats Cent trente-huit patients ont ete inclus, 71A/67HC, 42 femmes/96 hommes, âge moyen 29,6 ± 9 ans. Le refus de la chirurgie ambulatoire etait la cause la plus frequente d’inclusion dans le groupe HC 29/67 (43,3 %) mais avec une baisse significative de ce taux au fur et a mesure de l’avancement de l’etude ( p = 0,0001). Un patient A a ete hospitalise suite a un saignement localise et aucune re-hospitalisation n’est survenue. Nous avons note 10 hematomes diffus sans hemarthrose (5A/5HC), 1 saignement dans le pansement (A) et 1 phlebite (HC). La proportion de patients du groupe A ayant presente au moins 1 symptome indesirable etait plus faible mais pas significativement (37,7 % vs 41,4 %, p = 0,67). Les patients du groupe A ont eu significativement plus de difficultes a s’endormir la premiere nuit (69,6 % vs 51,7 %, p = 0,04). Aucune autre difference significative n’a ete retrouvee pour les differents symptomes. La douleur postoperatoire moyenne J0-J4 et la satisfaction etaient comparables entre les deux groupes. Le soir de l’intervention, 57,1 % patients HC ont eu recours a la morphine alors que les patients A ont eu significativement plus recours au paracetamol-codeine ( p = 0,0001) ( Fig. 1 ). Discussion Cette premiere etude prospective francaise evaluant la securite de la chirurgie ambulatoire dans la reconstruction du LCA, n’a releve aucun evenement grave. Dans une population selectionnee, les risques sont comparables a ceux d’une hospitalisation conventionnelle. Les patients operes pour une reconstruction du LCA en ambulatoire ont significativement plus de difficultes a s’endormir la premiere nuit mais n’ont pas plus de symptomes d’inconfort postoperatoire que les patients admis en hospitalisation conventionnelle.

International audience; Understanding patterns of pollen movement at the landscape scale is important for establishing management rules following the release of genetically modified (GM) crops. We use here a mating model adapted to cultivated species to estimate dispersal kernels from the genotypes of the progenies of male-sterile plants positioned at different sampling sites within a 10 x 10-km oilseed rape production area. Half of the pollen clouds sampled by the male-sterile plants originated from uncharacterized pollen sources that could consist of both large volunteer and feral populations, and fields within and outside the study area. The geometric dispersal kernel was the most appropriate to predict pollen movement in the study area. It predicted a much larger proportion of long-distance pollination than previously fitted dispersal kernels. This best-fitting mating model underestimated the level of differentiation among pollen clouds but could predict its spatial structure. The estimation method was validated on simulated genotypic data, and proved to provide good estimates of both the shape of the dispersal kernel and the rate and composition of pollen issued from uncharacterized pollen sources. The best dispersal kernel fitted here, the geometric kernel, should now be integrated into models that aim at predicting gene flow at the landscape level, in particular between GM and non-GM crops.

The authors investigated whether the amplitude and latency of diaphragm compound muscle action potential helped predict respiratory failure in Guillain-Barré syndrome. Both variables were significantly but weakly correlated with vital capacity (VC) and were similar in unventilated (n = 60) and ventilated (n = 10) patients. In ventilated patients, motor loss severity, progression, and VC reduction were significantly greater, and bulbar dysfunction was more common. Predicting respiratory failure must rely on clinical features and VC.

We report the unusually low swelling capacity of highly stretched polystyrene chains grown on a silicon surface using “living” free radical polymerization. The control over the lateral density leads to brushes with a very high grafting density (up to >1.0 chain/nm2). Neutron reflectivity measurements have evidenced two specific features of such brushes: (i) the controlled nature of the surface polymerization through a very homogeneous growth of homopolymer and copolymer chains; (ii) the highest volume fraction in good solvent Φ(z=0) = 0.85 ever seen due to the highly stretched configuration of the dry chains, hindering a complete swelling of the layers and suggesting a significant deviation from predicted scaling laws.

Identification of symptoms appearing at the time of menopause, and evaluation of their spontaneous expression level, connection with menopause and therapeutic impact.Opinion survey carried out with 1229 French gynaecologists.The classical symptoms of menopause (hot flushes, night sweats, dry vagina) are spontaneously expressed by women. Atypical symptoms of menopause (sexual, relational and neuropsychological disorders) are less expressed. They are considered by practitioners as related to menopause, but less than classical symptoms. The ageing symptoms (muscle loss, joint pain, skin ageing, and disappearance of phantasms...) are scarcely expressed by women and connected with menopause by a minority of gynaecologists. The stronger the connection with menopause is, the more the symptom justifies a hormonal treatment of menopause. Thus, when classical symptoms are present, the hormonal treatment is almost always justified but it is less justified in case of atypical symptoms, and more disputable for the ageing symptoms.Beyond the most evident signs of menopause, several other symptoms scarcely expressed by women can justify a hormonal treatment of menopause even when the connection with menopause is not demonstrated. Improvement of menopause treatment strategy requires taking into account all these symptoms, and a hormonal substitution that might be sometimes broader than the estrogenic therapy (androgenic, for example).

To evaluate the relevance of a simple carbon balance model (Seginer et al., 1994, Scientia Horticulturae 60: 55-80) in source-limiting conditions, the dynamics of growth, respiration and carbohydrate reserves of tomato plants were observed in prolonged darkness. Four days prior to the experiments, plants were exposed to high or low light levels and CO(2) concentrations. The concentration of carbohydrates in vegetative organs was 30-50 % lower in plants that were exposed to low carbon assimilation conditions compared with those exposed to high carbon assimilation conditions. During prolonged darkness, plants with low carbohydrate reserves exhibited a lower whole-plant respiration rate, which decreased rapidly to almost zero after 24 h, and carbohydrate pools were almost exhausted in leaves, roots and flowers. In plants with high carbohydrate reserves, the whole-plant respiration rate was maintained for a longer period and carbohydrates remained available for at least 48 h in leaves and flowers. In contrast, fruits maintained fairly stable and identical concentrations of carbohydrates and the reduction in their rate of expansion was moderate irrespective of the pre-treatment carbon assimilation conditions. The time-course of asparagine and glutamine concentrations showed the occurrence of carbon stress in leaves and flowers. Estimation of source and sink activities indicated that even after low carbon assimilation, vegetative organs contained enough carbohydrates to support fruit growth provided their own growth stopped. The time of exhaustion of these carbohydrates corresponded grossly to the maintenance stage simulated by the model proposed by Seginer et al. (1994), thus validating the use of such a model for optimizing plant growth.

Canopy water content can be useful as an indicator of fire risk, as it affects mainly the vegetation flammability. This paper presents an analysis of terrain corrected multi-temporal ERS SAR data over typical Mediterranean forest covers, which are subject to frequent fires. Despite the small backscatter temporal change of forest covers (typically 0.5 dB up to 1.5 dB) under drought conditions (June to September), backscatter temporal behavior appears to be related to water content changes, as it reaches its minimum in July and August where water content is the lowest. This temporal sensitivity to water content depends on vegetation type in relation with topographic and climatic conditions. Despite interesting experimental results, the analysis of such data is difficult and further quantitative analysis, including modelling will be necessary to assess the potential of ERS SAR data as an information source in fire risk prevention.

Improving the efficacy of envenomation treatment depends on what is known about active molecules present in venoms. Regarding scorpions, studies carried out mainly on the most poisonous species have shown that the toxicity and mortality were due to small proteins-toxins--able to interfere with the normal process of the ionic channels. In certain cases, using the mouse model, it has been shown that over 90% of mortality was due to toxins operating on the sodium channels implicated in the action potential of the excitable cells. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown the diversity of their mode of action implying an adaptation of the means and tools intended to neutralise them. The toxins active on the sodium channels represent a family of proteins from 60 to 65 amino acids linked by 4 disulphide bridges with a very strong antigenic polymorphism; this has certain implications in terms of paraspecificity of antivenoms. The problem is even more complicated when one considers the variation of toxin quantity from one animal to another of the same species. Another approach is to identify the most active and represented toxins in venoms for each antigenic group and to develop a means of neutralizing them. It would also be possible to define toxoids for use either in the production of the antivenoms or as immunological protection for individuals at risk. Lastly, where symptomatic treatment is concerned, certain drugs such as aspirin, quinine or dandrolene have been shown definitely to increase the value of the LD50 in the mouse.

Thin layers of polystyrene were grown from surface-grafted nitroxide initiators via controlled “living” free radical polymerization. The “reactive” Langmuir-Blodgett deposition method allowed an effective control of the initiator layer density leading to PS brushes with different and high grafting density and stretching. The influence of the grafting density on the layer structure was studied. Comparison with theoretical predictions for monodispersed brushes in bad solvent was discussed. The thickness was found to vary linearly with molecular weight and the density dependence was shown using wetting measurements. Special features of controlled radical nitroxide polymerization from a surface were discussed. A direct comparison of the molecular weight and polydispersity between surface and bulk polymers was made by de-grafting the brushes into a toluene/HF solution. Finally, some evidence of a “surface Fischer” effect was shown from re-initiated layers.

Chronic heart failure is characterized by increased vascular systemic resistances secondary to activation of various vasoconstrictor systems and to decreased endothelium-dependent vasodilatation. Endothelial dysfunction, described both in animals and in humans, may be caused by an increased inactivation of nitric oxide (NO) by reactive oxygen species, leading to decreased NO bioavailability and impaired vasodilatation. Increased levels of free radicals in heart failure may result either from increased production or a decrease in the cellular antioxidant reserves. Free radicals are produced by three enzymatic systems: NADH/NADPH oxidase (after stimulation by angiotensin II or TNF-alpha), xanthine oxidase or endothelial NO-synthase (NOS) itself. However, oxidative stress alone cannot explain endothelial dysfunction. Other mechanisms involved in the regulation of the production of NO (e.g. decreased expression and/or activity of the NOS) and/or changes in production of vasoconstrictors may participate in this impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in heart failure.

[1] A scheme is presented for retrieving aerosol properties for ocean regions from reflected sunlight at both the visible and near infrared wavelengths measured by the NOAA advanced very high resolution radiometer (AVHRR). For the Indian Ocean Experiment (INDOEX), aerosols were presumed to be a mixture of a continental haze that had small particles, contained soot, and absorbed sunlight, and a marine haze that had large particles and absorbed practically no sunlight. Because of the difference in particle sizes, the two aerosols reflect sunlight differently at visible and near infrared wavelengths. Reflectances at visible and near infrared wavelengths were thus used to determine mixing fractions for the continental and marine aerosols and the optical depth of the aerosol mixture. The fractions and optical depths along with the optical properties of the aerosols were then used in radiative transfer calculations to estimate the diurnally averaged top of the atmosphere and surface aerosol direct radiative forcing for ocean regions. Comparison of retrieved optical depths at visible and near infrared wavelengths with surface measurements revealed that several different retrieval schemes employing a variety of aerosol types provided comparable levels of agreement, but none of the aerosol models or retrieval schemes produced ratios of the near infrared to visible optical depths that agreed with the ratios obtained with the surface measurements. In estimating the top of the atmosphere radiative forcing, errors in the retrieved optical depths were in some cases found to be partially compensated by theeffect ofthe aerosol on the radiative flux. Forexample, different aerosol models led to retrieved optical depths that differed by as much as 60%, but the top of the atmosphere forcing obtained with the models differed by less than 35% for cloud-free conditions. When aerosols absorb sunlight, there is no comparable compensation for the surface forcing. Cloud conditions contribute sizable uncertainties to estimates of the aerosol direct radiative forcing. For INDOEX, estimates of the aerosol direct radiative forcing for average cloud conditions were obtained by (1) setting the forcing to zero for all 1� � 1� latitude-longitude boxes that contained any amount of upper-level cloud; (2) ascribing to regions with upper-level clouds the radiative forcing obtained for regions having only lowlevel clouds and, (3) setting the forcing to zero for all regions containing upper-level clouds and all portions of regions overcast by low-level clouds. Relative differences in the extreme values for the top of the atmosphere aerosol direct radiative forcing were less than 50%, but for the surface, the relative differences of the extreme values reached 70%. INDEXTERMS: 0305 Atmospheric Composition and Structure: Aerosols and particles (0345, 4801); 1640 Global Change: Remote sensing; 3359 Meteorology and Atmospheric Dynamics: Radiative processes; 3360 Meteorology and AtmosphericDynamics:Remotesensing;KEYWORDS:INDOEX,aerosols,aerosolopticaldepth,remotesensing of aerosols, radiative forcing of climate

A systematic exploration of the V(H)2/V(kappa)12-13 variable domains of the anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) 13B8.2 was performed by the Spot method to screen for paratope-derived peptides (PDPs) demonstrating CD4 binding ability. Nine peptides, named CB1 to CB9, were identified, synthesized in a cyclic and soluble form and tested for binding to recombinant soluble CD4. Among them, CB1, CB2 and CB8 showed high anti-CD4 activity. Competition studies for CD4 binding indicated that PDPs CB1, CB8, and the parental mAb 13B8.2 recognized the same complementarity determining region (CDR)3-like loop region. PDP CB1 was shown to mimic the biological properties of 13B8.2 mAb in two independent cellular assays, demonstrating inhibitory activities in the micromolar range on antigen presentation and human immunodeficiency virus promoter activation. Our results indicate that the bioactive CDR-H1 PDP CB1 has retained a significant part of the parental 13B8.2 mAb properties and might be a lead for the design of anti-CD4 peptidomimetics of clinical interest.

9C2 is a murine monoclonal IgG that participates in the neutralization of Androctonus australis hector scorpion venom. It recognizes AahI and AahIII, two of the three main neurotoxins responsible for almost all the toxicity of the venom when injected into mammals. Using PCR we cloned the antibody variable region coding genes from 9C2 hybridoma cells and constructed a gene encoding a single-chain antibody variable fragment molecule (scFv). This scFv was produced in the periplasm of Escherichia coli in a soluble and functional form and purified in a single step using protein L-agarose beads yielding 1-2 mg.L(-1) of bacterial culture. scFv9C2 was predominantly monomeric but also tended to form dimeric and oligomeric structures, all capable of binding toxin AahI. The affinity of scFv and the parental mAb for toxin AahI and homologous toxin AahIII was of the same magnitude, in the nanomolar range. Similarly, purified forms of scFv9C2 completely inhibited the binding of toxin AahI to rat brain synaptosomes. Finally, scFv9C2 was efficient in protecting mice against the toxic effects of AahI after injection of the toxin and scFv to mice by the intracerebroventricular route in a molar ratio as low as 0.36 : 1. Thus, we produced a recombinant scFv that reproduces the recognition properties of the parent antibody and neutralizes the scorpion neurotoxin AahI, thereby opening new prospects for the treatment of envenomation.

Maurotoxin (MTX) is a scorpion toxin acting on several K(+) channel subtypes. It is a 34-residue peptide cross-linked by four disulfide bridges that are in an "uncommon" arrangement of the type C1-C5, C2-C6, C3-C4, and C7-C8 (versus C1-C5, C2-C6, C3-C7, and C4-C8 for Pi1 or HsTx1, two MTX-related scorpion toxins). We report here that a single mutation in MTX, in either position 15 or 33, resulted in a shift from the MTX toward the Pi1/HsTx1 disulfide bridge pattern. This shift is accompanied by structural and pharmacological changes of the peptide without altering the general alpha/beta scaffold of scorpion toxins.

The biologically relevant and active forms of human immunodeficiency viruses type 1 and 2 reverse transcriptase found in infectious virions are heterodimers produced in a two-step dimerization process. Dimerization involves first the rapid association of the two subunits, followed by a slow conformational change yielding a fully active form. We have shown that the dimeric nature of reverse transcriptase represents a important target for the design of a new class of antiviral agents. In this work, we propose a new strategy for its inhibition by targeting protein/protein interactions during viral formation in infected cells. From the screening of peptides derived from the tryptophan cluster at the interface of the connection subdomain, we have designed a short peptide (10 residues) corresponding to residues 395-404, which can block dimerization of reverse transcriptase in vitro and in infected cells. This peptide is highly efficient in abolishing the production of viral particles, without any adverse toxic side effects, when transduced into human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected cells together with a new peptide carrier.

Three dogs from different locations with acute renal failure were hospitalized in autumn 1996 and 1997. Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona was detected by the microscopic agglutination test. All dogs recovered after antibiotic treatment. The importance of the development of vaccines adapted to emerging serovars in dogs should be addressed.

The contribution of the starch and soluble carbohydrate pools to the diurnal variations of leaf mass per unit area (LMA) has been investigated in tomato leaves. A glasshouse experiment was carried out with plants pruned to two or five fruits per truss. Leaflets were sampled at sunrise, noon and sunset at different positions within the leaf (basal or terminal), and on different sympods along the stem. Carbohydrate contents and LMA were significantly higher in the terminal than in the basal leaflets, except at sunrise. During the day, differences in starch accumulation between terminal and basal leaflets increased with leaf height on the plant. Among sympods, the soluble carbohydrate content of the terminal leaflets did not vary significantly, whereas at 13.00 h the LMA was minimum in the middle of the plant and maximum at the top, and the leaf starch content significantly increased half-way up the plant. The plant fruit load had only small and non-significant effects on the LMA and carbohydrate contents. The response of LMA and carbohydrate contents to changing source activity was observed under controlled climatic conditions. The starch pool of fully expanded leaves was rapidly filled and emptied under increasing and decreasing source activity. In young expanding leaves, this pool was hardly filled during daylight. On average the soluble carbohydrates did not contribute significantly to the diurnal variations in LMA, whereas fluctuations in starch explained c. 70% and 44% of these variations in the upper and lower leaves, respectively. The results are discussed with respect to the modelling of LMA at the level of individual tomato leaves or sympods.

Nitroxide-terminated polystyrenes resulting from living free radical polymerization processes have been functionalized by combination reaction with thiuram disulfide compounds, i.e., tetraethyl thiuram disulfide (3a), and N,N'-diethyl-N,N'-bis{2-((trimethylsilyl)oxy)ethyl}, thiuram disulfide (3c). The quantitative substitution of the nitroxide moiety by the dithiocarbamate group has been characterized by 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, and IR spectroscopy, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, ESI mass spectrometry, and LSI mass spectrometry. The reaction has also been studied on a model compound.

The human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) is a causative agent of adult T-cell leukemia. Although the exact mechanism by which HTLV-I contributes to leukemogenesis is still unclear, the Tax protein is thought to play a major role in this process. This 40-kDa polypeptide is able to interact with the tumor suppressor p16(INK4A). Consequently, Tax can activate the signaling pathway that lead to the release of E2F that in turn induces expression of factors required for cell cycle progression. In this paper, we demonstrate that Tax can also activate E2F-mediated transcription independently of p16(INK4A). Indeed, when Tax is coexpressed with the E2F-1 transcription factor in CEM T-cells, which lack expression of p16(INK4A), it strongly potentiates the E2F-dependent activation of a reporter construct driven by a promoter containing E2F binding sites. This stimulation is abrogated by mutations affecting the E2F-binding sites. In addition, Tax also stimulates the transcription of the E2F-1 gene itself. Using Tax mutants that fail to activate either ATF- or NF-kappaB-dependent promoters and different 5' truncation mutants of the E2F-1 promoter, we show that the Tax-dependent transcriptional control of the E2F1 gene involves, at least in part, the ATF binding site located in the E2F-1 promoter.