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Background: Multiaxial dynamic loading situations occur in many industrial cases and multiaxial dynamic test development is thus a crucial issue. Objective: To meet this challenge, a biaxial compression Hopkinson set-up with four symmetric input bars is designed. Methods: The set-up consists of a vertical single striker, a sliding surface mechanism that transfers the impact energy to four horizontal tension bars, and four horizontal Hopkinson bars whose extremities are dynamically compressed by the previous tension bars. Strain gauges on two positions of each Hopkinson bar enable for force and displacement measurements at the bar-sample interfaces. Results: Simple and biaxial compression tests are carried out on cuboid and cross samples, and the sample material dynamic behavior is deduced from simple compression tests. Conclusions: The displacements are also estimated using digital image correlation, which confirms the previous measurements. The consistency of the global sample behavior identified from a biaxial compression test is checked by processing numerical simulations based on the behavior determined in simple compression. The results show that the experimental device can be used to identify any behavior law in dynamic biaxial compression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cross-sectional study was conducted on bovine brucellosis in a sample of 173 medium/small-scale cattle farmers in a tropical region of Ecuador. A total of 173 milk tank samples were collected and analyzed through an indirect ELISA. A survey was also applied to each farm to collect information on herd management, evaluate the level of knowledge about the disease and estimate the risk that bovine brucellosis on those farms could represent for public health. The apparent prevalence among farms was 11.5% (95% CI: 6.7%-16.2%). The medium farms had a prevalence significantly higher (23.8%,95% CI: 10.9%-36.6%, p<0:0001) than the small farms (7.6%, 95% CI: 4.5%-9%). Two multivariable analysis were conducted to identify risk factors associated with bovine brucellosis or reproductive disorders. Medium farms had 3.7 more odds to be infected than the small farms (OR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.39-9.84, p = 0:008). Incineration/burial of abortion material was identified as a protective factor (OR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.14-0.98, p = 0:04). Farm size and brucellosis were identified as risk factors for the occurrence of reproductive disorders. Only 25% of the farmers were aware of bovine brucellosis. Unpasteurized curdled milk was regularly consumed and marketed on 112 farms of which 14 were positive for bovine brucellosis. Highly at-risk practices, such as manipulation of aborted fetuses were also reported. These results indicate that there is a need to develop public health education programs targeted at medium/small-scale farmers in Ecuador. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemoradiotherapy with concurrent cisplatin has been the standard treatment for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) for over 20 years. Recently, immunotherapy, a new therapeutic class, has emerged for patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC and has significantly extended their survival. Will it bring the same benefit to patients with localized tumors? There is a strong rationale for combining radiation therapy and checkpoint inhibitors for HNSCC. Indeed, radiation therapy can have both immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory effects. This is what explains the famous abscopal effect. The aim of this review is to present the data available on the combination of radiation therapy and immunotherapy for HNSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiaxial dynamic loadings occur in many industrial cases and multiaxial dynamic test development is thus a crucial issue. Objective: To meet this challenge, a biaxial compression Hopkinson bar set-up is designed. Methods: The set-up consists of a striker, an input bar, an internal output bar and a co-axial external output tube (surrounding the internal bar). The internal output bar measures the axial loading of the cross sample whereas the external output bar measures the transverse one via a mechanism. This mechanism uses two intermediate parts with inclined sliding surfaces. Results: Gauges on the bars enable for force measurements in the set-up, and the sample displacement field is obtained by digital image correlation. Simple compression tests on cuboid samples inserted between the input bar and the internal output bar give the sample material behavior. Then, to determine the friction at the mechanism sliding surfaces, identical samples are inserted between the input bar and the external output bar, and are compressed. Conclusions: Finally, the consistency of the measurements obtained during a biaxial compression test on a cross sample can be checked from the previously measured parameters and from numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Besides its direct cytotoxic effect on the tumor cells, radiation therapy is also able to elicit an immune-mediated systemic anti-tumor response, resulting in tumor regression in irradiated sites but also within distant out of field secondary lesions and providing a long-term anti-tumor response. It is now clear that associating ionizing radiation with immune therapies can enhance radio-induced anti-tumor immune responses. Over the last decade, such a combination aroused considerable interest among the scientific community, with many preclinical models and clinical trials, using many types of immune therapies and radiation regimens. In this article, we summarize the main mechanisms underlying radio-induced anti-tumor responses. We will then present an extended overview of the recent preclinical and clinical research built on this background of combined radiation and immune therapy, shedding light on what we know so far about such a promising strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Undetected in Europe since 2010, bluetongue virus serotype 8 (BTV‐8) re‐emerged in August 2015 in Central France. To gain insight into the re‐emergence on the French territory, we estimated the seroprevalence in cattle before the detection of BTV‐8 in 2015, in areas differentially affected by the current outbreak. A retrospective survey based on the analysis of stored sera was thus conducted in the winter preceding the re‐emergence in seven French departments including the one where the virus was first detected. A total of 10,066 sera were retrieved from animals sampled in 444 different herds in winter 2014/15. Between‐herd seroprevalence revealed the presence of seropositive animals in almost all herds sampled (97.4%). The animal‐level seroprevalence averaged at 44%, with a strong age pattern reflecting the cumulative exposure to both natural infection and to vaccination. A multivariable analysis allowed separating the respective effects of both exposures. A higher proportion of seropositivity risk was attributed to vaccination (67.4%) than to exposure to natural infection (24.2%). The evolution of seroprevalence induced by the two main risk factors in 74 mainland departments was reconstructed between the vaccination ban (2013) and the re‐emergence (2015). We showed a striking decrease in seroprevalence with time after the vaccination ban, due to population renewal, which could have facilitated virus transmission leading to the current outbreak situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Bluetongue virus serotype 8 (BTV‐8) re‐emerged in Central France in August 2015. The viral strain identified is nearly identical to the one that circulated during the 2006/2009 massive outbreak throughout Europe. To address the question of an undetected BTV‐8 circulation on the French territory, a serological study was conducted on young cattle along a transect of seven departments, three of them located in areas where the virus presence had been confirmed by RT‐PCR by winter 2015/2016. Sera from 2,565 animals were collected during the winters preceding and following the re‐emergence, with 414 animals being sampled in each of the two consecutive years. All samples were tested by competitive ELISA (IDVet) and, when enough serum was available, ELISA‐positive samples were confirmed by seroneutralization tests. In areas with infected holdings, seropositive animals were found before the re‐emergence (N = 14 of 511), significantly more on the following year (N = 17 of 257), and eight animals (N = 158) seroconverted over 2015. Seropositive animals were also detected as early as winter 2014/2015 in one department without known infected holdings (N = 12 of 150), and in winter 2015/2016 in three of them (N = 21 of 555), where seven animals (N = 154) seroconverted over 2015. These results suggest that BTV‐8 may have spread at low levels before the re‐emergence, even in areas considered virus‐free. Unfortunately, whole blood from the seropositive animals was not available to definitely confirm the virus presence by RT‐PCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a complete experimental study on a NiTi SMA alloy at the ambient temperature (Pseudoelastic behavior) under a double in-plane shear loading over a large range of strain rates from 10 −4 to 10 3 s -1 . Under the quasi-static loading (10 −4 –10 −2 s -1 ), the optical full-field measurement revealed to be necessary because of the very small total displacement of 0.3 mm. The intermediate loading rate (10 −1 –10 1 s -1 ) is realized with a modified MTS machine able to load at the speed of 300 mm/s. A high-speed camera is needed to follow such test. Finally, the Split Hopkinson bars are used to perform tests at impact loading rates (10 2 –10 3 s -1 ). The tests are continually performed over 7 decades of the strain rate. Not only the nominal stress-strain curves, but also the detailed observation of transformation band evolution are measured. The main findings are as follows: (i) A regular stress increase with the strain rate is observed over 7 decades of the strain rates; (ii) the strain field is not homogeneous under in-plane shear conditions, even at the very low strain rate of 10 −4 s -1 . One band at 10° from the shear direction is visible under the lower strain rate. (iii) At the impact strain rate of 10 2 s -1 , two separated bands are observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ignition of a confined explosive submitted to an impact strongly depends on the friction conditions between the explosive and the confinement material (generally steel). A test has been developed to study the friction between steel and a material mechanically representative of an explosive. The scope of interest is that of high pressures and high relative velocities (respectively 20 MPa and 10 m/s). The friction device consists of making a cylinder, formed of the material, slide through a steel tube. Axial prestress enabling the steel-material contact stress to be generated is performed by means of a screw-nut system. This confinement state avoids any fracture of the material from occurring throughout the test. Two kinds of tests are carried out: low-velocity (around 1 mm/min) and high-velocity (around 10 m/s). The relative displacement is obtained using a testing machine during the low-velocity tests, and thanks to a Hopkinson bars system during the high-velocity tests. Examination of the measurements obtained during high-velocity tests shows that a workable steady state of equilibrium has been reached. As the interface stresses cannot be measured, the friction coefficient must be determined using indirect data: force measurements obtained from the machine or from the Hopkinson bars and strain measurements made on the exterior of the tube. The procedure to identify the steel-material friction coefficient from these measurements entails analytical modelling and finite element simulations of the mechanical behaviour of the tube-specimen assembly. The friction coefficient identified during the high-velocity tests is far higher than the coefficient identified during the low-velocity tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine levelling for the creation or maintenance of ski slopes is a major source of disturbance in high elevation ecosystems. Traditional, exogenous seed mixtures can help restoring plant cover and mitigate soil erosion, but they comprise species that are not ecologically adapted to high elevation conditions. Here, the use of local seed mixtures, harvested at nearby sites, was compared to that of exogenous seed mixtures for revegetation of three machine-graded ski runs with different soil conditions in the French Pyrenees. The plant cover, biomasses and associated soil microbial activity were recorded for four years following seeding. The results showed that the establishment of the plant cover was highly dependent of the soil conditions and strongly differed between paired plots that had received local or exogenous seed mixtures. In both seed treatments, some Poaceae dominated the plant cover, allowing the settlement of several spontaneous native species. But the plant cover established more rapidly and more densely, and included a larger cover of target, native species after seeding with local compared to exogenous seed mixtures. • Seeds harvested close to ski slopes can be useful for the restoration of plant cover. • Local seed mixtures were more efficient than exogenous ones to restore plant cover on the ski slopes. • The efficiency of revegetation was highly dependent on local soil conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: During the incursion of bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype 8 in France in 2007, an increase in the number of abortions in cattle was observed, but the cause was not clearly established. A survey of all the reported cases of abortion in cattle from November 2008 to April 2009 was conducted in the Nièvre district (Burgundy region) to determine the percentage of abortions as a result of BTV-8 and to study factors that could have played a role in BTV-8 transplacental transmission. BTV-8 was present in 16% of the fetuses or newborn calves that died within 48 h, from 780 dams. Dams inseminated before the BTV epizootic peak recorded from July to September 2008 were more likely to have BTV-positive abortions (OR=5.7, P<0.001) and those vaccinated in May or June 2008 were less likely to have BTV-positive abortions (OR=0.3, P=0.01 and OR=0.4, P=0.001, respectively). The gestational month was not a predictor of BTV abortion. In blood or spleen, fetuses/calves from RT-PCR-positive dams had significantly higher RNA concentrations than fetuses/calves from RT-PCR-negative dams. Of the 128 dams that had BTV-positive fetuses or calves, 60% were RT-PCR-negative. BTV-8-positive fetuses/calves were significantly more frequent (n=42 vs n=21, P=0.082) amongst those showing clinical signs or lesions suggestive of cerebral damage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The law which came out on February 11th 2005 has deeply modified the conception of handicap by proposing a situational definition of it. This common law rules nowadays and schooling in a regular setting should thus apply to all children being in a situation of handicap. But it is coupled with the setting up of a “personalized schooling project”, which requires a multidisciplinary assessment that includes contributions from the teams of child and adolescent psychiatry. Indeed, there is a risk of seeing children in a situation of being “included at school” only on a formal level because of the misappreciation of the psychopathological obstacles which limit the possibilities of learning. The ways of cooperating with and between the psychiatric teams must be thought anew and in the spirit of partnership and mutual exchange. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The first corresponding table between CFTMEA and ICD-10 was established in 2007. But it was far from exhaustive and only concerned Axis I. The 2010 CFTMEA revision enables item-to-item transcoding and makes the two classifications compatible in daily practice. It also permits Axis II transcoding. Both somatic and environment associated factors, as listed in CFTMEA''s Axis II, are scattered throughout the twenty one ICD-10 chapters, which makes their identification difficult in practice. The simplicity of using Axis II avoids these factors being ignored or neglected by clinicians and makes it easier for researchers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Previous studies in southeastern Europe reported a high incidence of human trichinellosis and a high prevalence of Trichinella infection in animals in countries like Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania and Serbia. The aim of this study was, using routine Trichinella test data in pig and game animals, to investigate the extent of Trichinella infection in slaughtered animals in Romania, over the period of 1997–2004, and to identify possible differences in prevalence among the various regions of Romania. Trichinella infection data were obtained from trichinelloscopic examinations of domestic (backyard and industrial reared pigs) and game species (wild boar and bears). A marked difference between Transylvania and other counties of Romania, observed for human trichinellosis, was taken into account when analyzing Trichinella epidemiological data. A cumulative prevalence of 8 cases/104 animals tested for pigs, 9 cases/103 animals tested for wild boars, and 13.1 cases/102 animals tested for bears was obtained for the 8 years period. Analysis of animal prevalence data demonstrated a geographical heterogeneity: whereas Trichinella prevalence in pigs is much lower in Transylvania than in the other counties, Trichinella prevalence in game animals is similar for the different regions. This observation suggests that, in Romania, rather than the levels of the parasite circulating in domestic and game animals, it was changes in the social and political structure of Romania in the 1990s, combined with inadequate meat inspection practices that were the main contributors to these geographic variations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Spinel oxides in manganite family are studied in terms of optical properties in the infrared range (3–12 μm). The reflectivity is measured on sintered pellets. The complex refractive index is estimated by fitting hemispherical directional reflectance in both polarizations, perpendicular and parallel. The influence of different metallic cations (Ni, Co, Fe, Cu) is compared. In particular, in the case of manganese nickel copper oxides, the impact of variations in copper and nickel contents is evaluated. Cationic distribution is determined and correlated to the optical characteristics. These materials, usually used for NTC thermistor applications, are investigated for IR charges in coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mathematical model of the within-herd transmission dynamics of scrapie is used to explore the phenomenology of the epidemic process in a sheep flock and the potential impact of an outbreak, according to several biological hypotheses and flock management practices. The model incorporates both infectious (horizontal and vertical) transmission and genetic predisposition to infection. It involves three main processes: epidemic dynamics; physiological aging (and reproduction stages), and genetic evolution. Numerical experimentation is performed to explore several biological hypotheses about the genetic resistance mechanisms against scrapie. It also allows us to reproduce the three main observed patterns of outbreaks: sporadic (short outbreaks), endemic (long outbreaks, with clinical cases mainly in young animals), and epidemic (long outbreaks, with clinical cases in all the age classes). The results suggest that the global size of an outbreak is mainly based upon the initial genetic composition of the flock whereas the herd management practices rather influence the outbreak type. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Geographical diffusion of scrapie disease is modelled as the outcome of two processes: intra-herd dynamic and regional spreading of genetic and infectious material between herds. The intra-herd dynamic of the disease is represented in this paper by an analytical iterative model with three state variables: the percentage of infected animals, the percentage of resistance alleles, and the percentage of hypersusceptibility alleles. Parameters of this analytical representation are estimated and validated using an existing intra-herd model.The main between-herd contamination path is known to be the trading of animals. Herds contacts on grazing grounds are also suspected to allow disease transmission. Exposure of herds to these contamination paths varies depending on local pastoral habits.We model these contamination paths as diffusion processes in three 1-D spaces: the first represents the situation in winter, where herds are stationed in farms, but when commercial exchanges are also active; the second represents the summer condition for sedentary herds, which are grazing in the vicinity of their farms, but are in contact with other neighbouring herds, and the third represents herds migrating in summer which are strongly exposed to other herds in mountain grazing grounds.We thus obtain a model for the disease diffusion at a regional scale. Using this model it is possible to analyse the influence of different pastoral habits and control measures on the geographic spread of the disease. Furthermore, using both the herd-level model and the regional-level model, we can test the consequences of individual-level hypotheses on regional-level dynamics; this is possible because of the hierarchical transfer of the herd model to the regional disease spread, and because both models are mechanistic. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pseudo-cubic LaMnO3+δ powders were obtained by pyrolysis of the amorphous residue of the hydrothermal treatment at 150°C under autogeneous pressure, of lanthanum and manganese nitrates in presence of citric acid. The pyrolysis steps are identified by coupled T.G.A.-D.T.A. determining also the carbon content evolution. From F.T.I.R. and W.A.X.S. investigation of the amorphous powders calcined at various temperatures in the 200-1000°C range, it is shown that the crystallization occurs slowly in the 550-700°C range and that the perovskite skeleton already exists in the amorphous citrate precursors formed by the hydrothermal treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of French cities are supplied with treated surface water. The primary factor in determining the quality of this water concerns disinfection to ensure that the system is not contaminated with parasites, coliforms and streptococci; some of these organisms, especially coliforms, are capable of multiplying within the system. The presence of bacteria indicative of faecal contamination in water samples, which contains a significant amount of free chlorine, has revealed a possible link between the two. Based upon sampling points of the Parisian system (and in the suburbs for purposes of comparison), we show the existence of a linear relationship between the results of analyses for coliforms on a given day, D, and the content of free chlorine in the water on days D-2 and D-3. Subsequent ground tests confirm the explanations proposed regarding these phenomena. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As in all organogenetic studies, sex differentiation implies three fields of research: the identification of macromolecular markers specific for stamens or carpels (expression program); the analysis of the signals (such as phytohormones) inducing them; and finally the knowledge of the regulator genes (sex determination genes). In dioecious plants, sex determination (male and female genes or combinations of heterochromosomes) occurs at the fertilization stage. These regulators probably act early by means of inducers; their action is perceptible mainly when reproductive organs develop, and the existence of target cells able to respond to the inductive message is obvious. Experimental control of sex expression by phytohormones leads to the repression of the normal organogenetic program (induced by the presence of the sex genes) and to the induction of the opposite program (normally incompatible with these genes). Analogous mechanisms occur in monoecious plants, but here the male program is always expressed before the female one. Experimental control of sex expression suggests that the successive induction of first male and then the female program results from inverse gradients of male and female signals. Sex differentiation studies of monoeciousness are more difficult than studies on dioeciousness since, in all the cells, not only male and female programs co-exist as in dioeciousness, but also male and female sex genes and signals. The present model has been tested in the dioecious Mercurialis annua (2n=16) and some other species, and the results that have been established are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poster: Clinical track: Paediatric tumours PO-1240: Permanent alopecia after cranial irradiation in childhood cancer survivors. B. Durand, H. Sudour-Bonnange, A.M. Bimbai, S. Raimbault, P. Comte, C. Lervat, A.S. Defachelles, X. Mirabel, E.F. Lartigau, M. Le Deley, A. Escande. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: The author exposes one approach that French psychiatry union has organised to help for the early detection of children''s mental suffering. It''s a matter to built one guidelines book to facilitate the detection of different problems of mental health among the children. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article reports the results of serosuvey for West Nile virus (WNV) in horses performed by animal health authorities in southern France. Human and equine cases of WNV infection were reported at the beginning of October 2003 on the French Mediterranean coast. After receiving reports of clinical cases, the serosurvey was conducted. Findings show a contrast between a high IgG seroprevalence and a low proportion of IgM-positive sera. In horses, the WNV neutralizing and IgM antibodies are known to appear at approximately the same time.

In many applications, shape memory alloys are being replaced by shape memory polymers as they have some better properties than shape memory alloys. Nevertheless, shape memory alloys can recover under load which shape memory polymers cannot. Shape memory polymers are not capable of giving full recovery even lifting a tiny load. The melting temperature or the glass transition temperature is the transition temperatures to which shape memory polymers are closely heated. Then a deforming force up to a certain position is applied to the heated shape memory polymers. After that shape memory polymer is permitted to cool while keeping it deformed. After the cooling, shape memory polymer obtains the temporary shape which can be recovered by reheating it at the similar transition temperature (glass transition or melting). Consequently, it recovers at its initial state. Shape memory polymer can achieve constrained recovery and unconstrained recovery, nonetheless; under stress, it is partly recovered. In current work, recovery under load has been investigated of an asymmetrical shape memory composite. It is established that it is capable to recover under various loads. Under various loads, it shows full recovery in reference to initial state. The ability to recover under load can be potentially used in diverse applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the need for vaccination to reduce vaginal Coxiella burnetii in goats. It states that the main route of human Q fever infection is the inhalation of infectious aerosols, however the bacterial agent C brunetii is very often found throughout domestic ruminants. It discusses that female develop potential shedders of C brunetii through vaginal mucus, faeces and milk. Moreover, it found that Q fever leads to abortion, especially in goats.

The article describes a concept of heart valve prosthesis, based on the use of textile material. The goal of the work is to make a fabric prosthesis by using woven yarns made up of polyester. The method for prothesis manufacturing is described. Fabric prosthesis shows encouraging behavior in vitro such as good flexibility, reduced permeability with adapted fabric parameters.

Wheat plants were fumigated with 0 ppb, 50 ppb, 150 ppb and 300 ppb SO2 for 7 h per day in open-top chambers. Several phenolic acids were identified to be influenced by SO2 fumigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CuInSe 2 nanoparticles (CIS-NP) were synthesized on ITO-coated glass substrate by electrodeposition and rapid thermal processing (RTP). The as-deposited films were annealed under argon atmosphere at 250 °C, 350 °C and 450 °C using RTP during a short annealing time. The latter is practicable to avoid further losing of the Se content in CIS films. In order to analyze the effect of annealing temperature, the structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, UV–Visible Spectroscopy and Mott-Schottky plots respectively. XRD results show that elaborated films have a tetragonal chalcopyrite CIS with preferential orientation along the (112) orientation. The phase formation of CIS-NP with good crystallinity was observed at low annealing temperature. Optical absorption studies indicate a direct band gap around 1.02 eV at 250 °C. The optical constants such as refractive index n(λ) and extinction coefficient k(λ) were estimated using an appropriate optical model. To determine the doping type of elaborated semiconductor, its flat band potential and the free carrier concentration we used the Mott-Schottky plots. A new attempt to anneal the electrodeposited CIS films by short annealing duration using RTP process was proved to be a useful method to synthesize polycrystalline CIS films for solar cell application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite recent advances, the prognosis of pancreatic adenocarcinomas remains poor, even for patients with resectable tumors. For these latter, new approaches based on neoadjuvant treatment have been developed. Two components are used: chemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT). Indeed, pre-operative RT has many advantages in terms of efficacy and tolerance. It increases notably the chances of subsequent complete tumor resection. Several prospective trials are currently ongoing to clarify its place in the therapeutic arsenal. Another crucial question is to know which is the best RT technique: conventional normofractionated chemoradiotherapy or hypofrationated stereotactic body RT? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To estimate the date of introduction of Schmallenberg virus ( SBV) into France, the prevalence of antibodies against the virus was determined monthly in cattle from two northern departments from August 2011 to April 2012. Seropositive cattle were detected from October 2011 in both departments with a prevalence of 55.6% in the westernmost department (Meurthe-et-Moselle) and of 12.7% in the easternmost department (Manche). Schmallenberg virus seroprevalence then increased rapidly to high levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a tick-borne pathogen that causes tick-borne fever in domestic ruminants. Tick-borne fever is characterized by diverse symptoms and occasionally causes abortions in domestic ruminants, resulting in significant economic impact. However, in France, the potential frequency of A. phagocytophilum-related abortions is unknown, and thus, it remains difficult to estimate the full extent of its economic impact. This gap in our knowledge is likely explained, at least in part, by the absence of suitable and specific tools capable of detecting A. phagocytophilum associated with abortion. Our objective was to identify a genetic marker able to differentiate A. phagocytophilum strains isolated from domestic ruminants that had aborted compared to those that had not. Thus, we typed a total of 123 A. phagocytophilum obtained from cattle, of which 25 originated from cows that had aborted, via multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat ( VNTR) analysis. These included 56 new A. phagocytophilum samples and 67 previously published A. phagocytophilum samples. A multivariate logistic model demonstrated that the triple-repeat allele of the APV-A VNTR was statistically more frequent in A. phagocytophilum from cattle that had aborted, compared to A. phagocytophilum from cattle that had not aborted ( P = 0.03), while controlling for any regional effects ( P < 0.0001). For four other VNTR, there were no statistical associations between specific alleles and abortion. The APV-A triple-repeat VNTR allele could thus act as a marker of A. phagocytophilum involved in abortions. If this hypothesis is confirmed in additional samples from other regions, this marker could then be utilized in the development of A. phagocytophilum abortive strain surveillance measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid detection of infection is critical to the containment and control of contagious pathogens. Passive surveillance, based on the detection of clinical signs through farmers' observations and subsequent veterinarian notification, is the primary means of initially detecting an epizootic and for implementing control measures. The objective of this study was to analyse how the composition and structure of passive surveillance networks may impact epizootic spread and control. Three compositions of passive surveillance network were considered: (i) A veterinarian-based surveillance network composed of farmers and veterinarians (the common passive surveillance network where each veterinarian follows up a group of holdings), (ii) a farmer-based surveillance network composed of farmers only (the farmer plays the same role as in the preceding network as well as that of the veterinarian but his point of view is limited to his animals) and (iii) a hierarchical surveillance network composed of farmers, veterinarians and district-level veterinarian specialists (in case of doubt, the local veterinarian calls the specialist veterinarian). We compared the efficacy of these different network types where actors have successively a structurally wider perspective than the preceding ones using a specific stochastic model for the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The model was forced by actual data to generate realistic simulated FMD epizootics in France. Our results show that maintaining the presence of field veterinarians following-up several holdings in breeding areas is fundamental and adding veterinarian specialists to passive surveillance networks could greatly enhance surveillance network efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Besides farming, trade of livestock is a major component of agricultural economy. However, the networks generated by live animal movements are the major support for the propagation of infectious agents between farms, and their structure strongly affects how fast a disease may spread. Structural characteristics may thus be indicators of network vulnerability to the spread of infectious disease. The method proposed here is based upon the analysis of specific subnetworks: the giant strongly connected components (GSCs). Their existence, size and geographic extent are used to assess network vulnerability. Their disappearance when targeted nodes are removed allows studying how network vulnerability may be controlled under emergency conditions. The method was applied to the cattle trade network in France, 2005. Giant strongly connected components were present and widely spread all over the country in yearly, monthly and weekly networks. Among several tested approaches, the most efficient way to make GSCs disappear was based on the ranking of nodes by decreasing betweenness centrality (the proportion of shortest paths between nodes on which a specific node lies). Giant strongly connected components disappearance was obtained after removal of <1% of network nodes. Under emergency conditions, suspending animal trade activities in a small subset of holdings may thus allow to control the spread of an infectious disease through the animal trade network. Nodes representing markets and dealers were widely affected by these simulated control measures. This confirms their importance as 'hubs' for infectious diseases spread. Besides emergency conditions, specific sensitization and preventive measures should be dedicated to this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Percutaneous aortic valve implantation has become an alternative technique to surgical valve replacement in patients with high risk for surgery. This technique is at its beginning and stents used for valve prostheses remain standard vascular stents. These stents are, however not designed to undergo heart valve stress. They do not match the aortic environment geometry, and induce exaggerated tissue traumatism. Reduced implant lifetime may therefore be expected. The purpose of the present work is to evaluate in vitro the technical feasibility of noninvasive aortic valve replacement with a novel more specific stent. This stent is especially adapted to its implantation environment with a design that matches the shape of the aortic root while respecting the valve functions. We present a design, a manufacturing process and in vitro peiformances for the stent under static pressure loading and pulsatile flow. The stent shows good dynamic behavior in keeping position imposed at implantation time and in matching the aortic root dimensions changes. Prosthesis static and dynamic regurgitation are evaluated and show values close to those obtained with other commercially available prostheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Longtemps, la chimioradiothérapie adjuvante est restée incontournable dans la prise en charge thérapeutique des adénocarcinomes gastriques et pancréatiques. Pour ces tumeurs, l'exérèse chirurgicale, seul espoir d'offrir au patient une survie prolongée, n'est possible que dans 20 % des cas. La survie médiane des patients opérés n'est que de 12 à 20 mois en raison de la fréquence des récidives locorégionales et/ou métastatiques. Pour les cancers de l'estomac, la chimioradiothérapie adjuvante est justifiée par les résultats de l'essai de phase III de l'Intergroup 0116, publiés par MacDonald et al. Le gain de survie l'était au prix d'une toxicité non négligeable. Ce traitement a été supplanté au début des années 2000 par la chimiothérapie périopératoire. Actuellement, des essais de chimioradiothérapie néoadjuvante sont en cours dans le but d'améliorer l'observance et la tolérance des traitements. Pour les cancers du pancréas, le rôle de la chimioradiothérapie adjuvante est discuté depuis longtemps en raison d'essais aux résultats contradictoires. La radiothérapie néoadjuvante présente de nombreux avantages en termes d'efficacité et de tolérance. Elle augmente les chances de pouvoir réséquer ensuite la tumeur de manière complète. Plusieurs essais prospectifs sont en cours pour préciser sa place dans l'arsenal thérapeutique. For many years, adjuvant chemoradiotherapy remained essential in the therapeutic management of gastric and pancreatic adenocarcinomas. For these tumours, surgical excision, the only hope of offering the patient prolonged survival, is only possible in 20% of cases. The median survival of operated patients is only 12 to 20 months due to the frequency of locoregional and/or metastatic recurrences. For stomach cancers, adjuvant chemoradiotherapy is justified by the results of the phase III trial Intergroup 0116 published by MacDonald et al. The gain in survival was at the cost of significant toxicity. This treatment was supplanted in the early 2000s by perioperative chemotherapy. Currently, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy clinical studies are ongoing with the aim of improving treatments observance and tolerance. For pancreatic cancers, the role of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy has long been discussed because of trials with contradictory results. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy has many advantages in terms of efficacy and tolerance. It increases the chances of subsequent complete tumour resection. Several prospective trials are currently ongoing to clarify its place in the therapeutic arsenal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

P-type CIGS (CuIn 1-x Ga x Se 2) thin films are electro-deposited on a p-type c-Si substrate with a galvanostatic mode to form CIGS(p)/c-Si(p) hetero-junction. The Ga content is varied up to x = 30%. The physical properties of formed CIGS films are characterized by XRD, SEM, EDS and UV–Visible spectroscopy. With x = 30%, we obtain a single chalcopyrite phase of CIGS with a tetragonal crystal structure, a high crystallinity, an orientation toward the (112) direction and a band gap energy of 1.40 eV. AM1.5 J-V performed on the CuI 0.7 G 0.3 Se 2 /c-Si hetero-junction reveals interesting photovoltaic parameters with an efficiency of 3.75%. In addition, using the energy diagram of the hetero-junction calculated with the Anderson model, we show that it could play a dual role when combined to a c-Si cell in a Ag–Al/c-Si(n+)/c-Si(p)/CIGS(p)/Al new architecture. Therefore, in addition to its interesting photovoltaic parameters, this hetero-junction can substitute the BSF. Image 1 • Highly polycrystalline CIGS film is electro-deposited on c-Si to form CIGS/c-Si hetero-junction. • AM1.5 J-V of the CuI 0.7 G 0.3 Se 2 /c-Si hetero-junction reveals interesting photovoltaic parameters. • Using the Anderson model, we show that the hetero-junction could play a dual in new architecture solar cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon biomedical devices are widely used in prosthetic surgery; their incompatibility is excellent and cutaneous or mucosal adverse effects of carbon material remain exceptional. We describe a patient who developed an eczematous dermatitis on the right knee in the vicinity of a ligamentoplasty performed 2 months earlier. Patch testing with the carbon ligament was positive. Although the scattering of carbon material in the surrounding tissues is well known, cutaneous complications have, to our knowledge, never been reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infection by Toxoplasma gondii postnatally can occur after ingestion of contaminated meat or water (tissue cysts/oocysts). In Europe, percentage of meat borne infections is estimated between 30 and 63 %, out of which pork makes the most important source. The aim of this study was to (i) investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii in intensive pig farms from western France; and (ii) identify the risk factors associated with seropositivity. Methods: Data were collected between November 2006 and February 2008 in 60 intensive farrow-to-finish farms, where sera were taken from 3595 fattening pigs, weaned and suckling piglets. Information about three classes of potential seropositivity risk factors were obtained through a questionnaire concerning: (i) breeding characteristics; (ii) farm management; and (iii) husbandry and hygiene. The modified agglutination test (MAT) was used for detection of specific anti T. gondii antibodies in pig sera, starting from 1/6 dilution. Results: The overall proportion of seropositive animals was 6.9 %, but the proportion of herds with at least one positive pig was 100 %. Multivariate logistic mixed model showed an increased seropositivity risk in weaned compared to suckling piglets, and a decreasing risk for mid-sized and large farms. The presence of a Danish entry facility, that clearly separates clean and dirty areas, had a protective effect on T. gondii seropositivity as well. Conclusions: The observed proportion of herds with at least one T. gondii seropositive animal provides further evidence that even in confined conditions of pig breeding, infection occurs, and is common. The highest risk for acquiring T. gondii is at the end of weaning period. Smaller confined pig farms demonstrate higher T. gondii seropositivity levels. This study also showed that Danish entry on farm buildings provides effective protection against T. gondii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Haemophilia A ( HA) is a bleeding disorder due to an absence or a reduced activity of coagulation factor VIII ( FVIII) caused by mutations in F8 gene. Missense mutations represent approximately 45% of the reported molecular defects in HA. However, only few missense mutations in FVIII B domain have been described. Aim The aim of this study was to characterize five genetic variations (three novels and two previously reported) localized in the FVIII B domain. In all cases, an additional missense variation located outside the FVIII B domain was found. We investigated each of these variations separately and in combination too for their contribution to HA phenotype. Methods F8 variants were transiently expressed in COS-1 cells. Media and cell lysates were collected after 72 h. Then, FVIII activity, secretion and thermostability were analysed and compared to FVIII wild-type. Results The 5 FVIII B domain variants showed normal FVIII:C (98.5-128.5%) and FVIII:Ag (97.7-154%). No synergistic effect was observed between the B domain variant and their associated mutations. In contrast, the variants located outside the B domain, p.V682L, p.S714L, p.V592D and p.C573F revealed significantly decrease of FVIII:C with values in the range 3.5-44.5% ( p < 0.05). However, the p.G224R variant showed FVIII:C and FVIII:Ag values no significantly different from FVIII- WT. Conclusion The FVIII B domain variants, p.D963N, p.S806T, p.G873D, p.H998Q and p.Q1225R may be considered as polymorphism or non-pathologic mutations. In five patients, clinical phenotype could be explained by the additional causative missense mutation. For the p.G224T variant further splicing studies are necessary to determine its pathogenicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a series of Sr 1-x Ba x MoO 4 , Sr 1-x Ca x MoO 4 , and Sr 1-2x Ca x Ba x MoO 4 nanocrystal solid-solutions with well-defined morphologies have been prepared by a surfactant-free coprecipitation method at room temperature. X-ray diffraction, Rietveld refinement data, Fourier transform Raman, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies confirmed the formation of continuous-solid solutions over the entire composition range for Sr 1-x Ca x MoO 4 and Sr 1-x Ba x MoO 4. The substitution of Ca and Ba for Sr in Sr 1-2x Ca x Ba x MoO 4 leads to phase-pure powders where x ≤ 0.1. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy confirms that the actual composition is close to the nominal stoichiometry of the samples. The molybdate powders are composed of micronic particles having diverse morphologies, including shuttle, microsphere, flower, dumbbell, and spindle. These superstructures are composed of primary particles having an average particle size of less than 60 nm. The optical band gap of Sr 1-x Ba x MoO 4 and Sr 1-x Ca x MoO 4 varies from 4.17 to 4.34 and 4.17 to 3.87 eV, respectively, with the chemical composition (x). The bandgap of Sr 1-2x Ca x Ba x MoO 4 is not significantly affected by variation of the nominal composition(x). The relatively small bandgap bowing parameter indicates good miscibility of the alloying constituents. [Display omitted] • (Ca, Sr, Ba)MoO 4 solid-solutions with diverse morphologies have been prepared by a room-temperature co-precipitation method. • Synthesis is simple, low-cost and surfanctant-free. • The band-gap energy of SrMoO 4 can be manipulated by Ca and Ba substitution. • Bandgap bowing parameter was determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the nature of morphological changes induced by ageing on polyethylene terephthalate fibers extracted from explanted prostheses. The method for testing a commercial Warp-knitted prosthesis is described. It was found that the implantation involves a transformation of the original crystalline structure as shown by the modulate differential scanning calorimetry scans of yarns extracted from different prostheses.

The article reports on the development of a device that is able to follow the total constraint in the textile structure, the field of deformation of a face and the thermal losses generated in the filaments by friction and deformation in vascular textile prostheses (VTP). The construction of the device on a classical dynamometer is described. Load-elongation curves provide a general knowledge of the mechanical properties of the prostheses.

Chlamydia psittaci is an obligate intracellular bacterium responsible for avian chlamydiosis, otherwise known as psittacosis, a zoonotic disease that may lead to severe atypical pneumonia. This study was conducted on seven mule duck flocks harboring asymptomatic birds to explore the circulation and persistence of C. psittaci during the entire breeding process and assess the potential sources of worker exposure. Cloacal swabs and air samples were taken on each occasion requiring humans to handle the birds. In parallel, environmental samples, including dust, water, and soil, were collected. Specific real-time PCR analyses revealed the presence of C. psittaci in all flocks but with three different shedding patterns involving ducks about the age of 4, 8, and 12 weeks with heavy, moderate, and low excretion levels, respectively. Air samples were only positive in flocks harboring heavy shedders. Dust in flocks with heavy or moderate shedders carried chlamydial loads strongly associated with the loads detected in avian and soil samples. Environmental contamination, significantly correlated with shedding dynamics, was considered to be the most probable source of exposure. The high prevalence of bacteriophage Chp1 in all flocks, mostly jointly present with chlamydia, suggests an important factor in C. psittaci persistence, thus creating a greater risk for humans. A survey conducted in these flocks regarding farming practices and activities showed that disinfection seems to be the most promising practice for reducing C. psittaci prevalence in ducks and that the place and the duration of action during operations seem to be potential risk factors. Strict adherence to good practices is strongly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analysed the spatiotemporal variations of bovine tuberculosis ( bTB) incidence between 1965 and 2000 in France at the department level (95 areas). Using a Bayesian space-time model, we studied the association between the evolution of bTB incidence and changes of cattle population structure and of herd management practices. Several spatiotemporal hierarchical Bayesian models were compared, and the deviance information criterion was used to select the best of them. Southern France remained a high-risk area over the analysed period, whereas central and western regions were low-risk areas. Besides the frequency of tuberculin skin testing (fixed according to bTB incidence in the preceding years), four factors were associated with an increased risk of bTB: the average herd density and size, the percentage of dairy cows in the cattle population, and the percentage of permanent grassland in cultivated surfaces area. These four factors are linked to the progressive professionalization and specialization of cattle farming, with the disappearance of family farms and of the intensification of breeding systems (especially in dairy farms after the application of the milk quota system in the 1980s). Both trends probably played a significant role in reducing the risk of bTB in France between 1965 and 2000, besides mandatory detection and control procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]