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International audience; Background: In the current context of climate change, actions must be taken to improve the hospital's ecological footprint, particularly in the operating room, which is a major consumer of medical devices.Methods: This prospective pilot study assessed the ecological and economic impacts of sustainable actions targeting medical devices designed by a multidisciplinary working group and implemented in the 24 operating rooms of a University Hospital over one year. The ecological analysis was based on the life cycle assessment method and categorized in seven impacts. The economic impact was assessed by a micro-costing analysis and divided in four main expense items: human and material resources, logistics, and waste management.Results: In total, 13 actions were implemented with the aim of reducing waste volume, improving waste sorting, and increasing eco-responsible purchases. In one year, these 13 actions allowed avoiding the emission of 203 tons eq CO2. The environmental and human toxicity benefits were 707.8 and 156.2 tons of 1.4 dichlorobenzene, respectively. Concerning non-renewable resources, these actions avoided the extraction of 9 tons of oil (petroleum) and 610 kg of copper per year. These actions led to a land occupation reduction of 1071.3 m2year and to water saving of 552 m3. From the economic side, the implementation of these actions brought a gain of €3747.9 for the first year and of €5188.2 for the following years.Conclusion: The integration of sustainable measures in operating rooms leads to important ecological benefits and also generating savings. This more eco-responsible approach should be considered in all healthcare establishments that generate a significant annual volume of waste.

Proton elastic scattering and inelastic scattering to the first excited state of 6He have been measured over a wide angular range using a 40.9A MeV 6He beam. The data have been analyzed with a fully microscopic model of proton-nucleus scattering using 6He wave functions generated from large space shell model calculations. The inelastic scattering data show a remarkable sensitivity to the halo structure of 6He., Comment: 9 pages, 3 figures. RevTeX. Replaced figure 3 with updated figure

The 3D balanced gradient-echo technique is described along with th eimaging protocol for MR imaging of th ecoronary arteries. A 3D volume with spatial resolution of 0.6 x 0.6 x 0.75 mm composed of 140 slices covering the whole heart is acquired over 10 minutes. The main advantage of this whole heart technique is the possibility to image the coronary arteries along their entire course in a single acquisition. Selection of the navigator positions, timing of image acquisition and its duration through the R-R interval are the main factors requiring optimization.

Contrast enhanced MR angiography : evolving towards whole-body real time acquisitions MRA includes all techniques used to depict vessels with MR. Gadolinium contrast injection combined with gradient echo sequences is the technique of choice for vascular imaging. Technical advances now allow faster acquisitions. The purpose of this article is to present two main advances with MRA: whole-body MRA and dynamic 3D MRA. Technical considerations, acquisition techniques, advantages and pitfalls based on our experience with a 1.5T MR unit will be discussed in order to promote their use in routine clinical practice.

This article analyzes the Canadian government's use of military force to suppress the anti-conscription Easter Riots that occurred in Quebec City between 28 March and 1 April 1918. The riots demonstrated French-Canadian dissatisfaction with the national war effort and the introduction of conscription, and exacerbated nationwide fears that a state of rebellion existed in the French-speaking province of Quebec. The Canadian government's reaction was immediate and firm; martial law was proclaimed, habeas corpus was suspended, and over six thousand English-speaking soldiers were deployed to Quebec during and after the riots to maintain order and enforce conscription, the last of these troops leaving the province in early 1919. The Easter Riots were extremely violent, causing important destruction of property and over 150 civilian and military casualties, including at least four dead when soldiers opened fire on rioters. This article will demonstrate the extent to which the Canadian government apprehended insurrection in Quebec during the First World War and how determined it was under difficult wartime conditions to prevent the rise of a major national crisis.

Background: Although thousands of infants under the age of 12 months die each year from pneumonia in Latin America, little is known regarding the true occurrence of pneumonia, wheezing and other related respiratory illnesses in this age group. Methods and results: In order to describe the prevalence and risk factors for radiologically confirmed pneumonia during the first year of life, a birth-cohort (n = 188) of infants born in a low-income area in Santiago, Chile was followed up monthly. Results: The prevalence of pneumonia during the first year of life was 13.3 % and there were no fatal events. Exclusive breastfeeding during the first 4 months of life was more prevalent in the non pneumonia group; conversely, wheezing episodes during 0-3 and 3-6 months of age, and hospitalization due to lower respiratory infection during 3-6 and 9-12 months of age were more prevalent in the pneumonia group. After a logistic multivariate analysis, the only risk factor that remained related with pneumonia was wheezing during the first 3 months of life (adjusted OR: 7.7, 95 CI: 1.32-44.92, p = 0.024); while breastfeeding during the first 4 months was an independent protective factor for pneumonia (adjusted OR: 0.11, 95 CI: 0.03-0.44, p = 0.002). Conclusion: The significant protective effect of exclusive breast feeding against pneumonia in this cohort and the evident role of recurrent wheezing as risk factor for pneumonia during the first year of life support the implementation or reinforcement of public policies encouraging exclusive breastfeeding and an adequate management of wheezing since the first months of life.

The energy spectra of the γ-rays emitted in the 35Cl + 92Mo reaction at incident energy E = 260 MeV were measured in coincidence with the ejectiles produced in dissipative reaction events. The cumulative energy spectrum of the γ-rays coming from the decay of the ejectiles was calculated within the statistical model and its comparison to the experimental spectrum evidences an excess in the data for Eγ = 8 to 12 MeV. Such an excess, fitted with a Lorentz curve, is attributed to the preequilibrium GDR γ-decay of the intermediate dinuclear system. The centroid energy of the Lorentz curve corresponds to a dipole oscillation along the symmetry axis of the system and its width is found to be comparable to that of the ground state GDR low energy component of the deformed dinucleus. The small quantal dispersion Δl = (10.3 ± 0.1)ħ of the entrance channel angular momentum, determined by analysing the dissipative fragment angular distribution in the framework of the Strutinsky model, is suggested to limit the broadening of the preequilibrium GDR width.

The structure of the light exotic nucleus 8 He was investigated using direct reactions of the 8 He SPIRAL beam on a proton-rich target. The (p,p') scattering to the 2 1 + state, the (p,d) 7 He and (p,t) 6 He transfer reactions, were measured at the energy E l a b = 15.7 A.MeV . The light charged particles (p,d,t) were detected in the MUST Si-strip telescope array. The excitation spectrum of 8 He was extracted from the (p,p') reaction. Above the known 2 1 + excited state at 3.6 MeV, a second resonance was found around 5.4 MeV. The cross sections were analyzed within the coupled-reaction channels framework, using microscopic potentials. It is inferred that the 8 He ground state has a more complex neutron-skin structure than suggested by previous α + 4 n models assuming a pure ( 1 p 3 / 2 ) 4 configuration.

Novel silylated triarylmethyl (TAM) radicals based on TAM core CT-03 and their electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra are evaluated as a function of oxygen concentration. Combination of peak-to-peak linewidth of the EPR signal and electrochemical determination allows designing a method for oxygen quantification in phosphate buffer, dimethylsulfoxide, and dichloromethane, which can be extended to other solvents.

The evaluation of consolidation treatment efficiency in terms of improving the resistance of treated lithotypes to deterioration phenomena caused by soluble salts crystallisation, is taking place through dynamic artificial weathering accelerated tests of marine salt spray. Quarried biocalcarenites from Greece and Cyprus have been treated with four consolidation materials (diversified according to their deposition mechanism). The materials applied are colloidal dispersion of silica, pre-hydrolysed ethyl silicate with amorphous silica, ethyl silicate in ethanol and acrylsiliconic resin in organic solvents. The treated stone samples are placed in an artificial weathering chamber, where they remain for nearly two months, being attacked by severe quantities of marine salt spray. The application of non-destructive techniques (weight and ultra sonic velocity measurements, deteriorated surface analysis by a camera-laser scanning system) during the salt spray simulations verified the improvements presented to the consolidated biocalcarenite samples in comparison to the untreated ones. Consolidated samples present weight stability during the tests, increase in ultra sonic velocity and minor fluctuations on it, and less roughness increase and grain detachment during the simulations. Deductions among the consolidants are made indicating the superiority of ethyl silicate as an appropriate consolidant for those biocalcarenites, as it has arisen from these certain tests.

Salt weathering can be a hazard with significant cultural and economic implications. Salt-induced deterioration of architectural heritage is considered to be accelerated drastically in marine environments. This article investigates the weathering mechanisms and weathering forms in two calcareous stone types used in monuments and buildings on the SW coast of France. The mineralogical, chemical, textural and pore-system characteristics of freshly quarried and decayed stones from quarry, monuments and buildings were determined, and salts loading identified. The stones’ resistance against salt weathering was estimated by comparing calculated crystallisation pressures, which are function of the pore size distribution, with the tensile strengths measured by Auger [Alteration des roches sous influence marine; degradation des pierres en oeuvre et simulation acceleree en laboratoir. These Doctorat d'Etat es Siences. Universite de Poitiers, France (1987)]. Results show that Crazannes sparite and La Pallice micrite behave differently with respect to water and salt-spray absorption and local salt precipitation since their pore networks, which control hydric properties, are different. Therefore, diverse weathering patterns due to salt crystallisation pressures were identified in the stones as influenced largely by their pore size distribution: alveolar weathering and granular disintegration in the sparite vs. flaking and micro-fissuring in the micrite. These mechanisms operate in response to salt inputs from a variety of sources—mainly marine aerosols and atmospheric pollution—as corroborated by the so-called enrichment factors (EFs). Wind is believed to trigger alveolar weathering in the heterogeneous sparite. Short-term observations in La Pallice micrite show rapid salt-induced breakdown through ‘fatigue’ effects. Determining factors involved in stone deterioration is important in the design of proper interventions for protecting historic buildings.

This paper presents a methodology to successfully implement the controllers of electrical drives on FPGA devices. This methodology has been applied to design two controller structures for a DC motor: a cascade IP controller and a Luenberger observer with a state feedback. Experimental results show the performances of the designed controllers.

The structure of 6 He is explored with proton elastic and inelastic scattering to the first 2 + excited state (Q =− 1. 8M eV) of 6 He in the inverse kinematics using a 24.5 A MeV 6 He beam. The distorted wave approximation (DWA) with an optical potential obtained by folding an effective nucleon–nucleon (NN) g-matrix with the 6 He density matrix elements as given by a large basis shell model is used to analyse the data. The comparison of predictions with the data confirms the view that 6 He has

A new Secondary Electron gas Detector (SED) is under development to be used in conjunction with an emissive foil to detect low energy heavy ions as an alternative to micro-channel plates. It could measure position and time of flight. Secondary electrons are accelerated to 10 keV so that they can cross through the 0.9 μm Mylar entrance window. The electrons then are multiplied in the isobutane gas of the detector at 4– 10 Torr . A time resolution of 150 ps and a spatial resolution of 3 mm have been obtained by using californium fission fragments on a prototype detector of 7×7 cm 2 . The advantage of the SED against MCP is that its size is not limited. Our final goal is to build a large size detector (15×40 cm 2 ) that will operate at the focal plane of the VAMOS magnetic spectrometer at GANIL.

The reaction cross section for the halo nucleus 6 He on hydrogen has been measured at 36 MeV/nucleon using the transmission method and a value of σ R =409±22 mb was obtained. A coherent analysis within a microscopic model of this result in conjunction with (p,p) and (p,n) angular distributions has allowed the interaction potential to be uniquely determined. This analysis also allowed the 6 He density distribution to be explored.

This paper describes a method of measuring the permeability of stone samples to nitrogen, applicable for studying the internal micro-structural transformations that occur in building stones when exposed to salt spray. In this method the gas enters through a previously drilled hole along the axis of a cylindrical stone sample and crosses the lateral surface by radial flux. For artificial weathering tests that affect the sample surface, this method is more suitable than the Cembureau method and gives similar permeability values. Furthermore, by changing the diameter of the hole drilled, it is possible to analyse the variations of the transfer property from the interior to the exposed surface and to study the localised effects of marine salts. The method was used during salt spray accelerated deterioration tests to asses the degree of saturation of the pores in calcareous stones traditionally used in construction in France.

Pour evaleur les degradations subies par les materiaux de construction exposes aux agressions atmospheriques, notamment les pierres calcaires, l'examen visuel reste dans la plupart des cas le seul moyen d'appreciation efficace. Une variation de teinte, une erosion superficielle ou le recouvrement par un depot constituent en effet autant d'elements precurseurs a l'apparition de pathologies plus profondes. Afin d'ameliorer son caractere objectif, l'analyse visuelle des surfaces a ete realisee en utilisant un dispositif de vision 2D et 3D capable de percevoir puis d'enregistrer par voie informatique les donnees concernant l'evolution des etats de surface tant au niveau du relief qu'au niveau des proprietes physiques de reflexion de la lumiere.

We present the results of an experimental comparative study of the ${}^{40,48}\mathrm{Ca}$ resonance spectra between 6 and 12 MeV. The power of the heavy ion reaction ${}^{40,48}\mathrm{Ca}{(}^{86}\mathrm{Kr},{ }^{86}{\mathrm{Kr}}^{\ensuremath{'}}{)}^{40,48}{\mathrm{Ca}}^{*}$ at 60 MeV per nucleon was exploited to enhance greatly the low energy part of inclusive spectra in order to look for the possible presence of a low energy dipole mode in ${}^{48}\mathrm{Ca}$ due to a neutron skin. We did not observe any difference in the $l=1$ channel and therefore found no evidence of this mode. In the $l=2$ channel, an important excess of strength was observed in ${}^{40}\mathrm{Ca}$ compared to ${}^{48}\mathrm{Ca}$.

High energy γ -rays ( E γ >35 MeV) have been measured in coincidence with heavy residues emitted in reactions induced by a 37 MeV/u 36 Ar beam on a 98 Mo target. The γ -ray yield increases strongly with increasing linear momentum transfer indicating the importance of two-body collisions in the transfer mechanism. The high energy γ -ray multiplicity has been used to correlate the linear momentum transfer to the impact parameter. This correlation is compared to dynamical BNV simulations to show the essential role of two body nucleon-nucleon collisions at these bombarding energies.

A new method to determine compound nuclear lifetimes at high excitation energies is proposed and applied to the system 12 C( 28 Si, α ) 36 Ar at two different bombarding energies, 190 and 277 MeV. The alpha particle spectra show a structure which directly reflects the fluctuating behavior of the first de-excitation step. Coherence widths and thus lifetimes for the nucleus 36 Ar were obtained via a correlation function analysis. The results at low excitation energies are consistent with standard statistical models while the result at high excitation energy is compatible with a theoretically predicted change of the level density parameter.

International audience; We have measured the $^{6}$He(p, t)$\alpha$ transfer reaction in inverse kinematics at 25MeV/nucleon. The data were compared to DWBA calculations in order to extract the spectroscopic amplitudes for $\alpha$+2n and t + t configurations in the ground state of $^{6}$He.

This paper presents a new rotor position estimator for salient-pole permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSM) based on carrier signal injection. This method first uses a new way to extract the negative frequency component of the current, which contains the rotor position information. Compared to the classical approach, this method uses only one filter. It also performs an on line compensation of the phase shift of the filter used for this extraction. This method is used for sensorless field-oriented control, confirming then its effectiveness under various operating conditions.

The elastic scattering p( 6 He, 6 He)p and charge exchange reaction p( 6 He, 6 Li)n have been measured in reverse kinematics with a secondary 6 He beam. The angular distributions for these reactions were obtained. In the case of the charge exchange reaction, the ratio of the cross section for the Gamow-Teller transition to the ground state, and for the Fermi transition to the isobaric analog state is a measure of the relative strength of the two components of the exchange interaction, V στ and V τ . This ratio is found to be compatible with existing systematics for stable T = 1 nuclei, and no clear signature of a halo structure was found in the present data.

Gamma-rays emitted from hot nuclei of mass around 115 and excitation energies above 300 MeV, formed in the 36 Ar + 90 Zr at 27 MeV/u, 36 Ar + 94 Zr at 32 MeV/u and 36 Ar + 98 Mo at 37 MeV/u, have been measured with the MEDEA multidetector in coincidence with evaporation residues. The γ-ray yield from the decay of the Giant Dipole Resonance is independent of excitation energy and of bombarding energy.

In this paper, a control strategy is proposed to enhance the capability in terms of active filtering, of a Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS) based on a Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG). The stator of the DFIG is directly connected to the grid and the rotor is connected to the grid through a back to back AC-DC-AC PWM converter. The proposed algorithm is applied to the Rotor Side Converter (RSC) to achieve simultaneously the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) and the power quality improvement at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC). This enables the grid to supply only sinusoidal currents at Unity Power Factor (UPF). Depending on the nominal RSC power, reactive power of linear loads and harmonic currents due to the nonlinear loads can be compensated. The proposed RSC control strategy manages the WECS function's priorities between active power production, reactive power compensation and active filtering without any system over-rating. To enhance the capability of the RSC, in terms of active filtering, it is proposed to eliminate instantaneously the whole of the 5th and the 7th predominant harmonic components if possible, otherwise, the filtering operation is omitted. The Grid Side Converter (GSC) is controlled in such a way to guarantee a smooth DC voltage. The presented simulation results demonstrate the performance and the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.

Expérience GANIL/SPIRAL/MUST2/E525S; The low-lying spectroscopy of 6He was investigated via the 2-neutron transfer reaction p(8He, t) with the 8He beam delivered by the SPIRAL facility at 15.4 A MeV. The light charged particles produced by the direct reactions were measured using the MUST2 Si-strip telescope array. Above the known 2+ state, two new resonances were observed: at E∗ = 2.6±0.3 MeV (width Γ = 1.6±0.4 MeV) and at 5.3±0.3 MeV with Γ = 2 ± 1 MeV. Through the analysis of the angular distributions, they correspond to a 2+ state and to an L = 1 state, respectively. These new states, challenging the nuclear theories, could be used as benchmarks for checking the microscopic inputs of the newly improved structure models, and should trigger development of models including the treatments of both core excitation and continuum coupling effects.

In the present investigation, dynamic methods for the determination of moduli of elasticity were compared with direct static methods. The dynamic moduli of rocks, such as Young's modulus (E) and Poisson's ratio (v) were determined, using both mechanical resonance frequency and classic P and S wave ultrasonic velocity techniques. For this purpose rock samples from different areas of France, covering a wide range of velocity values, were used. The mechanical resonance frequencies were investigated using a Grindo-Sonic machine while the P and S wave ultrasonic velocities were measured using a Pundit ultrasonic machine, connected to an oscilloscope. The static moduli were determined using deformation gauges. Statistical interpretation of the test results indicated significant correlation between these dynamic and static methods. Accordingly, the above non-destructive dynamic methods are suitable for the determination of static moduli of elasticity.

Inelastic scattering of 84 MeV/u 17 O projectiles has been used to excite the giant resonances (GR) in 232 Th. The deduced parameters (width, energy, EWSR) of the isoscalar giant quadrupole resonance are in agreement with the known systematics. The observed giant monopole resonance strength, 100% of the EWSR, is consistent with other recent experimental results using heavy-ion projectiles. Strength is also observed at high excitation energy. The fission probability of GR in 232 Th has been measured by detecting the fission fragments in coincidence with the inelastically scattered particles. A structure is observed in the fission coincidence spectrum around 10 MeV, which can be attributed to the fission decay of giant resonances. The measured fission probability is consistent with statistical decay of the GQR.

Asthma is considered an airway inflammatory disorder characterized by variable airflow obstruction and airway hyperresponsiveness (1). The inflammatory component of asthma has been studied extensively over the past few years, but, more recently, the potential contribution of airway wall remodeling to functional and clinical changes has been emphasized (2,3). Although the methods of sampling of bronchial tissue were previously limited, being obtained mostly from autopsic or surgical specimens, they have improved recently.

Dans notre pratique quotidienne, l’annonce du diagnostic de cancer revient a annoncer une mauvaise nouvelle.

The response function of MEDEA BaF2 crystals to high energy photons, up to 280 MeV, has been studied using monochromatic γ-rays from the in flight annihilation of positron beams. The experimental response functions are compared to the results of Monte Carlo simulations based on the EGS3 code and parametrized over the whole investigated energy range.

Introduction Les complications vasculaires de l’insuffisance renale chronique (IRC) et/ou du diabete sont multifactorielles notamment secondaires a l’exposition aux produits de la glycation avancee ou AGEs. Ces derniers (endogenes) peuvent etre egalement apportes par l’alimentation (exogenes). Si les effets deleteres des AGEs endogenes sont bien connus, principalement via leur interaction avec le RAGE (recepteur aux AGEs), peu d’etudes ont ete realisees concernant la toxicite des AGEs alimentaires (cuisson brutale ou a haute temperature). L’objectif de notre travail etait d’evaluer l’effet de la carboxymethyllysine (CML) alimentaire sur le vieillissement arteriel et d’etudier l’implication du RAGE (modele murin, RAGE-KO). Materiels et methodes Des souris C57BL/6 sauvages et RAGE-KO ont ete exposees pendant 3–6 ou 9 mois a un regime enrichi en CML (50, 100 ou 200 μg CML/g d’aliment). La relaxation aortique endothelium-dependante et la mesure de la vitesse de l’onde de pouls (VOP) en IRM ont ete evaluees. L’expression des marqueurs de dysfonction endotheliale (RAGE et VCAM-1) et de vieillissement arteriel (expression de sirtuine-1 (SIRT1) et integrite de l’elastine) a ete etudiee. Resultats Apres 9 mois d’exposition a la CML alimentaire (200 μg/g), nous avons observe chez les souris sauvages : (1) une diminution de la relaxation endothelium-dependante ( p p p p p p Discussion et conclusion L’exposition alimentaire chronique a la CML induit une dysfonction endotheliale et provoque un vieillissement vasculaire premature RAGE-dependant. Le controle de la glycation alimentaire constitue une nouvelle piste de protection vasculaire et renale au cours de l’IRC et du diabete.

In view of the increasing recognition of cerebral microbleeds (MCBs) with MRI, there is a need to validate their detection in post-mortem brains in patients with cerebrovascular diseases and dementia.Out of 20 post-mortem brains of patients with Alzheimer dementia and with different cerebrovascular lesions, 45 large sections of the cerebral hemispheres, brainstem and cerebellum were submitted to a 7.0-T T₂*-weighted MRI, and afterwards compared to the histological detection of haematomas, MCBs and mini-bleeds (MNBs).The sensitivity, specificity, predictive positive value and predictive negative value of the T₂* imaging to detect MCBs and MNBs were excellent for those in the cortico-subcortical regions. There was a significant overestimation of MNBs in the striatum due to iron deposits unrelated to old haemorrhages. Also in the deep white matter, 42% of MNBs were not detected, while 31% of T₂* hyposignals were not due to MNBs but to vessels filled with post-mortem thrombi.When evaluating the 'bleeding load' with 7.0-T T₂*-weighted MRI in post-mortem brain sections of patients with dementia and vascular risk factors, only quantification of small cerebral bleeds in the cortico-subcortical regions is reliable.

The 3D balanced gradient-echo technique is described along with th eimaging protocol for MR imaging of th ecoronary arteries. A 3D volume with spatial resolution of 0.6 x 0.6 x 0.75 mm composed of 140 slices covering the whole heart is acquired over 10 minutes. The main advantage of this whole heart technique is the possibility to image the coronary arteries along their entire course in a single acquisition. Selection of the navigator positions, timing of image acquisition and its duration through the R-R interval are the main factors requiring optimization.

We compared the pharmacokinetics and the serum bactericidal activities of cefpirome, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, imipenem, and ciprofloxacin. Fifteen healthy volunteers received 1 g of cefpirome, ceftazidime, and ceftriaxone intravenously, 500 mg of imipenem-cilastatin intravenously, and 500 mg of ciprofloxacin orally. High-performance liquid chromatographic assays were used to quantitate unchanged antibiotic in plasma and urine. Serum bactericidal activities were determined against six clinical isolates each of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter cloacae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by using a modified microdilution method of Reller and Stratton (L. B. Reller and C. W. Stratton, J. Infect. Dis. 136:196-204, 1977). Overall, cefpirome exhibited pharmacokinetics similar to those of ceftazidime: half-life (t1/2), 1.95 h; concentration at 1 h (C1h), 47 to 49 micrograms/ml for both antibiotics. Ceftriaxone displayed the longest t1/2 (7.65 h) and the highest C1h (137.8 micrograms/ml), while we observed the shortest t1/2 (1.05 h) and the lowest C1h (19.85 micrograms/ml) with imipenem. At 1 h, cefpirome and, even more so, imipenem showed significantly better serum bactericidal activities against S. aureus (1:273 and 1:80) than did the other antibiotics (P less than 0.0005; analysis of variance with randomized block design and Bonferroni correction). Against E. cloacae, we observed the highest serum bactericidal titers at 1 h with cefpirome, and this superiority vis-à-vis the other antibiotics tested was maintained for up to 8 h after dosing. Ceftazidime remained the most active agent tested against P. aeruginosa (serum bactericidal activity titers, 1:43 at 1 h) up to 8 h. In summary, the study showed that cefpirome and imipenem provide more potent serum bactericidal activities than do broad-spectrum cephalosporins against S. aureus; thus, both of these antibiotics should be adequate against serious S. aureus infections. In addition, cefpirome appears to be a promising alternative for treatment of infections caused by E. cloacae and P. aeruginosa.

MRA includes all techniques used to depict vessels with MR. Gadolinium contrast injection combined with gradient echo sequences is the technique of choice for vascular imaging. Technical advances now allow faster acquisitions. The purpose of this article is to present two main advances with MRA: whole-body MRA and dynamic 3D MRA. Technical considerations, acquisition techniques, advantages and pitfalls based on our experience with a 1.5T MR unit will be discussed in order to promote their use in routine clinical practice.

The high-energy continuum from inelastic scattering of 84 MeV/nucleon {sup 17}O by {sup 208}Pb was studied by measuring {sup 17}O--{gamma}-ray coincidences. The particle spectra in coincidence with {gamma} rays above {similar to}1 MeV show structures up to 45-MeV excitation energy that can be explained in terms of the statistical decay of the highly excited target nucleus. The observation in the {gamma}-ray spectrum of the giant dipole resonance built on excited states in {sup 208}Pb confirms that the continuum up to {similar to}60-MeV excitation energy is dominated by the excitation of {sup 208}Pb and offers the unique possibility of detailed studies of the giant dipole resonance as a function of excitation energy decoupled from the influence of angular momentum.

La premiere observation de la resonance dipolaire geante construite sur des etats du continuum d'un noyau produit lors de collisions entre ions lourds remonte a 1981. Dans le cadre du modele statistique, l'analyse detaillee des proprietes de la GDR donne des informations uniques sur les proprietes des noyaux tres excites. Nous presentons dans cet article quelques resultats experimentaux recents. La possibilite d'observer d'autres modes geants est egalement discutee.

Since the mid-eighteenth century, several infrastructures have been laid in Europe and North America. How have they been governed up until the present period? This problem leads to the identification the broad patters of coevolution between technology and institutions. In this essay, I discuss the changes in institutional arrangements, the phases of large socio-technical systems and the broad historical periods. This discussion aims at setting the stage for the production of a synthetical view of the history of infrastructures.