Search

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether photobiomodulation (PBM) can protect against and attenuate muscle atrophy owing to complete peripheral nerve lesion in mice by acting on autophagy.C57BL/10 mice underwent right sciatic nerve transection to induce tibialis anterior muscle atrophy. After 6 hours of denervation, the mice received PBM (wavelength, 830 nm) daily, transcutaneously over the tibialis anterior muscle region for 5 or 14 days. Some mice with sciatic nerve lesion did not receive PBM. Mice that did not have sciatic nerve lesion and PBM were used as controls. After 5 and 14 days, the right tibialis anterior muscle was examined using histomorphometric (cross-sectional area of muscle fibers), Western blot (levels of the autophagy marker LC3), and immunofluorescence analyses (number of LC3 puncta in the muscle fibers).The cross-sectional area of the tibialis anterior muscle fibers decreased after 5 and 14 days of denervation. PBM protected against muscle fiber atrophy after 5 days of denervation and attenuated muscle fiber atrophy after 14 days of denervation. After 5 days of muscle denervation, autophagy did not change, as demonstrated by the comparable levels of LC3-I/II ratio and LC3 puncta between the controls and the mice with atrophic muscle; PBM did not change this profile. After 14 days of denervation, an increased LC3-I/II ratio suggested an ongoing autophagy, which was not affected by PBM.PBM attenuated the tibialis anterior muscle atrophy induced by sciatic nerve transection in the mice after at least 5 and 14 days of muscle denervation, without affecting autophagy. The transient protective effect of PBM was observed as early as 5 days after the of complete nerve lesion.

Resume La comprehension des mecanismes permettant de se maintenir en equilibre est un enjeu de sante globale. Avec une prevalence plus elevee et des consequences plus graves, la chute de la personne âgee est une problematique qui peut etre vue sous le prisme de l’analyse du controle moteur afin de mieux comprendre la relation qui existe entre les capacites d’equilibration de l’individu, d’une part, et le contexte qui inscrit cette personne dans un environnement qui la conduira a une chute, d’autre part. Nous presentons dans cet article l’apport de la posturographie statique dans la comprehension du lien entre posture et chute, notamment chez les personnes fragiles. Au-dela d’une pathologie specifique, la personne âgee presente une modification de son controle postural qui conduit a des strategies motrices moins efficientes en cas de destabilisation. Au regard du manque de performance des tests cliniques dans la detection des personnes les plus a risque de chute, la posturographie se positionne comme une solution dans la quantification des oscillations posturales au repos. Cette methode d’analyse de la stabilite humaine a pousse les cliniciens et les chercheurs a elaborer des modeles biomecaniques et neurophysiologiques pour expliciter les traces obtenus sur plateforme de force. Les variables extraites de ces enregistrements sont dorenavant exploitees dans la prediction de la chute. Bien que les scores de prediction resultant de cet examen semblent eleves, des challenges demeurent dans son exploitation clinique en pratique courante.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third leading cause of cardiovascular death in western countries. The enhancement of fibrinolysis constitutes a promising approach to treat thrombotic diseases. In patients, venous thrombosis and thromboembolism risks are associated with increased plasma levels of TAFI (Thrombin Activatable Fibrinolysis Inhibitor) antigen as well as the active form TAFIa. S62798 is a competitive, selective and potent human TAFIa inhibitor (IC50±SD=11.2±0.4nM). It is however less potent on mouse TAFIa (IC50±SD=270±39nM). Here, we tested the ability of S62798 to enhance endogenous fibrinolysis in a mouse model of pulmonary thromboembolism. Human Tissue Factor (TF) was injected in C57Bl6 male mice. Ten minutes later, mice (n=4 to 14 per group) were treated (IV) with S62798 (from 0.01 to 100mg/kg) or vehicle (0.9% NaCl). Ten or twenty minutes (min) later, mice were anesthetized and lungs were collected, homogenized and pulmonary fibrin was quantified by ELISA. Results are expressed as ratio of geometric mean of pulmonary fibrin (μg/mL): tested treatment/ vehicle [95% confidence interval (CI)]. Ten minutes after S62798 treatment, pulmonary fibrin deposition was dose-dependently decreased with a Minimal Effective Dose of 0.04mg/kg [90% prediction interval 0.037 - 0.051] and an ED50 of 0.03mg/kg [95% CI: 0.01; 0.06]. Mice were then treated with 0.1mg/kg S62798 or vehicle (10 min after TF induction) and fibrin deposition in lungs was quantified 10 and 20 minutes post S62798 treatment. The level of pulmonary fibrin deposition was significantly decreased (p In this model, curative S62798 treatment, alone or associated to heparin, accelerated clot degradation by potentiating endogenous fibrinolysis and thus decreased pulmonary fibrin deposition. Due to its capacity to enhance endogenous fibrinolysis, S62798, which has completed phase I studies, is expected to be a therapeutic option for intermediate high risk PE patients on top of anticoagulants. With early recanalization, S62798 should rapidly reduce pulmonary artery pressure and resistance, with concomitant improvement in right ventricular function, preserving cardiac function, and reducing acute PE-related morbidity and mortality in these patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Introduction In acute myocardial infarction (MI) setting, successful revascularization of the ischemic myocardium improves prognosis. However, MI remains a leading cause of heart failure (HF) associated with mortality [1] and the risk to develop HF is increased by co-morbidities especially hypertension [2] , [3] . Relevant preclinical models of heart failure with comorbidities as in human are needed to improve the selection of new therapeutic strategies. Objective to determine the best HF model by comparing left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and signs of HF in 3 preclinical models of MI in normotensive and hypertensive rats. Methods In total, 60 minutes MI was induced by coronary ligation in male rats (8-week old) followed by reperfusion (I/R) or not (permanent, PMI) in normotensive Wistar rats (Wi) or in hypertensive rats (SHR PMI). Ejection fraction (EF, %) and LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV, μl) were measured using echocardiography. Signs of heart failure were assessed by LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP, mmHg), right ventricle weight (RV, mg) and plasma NT-Pro-BNP (pg/ml). These different parameters were assessed post-MI at 3 months for the groups (Wi Sham, Wi I/R and SHR PMI) and at 6 months for the Wi PMI group. Results MI led to a clear LV dysfunction and adverse eccentric remodeling. As expected, these alterations were limited by reperfusion of the ischemic myocardium in normotensive rats. Hypertension exacerbated post ischemic cardiac dysfunction. Three months post-MI, signs of HF were observed only in SHR PMI while no sign were detected in Wi rats 6 months after MI. Conclusions in line with human disease, our results show that hypertensive rats are more prone to develop signs of HF after MI than normotensive rats. SHR PMI should be considered as a relevant preclinical model for the efficacy assessment of new HFrEF therapeutic strategies.

Resume Introduction Le syndrome de Doege-Potter est un syndrome paraneoplasique rare, initialement decrit en 1930 par Doege et Potter et impliquant principalement des tumeurs fibreuses pleurales solitaires. L’hypoglycemie est une complication peu frequente de ces tumeurs, par un mecanisme de secretion de facteur de croissance insulin-like, et peut en etre revelatrice. Le taux de malignite de ces tumeurs est faible, d’environ 12 a 15 %. Observation Nous rapportons le cas d’un homme caucasien de 81 ans, opere il y a une vingtaine d’annees d’un fibrome pleural benin. Il a presente plusieurs hypoglycemies profondes avec perte de connaissance, dans un contexte de dyspnee croissante. La radiographie thoracique a revele une masse intra-thoracique. Apres exerese, l’histologie confirme la recidive avec transformation maligne en sarcome de haut grade de malignite. Conclusion Le syndrome de Doege-Potter est une entite rare qui doit etre evoquee devant la survenue d’hypoglycemie associee a une dyspnee. Le suivi post-chirurgical de ces patients doit etre regulier devant le risque de recidive tumorale.

International audience; In this paper, we report the effect of high temperature annealing on the chemical and electronic structure of technologically relevant TiN/LaOx/HfSiON/SiON/Si gate stacks. Using medium energy ion scattering from the backside of the samples, a non-destructive compositional depth profile of La has been obtained, revealing the lanthanum diffusion in the SiON interface layer upon annealing. To complement this analysis, hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy with synchrotron radiation has been performed to investigate the chemical and electronic structure of the gate stacks. The results show clear changes in the Hf and Ti core level energy positions with respect to Si bulk, with changes in the thickness of the LaOx capping layer. We infer that La diffusion generates an internal electrical field at the La-silicate interface between HfSiON and SiON, and that its strength increases with the increase of LaOx thickness. These findings support the band alignment model based on a La-induced interfacial dipole.

Previous Raman spectroscopy studies on SiGe alloys have left rather large uncertainties concerning the relationships between the Raman peaks׳ frequency shifts and stress. In this paper, we systematically revisit these relationships, confirm some coefficient values and propose new relationships linking the Raman peak shift to stress and Ge concentration. Different types of stacks were grown and studied to that end: (1) Thick, nearly fully relaxed SiGe virtual substrates grown on Si (001), whose lattice parameter is close to that of bulk material for a given Ge composition (in-between 20% and 100%). (2) Thin, fully compressively-strained SiGe layers grown on Si (001), with a Ge content in the 5–55% range. The cross-examination with Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction of those stacks provided us with precise values of the coefficients linking the Raman peak shift to (i) the Ge content of the SiGe layer (thanks to SiGe virtual substrates) and (ii) the magnitude of stress in the SiGe layer (thanks to thin, fully pseudomorphic layers).

Introduction Heart failure (HF) patients often suffer from several co-existing diseases and co-morbidities. Among them, hypertension and myocardial infarction (MI) are two of the most frequent causes of HF1. Thus, as expected, experimental induction of MI in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR) provokes severe left ventricular dysfunction and is associated with signs of HF2. Therapeutic effects of Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) and Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNi) have been demonstrated in HF patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Objective The aim of the present study was to validate the translational value of the HF preclinical model SHR PMI using ARNi (Valsartan/Sacubitril, LCZ696) and ACEi (perindopril) treatments recommended by the ESC guidelines for HFrEF patients. Methods Permanent MI (PMI) was induced by coronary ligation in SHR (8-week-old; N = 30) randomized in three groups: –placebo, LCZ696 (68 mg/kg/d); –Perindopril (1 mg/kg/d); –compared to a sham operated group (N = 10). Three months post-MI, LV function was assessed by echocardiography and hemodynamic study. HF signs were assessed by LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP, mmHg), lung and right ventricle (RV) weights (mg). Results Two vehicle-treated SHR PMI died during the follow-up, no death was observed in LCZ696 or Perindopril treated groups. Post-MI, both ARNi or ACEi treatments had beneficial effects on the adverse LV remodeling and seemed to prevent the mortality and signs of HF (further studies required to confirm these results). Conclusions In summary, the SHR PMI model has a good predictive value and can be used as preclinical model for the evaluation of new therapeutic strategy in HFrEF [1] , [2] .

This work concerns high resolution topography characterization at die scale of 28nm FDSOI CMOS technology by interferometric microscopy. It shows that usual test boxes (T-boxes) in scribe line are not representative of the full die topography. Consequently, new parameters are needed in order to take full advantage of high resolution topography characterization at die scale. In that sense, it is observed in this study that coupling full die and die @s ranges can provide new and relevant information about the Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) processes. Moreover, high resolution die topography data makes possible to characterize in-die impact of a structure on its neighborhood and evaluate the pattern density dependency of the CMP processes.

Scanning Auger microscopy is currently gaining interest for investigating nanostructures or thin multilayers stacks developed for nanotechnologies. New generation Auger nanoprobes combine high lateral (∼10 nm), energy (0.1%) and depth (∼2 nm) resolutions thus offering the possibility to analyze the elemental composition as well as the chemical state, at the nanometre scale. We report here on the performances and limitations on practical examples from nanotechnology research. The spatial elemental sensitivity is illustrated with the analysis of Al 0.7 Ga 0.3 As/GaAs heterostructures, Si nanowires and SiC nanodots. Regarding the elemental in-depth composition, two effective approaches are presented: low energy depth profiling to reveal ultra-thin layers (∼1 nm) and analysis of cross-sectional samples.

Summary Background Long-term survival and risk of reoperation in “non-Marfan syndrome” patients with a long life expectancy who undergo emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection (aTAAD) are not well known. Aim To analyse survival, risk of reoperation and quality of life in this population. Methods From 1990 to 2010, all patients aged ≤ 50 years and not affected by Marfan syndrome, who underwent emergency surgery for aTAAD at two institutions, were included in this analysis. Patients were categorized into four groups according to the extension of the aortic replacement: SUPRACORONARY, ROOT, ARCH and EXTENSIVE. Results Sixty-six patients (mean age 45 ± 4 years; range 34–50 years) were considered eligible for this analysis. Overall in-hospital mortality was 24% (16/66 patients); and 25%, 23%, 20.5% and 43% in the SUPRACORONARY, ROOT, ARCH and EXTENSIVE groups, respectively. Mean follow-up among survivors was 10.5 ± 7.2 years (range: 0.1–24.7 years). Overall 10-year survival was 55 ± 6%; and 75 ± 12%, 69 ± 13%, 47 ± 8% and 28 ± 17% in the SUPRACORONARY, ROOT, ARCH and EXTENSIVE groups, respectively. Overall freedom from reoperation on the aorta was 73 ± 7.5%; and 40 ± 20%, 75 ± 21%, 78 ± 8% and 100% in the SUPRACORONARY, ROOT, ARCH and EXTENSIVE groups, respectively. Conclusions In our experience, patients who underwent isolated supracoronary ascending aorta or root replacement showed the most satisfactory late survival. However, because the risk of reoperation is low when the replacement is extended to the root, our data suggest that root replacement could represent a good compromise between operative mortality and long-term survival.

Resume Introduction Le syndrome de MacLeod ou syndrome de Swyer-James est caracterise par une hypoplasie vasculaire avec a la radiographie thoracique, un poumon clair unilateral. Observation Nous rapportons l’observation d’un patient de 26 ans, tabagique (cinq paquets-annees), aux antecedents de pneumothorax gauche a l’âge de 21 ans et de bronchiolites aigues recidivantes. A 26 ans, il a presente un deuxieme pneumothorax gauche. Onze jours apres la pose d’un drain thoracique dans un hopital peripherique, il persistait une hyperclarte dans le champ pulmonaire gauche. Le patient a ete transfere en chirurgie thoracique avec le diagnostic de pneumothorax recidivant resistant au drainage ce pour quoi il a eu une symphyse chimique pleurale sous thoracoscopie. Le diagnostic a ete revise devant la persistance d’une hyperclarte pulmonaire gauche en postoperatoire. Il s’agissait d’un pneumothorax recidivant compliquant un syndrome de MacLeod pour lequel une lobectomie de l’espace mort completant le geste de pleurodese chimique aurait pu etre discutee. Conclusion L’association d’un syndrome de MacLeod et d’un pneumothorax est rare et est source d’erreur de prise en charge. Apres avoir decrit les criteres diagnostiques, les diagnostics differentiels et les indications therapeutiques, le caractere probablement non fortuit de cette association est discute.

L’AVC est la premiere cause de handicap, donc de dependance, dans les pays developpes. La Mesure d’Independance Fonctionnelle (MIF) est une echelle de reference pour l’evaluation de la dependance. La prevention de la dependance repose sur le controle des principaux facteurs de risques cardiovasculaires, la prise en charge des comorbidites, la reeducation, en unites specialisees.

International audience; BACKGROUND: We investigated a novel allotransplantation model using an aortocava patch in ewes. METHODS AND RESULTS: We carried out 10 uterine orthotopic allotransplantations in ewes with end-to-side anastomosis of the aortocava donor patch on the left external iliac vessel recipient. The immunosuppressive protocol was a combination of cyclosporine (10 mg/kg/day) and mycophenolic acid (3 g/day). An estimation of the immunosuppressive therapy exposure was performed by measuring the area under the curve (AUC) of immunosuppressive plasma concentrations. The graft was assessed by vaginoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and second look laparotomy at 6, 8 and 10 weeks, respectively. The median (range) times for cold and warm ischemia were 95 min (75-130) and 91 min (55-165), respectively. All the vascular anastomoses were patent at the end of the surgery. The median AUC of cyclosporine and mycophenolic acid were 1.24 mg h/l (0.34-3.85) and 18.40 mg h/l (3.76-42.35), respectively. Of the 10 ewes receiving a transplant, 6 could be assessed. Cervical biopsies showed signs of necrosis in all six ewes. The MRI results correlated with the macroscopic observations of the 'second look' laparotomy. The aortocava vascular pedicles were thrombosed, adding to the peripheral neovascularization. Graft histology showed endometrial tissue in two out of six ewes. CONCLUSIONS: Mobility of the transplant within the pelvis, the length of the vascular pedicle and rejection can explain the high rate of transplant necrosis. The particular digestive anatomy and physiology of ruminants makes it difficult to administer an optimal immunosuppressive treatment. MRI appears to be a good non-invasive examination for graft estimation.

Field emission gun (FEG) nanoprobe scanning electron transmission microscopy (STEM) techniques coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) are evaluated for the detection of the n-type dopant arsenic, in silicon semiconductor devices with nanometer-scale. Optimization of the experimental procedure, data extraction and the signal-to-noise ratio versus electron dose, show that arsenic detection below 0.1% should be possible. STEM EDX and EELS spectrum profiles have been quantified and compared with secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) analyses which show a good agreement. In addition, the arsenic doping level found inside large and small epitaxial devices have been compared using STEM EDX-EELS profiling. The average doping level is found to be similar but variable interface segregation has been observed. Finally, STEM EDX arsenic mapping acquired in a BiCMOS transistor cross-section shows strong heterogeneities and segregation in the epitaxially grown emitter part.

Resume Objectifs Analyser le risque infectieux dans les etablissements d’hebergement pour personnes âgees dependantes (EHPAD). Le risque est important, en effet, ces structures hebergent dans un espace collectif confine des residents particulierement susceptibles aux infections. Enquete L’enquete nationale de prevalence des infections dans les EHPAD, la premiere en France, a mis en evidence un taux de prevalence des infections de 9,86 % (toutes infections confondues, les infections pulmonaires hautes et basses occupant le premier site infectieux). Prevention La surveillance epidemiologique et la mise en œuvre de recommandations adaptees a ces institutions sont necessaires pour la prevention de ces infections. Toutefois, il serait interessant d’en connaitre la part evitable.

In this work we characterized two bidimensional gratings consisting each of a square array of square holes etched in a photoresist layer deposited on silicon. Data were taken on both samples with a spectroscopic UV-VIS ellipsometer (SE) operated at 70° incidence and zero azimuth (with the incidence plane parallel to the lines of holes) and VIS Mueller matrix polanimeter (MMP) at various incidence and azimuthal angles. The robustness of the parameters derived from the MMP data was evaluated from the stability of the values provided by regression the spectra taken at different angles. The optimal measurement geometries, featuring high sensitivity and low correlation of the fitting parameters, were determined theoretically, and validated experimentally with the sample featuring wider holes (500 x 500 nm), for which 45° incidence provided better results than the usual 70° value.

Scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM) measurements have been performed on highly doped Si monolayers both in constant-dV and constant-dC modes. The performances of these operating modes have been compared in terms of both signal sensitivity to high doping levels and spatial resolution. A higher sensitivity to boron-doped Si monolayers separated by 30 nm in constant-dC mode is observed. This result is attributed to a higher intrinsic spatial resolution for this latter mode and suggests the further ability of the constant-dC mode to deconvolute the SCM signal to carrier distribution near highly doped layers.

We have studied the formation mechanisms and the structural features of Ge islands grown by Reduced Pressure–Chemical Vapor Deposition onto Si(001) substrates. The size, the shape, and the density of Ge islands change drastically when altering parameters such as the growth temperature or the Ge coverage (in-between 3 and 15 monolayers (ML)). For temperatures either equal to 600 °C or 650 °C, pyramids with {105} facets are nucleated first. They then gradually change into larger size domes as the amount of deposited Ge increases. Most probably because of longer Ge atoms diffusion lengths, the islands are less numerous (by a factor of 5) and larger (25% increase in diameter and height) at 650 °C than at 600 °C. At 550 °C, Ge hut clusters are nucleated first; then, small domes appear as the number of Ge monolayers increases. Those islands, although much denser, are rather smaller than the counterparts at higher temperatures. We have also studied Si-capped Ge islands (grown at 600 °C) in photoluminescence. The Ge No Phonon (NP) and Transverse Optical (TO) lines shift to lower energies as the amount of Ge increases, which is most probably due to bigger islands which are richer in Ge when capped. For 15.3 ML, the NP line and its TO replica are centered at 9.5 K on 835 meV and 795 meV, respectively.

We have studied in reduced pressure chemical vapor deposition the selective epitaxial growth (SEG) of Si and SiGe using a dichlorosilane+germane+hydrochloric acid chemistry. We have first of all highlighted the specifics of the SEG of Si on patterned wafers with a dichlorosilane+hydrochloric acid chemistry. We have then dealt with the SEG of SiGe, focusing notably on the so-called loading effects (increase of the SiGe growth rate and of the Ge concentration when switching over from a blanket to a dielectric-masked substrate). Finally, we have studied the thermal stability of typical Si/SiGe/Si stacks versus conventional anneals used nowadays for advanced devices in the microelectronics industry. All this knowledge can be used to selectively grow Si or Si/SiGe/Si stacks inside the Si windows of patterned wafers for the formation of raised sources and drains or for the channel engineering of p-type metal oxide semiconductor transistors.

Attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectroscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) have been used to characterize oxides used for the scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM) technique. SCM has been used to study boron and phosphorous doped Si test structures epitaxially grown on (100) Si substrates. SCM samples have one-dimensional (1D) doping profiles with sub-micron features, with staircase-like steps in the unipolar sample and a smoother profile in the bipolar sample, as obtained by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) profiling. Cross-sectional SCM results obtained on samples oxidized by the standard low-temperature UV-ozone method are presented, discussed and compared to results obtained on cleaved samples oxidized by a simple exposure to air. The results show that the native oxide covering a (110) cleaved section may yield SCM images of sufficient quality, with no contrast reversal on a wide range of doping levels, as well as observed on sections prepared with the UV-ozone technique. However, the long-term stability of the SCM signal on native oxides is poor, and UV-ozone oxidation can be used to recover a valid SCM signal. Realistic ultrathin oxide thickness data obtained by SE on (110) substrates are presented together with ATR results, which confirm the superior quality of UV-ozone oxides with respect to other kinds of oxides.

Interests in infrared spectroscopy (IRS) have been stimulated by the increasing need for non-destructive surface characterization providing structural and chemical informations about the new materials used in microelectronic devices. Standard infrared spectroscopy of thin layers is limited because of its lack of sensitivity. The use of optical configurations such as the attenuated total reflection (ATR) allows to characterize nanometric layers. This paper will present the results of a study conducted for a better understanding of the capabilities and limitations of this technique. A theoretical analysis based on a perturbation method is used to elucidate the results of ATR measurements performed on silicon oxide layers of different thickness on silicon substrates. This analysis shows that the absorbance ATR spectrum in p polarization is the image of the layer energy loss function, under specific conditions. The exact ATR spectrum simulation using a matrix formalism showed that the straightforward interpretation in terms of the layer dielectric function is limited to a very narrow layer thickness range. The fitting process of the ATR spectrum is evaluated for the interpretation of experimental spectra obtained for the growth of chemical silicon oxide layers.

Ge 2 Sb 2 Te 5 films sandwiched by ZnS–SiO 2 layers were studied by spectroscopic ellipsometry from room temperature up to 800°C. An irreversible modification of both materials is pointed out. ZnS cubic phase precipitation occurs after heating at 650°C, shown by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction. Chemical modification in phase change material is observed above 300°C, revealed by a typical behavior of a transparent layer.

Magnesium fluoride thin films were deposited on silica glass and single crystal silicon substrates by argon ion-beam assisted deposition (IBAD). The effects of argon ions impinging on the growing film on the optical and chemical properties of the single layers were investigated. Compared to MgF2 films produced by direct electron-beam evaporation, the films obtained by IBAD exhibited increased optical absorption and refractive indices, fluorine depletion and increased oxygen contamination. Optical data were analyzed and are discussed with regard to the chemical composition of the films.

This paper describes the deformation of a piezoceramic disc shaped actuator due to two effects: inner edge mechanical loading and electrical excitation. A 2D axisymmetric coupled-field finite element model was constructed to represent the piezoceramic ‘ring bender’. The model was used to predict actuator displacement due to a force applied to the inner edge, and also the piezoelectric induced strain due to an electric field applied in the poling direction of the piezoceramic. Results are compared with theoretical calculations of the deformation of a uniform thickness disc under mechanical load, and the displacement-voltage characteristics reported by the manufacturer. Experimental results for the displacement of the piezoelectric actuator, under a variety of constraint conditions, are also compared. The research presented provides an understanding of how the ring bender deforms under combined mechanical load and electric field. Each of these effects is considered and results show that the shape formed is different depending on whether the load is mechanical or electrical. This result provides an insight into how the actuator may be mounted for use as an actuator in servo valve pilot stage.

This paper describes the manufacture of structural composites incorporating piezoelectric fibres which are finding interest in applications such as shape-changing applications, sensors to detect mechanical strain or vibration and energy harvesting. In this paper preliminary results are presented for a simple cantilever structure consisting of piezoelectric fibres with planar electrodes that are co-cured within a carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). Processing methods to embed functional fibres are described along with characterization of the piezoelectric and mechanical properties of the resulting material.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a lipid mediator that stimulates the in vitro growth of various human tumour cell lines and that enhances the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor that plays a key role during angiogenesis of human cancer. In this study, we assessed the levels of PAF and of the acetylhydrolase activity (AHA, the PAF degrading enzyme) in patients with lung cancer. Results indicated no significant differences between blood PAF amounts of lung cancer patients (91+/-33 pg/ml, n=31) and a control group of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) induced by habitual smoking (117+/-28 pg/ml, n=10). Similarly, their serum AHA levels were not different (67.9+/-3.0 nmol/min/ml as compared to 68.3+/-5.2 nmol/min/ml for lung cancer patients and controls, respectively). In contrast, PAF amounts were markedly (P=0.01, t-test for paired data) reduced in the lung tumour tissues (77+/-29 pg/g, n=10) as compared to the non-tumour tissues (208+/-67 pg/g, n=10). These low levels of PAF were not related to a lower amounts of the lyso-PAF precursor but to an elevated (P=0.01, t-test for paired data) AHA in the tumour tissues (37.0+/-4.9 nmol/min/g, n=10) as compared to the non-tumour tissues (24.6+/-2.6 nmol/min/ml, n=10). Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction experiments showed the presence of the PAF receptor (PAF-R) transcript 1 but not transcript 2 in blood mononuclear cells of lung cancer patients and COPD patients. Flow cytometry experiments did not highlight differences in the number and the distribution of PAF-R on their circulating leukocytes. In conclusion, this clinical study highlights no evidence for a potential important role of PAF during human lung cancer.

Biological diagnosis of whooping cough is increasingly necessary to confirm respiratory tract infection. Indeed, clinical symptoms are variable especially in adolescents and adults who contaminate newborns too young to be vaccinated. The PCR assay was proven highly sensitive for the diagnosis of pertussis. In this study, we reported the use of a new test (GenoQuick ® Bordetella [GQB], Hain Life Science, Germany) which permits the fast molecular genetic identification of Bordetella pertussis and parapertussis directly from patients specimens, i.e. swabs from nose or throat. The test was performed over a three months period on 40 specimens from patients (1 month to 65 years old), most of them were young children admitted in paediatric emergency with paroxysmal cough or prolonged cough.

Many studies have shown that the risk of experiencing a myocardial infarction (MI) is increased during the first hours of the morning. Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) is associated with an enhanced adrenergic activity, prolonged a few hours after awakening. We aimed at assessing whether sleep breathing disorders could be a culprit for the morning excess rate of MI. We studied 40 middle-aged men admitted for an acute MI. An overnight polysomnographic study was performed 37.4 ± 9.4 days after the MI. The prevalence of SAS was high (30%). The prevalence of SAS was significantly higher in patients with the MI onset during the morning. The circadian pattern was significantly different in patients with or without SAS: those with SAS presented an important peak of MI onset during the period between 06.00 and 11.59 h. None of them had their MI during the period between 24.00 and 05.59 h. This different nyctohemeral pattern underlines the potential role of sleep breathing disorders as a trigger of MI.

During a coordinated campaign devoted to wave-turbulence interactions, measurements with the high vertical resolution PROUST radar and radiosounding have been performed in an upper level potential vorticity anomaly. This campaign took place during September 1996 at St Santin, France, (44° 39′N, 2° 12′E), where the radar is located. Radiosonde data reveal, along the eastern part of the nomaly, the presence of a saturated wave field, while the radar observes turbulent activity in regions of wave-induced windshears. Characteristic parameters of the a saturation mechanism determined by the radar and radiosondes are in generally good agreement with the saturation onset conditions provided by linear saturation theory. The predicted relationship between vertical wavelength, period and energy dissipation rate proposed by the saturated-cascade theory is also assessed, although the proportionality factor is smaller than foreseen. When approaching the jetstream region, modulation by the wave field of the background windshear gives rise to Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities whose convective billows are observed by the radar.

Introduction La pericardite chronique constrictive (PCC) correspond a une perte d’elasticite du pericarde. Elle se manifeste par des signes d’insuffisance ventriculaire droite mais parfois seulement par des pleuresies recidivantes. Son diagnostic reste difficile pour le clinicien et la mortalite est importante en l’absence de pericardectomie. Nous rapportons 3 cas de pericardite chronique constrictive. Observation M. B., 39 ans, presentait une pericardite aigue dans les suites d’une bronchite avec a l’echocardiographie un etat de pre-tamponnade. Le bilan etiologique s’averait negatif et un traitement par antibiotique et AINS etait entrepris, apres ponction d’un liquide hemorragique exsudatif et lymphocytaire. Apres un nouvel episode de bronchite, le patient consultait pour anasarque. L’echocardiographie revelait une alteration de la fonction ventriculaire gauche avec un epanchement circonferentiel de 1 cm. Malgre un traitement par diuretiques et dopamine, il persistait une dysfonction ventriculaire gauche avec hypokinesie du ventricule gauche, akinesie apicale par compression, septum paradoxal et une pericarde hyperechogene. Le catheterisme cardiaque (KTC) ne montrait pas d’argument en faveur d’une constriction. Le patient beneficie d’une pericardectomie avec confirmation d’un pericarde epaissi et fibreux sans etiologie identifiee. M. B., 23 ans, suivi pour un lupus cutaneo-articulaire traite par hydroxychloroquine, est hospitalise pour une douleur thoracique retrosternale febrile avec frottement pericardique et un syndrome inflammatoire. Une cause pulmonaire (radiographie thoracique et scintigraphie de ventilation perfusion) est ecartee initialement. Le patient recidive et l’echocardiographie montrait un epanchement pericardique circonferentiel avec compression de l’oreillette droite. La radiographie pulmonaire montrait des epanchements pleuraux bilateraux serosanglants transsudatifs. Devant l’hypothese d’une pericardite lupique une corticotherapie est debutee. Lors de la decroissance, les signes cliniques et echocardiographiques de constriction reapparaissent. Lors de la thoracoscopie diagnostique, le patient presentait un etat de choc hemodynamique persistant malgre l’instauration d’amines vasopressives. Un KTC montrait de PCC. Une pericardectomie avec decortication anterieure etendue est realisee permettant une amelioration de l’etat du patient avec cependant la persistance d’epanchements pleuraux. En dessous de 20 mg/j de prednisone, les epanchements pleuraux se majorent motivant l’ajout d’azathioprine. Un mois plus tard, le patient rapporte toujours des signes droits et des signes echographiques de constriction. Une nouvelle pericardectomie avec ablation du pericarde parietal residuel et de l’ensemble du pericarde visceral est decidee ameliorant definitivement l’etat du patient. M. C., 77 ans, coronarien traite par angioplastie, est hospitalise pour anasarque et pleuresie droite transsudative recidivante depuis 6 mois. Les examens complementaires eliminent une cause hepatique, renale, digestive, infectieuse et neoplasique. Une pericardite chronique est suspectee devant un epaississement du pericarde sur le scanner thoracique. L’echocardiographie ne montrait pas d’anomalie pericardique. Le (KTC) droit montrait pas signe franc une constriction. La thorascopie avec biopsie pleurale montre un pachypleurite sans inflammation ou tumeur. L’etat du patient s’aggrave et il decede dans un contexte d’insuffisance cardiaque globale. L’autopsie a mis en evidence une PCC avec pericarde epaissi a 1 cm engainant tout le cœur. Conclusion Le diagnostic de PCC reste un challenge pour le clinicien [1] . L’echocardiographie peut etre mise en echec et reste limitee par son caractere operateur dependant et l’echogenicite du patient [2] . Le scanner et l’IRM cardiaque peuvent etre une aide mais l’epaississement pericardique est absent dans 18 % des cas [1] . Dans ce cas un KTC doit etre envisage et revele typiquement une adiastolie et un aspect de dip-plateau. Cependant cet examen, operateur dependant, peut etre mise a defaut comme pour les patients 1 et 3. Enfin, la confirmation diagnostique se fera par l’analyse histologique des biopsies pericardiques. Les patients 1 et 2 ont presente initialement un tableau de pericardite avant d’evoluer vers une PCC, ce qui a permis une prise en charge rapide. Pour le dernier patient, un tableau de pleuresie recidivante d’evolution insidieuse explique le retard diagnostique qui lui a ete fatal. Bien que le diagnostic ait ete evoque ulterieurement, l’engainement pericardique majeure ne permettait plus la pericardectomie qui reste le seul traitement efficace permettant un bon pronostic a long terme [3] .

The combination of x-ray specular reflectivity (XRSR) with spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements constitutes a new and useful tool for the characterization of thin films. We illustrate this statement with measurements made on CeO2/yttria-stabilized-zirconia (YSZ) bilayers deposited onto silicon substrates, CeO2 being on top of YSZ. CeO2/YSZ buffer layers are notably appropriate for the epitaxial growth of high temperature superconducting films or all sorts of oxide films on Si substrates. XRSR was used to measure the thickness of each layer of CeO2/YSZ bilayers deposited on silicon. The results showed remarkably well defined and numerous oscillations, thus revealing low interface and surface roughness. Using a modeling and fitting process with the measured data, we extracted an interface roughness between YSZ and CeO2 in the range of 0.2–0.5 nm and a CeO2 surface roughness of 1.9 nm (root mean square values). Moreover the simulation curve fitted very well if a thin amorphous SiO2 layer was assumed to li...

Sol–gel silicon dioxide films have received a great deal of attention due to their numerous advantages, such as the low cost of the process and the possibility of incorporating rare earth elements in the layer. Film preparation is based on two fundamental steps, the gel deposition and a heat treatment that results in network densification together with the removal of water, solvent and organic residues. Since the optical properties are strongly influenced by the water content of the film, accurate control of this parameter is necessary. In the case of thin films, the poor sensitivity of classical FTIR spectrophotometry may be overcome by using the attenuated total reflection configuration combined with spectroscopic guided wave absorption, SIMS and infrared spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements. In this work, the water content in a 300-nm thick sol–gel silica film deposited on silicon is investigated by optical techniques after heat treatment. With the SIMS results as reference, it is shown that the most sensitive non-destructive technique is infrared spectroscopic ellipsometry. Indeed, while FTIR absorption analysis indicates that the heat treatment is effective, the ellipsometry still detects residual water in the film.

It is demonstrated that the use of X-ray specular reflectivity (XRSR) to measure the geometrical thickness of thin layers allows one to overcome the thickness-optical property correlation in ellipsometry. In addition, a quasi-achromatic compensator is fitted to a rotating polarizer ellipsometer allowing the measurement of cos Δ with an accuracy better than 10 −4 for values close to one, over the entire 0.25–1.7-μm spectral range. This set up is applied to the study of transparent materials such as Ion Beam Sputtering (IBS) of thin SiO 2 layers deposited on silica glass substrates. Thus, a transition layer at the top surface of the substrate has been detected through the cos Δ measurements. Ellipsometric results are in very good agreement with those obtained by photogoniometry. The knowledge of the optical properties of IBS SiO 2 leads to a complete understanding of the ellipsometric response of a TiO 2 /SiO 2 mirror.

et une reconstruction primaire realisee de maniere sure comme cela est detaille dans la revue d’Hermes Grillo [1]. Les limites generales d’une resection tracheale possible sont environ la moitie de la longueur tracheale chez l’adulte et un tiers de la longueur chez le petit enfant. Les limites varient largement en fonction de l’âge, le type de corps humain, de l’anatomie locale, de la pathologie en cause et d’un traitement anterieur. L’utilite d’un substitut tracheal est de permettre l’exerese de quelques rares tumeurs etendues, essentiellement : les carcinomes adenoides kystiques ou des tumeurs primitives tracheales. Frequemment, ces patients sont pris en charge de maniere palliative avec une irradiation, un stent silicone, voire un tube de Montgomery. Une methode sure et reproductible de remplacement tracheal serait utile pour ces quelques patients. Nous proposons une solution originale : c’est-a-dire l’utilisation d’une auto ou allogreffe aortique. Pour etayer cette strategie clinique, les premieres etudes ont ete conduites au cours d’une experimentation animale. En suivant le succes chez l’animal, nous avons rapporte la premiere experience d’un long remplacement tracheal avec une autogreffe aortique chez un patient.

The Doege-Potter syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome, first described by Doege and Potter in 1930, that usually involves solid fibrous pleural tumours. Hypoglycaemia is a rare complication of these tumours, due to secretion of insulin-like growth factors, and it can be the presenting symptom. The incidence of malignancy is low, about 12-15 %.An 81-year-old Caucasian man, operated on 20 years previously for a benign pleural fibroma, presented with several episodes of loss of consciousness due to profound hypoglycaemia and a history of increasing dyspnea. The chest X-ray revealed an intrathoracic mass. Following excision histological examination confirmed recurrence with malignant transformation to a high-grade sarcoma.The Doege-Potter syndrome is a rare condition but it should be suspected in episodes of hypoglycaemia associated with a history of dyspnea. These patients should be followed up postoperatively because of the risk of tumour recurrence.

Background: A procedure to achieve symmetry is required in almost 50% of the cases of breast reconstruction and provides an opportunity to explore the second breast and eventually to remove any area which is suspect. The various techniques available for the symmetry procedure should be discussed according to the breast exploration required. This study analyzes the different types of reduction mammaplasty (RM) techniques, the histology and localization of contralateral tumors which allow the plastic surgeon to diagnose occult breast cancer more accurately.Method: From 1978 to 1993, 1814 patients with breast cancer underwent a mastectomy with breast reconstruction at the Gustave-Roussy Institute. A contralateral RM to achieve symmetry was performed in 440 patients.Results: Twenty (4.5%) clinically and radiologically occult breast cancers were found among the contralateral RM specimens. The relationship between the type of RM technique and incidence of occult breast cancer was not significant: 16 cases of occult breast carcinomas in 305 RM with supra-areolar pedicle and four cases from 135 RM with infra-areolar pedicle (Fisher exactp=0.21).Conclusion: Close collaboration between plastic surgeon and oncologist is required while performing a breast reconstruction in order to take advantage of the surgery of the second breast to explore the gland and to remove occult carcinomas in approximately 5% of cases. The choice of RM procedure depends usually on the shape of the breast and often the personal preference of the surgeon but this should also be planned according to the glandular area to be explored. There results underline the absolute necessity of histological examination of all the specimens removed in all kinds of breast reduction also when it is performed for purely aesthetic reasons.

The capability of Stratosphere-Troposphere radars for estimating the energy dissipation rate ϵ and eddy diffusivity Kz is still strongly questioned because the methods proposed in the literature generally make use of assumptions not yet fully justified. In order to clarify this point, two assessment campaigns, using the high-resolution UHF PROUST radar, have been performed. Results obtained with both “width” and “power” methods are systematically compared with a statistical approach proposed by Dewan [1979] and Woodman and Rastogi [1984], using the thickness and lifetime of the turbulent layers. The ϵ and Kz derived from these three methods in observed turbulent fields near the tropopause level are found to be reasonably similar for turbulent layers whose thickness LT is smaller than 300 m. For the thicker turbulent patches (LT>300 m), the statistical approach using turbulent thickness tends to give eddy diffusivity values greater than those obtained with width and power methods. This discrepancy could be due to the nonhomogeneity of the turbulence in these large turbulent structures.

The growth rate, composition, electrical resistivity, mass density, refractive index and microstructure of amorphous carbon (a-C) films prepared by direct current (d.c.) magnetron sputtering were investigated as functions of the substrate temperature (50–350°C). The hydrogen content determined by elastic recoil detection analysis (ERDA) and the electrical resistivity of films were found to be dependent on both the base pressure in the deposition chamber and substrate temperature. For films deposited below 200°C, the hydrogen content was less than 2 at.% and the substrate temperature was the only parameter which affected their electrical resistivity. The electrical resistivity decreased from 0.2 to 0.03 Ωcm as the substrate temperature increased from 50 to 200°C. The mass density of films evaluated from Rutherford backscattering (RBS) data and film thickness decreased from 2.2 to 1.4 g cm−3 with increasing substrate temperature. A linear relationship between the refractive index and the mass density of a-C films was clearly established. From the optical measurements, the decrease in mass density was correlated to an increase in porosity of films with increasing substrate temperature. The decrease in electrical resistivity with increasing substrate temperature was attributed to a graphitization of a-C films. This modification of the microstructure of a-C films as the deposition temperature was varied from 50 to 350°C was observed by examination of the cross-section of samples by transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopic analyses of a-C films.

An observation by UHF ST radar of a subsidence pattern on the right side of the exit region of a jet streak is reported. The onset of the subsidence pattern occurred at 23:30 UTC on the 29 November 1991, when a downward motion was initiated above 14 km. The injections of stratospheric air in this region seem to have an intermittent nature; they occur during at least three intervals during the lifetime of the subsidence pattern. Comparison of these results with an ECMWF analysis suggests that it is an unfolding case. However, observation of turbulent intensities w' greater than 60 cm s–1 at the tropopause level also suggests the existence of a turbulent flux between the stratosphere and the troposphere. From the turbulence characteristics measured by the radar and the potential temperature profile obtained by radiosonde data, the eddy diffusivity at the tropopause level has been calculated. An eddy diffusion coefficient ranging between 5 and 7 m2 s–1 is found. From these values, and with the assumption of a climatological gradient of the volume mixing ratio of ozone in the lower stratosphere, it is possible to deduce a rough estimate of the amount of ozone injected from the stratosphere into the troposphere during this event. A rate of transfer of 1.5×1020 molecules of ozone per day and per square meter is found.