Search

National audience; Faut-il faire du droit animalier une discipline à part entière ? Ce qui pourrait être considéré comme un pan du droit environnemental est sur le point aujourd’hui de voler de ses propres ailes, poussé par des sociétés de plus en plus enclines à considérer les animaux dignes de justice. Retracer l’histoire de ce droit animalier, qui régit l’encadrement des animaux tant pour s’en prémunir que pour les protéger, c’est glisser de l’anthropocentrisme à l’urgence contemporaine de la préservation de la biodiversité, de l’« animal-machine » de Descartes aux « êtres vivants doués de sensibilité » de la loi française du 16 février 2015. Cette prise en compte croissante dans la sphère juridique d’un « droit des animaux » théorique implique aujourd’hui la nécessité de repenser un rapport des hommes aux animaux non plus fondé sur l’hostilité et la méfiance, mais sur la prévention et la protection des uns et des autres. Devant la révolution que la soudaine mise en lumière du droit animalier a instaurée ces dernières années, cet ouvrage fait le point sur l’état de ce nouveau droit à travers les sources et les décisions de justice, et plaide pour la reconnaissance d’une discipline qui affecte déjà tous les autres pans du droit.

Resume Les etudes gitologiques comparees de deux placers francais a silice ultrapure pour l'electrometallurgie du silicium et du ferro-silicium de classe europeenne, les gisements de Boudeau en Dordogne et de Thedirac dans le Lot, montrent une forte similitude en ce qui concerne les sources potentielles et le mode de transport des galets de quartz, tandis qu'un meme processus de karstification sous couverture comme facteur determinant dans la formation des gisements est observe. La principale difference reside dans le nombre d'etapes necessaires a la constitution du piege. Cette etude comparative a permis la constitution de modeles dynamiques pour la genese de ces concentrations economiques. Pour citer cet article : L. Desindes et al., C. R. Geoscience 337 (2005).

The Sando Alcalde ore deposit (southwestern Peru) has been studied in order to characterize the physicochemical parameters of the ore fluids and to determine the fluid process (mixing or boiling) which involves the precious metal mineralization. Mineralogy, δ18Oquartz isotopic values and fluid inclusion data give arguments in favour of a boiling phenomenon. This conclusion corroborates fluid inclusion studies previously performed in this area on the low-sulphidation epithermal deposits of Arcata, Orcopampa and Apacheta, where boiling has been described as the main factor for ore deposition. To cite this article: A.-S. Andre-Mayer et al., C. R. Geoscience 337 (2005).

We report here the transformation of aldehydes to their (Z)-α-fluoro-α,β-unsaturated aldehyde homologs by condensation with the phosphonium salt of the Meyer’s oxazine obtained from bromofluoroacetonitrile. After methylation with trimethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate the quaternized oxazine is cleanly reduced to mostly Z 2-fluoro-2-alkenals by sodium borohydride at room temperature. This methodology is compatible with usual protecting groups and affords an efficient access to functionalized mostly Z 2-fluoro-2-alkenals derived from natural products and their corresponding (Z)-2-fluoro-2-alkenols.

An efficient synthesis of 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-iodo-benzaldehyde ( 1 ) is presented. This new compound was readily obtained via iodination at low temperature of the lithio derivative of 2-(2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-phenyl)-[1,3]dioxolane ( 4 ). The crystal structure of 1 consists of linear polymeric chains, with non-covalent O⋯I bonding as the directing interaction, responsible for the observed assembly. Aldehyde 1 is further employed in the synthesis of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin ( 6 ), a potential precursor of supramolecular assemblies.

The Rosia Poieni deposit is the largest porphyry copper deposit in the Apuseni Mountains, Romania. Hydrothermal alteration and mineralization are related to the Middle Miocene emplacement of a subvolcanic body, the Fundoaia microdiorite. Zonation of the alteration associated with the porphyry copper deposit is recognized from the deep and central part of the porphyritic intrusion towards shallower and outer portions. Four alteration types have been distinguished: potassic, phyllic, advanced argillic, and propylitic. Potassic alteration affects mainly the Fundoaia subvolcanic body. The andesitic host rocks are altered only in the immediate contact zone with the Fundoaia intrusion. Mg-biotite and K-feldspar are the main alteration minerals of the potassic assemblage, accompanied by ubiquitous quartz; chlorite, and anhydrite are also present. Magnetite, pyrite, chalcopyrite and minor bornite, are associated with this alteration. Phyllic alteration has overprinted the margin of the potassic zone, and formed peripheral to it. It is characterized by the replacement of almost all early minerals by abundant quartz, phengite, illite, variable amounts of illite-smectite mixed-layer minerals, minor smectite, and kaolinite. Pyrite is abundant and represents the main sulfide in this alteration zone. Advanced argillic alteration affects the upper part of the volcanic structure. The mineral assemblage comprises alunite, kaolinite, dickite, pyrophyllite, diaspore, aluminium-phosphate-sulphate minerals (woodhouseite-svanbergite series), zunyite, minamyite, pyrite, and enargite (luzonite). Alunite forms well-developed crystals. Veins with enargite (luzonite) and pyrite in a gangue of quartz, pyrophyllite and diaspore, are present within and around the subvolcanic intrusion. This alteration type is partially controlled by fractures. A zonal distribution of alteration minerals is observed from the centre of fractures outwards with: (1) vuggy quartz; (2) quartz + alunite; (3) quartz + kaolinite ± alunite and, in the deeper part of the argillic zone, quartz + pyrophyllite + diaspore; (4) illite + illite-smectite mixed-layer minerals ± kaolinite ± alunite, and e) chlorite + albite + epidote. Propylitic alteration is present distal to all other alteration types and consists of chlorite, epidote, albite, and carbonates. Mineral parageneses, mineral stability fields, and alteration mineral geothermometers indicate that the different alteration assemblages are the result of changes in both fluid composition and temperature of the system. The alteration minerals reflect cooling of the hydrothermal system from >400 °C (biotite), to 300–200 °C (chlorite and illite in veinlets) and to lower temperatures of kaolinite, illite-smectite mixed layers, and smectite crystallization. Hydrothermal alteration started with an extensive potassic zone in the central part of the system that passed laterally to the propylitic zone. It was followed by phyllic overprint of the early-altered rocks. Nearly barren advanced argillic alteration subsequently superimposed the upper levels of the porphyry copper alteration zones. The close spatial association between porphyry mineralization and advanced argillic alteration suggests that they are genetically part of the same magmatic-hydrothermal system that includes a porphyry intrusion at depth and an epithermal environment of the advanced argillic type near the surface.

The Bolcana ore deposit (Metaliferi Mountains, western Romania) is a porphyry ore deposit with associated epithermal veins. On the basis of different parageneses, four alteration types were distinguished: potassic, phyllic, argillic and propylitic. The mineralogical and geochemical data and estimated crystallisation temperatures of alteration minerals indicate an evolution of the system from an early period of porphyry type mineralisation (Cu+Au) to a late period of low-sulphidation epithermal mineralisation (Au+base metal). To cite this article: V. Milu et al., C. R. Geoscience 335 (2003).

We chose one silicic center (Danesti dacitic dome) to characterize the magmas associated with hydrothermal ore-formingsystems before fluid extraction from the melt and hydrothermal alteration, in the major gold/polymetallic Baia Mare province (Romania). Interpretation of melt inclusion data indicates that the dacites were derived from potassium-enriched, metaluminous magmas. We suggest that the aluminous character of the residual melt (trapped as melt inclusions) may play a role in the oreforming processes, as the chemistry of these melts controls the composition of evolving magmatic-hydrothermal fluid. The study of the geochemical features of silicate melt inclusions and the determination of their water contents using the recently developed Raman spectroscopy method, also reveals that the decompression was the dominant driving force for the crystallization at this silicic center.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and outcome results of noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) in daily clinical practice outside any prospective protocol-driven trial. Design An observational retrospective cohort study. Setting A 22-bed medical intensive care unit in a university hospital. Patients A consecutive cohort of 124 patients who underwent 143 NIV trials, regardless of the indication, over two consecutive years (1997–1998). Interventions None. Results A total of 604 acute respiratory failure patients underwent mechanical ventilation, and 143 NIVs were performed in 124 patients. The overall prevalence of NIV use was 143 of 604 patients (24%) in three groups: hypoxemic acute respiratory failure (29.5%), hypercapnic acute respiratory failure (41%), and weaning/postextubation (29.5%). Intubation was avoided in 92 of 143 of the NIVs performed (64%), 19 (13%) after changing the initial NIV mode (i.e., a success rate of 62%, 51%, and 86% in the three groups, respectively). A total of 35 of 51 intubated patients (69%) required intubation during the first 24 hrs of NIV. Intensive care unit stay was 12 ± 10 days for the overall population, and mortality, when NIV failed, was 13 of 124 patients (10.5%). Arterial pH (p = .0527) and the Pao2/Fio2 ratio (p = .0482) after 1 hr were the only independent predictive factors for NIV failure by multivariate analysis. Conclusions This study confirms the results of controlled trials and demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of NIV applied in daily clinical practice. These results suggest that NIV should be considered as a first-line ventilatory treatment in various etiologies of acute respiratory failure and as a promising weaning technique and postextubation ventilatory support. However, NIV should certainly be performed by a motivated and sufficiently trained care team.

Despite the close association with volcanic activity, the source of metals and ligands in the epithermal ore deposits is still controversial. In order to explore the magmatic–hydrothermal connection further, silicate melt, saline- and water-rich fluids, and CO2 vapours are documented that are trapped as inclusions in quartz phenocrysts from dacitic dykes associated with epithermal gold/base metal mineralization in the Shila district (Peru). Melt inclusion characteristics, and microthermometric and laser Raman fluid inclusion data are presented. The investigation of melt and fluid inclusions reveals that the volatile phase of magmas might represent the precursors to the early chlorine-rich ore-forming epithermal solutions. Microthermometric investigations in magmatic quartz crystals and data on quartz mineralized veins suggest that the fluid evolution and ore deposition may be the result of several processes including: release of an evolving magmatic fluid, and/or boiling, and/or mixing.

Careful analysis of fully and partially β-fluorinated dicationic porphyrins have been performed suggesting an electronic influence of the β-fluorine atoms on the extent of the macrocycle deformation, in agreement with the crystal structure of β-octafluoro- meso -tetraphenylporphyrin dication.

The synthesis of partially β-fluorinated meso -tetraphenylporphyrins using Lindsey conditions, has been examined, starting either from 3,4-difluoro-1 H -pyrrole or from 3-fluoro-1 H -pyrrole. In the case of the first synthon, condensation with pyrrole and benzaldehyde afforded a mixture of porphyrins of general formula β-F n TPP ( n =0,2,4,6,8) displaying linearly correlated spectroscopic and electrochemical properties. With the second synthon, condensation with benzaldehyde produced an unresolvable mixture of β-tetrafluoroporphyrins presenting spectroscopic and electrochemical properties in coherence with those observed in the first case. Preliminarily, the synthesis and isolation of the hitherto unknown 3-fluoro-1 H -pyrrole has been approached via several methods.

The Baia Mare district (Romania) represents a complex segment of the Neogene/Quaternary, subduction-related, volcanic chain of the Carpathians. In this province, the calc-alkaline volcanism and associated mineralization are closely related to a major strike-slip fault and an underlying pluton. The ore deposits of the district have many features typical of low-sulfidation (or adularia-sericite) epithermal deposits. The combination of fluid-inclusion microthermometry, Raman spectroscopy, bulk crush-leach analysis, laser ablation-optical emission spectrometry (LA-OES) of individual fluid inclusions and stable isotope data has been used to characterize the ore-forming solutions involved with gold/polymetallic mineralization in three of the largest deposits. Ore fluids at Baia Sprie, Cavnic and Sasar deposits had temperatures of 320 to 150 °C and salinities in the range 0–21 wt% NaCl equiv. During phreatomagmatic activity, fracturing and periods of vein dilation, the pressure fluctuations may have caused boiling. The hydrothermal fluids were Na–K–Li–Ca chloride solutions with lesser amounts of SO4 and F. The Na/K ratios and the stable isotope compositions are consistent with equilibration of the fluids with country rocks at progressively lower temperatures. The halogen ratios (Br/Cl×103 in the range 0.13–1.21), together with sulfur isotopic systematics (δ34S=0.3–5.2 per mil), are consistent with a dominantly magmatic origin of the solutes, and probably of the ore fluids themselves.

Jacques Leroy, The Place of the Injured Party in the Revolutionary System. What were, during the Revolution, the rights of victims of crimes in the penal system ? The analysis of the relevant legislation permits two observations. First, from the time of the Constituent Assembly, the victim could become an accuser. The revolutionaries rediscovered the virtues of private accusation, and it would take them 10 years to eliminate it in favor of public accusation. One may note that the Old Regime had already arrived at the same conclusion in the Criminal Ordinance of 1670. Second, the Convention inscribes clearly for the first time the definitions of public and civil lawsu its in the 1795 Code of Penalties and Punishments, thereby definitively fixing the claims of injured parties in the repressive process. Whatever the procedural prerogatives at their disposal, victims could only use them for reparatory ends. In this respect, the 1670 Ordinance had already taken the first step. Legislation passed in the wake of the Revolution would confirm the separation of the functions of prosecution and restitution., Quelles ont été, durant la Révolution, les prérogatives des victimes d'infractions dans le procès pénal ? L'analyse de la législation alors applicable permet deux observations : d'abord, dès la Constituante, la victime peut devenir un accusateur. Les révolutionnaires redécouvrent les vertus de l'accusation privée qu'ils mettront dix ans à éliminer au profit de l'accusation publique. On peut remarquer que l'Ancien Régime était déjà parvenu au même résultat dans l'Ordonnance criminelle de 1670. Ensuite, la Convention inscrit clairement, et pour la première fois, en 1795 dans le Code des délits et des peines les définitions des actions publique et civile, ce qui fixe définitivement l'objet de la demande des parties lésées dans le procès répressif. Quelles que soient les prérogatives procédurales dont elle dispose, la victime ne doit les utiliser qu'à fins réparatrices. À cet égard, l'Ordonnance de 1670 avait déjà fait le premier pas. L'œuvre législative postérieure à la Révolution confirmera la séparation des fonctions de poursuite et de réparation., Leroy Jacques. La place de la partie lésée dans le procès pénal révolutionnaire. In: Annales historiques de la Révolution française, n°328, 2002. pp. 105-119.

A strategy for the elaboration of a halogen-bonded porphyrin network is reported. The progressive introduction of geometric constraints via the modulation of building blocks and self-assembly via strong and directional halogen bonding led successfully to the construction of an open porphyrin network with nano-sized tubular channels.

Characterization of the genetic relations between magma suites and associated gold/base metal hydrothermal deposits is imperative to our understanding of the role of magmas in the mineralization process. Melt inclusions trapped in igneous phenocrysts were used to characterize calc–alkaline magmas associated with Valea Morii porphyry–copper deposit, Romania. A comparative study of mineralized intrusion versus barren intrusion reveals parameters that may influence the magmatic–hydrothermal connection. The present results emphasize the importance of the chemistry of residual melts (trapped in magmatic inclusions) rather than bulk magma compositions (derived from whole rock analysis) in determining the metal concentration in released magmatic fluid.

The Valea Morii Cu–Au ore deposit (Apuseni mountains, Romania) is characterised by a spatial association of a porphyry copper (Cu±Au) with a low-sulfidation epithermal deposit (Au). Microthermometric and sulphur isotopic data, obtained on both porphyry and epithermal veins, express a telescoping between these two types of mineralization, which can be explained either by an erosion phenomenon during the hydrothermal activity or by a collapse of the upper part of the hydrothermal system.

In 1999, two new cases of type E botulism were observed in French hospitals. Since this type of botulism is uncommon in France, the cases prompted a national epidemiological study. Sixteen cases of type E botulism, including the two cases reported here, occurred between 1952 and 1999. The clinical and treatment characteristics of all cases were evaluated, and the results suggest that, despite its rarity, type E botulism should be considered by clinicians in France. Changes in the eating habits of people in France, as in the rest of Europe, with the increased consumption of vacuum-packed fish from endemic areas and decreased consumption of local foodstuffs, could explain the occurrence of the most recent cases.

The electrochemical synthesis of tetraarylporphyrins has been reinvestigated. Whereas the direct electrolysis of a mixture of benzaldehyde and pyrrole gave only a 1% yield of tetraphenylporphyrin (A. Stanienda, Z. Naturforschg. 22b (1967) 1107), the electrochemical oxidation for 2 h of preformed porphyrinogens, obtained under the Lindsey conditions, can be successfully performed using catalytic amount of quinone as mediator. Furthermore, when condensation involves 3,4-difluoropyrrole, the electrolysis, at 1.2–1.45 V versus ECS, can be realized without any mediator, owing to the good electrochemical stability of the compound. The porphyrins yields (21–41%) depend on the nature of the aldehyde (benzaldehyde, pentafluorobenzaldehyde) and of the pyrrole (pyrrole, 3-fluoropyrrole, 3,4-difluoropyrrole). They are slightly smaller in the case of a redox catalysis and a little larger for the direct electrolysis. An improvement of the purification step was obtained by decreasing the quantity of quinone and performing the chromatography of the dication porphyrins.

The chemical shifts of fluorine in difluorovinyl deuteroporphyrin iron complexes were shown to be very sensitive to the spin state of the metal and the nature of the ligand(s). Reconstituted myoglobin was used as a model heme protein with an exchangeable heme. Large variations in the fluorine chemical shifts in both the ferric and ferrous states were observed. This strong sensitivity to the nature of the metal ligand and the structural resemblance to natural hemin make this fluorinated porphyrin a good probe for the study of heme proteins. The large variations of chemical shifts depending on the oxidation state also permitted the measurement of the electron self-exchange rate constants of bis(1-methylimidazole)iron complexes in various solvents by analysis of line broadening of the 19F NMR signals. The experimental rate constants were strongly affected by the nature of the solvent, varying from 3.9 × 107 to 24.1 × 108 mol l−1 s−1 for DMSO-d6 and acetone-d6, respectively. The solvent parameters were used to estimate the outer-sphere reorganization energies. The experimental rate constants in chloroform and in DMSO are in good agreement with these calculated outer-sphere reorganization energies. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The synthesis and characterization of manganese complexes of β-octafluoro-meso-tetraarylporphyrins are reported. The presence of the electron-withdrawing β-fluorine atoms induces a very large shift of the redox potential for the oxidation of the manganese(II) derivatives. With the meso-aryl group bearing two ortho-chlorine atoms (2,6-dichlorophenyl) or five fluorine atoms (pentafluorophenyl), metal complexation leads to the isolation of pure manganese(II) compounds. The stability and catalytic activity of these new derivatives have been studied using hydrogen peroxide and iodosylbenzene as oxidants, and standard substrates for epoxidation and hydroxylation reactions. The results are compared to those obtained with the β-hydrogenated analogs under the same conditions. In the case of hydrogen peroxide, the high level of porphyrin degradation prevents efficient catalytic activity. With iodosylbenzene as oxidant, both stability and epoxidation are similar to those of the β-hydrogenated porphyrins, however, a substantial improvement in the efficiency of the hydroxylation of cyclohexane is observed with up to 33 turnovers with (perfluorotetraphenylporphyrin)manganese(II).

The different fluid percolations in the granitic complex of Saint-Sylvestre (Northwest French Massif Central) at the end of the Hercynian orogeny is relatively well described in the mining area, but their extension is unknown at the scale of the whole massif. Microthermometric and microstructural studies, outside any mineralized zone, show that different fluids circulated among three sets of microfissures: i) aqueous-carbonic fluids (N40 °E and N150 °E), ii) aqueous vapours and liquids (east-west) similar to those considered as linked to the granite episyenitisation, and iii) low temperature aqueous fluids (east-west). The first event is characterized by high temperatures at rather low pressures, indicating a high geothermal gradient (80–90 °C·km−1) similar to those observed in the proximity of intrusions in the present-day geothermal field. It confirms the close space-time relationships between the migration of these aqueous-carbonic fluids and the Late Hercynian granites intruding the Saint-Sylvestre massif some kilometers southwards. Other fluid events, attesting a cooling of more than 200 °C after the previous fluid stages, seem to be related to the incoming of meteoric fluids in the system, followed by local fluid immiscibility and cooling. These processes are common features of geothermal areas.

OBJECTIVE To investigate, in restrictive patients, the influence of pressure ramp slope values on the efficacy of pressure support ventilation. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING A university hospital medical intensive care unit. PATIENTS Twelve intubated restrictive patients. INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomly assigned to four sequences in which the values of the slope of the pressure ramp increase were modulated so that the plateau pressure was reached within a predetermined time: 0.1, 0.50, 1, or 1.50 secs. The more rapidly the pressure plateau was achieved, the higher was the initial flow rate. For convenience, these four different ventilatory settings were termed T 0.1, T 0.5, T 1, and T 1.5. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS We measured the following parameters 10 mins after application of each pressure ramp slope: inspiratory work of breathing, breathing pattern, and intrinsic PEEP (PEEPi). Work of breathing was evaluated using Campbell's diagram, and expressed as a percentage of the values observed under spontaneous ventilation. A marked interindividual variation of the values for work of breathing was observed under spontaneous ventilation; the mean value for work of breathing was 1.97 +/- 0.82 joule/L, with a range of 1.22 to 4.10 joule/L. Comparison between the means for each sequence and each variable measured was performed by two-way analysis of variance with internal comparisons between sequences by Duncan's test. Between the first (T 0.1) and the last (T 1.5) sequence, the reduction of values of the pressure ramp slope induced a progressive increase in the values for work of breathing, regardless of the mode of expression (in joule, joule/L, or joule/min). The values for work of breathing (joule/ L), expressed as a percentage of the values observed under spontaneous ventilation, increased from 44.2 +/- 14.4% to 78.3 +/- 17.8% (p < .001). In contrast, the reduction of the pressure ramp slope values and initial flow rate did not induce any significant change in tidal volume, respiratory frequency, and PEEPi. CONCLUSION Among the four tested slope values, the steepest was that which induced the lowest possible work of breathing in restrictive patients ventilated by pressure support ventilation. In this type of patient, we therefore suggest that the programmed pressure value should be reached by using a steep pressure ramp slope.

The Pongkor gold-silver epithermal deposit with reserves of at least 98 tonnes of gold and 1026 tonnes of silver, average grades 16.4 g/t Au and 171.2 g/t Ag is one of the most recent and largest gold and silver discoveries in Indonesia, proven within a short period (1988–1991). 40Ar/39Ar dating on adularia samples give an age of 2.05 ± 0.05 Ma. The deposit is of the low-sulfidation epithermal type and consists of four main mineralized quartz veins located close to the internal rim of a volcano-tectonic depression (caldera). This resulted from an explosive ignimbritic eruption that produced pyroclastic flows and accretionary lapilli with rare intercalations of epiclastic rocks. This volcanic unit unconformably overlies Miocene subaqueous volcanic andesitic rocks with interbedded epiclastic rocks. The mineralized bodies are thick (average 4.2 m), steeply dipping, quartz-carbonate-adularia veins with a very low sulfide content (

The Au-Cu-Zn-Sb epithermal mineralisations of the Baia Mare district (north Romania) and their Mio-Pliocene calc-alkaline volcanic host rocks are linked to the presence, at depth, of the Baia Mare batholith, recognised by geophysical and field studies. The salinity and temperature evolution of fluid inclusions from Baia Sprie and Sasar deposits are interpreted as being linked to the thermal evolution of the underlying laccolith. The global evolution, however, shows many irregularities related to brittle tectonic activity and phreatomagmatism during mineral deposition.

2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-Octafluoro-5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin has been prepared from 3,4-difluoropyrrole and benzaldehyde under Lindsey conditions. An X-ray crystal structure study of its ZnII complex has shown that the macrocycle core is nonplanar, a result in apparent contradiction with a blue-shifted UV/Vis spectrum. The results reported here demonstrate that a wide range of β-octafluoro-meso-arylated porphyrins, a new class of highly electron-deficient ligands, are potentially accessible from 3,4-difluoropyrrole, thus opening the door to, inter alia, efficient and robust oxidation catalysts.

We report here the transformation of aldehydes to their (Z)-α-fluoro-α,β-unsaturated aldehyde homologs by condensation with the phosphonium salt of the Meyer’s oxazine obtained from bromofluoroacetonitrile. After methylation with trimethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate the quaternized oxazine is cleanly reduced to mostly Z 2-fluoro-2-alkenals by sodium borohydride at room temperature. This methodology is compatible with usual protecting groups and affords an efficient access to functionalized mostly Z 2-fluoro-2-alkenals derived from natural products and their corresponding (Z)-2-fluoro-2-alkenols.

To investigate whether the level of initial flow rate alters the work of breathing in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients ventilated in pressure support ventilation (PSV). Prospective study. Medical ICU in University hospital. Eleven intubated COPD patients. We modulated the initial flow rate in order to achieve seven different sequences. In each sequence, the plateau pressure was reached within a predetermined time: 0.1, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1, 1.25 or 1.50 s. The more rapidly the pressure plateau was achieved, the higher was the initial flow rate. In each patient, the pressure support level was an invariable parameter. The order of the seven sequences for each patient was determined randomly. Ten minutes after application of each initial flow rate, we measured the following parameters: inspiratory work of breathing, electromyogram (EMG) of the diaphragm (EMGdi), breathing pattern, and intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPi). Comparison between the means for each sequence and each variable measured was performed by two-way analysis of variance with internal comparisons between sequences by Duncan's test. The reduction of the initial flow rate induced a progressive increase in the values of the work of breathing, EMGdi, and mouth occlusion pressure (P 0.1). In contrast, the reduction of the initial flow rate did not induce any significant change in tidal volume, respiratory frequency or PEEPi. As the objective of PSV is to reduce the work of breathing, it seems logical to use the highest initial flow rate to induce the lowest possible work of breathing in COPD ventilated patients.

N-Unsubstituted 3,4-difluoropyrrole is synthesized via a thermal [2+3] cycloaddition reaction of a N-tert-butyl 2-alkoxycarbonyl aziridine and chlorotrifluoroethylene. Dealkylation of an intermediate N-tert-butylpyrrole is obtained with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid.

The aim of SETH is to give end-users specific advice concerning treatment and monitoring of adult drug poisoning. SETH is developed with an off of the shelf expert system shell (KBMS) and runs on a microcomputer. Technical choices were done according to this analysis, financial considerations and portability. Currently, the database contains 1000 French drugs from 75 different toxicological classes. The SETH expert system simulates the expert reasoning, taking into account for each toxicological class delay, signs and dose. Two phases of evaluation were performed. The experimental implementation of SETH began in April 1992 in our Poison Control Centre. Since then, 1100 cases inputted by residents were analysed by SETH. The extension of the knowledge base to child poisoning began in March 1993.

This paper describes a synthesis of 3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrrole from t -butyl ( E )-4,4,4-trifluorobutenoate and tosylmethylisocyanide via decarboxylation in 45% yield of 4-(lrifluoromethyl) pyrrole-3-carboxylic acid over barium-promoted copper chromite in quinoline.

3-Bromopropiolic esters are efficiently prepared by reaction of the corresponding propiolic esters with N-bromosuccinimide in acetone and silver nitrate as catalyst.