Search

In the past two decades, deeply virtual Compton scattering of electrons has been successfully used to advance our knowledge of the partonic structure of the free proton and investigate correlations between the transverse position and the longitudinal momentum of quarks inside the nucleon. Meanwhile, the structure of bound nucleons in nuclei has been studied in inclusive deep-inelastic lepton scattering experiments off nuclear targets, showing a significant difference in longitudinal momentum distribution of quarks inside the bound nucleon, known as the EMC effect. In this work, we report the first beam spin asymmetry (BSA) measurement of exclusive deeply virtual Compton scattering (DVCS) off a proton bound in $^4$He. The data used here were accumulated using a $6$ GeV longitudinally polarized electron beam incident on a pressurized $^4$He gaseous target placed within the CLAS spectrometer in Hall-B at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. The azimuthal angle ($\phi$) dependence of the BSA was studied in a wide range of virtual photon and scattered proton kinematics. The $Q^2$, $x_B$, and t dependencies of the BSA on the bound proton are compared with those on the free proton. In the whole kinematical region of our measurements, the BSA on the bound proton is smaller by 20\% to 40\%, indicating possible medium modification of its partonic structure.

With the recent emergence of dangerous mosquito species in cities, Sustainable Drainage Systems used to manage stormwater are sometimes suspected to favour their development. In the metropolis of Lyon, the density of mosquitoes were studied in 15 retention, detention and/or infiltration sites, two green roofs, seven swales and 20 gully pots in traditional sewer networks. None of the swales retained water long enough to be sampled. No larvae were detected in the green roofs. Four classical species were found in the retention/detention basins (Culex pipiens, Culex hortensis, Anopheles maculipennis sl and Culiseta longiareolata). They appeared in May, mainly in the artificial habitats (e.g. concrete parts). Gully pots were colonized by Culex pipiens, Culiseta longiareolata during summer and by Aedes albopictus, 'tiger mosquito' in autumn. Vegetated systems where water was drained rapidly (i.e. green roofs, infiltration basins or swales) were not significant breeding sites compared to more artificial sites.

We report on the first measurement of the beam-spin asymmetry in the exclusive process of coherent deeply virtual Compton scattering off a nucleus. The experiment uses the 6 GeV electron beam from the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) accelerator at Jefferson Lab incident on a pressurized $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ gaseous target placed in front of the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer (CLAS). The scattered electron is detected by CLAS and the photon by a dedicated electromagnetic calorimeter at forward angles. To ensure the exclusivity of the process, a specially designed radial time projection chamber is used to detect the recoiling $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ nuclei. We measure beam-spin asymmetries larger than those observed on the free proton in the same kinematic domain. From these, we are able to extract, in a model-independent way, the real and imaginary parts of the only $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ Compton form factor, ${\mathcal{H}}_{A}$. This first measurement of coherent deeply virtual Compton scattering on the $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ nucleus, with a fully exclusive final state via nuclear recoil tagging, leads the way toward 3D imaging of the partonic structure of nuclei.

A new Radial Time Projection Chamber (RTPC) was developed at the Jefferson Laboratory to track low-energy nuclear recoils for the purpose of measuring exclusive nuclear reactions, such as coherent Deeply Virtual Compton Scattering and coherent meson production off $^4$He. In such processes, the $^4$He nucleus remains intact in the final state, however the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer (CLAS) cannot track the low energy $\alpha$ particles. In 2009, we carried out measurements using the CLAS spectrometer supplemented by the RTPC positioned directly around a gaseous $^4$He target, allowing a detection threshold as low as 12$\sim$MeV for $^4$He. This article discusses the design, principle of operation, calibration methods and the performances of this RTPC.

Studies based on skin and challenge tests have shown that 12-60% of children with suspected betalactam hypersensitivity were allergic to betalactams. Responses in skin and challenge tests were studied in 1865 children with suspected betalactam allergy (i) to confirm or rule out the suspected diagnosis; (ii) to evaluate diagnostic value of immediate and non-immediate responses in skin and challenge tests; (iii) to determine frequency of betalactam allergy in those children, and (iv) to determine potential risk factors for betalactam allergy. The work-up was completed in 1431 children, of whom 227 (15.9%) were diagnosed allergic to betalactams. Betalactam hypersensitivity was diagnosed in 50 of the 162 (30.9%) children reporting immediate reactions and in 177 of the 1087 (16.7%) children reporting non-immediate reactions (p

Differential cross sections of the reaction γd → K+Σ–(p) have been measured with the CLAS detector at Jefferson Lab using incident photons with energies between 1.1 and 3.6 GeV. This is the first complete set of strangeness photoproduction data on the neutron covering a broad angular range. At energies close to threshold and up to Eγ ~ 1.8 GeV, the shape of the angular distribution is suggestive of the presence of s -channel production mechanisms. For Eγ > 1.8 GeV, a clear forward peak appears and becomes more prominent as the photon energy increases, suggesting contributions from t-channel production mechanisms. Furthermore, these data can be used to constrain future analysis of this reaction.

Arboviruses - viruses transmitted by haematophagous arthropods - are responsible for febrile syndromes, which sometimes include haemorrhagic or neurological symptoms. Human activities have facilitated the emergence of these originally zoonotic viruses and the domestication and spread throughout the world of their major vectors. The last decade has seen significant changes in the epidemiology of arboviruses transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes, particularly in relation to the intercontinental spread of Aedes albopictus. Here, we address the epidemiological consequences of the invasion by this species into Central Africa and Europe in a context of viral globalization. The risk of transmission in these areas is influenced by virus-vector adaptation phenomena as well as environmental phenomena including climate. Faced with these new risks, it is essential to develop competences in entomological and virological surveillance, risk assessment and forecasting of epidemic risk in order to develop strategies for the prevention and control of epidemics.

Les effets indésirables médicamenteux sont à l'origine d'une importante morbidité. Parmi les causes possibles d'effets indésirables, certaines, telles les interactions médicamenteuses, peuvent être prévenues en recourant à des outils informatiques. Il existe de nombreuses bases de données d'interactions médicamenteuses mais rares sont les comparaisons de leurs mérites et de leurs limites. Nous évaluons dans cet article sept programmes d'interactions médicamenteuses dans le but d'aider le médecin et le pharmacien dans son choix d'une base de données pour un recours régulier. Aucun des programmes évalués n'est parfait, certains sont cependant plus complets.

Resume L’allergie alimentaire a un impact significatif sur la qualite de vie des patients et sur celle de leur entourage. Cet impact peut etre quantifie par des questionnaires de qualite de vie specifiques. Ces derniers, desormais disponibles en francais pour les enfants avec allergie alimentaire IgE-mediee, permettent d’analyser l’impact emotionnel, l’anxiete alimentaire ainsi que les limitations sociales et alimentaires. Ils permettent egalement de quantifier l’effet des interventions therapeutiques telles l’education therapeutique, les tests de provocation alimentaire ou l’induction de tolerance. Enfin, leur analyse fournit des informations precieuses sur l’epidemiologie de l’allergie alimentaire et les variations de son impact selon les populations etudiees.

Accurate variational calculations of energies of highly excited rovibrational states of 12C16O2 using a Lanczos recursion are presented. In a first step, we use experimental rovibrational transition frequencies to determine by a least-square fitting procedure a potential energy surface for the CO2 molecule. This potential energy surface is expressed as a multidimensional power series expansion in the normal coordinates. It is then used to determine all the rovibrational energies for symmetry e levels up to a rotational number J=200, a vibrational energy of 13 000 cm−1, and a vibrational angular momentum l=13.

Anodization of titanium and its alloys is an important surface treatment, especially for adhesion applications, but is not as well studied as for aluminium alloys. This paper deals with the morphological, structural and physicochemical characterization of anodic oxide films grown on titanium and Ti–6Al–4V (TA6V) in chromic acid solution without (CA) or with (CA/HF) hydrofluoric acid addition. Several investigations methods are used: high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), nuclear reaction analysis (NRA) and wetting angle measurements. The occurrence and morphology of the nanoporous structure for CA/HF anodization are described. The compact films grown in CA solution are amorphous and the porous films grown in the CA/HF solution are partially crystalline. The thickness and morphology of the films are described and discussed as a function of the anodizing conditions and of the composition of the underlying substrate. The composition of the film appears to be TiO2+Al2O3 (with Ti/Al atomic ratio ∽5), with incorporation of fluorine from the solution in the porous films and of small quantities of vanadium in the films that are grown. The specific role played by the Cr(VI) and F species on the film growth-and-dissolution formation process is discussed and a growth mechanism is proposed. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The prevalence of food allergy in children is increasing, in particular in its most severe presentation, i.e. anaphylaxis. Food allergy has an important impact on children's and their parent's quality of life, because of the fear of accidental ingestion and limitations of social activities. Quality of life questionnaires adapted to food allergy are now available, as well as new diagnostic procedures using recombinant technology. Their interpretation and their clinical correlation remain difficult, especially in children, in the absence of references values. Various oral and subcutaneous immunotherapy strategies are currently under evaluation, using modified or native allergens.

Studies based on skin and challenge tests have shown that 12-60% of children with suspected betalactam hypersensitivity were allergic to betalactams. Responses in skin and challenge tests were studied in 1865 children with suspected betalactam allergy (i) to confirm or rule out the suspected diagnosis; (ii) to evaluate diagnostic value of immediate and non-immediate responses in skin and challenge tests; (iii) to determine frequency of betalactam allergy in those children, and (iv) to determine potential risk factors for betalactam allergy. The work-up was completed in 1431 children, of whom 227 (15.9%) were diagnosed allergic to betalactams. Betalactam hypersensitivity was diagnosed in 50 of the 162 (30.9%) children reporting immediate reactions and in 177 of the 1087 (16.7%) children reporting non-immediate reactions (p0.001). The likelihood of betalactam hypersensitivity was also significantly higher in children reporting anaphylaxis, serum sickness-like reactions, and (potentially) severe skin reactions such as acute generalized exanthematic pustulosis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and drug reaction with systemic symptoms than in other children (p0.001). Skin tests diagnosed 86% of immediate and 31.6% of non-immediate sensitizations. Cross-reactivity and/or cosensitization among betalactams was diagnosed in 76% and 14.7% of the children with immediate and non-immediate hypersensitivity, respectively. The number of children diagnosed allergic to betalactams decreased with time between the reaction and the work-up, probably because the majority of children with severe and worrying reactions were referred for allergological work-up more promptly than the other children. Sex, age, and atopy were not risk factors for betalactam hypersensitivity. In conclusion, we confirm in numerous children that (i) only a few children with suspected betalactam hypersensitivity are allergic to betalactams; (ii) the likelihood of betalactam allergy increases with earliness and/or severity of the reactions; (iii) although non-immediate-reading skin tests (intradermal and patch tests) may diagnose non-immediate sensitizations in children with non-immediate reactions to betalactams (maculopapular rashes and potentially severe skin reactions especially), the diagnostic value of non-immediate-reading skin tests is far lower than the diagnostic value of immediate-reading skin tests, most non-immediate sensitizations to betalactams being diagnosed by means of challenge tests; (iv) cross-reactivity and/or cosensitizations among betalactams are much more frequent in children reporting immediate and/or anaphylactic reactions than in the other children; (v) age, sex and personal atopy are not significant risk factors for betalactam hypersensitivity; and (vi) the number of children with diagnosed allergy to betalactams (of the immediate-type hypersensitivity especially) decreases with time between the reaction and allergological work-up. Finally, based on our experience, we also propose a practical diagnostic approach in children with suspected betalactam hypersensitivity.

We present measurements of the differential cross section and Lambda recoil polarization for the gamma p to K+ Lambda reaction made using the CLAS detector at Jefferson Lab. These measurements cover the center-of-mass energy range from 1.62 to 2.84 GeV and a wide range of center-of-mass K+ production angles. Independent analyses were performed using the K+ p pi- and K+ p (missing pi -) final-state topologies; results from these analyses were found to exhibit good agreement. These differential cross section measurements show excellent agreement with previous CLAS and LEPS results and offer increased precision and a 300 MeV increase in energy coverage. The recoil polarization data agree well with previous results and offer a large increase in precision and a 500 MeV extension in energy range. The increased center-of-mass energy range that these data represent will allow for independent study of non-resonant K+ Lambda photoproduction mechanisms at all production angles.

We report the first measurement of the transverse momentum dependence of double-spin asymmetries in semi-inclusive production of pions in deep-inelastic scattering off the longitudinally polarized proton. Data have been obtained using a polarized electron beam of 5.7 GeV with the CLAS detector at the Jefferson Lab (JLab). Modulations of single spin asymmetries over the azimuthal angle between lepton scattering and hadron production planes phi have been measured over a wide kinematic range in Bjorken x and virtual photon squared four-momentum Q(2). A significant nonzero sin2 phi single spin asymmetry was observed for the first time indicating strong spin-orbit correlations for transversely polarized quarks in the longitudinally polarized proton.

An event-based partial wave analysis (PWA) of the reaction {gamma}p{yields}p{omega} has been performed on a high-statistics dataset obtained using the CLAS at Jefferson Lab for center-of-mass energies from threshold up to 2.4 GeV. This analysis benefits from access to the world's first high-precision spin-density matrix element measurements, available to the event-based PWA through the decay distribution of {omega}{yields}{pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup -}{pi}{sup 0}. The data confirm the dominance of the t-channel {pi}{sup 0} exchange amplitude in the forward direction. The dominant resonance contributions are consistent with the previously identified states F{sub 15}(1680) and D{sub 13}(1700) near threshold, as well as the G{sub 17}(2190) at higher energies. Suggestive evidence for the presence of a J{sup P}=5/2{sup +} state around 2 GeV, a ''missing'' state, has also been found. Evidence for other states is inconclusive.

High-statistics differential cross sections and spin-density matrix elements for the reaction {gamma}p{yields}p{omega} have been measured using the CEBAF large acceptance spectrometer (CLAS) at Jefferson Lab for center-of-mass (c.m.) energies from threshold up to 2.84 GeV. Results are reported in 112 10-MeV wide c.m. energy bins, each subdivided into cos{theta}{sub c.m.}{sup {omega}} bins of width 0.1. These are the most precise and extensive {omega} photoproduction measurements to date. A number of prominent structures are clearly present in the data. Many of these have not previously been observed due to limited statistics in earlier measurements.

High-statistics differential cross sections for the reactions gamma p -> p eta and gamma p -> p eta-prime have been measured using the CLAS at Jefferson Lab for center-of-mass energies from near threshold up to 2.84 GeV. The eta-prime results are the most precise to date and provide the largest energy and angular coverage. The eta measurements extend the energy range of the world's large-angle results by approximately 300 MeV. These new data, in particular the eta-prime measurements, are likely to help constrain the analyses being performed to search for new baryon resonance states.

Kinetic theory is applied to a mixture of monoatomic and diatomic molecules in order to derive the macroscopic equation corresponding to the relaxation of vibrational energy. Diatomic molecules are described using the harmonic oscillator model. The SSH theory is extended and applied to evaluate the vibrational energy relaxation times which govern the process. The theoretical expressions are used to calculate the relaxation times of the main diatomic species in air: oxygen and nitrogen. These relaxation times are in good agreement with available experimental data. A comparison with previous models is then carried out. The coupled thermodynamic and chemical relaxation occurring after a strong normal shock wave in a one‐dimensional Eulerian flow is then studied. The computed results illustrate the interactions between three different phenomena: nonequilibrium thermodynamics, nonequilibrium chemistry, and dynamics of the flow. A complete analysis of these interactions is provided, and the influence of thermodynamic nonequilibrium is pointed out.

We present experimental and theoretical results on the absorption in the Ar‐broadened wing of the infrared CO2 ν3 band. Measurements have been made in the 293–765 K temperature range for total gas pressures up to 60 bar and are in good agreement with previous determinations at room temperature. Calculations have been carried out by using a line by line coupling theory presented and tested previously [J. Chem. Phys. 89, 625 (1988) and 91, 2163 (1989)]. The theoretical approach accounts for both line mixing and the wave‐number dependence of the relaxation operator. It enables correct modeling of the temperature dependence of absorption. The strong sublorentzian absorption resulting from competitions between negative and positive individual line contributions is analyzed.

The new multiuser data acquisition system in operation at the CERN Omega spectrometer since July 1989 is described. Data are buffered from CAMAC, Fastbus, or VME front-ends during the beam spill while processing and event building take place off-spill under the control of standard processors in VME. The host is a VAX 6310, and data are stored on 3480-compatible cartridges. Standard software packages are used throughout, and the maximum throughput is about 1 MB/s (13 MB of data per spill). >

Adverse drug reactions represent a partly preventable cause of morbidity. Computer-based tools may be useful for the prevention of those events resulting from drug interactions. While several such tools are currently available to practitioners, they have rarely been compared regarding their performances and limits. This article presents a benchmark evaluation of seven drug interaction databases which may be elected by physicians or pharmacists as an aid to prescription on a regular basis. None of the databases tested appears to be perfect, and the systems vary in their overall completeness and ease of use.

This report describes the stable expression of a medically important antibody in the staple cereal crops rice and wheat. We successfully expressed a single-chain Fv antibody (ScFvT84.66) against carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a well characterized tumor-associated marker antigen. scFv constructs were engineered for recombinant antibody targeting to the plant cell apoplast and ER. Up to 30 microg/g of functional recombinant antibody was detected in the leaves and seeds of wheat and rice. We confirmed that transgenic dry seeds could be stored for at least five months at room temperature, without significant loss of the amount or activity of scFvT84.66. Our results represent the first transition from model plant expression systems, such as tobacco and Arabidopsis, to widely cultivated cereal crops, such as rice and wheat, for expression of an antibody molecule that has already shown efficacy in clinical applications. Thus, we have established that molecular pharming in cereals can be a viable production system for such high-value pharmaceutical macromolecules. Our findings provide a strong foundation for exploiting alternative uses of cereal crops both in industrialized and developing countries.

We investigated the suitability of transformed rice cell lines as a system for the production of therapeutic recombinant antibodies. Expression constructs encoding a single-chain Fv fragment (scFvT84.66, specific for CEA, the carcinoembryonic antigen present on many human tumours) were introduced into rice tissue by particle bombardment. We compared antibody production levels when antibodies were either secreted to the apoplast or retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) using a KDEL retention signal. Production levels were up to 14 times higher when antibodies were retained in the ER. Additionally, we compared construct sencoding different leader peptides (plant codon optimised murine immunoglobulin heavy and light chain leader peptides from mAb24) and carrying alternative 5' untranslated regions (the petunia chalcone synthase gene 5' UTR and the tobacco mosaic virus omega sequence). We observed no significant differences in antibody production levels among cell lines transformed with these constructs. The highest level of antibody production we measured was 3.8 micrograms g-1 callus (fresh weight). Immunological analysis of transgenic rice callus confirmed the presence of functional scFvT84.66. We discuss the potential merits of cell culture for the production of recombinant antibodies and other valuable macromolecules.

Natural rubber, produced by Hevea brasiliensis (Mull. Arg.) has been known since ancient times and the Mayas and Aztecs used it in their daily life and religious ceremonies (Serier, 1993). In forests, this tropical tree can reach 40 m in height and 5 m in circumference. It is much smaller in plantations, where twice-weekly tapping of the tree bark considerably reduces its growth. Paradoxically, cultivation of this tree is very recent, beginning in Southeast Asia at the turn of the century, i.e., outside its original zone in the Amazonian basin, where “South American Leaf Blight”, caused by the fungus Microcyclus ulei is rife. The normal cultivation zone lies between 20° N and 20° S, apart from plantations in China and northern India (Compagnon, 1986). The areas planted cover around 7 million hectares, primarily in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, but also in China, India, Africa and Latin America.

The aim of this paper is to investigate radiative properties of thermal air plasmas in wide ranges of pressure and temperature, and to analyse the accuracy of some spectral and geometrical approximations in high-pressure radiative transfer applications. Comprehensive calculations of absorption spectra, including molecular, atomic and ionic line and continuum radiation, are presented and the dependence of these spectra on the pressure level is analysed. The high resolution spectra, in association with a rigorous ray-tracing method, are then used to study the accuracy of the P1 and the simplified SP3 geometrical approximations in 1D axisymmetric geometries. Cylindrical plasma columns at uniform pressure and with a non-uniform pressure distribution are considered. The P1 approximation provides acceptable results but the SP3 approximation is found to be more accurate. Concerning the spectral approximations, the use of band averaged Rosseland mean absorption coefficients yields volumetric radiative powers in fairly good agreement with line-by-line calculations.

L'application à deux clones matures d'Hevea brasiliensis (Mull. Arg.), IRCA 18 et PB235, de la technique de microgreffage d'apex sur des plantules âgées de trois semaines germées in vitro permet le microbouturage de ces clones. Lorsqu'il est effectué à partir d'explants nodaux ou d'extrémités de pousses prélevées sur les greffons développés in vitro sur les porte-greffes, le microbouturage du matériel clonal microgreffé n'est pas possible. De tels explants sont en effet inaptes à reprendre une activité caulogène après leur isolement. Ce problème est surmonté par l'utilisation d'explants mixtes, constitués d'une partie du porte-greffe en contact avec le milieu de culture et du greffon clonal à partir duquel se développent régulièrement des pousses axillaires tout au long des cycles de culture. Les aptitudes au bourgeonnement et au développement de pousses au cours des cycles de culture ont été comparés entre les explants mixtes issus de microgreffes, les explants nodaux d'individus juvéniles et les explants nodaux des clones matures non traités. Cette comparaison révèle un effet très positif de l'application du microgreffage sur l'aptitude des clones IRCA 18 et PB 235 à la caulogenèse in vitro. En outre, les pousses produites par les explants clonaux issus des microgreffes ont une aptitude à l'enracinement identique à celles des pousses produites par les explants issus d'individus juvéniles [résumé d'auteur]

We report on three complementary optical (non intrusive) techniques used to measure local density, concentration and temperature in laminar reacting or non-equilibrium flows and in flames. Density and density gradients (temperature can also be deduced from these measurements) are measured by laser beam deflection, concentration of hydrocarbon by laser absorption in the infrared and temperature by Rayleigh scattering. These three complementary informations give us a map of the local quantities in reacting or non-equilibrium flows and in flames. Laser beam deflection has also been used to study the extinction limits of propane/air and hydrogen/air counterdiffusion flames.

The LCG Applications Area at CERN provides basic software components for the LHC experiments such as ROOT, POOL, COOL which are developed in house and also a set of "external" software packages (70) which are needed in addition such as Python, Boost, Qt, CLHEP, etc. These packages target many different areas of HEP computing such as data persistency, math, simulation, grid computing, databases, graphics, etc. Other packages provide tools for documentation, debugging, scripting languages and compilers. All these packages are provided in a consistent manner on different compilers, architectures and operating systems. The Software Process and Infrastructure project (SPI) [1] is responsible for the continous testing, coordination, release and deployment of these software packages. The main driving force for the actions carried out by SPI are the needs of the LHC experiments, but also other HEP experiments could profit from the set of consistent libraries provided and receive a stable and well tested foundation to build their experiment software frameworks. This presentation will first provide a brief description of the tools and services provided for the coordination, testing, release, deployment and presentation of LCG/AA software packages and then focus on a second set of tools provided for outside LHC experiments to deploy a stable set of HEP related software packages both as binary distribution or from source.

The role of bradykinin (BK) in renal regulations is still controversial. To elucidate whether Icatibant, a potent BK antagonist on B2 receptors, can interfere with renal function under normal conditions, we performed sinistrin and para-aminohippurate (PAH) clearances, plasma levels and excretion rate of electrolytes, albumin, urate, endogenous lithium, as well as plasma renin, aldosterone and endothelin in 14 healthy males under Icatibant infusion. Part I (2 panels of 4 subjects) compared single 4h infusions (0.005 to 0.8 mg/kg) in ascending, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Part II tested renal function on the 3rd day of a 72h Icatibant or placebo infusion, in a 2-way crossover, double blind design. No changes in glomerular filtration rate (sinistrin), renal blood flow (PAH), or in proximal renal tubular function (lithium and urate clearances) were detected. Sodium, potassium and chloride excretions, micro-albuminuria, urinary volume, and hematocrit remained unchanged. Vital signs (supine and orthostatic blood pressure, heart rate), body weight, and hormone concentrations were also unaltered. The safety and tolerability of Icatibant was excellent. This study had enough power to detect physiologically significant effects but not even trends for changes in renal function could be suspected. In conclusion, these results strongly advocate against a physiological role of BK in the regulation of renal function under normal conditions. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P57–P57; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.215

Icatibant, a potent bradykinin (BK) antagonist specific for B2 receptors, was administered i.v. to 18 healthy males to assess its safety, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic profile for onset and duration of action. Part I (3 panels of 4 subjects) compared single 1h and 4h infusions (0.005 to 3.2 mg/kg) in ascending, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Part II tested a 24h (0.15 mg/kg/day) vs. repeated 1h infusions (0.5 mg/kg q8h) in double-blind cross-over design. Icatibant (with 2 major metabolites) concentration was assessed by LC-MS-MS, and response by repeated i.v. bolus challenges of a BK dose selected for eliciting a 10–15 mmHg blood pressure drop with reflex tachycardia (Finapress photoplethys-mography) and facial flush (laser-Doppler blood flowmetry). BK blockade was obtained at all doses, with dose-dependent intensity and duration (Fig 1), correlating with plasma concentration and lacking hysteresis. BK dose increase (4-fold) overcame blockade, suggesting competitive inhibition. Icatib-ant has a rapid distribution and elimination (half-life 1.8h) and linear kinetics over the dose range tested. It was well tolerated up to 1.6 mg/kg but 3.2 mg/kg induced transient head/trunk flushing, itching, with one orthostatic hypo-tension. In conclusion, the ability of Icatibant to safely and sustainedly block BK effects over a wide dose range suggests an appealing therapeutic potential in conditions involving BK overproduction. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P56–P56; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.212 Figure 1. Download figure to PowerPoint

The energy dependence of the cross section for the process K(4P12/)+He to K(4P32/)+He has been measured in a crossed-beam experiment over the energy range 0.07-0.4 eV. Partial disagreement with previous results of Anderson et al., (1976), is observed. The variation of the cross section with energy is similar to that predicted by recent theoretical work. In particular the cross section has a nearly constant value for energies above 0.18 eV.

The work has shown that nuclear scattering radiography (NSR), is capable of a three-dimensional measurement of density distributions with a volume resolution of about 2 mm$sup 3$ in objects of a size similar to that of a human head. Hydrogen radiographies are possible in addition to radiographies sensitive to density or atomic distribution. It is planned to make experiments under conditions of beam intensity and data rates compatible with full use of the potential advantages of the method for radiographies of living bodies.

The solid liquid transitions of lead aggregates embedded in a silicon matrix are investigated through optical measurements. A phenomenological model linking optics and thermodynamics of melting is proposed.

The energy dependence of the total cross sections for the j1m1 to j2m2 transitions in the 42P state of potassium induced by collisions with ground-state helium have been calculated using a quantum-mechanical theory. The calculations have been carried out using the pseudopotentials of Baylis (1973) and those of Pascale and Vandeplanque (1974), for the energy range from 0.00716 to 1 eV. The cross sections relevant to crossed atomic-beam experiments and to cell-type experiments are calculated and discussed, the latter being averaged over a Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution of velocities for comparison with experimental results (the temperature range investigated is from 100 to 2500K). Emphasis is placed on the importance of knowing the photon excitation (polarisation, geometry of the system) accurately in order to interpret the data of atomic-beam experiments correctly.

using conventional techniques of high energy physics, density distributions inside thick bodies can be mapped reconstructing the interaction vertex of charged particles in the GeV region. As compared to X-ray computer assisted tomography, nuclear scattering radiography offers the advantages of being fully three-dimensional and of reducing the overall radiation dose for a comparable image quality; furthermore, a subset of the data that corresponds to elastic interactions allows to measure the hydrogen density distribution in the object which is a unique feature of this method. Preliminary results obtained on a preserved human head are here presented.

10ème Congrès International d'Optique des Rayons X et de Microanalyse 10th International Congress on X-Ray Optics and Microanalysis; National audience; On montre combien la diffraction des électrons (100 keV) sous incidence rasante aide à la compréhension des données obtenues par spectrométrie Auger. On prend pour exemple l'étude d'une surface oxydée de laiton 70/30. Les résultats sont discutés, et confrontés à ceux obtenus en ESCA. L'influence du frottement sur la composition superficielle est observée.

The use of transputer links in data acquisition systems for high energy physics experiments is discussed. Link driving problems over distances of up to 30 m have been investigated. We report transper and error rates as well as procedures for error detection and recovery. The connection of transputers to data acquisition equiptment is considered and a practical example of an event builder application is given.

The VALET-plus is a CERN-developed modular microcomputer system that is based on the Motorola 68K family of microprocessors in a VME environment and has had wide success as a stand-alone test and data-acquisition system. Recently, several experiments at CERN have started to use multiple VALET-plus systems controlled from VAXes or VAXstations. These are used as stand-alone systems in the early phases of the experiment and are later integrated into the final readout and online system. Facilities developed to allow the integration of such VALET-plus systems with the CERN VAX online environment, and in particular with MODEL (a suite of modular data-acquisition software packages for VAXes), are described. This has involved adapting VALET-plus software to the embedded environment, and extending MODEL services to include data flow between VALET-plus and VAX, control of VALET-plus from the VAX, error reporting, and human-interface facilities. >

The VALET-Plus is a modular VMEbus based microcomputer system developed at CERN for use in applications such as the development and testing of electronics, equipment control and data acquisition. First released in 1985, more than 100 VALET-Plus systems are used today in 14 countries. The system will be described with particular emphasis on the SPIDER data acquisition package which offers both real time programming, using an interactive language, and fast data collection at rates of more than 1000 formatted events per second.