Search

The full InGaN structure is used to achieve red light emitting diodes (LEDs). This LED structure is composed of a partly relaxed InGaN pseudo-substrate fabricated by Soitec, namely, InGaNOS, a n-doped buffer layer formed by a set of InxGa1−xN/GaN superlattices, thin InyGa1−yN/InxGa1−xN multiple quantum wells, and a p doped InxGa1−xN area. p-doped InGaN layers are first studied to determine the optimal Mg concentration. In the case of an In content of 2%, an acceptor concentration of 1 × 1019/cm3 was measured for a Mg concentration of 2 × 1019/cm3. Red electroluminescence was then demonstrated for two generations of LEDs, including chip sizes of 300 × 300 μm2 and 50 × 50 μm2. The differences between these two LED generations are detailed. For both devices, red emission with a peak wavelength at 620 nm was observed for a pumping current density of 12 A/cm2. Red light-emission is maintained over the entire tested current range. From the first to the second LED generation, the maximum external quantum efficiency, obtained in the range of 17–40 A/cm2, was increased by almost one order of magnitude (a factor of 9), thanks to the different optimizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • We considered developing a national cartography of the prevalence of the various types of bacterial resistance by infection type using the French hospital discharge database (French acronym PMSI). • A preliminary analysis assessed data consistency and showed that the current state of PMSI coding did not allow for developing a national cartography for all hospital infections. • The experience gained from this study could be helpful for future recommendations aimed to improve the coding of PMSI data for its use as a tool of epidemiological surveillance of bacterial infections. Abstract Objective A preliminary analysis of data consistency on different types of bacterial resistance by infection site and causative agents was conducted using the French hospital discharge database (French acronym PMSI) to assess the use of the database in a national cartography tool. Material and methods Hospital stays in medical, surgical, and obstetrical units were extracted from the 2014 PMSI database using the ICD-10 diagnosis codes. Bacterial infections, causative agents, and resistance corresponding to these stays were also identified. Results Data from 1258462 patients, corresponding to a total of 1617893 stays, was extracted. Among these stays, 46% were associated with a bacteria code and 7% with a resistance code. Lower respiratory tract infections were the most frequent infections (32% of stays; pneumonia in 95% of cases), followed by genitourinary infections (26%), intra-abdominal infections and diarrhoeas (24%), and skin and soft tissue infections (15%). Inconsistencies were observed between the types of infection and associated bacteria and between bacteria and associated resistance. These inconsistencies are likely due to initial coding errors. Conclusion The cartography of bacterial infections cannot be developed using the data of the current PMSI coding. These results underline the need to improve the coding of PMSI data for its use as a complementary tool of epidemiological surveillance of bacterial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a new method for separating the organic and inorganic selenocompounds methaneseleninic acid, selenite, selenate, methylselenocysteine, selenocystine as well as both selenomethionine and its oxidized form. The separation is performed on a Hamilton PRP-X100 column. According to the literature, the oxidized form of selenomethionine—which is easily formed—is eluted close to the dead volume when this column is used. The choice of parahydroxybenzoic acid as mobile phase enabled us to elute all of these species after this oxidized form, resulting in better identification and quantification. The factors determining separation (eluent concentration, pH, gradient) were optimized via an experimental design. Application of the method to yeast and commercial tablets showed that the principal Se compound present was selenomethionine, which was also present in its oxidized form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• InGaN/GaN superlattice was used as a buffer layer on InGaN pseudo-substrate. • The V pit density was reduced by one order of magnitude. • (0 0 2) XRD ω scan linewidth reduces from 3000 arcsec to 780 arcsec. • InGaN based quantum wells have an internal quantum efficiency of 6.5% at 624 nm. The InGaN pseudo-substrate, namely InGaNOS (InGaN On Sapphire), is used to enhance the In incorporation rate in In y Ga 1-y N/In x Ga 1-x N multiple quantum wells (MQWs) to get red emission for micro-display applications. However, the starting material for the InGaNOS fabrication is a non-optimized In 0.08 Ga 0.92 N layer grown on GaN on sapphire substrate which exhibits V shaped defects (V pits). Such V pits remain afterwards in the final InGaNOS substrate. We demonstrate here that In x Ga 1-x N/GaN superlattice has the potential to cover or fill the native V pits while maintaining a pseudomorphic growth. A combination of a thin GaN interlayer and an InGaN layer in a slight tensile strain state for each pair of the superlattice is necessary to achieve this goal. In addition, it is shown that the presence of GaN interlayers improves the material quality and the surface roughness. (0 0 2) X-ray diffraction rocking curve linewidth reduces to 780 arcsec compared to 3000 arcsec for the substrate. Finally, In y Ga 1-y N/In x Ga 1-x N multiple quantum wells grown on In x Ga 1-x N/GaN superlattice buffer layer on InGaNOS 3.205Ȧ substrate shows a central emission wavelength, measured by photoluminescence, of 624 nm at 290 K with an optical internal quantum efficiency value of 6.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Sediments accumulation in reservoirs induces water storage capacities reduction and flood risks increases rendering dam flushing or dredging events compulsory for security reasons. Short transient events like dam flushing monitoring is still a great challenge because the suspended sediments and contaminants concentrations increases could occur over only few hours/days and cover tens of kilometres. Since 1942, 21 dam flushing events have been performed on the Upper Rhône River (from Lake Geneva in Switzerland to Lyon in France) in order to evacuate accumulated sediments behind the Verbois dam (Switzerland). We designed an original sampling strategy to assess the 2016 dam flushing event consequences on the spatio-temporal dynamics of dissolved trace elements concentration and to reveal how passive sampling monitoring (Diffusive Gradient in Thin films, DGT) could improve this evaluation. Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, As and Hg dissolved concentrations were monitored by discrete and passive sampling at 3 stations over 160 km downstream the Verbois dam. Since dissolved Fe, Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn and Hg concentrations did not show great variations during the flushing event, the DGT efficiency was not fully demonstrated for these elements. In contrast, a sharp increase of Mn, Ni, Co and As dissolved concentrations (up to 22 times) was recorded, resulting mainly from a release from resuspended sediment. The dissolved As increase was mainly caused by reduced arsenic (AsIII) increase, even monitored 160 km downstream the Verbois dam. The DGT measurements were highly representative of trace elements concentrations and As speciation dynamics in comparison with discrete sampling. Although relatively high dispersion was highlighted for some elements DGT measurements during the flushing event, we showed that DGTs are robust and powerful time-integrative tools to monitor many trace elements more efficiently than discrete sampling during a short transient event on a large spatial scale. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Dam flushing event was monitored by discrete and DGT sampling over 160 km. • Dissolved Mn, Ni, Co, As were released from SPM during the 2016 dam flushing event. • Dissolved and DGT Fe, Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn, Hg were unchanged during the flushing event. • DGT was efficient to assess trace elements temporal variability downstream the dam. • The proportion and concentrations of reduced As (AsIII) increased during the event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The origin of the nanoscale emission inhomogeneities of red emitting InGaN/InGaN quantum wells (QWs) grown directly on a GaN template and on an InGaN on sapphire (InGaNOS) substrate is investigated. InGaNOS is a partly relaxed InGaN pseudo-substrate fabricated by Soitec. As the latter approach provides an interesting optical internal quantum efficiency of 6.5% at 624 nm at 290 K, a deeper study, at the microstructure level, was conducted. The emission inhomogeneities on InGaNOS were highlighted by cathodoluminescence wavelength mappings where three areas were chosen: one emitting at a shorter wavelength, i.e., 588 nm, and two at a longer wavelength, i.e., 607 and 611 nm. Specimens from these zones were extracted by focused ion beam milling to perform cross-sectional characterization techniques. High-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy images demonstrated that, while red emitting areas present homogeneous QWs, shorter wavelength areas exhibit non-uniform QWs, in terms of thickness and In composition. Complementary deformation mappings in the growth direction obtained by geometrical phase analysis show that longer emission wavelengths are originating from homogeneous QWs with an InN mole fraction evaluated at 39.0 ± 1.5%. This result demonstrates the possibility of achieving red emission with a coherent (In,Ga)N alloy when using an adapted substrate. A comparison of identical QWs grown on a GaN template is also given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient storage of hydrogen is crucial for the success of hydrogen energy markets (early markets as well as transportation market). Hydrogen can be stored either as a compressed gas, a refrigerated liquefied gas, a cryo-compressed gas or in hydrides. This paper gives an overview of hydrogen storage technologies and details the specific issues and constraints related to the materials behaviour in hydrogen and conditions representative of hydrogen energy uses. It is indeed essential for the development of applications requiring long-term performance to have good understanding of long-term behaviour of the materials of the storage device and its components under operational loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of body somatotype on standing balance in girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who are under observation but not wearing a body brace. DESIGN: In all, 74 girls participated in this study to form the able-bodied (n = 36) and the AIS (n = 38) groups, having an average age of 13 yrs. Quiet standing balance was tested using a force platform. Afterward, subjects in each group were divided according to their dominant body somatotype, namely endomorphs (fatness), mesomorphs (muscular), or endomorphic ectomorphs (lean). RESULTS: The center of pressure measured in the anteroposterior position was closer to the heels for the AIS ectomorphic group by approximately 14 mm (P = 0.00497). Only the AIS mesomorphic group displayed a statistically significant 12-mm shift to the right in their center of pressure (P = 0.01211) compared with the able-bodied girls of the same morphotype. In the endomorphic group, the sway area was statistically higher for the scoliotic subjects (P = 0.00839). The distances traveled by the AIS subjects were all statistically longer for all three body morphologic somatotypes. CONCLUSION: Different postural responses seem to be dependent on body somatotypes. The endomorphic AIS girls had a larger sway area than their able-bodied counterparts while maintaining a similar center of pressure position. The AIS ectomorphic girls had a tendency to lean further back than a comparable able-bodied group. This could be emphasizing a hypokyphotic trunk attitude and increasing the risk of spinal deformity progression. The AIS mesomorphic subjects characterized by a large muscular and bony structure had a tendency to position their center of mass more to their right, indicating less postural adaptability and a stiffer trunk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical and functional gait analysis is used widely by different professionals dealing with patients with hemiplegia. The aim of this study was to examine the gait analysis strategies of neurologists, specialists in physical and rehabilitation medicine (physiatrists) and physiotherapists. Differences in global analysis strategy and choice of indicators between different clinicians have not previously been studied precisely, and we believe that a standardized approach would enhance the training of young practitioners. The knowledge acquisition phase (specialists' expertise identification) was completed by an identified expert with a subject groups of 5 neurologists, 5 specialists in physical and rehabilitation medicine and 5 physiotherapists, who were asked to comment on a videotape of patients with hemiplegia walking, followed by a semi-directed interview. The results show that specialists use a wide variety of gait indicators. The total number of different medical vocabulary and expressions used to describe gait was 396, semantically grouped as 60 general indicators. Specialists highlighted an analysis strategy (order, type and number of indicators) typical to each professional specialty. The neurologists tried to identify the elements allowing localization of lesions and characterized the hemiplegia globally,while the specialists in physical and rehabilitation medicine conducted a bio-mechanical analysis and the physiotherapists were highly descriptive. The differences in strategies adopted by each specialty contribute to an enrichment of gait analysis. This should be taken into account in teaching and determining gait assessment scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to demonstrate how principal component analysis (PCA) can be used to detect the main functional structure of actions taken by knee flexors/extensors during able-bodied gait. PCA was applied as a classification and curve structure detection method for knee sagittal muscle moment developed during walking of 20 young, healthy male subjects. Over 90% of the information provided by the first three principal components (PCs) was chosen for further biomechanical interpretation. PCA was able to identify the three main functional contributions of knee sagittal muscle moment during able-bodied gait, namely control balance, foot clearance/limb preparation and shock absorption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Micro light emitting diodes have been grown by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy on standard GaN and partly relaxed InGaNOS substrates with the purpose of incorporating higher concentrations of indium for identical growth conditions. Green emission has been demonstrated at wavelengths of 500 nm for the GaN template and 525 and 549 nm for the InGaNOS substrates, respectively. The structure, deformation, indium concentration and piezoelectric potentials have been measured with nm-scale spatial resolution in the same specimens by transmission electron microscopy. We show by off-axis electron holography that the piezoelectric potential and information about the indium concentration from the mean inner potential are obtained simultaneously. By separating the components using a model, we show that for higher concentrations of indium in the quantum wells (QWs) grown on InGaNOS substrates, the piezoelectric potentials are reduced. The measurements of the indium concentrations by electron holography have been verified by combining energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry, x-ray diffraction and from the tensile deformation made by precession electron diffraction. A discussion of the limitations of these advanced aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy techniques when applied to nm-scale QW structures is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Team handball is a complex intermittent sport game, which requires several, motors abilities such as sprinting, jumping, flexibility and throwing velocity. These abilities require static and dynamic control of balance. Objective evaluation of stabilometric parameters may be interesting to assess and improve functional parameters by postural control management according to the characteristics of sport activities. To evaluate the effect of a low additional thickness placed only under the great toe on the centre of pressure (CoP) measures in elite women handball players. Fourteen elite women handball players voluntarily participated in this study. Postural oscillations were recorded for each participant using a force plate with a sampling frequency of 40 Hz over 51.2 s, and analyzed with the software coupled to the force plate. Two randomized conditions were compared: additional thicknesses under the great toe (TUGT) 0 (control) and 0.8 mm. A difference with TUGT 0.8 compared to control condition was observed for the surface, the length and the average speed of CoP excursions. This study evidences that a low focal additional thickness placed under both great toes has an effect on the CoP measures used to assess postural control during unperturbed stance. Our results suggest that a very small additional thickness is sufficient to change CoP measures widely employed in clinical practice. These postural reactions are consistent with previous reports that used mechanical stimulation of the plantar sole. This brings perspectives in the management of athletes to prevent injury risk and optimize performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to study the association of body temperature and other admission factors with outcomes of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) adult patients requiring ICU admission.Methods: We conducted a retrospective multicenter study on patients diagnosed with HSE in 47 ICUs in France, between 2007 and 2017. Fever was defined as a body temperature higher or equal to 38.3 °C. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with poor outcome at 90 days, defined by a score of 3-6 (indicating moderate-to-severe disability or death) on the modified Rankin scale.Results: Overall, 259 patients with a score on the Glasgow coma scale of 9 (6-12) and a body temperature of 38.7 (38.1-39.2) °C at admission were studied. At 90 days, 185 (71%) patients had a poor outcome, including 44 (17%) deaths. After adjusting for age, fever (OR = 2.21; 95% CI 1.18-4.16), mechanical ventilation (OR = 2.21; 95% CI 1.21-4.03), and MRI brain lesions > 3 lobes (OR = 3.04; 95% CI 1.35-6.81) were independently associated with poor outcome. By contrast, a direct ICU admission, as compared to initial admission to the hospital wards (i.e., indirect ICU admission), was protective (OR = 0.52; 95% CI 0.28-0.95). Sensitivity analyses performed after adjustment for functional status before admission and reason for ICU admission yielded similar results.Conclusions: In HSE adult patients requiring ICU admission, several admission factors are associated with an increased risk of poor functional outcome. The identification of potentially modifiable factors, namely, elevated admission body temperature and indirect ICU admission, provides an opportunity for testing further intervention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the experimentation that aims to evaluate the elasticity of breast during the whole menstrual cycle. Topics include the influence of hormone fluctuations on breast enlargement and possible mastalgia during the cycle and the importance of dermis on body's thermoregulation and protection. Findings of the study reveal that the elasticity of the breast skin follows the fluctuations of oestrogen.

An abstract of the article "Unipodal landing in individuals with unilateral chronic ankle instability," by R. Pionnier is presented.

Antibiotic (ATB) treatment of critically ill patients with pathophysiological injuries remains a challenge due to the constant increase in antimicrobial resistance. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is advised for ATB dose adjustments to avoid suboptimal concentrations and dose-related adverse effects. Therefore, a single and reliable analytical method for a broad selection of ATBs was developed using a high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) platform for frequent use in intensive care units. An UHPLC assay coupled to high resolution accurate mass acquisition has been developed for the quantification of penicillins (amoxicillin, oxacillin, piperacillin, and ticarcillin), cephalosporines (cefepime, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, and ceftriaxone), carbapenems (ertapenem, imipenem, and meropenem), lincosamide (clindamycin), quinolones (ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin) and tazobactam. Plasma samples (100 μL) were spiked with an internal standard solution followed by protein precipitation. Separation was achieved on an Accucore C18 column, which enabled sample analysis every 9 min. All compounds were detected in electrospray positive ion mode and quantified with a linear regression between 0.5 and 32 mg/L (r2 > 0.998). Overall precision and accuracy did not exceed 15%. No significant matrix effect was observed for the studied ATBs. Stored stock solutions at −20 °C were stable for 6 months, except for amoxicillin and imipenem. Analytes in plasma were stable for 24 h under ambient conditions as well as in post-preparation in an autosampler, except for amoxicillin and imipenem. This HRMS assay provides the simultaneous quantification of 15 ATB; it fulfills the usual quality criteria and was successfully applied for routine TDM of ATBs. The method is based on a full scan acquisition, and it would be easy to add other compounds to the present panel in the future, as this assay has already been proven to be efficient for different classes of compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé Objectifs L’objectif de cette revue était d’examiner, chez les enfants, l’influence des chaussures minimalistes sur la biomécanique de course et d’établir une analyse théorique de l’influence de ce type de chaussure sur le risque de blessure. Actualités Entre 8 et 15 ans, les stress répétés induits par la pratique sportive régulière et les poussées de croissance que connaissent les enfants sportifs les rendent enclins aux blessures de sur-sollicitation. Les plus communes pour le membre inférieur sont les maladies d’Osgood-Schlatter et de Sever. Le premier lien entre le corps et le sol étant la chaussure, cette dernière peut être de première importance concernant le risque d’apparition de ces pathologies. Il est suggéré que l’utilisation de chaussures minimalistes modifierait la biomécanique de course et donc potentiellement le risque de blessure. Perspectives et projets De futures investigations sont nécessaires pour identifier, au cours du temps, si les enfants adaptent ou non leur motricité à l’utilisation de chaussures minimalistes et si le port de ces dernières influence le risque de blessure de sur-sollicitation. Conclusion Par rapport aux chaussures conventionnelles, l’utilisation de chaussures minimalistes induit généralement un placement du pied plus à plat avec une cheville plus en flexion plantaire lors de l’impact avec le sol et une flexion du genou moins importante pendant la phase d’appui. Il semble que ces modifications conduisent à une réduction des forces de tension au niveau du genou et qu’elles pourraient diminuer le risque de maladie d’Osgood-Schlatter. Concernant la maladie de Sever, l’analyse biomécanique n’est pas concluante à cause de la complexité de sa patho-mécanique. Le port de chaussures minimalistes devrait diminuer les forces compressives sous le talon par une redistribution de la pression sur l’ensemble de la face plantaire ou sous l’avant-pied mais pourrait en contrepartie augmenter les forces de tension au niveau de l’insertion du tendon d’Achille sur le calcanéum. Summary Objective The objective of this review was to examine the influence of minimalist shoes on the running biomechanics of children and to establish a theoretical analysis of the influence of this type of shoes on the injury risk. News Between 8 and 15 years old, repeated stress induced by the regular practice of sports and growth spurts experienced by active children make them prone to overuse injuries. The most common for the lower body are Osgood-Schlatter and Sever's disease. The first link between the body and the ground being footwear, the latter can be of primary importance in the occurrence of these pathologies. It was suggested that the use of minimalist shoes would modify the running biomechanics and thus potentially the injury risk. Prospects and projects Further investigations are needed to identify whether, over time, children adapt or not their behaviour to the use of minimalist shoes and whether the wearing of this type of shoes influences the overuse injuries risk. Conclusion Compared with conventional shoes, the use of minimalist shoes generally induces a flatter foot placement, with a more plantar-flexed ankle at ground contact and less knee flexion during stance phase. It seems that these modifications lead to a reduction of tensile forces at the knee and may decrease the risk of Osgood-Schlatter disease. Concerning Sever's disease, the biomechanical analysis was not conclusive due to the complexity of its pathomechanics. The wearing of minimalist shoes should decrease heel compressive forces through a pressure redistribution under the whole plantar surface or under the forefoot but may in counterpart increase tensile forces at the Achilles tendon insertion site onto the calcaneus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With reference to theoretical models regarding links between emotions and actions, the present study examined whether the lateral occurrence of an emotional stimulus influences spatial and temporal parameters of gait initiation in 18 younger and 18 older healthy adults. In order to simulate road-crossing hazard for pedestrians, slides of approaching cars were used and they were presented in counterbalanced order with threatening slides from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) and control slides of safe walking areas. Each slide was presented on the left side of the participant once the first step was initiated. The results evidenced medio-lateral shifts to the left for the first step (right foot) and to the right for the second step (left foot). These shifts were both modulated by the slide contents in such a way that the resulting distance between the screen and the foot (right or left) was larger with the IAPS and traffic slides than with the control slides. The slides did not affect the base of support, step length, step velocity and time of double support. Advancing age influenced the subjective impact of the slides and gait characteristics, but did not modulate medio-lateral shifts. The data extend evidence of fast, emotional modulation of stepping, with theoretical and applied consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to determine appropriate value for threshold stress intensity factor for hydrogen-assisted cracking ( K IH ), constant-displacement and rising-load tests were conducted in high-pressure hydrogen gas for JIS-SCM435 low alloy steel (Cr-Mo steel) used as stationary storage buffer of a hydrogen refuelling station with 0.2% proof strength and ultimate tensile strength equal to 772 MPa and 948 MPa respectively. Thresholds for crack arrest under constant displacement and for crack initiation under rising load were identified. The crack arrest threshold under constant displacement was 44.3 MPa m 1/2 to 44.5 MPa m 1/2 when small-scale yielding and plane-strain criteria were satisfied and the crack initiation threshold under rising load was 33.1 MPa m 1/2 to 41.1 MPa m 1/2 in 115 MPa hydrogen gas. The crack arrest threshold was roughly equivalent to the crack initiation threshold although the crack initiation threshold showed slightly more conservative values. It was considered that both test methods could be suitable to determine appropriate value for K IH for this material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on results of a study of variations in expert rower coordination when rate increases on ergometer. A description of the experimental set-up and measurement method is presented. The study concluded that expert rowers modify their coordination only on recovery phase and not on propulsive phase when they increase their stroke rate.

The article explores the carrying mode on the ground reaction forces (GRF) during gait. It shows the effects of the carrying mode and mass locations on the GRF during gait. The article highlights that backpacking by itself is a perturbing task that modifies propulsion and reception phases during gait, regardless of the mass carried.

The article attempts to verify whether natural trunk leaning attitude in the sagittal plane, during quiet standing and on firm surface, may interfere with balance control mechanisms. It discusses the participation of 25 consenting male subjects in the study. The article highlights two balance control strategies from the natural trunk attitude during upright quiet standing.

The article investigates how the lower movements affect the handle trajectory. Two models of the upper limb are compared. The article suggests that it is more realistic to take into account sternoclavicular joint to stimulate and analyze rowing movement. It discusses the need to improve one of the models to simulate a best hand trajectory in sagittal plane during all the different phases.

Purpose: Many studies have focused on maximum torque exerted by ankle joint muscles during plantar flexion. While strength parameters are typically measured with isokinetic or isolated ankle dynamometers, these devices often present substantial limitations for the measurement of torque because they account for force in only 1 dimension (1D), and the device often constrains the body in a position that augments torque through counter movements. The purposes of this study were to determine the contribution of body position to ankle plantar-flexion torque and to assess the use of 1D and 3D torque sensors.Methods: A custom designed 'Booted, Open-Unit, Three dimension, Transportable, Ergometer' (B.O.T.T.E.) was used to quantify plantar flexion in two conditions: (1) when the participant was restrained within the unit (locked-unit) and (2) when the participant's position was independent of the ankle dynamometer (open-unit). Ten young males performed maximal voluntary isometric plantar-flexion contractions using the B.O.T.T.E. in open and locked-unit mechanical configurations.Results: The B.O.T.T.E. was reliable with ICC higher than 0.90, and CV lower than 7 %. The plantar-flexion maximal resultant torque was significantly higher in the locked-unit compared with open-unit configuration (P < 0.001; +61 to +157 %) due to the addition of forces from the body being constrained within the testing device. A 1D compared with 3D torque sensor significantly underestimated the proper capacity of plantar-flexion torque production (P < 0.001; -37 to -60 %).Conclusions: Assessment of plantar-flexion torque should be performed with an open-unit dynamometer mounted with a 3D sensor that is exclusive of accessory muscles but inclusive of all ankle joint movements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zr determination in low-level radioactive wastes generated at nuclear power plants is an important issue for waste disposal purpose. This paper describes an analytical methodology developed for Zr determination based on selective separation using extractive resins associated with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and liquid scintillation counting (LSC) measurements. The Zr results obtained for waste samples were in a good agreement for both techniques and the detection limits of 0.045 μg L and 0.05 Bq L were obtained for ICP-MS and LSC techniques respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Hand position strategy could help to define functional driver profiles in steering task situation. [•] Densitogram representation and position indicator were used to analyze the hand position strategy. [•] Three distinct driver profiles are find: hand-crossing, non-hand-crossing and asymmetric-hand-crossing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Although fish intake has potential health benefits, the presence of metal contamination in seafood has raised public health concerns. In this study, levels of mercury, cadmium, lead, tin and arsenic have been determined in fresh, canned and frozen fish and shellfish products and compared with the maximum levels currently in force. In a further step, potential human health risks for the consumers were assessed. A total of 485 samples of the 43 most frequently consumed fish and shellfish species in Andalusia (Southern Spain) were analyzed for their toxic elements content. High mercury concentrations were found in some predatory species (blue shark, cat shark, swordfish and tuna), although they were below the regulatory maximum levels. In the case of cadmium, bivalve mollusks such as canned clams and mussels presented higher concentrations than fish, but almost none of the samples analyzed exceeded the maximum levels. Lead concentrations were almost negligible with the exception of frozen common sole, which showed median levels above the legal limit. Tin levels in canned products were far below the maximum regulatory limit, indicating that no significant tin was transferred from the can. Arsenic concentrations were higher in crustaceans such as fresh and frozen shrimps. The risk assessment performed indicated that fish and shellfish products were safe for the average consumer, although a potential risk cannot be dismissed for regular or excessive consumers of particular fish species, such as tuna, swordfish, blue shark and cat shark (for mercury) and common sole (for lead). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The publication of the “Swiss Statement” in 2008 shook the international HIV prevention and advocacy scene. HIV behavioral research has provided us with some studies focusing on the potential changes that new prevention strategies can produce, but results are not conclusive. Besides, there is a lack of data concerning awareness of these kinds of prevention strategies on real-life settings, studying mainly the behavior of people recruited in different types of trials (e.g., circumcision, pre and post-exposure prophylaxis). The present study aims to (1) identify the factors associated with awareness of the “Swiss Statement” among PLWHA, (2) determine in which setting they became aware of it, and (3) look for potential, behavioral, and/or emotional changes as a consequence of this awareness. In order to achieve these three objectives, we used the data collected by a community-based survey called “HIV, Hepatitis and you.” In order to determine the factors associated with the awareness of the Swiss Statement, univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed. Main results show that among the 997 HIV-positive people answering the questionnaire, 57% knew about the Swiss Statement, and that their main source of information was the associative setting, while 30% declared having found out about it from their doctor. As for the factors associated with the awareness of the Swiss Statement, we found that the following variables were significantly associated with such awareness: living in stable housing, having a CD4 count above 350 cell/mm3, having an undetectable viral load, being in contact with a HIV-solidarity network, feeling of belonging to the LGBT community, and filling out the questionnaire online. The results of this study point out that interventions addressed to improve access to health-related information for PLWHA facing socioeconomical difficulties and isolation are strongly needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The publication of the “Swiss Statement” in 2008 shook the international HIV prevention and advocacy scene. HIV behavioral research has provided us with some studies focusing on the potential changes that new prevention strategies can produce, but results are not conclusive. Besides, there is a lack of data concerning awareness of these kinds of prevention strategies on real-life settings, studying mainly the behavior of people recruited in different types of trials (e.g., circumcision, pre and post-exposure prophylaxis). The present study aims to (1) identify the factors associated with awareness of the “Swiss Statement” among PLWHA, (2) determine in which setting they became aware of it, and (3) look for potential, behavioral, and/or emotional changes as a consequence of this awareness. In order to achieve these three objectives, we used the data collected by a community-based survey called “HIV, Hepatitis and you.” In order to determine the factors associated with the awareness of the Swiss Statement, univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed. Main results show that among the 997 HIV-positive people answering the questionnaire, 57% knew about the Swiss Statement, and that their main source of information was the associative setting, while 30% declared having found out about it from their doctor. As for the factors associated with the awareness of the Swiss Statement, we found that the following variables were significantly associated with such awareness: living in stable housing, having a CD4 count above 350 cell/mm3, having an undetectable viral load, being in contact with a HIV-solidarity network, feeling of belonging to the LGBT community, and filling out the questionnaire online. The results of this study point out that interventions addressed to improve access to health-related information for PLWHA facing socioeconomical difficulties and isolation are strongly needed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Clin Microbiol Infect 2010; 16: 1435–1441 We performed an 11-year retrospective analysis of consecutive nonduplicate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clinical isolates in two neighbouring hospitals in the Paris area. MRSA isolates were classified according to resistance (R) to fluoroquinolones (Fq), kanamycin (K), tobramycin (T) and gentamicin (G). The yearly number of MRSA isolates (3446 in total) decreased, from approximately 350 in 1997–2002 to 212 in 2007. Four patterns (P) were found: P1 (KTGFq R, n = 776), P2 [KTFq R; G susceptible (S), n = 1630], P3 (Fq R; KTG S, n = 397) and P4 (Fq S; any KTG susceptibility, n = 201). P1 predominated in 1997 (183 isolates) then dropped sharply (nine in 2007); P2 and P4 remained stable over time; and P3 increased from 13 isolates in 1997 to 72 in 2007. Patterns were significantly and positively associated with several variables, independently of the year of collection: P1, age < 80 years, male gender, intensive care unit stay, and hospital onset; P3, age > 80 years and stay in intermediate or long-term care wards; and P4, age < 40 years, stay in an obstetric ward, and imported cases. Molecular typing of 79 isolates in 2005 and 2007 using multilocus sequence typing, spa type, and SCC mec showed that P1, P2 and P3 isolates were mainly clonal, whereas P4 isolates were more diverse. P1 comprised mainly ST247-I isolates, P2 mainly ST8-IVc, and P3 mainly ST8-IVc and ST5-VI. In conclusion, the epidemiology of MRSA in Paris is changing rapidly at the local level, with phenotypically defined clones being substituted by others, with associations existing between changes in specific patient populations or circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Though the effect of imposed trunk posture affects walking patterns little is known about the effect of natural orientation of the trunk on gait. The objectives of this study are to test if the lower limb joint and thoraco-lumbar moments are similar in subjects who maintain an average natural forward or backward trunk inclination during gait and verify if the lower limbs are equally affected. Methods: Twenty-five young men were divided according to their natural backward or forward trunk inclination during level walking. Ankle, knee, hip and thoraco-lumbar moments were calculated by an inverse dynamic approach for the two limbs. A two-way ANOVA was performed on peak lower limb moments. A one-way ANOVA was performed on thoraco-lumbar peak moments. Findings: There was a main effect for both trunk inclinations and lower limb sides but no interaction. For the forward leaners, the duration of hip extension moment was longer (P <0.001) while the hip flexion moment was 1.3 times smaller (P <0.001). Differences between the lower limb sides were noted in all joints but at push-off of the stance phase only. The two thoraco-lumbar extension moments were, respectively, 1.4 times higher for the forward leaners while the two flexion moments were approximately 1.4 times higher for the backward leaners. Interpretations: The backward leaners propel themselves with a strong hip flexor activity at push-off while the forward leaners use their hip muscles throughout stance. These results support the idea that trunk inclinations and moment variations are associated with the type of walking patterns. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The capacity of Borreria scabiosoides Cham. & Schltdl. growing in hydroponics solutions to remove Cr (III) from water was evaluated. This macrophytes efficiently removed Cr from water at concentrations of 25 and 50mg/lCr−1. High resolution imaging secondary ion mass-spectrometry (HRI-SIMS) measurements were performed using scanning ion microprobe at the University of Chicago (UC-SIM). The inductively coupled plasma sector type mass spectrometer (HR-ICP-MS) was used to analyse all samples. In general, plant roots exhibited higher metal concentrations than the aerial plants parts. Borreria shows promise for the removal and store Cr from contaminated wastewater. The ion images demonstrated that Cr is preferentially accumulated in cell walls and in some vacuoles of cortical roots cells. The number of Cr deposits are higher in cortical parenchyma, particularly in vacuoles and cell walls, compared to stellar tissue. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Over-responsive patients are at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation, which may lead to severe complications. The choice of ovarian stimulation protocol or the use of a coasting (gonadotrophins suspension) with its associated risk of too strong ovarian response will be discussed herein. As for in vitro fertilization stimulation protocols, the best are probably those which use steadily increasing low doses of gonadotrophins, associated to GnRH agonists (low-dose protocols) or those which complete a double hypophyseal inhibition (estro-progestative association and GnRH agonists). GnRH antagonists may also reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation, by estradiol drop. Outside the context of in vitro fertilization GnRH continuous administration or low -dose gonadotrophin stimulation are the best options. A coasting will be performed when an excess follicle response is documented. Under strict hormonal follow-up and within four days it allows achieving a high rate of pregnancy with a lower risk of hyperstimulation. Compared to other therapies of hyperstimulation syndrome, the coasting allows to avoid cycle cancellation or freezing of all embryos. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

OBJECTIVE: Clinical gait analysis is widely used by different therapists working with hemiplegic patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of video-based clinical gait assessment, as performed by practitioners in diverse specialties. DESIGN: Five neurologists, 5 physiotherapists, and 5 doctors of physical medicine and rehabilitation (physiatrists) were asked to study a videotape of 6 patients with hemiplegia in the act of walking. This activity was chosen due to the wide use of gait information for therapeutic prescription and medical decision-making during medical consultations, at conventions, or in exchanges between therapists. RESULTS: Results highlighted a certain inconsistency in the use of the gait description indicators. The 15 therapists used 396 different locutions to describe the gaits of the 6 patients. These locutions yielded 60 general indicators, or gait disorders, which were grouped in 5 categories. Eleven of them were classified as 'controversial' due to the significant inter-subject variability of the evaluations. CONCLUSION: The study identified a large number of indicators that were used relatively inconsistently by the 3 specialties studied. The results of this study would appear to indicate that greater caution is needed when dealing with some of the 'controversial' indicators, as well as with the 'unusual' gait patterns observed in some patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The original article unfortunately contained a mistake. Due to technical problems the study group was not tagged correctly. Please find the correct tagging down below. We apologize for the mistake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the differences between the automobile steering styles of healthy and disabled individuals. It discusses how the study was conducted which involves an instrumented steering wheel that was used by researcher J. Schiro and colleagues and 45 drivers. The results reportedly revealed that disabled drivers have achieved equal steering performance as the healthy participants under simulated conditions.

The article discusses a study which proposes a method to represent hand position sequences under wheel steering task, which can be used to compare steering strategy of drivers. It describes the protocol where the hand position representation was built, starting from driver recruitment to the coding of hand position sequences. It suggests that the method could help in comparing several scenarios in the same slope taken by drivers.

Objectives The usefulness of screening for carriage of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) with active surveillance cultures (ASC) remains equivocal in low-endemicity intensive care units (ICUs). Our primary objective was to appraise the impact of ceasing ASC on the incidence of ICU-acquired ESBL-E infections in an ICU with universal contact precautions (CP). Patient outcomes and carbapenem consumption were also investigated. Methods A single-ICU, retrospective, uncontrolled before-and-after study including all patients admitted for ≥3 days during two consecutive 1-year periods with and without ASC. Results A total of 524 and 545 patients were included during the ASC and the no-ASC periods, respectively. Twenty-eight patients (5.3%) from the ASC period were ESBL-E carriers. An ICU-acquired ESBL-E infection (median duration of risk exposure, 4 (range 2–9) days for both periods) occurred in 1.1% and 1.5% of patients admitted during the ASC and the no-ASC periods (p = 0.64), with no inter-period variation in incidence after adjustment on competing risks of death and ICU discharge (standardized hazard ratio (SHR) 2.32, 95% CI 0.80–6.73, p = 0.12). An admission during the no-ASC period exerted no independent impact on the hazards of ESBL-E infections (adjusted OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.38–3.50, p = 0.79), in-ICU death (SHR 1.22, 95% CI 0.93–1.59, p = 0.15) and extended length of stay (SHR for discharge 0.89, 95% CI 0.79–1.01, p = 0.08). Carbapenem exposure in patients without ESBL-E infection decreased between the ASC and no-ASC periods (75 versus 61 carbapenem-days per 1000 patient-days, p = 0.01). Conclusions In a low-endemicity ICU with universal CP, the withdrawal of routine screening for ESBL-E carriage had no significant effect on the incidence of ICU-acquired ESBL-E infections and patient outcomes. Carbapenem consumption decreased in patients without ESBL-E infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the instrumentation of a balance beam that allowed the study of the dynamics of reaction forces acting during the different supporting phases while acrobatic skills are performed by women gymnasts. The method for the construction of an instrumented balance beam is described. The skills requires the minimization of lateral forces. The experimental device allowed to analyze both dynamic and kinematic measures for understanding how the maintenance of all body balance is controlled.

Presents a study which compared segmental accelerations of the serving limb between a short and long backhand badminton serve in order to reveal the mechanism of impulse transmission. Reason that the backhand serve was usually executed; Material and method; Discussion and conclusion.