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Thermal considerations affect the performance of most microsystems. Although surface techniques can give information on the thermal properties within the material or about buried heat sources and defects, mapping temperature and thermal properties in three dimension (3D) is critical and has not been addressed yet. Infrared thermography, commonly used for opaque materials, is not adapted to semi-transparent samples such as microfluidic chips or semiconductor materials in the infrared range. This work aims at answering these needs by using the variations of transmittance with temperature to obtain information on the temperature within the thickness of the sample. We use a tunable mid-infrared light source combined with an infrared camera to measure these variations of transmittance in a glass wafer. We couple this technique with a thermal model to extract the thermotransmittance coefficient—the coefficient of temperature variation of the transmittance. We then introduce a semiempirical model based on Lorentz oscillators to estimate the temperature-dependent optical properties of our sample in the mid-IR spectral range. Combined with the measurement, this paper reports the spectroscopic behavior of the thermotransmittance coefficient in the mid-IR range and a way to predict it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contactless temperature field measurements in or at the surfaces of semitransparent media are a scientific challenge as classical thermography techniques based on proper material emission cannot be used. In this work, an alternative method using infrared thermotransmittance for contactless temperature imaging is proposed. To overcome the weakness of the measured signal, a lock-in acquisition chain is developed and an imaging demodulation technique is used to retrieve the phase and amplitude of the thermotransmitted signal. These measurements, combined with an analytical model, enable the estimation of the thermal diffusivity and conductivity of an infrared semitransparent insulator (wafer of Borofloat 33 glass) and the monochromatic thermotransmittance coefficient at 3.3 µm. The obtained temperature fields are in good agreement with the model, and a detection limit of ±2 °C is estimated with this method. The results of this work open new opportunities in the development of advanced thermal metrology for semitransparent media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focuses on PuCO-type phase formation at the surface of δ-Pu at temperatures above 300 °C under low oxygen partial pressure. Its growth was characterised by XRD and XPS and was found to follow parabolic kinetics law. This oxycarbide formation was thermodynamically supported by CALPHAD calculations. XPS investigations of PuCO phase reveal a singular plutonium oxidation state never observed in plutonium oxides (i.e. PuO2 or Pu2O3). Furthermore, the oxycarbide presence on the sample surface strongly impacts the oxidation rate in oxygen atmosphere, reducing drastically the other oxide growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During irradiation in a nuclear reactor, the UO2 fuel and the Zr cladding come into contact due to fuel thermal expansion and cladding creep. The inner surface of the Zr cladding in contact with the UO2 fuel therefore oxidizes. This paper analyzes the microstructure of zirconia formed at the Zr cladding/UO2 interface in two samples with different burnups. It seems that the zirconia develops 'normally' until it comes into contact with the fuel. The development of internal zirconia is, however, constrained mechanically by the contact of the UO2 fuel. Four different zones can be distinguished in the zirconia layer of each sample. In the medium-burnup sample (37 GWd/tU), the zirconia in the first zone in contact with the cladding exhibits the same kind of microstructure as 'ordinary' zirconium oxide formed on the cladding outer surface, which is characterized by columnar and equiaxed grains. Thereafter, two intermediate zones can be observed: a first composed of very small equiaxed grains and a second with a mixture of intermediate and large grains. In the high-burnup sample (61 GWd/tU), zirconia presents a wavy interface with some circumvolutions. The ZrO2 in contact with the fuel is more developed in this case than in the medium-burnup sample, but it shows the same microstructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ageing leads to a progressive loss of muscle function (MF) and quality (MQ: muscle strength (MS)/lean muscle mass (LM)). Power training and protein (PROT) supplementation have been proposed as efficient interventions to improve MF and MQ. Discrepancies between results appear to be mainly related to the type and/or dose of proteins used. The present study aimed at determining whether or not mixed power training (MPT) combined with fast-digested PROT (F-PROT) leads to greater improvements in MF and MQ in elderly men than MPT combined with slow-digested PROT (S-PROT) or MPT alone. Sixty elderly men (age 69 (sd 7) years; BMI 18–30 kg/m2) were randomised into three groups: (1) placebo + MPT (PLA; n 19); (2) F-PROT + MPT (n 21) and (3) S-PROT + MPT (n 20) completed the intervention. LM, handgrip and knee extensor MS and MQ, functional capacity, serum metabolic markers, skeletal muscle characteristics, dietary intake and total energy expenditure were measured. The interventions consisted in 12 weeks of MPT (3 times/week; 1 h/session) combined with a supplement (30 g:10 g per meal) of F-PROT (whey) or S-PROT (casein) or a placebo. No difference was observed among groups for age, BMI, number of steps and dietary intake pre- and post-intervention. All groups improved significantly their LM, lower limb MS/MQ, functional capacity, muscle characteristics and serum parameters following the MPT. Importantly, no difference between groups was observed following the MPT. Altogether, adding 30 g PROT/d to MPT, regardless of the type, does not provide additional benefits to MPT alone in older men ingesting an adequate (i.e. above RDA) amount of protein per d. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports a multispectral tomography technique in transmission mode (called 3DITI for 3D Infrared Thermospectroscopic Imaging) based on a middle wavelength infrared (MWIR) focal plane array. This technique relies on an MWIR camera (1.5 to 5.5 μm) used in combination with a multispectral IR monochromator (400 nm to 20 μm), and a sample mounted on a rotary stage for the measurement of its transmittance at several angular positions. Based on the projections expressed in terms of a sinogram, spatial three-dimensional (3D) cubes (proper emission and absorptivity) are reconstructed using a back-projection method based on inverse Radon transform. As a validation case, IR absorptivity tomography of a reflective metallic screw is performed within a very short time, i.e., shorter than 1 min, to monitor 72 angular positions of the sample. Then, the absorptivity and proper emission tomographies of a butane-propane-air burner flame and microfluidic perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) tubing filled with water and ethanol are obtained. These unique data evidence that 3D thermo-chemical information in complex semi-transparent media can be obtained using the proposed 3DITI method. Moreover, this measurement technique presents new problems in the acquisition, storage and processing of big data. In fact, the quantity of reconstructed data can reach several TB (a tomographic sample cube of 1.5 × 1.5 × 3 cm3 is composed of more than 1 million pixels per wavelength). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study concerns police socialization, focusing on the influence of trainers on the affective organizational commitment of new police officers in France. There has been little research on the role of trainers in organizational identification, which refers to how members of an organization define themselves in relation to that organization. The aim of this study was specifically to examine first the links between the quality of the trainer-newcomer relationship, clarity of the trainer's expectations, and affective organizational commitment, and secondly the mediating role of organizational identification in these relationships. Participants were 852 French police officers attending a training course. Structural equation modeling revealed that the quality of the trainer-newcomer relationship and clarity of expectations were related to affective organizational commitment, and that organizational identification acted as a mediator between these two factors and the outcome. Based on these findings, practical suggestions and directions for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the pore structure and the impacts of Haines jumps on the change in preferential pathways (called the dynamic breakthrough) during fluid percolation through thin porous media. Two capillaries connected in parallel are used to represent a thin porous medium, and Haines jumps are observed through the formation of droplets. Using a droplet growth model and experimental visualisations, the change in preferential pathways is shown to be strongly influenced by the pore lengths, pore radii ratios, and droplet detachment volumes. This work provides a better understanding of the redevelopment of continuous fluid paths observed through thin porous media in electrochemical systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

300 series stainless steels are the most common materials used in the manufacture of container for the intermediate storage of low- and intermediate-level radioactive wastes. Today, aluminium alloys are being considered as an alternative as they would enable gamma measurements to be performed directly through the container. However, reactions which occur during storage, lead to the formation of corrosive species. An investigation and comparison of the corrosion behaviour of a 5754 aluminium alloy container with that of a 304L stainless steel container was realised. Samples were introduced in corrosive environment during several months and then characterised by SEM. Results allow or not to validate the use of this aluminium alloy as nuclear container material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a pseudo 2D multiphysics A.C. and D.C. model that has been successfully used with Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements to detect cells state-of-health in a PEMFC stack. The model is able to reproduce the gas concentration oscillations that develop along the cell channel while doing EIS measurements. This feature makes it possible to explicitly take into account the air stoichiometry effects on cells state-of health. The model being both static and harmonic, the identification of model parameters is based on static cell data (current and voltage) and on measured cells impedance spectra. The cells state-of-health is presented in terms of repartition of losses due to four limiting phenomena: the membrane ionic resistance, the mass and charge transport limitations in the electrode, the mass transport limitations through GDLs and along the cell channels and the kinetic irreversibilities. When coupled with pressure drop measurements across the stack, it has been possible to prove that flooding conditions for the stack leads to inhomogeneous cells state-of-health: on one hand, most of the cells get flooded while, on the other hand, some of them remain in the nominal conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Materials able to form protective chromia, Cr2O3, are most of time good candidates to be used at high temperatures in oxidizing atmospheres. Minor element additions are necessary to increase their mechanical or chemical properties. Among them, the reactive elements (RE) are highly efficient to improve the high temperature oxidation behavior of alloys. Their addition in small quantity is enough to greatly decrease the oxidation rates, but above all to drastically increase the oxide scale adherence to the base materials. That was the key point of what observed Pfeil 75 years ago. Since that date, many results have been published, many theories have been proposed, and many discussions have been engaged. Until now, the reasons why RE are so efficient are not fully understood, several hypotheses have been proposed in order to explain their beneficial effect on the oxide scale formation. According to the large amounts of published papers on this topic, there is probably no single theory envisageable to explain their role, whatever their nature, the tested materials and then the native oxide scale, as well as the nature of the oxidizing atmosphere. The decrease of the oxidation rate and the improvement of the oxide layer adherence are the final results due to RE additions. Generally, RE additions favor the nucleation and the growth of scales. They decrease the oxide grain size, and consequently could change scale plasticity and creep, which can modify the growth and/or thermal stresses generated within the scale during its growth or its cooling to room temperature. They prevent the detrimental sulfur effect and suppress dislocation climb in the metal and, then, limit cation transport (poisoned interface model). 75th Pfeil's patent anniversary seems good to make a pause in order to analyze what we really understood on the reactive element effect in chromia-forming materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common non-skin cancer among men in Canada and other Western countries. Increased prevalence and higher cost of newer treatments have led to a significant rise in the economic burden of PCa. The objectives of the present study were to systematically review the literature on direct costs for the initial management of PCa, and to examine the methodologic considerations across studies. Methods Bibliographic databases were systematically searched for peer-reviewed articles in English. Studies were reviewed for methodologic considerations and mean direct cost of active surveillance or watchful waiting (AA/WW) and initial treatments. Direct cost was standardized to 2011 Canadian dollars. Results After a review of abstracts and full-text papers, seventeen articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Studies were published during 1992-2010. The studies reported on health care systems in the United States, France, the United Kingdom, German, Italy, and Spain. Our review identified a lack of methodologic consensus, leading to variation in direct costs between studies. Nevertheless, results indicate a significant direct cost of PCa treatments. Conclusions The existing literature lacks methodologically rigorous studies on the direct costs of PCa treatments specific to publicly funded health care systems. Additional studies are required to appreciate the direct costs of newer treatments and the impact of their adoption on the growing economic burden of PCa management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alloy 230 was studied as possible interconnect material for high temperature vapor electrolysis (HTVE) application. For such a use, the main important requirements are good corrosion resistance and a low area specific electrical resistance (ASR). The samples were oxidized at 800 °C for 250 h under cathodic (Ar-1 %H-9 %HO) and anodic (dry air) HTVE atmospheres. In situ ASR evolution of alloy 230 in both conditions was determined using a specific device. The influence of a LaCrO coating is also discussed in this study. It is shown that alloy 230 offers good corrosion resistance, improved by the presence of the coating. A calculation of the theoretical ASR is in good agreement with the experimental value obtained in anodic environment. For the cathodic condition, the ASR value is two orders of magnitude higher than the expected one, and this could be explained by the presence of hydrogen in the oxide layer. The LaCrO coating effect on ASR values remains unclear, but it appears to have at least an influence on its evolution over the test duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Pulsed light ( PL) technology is a surface decontamination process that can be used on food, packaging or water. PL efficiency may be limited by its low degree of penetration or because of a shadow effect. In these cases, surviving bacteria will be able to perceive PL as a stress. Such a stress was mimicked using low transmitted energy conditions, and its effects were investigated on the highly environmental adaptable bacterium Enterococcus faecalis V583. Methods and Results In these laboratory conditions, a complete decontamination of the artificially inoculated medium was performed using energy doses as low as 1·8 J cm−2, while a treatment of 0·5, 1 and 1·2 J cm−2 led to a 2·2, 6 and 7-log10 CFU ml−1 reduction in the initial bacterial population, respectively. Application of a 0·5 J cm−2 pretreatment allowed the bacteria to resist more efficiently a 1·2 J cm−2 subsequent PL dose. This 0·5 J cm−2 treatment increased the bacterial mutation frequency and affected the abundance of 19 proteins as revealed by a global proteome analysis. Conclusions Enterococcus faecalis is able to adapt to a PL treatment, providing a molecular response to low-energy PL dose, leading to enhanced resistance to a subsequent treatment and increasing the mutation frequency. Significance and Impact of the Study This study gives further insights on Ent. faecalis capacities to adapt and to resist to stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of challenges in improving the performance and cost-effectiveness of SOFCs (Solid Oxide Fuel Cells) is the development of suitable interconnect materials. Chromia-forming alloys and especially ferritic stainless steels, like Crofer22APU, are considered to be among the most promising candidate materials as interconnects in SOFC stacks. However, the performance of chromia-forming materials can be limited by the low electronic conductivity of the oxide scale (high ASR-area specific resistance-value). Such degradation is unacceptable regarding the long-term operation (>40,000 h). A previous study demonstrated that in air, the addition of a nanometric reactive element oxide (LaO) layer applied by Metal Organic Chemical Vapour Deposition (MOCVD) drastically improved both corrosion rate and electrical properties of Crofer22APU for 100 h at 800 °C. In the present study, coating performances were checked after 10 months (7,700 h), 20 months (15,400 h) and 30 months (23,100 h) exposure in air at 800 °C. The corrosion products were characterized by SEM, EDX and XRD. ASR measurements are realized after long time exposure. The study demonstrates that the Crofer22APU alloy has a good oxidation resistance after 23,100 h in air but this alloy has a high ASR value equal to 0.410 Ω cm. The coatings composed of thin reactive element oxides made of LaO or YO resulted in an important improvement in the high temperature oxidation resistance; the ASR values are equal to 0.180 and 0.160 Ω cm respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the interactions involved in the adhesion of living cells on surfaces is essential in the field of tissue engineering and biomaterials. In this study, we investigate the early adhesion of living human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) on flat titanium dioxide (TiO2) and on nanoporous crystallized TiO2 surfaces with the use of atomic force microscopy-based single-cell force spectroscopy measurements. The choice of the substrate surfaces was motivated by the fact that implants widely used in orthopaedic and dental surgery are made in Ti and its alloys. Nanoporous TiO2 surfaces were produced by anodization of Ti surfaces. In a typical force spectroscopy experiment, one living hMSC, immobilized onto a fibronectine-functionalized tipless lever is brought in contact with the surface of interest for 30 s before being detached while recording force-distance curves. Adhesion of hMSCs on nanoporous TiO2 substrates having inner pore diameter of 45 nm was lower by approximately 25% than on TiO2 flat surfaces. Force-distance curves exhibited also force steps that can be related to the pulling of membrane tethers from the cell membrane. The mean force step was equal to 35 pN for a given speed independently of the substrate surface probed. The number of tethers observed was substrate dependent. Our results suggest that the strength of the initial adhesion between hMSCs and flat or nanoporous TiO2 surfaces is driven by the adsorption of proteins deposited from serum in the culture media. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Pulsed light (PL) technology is an efficient surface decontamination process. Used in low transmitted energy conditions, PL induces a stress that can be perceived by bacteria. The effect of such a PL stress was investigated on the highly environmental adaptable germ Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. Methods and Results: Pulses of transmitted energy (fluence) reaching 1·8 J cm−2 can kill 109 bacteria. Application of a lower sublethal PL dose allowed the bacteria to resist and survive more efficiently to a subsequent dose of PL. This sublethal dose was not increasing the mutation frequency of Ps. aeruginosa, but altered the abundance of 15 proteins as revealed by a global proteome analysis, including stress-induced proteins, phage-related proteins, energy and carbon metabolisms, cell motility, and transcription and translation regulators. Conclusions: A response to a low-energy PL dose takes place in Ps. aeruginosa, reducing the energy conversion systems, while increasing transcription and translation processes to produce proteins involved in chaperone mechanisms and phage-related proteins, probably to protect the bacterium against a new PL-induced stress. Significance and Impact of the Study: Taken together, these results suggest that a low-energy PL dose is sufficient to provoke adaptation of Ps. aeruginosa, leading to enhancing its resistance to a subsequent lethal treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ims/hypothesis: Hyperaminoacidaemia attenuates glucose disposal during hyperinsulinaemic clamps in healthy lean individuals, an effect thought to be mediated by negative feedback on insulin signalling, downstream of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway. This has been interpreted as amino acids causing insulin resistance in healthy people, and contributing to it in type 2 diabetes. However, the effect of hyperaminoacidaemia on glucose disposal in type 2 diabetic individuals remains to be determined. Methods: Eight obese men with type 2 diabetes underwent a two-step hyperinsulinaemic-hyperglycaemic (8 mmol/l) clamp, first with amino acids at postabsorptive concentrations, followed by postprandial concentrations. Whole-body glucose turnover was assessed using d-[3-H]glucose. Vastus lateralis biopsies were obtained at baseline and during each step of the clamp to determine the phosphorylation states of AKT, mTOR, ribosomal protein (rp) S6, and insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1. Results: Rates of glucose infusion (1.30 ± 0.19 vs 1.15 ± 0.13 mmol/min), endogenous glucose production (0.48 ± 0.06 vs 0.53 ± 0.05 mmol/min) and disposal (1.24 ± 0.17 vs 1.17 ± 0.14 mmol/min) did not differ between postabsorptive and postprandial amino acid concentrations ( p > 0.05). Whereas phosphorylation of AKT, AKT mTOR and rpS6 increased ( p < 0.05) with elevated amino acids, that of IRS-1 and IRS-1 did not change. Conclusions/interpretation: Postprandial circulating amino acid concentrations do not worsen the already attenuated glucose disposal in hyperglycaemic type 2 diabetic men, and cell-signalling events are consistent with this. Our results do not support recommendations to restrict dietary protein in type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ims/hypothesis: Although protein is usually ignored when considering insulin resistance, we have shown resistance of protein concurrent with glucose metabolism in men with type 2 diabetes during a hyperinsulinaemic clamp at euglycaemia and fasting aminoacidaemia. We hypothesised that this resistance is even worse during conditions that simulate the postprandial state, when anabolism should be maximal. Methods: Eight overweight and obese men with type 2 diabetes underwent a hyperinsulinaemic-hyperglycaemic (8 mmol/l) clamp, first with plasma amino acids at postabsorptive (Hyper-2) then at postprandial concentrations (Hyper-3). Whole-body protein kinetics were assessed using l-[1-C]leucine. Hyper-2 results were compared with those of diabetic men whose plasma glucose was lowered to 5.5 mmol/l and fasting aminoacidaemia maintained during the hyperinsulinaemic clamp (Hyper-1). Results: In Hyper-2 vs Hyper-1 clamps, leucine flux (2.99 ± 0.16 vs 2.62 ± 0.06 μmol kg [fat-free mass (FFM)] min), rates of synthesis (2.31 ± 0.15 vs 1.98 ± 0.06) and breakdown (2.38 ± 0.16 vs 2.00 ± 0.07) were higher ( p < 0.05), but leucine oxidation and net balance did not differ. In Hyper-3 vs Hyper-2 clamps, leucine flux and synthesis and oxidation rates increased markedly as did net balance (0.84 ± 0.09 vs −0.07 ± 0.04 μmol [kg FFM] min, p < 0.0001). Conclusions/interpretation: In type 2 diabetic men, insulin resistance of protein metabolism is of the same magnitude at 8 vs 5.5 mmol/l, but turnover rates are higher with hyperglycaemia. Contrary to our hypothesis, sustained postprandial-level hyperaminoacidaemia stimulated positive net protein balance comparable with that previously found in lean non-diabetic men. This was sufficient to overcome the insulin resistance of protein anabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Type 2 diabetes is characterized by hyperglycaemia, delayed gastric emptying and a blunted response of gut hormones during feeding that may modulate satiety. We hypothesized that it is associated with more hunger when treated by medication. Methods: We studied nine type 2 diabetic men (A1C: 6.7 ± 0.3%, waist circumference: 104 ± 4 cm) after an overnight fast, during 5 h in response to a 2.88 MJ breakfast, twice, in a crossover design, with or without antihyperglycaemic agents. Satiety ratings, thermic effect of meal, gastric emptying, plasma concentrations of gut peptides, leptin, insulin and substrates and intake from a subsequent buffet were determined. Results: With medication, fasting and postprandial plasma glucose levels were lower but area under the curve (AUC) did not vary vs. without medication. Gastric emptying was shortened, branched chain amino acids (BCAA) AUC and thermic effect were lower, and postprandial glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY3–36) were maintained at higher levels beyond 4 h. Correlations were significant between duration of diabetes and fasting ghrelin (r = 0.779, p = 0.013) and peak insulin (r = −0.769, p = 0.016), 5-h postmeal ghrelin and peak glucose (r = 0.822, p = 0.007), 5-h glucose and GLP-1 (r = −0.788, p = 0.012), and 5-h hunger scores and energy intake at buffet (r = 0.828, p = 0.006). Without medication, fullness scores correlated with BCAA levels. Visual analogue scale scores, ghrelin and leptin levels did not differ between studies. Conclusions: The decrease in factors associated with postprandial satiety with treatment is counterbalanced by higher GLP-1 and PYY3–36. Medication may normalize the link between perception of hunger and subsequent food intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrical conductivity of a coated and uncoated model Fe-30Cr ferritic steel was studied between 973 and 1,073 K. The ASR values decreased with temperature increase. The application of a nano-structured ceramic coating made of yttria on the surface of the steel induced a decrease of the ASR values, especially at 1,073 K, which is the operating temperature for Intermediate Temperature Solid-Oxide Fuel Cells. The ASR value of the yttria-coated alloy is 9.3 mΩ cm2 compared to 37.8 mΩ cm2 determined on the uncoated steel after 100 h at 1,073 K in air. The estimated value of the ASR parameter after 10,000 h is encouraging, as it is limited to 17 mΩ cm2. The oxidised surfaces were characterised by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results were compared with the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of malnutrition in frail elders undergoing rehabilitation and the association between their nutritional status and physical function. Design: Observational study of new participants undergoing ambulatory rehabilitation. Setting: Two Geriatric Day Hospitals (GDH) in Montreal, Quebec. Participants: 121 women and 61 men. Intervention: Evaluation of nutritional status, body composition and physical function. Measurements: The nutritional status was assessed with a composite index based on anthropometric measurements and serum albumin, as well as using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire. Patients were classified as well-nourished, having mild/at risk of malnutrition or malnourished. Body composition was estimated by bioimpedance and handgrip strength and gait speed by standard methods. Results: 13% of patients were found to be mildly malnourished, whereas 6% were malnourished. Malnourished patients were older and had worse cognition, lower BMI, and % body fat (all p < 0.05). Malnourished patients and those with mild malnutrition had lower weight, triceps skinfold thickness, muscle and fat mass (all, p < 0.003). Handgrip strength was different according to the nutritional status (p = 0.034) and correlated with muscle mass (r = 0.65, p < 0.001). MNA classified 53% of patients as being at risk whereas 3% were malnourished and it correlated with gait speed (r = 0.26, p = 0.001). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of patients in GDH at risk or with mild malnutrition. Being malnourished was associated with worse physical performance, which suggests that a nutritional intervention may be of benefit in improving their physical function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the glucose-lowering efficacy and safety of rimonabant monotherapy in drug-naive type 2 diabetic patients.Research Design and Methods: The Study Evaluating Rimonabant Efficacy in Drug-Naive Diabetic Patients (SERENADE) was a 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 20 mg/day rimonabant in drug-naive patients with type 2 diabetes (A1C 7-10%). The primary end point was A1C change from baseline; secondary end points included body weight, waist circumference, and lipid profile changes.Results: A total of 281 patients were randomly assigned; 278 were exposed to treatment, and 236 (84.9%) completed the study. Baseline A1C (7.9%) was reduced by -0.8% with rimonabant versus -0.3% with placebo (Delta A1C -0.51%; P = 0.0002), with a larger rimonabant effect in patients with baseline A1C >or=8.5% (Delta A1C -1.25%; P = 0.0009). Weight loss from baseline was -6.7 kg with rimonabant versus -2.8 kg with placebo (Delta weight -3.8 kg; P < 0.0001). Rimonabant induced improvements from baseline in waist circumference (-6 vs. -2 cm; P < 0.0001), fasting plasma glucose (-0.9 vs. -0.1 mmol/l; P = 0.0012), triglycerides (-16.3 vs. +4.4%; P = 0.0031), and HDL cholesterol (+10.1 vs. +3.2%; P < 0.0001). Adverse events of interest that occurred more frequently with rimonabant versus placebo were dizziness (10.9 vs. 2.1%), nausea (8.7 vs. 3.6%), anxiety (5.8 vs. 3.6%), depressed mood (5.8 vs. 0.7%), and paresthesia (2.9 vs. 1.4%).Conclusions: Rimonabant monotherapy resulted in meaningful improvements in glycemic control, body weight, and lipid profile in drug-naive type 2 diabetic patients. Further ongoing studies will better establish the benefit-to-risk profile of rimonabant and define its place in type 2 diabetes management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling the Mechanically Activated Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis (MASHS) process is exceedingly important for production of MoSi2-based materials with a desired microstructure. Consequently, it seemed essential to carry out Time-Resolved X-ray Diffraction (TRXRD) experiments using an X-ray synchrotron beam (DM2, ESRF Grenoble) coupled with IR thermographic measurements to monitor in situ the structural and thermal evolutions taking place during SHS. The versatility of this technique and new possibilities offered by the design of new sample holders have already been proved. In addition, this work clearly shows that this equipment is perfectly adapted to investigating phase transitions occurring during the MASHS process in the Mo-Si system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human T-cell leukemia virus and simian T-cell leukemia virus (STLV) form the primate T-cell lymphotropic viruses group. Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 and type 2 (HTLV-1 and HTLV-2) encode the Tax viral transactivator (Tax1 and Tax2, respectively). Tax1 possesses an oncogenic potential and is responsible for cell transformation both in vivo and in vitro. We and others have recently discovered the existence of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 3. However, there is currently no evidence for the presence of a Tax protein in HTLV-3-infected individuals. We show that the serum of an HTLV-3 asymptomatic carrier and the sera of two STLV-3-infected monkeys contain specific anti-Tax3 antibodies. We also show that tax3 mRNA is present in the PBMCs obtained from an STLV-3-infected monkey, demonstrating that Tax3 is expressed in vivo. We further demonstrate that Tax3 intracellular localization is very similar to that of Tax1 and that Tax3 binds to both CBP and p300 coactivators. Using purified Tax3, we show that the protein increases transcription from a 4TxRE G-free cassette plasmid in an in vitro transcription assay. In all cell types tested, including transiently transfected lymphocytes, Tax3 activates its own promoter STLV-3 long terminal repeat (LTR), which contains only two Tax Responsive Elements (TREs), and activates also HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 LTRs. In addition, Tax3 also activates the NF-κB pathway. We also show that Tax3 possesses a PDZ-binding sequence at its C-terminal end. Our results demonstrate that Tax3 is a transactivator, and that its properties are more similar to that of Tax1, rather than of Tax2. This suggests the possible occurrence of lymphoproliferative disorders among HTLV-3-infected populations.Oncogene (2006) 25, 4470–4482. doi:10.1038/sj.onc.1209472; published online 13 March 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/hypothesis: Increased circulating methylarginines (MA) have been linked to the metabolic syndrome to explain endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease risk. Proteins that contain MA are regulatory and release them during catabolism. We hypothesised that increased protein turnover in insulin-resistant states contributes to an increase in circulating MA. Materials and methods: We performed hyperinsulinaemic, euglycaemic, and isoaminoacidaemic experiments on 49 lean, obese and elderly subjects, with measurements of the kinetics of glucose and protein metabolism. Plasma MA, i.e. asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA), symmetrical dimethylarginine (SDMA), and NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (NMMA), lipids and body composition were measured. Results: Insulin resistance of glucose and protein metabolism occurred in obese and elderly subjects. ADMA concentrations were 29 to 120% higher in obese and 34% higher in elderly than in lean subjects. SDMAwere 34 and 20% higher in obese than in lean and than in elderly subjects, respectively. NMMA were 32% higher in obese than in lean subjects. ADMA differed by sex, being higher in men, namely by 1.75× in obese men and by 1.27× in elderly men. Postabsorptive ADMA (r=0.71), SDMA (r=0.46), and NMMA (r=0.31) correlated (all p<0.05) with rates of protein flux. All three MA correlated negatively with clamp glucose infusion rates and uptake (p<0.001). ADMA and SDMA correlated negatively with net protein synthesis and clamp amino acid infusion rates (p<0.05). All MA also correlated with adiposity indices and fasting insulin and triglycerides (p<0.05). Conclusions/interpretation: Obesity, sex and ageing affect MA. Elevations of the three MA in obese, and of ADMA in elderly men, are related to increased protein turnover and to lesser insulin sensitivity of protein metabolism. These interrelationships might amplify insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with insulin resistance of glucose and lipid metabolism. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the effects of obesity on the insulin sensitivity of protein metabolism. DESIGN: Whole-body [(13)C]leucine and [(3)H]glucose kinetics were measured in 9 lean and 10 obese women in the postabsorptive state and during a hyperinsulinemic, euglycemic, isoaminoacidemic clamp. RESULTS: In the postabsorptive state, the leucine endogenous rate of appearance (catabolism), normalized for fat-free mass, was 11% greater and the nonoxidative rate of disappearance (synthesis) was 8% greater in the obese than in the lean women, but net balance was 29% more negative (P < 0.05). Clamp amino acid and glucose infusion rates were significantly lower in the obese women than in the lean women (0.65 +/- 0.02 compared with 0.85 +/- 0.04 and 5.7 +/- 0.3 compared with 9.1 +/- 0.5 mg x kg fat-free mass(-1) x min(-1), respectively; P < 0.0001 for both), and their rates correlated positively (r = 0.635, P = 0.005). During hyperinsulinemia, synthesis was stimulated less and net leucine balance was much lower in the obese women than in the lean women (-0.08 +/- 0.06 and 0.30 +/- 0.03 mumol x kg fat-free mass(-1) x min(-1), respectively; P < 0.0001). The percentage change in net leucine balance correlated negatively with all adiposity indexes. Plasma free fatty acids were less suppressed and the respiratory quotient was lower in the obese women than in the lean women. CONCLUSION: Obese women show a blunted protein anabolic response to hyperinsulinemia that is consistent with resistance to the action of insulin on protein concurrent with that on glucose and lipid metabolism. Copyright © 2005 American Society for Clinical Nutrition [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoglin is a nonsignaling receptor for transforming growth factor that contributes to the action of this growth factor in diverse cell types. It may also exhibit a function of its own. Endoglin levels vary with disease states and is a marker of new blood vessels. We studied endoglin expression in whole-mount prostate sections from 64 patients with localized prostate cancer, assessing reactivity in the epithelium, the stroma, and blood vessels. Cells in normal/benign acini were negative but significantly immunoreactive (P<0.001) in both prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN; 52% of cases) and malignant areas (77% of cases). In tumors, this involved less than 25% of malignant cells in 59% of specimens. The endoglin-stained stroma was detected mainly in areas surrounding PIN acini and tumors. Endoglin antibodies detected more microvessels than von Willebrand Factor antibodies in all prostatic areas (P<0.01). In addition, the number of microvessels increased with the development of cancer and correlated with Gleason score (P<0.01). Changes in endoglin expression in PIN and malignant cells, the surrounding stroma, and related blood vessels, suggest that endoglin function may be altered in prostate cancer.Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases (2004) 7, 105-110. doi:10.1038/sj.pcan.4500716 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms responsible for the pathological deposition of iron and other redox-active metals in the aging and degenerating mammalian CNS remain poorly understood. We previously demonstrated that normal aging and pharmacological (oxidative) stressors promote the transformation of astroglial mitochondria to iron-laden, diaminobenzidine (DAB)-positive cytoplasmic inclusions in sub-cortical regions of the rat brain. In the current study, we demonstrate that (1) numbers of DAB-positive glial granules in the rat dorsal hippocampus, an area implicated in learning and memory, progressively increase between 3, 12 and 22 months of age; (2) dietary restriction (40%), a manipulation that attenuates many mammalian aging processes, has no effect on the age-related accumulation of these gliosomes in the rat hippocampus; and (3) the latter can be accelerated by dietary supplementation of iron and copper. Our data support the view that dietary exposure to iron and/or copper in adult life can impact the sequestration of redox-active metals in aging hippocampal astroglia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]