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Thyroid cancer represents approximately 90% of endocrine cancers. Difficulties in diagnosis and low inter-observer agreement are sometimes encountered, especially in the distinction between the follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (fvptc) and other follicular-patterned lesions, and can present significant challenges. In the present proof-of-concept study, we report a gene-expression assay using NanoString nCounter technology (NanoString Technologies, Seattle, WA, U.S.A.) that might aid in the differential diagnosis of thyroid neoplasms based on gene-expression signatures. Our cohort included 29 patients with classical papillary thyroid carcinoma (ptc), 13 patients with fvptc, 14 patients with follicular thyroid carcinoma (ftc), 14 patients with follicular adenoma (fa), and 14 patients without any abnormality. We developed a 3-step classifier that shows good correlation with the pathologic diagnosis of various thyroid neoplasms. Step 1 differentiates normal from abnormal thyroid tissue, step 2 differentiates benign from malignant lesions, and step 3 differentiates the common malignant entities ptc, ftc, and fvptc. Using our 3-step classifier approach based on selected genes, we developed an algorithm that attempts to differentiate thyroid lesions with varying levels of sensitivity and specificity. Three genes&mdash, namely SDC4, PLCD3, and NECTIN4/PVRL4&mdash, were the most informative in distinguishing normal from abnormal tissue with a sensitivity and a specificity of 100%. One gene, SDC4, was important for differentiating benign from malignant lesions with a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 92%. Various combinations of genes were required to classify specific thyroid neoplasms. This preliminary proof-of-concept study suggests a role for nCounter technology, a digital gene expression analysis technique, as an adjunct assay for the molecular diagnosis of thyroid neoplasms.

As 2020 approaches, countries are accelerating their commitments to protect 10% of the ocean by establishing and expanding marine protected areas (MPAs) and other area-based protections. Since it began in 2014, the Our Ocean Conference (OOC) has become a high-profile platform to announce ocean commitments. To evaluate the impact of these promises, this analysis asked: (1) What are the MPA commitments? (2) Who is making them? (3) Have these announcements been followed by action? and (4) Have they contributed significantly to ocean protection? A systematic review of the 143 MPA announcements made at the four OOCs between 2014 and 2017 (and the 202 individual actions they encompassed) concluded that the numbers and sectors of announcers, as well as the types of actions, increased over time. Fifty-two countries and 52 other organizations made OOC commitments, 46% of which have been completed and 56% of which are still incomplete. Thirteen countries and 17 organizations have completed all of their actions. All organizations and 48 out of 52 countries have made some progress on their actions, but no evidence of progress could be found for actions from four countries. OOC announcements have promised to protect 3.4% of the ocean (12,279,931 km2). To date, 43% of that promised area has been implemented, with another 57% yet to be implemented. Based on these findings, a number of actions are recommended to improve the clarity and traceability of OOC announcements, facilitate the monitoring of outcomes, and deliver on the promise of accountability emphasized at the OOCs.

Resume Objectif Le but de cette etude etait d’evaluer l’impact de stimuli nociceptifs sur la capacite proprioceptive cervicale. Methode Trente sujets jeunes et sains ont effectue un test de repositionnement cephalique (TRC) dans deux conditions aleatoires : avec une stimulation electrique nociceptive (condition « douleur ») et avec une stimulation electrique indolore (condition « controle »). Le TRC consistait a faire repositionner la tete sur le tronc, apres un mouvement actif de la tete dans le plan transversal, les yeux clos. Le pointage, enregistre par video, s’effectuait au depart et a l’arrivee de chaque rotation. Resultats L’erreur moyenne de repositionnement etait de 3,98 ± 0,99° (moyenne, ecart-type) en condition « douleur » contre 1,75 ± 0,37° en condition « controle » (p Conclusion La douleur aigue induit une perturbation des capacites proprioceptives cervicales sans qu’il y ait de deterioration des structures anatomiques. Ce constat suggere l’interet d’une prise en charge precoce de la douleur pour eviter les perturbations sensorielles, et en complement, l’utilite d’une reeducation cervicale proprioceptive apres tout episode algique.

Dogs have made and will continue to make valuable contributions as animal models in biomedical research. A comprehensive approach from time of breeding through completion of in-life usage is necessary to ensure that high-quality dog models are used in studies. This approach ensures good care and minimizes the impact of interanimal variability on experimental results. Guidance related to choosing and developing high-quality laboratory dogs and managing canine research colonies is provided in this article. Ensuring that dogs are healthy, well adapted, and cooperative involves good communication between vendors, veterinarians, care staff, and researchers to develop appropriate dog husbandry programs. These programs are designed to minimize animal stress and distress from the postweaning period through the transfer and acclimation period within the research facility. Canine socialization and training programs provided by skilled personnel, together with comprehensive veterinary health programs, can further enhance animal welfare and minimize interanimal and group variability in studies.

Because of their rich blood supply and of their original detersive and filling properties, the muscular pedicled flaps harvested from the trunk or the omental flap elevated from the abdomen may be very usefull to treat large defects or major septic problems in pleural, pericardic or mediastinal cavities. We here describe the main principles to be followed in such intrathoracic reconstructions performed in order to control severe mediastinites, aortic prosthetic infections, pleural empyemas and broncho-pleural, tracheo-esophageal or broncho-esophageal fistulas. In all these circumstances, the muscular or omental flaps which are transferred into the chest are selected according to the recipient field and to their respective access to the upper, middle and lower portions of the pleural space or mediastinum. Twelve different flaps so appear available to achieve the adequate reconstruction, filling or coverage of nine distinct topographic sites. Their rational use, based on various anatomical guidelines, allows to prevent or to cure efficiently 90% of the infectious or fistular complications frequently observed in the postoperative course of aggressive, functional or oncological, intrathoracic surgical procedures.

FIB modifications are known to result in successful repairs of integrated circuits. Nevertheless, it appears necessary to understand the interaction between Ga+ FIB and integrated circuits and to be able to confirm that modifications do not induce electrical damages. In this paper, we present electrical parameter evolution of NPN bipolar transistor under FIB exposure. These experimental results allow assuming hypothesis on the physical origin of dielectric passivation degradation. Based on this hypothesis, 21) physical simulation results allow confirming the identification of the physical mechanism responsible for the DC electrical parameter degradation of bipolar transistor.

The feasibility of microsystems has been achieved in the early 90's and is now followed by a growing industrialization period. Nevertheless, diversity of fields combined and materials heterogeneity generate new failure mechanisms different from traditional microelectronics. Now, if we take into account the lessons from the past in microelectronics, we note that failure analysis played a major role not only in development time reduction but also in qualification and reliability evaluation. That is why we decided to elaborate a specific failure analysis methodology for microsystems using existing instrumentation from microelectronics in order to prepare for present and future expert appraisement requirements in the micro-technologies field. For this, we chose to perform accelerated aging tests of a commercial micro-accelerometer. This paper demonstrates how we realized the reverse engineering of this MicroElectroMechanical System (MEMS) using an Electron Beam Tester (Integrated Diagnostic System : IDS-5000) and how we modified its functions with a Focused Ion Beam (FIB-P2X) in order to control its full mechanical capabilities with electrical stimulation.

The purpose of this paper is to propose two types of wall shear stress sensor based on MEMS-technology. The wall shear stress sensor's operation is based upon the principle of hot wire anemometry. The sensing element is made of polysilicon or platinium resistors. The latter has to be thermally isolated from the substrate by a sealed or open cavity to minimize the heat exchange with the substrate. Fabrication of the shear stress sensor requiring only three masks levels where the hot wire (in polycrystalline silicon or platinium). The static calibration in low speed air flow facility shows that the sensor behaves like a wall shear stress sensor. In situ calibration in wind tunnel is performed by wireless technologies.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the increased airway reactivity to antigen induced by beta-adrenoceptor blockade, adrenalectomy or medullectomy and to assess the contribution of circulating catecholamines to the increased reactivity. In anesthetized guinea pigs sensitized to ovalbumin (OA), administration of OA produced a dose-related bronchoconstriction characterized by threshold increases in airway insufflation pressure at 0.1 mg/kg i.v. and a near-maximal increase by 0.3 mg/kg i.v. Pretreatment with R(+) propranolol (0.5 mg/kg i.v.) 5 min prior to antigen did not significantly alter airway responses to antigen when compared to vehicle-treated animals. However, pretreatment with 0.5 mg/kg i.v. S(-) propranolol, racemic propranolol or nadolol markedly enhanced (10- to 15-fold) the airway response to the low-dose antigen. In addition, in guinea pigs which had been adrenalectomized, the reactivity to low-dose antigen was enhanced to a similar extent as that of beta-antagonist-treated animals when compared to sham-operated animals. Baseline plasma concentrations of epinephrine were significantly higher in sham-operate guinea pigs (1,494 +/- 223 ng/ml) when compared to adrenalectomized animals (412 +/- 44 ng/ml). Upon antigen exposure, epinephrine levels rose 5-fold (6,859 +/- 1,308 ng/ml) from baseline in sham-operated guinea pigs and were not significantly changed in adrenalectomized animals (848 +/- 208 ng/ml). Specific airway conductance measurements in conscious guinea pigs revealed that animals which had been medullectomized 2 weeks previously responded to lower provocative concentrations of aerosol OA (0.05-0.5%) than corresponding sham-operated animals. Airway reactivity to inhaled acetylcholine (0.1-1%) was similar in medullectomized and sham guinea pigs. Plasma concentrations of epinephrine were significantly lower in medullectomized guinea pigs (327 +/- 88 ng/ml) when compared to sham-operated animals (832 +/- 162 ng/ml). The results of the present study indicate that beta-adrenoceptor antagonism or changes in circulating epinephrine levels markedly alter the response to antigen in sensitized guinea pigs.

This review deals first with the methodology of anorectal manometry. The methods of recording anorectal pressures with perfused catheters, sleeve catheters, water- or air-filled balloon catheters and microtransducers are presented and discussed as well as the various polygraphs used in this investigation. In the second part, the routine anorectal manometry and the parameters to be studied in this investigation are described. Then, the additional manoeuvres which have been described in anorectal manometry are discussed. Finally, the major results obtained in recto-anal dysfunctions are described, that is manometric findings in constipation in adults and children, in incontinence and in the descending perineum syndrome. The usefulness of anorectal manometry in surgical and various conditions is also discussed.

Data for diagnosing production problems or for zone-by-zone analysis of well performance are obtained with speed and safety using a combination production logging tool. As many as six items can be measured and recorded production logging tool. As many as six items can be measured and recorded sequentially in one trip, under essentially stable (or purposely varied) well conditions. Introduction Production logging is often used for diagnosis of Production logging is often used for diagnosis of production problems and sometimes for reservoir production problems and sometimes for reservoir analysis. To be valid, all measurements must be made under stabilized well conditions. In the past, the necessary information has been provided by a number of single-purpose through-tubing tools. In many cases the length of time required to make the various measurements raised doubt that the conditions remained constant throughout the survey. Moreover, the scope of application of production logging has been limited by the lack of a companion bottom-hole pressure measurement. pressure measurement. With the Production Combination Tool (PCT) the necessary information - flow rate, pressure, temperature, hole size, and fluid density, along with casing collar depths - is obtained sequentially in one trip in the hole. Usually only a few minutes are required for each measurement, so it can be assumed that uniform conditions prevail for the entire survey. A new technique for in-situ calibration of the flowmeter section establishes an accurate response curve for the particular fluids and casing size. particular fluids and casing size. When used with dynamic pressure control at the wellhead, the PCT makes it possible to obtain the measurements under normal production or injection conditions. (Or, if desired, well conditions can be changed and additional measurements made without the need to wait long periods for stabilization.) Zone-by-zone evaluation of initial production, as well as periodic reservoir auditing during the life of the well, can be done with a minimum of time, equipment, and surface data. Information for planning remedial procedures in workover wells is also provided. procedures in workover wells is also provided. The PCT Equipment The PCT is a combination of five different sensors and a casing collar locator (Fig. 1). The sensors are: continuous flowmeter, caliper, gradiomanometer, thermometer, and manometer. By means of a relay in the tool, controlled from the surface panel, any sensor may be selected. The corresponding property is recorded simultaneously with the casing collar log so that proper depth control is ensured. The various measurements are made sequentially in one trip in the hole, so a minimum time elapses between the different recordings. The principal advantage is that all necessary measurements are made in such a short time that the well producing conditions can be considered stable, and the different recordings are quasi-simultaneous. It is possible to change the producing conditions and monitor this change from the producing conditions and monitor this change from the surface through the various senors to obtain, in a very short time, information on the reservoir dynamics. The PCT is small in diameter (1 11/16 in.) so it can be lowered through the tubing against high pressure and flow to make dynamic measurements in the casing or open hole below the tubing shoe. The tool is centered in the fluid vein by spring centralizers. The tool ratings and specifications are summarized in Table 1. JPT P. 603

Introduction In the second of this two-part treatment of the subject, three main topics will be discussed.The interpretation techniques developed in Part I will be illustrated with an example in a Middle East well. The thermal decay time log was made with a 1 11/16-in. tool lowered through tubing. Neutron and gamma ray logs furnish the necessary porosity and shaliness data. The final results are presented as a computer-produced log.A study is made of the errors that may be tolerated in each of the following items appearing in the equation for water saturation: Slog, Sma, Sh, Sw, Ssh, øe, and Vsh. "Tolerance factors" for each enable the analyst to evaluate the accuracy of actual log interpretation.The time-lapse technique is discussed. In this method two thermal decay time logs are compared, the first one being a reference log run early in the production life of the well. This comparison provides a more accurate evaluation of changes in saturation. The degree of accuracy can be evaluated by means of tolerance factors provided as a result of the error study. Interpretation Example Gamma ray, neutron, decay time (run through tubing), and induction-log conductivity curves over an interval of a typical Middle East well are shown on Fig. 1.

Telepsychiatry (consultation carried out through 2-way interactive television) has been the object of a number of trials in the past twenty years, but to our knowledge there is no previous control study which compares CCTV and face-to-face interviews. Various aspects of the interviews carried out on CCTV were rated on a 5-point scale in questionnaires filled out by: (a) patients; (b) consultees and; (c) consultants. No significant difference was elicited with control interviews in respect to patients’ diagnosis, age and sex. CCTV interview ratings by consultee and consultant were rated only slightly below those of the control group. Such findings should encourage a broader application of interactive CCTV, particularly as a complement to live consultations in distant areas.