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Il s'agit d'un patient de 80 ans qui présente une aggravation récente de cytopénies, conjointement à l'apparition d'une lésion cutanée dorsale papulonodulaire, violacée, infiltrée à la palpation, mal délimitée. Le patient est suivi pour un syndrome myélodysplasique multi-lignée avec t (2 ; 16) au caryotype et un score IPPS de niveau 1, traité par EPO. Il présente un antécédent de cardiopathie dilatée à coronaires saines, porte un défibrillateur pour BAV, et dispose d'un traitement au long cours par bêta-bloquants statine et apixaban (Fig. 1). Cliniquement, le patient décrit une asthénie sans perte de poids. Il n'y a pas de fièvre ni sueur nocturne, ni saignement extériorisé. Il présente des OMI et crépitants des bases à l'auscultation pulmonaire, une adénopathie axillaire gauche, et la lésion cutanée dorsale précédemment décrite associée à de nombreuses ecchymoses des avant-bras (Fig. 2 et 3). Biologiquement, la numération sanguine retrouve une anémie normocytaire arégénérative à 10,5 g/dL, une thrombopénie à 38 mille/mm3, des leucocytes à 5,8 mille/mm3 et une myélémie à 2 %. Il est retrouvé au frottis sanguin des cellules inhabituelles dont l'immunophénotypage identifie des cellules dendritiques plamacytoïdes blastiques : négativité des marqueurs myéloïdes et lymphoïdes, mais une positivité des CD4 CD56 CD 123 et HLA-DR faisant suspecter une leucémie aiguë dérivée des cellules dendritiques plasmacytoïdes (LpDC) (Fig. 4). Nous réalisons un myélogramme qui retrouve une infiltration à 63 % de cellules blastique, avec un cytoplasme contenant des vacuoles disposées tout au long du cytoplasme, en « collier de perles », avec certaines cellules émettant un large pseudopode. L'immunophénotypage médullaire confirme la présence de 75 % de blastes avec phénotype de la lignée pDC : CD4+ (faible), CD56+, HLA DR+ (fort), CD123+ (fort), CD 303+ (partiel) et TCL1+ (fort) avec un score LpDC à 4/5. Le caryotype médullaire retrouve 3 clones pathologiques : le premier déjà connu avec t(2 ;16) ; un hypodiploide complexe avec remaniements 3p 6q 17p 19p et monosomies chromosomes 13 et 15 ; et hypodiploide complexe avec remaniements 1p 2 p 3 et 11. La biopsie cutanée de la lésion dorsale retrouve une infiltration du derme par des cellules blastiques CD4+ et CD56+ confirmant une localisation secondaire de la leucémie. D'après les données de la littérature, il s'agit d'une entité rare représentant moins de 1 % des leucémies aiguës, touchant principalement les hommes, et dont l'évolution est très agressive et rapidement fatale suite à une phase leucémique fulminante. La présentation clinique classique retrouve une lésion cutanée isolée lors du diagnostic (90 % des cas), décrite comme des papules, tuméfactions ou nodules sous cutanées rouge sombre ou violacées, envahissant le derme sans atteinte de l'épiderme. La leucémie évolue ensuite en quelque mois en localisation multiple médullaire, ganglionnaire et extra-ganglionnaire, notamment le système nerveux central. La cytologie retrouve des cellules de taille variable avec un noyau de forme régulière, rond et un cytoplasme abondant légèrement basophile avec présence de micro-vacuoles en collier de perle. L'immunophénotypage des cellules blastiques retrouve classiquement une positivité du CD4 ; CD 56 ; CD123 ; CD303 TLC1 et BCL11A. Le caryotype, souvent complexe, retrouve fréquemment des anomalies du bras long du chromosome 5 (73 %), du bras court du chromosome 2(64 %), et du chromosome 13(62 %). Dans le cas de notre patient, la lésion cutanée concomitante de l'aggravation des cytopénies a amené au diagnostic de cette leucémie aiguë à cellules dendritiques plamacytoïdes, qui est une hémopathie maligne rare d'expression cutanée souvent inaugurale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser direct patterning of fine pitch features on standard PCB (Printed Circuit Board) was investigated. As a feasibility study, eight parameter sets were selected and the smallest achievable grooves and tracks were determined. Three regular FR4 (Flame Resistant 4) PCB substrates have been experimented with. The first two have respectively 18 µm and 35 µm bare copper conductive layer without finish while the third one has a 18 µm copper layer with ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold) finish. Laser patterning of PCB conductive structure is a single step, maskless and purely dry operation expected to allow reaching fine pitch features, even on thick copper layers (≥ 18 µm) for which the traditional chemical wet processes encounter underetch problems. Aside PCB complete structuring, a second objective is to evaluate laser post-processing of standard patterned PCB as an economically viable technique to integrate a few fine pitch components on low cost PCBs. This process is suitable for prototyping and for small and medium series. The widths of the smallest grooves and tracks that we achieved were measured about 11 µm and 19 µm on 18 µm thick cooper layer, 13 µm and 39 µm on 35 µm thick cooper layer, and 11 µm and 38 µm on 18 µm cooper layer with ENIG finish. These values are well below what can be achieved with a wet process. Etching results are presented at high magnification both from the top and from a cross-sectioning perspective. The latter allows observation of the TAZ (Thermal Affected Zone) in the conductive layer and the damages in the FR4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of the CONCEPTS (Canadian Operational Network of Coupled Environmental PredicTion Systems) initiative, a high-resolution (1/12°) ice-ocean regional model is developed covering the North Atlantic and the Arctic oceans. The long-term objective is to provide Canada with short-term ice-ocean predictions and hazard warnings in ice-infested regions. To evaluate the modelling component (as opposed to the analysis - or data-assimilation - component, which is not covered in this contribution), a series of hindcasts for the period 2003-2009 is carried out, forced at the surface by the Canadian GDPS reforecasts (Smith et al., 2014). These hindcasts test how the model represents upper ocean characteristics and ice cover. Each hindcast implements a new aspect of the modelling or the ice-ocean coupling. Notably, the coupling to the multi-category ice model CICE is tested. The hindcast solutions are then assessed using a verification package under development, including in situ and satellite ice and ocean observations. The conclusions are as follows: (1) the model reproduces reasonably well the time mean, variance and skewness of sea surface height; (2) the model biases in temperature and salinity show that while the mean properties follow expectations, the Pacific Water signature in the Beaufort Sea is weaker than observed; (3) the modelled freshwater content of the Arctic agrees well with observational estimates; (4) the distribution and volume of the sea ice are shown to be improved in the latest hindcast due to modifications to the drag coefficients and to some degree to the ice thickness distribution available in CICE; (5) nonetheless, the model still overestimates the ice drift and ice thickness in the Beaufort Gyre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of the CONCEPTS (Canadian Operational Network of Coupled Environmental PredicTion Systems) initiative, a high-resolution (1/12°) ice-ocean regional model is developed covering the North Atlantic and the Arctic oceans. The long-term objective is to provide Canada with short-term ice-ocean predictions and hazard warnings in ice-infested regions. To evaluate the modelling component (as opposed to the analysis - or data-assimilation - component, which is not covered in this contribution), a series of hindcasts for the period 2003-2009 is carried out, forced at the surface by the Canadian GDPS reforecasts (Smith et al., 2014). These hindcasts test how the model represents upper ocean characteristics and ice cover. Each hindcast implements a new aspect of the modelling or the ice-ocean coupling. Notably, the coupling to the multi-category ice model CICE is tested. The hindcast solutions are then assessed using a verification package under development, including in situ and satellite ice and ocean observations. The conclusions are as follows: (1) the model reproduces reasonably well the time mean, variance and skewness of sea surface height; (2) the model biases in temperature and salinity show that while the mean properties follow expectations, the Pacific Water signature in the Beaufort Sea is weaker than observed; (3) the modelled freshwater content of the Arctic agrees well with observational estimates; (4) the distribution and volume of the sea ice are shown to be improved in the latest hindcast due to modifications to the drag coefficients and to some degree to the ice thickness distribution available in CICE; (5) nonetheless, the model still overestimates the ice drift and ice thickness in the Beaufort Gyre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation of a reconstructed human epidermis is described with examples of its utilization in in vitro studies. The model was obtained by culturing normal human keratinocytes at high cell density for 14 days in serum-free and high calcium (1.5 m M) medium on an inert polycarbonate filter at the air-liquid interface. These stratified cultures showed histological features similar to those observed in vivo in the epidermis: a proliferating basal layer and differentiating spinous, granular, and cornified layers. Electron microscopy illustrated lamellar bodies, junctions and keratohyalin granules. Immunofluorescent localization of epidermal markers (keratins 14 and 10, involucrin and filaggrin) revealed typical differentiation. This in vitro reconstructed tissue was used in studies of toxic effects of chemicals. The modelled tissue showed progressive cytotoxicity of a skin irritant (benzalkonium chloride) and a sensitizer (dinitrochlorobenzene) as assessed by MTT assay. Moreover, differential release of interleukin-1α and interleukin-8 were measured after 20 h of incubation allowing the irritant to be distinguished from the sensitizer. Permeation studies indicated efficient barrier function of the reconstructed epidermis, as well as metabolizing properties towards hormones. This model can be custom-made and is potentially useful for studies involving keratinocytes in the epidermis, in basic science, dermatology or toxicology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ω-gliadins encoded on chromosome 1 of the A genome were purified from Triticum aestivum L. (2n=6x=42, AABBDD) cv. Butte86, nullisomic 1D-tetrasomic 1A of cv. Chinese Spring (CS N1DT1A), and the diploid T. urartu (2n=2x=14, AA). Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography combined with sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of gliadin extracts from CS nullisomic-tetrasomic (NT) lines confirmed the assignment to chromosome 1A. The purified ω-gliadins were characterized by mass spectrometry and N-terminal sequencing. The 1A-encoded ω-gliadins were smaller than 1B- or 1D-encoded ω-gliadins. The N-terminal amino acid sequences for 1A ω-gliadin mature peptides were nearly identical to those for the T. urartu ω-gliadins and were more similar to 1D ω-gliadin sequences than to sequences for T. monococum ω-gliadins, barley C-hordeins, or rye ω-secalins. They diverged greatly from the N-terminal sequences for the 1B ω-gliadins. The data suggest that T. urartu is the A-genome donor, and that post-translational cleavage by an asparaginyl endoprotease produces those ω-gliadins with N-terminal sequences beginning with KEL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlled environments were used to define the manner in which temperature, water and fertilizer affect the timing of key transition points during grain development and to investigate the effects of combined environmental factors in a US spring wheat (Triticum aestivum (L.)). When plants were subjected to very high temperature regimens (37/17 or 37/28 °C day/night) during grain development, the times to maximum kernel water content, maximum dry weight and harvest maturity were shorter than in plants maintained under a 24/17 °C day/night regimen. Starch accumulated at similar rates, but the onset and cessation of starch accumulation occurred earlier. Apoptosis in endosperm tissue also occurred earlier under high temperatures and coincided with physiological maturity. The addition of drought to the 37/17 °C regimen further shortened the time to maximum water content and dry weight and reduced the duration of starch accumulation, but did not influence the timing of protein accumulation or kernel desiccation. Post-anthesis fertilizer had little effect on time to maximum water content, dry weight, apoptosis, or harvest maturity under any of the temperature regimens and did not influence the timing of starch accumulation. However, both the rate and duration of protein accumulation were reduced when post-anthesis fertilizer was omitted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The gravity method is one of the geophysical tools used for engineering and environmental investigations where the detection of cavities, karst phenomena, subsoil irregularities, or landfills is essential. In many cases, deep or small-scale heterogeneities generating low-amplitude anomalies have to be detected and the reliability of further interpretation requires highly accurate measurements, carefully corrected for any quantifiable disturbing effects. The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors likely to limit measurement quality and how to make improvements.Calibrations of a Scintrex gravimeter were made between French relative and absolute base stations, and the relative uncertainties on the calibration factors were estimated for these links. Ranging from 10−3, for calibration on an old gravity net, to 10−4, for a high amplitude absolute base line, this accuracy will be generally sufficient for microgravity surveys.Continuous gravity recordings of Scintrex gravimeters, installed at the same stable site, enabled the estimation of the stability and accuracy of the instruments and revealed that some of the time variations of g measurements, such as instrumental drift, tidal effects and seismic noise, are not entirely removed by standard processing procedures. The accuracy of corrected gravity measurements is mainly limited by inadequate corrections of tidal effects and by a poor estimation of ocean loading effects. In comparison with residual defaults in tidal corrections, instrumental and seismic noises are taken more properly into account by statistical data processing.In field operation, residual tidal effects are generally integrated into an experimental terrain drift estimated on the basis of frequent repeated measurements. A differential gravity approach, based on a fixed gravimeter reference whose recordings are used to correct measurements made with a mobile gravimeter, has also been investigated at a test site. Compared to standard processing, this method can help improve repeatability of gravity measurements.Microgravity surveys in the urban environment require effective and accurate consideration of the effects of infrastructures, nearby buildings and basements, as well as those of topography, in the vicinity of a gravity station. Correction procedures, applied at the same experimental site, where gravity points are located close to buildings, walls and basement slope, appear to have almost totally eliminated these disturbances. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recent work highlights the potential usefulness of MVMbased vectors as selective vehicles for cancer gene therapy (Dupont et al, Gene Therapy, 2000; 7: 790-796). To implement this strategy, however, it is necessary to develop optimized methods for producing high-titer, helper-free parvovirus stocks. Recombinants of MVMp (rMVMp) are currently generated by transiently co-transfecting permissive cell lines with a plasmid carrying the vector genome and a helper plasmid expressing the capsid genes (replaced with a foreign gene in the vector genome). The resulting stocks, however, are always heavily contaminated with replicationcompetent viruses (RCV), which precludes their use in vivo and particularly in gene therapy. In the present work we have developed a second-generation MVMp-based vector system specifically designed to reduce the probability of RCV generation by homologous recombination. We have constructed a new MVMp-based vector and a new helper genome with minimal sequence overlap and have used the degeneracy of the genetic code to further decrease vector- helper homology. In this system, the left homologous region was almost completely eliminated and the right sequence overlap was reduced to 74 nt with only 61% homology. We were thus able to substantially reduce (∼200×), but not completely eliminate, generation of contaminating viruses in medium-scale rMVMp preparations. Since the remaining sequence homology between the new vector and helper genomes is weak, our results suggest that contaminating viruses in this system are generated by nonhomologous recombination. It is important to note, unlike the autonomously replicating helper viruses produced from the firstgeneration vector/helper genomes, the contaminating viruses arising from the new packaging system cannot initiate secondary infection rounds (so they are not 'replication-competent viruses'). Our findings have important implications for the design of new MVMp-based vectors and for the... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recombinant MVMp of the fibrotropic strain of minute virus of mice (MVMp) expressing the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene was used to infect a series of biologically relevant cultured cells, normal or tumor-derived, including normal melanocytes versus melanoma cells, normal mammary epithelial cells versus breast adenocarcinoma cells, and normal neurons or astrocytes versus glioma cells. As a reference cell system we used normal human fibroblasts versus the SV40-transformed fibroblast cell line NB324K. After infection, we observed good expression of the reporter gene in the different tumor cell types, but only poor expression if any in the corresponding normal cells. We also constructed a recombinant MVMp expressing the green fluorescent protein reporter gene and assessed by flow cytometry the efficiency of gene transduction into the different target cells. At a multiplicity of infection of 30, we observed substantial transduction of the gene into most of the tumor cell types tested, but only marginal transduction into normal cells under the same experimental conditions. Finally, we demonstrated that a recombinant MVMp expressing the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene can, in vitro, cause efficient killing of most tumor cell types in the presence of ganciclovir, whilst affecting normal proliferating cells only marginally if at all. However, in the same experimental condition, breast tumor cells appeared to be resistant to GCVmediated cytotoxicity, possibly because these cells are not susceptible to the bystander effect. Our data suggest that MVMp-based vectors could prove useful as selective vehicles for anticancer gene therapy, particularly for in vivo delivery of cytotoxic effector genes into tumor cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the advection of passive tracers by traveling plane Rossby waves of finite amplitude. Consideration of the Lagrangian transport by resonant wave triads; Bifurcations of the phase portrait; Chaotic mixing and ballistic transport.

• PCB fine-pitch features laser direct patterning on flexible substrate was demonstrated. • Laser patterning is presented as a single step and purely dry alternative to high-end PCB manufacturing processes. • Feature sizes, edges straightness and damage depth were compared for several parameter sets. • Planar 2D coils and fine pitch land pattern for COF (Chip-On-Flex) applications were realized. Laser direct copper patterning of fine pitch features on polyimide flexible substrate was investigated. On such thin substrates (generally below 0.1 mm), laser parameters should be optimized in order to minimize the damage beneath the conductive layer, as it might lead to severe robustness issues. We selected several parameter sets and compared them in terms of damage depth, feature sizes and edge straightness. On bare copper PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards), we managed to limit the average damage to a depth of 8 µm, while getting features' characteristics significantly better than what would be obtained with standard chemical etching. We also demonstrated alternative parameter sets that allow to obtain ultra-thin features or very straight edges at the cost of deeper damage in the substrate. Two application cases were studied. Firstly, we realized 2D planar coils. Due to a higher number of turns at equivalent surface areas, laser patterning of a spiral coil results in inductance value one order of magnitude larger when compared with standard chemical etching (39 µH vs. 4 µH for a 113 mm² coil). Such coils can advantageously be used in sensing or inductive charging applications, when flexibility and/or ultra-thin profile is required. Secondly, we demonstrated the feasibility of fine-pitch bond pads for COF (Chip-On-Flex) applications. We achieved a bond pad pitch of 80 µm (60 µm pad dimension / 20 µm pad clearance). Laser direct pattering is presented as a single step and purely dry alternative to high-end PCB manufacturing processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to rationalize the massive use of administrative data in the production of demographic and social statistics, the French national statistical institute (INSEE) has decided to launch a program to create a system of interconnected registers of individuals, dwellings and households. This program, called RESIL, is based on the mobilization of external data, particularly administrative data, in strict compliance with the conditions for the protection of individual data. Thus, through these registers, INSEE will have a reference universe that will allow: (i) to constitute the sampling frames as well as the calibration margins of household surveys; (ii) to measure the quality of the coverage of sources; and (iii) to match different datasets: surveys with administrative data, administrative data with administrative data in order to provide richer information. To set up this information system, INSEE will draw on international experiences, as it plans to use methodologies already implemented in several national statistical institutes, including: • deterministic and probabilistic matching methods for identifying and comparing different administrative sources. These methods are essential insofar as France does not have a unique and shared identifier; • the sign of life method to define the reference population from the presence of individuals in several input data; • the Dual System Estimation methodology to measure the quality of coverage of the registers using annual population census data (it is a real opportunity to have these annual points of comparison to assess the quality of the registers, especially during the set-up period). This paper will therefore present the stakes and the context, in particular the legal context, of the implementation of these registers, and will then describe the main methodological principles and the proofs of concept planned for its implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigates electrical properties of AJP (Aerosol Jet Printing) silver layers deposited at low temperature on variety of conventional and non-conventional for electronic application organic substrates such as polyimide, FR4, polycarbonate (PC), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). We measured resistance at DC and studied complex impedance on AC voltages at six frequencies: 60 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz, 100 kHz, 1 MHz and 2 MHz. Up to a frequency of 100 kHz the value of resistance remains approximately constant and up to 1–2 MHz we observed slight increase in electric losses. The effect of thermal treatment on the electrical performance of AJP layer was also investigated. Generally speaking, the thermal treatment improves the electrical properties of investigated samples. Because of relatively low resistivity (16 μΩ∗cm) and low reactance of the AJP deposited silver layers, are good enough to support a wide variety of electronic applications for a frequency range up to 1–2 MHz. We also demonstrated that for specific applications, such as for Internet of Things (IoT), conventional interconnection techniques such as wire bonding can be successfully replaced by AJP deposited conductive silver tracks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Measurement of glycated hemoglobin and glycated albumin in umbilical cord: Evaluation of the glycemic control indicators in neonates," by M. Koga and colleagues in a previous issue of 2010.

Abstract: In digital geometry, digital straightness is an important concept both for practical motivations and theoretical interests. Concerning the digital straightness in dimension 2, many digital straight line characterizations exist and the digital straight segment preimage is well known. In this article, we investigate the preimage associated to digital planes. More precisely, we present first structure theorems that describe the preimage of a digital plane. Furthermore, we present a bound on the number of preimage faces under some given hypotheses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• We developed and demonstrated a simple, low cost, process for manufacturing a microfluidic device, without the requirement of a cleanroom. • We demonstrated a low temperature process for the microfluidic device integration with a SAW sensor to form a biomedical detection system. • In the study, we addressed a biocompatibility issue. • Finally, we demonstrated that the microfluidic system has little or no impact on the US impedance of the SAW sensor. The paper reports on fabrication processes related to low-cost manufacturing and integration of microfluidic biomedical detection systems fabricated without a cleanroom. First, we developed and demonstrated a process for manufacturing a microfluidic device. Second, we demonstrated a low temperature assembly technique for the packaging of the surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor die. Sequentially, we demonstrated a low temperature process for the integration of the microfluidic device with a SAW sensor to form a fully functional biomedical detection system. The microfluidic device was manufactured by mechanical micromilling technology that is rapid, conceptually simple and a low-cost process. It is suitable for both prototyping and for a low and a medium scale production to address a niche market that is typical for the intended application. That technology has no specific requirement for a certified clean room environment. Unlikely other technology, such as molding and photolithography, for example, it has a shorter lead-time from design to manufacturing. The assembly technique for a SAW sensor is a carefully selected combination of known and matured processing steps causing no damage to a sensitive biofunctionalization on the sensor. The developed and demonstrated integration process for the in-house manufactured microfluidic device and the SAW sensor is a purely low temperature process that prevents a biological material deposited on the SAW sensor from degradation. Biocompatibility issues were also addressed during the study reported. Finally, we performed an ultrasonic (US) impedance characterization of the fully assembled system and demonstrated that neither the microfluidic system integrated on the sensor nor the integration process itself have an impact on the US impedance of the SAW sensor. That means that it does not affect the sensor performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environment and Climate Change Canada's (ECCC) operational implementation of a numerical forecast system linking atmospheric, surface, river and lake/ocean models is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DMRT-ML is a physically based numerical model designed to compute the thermal microwave emission of a given snowpack. Its main application is the simulation of brightness temperatures at frequencies in the range 1-200 GHz similar to those acquired routinely by spacebased microwave radiometers. The model is based on the Dense Media Radiative Transfer (DMRT) theory for the computation of the snow scattering and extinction coefficients and on the Discrete Ordinate Method (DISORT) to numerically solve the radiative transfer equation. The snowpack is modeled as a stack of multiple horizontal snow layers and an optional underlying interface representing the soil or the bottom ice. The model handles both dry and wet snow conditions. Such a general design allows the model to account for a wide range of snow conditions. Hitherto, the model has been used to simulate the thermal emission of the deep firn on ice sheets, shallow snowpacks overlying soil in Arctic and Alpine regions, and overlying ice on the large icesheet margins and glaciers. DMRT-ML has thus been validated in three very different conditions: Antarctica, Barnes Ice Cap (Canada) and Canadian tundra. It has been recently used in conjunction with inverse methods to retrieve snow grain size from remote sensing data. The model is written in Fortran90 and available to the snow remote sensing community as an open-source software. A convenient user interface is provided in Python [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which presents DMRT-ML (DMRT Multi-Layer) model, which has been initially developed at Laboratoire de Glaciologie and Geophysique de l'Environment in Grenoble, France. It is informed that the model is now suitable for modeling microwave emission in a wide range of snowy continental environments by using the dense media radiative transfer theory.

Contents [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Recently, one Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) of female fertility located on Bos Taurus chromosome 3 (BTA3), QTL-F-Fert-BTA3, has been identified in Holstein breed. It is implied in the success rate after the first AI (AI1) in cow. The failure of pregnancy can be due to several factors involved in the different steps of the reproductive process. The aim of our study was to finely phenotype heifers and primiparous cows selected for their haplotype at the QTL-F-Fert-BTA3. We specifically studied the ovarian follicular dynamic and several fertility parameters. Females carrying the favourable haplotype “fertil+” or unfavourable haplotype “fertil−” were monitored by transrectal ultrasonography during their cycle before the first AI (AI1). Follicular dynamic was similar between the two groups. However, the length of the estrus cycle was shorter in heifers than in primiparous cows and two-wave cycles were shorter than three-wave cycles, regardless of the age and the haplotype. The concentration of plasma anti-Müllerian hormone was correlated with the number of small antral follicles. It was higher in heifers than in primiparous cows, independently of their haplotype. The success rate at the AI1 was significantly higher in “fertil+” than in “fertil−” primiparous cows, 35 d after the AI1 (70% vs 39%). In both haplotypes, pregnancy failure occurred mainly before 21 d after AI1. The commencement of luteal activity after calving was significantly earlier in “fertil+” than in “fertil−” primiparous cows. Calving-AI1 and calving-calving intervals were similar between “fertil+” and “fertil−” primiparous cows. Taken together, “fertil+” and “fertil−” primiparous cows present a difference in the success rate after AI1 that is not explained by variations of ovarian dynamics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: Our study goals were to evaluate the 3-dimensional matrix array transesophageal echocardiographic (3D-MTEE) probe by assessing the image quality of native valves and other intracardiac structures. Background: Because 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography with gated rotational acquisition is not used routinely as the result of artifacts, lengthy acquisition, and processing, a 3D-MTEE probe was developed (Philips Medical Systems, Andover, Massachusetts). Methods: In 211 patients, 3D-MTEE zoom images of the mitral valve (MV), aortic valve, tricuspid valve, interatrial septum, and left atrial appendage were obtained, followed by a left ventricular wide-angled acquisition. Images were reviewed and graded off-line (Xcelera with QLAB software, Philips Medical Systems). Results: Excellent visualization of the MV (85% to 91% for all scallops of both MV leaflets), interatrial septum (84%), left atrial appendage (86%), and left ventricle (77%) was observed. Native aortic and tricuspid valves were optimally visualized only in 18% and 11% of patients, respectively. Conclusions: The use of 3D-MTEE imaging, which is feasible in most patients, provides superb imaging of native MVs, which makes this modality an excellent choice for MV surgical planning and guidance of percutaneous interventions. Optimal aortic and tricuspid valve imaging will depend on further technological developments. Fast acquisition and immediate online display will facilitate wider acceptance and routine use in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The room-temperature coercivity, H[sub C], and squareness, M[sub R]/M[sub S] (remanence/saturation magnetizations), of permanent magnet, SmCo[sub 5] powders have been enhanced by ball milling with antiferromagnetic NiO (with Ne´el temperature, T[sub N]=590 K). This enhancement is observed in the as-milled state. However, when the milling of SmCo[sub 5] is carried out with an antiferromagnet with T[sub N] below room temperature (e.g., for CoO, T[sub N]=290 K), the coercivity enhancement is only observed at low temperatures after field cooling through T[sub N]. The ferromagnetic–antiferromagnetic exchange coupling induced either by local heating during milling (SmCo[sub 5]+NiO) or field cooling (SmCo[sub 5]+CoO) is shown to be the origin of the H[sub C] increase. © 2001 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]