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We describe the results of an inter-laboratory investigation into the identification and quantification of the Arctic sea ice biomarker proxy IP25 in marine sediments. Seven laboratories took part in the study, which consisted of the analysis of IP25 in a series of sediment samples from different regions of the Arctic, sub-Arctic and Antarctic, additional sediment extracts and purified standards. The results obtained allowed 4 key outcomes to be determined. First, IP25 was identified by all laboratories in sediments from the Canadian Arctic with inter-laboratory variation in IP25 concentration being substantially larger than within individual laboratories. This greater variation between laboratories was attributed to the difficulty in accurately determining instrumental response factors for IP25, even though laboratories were supplied with appropriate standards. Second, the identification of IP25 by 3 laboratories in sediment from SW Iceland that was believed to represent a blank, was interpreted as representing a better limit of detection or quantification for such laboratories, contamination or mis-identification. These alternatives could not be distinguished conclusively with the data available, although it is noted that the precision of these data was significantly poorer compared with the other IP25 concentration measurements. Third, 3 laboratories reported the occurrence of IP25 in a sediment sample from the Antarctic Peninsula even though this biomarker is believed to be absent from the Southern Ocean. This anomaly is attributed to a combined chromatographic and mass spectrometric interference that results from the presence of a di-unsaturated highly branched isoprenoid (HBI) pseudo-homologue of IP25 that occurs in Antarctic sediments. Finally, data are presented that suggest that extraction of IP25 is consistent between Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE) and sonication methods and that IP25 concentrations based on 7-hexylnonadecane as an internal standard are comparable using these methods. Recoveries of some more unsaturated HBIs and the internal standard 9-octylheptadecene, however, were lower with the ASE procedure, possibly due to partial degradation of these more reactive chemicals as a result of higher temperatures employed with this method. For future measurements, we recommend the use of reference sediment material with known concentration(s) of IP25 for determining and routinely monitoring instrumental response factors. Given the significance placed on the presence (or otherwise) of IP25 in marine sediments, some further recommendations pertaining to quality control are made that should also enable the two main anomalies identified here to be addressed.

Resume Les vasoconstricteurs nasaux generaux et locaux sont frequemment utilises en ORL et en medecine liberale dans la prise en charge des pathologies rhinosinusiennes aigues et dans le traitement d’appoint de certaines rhinosinusites chroniques. Tres efficaces pour ameliorer rapidement l’obstruction nasale, certaines specialites disponibles sans prescription medicale font l’objet d’un mesusage difficilement controlable. Des recommandations ont ete recemment emises par la Societe francaise d’ORL afin d’etayer l’utilisation de ces vasoconstricteurs au cabinet medical et au bloc operatoire. L’analyse de la litterature realisee par le groupe de pilotage a permis d’etudier precisement les concepts d’« effet rebond » et de « rhinite aux vasoconstricteurs » souvent evoques lors d’un usage inapproprie en particulier des vasoconstricteurs locaux. Les consequences cliniques et anatomopathologies de l’application repetee et prolongee des vasoconstricteurs ont ete etudiees sur des modeles experimentaux animaux ou sur sujets sains. Les resultats obtenus sont variables suggerant pour certains une action nefaste des vasoconstricteurs sur la muqueuse nasale alors que d’autres n’identifient pas d’alteration significative. Aucune etude n’a permis de faire la part des choses entre les lesions inflammatoires induites par la pathologie rhinosinusienne et d’eventuelles lesions liees a l’usage des vasoconstricteurs. Concernant l’effet rebond, le groupe de pilotage explique la majoration de l’obstruction nasale a l’arret du traitement vasoconstricteur par la reapparition de la congestion nasale induite par la pathologie rhinosinusienne. Concernant la rhinite aux vasoconstricteurs, le groupe de pilotage ne retient pas cette entite faute de preuve scientifique sur sujets pathologiques. Les vasoconstricteurs sont recommandes dans la prise en charge des pathologies rhinosinusiennes aigues afin de reduire les consequences d’une obstruction nasale souvent invalidante. Leur utilisation est aussi recommandee lors de l’examen clinique rhinologique et lors de la preparation du lit muqueux avant une intervention rhinosinusienne.

Introduction Systemic and topical nasal decongestants are widely used in otorhinolaryngology and general practice for the management of acute rhinosinusitis and as an adjuvant in certain forms of chronic rhinosinusitis. These products, very effective to rapidly improve nasal congestion, are sometimes available over the counter and can be the subject of misuse, which is difficult to control. The Societe Francaise d'ORL has recently issued guidelines concerning the use of these decongestants in the doctor's office and the operating room. Materials and methods The review of the literature conducted by the task force studied in detail the concepts of "rebound congestion" and "rhinitis medicamentosa" often reported in a context of misuse, particularly of topical nasal decongestants. The clinical and histopathological consequences of prolonged and repeated use of nasal decongestants have been studied on animal models and healthy subjects. Results Discordant results have been obtained, as some authors reported a harmful effect of nasal decongestants on the nasal mucosa, while others did not identify any significant changes. No study has been able to distinguish between inflammatory lesions induced by chronic rhinosinusitis and lesions possibly related to the use of nasal decongestants. Discussion The task force explained the rebound congestion observed after stopping nasal decongestant treatment by return of the nasal congestion induced by rhinosinusitis and rejected the concept of rhinitis medicamentosa in the absence of scientific evidence from patients with rhinosinusitis. Conclusion Nasal decongestants are recommended for the management of acute rhinosinusitis to reduce the consequences of often disabling nasal congestion. They are also recommended during rhinoscopic examination and for preparation of the nasal mucosa prior to endonasal surgery.

Resume Les demences sont connues depuis le xix e siecle (paralysie generale et demence senile), mais elles ont connu un developpement au cours du xx e siecle avec la description des demences preseniles : maladie d’Alzheimer et maladie de Pick, demences arteriopathiques, maladie de Creutzfeldt-Jakob, demences frontotemporales, SLA demences, demence a corps de Lewy… Leur pathologie a ete mieux connue depuis le developpement de la microscopie electronique et des caracterisations histochimiques et l’ere actuelle est une ere de recherche therapeutique.

CuIn 1− x Ga x S 2 wide gap absorber thin films were grown by means of a low cost method using the close-spaced vapor transport principle. No high-cost vacuum apparatus is needed. From X-ray analyses, the chalcopyrite superstructure was found to be present on all the samples, except when the substrate temperatures were below 300 °C. Energy dispersive spectroscopy studies showed a large quasi-stoichiometry range, corresponding to substrate temperatures between 300 and 600 °C (glass substrate use limit). For initial pressures in the reactor close or equal to the atmospheric value, quasi-columnar structures were grown, with crystallite sizes of about 1 μm and thicknesses of the order of 2 μm. The deposition rates were about 0.05 μm/min. For low pressures (

Background: Although many studies have reported reduced vitamin B-6 status with aging, little information is available about the specific effects of menopause. Objective: We aimed to examine vitamin B-6 metabolism in premenopausal and early postmenopausal women. Design: We examined dietary intake and vitamin B-6 metabolites in the plasma, erythrocytes, and urine of 30 premenopausal women (x SD age: 41.9 4.8 y) and 30 women (aged 54.0 3.8 y) who were 4.0 1.4 y past menopause. Results: Vitamin B-6 intake in the postmenopausal group (1.97 0.40 mg/d) was significantly greater than that in the premenopausal group (1.63 0.50 mg/d). Plasma pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) and pyridoxal concentrations and erythrocyte PLP, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine phosphate concentrations were in the normal range in both groups and did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. Plasma and erythrocyte 4-pyridoxic acid (4-PA) concentrations were significantly higher in the postmenopausal group than in the premenopausal group, which may have been due at least partly to the slightly higher vitamin B-6 intake of the former group. Erythrocyte 4-PA was correlated (r 0.37, P 0.01) with serum estradiol in both groups. Urinary 4-PA did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. The serum phosphate concentration was higher in the postmenopausal group than in the premenopausal group, and it was correlated (r 0.40, P 0.01) with plasma PLP. Inhibition of alkaline phosphatase by the increased phosphate may help to increase plasma PLP. Conclusion: Menopause may not necessarily be associated with a decrease in vitamin B-6 status. Am J Clin Nutr2004;80:946 –51.

This article is a study of copper, indium, and gallium interdiffusions in In2Se3/CuGaSe2/SnO2/glass thin film heterostructures annealed at different temperatures. The use of CuGaSe2 material in place of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 is only required by the indium diffusion studies. The CuGaSe2 layers were grown by close-spaced vapor transport for two types of sources having different grain sizes. The In2Se3 films were deposited by thermal evaporation. The heterostructures were annealed in vacuum at different temperatures and analyzed by secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS). The copper, indium, and gallium SIMS concentration profiles show that the copper diffuses up to the In2Se3 film surface and that the indium can diffuse far away from the In2Se3/CuGaSe2 interface towards SnO2. The copper, indium, and gallium diffusions were studied and the interdiffusion parameters were computed. The simultaneous interdiffusions of copper and indium induces the formation of a p–n junction responsible for the photovoltaic effect of the...

Objectives To assess the dietary intakes and diet quality of menopausal women relative to premenopausal women, and to determine whether their diets are compatible with reducing risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and osteoporosis. Design Cross-sectional study using 3-day food records and anthropometric measurements. Subjects Thirty apparently healthy, nonoestrogen using and nonsupplemented women menopausal since 3–5 years and 30 well-matched premenopausal women. Outcome measures Nutrient intakes, diet nutrient density, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio and serum oestradiol. Results Energy intake and body weight of pre- and postmenopausal women were comparable. Their BMI, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratios were within healthy ranges. The diet of postmenopausal women was compatible (less total lipids and saturated fatty acids; more fibres, antioxidant vitamins and potassium) with North American nutritional recommendations linked to cardiovascular health. Their dietary iron intakes exceeded their reduced physiological need, which may jeopardize their cardiovascular system. Their calcium and vitamin D intakes were far below recommendations for healthy bones. Five other nutrients were also suboptimal. Phosphorus intake (high in both groups) correlated with dietary proteins, sulphur amino acids and calcium. Conclusions The diet of the postmenopausal women studied were more compatible with national nutritional recommendations than that of premenopausal controls. However, these postmenopausal women, not taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and having inadequate dietary calcium and vitamin D intakes, may be at increased risk of osteoporotic fracture later in life. More studies on CVD risk inherent to body iron accumulation involving a large number of postmenopausal women are warranted before planning public health measures regarding dietary iron intake.

The effects of source material grain size distribution on film structure and morphology were investigated in the growth of Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 thin films by close-spaced vapor transport. These films are designed to be used as absorbers in solar cells. The deposit morphology was simply changed by varying the grain mean size of the powder constituting the source. Film thicknesses on the order of 2 μm and 1–2 μm sized crystallites arranged in a quasi-columnar structure could be obtained. The results are explained in terms of vapor supersaturation and interaction between the gaseous phase and the source, considered as a porous object.

Background: This study was conducted to probe the existence of oral contraceptive (OC)-induced psychological side effects that might be undetectable by psychometric testing. Methods: Triphasil® was administered during six complete menstrual cycles to young never-OC-users. Plasma Tyr and Trp/Σ-respective competitor neutral amino acids (NAA) ratio and concentrations of other amino acids (AA), known to be involved in the functioning of the central nervous system (CNS) and the synthesis of neurotransmitters, in particular, were used as biochemical markers to assess this likelihood. Factors known to influence plasma AA concentrations such as cortisol and pyridoxal phosphate (PLP, active form of vitamin B6), both modulators of AA intestinal absorption, were examined. Results: Dietary supply of amino acid substrates (precursors) and blood levels of coenzyme/cofactor (vitamin B6 and iron) involved were adequate in both groups and were kept constant throughout the treatment. The rise in plasma cortisol, known to be stimulated under the action of estrogen, was significant (p < 0.05) after the first menstrual cycle and remained higher (although not significantly) than mean baseline and reference normal values at the end of the 6-month OC treatment. Plasma Trp/Σ-specific competitor NAA ratio remained unchanged whereas Tyr/Σ-specific competitor NAA ratio was significantly (p < 0.02) reduced after the sixth artificial menstrual cycle. Conclusion: Although plasma AA biochemical markers cannot accurately assess CNS activity, they seem to be more sensitive than a comprehensive psychometric testing (MMPI) in assessing OC-induced psychological changes.

In this article we study (In,Se)–Cu(In,Ga)Se2/SnO2 thin film heterostructures for solar cells, the light coming through SnO2. The Cu(In,Ga)Se2 layers were grown by close-spaced vapor transport and the (In,Se) layers by close-spaced sublimation. We first clear up the main results obtained in the fabrication and characterization of the samples. Then, the diffusion mechanisms appearing in these structures are studied, from secondary ion mass spectroscopy studies. Copper diffusion is probably the key of the creation of a p–n junction lying near SnO2 and responsible for the photovoltaic effect that is observed.

It was hypothesized that the widespread structural defect of collagen in connective tissue of vitamin B6deficient-animals and the consequent alteration in bone biomechanical properties cause an additional stress to their inflammed swollen tibiotarsometatarsal joints. The present study showed a 32% elevation (P &lt 0.02) in mean plasma free cortisol concentration. Vitamin D metabolism was impaired but without changing plasma calcium homeostasis and bone mineral content. Mean plasma calcitriol [1,25(OH)2D] concentration was significantly reduced (P < 0.001). Because plasma calcidiol concentration did not change, we speculated that either renal 25-hydroxycalciferol-1α-hydroxylase activity was reduced or 1,25(OH)2D turnover was increased. Plasma osteocalcin, an index of osteoblast function related to bone formation, was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). This adverse effect on osteoblasts was consistent with the reduction of bone specific alkaline phosphatase activity (another index of bone formation) found in a previous study. The excess of cortisol may have impaired these bone cells functions directly and (or) indirectly via the decline in calcitriol synthesis. Plasma hydroxyproline concentrations in B6-deficient animals were found to be significantly reduced (P < 0.001), suggesting that cortisol in excess had also a suppressive effect on another hydroxylase, namely tissue (mainly bone and liver) prolyl hydroxylase. The bone uncoupling (in formation and resoption) associated with vitamin B6deficiency seems to be due to secondary hypercortisolism and (or) another unknown factors but not related to a change in bone modulators such as IGF-1 and eicosanoids.Key words: collagen, vitamin B6, vitamin D, cortisol, osteocalcin, IGF-1, eicosanoids, PGE2.

The present work is an improvement of a close-spaced vapor transport method to deposit CuInSe2 thin films in a closed vertical reactor. The study concerns two points: (i) the determination of the actual source (Ts) and substrate (Td) temperatures from experimental values measured in accessible points. For that, the equivalent thermal circuit of the reactor was established, and the equations were written to deduce Ts and Td. (ii) The determination of the process governing the mass transfer, from experimental values of the deposition rate measured as a function of Ts and Td. In our experimental conditions, the transport is limited by the reaction kinetics, not by the diffusion.

Resume La maladie de Creutzfeldt-Jakob sporadique debute habituellement par des symptomes dementiels ou neurologiques. Cependant, ces derniers peuvent etre precedes ou accompagnes de troubles psychiatriques dans un tiers des cas. Nous rapportons le cas d'un homme de 31 ans ayant presente une maladie de Creutzfeldt-Jakob sporadique marquee par un debut d'allure schizophrenique. La symptomatologie a evolue plusieurs mois avant l'apparition des troubles neurologiques. La symptomatologie psychotique decrite dans cette observation, associee a un âge de debut precoce et une evolution longue, pourrait etre influencee par certains facteurs genetiques.

Possible photovoltaic effects in CuInSe2(and related materials)/SnO2 thin film structures are discussed with the CuInSe2 layer grown by close-spaced vapor transport while the growth temperature increases. This procedure can particularly induce a photovoltaic effect having the positive polarity on SnO2, making this type of structure interesting in CuInSe2-type solar cells. The discussion is supported by electron-beam induced current studies and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The band offsets of SnO2–CuInSe2 and CuInSe2–(In,Se) heterojunctions were determined, and energy-band diagrams drawn. (In,Se) involves InSe or In2Se3 phases, and possibly Cu-poor phases, which form in the layer when increasing the growth temperature. Finally, the photovoltaic effect, having the positive polarity on SnO2, is ascribed to either a shallow (from SnO2) p-n CuInSe2 homojunction or a shallow p CuInSe2-n (In,Se) heterojunction. The n-type doping of CuInSe2 could be due either to diffusions during the growth or stoichiometry...

p- and n-type CulnSe2 thin films were grown from close-spaced vapour transport in a vertical closed tube. The electrical conductivity variation of the films from p- to n-type was obtained by a simple adjustment of the source and substrate temperatures during the growth. The depositions were carried out in the temperature range where the filmy arc nearly stoichiometric (= 400 to 580°C). The films were characterized by X-rays, scanning cleclron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, optical absorption and Hall effect studies.

CuInSe 2 , Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 and CuIn(Se,S) 2 films were grown on glass and on SnO 2 thin films by using a close-spaced vapor transport in closed tube with iodine. The SnO 2 thin films were grown from a pyrosol method. The samples were studied by X-ray and scanning electron microscope analysis. We show that the CuInSe 2 films grown on SnO 2 thin films can have a very strong (100) (or (001)) preferred orientation, probably induced by the substrate, and not by the experimental conditions.

The formation of the p-n junction in (In,Se)/Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2/SnO2 structures is studied. The space charge region can be shifted from the (In,Se)/CIGSeS interface to the CIGSeS/SnO2 interface by annealing at different temperatures. In this structure, SnO2 is a simple electrode. When the p-n junction is near SnO2, photovoltages up to 650 mV can be reached when lighting through SnO2. The formation of this p-n junction, in other words the formation of an n-type absorber layer, is related to copper and indium diffusions, resulting in an increase of VCu and InCu defect concentrations. We believe n-type conductivity of the junction is due to a high concentration of (2VCu+InCu) complex defects, which exists in the absorber layer driving the diffusion processes.

第3回極域科学シンポジウム 横断セッション「海・陸・氷床から探る後期新生代の南極寒冷圏環境変動」11月26日（月）、27日（火） ２階ラウンジ

Dinoflagellate cyst (dinocyst) assemblages have been widely used over the Arctic Ocean to reconstruct sea-surface parameters on a quantitative basis. Such reconstructions provide insights into the role of anthropogenic vs natural forcings in the actual climatic trend. Here, we present the palynological analysis of a 36 cm-long core collected from the Mackenzie Through in the Canadian Beaufort Sea. Dinocyst assemblages were used to quantitatively reconstruct the evolution of sea surface conditions (temperature, salinity, sea ice) and freshwater palynomorphs influxes were used as local paleo-river discharge indicators over the last ~150 yr. Dinocyst assemblages are dominated by autotrophic taxa (68 to 96 %). Pentapharsodinium dalei is the dominant specie throughout most of the core, except at the top where the assemblages are dominated by Operculodinium centrocarpum. Quantitative reconstructions of sea surface parameters display a serie of relatively warm, lower sea ice and saline episodes in surface waters, alternately with relatively cool and low salinity episodes. The warm episodes are characterized with high dinocyst productivity. Variations of dinocyst influxes and reconstructed sea surface conditions are closely linked to large scale atmospheric circulation patterns such as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and to a lesser degree, the Arctic Oscillation (AO). Positive phases of the PDO correspond to increases of dinocyst influxes, warmer and saltier surface waters, which we associate with upwelling events of warm and relatively saline water from Pacific origin. Freshwater palynomorph influxes increased in three phases from AD 1857 until reaching maximum values in AD 1991, suggesting that the Mackenzie River discharge followed the same trend when its discharge peaked between AD 1989 and AD 1992. The PDO mode seems to dominate the climatic variations at multi-annual to decadal timescales in the Western Canadian Arctic and Beaufort Sea areas.

Male rapidly growing broiler chicks were fed a moderate (22%) or a high protein (30%) well-balanced diet containing yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (2%) and consisting of soy protein isolate (Soyamin) or a purified amino acid mixture. The vitamin B6 status was assessed according to the in vitro stimulated activity of aspartic aminotransferase (activation coefficient; AC) and pyridoxal phosphate concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes. No weight difference was found between age-matched control and B6-deficient animals fed the Soyamin diet containing yeast. None of the deficient animals presented signs of malfunctions of the central nervous system. These animals grew well and their skeletal development was normal after 6 weeks of age. Due to the presence of yeast, increasing dietary protein intake did not augment the metabolic requirement for pyridoxine. The removal of yeast from the Soyamin diet provoked a severe symptomatic deficiency (AC 1.5). It seemed that yeast did more than promoting growth. It also protected against a lack of vitamin B6: feed utilization was not impaired. The present study showed that a low level of 0.6 mg vitamin B6/kg in a corn-Soyamin diet containing yeast was adequate to maintain normal growth and to avoid neurological symptoms. The pyridoxine requirement for normal growth and absence of convulsions has been reported to be approximately 3 mg/kg diet.

A simple method has been developed for growing low cost and large area CuInSe2 thin films, by close-spaced vapour transport in a vertical closed tube. A thermodynamical study of the system was carried out: the transport rate was measured as a function of the source and substrate temperatures, and compared to a model governed by either the diffusion or the reaction kinetics. With our experimental conditions, the growth rate is limited by the reaction kinetics, not by the diffusion. Nearly stoichiometric films were grown at temperatures as low as 350°C, with deposition rates of 0.5 μm min−1 and grain sizes of the order of 1 μm. Above 600 °C, the films are composed of (In,Se) compounds, mainly In2Se3.

CuGa x In 1 − x Se 2 polycrystalline thin films were grown by a simple technique using close-spaced vapour transport in closed tubes with iodine as a reagent. The depositions were carried out at temperatures below 600°C. Glass or molybdenum substrates could be used. The samples were characterized by X-ray, electron microprobe and scanning electron microscopy measurements. The optimal conditions for depositing good quality thin films were determined. The thin film resistivities, carrier densities and mobilities were deduced from Hall effect measurements. The energy gaps were calculated from optical absorption experiments at 77 and 300 K. The experimental conditions for depositing Cu(Ga, In)Se 2 −(Cd, Zn)S heterojunctions are discussed.

We have grown and studied CuGa(Se,Te)2 photovoltaic bulk materials and thin films. This compound can readily be grown with p‐type conductivity and can have a very good lattice match with CdS for a Se:Te ratio giving an energy gap close to 1.5 eV. The lattice parameters were determined by x‐ray diffraction, and the energy gap calculated for temperatures between 77 and 300 K from luminescence studies. Thin films were grown using a close‐spaced vapor transport technique, with iodine as reagent. The chemical equations governing the transport were determined. Good‐quality CuGaSe2 thin films were easily grown, but we could not get CuGa(SexTe1−x)2 thin films when x

We have grown CuInSe 2 , CuGaSe 2 and Cu(Ga, In)Se 2 thin films by a simple method using the close-spaced vapour transport technique. The deposits were made at temperatures lower than 620 °C, in glass tubes sealed under vacuum after the introduction of solid iodine. Glass or molybdenum substrates may be used. The thin films obtained at temperatures above 550 °C have a composition close to the stoichiometric composition. A thermodynamic study of the transport is carried out, and the chemical reactions are established. We show that the transport is mainly governed by diffusion, except for low iodine concentrations (less than 0.1 mg cm -3 ), for which limitations due to reaction and surface kinetics appear, and high iodine concentrations (above 0.5 mg cm -3 ), for which surface mechanisms at the substrate limit the deposition.

Relatively few studies have been undertaken to correlate biochemical variables with psychological measurements. The present study aimed to delineate the relationship between iron status and psychoaffective behavior in active and healthy women taking or not taking oral contraceptives (OCs). The MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) was used to assess the psychoaffective status. Although dietary iron intake in both groups was adequate, serum ferritin used as a marker for body iron stores was marginal, indicating a high prevalence of deficient iron reserves among subjects. The serum iron concentration was significantly higher in OC users than control subjects (p

Forty-five male Lohmann chicks were grown up to 6 weeks of age. The experimental diet containing a high protein level (30%) was aimed at increasing the metabolic need for PN. Microbiological analysis on the basal ration revealed a marginal content of 4.7 mumol PN/kg. The vitamin B6 status was assessed at the end of the experiment according to the basal activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT) in plasma and in erythrocytes, and the in vitro stimulated activity with pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP). None of the deficient chicks had any clinical signs attributable to malfunction of the nervous system, and they grew as well as those receiving the control diet. Vitamin B6 deficiency was biochemically confirmed by a significant depression of AspAT activity in plasma (p less than 0.001) and in erythrocytes (p less than 0.01). The addition of PLP in vitro enhanced the catalytic activity of the plasma enzyme, but had negligible effect on the erythrocyte enzyme. The degree of stimulation in vitro of the apoenzyme of AspAT not only depends on the endogenous vitamin B6 content, but also on the basal activity of the enzyme. A 15-day repletion period with a daily oral dose (50 mumol PN) did not result in a complete restoration of the enzyme activity, indicating that the availability of apoenzyme had been curtailed. This experiment demonstrated that chicks fed a high protein corn-soyamin diet with a limited amount of PN but containing Saccharomyces yeast showed no nervous signs or perosis, but significant metabolic disturbances.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

We grew and studied CuGaxIn1 − xSe2 and CuGaxIn1 − xTe2 compounds. An X-ray analysis allowed us to show that they can form solid solutions. Luminescence studies showed the fundamental role of the Cu and Se (Te) vacancies, as in I–III–VI2 compounds. Moreover, this study allowed us to confirm the emission due to VCu and to observe a high efficiency emission, which is perhaps due to Se (Te) in interstitial or antisite positions. A precise method was deduced from this study to determine the composition of the solid solutions, by measuring the peak energy of the emission due to VCu.

This paper relates different points concerning defect levels and lattice defects in CuInSe2 and the I‐III‐VI2 compounds. First, we review the main levels observed. Second, we propose a hypothesis concerning the electrical compensation processes acting in the I‐III‐VI2 materials. Third, we discuss the nature of the defects responsible for the levels, and improve interpretations, by carrying out the deformation potential in antisite defects. Especially, these calculations reinforce the idea that the ‘‘hydrogenic‐type’’ acceptor observed in the I‐III‐VI2 materials must rather be attributed to the Cu or Ag vacancy than to an antisite defect.

To assess the dietary intakes and diet quality of menopausal women relative to premenopausal women, and to determine whether their diets are compatible with reducing risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and osteoporosis.Cross-sectional study using 3-day food records and anthropometric measurements. Subjects Thirty apparently healthy, nonoestrogen using and nonsupplemented women menopausal since 3-5 years and 30 well-matched premenopausal women. Outcome measures Nutrient intakes, diet nutrient density, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio and serum oestradiol.Energy intake and body weight of pre- and postmenopausal women were comparable. Their BMI, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratios were within healthy ranges. The diet of postmenopausal women was compatible (less total lipids and saturated fatty acids; more fibres, antioxidant vitamins and potassium) with North American nutritional recommendations linked to cardiovascular health. Their dietary iron intakes exceeded their reduced physiological need, which may jeopardize their cardiovascular system. Their calcium and vitamin D intakes were far below recommendations for healthy bones. Five other nutrients were also suboptimal. Phosphorus intake (high in both groups) correlated with dietary proteins, sulphur amino acids and calcium.The diet of the postmenopausal women studied were more compatible with national nutritional recommendations than that of premenopausal controls. However, these postmenopausal women, not taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and having inadequate dietary calcium and vitamin D intakes, may be at increased risk of osteoporotic fracture later in life. More studies on CVD risk inherent to body iron accumulation involving a large number of postmenopausal women are warranted before planning public health measures regarding dietary iron intake.