Prévalence et incidence d'épilepsie chez 270 patients avec un traumatisme crânien (TBI) et traités par GH, suivis dans KIMS

in Annales d'Endocrinologie (2010, September), 71(5), 396

Intérêt de la cystatine C plasmatique pour la détection d'une insuffisance rénale chez le patient hospitalisé aux soins intensifs : résultats préliminaires

in Néphrologie & Thérapeutique (2010, September), 6(5), 349-350

Comparaison d'une méthode "acide" et enzymatique pour le dosage de l'inuline

in Néphrologie & Thérapeutique (2010, September), 6(5), 316

Mesure de la PTH chez le patient hémodialysé avec une trousse de 2è ou de 3è génération: impact pour le clinicien

in Néphrologie & Thérapeutique (2010, September), 6(5), 397

Evaluation analytique de la cystatine C: résultats de l'étude multicentrique SN/SFBC

in Néphrologie & Thérapeutique (2010, September), 6(5), 314

Dioxin levels in European eels, a Belgian study

in Organohalogen Compounds (2010, September)

Platelet-Rich Plasma injection to improve tendon healing process

in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage (2010, September), 18(Supplement 2), 221

Introduction It is well known that injured tendons do not heal easily. For example, tendinopathy is a condition which often becomes chronic in the case of bad or late management. Recently, several studies ... [more ▼]

Introduction It is well known that injured tendons do not heal easily. For example, tendinopathy is a condition which often becomes chronic in the case of bad or late management. Recently, several studies, essentially in vitro and, more recently, a few in clinical practice, have demonstrated the positive effects of platelets on the healing process of different tissues. In fact, platelets contain lots of growth factors which can be released after a local injection. These growth factors have the potentiality to enhance the tendon healing process, for example after rupture or tendinopathy. The aim of our experiment was to ascertain whether the use of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) was of interest for accelerating the healing process of Achilles tendon after surgical induced lesion. Methods All experimental procedures and protocols used in this investigation / were reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of the University of Liège. 60 rats were divided into 2 groups: A: control (no injection) and B: PRP injection. A 5mm defect was surgically induced in the rats’ Achilles tendon after resection of plantaris tendon. Rats of group B received a PRP injection in situ after the surgery. Afterwards, rats of both groups were placed in their cages without immobilization. After 5, 15 and 30 days, the traumatized Achilles tendons of 10 rats of both groups were removed and dissected during their healing process. Immediately after sampling, tendons were submitted to a biomechanical tensile test up to rupture, using a “Cryo-jaw”. Rats were then euthanized. Statistical analyses were made with an ANOVA. Values are significant when p-value is below 0.05. Results We observed that the force necessary to induce tendon rupture during biomechanical tensile testing increased with time in both groups; that this force was greater for tendons which had been submitted to an injection of PRP. The ratio between force and weight increased with time in both groups; that this ratio was greater for tendons which had been submitted to an injection of PRP too. There is also a significant interaction between time and the group. The surface area of the section of the tendons increased between 5 and 15 days followed by a stabilization. After 30 days, sections in both groups were similar. Thus, the constraint was similar after 5 and 15 days but is significantly better for PRP group after one month. Discussion – Conclusion We demonstrated that the force necessary to induce tendon rupture during biomechanical tensile testing was greater for tendons which had been submitted to an injection of PRP. These results were observed and significant (p<0.05) from day 5 onwards. We observed too that the section of the tendon was the same in both groups after 30 days. Thus the quality of the healing tendon is better with an injection of PRP, as shown with the increase of the constraint until rupture. Acknowledgement This experimentation was partially financed by “Standard de Liège 2007” and “Lejeune-Lechien 2008” grants. [less ▲]

PLE for extraction of dioxins in animal feed and ingredients

in Organohalogen Compounds (2010, September), 72

Within the entire complex procedure required to measure dioxins and related compounds in biological matrices, the extraction step is often seen as a well controlled step. Although maybe true for many ... [more ▼]

Within the entire complex procedure required to measure dioxins and related compounds in biological matrices, the extraction step is often seen as a well controlled step. Although maybe true for many human and food-related matrices, the situation is very different for animal feed and feed ingredients. Specific European guidelines (e.g. Commission Directive 2006/13/EC, Commission Regulation (EC) No 152/2009) exist for animal feed but only list general requirements for the various stages of the procedure. The liberty is left to laboratories to select, for example, the tools used for the extraction steps. This has the advantage to allow ‘in-house’ methods to be used, as long as they satisfy with all the requirements of the EU Regulation. In that context, it is foreseen that the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) will soon propose a standard for the determination of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in animal feed that would be the reference method to be used to solve potential issues in case of dispute over results reported from different laboratories. A major point of concern is that it has been reported earlier1 that most commonly accepted extraction procedure can conduct to significantly different results for the extraction of dioxins and related compounds in feed and feed additives such as mineral clays and various oxides. Several non-instrumental and instrumental automated approaches are available for extraction. Soxhlet extractors have long been the most used tools for non-instrumental extraction of solids. They have proven to be very efficient but some limitations encouraged the development of other approaches based on instrumental techniques. For feed extraction, pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) (also branded as accelerated solvent extraction ASE®) is the technique of choice for high sample throughput. This study reports on the investigation of the use of various solvent mixtures, extraction temperatures, and instruments (parallel PLE, sequential ASE®) for the extraction of 17 PCDD/Fs and 12 dioxin-like PCBs in mineral clay, bovine feed, fish meal, and in-house quality control animal compound feed. [less ▲]

Acromégalie due à une sécrétion ectopique de GHRH par des tumeurs carcinoïdes bronchiques: rapport de 2 cas

in Annales d'Endocrinologie (2010, September), 71(5), 398

Exclusive diffractive Higgs and jet production at the LHC

in PoS - Proceedings of Science (2010, August 02), PoS DIS2010(PoS DIS2010), 087

The implementation of exclusive diffractive production of Higgs boson and dijets in the FPMC (Forward Physics Monte Carlo) framework is presented following the models by Khoze, Martin, Ryskin and Cudell ... [more ▼]

The implementation of exclusive diffractive production of Higgs boson and dijets in the FPMC (Forward Physics Monte Carlo) framework is presented following the models by Khoze, Martin, Ryskin and Cudell, Dechambre, Hernandez and Ivanov. The predictions of the models are compared to the CDF measurement of exclusive jets and the uncertainties on the Higgs boson and jet production cross sections at the LHC are discussed. [less ▲]

Morphology of the digital sheath in horses

in Anatomia, Histologia, Embryologia (2010, August), 39(4), 288

Introduction: The digital sheath is located in the palmar (plantar) face of the distal limb. It consists of a synovium, divided into intimate and vascularised supportive layers, and ligaments that ... [more ▼]

Introduction: The digital sheath is located in the palmar (plantar) face of the distal limb. It consists of a synovium, divided into intimate and vascularised supportive layers, and ligaments that strengthen the tendon sheath in its palmar (plantar) face. The synovium surrounds the digital flexor tendons during their passage within the sheath. The synovium fluid, produced by the filtering of the blood and by the intima cells, allows lubrification within the sheath. Lameness, originating from digital sheath pathology is not rare, and it is important, for any equine practitioner, to know its normal morphology. The aim of this study is to precise the morphology of the digital sheath, particularly its synovium because the literature is not unanimous. Methods: The digitals tips of 7 "sound" horses were collected. Samples were taken within the 3 annular ligaments (Proximal, Digital Proximal, Digital Distal). The digital flexor tendons were sampled with the visceral sheath of the synovial membrane at the level of the proximal sesamoïd bones and just proximal to the medium scutum. All these samples were embedded in tissue-tek and freezed for cryosectioning. The proximal and distal recessus of the synovial membrane were also sampled, fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin. Sections were stained with haematoxylin/eosin. One sample of the synovial membrane was taken for electronic microscopy and embedded in? Results: Annular ligaments are composed of dense connective tissue but are transversal strengthening of the fascia rather than true ligaments. The digital flexor tendons showed the typical organisation of the collagen network. Type III fibrocytes were observed within the deep digital flexor tendon. The synovial membrane showed two layers: an intima (with visceral and parietal sheath) with fibroblast-like cells and macrophagic cells, and a sub-intima composed of fibrous tissue that was sometime so thickened that it was difficult to cut! The recessus contained large synovial fringe with adipose tissue. Conclusion: This study permitted to precise the morphology of the digital sheath in horse which may help to better understand the pathological changes. [less ▲]

The relationship between fetlock joint dorsiflexion and flexor tendon moment arms variations

in Anatomia, Histologia, Embryologia (2010, July 28), 39(4), 335-336

Introduction: To calculate flexor tendon forces on the basis of inverse dynamic analysis, flexor tendon moment arms need to be determinated in the equine distal forelimb. Moment arm of deep digital flexor ... [more ▼]

Introduction: To calculate flexor tendon forces on the basis of inverse dynamic analysis, flexor tendon moment arms need to be determinated in the equine distal forelimb. Moment arm of deep digital flexor tendon (dDDF) and of superficial digital flexor tendon (dSDF) have been recognised to vary during the fetlock joint dorsiflexion, however little distal forelimb model has taken into account dSDF and dDDF variations. This study describes a method to determinate the relationship between the fetlock joint dorsiflexion and the flexor moment arms variations. Methods: Eleven forelimbs of eleven horses (~500 Kg) were collected, transversally cut below the shoulder joint, frozen and cut into a sagittal plane until above the fetlock joint. Considering the forelimb pulley model (Meershoek et al. AJVR 2001; 62 1585-1593), in the segment based coordinate system, for the fetlock joint the pulley centers of the DDF and SDF tendons were determined directly from the section. For the fetlock radius-pulley experiments, forelimbs were thawed overnight, fixed to an immobilizing support and attached to a hoist that dorsiflexed the fetlock joint. For the fetlock dorsal angle (θ) 180° to 150°, the dDDF and the dSDF were measured directly from the section. For each tendon all of these data were fitted using a polynomial regression model (OriginPro8) and the relationships between θ and the radius pulley variation (∆d) was described assuming that ∆d was zero at θ equal to 180°. Results : When the fetlock dorsiflexion increased, dDDF and dSDF decreased (∆dDDF(150)= -6.1 mm; ∆dSDF(150)= -5.2 mm) according to the following equations: ∆dDDF(θ)= -0.24923 x θ1 + 0.00139 x θ² (R²=0.89867) ; ∆dSDF(θ)= -0.21494 x θ1 + 0.0012 x θ² (R²=0.91504). Conclusions : A distal forelimb pulley model with variable dDDF and dSDF has been performed. It could become an important tool for use in inverse dynamic procedures. [less ▲]

Use of clinical biology techniques in clinical practice: injections of platelet-rich plasma to heal tendon

in Clinical Chemistry (2010, July), 56(S6), 111

Introduction: A tendon is a tissue which does not heal easily. For example, tendinopathy is a condition which often becomes chronic in the case of bad or overdue management. Several studies, essentially ... [more ▼]

Introduction: A tendon is a tissue which does not heal easily. For example, tendinopathy is a condition which often becomes chronic in the case of bad or overdue management. Several studies, essentially in vitro and, more recently, a few in clinical practice, have demonstrated the positive effects of platelets on the healing process of tendons. A local injection of platelet–rich plasma (PRP), which releases many growth factors, has the potentiality to enhance the tendon healing process. The aim of our experiment was to ascertain whether the use of PRP could accelerate the healing process of an Achilles tendon after a surgically induced lesion. Methods (*): PRP was obtained from the blood of 12 Sprague Dawley rats by cardiac puncture under general anaesthesia until the heart stopped beating. Quantities of 1mL of anticoagulant, adenosine-citrate-dextrose-acid (ACD-A), were added immediately to each 4,5mL of blood. The blood was then centrifuged at 180g for 10 minutes. To improve platelet concentration of the PRP, the supernatant was centrifuged for a second time at 1000g for 10 minutes. The platelets were then collected using a gauge pipette. Cell and platelet counts were made by an auto-analyser. Platelet concentration was around 2.2 to 2.9 x106/mm³. A 5mm defect was surgically induced in the Achilles tendon of 60 rats. Rats were divided into 2 groups of 30: A: a control group (no injection) and B: with a PRP injection. The rats of group B received a PRP injection in situ 1 hour after the surgery on the site of the lesion of the Achilles tendon. Fifty micro-litres of PRP were injected in each rat of the PRP group. Platelets were activated by the local presence of collagen in the wound. Afterwards, the rats of both groups were placed in their cages without immobilization. After 5, 15 and 30 days, 10 rats of each group were euthanized. The traumatized Achilles tendon of each rat was dissected and removed. Immediately after sampling, tendons were submitted to a biomechanical tensile test up to rupture, using a tensile machine with a “Cryo-jaw”. Results: We demonstrated that the force necessary to induce tendon rupture during biomechanical tensile testing was greater for tendons which had been submitted to an injection of PRP. These results were observed and significant (p<0.05) from day 5 onwards. Discussion: This experimentation showed that PRP injections could accelerate the tendon healing process and increase the force needed to break tendons in their healing process. This “accelerating” process can be observed and is significant (p<0.05) as early as day 5. Conclusion: PRP, by the local release of growth factors, would be a new therapeutic tool to accelerate tendon healing. Acknowledgement: This experimentation was partially financed by “Standard de Liège” and “Lejeune-Lechien” grants. (*) All experimental procedures and protocols used in this investigation were reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of the University of Liège. [less ▲]

Assessment of stress level in horses during competition using salivary cortisol: preliminary studies

in Journal of Veterinary Behavior : Clinical Applications and Research (2010, July), 5(4), 216

Donation after Cardiac Death In Liver Transplantation :is donor age an issue?

in Transplant International (2010, July), 23(Suppl. 1), 415

New use of VEGF in therapeutics: application in tendon lesions

in Clinical Chemistry (2010, July), 56(S6), 111

Introduction: As demonstrated in previous studies, mechanical overload, injury and inflammation, hypoxic condition or any combination of the above could lead to increased expression of VEGF in the tendon ... [more ▼]

Introduction: As demonstrated in previous studies, mechanical overload, injury and inflammation, hypoxic condition or any combination of the above could lead to increased expression of VEGF in the tendon. Thus, VEGF could participate in the healing of pathological tendons. Indeed, some authors are convinced that this neovascularization is the sign of a chronic tendinopathy while others plead in favour of it being a sign of healing processes. The VEGF111, which is a biologically active and proteolysis-resistant VEGF-A isoform, was recently identified. It is induced by ultraviolet B and genotoxic drugs. Experimentation shows that, in nude mice, tumors formed by HEK293 cells expressing VEGF111 develop a more widespread peritumoral neovascularisation than those expressing other VEGF isoforms. Good angiogenic activity and resistance to proteolysis makes VEGF111 a potential beneficial therapeutic option for ischemic diseases. The aim of our study was to determine whether if VEGF111 could have a therapeutic interest in the framework of tendinous pathology. Methods (*): A 5mm defect was surgically induced in Achilles tendon of 60 rats. Rats were divided into 2 groups of 30: A: a control group (no injection) and B: with a VEGF111 injection. The rats of group B received an injection of 100 ng of VEGF111 in situ 1 hour after surgery on the site of the tendon lesion. Afterwards, rats of both groups were placed in their cages without immobilization. After 5, 15 and 30 days, 10 rats of each group were euthanized. The traumatized Achilles tendon of each rat was dissected and removed. Immediately after sampling, tendons were submitted to a biomechanical tensile test up to rupture, using a tensile machine with “Cryo-jaw”. Statistical analyses were made with an ANOVA. Results: A significant increase over time of the force necessary to induce tendon rupture was observed for tendons which had been submitted to an injection of VEGF111 (p=0.016). The force required to break the tendon is always greater for the VEGF111 group (p<0.05). Discussion: We demonstrated that the force necessary to induce the rupture of a rat’s Achilles tendon during biomechanical tensile testing was greater for tendons which had been submitted to an injection of VEGF111. Thus, this experimentation showed that VEGF111 injections could accelerate the tendon healing process and increase the force needed to break tendons in their healing process. Conclusion: VEGF111 could be a new therapy for tendon lesions. However, other experimentation using a rat model with different concentrations of VEGF111 should be made to ascertain the best concentration for this healing process. Acknowledgement: This experimentation was partially financed by “Standard de Liège” and “Lejeune-Lechien” grants. (*) All experimental procedures and protocols used in this investigation were reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of the University of Liège. [less ▲]

Sevoflurane facial mask induction in children: using two different techniques end to comparable intubation conditions but different Bispectral Index values

in Acta Anaesthesiologica Belgica (2010, June 19), 61(2), 94

Le rôle philosophique du concept d’inconscient

in Studia Europaea (2010, June 10)

The evolution of states and phase transitions under cooling of the early universe within the two-Higgs-doublet model

in Russian Physics Journal (2010, June), 53(6), 575-600

The two-Higgs-doublet model (2HDM) realizes ground states (vacuum) with different properties for different parameter values. The parameters of the effective potential change during cooling of the Universe ... [more ▼]

The two-Higgs-doublet model (2HDM) realizes ground states (vacuum) with different properties for different parameter values. The parameters of the effective potential change during cooling of the Universe after the Big Bang. In so doing, the properties of vacuum state can be affected, phase transitions take place. The evolution of phase states and the set of phase transitions can turn out to be much wider than those accounted for within the conventional Standard model (SM) with a single Higgs doublet. The phase history of the Universe is analyzed for any specified set of the 2HDM parameters. All possible variants of the history are considered. Sets of modern, observed, in principle, parameters corresponding to different sequences of thermal phase transitions are determined. Possible cosmological consequences are briefly discussed. [less ▲]

Effect of strontium ranelate on serum osteoprotegerin in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis treated over three years

in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2010, June), 69(Suppl.3), 602

Modeling the vertical spincasting of large bimetallic rolling mill rolls

in Key Engineering Materials [=KEM] (2010, June), 443

In order to take into account the dynamic effects of molten metal during solidification, a methodology is presented to interface a metal solidification solver (coupled thermal mechanical metallurgical ... [more ▼]

In order to take into account the dynamic effects of molten metal during solidification, a methodology is presented to interface a metal solidification solver (coupled thermal mechanical metallurgical finite elements solver) with a specifically developed flow dynamics solver. (flow dynamics and thermics finite volume solver) The numerical set of tools is designed to be used for the simulation of bimetallic hot rolling mill rolls vertical spincasting. Modeling the industrial process for these products imply certain specifications on the numerical methods used, mainly due to the size of the geometrical domain, low Rossby & Ekman numbers, and a high Reynolds number. [less ▲]

Effects of original rehabilitation programs in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome

in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2010, June), 69(Suppl 3), 706

Gait analysis during an original walking test: Comparison between control subjects and patients with Parkinson’s disease

in Movement Disorders : Official Journal of the Movement Disorder Society (2010, June), 25(Suppl 2), 355

Validation of the ImmunoCAP ISAC

in Clinical Chemistry (2010, June), 56(S6), 97

Analytical validation of the Abbott Architect urine NGAL

in Clinical Chemistry (2010, June), 56(S6), 96

The ratio of PTH as measured by third and second generation assays as a marker for parathyroid carcinoma

in Clinical Chemistry (2010, June), 56(S6), 188

Gait analysis using a wearable accelerometer system: Comparison between control subjects and patients with Parkinson’s disease

in Movement Disorders : Official Journal of the Movement Disorder Society (2010, June), 25(S2), 355

Short-term temperature impacts on soil CO2 fluxes: An incubation experiment with agricultural soil samples.

in Geophysical Research Abstracts (2010, May 06), 12

Repräsentation et intentionnalité. Sur l’impossibilité de purger l’intentionnalité de tout objet immanent

in Bulletin d'Analyse Phénoménologique (2010, May 03)

Postnatal growth restriction may be limited in very-low-birth-weigth infants.

in Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine (2010, May), 23(S1), 325-326

Comparison of agricultural soils' structure depending on tillage system using X-ray microtomography

in Geophysical Research Abstracts (2010, May), 12

This study aims at characterizing agricultural soils’ structure depending on the tillage system: conventional tillage or conservational tillage. Tillage reduction is an increasing practice, but the micro ... [more ▼]

This study aims at characterizing agricultural soils’ structure depending on the tillage system: conventional tillage or conservational tillage. Tillage reduction is an increasing practice, but the micro-structural effects on soils and on their hydrodynamic parameters are still not well described. Recent research shows non-converging results. Our point is to highlight fundamental differences in structure through characterization of soils porosity’s parameters using X-ray microtomography measurements coupled to image analysis. This attempt is in line with a more integrated experiment of which the aim is to quantify the effects of tillage intensity on lateral flow production, and finally on global water balance. Parameters’ measurements consist in a combined approach, based on two different space-time scales of exploration: fundamental scale, with soil sampling campaign for microtomography analysis, and field scale, with continuous flow measurements (plots’ dimensions: 18*28 m). For their part, parameters for water balance determination (precipitation, evapotranspiration…) are monitored on the field. All of these measurements have the main objective of hydrological modeling enhancement by taking into account a better lateral flow description. Discussion in this paper will focus on the first results obtained by X-ray microtomography measurements. Our experiment takes place in Gentinnes (Walloon Brabant, Belgium), on a field organized in a split-plot scheme. Since 2004, plots have been cultivated in conventional tillage or in reduced tillage. The latter consists in sowing after stubble ploughing of about 10cm. The crop rotation is sugar beet followed by winter wheat. The soil is mainly composed of silt loam. Soils samples, with a 3 cm diameter and a 5 cm height, were removed from the upper layer (Ap horizon) for both management practices. Samples are scanned by X-ray microtomography using a Skyscan-1172 high-resolution desk-top micro-CT system (Skyscan, Kontich, Belgium). The cone beam source operated at 100 kV, using an aluminium filter. The detector configuration, i.e. 1048×2000 pixels 16-bit X-ray camera, and the distance source-object-camera were adjusted to produce images with a pixel size of 17 µm. This resolution allows us to visualize both meso- and macro- porosity. In this study, half the samples were placed under a 15000 kPa pressure (corresponding pressure for the wilting point) in Richards’ apparatus in order to empty the meso- and macro-porosity. To determine a priori the class of porosity for the samples, relations between water retention and pressure head can be plotted using this apparatus. Scanning results consist in 2D images. The 2D images are recombined to form 3D structure. Then the pore network can be analyzed through useful factors like size distribution, shape, connectivity, orientation, tortuosity etc. [less ▲]

Optimizing team members communication skills in radiation oncology : content and feasibility of a Belgian Interuniversity Curriculum

in Psycho-oncology (2010, May), 19(Suppl.2)(1-313), 254

A FRAX® model for the assessment of fracture probability in Belgium

in Osteoporosis International (2010, May), 21(Suppl.1), 255

Health-related quality of life after total knee or hip replacement : a 7-year prospective study

in Osteoporosis International (2010, May), 21(Suppl.1), 26

Validation of the french version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory among physicians

in Psycho-oncology (2010, May), 19(Suppl.2)(1-313), 249

Cost-effectiveness of glucosamine sulfate compared to acetaminophen in the treatment of knee osteoarthrits: a French health care perspective

in Osteoporosis International (2010, May), 21(Suppl.1), 167

Interpreting the current evidence on glucosamine sulfate effects as a symptom-modifying drug in knee osteoarthtritis

in Osteoporosis International (2010, May), 21(Suppl.1), 395

Tests de performance NEMA NU1-2001 des cameras TEMP et TEMP/TDM Philips Brightview

in Médecine Nucléaire : Imagerie Fonctionnelle et Métabolique (2010, May), 34(5), 284

Cancer patient's qaulity of life : importance of goal's and hierarchy's adjustement

in Psycho-oncology (2010, May), 19(Suppl.2)(1-313), 151

The burden of non-adherence with oral bisphosphonates and the potential cost-effectiveness of adherence-enhancing interventions

in Osteoporosis International (2010, May), 21(S1), 381

The earthquake sedimentary record of the Marmara Sea, Turkey

in Geophysical Research Abstracts (2010, May)

Consequences of laparoscopy on liver ischemia during portal triad clamping in a swine model

in Acta Chirurgica Belgica (2010, April), 110

Donation after Cardiac Death In Liver Transplantation :is donor age an issue?

in Acta Chirurgica Belgica (2010, April), 110

Donor-Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate as a Criterion for Allocation of Expended Criteria Donors Kidney into Single or Dual Transplantation : The Choice of the Estimating Equation Matters

in American Journal of Transplantation (2010, April), 10(sp Iss SI Suppl 4), 443

Characterization and impact of reduced copper plating overburden on 45 nm interconnect performances

in Microelectronic Engineering (2010, March), 87(3),

During first metal level interconnects fabrication, a controlled modification of the electro-deposited copper over-deposition (overburden) is performed using a partial chemical–mechanical polishing (CMP ... [more ▼]

During first metal level interconnects fabrication, a controlled modification of the electro-deposited copper over-deposition (overburden) is performed using a partial chemical–mechanical polishing (CMP) step. Next, copper microstructure is stabilized with a short duration hot-plate anneal. Overburden is then removed during CMP end-of-step. Ionic microscopy and EBSD observations of overburden thickness reduction reveal that copper grain growth occurs differently, according to patterned geometries and with a strong (1 1 1) texture, as observed in modified films. Reduction of overburden thickness also reveals the capacity of anneal temperature to impact electrical performances. Reliability is impacted for thinnest wires. [less ▲]

Prospects for the study of dust making Wolf-Rayet binaries with the VLTI-Spectro-Imager (VSI)

in Revista Mexicana de Astronomía y Astrofísica (2010, February), 38

In response to ESO's call for proposals for second generation instruments for the Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI), a consortium has proposed to design and develop the VLTI-Spectro-Imager (VSI ... [more ▼]

In response to ESO's call for proposals for second generation instruments for the Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI), a consortium has proposed to design and develop the VLTI-Spectro-Imager (VSI). In the context of the Phase A study, a science group has prepared a science case taking advantage of the expected performances of VSI. Among several science topics, the case of dust making Wolf-Rayet binaries producing the so-called pinwheel nebulae has been considered. Here, we review the main specifications of VSI, and we provide preliminary results expected to illustrate the imaging capabilities of VSI, and the interest for the study of pinwheel nebulae similar to those formed close to well-known systems such as WR98a and WR104. [less ▲]

Cross talk between dendritic and natural killer cells in the presence of vaccine agent against cervical cancer

in Belgian Journal of Medical Oncology [=BJMO] (2010, January 30), 4

Determinants of blood pressure control in hypertensive patients seen in third referral centers

in Acta Clinica Belgica (2010, January 02), 65(1), 68

This work was designed to look for the main characteristics of hypertensive patients seen in Academic Centers from Belgium, with special emphasis on factors influencing blood pressure (BP) control.

Microchirurgie cordale et implantation d'acide hyaluronique estérifié: résultats à court et à long terme

in Journal of Voice (2010), 24(5), 626-635

Electrical resistivity tomography and self-potential case studies for fractured aquifer characterization and monitoring

in Geophysical Research Abstracts (2010), 12

Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and self-potential (SP) investigations have been conducted in complex carboniferous limestones aquifers in Belgium (synclinorium structures). The aims of this study ... [more ▼]

Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and self-potential (SP) investigations have been conducted in complex carboniferous limestones aquifers in Belgium (synclinorium structures). The aims of this study were (1) to detect and characterize fractured zones in hard rock aquifers, (2) to monitor groundwater flow/water content in these fractured or karstic areas and (3) to use geophysical data to support groundwater flow model set-up and calibration. The investigated areas lie in calcareous synclines. Electrical images allowed us to detect and characterize (in terms of direction, width and depth) several less resistive anomalies, which are interpreted in terms of fractured and/or karstic zones. To interpret the ERT images, data errors as well as image appraisal indicators (resolution matrix, sensitivity matrix and DOI index) were analysed and compared. This allowed us to determine the depth of investigation of ERT and to avoid the misinterpretation of the resulting images. Inversions based on focusing scheme are tested against smoothness-constraint inversion on these field data to provide more realistic images on the basis of prior geological knowledge. Self-potential measurements were performed along the electrical profiles and allowed us to find negative anomalies possibly related with groundwater preferential flow pathways. By taking the assumption that only the electrokinetic effect plays a role in the SP signals, we were able to estimate a first distribution of the water table along our profiles. The SP data showed that in this particular tectonic structure, two perpendicular hydraulic gradients are present. The first gradient is related with the main fold axis direction and is the major drainage system. The second hydraulic gradient is related with the flanks of the calcareous valley. Geophysical data concurrently with ‘ground truth’ geological and hydrogeological data allowed us to better understand the groundwater flow in these calcareous synclines and to verify the conceptual groundwater flow model. [less ▲]