Phase transition and nanomechanical properties of refractory high-entropy alloy thin films: effects of co-sputtering Mo and W on a TiZrHfNbTa system.

Refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) that consist of multiple principal refractory elements have attracted significant attention due to their many interesting and useful properties for structural applications. However, so far, a vast majority of reports on RHEAs focused on a few well-known compositions such as NbMoTaW, NbMoTaWV, and TiZrHfNbTa. The discovery of new RHEAs with enhanced mechanical properties has been highly desirable. Here we produce two new RHEA thin films - TiZrHfNbTaMo and TiZrHfNbTaW, by co-sputtering Mo or W on a previously studied TiZrHfNbTa RHEA system. The TiZrHfNbTaMo and TiZrHfNbTaW thin films exhibit an amorphous state, while the TiZrHfNbTa one shows a nanocrystalline structure. Using the nanoindentation method, we show that the addition of Mo or W in the TiZrHfNbTa during the co-sputtering process increases the hardness while resulting in comparable elastic moduli. Through the strain rate sensitivity tests of the thin films, we obtain their activation volumes and discuss their deformation mechanisms in the nanoindentation tests.

Molecular evidence confirms multiple origins of aquatic hyphomycetes.

Traditional taxonomy of aquatic hyphomycetes has been based on conidial morphology and development. Since the predominantly tetraradiate and sigmoid forms are due to convergent evolution, they are often phylogenetically non-informative. The comparison of nuclear small-subunit ribosomal DNA sequences of 30 species (22 new, eight previously published) assigned 22 to Leotiomycetes, four to Dothideomycetes, three to Sordariomycetes, and one to Orbiliomycetes. Eight species of Anguillospora were distributed among the Leotiomycetes, Dothideomycetes, and Orbiliomycetes. All three anamorphs connected with Massarina were assigned to the Pleosporales, however, Clavariopsis aquatica and Tumularia aquatica separated from Anguillospora longissima. The nSSU rDNA sequences of several species were identical (e.g. Anguillospora crassa and A. furtiva), suggesting the need to include less conservative genes for resolving such differences.

[Spontaneous urine extravasation during intravenous urography. Apropos of 21 cases. Review of the literature]. / Extravasation spontanée d'urine au cours de l'urographie intraveineuse. A propos de 21 cas. Revue de la littérature.

Twenty one cases of spontaneous urine extravasation during an intravenous urography have been analysed in order to determinate the radiological signs and the causes of this rare phenomenon. Related to the increased pressure of the excretory tract, these extravasations usually disappear without complications. No specific treatment is required except the treatment of the obstacle due generally to calculi. No infection nor development of retroperitoneal fibrosis nor sinusal lipomatosis were observed in the patients we studied.

[Spontaneous urine extravasation during intravenous urography. Apropos of 21 cases. Review of the literature]. / Extravasation spontanée d'urine au cours de l'urographie intra-veineuse. A propos de 21 cas. Revue de la littérature.

Twenty one cases of spontaneous urine extravasation during an intravenous urography have been analysed in order to determinate the radiological signs and the causes of this rare phenomenon. Related to the increased pressure of the excretory tract, these extravasations usually disappear without complications. No specific treatment is required except the treatment of the obstacle due generally to calculi. No infection nor development of retroperitoneal fibrosis nor sinusal lipomatosis were observed in the patients we studied.

[Extracorporeal lithotripsy of urinary calculi. Results and radiologic criteria of effectiveness. Apropos of 700 cases]. / Lithotritie extra-corporelle des calculs urinaires. Résultats et critères radiologiques d'efficacité. A propos de 700 cas.

The results of extracorporeal shock wave lithotrity (Dornier lithotriptor) for 700 cases of urinary calculi have been reviewed and correlated with the radiological features of the calculi in order to define some predictive radiological criteria of effectiveness. The calculi were broken up in 74.5% of all cases, complete destruction (no residual fragment) was achieved in 34.5% and partial destruction in 40% of cases. The rate of failure (failure to break up or scatter the calculus) is 8.9%. Complications were observed in 2.6% of all cases, a second session of lithotrity or a surgical operation was required in 4.8% of cases (evolution lost to follow-up: 9.2%). The comparison of these results with the radiological data obtained before lithotrity allows distinguishing 2 categories of calculi: 1) Calculi with a favorable prognosis: single, smaller than 1 cm, pyelic, not very opaque and heterogeneous, located in normal-sized cavities; 2) calculi with a poor prognosis: multiple, larger than 2 cm, lower calyceal or ureteral, very opaque and homogeneous, located within dilated cavities.

[Cancer of the kidney: venous staging using magnetic resonance imaging]. / Cancers du rein: bilan d'extension veineuse en imagerie par résonance magnétique.

Venous tumor invasion in 42 renal cell carcinomas was evaluated by MRI. A correct diagnosis of renal vein and inferior vena cava (IVC) involvement was made in 14 of 17 tumors: 1 false negative diagnosis of right renal vein invasion was due to a double renal vein in which the inferior vein (identified by MRI) was not involved; 2 cases of IVC involvement were understaged (1 case of suprahepatic extension) or not identified (the false negative of renal vein invasion previously described). One false positive (among 31 tumors without venous invasion) was reported in a case of a large tumor in which the compressed but free right renal vein was overevaluated by MRI.

[Echography in pyelocaliceal tumors]. / L'échographie dans les tumeurs pyélo-calicielles.

In a study of over 32 pyelocaliceal tumors greater than 1 cm in diameter, the authors review retrospectively the reports of the pyelographic and sonographic documents obtained in these patients before the definitive diagnosis was confirmed by the pathological examination. They observed that pyelography has a much greater diagnostic accuracy than does sonography: 31 confirmed (27) or suspected (4) tumors whereas only one tumor was overlooked (silent kidney) on pyelography and 12 diagnosed tumors, 15 overlooked and 5 diagnostic errors on ultrasonography. However, it should be noted that the results of ultrasonography are much better when the results of the intravenous pyelogram are known than when the latter is performed first. These results are supported by triple-blind re-reading of ultrasonographic documents of tumors of the excretory tract grouped with documents of normal kidneys presenting another disease of the sinus. The authors conclude that ultrasonography must be performed first whenever a tumor of the excretory tract is suspected (especially in case of hematuria) and that in this field, there are essentially two indications for ultrasonography: --To remove a stone (hyperechogenic with a cone of shadow) if there is a pyelocaliceal lacuna of unknown cause. --To establish that obstruction is due to a tumor, in the presence of a silent kidney.

[Pseudotumor focal xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in adults. Role of imaging technics in the diagnosis]. / Pyélonéphrite xanthogranulomateuse focale pseudotumorale de l'adulte. Place de l'imagerie dans le diagnostic.

Based on 8 personal cases, pseudo-tumoral xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is reviewed with emphasis on diagnosis. The condition is a particular form of chronic renal suppuration of histologic definition (combined lesions of chronic pyelonephritis and xanthogranulomatous foam cells). Two forms are recognized: one diffuse, fairly frequent form corresponding to a pyonephrosis, and a pseudo tumoral focal form, the only type discussed in this report, which raises the problem of diagnosis of a renal mass that requires the application of all currently available exploration means to define its true nature. Intravenous urography, ultrasound and CT scan imaging show a non-specific mass of variable character. Selective renal arteriography sometimes shows inflammatory type vascularization, a valuable aid but again non-specific. Puncture biopsy has been used by few authors. However, the presence of a renal mass associated with a chronic pyelonephritis, lithiasis and recurrent episodes of urinary infection should suggest the diagnosis and make use of imaging techniques to detect the affection and adapt therapy, major oncologic surgery being of no utility. Perhaps NMR imaging will provide a step forward in tissue characterization, but it is too early to say.

[Calcified masses of the kidney. Apropos of 58 cases]. / Masses calcifiées du rein. A propos de 58 dossiers.

Case reports were analyzed of patients with calcified renal masses observed in the department since 1968. Of the 65 radiologic reports reviewed, 7 were rejected since the course since diagnosis was unknown. Of the 58 case reports studied, 34 were of masses of certain diagnosis, 12 undetermined, 7 of masses in polycystic kidneys, 3 in tuberculous kidneys and 3 probably calcified hematomas. Analysis involved only those masses of proven diagnosis. Results confirmed the absence of specificity in favor of the cyst of peripheral character of calcifications: 33% of these masses were cancers. The existence of tissue calcification is synonymous of a solid mass, nearly always malignant (92% of cases). For peripherally calcified masses, arteriography was not sufficient to affirm benign nature of lesions, most of these masses having a particularly poorly vascularized or even avascular appearance. In these cases angiotensin was of special interest. Ultrasound imaging proved to be a reliable and perfectly sensitive examination. The presence of calcifications rarely interfered with study of tumoral contents. CT scan imaging and puncture biopsy were also perfectly sensitive and reliable examinations. Because of the high frequency of cancers in masses with peripheral calcification, all these masses should be surgically explored or at least punctured. Although a "benign" CT scan image appears sufficient to affirm the benign nature, this still requires more ample confirmation.

[Aberrant papillae. Apropos of 47 personal cases. Review of the literature]. / Papilles aberrantes. A propos de 47 cas personnels. Revue de la littérature.

Based on a personal series of 47 cases of aberrant papillae and a review of the literature, the authors stress the relative frequency of this anomaly and the almost constant possibility of making the diagnosis by means of intravenous pyelography on the basis of the following signs: regular, round or oval filling defect, surrounded by a fine opaque halo which separates it from the surrounding urine; or a notch with a regular arc-shaped border prolonged towards the exterior at its two extremities by a small spur. This spur, like the halo on the frontal view, corresponds to the presence of a small fornix at the insertion of the wall into the papilla. In doubtful cases, the persistence and stability of the image on repeated films constitutes a valuable diagnostic element. Haematuria is not more frequent in cases of aberrant papillae than in the overall population seen in a urological radiology department; in most cases, it is unrelated to this papilla. Only exceptional cases presenting with bleeding from the papilla may raise diagnostic problems due to the irregular contours of this papilla as a result of the vascular dysplasia responsible or the presence of clots. However, the finding of an opaque halo at the periphery of the filling defect or a spur at the extremities of the notch should draw attention, suggest the diagnosis and prohibit any aggressive management.

[Ultrasonographic concept of the central prostate. Value of the endorectal approach]. / Le concept échographique de prostate centrale. Intérêt de la voie endo-rectale.

In view of the difficulties involved in tissue characterisation of prostatic lesions by suprapubic and transrectal ultrasonography, the authors propose the concept of the central prostate in order to improve the possibility of histological diagnosis based on a topographical approach to ultrasound modifications. When the lesions are selectively situated in the central prostate, with clear distinction between the central prostate and the peripheral prostate, there is a low probability of a neoplastic lesion. However, the histological diagnosis must be extremely cautious and when a suspicious lesion is detected on ultrasonography, ultrasound guided aspiration biopsy may be required.

[Radiological studies in the preoperative diagnosis of cystic cystadenoma of the kidney]. / Apport des examens radiologiques au diagnostic pré-opératoire des cystadénomes kystiques du rein.

Investigations in 7 patients with cystadenoma (5 cases) or cystadenocarcinoma (2 cases) of kidney included intravenous urography, ultrasonography, arteriography and in 4 cases, computed tomography imaging. All these examinations, and particularly ultrasound imaging, provided strongly suggestive evidence of the diagnosis, as seen on images as a single parenchymatous mass constituted of "cystic" formations separated by partitions of variable thickness. Possible differential diagnosis includes necrotic cancer, hydatid or blood-containing cysts. Unfortunately, these different imaging techniques fail to distinguish between thick wall cystadenoma and cystadenocarcinoma, positive diagnosis requiring histology. Preoperative recognition of cystadenoma allows initial conservative surgery to be performed, followed by secondary operation if histology reserves an unpleasant surprise.

[Imaging of ureteral and pelvic diverticuli. Apropos of 49 cases]. / Les images diverticulaires de l'uretère et du bassinet. A propos de 49 cas.

A review of 49 cases of rare ureteral and pelvic diverticula enables certain clinical and radiologic conclusions to be drawn. Lesions were bifid ureters with blind branches (20 cases), single (8 cases) or multiple (10 cases) diverticula of ureter and pelvic diverticula (11 cases). As previously reported, ureteral diverticula produced few clinical signs whereas these were marked in pyelic lesions. Multiple diverticula are particularly difficult to detect, but diagnosis is the rule from radiologic appearances and is generally confirmed by results of therapy. Their pathogenesis is poorly understood, however, mainly due to lack of histologic data, but recent studies by Cochran suggest they are a particular from of ureteritis. The only debatable point is the frequent association of multiple diverticula with bladder tumor, described by Cochran and confirmed by the authors and unlikely to be the result of chance. Further studies are necessary to provide clarification.

[Cystic pyeloureteritis. Apropos of 40 cases]. / La pyélo-urétérite kystique. A propos de 40 cas.

A series of 40 cases of cystic pyeloureteritis (CPU) is reported, this affection being considered as rare since only about 150 cases have been described in the literature. The lesion is probably more prevalent than was once believed but many cases probably remain unrecognized because of the paucity of radiologic signs. Based on findings in these 40 patients, results of radiologic imaging are described, the technical precautions needed for its detection emphasized and differential diagnoses discussed, none of which presents insurmountable obstacles since these are more theoretical than real. Pathogenesis is thought to be an acquired particular form of urinary mucosa metaplasia associated with urinary tract lesions responsible for stasis or chronic inflammation. Treatment should be conservative because of the usual benign nature of the lesion, although exceptional but possible occlusion by the lesions necessitates a certain surveillance.

[Value of preliminary intravenous urography. Apropos of errors by default in the ultrasonic diagnosis of renal tumors]. / Intérêt de l'urographie intraveineuse préalable. A propos de quelques erreurs par défaut du diagnostic échographique des tumeurs rénales.

Ultrasound recordings were conducted in 181 patients with renal tumors during a period of three and a half years. A precise diagnosis of a renal tumor mass had not been made in 4 cases, definition of the nature of the lesion requiring further explorations. It is emphasized that in these 4 cases an intravenous urography examination was either not performed (1 case), ultrasound being the initial examination, or was imperfectly conducted and interpreted (3 cases). It is concluded that a correctly performed and interpreted intravenous urography investigation should occupy a preliminary stage before any ultrasound imaging of the urinary tract.