Higgs physics at the CLIC electron-positron linear collider.

The Compact Linear Collider (CLIC) is an option for a future [Formula: see text] collider operating at centre-of-mass energies up to [Formula: see text], providing sensitivity to a wide range of new physics phenomena and precision physics measurements at the energy frontier. This paper is the first comprehensive presentation of the Higgs physics reach of CLIC operating at three energy stages: [Formula: see text], 1.4 and [Formula: see text]. The initial stage of operation allows the study of Higgs boson production in Higgsstrahlung ([Formula: see text]) and [Formula: see text]-fusion ([Formula: see text]), resulting in precise measurements of the production cross sections, the Higgs total decay width [Formula: see text], and model-independent determinations of the Higgs couplings. Operation at [Formula: see text] provides high-statistics samples of Higgs bosons produced through [Formula: see text]-fusion, enabling tight constraints on the Higgs boson couplings. Studies of the rarer processes [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] allow measurements of the top Yukawa coupling and the Higgs boson self-coupling. This paper presents detailed studies of the precision achievable with Higgs measurements at CLIC and describes the interpretation of these measurements in a global fit.

The reverse turnover latissimus dorsi flap for closure of midline lumbar defects.

The surgical treatment of wounds located in the median lumbar area is difficult. When occurring after neurosurgical procedures, they may display a high level of complexity because of dural exposure, deep irregular three-dimensional contours, and bacterial contamination of the wound. The difficulty of reconstruction in that region of the body is made greater by the few possible regional flaps available in the vicinity. In order to obtain well-vascularised tissue, with good resistance to bacterial contamination and easy to shape into such defects, the reverse turnover latissimus dorsi flap is a useful surgical option. Between 1998 and 2003, four patients presented with complex lumbar wounds in our department. Three patients were adults (mean age: 63 years) and one patient was 1 year old. In all cases, reconstruction was needed in the lumbar area after surgery on the spine. All wounds presented with bacterial contamination. In three cases, dural exposure was present, while in the fourth case, a small remnant of the posterior vertebral bony lamina was still present after debridement. In all four cases, the reconstruction was successfully achieved by turning over the latissimus dorsi to reach the lumbar midline defect. In one case, the adult paraplegic patient, only the inferior part of the muscle was harvested, to preserve an innervated upper part of the muscle for upper limb function. In the four cases, long term results were excellent (the mean follow up was 3.5 years), with no residual infection.

The suturing concept for laparoscopic mesh fixation in ventral and incisional hernias: preliminary results.

Having found existing techniques for treatment of incisional hernias unsatisfactory, we developed a new laparoscopic approach with a Parietex Composite mesh. This study shows the preliminary results in order to analyze the validity of the concept on efficacy and safety. Three trocars are needed for this procedure. Non-reabsorbable sutures are mandatory for closure of large defects to avoid having to ultimately extrude the mesh. Ten to 12 cardinal stitches are applied on the polyester side of the mesh. The mesh is anchored to the anterior abdominal wall by transabdominal non-reabsorbable sutures without the use of staples or tacks. One hundred twenty patients with ventral and incisional hernias were included in this study. Early and late complications are reported, showing lower rates of morbidity and no mortality. This technique is satisfactory on the technical front, and the results are as good, or better, than in other trials.

Determination of picomole amounts of lipoxins C4, D4 and E4 by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection.

A method for the sensitive determination of the sulphopeptide lipoxins (LXs) C4, D4 and E4 by high-performance liquid chromatography with subsequent electrochemical detection is described. The best results were obtained when the analysis was carried out with the solvent system methanol-water-trifluoroacetic acid (66:34:0.008, v/v/v). The acquired half-wave potentials were different for all investigated compounds: +1.18 V for LXC4 +1.3 V for LXD4 and +1.25 V for LXE4. The detection limits of LXC4, LXD4 and LXE4, based on a signal-to-noise ratio of 3:1, were found to be 200-700 fmol. Although sulphopeptide lipoxins possess a high molar absorptivity, electrochemical detection still is three times more sensitive than ultraviolet detection.