Experimental and theoretical investigation of 2D nanoplatelet-based conversion layers for color LED microdisplays.

In the field of augmented reality, there is a need for very bright color microdisplays to meet the user specifications. Today, one of the most promising technology to manufacture such displays involves a blue micro-LED technology and quantum dots-based color conversion layers. Despite recent progress, the external power conversion efficiencies (EPCE) of these layers remain under ∼25%, below the needs (>40%) to reach a white luminance of 100,000 cd/m2. In this work, we have synthesized CdSexS1-x nanoplatelet-based conversion layers for red and green conversion, and measured their absorption properties and EPCE performances with respect to layer thickness. On this basis, a model was developed that reliably predicts the layer EPCE while using only few input data, namely the layer absorption coefficients and the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of color photoresist. It brings a new insight into the conversion process at play at a micro-LED level and provides a simple method for extensive optimization of conversion materials. Finally, this study highlights the outstanding red conversion efficiency of photoresist layers made of core-double shell CdSexS1-x nanoplatelets with 31% EPCE (45% external PLQY) for 8 µm-thick conversion layer.

Outcomes of concurrent radiotherapy with weekly docetaxel and platinum-based chemotherapy in stage III non-small-cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: The present study evaluated the outcomes of concurrent weekly docetaxel and platinum-based drug doublet in association with concurrent thoracic radiotherapy (TR) in the curative treatment of stage III locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with stage IIIA/B NSCLC were retrospectively included. Patients received weekly docetaxel and either cisplatin or carboplatin intravenous injections during concurrent TR (60 to 66Gy). Patients who received induction chemotherapy with the same drug doublet were also included. The endpoints were: disease control rate (DCR), overall recurrence rate, survival rates [disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS)] and toxicity. RESULTS: Eighty-nine consecutive patients treated with this association were included. Median follow-up time was 57.8 months. DCR was 76.5% at the first follow-up CT scan (6 to 12 weeks after the end of concurrent treatment). Median DFS and OS was 14.3 and 29.9 months respectively. Three-year survival was 43%. The overall recurrence rate was 65.9%. During overall treatment, grade 3 to 4 adverse events occurred in 29.2% of patients, the most common being esophagitis (12.4% of patients). Only 13.5% of patients presented with a grade 3 or higher adverse event after the end of concurrent treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Weekly docetaxel and platinum-based drug doublet combined with TR yielded promising results in stage III NSCLC, with high survival rates. The toxicity of this association is acceptable, with mainly manageable esophagitis. These findings warrant validation in a prospective study before considering this association for standard of care.

Gaps at the interface between dentine and self-adhesive resin cement in post-endodontic restorations quantified in 3D by phase contrast-enhanced micro-CT.

AIM: To assess the extent of gaps between root dentine and titanium or fibreglass post restorations following cementation with a self-adhesive resin cement. METHODOLOGY: Fourteen root filled maxillary central incisors restored with prefabricated posts made of Fibreglass (n = 7) or Titanium (n = 7) and cemented with RelyX Unicem 2 were imaged by rapid, high-resolution phase contrast-enhanced micro-CT (PCE-CT) in a synchrotron X-ray imaging facility (ID19, ESRF, 34 KeV, 0.65 µm pixel resolution). Reconstructions were used to measure canal, cement and post perimeters and cross-sectional areas and interfacial gaps at 0.1 mm increments in the root canal space, along the cervical region of the tooth. Remnants of endodontic sealer (AH Plus), when present, were also quantified. Mann-Whitney and 2-way ANOVA tests were used to compare findings within slices and between the two post groups. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were determined between the interfacial gaps and the other measured parameters. RESULTS: Clearly detectable gaps were found in 45% (±14%) of the interfaces between dentine and cement, along the canal in the cervical area of the tooth beneath the core. The length of interfacial gaps was moderately correlated to the canal cross-sectional area, to the canal perimeter and to the canal area filled by cement (R = 0.52 ~ 0.55, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between samples with fibreglass or titanium (P > 0.01). Both post types had defect-free interfaces with cement. Endodontic sealer remnants were found on ~10% of the canal walls and were moderately correlated to the presence of gaps. Approximately 30% of the sealer-affected interfaces exhibited no detachment between dentine, sealer and cement. CONCLUSIONS: Self-adhesive cements had interfacial gaps along substantial regions of the root canal surface, which was not correlated with the amount of cement in the canal. PCE-CT proved to be an excellent non-destructive method to study root canal restorations of hydrated samples in 3D.

HSP110 promotes colorectal cancer growth through STAT3 activation.

Heat shock protein 110 (HSP110) is induced by different stresses and, through its anti-apoptotic and chaperoning properties, helps cells survive these adverse situations. In colon cancers, HSP110 is abnormally abundant. We have recently shown that colorectal cancer patients with microsatellite instability (MSI) had an improved response to chemotherapy because they harbor an HSP110-inactivating mutation (HSP110DE9). In this work, we used patient biopsies, human colorectal cancer cells grown in vitro and in vivo (xenografts), and intestinal crypts to demonstrate that HSP110 is also involved in colon cancer growth. We showed that HSP110 induces colon cancer cell proliferation and that this effect is associated with STAT3 activation, specifically an increase in STAT3 phosphorylation, nuclear translocation and transcription factor activity. STAT3 inhibition blocks the proliferative effect of HSP110. From a molecular standpoint, we demonstrated that HSP110 directly binds to STAT3, thereby facilitating its phosphorylation by JAK2. Finally, we showed a correlation between HSP110 expression and STAT3 phosphorylation in colon cancer patient samples. Thus, the expression of HSP110 in colon cancer contributes to STAT3-dependent tumor growth and the frequent inactivating mutation of this chaperone is probably an important event underlying the improved prognosis in colon cancer displaying MSI.

Serum protein electrophoresis: an interesting diagnosis tool to distinguish viral from bacterial community-acquired pneumonia.

29-69 % of pneumonias are microbiologically documented because it can be considered as an invasive procedure with variable test sensitivity. However, it drastically impacts therapeutic strategy in particular the use of antibiotics. Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) is a routine and non-invasive test commonly used to identify serum protein disorders. As virus and bacteria may induce different globulins production, we hypothesize that SPEP can be used as an etiological diagnosis test. Retrospective study conducted from 1/1/13 until 5/1/15 among patient hospitalized for an acute community-acquired pneumonia based on fever, crackles and radiological abnormalities. α/ß, α/γ, ß/γ globulins and albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio were calculated from SPEP. Data were analyzed in 3 groups: documented viral (DVP) or bacterial pneumonia (DBP) and supposedly bacterial pneumonia (SBP). We used ANOVA statistic test with multiple comparisons using CI95 and ROC curve to compare them. 109 patients included divided into DBP (n = 16), DVP (n = 26) and SBP (n = 67). Mean age was 62 ± 18 year-old with a sex ratio M/F of 1.3. Underlying conditions (e.g. COPD, diabetes) were comparable between groups in multivariate analysis. Means of A/G ratio were 0.80 [0.76-0.84], 0.96 [0.91-1.01], 1.08 [0.99-1.16] respectively for DBP, SBP and DVP (p = 0.0002). A/G ratio cut-off value of 0.845 has a sensitivity of 87.5 % and a specificity of 73.1 %. A/G ratio seems to be an easy diagnostic tool to differentiate bacterial from viral pneumonia. A/G ratio cut-off value below 0.845 seems to be predictable of a bacterial origin and support the use of antibiotics.

Two families of exocomets in the ß Pictoris system.

The young planetary system surrounding the star ß Pictoris harbours active minor bodies. These asteroids and comets produce a large amount of dust and gas through collisions and evaporation, as happened early in the history of our Solar System. Spectroscopic observations of ß Pictoris reveal a high rate of transits of small evaporating bodies, that is, exocomets. Here we report an analysis of more than 1,000 archival spectra gathered between 2003 and 2011, which provides a sample of about 6,000 variable absorption signatures arising from exocomets transiting the disk of the parent star. Statistical analysis of the observed properties of these exocomets allows us to identify two populations with different physical properties. One family consists of exocomets producing shallow absorption lines, which can be attributed to old exhausted (that is, strongly depleted in volatiles) comets trapped in a mean motion resonance with a massive planet. Another family consists of exocomets producing deep absorption lines, which may be related to the recent fragmentation of one or a few parent bodies. Our results show that the evaporating bodies observed for decades in the ß Pictoris system are analogous to the comets in our own Solar System.

Chronic gonococcal arthritis with C5 deficiency presenting with brief flare-ups: case study and literature review.

Gonococcal arthritis is typically acute and appears within 3 weeks after initial infection. Chronic gonococcal arthritis is now exceptionally rare, since the advent of the antibiotic era. Numerous host factors are involved in gonococcal dissemination, such as complement deficiency, HIV and gonococcus strain characteristics. Gonococcal arthritis shares the same risk factors. In this instance, our patient was a 16-year-old girl suffering from persistent polyarthralgia with joint swelling presenting with brief flare-ups for a period of 1 year. She disclosed a single episode of unprotected sexual intercourse 1 year ago, i.e. just before developing her first rheumatological symptoms. Therefore, we performed a joint aspiration (arthrocentesis), and synovial fluid was inoculated directly into aerobic and anaerobic blood culture bottles, which tested positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae within 24 h. Clinical presentation was consistent with previous reports of chronic gonococcal arthritis. Further investigation revealed a C5 complement deficiency, which might explain the chronic Neisseria process. A favourable outcome was reached after a ten-day course of IV ceftriaxone, with no apparent sequelae found during follow-up 6 weeks later. This case demonstrates an unusual gonococcal arthritis with brief flare-ups for the course of a year, followed by a subacute form. N. meningitidis infections, similar to N. gonorrhoeae, are typically acute and may sometimes be involved in chronic processes. However, this characteristic appears to be rare in the case of N. gonorrhoeae. Risk factors for this chronic process will be discussed with a review of the literature.

Molecular gas clumps from the destruction of icy bodies in the ß Pictoris debris disk.

Many stars are surrounded by disks of dusty debris formed in the collisions of asteroids, comets, and dwarf planets, but is gas also released in such events? Observations at submillimeter wavelengths of the archetypal debris disk around ß Pictoris show that 0.3% of a Moon mass of carbon monoxide orbits in its debris belt. The gas distribution is highly asymmetric, with 30% found in a single clump 85 astronomical units from the star, in a plane closely aligned with the orbit of the inner planet, ß Pictoris b. This gas clump delineates a region of enhanced collisions, either from a mean motion resonance with an unseen giant planet or from the remnants of a collision of Mars-mass planets.

A giant planet imaged in the disk of the young star beta Pictoris.

Here, we show that the approximately 10-million-year-old beta Pictoris system hosts a massive giant planet, beta Pictoris b, located 8 to 15 astronomical units from the star. This result confirms that gas giant planets form rapidly within disks and validates the use of disk structures as fingerprints of embedded planets. Among the few planets already imaged, beta Pictoris b is the closest to its parent star. Its short period could allow for recording of the full orbit within 17 years.

Achieving synaptically relevant pulses of neurotransmitter using PDMS microfluidics.

Fast synaptic transmission is mediated by post-synaptic ligand-gated ion channels (LGICs) transiently activated by neurotransmitter released from pre-synaptic vesicles. Although disruption of synaptic transmission has been implicated in numerous neurological and psychiatric disorders, effective and practical methods for studying LGICs in vitro under synaptically relevant conditions are unavailable. Here, we describe a novel microfluidic approach to solution switching that allows for precise temporal control over the neurotransmitter transient while substantially increasing experimental throughput, flexibility, reproducibility, and cost-effectiveness. When this system was used to apply ultra-brief ( approximately 400micros) GABA pulses to recombinant GABA(A) receptors, members of the cys-loop family of LGICs, the resulting currents resembled hippocampal inhibitory post-synaptic currents (IPSCs) and differed from currents evoked by longer, conventional pulses, illustrating the importance of evaluating LGICs on a synaptic timescale. This methodology should therefore allow the effects of disease-causing mutations and allosteric modulators to be evaluated in vitro under physiologically relevant conditions.

Etanercept reduces late endotoxin-induced pulmonary hypertension in the pig.

To evaluate whether etanercept, a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-blocking agent, may counteract hemodynamic deterioration in endotoxemic shock, we designed a prospective, randomized placebo-controlled trial with parallel groups, consisting of 13 pigs aged 10-14 weeks receiving general anesthesia. Five pigs were given 25 mg of etanercept, 1 h before the start of a 4-h continuous infusion of endotoxin. Another 5 pigs were given the corresponding volume of saline, 1 h before the start of a 4-h continuous infusion of endotoxin. Three pigs were given 25 mg of etanercept, 1 hr before the start of a 4-h continuous infusion of saline. At 1 h of endotoxemia, mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) increased identically in both groups of pigs receiving endotoxin. Thereafter, two distinct different patterns in hemodynamics were observed. TNF-blocked pigs showed significantly lower MPAP and PVRI compared to controls. In the etanercept-treated endotoxemic pigs, Doppler analysis of the diastolic mitral inflow demonstrated a significantly increased E/A-ratio (early mitral wave inflow was divided by the atrial wave) at 2 h. The TNFblocking agent etanercept normalized two hemodynamic features of endotoxin-induced septic shock in pigs: (1) the sustained pulmonary hypertension and (2) diastolic dysfunction.

[Aneurysmal bone cyst of the mandibular condyle]. / Kyste osseux anévrysmal du condyle mandibulaire.

INTRODUCTION: Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a pseudotumor of bone consisting of a septated cystic cavity filled with blood. CASE: We report a case of aneurysmal bone cyst of the left mandibular condyle discovered in a 10-year-old child with a history of mandibular trauma which had occurred one year earlier. The treatment consisted in surgical excision of the lesion and reconstruction using a chondro-costal graft. The post operative development led to a chondral hyperplasia. DISCUSSION: We discuss the pathogenesis of the ABC centered on three theories, traumatic, vascular and tumoral of primary lesion. There are several complementary examinations to establish the diagnosis of ABC but the histopathological examination is the only way to confirm the diagnosis. The differential diagnosis of ABC is not an easy task. Surgical management with removal followed by immediate reconstruction is preferred.

[Radiological evaluation of breasts reconstructed with lipomodeling]. / Evaluation radiologique des seins reconstruits ayant bénéficié d'un lipomodelage.

We have been using the lipomodeling technique since 1999 in order to improve the form and the volume of the breasts reconstructed with latissimus dorsi flap. During several recent years this technique has known a considerable development and its results are quite attractive. At the same time, the breast imaging remains to be a fundamental mean of cancer control. The knowledge of radiological manifestations of the implanted fat tissue is very important. The aim of this study was to evaluate the imaging aspects of lipomodeling in breasts reconstructed with latissimus dorsi flap, using three types of explorations: ultrasound, radiological mammography and MRI. A total of 30 patients were included into the study with average age of 51 years. All of these patients underwent a breast reconstruction using a latissimus dorsi flap with lipomodeling, which average volume reached 165 cc. Four of the patient had a bilateral breast reconstruction. Three modes of imaging (ultrasound, mammography and MRI) were performed a year after the surgery. In 20 patients the imaging findings proved to be normal (in total 34 breasts). An image of fat tissue was revealed in 14 cases and some benign microcalcifications were found in 4 patients. A suspicious tissular image was discovered in one patient, who later underwent a biopsy. The result was a benign giant cell granuloma. In conclusion, the lipomodeling technique does not affect the postoperative follow-up of the patients with breast cancer and an imaging controlled biopsy is possible in case of any doubt. At present, some additional studies are underway evaluating the fat tissue transplants in normal breasts, in order to widen its indications in the plastic breast surgery.

[Slow ventricular tachycardia presenting in the antenatal period]. / Tachycardie ventriculaire lente de révélation anténatale.

The authors report two cases of slow ventricular tachycardia presenting in the antenatal period. One foetus had anasarca at 38 weeks' gestation. After birth, improved myocardial function contributed to the rapid resorption of the effusions. The other case was well tolerated in the foetal and neonatal periods. In both cases, Holter ECG recorded an intermittent ventricular arrhythmia with salvos of sustained ventricular tachycardia with a maximum rate of 185/min, only 10% higher than the underlying sinus rhythm, disappearing on acceleration of the sinus rhythm. The aetiological investigation was negative. Therapeutic abstention was supported by the spontaneously favourable outcome after 3 and 5 months. Slow ventricular tachycardia or accelerated idioventricular rhythms are usually considered to be benign but the case with foetal anasarca suggests that they should be carefully followed up in the neonatal period. In the absence of a consensus on management, therapeutic abstention implies regular cardiological examination until the arrhythmia has disappeared.

Rasmussen's syndrome and new-onset narcolepsy, cataplexy, and epilepsy in an adult.

We report a case of new-onset seizures and narcolepsy in a previously healthy 40-year-old man. He developed severe daytime somnolence and cataplexy over the course of a few months. Brain MRI was normal, and polysomnography with multiple sleep latency testing confirmed a diagnosis of narcolepsy. His HLA haplotype is DQB1*0602 and cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed no detectable hypocretin. Approximately 18 months later, he developed complex partial seizures. Further MRI showed a progressively enlarging lesion involving the left frontotemporal and insular areas. Pathology from a partial resection was consistent with Rasmussen's syndrome. Evaluation for tumor, infectious, and paraneoplastic etiologies was negative. There was no further progression of the residual lesion on serial MRI. Although the pathophysiologic bases of narcolepsy and Rasmussen's syndrome are unknown, they may have an autoimmune basis. This unique case of both disorders in a single patient suggests the possibility of a common underlying disease process.

Large changes in Pluto's atmosphere as revealed by recent stellar occultations.

Pluto's tenuous nitrogen atmosphere was first detected by the imprint left on the light curve of a star that was occulted by the planet in 1985 (ref. 1), and studied more extensively during a second occultation event in 1988 (refs 2-6). These events are, however, quite rare and Pluto's atmosphere remains poorly understood, as in particular the planet has not yet been visited by a spacecraft. Here we report data from the first occultations by Pluto since 1988. We find that, during the intervening 14 years, there seems to have been a doubling of the atmospheric pressure, a probable seasonal effect on Pluto.

Microdialysis-evaluated myocardial cyclooxygenase-mediated inflammation and early circulatory depression in porcine endotoxemia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the early myocardial biochemical inflammatory response with the microdialysis technique during porcine endotoxemia and to simultaneously monitor systemic hemodynamics. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with parallel groups. SETTING: Animal research laboratory at the University Hospital of Uppsala, Sweden. SUBJECTS: Thirteen piglets aged 12-14 wks receiving general anesthesia. INTERVENTIONS: After thoracotomy and the insertion of microdialysis probes in standardized locations in the left ventricle of the heart and in the quadriceps muscle, seven pigs received a continuous infusion of endotoxin, initiating a severe endotoxemic shock. Six pigs received saline instead of endotoxin. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Endotoxemia caused a rapid and pronounced elevation of a metabolite obtained from prostaglandin degradation, 15-keto-dihydro-PGF(2alpha), in myocardial microdialysate fluid being specific of cyclooxygenase (COX)-mediated inflammation (p <.001 vs. saline-infused controls). Simultaneously, we observed a decrease in left ventricular stroke work index in the endotoxemic pigs (p <.01 vs. saline-infused controls). Endotoxemia did not alter 15-keto-dihydro-PGF(2alpha) levels in quadriceps muscle. Endotoxemia caused increases in taurine, hypoxanthine, and magnesium in myocardial microdialysate (p <.05 vs. saline-infused controls), whereas the contents of pyruvate, lactate, inosine, adenosine, and calcium were not significantly changed. CONCLUSION: Endotoxemia induced a myocardial COX-mediated inflammation without signs of ischemia. In parallel, a depletion of myocardial energy substrates and a deterioration in myocardial performance were seen.

A star in a 15.2-year orbit around the supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way.

Many galaxies are thought to have supermassive black holes at their centres-more than a million times the mass of the Sun. Measurements of stellar velocities and the discovery of variable X-ray emission have provided strong evidence in favour of such a black hole at the centre of the Milky Way, but have hitherto been unable to rule out conclusively the presence of alternative concentrations of mass. Here we report ten years of high-resolution astrometric imaging that allows us to trace two-thirds of the orbit of the star currently closest to the compact radio source (and massive black-hole candidate) Sagittarius A*. The observations, which include both pericentre and apocentre passages, show that the star is on a bound, highly elliptical keplerian orbit around Sgr A*, with an orbital period of 15.2 years and a pericentre distance of only 17 light hours. The orbit with the best fit to the observations requires a central point mass of (3.7 +/- 1.5) x 10(6) solar masses (M(*)). The data no longer allow for a central mass composed of a dense cluster of dark stellar objects or a ball of massive, degenerate fermions.

[Atrial flutter: a possible early sign of acute rejection in heart transplantation. A case report]. / Le flutter atrial: un témoin précoce possible du rejet aigu chez le transplanté cardiaque. A propos d'une observation.

The authors report the case of a cardiac transplant patient with a recurrence of atrial flutter two months after electrical cardioversion and despite long-term preventive treatment with amiodarone. Early investigation for signs of rejection with 4 endomyocardial biopsies was negative. Aggravation of the haemodynamic status due to flutter with a rapid ventricular response led to an attempted radio-frequency ablation. Endocavitary mapping confirmed persistence of sinus activity in the native atrium and the presence of a circuit of type I isthmic flutter (anticlockwise circuit) in the donor atrium. Ablation by radio-frequency in the same procedure was successful. A fifth myocardial biopsy the same day finally confirmed stage 3A acute rejection. No signs of recurrent rejection or arrhythmia have been observed after 24 months' follow-up in this patient. This preliminary experience confirms the need to look for graft rejection by repeated myocardial biopsies in cardiac transplant, patients with atrial flutter and the efficacy of radio-frequency ablation in cases of resistance to conventional therapy.

[Ventricular tachycardia by branch to branch re-entry. Familial case with Steinert's disease]. / Tachycardie ventriculaire par réentrée de branche à branche. Cas familial avec maladie de Steinert.

Ventricular tachycardia by branch to branch reentry is a rare arrhythmia. It occurs in cardiomyopathies associated with conduction defects. During tachycardia a His potential precedes each QRS complex which usually has a left bundle branch block appearance. The authors report two familial cases of ventricular branch to branch tachycardia (son and mother) without cardiomyopathy. The diagnosis of Steinert's disease was made post-mortem in these two patients. In cases of branch to branch ventricular tachycardia, the diagnosis of myotonic dystrophy should be excluded. Conversely, endocavitary electrophysiological investigation with ventricular stimulation should be proposed for symptomatic patients (dizzy spells, syncope) to diagnose branch to branch ventricular tachycardia, even in cases with conduction defects which could also explain the symptoms.