CMOS compatible strategy based on selective atomic layer deposition of a hard mask for transferring block copolymer lithography patterns.

A generic, CMOS compatible strategy for transferring a block copolymer template to a semiconductor substrate is demonstrated. An aluminum oxide (Al(2)O(3)) hard mask is selectively deposited by atomic layer deposition in an organized array of holes obtained in a PS matrix via PS-b-PMMA self-assembly. The Al(2)O(3) nanodots act as a highly resistant mask to plasma etching, and are used to pattern high aspect ratio (>10) silicon nanowires and nanopillars.

[Analysis of prescriptions for psychotropic drugs in a psychiatric hospital]. / Analyse des prescriptions de psychotropes dans un Centre Hospitalier Psychiatrique.

A study on the prescription of psychotropic drugs was carried out at St-Egreve Psychiatric Hospital (Isère,--France) based on in-patient prescriptions (adults only). Analysis of the 200 prescriptions issued by 26 different practitioners found an average of 3.3 psychotropic drugs per patient (including 1.7 neuroleptics). A combination of neuroleptics was very frequent (63 pour cent of the schizophrenics receiving at least 2 neuroleptics). Half of the patients treated with neuroleptics received antiparkinsonian drugs. The other psychotropic medications often combined with neuroleptics, were anxiolytics (50 per cent), hypnotics (45 per cent), antidepressants (28 per cent) and normothymics (25 per cent). Among the antidepressants, the SSRI were the most commonly prescribed, even above tricyclics, reflecting their better clinical tolerance. The significant differences in prescribing practice between the services prompted the creation of a working group comprising practitioners and pharmacists to study the prescription of psychotropic drugs and compare this with the literature.

[Acute pancreatitis and valproic acid]. / Pancréatite aiguë et acide valproïque.

An 11 year-old epileptic boy, treated with valproic acid developed after 11 months on therapy a severe acute pancreatitis. Pancreatitis recurred 18 months after re-exposure to the same drug. Twenty-four cases of valproic-acid induced acute pancreatitis have been reported in the literature. However, it remains a major anticonvulsant drug whose tolerance is usually excellent. This complication, although exceptional needs to be known so that the treatment can be stopped in due-time if not tolerated or to avoid eventual recurrence.

[Spinal cord injuries in infants in traffic accidents]. / Les traumatismes médullaires du nourrisson dans les accidents de la voie publique.

The authors report on three cases of spinal cord injury in 11, 14 and 21-month-old infants, involved in motor vehicle accidents. Neurologic lesions were caused by a forcible flexion of the head over a fixed trunk. Pathomechanics management problems and therapeutic considerations are discussed.