The crystallization degree in semi-crystalline thermoplastics plays an important role in determining the final properties of structural composite material (e.g. toughness, stiffness and solvent resistance). The main purpose of this work is to study different induced degrees of crystallinity in carbon fiber (CF) reinforced polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) composites, by using three different cooling rates during hot compression molding processing (51%, 58% and 62% of crystallinity). In this study, the morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of the produced laminates were investigated and compared. The results showed an increase in the storage modulus (9.8%), Young's modulus (9.2%) and ILSS (14.2%) for the lower cooling rates. Evidences of fiber/interface improvement and crystallites nucleation on the fiber reinforcement surface were also identified.

The difficult processability of polyaniline (PAni) can be overcome by preparing composites with high density polyethylene (HDPE), resulting in a conducting material with improved mechanical properties. PAni nanofibers were synthesized in this research using a rapid mixing method, while HDPE/PAni composites were prepared by in situ polymerization using Cp2ZrCl2/MAO as a catalyst system. Different experimental conditions for polymerization and an electrochemical study were performed. The findings confirmed that the addition of small amounts of Pani (up to 7%) and longer impregnation (120 min) with methylaluminoxane (MAO) before polymerization are important factors contributing to increased catalytic activity. Analysis by cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry indicates that MAO reacts with the PAni in the ethylene polymerization process, and forms active species in the presence of the catalyst. Changes in catalytic activity may be due to the kinetic consumption of the active species, which become less important in the presence of PAni.

Applied to the Luxembourg cross-border metropolitan area, the analysis of local mobility system, bringing together interactions between commuting and residential mobility, creates a better understanding of the spatial consequences related to functional specialization and the development of a so-called cross-border periurbanization. Thus, from the conceptual links between urban sprawl and metropolisation enhanced by a unique mapping approach, it has been possible through the use of different data sources, to note three major processes. First, the employment area of the Grand Duchy has greatly expanded in recent years. Furthermore, if the capital has a deficit balance in terms of local residential mobility, it proves to be the main entrance of migrants. Finally, the border has two distinct roles. The first is attractive in terms of mobility between home and work. The second role of the border is both a barrier and a magnet: the dominant trend is to get closer, while accompanied by relatively low cross-border relocations.

Aplicado al área metropolitana transfronteriza luxemburguesa, el análisis del sistema de movilidad local, suma de las interacciones entre los desplazamientos cotidianos y la movilidad residencial, permite conocer mejor las consecuencias espaciales de una especialización funcional y de una periurbanización transfronteriza. Así, a partir de los vínculos conceptuales entre metropolización y periurbanización, enriquecidos con un enfoque cartográfico original, y gracias a la utilización de distintas fuentes de datos, fue posible identificar tres procesos importantes. En primer lugar, la cuenca de mano de obra del Gran Ducado se ha extendido considerablemente estos últimos años; en segundo lugar, aunque la capital presenta un balance deficitario en cuanto a la movilidad residencial local, resulta ser la puerta de entrada principal de los migrantes. En tercer lugar, la frontera desempeña una doble función: de atracción en lo que concierne a la movilidad domicilio/trabajo, y la de una frontera barrera/imán, pues la tendencia dominante consiste en acercarse a ella, aunque son relativamente escasos los cambios de domicilio transfronterizos.

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OBJECTIF: Évaluer sur 12 mois la survie, la pharmacocinétique, lefficacité immunologique et virologique, la tolérance, lobservance et la résistance au médicament chez des enfants infectés par le VIH à Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, et qui reçoivent une fois par jour une thérapie antirétrovirale hautement active par une association de didanosine (DDI), de lamivudine (3TC) et défavirenz (EFV). MÉTHODES: Dans lessai ouvert ANRS 12103 phase II, des enfants infectés par le VIH ont été examinés au moment de linclusion et ensuite chaque mois. Le taux de lymphocytes T CD4 (CD4), la concentration plasmatique dacide ribonucléique (ARN) du virus de limmunodéficience humaine type 1 (VIH-1), ainsi que des paramètres hématologiques et biochimiques ont été mesurés au début de létude et chaque trimestre. Le test de résistance au VIH-1 a été effectué dans les cas dévasion virale. Les concentrations plasmatiques de médicament ont été déterminées par chromatographie liquide à haute performance. RÉSULTATS: De février 2006 à novembre 2007, 51 enfants (39% de filles), avec une moyenne dâge de 6,8 ans, ont été sélectionnés et traités pendant 12 mois. Au début de létude, les écarts réduits pour le poids moyen par âge et la taille moyenne par âge étaient respectivement de -2,01 et -2,12. Le CD4 moyen était 9,0%. La charge virale plasmatique médiane de lANR VIH-1 était de 5,51 log10 copies par millilitre (cp/ml). Deux enfants (3,9%) sont décédés et 11 autres (22%) ont souffert 13 événements cliniques sévères. Au 12e mois, le WAZ moyen sétait amélioré de 0,63 (P<0,001) et le HAZ moyen de 0,57 (P<0,001). Le CD4 moyen sétait élevé à 24% (P<0,001). La charge virale était en-dessous de 300 cp/ml ARN pour 81% des enfants ; des mutations de résistance au VIH ont été détectées chez 11 enfants (21,6%). CONCLUSION: Lassociation DDI + 3TC + EFV en une prise quotidienne est un traitement alternatif de première intention pour les enfants infectés au VIH-1. Ladaptation de la dose devrait encore améliorer lefficacité.

OBJECTIVE: To assess 12-month survival, pharmacokinetics, immunologic and virologic efficacy, tolerance, compliance and drug resistance in HIV-infected children in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, receiving once-daily highly-active antiretroviral therapy as a combination of didanosine (DDI), lamivudine (3TC) and efavirenz (EFV). METHODS: In the ANRS 12103 open phase II trial, HIV-infected children were examined at inclusion and monthly thereafter. CD4+ T-lymphocyte (CD4) count, plasma concentration of ribonucleic acid (RNA) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and haematologic and biochemical parameters were measured at baseline and every trimester. HIV-1 resistance testing was performed in case of viral escape. Drug plasma concentrations were determined with high-performance liquid chromatography. FINDINGS: From February 2006 to November 2007, 51 children (39% girls) with a mean age of 6.8 years were enrolled and treated for 12 months. At baseline, Z scores for mean weight-for-age and mean height-for-age were -2.01 and -2.12, respectively. Mean CD4% was 9.0. Median plasma HIV-1 RNA viral load was 5.51 log10 copies per millilitre (cp/ml). Two children (3.9%) died and another 11 (22%) suffered 13 severe clinical events. At month 12, mean WAZ had improved by 0.63 (P < 0.001) and mean HAZ by 0.57 (P < 0.001). Mean CD4% had risen to 24 (P < 0.001). Viral load was below 300 RNA cp/ml in 81% of the children; HIV resistance mutations were detected in 11 (21.6%). CONCLUSION: The once-a-day combination of DDI + 3TC + EFV is an alternative first-line treatment for HIV-1-infected children. Dose adjustment should further improve efficacy.

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OBJETIVO: Evaluar a 12 meses la supervivencia, la farmacocinética, la eficacia inmunológica y virológica, la tolerancia, el cumplimiento terapéutico y la resistencia a los medicamentos en niños infectados con el VIH en Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso), que reciben una vez al día un tratamiento antirretrovírico muy activo, constituido por la asociación de didanosina (DDI), lamivudina (3TC) y efavirenz (EFV). MÉTODOS: En el ensayo clínico ANRS 12103, abierto y de fase II, se examinó a los niños infectados con el VIH en el momento de la inclusión y, a continuación, mensualmente. Se midieron el recuento de linfocitos T CD4+ (CD4), la concentración plasmática de ácido ribonucleico (ARN) del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana de tipo 1 (VIH-1) y los parámetros hematológicos y bioquímicos, al inicio y cada trimestre. Las pruebas de resistencia al VIH-1 se realizaron en el caso de escape vírico. Las concentraciones plasmáticas del fármaco se determinaron con cromatografía en fase líquida de alta resolución. RESULTADOS: Desde febrero del 2006 a noviembre del 2007, 51 niños (39% niñas) con una edad media de 6,8 años fueron registrados y tratados durante 12 meses. Al inicio del estudio, las puntuaciones Z del peso medio por edad y la altura media por edad fueron -2,01 y -2,12 respectivamente. El % medio de CD4 fue 9,0. La carga vírica media de RNA del HIV-1 en plasma fue de 5,51 log10 copias por mililitro (cp/ml). Dos niños (3,9%) murieron y otros 11 (22%) sufrieron 13 acontecimientos clínicos graves. En el mes 12, el WAZ medio (peso por edad según la puntuación Z) había mejorado en un 0,63 (P < 0,001) y el HAZ medio (altura por edad según la puntuación Z) en 0,57 (P < 0,001). El % medio de CD4 había subido a 24 (P < 0,001). La carga vírica estaba por debajo de 300 ARN cp/ml en el 81% de los niños; se detectaron mutaciones de resistencia al VIH en 11 (21,6%). CONCLUSIÓN: La asociación de DDI + 3TC + EFV una vez al día es un tratamiento alternativo de primera línea para los niños infectados con el VIH-1. Un ajuste de la dosis debería mejorar todavía más la eficacia.

OBJETIVO: Melhorar a compreensão do "status" hemodinâmico de pacientes em sepse pelas equipes de enfermagem através da obtenção de parâmetros hemodinâmicos usando um diagrama-alvo pentaxial como ferramenta clínica. Os parâmetros usados foram índice cardíaco, saturação arterial de oxigênio, pressão arterial media, lactato sangüíneo arterial e saturação venosa central de oxigênio. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo prospectivo, realizado na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva de um Hospital Universitário. Pacientes: Durante um período de 6 meses, 38 pacientes intubados em choque séptico foram incluídos no estudo. Foram comparados sobreviventes vs. não sobreviventes. Intervenções: Os cinco parâmetros referidos foram medidos nas horas 0, 6, 12, 24, 36 e 48. As medidas foram registradas no diagrama alvo, juntamente com a velocidade de infusão de norepinefrina e nível de hemoglobina. O número de medidas de lactato e saturação venosa central de oxigênio realizado durante o período de estudo foi comparado com um período retrospectivo de 6 meses imediatamente precedendo a introdução do protocolo. Avaliamos o nível de conhecimento das equipes de enfermagem antes da introdução do diagrama-alvo. Após a realização do protocolo realizamos uma nova avaliação. MEDIDAS E RESULTADOS: A equipe de enfermagem exprimiu uma atitude positiva em relação ao conceito de diagrama alvo. O número de medidas de lactato e saturação venosa central de oxigênio foi significativamente menor durante o período controle anterior ao protocolo. E os valores medidos raramente foram empregados como valores meta antes da introdução do diagrama-alvo. Na medida de 24 horas, 46% dos sobreviventes haviam atingido todas as metas do diagrama-alvo, contra apenas 10% dos não sobreviventes (P = 0,01). CONCLUSÃO. O diagrama-alvo é uma ferramenta visual multiparamétrica envolvendo, as equipes médicas e de enfermagem, que auxilia a obtenção de uma estratégia terapêutica para pacientes sépticos. O número de valores meta atingidos a cada momento durante as primeiras 48 horas relaciona-se à mortalidade.

OBJECTIVE: To improve understanding of the hemodynamic status of patients with sepsis by nursing teams through the attainment of hemodynamic parameters using a pentaxial "target" diagram as a clinical tool. Parameters include cardiac index (CI), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), mean arterial pressure (MAP), arterial blood lactate, and central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2). METHODS: Design: Prospective descriptive study. Setting: The intensive care unit of a university hospital. Patients: During a 6-month period, 38 intubated septic shock patients were included in the study. Survivors and nonsurvivors were compared. Interventions: MAP, CI, SaO2, ScvO2 and lactate were measured at 0, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h. Measurements were recorded on the target diagram along with the norepinephrine infusion rate and the hemoglobin (Hb) level. The number of lactate and ScvO2 measurements achieved during the target period were compared to a 6-month retrospective control period just before starting the protocol. We assessed the nurse knowledge status prior to the introduction of target diagram. We then performed a post-test after implementing the new recording technique. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: The nursing team expressed a positive attitude toward the target concept. The mean number of lactate and ScvO2 measurements performed for each patient during the control period was significantly lower than during the target period, and those values were rarely used as goal values before the introduction of the target diagram. At 24 hours, 46% of the survivors had achieved all the goal parameter values of the target diagram, compared to only 10% of nonsurvivors (P = .01). CONCLUSION: The target diagram is a visual multiparametric tool involving all the medical and nursing team that helps achieve goal-directed therapy for septic patients. The number of goal values reached at each time point during the first 48 hours was closely linked to mortality.

Our understanding of the brain's functional organisation has greatly benefited from occasional exploratory sessions during electrophysiological studies, trying various manipulations of an animal's environment to trigger responses in particular neurons. Famous examples of such exploration have unveiled various unexpected response properties, such as those of mirror neurons. This approach, which relies on the possibility to test online the reactivity of precise neural populations has no equivalent so far in humans. The present study proposes and applies a radically novel framework for mapping human brain functions in ecological situations based on a combination of a) exploratory sessions, using real-time electrophysiology to formulate hypotheses about the functional role of precise cortical regions and b) controlled experimental protocols specifically adapted to test these hypotheses. Using this two-stage approach with an epileptic patient candidate for surgery and implanted with intracerebral electrodes, we were able to precisely map high-level auditory functions in the patients' superior temporal lobe. We propose that this procedure constitutes at the least a useful complement of electrical cortical stimulations to map eloquent brain areas in epileptic patients before their surgery, but also a path of discovery for human functional brain mapping

Realizamos um estudo comparativo entre o xenodiagnóstico e os testes sorológicos para a doença de Chagas. Cento e cincoenta pacientes de algumas áreas endêmicas foram estudados. Quatro deles pareceram revelar um estado particular com um xenodiagnóstico positivo e uma sorologia negativa, esta realizada com quatro diferentes técnicas clássicas (teste de immunofluorescência, ELISA: Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay, teste de fixação do complemento e teste de immuno-eletroforese). O soro de um dos pacientes que apresentou depressão humoral específica mostra elevada quantidade de antígenos circulantes comprovada pela técnica da immuno-eletroforese. Os Autores sugerem o uso de um teste sorológico para detectar a presença de antígenos circulantes de T. cruzi, além da utilização de testes sorológicos clássicos. Isto permitiria o diagnóstico da doença de Chagas em pacientes com uma baixa (ou mesmo inexistente) produção de anticorpos específicos.

We performed a comparative study between xenodiagnosis and serological tests for Chagas'disease. 150 Patients from several endemic areas were studied. Pour of them appeared to have a peculiar status with positive xenodiagnosis and negative serology carried out with four classical techniques (Immunofluorescence test, ELISA: Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Complement fixation test and Immunoelectrophoresis). One serum out of the four patients presenting humoral depression showed a high quantity of circulating antigen proved by Immunoelectrophoresis. The Authors suggest the use of one serological test for detecting circulating antigens of Trypanosoma cruzi in addition to the classical serology. It would allow the diagnosis of Chagas' disease in patients with low production of specific antibodies.