Multiscale Modeling Approach toward the Prediction of Viscoelastic Properties of Polymers.

We report a multiscale modeling approach to study static and dynamical properties of polymer melts at large time and length scales. We use a bottom-up approach consisting of deriving coarse-grained models from an atomistic description of the polymer melt. We use the iterative Boltzmann inversion (IBI) procedure and a pressure-correction function to map the thermodynamic conditions of the atomistic configurations.

[Unhealthy homes: possible interventions and their efficacy].

Numerous health risks have been identified in dwellings and are a public health priority. Homes most often accumulate several different risks. Intervention programs must take this reality into account.

Mycotoxin identification in moldy dwellings.

The objective of this study was to assess the level of macrocyclic trichothecenes (MCT), one of the most potent mycotoxins, on wall surfaces, floor dust and air samples from moldy dwellings. The study was based on an index group comprising 15 flooded dwellings contaminated by Stachybotrys chartarum or Chaetomium and a control group comprising nine dwellings without molds on visual inspection and mold sampling. Three samples were collected from each dwelling: a sample from the moldy wall, using a swab, a floor dust sample on a 0.

[PET in thyroid cancers].

FDG PET can detect thyroid cancer in patients referred for exploration of a different cancer. Because of its lack of specificity, however, this modality is not indicated for examination of thyroid nodules: ultrasonography and fine needle biopsy with cytology allow histological diagnosis, which can be completed by iodine-123 scintigraphy when an autonomous nodule is suspected. No information is currently available about the utility of FDG PET in preoperative staging.

[Social and demographic characteristics and perinatal risks for highly deprived mothers].

Objective: To assess the frequency of deprivation in pregnant women and estimate the associated medical risks.

Material: and methods. A retrospective study of the hospital's computerised data (6149 women) and two prospective studies with health staff (n=534) and social workers (n=85) in two maternity hospitals.

[Ipsilateral frontal and contralateral cerebellar diaschisis related to unilateral pontine infarction].

A right frontal and left cerebellar diaschisis, resulting from a right pontine infarction, is reported in a patient with complete left hemiplegia. Magnetic resonance imaging and CT scan supported the existence of the pontine infarction. The SPECT-HMPAO-99mTc showed a relative hypoactivity in the right frontal lobe and left cerebellar hemisphere.

Mode-coupling processes in polymethyl methacrylate-core optical fibers.

Aperture, attenuation, and far-field radiation diagrams have been studied on short lengths of commercial polymethyl methacrylate- (PMMA-) core optical fibers. The spectral attenuation of the PMMA constituting the core has been carefully measured and compared with the attenuation that may be calculated from optical properties of PMMA. Accurate extrinsic attenuation spectra have been obtained.

Prevention of hyperparathyroidism in patients on maintenance dialysis by intravenous 1-alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 in association with Mg(OH)2 as sole phosphate binder. A randomized comparative study with the association CaCO3 +/- Mg(OH)2.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the place of intravenous 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 (1 alpha-OH-D3) in the prevention of radiologically obvious hyperparathyroidism (HPT) in patients on maintenance dialysis while excluding aluminium phosphate binder and using a dialysate calcium concentration of 1.62 mmol which keeps the intradialytic calcium balance neutral. Therefore, 47 patients without subperiosteal resorption and previously treated by oral CaCO3 and if necessary Mg(OH)2 as phosphate binder while their dialysate calcium had a Ca level of 1.

Single isotopic probe for gastro-esophageal reflux diagnosis in children.

Gastro-esophageal reflux (G.E.R.

[Insulinoma: critical study of methods of localization and strategy].

In patients with proven hyperinsulinism, localization of the underlying insulinoma may be difficult. The localization diagnosis may be performed preoperatively using different procedures, such as ultrasonography, computed tomography, selective arteriography of the pancreatic vessels and percutaneous transhepatic blood sampling in the portal venous system. At operation, insulinomas may be detected by inspection and bidigital palpation, pancreatico-sonography and rapid determination of insulin concentration after sampling of blood in pancreatic veins.

Substitution of aluminium hydroxide by high doses of calcium carbonate in patients on chronic haemodialysis: disappearance of hyperaluminaemia and equal control of hyperparathyroidism.

Al(OH)3 was discontinued in 26 patients on chronic haemodialysis as well as vitamin D metabolites in eight. Oral CaCO3 was progressively increased from 4 +/- 3 to 10 +/- 5g/d to keep plasma PO4 less than 6.0mg/dl and P Ca less than 10.