Surface modification of powder particles by plasma deposition of thin metallic films

Iron powder particles with a mean diameter of about 2 µm have been charged and trapped in an r.f. plasma with an electron density in the order of 108–109 cm-3. The iron particles were coated with a surrounding aluminum layer by d.c. magnetron sputtering during their confinement. The plasma parameters at r.f. and magnetron operation were confirmed by Langmuir probes, self-excited electron resonance spectroscopy and energy-resolved mass spectrometry, respectively. The coated powder particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results of the surface analysis indicate that coating iron powder particles with a close and compact aluminum film by d.c. magnetron sputtering while they are trapped in a weak r.f. plasma is an attractive procedure for powder modification

[Mauriac syndrome--a rare complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus].

The treatment of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus has improved dramatically over the last few decades. The maintenance of acceptable metabolic control, nevertheless, remains challenging because the success of treatment is so dependent on patient compliance. Children with type 1 diabetes and poor metabolic control are at risk of developing Mauriac syndrome, a condition characterised by hepatomegaly, growth retardation and cushingoid features. A similar complication may occur in type-1 or type-2 adult diabetics; namely, glycogenic hepatopathy. We describe two children, a 12-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy, who presented with classic symptoms of Mauriac syndrome. After metabolic control was achieved, reduction of hepatomegaly and the disappearance of cushingoid features were observed, proving the reversibility of the syndrome. Awareness that this syndrome still exists despite improved insulin therapy is crucial for earlier recognition and treatment