Radio emission from satellite-Jupiter interactions (especially Ganymede)

Analyzing a database of 26 years of observations of Jupiter from the Nan\c{c}ay Decameter Array, we study the occurrence of Io-independent emissions as a function of the orbital phase of the other Galilean satellites and Amalthea. We identify unambiguously the emissions induced by Ganymede and characterize their intervals of occurrence in CML and Ganymede phase and longitude. We also find hints of emissions induced by Europa and, surprisingly, by Amalthea. The signature of Callisto-induced emissions is more tenuous.Comment: 14 pages, 7 figures, in "Planetary Radio Emissions VIII", G. Fischer, G. Mann, M. Panchenko and P. Zarka eds., Austrian Acad. Sci. Press, Vienna, in press, 201

Jupiter radio emission induced by Ganymede and consequences for the radio detection of exoplanets

International audienceBy analysing a database of 26 yr of observations of Jupiter with the Nancay Decameter Array, we unambiguously identify the radio emissions caused by the Ganymede-Jupiter interaction. We study the energetics of these emissions via the distributions of their intensities, duration, and power, and compare them to the energetics of the Io-Jupiter radio emissions. This allows us to demonstrate that the average emitted radio power is proportional to the Poynting flux from the rotating Jupiter's magnetosphere intercepted by the obstacle. We then generalize this result to the radio-magnetic scaling law that appears to apply to all plasma interactions between a magnetized flow and an obstacle, magnetized or not. Extrapolating this scaling law to the parameter range corresponding to hot Jupiters, we predict large radio powers emitted by these objects, that should result in detectable radio flux with new-generation radiotelescopes. Comparing the distributions of the durations of Ganymede-Jupiter and Io-Jupiter emission events also suggests that while the latter results from quasi-permanent Alfven wave excitation by Io, the former likely results from sporadic reconnection between magnetic fields Ganymede and Jupiter, controlled by Jupiter's magnetic field geometry and modulated by its rotation

Neuropathic complications after 157 procedures of continuous popliteal nerve block for hallux valgus surgery. A retrospective study

SummaryBackgroundContinuous peripheral nerve block (CPNB), in particular at the popliteal fossa, is widely used in orthopedic surgery, allowing good postoperative analgesia. Possible neuropathic complications, however, remain poorly known.ObjectiveTo review the characteristics of peripheral neuropathy (PN) after sciatic CPNB at the popliteal fossa, estimating prevalence, severity, evolution and possible risk factors, especially those relating to the procedure.MethodsRetrospective study of PN associated with popliteal fossa CPNB for hallux valgus surgery, between November 1st, 2005 and November 1st, 2009. All procedures were analyzed (type of anesthesia, approach, nerve location technique, number of procedures by operator) with, for each case of PN, analysis of clinical and electromyographic data.ResultsOne hundred and fifty seven sciatic CPNBs were performed (92% women; mean age, 55 years). The approach was lateral (n=62), posterior (n=74) or unknown (n=21). Ultrasound guidance was combined to neurostimulation for 69 patients (44%). Three women (prevalence=1.91%), aged 19, 24 and 65 years respectively, developed associated common superficial peroneal and sural nerve injury (2), axonal on electromyography, with motor (n=1) and/or sensory (n=3) residual dysfunction.DiscussionThe higher prevalence found in the present study than in the literature (0 to 0.5%) raises questions of methodological bias or technical problems. The common peroneal and sural nerves seem to be exposed, unlike the tibial. Several mechanisms can be suggested: anesthetic neurotoxicity, direct mechanical lesion, or tourniquet-related ischemia and conduction block. Further studies are necessary to determine the ideal anesthetic procedure.ConclusionPatients should be informed of the potential risk, however rare, even during mild surgery. The best possible technique should be implemented, with reinforced surveillance.Level of evidenceLevel IV retrospective study

Effects of heat treatment on the catalytic activity and methanol tolerance of carbon-supported platinum alloys

This work studies the effect of heat treatment of carbon-dispersed platinum and platinum alloys on its methanol tolerance and catalytic activity as gas diffusion electrodes for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acid medium. The catalyst powders were subjected to heat treatments at three different temperatures for a fixed period at controlled atmospheres. Differences in catalyst morphology were characterized using X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and transmission electron microscope techniques. The electrochemical characteristics and activity of the electro-catalysts were evaluated for ORR and methanol tolerance using cyclic voltammetry, in the form of gas diffusion electrodes. The optimum heat-treatment temperature is found to be strongly dependent on the individual catalyst. The maximum ORR activity and better methanol tolerance for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was observed in Pt-Fe/C and Pt-Cu/C catalysts subjected to heat treatment at 350 °C.A trend of catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was obtained: Pt-Cu/C (350°C)>Pt-Fe/C (350°C) > Pt-Ni/C (350°C) > Pt-Co/C (250°C) > Pt/C (350°C), showing that Pt-Cu/C-type catalysts had a higher catalytic activity with reasonable methanol tolerance

Development of intuitive rules: Evaluating the application of the dual-system framework to understanding children's intuitive reasoning

This is an author-created version of this article. The original source of publication is Psychon Bull Rev. 2006 Dec;13(6):935-53 The final publication is available at www.springerlink.com Published version: http://dx.doi.org/10.3758/BF0321390

Source of radio emissions induced by the Galilean moons Io, Europa and Ganymede: in situ measurements by Juno

At Jupiter, part of the auroral radio emissions are induced by the Galilean moons Io, Europa and Ganymede. Until now, except for Ganymede, they have been only remotely detected, using ground-based radio-telescopes or electric antennas aboard spacecraft. The polar trajectory of the Juno orbiter allows the spacecraft to cross the range of magnetic flux tubes which sustain the various Jupiter-satellite interactions, and in turn to sample in situ the associated radio emission regions. In this study, we focus on the detection and the characterization of radio sources associated with Io, Europa and Ganymede. Using electric wave measurements or radio observations (Juno/Waves), in situ electron measurements (Juno/JADE-E), and magnetic field measurements (Juno/MAG) we demonstrate that the Cyclotron Maser Instability (CMI) driven by a loss-cone electron distribution function is responsible for the encountered radio sources. We confirmed that radio emissions are associated with Main (MAW) or Reflected Alfv\'en Wing (RAW), but also show that for Europa and Ganymede, induced radio emissions are associated with Transhemispheric Electron Beam (TEB). For each traversed radio source, we determine the latitudinal extension, the CMI-resonant electron energy, and the bandwidth of the emission. We show that the presence of Alfv\'en perturbations and downward field aligned currents are necessary for the radio emissions to be amplified

Update on the clinical use of trabecular bone score (TBS) in the management of osteoporosis: results of an expert group meeting organized by the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO), and the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) under the auspices of WHO Collaborating Center for Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal Health and Aging

Purpose: Trabecular bone score (TBS) is a grey-level textural measurement acquired from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry lumbar spine images and is a validated index of bone microarchitecture. In 2015, a Working Group of the European Society on Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) published a review of the TBS literature, concluding that TBS predicts hip and major osteoporotic fracture, at least partly independent of bone mineral density (BMD) and clinical risk factors. It was also concluded that TBS is potentially amenable to change as a result of pharmacological therapy. Further evidence on the utility of TBS has since accumulated in both primary and secondary osteoporosis, and the introduction of FRAX and BMD T-score adjustment for TBS has accelerated adoption. This position paper therefore presents a review of the updated scientific literature and provides expert consensus statements and corresponding operational guidelines for the use of TBS. Methods: An Expert Working Group was convened by the ESCEO and a systematic review of the evidence undertaken, with defined search strategies for four key topics with respect to the potential use of TBS: (1) fracture prediction in men and women; (2) initiating and monitoring treatment in postmenopausal osteoporosis; (3) fracture prediction in secondary osteoporosis; and (4) treatment monitoring in secondary osteoporosis. Statements to guide the clinical use of TBS were derived from the review and graded by consensus using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Results: A total of 96 articles were reviewed and included data on the use of TBS for fracture prediction in men and women, from over 20 countries. The updated evidence shows that TBS enhances fracture risk prediction in both primary and secondary osteoporosis, and can, when taken with BMD and clinical risk factors, inform treatment initiation and the choice of antiosteoporosis treatment. Evidence also indicates that TBS provides useful adjunctive information in monitoring treatment with long-term denosumab and anabolic agents. All expert consensus statements were voted as strongly recommended. Conclusion: The addition of TBS assessment to FRAX and/or BMD enhances fracture risk prediction in primary and secondary osteoporosis, adding useful information for treatment decision-making and monitoring. The expert consensus statements provided in this paper can be used to guide the integration of TBS in clinical practice for the assessment and management of osteoporosis. An example of an operational approach is provided in the appendix. Summary: This position paper presents an up-to-date review of the evidence base, synthesised through expert consensus statements, which informs the implementation of Trabecular Bone Score in clinical practice

Design of a graphical and interactive interface for facilitating access to drug contraindications, cautions for use, interactions and adverse effects

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Drug iatrogeny is important but could be decreased if contraindications, cautions for use, drug interactions and adverse effects of drugs described in drug monographs were taken into account. However, the physician's time is limited during consultations, and this information is often not consulted. We describe here the design of "Mister VCM", a graphical interface based on the VCM graphical language, facilitating access to drug monographs. We also provide an assessment of the usability of this interface.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The "Mister VCM" interface was designed by dividing the screen into two parts: a graphical interactive one including VCM icons and synthetizing drug properties, a textual one presenting on demand drug monograph excerpts. The interface was evaluated over 11 volunteer general practitioners, trained in the use of "Mister VCM". They were asked to answer clinical questions related to fictitious randomly generated drug monographs, using a textual interface or "Mister VCM". When answering the questions, correctness of the responses and response time were recorded.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>"Mister VCM" is an interactive interface that displays VCM icons organized around an anatomical diagram of the human body with additional mental, etiological and physiological areas. Textual excerpts of the drug monograph can be displayed by clicking on the VCM icons. The interface can explicitly represent information implicit in the drug monograph, such as the absence of a given contraindication. Physicians made fewer errors with "Mister VCM" than with text (factor of 1.7; <it>p </it>= 0.034) and responded to questions 2.2 times faster (<it>p </it>< 0.001). The time gain with "Mister VCM" was greater for long monographs and questions with implicit replies.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>"Mister VCM" seems to be a promising interface for accessing drug monographs. Similar interfaces could be developed for other medical domains, such as electronic patient records.</p

High intensity neutrino oscillation facilities in Europe

The EUROnu project has studied three possible options for future, high intensity neutrino oscillation facilities in Europe. The first is a Super Beam, in which the neutrinos come from the decay of pions created by bombarding targets with a 4 MW proton beam from the CERN High Power Superconducting Proton Linac. The far detector for this facility is the 500 kt MEMPHYS water Cherenkov, located in the Fréjus tunnel. The second facility is the Neutrino Factory, in which the neutrinos come from the decay of μ+ and μ− beams in a storage ring. The far detector in this case is a 100 kt magnetized iron neutrino detector at a baseline of 2000 km. The third option is a Beta Beam, in which the neutrinos come from the decay of beta emitting isotopes, in particular He6 and Ne18, also stored in a ring. The far detector is also the MEMPHYS detector in the Fréjus tunnel. EUROnu has undertaken conceptual designs of these facilities and studied the performance of the detectors. Based on this, it has determined the physics reach of each facility, in particular for the measurement of CP violation in the lepton sector, and estimated the cost of construction. These have demonstrated that the best facility to build is the Neutrino Factory. However, if a powerful proton driver is constructed for another purpose or if the MEMPHYS detector is built for astroparticle physics, the Super Beam also becomes very attractive