Recent progress in the experimental capabilities of the LMJ-PETAL laser facility is reviewed. Updates on the indirect-drive D2 implosion experiments and equation-of-state experiments using the LMJ laser are presented, including the commissioning of new plasma diagnostics. Several recent campaigns using the PETAL laser alone are also presented, namely the development of a platform using high-resolution and high-energy X-ray sources for radiography experiments, laser wakefield acceleration studies in the self-modulated regime, and neutron generation using a Target Normal Sheath Accelerated proton beam in a pitcher-catcher configuration.

In hospitals, the nursing staff is often confronted with the problem of the preparation and administration of drugs for their pediatric patients because of the lack of indication, pediatric dosage, and appropriate galenic form. The goal of this study was to give an overview of the nurses’ preparation habits in pediatric units and highlight their daily problems. This single-center prospective study was conducted through an observation of the nursing staff during the drug preparation process in medicine, surgery and intensive care units. We included 91 patients (55 boys and 36 girls), with an average age of 6.3 years (youngest child, 10 days old; oldest child, 18 years old). We observed a mean 2.16 drug preparations per patient [1–5]. We collected 197 observation reports regarding 66 injectable drugs and 131 oral drugs (71 liquid forms and 60 solid forms). The majority of these reports concerned central nervous system drugs (63/197), metabolism and digestive system drugs (50/197), and anti-infective drugs (46/197). The study highlights the nurses’ difficulties: modification of the solid galenic forms, lack of knowledge on oral liquid form preservation or reconstitution methods, withdrawal of small volumes, and vague and noncompliant labeling. This study led to the creation of a specific working group for pediatrics. This multidisciplinary team meets on a regular basis to work toward improving the current habits to both simplify and secure drug administration to hospitalized children.

In order to produce laser targets for laser plasma experiments, the target department of Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique operates in different fields of production techniques. Additive manufacturing becomes an important manufacturing process to match quality, delay, and cost aims. In the short term, stereo lithography seems to be the most promising technology for laser target range applications. It is a quick and, in most of the cases, accurate solution to target assembly issues. This technology allows obtaining functional assembly tools as well as parts and components compatible with laser experiment. The actual limitations are about 100 mu m for tolerances and minimum wall thicknesses. A better resolution and a lower layer thickness could allow crossing these limitations.

In hospitals, the nursing staff is often confronted with the problem of the preparation and administration of drugs for their pediatric patients because of the lack of indication, pediatric dosage, and appropriate galenic form. The goal of this study was to give an overview of the nurses' preparation habits in pediatric units and highlight their daily problems. This single-center prospective study was conducted through an observation of the nursing staff during the drug preparation process in medicine, surgery and intensive care units. We included 91 patients (55 boys and 36 girls), with an average age of 6.3 years (youngest child, 10 days old; oldest child, 18 years old). We observed a mean 2.16 drug preparations per patient [1-5]. We collected 197 observation reports regarding 66 injectable drugs and 131 oral drugs (71 liquid forms and 60 solid forms). The majority of these reports concerned central nervous system drugs (63/197), metabolism and digestive system drugs (50/197), and anti-infective drugs (46/197). The study highlights the nurses' difficulties: modification of the solid galenic forms, lack of knowledge on oral liquid form preservation or reconstitution methods, withdrawal of small volumes, and vague and noncompliant labeling. This study led to the creation of a specific working group for pediatrics. This multidisciplinary team meets on a regular basis to work toward improving the current habits to both simplify and secure drug administration to hospitalized children.

High-Z metallic foils including rare-earth (RE) elements are required for some experiments implemented on the Laser Megajoule. A specific process based on physical vapor deposition and laser machining was developed to produce high-Z material foils meeting strict specifications. This process allows pure metallic ultrathin foil fabrication from a few hundred nanometers to several microns of thickness of any high-Z materials. In the case of RE metals sensitive to oxidation, thin foils are buried under aluminum protective layers of about a few hundred nanometers. These metallic thin foils are flat, show thickness uniformity over 95%/cm(2), and have roughness of about 10 nm. The foils are opaque to light, have a density similar to bulk material, present an oxygen content of about 1 at. %, and are stable over months under atmospheric conditions.

Pure gold-copper alloys are known to be difficult to electrodeposit because of a strong variation in composition after a few microns have been deposited. Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique (CEA) studied the phenomenon and showed that the decrease in gold's content is accompanied by an evolution of the microstructure that could be attributed to the free cyanide released near the cathode. During electrolysis, free cyanides provoke a decrease of the copper overpotential (until copper reduction is stopped) and promote the formation of Cu(CN)(4)(3-) that conduct to an instantaneous three-dimensional nucleation of copper. This phenomenological model well explains why the growth mechanism changes and why only gold is deposited for thick deposits. On the basis of this model, CEA has developed a specific process using ultrasonic waves in order to remove the free cyanides from the cathode. This process allows CEA to perform thick gold-copper deposits with a constant concentration in copper through all the thickness. By controlling the applied potential, different thick alloys with a concentration of copper between 0 wt% up to 40 wt% can be deposited.

Some experiments implemented on the Laser Megajoule facility (LMJ) require the use of the rare-earth (RE) elements, the lanthanides (57 < Z < 71). Rare-earth metals are known to be unstable under atmospheric conditions and some of them are extremely reactive with air. They may react with oxygen and humidity to form RE oxides. In the present work, we study the oxidation of different RE thin films (gadolinium, dysprosium, and praseodymium) prepared by physical vapor deposition. Energy-dispersion spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, and weight measurement are performed to characterize the corrosion mechanisms as a function of time and aging atmospheres (air, dry box, and vacuum). It appears that the oxidation kinetics depends on atomic number and microstructure of the films. Praseodymium coatings are very quickly corroded (in a few hours) when exposed to air and degrade to a yellow powder. Aluminum layers, used as a diffusion barrier, allow us to preserve praseodymium coatings over a period of several weeks when aging in a dry box. Gadolinium and dysprosium coatings (without a protective layer) are preserved from corrosion due to the formation of a passivation layer on their surface. Whatever Z, a dense microstructure permits us to limit the oxygen content and allows us to stabilize the residual stress.

Each year, in France, the number of cardiac arrests is evaluated between 30,000 to 50,000. When a patient survives, he undergoes a post-resuscitation syndrome which can aggravate the injuries and for which nowadays, no medication is available. In some kinds of cardiac arrest, a hypothermia protocol can be applied with a need for monitoring because of the appearance of side effects. In this context, hydrogen sulfide, which is a gasotransmitter with numerous physiological and pharmacological properties, may be interesting. Indeed, its use could protect against oxidative, inflammatory and apoptotic troubles induced by the post-resuscitation syndrome. The implied biochemical mechanisms are adenosine triphosphate potassium channels activation and cytochrome c oxidase inhibition. This molecule can also induce a suspended animation state characterized by a metabolism decrease, which could give a delay for physicians to start a therapeutic monitoring. Thus, in spite of a modest and sometimes contradictory literature, this compound could become the first neuroprotective molecule in cardiac arrest.

Glass thin films appear particularly interesting as semipermeable barriers for many noncryogenic target applications. This functional layer can be sputtered from quartz targets onto CHx microshells synthesized by glow discharge polymerization. In the present work, we investigate the influence of deposit parameters (pressure, RF power, target-holder distance, and plasma composition) on glass coating microstructure and permeation properties. The permeation properties of CHx/SiO2/CHx capsules are studied by mass spectrometry using deuterium (D-2) as the filling gas. The use of a low deposition pressure and a high RF power in a background atmosphere of argon appears essential to obtain the most efficient barrier. The optimized sputtering conditions allow deuterium half-lives of I month on 1700-mu m CHx capsules, including a 1-mu m-thick SiO2 coating (corresponding to a permeation coefficient of 3 x 10(-20) mol. m(-1) . s(-1) . Pa-1). These capsules could be filled to the required pressures (similar to 3 MPa) for Laser Megajoule (LMJ) experiments.

Abstract Glass shells made from the pyrolysis of silicon-doped glow discharge polymers (Si-GDP) are particularly interesting for many noncryogenic target applications. We investigated the possibility of developing millimeter glass shells with >10-μm-thick walls to achieve a half-life of several months. Although previous studies have already demonstrated their feasibility, important developments are still needed to finely understand the role each step plays on the final glass shell’s properties. The adjustment of plasma deposition parameters and pyrolysis conditions allowed us to control shell shrinkage and defect formation. In the case of 7.4 at. % Si-GDP slowly pyrolyzed, we obtained spherical and smooth glass shells with near 100% yield. We also demonstrated that adjusting sintering temperature can produce fully dense glass shells from 2.2 to 2.4 g/cm3. Finally, deuterium pressurized capsules >3 MPa with a half-life of 8 months are obtained.

Background and aims: Near InfraRed Spectroscopy (NIRS) is a tool for evaluation of local blood flow and oxygen consumption (VO2) using measurement of regional oxygen saturation (rSO2). Purpose: To describe the feasibility and accuracy of the measurement of hepatic rSO2 (lirSO2) in an infant with tumoral syndrome in acute leukemia. Methods: A 7 weeks old girl was admitted with asthenia, bleeding, respiratory distress and hepatomegaly. Hemogram showed 117000 leucoblasts/mm3, Hb=7.1g/100 ml, 24000 platelets/ mm3. Blood gaz analysis showed : pH=7.37, HCO3- =18 mmol/l, PaCO2=31 mmHg and lactatemia=888 mg/l. Sonography showed a heterogeneous hepatomegaly. Diagnosis of acute monocytic leukemia (AML-M5) was made. Chemotherapy was started (ELAM 02 protocol). Infant was monitored using cardiac monitoring, continuous measurement of oxygen saturation (SpO2) and invasive blood pressure. CerSO2 and lirSO2 were measured using NIRS. rSO2 values were recorded every 6 seconds, hemoglobin and central venous SO2 (SvO2) in vena cava superior every 6 hours. Results: rSO2 measurement began 10 hours after the first chemotherapy (H0). SpO2 value was 96.4±2.0%, cerSO2 was 75.8±3.9% SvO2 values were stable around 70%, suggesting that there was no variation in systemic oxygen transport (TO2) lirSO2 value at H0 was 24.7±7.6% and raised up to 74.0±2.5% at H12. Conclusions: NIRS provides a non-invasive assessment of lirSO2 in acute hemopathies. The decrease in lirSO2 could be the witness of tissular hypoxia induced by myeloproliferation. Our data show an increase in lirSO2 under chemotherapy. NIRS could be helpful to evaluate the decrease in VO2 and the improvement of TO2 during chemotherapy.

Well crystallized BLT thin films were deposited by RF magnetron sputtering using a target of Aurivillius phase Bi3.25L4.75Ti3O12 (BLT0,75), elaborated in our institute. RF sputtering experiments were performed at room temperature with an argon/oxygen mixture, in a pressure range of 20-50 mTorr. Optimisation of the plasma parameters, namely deposition pressure, RF power and oxygen content in the gas phase, allows obtaining BLT films with a chemical composition close to Bi3.25La0.75Ti3O12. After ex-situ annealing under oxygen atmosphere at 650 degrees C, BLT films deposited on Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si (multilayer) substrates exhibit well defined rod-like grains morphology. A two step deposition process appeared to be necessary in order to reach satisfying dielectric properties. The effect of the plasma parameters on the chemical composition and electrical properties are presented and discussed.

We report one case of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with ventricular fibrillation following butane poisoning after inhalation of antiperspiration aerosol. An early management using semi-automatic defibrillator explained the success of the resuscitation. The mechanism of butane toxicity could be an increased sensitivity of cardiac receptors to circulating catecholamine's, responsible for cardiac arrest during exercise and for resuscitation difficulties. The indication of epinephrine is discussed. (c) 2007 Elsevier Masson SAS. Tous droits reserves.

We report one case of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with ventricular fibrillation following butane poisoning after inhalation of antiperspiration aerosol. An early management using semi-automatic defibrillator explained the success of the resuscitation. The mechanism of butane toxicity could be an increased sensitivity of cardiac receptors to circulating catecholamines, responsible for cardiac arrest during exercise and for resuscitation difficulties. The indication of epinephrine is discussed.

The experimental results of a polymer microwave electro-optic antenna are reported. The device amplitude-modulates an optical input beam with a free-space propagating electromagnetic wave. By using a new dipole printed antenna, the electromagnetic energy is concentrated inside the device. An antenna factor of 168 dB/m is achieved with only 1 mum of electro-optic polymer

In France, approximately 500 deaths per year are related to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). After a 75% reduction of SIDS-related deaths in the 1990s, thanks to large prevention campaigns directing parents to put their infants to sleep on their back, the number of SIDS-related deaths remains stable. However, we estimate that 100–200 infant deaths per year in France could be prevented with better education on the risk factors for SIDS. In this prospective, descriptive monocentric study, we aimed to evaluate the level of expectant women's knowledge about SIDS. Questionnaires were distributed during a midwife consultation. A score on sleeping conditions, environmental and protective factors was determined with coefficients attributed according to their relevance to SIDS. Of 296 questionnaires distributed, 202 were completed and included in the analysis from March 1 to September 21, 2018. Scores were distributed from 2 to 46/50. The average score was 28.6/50. Information was principally obtained from media and not health professionals. When the information was delivered by a caregiver, in particular by a paediatrician, we observed better knowledge among these women. This study shows that it is important for health professionals to take the time to inform future mothers about the risk factors for SIDS, especially the least informed population groups such as young mothers and those from lower socioeconomic status, in order to reduce the number of avoidable infant deaths.

The administration act, as each step of the drugs circuit, can lead to an adverse drug event potentially harmful for the patient. The aim of this study was to highlight the adverse drug events outcoming at the administration stage and to suggest improvement elements. Errors were identified in a retrospective manner. We compared the written prescriptions ("Prescription forms") with the administration registration ("Administration forms"). The differences observed between these two paper media were classified according to the errors types defined by the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists and by the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. This study settled in the pediatric intensive care unit of a teaching hospital. We checked 1035 administrations lines: 180 errors (17,4%) were detected, including 63 omissions, 44 infusion rate errors, 42 administrations without prescription, 20 administration time errors, 7 dose errors, 2 drug form errors, 2 errors of other types, but no route of administration error. This method choice is debatable because without direct observation we could only compare what was noted to be administrated and not what was really administrated. We did not try to identify neither the causes nor the consequences of these errors on the patients. Following this study, several improvements have been set up: a new "Prescription form" (expecting the computerized prescription order entry) and reconstitution and dilution protocols for the most prescribed drugs.

Well crystallized BLT thin films were deposited by RF magnetron sputtering using a home made target of Aurivillius phase Bi3.25La0.75Ti3O12 (BLT0.75). RF sputtering experiments were performed at room temperature with an argon/oxygen mixture, in a pressure range of 20-50 mTorr. Optimisation of the plasma parameters, namely deposition pressure, RF power and oxygen content in the gas phase, allows obtaining BLT films with a chemical composition close to Bi-3,25La0.75Ti3O12. After ex-situ annealing under oxygen atmosphere at 650 degrees C, BLT deposited on Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si (multilayer) substrates exhibits well crystallized films with granular morphology. A two step deposition process appeared to be necessary in order to reach satisfying dielectric properties. The effect of the plasma parameters on the chemical composition and electrical properties are presented and discussed.