Higgs physics at the CLIC electron-positron linear collider.

The Compact Linear Collider (CLIC) is an option for a future [Formula: see text] collider operating at centre-of-mass energies up to [Formula: see text], providing sensitivity to a wide range of new physics phenomena and precision physics measurements at the energy frontier. This paper is the first comprehensive presentation of the Higgs physics reach of CLIC operating at three energy stages: [Formula: see text], 1.4 and [Formula: see text]. The initial stage of operation allows the study of Higgs boson production in Higgsstrahlung ([Formula: see text]) and [Formula: see text]-fusion ([Formula: see text]), resulting in precise measurements of the production cross sections, the Higgs total decay width [Formula: see text], and model-independent determinations of the Higgs couplings. Operation at [Formula: see text] provides high-statistics samples of Higgs bosons produced through [Formula: see text]-fusion, enabling tight constraints on the Higgs boson couplings. Studies of the rarer processes [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] allow measurements of the top Yukawa coupling and the Higgs boson self-coupling. This paper presents detailed studies of the precision achievable with Higgs measurements at CLIC and describes the interpretation of these measurements in a global fit.

Contrast cancellation technique applied to digital x-ray imaging using silicon strip detectors.

Dual-energy mammographic imaging experimental tests have been performed using a compact dichromatic imaging system based on a conventional x-ray tube, a mosaic crystal, and a 384-strip silicon detector equipped with full-custom electronics with single photon counting capability. For simulating mammal tissue, a three-component phantom, made of Plexiglass, polyethylene, and water, has been used. Images have been collected with three different pairs of x-ray energies: 16-32 keV, 18-36 keV, and 20-40 keV. A Monte Carlo simulation of the experiment has also been carried out using the MCNP-4C transport code. The Alvarez-Macovski algorithm has been applied both to experimental and simulated data to remove the contrast between two of the phantom materials so as to enhance the visibility of the third one.

Assessing excess nurse work load generated by multiresistant nosocomial bacteria in intensive care.

OBJECTIVE: To compare three methods for assessing the excess nurse work load related to recommended procedures for managing nosocomial infections (NI) due to multiresistant bacteria (MRB): two activity scores, the Omega score and the Projet de Recherche en Nursing (PRN) system, and a specific evaluation based on functional analysis of nursing procedures. SETTING: 10 beds in a medical intensive care unit (MICU). PATIENTS: Patients admitted from November 15, 1995, to June 15, 1996, were included and divided in two groups based on presence of MRB colonization or infection (MRB+ and MRB-groups). METHODS: Data were collected regarding length of stay (LOS) in days; Omega score for the entire stay; PRN score for the entire stay and per day; and time required to perform correctly four nursing procedures related to MRB NI, as evaluated specifically by the nursing staff, using a detailed functional analysis document that described all elementary nursing tasks in chronological order and all material needed to carry out those tasks. RESULTS: The LOS and total Omega and PRN scores were higher in the MRB+ group than in the MRB- group: LOS, 23 +/- 20.6 versus 12 +/- 15.3 days, (P<.001); Omega score, 164 +/- 103.4 versus 123 +/- 93.7 points (P<.001); PRN score, 3,606 +/- 3,187 versus 1,854 +/- 2,356 points (P<.001), respectively. The daily PRN score was also higher in MRB+ group (PRN, 160 +/- 25 vs 146 +/- 34 points in the MRB- group; P<.028). Four nursing procedures made necessary by MRB acquisition were identified: isolation precautions, with two levels according to whether the risk of contamination was mild-moderate or high; bathing the patient with antiseptic solution; bedpan management; and microbiological screening. The functional analysis indicated that the time needed to carry out these four procedures correctly was 245 minutes per patient per day, as compared to 85 minutes according to the PRN system. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm that MRB NIs are responsible for an increase in nurse work load, as estimated by LOS, Omega, and PRN scores. However, the daily excess nurse work load related directly to recommended procedures for managing MRB NIs in MICUs is underestimated by these activity scores, as compared to a specific functional analysis of nursing tasks. This may be of importance in evaluating potential links between nurse work load and MRB NIs and in determining the number of nurse hours needed to comply with infection control recommendations.

Risk factors for cerebral palsy in very low-birthweight infants in the 1980s and 1990s.

One-hundred twenty-nine very low-birthweight infants were treated in Newborn and Infant Care Department of Children's Memorial Health Institute between 1985 and 1994; 89 were taken to prospective neurodevelopmental care. The newborns were divided into two groups. Group I had 38 preterm infants born from 1985 to 1989 and followed up at 7 to 11 years of age. Group II had 51 very low-birthweight infants treated from 1990 to 1994 and followed up at 2 to 5 years of age. Complicated, multiple pregnancy, normal delivery, and extremely low birthweight were significantly more frequent in group II. Very low-birthweight infants were frequently born by cesarean section in severe asphyxia. Only four (7.8%) newborns received surfactant therapy. From 1990 to 1994, respiratory distress syndrome III and IV, and a longer respiratotherapy period were significantly more frequent. From 1985 to 1994, the frequency of sepsis, periventricular leukomalacia, and normal ultrasonography was constant. Intraventricular hemorrhage I, II, and IV were frequently present in the 1990s, and intraventricular hemorrhage III was frequent in the 1980s. Cerebral palsy was diagnosed in 11 (28.9%) children in group I and 18 (35.2%) in group II (not statistically different). Multiple and complicated pregnancy, cesarean section, severe asphyxia, and respiratory distress syndrome did not increase the risk of cerebral palsy in very low-birthweight infants. Periventricular leukomalacia has a more predictive value for cerebral palsy in these infants than did intraventricular hemorrhage.

[The use of pedicle periosteal flap in plastic surgery of anterior skull base]. / Zastosowanie uszypulowanego plata okostnowego w plastyce podstawy dolu przedniego czaszki.

In 12 cases of large traumatic defects of the anterior skull base plastic surgery was performed using large periostial flap to separate the nasopharynx from the extradural area. After a large biauricular scalp flap was formed, precise preparation of periostial flap was done. The bifronto-transfrontal sinus or transfrontal sinus approach was performed. Next cranialization of the frontal sinus was done and then it was filled with muscle. Afterwards the floor of the frontal sinus and skull base with defect were covered with periostial flap pedicled along supraorbital ridge. Finally irradiated homograft of dura or fascia lata was glued intradurally onto the place of the dural defect. In all of the patients CSF-rhinorrhea stopped immediately after surgery. Among patients observed from 2 to 4 years after surgery neither recurrent rhinorrhea nor infection appeared.

[Application of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of DNA-HCMV in cerebrospinal fluid of neonates and infants with cytomegalovirus infection]. / Wykorzystanie polimerazowej reakcji lancuchowej (PCR) do wykrywania DNA-HCMV w plynie mózgowo-rdzeniowym noworodków i niemowlat z zakazeniem wirusem cytomegalii.

The goal of the work was to prove the usefulness of PCR for detection of DNA-HCMV in cerebrospinal fluid of the infected newborns and infants and to compare our results with clinical diagnosis. The studied group consisted of 24 newborns and infants with HCMV infection (presence of DNA-HCMV in urine and blood, presence of specific IgM, IgG antibodies in serum, and clinical symptoms). Among 12 children with symptoms from central nervous system, DNA-HCMV was detected in CSF of 11 patients. Additionally DNA-HCMV was found in cerebrospinal fluid of 2 children IgM, IgG anti CMV positive but without CNS symptoms. Extraction of DNA from pellet was the most effective method of DNA preparation from CSF for PCR reaction. Final results were obtained approximately 7-8 hours after taking the samples for examination. Our results suggest that PCR technique as a highly specific method is very helpful for the detection of DNA-HCMV in CSF of children with CNS symptoms of disease.

[Human cytomegalovirus infection in the pre- and postnatal period with special regards to routes of infection]. / Zakazenie ludzkim wirusem cytomegalii (HCMV) w okresie przed i po urodzeniu ze szczególnym uwzglednieniem dróg zakazenia. uwzglednieniem dróg zakazenia.

The clinical course of HCMV infection in newborns and infants was discussed. Different routes and sources of infection were analyzed, especially acquired infection from the mother excreting the virus in breast milk. The usefulness of modern laboratory techniques (PCR to detect HCMV DNA and detection of antigen in leucocytes) and the importance of simultaneous tests performed in children and their mothers in stating the diagnosis was also evaluated.

[A case of acoustic neurinoma in a girl aged 13]. / Przypadek nerwiaka nerwu sluchowego u 13-letniej dziewczynki.

A 13-year-old girl with large richly vascularized acoustic neurinoma is reported. The family history and clinical evidence failed to suggest neurofibromatosis in the family. The clinical syndrome included paroxysmal headaches, vertigo, loss of consciousness and left ear hearing loss. The application of Nd-YAG laser during the operation reduced bleeding and enabled radical removal of the tumour.

[Hemorrhage in neurinoma of the cervical segment of the spinal canal]. / Krwotok do nerwiaka zewnatrzrdzeniowego szyjnego odcinka kanalu kregowego.

The authors report a case of a 52-year old male patient with asymptomatic course of neurinoma of the vertebral canal. Sudden appearance of massive neurological signs was caused by intratumour haemorrhage.

[Use of the Nd:YAG laser in surgical treatment of intracranial tumors]. / Zastosowanie lasera Nd:YAG do operacji guzów sródczaszkowych.

The Nd:YAG laser was used between January 1989 and March 1991 in 63 cases of intracranial tumours, including 32 meningiomas, 16 gliomas (including 11 glioblastomas), 8 acoustic neurinomas, 11 metastatic brain tumours. In 76.2% of cases very good results were obtained. The Nd:YAG laser was found to be particular value in the treatment of vascular intracranial tumours, especially meningiomas and metastatic tumours. The ability of the Nd:YAG laser to shrink and devascularize these tumours, was useful in neurosurgical operations. The no-touch technique, minimal or no thermal effect on surrounding tissues, better haemostasis and precision allow for easier removal of acoustic nerve tumours. The Nd:YAG laser is very useful in the operations close to the very important for life areas of the brain. The major advantages of laser include reduction of mechanical trauma, reduction of blood loss, and more radical removal of intracranial tumours.

[Use of Nd:YAG laser in surgical treatment of intracranial tumors]. / Zastosowanie lasera Nd:YAG do operacji guzów sródczaszkowych.

Thirty-one patients are presented who were operated on for intracranial tumours using Nd:YAG laser. The use of this laser for operations in cases of cerebellar and brain tumours reduced bleeding from the tumour, caused its shrinking as a result of dehydration, and separated it from the white matter. The less pronounced mechanical trauma to the white matter of the brain and easier healing of wounds made possible earlier mobilization of patients and ensured less severe postoperative course.

[Progress in laser neurosurgery]. / Postepy neurochirurgii laserowej.

Nd:YAG lasers with different wavelengths are used in neurosurgery. Their great advantage is the ability of coagulation of blood vessels and delivery through flexible fiber optics . Nd:YAG laser with wavelength 1.318 microns is used, besides, to connect blood vessels and nerves. CO2 laser is the best cutting tool but requires, for delivery rigid cable. Both types of lasers cause shrinkage and vaporisation of the tumors what facilitates its removing without greater traumatisation of surrounding tissues. The introduction of sapphire contact tips to Nd:YAG and argon lasers enables application of small laser powers and diminish the area of damage in surrounding structures. Contact laser is used for destroying of tumours, coagulation of blood vessels, restoration of patency of the main arteries, interstitial denaturation of gliomas and denaturation of the nucleus pulposus in lumbar vertebral column.