Darwin--a mission to detect and search for life on extrasolar planets.

The discovery of extrasolar planets is one of the greatest achievements of modern astronomy. The detection of planets that vary widely in mass demonstrates that extrasolar planets of low mass exist. In this paper, we describe a mission, called Darwin, whose primary goal is the search for, and characterization of, terrestrial extrasolar planets and the search for life. Accomplishing the mission objectives will require collaborative science across disciplines, including astrophysics, planetary sciences, chemistry, and microbiology. Darwin is designed to detect rocky planets similar to Earth and perform spectroscopic analysis at mid-infrared wavelengths (6-20 mum), where an advantageous contrast ratio between star and planet occurs. The baseline mission is projected to last 5 years and consists of approximately 200 individual target stars. Among these, 25-50 planetary systems can be studied spectroscopically, which will include the search for gases such as CO(2), H(2)O, CH(4), and O(3). Many of the key technologies required for the construction of Darwin have already been demonstrated, and the remainder are estimated to be mature in the near future. Darwin is a mission that will ignite intense interest in both the research community and the wider public.

Transfusion therapy in the emergency department.

This article reviews the basics of blood and blood component therapy, focusing on pretransfusion compatibility testing and the complications of blood transfusion (both infectious and noninfectious). Issues surrounding the massive transfusion of blood and alternatives to traditional chemotherapy also are discussed.

[Anesthesia and medical responsibility. Principles]. / Anesthésie et responsabilité médicale. Principe.

Anaesthesia exposes the practitioner to the obligation of being answerable for his responsibility if he commits an error which leads directly to damage to the patient. He can be forced to pay compensation for the damage. Quite apart from this, there is also the unpleasant process of being called before a disciplinary hearing for "involuntary injury". Anaesthetic error. According to the criteria applied by the tribunals, the error can be personal, or resulting from errors committed by the auxiliaries involved by the doctor. He can also be considered responsible in cases of structural unsuitability in which he has, nevertheless, agreed to proceed. Application on phlebology. The omnivalent degree of Doctor of Medicine enables the phlebologist, as it does any other specialist doctor, to perform anaesthetics without restriction. The existence of "specialization" sanctioning special studies actually limits this right because of the rules of medico-legal responsibility. Consequences. If the choice of technique is completely open, it ought to be the one best adapted to the condition of the patient, and the practitioner ought to be in control of the situation. In every case, the patient ought to be informed of all risks and benefits. The anaesthetic cannot be performed by any person other than the practitioner or an anaesthetist nurse, in the presence of the practitioner. The surgery where this is performed must be equipped with all the apparatus necessary for good anaesthetic procedure, monitoring, and recuperation in case of patient distress.

Management of genital infections.

The scope of this article includes disorders ranging from simple vaginitis to a perspective on acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Gynecologic infections are an extremely common cause of visits to the Emergency Department, especially those in large inner cities. Pelvic inflammatory disease is the most serious of the infectious presentations. Vulvovaginitis, although not as serious, can be quite debilitating and is extremely common. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV), although not necessarily a gynecologic infection, is included herein because of its sexually transmitted disease potential, and a perspective on protection for the Emergency Department worker is given.