Rapid metabolism fosters microbial survival in the deep, hot subseafloor biosphere.

A fourth of the global seabed sediment volume is buried at depths where temperatures exceed 80 °C, a previously proposed thermal barrier for life in the subsurface. Here, we demonstrate, utilizing an extensive suite of radiotracer experiments, the prevalence of active methanogenic and sulfate-reducing populations in deeply buried marine sediment from the Nankai Trough subduction zone, heated to extreme temperature (up to ~120 °C). The small microbial community subsisted with high potential cell-specific rates of energy metabolism, which approach the rates of active surface sediments and laboratory cultures. Our discovery is in stark contrast to the extremely low metabolic rates otherwise observed in the deep subseafloor. As cells appear to invest most of their energy to repair thermal cell damage in the hot sediment, they are forced to balance delicately between subsistence near the upper temperature limit for life and a rich supply of substrates and energy from thermally driven reactions of the sedimentary organic matter.

A large aperture row column addressed probe for in vivo 4D ultrafast doppler ultrasound imaging.

Four-dimensional (4D) Ultrafast ultrasound imaging was recently proposed to image and quantify blood flow with high sensitivity in 3D as well as anatomical, mechanical or functional information. In 4D Ultrafast imaging, coherent compounding of tilted planes waves emitted by a 2D matrix array were used to image the medium at high volume rate. 4D ultrafast imaging, however, requires a high channel count (>1000) to drive those probes. Alternative approaches have been proposed and investigated to efficiently reduce the density of elements, such as sparse or under-sampled arrays while maintaining a decent image quality and high volume rate. The row-columns configuration presents the advantage of keeping a large active surface with a low amount of elements and a simple geometry. In this study, we investigate the row and column addressed (RCA) approach with the orthogonal plane wave (OPW) compounding strategy using real hardware limitations. We designed and built a large 7 MHz 128 + 128 probe dedicated to vascular imaging and connected to a 256-channel scanner to implement the OPW imaging scheme. Using this strategy, we demonstrate that 4D ultrafast Power Doppler imaging of a large volume of [Formula: see text] up to [Formula: see text] depth, both in vitro on flow phantoms and in vivo on the carotid artery of a healthy volunteer at a volume rate of 834 Hz.

DEEP BIOSPHERE. Exploring deep microbial life in coal-bearing sediment down to ~2.5 km below the ocean floor.

Microbial life inhabits deeply buried marine sediments, but the extent of this vast ecosystem remains poorly constrained. Here we provide evidence for the existence of microbial communities in ~40° to 60°C sediment associated with lignite coal beds at ~1.5 to 2.5 km below the seafloor in the Pacific Ocean off Japan. Microbial methanogenesis was indicated by the isotopic compositions of methane and carbon dioxide, biomarkers, cultivation data, and gas compositions. Concentrations of indigenous microbial cells below 1.5 km ranged from <10 to ~10(4) cells cm(-3). Peak concentrations occurred in lignite layers, where communities differed markedly from shallower subseafloor communities and instead resembled organotrophic communities in forest soils. This suggests that terrigenous sediments retain indigenous community members tens of millions of years after burial in the seabed.

A strong steric hindrance effect on ground state, excited state, and charge separated state properties of a Cu(I)-diimine complex captured by X-ray transient absorption spectroscopy.

Photophysical and structural properties of a Cu(I) diimine complex with very strong steric hindrance, [Cu(I)(dppS)2](+) (dppS = 2,9-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline disulfonic acid disodium salt), are investigated by optical and X-ray transient absorption (OTA and XTA) spectroscopy. The bulky phenylsulfonic acid groups at 2,9 positions of phenanthroline ligands force the ground state and the metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) excited state to adopt a flattened pseudo-tetrahedral coordination geometry in which the solvent access to the copper center is completely blocked. We analyzed the MLCT state dynamics and structures as well as those of the charge separated state resulting from the interfacial electron injection from the MLCT state to TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs). The OTA results show the absence of the sub-picosecond component previously assigned as the time constant for flattening, while the two observed time constants are assigned to a relatively slow intersystem crossing (ISC) rate (∼13.8 ps) and a decay rate (100 ns) of the [Cu(I)(dppS)2](+) MLCT state in water. These results correlate well with the XTA studies that resolved a flattened tetrahedral Cu(i) coordination geometry in the ground state. Probing the (3)MLCT state structure with XTA establishes that the (3)MLCT state has the same oxidation state as the copper center in [Cu(II)(dppS)2](2+) and the Cu-N distance is reduced by 0.06 Šcompared to that of the ground state, accompanied by a rotation of phenyl rings located at 2,9 positions of phenanthroline. The structural dynamics of the photoinduced charge transfer process in the [Cu(I)(dppS)2](+)/TiO2 hybrid is also investigated, which suggests a more restricted environment for the complex upon binding to TiO2 NPs. Moreover, the Cu-N bond length of the oxidized state of [Cu(I)(dppS)2](+) after electron injection to TiO2 NPs shortens by 0.05 Šcompared to that in the ground state. The interpretation of these observed structural changes associated with excited and charge separated states will be discussed. These results not only set an example for applying XTA in capturing the intermediate structure of metal complex/semiconductor NP hybrids but also provide guidance for designing efficient Cu(I) diimine complexes with optimized structures for application in solar-to-electricity conversion.

High-order myopic coronagraphic phase diversity (COFFEE) for wave-front control in high-contrast imaging systems.

The estimation and compensation of quasi-static aberrations is mandatory to reach the ultimate performance of high-contrast imaging systems. COFFEE is a focal plane wave-front sensing method that consists in the extension of phase diversity to high-contrast imaging systems. Based on a Bayesian approach, it estimates the quasi-static aberrations from two focal plane images recorded from the scientific camera itself. In this paper, we present COFFEE's extension which allows an estimation of low and high order aberrations with nanometric precision for any coronagraphic device. The performance is evaluated by realistic simulations, performed in the SPHERE instrument framework. We develop a myopic estimation that allows us to take into account an imperfect knowledge on the used diversity phase. Lastly, we evaluate COFFEE's performance in a compensation process, to optimize the contrast on the detector, and show it allows one to reach the 10(-6) contrast required by SPHERE at a few resolution elements from the star. Notably, we present a non-linear energy minimization method which can be used to reach very high contrast levels (better than 10(7) in a SPHERE-like context).

Coronagraphic phase diversity: a simple focal plane sensor for high-contrast imaging.

Exoplanet direct imaging is a challenging goal of today's astronomical instrumentation. Several high-contrast imaging instruments dedicated to this task are currently being integrated; they are ultimately limited by the presence of quasi-static speckles in the imaging focal plane. These speckles originate in residual quasi-static optical aberrations, which must be measured and compensated for, typically at a nanometric level. We present a novel focal plane wavefront sensor (WFS) designed for this particular application. It is an extension of the phase diversity technique to coronagraphic imaging. This sensor requires no dedicated hardware and uses only two scientific images differing from a known aberration, which can be conveniently introduced by the adaptive optics subsystem. The aberrations are therefore calibrated all the way down to the scientific camera, without any differential aberrations between the sensor and the scientific camera. We show the potential of this WFS by means of simulations, and we perform a preliminary experimental validation.

Analytical expression of long-exposure adaptive-optics-corrected coronagraphic image. First application to exoplanet detection.

In this paper we derive an analytical model of a long-exposure star image for an adaptive-optics(AO)-corrected coronagraphic imaging system. This expression accounts for static aberrations upstream and downstream of the coronagraphic mask as well as turbulence residuals. It is based on the perfect coronagraph model. The analytical model is validated by means of simulations using the design and parameters of the SPHERE instrument. The analytical model is also compared to a simulated four-quadrant phase-mask coronagraph. Then, its sensitivity to a miscalibration of structure function and upstream static aberrations is studied, and the impact on exoplanet detectability is quantified. Last, a first inversion method is presented for a simulation case using a single monochromatic image with no reference. The obtained result shows a planet detectability increase by two orders of magnitude with respect to the raw image. This analytical model presents numerous potential applications in coronographic imaging, such as exoplanet direct detection, and circumstellar disk observation.

Bilateral paranasal sinus mucopyoceles in a child with cystic fibrosis.

Mucoceles of the paranasal sinuses are well-described complication of chronic sinusitis in adults. They are extremely rare in children and the main predisposing factor is cystic fibrosis (CF). We report a case of bilateral ethmoid and maxillary sinus mucopyoceles, associated with CF occurring in a six months old boy. The main symptom was a complete nasal obstruction. The marsupialization of mucocele was performed by endoscopic surgery. One year follow-up showed no recurrence.

On-line long-exposure phase diversity: a powerful tool for sensing quasi-static aberrations of extreme adaptive optics imaging systems.

The phase diversity technique is a useful tool to measure and pre-compensate for quasi-static aberrations, in particular non-common path aberrations, in an adaptive optics corrected imaging system. In this paper, we propose and validate by simulations an extension of the phase diversity technique that uses long exposure adaptive optics corrected images for sensing quasi-static aberrations during the scientific observation, in particular for high-contrast imaging. The principle of the method is that, for a sufficiently long exposure time, the residual turbulence is averaged into a convolutive component of the image and that phase diversity estimates the sole static aberrations of interest. The advantages of such a procedure, compared to the processing of shortexposure image pairs, are that the separation between static aberrations and turbulence-induced ones is performed by the long-exposure itself and not numerically, that only one image pair must be processed, that the estimation benefits from the high SNR of long-exposure images, and that only the static aberrations of interest are to be estimated. Long-exposure phase diversity can also be used as a phasing sensor for a segmented aperture telescope. Thus, it may be particularly useful for future planet finder projects such as EPICS on the European ELT.

Nuclear charge radii of neutron-deficient lead isotopes beyond N = 104 midshell investigated by in-source laser spectroscopy.

The shape of exotic even-mass (182-190)Pb isotopes was probed by measurement of optical isotope shifts providing mean square charge radii (delta(r(2))). The experiment was carried out at the isolde (cern) on-line mass separator, using in-source laser spectroscopy. Small deviations from the spherical droplet model are observed, but when compared to model calculations, those are explained by high sensitivity of delta(r(2)) to beyond mean-field correlations and small admixtures of intruder configurations in the ground state. The data support the predominantly spherical shape of the ground state of the proton-magic Z=82 lead isotopes near neutron midshell (N=104).

[Ophthalmic arteries originating from external carotid arteries]. / Artères ophtalmiques issues des carotides externes. A propos d'un cas.

The ophthalmic artery arises from the internal carotid at the level of the carotid siphon; in 3.5-5% of the population, it arises from the middle meningeal artery, a branch of the internal maxillary artery, terminal of the external carotid artery. We report a rare case of bilateral malformation in a 28-year-old patient. Our study covers the possible dual origin of orbital blood vascularization. This variation in the anatomic distribution is important to know, particularly if embolization is intended as inadvertent occlusion of the ophthalmic artery, because it may lead to permanent loss of vision.

[Granulocytic sarcoma in a 90-year-old patient]. / Sarcome granulocytaire (chlorome) chez un patient âgé de 90 ans.

Granulocytic sarcoma rarely involves the orbit. It is the local proliferation of immature myeloid cells and occurs most often in patients suffering from myelodysplastic syndromes. We report a case of granulocytic sarcoma that revealed acute myeloid leukemia in a patient suffering from chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. At the time of diagnosis, the lesion involved the nasal fossae, the ethmoidal sinus, and the orbit, with subperiosteal tumoral infiltration toward the skin. The treatment involved surgery and radiotherapy. The patient died 3 months later of complications of the hematological disease. This observation is original for the occurrence of granulocytic sarcoma during chronic and well-known leukemia, the age of onset, and the fatal outcome in just a few weeks. In this observation, the ophthalmologist revealed the acute nature of the myelodysplastic syndrome.

[Amphicrine adenoma of the middle ear: three cases reports and a review of the literature]. / Adénome amphicrine de l'oreille moyenne: à propos de 3 cas et revue de la littérature.

UNLABELLED: Amphicrine adenoma is an extremely rare tumor of the middle ear. We report three cases obtained over a twenty year period. THE AIM OF THIS STUDY: is to discuss our clinical cases and review the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three cases of middle ear amphicrine tumour were reviewed. RESULTS: During a 10 year period (1986-2006) three cases of middle ear amphicrine tumour were treated at our unit (2 male, 1 female). The presenting complaint was hearing loss in all 3 cases. Amphicrine adenoma is diagnosed by an immuno-histological examination of pathological specimens. Differential diagnosis can be difficult and one individual was initially treated as an adenocarcinoma by radiotherapy. This patient succumbed to cerebral mycosis two years post-radiotherapy. The other two patients have no evidence of recurrence eight and nine years post treatment. CONCLUSION: Historically, differential diagnosis between amphicrine adenoma and adenocarcinoma of the middle ear has been very difficult. Carcinoid tumour is considered to be a more agressive form of amphicrine adenoma. Tumour progression is through loco regional invasion. Complete excision by surgical management with long term follow up is the treatment of choice.

High-order adaptive optics requirements for direct detection of extrasolar planets: Application to the SPHERE instrument.

The detection of extrasolar planets implies an extremely high-contrast, long-exposure imaging capability at near infrared and probably visible wavelengths. We present here the core of any Planet Finder instrument, that is, the extreme adaptive optics (XAO) subsystem. The level of AO correction directly impacts the exposure time required for planet detection. In addition, the capacity of the AO system to calibrate all the instrument static defects ultimately limits detectivity. Hence, the extreme AO system has to adjust for the perturbations induced by the atmospheric turbulence, as well as for the internal aberrations of the instrument itself. We propose a feasibility study for an extreme AO system in the frame of the SPHERE (Spectro-Polarimetry High-contrast Exoplanet Research) instrument, which is currently under design and should equip one of the four VLT 8-m telescopes in 2010.

[Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of the horizontal and superior semicircular canals]. / Vertiges positionnels paroxystiques bénins des canaux latéraux et antérieurs.

The incidence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) of the horizontal and superior semicircular canals is much less than that of BPPV due to affection of the posterior semicircular canal. Their diagnosis is however much more difficult and still prone to controversies. The provocative manoeuvre of the BPPV of the horizontal canal (BPPV-HSC) is the manoeuvre of rotation of the head in dorsal position. A horizontal positional nystagmus is obtained. There are two forms of BPPV-HSC: the geotropic form and the ageotropic form. In the geotropic form, the liberatory manoeuvre is a "barbecue" rotation of 180 with 360 degrees towards the healthy side. In the ageotropic form, there is no universal liberatory manoeuvre. Moreover as some cases of neurological aetiology have been recognized, it is not appropriate to apply ineffective manoeuvres. The BPPV of the superior canal (BPV-SSC) is very rare. The provocative manoeuvre is the Dix and Hallpike's manoeuvre. It causes positional torsional and vertical nystagmus with an opposite direction to that obtained for a BPPV of the contra-lateral posterior canal. The liberatory manoeuvre is a Semont manoeuvre, which is identical to that we would make for a contra-lateral BPPV of the posterior canal.

[Adult laryngeal cavernous hemangioma: a case report]. / Malformation veineuse laryngée de l'adulte: à propos d'un cas.

We describe a case of laryngeal venous malformation, discovered by dysphonia. This malformation has a different histology and evolution compared to infant laryngeal hemangioma. The histological exam shows large and multiple vessels lined by regular endothelium. There is no spontaneous regression; this malformation can be stable or increase and induce a laryngeal obstruction. Although inconstant, a bluish colour, seen at endoscopy, suggests the presence of venous malformation. The diagnostic is confirmed by MRI, which shows local extension. We propose regular clinical and radiological supervision for asymptomatic venous malformations. Treatment is recommended only for symptomatic patients usually by laryngeal microsurgery or cervicotomy. Per cutaneous sclerosis is an interesting alternative therapy alone or prior to surgery. Regular follow-up is essential in order to detect frequent recurrences.

Irreversible but noncovalent Ru(II)-pyridine bond: its use for the formation of [2]-catenanes.

The reaction between ligand 1, which consists of two terminal pyridines attached to a central 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), and the complex Ru(phen)2(CH3CN)2(PF6)2 has been studied. A new ruthenium containing metallamacrocycle has been obtained and fully characterized. Despite the relatively poor yield for the cyclization process involving the ruthenium center (20%), this strategy led to the synthesis of two different kinds of [2]-catenane. The first example reported in this article is a bimetallic Cu(I)/Ru(II) catenane 5(3+) consisting of a purely organic ring interlocked with the ruthenium(II)-incorporating metallacycle. Complex 5(3+) was selectively demetalated at the Cu(I) center to lead to the free Ru(II)-containing catenane. A trimetallic Ru(II)/Cu(I)/Ru(II) catenane 8(5+) was also synthesized showing that this approach is reliable and promising for the elaboration of photoactive multicomponent systems.

[Iodine nutritional status and risk factors for iodine deficiency in infants and children of the french North department]. / Statut en iode et facteurs de risque de déficit en iode chez des enfants vus en consultation de protection maternelle et infantile dans le département du Nord.

INTRODUCTION: Iodine deficiency is responsible for a higher mortality and morbidity in neonates and infants. It has not yet disappeared in European countries, especially in Southern and Eastern Europe. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed at evaluating the status of iodine nutrition of infants living in the North department (France) and at studying risk factors for iodine deficiency. METHODS: The study was conducted in primary health care centres in 160 healthy infants aged ten days to six years (mean +/- SD: 17.7 +/- 2.5 months). Data included: familial thyroid disease history, type of feeding at inclusion, timing of introduction of complementary foods, nutritional status (weight, height, head and arm circumference), as well as maternal education level and family socio-economical status. Iodine status was assessed by urinary iodine excretion. RESULTS: Urinary iodine concentration ranged from 4 to 1042 microg/l (median +/- SD: 195,5 +/- 21,6 microg/l). Thirty-eight (24%) of 160 children were iodine deficient (urinary iodine < 100 microg/l): mild iodine deficiency (50-99 microg/l: 17%), moderate iodine deficiency (20-49 microg/l: 5%), severe iodine deficiency (<20 microg/l: 2%). No relationship was found between iodine status and age, sex, geographic origin of the children, as well as social and occupational group of the parents. Breast-feeding did not prevent from iodine deficiency. Iodine status did not differ between the cow's milk fed group and the group that was not fed cow's milk. Formula feeding was associated with iodine deficiency (p = 0,02). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of severe iodine deficiency was very low in this population. However, iodine status was not optimal.