A Virtual CAD Model of the LHC

Integrating the large and complex LHC machine into the existing LEP tunnel is a major challenge. Space was not really a problem to fit the LEP machine into its tunnel, but LHC cryostats are much larger than the LEP quadrupoles and the external cryogenic line fills even more the tunnel. Space problems lead to small clearances. Possible conflicts, or at least the most penalising ones, between installed equipment or with transport, must be solved beforehand in order to avoid unacceptable delays and extra costs during the installation. Experience gained with LEP has already shown the help that Computer-Aided Engineering tools could provide for the integration. A virtual model of the LHC is presently prepared. The actual LEP tunnel, known with a quite good accuracy (centimetre level), has been modelled and all the elements of the machine constructed as 3D objects with the CAD system are positioned accurately on the basis of data generated from the theoretical definition. These layouts are used to generate the reference sections and to check the clearances. Examples of this powerful approach applied to engineering for accelerators are given

X-linked susceptibility to mycobacteria is caused by mutations in NEMO impairing CD40-dependent IL-12 production

Germline mutations in five autosomal genes involved in interleukin (IL)-12–dependent, interferon (IFN)-γ–mediated immunity cause Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial diseases (MSMD). The molecular basis of X-linked recessive (XR)–MSMD remains unknown. We report here mutations in the leucine zipper (LZ) domain of the NF-κB essential modulator (NEMO) gene in three unrelated kindreds with XR-MSMD. The mutant proteins were produced in normal amounts in blood and fibroblastic cells. However, the patients' monocytes presented an intrinsic defect in T cell–dependent IL-12 production, resulting in defective IFN-γ secretion by T cells. IL-12 production was also impaired as the result of a specific defect in NEMO- and NF-κB/c-Rel–mediated CD40 signaling after the stimulation of monocytes and dendritic cells by CD40L-expressing T cells and fibroblasts, respectively. However, the CD40-dependent up-regulation of costimulatory molecules of dendritic cells and the proliferation and immunoglobulin class switch of B cells were normal. Moreover, the patients' blood and fibroblastic cells responded to other NF-κB activators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, and lipopolysaccharide. These two mutations in the NEMO LZ domain provide the first genetic etiology of XR-MSMD. They also demonstrate the importance of the T cell– and CD40L-triggered, CD40-, and NEMO/NF-κB/c-Rel–mediated induction of IL-12 by monocyte-derived cells for protective immunity to mycobacteria in humans

Desmoplastic fibroma of the mandible - review of the literature and presentation of a rare case

Desmoplastic fibroma (DF) is a rare, benign but locally aggressive, intraosseous lesion with a high tendency of local recurrence. In this report the actual literature is reviewed regarding epidemiological data, pathology, clinical diagnostic criterias, therapy and prognosis. Moreover, a report of an interesting case is included localized in the mandibular corpus

Seasonal chemical compositions and antifungal activities of Tunisian Lupinus pilosus Murr. volatiles

The chemical composition and antifungal activities of the volatile fractions from leaves, roots and flowers of Lupinus pilosus Murr. harvested in winter and spring were studied. The yields of volatiles ranged from 0.01 to 0.04%. Those in spring were higher than in winter. The GC and GC-MS analysis permitted us to identify 83 compounds. The harvest season and the studied organ affected qualitatively and quantitatively the percentage of the different constituents. Spathulenol (1.0 to 8.7%), globulol (2.3 to 8.7%), α-bisabolol (7.0 to 8.8%) and nonanal (2.8 to 16.3%) were the major compounds of the studied volatile fractions. Non- terpene derivatives (14.3 to 72.5%) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (6.4 to 33.4%) were the most represented chemical classes. The antifungal properties depended on the studied organ and the harvest season. The fraction obtained from roots harvested in winter showed moderate antifungal activity against C. glabrata and C. krusei (ΦIZ= 10 mm