[en] Basic cocaine paste is an unrefined derivative of the coca leaf in which a high content of toxic elements is associated with the alkaloid. Owing to its low cost and the fact that it is easy to obtain, basic cocaine paste is the most commonly used drug in Peru, in particular among young people and the poorer social classes. The aim was to attempt to detect and substantiate possible toxic effects of basic cocaine paste on the brain by evaluating alterations in regional cerebral blood flow in chronic consumers of this drug. To this end, two groups of ten patients were selected. The first group (A) comprised people who did not take the drug and the second group (B) comprised chronic consumers of basic cocaine paste. Regional cerebral blood flow studies employing ⁹⁹Tc^m-ECD (ethyl cysteinate dimer) were performed on both groups using a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) type gamma camera. A qualitative and quantitative analysis of the data was carried out to evaluate the asymmetries and the distribution of the tracer in the brain. The results show a clear alteration in cerebral perfusion in the majority (80%) of consumers of basic cocaine paste, indicating that these patients should be monitored in order to evaluate whether the alterations in regional cerebral blood flow revert to normal when consumption of the drug ceases. (author). 11 refs

[en] We describe the e-Science strategy in Venezuela, in particular initiatives by the Centro Nacional de Calculo Cientifico Universidad de Los Andes (CECALCULA), Merida, the Universidad de Los Andes (ULA), Merida, and the Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Cientificas (IVIC), Caracas. We present the plans for the Venezuelan Academic Grid and the current status of Grid ULA supported by Internet2. We show different web-based scientific applications that are being developed in quantum chemistry, atomic physics, structural damage analysis, biomedicine and bio climate within the framework of the E-Infrastructure shared between Europe and Latin America (EELA). (Author)

[en] The treatment of hot cells in the scope of nuclear dismantlement requires a detailed knowledge of their activity. The gamma scanning analysis method is both efficient and easy to implement when it comes to increasing the confidence regarding spatial distribution of contamination. These data then serve as an input for simulated particle transport, eventually providing a better assessment of global activity and its local spatial distribution. This refined assessment is crucial for nuclear safety concerns in the scope of voluminous waste-cutting operations. This method only requires a germanium detector, a wheeled table and basic computing resources. Furthermore, only a few weeks are required for data acquisition and processing with the right simulation tools. As an example, we describe here the application of this method to the CEA hot cell CARMEN. This procedure made it possible to reduce the uncertainty by a factor near of 2, and to identify hot spots. (authors)

[en] Within the context of the nascent e-Science infrastructure in Venezuela, we describe several webbased scientific applications developed at the Centro Nacional de Calculo Cientifico Universidad de Los Andes (CECALCULA), Merida, and at the Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Cienificas (IVIC), Caracas. The different strategies that have been followed for implementing quantum chemistry and atomic physics applications are presented. We also briefly discuss a damage portal based on dynamic, nonlinear, finite elements of lumped damage mechanics and a biomedical portal developed within the framework of the E-Infrastructure shared between Europe and Latin America (EELA) initiative for searching common sequences and inferring their functions in parasitic diseases such as leishmaniasis, chagas and malaria. (Author)

[en] This paper presents the main results of the project Oramed (Optimization of Radiation Protection of medical staff) . One of the working groups (WP4) was devoted to the study and improvement of the doses received in the hand for the implementation of operating procedures in nuclear medicine departments. The objectives of the working group responded to the need to expand the knowledge and improvements in this field, since in previous work had identified practices that could potentially high doses exceed the dose limits.

[en] A 6 MeV industrial electron linac with 0.2 mA average current will be installed in December 2007 in CEA-Saclay. Equipped with a tungsten target and moderator, it is aimed at producing rates of order 10⁸ s^-1 slow positrons. This setup is part of a project to demonstrate the feasibility of an experiment to produce the H-bar⁺ ion for a free fall measurement of H-bar. The energy is below the neutron activation threshold. Its small size and cost could be of interest for a university laboratory or industry, and could be envisaged as a replacement source for the antihydrogen experiments at CERN

[en] We have installed in Saclay a facility for an intense positron source in November 2008. It is based on a compact 5.5 MeV electron linac and a reaction chamber with a tungsten target to produce positrons via pair production. The expected production rate for fast positrons is 4·10¹¹ per second. The study of moderation of fast positrons and the construction of a slow positron trap are underway. We have also developed an efficient positron-positronium convertor at CERN. These studies are parts of a project to demonstrate the feasibility of an experiment to produce the positively charged antihydrogen ion for a free fall measurement of neutral antihydrogen.

[en] Five years operation of a compact cyclotron installed at PET-CT facility in Caracas, Venezuela is given. Production rate of ¹⁸F labeled FDG, operation and radiation monitoring experience are included. We conclude that ¹⁸FDG CT-PET is the most effective technique for patient diagnosis

[en] We have installed in Saclay a facility for an intense positron source in November 2008. It is based on a compact 5.5 MeV electron linac connected to a reaction chamber with a tungsten target inside to produce positrons via pair production. The expected production rate for fast positrons is 5·10¹¹ per second. The study of moderation of fast positrons and the construction of a slow positron trap are underway. In parallel, we have investigated an efficient positron-positronium convertor using porous silica materials. These studies are parts of a project to produce positively charged antihydrogen ions aiming to demonstrate the feasibility of a free fall antigravity measurement of neutral antihydrogen.

[en] We are building the SOPHI experiment in Saclay, which is a device based on a small 5 MeV electron linac to produce positrons via pair production on a tungsten target. This device should provide 10⁸ slow e⁺/s, i.e. a factor 300 greater than the strongest activity Na₂₂ based setup. The SOPHI system has been finalized at the end of 2006 and the main components have been studied and built during 2007. The experiment is currently being assembled and first results are expected for autumn 2008. The electron linac, positron beam production and transport system will be presented, and expected positron production rate reported.