An introduction to robotics - mechanical aspects

Learning material (2006)

"Er war ein Verlorener". Géza von Cziffra erinnert sich an Joseph Roth

in Literaturkritik.de (2006)

Retarder la sclérose osseuse.

Article for general public (2006)

Proteomic analysis of ovine muscle hypertrophy

in Journal of Animal Science (2006), 84(12), 3266-3276

Two-dimensional electrophoresis was used to investigate the effects of a QTL for muscle hypertrophy on sarcoplasmic protein expression in ovine muscles. In the Belgian Texel breed, the QTL for muscle ... [more ▼]

Two-dimensional electrophoresis was used to investigate the effects of a QTL for muscle hypertrophy on sarcoplasmic protein expression in ovine muscles. In the Belgian Texel breed, the QTL for muscle hypertrophy is localized in the myostatin-encoding gene. Based on microsatellite markers flanking the myostatin gene, we compared the hypertrophied genotype with the normal genotype. The average age of the sheep was 3 mo. Among the 4 muscles studied, in the hypertrophied genotype only the vastus medialis was normal, whereas the semimembranosus, tensor fasciae latae, and LM were hypertrophied. In the hypertrophied genotype, these muscles showed upregulation of enzymes involved in glycolytic metabolism together with oxidative metabolism in LM. Certain chaperone proteins, including glutathione S-transferase-Pi, heat shock protein-27, and heat shock cognate-70, were also more highly expressed, probably due to increased use of energetic pathways. Expression of the iron transport protein transferrin was increased. Alpha-1-antitrypsin was the only protein showing a similar pattern of expression (i.e., less expressed) in all 4 muscles of the hypertrophied genotype. It is suggested that transferrin and alpha-1-antitrypsin may interact to reinforce myogenic proliferative signaling. [less ▲]

Des élections provinciales sans grand changement ?

Article for general public (2006)

Functional morphology of the sonic apparatus in Ophidion barbatum (Teleostei, Ophidiidae)

in Journal of Morphology (2006), 267(12), 1461-1468

Most soniferous fishes producing sounds with their swimbladder utilize relatively simple mechanisms: contraction and relaxation of a unique pair of sonic muscles cause rapid movements of the swimbladder ... [more ▼]

Most soniferous fishes producing sounds with their swimbladder utilize relatively simple mechanisms: contraction and relaxation of a unique pair of sonic muscles cause rapid movements of the swimbladder resulting in sound production. Here we describe the sonic mechanism for Ophidion barbatum, which includes three pairs of sonic muscles, highly transformed vertebral centra and ribs, a neural arch that pivots and a swimbladder whose anterior end is modified into a bony structure, the rocker bone. The ventral and intermediate muscles cause the rocker bone to swivel inward, compressing the swimbladder, and this action is antagonized by the dorsal muscle. Unlike other sonic systems in which the muscle contraction rate determines sound fundamental frequency, we hypothesize that slow contraction of these antagonistic muscles produces a series of cycles of swimbladder vibration. [less ▲]

Bulletin de la Société Voltaire n°12

E-print/Working paper (2006)

Lectotypification of the Famennian pre-ovule Condrusia rumex Stockmans, 1948

in Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology (2006), 142(3-4), 161-164

Condrusia rumex Stockmans 1948 occurs in several localities of the Belgian Evieux Formation (late Famennian, Upper Devonian). It consists of a hastate organ borne at the tip of "slender, dichotomizing ... [more ▼]

Condrusia rumex Stockmans 1948 occurs in several localities of the Belgian Evieux Formation (late Famennian, Upper Devonian). It consists of a hastate organ borne at the tip of "slender, dichotomizing" axes. Various interpretations have been given to this intriguing structure, ranging from a spore-bearing organ to a fern prothallus but recent investigations consider Condrusia to be an ovulate structures produced by early seed plants. The genus Condrusia includes 3 species: C rumex Stockmans, C. minor Stockmans and C. brevis Petrosjan. C rumex was described by Stockmans in 1948, who provided a diagnosis and illustrations, but failed to designate a holotype. We are currently reinvestigating the genus and we here designate and illustrate a lectotype for the genus and species C. rumex. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. [less ▲]

Application of MRI for improved local control in complex radiotherapy of cervical cancer

in Archive of Oncology (2006), 14(3-4), 95-100

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a modern medical imaging technique in radiotherapy with special emphasis on the integration of MRI and a ... [more ▼]

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a modern medical imaging technique in radiotherapy with special emphasis on the integration of MRI and a novel technique in brachytherapy to optimize treatment outcome in cervical cancer. Methods: In addition to the CT based shrinking volume conformal teletherapy in 31 patients with locally advanced cervical cancer, MRI examination with a special adjustable applicator at the treatment site was performed for the brachytherapy planning. To avoid excessive doses to the healthy structures during complex cervical radiotherapy isodose curves were calculated upon the information of the MR image and dose distribution was evaluated. Results: The consecutive application of CT and MRI limited the possibility for overdosage of the critical organs and undertreatment of the advanced tumor spread in all cases. The overall response rate for the complex treatment was 74.2% with complete regression in 25.8% of the cases. Based on the exact information of the three dimensional digital data radiation doses could be optimized without increasing the possibility of acute complications rate. Conclusion: The introduction of 3D treatment planning for teletherapy pelvic and boost irradiation of cervical carcinoma as well as for the brachytherapy part of the complex treatment is to be recommended. [less ▲]

L'école comme lieu privilégié de socialisation

in Education-Formation (2006)