Real-time synchronization feedbacks for single-atom frequency standards: V- and Lambda-structure systems

in Proceedings of the 49th IEEE Conference on Decision and Control (2010, December)

This paper proposes simple feedback loops, inspired from extremum-seeking, that use the photon emission times of a single quantum system following quantum Monte-Carlo trajectories in order to lock in real ... [more ▼]

This paper proposes simple feedback loops, inspired from extremum-seeking, that use the photon emission times of a single quantum system following quantum Monte-Carlo trajectories in order to lock in real time a probe frequency to the system’s transition frequency. Two specific settings are addressed: a 3-level system coupling one ground to two excited states (one highly unstable and one metastable) and a 3-level system coupling one excited to two ground states (both metastable). Analytical proofs and simulations show the accurate and robust convergence of probe frequency to system-transition frequency in the two cases. [less ▲]

Diagnosis and Screening for Cytomegalovirus Infection in Pregnant Women in Cuba as Pronostic Markers of Congenital Infection in Newborns: 2007-2008

in The Pediatrics Infectious Disease Journal (2010), 29(12), 1105-1110

Background: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has established itself as the most significant cause of congenital infection in the developed world. The objective of this research was prenatal identification of ... [more ▼]

Background: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has established itself as the most significant cause of congenital infection in the developed world. The objective of this research was prenatal identification of pregnant women at risk for developing active infection due to HCMV as well as to diagnose congenitally infected newborns. Methods: A diagnostic algorithm based on specific immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, and, IgG avidity was used to screen serum from 1131 pregnant women enrolled prospectively from 3 municipalities from Havana City, Cuba during 2007–2008. Qualitative multiplex nested PCR and quantitative real time-based PCR testing for HCMV DNA were performed on urine and saliva specimens from women detected with active infection and from their newborns. Results: Most women were seropositive to HCMV (92.7%), with 2.38% (27 women) having active infection. Primary infection was detected in 20 pregnant women (1.77%) while 7 patients (0.62%) had active nonprimary infection. HCMV DNA was detected in specimens from 9 of the 27 pregnant women by both PCR methods. HCMV congenital infection was diagnosed in 12 (1.06%) of the 26 live children born from 25 mothers with active infection, for a vertical transmission rate of 46.2%. Two fetal deaths were reported from 2 women with active infection; furthermore 2 newborns were symptomatic at birth and 2 showed sequelae during the follow-up done until 6 months age. Conclusions: Mothers with active infection during the pregnancy and with HCMV excretion had significant risks, RR = 1.16 and RR = 1.35, respectively, to have congenitally infected children. [less ▲]

Youths groups’ networks in illegal economy

Scientific conference (2010, December)

L2MA-2 Langage oral, langage écrit, mémoire, attention

Book published by ECPA (2010)

Batterie d'évaluation du langage oral et écrit destinée aux enfants de CE1 (2ème primaire) à la 6ème.

FINE-SCALE HABITAT SELECTION BY TWO SPECIALIST WOODPECKERS OCCURRING IN BEECH AND OAK-DOMINATED FORESTS IN SOUTHERN BELGIUM

in Ardeola (2010), 57(2), 339-362

We studied the identification of key habitat parameters for two specialist woodpecker species (middle spotted woodpecker Dendrocopos medius and lesser spotted woodpecker D. minor) associated with mature ... [more ▼]

We studied the identification of key habitat parameters for two specialist woodpecker species (middle spotted woodpecker Dendrocopos medius and lesser spotted woodpecker D. minor) associated with mature broadleaved forests ecosystems in Europe, and the modelling of their specific requirements with a view to assist forest managers. The study was conducted in four beech and oak-dominated forests (Haut-Fays, Halma, Gembes and Croix-Scaille) located in the Ardennes Region of Southern Belgium. The study sites covered a total area of ca. 20 km². A census of woodpecker occurrence (presenceabsence) was implemented from 2000 to 2003 within 255 1-ha plots. Habitat variables describing stand age, tree density, snag density, stand composition and vertical vegetation structure were also sampled at the same plots to develop both logistic and autologistic regression models describing habitat use.Middle spotted woodpecker (MSW) uses the oak-rich locations (mean basal area of 15.6 m²/ha), with selection of areas with the largest, oldest oak trees (mean circumference > 150 cm), and with a high diversity of tree species in the overstory. Similarly, the lesser spotted woodpecker (LSW) was detected in areas presenting the highest percentage cover of oak trees but with a selection of younger stands, with a high density of snags and dead wood (mean of 9 m³/ha). The integration of an autocorrelation term improved model performance for the LSW but not for MSW. Our results highlight the importance of a high disponibility of oak trees for these two sympatric species. The climax forest in northwest Europe is beech so that public and private owners must develop appropriate forest management plans to prevent the conversion of oak to beech forests. In particular, forest managers can promote an active oakregeneration management to obtain a balanced representation of age classes. They must also aim to maintain/increase the volume of dead wood resources by reserving all trees produced by storms or any other cause of natural mortality. [less ▲]

Programmes et actions publiques pour stimuler l’innovation régionale dans la compétitivité mondiale

in Canadian Public Administration / Administration publique du Canada (2010), 53

Abstract: Theobjectiveofthisarticleistoanalysepublicinitiativestostimulateregional innovation in Walloon region in Belgium and in the Province of Quebec. The empirical analysis relies on the competitive ... [more ▼]

Abstract: Theobjectiveofthisarticleistoanalysepublicinitiativestostimulateregional innovation in Walloon region in Belgium and in the Province of Quebec. The empirical analysis relies on the competitive poles program in Walloon and on the ACCORD project (Action Concerte ́e de Coope ́ration Re ́gionale de De ́veloppement) in Quebec. The comparison will allow discussing the implementation and regional embedding of these programs and will reveal the similarities and the differences between the structure, the organization and the deployment of these strategies in the various regions targeted. [less ▲]

Developing and optimizing analytical chromatographic method in a Quality by Design environment. Bayesian multi-criteria risk-based Design Space to guarantee future quality.

Poster (2010, December)

Conservation of endemic plants from the Katanga copper belt (DR Congo)

Poster (2010, December)

The Katanga copper belt, where natural outcrops of copper-rich rocks are colonised by highly original plant communities, has been recognised as a hotspot for metallophyte species. The flora comprises more ... [more ▼]

The Katanga copper belt, where natural outcrops of copper-rich rocks are colonised by highly original plant communities, has been recognised as a hotspot for metallophyte species. The flora comprises more than 600 species from which 30 are endemics. These plants represent a valuable phytogenetic resource for revegetation and restoration programs, for the phytostabilisation and for the remediation of heavy metal pollutions. However, the flora of metalliferous soils is threatened by mining activities in Katanga. Actions aiming at preserving these species are therefore urgent. Since 2007, a unique conservation project has been launched by scientists supported by a mining company. The aim is to elaborate a program that allows biodiversity conservation while being compatible with mining activities. The project combines in-situ and ex-situ conservation strategies involving ecosystem reconstruction, species translocations, protected areas designation and the development of seed banks in Belgium and in Katanga. [less ▲]

Rapport final : Problématique des terres contaminées par les plantes invasives en Région wallonne et suivi des tests de gestion pour Spiraea spp., Cotoneaster horizontalis et Acer rufinerve

Report (2010)

Atrophie de la main sur syndrome de défilé cervicothoracique neurogène. A propos de 7 cas opérés.

Poster (2010, December)