Recent Trends in Social Economy Research

in Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics = Annales de l'Economie Publique, Sociale et Coopérative (2012), 83(3), 251-433

Recent trends in the modelling of catalytic trickle-bed reactors

in Alper, E. (Ed.) Mass transfer with chemical reaction in multiphase systems. Volume II : Three phase systems (1983)

Recent trends of inorganic chlorine and halogenated source gases above the Jungfraujoch and Kitt Peak stations derived from high-resolution FTIR solar observations

in Geophysical Research Abstracts (2010), 12(EGU2010-2420-3),

The longest series of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) high spectral resolution solar absorption observations are available from the Jungfraujoch and Kitt Peak stations, located at 46.5ºN and 30.9ºN ... [more ▼]

The longest series of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) high spectral resolution solar absorption observations are available from the Jungfraujoch and Kitt Peak stations, located at 46.5ºN and 30.9ºN, respectively. State-of-the-art interferometers are operated at these sites within the framework of the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC, visit http://www.ndacc.org). These instruments allow to record spectra on a regular basis, under clear-sky conditions, using a suite of optical filters which altogether cover the 2 to 16 micron spectral range. Numerous absorption features characterized in the HITRAN compilations (e.g. Rothman et al., 2008) are encompassed in this mid-infrared region. Their analyses with either the SFIT-1 or SFIT-2 algorithm allow retrieving total columns of the target gases. Moreover, information on their distribution with altitude can generally be derived when using SFIT-2 which implements the Optimal Estimation Method of Rodgers (1990). Among the two dozen gases of atmospheric interest accessible to the ground-based FTIR technique, we have selected here a suite of long-lived halogenated species: HCl, ClONO2, CCl2F2, CCl3F, CHClF2, CCl4 and SF6. Time series available from the two sites will be presented, compared and critically discussed. In particular, changes in the abundances of theses gases since the peak in inorganic chlorine (Cly, which occurred in 1996-1997) and their intra-annual variability will be characterized with a statistical tool using bootstrap resampling (Gardiner et al., 2008). Trends and their associated uncertainties will be reported and put into perspective with the phase-out regulations of the production of ozone depleting substances adopted and implemented by the Montreal Protocol, its Amendments and Adjustments. For instance, the trends affecting the reservoir species HCl, ClONO2, and their summation which is a good proxy of the total inorganic chlorine, have been calculated using all available daily mean measurements from January 1996 onwards. The following values were obtained for Jungfraujoch, when using 1996 as the reference year: -0.90±0.10%/yr for HCl, -0.92±0.26 %/yr for ClONO2, and -0.96±0.14 %/yr for Cly; in all cases, the uncertainties define the 95% confidence interval around the trend values. For Kitt Peak, the corresponding trends are: -0.55±0.34 %/yr for HCl, -1.27±0.84 %/yr for ClONO2 and -0.61±0.51 %/yr for Cly, they are statistically consistent with the Jungfraujoch rates of decrease. Further trend data will be presented at the EGU General Assembly while supplementary information on Jungfraujoch results will be available from communications at the same meeting by Duchatelet et al. (2010), Lejeune et al (2010) and Rinsland et al (2010). Comparisons with model data are also foreseen. [less ▲]

Recently advanced computerized technology was applied to the investigation of morphometric, immunohistological and three-dimensional changes of the endometrial mucosa in order to evaluate quantitatively the effects of three doses of a new slow-release vaginal progesterone on the endometrium in post-menopausal women. A total of 20 menopausal women, deprived of ovarian function, were given oestrogen for 12 days and a combined therapy of oestrogen (administered orally) and progesterone for another 12 day period. Progesterone was administered vaginally through a new gel (Crinone) utilizing a bioadhesive, biocompatible polymer as a base to achieve a sustained release effect. An endometrial biopsy was taken before treatment, after oestrogen-only treatment and after the oestro-progestogen therapy. Before treatment, all the patients exhibited an atrophic endometrium. After oestrogen-only treatment, typical proliferative changes occurred: an increase in the endometrium thickness, an increase in the mitotic index, numerous cylinder-like glands and no coiled glands, and high concentrations of oestrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR). After the oestro-progestogen therapy, whatever the dose of progesterone given, a secretory transformation of the endometrial mucosa occurred, mitotic activity decreased significantly, more ramified and coiled glands were observed, and a decrease in PR content was noted in epithelial and stromal nuclei, and a decrease in PR content was also observed in epithelial nuclei but not in stromal nuclei. Accurate new techniques of image analysis have shown that crinone therapy could eliminate the proliferative effects of oestrogen treatment in post-menopausal women, despite doses as low as 45 mg of progesterone administered vaginally every other day. The results suggest that the sustained release effects of Crinone are clinically relevant.

in Human Reproduction (1996), 11(1), 224-8

A computerized morphometrical investigation was performed on endometriotic tissue from the peritoneum (n = 225) and rectovaginal nodules (n = 65) to compare histologically and stereologically the ... [more ▼]

A computerized morphometrical investigation was performed on endometriotic tissue from the peritoneum (n = 225) and rectovaginal nodules (n = 65) to compare histologically and stereologically the rectovaginal septum endometriotic nodule to peritoneal endometriosis. Mitotic activity, stromal vascularization and the epithelium/stroma ratio were found to be significantly different in peritoneal and rectovaginal endometriosis. The evaluation revealed a major role of glandular epithelium in rectovaginal nodules where the stroma sometimes appeared absent around glandular epithelium. The study demonstrated opposite effects of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) and lynestrenol on the two lesions. Indeed, in peritoneal endometriosis, after GnRHa therapy, our study demonstrated a lower rate of mitosis and poor stromal vascularization. The same drug was unable to induce the same effects in the nodule although, in contrast, lynestrenol has a strong effect on nodule vascularization. In conclusion, it is suggested that the rectovaginal adenomyotic nodule is a specific disease, different from peritoneal endometriosis. It is not the consequence of 'deep infiltrating' endometriosis but can probably develop from Mullerian rests present in the rectovaginal septum. [less ▲]

Récents développements de X-FEM appliqués à la mécanique de la rupture

Scientific conference (2007, June)

Le recepteur beta 3-adrenergique: un role dans la predisposition genetique a l'obesite et au diabete?

in Revue Médicale de Liège (1997), 52(11), 703-8

Recepteurs PPAR-gamma, nouvelle cible therapeutique dans les pathologies metaboliques et cardio-vasculaires.

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2005), 60(2), 89-95

PPARs ("Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors") belong to a superfamily of nuclear receptors with several isoforms, among which PPAR-alpha mainly located in the liver and PPAR-gamma mainly located ... [more ▼]

PPARs ("Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors") belong to a superfamily of nuclear receptors with several isoforms, among which PPAR-alpha mainly located in the liver and PPAR-gamma mainly located in the adipose tissue. These receptors are considered as major pharmacological targets since the discovery of their activation by specific agonists, which lead to various favourable metabolic effects. Improvement of lipid profile by fibrates is explained by the activation of liver PPAR-alpha receptors. However, PPAR-gamma receptors have focused most fundamental and clinical research in recent years after the demonstration of their activation by thiazolidinediones (pioglitazone, rosiglitazone), a new class of antidiabetic agents. Beyond their effects on insulin sensitivity, glitazones exert pleiotropic effects that may result in cardiovascular protection in high risk patients. It has been recently demonstrated that certain angiotensin AT1 receptor blockers (sartans) can also exert a partial agonist activity on PPAR-gamma. Among the molecules of this class, telmisartan appears to exert this effect at the lower concentrations. Thus, PPAR-y, as common pharmacological target, may, at least partially, explain some of the effects observed with both thiazolidinediones and inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system, in particular the improvement in insulin sensitivity (in particular via an increase in adiponectin levels), the protection against type 2 diabetes, the reduction in arterial blood pressure and the prevention of cardiovascular complications. There is currently a major interest from the pharmaceutical industry in the development of new molecules able to activate both PPAR-alpha and PPAR-gamma. [less ▲]

Réception d’un manuel scolaire d’histoire innovant : le cas de « Construire l’Histoire ». Étude de la motivation des enseignants d’histoire en Belgique francophone et au Grand-Duché de Luxembourg

in Education et Formation (2010), e-292

La réception de caution

in MOREAU, Pierre (Ed.) La jurisprudence du Code judiciaire commentée – Procédures particulières et droit judiciaire de la famille (2012)

La réception de l’art japonais en Belgique

in Art&Fact (2001)