Late Ordovician-earliest Silurian palynomorphs from northern Chad and correlation with contemporaneous deposits of southeastern Libya

in Bulletin of Geosciences (in press)

A Balance Equation Determines a Switch in Neuronal Excitability

in PLoS Computational Biology (in press)

We use the qualitative insight of a planar neuronal phase portrait to detect an excitability switch in arbitrary conductance-based models from a simple mathematical condition. The condition expresses a ... [more ▼]

We use the qualitative insight of a planar neuronal phase portrait to detect an excitability switch in arbitrary conductance-based models from a simple mathematical condition. The condition expresses a balance between ion channels that provide a negative feedback at resting potential (restorative channels) and those that provide a positive feedback at resting potential (regenerative channels). Geometrically, the condition imposes a transcritical bifurcation that rules the switch of excitability through the variation of a single physiological parameter. Our analysis of six di erent published conductance based models always nds the transcritical bifurcation and the associated switch in excitability, which suggests that the mathematical predictions have a physiological rel- evance and that a same regulatory mechanism is potentially involved in the excitability and signaling of many neurons. [less ▲]

Les modifications du fonctionnement exécutif dans le vieillissement normal

in Psychologie Française (in press)

Il est maintenu bien reconnu que le vieillissement cognitif est associé à une diminution des capacités exécutives. Toutefois, si des déficits sont effectivement observés au sein des différentes fonctions ... [more ▼]

Il est maintenu bien reconnu que le vieillissement cognitif est associé à une diminution des capacités exécutives. Toutefois, si des déficits sont effectivement observés au sein des différentes fonctions, des dissociations entre performances préservées/altérées ont également été observées au sein de chacune. Dans cette revue de question, nous détaillerons les effets du vieillissement dans les fonctions de mise à jour, flexibilité, inhibition et coordination de tâches doubles, ainsi que les modifications au sein des réseaux cérébraux associés à ces processus. Nous discuterons également l'influence des capacités attentionnelles, des ressources en mémoire de travail et de certaines caractéristiques génétiques sur ces modifications. [less ▲]

Third generation stellar models for asteroseismology of hot B subdwarf stars. A test of accuracy with the pulsating eclipsing binary PG 1336–018

in Astronomy and Astrophysics (in press)

Context. Asteroseismic determinations of structural parameters of hot B subdwarfs (sdB) have been carried out for more than a decade now. These analyses rely on stellar models whose reliability for the ... [more ▼]

Context. Asteroseismic determinations of structural parameters of hot B subdwarfs (sdB) have been carried out for more than a decade now. These analyses rely on stellar models whose reliability for the required task needs to be evaluated critically. Aims. We present new models of the so-called third generation (3G) dedicated to the asteroseismology of sdB stars, in particular to long-period pulsators observed from space. These parameterized models are complete static structures suitable for analyzing both p- and g-mode pulsators, contrary to the former second generation (2G) models that were limited to p-modes. While the reliability of the 2G models has been successfully verified in the past, this important test still has to be conducted on the 3G structures. Methods. The close eclipsing binary PG 1336−018 provides a unique opportunity to test the reliability of hot B subdwarf models. We compare the structural parameters of the sdB component in PG 1336−018 obtained from asteroseismology based on the 3G models, with those derived independently from the modeling of the reflection/irradiation effect and the eclipses observed in the light curve. Results. The stellar parameters inferred from asteroseismology using the 3G models are found to be remarkably consistent with both the preferred orbital solution obtained from the binary light curve modeling and the updated spectroscopic estimates for the surface gravity of the star. The seismology gives M∗ = 0.471 ± 0.006 M⊙ , R∗ = 0.1474 ± 0.0009 R⊙ , and log g = 5.775 ± 0.007, while orbitology leads to M∗ = 0.466 ± 0.006 M⊙ , R∗ = 0.15 ± 0.01 R⊙ , log g = 5.77 ± 0.06, and spectroscopy yields log g = 5.771 ± 0.015. In comparison seismology from a former analysis based on the 2G models gave very similar results with M∗ = 0.459 ± 0.005 M⊙ , R∗ = 0.151±0.001 R⊙, and log g = 5.739±0.002. We also show that the uncertainties on the input physics included in stellar models have no noticeable impact, at the current level of accuracy, on the structural parameters derived by asteroseismology. Conclusions. The stellar models (both of second and third generation) presently used to carry out quantitative seismic analyses of sdB stars are reliable for the task. The stellar parameters inferred by this technique, at least for those that could be tested (M∗, R, and log g), appear to be both very precise and accurate, as no significant systematic effect has been found. [less ▲]

PERK IS REQUIRED AT THE ER-TO-MITOCHONDRIA CONTACT SITES TO CONVEY APOPTOSIS FOLLOWING ROS-MEDIATED ER STRESS

in Cell Death & Differentiation (in press)

Spatial Planning as a driver of change in mobility and residential energy consumption

in Energy & Buildings (in press)

This paper analyses the impact of territorial structures upon energy consumption in the Walloon Region (Belgium). The rationale for this research is to consider the long-term influence of spatial planning ... [more ▼]

This paper analyses the impact of territorial structures upon energy consumption in the Walloon Region (Belgium). The rationale for this research is to consider the long-term influence of spatial planning decisions upon energy consumption in both residential building stock and home-to-work commuting. The analysis has been conducted on a regional scale (16,844 km2) and includes urban, peri-urban and rural settlements. Those settlements that perform well in mobility also appear to perform well in terms of building energy consumption. Even though this is not generally the case, it further reveals that some rural settlements characterized by low density show good performance in terms of energy efficiency. This permits a much more progressive approach in terms of spatial planning, whereby compact cities may be viewed as part of the solution, albeit not the whole solution. [less ▲]

Plasma concentrations of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins measured using anti-bovine PAG-2 antibodies on Day 120 of gestation predict abortion in dairy cows naturally infected with Neospora caninum.

in Reproduction in Domestic Animals (in press)

The present study sought to determine: (i) the effects of Neospora caninum infection and twin pregnancy on plasma pregnancy-associated glycoprotein-2 (PAG-2) concentrations throughout pregnancy and (ii ... [more ▼]

The present study sought to determine: (i) the effects of Neospora caninum infection and twin pregnancy on plasma pregnancy-associated glycoprotein-2 (PAG-2) concentrations throughout pregnancy and (ii) whether plasma PAG-2 concentrations could predict abortion in N. caninum-infected cows. The study was performed on a commercial Holstein-Friesian dairy herd in northeastern Spain and the final data included those recorded in 53 non-aborting and 19 aborting animals. Blood samples were collected immediately before pregnancy diagnosis (on Days 40, 90, 120, 150, 180 and 210 post-insemination) in non-aborting cows or until the time of abortion detection in aborting cows. General lineal models (GLM) repeated measures ANOVA revealed the different behavior of PAG-1 and PAG-2, and significant effects of Neospora seropositivity, cool season and twin pregnancy on plasma PAG-2 concentrations throughout gestation (between-subject effects). In addition, based on the odds ratios, the likelihood of abortion increased in Neospora-seropositive cows (by a factor of 7.0) compared to seronegative animals and decreased in cows with a high plasma PAG-2 concentration (>4.5 ng/ml) on Day 120 of pregnancy (by a factor of 0.24), compared to the remaining cows. In conclusion, there is a relationship between plasma PAG-2 concentrations and the risk of abortion in Neosporainfected dairy cows. Thus, plasma PAG concentrations measured using anti-boPAG-2 antiserum on Day 120 of gestation could serve as an indicator of the abortion risk in N. caninum infected animals; values <4.5 ng/ml indicating a high risk of abortion in chronically infected animals. [less ▲]

Variability of new bone mineral metabolism markers in patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis: implications for clinical decision making

in American Journal of Kidney Diseases (in press)

An open-air site from the recent Middle Palaeolithic in the Paris Basin (France): Les Bossats at Ormesson (Seine-et-Marne).

in Quaternary International (in press)

In northern France, most of the sites attributed to the Middle Palaeolithic are open-air sites in which mainly lithic artefacts are found, due to taphonomic conditions often unfavourable to the ... [more ▼]

In northern France, most of the sites attributed to the Middle Palaeolithic are open-air sites in which mainly lithic artefacts are found, due to taphonomic conditions often unfavourable to the preservation of fauna. The lithic assemblages found in most of those open-air sites suggest that the activities on the camp sites were diversified, although flint knapping was often intense due to the proximity of sources of raw siliceous materials. With the exception of very rare open-air sites, fauna is poorly preserved and spatial and economic analyses may often be based on the spatial distribution of lithic artefacts, in particular based on refits and their analysis. Therefore the palaeoethnological approach is difficult to implement in most open-air areas. In contrast, in the Paris Basin, the study of more recent sites from the Tardiglacial, such as the Magdalenian sites of Pincevent or Etiolles, falls within this approach. The recent discovery (2009) and excavation of the open-air site of Ormesson (Seine-et-Marne - France) was initially intended to document a Gravettian occupation floor dated around 26,000 years uncal BP and related to a preferential bison hunt. Whilst checking the thickness of the loess in which the Gravettian level was found, several other prehistoric settlements were discovered (Chatelperronian, Middle Solutrean) including two units attributed to the Middle Palaeolithic. One of them, level 4, seems to be particularly well-preserved. It occurs between one and three meters below the main Upper Palaeolithic occupation. The lithic industry from level 4 belongs to a technical tradition generally attributed to the Middle Palaeolithic: discoid technology. The freshness of the material and the presence of bone fragments attributed in part to horse support a general good state of preservation of this occupation. The Mousterian remains seem to cover at least 500 m2, as currently estimated. Even more exceptional is the close spatial relationship between the discoid industry, the bone pieces, remains of fireplaces and especially the numerous fragments and nodules of red colouring materials. These were brought to the site where they were utilised by the Mousterians. The used surfaces show indisputable scraping traces and facets. These recent discoveries will certainly contribute to the debate on the cognitive capacities of nearly the last representatives of the Middle Palaeolithic and this within a complex stratigraphy which will allow us to make comparisons between the different periods. [less ▲]

Introduction

in Climatic Change (in press)

Experimental Testing of an Oil-Flooded Hermetic Scroll Compressor

in International Journal of Refrigeration (in press)

In this work, a residential air conditioning compressor designed for vapor injection has been modified in order to inject large quantities of oil into the working chamber in order to approach an ... [more ▼]

In this work, a residential air conditioning compressor designed for vapor injection has been modified in order to inject large quantities of oil into the working chamber in order to approach an isothermal compression process. The compressor was tested with oil injection mass flow fractions of up to 45%. At an evaporating temperature of -10C and condensing temperature of 30C, the overall isentropic efficiency was up to 70% at the highest oil injection rate. Overall, over the testing envelope investigated, there are no significantly negative effects experienced for the compressor and the compressor isentropic efficiency and refrigerant mass flow rate improve monotonically as the oil injection rate is increased. [less ▲]

Le rôle de l'immobilier d'entreprise dans la compétitivité des territoires : le cas de la Wallonie

in Urbia. les Cahiers du développement urbain durable (in press)

La recherche doctorale en relation avec cet article vise à préciser les liens entre la compétitivité territoriale, l’immobilier d’entreprise et le sujet des parcs d’activités économiques. Le terrain ... [more ▼]

La recherche doctorale en relation avec cet article vise à préciser les liens entre la compétitivité territoriale, l’immobilier d’entreprise et le sujet des parcs d’activités économiques. Le terrain empirique investigué est celui de la Wallonie, une région où la disponibilité en terrains à vocation économique est considérée comme un levier essentiel du redéploiement économique. L’objectif de cet article est de rendre compte des grands questionnements ayant conduit à structurer notre projet de thèse. Afin de répondre à cet objectif, nous avons organisé l’article en trois chapitres. Le premier vise à présenter le contexte investigué. Nous y dressons un bref état des lieux quant à la problématique des parcs d’activités en Wallonie. Au deuxième chapitre, nous synthétisons notre état de l’art, en précisant comment la compétitivité territoriale s’articule au domaine de l’immobilier d’entreprise. Enfin, en troisième partie, nous présentons les principales étapes de notre projet doctoral, dont l’objectif opérationnel est d’aider les autorités wallonnes à mieux préciser leur stratégie en matière de terrains à vocation économique. [less ▲]

Climate-controlled palynofacies and miospore biostratigraphy of the Early Devonian Jauf Formation, northern Saudi Arabia

in GeoArabia (in press)

The Jauf Formation miospore succession is synthesized in terms of paleoenvironments and sequence stratigraphy. The data set for this study is obtained from four overlapping, continuously cored, and ... [more ▼]

The Jauf Formation miospore succession is synthesized in terms of paleoenvironments and sequence stratigraphy. The data set for this study is obtained from four overlapping, continuously cored, and extensively sampled, boreholes that for a 940 ft composite section. The Jauf Formation ranges in age from late Pragian to latest Emsian. The palynological assemblages, recognized herein, provide the basis for recognizing depositional environments present in the Early Devonian of northern Saudi Arabia. Transgressive – regressive cycles are indicated, not only by lithology but by marked changes in the marine to terrestrially dominated palynological assemblages. Flooding events are recognized by the replacement of spore dominated assemblages by organic-walled microphytoplankton. The maximum flooding interval for the Jauf is reinterpreted based on a correlative event consisting of diverse acritarchs and abundant chitinozoans. [Add details on the paly and sequence stratigraphy here. No.cycles and order.] The new northern Gondwanan biozonation developed by Breuer and Steemans (2012) and used here allows a high-resolution regional biozonation for the Arabian Plate and more intercontinental [?] correlation of the Jauf Formation with other Gondwanan and Euramerican localities. One new spore genus (Zonohilates) and four spore species (Insculptospora maxima, Camarozonotriletes alruwailii, Devonomonoletes crassus and Zonohilates vulneratus) are newly proposed. [less ▲]

Payment of a financial obligation from Tebtynis

in Bulletin of the American Society of Papyrologists (in press)

Edition, translation and commentary of P. Tebt. 2. 523 descr., a second century Greek documentary papyrus.

"Gebilde, so nichtig wie Träume von Kranken". E.T.A. Hoffmanns Nachtstück "Ignaz Denner" als poetologische Erzählung

in E.T.A. Hoffmann-Jahrbuch (in press), 21

Levallois et Gravettien

in Praehistoria (in press)

Par opposition à ceux de l’Aurignacien, les ensembles lithiques gravettiens procèdent selon une méthode rappelant le Levallois quant à la préparation des supports. Mais les variations observables au sein ... [more ▼]

Par opposition à ceux de l’Aurignacien, les ensembles lithiques gravettiens procèdent selon une méthode rappelant le Levallois quant à la préparation des supports. Mais les variations observables au sein du Gravettien touchent autant les processus de symbolisation dans l’art et les sépultures. Elles affectent différents substrats eurasiatiques, plutôt septentrionaux, comme mis en réserve dès les Néandertaliens. [less ▲]

Turbulent flows in straight compound open-channel with a transverse embankment on the floodplain

in Journal of Hydraulic Research (in press)

Zones d'activité économique en Wallonie : quelles retombées fiscales pour les communes ?

in Revue de Fiscalité Régionale et Locale (in press), 2

Les zones d'activité économique constituent, en Wallonie, un des leviers majeurs à disposition du Gouvernement pour favoriser le développement économique. Leur implantation suscite toutefois de nombreux ... [more ▼]

Les zones d'activité économique constituent, en Wallonie, un des leviers majeurs à disposition du Gouvernement pour favoriser le développement économique. Leur implantation suscite toutefois de nombreux débats au sein des élus locaux. Ces débats sont notamment alimentés par la perception que ces zones génèrent des recettes fiscales très limitées pour les communes. Cette contribution propose une analyse et une mesure des facteurs qui influencent ces recettes et, par conséquent, les choix locaux en matière d'affectation de l'espace. [less ▲]

The need for an individualized, everyday life and integrative approach to cognitive remediation in schizophrenia

in Journal of Psychotherapy Integration (in press)

Determination of chloramphenicol in honey, 1 shrimp and poultry meat with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Validation of the method according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC

in Food Analytical Methods (in press)

Chloramphenicol (CAP) is an antibiotic used for the treatment of bacterial infections in human and veterinary medicine. The use of CAP was prohibited in the European Union in 1994. Control laboratories ... [more ▼]

Chloramphenicol (CAP) is an antibiotic used for the treatment of bacterial infections in human and veterinary medicine. The use of CAP was prohibited in the European Union in 1994. Control laboratories are required to use suitably validated analytical methods to check sample compliance with the regulation. A quantitative method based on liquid chromatography coupled to isotopic dilution tandem mass spectrometry (LC–IDMS/MS) was developed for the determination of chloramphenicol in honey, shrimp and poultry meat. The experimental protocol consisted of a liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate. Separation and detection were realized respectively by a 2690 Waters HPLC (Milford, MA, USA) and a Micromass Triple Quadrupole mass spectrometer (Micromass, Manchester, UK), equipped with an Electrospray source. The effects of mobile phase additives on the response of LC/ESI/MS were examined. Two different HPLC columns were tested: the X-Terra from Waters and the Alltima HP C18 HL from Alltech (Deerfield, IL, USA). A validation of the method was conducted according to the EU criteria for the analysis of chloramphenicol in foods. The decision limits (CCα) were 0.04, 0.03, 0.07 µg kg-1 and the detection capabilities (CCβ) were 0.05, 0.04, 0.08 µg kg-1 for honey, shrimp and poultry meat respectively. Those values are below the minimum required performance limit (MRPL) set at 0.3 µg kg-1 by the EU and 0.1 µg kg-1 by Belgium. Our protocol has the advantage to propose a unique extraction method working as well for honey, shrimp and poultry meat, contrary to similar published methods in which a different extraction method is used for each type of matrix. [less ▲]

Effects of perceived employee emotional competence on customer satisfaction and loyalty: The mediating role of rapport

in Journal of Service Management (in press)

Purpose – During service encounters, emotionally competent employees are likely to succeed in building rapport with their customers, which in turn leads to customer satisfaction and loyalty. However, the ... [more ▼]

Purpose – During service encounters, emotionally competent employees are likely to succeed in building rapport with their customers, which in turn leads to customer satisfaction and loyalty. However, the relationship between emotional competence and rapport has not been empirically examined. In the present study, we investigate effects of customer perceived employee emotional competence (EEC) on satisfaction and loyalty. We also examine how and to what extent rapport mediates these effects. Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on the theory of affect-as-information, suggesting that emotions inform human behavior, we develop a structural model and test it on a sample of 247 customers in a personal service setting. Findings – Customer perceptions of EEC positively influence customer satisfaction and loyalty. Rapport partially mediates both effects. Practical implications – The extent to which customers perceive employees as emotionally competent is strongly correlated with the development of rapport, customer satisfaction, and loyalty. Managers of high-contact services should therefore pay attention to emotional competence when hiring new employees, and/or encourage and train existing employees to develop this type of competence. Originality/value – Previous studies have used employee self-reports or supervisor reports of EEC, essentially capturing an employee’s potential to behave in an emotionally competent way. We extend emotional competence theories with a customer perspective: the present study is the first to capture customer perceptions of employees’ emotional competence. [less ▲]

Propriétés extrinsèques, polysémie et processus de réification

in Français Moderne (Le) (in press), 81(1),

Towards the elsewhere : Discourses on migration and mobility practices between Morocco and Italy.

in Identities (in press)

The objective of this article is to analyze the preparation process of young Moroccan migrants directed towards Italy. My focus is on the personal and collective formulation of their desire to leave and ... [more ▼]

The objective of this article is to analyze the preparation process of young Moroccan migrants directed towards Italy. My focus is on the personal and collective formulation of their desire to leave and on concomitant action taken to realize these aspirations; highlighting the complexity of the imagination, which migration – and expected return – entails. A second point of attention is the agency exerted by such youth during preparation for departure; even when they have not physically left the country yet. In addition, my observation is focussed on networks emerging as a result of having to deal with state-imposed, migration restrictions, as well as with the politics of humanitarian agencies and NGOs. My discourse argues that these aspiring migrants project themselves into the future and act in accordance with what they long to become. They shape themselves as mobile subjects through a process of self-making to overcome the above-mentioned constraints. [less ▲]

The Sceptical President: Václav Klaus' Influence on Czech Public Opinion on Climate Change

in Climatic Change (in press)

Acquired auditory agnosia in childhood and normal sleep electroencephalography subsequently diagnosed as Landau-Kleffner syndrome: report of three cases.

in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology (in press)

Aim We report three cases of Landau-Kleffner syndrome (LKS) in children (two females, one male) in whom diagnosis was delayed because the sleep electroencephalography (EEG) was initially normal. Method ... [more ▼]

Aim We report three cases of Landau-Kleffner syndrome (LKS) in children (two females, one male) in whom diagnosis was delayed because the sleep electroencephalography (EEG) was initially normal. Method Case histories including EEG, positron emission tomography findings, and long-term outcome were reviewed. Results Auditory agnosia occurred between the age of 2 years and 3 years 6 months, after a period of normal language development. Initial awake and sleep EEG, recorded weeks to months after the onset of language regression, during a nap period in two cases and during a full night of sleep in the third case, was normal. Repeat EEG between 2 months and 2 years later showed epileptiform discharges during wakefulness and strongly activated by sleep, with a pattern of continuous spike-waves during slow-wave sleep in two patients. Patients were diagnosed with LKS and treated with various antiepileptic regimens, including corticosteroids. One patient in whom EEG became normal on hydrocortisone is making significant recovery. The other two patients did not exhibit a sustained response to treatment and remained severely impaired. Interpretation Sleep EEG may be normal in the early phase of acquired auditory agnosia. EEG should be repeated frequently in individuals in whom a firm clinical diagnosis is made to facilitate early treatment. [less ▲]

Adult Bone Marrow Neural Crest Stem Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells are not able to Replace Lost Neurons in Acute MPTP-lesioned Mice

in PLoS ONE (in press)

Adult bone marrow stroma contains multipotent stem cells (BMSC) that are a mixed population of mesenchymal and neural-crest derived stem cells. Both cells are endowed with in vitro multi-lineage ... [more ▼]

Adult bone marrow stroma contains multipotent stem cells (BMSC) that are a mixed population of mesenchymal and neural-crest derived stem cells. Both cells are endowed with in vitro multi-lineage differentiation abilities, then constituting an attractive and easy-available source of material for cell therapy in neurological disorders. Whereas the in vivo integration and differentiation of BMSC in neurons into the central nervous system is currently matter of debate, we report here that once injected into the striatum of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated mice, pure populations of either bone marrow neural crest stem cells (NCSC) or mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) survived only transiently into the lesioned brain. Moreover, they do not migrate through the brain tissue, neither modify their initial phenotype, while no recovery of the dopaminergic system integrity was observed. Consequently, we tend to conclude that MSC/NCSC are not able to replace lost neurons in acute MPTP-lesioned dopaminergic system through a suitable integration and/or differentiation process. Altogether with recent data, it appears that neuroprotective, neurotrophic and anti-inflammatory features characterizing BMSC are of greater interest as regards CNS lesions management. [less ▲]

Towards Participatory Integrated Valuation and Modelling of Ecosystem Services under Land-use Change

in Journal of Land Use Science (in press)

The lack of consideration for Ecosystem Services (ES) values in current decision-making is recognised as one of the main reasons leading to an intense competition and arguably unsustainable use of well ... [more ▼]

The lack of consideration for Ecosystem Services (ES) values in current decision-making is recognised as one of the main reasons leading to an intense competition and arguably unsustainable use of well-located available land. In this paper, we present a framework for the Valuation Of Terrestrial Ecosystem Services (VOTES), aiming at structuring a methodology that is applicable for valuing ES in a given area through a set of indicators that are both meaningful for local actors and scientifically constructed. Examples from a case study area in central Belgium are used to illustrate the methodology: a stepwise procedure starting with the valuation of ES at present. The valuation of the social, biophysical and economic dimensions of ES are based on current land-use patterns. Subsequently, scenarios of land-use change are used to explore potential losses (and/or gains) of ES in the future of the study area. With the VOTES framework, we aim at [1] incorporating stakeholders inputs to widen the valuation process and increase trust in policy-oriented approach; [2] integrating valuation of ES with a sustainable development stance accounting for land-use change; and [3] developing suggestions to policy-makers for integrating ES monitoring in policy developments. [less ▲]

The use of SWOT analysis to explore and prioritize conservation and development strategies for local cattle breeds

in Animal (in press)

SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis is a tool widely used to help in decision making in complex systems. It suits to exploring the issues and measures related to the ... [more ▼]

SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis is a tool widely used to help in decision making in complex systems. It suits to exploring the issues and measures related to the conservation and development of local breeds, as it allows the integration of many driving factors influencing breed dynamics. We developed a quantified SWOT method as a ecisionmaking tool for identification and ranking of conservation and development strategies of local breeds, and applied it to a set of 13 cattle breeds of six European countries. The method has four steps: definition of the system, identification and grouping of the driving factors, quantification of the importance of driving factors and identification and prioritization of the strategies. The factors were determined following a multi-stakeholder approach and grouped with a three-level structure. Animal genetic resources expert groups ranked the factors, and a quantification process was implemented to identify and prioritize strategies. The proposed SWOT methodology allows analyzing the dynamics of local cattle breeds in a structured and systematic way. It is a flexible tool developed to assist different stakeholders in defining the strategies and actions. The quantification process allows the comparison of the driving factors and the prioritization of the strategies for the conservation and development of local cattle breeds. We identified 99 factors across the breeds. Although the situation is very heterogeneous, the future of these breeds may be promising. The most important strengths and weaknesses were related to production systems and farmers. The most important opportunities were found in marketing new products, whereas the most relevant threats were found in selling the current products. The across-breed strategies utility decreased as they gained specificity. Therefore, the strategies at European level should focus on general aspects and be flexible enough to be adapted to the country and breed specificities. [less ▲]

Snijders’ correction of Infit and Outfit indexes with estimated ability level : an analysis with the Rasch model

in Journal of Applied Measurement (in press)

The Infit mean square W and the Outfit mean square U are commonly used person fit indexes under Rasch measurement. However, they suffer from two major weaknesses. First, their asymptotic distribution is ... [more ▼]

The Infit mean square W and the Outfit mean square U are commonly used person fit indexes under Rasch measurement. However, they suffer from two major weaknesses. First, their asymptotic distribution is usually derived by assuming that the true ability levels are known. Second, such distributions are even not clearly stated for indexes U and W. Both issues can seriously affect the selection of an appropriate cut-score for person fit identification. Snijders (2001) proposed a general approach to correct some person fit indexes when specific ability estimators are used. The purpose of this paper is to adapt this approach to U and W indexes. First, a brief sketch of the methodology and its application to U and W is proposed. Then, the corrected indexes are compared to their classical versions through a simulation study. The suggested correction yields controlled Type I errors against both conservatism and inflation, while the power to detect specific misfitting response patterns gets significantly increased. [less ▲]

DUst Around NEarby Stars. The survey observational results

in Astronomy and Astrophysics (in press)

Context. Debris discs are a consequence of the planet formation process and constitute the fingerprints of planetesimal systems. Their solar system's counterparts are the asteroid and Edgeworth-Kuiper ... [more ▼]

Context. Debris discs are a consequence of the planet formation process and constitute the fingerprints of planetesimal systems. Their solar system's counterparts are the asteroid and Edgeworth-Kuiper belts. Aims. The DUNES survey aims at detecting extra-solar analogues to the Edgeworth-Kuiper belt around solar-type stars, putting in this way the solar system into context. The survey allows us to address some questions related to the prevalence and properties of planetesimal systems. Methods. We used Herschel/PACS to observe a sample of nearby FGK stars. Data at 100 and 160 μm were obtained, complemented in some cases with observations at 70 μm, and at 250, 350 and 500 μm using SPIRE. The observing strategy was to integrate as deep as possible at 100 μm to detect the stellar photosphere. Results. Debris discs have been detected at a fractional luminosity level down to several times that of the Edgeworth-Kuiper belt. The incidence rate of discs around the DUNES stars is increased from a rate of ∼ 12.1% ± 5% before Herschel to ∼ 20.2% ± 2%. A significant fraction (∼ 52%) of the discs are resolved, which represents an enormous step ahead from the previously known resolved discs. Some stars are associated with faint far-IR excesses attributed to a new class of cold discs. Although it cannot be excluded that these excesses are produced by coincidental alignment of background galaxies, statistical arguments suggest that at least some of them are true debris discs. Some discs display peculiar SEDs with spectral indexes in the 70–160 μm range steeper than the Rayleigh-Jeans one. An analysis of the debris disc parameters suggests that a decrease might exist of the mean black body radius from the F-type to the K-type stars. In addition, a weak trend is suggested for a correlation of disc sizes and an anticorrelation of disc temperatures with the stellar age. [less ▲]

A randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel study of vitamin D3 supplementation with different schemes based on multiples of 25,000 IU doses

in International Journal of Endocrinology (in press)

Vitamin D (VTD) treatment is recommended in patients presenting different causes of diseases. To treat these patients, physicians rely on the different available pharmaceutical forms present in their ... [more ▼]

Vitamin D (VTD) treatment is recommended in patients presenting different causes of diseases. To treat these patients, physicians rely on the different available pharmaceutical forms present in their country. Unfortunately, even in a given country, there is no consensus on the best way to treat the patients. In Belgium, VTD is mostly prescribed as ampoules containing 25,000 IU of VTD. In this randomised controlled study, we evaluated whether four therapeutic schemes using multiples of 25,000 IU of VTD according to basal vitamin D concentration were able to increase or maintain the 25(OH)D serum level above 30 ng/mL. We randomized 175 subjects who received the drug () or placebo (). Total duration of the study was 12 weeks. Doses ranged from 4167 to 1667 IU/day. Blood sampling was performed at baseline and each 4 visits. In the treated (placebo) subjects, mean 25(OH)D serum concentration was 18.7 (19.1) ng/mL at baseline and 31.5 (20.7) ng/mL at w-12. At the end of the study, 57.1% of the subjects treated with VTD presented 25(OH)D serum concentration ≥30 ng/mL, whereas 94.3% were ≥20 ng/mL. In conclusion, the doses administered were safe and increased or maintained the 25(OH)D concentration ≥20 ng/mL. However, concentrations ≥30 ng/mL were only achieved in 57.1% of the subjects. [less ▲]

A computationally efficient hybrid leakage model for positive displacement compressors and expanders

in International Journal of Refrigeration (in press)

An empirical frictional correction factor to the isentropic nozzle model has been developed for application to refrigerant leakage modeling in scroll, rotary and other similar compressors. This correction ... [more ▼]

An empirical frictional correction factor to the isentropic nozzle model has been developed for application to refrigerant leakage modeling in scroll, rotary and other similar compressors. This correction factor is derived by calculating the leakage mass flow rate with a compressible, variable area, real gas properties model and referencing the results to an isentropic nozzle model. The ratio of flows is correlated to the Reynolds number, a characteristic length and the leakage gap width. A representative selection of fluids and geometries are employed. For all the correlations, at least 93% of the points are predicted within an absolute error band of 20%. [less ▲]

Entre arrachement et déprise. Sartre, Foucault et la création du soi

in Etudes Sartriennes (in press), 16

Cet article, qui décrit dans un premier temps la Stimmung philosophique propre à Sartre et propre à Foucault, tente surtout d’évaluer quels types de transformation éthique de soi réservent les pensées de ... [more ▼]

Cet article, qui décrit dans un premier temps la Stimmung philosophique propre à Sartre et propre à Foucault, tente surtout d’évaluer quels types de transformation éthique de soi réservent les pensées de la finitude de chacun de ces auteurs. Revenant sur les points classiques du débat Sartre/Foucault, de la « querelle de l’humanisme » à leurs lectures de Baudelaire, il s’attache plus spécialement à décrire, à partir du thème sartrien de l’imaginaire, certaines accointances entre le jeune Sartre et le dernier Foucault. Il montre au final que, malgré des présupposés philosophiques divergents, l’un et l’autre tracent, entre arrachement et déprise, des voies parallèles lorsqu’il leur faut décrire le mouvement de création du soi : sur fond d’une passivité première, elle est ici et là cette expérience qui reste toujours à reprendre dans la forme d’une indéfinie pratique de la non-coïncidence de soi à soi. [less ▲]

Brains creating stories of selves: the neural basis of autobiographical reasoning.

in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience (in press)

Personal identity critically depends on the creation of stories about the self and one's life. The present study investigates the neural substrates of autobiographical reasoning, a process central to the ... [more ▼]

Personal identity critically depends on the creation of stories about the self and one's life. The present study investigates the neural substrates of autobiographical reasoning, a process central to the construction of such narratives. During fMRI scanning, participants approached a set of personally significant memories in two different ways: on some trials, they remembered the concrete content of the events (autobiographical remembering), whereas on other trials they reflected on the broader meaning and implications of their memories (autobiographical reasoning). Relative to remembering, autobiographical reasoning recruited a left-lateralized network involved in conceptual processing (including the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC), inferior frontal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, and angular gyrus). The ventral MPFC-an area that may function to generate personal/affective meaning-was not consistently engaged during autobiographical reasoning across participants but, interestingly, the activity of this region was modulated by individual differences in interest and willingness to engage in self-reflection. These findings support the notion that autobiographical reasoning and the construction of personal narratives go beyond mere remembering in that they require deriving meaning and value from past experiences. [less ▲]

Two reproductively isolated cytotypes and a swarm of highly inbred, disconnected populations: a glimpse into Salicornia's evolutionary history and challenging taxonomy

in Journal of Evolutionary Biology (in press)

Le virus Schmallenberg ou l’émergence du premier Orthobunyavirus du sérogroupe Simbu en Europe

in Annales de Médecine Vétérinaire (in press)

"Nouvelles technologies et enseignement du français langue étrangère : l'heure des bilans"

in Langage et l'Homme (Le) : Recherches Pluridisciplinaires sur le Langage (in press), (n°47),

Recherches sur la forme, la mise en page et le contenu des papyrus scolaires grecs et latins chrétiens d’Égypte

in Studi di Egittologia e di Papirologia (in press)

Using survey data to resolve the exchange risk exposure puzzle

in Journal of International Money & Finance (in press)

Some misunderstood or unknown LaTeX tricks (XIV) and LaTeX learning curve

in TUGboat (in press)

We will here give three tricks: i. using a personalized \overline, ii. boxing every digit of an integer, iii. using \scalebox. I will then expose my point of view about the LaTeX learning curve, and give ... [more ▼]

We will here give three tricks: i. using a personalized \overline, ii. boxing every digit of an integer, iii. using \scalebox. I will then expose my point of view about the LaTeX learning curve, and give some of the most common beginners’ mistakes. [less ▲]

Management of cases suffering from atypical myopathy:Interpretations of descriptive, epidemiological and pathophysiological findings. Part 2: Muscular, urinary, respiratory and hepatic care, and inflammatory/infectious status

in Equine Veterinary Education (in press)

Atypical myopathy is highly fatal, but about a quarter of affected horses survive. This highlights the need for provision of supportive treatment for these patients. This review is a practical guideline ... [more ▼]

Atypical myopathy is highly fatal, but about a quarter of affected horses survive. This highlights the need for provision of supportive treatment for these patients. This review is a practical guideline for equine practitioners and includes suggestions for close monitoring of involved organ systems and discusses options of supportive treatment based on current knowledge of the condition. Part 2 covers the muscular, urinary, respiratory and hepatic systems, and the general inflammatory/infectious status of the case. [less ▲]

Some misunderstood or unknown tricks (IX) (LaTeX)

in TUGboat (in press)

We describe here how to display date & time in a standard format, write (draw) dash integrals, number rows in tables, use unhabitual punctuation marks: interrobang and percontation point, draw dependency ... [more ▼]

We describe here how to display date & time in a standard format, write (draw) dash integrals, number rows in tables, use unhabitual punctuation marks: interrobang and percontation point, draw dependency arrows, distinguish between ConTeXt, LuaTeX, teTeX and XeTeX. The last section gives a LaTeX-related crossword puzzle. [less ▲]

No serologic evidence for emerging Schmallenberg virus infection in dogs (Canis domesticus)

in Vector Borne & Zoonotic Diseases (in press)

Schmallenberg virus, a novel orthobunyavirus, is spreading among ruminants, especially sheep and cattle throughout Europe. To determine the risk for domestic dog infection, we conducted a survey among ... [more ▼]

Schmallenberg virus, a novel orthobunyavirus, is spreading among ruminants, especially sheep and cattle throughout Europe. To determine the risk for domestic dog infection, we conducted a survey among cases referred to the university Companion Animal Clinic to assess possible seroconversion. No evidence of transmission to dogs was detected. [less ▲]

Some misunderstood or unknown tricks (VIII) and Turing-completeness (LaTeX)

in TUGboat (in press)

We will begin by exposing new tricks, i.e. how to 1. write ‘closed’ square roots, 2. insert blank pages, 3. ask the reader to turn the page, 4. write bold words in an index, 5. divide a cell by a diagonal ... [more ▼]

We will begin by exposing new tricks, i.e. how to 1. write ‘closed’ square roots, 2. insert blank pages, 3. ask the reader to turn the page, 4. write bold words in an index, 5. divide a cell by a diagonal, 6. draw ‘product integrals,’ 7. understand what happens when \mathcal has a lower-case letter argument. We will then consider an uncommon example of what one can do with LaTeX, in link with its Turing completeness. [less ▲]

The Stadium of Olympia, from a dialogical architecture perspective

in Arquitectonics: Mind, Land and Society (in press), 26

The article proposes a renewed interpretation of the relation of the antique stadium of Olympia with its environment. It is argued that the stadium, far from being isolated from the city as commonly ... [more ▼]

The article proposes a renewed interpretation of the relation of the antique stadium of Olympia with its environment. It is argued that the stadium, far from being isolated from the city as commonly admitted, was connected to the Altis through a series of visual relations, adopting principles of dialogical architecture. This argument is illustrated through computer generated perspectives of the stadium. [less ▲]

Numerical simulation of the Roll forming of thin-walled sections and evaluation of corner strength enhancement

in Finite Elements in Analysis & Design (in press)

Cold roll forming modifies the mechanical properties of thin-walled profiles by strain hardening. The understanding of this phenomenon, which is rather good for profiles made of traditional construction ... [more ▼]

Cold roll forming modifies the mechanical properties of thin-walled profiles by strain hardening. The understanding of this phenomenon, which is rather good for profiles made of traditional construction steel, is mandatory for assessing the member resistance. Less information is however available for profiles made of materials exhibiting a pronounced degree of nonlinearity of the stress-strain curve such as high-strength and stainless steels. Current codes generally encounter difficulties for modelling this fabrication process because of the size of industrial mills. Indeed, accurate modelling of the continuous cold roll forming process using finite elements requires a huge number of elements leading to excessive CPU times. Therefore, modellers usually reduce the geometry of the formed sheet or increase the size of the finite elements, inducing a loss of accuracy in the results. In this work, the finite element software METAFOR is used to model cold roll forming of channel profiles made of high-strength and stainless steels. The numerical results, expressed in terms of corner strength enhancement versus radius–to–thickness ratio, are compared against an existing predictive model. [less ▲]

Robust estimation for ordinal regression

in Journal of Statistical Planning & Inference (in press)

Ordinal regression is used for modelling an ordinal response variable as a function of some explanatory variables. The classical technique for estimating the unknown parameters of this model is Maximum ... [more ▼]

Ordinal regression is used for modelling an ordinal response variable as a function of some explanatory variables. The classical technique for estimating the unknown parameters of this model is Maximum Likelihood (ML). The lack of robustness of this estimator is formally shown by deriving its breakdown point and its influence function. To robustify the procedure, a weighting step is added to the Maximum Likelihood estimator, yielding an estimator with bounded influence function. We also show that the loss in efficiency due to the weighting step remains limited. A diagnostic plot based on the Weighted Maximum Likelihood estimator allows to detect outliers of different types in a single plot. [less ▲]

Gestion de l'environnement: améliorer la pertinence scientifique et technique des décisions négociées

in VertigO – La revue en sciences de l'environnement (in press)

Chronic fluoxetine treatment and maternal adversity differentially alter neurobiohavioral outcomes in rat dam

in Behavioural Brain Research (in press)

Le point sur l’évaluation de la force des muscles respiratoires

in Revue Médicale de Liège (in press)

The strength of respiratory muscles is crucial for quality of life, especially for patients with lung or neurological disorders. Several methods can be used to assess them: i.e direct or indirect ... [more ▼]

The strength of respiratory muscles is crucial for quality of life, especially for patients with lung or neurological disorders. Several methods can be used to assess them: i.e direct or indirect, voluntary or involuntary. The conventional spirometry method assesses indirectly the respiratory function by measuring maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure, which reflects the coordination of all respiratory muscles. Techniques of magnetic and electrical stimulation can detect a specific muscle dysfunction, independently of the patient's motivation, however they are invasive methods as measurements are made in the esophagus and stomach. The voluntary techniques are generally non-invasive and require patient's cooperation. Measures of respiratory muscle strength, coupled to a conventional spirometry, can predict the development of ventilatory support in patients at risk, and may be useful during weaning from mechanical ventilation in intensive care units. [less ▲]