Distinctive aspects of laboratory testing to evaluate mineral and bone metabolism in patients with chronic kidney disease

in Joint Bone Spine (2012), 79(suppl 2), 99-103

B Comme Baron. "Les Barons" de Nabil Ben Yadir : entre pulsion de résistance et rêve d'affranchissement

in Scènes Hors-série DABA Maroc (2012)

In Vivo Tumorigenesis Was Observed after Injection of In Vitro Expanded Neural Crest Stem Cells Isolated from Adult Bone Marrow

in PLoS ONE (2012), 7(10), 46425

Bone marrow stromal cells are adult multipotent cells that represent an attractive tool in cellular therapy strategies. Several studies have reported that in vitro passaging of mesenchymal stem cells ... [more ▼]

Bone marrow stromal cells are adult multipotent cells that represent an attractive tool in cellular therapy strategies. Several studies have reported that in vitro passaging of mesenchymal stem cells alters the functional and biological properties of those cells, leading to the accumulation of genetic aberrations. Recent studies described bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) as mixed populations of cells including mesenchymal (MSC) and neural crest stem cells (NCSC). Here, we report the transformation of NCSC into tumorigenic cells, after in vitro long-term passaging. Indeed, the characterization of 6 neural crest-derived clones revealed the presence of one tumorigenic clone. Transcriptomic analyses of this clone highlighted, among others, numerous cell cycle checkpoint modifications and chromosome 11q down-regulation (suggesting a deletion of chromosome 11q) compared with the other clones. Moreover, unsupervised analysis such as a dendrogram generated after agglomerative hierarchical clustering comparing several transcriptomic data showed important similarities between the tumorigenic neural crest-derived clone and mammary tumor cell lines. Altogether, it appeared that NCSC isolated from adult bone marrow represents a potential danger for cellular therapy, and consequently, we recommend that phenotypic, functional and genetic assays should be performed on bone marrow mesenchymal and neural crest stem cells before in vivo use, to demonstrate whether their biological properties, after ex vivo expansion, remain suitable for clinical application. [less ▲]

Evidence for a role of a cortico-subcortical network for automatic and unconscious motor inhibition of manual responses

in PLoS ONE (2012)

It is now clear that non-consciously perceived stimuli can bias our decisions. Although previous researches highlighted the importance of automatic and unconscious processes involved in voluntary action ... [more ▼]

It is now clear that non-consciously perceived stimuli can bias our decisions. Although previous researches highlighted the importance of automatic and unconscious processes involved in voluntary action, the neural correlates of such processes remain unclear. Basal ganglia dysfunctions have long been associated with impairment in automatic motor control. In addition, a key role of the medial frontal cortex has been suggested by administrating a subliminal masked prime task to a patient with a small lesion restricted to the supplementary motor area (SMA). In this task, invisible masked arrows stimuli were followed by visible arrow targets for a left or right hand response at different interstimuli intervals (ISI), producing a traditional facilitation effect for compatible trials at short ISI and a reversal inhibitory effect at longer ISI. Here, by using fast event-related fMRI and a weighted parametric analysis, we showed BOLD related activity changes in a cortico-subcortical network, especially in the SMA and the striatum, directly linked to the individual behavioral pattern. This new imaging result corroborates previous works on subliminal priming using lesional approaches. This finding implies that one of the roles of these regions was to suppress a partially activated movement below the threshold of awareness. [less ▲]

Allelic heterogeneity of Crooked Tail Syndrome: result of balancing selection?

in Animal Genetics (2012), 43(5), 604-607

Developing the Sixth Sense

in The Column (2012), 8(18), 2-5

Policy search in a space of simple closed-form formulas: towards interpretability of reinforcement learning

in Lecture Notes in Computer Science (2012), 7569

In this paper, we address the problem of computing interpretable solutions to reinforcement learning (RL) problems. To this end, we propose a search algorithm over a space of simple losed-form formulas ... [more ▼]

In this paper, we address the problem of computing interpretable solutions to reinforcement learning (RL) problems. To this end, we propose a search algorithm over a space of simple losed-form formulas that are used to rank actions. We formalize the search for a high-performance policy as a multi-armed bandit problem where each arm corresponds to a candidate policy canonically represented by its shortest formula-based representation. Experiments, conducted on standard benchmarks, show that this approach manages to determine both efficient and interpretable solutions. [less ▲]

Stratégie d’exploration neurophysiologique de la myasthénie

in Lettre du Neurologue (La) : le Courrier du Spécialiste (2012), XVI(8),

Generalized multistage mechanical model for nonlinear metallic materials

in Thin-Walled Structures (2012), 63(2013), 63-69

Metallic alloys have a significant role in thin-walled engineering structures due to their unique properties such as corrosion resistance, low density or durability. Their mechanical behaviour is usually ... [more ▼]

Metallic alloys have a significant role in thin-walled engineering structures due to their unique properties such as corrosion resistance, low density or durability. Their mechanical behaviour is usually nonlinear, and this nonlinearity can be further increased during the work-hardening process. In such cases, designers have to take the proper stress-strain relationship into account to obtain reliable prediction of deformations or internal forces. In this paper, a theoretical model is proposed to match different kinds of measured data or already existing stress-strain models. It is flexible to accommodate any number of measured or recommended material parameters, and therefore makes design rules independent on testing standards. It is particularly suitable for computer code implementation. The approximate inversion of the multistage model is also included in the presented study. The general formula is applied on the set of parameters typically available for structural stainless steels in Europe (0.2% and 1.0% proof strength and ultimate strength) and compared to the existing models by curve-fitting of analytical equations to measured stresses and strains of austenitic, duplex and ferritic stainless steels. The comparisons clearly showed that this three-stage application of the generalized multistage model yields more accurate results compared to the existing material models both in direct and inverse form. [less ▲]

Low density structures in the local universe. I. Diffuse agglomerates of galaxies

in Astrophysical Bulletin (2012), 67(4), 353-361

This paper is the first of a series considering the properties of distribution of nearby galaxies in the low density regions. Among 7596 galaxies with radial velocities V_{LG}<3500 km/s, absolute ... [more ▼]

This paper is the first of a series considering the properties of distribution of nearby galaxies in the low density regions. Among 7596 galaxies with radial velocities V_{LG}<3500 km/s, absolute magnitudes M_K<-18.4^m$, and Galactic latitudes |b| >15 degr there are 3168 field galaxies (i.e. 42%) that do not belong to pairs, groups or clusters in the Local universe. Applying to this sample the percolation method with a radius of r_0=2.8 Mpc, we found 226 diffuse agglomerates with n>=4 number of members. The structures of eight most populated objects among them (n>=25) are discussed. These non-virialized agglomerates are characterized by a median dispersion of radial velocities of about 170 km/s, the linear size of around 6 Mpc, integral K-band luminosity of 3*10^{11} L_sun, and a formal virial-mass-to-luminosity ratio of about 700 M_sun/L_sun. The mean density contrast for the considered agglomerates is only <Delta n/\bar{n}\gtrsim 5, and their crossing time is about 30-40 Gyr. [less ▲]

Le dosage des acides gras érythrocytaires : comparaison entre une population de référence et des sujets ayant présenté un infarctus aigu du myocarde.

in Immuno-Analyse & Biologie Spécialisée [=IBS] (2012), 27(5), 237-243

The aim of our study was to compare reference values for these FA with data obtained in a population of acute myocardial infarction patients. We performed the quantification of different FA by gas ... [more ▼]

The aim of our study was to compare reference values for these FA with data obtained in a population of acute myocardial infarction patients. We performed the quantification of different FA by gas chromatography associated with flame ionization detector ( FA determination is a new tool we are able to use and to process in our laboratory which can help the clinician to screen patients with the highest cardiovascular risks because of the implication of FA in the etiopathogeny of atherosclerosis. [less ▲]

High precision astrometry mission for the detection and characterization of nearby habitable planetary systems with the Nearby Earth Astrometric Telescope (NEAT)

in Experimental Astronomy (2012), 34(2), 385-413

A complete census of planetary systems around a volume-limited sample of solar-type stars (FGK dwarfs) in the Solar neighborhood (d ≤ 15 pc) with uniform sensitivity down to Earth-mass planets within ... [more ▼]

A complete census of planetary systems around a volume-limited sample of solar-type stars (FGK dwarfs) in the Solar neighborhood (d ≤ 15 pc) with uniform sensitivity down to Earth-mass planets within their Habitable Zones out to several AUs would be a major milestone in extrasolar planets astrophysics. This fundamental goal can be achieved with a mission concept such as NEAT—the Nearby Earth Astrometric Telescope. NEAT is designed to carry out space-borne extremely-high-precision astrometric measurements at the 0.05 μas (1 σ) accuracy level, sufficient to detect dynamical effects due to orbiting planets of mass even lower than Earth's around the nearest stars. Such a survey mission would provide the actual planetary masses and the full orbital geometry for all the components of the detected planetary systems down to the Earth-mass limit. The NEAT performance limits can be achieved by carrying out differential astrometry between the targets and a set of suitable reference stars in the field. The NEAT instrument design consists of an off-axis parabola single-mirror telescope (D = 1 m), a detector with a large field of view located 40 m away from the telescope and made of 8 small movable CCDs located around a fixed central CCD, and an interferometric calibration system monitoring dynamical Young's fringes originating from metrology fibers located at the primary mirror. The mission profile is driven by the fact that the two main modules of the payload, the telescope and the focal plane, must be located 40 m away leading to the choice of a formation flying option as the reference mission, and of a deployable boom option as an alternative choice. The proposed mission architecture relies on the use of two satellites, of about 700 kg each, operating at L2 for 5 years, flying in formation and offering a capability of more than 20,000 reconfigurations. The two satellites will be launched in a stacked configuration using a Soyuz ST launch vehicle. The NEAT primary science program will encompass an astrometric survey of our 200 closest F-, G- and K-type stellar neighbors, with an average of 50 visits each distributed over the nominal mission duration. The main survey operation will use approximately 70% of the mission lifetime. The remaining 30% of NEAT observing time might be allocated, for example, to improve the characterization of the architecture of selected planetary systems around nearby targets of specific interest (low-mass stars, young stars, etc.) discovered by Gaia, ground-based high-precision radial-velocity surveys, and other programs. With its exquisite, surgical astrometric precision, NEAT holds the promise to provide the first thorough census for Earth-mass planets around stars in the immediate vicinity of our Sun. [less ▲]

Architecture et urbanisme : les grandes tendances des années 1980

in Art&Fact (2012), 31:2012

Nécessité de nouveaux critères de remboursement pour traiter l'ostéoporose en Belgique

in Ortho-Rhumato (2012), 10(5), 3

Host-microbe interactions have shaped the genetic architecture of inflammatory bowel disease.

in Nature (2012), 491(7422), 119-24

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the two common forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), affect over 2.5 million people of European ancestry, with rising prevalence in other populations. Genome ... [more ▼]

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the two common forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), affect over 2.5 million people of European ancestry, with rising prevalence in other populations. Genome-wide association studies and subsequent meta-analyses of these two diseases as separate phenotypes have implicated previously unsuspected mechanisms, such as autophagy, in their pathogenesis and showed that some IBD loci are shared with other inflammatory diseases. Here we expand on the knowledge of relevant pathways by undertaking a meta-analysis of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis genome-wide association scans, followed by extensive validation of significant findings, with a combined total of more than 75,000 cases and controls. We identify 71 new associations, for a total of 163 IBD loci, that meet genome-wide significance thresholds. Most loci contribute to both phenotypes, and both directional (consistently favouring one allele over the course of human history) and balancing (favouring the retention of both alleles within populations) selection effects are evident. Many IBD loci are also implicated in other immune-mediated disorders, most notably with ankylosing spondylitis and psoriasis. We also observe considerable overlap between susceptibility loci for IBD and mycobacterial infection. Gene co-expression network analysis emphasizes this relationship, with pathways shared between host responses to mycobacteria and those predisposing to IBD. [less ▲]

L’État et la gestion de la grippe A(H1N1)

in Revue Nouvelle (2012), 10

La représentation d'une matrice par biplot

in Notes de Statistique et d'Informatique (2012), (2), 1-22

Matrix factorization by means of singular value decomposition is examined and used to produce a graphical representation of a data matrix called biplot. The link between this biplot and the plots of the ... [more ▼]

Matrix factorization by means of singular value decomposition is examined and used to produce a graphical representation of a data matrix called biplot. The link between this biplot and the plots of the variables and of the individuals usually given in principal component analysis is discussed and applied to an example. [less ▲]

De la réciprocité des échanges aux dettes d’alliance : L’anti-Œdipe et l’économie politique des sociétés “primitives”

in Actuel Marx (2012), 52

The present article aims at pinpointing the issues involved in the analysis of the economy of ‘primitive’ societies carried out by Deleuze and Guattari in Anti-Oedipus by relying on a logic of debt ... [more ▼]

The present article aims at pinpointing the issues involved in the analysis of the economy of ‘primitive’ societies carried out by Deleuze and Guattari in Anti-Oedipus by relying on a logic of debt (Nietzsche) rather than on a logic of reciprocity (Lévi-Strauss). Deleuze and Guattari’s critical discussion of Lévi-Strauss’s ethnology should related to the problematization of kinship as a system of alliance and filiation relationships suggested by French Marxist anthropology (E. Terray, C. Meillassoux) on the one hand, and to Edmund Leach’s critical anthropology on the other. This double mediation helps to show that in Anti-Oedipus, Deleuze and Guattari seek to identify the political strategies which are at work in economic relationships, that is to say, in the present case, the finite alliance strategies in ‘primitive’ societies, which are deeper than trade and production relationships. [less ▲]

Troubles réactionnels de l’attachement et compétences émotionnelles chez l’enfant âgé de cinq à huit ans

in Neuropsychiatrie de l'Enfance et de l'Adolescence (2012), 60(7-8), 492504

Background The quality of interactions experienced with primary attachment figures influences the development of emotional skills. On the other hand, we know how emotions fill a critical adaptive role for ... [more ▼]

Background The quality of interactions experienced with primary attachment figures influences the development of emotional skills. On the other hand, we know how emotions fill a critical adaptive role for the social adjustment, in that they assume both a communicative function and an informative value. In this paper, we were particularly interested in how children's patterns of attachment were expressed in terms of ability to understand other's emotions. According to Laible & Thompson's observations (1998), we tested the following hypothesis: insecure attachment representations are associated with a poverty of skills in decoding emotional signals. They especially would affect the perception of negative emotional expressions, because of their threatening nature. Method We tested this hypothesis by the meeting of four children of primary school age (5 to 8 years old) with a reactive attachment disorder, and four peer controls, matched for gender and age. At first, the Attachment Story Completion Task (Bretherton et al., 1990) allowed us to specify the type of attachment disorder for each child of the clinical group. Secondly, inspired by Pollak et al.’s study, we proposed to all subjects a recognition task of facial emotional expressions. Results We observed in the clinical group low average rates of identification of basic and primary negative emotions. But if the accuracy of judgments is a function of emotion's valence, it actually seems more especially dependent of the child's attachment pattern. More specifically, whereas some of them tend to avoid dealing with negative emotions (desactivation of attachment strategy), others fit into an opposite pattern of hypersensitivity to these emotions (hyperactivation). Particular ways of emotional perception finally appear typical of specific patterns of attachment. Moreover, the finding of specific patterns of errors, and particularly the central role of sadness in these confusions would demonstrate an immaturity of empathic and symbolic skills in children suffering from this kind of disorder. Conclusion These results, although obtained from a small sample of children, nevertheless open interesting perspectives for research, both theoretical and methodological level. They especially concern difficulties experienced by these children to consider emotion to a symbolic level and the various defenses set up in front of emotional life, prevent their access to others’ point of view. This seems causing many social dysregulations tending to increase, in turn, their deficiencies in the affective area. [less ▲]

Saint Jean Baptiste in disco

in Liège Museum : Bulletin des Musées de la Ville de Liège (2012), hors série

Ce numéro hors série de "Liège Museum" a été publié à l'occasion du dépôt d'une oeuvre exceptionnelle de Jan van Steffeswert, au Musée Grand Curtius (Liège). Dans un premier chapitre, Barbara Baert et ... [more ▼]

Ce numéro hors série de "Liège Museum" a été publié à l'occasion du dépôt d'une oeuvre exceptionnelle de Jan van Steffeswert, au Musée Grand Curtius (Liège). Dans un premier chapitre, Barbara Baert et Soetkin Vanhauwaert traitent des plateaux de saint Jean Baptiste en général en tant que "phénomène médiéval". Dans un second chapitre, Benoît Van den Bossche se penche plus précisément sur l'oeuvre désormais conservée au musée. [less ▲]

A review of dietary and non-dietary exposure to bisphenol-A.

in Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association (2012), 50(10), 3725-40

Due to the large number of applications of bisphenol-A (BPA), the human exposure routes are multiple. We aimed to review shortly the food and non-food sources of BPA, and to evaluate their contribution to ... [more ▼]

Due to the large number of applications of bisphenol-A (BPA), the human exposure routes are multiple. We aimed to review shortly the food and non-food sources of BPA, and to evaluate their contribution to the human exposure. Food sources discussed here include epoxy resins, polycarbonate and other applications, such as paperboard and polyvinylchloride materials. Among the non-food sources, exposures through dust, thermal paper, dental materials, and medical devices were summarized. Based on the available data for these exposure sources, it was concluded that the exposure to BPA from non-food sources is generally lower than that from exposure from food by at least one order of magnitude for most studied subgroups. The use of urinary concentrations from biomonitoring studies was evaluated and the back-calculation of BPA intake seems reliable for the overall exposure assessment. In general, the total exposure to BPA is several orders of magnitude lower than the current tolerable daily intake of 50 mug/kg bw/day. Finally, the paper concludes with some critical remarks and recommendations on future human exposure studies to BPA. [less ▲]

Parodie de la science et réflexivité. La Physiologie et le dictionnaire dans le champ littéraire français du XIXe siècle

in MethIS : Méthodes et Interdisciplinarité en Sciences Humaines (2012), Volume 3

Raymond Lemaire et les débuts de la rénovation urbaine à Bruxelles

in Urban History Review / Revue d'histoire urbaine (2012), XLI(2), 37-56

Since the end of the 1960s, the archaeologist Raymond Lemaire, professor at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, has contributed to the questioning of the urban renovation methods adopted by the ... [more ▼]

Since the end of the 1960s, the archaeologist Raymond Lemaire, professor at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, has contributed to the questioning of the urban renovation methods adopted by the technical department of the City of Brussels administration for the most ancien districts of the historic centre. Through his role as an expert for the association « Quartier des Arts », he is entrusted with several studies aiming at the adoption of normative plans for some building blocks of high heritage interest. This allows him to put the principles he contributes to define, at the same moment, within international organizations such as ICOMOS or the Council of Europe, to the test of reality. Our contribution aims, through the significant example of the renovation of the « Sainte-Anne district », to throw light on this key moment of Brussels urbanism’s recent history and to take a critical look at Raymond Lemaire’s work. [less ▲]

Echeveau des tropismes. Eugène Savitzkaya et la littérature à Liège dans les années 1980

in Art&Fact (2012), 31

Les nombreux écrivains liégeois des années 1980 sont envisagés à partir de la théorie des trois phases de l'histoire de la littérature belge selon Jean-Marie Klinkenberg. La seconde partie de l'article se ... [more ▼]

Les nombreux écrivains liégeois des années 1980 sont envisagés à partir de la théorie des trois phases de l'histoire de la littérature belge selon Jean-Marie Klinkenberg. La seconde partie de l'article se penche sur le cas particulier d'Eugène Savitzkaya. [less ▲]

Conservation and management of a threatened traditional agroresource, ylang-ylang Cananga odorata [Lam.] Hook f. & Thomson forma genuina, in the Indian Ocean islands

in Crop Science (2012), 52(6), 2606-2618

In order to handle future economic, social and environmental changes, the assessment, management and conservation of the local genetic resources of cash crop species is a fundamental requirement. We ... [more ▼]

In order to handle future economic, social and environmental changes, the assessment, management and conservation of the local genetic resources of cash crop species is a fundamental requirement. We investigated the pattern of genetic and morphological diversity of Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook f. & Thomson forma genuina, an important essential oil tree for the perfume industry in the introduction area of the western Indian Ocean islands. We sought to identify key elements for developing a conservation and management strategy for ylang-ylang genetic resources. Genetic and morphological variations were assessed using Amplified Fragments Length Polymorphism and morphometrics traits and information about farmers' practices were collected. The existence of substantial overall genetic diversity (HT = 0.2599) and the grouping of plantations into different genetic groups suggest that there have been a series of introduction events in the area, with limited exchanges of genetic material within and between islands, which is not what is suggested in the historical records. The morphological study revealed high phenotypic variability despite very similar agronomical practices throughout the studied area. The morphological and genetic variability might have been created and maintained without any planned or conscious management, and this has largely determined the genetic structuring in the area (11.74% genetic variation among islands and 20.68% among plantations). With this species, where past introduction events and farmers’ practices have shaped the genetic variation, on-farm preservation and the maintenance of the current management practices is recommended. Ex situ conservation efforts should also be undertaken, if economically affordable. [less ▲]

la fin de la condition de nationalité pour l'accès à la profession de notaire - Le statut du notaire et le droit européen

in Cahiers de Droit Européen (2012), (1), 195-210

Analysis of stratospheric NO2 trends above Jungfraujoch using ground-based UV-visible, FTIR, and satellite nadir observations

in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (2012), 12

The trend in stratospheric NO2 column at the NDACC (Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change) station of Jungfraujoch (46.5°N, 8.0°E) is assessed using ground-based FTIR and zenith ... [more ▼]

The trend in stratospheric NO2 column at the NDACC (Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change) station of Jungfraujoch (46.5°N, 8.0°E) is assessed using ground-based FTIR and zenith-scattered visible sunlight SAOZ measurements over the period 1990 to 2009 as well as a composite satellite nadir data set constructed from ERS-2/GOME, ENVISAT/SCIAMACHY, and METOP-A/GOME-2 observations over the 1996–2009 period. To calculate the trends, a linear least squares regression model including explanatory variables for a linear trend, the mean annual cycle, the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO), solar activity, and stratospheric aerosol loading is used. For the 1990–2009 period, statistically indistinguishable trends of -3.7±1.1%/decade and -3.6±0.9%/decade are derived for the SAOZ and FTIR NO2 column time series, respectively. SAOZ, FTIR, and satellite nadir data sets show a similar decrease over the 1996–2009 period, with trends of -2.4±1.1%/decade, -4.3±1.4%/decade, and -3.6±2.2%/decade, respectively. The fact that these declines are opposite in sign to the globally observed +2.5%/decade trend in N2O, suggests that factors other than N2O are driving the evolution of stratospheric NO2 at northern mid-latitudes. Possible causes of the decrease in stratospheric NO2 columns have been investigated. The most likely cause is a change in the NO2/NO partitioning in favor of NO, due to a possible stratospheric cooling and a decrease in stratospheric chlorine content, the latter being further confirmed by the negative trend in the ClONO2 column derived from FTIR observations at Jungfraujoch. Decreasing ClO concentrations slows the NO+ ClO -> NO2 + Cl reaction and a stratospheric cooling slows the NO+O3 -> NO2 +O2 reaction, leaving more NOx in the form of NO. The slightly positive trends in ozone estimated from ground- and satellitebased data sets are also consistent with the decrease of NO2 through the NO2 +O3 -> NO3 +O2 reaction. Finally, we cannot rule out the possibility that a strengthening of the Dobson-Brewer circulation, which reduces the time available for N2O photolysis in the stratosphere, could also contribute to the observed decline in stratospheric NO2 above Jungfraujoch. [less ▲]

Urinary and dietary sodium and potassium associated with blood pressure control in treated hypertensive kidney transplant recipients: an observational study

in BMC Nephrology (2012), 13

Background In kidney transplant (Kt) recipients, hypertension is a major risk for cardiovascular complications but also for graft failure. Blood pressure (BP) control is therefore mandatory. Office BP ... [more ▼]

Background In kidney transplant (Kt) recipients, hypertension is a major risk for cardiovascular complications but also for graft failure. Blood pressure (BP) control is therefore mandatory. Office BP (OBP) remains frequently used for clinical decisions, however home BP (HBP) have brought a significant improvement in the BP control. Sodium is a modifiable risk factor, many studies accounted for a decrease of BP with a sodium restricted diet. Increased potassium intake has been also recommended in hypertension management. Using an agreement between office and home BP, the present study investigated the relations between the BP control in Kt recipients and their urinary excretion and dietary consumption of sodium and potassium. Methods The BP control defined by OBP <140/90 mmHg and HBP <135/85 mmHg was tested in 70 Kt recipients (mean age 56 +/- 11.5 years; mean graft survival 7 +/- 6.6 years) treated with antihypertensive medications. OBP and HBP were measured with a validated oscillometric device (Omron M6(R)). The 24-hour urinary sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) excretions as well as dietary intakes were compared between controlled and uncontrolled (in office and at home) recipients. Non parametric Wilcoxon Mann--Whitney Test was used for between groups comparisons and Fisher's exact test for frequencies comparisons. Pearson correlation coefficients and paired t-test were used when sample size was >30. Results Using an agreement between OBP and HBP, we identified controlled (21%) and uncontrolled recipients (49%). Major confounding effects susceptible to interfere with the BP regulation did not differ between groups, the amounts of sodium excretion were similar (154 +/- 93 vs 162 +/- 88 mmol/24 h) but uncontrolled patients excreted less potassium (68 +/- 14 vs 54 +/- 20 mmol/24 h; P = 0.029) and had significantly lower potassium intakes (3279 +/- 753 vs 2208 +/- 720 mg/24 h; P = 0.009), associated with a higher urinary Na+/K + ratio. Systolic HBP was inversely and significantly correlated to urinary potassium (r = -0.48; P = 0.002), a positive but non significant relation was observed with urinary sodium (r = 0,30;P = 0.074). Conclusions Half of the treated hypertensive Kt recipients remained uncontrolled in office and at home. Restoring a well-balanced sodium/potassium ratio intakes could be a non pharmacological opportunity to improve blood pressure control. [less ▲]

Equine myeloperoxidase: A novel biomarker in synovial fluid for the diagnosis of infection.

in Equine Veterinary Journal (2012)

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Equine joint infection is a life-threatening disorder, and confirmation of the diagnosis can be difficult. Synovial fluid biomarkers may assist the discrimination between ... [more ▼]

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Equine joint infection is a life-threatening disorder, and confirmation of the diagnosis can be difficult. Synovial fluid biomarkers may assist the discrimination between infectious and noninfectious joint disease. OBJECTIVES: This study investigates whether the immunological detection of total and enzymatically active myeloperoxidase (MPO) assists the diagnosis of joint infection in horses. METHODS: The following 4 sample groups were included: healthy; osteochondritis dissecans (OCD); traumatic synovitis; and culture-confirmed infected joints. Synovial fluid was analysed for total MPO by a horse-specific sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and for active MPO using the specific immunological extraction followed by enzymatic detection (SIEFED) technique. Western blot analysis was performed to confirm the antibody specificity. RESULTS: Synovial fluid from infected joints contained significantly more total and active MPO than samples from healthy joints, joints affected by OCD and joints with traumatic synovitis. Cut-off values were set at 5000 and 350 ng/ml for total and active MPO, respectively, with fair sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and likelihood ratios for infection. Correlation coefficients were reported between the total as well as the active MPO levels and the routine synovial fluid parameters, i.e. the white blood cell count, the neutrophil count and the total protein level. No correlation was observed between MPO and either the age of the horse or the joint affected. Western blotting confirmed the antibody specificity for equine MPO. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Synovial fluid MPO was identified as a very promising biomarker to augment the discrimination of infectious vs. noninfectious joint disease in horses. Both ELISA and SIEFED techniques can be used for its specific and rapid detection. The analysis of synovial fluid MPO can be used as a complementary test to aid in the discrimination between infectious and noninfectious joint disease, especially when the white blood cell counts and the total protein level are inconclusive. [less ▲]

LA CONFIGURATION DES TERRITOIRES DES PEUPLES EN ISOLEMENT « VOLONTAIRE » Controverses sur les modes de production de connaissances, les modes de contact et les modes de gestion

in Revue d'Anthropologie des Connaissances (2012), 6(2), 191217

Our goal is to interrogate the uncertainty prior to the management of Amazonian territories and to show how each program relaunch exploitation of natural resources there are controversies that require re ... [more ▼]

Our goal is to interrogate the uncertainty prior to the management of Amazonian territories and to show how each program relaunch exploitation of natural resources there are controversies that require re-examination of ways of knowing, ways of entering into relationships and ways of managing territories Amazon and its human populations and non-human. We do so through those people in "voluntary isolation." We'll see how the debates linked to the "isolated peoples" does not only concern the management of territory and population, but also the forms of knowledge production entities silent. How, where, what, how to contact without reducing our Western or virus without dying with their spears, how to talk about entities that temporarily cannot, definitely do not know, or at times unwilling to do so, here are some questions that emerge in the middle of the race of internal colonization of the Amazon. We tried to understand this silent isolation from the analysis of two cases, the case of the Serviço de Proteção aos Índios (SPI, 1910-1967) in Brazil and the case of Seminario Regional Pueblos indígenas en aislamiento voluntario y contacto inicial en la Amazonía y el Gran Chaco (Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, 2006). We found some controversies and testify to the complexity of the issue and force us to reconsider the importance of the nature of the population to manage at the time to configuration of protected areas. [less ▲]

Performance Measurements of the microPET FOCUS 120 for Iodine-124 Imaging

in IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science (2012), PP

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the microPET FOCUS 120 for 124I in terms of counting rate capability and image quality using the NEMA NU 4-2008 methodology. Scanner sensitivity was ... [more ▼]

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the microPET FOCUS 120 for 124I in terms of counting rate capability and image quality using the NEMA NU 4-2008 methodology. Scanner sensitivity was measured for 124I for comparison and reached 75 cps/kBq, respectively, with the usual 350-650 keV energy window (EW) and 6 ns time window (TW). The noise equivalent count rate (NECR) index was defined as: NECR = RT2/(RP+RGP) (T = true, P = prompt, GP = γ-prompt). A rat phantom maximum NECR of 48 kcps was obtained for the 250-590 keV EW with 6 ns TW. An almost identical maximum NECR of 43 kcps was recorded for 350-590 and 350-650 keV EW and 6 ns TW. The 2 ns TW reduced the sensitivity and NECR by 40-50% for all EW. The mouse phantom NECR study was limited because of the maximum available activity concentration of 124I. The 250-590 keV EW showed the largest scatter and γ-prompt plus scatter fractions with 25.7% and 43%, respectively, for the rat phantom and 12.2% and 27% for the mouse phantom. With the 350-590 keV EW, these fractions decreased to 20% and 33.5% for the rat phantom and to 10% and 21% for the mouse phantom. The image quality was investigated with the NEMA NU 4-2008 dedicated phantom for four (two analytic and two iterative) 2D or 3D reconstruction methods. The lowest spillover ratios (SOR) for the phantom non-emitting regions were obtained for the 350-590 and 350-650 keV EWs. Recovery coefficients (RC) of the hot rods were the highest for the 350-590 keV EW except for the 1 mm rod. Scatter correction led to a large decrease in RC. The combination of the 350-590 keV EW with 6 ns TW appeared to be a good compromise between counting rate capability and image quality for the FOCUS 120, especially when maximum a posteriori reconstruction was used without scatter correction. Moreover this combination enabled the best quantification with an error as low as 0.36%. [less ▲]

Simultaneous measurement of protein-bound 3-chlorotyrosine and homocitrulline by LC-MS/MS after hydrolysis assisted by microwave: application to the study of myeloperoxidase activity during hemodialysis.

in Talanta (2012), 99

A high degree of uremia is common in patients with end-stage renal disease and has been linked to the development of chronic inflammation and cardiovascular diseases. In conditions where transplantation ... [more ▼]

A high degree of uremia is common in patients with end-stage renal disease and has been linked to the development of chronic inflammation and cardiovascular diseases. In conditions where transplantation is not possible, uremia can be reduced by hemodialysis although the repeated interventions have been implicated in loss of renal function, partially as a result of chronic inflammation and/or oxidative stress processes. In this context, it has been suggested that myeloperoxidase (MPO) can contribute to the oxidative stress during hemodialysis and to the cardiovascular risk. Protein damages due to MPO activity have never been assessed during hemodialysis although two of its reaction products, 3-chlorotyrosine and homocitrulline, are of interest. Indeed, the first one is a specific product of MPO activity and the formation of the second one could be catalyzed by MPO. In order to analyze these products in plasma proteins, a total hydrolysis method followed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis was developed. Different conditions of hydrolysis were tested and the optimized procedure was assessed for complete hydrolysis and artifactual chlorination. Finally, the method was used for analyzing 3-chlorotyrosine and homocitrulline in plasma proteins during a hemodialysis session in fifteen patients and data were related to measurements of MPO concentration and activity. Both increases in MPO activity and protein-bound 3-chlorotyrosine were observed, highlighting the involvement of MPO in oxidative stress during hemodialysis and further demonstrating the link between hemodialysis and cardiovascular diseases. [less ▲]

Tacrolimus-Based, Steroid-Free Regimens in Renal Transplantation: 3-year Follow-up of the ATLAS Trial

in Transplantation (2012), 94(5), 492-498

Background. Long-term use of corticosteroids is associated with considerable morbidity, including cardiovascular and metabolic adverse effects. Methods. This study evaluated the long-term efficacy and ... [more ▼]

Background. Long-term use of corticosteroids is associated with considerable morbidity, including cardiovascular and metabolic adverse effects. Methods. This study evaluated the long-term efficacy and safety of two steroid-free regimens compared with a triple immunosuppressive therapy in renal transplant recipients. This was a 3-year follow-up to a 6-month, open-label, randomized, multicenter study. Results. Data from 3 years were available for 421 (93.3%) of 451 patients in the original intent-to-treat population (143 tacrolimus/basiliximab [Tac/Bas], 139 tacrolimus/mycophenolate mofetil [Tac/MMF], and 139 tacrolimus/MMF/ [less ▲]

APPLICATION OF AN INNOVATIVE DESIGN SPACE OPTIMIZATION STRATEGY TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF LC METHODS TO COMBAT POTENTIALLY COUNTERFEIT NONSTEROIDAL ANTIINFLAMMATORY DRUGS

in Journal of Chromatography. A (2012), 1263

In the context of the battle against counterfeit medicines, an innovative methodology has been used to develop rapid and specific high performance liquid chromatographic methods to detect and determine 18 ... [more ▼]

In the context of the battle against counterfeit medicines, an innovative methodology has been used to develop rapid and specific high performance liquid chromatographic methods to detect and determine 18 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, 5 pharmaceutical conservatives, paracetamol, chlorzoxazone, caffeine and salicylic acid. These molecules are commonly encountered alone or in combination on the market. Regrettably, a significant proportion of these consumed medicines are counterfeit or substandard, with a strong negative impact in countries of Central Africa. In this context, an innovative design space optimization strategy was successfully applied to the development of LC screening methods allowing the detection of substandard or counterfeit medicines. Using the results of a unique experimental design, the design spaces of 5 potentially relevant HPLC methods have been developed, and transferred to an ultra high performance liquid chromatographic system to evaluate the robustness of the predicted DS while providing rapid methods of analysis. Moreover, one of the methods has been fully validated using the accuracy profile as decision tool, and was then used for the quantitative determination of three active ingredients and one impurity in a common and widely used pharmaceutical formulation. The method was applied to 5 pharmaceuticals sold in the Democratic Republic of Congo. None of these pharmaceuticals was found compliant to the European Medicines Agency specifications [less ▲]

Mechanistic investigation and selectivity of the grafting onto C60 of macroradicals prepared by cobalt-mediated radical polymerization

in Polymer (2012), 53(20), 4353-4358

The grafting mechanism of poly(vinyl acetate) macroradicals prepared by cobalt-mediated radical polymerization onto C60 is investigated. The experimental conditions directly impact the nature and ... [more ▼]

The grafting mechanism of poly(vinyl acetate) macroradicals prepared by cobalt-mediated radical polymerization onto C60 is investigated. The experimental conditions directly impact the nature and stability of the PVAc/C60 adducts. In the presence of residual initiating radicals that can compete with PVAc! macroradicals for addition onto C60, mixtures of PVAc/C60 adducts having between one and eight polymer chains per C60 are formed. PVAc/C60 adducts prepared with low [PVAc]:[C60] ratios may contain weak C60-C60 bonds that further dissociate and account for the instability of the products. The formation of such dimers can be lessened by increasing the temperature from 30 !C to 100 !C. The temperature increase also allows a complete dissociation of the PVAc-Co dormant species into PVAc! macroradicals and an almost quantitative grafting of eight PVAc chains onto C60, leading to well-de!ned C60(PVAc)8 octa-adducts. These results might shed new light on the grafting onto C60 of macroradicals prepared by other CRP techniques. [less ▲]

Local climatological modeling of ionospheric irregularities detected by GPS in mid-latitude region

in Journal of Atmospheric & Solar-Terrestrial Physics (2012), 89

α-Acetal, ω-alkyne poly(ethylene oxide) as a versatile building block for the synthesis of glycoconjugated graft-copolymers suited for targeted drug delivery

in Bioconjugate Chemistry (2012), 23(9), 1740-1752

α-Acetal, ω-alkyne poly(ethylene oxide) was synthesized as building block of glycoconjugated poly(ε-caprolactone)-graft-poly(ethylene oxide) (PCL-g-PEO) copolymers. The alkyne group is indeed instrumental ... [more ▼]

α-Acetal, ω-alkyne poly(ethylene oxide) was synthesized as building block of glycoconjugated poly(ε-caprolactone)-graft-poly(ethylene oxide) (PCL-g-PEO) copolymers. The alkyne group is indeed instrumental for the PEGylation of a poly(α-azido-ε-caprolactone-co-ε-caprolactone) copolymer by the Huisgen’s 1,3 dipolar cycloaddition, i.e., a click reaction. Moreover, deprotection of the acetal end-group of the hydrophilic PEO grafts followed by reductive amination of the accordingly formed aldehyde with an aminated sugar is a valuable strategy of glycoconjugation of the graft copolymer, whose micelles are then potential. A model molecule (fluoresceinamine) was first considered in order to optimize the experimental conditions for the reductive amination. These conditions were then extended to the decoration of the graft copolymer micelles with mannose, which is a targeting agent of dendritic cells and macrophages. The bioavailability of the sugar units at the surface of micelles was investigated by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The same question was addressed to nanoparticles stabilized by the graft copolymer. Enzyme linked lectin assay (ELLA) confirmed the availability of mannose at the nanoparticle surface. [less ▲]

Measuring operational risk in financial institutions

in Applied Financial Economics (2012), 22(18), 1553-1569

The scarcity of internal loss databases tends to hinder the use of the advanced approaches for operational risk measurement (Advanced Measurement Approaches (AMA)) in financial institutions. As there is a ... [more ▼]

The scarcity of internal loss databases tends to hinder the use of the advanced approaches for operational risk measurement (Advanced Measurement Approaches (AMA)) in financial institutions. As there is a greater variety in credit risk modelling, this article explores the applicability of a modified version of CreditRisk+ to operational loss data. Our adapted model, OpRisk+, works out very satisfying Values-at-Risk (VaR) at 95% level as compared with estimates drawn from sophisticated AMA models. OpRisk+ proves to be especially worthy in the case of small samples, where more complex methods cannot be applied. OpRisk+ could therefore be used to fit the body of the distribution of operational losses up to the 95%-percentile, while Extreme Value Theory (EVT), external databases or scenario analysis should be used beyond this quantile. [less ▲]

A New Type of Ambiguity in the Planet and Binary Interpretations of Central Perturbations of High-magnification Gravitational Microlensing Events

in Astrophysical Journal (2012), 756

High-magnification microlensing events provide an important channel to detect planets. Perturbations near the peak of a high-magnification event can be produced either by a planet or a binary companion ... [more ▼]

High-magnification microlensing events provide an important channel to detect planets. Perturbations near the peak of a high-magnification event can be produced either by a planet or a binary companion. It is known that central perturbations induced by both types of companions can be generally distinguished due to the essentially different magnification pattern around caustics. In this paper, we present a case of central perturbations for which it is difficult to distinguish the planetary and binary interpretations. The peak of a lensing light curve affected by this perturbation appears to be blunt and flat. For a planetary case, this perturbation occurs when the source trajectory passes the negative perturbation region behind the back end of an arrowhead-shaped central caustic. For a binary case, a similar perturbation occurs for a source trajectory passing through the negative perturbation region between two cusps of an astroid-shaped caustic. We demonstrate the degeneracy for two high-magnification events of OGLE-2011-BLG-0526 and OGLE-2011-BLG-0950/MOA-2011-BLG-336. For OGLE-2011-BLG-0526, the χ[SUP]2[/SUP] difference between the planetary and binary model is ~3, implying that the degeneracy is very severe. For OGLE-2011-BLG-0950/MOA-2011-BLG-336, the stellar binary model is formally excluded with Δχ[SUP]2[/SUP] ~ 105 and the planetary model is preferred. However, it is difficult to claim a planet discovery because systematic residuals of data from the planetary model are larger than the difference between the planetary and binary models. Considering that two events observed during a single season suffer from such a degeneracy, it is expected that central perturbations experiencing this type of degeneracy is common. [less ▲]

Transiting exoplanets from the CoRoT space mission. XXIII. CoRoT-21b: a doomed large Jupiter around a faint subgiant star

in Astronomy and Astrophysics (2012), 545

CoRoT-21, a F8IV star of magnitude V = 16 mag, was observed by the space telescope CoRoT during the Long Run 01 (LRa01) in the first winter field (constellation Monoceros) from October 2007 to March 2008 ... [more ▼]

CoRoT-21, a F8IV star of magnitude V = 16 mag, was observed by the space telescope CoRoT during the Long Run 01 (LRa01) in the first winter field (constellation Monoceros) from October 2007 to March 2008. Transits were discovered during the light curve processing. Radial velocity follow-up observations, however, were performed mainly by the 10-m Keck telescope in January 2010. The companion CoRoT-21b is a Jupiter-like planet of 2.26 ± 0.33 Jupiter masses and 1.30 ± 0.14 Jupiter radii in an circular orbit of semi-major axis 0.0417 ± 0.0011 AU and an orbital period of 2.72474 ± 0.00014 days. The planetary bulk density is (1.36 ± 0.48) × 10[SUP]3[/SUP] kg m[SUP]-3[/SUP], very similar to the bulk density of Jupiter, and follows an M[SUP]1/3[/SUP] - R relation like Jupiter. The F8IV star is a sub-giant star of 1.29 ± 0.09 solar masses and 1.95 ± 0.2 solar radii. The star and the planet exchange extremetidal forces that will lead to orbital decay and extreme spin-up of the stellar rotation within 800 Myr if the stellar dissipation is Q[SUB]∗[/SUB]/k[SUB]2∗[/SUB] ≤ 10[SUP]7[/SUP]. The CoRoT space mission, launched on December 27th 2006, has been developed and is operated by CNES, with the contribution of Austria, Belgium, Brazil, ESA (RSSD and Science Programme), Germany and Spain. [less ▲]

The 12C2/12C13C isotopic ratio in comets C/2001 Q4 (NEAT) and C/2002 T7 (LINEAR)

in Astronomy and Astrophysics (2012), 545

Context. Measuring the carbon isotope abundance ratio in comets allows one to constrain the conditions in the outer protosolar nebula. Different measurements of the [SUP]12[/SUP]C/[SUP]13[/SUP]C ratio ... [more ▼]

Context. Measuring the carbon isotope abundance ratio in comets allows one to constrain the conditions in the outer protosolar nebula. Different measurements of the [SUP]12[/SUP]C/[SUP]13[/SUP]C ratio, using various molecules, have already been published for different solar system objects, such as the Sun, the Earth, the Moon, asteroids, planets, or comets. So far, all these measurements are consistent with [SUP]12[/SUP]C/[SUP]13[/SUP]C ~ 90, but significant differences have been observed. This ratio is remarkably constant in comets (91.0 ± 3.6) for studies based on the CN radical, but it presents stronger variations in studies based on other radicals. <BR /> Aims: This paper aims at measuring the [SUP]12[/SUP]C/[SUP]13[/SUP]C ratio in two bright Oort cloud comets using the [SUP]12[/SUP]C_2 and [SUP]12[/SUP]C[SUP]13[/SUP]C emission lines and an improved method. The ratios will be compared to those obtained for the same comets with another radical, CN. <BR /> Methods: We used the (2,1) and (1,0) bandheads of the [SUP]12[/SUP]C[SUP]13[/SUP]C, near 4723 and 4745 Å to measure the [SUP]12[/SUP]C/[SUP]13[/SUP]C ratio and compared their intensity to the [SUP]12[/SUP]C_2 lines of the same bands. We developed a model for interpreting observational data obtained at high resolution (~70 000) using the 8.2-m Kueyen telescope (UT2) of the Very Large Telescope (VLT) with the Ultraviolet and Visual Echelle Spectrograph (UVES) in two comets: C/2001 Q4 (NEAT) and C/2002 T7 (LINEAR). <BR /> Results: Our modeling has provided [SUP]12[/SUP]C/[SUP]13[/SUP]C = 85 ± 20 for C/2002 T7 (LINEAR) and 80 ± 20 for C/2001 Q4 (NEAT). These values are compatible with previous measurements performed with the CN radical. Based on observations made with ESO Telescopes at the Paranal Observatory under programmes ID 073.C-0525. [less ▲]

L’Exposition internationale de Liège 1939. Urbanisme et architecture

in Cahiers Nouveaux (Les) (2012), 83

Quel avenir pour la "hêtraie cathédrale" de Soignes ? Bases de réflexion pour une prise de décision

in Forêt Wallonne (2012), (120), 3-21

A l'heure où le plan de gestion de la forêt de Soignes bruxelloise doit être révisé, il est apparu nécessaire de synthétiser les éléments objectifs sur lesquels la gestion doit s'appuyer. Rassemblant ... [more ▼]

A l'heure où le plan de gestion de la forêt de Soignes bruxelloise doit être révisé, il est apparu nécessaire de synthétiser les éléments objectifs sur lesquels la gestion doit s'appuyer. Rassemblant leurs expertises respectives pour une analyse commune des nombreuses études existantes, pédologues, écologues, sylviculteurs et gestionnaires tirent la sonnette d'alarme : la forêt de Soignes n'est pas bien armée pour affronter l'avenir. Forts de ce constat, ils proposent et argumentent divers scénarios de gestion alternatifs. [less ▲]

Schmallenberg virus in domestic cattle, Belgium, 2012

in Emerging Infectious Diseases (2012), 18(9), 1512-1514

The Schmallenberg virus emerged in summer-fall 2011 in North-West Europe. Nine months later, 91% of adult cattle living about 250 km from the emergence location tested positive for IgGs targeting the new ... [more ▼]

The Schmallenberg virus emerged in summer-fall 2011 in North-West Europe. Nine months later, 91% of adult cattle living about 250 km from the emergence location tested positive for IgGs targeting the new virus nucleoprotein. Further, the risk of infection of the fetus in an immunologically naive herd is 28%. [less ▲]

Extent of Applicability of Human Rights Standards to Proceedings before the International Criminal Court: On Possible Reductive Factors

in International Criminal Law Review (2012), 12(4), 721-741

Today, it is not seriously challenged that human rights law applies to proceedings before the International Criminal Court. The exact boundaries of this statement, however, might be less clear. The ... [more ▼]

Today, it is not seriously challenged that human rights law applies to proceedings before the International Criminal Court. The exact boundaries of this statement, however, might be less clear. The present article argues that the extent of applicability of human rights law cannot be precisely described unless the specific nature of the Court and of international criminal justice in general is taken into consideration. More concretely, it will be demonstrated that the exact scope of applicability of human rights standards to the ICC setting can only be addressed by referring to inherent characteristics (both of the Court and of the international criminal system as a whole) that could possibly bear a reductive impact on that scope. It will be argued throughout the analysis that several of these specific features are indeed capable of reducing the level of protection, while on a closer look others do not display such influence. [less ▲]

Introduction: Recent Trends in Social Economy Research

in Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics = Annales de l'Economie Publique, Sociale et Coopérative (2012), 83(3), 251-258

Actualia/Europese rechtspraak (2012/3)

in Marchés et Contrats Publics = Overheidsopdrachten en -Overeenkomsten (2012), 2012/3(2012/3), 397-401

Quantification of Acrylamide in Various Belgian Potato Products Using Solid Phase Extraction and Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry Detection

in Food and Public Health (2012), 2(5), 137-141

Acrylamide (CH2=CHCONH2), a neurotoxic and potentially carcinogenic substance for human health, is in the glare of the spotlights for a few years. This is mostly due to the fact that acrylamide was found ... [more ▼]

Acrylamide (CH2=CHCONH2), a neurotoxic and potentially carcinogenic substance for human health, is in the glare of the spotlights for a few years. This is mostly due to the fact that acrylamide was found worldwide in various heated foodstuffs. Levels reported in the literature vary from 25 to 2000 ìg/kg and potato products are considered as the most contaminated. A possible pathway of synthesis of acrylamide is the Maillard reaction between reducing sugars and the amino acid asparagine. The aim of this study was to develop a liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry method to analyse as quickly as possible acrylamide in a variety of Belgian food samples such as potatoes, French fries, crisp bread, coffee, corn-flakes, etc. The sample preparation consisted in a liquid/liquid extraction, a centrifugation, followed by purification with Solid Phase Extraction (SPE). The instruments used were a Waters 2690 Alliance HPLC system coupled to a Micro-mass Quattro Ultima Platinum triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer. The analysis was performed in MS/MS mode using isotopic dilution technique for quantification. An internal 13C3 labelled standard was added prior to extraction. Quantifica-tion in MS/MS mode was calculated by reconstructing the ion current with the most abundant daughter ions for native and 13C labelled standard (ions of m/z 55 and 58). [less ▲]

Numerical simulation of T-bend of multilayer coated metal sheet using solid-shell element

in Steel Research International (2012)

The main aim of this paper is to model the T-bend test performed on multilayer coated metal sheets in order to measure the coating flexibility. Because of important uses of polymer coatings in many ... [more ▼]

The main aim of this paper is to model the T-bend test performed on multilayer coated metal sheets in order to measure the coating flexibility. Because of important uses of polymer coatings in many industrial applications and higher requirement on the quality of products, an accurate modeling of the T-bend process is therefore essential. During the modeling with the finite element method, the large thickness ratio between the different layers is likely to produce elements with an unfavorable aspect ratio. Therefore, to avoid obtaining inaccurate results linked to the shape of the elements, solid-shell elements are used in this study. These elements are based on the Enhanced Assumed Strain (EAS) technique and the Assumed Natural Strain (ANS) technique. These techniques permit to avoid locking problems even in very bad conditions (nearly incompressible materials, very thin elements conducting to large aspect ratios, distorted element geometry…). The EAS technique artificially introduces additional degrees of freedom (DOFs) to the element. They permit to increase the flexibility of the element which is very efficient for several locking issues. On the other hand, the ANS technique modifies the interpolation scheme for particular strain components. The ANS technique proved to eliminate the transverse shear locking from the element in bending dominated situations. Besides, a numerical integration scheme dedicated to Solid-Shell elements was implemented. It uses a user-defined number of integration points along the thickness direction, which permits to increase the element accuracy with a mesh containing a reduced number of elements along the thickness direction. The results obtained from numerical simulations are compared with some analytical results in order to check the strain predicted in the coated layer by FEM. This information helps to investigate the coating layer ductility in the real process. [less ▲]

Donation after cardio-circulatory death liver transplantation.

in World Journal of Gastroenterology (2012), 18(33), 4491-506

The renewed interest in donation after cardio-circulatory death (DCD) started in the 1990s following the limited success of the transplant community to expand the donation after brain-death (DBD) organ ... [more ▼]

The renewed interest in donation after cardio-circulatory death (DCD) started in the 1990s following the limited success of the transplant community to expand the donation after brain-death (DBD) organ supply and following the request of potential DCD families. Since then, DCD organ procurement and transplantation activities have rapidly expanded, particularly for non-vital organs, like kidneys. In liver transplantation (LT), DCD donors are a valuable organ source that helps to decrease the mortality rate on the waiting lists and to increase the availability of organs for transplantation despite a higher risk of early graft dysfunction, more frequent vascular and ischemia-type biliary lesions, higher rates of re-listing and re-transplantation and lower graft survival, which are obviously due to the inevitable warm ischemia occurring during the declaration of death and organ retrieval process. Experimental strategies intervening in both donors and recipients at different phases of the transplantation process have focused on the attenuation of ischemia-reperfusion injury and already gained encouraging results, and some of them have found their way from pre-clinical success into clinical reality. The future of DCD-LT is promising. Concerted efforts should concentrate on the identification of suitable donors (probably Maastricht category III DCD donors), better donor and recipient matching (high risk donors to low risk recipients), use of advanced organ preservation techniques (oxygenated hypothermic machine perfusion, normothermic machine perfusion, venous systemic oxygen persufflation), and pharmacological modulation (probably a multi-factorial biologic modulation strategy) so that DCD liver allografts could be safely utilized and attain equivalent results as DBD-LT. [less ▲]