Cobalt-mediated radical (co)polymerization of vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate

in Polymer Chemistry (2012), 3(10), 2880-2891

The cobalt mediated radical polymerization (CMRP) of vinyl chloride (VC) in the presence of bis(acetylacetonato)cobalt(II) (Co(acac)2) as a controlling agent is presented for the first time. Using an ... [more ▼]

The cobalt mediated radical polymerization (CMRP) of vinyl chloride (VC) in the presence of bis(acetylacetonato)cobalt(II) (Co(acac)2) as a controlling agent is presented for the first time. Using an alkyl-Co(III) compound (R0–(CH2–CHOAc)<4–Co(acac)2; R0 = (H3C)2(OCH3)C–CH2–C(CH3)(CN)–) as an initiator, the bulk polymerization under non-isotherm conditions is controlled. 1H NMR spectra of the resulting PVC show that the CMRP process does not significantly affect the level of defects compared to a PVC prepared by a conventional free radical polymerization at the same temperature. Using the same alkyl-cobalt(III) compound, the copolymerization of VC and VAc is controlled at 40 °C provided that enough VAc (about 40 mol%) is present in the polymerization medium to moderate the VC polymerization. In line with reactivity ratios, VC is preferentially incorporated in the polymer at the early stages of the polymerization, leading to copolymers with a high VC content at moderate conversions. This is the first report of a CMRP of VC and of the synthesis of well-defined statistical PVC-co-PVAc copolymers by this technique. [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 ▲]

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 ▲]

Stratégie d’exploration neurophysiologique de la myasthénie

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

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 ▲]

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 ▲]

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 ▲]

Architecture et urbanisme : les grandes tendances des années 1980

in Art&Fact (2012), 31:2012

Conceptualizing, Measuring and Financing the Legacy Costs in an NDC Reform

in Journal of Pension Economics & Finance (2012), 11(4), 606-630

The paper provides a framework for the conceptualization, definition and measurement of the legacy costs that needs to be addressed in a reform that transforms an unfunded (or non‐financial) defined ... [more ▼]

The paper provides a framework for the conceptualization, definition and measurement of the legacy costs that needs to be addressed in a reform that transforms an unfunded (or non‐financial) defined benefit (NDB) scheme into an equally unfunded notional (or non‐financial) defined contribution (NDC) scheme. During a transition from NDB to NDC a financing gap typically arises due to accrued to date liabilities from the old system in excess of the NDC scheme’s sustainable flow of benefits. This gap ‐ or legacy cost ‐ needs to be estimated and financed. We illustrate different techniques to gauge the scope of the cost. The paper applies the proposed approach to a hypothetical NDC reform in China. [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 ▲]

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 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 ▲]

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 ▲]

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

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

in Revue Nouvelle (2012), 10

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 ▲]

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

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

Étendues de la réflexivité

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

Methis est la revue du groupe Intersection. Elle se donne un double objectif : la discussion, dans un cadre interdisciplinaire, des recherches en cours des doctorants et jeunes docteurs en Philosophie et ... [more ▼]

Methis est la revue du groupe Intersection. Elle se donne un double objectif : la discussion, dans un cadre interdisciplinaire, des recherches en cours des doctorants et jeunes docteurs en Philosophie et lettres et en Sciences humaines et sociales de l’Université de Liège et la constitution d'un lieu de publication ouvert pour des dossiers portant sur des thématiques interdisciplinaires. Un tel cadre interdisciplinaire exige, afin d’assurer un échange scientifique rigoureux, que les questions de méthode soient clairement posées et soumises à la perspicacité des regards croisés entre les différentes disciplines. Table des matières MethIS n° 3 S. Badir & E. Mouratidou, Introduction Y. Jeanneret, Le statut des savoirs ordinaires dans l’analyse des pratiques de communication L. Demoulin, Vers une typologie de la réflexivité A. Taormina, Autofiction et métafiction dans la littérature hispanique contemporaine. À la vitesse de la lumière de Javier Cercas A.-L. Hick, Poèmes d’intérieur : quelle(s) réflexivité(s) ? E. Mouratidou, Making of, coulisses, backstage et réflexivité latente. Entre mythe et transparence V. Miraglia, Peut-on parler de réflexivité du dispositif cinématographique ? L. Robert, Autoréférence et (non-)réflexivité, ou comment Georges Fourest n’a pas écrit l’un de ses livres D. Saint-Amand & V. Stiénon, Parodie de la science et réflexivité. La physiologie et le dictionnaire dans le champ littéraire du xixe siècle P.-L. Colon, Être à l’écoute de son écoute: nuisances sonores et réflexivité (note de recherche) J. Van Beveren, Pourquoi et pour quoi l’enseignant devrait-il pouvoir faire montre de réflexivité ? T. Bolmain, Postérités politiques du jugement réfléchissant esthétique. Kant, d’Arendt à Rancière [less ▲]

Newer Methods for Improving Yield from FDG-PET Imaging for Accurate Staging, Determining Tumor Biology, and Assessing Prognosis

in PET Clinics (2012), 7(4), 425-430

De quelques retours de M. Chat: Historiographie politique dans "Le fond de l'air est rouge"

in Relief : Revue Electronique de Littérature Française (2012), 6

Dans son film de montage Le fond de l’air est rouge, Chris Marker compile un ensemble de représentations hétérogènes issues d’une décennie de luttes (ouvrières, étudiantes, indépendantistes, etc.) dans le ... [more ▼]

Dans son film de montage Le fond de l’air est rouge, Chris Marker compile un ensemble de représentations hétérogènes issues d’une décennie de luttes (ouvrières, étudiantes, indépendantistes, etc.) dans le monde. Par l’assemblage de ces images, le cinéaste déploie une historiographie a priori mélancolique et défaitiste. Le présent texte entend dépasser cette interprétation unilatérale de la critique politique des images pour y identifier les traces d’un retour chronique à l’espoir militant. [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

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 ▲]

TeX in the eBook era: a simple –yet fully working– approach

in PracTeX journal (The) (2012), 2012(1),

There are many advantages to reading eBooks, and their usage is ever increasing. There are those who prefer traditional printed books, but there is also a growing audience whose lifestyle and taste is ... [more ▼]

There are many advantages to reading eBooks, and their usage is ever increasing. There are those who prefer traditional printed books, but there is also a growing audience whose lifestyle and taste is suited to eBooks. We discuss some advantages of using eBooks, and creating them with LaTeX. We continue by explaining technical aspects that might improve and help you with your LaTeX eBook. We end with a short discussion about the PDF file format and its use with eBook documents. [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 ▲]

NGC 1624-2: a slowly rotating, X-ray luminous Of?cp star with an extraordinarily strong magnetic field

in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (2012), 425

This paper presents a first observational investigation of the faint Of?p star NGC 1624-2, yielding important new constraints on its spectral and physical characteristics, rotation, magnetic field ... [more ▼]

This paper presents a first observational investigation of the faint Of?p star NGC 1624-2, yielding important new constraints on its spectral and physical characteristics, rotation, magnetic field strength, X-ray emission and magnetospheric properties. Modelling the spectrum and spectral energy distribution, we conclude that NGC 1624-2 is a main-sequence star of mass M ≃ 30 M[SUB]&sun;[/SUB], and infer an effective temperature of 35 ± 2 kK and log g = 4.0 ± 0.2. Based on an extensive time series of optical spectral observations we report significant variability of a large number of spectral lines, and infer a unique period of 157.99 ± 0.94 d which we interpret as the rotational period of the star. We report the detection of a very strong (5.35 ± 0.5 kG) longitudinal magnetic field <B[SUB]z[/SUB]>, coupled with probable Zeeman splitting of the Stokes I profiles of metal lines confirming a surface field modulus of 14 ± 1 kG, consistent with a surface dipole of polar strength ≳20 kG. This is the largest magnetic field ever detected in an O-type star, and the first report of Zeeman splitting of Stokes I profiles in such an object. We also report the detection of reversed Stokes V profiles associated with weak, high-excitation emission lines of O III, which we propose may form in the close magnetosphere of the star. We analyse archival Chandra ACIS-I X-ray data, inferring a very hard spectrum with an X-ray efficiency of log L[SUB]x[/SUB]/L[SUB]bol[/SUB] = -6.4, a factor of 4 larger than the canonical value for O-type stars and comparable to that of the young magnetic O-type star θ[SUP]1[/SUP] Ori C and other Of?p stars. Finally, we examine the probable magnetospheric properties of the star, reporting in particular very strong magnetic confinement of the stellar wind, with η[SUB]*[/SUB] ≃ 1.5 × 10[SUP]4[/SUP], and a very large Alfvén radius, R[SUB]Alf[/SUB] = 11.4 R[SUB]*[/SUB]. Based on spectropolarimetric observations obtained at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT) which is operated by the National Research Council of Canada, the Institut National des Sciences de l'Univers (INSU) of the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique of France, and the University of Hawaii, as well as on observations obtained using the Narval spectropolarimeter at the Observatoire du Pic du Midi (France), which is operated by the INSU. The spectroscopic data were gathered with five facilities: the 9.2-m Hobby-Eberly Telescope at McDonald Observatory (MDO), the 3.5-m Telescope at Calar Alto Observatory (CAHA), the 1.5-m Telescope at the Observatorio de Sierra Nevada (OSN), the 4.2-m William Herschel Telescope at the Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos (ORM) and the 2-m Himalayan Chandra Telescope at Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO). [less ▲]

Seismic Evidence for a Rapidly Rotating Core in a Lower-giant-branch Star Observed with Kepler

in Astrophysical Journal (2012), 756

Rotation is expected to have an important influence on the structure and the evolution of stars. However, the mechanisms of angular momentum transport in stars remain theoretically uncertain and very ... [more ▼]

Rotation is expected to have an important influence on the structure and the evolution of stars. However, the mechanisms of angular momentum transport in stars remain theoretically uncertain and very complex to take into account in stellar models. To achieve a better understanding of these processes, we desperately need observational constraints on the internal rotation of stars, which until very recently was restricted to the Sun. In this paper, we report the detection of mixed modes—i.e., modes that behave both as g modes in the core and as p modes in the envelope—in the spectrum of the early red giant KIC 7341231, which was observed during one year with the Kepler spacecraft. By performing an analysis of the oscillation spectrum of the star, we show that its non-radial modes are clearly split by stellar rotation and we are able to determine precisely the rotational splittings of 18 modes. We then find a stellar model that reproduces very well the observed atmospheric and seismic properties of the star. We use this model to perform inversions of the internal rotation profile of the star, which enables us to show that the core of the star is rotating at least five times faster than the envelope. This will shed new light on the processes of transport of angular momentum in stars. In particular, this result can be used to place constraints on the angular momentum coupling between the core and the envelope of early red giants, which could help us discriminate between the theories that have been proposed over the last few decades. [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 ▲]

Actualia/Europese rechtspraak (2012/3)

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

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 ▲]

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 ▲]

L’Exposition internationale de Liège 1939. Urbanisme et architecture

in Cahiers Nouveaux (Les) (2012), 83

Numerical simulation and performance assessment of an absorption solar air-conditioning system coupled with an office building

in Building Simulation: An International Journal (2012), 5(3), 243-255

To minimize environmental impact and CO2 production associated with air-conditioning, it is reasonable to evaluate the prospects of a clean energy source. Solar energy, via thermal collectors can provide ... [more ▼]

To minimize environmental impact and CO2 production associated with air-conditioning, it is reasonable to evaluate the prospects of a clean energy source. Solar energy, via thermal collectors can provide a part of the heating needs. Moreover, it can drive absorption chiller in order to satisfy the cooling needs of buildings. The objective of the work is to evaluate accurately the energy consumption of an air-conditioning system including a solar driven absorption chiller. The complete simulation environment includes the absorption chiller itself, the cooling tower, the solar collectors field, heater, storage devices, pumps, heating-cooling distribution, emission system and building. A decrease of primary energy consumption of 22% for heating and cooling is reached when using a solar air-conditioning system instead of classical heating and cooling devices. The modelling of each subsystem is detailed. TRNSYS software modular approach provides the possibility to model and simulate this complete system. [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 ▲]

Relationships between young stallions's temperament and their behavioral reactions during standardized veterinary examinations.

in Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research (2012), 7(5), 311-321

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 ▲]

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

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 ▲]

Effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the healing of Achilles tendons of rats

in Wound Repair & Regeneration : Official Publication of the Wound Healing Society and the European Tissue Repair Society (2012), 20(5), 748-756

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) contains growth factors involved in the tissular healing process. The aim of the study was to determine if an injection of PRP could improve the healing of sectioned Achilles ... [more ▼]

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) contains growth factors involved in the tissular healing process. The aim of the study was to determine if an injection of PRP could improve the healing of sectioned Achilles tendons of rats. After surgery, rats received an injection of PRP (n=60) or a physiological solution (n=60) in situ. After 5, 15 and 30 days, 20 rats of both groups were euthanized and 15 collected tendons were submitted to a biomechanical test using cryo-jaws before performing transcriptomic analyses. Histological and biochemical analyses were performed on the 5 remaining tendons in each group. Tendons in the PRP group were more resistant to rupture at 15 and 30 days. The mechanical stress was significantly increased in tendons of the PRP group at day 30. Histological analysis showed a precocious deposition of fibrillar collagen at day 5 confirmed by a biochemical measurement. The expression of tenomodulin was significantly higher at day 5. The mRNA level of type III collage, matrix metalloproteinase 2, 3 and 9 was similar in the 2 groups at all time points whereas type I collagen was significantly increased at day 30 in the PRP group. In conclusion, an injection of PRP in sectioned rat Achilles tendon influences the early phase of tendons healing and results in an ultimate stronger mechanical resistance. [less ▲]

Estimation des teneurs en nitrates dans les eaux potables par l'utilisation de bandelettes réactives : un exercice d'éducation à l'environnement dans la vallée du Sourou au Burkina Faso.

in VertigO : la Revue Electronique en Sciences de l'Environnement (2012), 12(2),

Dans le cadre de l’application du contrat de rivière Sourou au Burkina Faso, une estimation des teneurs en nitrates dans les eaux a été effectuée en utilisant un test rapide par bandelettes réactives. De ... [more ▼]

Dans le cadre de l’application du contrat de rivière Sourou au Burkina Faso, une estimation des teneurs en nitrates dans les eaux a été effectuée en utilisant un test rapide par bandelettes réactives. De 2008 à 2011, 29 forages et puits et 9 points de prélèvement en eaux de surface localisés dans la vallée du Sourou ont fait l’objet d’une étude comparative entre le test bandelettes et l’analyse classique en laboratoire. Les résultats étaient comparables dans 90 % des cas. Nous avons pu vérifier simultanément par les deux méthodes que la norme de potabilité de l’OMS de 50 mg de nitrates par litre (NO3/L) était dépassée dans l’eau souterraine pour 12 ouvrages sur les 29 testés. Des concentrations supérieures à 500 mg de NO3/L ont parfois été observées. Les contaminations seraient d’origine multiple : défécation animale et humaine, latrines, eaux usées. L’utilisation de dynamite pour le creusement des ouvrages a aussi été évoquée. Au-delà de l’utilisation d’un test rapide pour produire, à faible coût, des données valables estimant les teneurs en nitrates dans les eaux, cette démarche revêt un caractère pédagogique à l’instar des opérations sources qui avaient été organisées en Belgique dans les années 90. Une transposition de cette activité d’éducation relative à l’environnement est suggérée au Burkina Faso en collaboration avec les écoles. [less ▲]

Compte-rendu de l'ouvrage de D. Graninger : Cult and Koinon in Hellenistic Thessaly

in Kernos : Revue Internationale et Pluridisciplinaire de Religion Grecque (2012), 25

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 ▲]