Diversity of forensic rove beetles (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) associated with decaying pig carcass in a forest biotope

in Journal of Forensic Sciences (2013)

Most forensic studies are focused on Diptera pattern colonization while neglecting Coleoptera succession. So far, little information is available on the postmortem colonization by beetles and the ... [more ▼]

Most forensic studies are focused on Diptera pattern colonization while neglecting Coleoptera succession. So far, little information is available on the postmortem colonization by beetles and the decomposition process they initiate under temperate biogeoclimatic countries. These beetles have however been referred to as being part of the entomofaunal colonization of a dead body. Forensic entomologists need increased databases detailing the distribution, ecology and phenology of necrophagous insects, including staphylinids (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae). While pig carcasses are commonly used in forensic entomology studies to surrogate human decomposition and to investigate the entomofaunal succession, very few works have been conducted in Europe on large carcasses. Our work reports the monitoring of the presence of adult rove beetles (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) on decaying pig carcasses in a forest biotope during four seasons (spring, summer, fall and winter). A total of 23 genera comprising 60 species of rove beetles were collected from pig carcasses. [less ▲]

Study on alternative approaches to corrosion protection of ballast tanks using an economic model

in Marine Structures (2013)

One of the most relevant problems in ship construction and maintenance nowadays is corrosion in ballast tanks of modern merchant vessels. On the one hand, there is a general consensus that the economic ... [more ▼]

One of the most relevant problems in ship construction and maintenance nowadays is corrosion in ballast tanks of modern merchant vessels. On the one hand, there is a general consensus that the economic lifespan of such a vessel depends, to a large degree, upon the corrosion state of its ballast tanks, while on the other hand these ballast tanks, located between the outer hull and the cargo tanks, makes routine inspection and maintenance a difficult task. Today, ship's ballast tanks are usually constructed in steel and protected with an epoxy coating backed up by sacrificial zinc anodes. Such a construction has been applied without significant alterations for many years. The objective of this economic study is to compare this construction method with some potential alternatives. The considered alternatives are: (1) an increase in structural scantlings, eliminating the necessity to replace corroded at a cost of real cargo carrying capacity of the ship, (2) application of the novel and more durable TSCF25 coating (3), the use of corrosion resistant steel in ship construction and (4) a standard PSPC15 coating combined with lifetime lasting aluminum sacrificial anodes. A cost model was used to evaluate these alternative options together with sensitivity analysis. It is concluded that the durable coating and the use of lifetime lasting aluminum anodes are bound to improve the actual basic tank concept. Corrosion resistant steel becomes attractive when the steel price becomes competitive. [less ▲]

Bacillus subtilis as a tool for screening soil metagenomic libraries for antimicrobial activities

in Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology (2013), 23(6), 850-855

Vortex ratchet induced by controlled edge roughness

in New Journal of Physics (2013), 15

We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally the generation of rectified mean vortex displacement resulting from a controlled difference between the surface barriers at the opposite borders of a ... [more ▼]

We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally the generation of rectified mean vortex displacement resulting from a controlled difference between the surface barriers at the opposite borders of a superconducting strip. Our investigation focuses on Al superconducting strips where, in one of the two sample borders, a saw tooth-like array of micro-indentations has been imprinted. The origin of the vortex ratchet effect is based on the fact that (i) the onset of vortex motion is mainly governed by the entrance/nucleation of vortices and (ii) the current lines bunching produced by the indentations facilitates the entrance/nucleation of vortices. Only for one current direction the indentations are positioned at the side of vortex entry and the onset of the resistive regime is lowered compared to the opposite current direction. This investigation points to the relevance of ubiquitous border effects typically neglected when interpreting vortex ratchet measurements on samples with arrays of local asymmetric pinning sites. [less ▲]

Modelling the top-height growth and site index of Norway spruce in Southern Belgium

in Forest Ecology & Management (2013), 298

Top-height growth in even-aged stands of Norway spruce (Piceaabies (L.) Karst.) from Southern Belgium was modelled using functions which provide an algebraic solution for site index (SI) calculation. 16 ... [more ▼]

Top-height growth in even-aged stands of Norway spruce (Piceaabies (L.) Karst.) from Southern Belgium was modelled using functions which provide an algebraic solution for site index (SI) calculation. 16 well known growth model formulations were parameterized using a method which accounts for heterogeneous variance and autocorrelation on a dataset composed of stem analysis data completed by measuring the heights of all the branch whorls to allow for accurate height–age estimates. Comparison of the parameterized models showed that the oblique asymptotic function known as the Duplat and Tran-Ha III model was the most efficient on our dataset. Validation of the selected model on permanent sample plot data showed no evidence of bias over the full range of possible age, height, site index and densities encountered in Norway spruce stands of Southern Belgium. The new height growth model described represents a significant improvement over the previous model of Dagnelie et al. (1988), which was found to be unreliable and required the use of an iterative process to estimate SI. [less ▲]

Effect of head-to-head addition in vinyl acetate controlled radical polymerization: why is Co(acac)2-mediated polymerization so much better?

in Macromolecules (2013), 46(11), 4303-4312

The controlled polymerization of vinyl acetate has been recently achieved by several techniques, but PVAc with targeted Mn and low dispersity up to very high monomer conversions and high degrees of ... [more ▼]

The controlled polymerization of vinyl acetate has been recently achieved by several techniques, but PVAc with targeted Mn and low dispersity up to very high monomer conversions and high degrees of polymerization was only obtained with Co(acac)2 as controlling agent in the so-called CMRP, a type of organometallic mediated radical polymerization (OMRP). Other techniques (including ATRP, ITP, TERP, and RAFT/MADIX) have shown a more or less pronounced slowdown in the polymerization kinetics, which was attributed to the higher strength of the C−X bond between the radical PVAc chain and the trapping agent (X) in the dormant species and to a consequent slower reactivation after a less frequent head-to-head monomer addition. The reason for the CMRP exception is clarified by the present contribution. First, a detailed investigation by 1H, 13C and multiplicity-edited HSQC and DEPT-135 NMR of the PVAc obtained by CMRP, in comparison with a regular polymer made by free radical polymerization under the same conditions, has revealed that Co(acac)2 does not significantly alter the fraction of head-to-head sequences in the polymer backbone and that there is no accumulation of Co(acac)2-capped chains with a head-to-head ω end. Hence, both dormant chains (following the head-to-head and the head-to-tail monomer additions) must be reactivated at similar rates. A DFT study shows that this is possible because the dormant chains are stabilized not only by the C−Co σ bond but also by formation of a chelate ring through coordination of the ω monomer carbonyl group. The head-to-head dormant chain contains an inherently stronger C−Co bond but forms a weaker 6-membered chelate ring, whereas the weaker C−Co bond in the head-to-tail dormant chain is compensated by a stronger 5-membered chelate ring. Combination of the two effects leads to similar activation enthalpies, as verified by DFT calculations using a variety of local, gradient-corrected, hybrid and “ad hoc” functionals (BPW91, B3PW91, BPW91*, M06 and M06L). While the BDE(C−X) of model H-VAc−X molecules [X = Cl, I, MeTe, EtOC(S)S and Co(acac)2] are functional dependent, the BDE difference between head-to-head and head-to-tail dormant chain models is almost functional insensitive, with values of 5−9 kcal/mol for the ATRP, ITP and TERP models, 3−6 for the RAFT/MADIX model, and around zero for CMRP. [less ▲]

Neurobiologie de l'addiction

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2013), 68(5-6), 211-217

Fast Strength Assessment of Mitre Gates to Ship Impact

in International Journal of Crashworthiness (2013)

Physiological response of yeast to process perturbations: A mini-bioreactor approach

in Cerevisia : Belgian Journal of Brewing and Biotechnology (2013), 38(1), 15-19

Large-scale production of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is difficult to control, considering the drop of mixing and mass transfer efficiency during scale-up. The drop of hydrodynamic efficiency in ... [more ▼]

Large-scale production of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is difficult to control, considering the drop of mixing and mass transfer efficiency during scale-up. The drop of hydrodynamic efficiency in large-scale bioreactors induces the formation of heterogeneities, i.e. mainly substrate and dissolved oxygen in process conditions. These extracellular fluctuations have several impacts at the level of the physiology of microorganisms, from metabolic shift to specific gene expression (stress response). Microbial cell responses to extracellular fluctuations are actually not fully understood. In this work, we propose to reproduce the main extracellular fluctuations at the level of a mini bioreactor platform. These mini-reactors are shake flasks equipped with dissolved oxygen probes. The cultures are realized with different fed-batch control strategies. A scale-down approach has been developed by considering slow release techniques and intermittent feeding, in order to reproduce the glucose and dissolved oxygen fluctuations experienced in large-scale reactors. The mini-reactor has been used to screen the response of several green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter strains (adh2, tps2, pdc6 and hxt2). The GFP content of cells has been determined by flow cytometry in order to take into account population heterogeneity. In front of these results, the methodology presented in this work can be proposed as a scale-down tool. [less ▲]

An integration of external information for foreign stallions into the Belgian genetic evaluation for jumping horses

in Journal of Animal Breeding & Genetics (2013), 130(3), 209-217

The aim of this study was to test the integration of external information, i.e. foreign estimated breeding values (EBV) and the associated reliabilities (REL), for stallions into the Belgian genetic ... [more ▼]

The aim of this study was to test the integration of external information, i.e. foreign estimated breeding values (EBV) and the associated reliabilities (REL), for stallions into the Belgian genetic evaluation for jumping horses. The Belgian model is a bivariate repeatability Best Linear Unbiased Prediction animal model only based on Belgian performances while Belgian breeders import horses from neighbouring countries. Thereby, use of external information is needed as prior to achieve more accurate EBV. Pedigree and performance data contained 101,382 horses and 712,212 performances, respectively. After conversion to the Belgian trait, external information of 98 French and 67 Dutch stallions were integrated into the Belgian evaluation. Resulting Belgian rankings of the foreign stallions were more similar to foreign rankings according to the increase of the rank correlations of at least 12%. REL of their EBV were improved of at least 2% on average. External information was partially to totally equivalent to 4 years of contemporary horses’ performances or to all the stallions’ own performances. All these results showed the interest to integrate external information into the Belgian evaluation. [less ▲]

How to define responders in osteoarthritis

in Current Medical Research & Opinion (2013), 29(6), 719-29

Background: Osteoarthritis is a clinical syndrome of failure of the joint accompanied by varying degrees of joint pain, functional limitation, and reduced quality of life due to deterioration of articular ... [more ▼]

Background: Osteoarthritis is a clinical syndrome of failure of the joint accompanied by varying degrees of joint pain, functional limitation, and reduced quality of life due to deterioration of articular cartilage and involvement of other joint structures. Scope: Regulatory agencies require relevant clinical benefit on symptoms and structure modification for registration of a new therapy as a disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD). An international Working Group of the European Society on Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO) and International Osteoporosis Foundation was convened to explore the current burden of osteoarthritis, review current regulatory guidelines for the conduct of clinical trials, and examine the concept of responder analyses for improving drug evaluation in osteoarthritis. Findings: The ESCEO considers that the major challenges in DMOAD development are the absence of a precise definition of the disease, particularly in the early stages, and the lack of consensus on how to detect structural changes and link them to clinically meaningful endpoints. Responder criteria should help identify progression of disease and be clinically meaningful. The ideal criterion should be sensitive to change over time and should predict disease progression and outcomes such as joint replacement. Conclusion: The ESCEO considers that, for knee osteoarthritis, clinical trial data indicate that radiographic joint space narrowing40.5mm over 2 or 3 years might be a reliable surrogate measure for total joint replacement. On-going research using techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging and biochemical markers may allow the identification of these patients earlier in the disease process [less ▲]

Le remplissement des objets idéaux. Sur la théorie du remplissement catégorial dans la VIe Recherche logique de Husserl

in Bulletin d'Analyse Phénoménologique (2013), IX(4),

Ce travail porte sur la question du remplissement des visées d’objets idéaux. Dans la VIe Recherche logique Husserl soulève cette question en introduisant un nouveau concept : le concept d’intuition ... [more ▼]

Ce travail porte sur la question du remplissement des visées d’objets idéaux. Dans la VIe Recherche logique Husserl soulève cette question en introduisant un nouveau concept : le concept d’intuition catégoriale. La connaissance des objets idéaux passe selon Husserl par un remplissement qui se réalise au moyen d’une intuition particulière, dans laquelle l’objet idéal se donne en personne, et qui s’oppose à l’intuition sensible. Dans quelle mesure une telle intuition est-elle possible ? Qu’est-ce qui est à proprement parler intuitionné en elle et comment cette intuition se rapporte-t-elle aux intuitions sensibles ? Telles sont les principales questions que je soulèverai dans cette étude. Ce travail me permettra ensuite de formuler un diagnostic sur les tensions qui persistent dans les Recherches logiques, et qui ne seront résolues que par la réduction transcendantale. [less ▲]

Parapet wall effect on Piano Key Weirs efficiency

in Journal of Irrigation & Drainage Engineering (2013), 139(6), 506-511

Piano Key Weir is a cost effective solution for rehabilitation as well as for new dam projects with a high level of constraints (limited space, high specific flood discharge, small reservoir level ... [more ▼]

Piano Key Weir is a cost effective solution for rehabilitation as well as for new dam projects with a high level of constraints (limited space, high specific flood discharge, small reservoir level variation). While the higher efficiency of the Piano Key Weir compared to standard linear weirs has already been demonstrated, its optimal geometry is still poorly defined. In order to improve the design of the complex geometry of this structure, the use of parapet walls has been tested. They consist of vertical extensions placed over the weir crest. Following a former study of the influence of the weir height on its discharge capacity, this paper presents the results of an experimental campaign dedicated to investigating the effect of parapet walls to increase weir height while reducing bottom slopes and keeping the weir height constant. These results indicate the relative influences of the alveoli bottom slopes and of the weir height on the Piano Key Weir release capacity. Comparisons with former experimental results as well as design guidelines are also provided. [less ▲]

Enjeux techniques, symboliques et politiques de la mesure de la diversité dans les entreprises et les organisations?

in Management International = International Management = Gestión Internacional (2013)

Persistent Organochlorine Pollutants with Endocrine Activity and Blood Steroid Hormone Levels in Middle- Aged Men

in PLoS ONE (2013), 8(6), 66460

Abstract Background: Studies relating long-term exposure to persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) with endocrine activities (endocrine disrupting chemicals) on circulating levels of steroid hormones ... [more ▼]

Abstract Background: Studies relating long-term exposure to persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) with endocrine activities (endocrine disrupting chemicals) on circulating levels of steroid hormones have been limited to a small number of hormones and reported conflicting results. Objective: We examined the relationship between serum concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, androstenedione, androstenediol, testosterone, free and bioavailable testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, estrone, estrone sulphate, estradiol, sex-hormone binding globulin, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone as a function of level of exposure to three POPs known to interfere with hormone-regulated processes in different way: dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethene (DDE), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congener 153, and chlordecone. Methods: We collected fasting, morning serum samples from 277 healthy, non obese, middle-aged men from the French West Indies. Steroid hormones were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, except for dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, which was determined by immunological assay, as were the concentrations of sex-hormone binding globulin, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. Associations were assessed by multiple linear regression analysis, controlling for confounding factors, in a backward elimination procedure, in multiple bootstrap samples. Results: DDE exposure was negatively associated to dihydrotestosterone level and positively associated to luteinizing hormone level. PCB 153 was positively associated to androstenedione and estrone levels. No association was found for chlordecone. Conclusions: These results suggested that the endocrine response pattern, estimated by determining blood levels of steroid hormones, varies depending on the POPs studied, possibly reflecting differences in the modes of action generally attributed to these compounds. It remains to be investigated whether this response pattern is predictive of the subsequent occurrence of disease. [less ▲]

The role of Bergmann glial cells in cerebellar development

in Cancer & Metabolism (2013), 1

Compte rendu de Heinich (Nathalie), De la visibilité. Excellence et singularité en régime médiatique

in COnTEXTES : Revue de Sociologie de la Littérature (2013)

"De la visibilité. Excellence et singularité en régime médiatique" interroge l’ascension de l’élite sociale nouvelle que composent, depuis le début du XXe siècle et avec l’appui du système médiatique ... [more ▼]

"De la visibilité. Excellence et singularité en régime médiatique" interroge l’ascension de l’élite sociale nouvelle que composent, depuis le début du XXe siècle et avec l’appui du système médiatique, ceux que l’on rassemble sous l’appellation de people. Très charpenté, l’ouvrage ici présenté a la forme et l’envergure d’un fort volume distribué en six parties allant de la définition de la « visibilité » (sous forme de capital social spécifique) aux valeurs morales qui s’y rattachent. [less ▲]

Electrophysiological and behavioural responses of Thanatophilus sinuatus F. (Coleoptera: Silphidae) to selected cadaveric volatile organic compounds

in Journal of Forensic Sciences (2013)

Soon after death, carcasses release volatile chemicals that attract carrion insects including Silphidae. Nevertheless, it is not known which chemical cues are involved in the attractiveness of the carcass ... [more ▼]

Soon after death, carcasses release volatile chemicals that attract carrion insects including Silphidae. Nevertheless, it is not known which chemical cues are involved in the attractiveness of the carcass. So far, little information is available on the chemical ecology of carrion beetles, particularly concerning the subfamily of Silphinae. The biological role of selected cadaveric volatile organic compounds including: dimethyldisulfide (DMDS), butan-1-ol, n-butanoic acid, indole, phenol, p-cresol, putrescine, and cadaverine on the silphine species, Thanatophilus sinuatus Fabricius, was investigated by using both electrophysiological and behavioural techniques. Among the tested cadaveric compounds, butan-1-ol and DMDS elicited the strongest EAG from both T. sinuatus male and female antennae. In a two-arm olfactometer, males and females were significantly attracted to dimethyldisulfide (DMDS) for both tested doses, whereas only males were attracted to p-cresol at 100 ng. Putrescine was repellent to males at the dose of 1 µg [less ▲]

Le chargé des relations partenariales et ses clients : significations et usages de la confiance

in Revue Européenne du Droit Social (2013)

Géographies religieuses et migrations postcoloniales: déclinaisons kimbanguistes, pentecôtistes, olangistes en Belgique

in African Diaspora : a Journal of Transnational Africa in a Global World (2013)

A cultivation-independent approach for the genetic and cyanotoxin characterization of colonial cyanobacteria

in Aquatic Microbial Ecology (2013), 69

To bypass the constraint of cyanobacterial strain isolation and cultivation, a combination of whole genome amplification (WGA) and enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) for microcystin toxins (MCs) was tested ... [more ▼]

To bypass the constraint of cyanobacterial strain isolation and cultivation, a combination of whole genome amplification (WGA) and enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) for microcystin toxins (MCs) was tested on individual colonies of Microcystis and Woronichinia, taken directly from aquatic environments. Genomic DNA of boiled cells was amplified by multiple strand displacement amplification (MDA), followed by several specific PCR reactions to characterize the genotype of each colony. Sequences of 3 different housekeeping genes (ftsZ, gltX, and recA), of 3 MC biosynthesis genes (mcyA, mcyB, and mcyE), and the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) were analyzed for 11 colonies of Microcystis. MCs were detected and quantified by ELISA in 7 of the 11 Microcystis colonies tested, in agreement with the detection of mcy genes. Sequence types (ST) based on the concatenated sequences of housekeeping genes from cyanobacterial colonies from Belgian water bodies appeared to be endemic when compared to those of strains described in the literature. One colony appeared to belong to a yet undiscovered lineage. A similar protocol was used for 6 colonies of the genus Woronichinia, a taxon that is very difficult to cultivate in the laboratory. The 16S rRNA sequences of 2 colonies were obtained and were quasi identical to that of W. naegeliana 0LE35S01. For one Woronichinia colony, the mcyE PCR gave a non-specific PCR product. The corresponding amino acid sequence was 50% identical to a Microcystis ketoacyl carrier protein transferase. This approach for the simultaneous detection and quantification of MCs with mcy genotyping, at single colony level, offers potential for the ecotoxicological characterization of environmental populations of cyanobacteria without the need for strain isolation and culture. [less ▲]

Three-dimensional orbits of the triple-O stellar system HD 150136

in Astronomy and Astrophysics (2013), 553

Context. HD 150136 is a triple hierarchical system and a non-thermal radio emitter. It is formed by an O3-3.5 V + O5.5-6 V close binary and a more distant O6.5-7 V tertiary. So far, only the inner orbital ... [more ▼]

Context. HD 150136 is a triple hierarchical system and a non-thermal radio emitter. It is formed by an O3-3.5 V + O5.5-6 V close binary and a more distant O6.5-7 V tertiary. So far, only the inner orbital properties have been reliably constrained. Aims. To quantitatively understand the non-thermal emission process, accurate knowledge of the physical and orbital properties of the object is crucial. Here, we aim to investigate the orbital properties of the wide system and to constrain the inclinations of the inner and outer binaries, and with these the absolute masses of the system components. Methods. We used the PIONIER combiner at the Very Large Telescope Interferometer to obtain the very first interferometric measurements of HD 150136. We combined the interferometric observations with new and existing high resolution spectroscopic data to derive the orbital solution of the outer companion in the three-dimensional space. Results. The wide system is clearly resolved by PIONIER, with a projected separation on the plane of the sky of about 9 milli-arcsec. The best-fit orbital period, eccentricity, and inclination are 8.2 yr, 0.73 and 108 degr. We constrain the masses of the three stars of the system to 63 +/- 10, 40 +/- 6, and 33 +/- 12 Msun for the O3-3.5 V, O5.5-6 V and O6.5-7 V components. Conclusions. The dynamical masses agree within errors with the evolutionary masses of the components. Future interferometric and spectroscopic monitoring of HD 150136 should allow one to reduce the uncertainties to a few per cent only and to accurately constrain the distance to the system. This makes HD 150136 an ideal system to quantitatively test evolutionary models of high-mass stars as well as the physics of non-thermal processes occurring in O-type systems. [less ▲]

MOA-2010-BLG-311: A planetary candidate below the threshold of reliable detection

in Astrophysical Journal (2013), 769(1), 77

We analyze MOA-2010-BLG-311, a high magnification (A_max>600) microlensing event with complete data coverage over the peak, making it very sensitive to planetary signals. We fit this event with both a ... [more ▼]

We analyze MOA-2010-BLG-311, a high magnification (A_max>600) microlensing event with complete data coverage over the peak, making it very sensitive to planetary signals. We fit this event with both a point lens and a 2-body lens model and find that the 2-body lens model is a better fit but with only Delta chi^2~140. The preferred mass ratio between the lens star and its companion is $q=10^(-3.7+/-0.1), placing the candidate companion in the planetary regime. Despite the formal significance of the planet, we show that because of systematics in the data the evidence for a planetary companion to the lens is too tenuous to claim a secure detection. When combined with analyses of other high-magnification events, this event helps empirically define the threshold for reliable planet detection in high-magnification events, which remains an open question. [less ▲]

Laboratory demonstration of a mid-infrared AGPM vector vortex coronagraph

in Astronomy and Astrophysics (2013), 553

Coronagraphy is a powerful technique to achieve high contrast imaging and hence to image faint companions around bright targets. Various concepts have been used in the visible and near-infrared regimes ... [more ▼]

Coronagraphy is a powerful technique to achieve high contrast imaging and hence to image faint companions around bright targets. Various concepts have been used in the visible and near-infrared regimes, while coronagraphic applications in the mid-infrared remain nowadays largely unexplored. Vector vortex phase masks based on concentric subwavelength gratings show great promise for such applications. We aim at producing and validating the first high-performance broadband focal plane phase mask coronagraphs for applications in the mid-infrared regime, and in particular the L band with a fractional bandwidth of ~16% (3.5-4.1 \mu m). Based on rigorous coupled wave analysis, we designed an annular groove phase mask (AGPM) producing a vortex effect in the L band, and etched it onto a series of diamond substrates. The grating parameters were measured by means of scanning electron microscopy. The resulting components were then tested on a mid-infrared coronagraphic test bench. A broadband raw null depth of 2 x 10^{-3} was obtained for our best L-band AGPM after only a few iterations between design and manufacturing. This corresponds to a raw contrast of about 6 x 10^{-5} (10.5 mag) at 2\lambda/D. This result is fully in line with our projections based on rigorous coupled wave analysis modeling, using the measured grating parameters. The sensitivity to tilt and focus has also been evaluated. After years of technological developments, mid-infrared vector vortex coronagraphs finally become a reality and live up to our expectations. Based on their measured performance, our L-band AGPMs are now ready to open a new parameter space in exoplanet imaging at major ground-based observatories. [less ▲]

Nonimaging achromatic shaped Fresnel lenses for ultrahigh solar concentration

in Optics Letters (2013), 38(10), 1730-1732

The maximum concentration ratio achievable with a solar concentrator made of a single refractive primary optics is much more limited by the chromatic aberration than by any other aberration. Therefore ... [more ▼]

The maximum concentration ratio achievable with a solar concentrator made of a single refractive primary optics is much more limited by the chromatic aberration than by any other aberration. Therefore achromatic doublets made with poly(methyl methacrylate) and polycarbonate are of great interest to enhance the concentration ratio and to achieve a spectrally uniform flux on the receiver. In this Letter, shaped achromatic Fresnel lenses are investigated. One lossless design is of high interest since it provides spectrally and spatially uniform flux without being affected by soiling problems. With this design an optical concentration ratio of about 8500× can be achieved. [less ▲]

Design of a small-scale organic Rankine cycle engine used in a solar power plant

in International Journal of Low Carbon Technologies (2013)

Under the economic and political pressure due to the depletion of fossil fuels and global warming concerns, it is necessary to develop more sustainable techniques to provide electrical power. In this ... [more ▼]

Under the economic and political pressure due to the depletion of fossil fuels and global warming concerns, it is necessary to develop more sustainable techniques to provide electrical power. In this context, the present study aims at designing, building and testing a small-scale organic Rankine cycle (ORC) solar power plant ( 3 kWe) in order to define and optimize control strategies that could be applied to larger systems. This paper presents a first step of the design of the solar power plant and focuses more specifically on the ORC engine. This design is defined on the basis of simulation models of the ORC engine and takes into account some technical limitations such as the allowed operating ranges and the technical maturity of the components. The final configuration includes a diaphragm pump, two plate heat exchangers for the regenerator and the evaporator, an air-cooled condenser, two hermetic scroll expanders in series and R245fa as the working fluid. Simulations indicate that an efficiency close to 12% for the ORC engine can be reached for evaporating and condensing temperatures of 140 and 358C, respectively. [less ▲]

Preclinical radiation dosimetry for the novel SV2A radiotracer [18F]UCB-H

in European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Research (2013), 3(1), 35

Background: [18F]UCB-H was developed as a novel radiotracer with a high affinity for synaptic vesicle protein 2A, the binding site for the antiepileptic levetiracetam. The objectives of this study were to ... [more ▼]

Background: [18F]UCB-H was developed as a novel radiotracer with a high affinity for synaptic vesicle protein 2A, the binding site for the antiepileptic levetiracetam. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the radiation dosimetry of [18F]UCB-H in a preclinical trial and to determine the maximum injectable dose according to guidelines for human biomedical research. The radiation dosimetry was derived by organ harvesting and dynamic micro positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in mice, and the results of both methods were compared. Methods: Twenty-four male C57BL-6 mice were injected with 6.96 ± 0.81 MBq of [18F]UCB-H, and the biodistribution was determined by organ harvesting at 2, 5, 10, 30, 60, and 120 min (n = 4 for each time point). Dynamic microPET imaging was performed on five male C57BL-6 mice after the injection of 9.19 ± 3.40 MBq of [18F]UCB-H. A theoretical dynamic bladder model was applied to simulate urinary excretion. Human radiation dose estimates were derived from animal data using the International Commission on Radiological Protection 103 tissue weighting factors. Results: Based on organ harvesting, the urinary bladder wall, liver and brain received the highest radiation dose with a resulting effective dose of 1.88E-02 mSv/MBq. Based on dynamic imaging an effective dose of 1.86E-02 mSv/MBq was calculated, with the urinary bladder wall and liver (brain was not in the imaging field of view) receiving the highest radiation. Conclusions: This first preclinical dosimetry study of [18F]UCB-H showed that the tracer meets the standard criteria for radiation exposure in clinical studies. The dose-limiting organ based on US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European guidelines was the urinary bladder wall for FDA and the effective dose for Europe with a maximum injectable single dose of approximately 325 MBq was calculated. Although microPET imaging showed significant deviations from organ harvesting, the Pearson’s correlation coefficient between radiation dosimetry derived by either method was 0.9666. [less ▲]

Numerical investigation and experimental validation of physically-based advanced GTN model for DP steels

in Materials Science & Engineering : A (2013), 569

This numerical investigation of an advanced Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman (GTN) model is an extension of the original work of [Ben Bettaieb, M., Lemoine, X., Bouaziz, O., Habraken, A.-M., Duchêne, L ... [more ▼]

This numerical investigation of an advanced Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman (GTN) model is an extension of the original work of [Ben Bettaieb, M., Lemoine, X., Bouaziz, O., Habraken, A.-M., Duchêne, L., Numerical modeling of damage evolution of DP steels on the basis of X-ray tomography measurements, Mechanics of Materials 43 (2011) 139-156]. The current damage model extends the previous version by integrating the three damage mechanisms: nucleation, growth and coalescence of voids. Physically-based void nucleation and growth laws are considered, including an effect of the kinematic hardening. [less ▲]

La conciliation vie privée-vie professionnelle des gestionnaires hommes et femmes : le cas d'une société de transport québécoise

in @GRH (2013), 2013/1 (n°6)

While the professional category of managers presents special characteristics, one of them being important temporal obligations, we may ask whether men and women managers articulate work and life and ... [more ▼]

While the professional category of managers presents special characteristics, one of them being important temporal obligations, we may ask whether men and women managers articulate work and life and establish priorities in different ways. Wanting to look into this question, we focused on managers or executives and did so in a predominantly male environment, that of a transport company in Quebec. Our research question can be formulated as follows: "How do men and women managers with different family situations reconcile their private and professional lives?” In order to answer this question and attain our various research objectives, we studied a male dominated sector. We mobilized the qualitative technique of semi-structured interviews and met with 17 managers, including 8 men and 9 women in the company. While this qualitative research is mainly exploratory, our results show that men and women managers prioritize in different ways. However, we observed an increased willingness of men to have more time for family. In contrast, gender has no impact on the use of organizational measures to reconcile professional and private life. Thus, gender is not, in itself, a dominant variable influencing the practices of reconciling private and professional lives of managers, as other factors such as socio-professional category, the sector, the nature of the position, family characteristics, etc. also play a role and from this point of view, women and men experience similar situations. Our research highlights interesting temporal strategies of managers, one which is based on a hierarchy of time availability and another on the preservation of private/family times. [less ▲]

The “soy-ization” of Argentina: dynamics of the “globalized” privatization regime in a peripheral context

in Technology in Society (2013), 35(2),

Based on extensive fieldwork conducted with actors from public, private and associative sectors, we explore the expansion of genetically modified soy in Argentina and we aim to figure out how the ... [more ▼]

Based on extensive fieldwork conducted with actors from public, private and associative sectors, we explore the expansion of genetically modified soy in Argentina and we aim to figure out how the neoliberal “globalized privatization regime” unfolded in a peripheral location. Our case points at two inherent contradictions with such a regime’s main tenets, namely that it needs a weak antitrust policy (thus leading to a market situation dominated by a monopoly of transnational companies) and a hyper-restrictive system of intellectual property. We highlight the participation of two groups of local actors in the regime. The first group is aligned with the globalized privatization regime agendas, while the second is involved in protest and regulatory actions focusing on the health, environment and safety issues related to the GM soy complex. To a different extent, both groups share a local agenda of resistance and an anti-imperialist imaginary. Both have national development objectives of Argentina in their ideological roots, although their conceptions of “development” are different (industrial development vs. protection of peasants’ life and the environment). We conclude that it is not enough to postulate that the neoliberal globalized privatization regime will just expand to the South as it did in Northern countries. Rather, combined with the commercialization of science, peripherality creates protest, activism and local regulation. [less ▲]

Winged Promises: Exploring the Discourse on Transgenic Mosquitoes in Brazil

in Technology in Society (2013), 35(2),

The bioeconomy is a strategic program strongly promoted within OECD countries. This paper discusses an example of how the purposes and promises of the bioeconomy are enacted in Brazil, in line with local ... [more ▼]

The bioeconomy is a strategic program strongly promoted within OECD countries. This paper discusses an example of how the purposes and promises of the bioeconomy are enacted in Brazil, in line with local environmental and political specificities. We focus on scientific and political discourse portraying a technological solution to fight dengue disease as a public health problem. The technology involves genetically modified mosquitoes that are released into the environment in order to suppress populations of disease-carrying mosquitoes. We show how the promise of fighting dengue, through technical and scientific arguments, becomes connected to political discourse about the welfare and 'progress' of Brazil as a nation. We argue that this connection comes about through two types of rhetoric devices that downplay risk and uncertainties in favor of the promises inscribed in laboratory-bred mosquitoes. In line with a basic tenet in the field of Science and Technology Studies, it becomes clear that science and politics are intertwined in both discourse and practice. In addition, we highlight the experimental and political character of public health interventions from a spatial perspective. The mosquitoes are set free in an environment that is considered a natural environment while at the same time responding to certain laboratory conditions such as relative isolation. In addition, the genetically modified mosquitoes, as bio-objects, are expected to act like natural mosquitoes in the wild. With these types of proximity between technology and nature in mind, we argue that the mosquitoes are meant not only to enact the pest management program they have been designed for, but also a political program claiming an avant-garde position of Brazil in a global bioeconomy. [less ▲]

Computational Homogenization for Laminated Ferromagnetic Cores in Magnetodynamics

in IEEE Transactions on Magnetics (2013), 49(5), 2049-2052

In this paper, we investigate the modeling of ferromagnetic multiscale materials. We propose a computational homogenization technique based on the heterogeneous multiscale method (HMM) that includes both ... [more ▼]

In this paper, we investigate the modeling of ferromagnetic multiscale materials. We propose a computational homogenization technique based on the heterogeneous multiscale method (HMM) that includes both eddy-current and hysteretic losses at the mesoscale. The HMM comprises: 1) a macroscale problem that captures the slow variations of the overall solution; 2) many mesoscale problems that allow to determine the constitutive law at the macroscale. As application example, a laminated iron core is considered. [less ▲]

Reconstructing and Tracking Network State from a Limited Number of Synchrophasor Measurements

in IEEE Transactions on Power Systems (2013), 28

A method is proposed to reconstruct and track network state from a limited number of Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) data. To deal with the resulting unobservability, the state with bus powers and generator ... [more ▼]

A method is proposed to reconstruct and track network state from a limited number of Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) data. To deal with the resulting unobservability, the state with bus powers and generator voltages closest to previously estimated values is computed. Those values, treated as pseudomeasurements, are obtained from the last reconstructed state, in a recursive manner. The method involves solving an optimization problem with linear constraints. It is scalable insofar as it accommodates from a few PMUs up to configurations ensuring full network observability. Reconstruction of only a region is possible. These and other features are demonstrated on the Nordic32 test system, with synchronized phasors obtained from detailed time simulation of a situation evolving towards instability. Suitable choices of PMU location and pseudo-measurements are also discussed. [less ▲]

Biotechnology, Controversy, and Policy: Challenges of the Bioeconomy in Latin America

in Technology in Society (2013)

This special issue explores cases from Latin American countries, studied in comparison to global trends in the arenas of public participation, scientific knowledge production, regulation and governance ... [more ▼]

This special issue explores cases from Latin American countries, studied in comparison to global trends in the arenas of public participation, scientific knowledge production, regulation and governance. The authors demonstrate the complexity of these cases, both in terms of regional differences and the different spaces of public, policy, and scientific knowledge production into which such innovations are inserted. The articles are based on rich empirical data collected in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Paraguay. Authors show that the top-down circulation of policy narratives on biotechnology is challenged, complemented and even partly undermined by local bottom-up dynamics. Conversely, articles also focus on those grassroots dynamics and the ways they are influenced and conditioned by macro-sociological and political economic factors. Lastly, a great deal of attention is paid to the ways states and national actors actively contribute to their own insertion in globalized markets where bioengineered living resources are increasingly tasked with solving the most pressing economic and social issues. We believe that this collection of works challenges scholars, intellectuals, policy-makers and relevant stakeholders to open up their views of biotechnology as a dynamic construct that interacts with local situations in a variety of ways. From a more distanced perspective, the aggregated findings of the contributors to this special issue suggest that the important tasks for scholarly work on bioeconomy today become (1) to observe and critically assess the de-localization and re-localization of the concept of bioeconomy in Latin America where biological resources have become increasingly strategic over the last decades; (2) to analyze the bioeconomy as a site of struggles among countries and/or social groups who articulate strategic visions as part of narrating activities. [less ▲]

Fecal calprotectin concentrations in adult dogs with chronic diarrhea.

in American Journal of Veterinary Research (2013), 74 (5)

Un travailleur peut-il renoncer aux droits issus de son contrat de travail ?

in Revue de la Faculté de Droit de l'Université de Liège (2013), 1

Lorsque seuls des intérêts particuliers sont en jeu, la renonciation à un droit acquis est licite après la cessation de la cause de la protection légale ; si la loi est d'ordre public, c'est-à-dire si l ... [more ▼]

Lorsque seuls des intérêts particuliers sont en jeu, la renonciation à un droit acquis est licite après la cessation de la cause de la protection légale ; si la loi est d'ordre public, c'est-à-dire si l'intérêt général est concerné, la renonciation est parfois autorisée et parfois prohibée, selon la disposition en jeu. [less ▲]

A micro-meso-model of intra-laminar fracture in fi ber-reinforced composites based on a Discontinuous Galerkin/Cohesive Zone Method

in Engineering Fracture Mechanics (2013), 104

The recently developed hybrid discontinuous Galerkin/extrinsic cohesive law framework is extended to the study of intra{laminar fracture of composite materials. Toward this end, micro-volumes of di erent ... [more ▼]

The recently developed hybrid discontinuous Galerkin/extrinsic cohesive law framework is extended to the study of intra{laminar fracture of composite materials. Toward this end, micro-volumes of di erent sizes are studied. The method captures the debonding process, which is herein proposed to be assimilated to a damaging process, before the strain softening onset, and the density of dissipated energy resulting from the damage (debonding) remains the same for the di erent studied cell sizes. Finally, during the strain softening phase a micro{crack initiates and propagates in agreement with experimental observations. We thus extract a resulting mesoscale cohesive law, which is independent on the cell sizes, using literature methods. [less ▲]

A modified surgical model of fulminant hepatic failure in the rat.

in Journal of Surgical Research (2013), 181

BACKGROUND: There is a need for better animal models of fulminant liver failure (FHF). Eguchi et al described an interesting surgical model of FHF in the rat. This model includes 68% partial hepatectomy ... [more ▼]

BACKGROUND: There is a need for better animal models of fulminant liver failure (FHF). Eguchi et al described an interesting surgical model of FHF in the rat. This model includes 68% partial hepatectomy, ischemia of 24% of the liver mass, and 8% of remnant liver left intact. In the original description by Eguchi et al, rats were administered subcutaneous glucose. However, the authors found that normothermic FHF rats with subcutaneous glucose died from deep hypoglycemia. In this report, we describe a modification of that model, and show that administration of intravenous glucose allows better survival and development of intracranial hypertension. METHODS: We operated on FHF rats using the procedure described by Eguchi et al, kept them normothermic, and maintained normoglycemia by continuous intravenous glucose injection (glucose 10%, 1 mL/h). At 24 h, we monitored liver blood tests (n = 5), intracranial pressure (n = 5), clinical encephalopathy, and survival (n = 10), and compared them with sham and 68% hepatectomy rats. RESULTS: The FHF rats developed acute cytolysis, cholestasis, and liver failure, as demonstrated by the liver blood tests. They experienced progressive encephalopathy and intracranial hypertension leading to death. Mean survival was 45.9 h. Of 10 FHF rats from the survival evaluation cohort, one survived 7 d. Laparotomy showed necrosis of lateral liver lobes and enlargement of omental lobes with a normal hepatic aspect, suggesting liver recovery. CONCLUSIONS: This surgical rat model mimics the features of human FHF and seems interesting for further research into the pathophysiology and therapeutic management of the disease. [less ▲]

The multifaceted struggle for power in the bioeconomy

in Technology in Society (2013), 35(2),

Logic, Knowledge and Language, 14-15 March

in The Reasoner (2013), 7

Optimization of the formation of vinyldithiins, therapeutic compounds from garlic

in European Food Research & Technology (2013)

Allyl sulfides, ajoenes and vinyldithiins are the three main groups of volatile organosulfur compounds that are formed when garlic is crushed. The manner garlic is processed (nature of the extraction ... [more ▼]

Allyl sulfides, ajoenes and vinyldithiins are the three main groups of volatile organosulfur compounds that are formed when garlic is crushed. The manner garlic is processed (nature of the extraction medium, temperature…) has a major influence on their relative proportion and the amounts produced. It has been proven recently that the vinyldithiins are at the origin of garlic’s capacity to prevent adipocytes development. Their incorporation in garlic-based nutraceuticals is thus particularly interesting. In this context, this work aims to optimize the production of vinyldithiins from garlic. After having determined the best garlic origin (Spanish) and the best oil for the extraction (olive or sunflower oil), the extraction conditions were optimized (1/2 (w/w garlic oil), 37 °C, 6 h) and 133 mg of vinyldithiins was obtained from 100 g of fresh garlic. Carrying out the extraction under microwave irradiation allowed increasing the yield 3.6-fold (yield 486 mg of vinyldithiins from 100 g of fresh garlic). This study may also contribute to the development of new garlic derived high value products by enhancing the comprehension of their formation. [less ▲]

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

in Astronomy and Astrophysics (2013), 553

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

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

Evaluation de la qualité de vie des patients édentés complets porteurs d'une réhabilitation sur implants

in Information Dentaire (L') (2013), 20

L'implantation de la vaccination contre le papillomavirus en PSE

in Education Santé (2013), (289), 8-13

Compte-rendu de l'ouvrage de C. Bouriau, Le "Comme si". Kant, Vaihinger et le fictionalisme.

in Bulletin d'Analyse Phénoménologique (2013), IX(3), 9-15

Transmission of Political-Military Information in Advanced Education: The Examples of the European Security and Defence College and the NATO Defence College

in Studia Diplomatica (2013), 65(4),

Compte-rendu de l'ouvrage d'Adolf Reinach, Phénoménologie réaliste.

in Bulletin d'Analyse Phénoménologique (2013), IX(3), 5-8

SAHBNET, an Accessible Surface-Based Elastic Network: An Application to Membrane Protein

in International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2013), 14(6), 11510-26

Molecular Dynamics is a method of choice for membrane simulations and the rising of coarse-grained forcefields has opened the way to longer simulations with reduced calculations times. Here, we present an ... [more ▼]

Molecular Dynamics is a method of choice for membrane simulations and the rising of coarse-grained forcefields has opened the way to longer simulations with reduced calculations times. Here, we present an elastic network, SAHBNET (Surface Accessibility Hydrogen-Bonds elastic NETwork), that will maintain the structure of soluble or membrane proteins based on the hydrogen bonds present in the atomistic structure and the proximity between buried residues. This network is applied on the coarse-grained beads defined by the MARTINI model, and was designed to be more physics-based than a simple elastic network. The SAHBNET model is evaluated against atomistic simulations, and compared with ELNEDYN models. The SAHBNET is then used to simulate two membrane proteins inserted in complex lipid bilayers. These bilayers are formed by self-assembly and the use of a modified version of the GROMACS tool genbox (which is accessible through the gcgs.gembloux.ulg.ac.be website). The results show that SAHBNET keeps the structure close to the atomistic one and is successfully used for the simulation of membrane proteins. [less ▲]

Rôle des oligo-éléments dans la santé du veau

in Point Vétérinaire (2013), N° spécial(Mai), 24-30

Trace elements (TE) are essential for ruminant health. Numerous deficiencies are seen in Europe that cause diseases mainly in young animals. The main clinically important TE in ruminants are selenium (Se ... [more ▼]

Trace elements (TE) are essential for ruminant health. Numerous deficiencies are seen in Europe that cause diseases mainly in young animals. The main clinically important TE in ruminants are selenium (Se), iodine (I), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu). They play a role in organogenesis and have most effect on immunity and growth. Placental passage of TE from the dam to the calf occurs, and after calving, Se and I pass via the colostrum/milk. Trace element supplements are essential during gestation for the development of the calf in utero, as well as for the animal’s health and growth after birth. [less ▲]

L’UE, l’interrégionalisme et les puissances émergentes. Le cas du ‘partenariat’ euro-brésilien

in Politique Européenne (2013), 39

La contribution revient sur les relations développée avec le Brésil et s'intérroge sur les raisons de ce partenariat, sur les intérêts des parties pour une telle association, sur la manière dont cette ... [more ▼]

La contribution revient sur les relations développée avec le Brésil et s'intérroge sur les raisons de ce partenariat, sur les intérêts des parties pour une telle association, sur la manière dont cette dernière s’articule avec les relations que l’UE entretient avec le Mercosur ainsi que sur les obstacles et les limites qu’elle rencontre. [less ▲]