Approche du surpoids et de l’obésité en milieu scolaire (2ème partie – Exemple pratique)

in Revue de l'Education Physique (2013), 53(1), 11-23

L'ancrage théorique de ce projet didactique a été présenté dans une première partie (http://hdl.handle.net/2268/127970). Dans la partie théorique, nous avons rappelé les notions principales de la ... [more ▼]

L'ancrage théorique de ce projet didactique a été présenté dans une première partie (http://hdl.handle.net/2268/127970). Dans la partie théorique, nous avons rappelé les notions principales de la problématique du surpoids et de l'obésité. Nous avons aussi souligné que, en éducation physique, il convenait de proposer des leçons dans lesquelles les élèves peuvent s'engager dans un travail de réflexion susceptible de les amener à devenir des citoyens responsables de leur corps sans porter préjudice à leur taux d'activité physique réel. Dans cette seconde partie, nous proposons une séance type dont l'objectif consiste donc à améliorer les connaissances des élèves sur la problématique du surpoids tout en leur permettant d'être actifs. Nous avons choisi une leçon de renforcement musculaire, notamment parce que cela nécessite peu de matériel. [less ▲]

The interactions of apamin and tetraethylammonium are differentially affected by single mutations in the pore mouth of small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channels

in Biochemical Pharmacology (2013), 85

Valine residues in the pore region of SK2 (V366) and SK3 (V520) were replaced by either an alanine or a phenylalanine to evaluate the impact on the interactions with the allosteric blocker apamin. Unlike ... [more ▼]

Valine residues in the pore region of SK2 (V366) and SK3 (V520) were replaced by either an alanine or a phenylalanine to evaluate the impact on the interactions with the allosteric blocker apamin. Unlike TEA which showed high sensitivity to phenylalanine mutated channels, the binding affinity of apamin to the phenylalanine mutants was strongly reduced. In addition, currents from phenylalanine mutants were largely resistant to block by apamin. On the other hand, when the valine residue was replaced by an alanine residue, an increase of the binding affinity and the amount of block by apamin was observed for alanine mutated SK2 channels, but not for mutated SK3 channels. Interestingly, the VA mutation reduced the sensitivity to TEA. In silico data confirmed these experimental results. Therefore, such mutations in the pore region of SK channels show that the three-dimensional structure of the SK tetramers can be disorganized in the outer pore region leading to reduced interaction of apamin with its target. [less ▲]

Selected Protein Monitoring in Histological Sections by Targeted MALDI-FTICR in-source decay Imaging.

in Analytical Chemistry (2013), sous presse

MALDI mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI MSI) is a rapidly growing method in biomedical research allowing molecular mapping of proteins on histological sections. The images can be analyzed in terms of ... [more ▼]

MALDI mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI MSI) is a rapidly growing method in biomedical research allowing molecular mapping of proteins on histological sections. The images can be analyzed in terms of spectral pattern to define regions of interest. However, the identification and the differential quantitative analysis of proteins require off line or in situ proteomic methods using enzymatic digestion. The rapid identification of biomarkers holds great promise for diagnostic research but the major obstacle is the absence of rapid and direct method to detect and identify with a sufficient dynamic range a set of specific biomarkers. In the current work, we present a proof of concept for a method allowing identifying simultaneously a set of selected biomarkers on histological slices with minimal sample treatment using in-source decay (ISD) MSI and MALDI-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR). In the proposed method, known biomarkers are spotted next to the tissue of interest, the whole MALDI plate being coated with 1,5-DAN matrix. The latter enhances MALDI radical-induced ISD, providing large tags of the amino acid sequences. Comparative analysis of ISD fragments between the reference spots and the specimen in imaging mode allows for unambiguous identification of the selected biomarker while preserving full spatial resolution. Moreover, the high resolution/high mass accuracy provided by FTICR mass spectrometry allows the identification of proteins. Well-resolved peaks and precise measurements of masses and mass differences allow the construction of reliable sequence tags for proteins identification. The method will allow the use MALDI-FTICR MSI as method for rapid targeted biomarker detection in complement to classical histology. [less ▲]

An adapted staining-destaining method to sort soft-bottom macrobenthos mixed with Posidonia oceanica fibers

in Mediterranean Marine Science (2013), 14(1), 92-94

Sorting   of   soft-­bottom   macrobenthos   entangled   with   Posidonia   oceanica fibers is time-consuming and tedious because of the weak of colour contrast .  This   paper   describes   a   staining ... [more ▼]

Sorting   of   soft-­bottom   macrobenthos   entangled   with   Posidonia   oceanica fibers is time-consuming and tedious because of the weak of colour contrast .  This   paper   describes   a   staining-­destaining   technique   that   produces   good   contrast   between   soft-­bottom   macrobenthos  and  Posidonia  oceanica fibers. The method has been tested on Corsican samples in oligotrophic areas characterized by small-size soft-bottom macrofauna. Our technique saves sorting time (-24%) and is simple to implement. [less ▲]

Determination of Moisture Diffusivity During Drying of Mortar Cement: Experimental and Modeling Study

in International Journal of Energy Engineering (2013), 3(1), 1-6

The aim of this study is the experimental characterization of the behaviour of a mortar during convective drying. We focalise on mortar that has a rate water-cement of 0.5. The drying tests are developed ... [more ▼]

The aim of this study is the experimental characterization of the behaviour of a mortar during convective drying. We focalise on mortar that has a rate water-cement of 0.5. The drying tests are developed in a micro-convective dryer that can use samples weighing from 0 to 8g. The advantage of these experiments is to reproduce the natural conditions that can be found during the treatment of the mortar-atmosphere problems. The response of the drying curve or the drying kinetic depends on the applied drying conditions. So, the temperature of the air varies from 60°C to 130°C, the velocity of the air is changed from 2 m.s-1 to 5 m. s-1and the relative humidity is kept less than 1.7%. The comparison between the experimental results and the proposed analytical solutions of the equation of diffusion represented by Fick’s law, applied for a finite shape, allows determination of the values of the diffusion coefficient. It has a value of 1.71×10-10 m2.s-1 at 60°C, 13.69×10-10 m2.s-1 at 90°C and 16.27×10-10 m2.s-1 at 130°C. Calculation of the activation energy and the D0 constant are also possible. [less ▲]

Feline polymorphonuclear neutrophils produce pro-inflammatory cytokines following exposure to Microsporum canis

in Veterinary Microbiology (2013), 162(2-4), 800-805

Enhancing the salience of fluency improves recognition memory performance in mild Alzheimer’s disease

in Journal of Alzheimer's Disease [=JAD] (2013), 33

Recognition memory can rely on recollection (recall of the details from the encoding episode) and familiarity (feeling that some information is old without any recollection). In Alzheimer’s disease (AD ... [more ▼]

Recognition memory can rely on recollection (recall of the details from the encoding episode) and familiarity (feeling that some information is old without any recollection). In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), whereas there is a clear deficit of recollection, the evidence regarding familiarity is mixed, with some studies showing preserved familiarity and others reporting impairment. The current study examined whether recognition memory performance can be improved in AD when the use of familiarity is facilitated by the salience of processing fluency due to an earlier encounter with the information. Fifteen AD patients and 16 healthy controls performed a verbal recognition memory task where the salience of fluency was manipulated by means of letters overlap. Studied and unstudied words were constituted of either two separate sets of letters (no-overlap condition, high fluency salience) or the same set of letters (overlap condition, low fluency salience). The results showed that, although performance was globally poorer in AD patients than in the controls, both groups performed significantly better in the no-overlap condition than in the overlap condition. This suggests that AD patients benefited as much as the controls from the salience of fluency. [less ▲]

Hydrolysis of starches and flours by sorghum malt amylases for dextrins production

in European Food Research & Technology (2013)

Corn and wheat starches as well as wheat and cassava flours were hydrolyzed using sorghum malt at 65 °C for 6 hours. During these reactions, dextrose equivalent (DE) values were followed under 3 ... [more ▼]

Corn and wheat starches as well as wheat and cassava flours were hydrolyzed using sorghum malt at 65 °C for 6 hours. During these reactions, dextrose equivalent (DE) values were followed under 3 concentrations of sorghum malt and of calcium chloride. Wheat flour presented the highest DE values and cassava flour had the highest hydrolysis yield. Thus, different dextrins were produced in a pilot plant and were analyzed by HPSEC and HPAEC-PAD for their molecular weight distribution and oligosaccharides composition respectively. The results indicated that oligosaccharides with broad molecular weight distributions were present in the dextrins produced and that the proportion of maltose was very high. [less ▲]

Analysis of calcium-induced effects on the conformation of fengycin

in Spectrochimica Acta Part A : Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy (2013), 110

A combination of CD, FT-IR, NMR and fluorescence spectroscopic techniques was applied to elucidate the conformation of fengycin, a natural lipopeptide with antifungal and eliciting activities, in a ... [more ▼]

A combination of CD, FT-IR, NMR and fluorescence spectroscopic techniques was applied to elucidate the conformation of fengycin, a natural lipopeptide with antifungal and eliciting activities, in a membrane-mimicking environment and to investigate the effect of calcium ions on the conformation. We mainly observed that fengycin adopts a turn conformation and that the side chain of glutamate residues plays a key role on the stabilization of the peptide ring backbone conformation. More particularly, the binding of calcium ions by the carboxylic moieties has a consequence on the environment of the tyrosine residues. Our data suggest also an arrangement of fengycin molecules into “-sheet like micelles” in a membrane-mimicking environment and the enhancement of this aggregating effect in presence of calcium ions. The modulation of the fengycin conformation by the environmental conditions may influence its biological properties. [less ▲]

Control of Salmonella contamination of shell eggs – preharvest and postharvest methods: a review

in Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety (2013), 12

Salmonella Enteritidis is one of the most prevalence foodborne pathogen, its most important reservoir being considered the shell egg. As the concerns related to the increasing human salmonellosis cases ... [more ▼]

Salmonella Enteritidis is one of the most prevalence foodborne pathogen, its most important reservoir being considered the shell egg. As the concerns related to the increasing human salmonellosis cases grow, the need for an application of preventive methods either at the farm level or during the processing steps is crucial for a better control of the foodborne outbreaks due to the consumption of this specific food product. This review focuses on the application of preventive methods at the farm level, on preharvest step, in order to reduce the risk of shell eggs contamination with Salmonella, especially S. Enteritidis, through a better control of the laying hens’ infection with this pathogen. As postharvest methods, a first approach is the egg storage conditions and the prevention of Salmonella spp. growth and multiplication. In addition, shell eggs may be subjected to eggshell decontamination, to reduce the risk of foodborne outbreaks. Several of these latter mentioned methods are already authorized to be put in place in different countries, as it is the case in the United States of America and Canada. Their efficacy has been proven and their use is regarded by some as mandatory for ensuring shell eggs safety for the consumers. [less ▲]

Our rapidly changing understanding of acute and chronic disorders of consciousness: challenges for neurologists

in Future Neurology (2013), 8(1), 43-54

A number of recent studies suggest that some ‘vegetative state’ patients have been misdiagnosed, judging by their ability to follow commands and in some cases even communicate through brain activity. Such ... [more ▼]

A number of recent studies suggest that some ‘vegetative state’ patients have been misdiagnosed, judging by their ability to follow commands and in some cases even communicate through brain activity. Such studies highlight the difficulty in forming a diagnosis based only on behavioral assessments. We think that neuroimaging and electrophysiology methods will be used more frequently in clinical settings, integrated with existing behavioral assessments. Such efforts are expected to lead to a more accurate understanding of individual patients’ cognitive abilities or even provide prognostic indicators. In terms of treatment planning (i.e., pain management and end-of-life decision-making), patients with disorders of consciousness are now offered the possibility of expressing their preferences by means of brain–computer interfaces. What remains to be clarified is the degree to which such indirect responses can be considered reliable and of legal representation. [less ▲]

Mechanisms of cell migration in the adult brain: modelling subventricular neurogenesis.

in Computer Methods in Biomechanics & Biomedical Engineering (2013)

Neurogenesis has been the subject of active research in recent years. Although the majority of neurons form during the embryonic period, neurogenesis continues in restricted regions of the mammalian brain ... [more ▼]

Neurogenesis has been the subject of active research in recent years. Although the majority of neurons form during the embryonic period, neurogenesis continues in restricted regions of the mammalian brain well into adulthood. In rodent brains, neuronal migration is present in the rostral migratory stream (RMS), connecting the subventricular zone to the olfactory bulb (OB). The migration in the RMS is characterised by a lack of dispersion of neuroblasts into the surrounding tissues and a highly directed motion towards the OB. This study uses a simple mathematical model to investigate several theories of migration of neuroblasts through the RMS proposed in the literature, including chemo-attraction, chemorepulsion, general inhibition and the presence of a migration-inducing protein. Apart from the general inhibition model, all the models were able to provide results in good qualitative correspondence with the experimental observations. [less ▲]

Dissecting the mechanisms underlying old male mating advantage in a butterfly

in Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology (2013)

Selection is expected to maximize an individual’s own genetic reward regardless of the potential fitness consequences for its sexual partners, which may cause sexual conflict. Although performance in ... [more ▼]

Selection is expected to maximize an individual’s own genetic reward regardless of the potential fitness consequences for its sexual partners, which may cause sexual conflict. Although performance in holometabolous insects typically diminishes with age, old male mating advantage has been documented in a few species. Whether this pattern arises from female preference for older males based on, e.g., pheromone blends (intersexual selection), or from increased eagerness to mate in older compared to younger males is currently debated. We explore the mechanistic basis of old male mating advantage, using a series of experiments including behavioral as well as manipulative approaches, in the tropical butterfly Bicyclus anynana. Consistent with the residual reproductive value hypothesis, old male mating advantage was associated with a greater eagerness to mate, evidenced by a two times higher flying and courting activity in older than in younger males. In contrast, we found only limited support for a contribution of female preference for older males based on pheromone composition, although male sex pheromones clearly do play a role in mating success. Our results suggest that male behavior may play a primary role in old male mating advantage, and that pheromones are likely of secondary importance only. Male mating success was related to higher overall pheromone titers rather than variation in a single component. A dominant importance of male behavior in determining mating success may result in sexual conflict. [less ▲]

An object-oriented hydrogeological data model for groundwater projects

in Environmental Modelling & Software (2013)

Geological and hydrogeological data are expensive to obtain in the field but are crucial for specific hydrogeological studies, from hydrogeological water balances to groundwater flow modelling and ... [more ▼]

Geological and hydrogeological data are expensive to obtain in the field but are crucial for specific hydrogeological studies, from hydrogeological water balances to groundwater flow modelling and contaminant transport, or for more integrated environmental investigations where groundwater plays a role. In this context, hydrogeological data are collected, transformed and exchanged at different scales, from local to international levels and between numerous institutions ranging from environmental consulting companies to the national and international environmental administrations. To guarantee that these exchanges are possible and meaningful, a clear structure and meta-information on applied hydrogeological data models is required. To make one step towards seamless management of groundwater projects, a new hydrogeological data model has been developed: Hg2O. It is described using object-oriented paradigms and it follows the recommendations of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO/TC211), the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC), and the European Geospatial Information Working Group. Hydrogeological features are organized in packages of spatial feature datasets. The observations and measurements related to these features are organized in a seperate package. A particular focus is on specialized hydrogeological field experiments such as hydraulic and tracer tests. Two first implementations in the proprietary desktop ArcGIS environment and in the open-source web-based Web2GIS platform are presented, focusing on their respective standards support. [less ▲]

compte rendu de l'ouvrage Müller, Roman. <i>Antike Dichtungslehre: Themen und Theorien</i>. Tübingen: Francke Verlag, 2012. 270 p. € 58.00 (pb). ISBN 9783772084621.

in Bryn Mawr Classical Review [=BMCR] (2013)

Effects of surfactin on membrane models displaying lipid phase separation.

in Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (2013), 1828(2), 801-815

Surfactin, a bacterial amphiphilic lipopeptide is attracting more and more attention in view of its bioactive properties which are in relation with its ability to interact with lipids of biological ... [more ▼]

Surfactin, a bacterial amphiphilic lipopeptide is attracting more and more attention in view of its bioactive properties which are in relation with its ability to interact with lipids of biological membranes. In this work, we investigated the effect of surfactin on membrane structure using model of membranes, vesicles as well as supported bilayers, presenting coexistence of fluid-disordered (DOPC) and gel (DPPC) phases. A range of complementary methods was used including AFM, ellipsometry, dynamic light scattering, fluorescence measurements of Laurdan, DPH, calcein release, and octadecylrhodamine B dequenching. Our findings demonstrated that surfactin concentration is critical for its effect on the membrane. The results suggest that the presence of rigid domains can play an essential role in the first step of surfactin insertion and that surfactin interacts both with the membrane polar heads and the acyl chain region. A mechanism for the surfactin lipid membrane interaction, consisting of three sequential structural and morphological changes, is proposed. At concentrations below the CMC, surfactin inserted at the boundary between gel and fluid lipid domains, inhibited phase separation and stiffened the bilayer without global morphological change of liposomes. At concentrations close to CMC, surfactin solubilized the fluid phospholipid phase and increased order in the remainder of the lipid bilayer. At higher surfactin concentrations, both the fluid and the rigid bilayer structures were dissolved into mixed micelles and other structures presenting a wide size distribution. [less ▲]

Higher risk of death among MEN1 patients with mutations in the JunD interacting domain. A Groupe d'étude des Tumeurs Endocrines (GTE) cohort study

in Human Molecular Genetics (2013)

BackgroundMultiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 1 (MEN1), which is secondary to mutation of the MEN1 gene, is a rare autosomal-dominant disease that predisposes mutation carriers to endocrine tumors ... [more ▼]

BackgroundMultiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 1 (MEN1), which is secondary to mutation of the MEN1 gene, is a rare autosomal-dominant disease that predisposes mutation carriers to endocrine tumors. Although genotype-phenotype studies have so far failed to identify any statistical correlations, some families harbor recurrent tumor patterns. The function of MENIN is unclear but has been described through the discovery of its interacting partners. Mutations in the interacting domains of MENIN functional partners have been shown to directly alter its regulation abilities.MethodsWe report on a cohort of MEN1 patients from the Groupe d'etude des Tumeurs Endocrines. Patients with a molecular diagnosis and a clinical follow-up, totalling 262 families and 806 patients were included. Associations between mutation type, location or interacting factors of the MENIN protein and death as well as the occurrence of MEN1-related tumors were tested using a frailty Cox model to adjust for potential heterogeneity across families.ResultsAccounting for the heterogeneity across families, the overall risk of death was significantly higher when mutations affected the JunD interacting domain (adjusted HR=1.88: 95%-CI=1.15- 3.07). Patients had a higher risk of death from cancers of the MEN1 spectrum (HR=2.34; 95%-CI=1.23- 4.43).ConclusionThis genotype-phenotype correlation study confirmed the lack of direct genotype-phenotype correlations. However, patients with mutations affecting the JunD interacting domain had a higher risk of death secondary to a MEN1 tumor and should thus be considered for surgical indications, genetic counseling and follow-up. [less ▲]

A root chicory MADS-box sequence and the Arabidopsis flowering repressor FLC share common features that suggest conserved function in vernalization and devernalization responses

in The Plant Journal (2013)

Root chicory (Cichorium intybus var. sativum) is a biennial crop, but is harvested for root inulin at the end of the first growing season before flowering. However, cold temperatures might vernalize seeds ... [more ▼]

Root chicory (Cichorium intybus var. sativum) is a biennial crop, but is harvested for root inulin at the end of the first growing season before flowering. However, cold temperatures might vernalize seeds or plantlets, leading to incidental early flowering and hence understanding the molecular basis of vernalization is important. A MADS-box sequence was isolated by RT-PCR and named FLC-LIKE1 (CiFL1) because of its phylogenetic positioning within the same clade as the floral repressor Arabidopsis FLOWERING LOCUS C (AtFLC). Moreover, overexpression of CiFL1 in Arabidopsis caused late flowering and prevented up-regulation of the AtFLC target FLOWERING LOCUS T gene by photoperiod, suggesting functional conservation between root chicory and Arabidopsis. Like AtFLC in Arabidopsis, CiFL1 was repressed during vernalization of seeds or plantlets of chicory, but repression of CiFL1 was unstable whether the post-vernalization temperature was favorable to flowering or whether it devernalized the plants. Instability of CiFL1 repression might be linked to bienniality of root chicory versus the annual life cycle of Arabidopsis. However, reactivation of AtFLC was also observed in Arabidopsis when a high temperature treatment was given straight after seed vernalization, erasing the promotive effect of cold on flowering. Cold-induced downregulation of a MADS-box floral repressor and its reactivation by high temperature thus appear as conserved features of the vernalization and devernalization responses in distant species.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. [less ▲]

Novel functional degradable block copolymers for the building of reactive micelles

in Polymer Chemistry (2013), 4(4), 1025-1037

Amphiphilic biocompatible copolymers are promising materials for the elaboration of nanosystems for drug delivery applications. This paper aims at reporting on the synthesis of new functional amphiphilic ... [more ▼]

Amphiphilic biocompatible copolymers are promising materials for the elaboration of nanosystems for drug delivery applications. This paper aims at reporting on the synthesis of new functional amphiphilic copolymers based on biocompatible and bioeliminable blocks. Poly(ethylene oxide) was selected as the hydrophilic block, whereas an aliphatic polyester, i.e. poly(epsilon-caprolactone), or a polycarbonate, i.e. poly(trimethylene carbonate), were chosen as the degradable hydrophobic block. In order to allow a post-functionalization of the micelles core, azide groups were introduced on the hydrophobic segment to provide reactivity towards functional alkyne derivatives by the copper azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). For this purpose, a functional lactone, i.e. alpha-chloro-epsilon-caprolactone was introduced during the polymerization of the hydrophobic block before being converted into azide on the preformed copolymer. Such reactivity of the block copolymers and their self-assemblies is of prime interest for drugs or fluorescent dyes grafting, so as for micelles cross-linking. The influence of the azides distribution along the degradable block on the micelles post-functionalization ability has been studied by using alkyne bearing fluorescent dyes as model for drugs. The hydrophilicity of the dye on the micelles post-functionalization efficiency has also been investigated. [less ▲]

Psychrophilic enzymes: from folding to function and biotechnology

in Scientifica (2013), 2013(Article ID 512840), 1-28

Dimeric bisindole alkaloids from the stem bark of Strychnos nux-vomica L.

in Phytochemistry (2013), 87

Strychnos nux-vomica L. (Loganiaceae) is famous for its monomeric alkaloid content, such as strychnine, a convulsant poison. The stem bark of the tree is traditionally used to treat intermittent fever in ... [more ▼]

Strychnos nux-vomica L. (Loganiaceae) is famous for its monomeric alkaloid content, such as strychnine, a convulsant poison. The stem bark of the tree is traditionally used to treat intermittent fever in South East Asia. In various studies, it appeared that dimeric indolo-monoterpenic alkaloids possess a promising activity on Plasmodium falciparum. Three bisindolomonoterpenic alkaloids together with strychnochrysine, previously identified in the root bark of S. nux-vomica, were isolated from the stem bark. The structures of these compounds were established using NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Stereochemistry of the compounds was confirmed by molecular modelling. This then allowed the structural determination of strychnoflavine, a coloured bisindole alkaloid previously isolated from the root bark of the tree. Moreover, the conformational inversion in alkaloids possessing an ether bond in the strychnane moiety could be easily predicted by specific δ 13C NMR values. These longicaudatine-type alkaloids were found to display in vitro antiplasmodial activity against a chloroquine resistant strain and a chloroquine sensitive strain. The most interesting was strychnochrysine showing an IC 50 value at around 10 μM. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. [less ▲]

Functional and Psychological Characteristics of Belgian Men with Premature Ejaculation and Their Partners

in Archives of Sexual Behavior (2013), 42

Physiological, behavioral, cognitive, and emotional factors are generally acknowledged to play a role in premature ejaculation (PE). However, the nature and the extent of their etiological impact remain ... [more ▼]

Physiological, behavioral, cognitive, and emotional factors are generally acknowledged to play a role in premature ejaculation (PE). However, the nature and the extent of their etiological impact remain largely imprecise. The present study examined functional and psychometric dynamics at work in a PE population. A total of 461 men with PE and 80 partners completed an online questionnaire. The main outcome measures were self-reported ejaculatory latency time, the feeling of control upon ejaculation, sexual satisfaction, distress related to PE, trait anxiety (STAI-B), sexual cognitions (SIQ), social anxiety (LSAS and SISST), and personality traits (TCI-R). In our sample, the median latency time to ejaculation was between 1 and 2 minutes. Sexual satisfaction and distress correlated more strongly with the feeling of control than with the self-reported latency time. Men experienced more distress and dissatisfaction related to PE than did their partners while overestimating their partners’ distress and dissatisfaction. PE participants’ scores differed significantly, albeit slightly, from STAI-B, SIQ, LSAS, and SISST norms. The differences were negligible on TCI-R. Some differences became stronger when subtypes were considered. Participants combining generalized and lifelong PE with self-reported latency times of < 30 sec reported lower sexual satisfaction and control, higher distress, higher social anxiety, and harm avoidance (TCI-R/HA) scores. By contrast, the situational subtype of PE was found to be characterized by a higher level of satisfaction, a greater feeling of control, less distress, and higher trait anxiety scores. However, the trends remained statistically discrete. [less ▲]

Pharmacokinetic considerations for the treatment of diabetes in patients with chronic kidney disease.

in Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology (2013)

Introduction: People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) of stages 3 - 5 (creatinine clearance < 60 ml/min) represent approximately 25% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but the problem is ... [more ▼]

Introduction: People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) of stages 3 - 5 (creatinine clearance < 60 ml/min) represent approximately 25% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but the problem is underrecognized or neglected in clinical practice. However, most oral antidiabetic agents have limitations in case of renal impairment (RI), either because they require a dose adjustment or because they are contraindicated for safety reasons. Areas covered: The author performed an extensive literature search to analyze the influence of RI on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of glucose-lowering agents and the potential consequences for clinical practice. Expert opinion: As a result of PK interferences and for safety reasons, the daily dose should be reduced according to glomerular filtration rate (GFR) or even the drug is contraindicated in presence of severe CKD. This is the case for metformin (risk of lactic acidosis) and for many sulfonylureas (risk of hypoglycemia). At present, however, the exact GFR cutoff for metformin use is controversial. New antidiabetic agents are better tolerated in case of CKD, although clinical experience remains quite limited for most of them. The dose of DPP-4 inhibitors should be reduced (except for linagliptin), whereas both the efficacy and safety of SGLT2 inhibitors are questionable in presence of CKD. [less ▲]

Long-Term Care Insurance and Family Norms

in The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy (2013), 14(1), 1-28

Metformin revisited: A critical review of the benefit-risk balance in at-risk patients with type 2 diabetes.

in Diabètes & Métabolism (2013)

Metformin is unanimously considered a first-line glucose-lowering agent. Theoretically, however, it cannot be prescribed in a large proportion of patients with type 2 diabetes because of numerous ... [more ▼]

Metformin is unanimously considered a first-line glucose-lowering agent. Theoretically, however, it cannot be prescribed in a large proportion of patients with type 2 diabetes because of numerous contraindications that could lead to an increased risk of lactic acidosis. Various observational data from real-life have shown that many diabetic patients considered to be at risk still receive metformin and often without appropriate dose adjustment, yet apparently with no harm done and particularly no increased risk of lactic acidosis. More interestingly, recent data have suggested that type 2 diabetes patients considered at risk because of the presence of traditional contraindications may still derive benefit from metformin therapy with reductions in morbidity and mortality compared with other glucose-lowering agents, especially sulphonylureas. The present review analyzes the benefit-risk balance of metformin therapy in special populations, namely, patients with stable coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndrome or myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, renal impairment or chronic kidney disease, hepatic dysfunction and chronic respiratory insufficiency, all conditions that could in theory increase the risk of lactic acidosis. Special attention is also paid to elderly patients with type 2 diabetes, a population that is growing rapidly, as older patients can accumulate several comorbidities classically considered contraindications to the use of metformin. A review of the recent scientific literature suggests that reassessment of the contraindications of metformin is now urgently needed to prevent physicians from prescribing the most popular glucose-lowering therapy in everyday clinical practice outside of the official recommendations. [less ▲]

Outcome and impact of surgery in paradoxical low flow low gradient severe aortic stenosis and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction: a cardiac catheterization study

in Circulation (2013)

Chemical Ecology of the Colorado Potato Beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), and Potential for Alternative Control Methods

in Insects (2013), 4(1), 31-54

The Colorado potato beetle (CPB) has been a major insect pest to potato farming for over 150 years and various control methods have been established to reduce its impact on potato fields. Crop rotation ... [more ▼]

The Colorado potato beetle (CPB) has been a major insect pest to potato farming for over 150 years and various control methods have been established to reduce its impact on potato fields. Crop rotation and pesticide use are currently the most widely used approaches, although alternative methods are being developed. Here we review the role of various volatile and nonvolatile chemicals involved in behavior changes of CPB that may have potential for their control. First, we describe all volatile and nonvolatile chemicals involved in host plant localization and acceptance by CPB beetles, including glycoalcaloids and host plant volatiles used as kairomones. In the second section, we present the chemical signals used by CPB in intraspecific communication, including sex and aggregation pheromones. Some of these chemicals are used by natural enemies of CPBs to locate their prey and are presented in the third section. The last section of this review is devoted a discussion of the potential of some natural chemicals in biological control of CPB and to approaches that already reached efficient field applications. [less ▲]

Intuitions idéographiques

in Visible (2013)

Interleukin-32 expression is associated with a poorer prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

in Molecular Carcinogenesis (2013)

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represent the sixth most common malignancy diagnosed worldwide. Patient's survival is low due the high frequency of tumor recurrence. Inflammation promotes ... [more ▼]

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represent the sixth most common malignancy diagnosed worldwide. Patient's survival is low due the high frequency of tumor recurrence. Inflammation promotes carcinogenesis as well as the formation of metastasis. Indeed, proinflammatory mediators are known to stimulate the expression of specific transcription factors such as Snai1 and to increase the ability of tumor cells to migrate into distant organs. The atypical interleukin-32 (IL32) was mainly described to exacerbate inflammatory responses in rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases. IL32 is expressed in various cancers but its role in HNSCC physiology is still unexplored. Here, we analyzed the expression of IL32 and its implication on HNSCC aggressiveness. We showed that patients with tumor expressing high amounts of IL32 exhibit decreased disease-free periods (20.5 mo vs. 41 mo, P = 0.0041) and overall survival (P = 0.0359) in comparison with individuals with weak IL32 tumor expression. This overexpression was negatively correlated with gender (P = 0.0292) and p53 expression (P = 0.0307). In addition, in vitro data linked IL32 expression to metastasis formation since IL32 inhibition decreased Snai1 expression and tumor cell migration in a Boyden chamber assay. Our data provide new insight into the role of IL32 in HNSCC aggressiveness. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [less ▲]

Optimized Look-Ahead Tree Policies: A Bridge Between Look-Ahead Tree Policies and Direct Policy Search

in International Journal of Adaptive Control and Signal Processing (2013)

Direct policy search (DPS) and look-ahead tree (LT) policies are two popular techniques for solving difficult sequential decision-making problems. They both are simple to implement, widely applicable ... [more ▼]

Direct policy search (DPS) and look-ahead tree (LT) policies are two popular techniques for solving difficult sequential decision-making problems. They both are simple to implement, widely applicable without making strong assumptions on the structure of the problem, and capable of producing high performance control policies. However, computationally both of them are, each in their own way, very expensive. DPS can require huge offline resources (effort required to obtain the policy) to first select an appropriate space of parameterized policies that works well for the targeted problem, and then to determine the best values of the parameters via global optimization. LT policies do not require any offline resources; however, they typically require huge online resources (effort required to calculate the best decision at each step) in order to grow trees of sufficient depth. In this paper, we propose optimized look-ahead trees (OLT), a model-based policy learning scheme that lies at the intersection of DPS and LT. In OLT, the control policy is represented indirectly through an algorithm that at each decision step develops, as in LT using a model of the dynamics, a small look-ahead tree until a prespecified online budget is exhausted. Unlike LT, the development of the tree is not driven by a generic heuristic; rather, the heuristic is optimized for the target problem and implemented as a parameterized node scoring function learned offline via DPS. We experimentally compare OLT with pure DPS and pure LT variants on optimal control benchmark domains. The results show that the LT-based representation is a versatile way of compactly representing policies in a DPS scheme (which results in OLT being easier to tune and having lower offline complexity than pure DPS); while at the same time, DPS helps to significantly reduce the size of the look-ahead trees that are required to take high-quality decisions (which results in OLT having lower online complexity than pure LT). Moreover, OLT produces overall better performing policies than pure DPS and pure LT and also results in policies that are robust with respect to perturbations of the initial conditions. [less ▲]

Use of Raman spectrometry in the pharmaceutical field

in STP Pharma Pratiques (2013), 23(2), 97-117

This document sets out the theoretical and practical fundamentals to guide users in the imple- mentation of Raman spectroscopy in industry or the university-hospital sector. It describes the principle of ... [more ▼]

This document sets out the theoretical and practical fundamentals to guide users in the imple- mentation of Raman spectroscopy in industry or the university-hospital sector. It describes the principle of this technique and currently available instruments. Since Raman spectrometers are used in a regulated context, the methodology of instru- ment qualification is discussed. Different types of applications encountered in the pharmaceutical field are presented: process monitoring, searching for and detecting counterfeits, and identifying raw materials on receipt. [less ▲]

Nominal group technique to select attributes for discrete choice experiments: an example for drug treatment choice in osteoporosis.

in Patient preference and adherence (2013), 7

BACKGROUND: Attribute selection represents an important step in the development of discrete-choice experiments (DCEs), but is often poorly reported. In some situations, the number of attributes identified ... [more ▼]

BACKGROUND: Attribute selection represents an important step in the development of discrete-choice experiments (DCEs), but is often poorly reported. In some situations, the number of attributes identified may exceed what one may find possible to pilot in a DCE. Hence, there is a need to gain insight into methods to select attributes in order to construct the final list of attributes. This study aims to test the feasibility of using the nominal group technique (NGT) to select attributes for DCEs. METHODS: Patient group discussions (4-8 participants) were convened to prioritize a list of 12 potentially important attributes for osteoporosis drug therapy. The NGT consisted of three steps: an individual ranking of the 12 attributes by importance from 1 to 12, a group discussion on each of the attributes, including a group review of the aggregate score of the initial rankings, and a second ranking task of the same attributes. RESULTS: Twenty-six osteoporotic patients participated in five NGT sessions. Most (80%) of the patients changed their ranking after the discussion. However, the average initial and final ranking did not differ markedly. In the final ranking, the most important medication attributes were effectiveness, side effects, and frequency and mode of administration. Some (15%) of the patients did not correctly rank from 1 to 12, and the order of attributes did play a role in the ranking. CONCLUSION: The NGT is feasible for selecting attributes for DCEs. Although in the context of this study, the NGT session had little impact on prioritizing attributes, this approach is rigorous, transparent, and improves the face validity of DCEs. Additional research in other contexts (different decisional problems or different diseases) is needed to determine the added value of the NGT session, to assess the optimal ranking/rating method with control of ordering effects, and to compare the attributes selected with the different approaches. [less ▲]

Metabolic and structural connectivity within the default mode network relates to working memory performance in young healthy adults

in NeuroImage (2013)

Studies of functional connectivity suggest that the default mode network (DMN) might be relevant for cognitive functions. Here, we examined metabolic and structural connectivity between major DMN nodes ... [more ▼]

Studies of functional connectivity suggest that the default mode network (DMN) might be relevant for cognitive functions. Here, we examined metabolic and structural connectivity between major DMN nodes, the posterior cingulate (PCC) and medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC), in relation to normal working memory (WM). DMN was captured using independent component analysis of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) data from 35 young healthy adults (27.1±5.1 years). Metabolic connectivity, a correlation between FDG uptake in PCC and MPFC, was examined in groups of subjects with (relative to median) low (n=18) and high (n=17) performance on digit span backward test as an index of verbal WM. In addition, fiber tractography based on PCC and MPFC nodes as way points was performed in a subset of subjects. FDG uptake in the DMN nodes did not differ between high and low performers. However, significantly (p=0.01) lower metabolic connectivity was found in the group of low performers. Furthermore, as compared to high performers, low performers showed lower density of the left superior cingulate bundle. Verbal WM performance is related to metabolic and structural connectivity within the DMN in young healthy adults. Metabolic connectivity as quantified with FDG-PET might be a sensitive marker of the normal variability in some cognitive functions. [less ▲]

Analysis of mainstream tobacco smoke particulate phase using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry

in Journal of Separation Science (2013), 31

In tobacco research, the comparison of different tobacco blends as well as the puffdependent <br />behaviour of cigarettes is a matter of particular interest. For the investigation <br />of smoke ... [more ▼]

In tobacco research, the comparison of different tobacco blends as well as the puffdependent <br />behaviour of cigarettes is a matter of particular interest. For the investigation <br />of smoke characteristics, GC6GC offers different ways for data analysis, <br />namely, compound target analysis, automated peak-based compound classification <br />and comprehensive pixel-based data analysis. This study will show the application <br />as well as the pros and cons of these types of data analysis for very complex matrices <br />like cigarette particulate matter. In addition, new aspects about the recently discovered <br />puff-dependent behaviour of compounds in cigarette smoke will be presented. <br />Automated peak-based compound classification including mass spectrometric pattern <br />recognition is used for the classification of tobacco particulate matter samples <br />and the puff-dependent investigation of different compound classes. This compound <br />group specific analysis is further reinforced by applying an even more comprehensive <br />pixel-based analysis. This kind of analysis is used to generate fingerprints of <br />different types of cigarettes. The combination of fast feature reduction methods like <br />analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-test with multivariate feature transformation <br />methods like partial least squares discriminate analysis (PLSDA) for feature selection <br />provides a powerful tool for a detailed inspection of different types of cigarettes. [less ▲]

L'exploitation des mises à blanc résineuses sur cloisonnements et lit de branches pour protéger la capacité productive des sols forestiers et maîtriser les coûts de reboisement

in Forêt Wallonne (2013), (122), 44-54

Les forestiers sont à la recherche de techniques d'exploitation innovantes, respectueuses des sols, de la régénération naturelle et des conditions de travail.

Etude histologique des embryons avortés lors des croisements entre Phaseolus vulgaris L. et Phaseolus coccineus L.

in International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences (2013)

Bluetongue Virus RNA Detection by Real-Time RT-PCR in Post-Vaccination Samples from Cattle.

in Transboundary and Emerging Diseases (2013)

Bluetongue virus serotype 8 (BTV-8) was responsible for a large outbreak among European ruminant populations in 2006-2009. In spring 2008, a massive vaccination campaign was undertaken, leading to the ... [more ▼]

Bluetongue virus serotype 8 (BTV-8) was responsible for a large outbreak among European ruminant populations in 2006-2009. In spring 2008, a massive vaccination campaign was undertaken, leading to the progressive disappearance of the virus. During surveillance programmes in Western Europe in 2010-2011, a low but significant number of animals were found weakly positive using BTV-specific real-time RT-PCR, raising questions about a possible low level of virus circulation. An interference of the BTV-8 inactivated vaccine on the result of the real-time RT-PCR was also hypothesized. Several studies specifically addressed the potential association between a recent vaccination and BTV-8 RNA detection in the blood of sheep. Results were contradictory and cattles were not investigated. To enlighten this point, a large study was performed to determine the risks of detection of bluetongue vaccine-associated RNA in the blood and spleen of cattle using real-time RT-PCR. Overall, the results presented clearly demonstrate that vaccine viral RNA can reach the blood circulation in sufficient amounts to be detected by real-time RT-PCR in cattle. This BTV-8 vaccine RNA carriage appears as short lasting. [less ▲]

GC-MS/MS as a new option for confirmatory approach of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs analysis in food and feed

in Lab Info (2013), 9

Stockage de carbone et flux de gaz à effet de serre en prairie (synthèse bibliographique)

in Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Société et Environnement = Biotechnology, Agronomy, Society and Environment [=BASE] (2013), 17(1), 103-117

Grassland carbon (C) sequestration can play an important role in mitigating total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of livestock production systems. An accurate inventory of livestock production system ... [more ▼]

Grassland carbon (C) sequestration can play an important role in mitigating total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of livestock production systems. An accurate inventory of livestock production system contribution to GHG emissions requires to think in terms of global budget, by considering both the GHG sources and the mitigation potential trough grassland soil carbon sequestration. There is a huge variability in C and GHG balances of grasslands that is mainly due to management practices and climatic conditions. The present article shows that, to reduce the uncertainties of the results, long term measurements at the field scale are necessary. Also, it shows the importance of taking the fluxes of the three main GHGs (carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane) into account when calculating the GHG budget. This article also highlights the need for a better understanding of the mechanisms driving the fluxes, in relation to environmental factors and management practices, in order to propose mitigation strategies able to enhance soil carbon sequestration in soils and to reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions. [less ▲]

Mapping Magnetic Near-Field Distributions of Plasmonic Nanoantennas

in ACS Nano (2013)

We present direct experimental mapping of the lateral magnetic near-field distribution in plasmonic nanoantennas using aperture scanning nearfield optical microscopy (SNOM). By means of full-field ... [more ▼]

We present direct experimental mapping of the lateral magnetic near-field distribution in plasmonic nanoantennas using aperture scanning nearfield optical microscopy (SNOM). By means of full-field simulations it is demonstrated how the coupling of the hollow-pyramid aperture probe to the nanoantenna induces an effective magnetic dipole which efficiently excites surface plasmon resonances only at lateral magnetic field maxima. This excitation in turn affects the detected light intensity enabling the visualization of the lateral magnetic near-field distribution of multiple odd and even order plasmon modes with subwavelength spatial resolution. [less ▲]

Dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in water by lignin

in Journal of Materials Science (2013), 48(14), 4962-4964

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) can be stably dispersed in water with small amount of lignin. One-step dispersion in the 20.0 g/L concentration range is achieved at room temperature with excellent ... [more ▼]

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) can be stably dispersed in water with small amount of lignin. One-step dispersion in the 20.0 g/L concentration range is achieved at room temperature with excellent electrical properties of MWCNT. Lignin is depicted to act as an anti-static agent. [less ▲]

Optimal Fertility along the Lifecycle

in Economic Theory (2013)

Efficacité des méthodes de lutte contre le développement de cinq espèces de plantes invasives amphibies : Crassula helmsii , Hydrocotyle ranunculoides , Ludwigia grandiflora , Ludwigia peploides et Myriophyllum aquaticum (synthèse bibliographique)

in Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Société et Environnement = Biotechnology, Agronomy, Society and Environment [=BASE] (2013), 17(1), 88-103

Parmi les espèces invasives connaissant une expansion rapide en Europe, les plantes dites « amphibies » sont particulièrement problématiques. Elles sont capables de former des populations très denses à la ... [more ▼]

Parmi les espèces invasives connaissant une expansion rapide en Europe, les plantes dites « amphibies » sont particulièrement problématiques. Elles sont capables de former des populations très denses à la surface des plans d’eau, se développant à la fois sous l’eau et hors de l’eau. La lutte contre ces espèces, en vue de l’éradication totale ou du ralentissement de l’invasion, représente un défi de taille pour les gestionnaires. Une synthèse bibliographique des méthodes de lutte existantes pour Crassula helmsii, Hydrocotyle ranunculoides, Ludwigia grandiflora, L. peploides et Myriophyllum aquaticum a été réalisée, prenant en considération leur efficacité et leur coût. Des 88 études analysées, il ressort une grande disparité d’effort de recherche (nombre d’études, échelles spatiales des études) entre méthodes de lutte et entre espèces. Néanmoins, l’efficacité des différentes méthodes de lutte est comparable pour les cinq espèces étudiées. Globalement, les cas d’éradication sont rares. Ils sont le résultat de luttes mécaniques ou chimiques, souvent couplées à des interventions complémentaires telles que la finition manuelle. Malgré une forte occurrence dans la littérature, la lutte chimique, moins fastidieuse à mettre en place et moins coûteuse que les autres méthodes, n’a montré des niveaux d’efficacité satisfaisants qu’avec certaines matières actives. De même, la lutte biologique a montré peu de résultats encourageants à ce jour. Il est à noter que certains agents de lutte biologique sont d’ores et déjà considérés comme des espèces invasives en Europe. A contrario, malgré leur faible occurrence dans la littérature, l’arrachage manuel ou mécanique suivi de finitions manuelles a donné des niveaux d’efficacité satisfaisants. Vu les difficultés de lutter contre les espèces invasives amphibies et les dommages collatéraux potentiels sur les écosystèmes, un débat impliquant scientifiques, autorités et gestionnaires de plans d’eau devra avoir lieu afin de poser les bases d’une gestion cohérente à grande échelle. [less ▲]

Sirtuin 1 enzymatic activity is required for cartilage homeostasis in vivo in a mouse model.

in Arthritis and Rheumatism (2013), 65(1), 159-66

OBJECTIVE: We and others previously demonstrated that sirtuin 1 (SIRT-1) regulates apoptosis and cartilage-specific gene expression in human chondrocytes and mouse models. This study was undertaken to ... [more ▼]

OBJECTIVE: We and others previously demonstrated that sirtuin 1 (SIRT-1) regulates apoptosis and cartilage-specific gene expression in human chondrocytes and mouse models. This study was undertaken to determine if SIRT-1 enzymatic activity plays a protective role in cartilage homeostasis in vivo, by investigating mice with SIRT-1 mutations to characterize their cartilage. METHODS: Articular cartilage was harvested from the paws and knees of 5- and 6-month-old wild-type (WT) mice and mice homozygous for SIRT-1(tm2.1Mcby) (SIRT-1(y/y) ), an allele carrying a point mutation that encodes a SIRT-1 protein with no enzymatic activity (y/y mice). Mice ages 2 days old and 6-7 days old were also examined. Mouse joint cartilage was processed for histologic examination or biochemical analyses of chondrocyte cultures. RESULTS: We found that articular cartilage tissue sections from y/y mice of up to 6 months of age contained reduced levels of type II collagen, aggrecan, and glycosaminoglycan compared to sections from WT mice. In contrast, protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8), MMP-9, and MMP-13 were elevated in the cartilage of y/y mice. In addition, chondrocyte apoptosis was elevated in SIRT-1 mutant mice as compared to their WT littermates. Consistent with these observations, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1b was elevated in the y/y mice. CONCLUSION: Our in vivo findings in this animal model demonstrate that mice with defective SIRT-1 also have defective cartilage, with elevated rates of cartilage degradation with age. Hence, normal cartilage homeostasis requires enzymatically active SIRT-1 protein. [less ▲]

Direct and indirect use of GFP whole cell biosensors for the assessment of bioprocess performances: design of milliliter scale-down bioreactors

in Biotechnology Progress (2013), 29(1), 48-59

Substrate limitation responsive biosensors have been used for the development of a mini-bioreactor platform that can be used as a scale-down tool. Three green fluorescent protein (GFP) transcriptional ... [more ▼]

Substrate limitation responsive biosensors have been used for the development of a mini-bioreactor platform that can be used as a scale-down tool. Three green fluorescent protein (GFP) transcriptional reporters have been chosen in Escherichia coli, i.e., uspA::gfp, csiE::gfp and yciG::gfp. Our previous studies have shown that these kinds of promoters are induced in response to substrate limitation and are significantly repressed when cultures are carried out in heterogeneous bioreactors. This sensitivity to substrate limitation has been confirmed in the case of the csiE and yciG biosensors. A mini-scale-down platform is proposed as a high throughput tool to rapidly investigate the usefulness of a given microbial biosensor. This platform is composed of shake flasks able to operate in fed-batch mode either using the slow release or the intermittent feeding principle. Local heterogeneities were reproduced at the level of these mini-bioreactors (operating under the intermittent feeding principle) and caused a decrease in GFP expression as in conventional scale-down reactors. The presence of GFP in supernatants was also noted and seems to be correlated with the substrate limitation signal for the three cultivation systems considered in this work (i.e., chemostat, conventional and mini-bioreactors) and with membrane permeability. [less ▲]

Multidimensional extension of the Morse-Hedlund theorem

in European Journal of Combinatorics (2013), 34

Nivat's conjecture is about the link between the pure periodicity of a subset M of Z^2, i.e., invariance under translation by a fixed vector, and some upper bound on the function counting the number of ... [more ▼]

Nivat's conjecture is about the link between the pure periodicity of a subset M of Z^2, i.e., invariance under translation by a fixed vector, and some upper bound on the function counting the number of different rectangular blocks occurring in $M$. Attempts to solve this conjecture have been considered during the last fifteen years. Let d>1. A legitimate extension to a multidimensional setting of the notion of periodicity is to consider sets of Z^d definable by a first order formula in the Presburger arithmetic <Z;<,+>. With this latter notion and using a powerful criterion due to Muchnik, we solve an analogue of Nivat's conjecture and characterize sets of Z^d definable in <Z;<,+> in terms of some functions counting recurrent blocks, that is, blocks occurring infinitely often. [less ▲]

Évaluation d’un test de lecture en anglais par deux méthodes de détection du fonctionnement différentiel d’items

in Revue des Sciences de l'Education (2013), 37

Cette étude vise à examiner la présence de fonctionnement différentiel d’items selon le sexe des répondants dans un test de compréhension en lecture en anglais administré à 171 universitaires francophones ... [more ▼]

Cette étude vise à examiner la présence de fonctionnement différentiel d’items selon le sexe des répondants dans un test de compréhension en lecture en anglais administré à 171 universitaires francophones. Deux méthodes non paramétriques sont utilisées: le test Mantel-Haenszel et le modèle de régression logistique. Sur un total de 64 items, deux présentent un fonctionnement différentiel selon le test Mantel-Haenszel, alors que cinq items supplémentaires ressortent par la régression logistique. Ce faible nombre d’items suggère une bonne équité du test, mais les différences observées soulignent la nécessité d’analyses additionnelles pour clarifier le statut de ces items. [less ▲]

L'addiction au sexe, ça se soigne ?

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2013), 68

L'addiction sexuelle, ou dépendance au sexe, se caractérise par une hypersexualité, une altération de la régulation du désir sexuel et une compulsion sexuelle traduisant l’existence d’une sexualité avec ... [more ▼]

L'addiction sexuelle, ou dépendance au sexe, se caractérise par une hypersexualité, une altération de la régulation du désir sexuel et une compulsion sexuelle traduisant l’existence d’une sexualité avec une fréquence excessive non contrôlée (5 à 15 actes sexuels par jour, pendant plus de 6 mois, à partir de 15 ans). Entre 3% et 6% de la population adulte ( ≥18 ans) présenteraient les caractéristiques de l’addiction sexuelle, trouble prédominant chez les hommes, indépendamment de l’orientation sexuelle. A la base de cette pathologie on trouve les altérations de la régulation des émotions ainsi que du système de récompense et de motivation. L’addiction sexuelle est fréquemment associée à d’autres addictions et à d’autres troubles psychopathologiques. L’utilisation d’accessoires sexuels pour optimiser les performances sexuelles est régulièrement décrite. Dans cet article nous aborderons les multiples facettes de l’hypersexualité et les différentes possibilités d'approches thérapeutiques dont l’exposition en réalité virtuelle. [less ▲]

Exploration of the mechanisms underlying the ISPC effect: Evidence from behavioral and neuroimaging data

in Neuropsychologia (2013), 51

The item-specific proportion congruent (ISPC) effect in a Stroop task – the observation of reduced interference for color words mostly presented in an incongruent color – has attracted growing interest ... [more ▼]

The item-specific proportion congruent (ISPC) effect in a Stroop task – the observation of reduced interference for color words mostly presented in an incongruent color – has attracted growing interest since the original study by Jacoby (2003). Two mechanisms have been proposed to explain the effect: associative learning of contingencies and item-specific control through word reading modulation. Both interpretations have received empirical support from behavioral data. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the responsible mechanisms of the ISPC effect with the classic two-item sets design using fMRI. Results showed that the ISPC effect is associated with increased activity in the anterior cingulate (ACC), dorsolateral prefrontal (DLPFC), and inferior and superior parietal cortex. Importantly, behavioral and fMRI analyses specifically addressing the respective contribution of associative learning and item-specific control mechanisms brought support for the contingency learning account of the ISPC effect. Results are discussed in reference to task and procedure characteristics that may influence the extent to which item-specific control and/or contingency learning contribute to the ISPC effect. [less ▲]

Chromatography in the detection and characterisation of illegal pharmaceutical preparations

in Journal of Chromatographic Science (2013)

Counterfeit and illegal pharmaceutical products are an increasing worldwide problem and constitute a major challenge for analytical laboratories to detect and characterize them. Spectroscopic techniques ... [more ▼]

Counterfeit and illegal pharmaceutical products are an increasing worldwide problem and constitute a major challenge for analytical laboratories to detect and characterize them. Spectroscopic techniques as infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy were always the first methods of choice to detect counterfeits and illegal preparations, but due to the evolution in the products seized and the necessity of risk assessment, chromatographic methods are becoming more important in this domain. This review intends to give a general overview of the techniques described in literature to characterize counterfeit and illegal pharmaceutical preparations, focussing on the role of chromatographic techniques, with different detection tools. [less ▲]