Genetic analysis of pig survival in a crossbred population

in Journal of Animal Science (in press)

Chronos et la clé du temps

in Revue des Hôpitaux de Jour Psychiatriques et des Thérapies Institutionnelles 2013, 15 : à paraître. (in press), 15

L’argument de ce XLème Colloque des Hôpitaux de jour psychiatriques nous a plongés dans un abîme de questionnements théoriques et pratiques. Défiés par cette immersion dans les tréfonds du modèle, nous ... [more ▼]

L’argument de ce XLème Colloque des Hôpitaux de jour psychiatriques nous a plongés dans un abîme de questionnements théoriques et pratiques. Défiés par cette immersion dans les tréfonds du modèle, nous avons choisi de nous accrocher aux fondements de notre univers. La mythologie grecque sera donc notre source d’inspiration en mettant un dieu antique à notre disposition. Chronos sera notre guide dans un périple réflexif soumettant nos théories et notre pratique à l’épreuve du temps. Le récit de la conception d’un atelier thérapeutique, l’atelier « Art & Temps », sera notre fil d’Ariane dans notre tentative de symboliser notre pratique thérapeutique quotidienne et ses enjeux. Par la suite, l’exposé d’un cas clinique concrétisera un raisonnement théorique visant à situer notre modèle de prise en charge dans le réseau psychiatrique global. [less ▲]

Vie et praxis : le statt de l'organisme dans la Critique de la Raison dialectique

in Bulletin d'Analyse Phénoménologique (in press)

Détection automatique de réminiscences potentielles de Xénophon chez Arrien

in Etudes Classiques (Namur, Belgium) (in press)

Depuis des siècles, les spécialistes et les savants des littératures grecque et latine se sont attachés à repérer les citations et les reprises d’un auteur chez un autre en raison de l’importance de ... [more ▼]

Depuis des siècles, les spécialistes et les savants des littératures grecque et latine se sont attachés à repérer les citations et les reprises d’un auteur chez un autre en raison de l’importance de l’imitatio et de l’aemulatio dans le processus de création littéraire des œuvres anciennes. Arrien de Nicomédie en est un parfait exemple puisqu’il s’inspira abondamment de son modèle admiré, Xénophon. C’est pourquoi, après avoir répertorié le plus grand nombre possible de réutilisations déjà mises au jour entre les deux historiens par les philologues de manière livresque, notre projet a pour but de détecter et de commenter de nouvelles réminiscences potentielles de Xénophon dans l’œuvre d’Arrien grâce à un logiciel développé spécifiquement à l’Université de Liège sur base de fichiers de textes lemmatisés en collaboration avec le LASLA. [less ▲]

Les ambiguïtés de l’anthropomorphisme : de la divinité agissante à sa statue dans la céramique grecque

in MethIS : Méthodes et Interdisciplinarité en Sciences Humaines (in press)

L’image, sous ses divers aspects, a joué un rôle essentiel dans la vie des anciens Grecs, en particulier dans le domaine religieux, puisque elle était l’une des modalités de perception du divin. En Grèce ... [more ▼]

L’image, sous ses divers aspects, a joué un rôle essentiel dans la vie des anciens Grecs, en particulier dans le domaine religieux, puisque elle était l’une des modalités de perception du divin. En Grèce, la figuration anthropomorphe des dieux est largement majoritaire. Toutefois, en se tournant vers un support particulier, le vase peint, et un type de représentation particulier, la statue divine, on montrera ici que l’anthropomorphisme a pu amener une certaine ambiguïté. Dans la céramique, les représentations de statues fonctionnent sur plusieurs modes, selon la chronologie. C’est ce que l’on propose d’analyser, en examinant un groupe de vases décorés d’un thème semblable et sur lesquels une divinité est représentée, mais soit sous la forme d’une figure « vivante », soit d’une statue plus ou moins bien caractérisée. Cette étude permettra d’aborder les concepts de « fixité » et de « mouvement » de/dans l’image, mais aussi d’explorer quelques pistes de réflexions sur l’image divine et, plus largement, sur les modes de représentation du divin en Grèce ancienne. [less ▲]

Peuple(s) et subjectivations politiques chez Claude Lefort: une lecture du "Machiavel

in Tumultes (in press)

Zur Stellung des Deutschen in Belgien

in Rundbrief. Mitteilungsblatt des BGDV (in press), 29

Do root-emitted volatile organic compounds attract wireworms?

in Communications in Agricultural and Applied Biological Sciences (in press)

Wireworms are the soil dwelling larvae of click beetles (Coleoptera: Elateridae). Their importance as crop pests increases since the efficient chemical means to control them cannot be considered anymore ... [more ▼]

Wireworms are the soil dwelling larvae of click beetles (Coleoptera: Elateridae). Their importance as crop pests increases since the efficient chemical means to control them cannot be considered anymore. Therefore, many integrated pest management strategies have been investigated in the past few years. Most of them rely on the understanding of the ecology of the click beetles during their whole life cycle. We focus our work on the chemical ecology of wireworms, more precisely on the root-emitted volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that might intervene in the food-searching process of the larvae by helping them to find a suitable host-plant or by acting as key factors in the belowground defence mechanism of the plant. Here, we present our first results of dual-choice orientation tests in olfactometric pipes. Wireworms (Agriotes sordidus Illiger) were submitted individually to a variety of olfactory baits ranging from entire barley roots (Hordeum vulgare L. var. Quench) to isolated VOCs identified as part of the emitting profile. The latter was described thanks to HS-SPME samplings and GC-MS analysis, for roots grown in the exact same conditions as for the olfactometric experimentations with entire roots. Most of the experimentations gave significant results. When confronted to volatiles emitted by entire roots, wireworms significantly orientated towards the bait (χ²-goodness-of-fit test, χ²=8, P-value=0.005). This result allowed us to follow up with the same device and to progressively vary the nature of the baits. Our protocol should be used for other plant-wireworm species combinations. Our results should be taken into account in varietal selection, in crop rotation, or in trapping systems aiming at the reduction of the populations of wireworms. [less ▲]

MEASUREMENT OF SERUM ALBUMIN BY PROTEIN ELECTROPHORESIS AND BROMOCRESOL GREEN METHODS IN CANINE AND EQUINE PATIENTS

in Veterinary Clinical Pathology (in press)

Background: Bromocresol green method (BCG) is routinely used in veterinary laboratories to measure albumin. A good agreement between BCG and electrophoresis (SPE) in healthy domestic animals is reported ... [more ▼]

Background: Bromocresol green method (BCG) is routinely used in veterinary laboratories to measure albumin. A good agreement between BCG and electrophoresis (SPE) in healthy domestic animals is reported. However, in human medicine, at low albumin and high globulin concentrations, BCG also binds to α- and β-globulins fractions. Surprisingly, there is no recent literature evaluating the BCG method in diseased domestic animals. Objective: The purpose of the present study was therefore to compare the serum albumin values obtained by SPE and BCG in canine and equine patients. Methods: Albumin measured by BCG and SPE was compared in the serum from 30 canine and 30 equine patients. Results: Good correlation was found (Spearman´s rho rs = 0.91 in dogs and 0.84 in horses). However, Altman and Bland analysis of results showed a positive bias of BCG with SPE (3.41 g/l in horses and 0.41 g/l in dogs) that increased when only hypoalbuminemic patients were considered (4.17 g/l in horses and 1.31 g/l in dogs). Conclusion: Results confirm that, despite good correlation, BCG method tends to overestimate albumin, especially in hypoalbuminemic patients. This is particularly evident in horses. [less ▲]

Lepton flavor violation and seesaw symmetries

in Hyperfine Interactions (in press)

When the standard model is extended with right-handed neutrinos the symmetries of the resulting Lagrangian are enlarged with a new global U(1)R Abelian factor. In the context of minimal seesaw models we ... [more ▼]

When the standard model is extended with right-handed neutrinos the symmetries of the resulting Lagrangian are enlarged with a new global U(1)R Abelian factor. In the context of minimal seesaw models we analyze the implications of a slightly broken U(1)R symmetry on charged lepton flavor violating decays. We find, depending on the R-charge assignments, models where charged lepton flavor violating rates can be within measurable ranges. In particular, we show that in the resulting models due to the structure of the light neutrino mass matrix muon flavor violating decays are entirely determined by neutrino data (up to a normalization factor) and can be sizable in a wide right-handed neutrino mass range. [less ▲]

Is ultra-short cold ischemia the key to ischemic cholangiopathy avoidance in DCD-LT?

in Acta Chirurgica Belgica (2013, May), Supplement 113(3), 6729

Health economics in osteoarthritis

in Osteoporosis International (2013, April), 24(Suppl.1), 79-80

Quality of life in sarcopenia and frailty

in Osteoporosis International (2013, April), 24(Suppl.1), 76-77

Investigation of potential new targets for the diagnosis and/or the treatment of osteoarthritis

in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage (2013, April), 21(Supplement April 2013),

Purpose: Synovial inflammation plays a key role in the pathophysiology process of osteoarthritis (OA). We have previously compared the gene expression pattern of synovial cells isolated from inflammatory ... [more ▼]

Purpose: Synovial inflammation plays a key role in the pathophysiology process of osteoarthritis (OA). We have previously compared the gene expression pattern of synovial cells isolated from inflammatory (I) or normal/reactive (N/R) areas of a synovial membrane harvested from the same OA patient. We identified a large number of mediators belonging to key pathways involved in OA pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to validate different potential new targets for the diagnosis and/or the treatment OA. Methods: Synovial cells (SC) were isolated from synovial specimens obtained from OA patients undergoing knee replacement. The inflammatory status of the synovial membrane was characterized according to macroscopic criteria. The biopsies from N/R and I areas were cultured separately for a period of 7 days. Microarray gene expression profiling between N/R and I areas was performed. The biological relevance of up- and down-regulated genes was analyzed with Ingenuity Pathways Analysis. Western blot and immunohistochemistry confirmed the identified genes most differentially expressed in the key pathways. The production of the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM1), the alarmin S100 calcium binding protein A9 (S100A9), the wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 5A (Wnt-5A) and the stanniocalcin 1 (STC1) were evaluated by Western blot. S100A9, hyaluronan synthase-1 (HAS1) and STC1 expression and localization were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Results: 896 genes differentially expressed in N/R and I areas were identified. The key pathways were related to inflammation, cartilage metabolism, Wnt signaling and angiogenesis. In the inflammatory gene pattern, TREM1 and S100A9 were strongly upregulated. We validated the production of these proteins in OA synovial biopsies by Western blot. TREM1 and S100A9 were increased in I compared to N/R synovial cells culture. S100A9 was observed in the perivascular area and in sublining cells in I synovial biopsies, but not in N/R biopsies. An increased staining was also observed in the intima lining layer of I when compared to N/R biopsies. The most upregulated anabolism enzyme in I synovial biopsies was HAS1. Using immunohistochemistry, we observed in I areas an increase of the HAS1-positive cells mainly in the intima lining. We also studied the protein production of Wnt-5A, the most upregulated intermediate of Wnt signaling pathway. The protein level was increased in I compared to N/R areas. Finally, in the angiogenesis pathway, one the most u-regulated gene was STC1. A significant increase of STC1 production was observed in I areas compared to N/R areas by Western blot. This result was also supported by the immunohistochemical analysis. In I area, the staining for STC1 was more intense in perivascular and sublining cells. Conclusions: Synovial membrane inflammation is a key target for OA treatments. In this work, we have identified proteins involved in the synovitis pathways like angiogenesis, cells infiltration and matrix remodeling. These proteins could be targeted by drugs and used as companion biomarkers for evaluating their efficacy. Although qualitative, our results could also yield to the identification of markers of the disease. This investigation has to be further pursued. [less ▲]

Clinical characteristics of patients responsive to whole body vibration

in Osteoporosis International (2013, April), 24(Suppl.1), 243

Effects of chondroitin sulfate on the gene expression profile in IL-1β stimulated synovial fibroblast cells cultures

in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage (2013, April), 21(Supplement April 2013),

Purpose: Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is one the most used molecules in the management of OA. In this study, we performed a microarray analysis and identified a differential expression profile between control ... [more ▼]

Purpose: Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is one the most used molecules in the management of OA. In this study, we performed a microarray analysis and identified a differential expression profile between control and IL-1β stimulated synovial fibroblast cells cultures. In a second step, we investigated the effects of CS on this gene expression profile. Methods: OA synovial specimens were obtained from 12 patients undergoing knee replacement. At the surgery time, the synovial membrane was dissected. Synovial fibroblast cells (SFC) were enzymatically isolated and used after four passages (P4). SFC were pre-treated 1 hour with highly purified bovine CS (200 µg/ml, Bioibérica S.A., Barcelona, Spain) before treatment with IL-1β (1 ng/ml) for 24 hours. Total RNA was extracted using the RNeasy Mini Kit. RNA purity and quality were evaluated using the Experion RNA StdSens Analysis kit (Bio-rad Laboratories). Gene expression profiling was performed using Illumina’s multi-sample format Human HT-12 BeadChip (Illumina Inc.). Differential analysis was performed with the BRB array tools software. Class comparison test between control (Ctl) and interleukin (IL)-1β conditions, Ctl and Ctl/CS and IL-1β and IL-1β/CS conditions was based on paired t-test where Ctl and IL-1β, Ctl and Ctl/CS and IL-1β and IL-1β/CS were paired for each patient. The biological relevance of up- and down-regulated genes was analyses with Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (Ingenuity® Systems). Probes with a p-value below 0.001 were chosen and classified as up- or down-regulated ones. Results: 3308 genes were identified as differentially expressed genes between Ctl and IL-1β conditions. We observed a differential profile of expression of major pathways involved in OA pathogenesis. The key identified pathways were related to inflammation, complement cascade, angiogenesis, cartilage catabolism and anabolism and Wnt signaling. In the inflammatory network, the most upregulated cytokines were IL-8 and IL-6 with a fold change of 156.25 and 58.8 respectively. We also identified several chemokines, enzymes and metallothioneins (MTs). Complement factor B (CFB) and complement component 3 (C3) are two factors upregulated in the inflammatory complement cascade. We also identified some genes implicated in the angiogenesis pathway. The most upregulated was Stanniocalcin 1 (STC1) with a fold change of 9.09. The differential expression of intermediates involved in both cartilage anabolism and catabolism was revealed by the IL-1β stimulation, showing an imbalance in favour of catabolism. MMP-3 was largely upregulated (fold change of 62.5). Wnt 5A and low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP8) were significantly upregulated while frizzled homolog 2 (FZD2) and dickkopf homolog 3 (DKK3) were downregulated in the Wnt signaling pathway. We next performed a class comparison test between Ctl and Ctl/CS in one hand and IL-1β and IL-1β/CS on the other hand. 660 genes were identified as differentially expressed between Ctl and Ctl/CS conditions while 241 genes were identified between IL-1β and IL-1β/CS. Among them, our attention was focused on two genes upregulated in the presence of CS: lysyl oxidase-like 4 (LOXL4) and claudin 11 (CDLN11), two genes that negatively regulate cell invasion. Conclusions: We here evidenced in synovial fibroblast cells the modulation of gene expression following IL-1β stimulation. We also demonstrated the modulatory effects of CS on gene expression and isolated several CS-modulated genes of interest such as LOXL4 and CDLN11, which could constitute new mechanisms of action of the molecule and contribute to explain the symptomatic efficacy of CS in the treatment of OA. [less ▲]

Planet TOPERS: Planets, Tracing the Transfer, Origin, Preservation, and Evolution of Their Reservoirs

in Geophysical Research Abstracts (2013, April), 15

An overview is given of the Planet TOPERS project addressing habitability in our solar system.

The intra-articular injection of a new chitosan biomaterial prevents the progression of osteoarthritis in ACLT rabbit model

in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage (2013, April), 21(Supplement April 2013), 69

Purpose To evaluate the effects of a single intra-articular injection of a new biomaterial consisting in a mix of alginate-chitosan (AC) beads and a viscous thermogelling chitosan-based (H) hydrogel on ... [more ▼]

Purpose To evaluate the effects of a single intra-articular injection of a new biomaterial consisting in a mix of alginate-chitosan (AC) beads and a viscous thermogelling chitosan-based (H) hydrogel on cartilage lesion in osteoarthritis (OA) rabbit model. These effects were compared to those obtained with the intra-articular injection of either chitosan-based (H) hydrogel without the AC bead or saline solution. Methods OA was surgically induced by the transection of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACLT) in HYLA albino rabbits. One week after surgery, animals were randomly divided into 3 groups: group I (n=7): mix of AC beads and H hydrogel; group II (n=7): H hydrogel alone; group III (n=7): saline solution (control). The treatments (900 µl) were injected intra-articularly. X-rays from the right knee were performed before surgery, at the time of injection and at sacrifice. The standard radiographs were acquired in extension and scored by the Kellgren and Lawrence (K&L) scale. After 6 weeks, animals were euthanized and the right joint was dissected. The macroscopic evaluation of cartilage from femoral condyles and tibial plateaus stained with India ink was done. Histological sections stained with Safranine-O/fast green from bearing areas of each compartment were evaluated according to the OARSI histological score. Briefly, the evaluation considered: staining of the cartilage matrix (0-6), cartilage structure (0-11), chondrocyte density (0-4) and cluster formation (0-3), where 0 represented a normal situation and 24 points the maximum severity score. Blood samples were collected the day of injection and prior the sacrifice. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in serum using immunoassays. Results The X-rays analysis showed a significant decrease (p <0.05) of the K&L score in group I (AC beads and H hydrogel; 1.5 ± 0.2) compared with group II (H hydrogel; 2.2 ± 0.5) and group III (saline solution; 3.0 ± 0.4). The size and the severity of the macroscopic OA cartilage lesion tended to decrease in group I compared to the other groups. The histological global score that refers to all compartments of the knee joint was significantly decreased in group I (11.0 ± 0.7) compared to group II (14.4 ± 0.6, p <0.01) and group III (14.8 ± 0.6, p <0.001). No significant variation of PGE2 and CRP serum levels were observed in each after 6 weeks follow-up whatever the treatment injected. Conclusions This study showed that a biphasic hydrogel composed by AC beads and H hydrogel prevented OA in rabbit with ACL transection. This effect was not observed with the hydrogel alone, suggesting that AC beads play a role in joint protection. The preventive effect was observed in all joint compartments indicating a global protective effect of this new viscosupplementation. [less ▲]

Strontium ranelate improves osteoarthritis symptoms compared to placebo in patients with knee OA: The SEKOIA study

in Osteoporosis International (2013, April), 24(Suppl.1), 49-51

What is the predictive value of MRI for the occurrence of hard clinical endpoints in knee osteoarthritis?

in Osteoporosis International (2013, April), 24(Suppl.1), 84-85

Evaluation of the impact of a 6-month training by whole body vibration on the risk of falls among nursing home residents

in Osteoporosis International (2013, April), 24(Suppl.1), 246-247

Cost-effectiveness of vitamin D and calcium supplementation in the treatment of postmenopausal women

in Osteoporosis International (2013, April), 24(Suppl.1), 198

An overview of white dwarf stars

in EPJ Web of Conferences (2013, March), 43

We present a brief summary of what is currently known about white dwarf stars, with an emphasis on their evolutionary and internal properties. As is well known, white dwarfs represent the end products of ... [more ▼]

We present a brief summary of what is currently known about white dwarf stars, with an emphasis on their evolutionary and internal properties. As is well known, white dwarfs represent the end products of stellar evolution for the vast majority of stars and, as such, bear the signatures of past events (such as mass loss, mixing phases, loss and redistribution of angular momentum, and thermonuclear burning) that are of essential importance in the evolution of stars in general. In addition, white dwarf stars represent ideal testbeds for our understanding of matter under extreme conditions, and work on their constitutive physics (neutrino production rates, conductive and radiative opacities, interior liquid/solid equations of state, partially ionized and partially degenerate envelope equations of state, diffusion coefficients, line broadening mechanisms) is still being actively pursued. Given a set of constitutive physics, cooling white dwarfs can be used advantageously as cosmochronometers. Moreover, the field has been blessed by the existence of four distinct families of pulsating white dwarfs, each mapping a different evolutionary phase, and this allows the application of the asteroseismological method to probe and test their internal structure and evolutionary state. We set the stage for the reviews that follow on cooling white dwarfs as cosmochronometers and physics laboratories, as well as on the properties of pulsating white dwarfs and the asteroseismological results that can be inferred. [less ▲]

The empirical mass distribution of hot B subdwarfs: implications for stellar evolution theory

in EPJ Web of Conferences (2013, March), 43

Subdwarf B (sdB) stars are hot, compact, and evolved objects that form the very hot end of the horizontal branch, the so-called Extreme Horizontal Branch (EHB). Understanding the formation of sdB stars is ... [more ▼]

Subdwarf B (sdB) stars are hot, compact, and evolved objects that form the very hot end of the horizontal branch, the so-called Extreme Horizontal Branch (EHB). Understanding the formation of sdB stars is one of the remaining challenges of stellar evo- lution theory. Several scenarios have been proposed to account for the existence of such objects, made of He-burning core surrounded by very thin H-rich envelope. They give quite different theoretical mass distributions for the resulting sdB stars. Detailed astero- seismic analyses, including mass estimates, of 15 pulsating hot B subdwarfs have been published since a decade. The masses have also been reliably determined by light curve modeling and spectroscopy for 7 sdB components of eclipsing and/or reflection effect binaries. These empirical mass distributions, although based on small-number statistics, can be compared with the expectations of stellar evolution theory. In particular, the two He white dwarfs merger scenario does not seem to be the dominant channel to form iso- lated sdB stars, while the post-red giant branch scenario is reinforced. This opens new questions on extreme mass loss of red giants to form EHB stars, possibly in connection with the recently discovered close substellar companions and planets orbiting sdB stars. [less ▲]

Development of an experimental device allowing plant-plant interaction studies and in situ dynamic trapping of volatile organic compounds emitted by barley (Hordeum distichon L.) roots

in Communications in Agricultural and Applied Biological Sciences (2013, February), 78(1), 97-102

In response to wounding or herbivore attack, leaves and roots of higher plants release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To date, VOCs analysis and plant−plant interaction studies have been mainly ... [more ▼]

In response to wounding or herbivore attack, leaves and roots of higher plants release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To date, VOCs analysis and plant−plant interaction studies have been mainly performed on aboveground plant tissues, leaving the roles played by root VOCs in plant−plant interaction unexplored. In this context, this project aims at setting up an original experimental device allowing both dynamic trapping of VOCs emitted by mechanically damaged H. distichon roots and the study of the roles played by root VOCs in intra and interspecific plant−plant interactions. The experimental device consists of Barley seedlings cultivated in closed PTFE reactors filled with wet sand. Before being analysed by gas chromatography−mass spectrometry, root VOCs are trapped via a dynamic system on Tenax cartridges using a charcoal-filtered and humidified air. Preliminary results show that 7 day-old wounded Barley roots emit C9 fatty acid derivatives (E-non-2-enal and nona-2,6-dienal) as major compounds, contrasting with aboveground plant tissues that mainly emit C6 alcohols, aldehydes, and their derivative esters. For plant−plant interaction studies, receiver plants are exposed to an airflow enriched with VOCs from root damaged Barley plants of the same age. [less ▲]

Long term measurements of volatile organic compounds exchanges above a maize field at Lonzee (Belgium)

in Communications in Agricultural and Applied Biological Sciences (2013, February), 78(1), 127-132

VOC (volatile organic compounds) include a wide set of molecules which are mostly emitted by the plants. Atmospheric scientists are strongly interested in these compounds because of their important role ... [more ▼]

VOC (volatile organic compounds) include a wide set of molecules which are mostly emitted by the plants. Atmospheric scientists are strongly interested in these compounds because of their important role in the atmospheric chemistry and their final impact on air pollution and climate change. Evaluation of current and future VOC emissions is thus necessary and requires a comprehensive understanding of VOC production and exchange dynamics under a wide panel of climatic conditions and ecosystems. Forest and non pastured grasslands have been largely studied for the last decade. However, knowledge about VOC fluxes from croplands remains scarce. Our study focuses on the VOC exchanges between a maize field and the atmosphere. It is incorporated in a wider project that aims to study VOC fluxes from two croplands (maize and winter wheat) and a pastured grassland. VOC fluxes have been measured on a maize field during the whole growing season using a micrometeorological method (eddy covariance). While first results show half-hourly bidirectionnal exchanges among all the preselected compounds, in average methanol stands for the greatest emitted VOC, followed by green leaf volatiles, and acetic acid is the greatest taken up VOC. Small isoprene and monoterpenes fluxes are also observed. A diurnal pattern is found for all those VOC, with greater emission/uptake during the day, suggesting a flux dependence on environmental parameters. These environmental controls will be further investigated [less ▲]

Estimation of the fascine efficiency in terms of runoff infiltration and sediments deposition

in Geophysical Research Abstracts (2013), 15

Runoff inundations and mudflows are more and more frequent phenomena. In 2011, Belgium had a lot of its municipalities affected by this problematic. Since then, mitigation measures are more and more set ... [more ▼]

Runoff inundations and mudflows are more and more frequent phenomena. In 2011, Belgium had a lot of its municipalities affected by this problematic. Since then, mitigation measures are more and more set up in agricultural watersheds. The fascines are one of these measures which allow to protect the public and private infrastructures and in the same way, which don’t reduce the famers productivity. They consist in branches faggots piled up between two rows of stakes. These linear constructions are mainly put in place across concentrated runoff axis in order to slow down the water and to filter the mud. Only few quantifications of their effectiveness (in terms of flow and concentration water reduction) exist and are however needed to better recommend these types of mitigation measures. Our experiment aims at measuring discharge and mud concentration reduction due to the fascines in a completely defined context. The tests were realised through fascines planted in field border. A watertight surface of 2,45m to 0,80m carries the water to the fascines. Three types of fascines were tested (willow wood fascine, straw fascine, straw compacted fascine), three different water flows were applied (0,5L/s, 3L/s and 6L/s) and three water concentration in dry soil (13g/L, 26g/L, 38g/L) were used. The different factor combinations were tested. The results show that we can expect a reduction of 60% of the flow for the biggest water flows (proportional efficiency with the water flow). The factor interaction study doesn’t allow to see a difference between the type. About the sediment water concentration, the filtration can reach 50%, the fascine with wood faggots showing a better efficiency. Finally, the difference between the fascine type show that straw fascine can support a biggest watershed (25 hectares) than the wood faggot fascine can (5-10 hectares) but during a smaller return period (one year against five years). [less ▲]

Strunian Rugose and Tabulate corals from Northwestern Turkey

in Document de l'Institut Scientifique, Rabat (2013), 26

Visean corals from the transverse Jebel Begaa to Gara el Itima (eastern Tafilalt, Morocco)

in Document de l'Institut Scientifique, Rabat (2013), 26

Mise en image du spectacle et spectacularisation de l’image à l’âge baroque

in Degrés : Revue de Synthèses à Orientation Sémiologique (2013)

Self-shuffling words

in Lecture Notes in Computer Science (2013)

In this paper we introduce and study a new property of infinite words which is invariant under the action of a morphism: We say an infinite word x, defined over a finite alphabet A, is self-shuffling if x ... [more ▼]

In this paper we introduce and study a new property of infinite words which is invariant under the action of a morphism: We say an infinite word x, defined over a finite alphabet A, is self-shuffling if x admits factorizations: x=\prod_{i=1}^\infty U_iV_i=\prod_{i=1}^\infty U_i=\prod_{i=1}^\infty V_i with U_i,V_i \in \A^+. In other words, there exists a shuffle of x with itself which reproduces x. The morphic image of any self-shuffling word is again self-shuffling. We prove that many important and well studied words are self-shuffling: This includes the Thue-Morse word and all Sturmian words (except those of the form aC where a is a letter and C is a characteristic Sturmian word). We further establish a number of necessary conditions for a word to be self-shuffling, and show that certain other important words (including the paper-folding word and infinite Lyndon words) are not self-shuffling. In addition to its morphic invariance, which can be used to show that one word is not the morphic image of another, this new notion has other unexpected applications: For instance, as a consequence of our characterization of self-shuffling Sturmian words, we recover a number theoretic result, originally due to Yasutomi, which characterizes pure morphic Sturmian words in the orbit of the characteristic. [less ▲]

How adaptation strategies of crops could counteract climate change effects? The case of four catchments in Wallonia, Belgium.

in Geophysical Research Abstracts (2013), 15

A sharp increase in extreme heat and drought stress is projected in Belgium by the end of the 21st century, with the potential to significantly reduce crops’ yields under current agricultural practices ... [more ▼]

A sharp increase in extreme heat and drought stress is projected in Belgium by the end of the 21st century, with the potential to significantly reduce crops’ yields under current agricultural practices. This contribution uses an agro-hydrological model in order to assess the potential effects of climate evolution on crop development, yield, and water balance for the main agricultural productions in the Meuse catchment. Erosion risk is also evaluated. We show that grasslands and maize yield decrease and yield variability increases under climate change scenarios. The leaf area index study permits to put in emphasis the earlier start of the vegetation due to warmer climate. It appears that all the sensitive stages occur earlier in the season and that crops are negatively affected by summer drought stress. The better understanding of crops development under evolving climate allows us to propose some changes in agricultural practices and to assess their effectiveness. We evaluate different strategies of adaptation in agricultural practices in order to reduce the potential negative effects of climate change on grasslands and maize production. Adaptation strategies proposed are advanced sowing and harvesting date, introduction of a cover crop for maize and advance in the cutting dates for grasslands. In the particular case of the Vesdre catchment, shifting the growth period of maize permits to avoid the water-deficit period and allow increased yield. This shift makes it possible to introduce a cover crop that will drastically reduce winter soil erosion. For grassland, the adjustment of the cutting dates favored the first cut and the earlier start of the vegetation. The second cut is less profitable due to summer drought stress. The vulnerability assessments focused on the main rotation encountered in the cultivated areas and in the difference in the cover type of these crops. [less ▲]

Probing the phase of the elastic $pp$ scattering amplitude with vortex proton beams

in AIP Conference Proceedings (2013)

We show that colliding vortex proton beams instead of (approximate) plane waves can lead to a direct measurement of how the overall phase of the scattering amplitude changes with the scattering angle. In ... [more ▼]

We show that colliding vortex proton beams instead of (approximate) plane waves can lead to a direct measurement of how the overall phase of the scattering amplitude changes with the scattering angle. In elastic $pp$ scattering, this will open a novel way to measure the parameter $\rho(t)$ and probe the real part of the Pomeron. [less ▲]

Spatial distribution of erosion and deposition on an agricultural watershed

in Geophysical Research Abstracts (2013), 15

To better understand the agricultural landscapes evolution becomes an essential preoccupation and, for this, it is needed to take into account the sediments deposition, in a distributed way. As it is not ... [more ▼]

To better understand the agricultural landscapes evolution becomes an essential preoccupation and, for this, it is needed to take into account the sediments deposition, in a distributed way. As it is not possible in practice to study all terrestrial surfaces in detail by instrumenting sectors to obtain data, models of prediction are valuable tools to control the current problems, to predict the future tendencies and to provide a scientific base to the political decisions. In our case, a landscape evolution model is needed, which aims at representing both erosion and sedimentation and dynamically adjusts the landscape to erosion and deposition by modifying the initial digital elevation model. The Landsoil model (Landscape design for Soil conservation under soil use and climate change), among others, could fulfil this objective. It has the advantage to take the soil variability into account. This model, designed for the analysis of agricultural landscape, is suitable for simulations from parcel to catchment scale, is spatially distributed and event-based. Observed quantitative data are essential (notably to calibrate the model) but still limited. Particularly, we lack observations spatially distributed on the watershed. For this purpose, we choose a watershed in Belgium (Wallonia) which is a 124 ha agricultural zone in the loamy region. Its slopes range from 0% to 9%. To test the predictions of the model, comparisons will be done with: - sediment measurements which are done with water samplings in four points on the site to compare the net erosion results; - sediment selective measurements (depth variation observed along graduated bares placed on site) to compare the erosion and deposition results; - very accurate DSM’s (6,76 cm pixel resolution X-Y) obtained by the drone (Gatewing X100) each winter. Besides planning what the landscape evolution should be, a revision of the soil map (drew in 1958) is organized to compare with the past situation and establish how the landscape moved in 50 years. The first results of the sediment measurements and of the pictures of the drone will be showed in the presentation. [less ▲]

Preliminary data on plicathyridines (Brachiopoda) from the Frasnian of southern Belgium and the Middle East (Afghanistan, Iran)

in Documents scientifiques de l'Institut de Rabat (2013), 26

Identifying early Earth microfossils in unsilicified sediments

in Geophysical Research Abstracts (2013), 15

Initiation of methane turbulent flux measurements over a grazed grassland in Belgium

in Geophysical Research Abstracts (2013), 15

The neural correlates of recollection and familiarity during aging

in Journal of Psychophysiology (2013), 27(Suppl 1), 48

Evaluation d'un protocole de prise en charge nutritionnelle interdisciplinaire chez des patients brulés

in Nutrition Clinique et Metabolisme (2012, December), 26-Supp1

(Pré)textes : perspective didactique sur le dépeçage des textes littéraires à des fins d'exemplification

in MethIS : Méthodes et Interdisciplinarité en Sciences Humaines (2012, December), 4

Potentiel de dispersion du sanglier et historique de la colonisation de la plaine agricole

in Forêt Wallonne (2012, December), 121

Les populations de sangliers augmentent en nombre et étendent leur aire de répartition un peu partout en Europe. En Wallonie, la population de sangliers a quadruplé en 30 ans. Plusieurs études se sont ... [more ▼]

Les populations de sangliers augmentent en nombre et étendent leur aire de répartition un peu partout en Europe. En Wallonie, la population de sangliers a quadruplé en 30 ans. Plusieurs études se sont penchées sur le sujet et les raisons de cette augmentation concernent souvent l’influence du climat. Grâce aux différents suivis réalisés par le DEMNA, les déplacements au sein des populations de sangliers sont mieux compris. L’article se penche d’abord sur le potentiel de dispersion du sanglier en se basant sur les données de bagage de marcassins. Deux variables sont analysées : la distance parcourue dans le cadre de la dispersion natale (mouvement à sens unique à partir du site de naissance d’un individu jusqu’à son site de première reproduction) et le taux de cette dispersion natale. Quelques résultats provenant d’une étude génétique sont également présentés. Le génotypage de 1153 sangliers répartis sur l’ensemble de la Wallonie a mis en évidence quatre sous-populations génétiquement homogènes. Parallèlement à l’augmentation de la taille de ses populations, le sanglier a vu son aire de distribution s’accroître en Wallonie. Un suivi par enquête a été réalisé auprès des conseils cynégétiques et des agents du DNF pour mieux comprendre l’expansion géographique observée. Une première phase de l’enquête visait à retracer l’expansion géographique du sanglier en Wallonie. La seconde phase consistait à réaliser un état des lieux sur la situation actuelle de la distribution du sanglier en périphérie du sillon Sambre-et-Meuse. [less ▲]

Vocal Impact of a Prolonged Reading Task in Dysphonic versus Normophonic Female Teachers

in Journal of Voice (2012, November), 26(6), 8201-82013

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the impact on voice of a 2-hour reading task between 70-75 dB(A) in 16 normophonic and 16 dysphonic female teachers with vocal nodules. METHODS: Objective measurements ... [more ▼]

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the impact on voice of a 2-hour reading task between 70-75 dB(A) in 16 normophonic and 16 dysphonic female teachers with vocal nodules. METHODS: Objective measurements (acoustic analysis, voice range measurements, aerodynamic measurements) and subjective self-ratings were collected before the task and every 30 minutes during the reading to determine the voice evolution in both groups. RESULTS: Fundamental frequency, lowest frequency, highest frequency (F-High), highest intensity and intensity range increase through the reading, whereas Shimmer decreases. Maximum phonation time decreases after 30 minutes. Estimated subglottal pressure (ESP) and sound pressure level increase during the first hour. Afterwards, ESP decreases. Self-ratings worsen through time. When comparing the normophonic and the dysphonic teachers, self-ratings reveal more complaints in the dysphonic group. Few differences in objective measurements are found between both groups: normophonic teachers show lower ESP, higher F-High and greater frequency range. CONCLUSIONS: Frequency modifications from acoustic analysis and voice range measurements suggest an increased laryngeal tension during vocal load, while subjects perceive a worsening of voice. Aerodynamic parameters depict first a deterioration of voice efficiency and then an adaptation to the prolonged reading. The comparison between both groups shows a discrepancy between objective measurements and self-ratings, suggesting that both approaches are necessary to have a complete view of vocal load effects. Surprisingly, both groups behave similarly through vocal load, without more or quicker deterioration of voice in the dysphonic group. [less ▲]

Prognostic Value of Serologic and Histologic Markers on Clinical Relapse in Ulcerative Colitis Patients With Mucosal Healing

in American Journal of Gastroenterology (2012, November), 11(107), 1684-92

Highly excited states of baryond in large Nc QCD

in Bled Workshops in Physics (2012, November), 13(1), 47-53

Does processing speed protect from age-related decline in cognitive control?

in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience (2012, October 27)

Age-related difficulties have been reported on proactive control whereas reactive control seems to remain intact (Braver, Gray, & Burgess, 2007; Braver, 2012). This study investigated the potential ... [more ▼]

Age-related difficulties have been reported on proactive control whereas reactive control seems to remain intact (Braver, Gray, & Burgess, 2007; Braver, 2012). This study investigated the potential influence of speed of processing abilities on the age-related decline in proactive control. We used a working memory recognition paradigm involving proactive or reactive cognitive control by manipulating the interference level across items. 80 young adults (18-29 years old) and 80 healthy older adults (60-89 years old) were included. The main results revealed significant effects of age on sensitivity to interference. As expected, reactive control performance remained intact with aging (similar interference effect in the two groups). In contrast, we observed a larger interference effect in the proactive condition in aging. Finally, when the groups are matched according to their processing speed (assessed by the Code task of the WAIS III, with both younger and older adults having a score comprised between 60 and 93), the effect of age on sensitivity to interference disappeared. In other words, when younger and older adults had similar speed of processing abilities, no age-related proactive control decline was observed. In conclusion, beyond the fact that this study confirms the selective age-related decline in proactive control, it also indicates that speed of processing, a measure considered as reflecting the integrity of cognitive functioning during aging (Salthouse, 1996), influences the efficiency of proactive control in that population. [less ▲]

Pulsational Mode Identification Based on Chromatic Amplitude Behaviour: Recent Results for Rapidly Oscillating Subdwarf B Stars

in Leaflet - Astronomical Society of the Pacific (2012, October), 462

We present recent results from mode identification based on the amplitude-wavelength behaviour for three rapidly pulsating subdwarf B stars: HS 2201+2610, EC 11583–2708 and EC 20338–1925.

Association between chondrocytes hypertrophy and angiogenesis of cartilage in osteoarthritis

in Arthritis and Rheumatism (2012, October), 64(10 (Suppl)), 760

Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian Modelling of Tension Levelling

in Matériaux et Techniques (2012, October), 100(Hors série 2012), 40-42

This paper presents a two-dimensional model of tension levelling using the Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) approach. During the simulation, the ALE mesh remains globally fixed along the rolling ... [more ▼]

This paper presents a two-dimensional model of tension levelling using the Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) approach. During the simulation, the ALE mesh remains globally fixed along the rolling direction. Therefore, the required number of finite elements is much smaller than in the Lagrangian case and smaller CPU times are obtained for the same accuracy on the results. The ALE model is first validated against a classical equivalent Lagrangian model. Then, both sets of numerical results are compared to experimental measurements from the pilot mill of ArcelorMittal Maizières R&D. [less ▲]

Chemometric tools for NIRS and NIR hyperspectral imaging

in Bulletin of USAVM Cluj Napoca, Agriculture (2012, September 27), 69(1), 70-76

Nowadays in agriculture, new analytical tools based on spectroscopic technologies are developed. Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) is a well known technology in the agricultural sector allowing the ... [more ▼]

Nowadays in agriculture, new analytical tools based on spectroscopic technologies are developed. Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) is a well known technology in the agricultural sector allowing the acquisition of chemical information from the samples with a large number of advantages, such as: easy to use tool, fast and simultaneous analysis of several components, non-polluting, non-invasive and non destructive technology, and possibility of online or field implementation. Recently, NIRS system was combined with imaging technologies creating the Near Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging system (NIR-HSI). This technology provides simultaneously spectral and spatial information from an object. The main differences between NIR-HSI and NIRS is that many spectra can be recorded simultaneously from a large area of an object with the former while with NIRS only one spectrum was recorded for analysis on a small area. In this work, both technologies are presented with special focus on the main spectrum and images analysis methods. Several qualitative and quantitative applications of NIRS and NIR-HSI in agricultural products are listed. Developments of NIRS and NIR-HSI will enhance progress in the field of agriculture by providing high quality and safe agricultural products, better plant and grain selection techniques or compound feed industry’s productivity among others. [less ▲]

High frequency headache prevalence and management in primary care. A survey among general practitioners of the Liege area, Belgium

in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience (2012, September 12)