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 ▲]

Carnet de pédiatrie: hématologie et douleur de l'enfant

Learning material (2013)

Echocardiographic integrated backscatter for detecting progression and regression of aortic valve calcifications in rats.

in Cardiovascular Ultrasound (2013), 11(1), 4

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Calcification is an independent predictor of mortality in calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of non-invasive, non-ionizing ... [more ▼]

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Calcification is an independent predictor of mortality in calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of non-invasive, non-ionizing echocardiographic calibrated integrated backscatter (cIB) for monitoring progression and subsequent regression of aortic valvular calcifications in a rat model of reversible renal failure with CAVD, compared to histology. METHODS: 28 male Wistar rats were prospectively followed during 21 weeks. Group 1 (N=14) was fed with a 0.5% adenine diet for 9 weeks to induce renal failure and CAVD. Group 2 (N=14) received a standard diet. At week 9, six animals of each group were killed. The remaining animals of group 1 (N=8) and group 2 (N=8) were kept on a standard diet for an additional 12 weeks. cIB of the aortic valve was calculated at baseline, 9 and 21 weeks, followed by measurement of the calcified area (Ca Area) on histology. RESULTS: At week 9, cIB values and Ca Area of the aortic valve were significantly increased in the adenine-fed rats compared to baseline and controls. After 12 weeks of adenine diet cessation, cIB values and Ca Area of group 1 decreased compared to week 9, while there was no longer a significant difference compared to age-matched controls of group 2. CONCLUSIONS: cIB is a non-invasive tool allowing quantitative monitoring of CAVD progression and regression in a rat model of reversible renal failure, as validated by comparison with histology. This technique might become useful for assessing CAVD during targeted therapy. [less ▲]

Relationship between plasma progesterone and pregnancy-associated glycoprotein concentrations during early pregnancy in dairy cows

in Veterinary Journal (2013)

The relationship between the concentration of plasma progesterone (P4) during embryo attachment or at recognition of pregnancy, and that of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) was assessed in dairy ... [more ▼]

The relationship between the concentration of plasma progesterone (P4) during embryo attachment or at recognition of pregnancy, and that of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) was assessed in dairy cows. The outcome of artificial insemination (AI) was classified as positive (AI+), negative (AIÿ), or late embryonic mortality (EM) by measuring circulating PAG concentrations and by ultrasonography. Based on P4 concentrations at either day 21 or day 15, AI+ and EM cows were classified into ‘low’ (P4 concentrations < mean) and ‘high’ (P4 concentrations > mean) P4 groups. In both experiments, the threshold of P4 concentration between the ‘low’ and ‘high’ groups was approximately 6 ng/mL. PAG concentrations were lower in the ‘low’ group only when P4 concentrations were below the threshold. The study findings suggest that a possible P4 threshold exists below which PAG secretion may be impaired [less ▲]

Tooling Materials and Solutions for Thixoforming of Steel

in Solid State Phenomena (2013), 192-193

The aim of this work is to evaluate the thermal and mechanical loadings applied to the tools during steel thixoforming process in order to determine appropriate tool materials and solutions. This ... [more ▼]

The aim of this work is to evaluate the thermal and mechanical loadings applied to the tools during steel thixoforming process in order to determine appropriate tool materials and solutions. This evaluation was realized thanks to experimental trials and to the finite elements simulations. The effect of these loadings on the tool’s failure modes are highlighted and compared to the ones observed in classical forming processes. Beyond this, the failure modes of different tool materials and solutions are presented. The tested materials are hot-working tool steels. Other possibilities and tool coating or surface treatments are discussed as well. [less ▲]

Suivi par diffusion des rayons X aux petits angles de la formation de gels de résorcinol-formaldéhyde

Poster (2013)

The multiple SEA method: a method to synthesize Pt/carbon xerogel catalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells

in Proceedings of the Fundamentals and Development of Fuel cells 2013 conference (2013)

"Traduire ou ne pas traduire" : un dilemme bien connu des auteurs grecs et latins

in Bonnet-Bouchet, Corinne-Florence (Ed.) Translatio : traduire et adapter les Anciens (2013)

Evaluation of a new biocompatible poly(N-(morpholino ethyl methacrylate)-based copolymer for the delivery of ruthenium oligonucleotides, targeting HPV16 E6 oncogene

in Journal of Biomedical Nanotechnology (2013), 9

This study investigates the use of a new biocompatible block copolymer poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-N-(morpholino)ethyl methacrylate (PDMAEMA-b-PMEMA) for the delivery of a particular ... [more ▼]

This study investigates the use of a new biocompatible block copolymer poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-N-(morpholino)ethyl methacrylate (PDMAEMA-b-PMEMA) for the delivery of a particular antisense oligonucleotide targeting E6 gene from human papilloma virus. This antisense oligonucleotide was derivatized with a polyazaaromatic RuII complex which, under visible illumination, is able to produce an irreversible crosslink with the complementary targeted sequence. The purpose of this study is to determine whether by the use of a suitable transfection agent, it is possible to increase the efficiency of the antisense oligonucleotide targeting E6 gene, named Ru-P-4. In a recent study, we showed that Oligofectamine® transfected Ru-P-4 antisense oligonucleotide failed to inhibit efficiently the growth of cervical cancer cell line SiHa, contrarily to the Ru-P-6 antisense oligonucleotide, another sequence also targeting the E6 gene. The ability of PDMAEMA-b-PMEMA to form polyplexes with optimal physicochemical characteristics was investigated first. Then the ability of the PDMAEMA-b-PMEMA/Ru-P-4 antisense oligonucleotide polyplexes to transfect two keratinocyte cell lines (SiHa and HaCat) and the capacity of polyplexes to inhibit HPV16 + cervical cancer cell growth was evaluated. PDMAEMA-b-PMEMA base polyplexes at the optimal molar ratio of polymer nitrogen atoms to DNA phosphates (N/P), were able to deliver Ru-P-4 antisense oligonucleotide and to induce a higher growth inhibition in human cervical cancer SiHa cells, compared to other formulations based on Oligofectamine®. [less ▲]

Available technical flexibility for balancing variable renewable energy sources: case study in Belgium

in Proceedings of the 8th Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (2013)

The world is facing a historical increase in energy demand and energy consumption. Renewable energy sources are considered as a solution to both environmental issues and increasing energy demand, but ... [more ▼]

The world is facing a historical increase in energy demand and energy consumption. Renewable energy sources are considered as a solution to both environmental issues and increasing energy demand, but present high variability and low predictability. Variability and uncertainty are familiar aspects of all power systems. However, the increase of the share of renewable sources leads to new needs in terms of flexible resources. These resources can be provided by four different means: 1. Dispachable power plants (i.e with ramp up and ramp down capabilities) 2. Storage systems, mainly in the form of pumping stations. 3. Grid interconnections between countries 4. Demand side management. The present work focuses on the high voltage transmission grid, and assesses the amount of technical flexibility available to balance the fluctuations of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) sources. The model is based on a dynamic programming unit commitment algorithm (i.e. accounting for each individual power plant on the grid) and focuses more particularly on the flexibility potential of power plants and of energy storage. The selected time resolution is one hour. Residual load curves are established on the basis of actual consumption for the year 2012 and on different scenarios of solar and wind penetration. The method is applied to the case of Belgium, based on actual disaggregated power consumption curves throughout the year, and on the current power generation park. Due to the difficulty to assess the flexible resource available through interconnections, the Belgian grid is considered isolated. It should also be noted that this work does not address the voltage stability issue: it focuses on balancing issues only (i.e. time constants varying between minutes and days). Simulation results show the VRE penetration potential is higher than usually considered. Bottlenecks therefore seems to be related to improper or inefficient market mechanisms, unable to take full profit of the technical flexible resource available. [less ▲]