Scientific papers

In accordance with its mission to support high level research in Belgium, the University Foundation provides financial support towards the publication in high level international journals of scientific papers which report on research in Belgian research groups. Financial support may be granted to partially cover the costs due by the author for illustrations, for page charges and for article processing fees, and for linguuistic control. 

Because the possible support is restricted to Belgian research groups, the regulations and application procedures are only available in French  and in Dutch.

Articles subsidized by the University Foundation

What follows is a list of articles to which a subsidy was awarded by the University Foundation. The titles are ordered by year of publication and by title.

Alexandre Heeren, Séverine Lannoy, Charlotte Coussement et al.

Heeren, A., Lannoy, S., Coussement, C. et al. A network approach to the five-facet model of mindfulness. Sci Rep 11, 15094 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-94151-2

Abstract : Despite the large-scale dissemination of mindfulness-based interventions, debates persist about the very nature of mindfulness. To date, one of the dominant views is the five-facet approach, which suggests that mindfulness includes five facets (i.e., Observing, Describing, Nonjudging, Nonreactivity, and Acting with Awareness). However, uncertainty remains regarding the potential interplay between these facets. In this study, we investigated the five-facet model via network analysis in an unselected sample (n = 1704).

Emilio Brunetti, Lionel Marcelis, Fedor E. Zhurkin, Michel Luhmer, Ivan Jabin, Olivia Reinaud and Kristin Bartik

Brunetti, E., Bartik, K. et al. (2021) A Water Molecule Triggers Guest Exchange at a Mono-Zinc Centre Confined in a Biomimetic Calixarene Pocket: a Model for Understanding Ligand Stability in Zn Proteins. in Chemistry. DOI: 10.1002/chem.202102184

Abstract: In this study, the ligand exchange mechanism at a biomimetic ZnII centre, embedded in a pocket mimicking the possible constrains induced by a proteic structure, is explored. The residence time of different guest ligands (dimethylformamide, acetonitrile and ethanol) inside the cavity of a calix[6]arene-based tris(imidazole) tetrahedral zinc complex was probed using 1D EXchange SpectroscopY NMR experiments.

Meenakshi Poti, Seh Ling Long, Mohd Uzair Rusli, Jarina Mohd Jani, Jean Hugé and Farid Dahdouh-Guebas

Poti, M., S. L. Long, M. U. Rusli, J. Mohd Jani, J. Hugé, and F. Dahdouh-Guebas (2021). Changing trends and perceptions of sea turtle egg consumption in Redang Island, Malaysia. Ecology and Society 26(4):14. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-12717-260414

ABSTRACT : Sea turtles have been exploited at unsustainable rates globally. In Malaysia, their populations have faced serious declines because of diverse anthropogenic stressors including turtle egg consumption. Redang Island, off the northeast coast of Peninsular Malaysia, is an important rookery for green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Southeast Asia. The local community has depended on turtle eggs as a food and livelihood source for decades. Owing to the precipitous decline in sea turtles, the main nesting beaches became legally protected in 2007.

Stefanie Brock, Tim Vanderhasselt, Sietske Vermaning, Kathelijn Keymolen, Luc Régal, et al.

Brock S, Vanderhasselt T, Vermaning S, et al. (2021) Defining the phenotypical spectrum associated with variants in TUBB2A.  Journal of Medical Genetics, 58:33–40. doi:10.1136/jmedgenet-2019-106740

Abstract : Background Variants in genes belonging to the tubulin superfamily account for a heterogeneous spectrum of brain malformations referred to as tubulinopathies. Variants in TUBB2A have been reported in 10 patients with a broad spectrum of brain imaging features, ranging from a normal cortex to polymicrogyria, while one patient has been reported with progressive atrophy of the cerebellar vermis.

Alexandre Kuhn, Serge Aron and Olivier J. Hardy
Kuhn A, Aron S and Hardy OJ (2021) Detection of Cryptic Sex in Automictic Populations: Theoretical Expectations and a Case Study in Cataglyphis Desert Ants. Front. Ecol. Evol. 9:741959. doi: 10.3389/fevo.2021.741959
Reproductive strategies are diverse and a whole continuum of mixed systems lies between strict sexuality and strict clonality (apomixis), including automixis, a parthenogenetic mode of reproduction involving a meiosis and increasing homozygosity over generations. These various systems impact the genetic structure of populations, which can therefore be used to infer reproductive strategies in natural populations. Here, we first develop a mathematical model, validated by simulations, to predict
Carole Charavet; Dorien Van Hede, Nathalie Maes, Adelin Albert and France Lambert
Charavet, C. et al. Disentangling the effects of CAD/CAM customized appliances and piezocision in orthodontic treatment: New evidence. Angle Orthodontist, Vol 91, No 6, 2021.

Objectives: To discern the effects of computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufactured (CAM) customized appliances and piezocision on orthodontic treatment (OT).

Julie Gheysen, Matthieu Marteleur, Camille van der Rest, Aude Simar

Gheysen, J., Marteleur, M., van der Rest, C., Simar, A. (2021) Efficient optimization methodology for laser powder bed fusion parameters to manufacture dense and mechanically sound parts validated on AlSi12 alloy. Materials & Design, Volume 199, 109433. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2020.109433

Abstract : The main drawback of laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF), commonly called selective laser melting (SLM) is the high porosity which may lead to an early failure of the parts. To minimize it, the L-PBF parameters need to be optimized focusing on the laser power, scanning speed and hatching space. However, no standard guideline exists. In this study, an efficient and cost-effective methodology is developed and validated on AlSi12. This innovative methodology brings together single scan tracks (SST), macroscopic properties analysis and design of experiments (DOE).

Roxane Verdikt † , Olivier Hernalsteens and Carine Van Lint

Verdikt, R. † , Hernalsteens, O and Van Lint, C. (2021) Epigenetic Mechanisms of HIV-1 Persistence. Vaccines, 9, 514. https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9050514

Abstract : Eradicating HIV-1 in infected individuals will not be possible without addressing the persistence of the virus in its multiple reservoirs. In this context, the molecular characterization of HIV-1 persistence is key for the development of rationalized therapeutic interventions. HIV-1 geneexpression relies on the redundant and cooperative recruitment of cellular epigenetic machineries to cis-regulatory proviral regions.

Manon Pigeolet, Saiful Imam, Gheorghe Cristian Ninulescu, Shafiul Kabir, Pierre R. Smeesters, Hasib Mahmud

Pigeolet, M. et al. (2021) Evaluation of a surgical treatment algorithm for neglected clubfoot in low‑resource settings. International Orthopaedics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-021-05058-6

Abstract
Purpose :
Idiopathic clubfoot affects approximately 1/1000 alive-born infants, of whom 80–91% are born in low- or middleincome countries (LMICs). This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the morphological, functional, and social outcomes in patients with neglected clubfoot in rural Bangladesh, after receiving surgical treatment.

Samuel Vanden Abeele, Steven B Janssens, Rosalía Piñeiro, Olivier J Hardy

Vanden Abeele et al. (2021) Evidence of past forest fragmentation in the Congo Basin from the phylogeography of a shade-tolerant tree with limited seed dispersal: Scorodophloeus zenkeri (Fabaceae, Detarioideae) BMC Ecology and Evolution https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-021-01781-1

Background: Comparative phylogeographic studies on rainforest species that are widespread in Central Africa often reveal genetic discontinuities within and between biogeographic regions, indicating (historical) barriers to gene flow, possibly due to repeated and/or long-lasting population fragmentation during glacial periods according to the forest refuge hypothesis. The impact of forest fragmentation seems to be modulated by the ecological amplitude and dispersal capacities of each species, resulting in different demographic histories.

Juan Guillermo Santos Macías, Chola Elangeswaran, Lv Zhao, Jean-Yves Buffière, Brecht Van Hooreweder, Aude Simar

Santos Macías, Elangeswaran, Zhao et al. (2021) Fatigue crack nucleation and growth in laser powder bed fusion AlSi10Mg under as built and post-treated conditions. Materials & Design 210 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2021.110084

Abstract : Numerous efforts have been devoted to produce reliable additive manufactured (AM) materials for structural applications. However, the critical fatigue issue poses a significant hurdle in relation to the nature of this production method. Despite the  relative flexibility of the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) AM process, there exists a limitation in the possibility of tailoring parameters to obtain a satisfactory combination of porosity and surface roughness for adequate fatigue resistance.

Jeroen Van Schependom, Diego Vidaurre, Lars Costers, Martin Sjøgård, Diana M Sima, Dirk Smeets, Marie Beatrice D'hooghe, Miguel D'haeseleer, Gustavo Deco, Vincent Wens, Xavier De Tiège, Serge Goldman, Mark Woolrich, Guy Nagels

Van Schependom, J. et al. (2021) Increased brain atrophy and lesion load is associated with stronger lower alpha MEG power in multiple sclerosis patients NeuroImage: Clinical Volume 30, 102632 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2021.102632

Abstract: In multiple sclerosis, the interplay of neurodegeneration, demyelination and inflammation leads to changes in neurophysiological functioning. This study aims to characterize the relation between reduced brain volumes and spectral power in multiple sclerosis patients and matched healthy subjects. During resting-state eyes closed, we collected magnetoencephalographic data in 67 multiple sclerosis patients and 47 healthy subjects, matched for age and gender. Additionally, we quantified different brain volumes through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Isabel S. Schiller, Dominique Morsomme, Malte Kob and Angélique Remacle

Schiller I., Morsomme D., Kob M. & Remacle A. (2021) Listening to a Dysphonic Speaker in Noise May Impede Children’s Spoken Language Processing in a Realistic Classroom Setting. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools Vol. 52, 396–408.

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate children's processing of dysphonic speech in a realistic classroom setting, under the influence of added classroom noise.

Lorenz Demey
Demey, L. (2021) Logic-Sensitivity of Aristotelian Diagrams in Non-Normal Modal Logics. Axioms, 10, 128. https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms10030128

Abstract : Aristotelian diagrams, such as the square of opposition, are well-known in the context of normal modal logics (i.e., systems of modal logic which can be given a relational semantics in terms of Kripke models). This paper studies Aristotelian diagrams for non-normal systems of modal logic (based on neighborhood semantics, a topologically inspired generalization of relational semantics). In particular, we investigate the phenomenon of logic-sensitivity of Aristotelian diagrams. We distinguish between four different types of logic-sensitivity, viz.

Hannah De Moor

De Moor, H. (2021) Netherlandish carved altarpieces: a historiographic overview with a focus on Sweden in Journal of Art Historiography Number 25, https://arthistoriography.files.wordpress.com/2021/11/de-moor.pdf

The first section of this article, (1) Moving away from an attributional methodology, will first examine the pioneers in the study of Netherlandish carved altarpieces. These pioneers were mostly Belgian scholars who conducted iconographic and stylistic research on the artworks. Over the past few decades, however, numerous researchers started to point out the pitfalls of the purely stylistic method. How this persistent stress on the identity of the producing artists had shifted attention away from other important questions is therefore also discussed in the first section. 

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