Université libre de Bruxelles

About: Université libre de Bruxelles is a education organization based out in Brussels, Belgium. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Breast cancer. The organization has 24974 authors who have published 56969 publications receiving 2084303 citations. The organization is also known as: ULB.

Globalization and the Reform of European Social Models

Abstract: Globalization implies changes that create both threats and opportunities. The challenge for Europe is to become flexible in order to avail of the opportunities this brings and surmount the threats. This requires reforming labour market and social policies. When thinking about such reforms the notion of a single ‘European social model’ is largely irrelevant. There are four different European social models, each with its own performance in terms of efficiency and equity. The Nordic and the Anglo-Saxon models are both efficient, but only the former manages to combine equity and efficiency. The Continental and Mediterranean models are inefficient and unsustainable; they must therefore be reformed.

Optimal extraction of information from finite quantum ensembles

Abstract: Given only a finite ensemble of identically prepared particles, how precisely can one determine their states? We describe optimal measurement procedures in the case of spin $1/2$ particles. Furthermore, we prove that optimal measurement procedures must necessarily view the ensemble as a single composite system rather than as the sum of its components, i.e., optimal measurements cannot be realized by separate measurements on each particle.

Effect of interleukin-10 on dendritic cell maturation and function

Abstract: The main function of dendritic cells (DC) is to induce the differentiation of naive T lymphocytes into helper cells producing a large array of lymphokines, including interleukin (IL)-2; interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10. The potent immunostimulatory properties of DC develop during a process of maturation that occurs spontaneously in vitro. Since IL-10 has been shown to inhibit Th1 responses, we determined its effect on DC maturation and accessory function. Our data show that DC that have undergone maturation in vitro in the presence of IL-10, have an impaired capacity to induce a Th1-type response in vivo, leading to the development of Th2 lymphocytes. Their inability to promote the synthesis of IFN-gamma seems to correlate with a decreased production of IL-12, an heterodimeric cytokine necessary for optimal generation of Th1-type cells. These results suggest that IL-10 skews the Th1/Th2 balance to Th2 in vivo by selectively blocking IL-12 synthesis by the antigen-presenting cells that play a role of adjuvant of the primary immune response. The cytokines present in the environment at the presentation step may, therefore, determine the class of the immune response induced by DC in vivo, i.e. Th0, Th1 and/or Th2.

Topological quantum matter with ultracold gases in optical lattices

Abstract: Using optical lattices to trap ultracold atoms provides a powerful platform for probing topological phases, analogues to those found in condensed matter. But as these systems are highly tunable, they could be used to engineer even more exotic phases.