bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activity-Based Proteomics Reveals Heterogeneous Kinome and ATP-Binding Proteome Responses to MEK Inhibition in KRAS Mutant Lung Cancer
Authors: Kim Jae-Young , Stewart Paul , Borne Adam , Fang Bin , Welsh Eric , Chen Yian , Eschrich Steven , Koomen John , Haura Eric
Published: April 2016

One way cancer cells can escape from targeted agents is through their ability to evade drug effects by rapidly rewiring signaling networks. Many protein classes, such as kinases and metabolic enzymes, are regulated by ATP binding and hydrolysis. We hypothesized that a system-level profiling of drug-induced alterations in ATP-binding proteomes could offer novel insights into adaptive responses. Here, we mapped global ATP-binding proteomes perturbed by two clinical MEK inhibitors, AZD6244 and MEK162, in KRAS mutant lung cancer cells as a model system harnessing a desthiobiotin-ATP probe coupled with LC-MS/MS. We observed strikingly unique ATP-binding proteome responses to MEK inhibition, which revealed heterogeneous drug-induced pathway signatures in each cell line. We also identified diverse kinome responses, indicating each cell adapts to MEK inhibition in unique ways. Despite the heterogeneity of kinome responses, decreased probe labeling of mitotic kinases and an increase of kinases linked to autophagy were identified to be common responses. Taken together, our study revealed a diversity of adaptive ATP-binding proteome and kinome responses to MEK inhibition in KRAS mutant lung cancer cells, and our study further demonstrated the utility of our approach to identify potential candidates of targetable ATP-binding enzymes involved in adaptive resistance and to develop rational drug combinations.
Theoretical Design of a Depolarized Interferometric Fiber-Optic Gyroscope (IFOG) on SMF-28 Single-Mode Standard Optical Fiber Based on Closed-Loop Sinusoidal Phase Modulation with Serrodyne Feedback Phase Modulation Using Simulation Tools for Tactical and Industrial Grade Applications
Authors: Pérez Ramón , Álvarez Ignacio , Enguita José
Published: April 2016

This article presents, by means of computational simulation tools, a full analysis and design of an Interferometric Fiber-Optic Gyroscope (IFOG) prototype based on a closed-loop configuration with sinusoidal bias phase- modulation. The complete design of the different blocks, optical and electronic, is presented, including some novelties as the sinusoidal bias phase-modulation and the use of an integrator to generate the serrodyne phase-modulation signal. The paper includes detailed calculation of most parameter values, and the plots of the resulting signals obtained from simulation tools. The design is focused in the use of a standard single-mode optical fiber, allowing a cost competitive implementation compared to commercial IFOG, at the expense of reduced sensitivity. The design contains an IFOG model that accomplishes tactical and industrial grade applications (sensitivity ≤ 0.055 °/h). This design presents two important properties: (1) an optical subsystem with advanced conception: depolarization of the optical wave by means of Lyot depolarizers, which allows to use a sensing coil made by standard optical fiber, instead by polarization maintaining fiber, which supposes consequent cost savings and (2) a novel and simple electronic design that incorporates a linear analog integrator with reset in feedback chain, this integrator generating a serrodyne voltage-wave to apply to Phase-Modulator (PM), so that it will be obtained the interferometric phase cancellation. This particular feedback design with sawtooth-wave generated signal for a closed-loop configuration with sinusoidal bias phase modulation has not been reported till now in the scientific literature and supposes a considerable simplification with regard to previous designs based on similar configurations. The sensing coil consists of an 8 cm average diameter spool that contains 300 m of standard single-mode optical-fiber (SMF-28 type) realized by quadrupolar winding. The working wavelength will be 1310 nm. The theoretical calculated values of threshold sensitivity and dynamic range for this prototype are 0.052 °/h and 101.38 dB (from ±1.164 × 10−5 °/s up to ±78.19 °/s), respectively. The Scale-Factor (SF) non-linearity for this model is 5.404% relative to full scale, this value being obtained from data simulation results.
Climate Variability and Groundwater Response: A Case Study in Burkina Faso (West Africa)
Authors: Tirogo Justine , Jost Anne , Biaou Angelbert , Valdes-Lao Danièle , Koussoubé Youssouf , Ribstein Pierre
Published: April 2016

West Africa experiences great climate variability, as shown by the long-lasting drought since the 1970s. The impacts of the drought on surface water resources are well documented but remain less studied regarding groundwater resources. The nexus between climate variability and groundwater level fluctuations is poorly documented in this area. The present study focuses on the large reserve of groundwater held by the Kou catchment, a tributary of Mouhoun river (formerly the Black Volta) in the southwest of Burkina Faso, in the Sudanian region. Analyses were undertaken using climatic time series (1961–2014), two rivers’ hydrometric data (1961–2014), and 21 piezometers’ time series (1995–2014) applying statistical trend (Mann–Kendall) and break (Pettitt) tests, correlation analysis, and principal component analysis. The analyses showed that rainfall in the area underwent a significant break in 1970 with an 11%–16% deficit between the period before the break and the period after the break that resulted in a deficit three times greater for both surface and base flows. This significant deficit in flow results from the combined effect of a decrease in rainfall and an increase in evapotranspiration. The response of the catchment to the slight increase in rainfall after 1990 was highly dependent on hydrological processes. At Samendéni, on the Mouhoun River, the flow increased with a slight delay as compared to rainfall, because of the slow response of the base flow. Whereas at Nasso on the Kou river, the flow steadily decreased. The analysis showed that the groundwater level responds to rainfall with a delay. Its response time to seasonal fluctuations ranges from 1 to 4 months and its response time to interannual variations exceeds the timescale of one year. This response is highly dependent on the local aquifer’s physical characteristics, which could explain the spatial heterogeneity of the groundwater response.
Effects of Wash-Out Dynamics on Nitrifying Bacteria in Aerobic Granular Sludge During Start-Up at Gradually Decreased Settling Time
Authors: Szabó Enikö , Hermansson Malte , Modin Oskar , Persson Frank , Wilén Britt-Marie
Published: April 2016

The aerobic granular sludge process is a promising technology for the removal of nutrients and organic contaminants from wastewater. However, a large amount of the sludge is often washed out during the start-up of granular reactors, which results in reduced process performance and a protracted start-up phase. In this study, the possibility of a rapid start-up of the nitrification process through a stepwise decrease of the settling time was investigated, and the bacterial population dynamics in two lab-scale sequencing batch reactors were studied. The results demonstrated that the stepwise decrease of the settling time enabled fast granulation and rapid start-up of the process. Small cores of granules were already observed after 10 days of operation, and the biomass was dominated by granules after 28 days. The removal of organic matter and ammonium was >95% after one day and 14 days, respectively. The bacterial community composition changed rapidly during the first 21 days, resulting in strongly reduced richness and evenness. The diversity increased at a later stage, and the bacterial community continued changing, albeit at a slower pace. The rate of the stepwise decrease in settling time strongly affected the abundance of nitrifying organisms, but not the general composition of the bacterial community. The results of this study support the idea that a stepwise decrease of the settling time is a successful strategy for the rapid start-up of aerobic granular sludge reactors.
Scope and mechanism of the highly stereoselective metal-mediated domino aldol reactions of enolates with aldehydes
Authors: Cinar M Emin , Engelen Bernward , Panthöfer Martin , Deiseroth Hans-Jörg , Schlirf Jens , Schmittel Michael
Published: April 2016

A one-pot transformation, which involves the reaction of ketones with aldehydes in the presence of metal halides to furnish tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2,4-diols in a highly diastereoselective manner, is investigated thoroughly by experiments and computations. The reaction was also successfully implemented on a flow micro reactor system.
RADIO SYNCHROTRON FLUCTUATION STATISTICS AS A PROBE OF MAGNETIZED INTERSTELLAR TURBULENCE
Authors: Herron C. A. , Burkhart Blakesley , Lazarian A. , Gaensler B. M. , McClure-Griffiths N. M.
Published: April 2016

We investigate how observations of synchrotron intensity fluctuations can be used to probe the sonic and Alfvénic Mach numbers of interstellar turbulence, based on mock observations performed on simulations of magnetohydrodynamic turbulence. We find that the structure function slope and a diagnostic of anisotropy that we call the integrated quadrupole ratio modulus both depend on the Alfvénic Mach number. However, these statistics also depend on the orientation of the mean magnetic field in the synchrotron emitting region relative to our line of sight, and this creates a degeneracy that cannot be broken by observations of synchrotron intensity alone. We conclude that the polarization of synchrotron emission could be analyzed to break this degeneracy, and suggest that this will be possible with the Square Kilometre Array.
SUPERNOVAE FROM DIRECT COLLISIONS OF WHITE DWARFS AND THE ROLE OF HELIUM SHELL IGNITION
Authors: Papish Oded , Perets Hagai Binyamin
Published: April 2016

Models for supernovae (SNe) arising from thermonuclear explosions of white dwarfs (WDs) have been studied extensively over the past few decades, mostly focusing on the single-degenerate (accretion of material by a WD) and double-degenerate (WD–WD merger) scenarios. In recent years it was suggested that direct WD–WD collisions provide an additional channel for such explosions. Here we extend the studies of such explosions and explore the role of helium shells in affecting the thermonuclear explosions. We study the impact of both low-mass (∼0.01 M
⊙) and high-mass (≥0.1 M
⊙) helium shells. We find that detonation of the massive helium layers precedes the detonation of the WD carbon–oxygen (CO) bulk during the collision and can change the evolution of the explosion and the outcomes for the cases of high-mass He shells. In particular, the He shell detonation propagates on the WD surface and inefficiently burns material prior to the CO detonation that later follows in the central parts of the WD. Such evolution leads to greater production of intermediate elements, producing larger yields of 44Ti and 48Cr relative to the pure CO–CO WD collisions. Collisions of WDs with a low-mass He shell do not give rise to helium detonation, but helium burning does precede the CO bulk detonation. Such collisions eject at high velocity a low mass of burned material enriched with intermediate elements and produce smaller changes in the overall explosion outcomes. The various effects arising from the contribution of low-/high-mass He layers change the kinematics and the morphological structure of collision-induced SNe and may thereby provide unique observational signatures for such SNe and play a role in the chemical enrichment of galaxies and the production of intermediate elements and positrons from their longer-term decay.
MEASUREMENTS OF THE ABSORPTION AND SCATTERING CROSS SECTIONS FOR THE INTERACTION OF SOLAR ACOUSTIC WAVES WITH SUNSPOTS
Authors: Zhao Hui , Chou Dean-Yi
Published: April 2016

The solar acoustic waves are modified by the interaction with sunspots. The interaction can be treated as a scattering problem: an incident wave propagating toward a sunspot is scattered by the sunspot into different modes. The absorption cross section and scattering cross section are two important parameters in the scattering problem. In this study, we use the wavefunction of the scattered wave, measured with a deconvolution method, to compute the absorption cross section σ
ab and the scattering cross section σ
sc for the radial order n = 0–5 for two sunspots, NOAA 11084 and NOAA 11092. In the computation of the cross sections, the random noise and dissipation in the measured acoustic power are corrected. For both σ
ab and σ
sc, the value of NOAA 11092 is greater than that of NOAA 11084, but their overall n dependence is similar: decreasing with n. The ratio of σ
ab of NOAA 11092 to that of NOAA 11084 approximately equals the ratio of sunspot radii for all n, while the ratio of σ
sc of the two sunspots is greater than the ratio of sunspot radii and increases with n. This suggests that σ
ab is approximately proportional to the sunspot radius, while the dependence of σ
sc on radius is faster than the linear increase.
CONSTRAINTS ON THE PHOTON MASS WITH FAST RADIO BURSTS
Authors: Wu Xue-Feng , Zhang Song-Bo , Gao He , Wei Jun-Jie , Zou Yuan-Chuan , Lei Wei-Hua , Zhang Bing , Dai Zi-Gao , Mészáros Peter
Published: April 2016

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are radio bursts characterized by millisecond durations, high Galactic latitude positions, and high dispersion measures. Very recently, the cosmological origin of FRB 150418 has been confirmed by Keane et al., and FRBs are now strong competitors as cosmological probes. The simple sharp feature of the FRB signal is ideal to probe some of the fundamental laws of physics. Here we show that by analyzing the delay time between different frequencies, the FRB data can place stringent upper limits on the rest mass of the photon. For FRB 150418 at z = 0.492, one can potentially reach

m

γ

≤
5.2
×

10

−
47

g, which is 1020 times smaller than the rest mass of electron and is about 103 times smaller than that obtained using other astrophysical sources with the same method.
First report of the genus Phytodietus Gravenhorst, 1829 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Tryphoninae) from Thailand
Authors: Kostro-Ambroziak Agata , Reshchikov Alexey
Published: April 2016

The genus Phytodietus Gravenhorst, 1829 is a species rich group of ichneumonid parasitoid wasps. It is represented in all zoogeographical regions, but knowledge of Phytodietus species in the Oriental region is patchy and restricted to some countries.

Here the genus Phytodietus is recorded from Thailand for the first time based on three species. Diagnosis and illustrations of P. longicauda (Uchida, 1931), P. pitambari Kaur et Jonathan, 1979 and P. spinipes (Cameron, 1905) are given. Furthermore, known distributional and biological data of the species are summarised and an identification key to the species is provided.
La police française à la lumière de la théorie de la justice procédurale
Authors: Lévy René
Published: April 2016

Cet article 1   propose une synthèse des résultats d’un certain nombre d’enquêtes françaises et internationales récentes portant sur les relations entre la police et le public en France, en s’appuyant sur la théorie de la justice procédurale. Les enquêtes d’opinion convergent pour montrer que ce sont les jeunes et les membres des minorités visibles qui ont l’image la plus négative de la police et lui font le moins confiance. L’article rapproche cette image négative des enquêtes qui se sont intéressées aux relations concrètes de ces groupes avec la police, marquées par l’hostilité réciproque et la discrimination policière. L’article propose ensuite une explication de cette situation en se fondant sur l’histoire de la police française et s’efforce de cerner ce qui fait la spécificité du « style » policier français dans le domaine de la sécurité publique.
Le droit hors de compte. L’aiguillage managérial de la discrétion policière
Authors: Thévenin Pierre
Published: April 2016

En décrivant l’action discrétionnaire des services de police comme une forme latente d’abus de pouvoir, on a souvent méconnu une distinction explicite du droit administratif. Pour un juge, dire qu’un acte relève de la discrétion, c’est le soustraire au contrôle de la loi, par respect pour la liberté de l’administration. Cette théorie nous offre une pierre de touche importante pour comprendre la manière dont l’évolution récente du management de la police affecte le régime d’action des forces de l’ordre. Loin d’impliquer une inflation scandaleuse du domaine de l’arbitraire policier, la nouvelle gestion confisque la liberté des agents d’apprécier la manière opportune d’appliquer la loi.
Parcours de travailleuses du sexe offrant des services d’escorte au Québec
Authors: Comte Jacqueline
Published: April 2016

Cet article est basé sur des entrevues semi-dirigées faites auprès de 16 participantes engagées dans le travail d’escorte. La plupart sont ou ont été escortes indépendantes et plusieurs d’entre elles ont aussi une expérience de danseuse ou de masseuse érotique, ainsi que de travail en agence d’escorte. L’article présente et discute les résultats obtenus quant à leurs motivations à entrer dans l’industrie du sexe, leur expérience des différents milieux et des conditions de travail, l’impact de leur travail sur leurs relations amoureuses et leur consommation de drogue ou d’alcool. Concernant ces aspects, leur parcours s’avère assez semblable à celui qu’elles auraient pu avoir dans tout autre secteur d’emploi, à la différence des relations amoureuses qui sont souvent plus difficiles.
L’« imaginaire pénal » : penser les significations sociales de la punition du côté des espaces sociaux marginalisés
Authors: Décary-Secours Benoit
Published: April 2016

Nous procédons dans un premier temps à une lecture critique de certaines des contributions majeures du champ de la sociologie de la punition afin de penser la peine au-delà de ses dimensions juridiques et sécuritaires, comme « institution sociale » complexe mobilisant des dimensions symboliques. Ces approches limitent toutefois la question du « sens » à celle de son « utilité » au sein d’un modèle théorique ou encore à celle qu’elle obtient des discours dominants dans un ensemble social. En nous inspirant de la pensée de Cornelius Castoriadis et de Jacques Rancière, nous proposons un programme théorique autour de la notion d’« imaginaire pénal » et de son pouvoir « instituant ». Il s’agit de favoriser une posture théorique en mesure d’accorder une valeur analytique réelle aux significations sociales de la punition qui sont produites au sein des espaces sociaux marginalisés. L’idée abstraite d’« imaginaire pénal » peut être opérationnalisée à partir d’une analyse discursive du « parler ordinaire » des espaces sociaux marginalisés.
Objets autistiques et objets transitionnels
Authors: Romanzin Bruno
Published: April 2016

À partir des descriptions et théorisations de Tustin et de Winnicott sur les objets autistiques et transitionnels, nous réfléchirons à partir d’illustrations cliniques de cures d’enfants autistes aux conditions favorisant le passage d’une utilisation autistique de l’objet à une utilisation transitionnelle. Le développement de nouveaux liens entre les aspects sensoriels et relationnels des objets permettrait alors la transformation de la stéréotypie autosensuelle en activité auto-érotique usant d’un objet plus différencié.
Étude des fondements du concept d’objet transitionnel
Authors: Athanassiou-Popesco Cléopâtre
Published: April 2016

L’auteur aborde la critique du concept d’objet transitionnel lorsque ce dernier s’engage dans une dérive ne permettant plus de l’associer aux concepts d’identification à la fois projective et introjective. L’étude de quelques éléments tirés du travail avec une petite fille jumelle permet de mesurer le rapport qui peut être fait entre le collage à l’objet gémellaire et le frein à l’élaboration d’une véritable relation objectale. Ce n’est qu’au sein de cette dernière que l’objet transitionnel trouve sa place. Mais le concept de transitionnalité peut être mis au service – telle l’adhésivité – de ce qui freine plutôt que de ce qui permet de donner une place à part entière à la fois au travail de l’identification et à celui de l’objet qui la suscite.
Penser le soin des adolescents en institution à partir des apports de Winnicott
Authors: Desveaux Jean-Baptiste
Published: April 2016

Cet article propose de prendre appui sur les apports théoriques de D.W. Winnicott pour penser le soin psychique auprès d’adolescents borderline accueillis en établissements médico-sociaux. En déployant un modèle psychothérapique basé sur l’expérience des liens précoces parent-nourrisson et les fonctions mobilisées dans les soins maternels, Winnicott a introduit un parallèle singulier avec les fonctions propres à la psychothérapie, s’éloignant parfois des enjeux strictement psychanalytiques. Des concepts tels que le holding , le handling et l’ object presenting , déployés pour décrire les soins maternels, nous apparaissent ainsi être des analyseurs féconds pour penser le soin psychothérapique. À partir de réflexions sur les notions d’alliance thérapeutiques et de l’investissement dans le soin, cet écrit tend à mettre en avant l’idée de certaines fonctions spécifiques aux soins d’adolescents carencés au travers de ces quelques notions winnicottiennes.
Le transfert sur le corps en psychanalyse de l’enfant
Authors: Lombardi Riccardo
Published: April 2016

Le traitement psychanalytique de patients psychotiques ou borderline confronte le psychanalyste à des états ar­- chaïques dans lesquels les sensations corporelles, aussi bien du côté de l’analysant que de l’analyste, sont intenses et non intégrées dans le psychisme. Ces cures nécessitent un long temps d’élaboration de ce que l’auteur appelle le transfert sur le corps , à savoir la prise en compte de ces sensations corporelles dans leur réalité physique et pas seulement dans leurs significations symboliques de façon à permettre au patient de les intégrer dans son psychisme et d’habiter son propre corps. Ce travail d’élaboration doit précéder le travail d’interprétation du transfert sur l’analyste au sens classique du terme.
Émotions et moi, et moi, et moi
Authors: Teroni Fabrice
Published: April 2016

Les émotions possèdent-elles un rapport privilégié au moi ? En premier lieu, une thèse ambitieuse doit situer ce rapport au niveau de l’intentionnalité des émotions. Ce rapport intentionnel peut prendre différentes formes dans la mesure où l’intentionnalité des émotions est complexe : une émotion porte sur un objet donné et l’évalue. J’examine ensuite trois thèses à ce propos. Pour la première, le moi est l’objet intentionnel de toute émotion. La deuxième fait appel à une forme plus subtile de réflexivité en affirmant que les émotions représentent d’autres états psychologiques du sujet. La troisième situe le rapport au moi au niveau évaluatif : toute émotion évaluerait de façon relationnelle, l’un des termes de cette relation étant le sujet qui la ressent. Ces trois thèses valent au mieux pour quelques émotions et il est souvent préférable de considérer que le rapport au moi n’est pas intentionnel.
Les découvertes émotionnelles et les motivations affectives
Authors: Lépine Samuel
Published: April 2016

La thèse selon laquelle les émotions pourraient être « correctes » ou « appropriées » a reçu dans la philosophie contemporaine deux interprétations. Selon la première, nos émotions sont correctes lorsqu’elles représentent des valeurs qui existent indépendamment de notre perspective subjective sur le monde, de sorte qu’elles pourraient nous amener à découvrir ces valeurs. Selon la seconde, nos émotions sont correctes lorsqu’elles sont congruentes avec notre perspective évaluative subjective et, par conséquent, avec nos attachements affectifs et nos motivations d’arrière-plan. Je défends cette seconde interprétation, en soutenant que la première repose sur une compréhension lacunaire des mécanismes à l’œuvre dans les découvertes émotionnelles. Je propose ensuite un critère de correction qui soit suffisamment libéral pour prendre en charge la pluralité des motivations impliquées dans nos épisodes émotionnels.
Le caractère personnel des émotions
Authors: Naar Hichem
Published: April 2016

Cet article explore la viabilité de la conjonction de trois thèses : (1) qu’il existe des valeurs objectives ; (2) que certaines émotions ont pour fonction de les représenter ; (3) que de telles émotions représentent ces valeurs de manière fiable. Nous cherchons plus particulièrement à réconcilier la troisième thèse avec l’observation que les émotions ont un aspect subjectif ou personnel qu’il n’est pas possible d’éliminer.
Quand nos émotions sont-elles raisonnables ?
Authors: Lemaire Stéphane
Published: April 2016

Nous jugeons les réponses émotionnelles comme plus ou moins raisonnables étant donné leur objet et le contexte. Je soutiens que la légitimité de ces jugements repose sur le caractère raisonnable des désirs ou des dispositions émotionnelles qui expliquent ces réponses émotionnelles. Il est déraisonnable d’être triste de ne pas satisfaire un désir déraisonnable. Mais comment un désir peut-il être déraisonnable ? Je rejette l’idée selon laquelle les désirs seraient raisonnables parce que cohérents. Je suggère que nos désirs et nos dispositions émotionnelles sont raisonnables à deux conditions : premièrement, qu’ils contribuent à une vie subjectivement heureuse ; deuxièmement, qu’ils soient moralement justifiés.
Infant formula with galacto-oligosaccharides (OM55N) stimulates the growth of indigenous bifidobacteria in healthy term infants
Authors: Matsuki T. , Tajima S. , Hara T. , Yahagi K. , Ogawa E. , Kodama H.
Published: April 2016

The objective of the study was to investigate whether an infant formula supplemented with galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS; OM55N) was able to stimulate the growth of indigenous bifidobacteria and to establish microbiota similar to that of breastfed infants. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed using 35 healthy term infants (31-54 days of age; 42±6 days) to determine whether infant formula with 0.3 g/dl GOS (OM55N) stimulated the growth of bifidobacteria in the infants’ guts. At the trial onset and 2 weeks after, the infants’ faecal samples were examined for microbiota composition (bacterial abundance and α-diversity) and faecal characteristics. Among the 35 infants, 5 were withdrawn and 8 were excluded from the final evaluation before breaking the blinding since the indigenous bifidobacteria were not detected at the trial onset. After 2 weeks, the abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae was significantly increased in the GOS feeding group compared to the control (+11.6±24.1% vs -3.9±13.0%; P=0.043). The Shannon index, which accounts for both abundance and evenness of the present species, was significantly decreased with GOS supplementation (-0.1±0.4 vs +0.4±0.4; P=0.014). Faecal characteristics such as pH and organic acids were similar in both groups, with no statistical differences. No adverse side effects related to the formula consumption were reported. Although the concentration of GOS was relatively low, the infant formula with GOS increased the abundance of bifidobacteria and resulted in a reduced α-diversity of the microbiota.
Total Challenge: A Serious Game for Stimulating Cognitive Abilities
Authors: Carvalho Vítor H. , Martins Tiago , Soares Filomena , Araújo Miguel
Published: April 2016

If properly used, the high potential of student’s digital literacy may revert to the benefit of Education. Education efficiency may lie in applying the concept of “fun” learning that characterizes the so-called “serious game” that promotes the competitiveness. This type of game can also be used to solve or mitigate problems involving health care, more specifically those relating to intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders, within which there is still much study to be performed. In this sense, we present the Total Challenge, a game oriented to learning which stimulates cognitive abilities of children, but whose potential can be also used to monitor the progress of people with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorders.
Alliances for Knowledge: MOOCs to Create New Professional Skills in a New Model of University (Positive and Negative Aspects)
Authors: Garito Maria Amata
Published: April 2016

A generational clash of enormous scope is emerging within our institutions; the criticisms to the university advanced 15 years ago were "waiting ideas'': waiting for the new Web and for a new generation of students able to effectively put in question the old model of university. The university in the globalized and the interconnected knowledge society reached a turning point; we are at a crossroads between stagnation and renewal, between atrophy and renaissance. At present, however, there are very interesting facts going on worldwide; in some prestigious universities a new idea of global education is starting from the bottom; many universities are tearing down their ivory towers and are using the Internet, the most powerful platform in history to make their contents available in the Web. Lately, in the United States as well as in Europe, the “Knowledge Alliances” and the MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) are emerging. Unfortunately, The MOOCs show several shortcomings that are linked to their pedagogical-didactic models, to the courses evaluation systems as well as to the organizational models of the virtual structures meant to carry on the educational activities by using the MOOCs. Today we have to make a critical appreciation of the MOOCs in order to put them into a proper historical and cultural setting. Sharing the contents of different universities of the world can certainly represent a significant step towards renewal, however, in the universities, a true change can take place through the establishment of consortia among the various universities of the world and the technological enterprises linked to innovation that cooperate in the joint production of contents in the learning environments of the Internet.
Flexural Strength of the Reactive Powder Concrete
Authors: Ženíšek Michal , Vlach Tomáš , Laiblová Lenka
Published: April 2016

Reactive powder concrete (RPC) is cement composite which is characterized by an absence of coarse aggregate. That resulted in a greater homogeneity of the mixture and thus also in a higher compressive strength. On the other side, the absence of coarse aggregate and typically a large volume of the paste lead to the deterioration of some of the properties of concrete. This paper deals with the relationship between maximum aggregate size and flexural strength of the reactive powder concrete without dispersed reinforcement. Quartz sand with maximum grain size of 1, 2 and 4 mm was used for the experiments. The flexural strength was measured through the four-point bending test on prisms 100 x 100 x 400 mm. Further, the quartz powder and ground granulated blast furnace slag were used as addition and compared with each other. The results of the experiments showed that the flexural strength grows with decreasing aggregate size. This tendency was observed in mixtures with quartz powder and also with ground granulated blast furnace slag. On the contrary, the compressive strength was independent on aggregate size, but dependent on the type of used addition.
Strength Classes of Concrete versus Strength Classes of Fibre Concrete
Authors: Vodicka Jan , Křístek Vladimír , Ráček Václav
Published: April 2016

Basic characteristics of each produced concrete and fibre reinforced concrete are characterized by the compression strength recorded by the standard sets of tests performed on cylinders and cubes. In addition, for the fibre reinforced concrete, the characteristic tensile strength at formation of microcracks and cracks of standard widths is required. Proofs of the referred characteristic tensile strength should be carried out also by the destructive tests on standard specimens including the methodology provided for their implementation.The rapid development of fibre reinforced concrete, accelerated by manufacturers of fibres and their interest to apply the fibre reinforced concrete in structural practice from where the beneficial effects of the tensile strength can be obtained, resulted in conclusion that there is currently no uniform methodology for evaluation of the tensile strength. Tensile strength studies are performed, for example, according to National standardization Committees and research institutes.At present, the two very different methodologies can be applied to test tensile characteristics of fibre reinforced concrete - MODEL CODE and the Czech national standard – ČSN P 73 2452. The results of the destructive tests, obtained in accordance with the mentioned methodologies are so different that the same strength class for the tested fibre reinforced concrete is not possible to be defined.The paper proves the diversity of methodologies to perform destructive testing, by which it is possible to obtain the tensile characteristics of fibre reinforced concrete needed to define the same strength class. Procedures for evaluation of tensile characteristics from results of destructive tests are also assessed. Significance of the obtained strengths from the point of view of objectivity for the practical application of the fibre concrete in the load-carrying structures are discussed.
New Model for Concrete Creep and Shrinkage Prediction and its Application
Authors: Kolínský Vojtěch , Vítek Jan L.
Published: April 2016

At the beginning of this year prof. Z. P. Bažant and his team published a new numerical model for predicting creep and shrinkage in concrete structures. Model, named B4, is conceptually based on the previous version B3. While early prediction models were based mostly on classical concrete composition, the new model allows for observation the variability of modern concrete compositions, i.e. the effects of admixtures, various aggregate types and increasing concrete strength. The model also captures the effects of environment temperature, multi-decade prediction and autogenous shrinkage. This is important for concretes that are produced in Czech Republic and have higher, but not high strength (about 50 MPa). The model also allows to determine internal parameters according to experimental measurements on laboratory specimens or structural members. Therefore it is possible to refine the prediction of the behavior of structures made of this concrete in the long time periods. However, the increased number of input parameters leads to a higher complexity and it is necessary to have computational tools for practical model application. To provide the model to wider engineering community open structure computational program (in MATLAB environment) was created. Software is freely available for download on the internet. Description of the innovations of the model B4 and demonstration of its relatively simple applications using newly developed software products is a subject of this paper.
Comparison of Methods of Dosage and Effect of the Composition on the Properties of Fresh and Hardened Self-Compacting Concrete
Authors: Juradin Sandra , Radović Tomislav
Published: April 2016

Self-compacting concrete has to have a high flowability and ability to fill the gaps of reinforcement and corners of molds without vibration. The composition of self-compacting concrete (SCC) has a significant impact on his properties so mix design criterions are mostly focused on the type and mixture proportions of the constituents. In this work, a designe method for SCC proposed by Nan Su eat al. [1] was tested and compared with CBI method [2,3]. For this purpose, several mixtures of self-compacting concrete were prepared and tested. Properties of fresh mixture were determined by slump flow method, visual assessment of stability, T50 time, V-funnel method, L-box method and J-ring method. In hardened state, the elastic modulus of elasticity and compressive strengths after 7 and 28 days were determined.
Effect of Amorphous Silicon Dioxide Amount on the Mechanical Fracture Parameters of Cement Mortars
Authors: Šimonová Hana , Zahálková Jana , Rovnaníková Pavla , Keršner Zbyněk , Schmid Pavel
Published: April 2016

This paper presents selected results from a study concerning mechanical fracture parameters related to the formation of the solid structure of cement mortars. The tested mixtures were composed of an invariable quantity of cement (type CEM I 42.5 R) and an increasing amount of amorphous SiO2 (marked with a P), or a variable quantity of cement replaced by varied quantities of amorphous SiO2 (marked with an N). It was decided that the consistencies of the fresh mixtures should be identical: to ensure this, the water-cement ratio was increased as necessary. Quantification of the mechanical fracture parameters of the studied composites (fracture toughness, fracture energy, compressive strength, modulus of elasticity) was performed via the evaluation of fracture tests performed on beam specimens with an initial stress concentrator loaded in three-point bending. Subsequently, the results of the experiments in the form of load versus displacement diagrams were processed using the effective crack fracture model and the work of fracture method.
Application of UHPC Joints in Precast Structures
Authors: Vítek Jan L. , Čítek David , Kolisko Jiří , Coufal Robert , Jursík Pavel
Published: April 2016

Acceleration of bridge construction requires the development of new construction methods. In composite steel concrete bridges the cast in situ bridge deck may be replaced by a precast deck. For fast assembly the joints have to be solved adequately. UHPC joints represent an alternative which can satisfy the requirements on mechanical properties of joints, on construction and economy. The function of the joints was experimentally verified using three different experiments. The performance of beams with precast and cast in situ slab was compared.
The Effectiveness of Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Column Confined by FRP Wrapping
Authors: Kostiha Vojtech , Girgle Frantisek , Čairović Đorđe , Stepanek Petr
Published: April 2016

The article deals with the theme of strengthening of reinforced concrete columns by confining with carbon composite fabric. Further, this article discusses an influence of used design approach on a final efficiency of strengthening. Due to the dispersion of resulting values of characteristic properties of confined concrete it is quite difficult to qualify the accuracy of the proposed solutions by using the available design approaches. The aim of the performed experimental work was to quantify the factors that influence the strengthening efficiency of the confining of centrically loaded elements, as well as to compare the variance of the theoretically obtained results with the experimental values.
Hybrid Alkali Activated Concretes - Conception and Development for Practical Application
Authors: Bilek Vlastimil , Hurta Jan , Done Petra , Zidek Libor , Žajdlík Tomáš
Published: April 2016

Hybrid cements represent a relatively new type of binders which combine some of the advantages of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), the application of mineral admixtures and alkali activation. Hybrid cements represent blends containing a low portion of OPC and a high proportion of mineral additions (such as blast furnace slag, fly ash, metakaolin ....). The paper is focused on the study of properties of mortars prepared from hybrid cements. Mortars with hybrid cements were prepared for an evaluation of the effects of the dosage and the composition of alkali activator, the dosage of OPC and the ratio between ground granulated blast furnace slag and fly ash. The results make it possible to optimize the composition of hybrid alkali activated concretes.
Experimental Verification of Subtle Frame Components Prototypes from High Performance Concrete for Energy Efficient Buildings
Authors: Fiala Ctislav , Hejl Jaroslav , Bilek Vlastimil , Růžička Jan , Vlach Tomáš , Novotná Magdaléna , Hájek Petr
Published: April 2016

Mechanical properties of high performance concrete (HPC) enable design of subtle structural elements. Subtle HPC frame concept comes from the effort to integrate load bearing elements into building envelope in order to reduce risks of thermal bridges. Substantial advantages of subtle structural elements are material and energy savings during production, transportation, manipulation and assembling.
Paper presents preparation and implementation of construction of experimental frame at University Centre UCEEB in Buštěhrad. Individual structural elements were made in prefa plant ŽPSV a.s. in Litice nad Orlicí. Construction of frame prototype is the result of long term research when the vertical and horizontal structural elements and their connections were successively designed and experimentally verified. This article shows experimental results of horizontal load bearing structures - floor panels and beams - in detail. Samples were tested by four-point bending test and also creep of floor panels was measured.
Accomplished calculations, experimental verification and analysis have showed that subtle HPC frame is the effective solution from reliability aspects as well as from environmental and economical parameters. Minimal columns cross sections enable their complete implementation into building envelope and they also contribute to high quality architectonic solution of buildings interiors.
R35 Sedlice - Opatovice, Construction of the Flyover SO 206.2 at the R35 Expressway km 3.15 - 4.10
Authors: Hofírek Radovan
Published: April 2016

The R35 expressway is one of the key roads that form part of the Czech road network. A flyover exceeding 1 km in length was designed as part of R35 expressway near the town of Opatovice nad Labem. The construction of the bridge structure was time-consuming and technically very demanding. Therefore different technical procedures were chosen. The aim of this paper is to present these technologies to the professional public.
Fire-Resistant Structures for Tunnels Using Light Concrete II
Authors: Junek Vladimír , Micka Tomáš , Kolisko Jiří , Kroc Martin , Bradáčová Isabela
Published: April 2016

The subject of the article is to inform the experts about results of a set of fire resistance tests of light concretes designed for traffic and tunnel structures. In addition to commonly used recipe C 30/37 FX4, corresponding version of light concrete class LC 35/38/XF 4 was tested. One of the goals of the tests was verification of behaviour of “road” (XF4) concretes under the most demanding conditions of fire, especially in road tunnels. In addition to standard curve, the hydrocarbon and Eureka curves were used for the fire tests. The loading curves differ from normally used standard curve especially in the temperature rise speed (temperatures over 1,000°C are reached within a couple of minutes). In this case, real concrete moisture and possibility to remove water steams from a component are substantially important for the fire safety (integrity).
Verification of Rheological Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete with Reinforcement
Authors: Křížová Klára , Novosad Petr
Published: April 2016

The paper presents results of mechanical and physical tests of self-compacting concrete with fibre reinforcement. Self-compacting concretes belong to special types of concretes with filling ability without invoking external dynamic forces. Especially high storage rate and concrete access even in densely stored reinforcement, high homogenisation, low water-cement ratio and exclusion of external vibrations are benefits of SCC concretes. The highest risks that must be considered when designing this type of the concretes are their resistance to segregation, sedimentation, blocking and bleeding. Several SCC formulas with two types of fibres (steel, polypropylene) were designed and compared and the effects of fibres reinforcement on concrete selected properties were monitored in fresh and hardened condition, too.
Impact of Steel Fibers on Workability and Properties of UHPC
Authors: Rydval Milan , Bittner Tomáš , Kolisko Jiří , Nenadálová Šárka
Published: April 2016

This paper is focused on properties of fresh and hardened cement-based composite Ultra-High Performance Concrete with regard to different volume fraction of short brass coated steel fibers BASF MASTERFIBER® 482. Workability of fresh concrete and basic mechanical properties (tensile strength in bending, compressive strength) of hardened UHPC were found out. The workability of fresh concrete was measured by small mortar Haegermann cone. Percentage differences at cost were obtained at hardened concrete, too. The aim of the first experimental part of the research was the impact of volume fraction of steel fibers according to workability of fresh concrete and also according to mechanical properties of hardened UHPC with the same volume fraction of each component of the mixture, only the volume fraction of the steel fibers was different at each mixture. The mixture design of UHPC was changed to maintaining the workability of fresh concrete at the second part of the research. The workability at mixture with dosage of steel fibers of 300 kg/m3 measured by Haegermann cone was around 300 mm. In the framework of grant project GAČR 15-05791S the basic mechanical properties of hardened fine-grained cementitious composite material UHPC at small beams size of 160/40/40 mm and beams size 300/70/70 mm were determined. The aim of the research project was not only the determination of basic mechanical properties for each mixture design but also workability assessment and costs linked with higher amount of the volume fracture of steel fibers.
Experimental Analysis of the Impact on the Durability of Concrete Additions
Authors: Suchánek Vladimír , Hájková Kateřina
Published: April 2016

This report deals with long term monitoring of durability properties of concrete using different weight doses of various kinds of additions. Particularly limestone, silica fume as a 50% suspension and blast furnace slag were used. Even though the basic recipe is based on the designed concrete, all the fresh concrete was made with a free-fall concrete mixer in the laboratory. This report deals with long-term monitoring of cement concrete surface resistance to water and defrosting chemicals (achieved 475 cycles). The article also describes results of following tests: determination of concrete frost resistance, depth of water penetration under pressure and depth of chloride penetration. Standard tests of fresh and hardened concrete specimens complement the experiment.
Concrete with Fluidized Bed Combustion Fly Ash Based Light Weight Aggregate
Authors: Hela Rudolf , Ťažký Martin , Vachuška Václav , Ťažký Tomáš
Published: April 2016

Conventional high temperature fly ash has been used for manufacturing of construction materials, concrete in particular, for quite a long time. Fluidized bed combustion fly ash, however, has little use in this area, mainly for its chemical composition and morphology. Current efforts are directed towards the development of new technological processes and building materials that would allow the use of this industrial waste and its qualities. One possible way of fluidized bed combustion fly ash’s utilizing in construction industry is the production of cold balled lightweight aggregate. Production of this material is economically advantageous and enables processing of large volumes of raw materials. This paper describes possibilities of using this aggregate for production of lightweight concrete of lower compressive strength classes and consequent testing of durability and resistance to various types of aggressive environment and cyclical freezing and thawing. Physico-mechanical properties and microscopic defects were also studied