Two-Parameter Kinematic Theory for Shear Behavior of Deep Beams

in ACI Structural Journal (2013), 110(3), 447-455

This paper presents a kinematic model for deep beams capable of describing the deformed shape of such members in terms of just two primary parameters. The kinematic model is combined with equilibrium ... [more ▼]

This paper presents a kinematic model for deep beams capable of describing the deformed shape of such members in terms of just two primary parameters. The kinematic model is combined with equilibrium equations and stress-strain relationships to form a theory to predict the shear strength and deformations patterns of deep beams at shear failure. These deformation patterns include crack widths, maximum deflections, and the complete displacement field for the beam. The kinematic theory predicts the components of shear strength of deep beams and how they vary with a/d ratio. These components indicate a significant size effect for the shear strength of deep beams even for members with transverse reinforcement. The theory has been validated against a large number of experimental results. [less ▲]

Catalytic layer for PEMFC based on carbon xerogels

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

An adapted staining-destaining method to sort soft-bottom macrobenthos mixed with Posidonia oceanica fibers

in Mediterranean Marine Science (2013), 14(1), 92-94

Sorting   of   soft-­bottom   macrobenthos   entangled   with   Posidonia   oceanica fibers is time-consuming and tedious because of the weak of colour contrast .  This   paper   describes   a   staining ... [more ▼]

Sorting   of   soft-­bottom   macrobenthos   entangled   with   Posidonia   oceanica fibers is time-consuming and tedious because of the weak of colour contrast .  This   paper   describes   a   staining-­destaining   technique   that   produces   good   contrast   between   soft-­bottom   macrobenthos  and  Posidonia  oceanica fibers. The method has been tested on Corsican samples in oligotrophic areas characterized by small-size soft-bottom macrofauna. Our technique saves sorting time (-24%) and is simple to implement. [less ▲]

Tolvaptan in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

in New England Journal of Medicine [=NEJM] (2013), 368(13), 1258-9

"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 ▲]

The fracture studies of polycrystalline silicon based MEMS

in EUROSIME 2013 (2013)

The advantages of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), such as low power requirement, miniaturized sizes and costs reduction, have already made significant impact in many technological fields. MEMS ... [more ▼]

The advantages of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), such as low power requirement, miniaturized sizes and costs reduction, have already made significant impact in many technological fields. MEMS are now widely used as accelerometers, pressure sensors, and resonators etc. However, the determination of the mechanical properties of MEMS devices with high accuracy is still a challenging task due to their small dimensions and often anisotropic behaviour. This paper focuses on the modelling and simulation of the fracture of a key MEMS component, which is a polycrystalline silicon beam, by discontinuous Galerkin (DG) formulation combined with an extrinsic cohesive law (ECL) to describe the fracture process. As the beam is modelled by plane-stress 2D elements, an analytical equation to compute the effective fracture strength and the effective critical strain energy release rate in terms of the through-the-thickness fracture mode and of the orientation of the facet with respect to the crystal is also developed. At the end, a model is simulated, and the results are verified as per the physics of the problem and experiments. [less ▲]

Dendritic cells in Barrett's carcinogenesis: an inadequate environment for antitumor immunity?

Conference (2013)

Control of Salmonella contamination of shell eggs – preharvest and postharvest methods: a review

in Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety (2013), 12

Salmonella Enteritidis is one of the most prevalence foodborne pathogen, its most important reservoir being considered the shell egg. As the concerns related to the increasing human salmonellosis cases ... [more ▼]

Salmonella Enteritidis is one of the most prevalence foodborne pathogen, its most important reservoir being considered the shell egg. As the concerns related to the increasing human salmonellosis cases grow, the need for an application of preventive methods either at the farm level or during the processing steps is crucial for a better control of the foodborne outbreaks due to the consumption of this specific food product. This review focuses on the application of preventive methods at the farm level, on preharvest step, in order to reduce the risk of shell eggs contamination with Salmonella, especially S. Enteritidis, through a better control of the laying hens’ infection with this pathogen. As postharvest methods, a first approach is the egg storage conditions and the prevention of Salmonella spp. growth and multiplication. In addition, shell eggs may be subjected to eggshell decontamination, to reduce the risk of foodborne outbreaks. Several of these latter mentioned methods are already authorized to be put in place in different countries, as it is the case in the United States of America and Canada. Their efficacy has been proven and their use is regarded by some as mandatory for ensuring shell eggs safety for the consumers. [less ▲]