Scattering by a slab containing randomly located cylinders: comparison between radiative transfer and electromagnetic simulation

This study is devoted to the examination of scattering of waves by a slab containing randomly located cylinders. For the first time to our knowledge, the complete transmission problem has been solved numerically. We have compared the radiative transfer theory with a numerical solution of the wave equation. We discuss the coherent effects, such as forward-scattering dip and backscattering enhancement. It is seen that the radiative transfer equation can be used with great accuracy even for optically thin systems whose geometric thickness is comparable with the wavelength. We have also shown the presence of dependent scattering.     

French wheel tracking round robin test on a polymer modified bitumen mixture

In the framework of the RILEM TC 206-ATB TG3, a Round Robin Test (RRT) has been performed in order to evaluate the reproducibility of the French Wheel Tracking Test (FWTT) on a mix made with Polymer Modified Bitumen (PmB). For this mixture, some particular problems had been reported, such as excessive heating of the sample due to friction and sticking of the binder to the wheel. Two procedures, called anti-overheating and anti-sticking procedures, have been proposed by the group in order to improve the reproducibility of the wheel tracking tests. These procedures are assessed. Causes of scattering are discussed. Differences between the tyres used during this RRT as a possible origin of scattering are discussed, as well as temperature peaks and over-compaction of specimens.     

Chloropicrin formation during oxidative treatments in the preparation of drinking water

Chlorination of water can lead to the formation of chloropicrin. The numerous potential precursors (of various reactivities) observed during this study, confirm this hypothesis.Combination of ozonation and chlorination can also lead to the formation of this compound, dangerous to health ; however, the conditions of the formation and particularly the impact of a nitration reaction in the gas phase are still not clearly defined.     

(Mg,Co)O Solid-Solution Precursors for the Large-Scale Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes by Catalytic Chemical Vapor Deposition

Single- and double-walled carbon nanotubes were produced in high yield using the selective reduction of solid solutions of Mg_{1– x} Co _x O in a methane and hydrogen atmosphere at 1000°C. The solid solutions were prepared using combustion synthesis with urea as the fuel. The BET surface areas ranged from 10 to 65 m²/g depending on the fuel content. A single crystalline phase was obtained only for fuel-rich compositions. Increased fuel content increased the surface area by a factor of 6. However, very high fuel contents (>4 times the stoichiometric amount) caused a demixed solid solution. Surface-area measurements and Raman spectra showed that the quantity of nanotubes formed depended on the surface area and composition of the precursor oxide.     

The PTEN/MMAC1 tumor suppressor phosphatase functions as a negative regulator of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway

The PTEN/MMAC1 phosphatase is a tumor suppressor gene implicated in a wide range of human cancers. Here we provide biochemical and functional evidence that PTEN/MMAC1 acts a negative regulator of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-kinase)/Akt pathway. PTEN/MMAC1 impairs activation of endogenous Akt in cells and inhibits phosphorylation of 4E-BP1, a downstream target of the PI3-kinase/Akt pathway involved in protein translation, whereas a catalytically inactive, dominant negative PTEN/MMAC1 mutant enhances 4E-BP1 phosphorylation. In addition, PTEN/MMAC1 represses gene expression in a manner that is rescued by Akt but not PI3-kinase. Finally, higher levels of Akt activation are observed in human prostate cancer cell lines and xenografts lacking PTEN/MMAC1 expression when compared with PTEN/MMAC1-positive prostate tumors or normal prostate tissue. Because constitutive activation of either PI3-kinase or Akt is known to induce cellular transformation, an increase in the activation of this pathway caused by mutations in PTEN/MMAC1 provides a potential mechanism for its tumor suppressor function.     

First extraction of polyphenol oxidase from edible desert truffle (Terfezia leonis Tul.) and its thermal behavior

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is a common enzyme with large applications in food processing and analysis, especially based on their monophenolase activity. In this context, extraction and surfactant-mediated activation of PPO from desert truffle Terfezia leonis Tul. were successfully achieved. In the presence of l-tyrosine, the cresolase activity was optimal in the pH 5–6 domain and in the 35–45 °C temperature range. In the presence of pyrocatechol, the catecholase activity was optimal at neutral pH and 30 °C. Kinetics studies revealed higher affinity of PPO for l-tyrosine than for pyrocatechol. Both enzyme–substrate complexes were structurally robust, and their thermosensitivity was mainly related to entropy changes. These properties may reflect the adaptation to desert conditions where T. leonis grows and should be useful for the development of enzymatic catalysts and sensors.     

High-speed tracking of murine cardiac stem cells by harmonic nanodoublers

Potassium niobate nonlinear nanoparticles are used for the first time to monitor the evolution of embryonic stem cells (ESC) by second harmonic microscopy. These particles feature the complete absence of photo-bleaching and unlimited excitation wavelength flexibility. The potential of this approach is made evident for tissue-regeneration studies and applications, by capturing a high-speed movie of ESC-derived cardiomyocytes autonomously beating within a cluster. Time-resolved data are analyzed to retrieve 3D information of the contraction pattern at the cellular level.     

Unusual disclosure of giant Meckel's diverticulum

At discovery of diabetes mellitus, complementary explorations revealed a superinfection of a giant Meckel's diverticulum. We present this clinical situation in one case and suggest possible nosologies. The epidemiology and clinical approach to Meckel's diverticulum are discussed.