Spatial interaction modelling

Abstract. Spatial interaction (SI) is the process whereby entities at different points in physical space make contacts, demand/supply decisions or locational choices. The entities can be individuals or firms and the choices can include housing, jobs, production quantities, exports, imports, face-to-face contacts, schools, retail centres and activity centres. The first SI models can be grouped under the generic heading gravity models. Their main characteristic is that they model the behaviour of demand or supply segments, rather than that of individuals and firms. This article traces the development of these models from their inception in the early part of the twentieth century to the present. The key advances include the replacement of the gravity analogy by the more general concepts of entropy or information theory, a statistical framework commonly used in physics. With the arrival of the regional science paradigm over 50 years ago, a key challenge has been to broaden these models compared to those arising in spatial economics, thus arriving at a more inclusive probabilistic framework. These efforts are discussed here, as well as inclusion of geographical advances, embracing activities as generators of travel, time-geography, recognition of spatial interdependencies, and use of neuro-computing principles.     

Chalcogenide coatings of Ge15Sb20S65 and Te20As30Se50

Chalcogenide coatings are investigated to obtain either optical components for spectral applications or optochemical sensors in the mid-infrared. The deposition of Ge(15)Sb(20)S(65) and Te(20)As(30)Se(50) chalcogenide glasses is performed by two physical techniques: electron-beam and pulsed-laser deposition. The quality of the film is analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy to characterize the morphology, topography, and chemical composition. The optical properties and optical constants are also determined. A CF(4) dry etching is performed on these films to obtain a channeled optical waveguide. For a passband filter made by electron-beam deposition, cryolite as a low-refractive-index material and chalcogenide glasses as high-refractive-index materials are used to favor a large refractive-index contrast. A shift of a centered wavelength of a photosensitive passband filter is controlled by illumination time.     

Real-time amperometric analysis of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species released by single immunostimulated macrophages

Macrophages are key cells of the immune system. Immunologically activated macrophages are known to release a cocktail of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. In this work, RAW 264.7 macrophages were activated by interferon-gamma and lipopolysaccharide, and the reactive mixture released by single cells was analyzed, in real time, by amperometry at platinized carbon microelectrodes. In comparison with untreated macrophages, significant increases in amperometric responses were observed for activated macrophages. Nitric oxide (NO*), nitrite (NO2*-), and peroxynitrite (ONOO-) were the main reactive species detected. The amounts of these reactive species were quantified, and their average fluxes released by a single, activated macrophage were evaluated. The detection of ONOO- is of particular interest, as its role and implications in various physiological conditions have been widely debated. Herein, direct evidence for the formation of ONOO- in stimulated macrophages is presented. Finally, the presence of 1400W, a selective inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor, led to an almost complete attenuation of the amperometric response of activated RAW 264.7 cells. The majority of the reactive species released by a macrophage are thus likely to be derived from NO* and superoxide (O2*-) co-produced by iNOS.     

Release of macromolecules by Saccharomyces cerevisiae during ageing of French flor sherry wine "Vin jaune"

The French flor sherry wine "Vin jaune" spends 6 years and 3 months in the same barrel under a yeast velum. Because of temperature variations in the cellars, this velum sinks partially into the wine and a deposit of dead yeasts cells accumulates in the bottom of the barrels, favouring the formation of new velum. Growth and autolysis occur simultaneously. This study investigated the evolution of macromolecules released by yeasts during the ageing of "Vin jaune" in a model system closely simulating winemaking. It was observed that the release of macromolecules during the formation of the velums by living yeasts was low but greatly increased when the velums fell and yeast viability decreased. The release of macromolecules was then due to the autolysis of dead cells. Analysis of macromolecules during ageing revealed that they contained 73.3-78.5% neutral sugars and 6-7% proteins according to the ageing stage. Their amino acid composition did not change during ageing. A high content of serine and threonine commonly involved in O-glycosidic linkages present in yeast mannoproteins was observed. Throughout ageing, the mannose and glucose contents of macromolecules increased but the ratio of polymeric mannose to glucose decreased. Size exclusion chromatography showed that mannoproteins released in wine were partially hydrolysed by yeast beta-1,3-glucanases freed in wine.     

Monitoring in real time with a microelectrode the release of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species by a single macrophage stimulated by its membrane mechanical depolarization

Macrophages are key cells of the immune system. During phagocytosis, the macrophage engulfs a foreign bacterium, virus, or particle into a vacuole, the phagosome, wherein oxidants are produced to neutralize and decompose the threatening element. These oxidants derive from in situ production of superoxide and nitric oxide by specific enzymes. However, the chemical nature and sequence of release of these compounds is far from being completely determined. The aim of the present work was to study the fundamental mechanism of oxidant release by macrophages at the level of a single cell, in real time and quantitatively. The tip of a microelectrode was positioned at a micrometric distance from a macrophage in a culture to measure oxidative-burst release by the cell when it was submitted to physical stimulation. The ensuing release of electroactive reactive oxygen and nitrogen species was detected by amperometry and the exact nature of the compounds was characterized through comparison with in vitro electrochemical oxidation of H2O2, ONOO-, NO*, and NO2(-) solutions. These results enabled the calculation of time variations of emission flux for each species and the reconstruction of the original flux of production of primary species, O2*- and NO*, by the macrophage.     

The fluorimetric FAST method, a simple tool for the optimization of microwave pasteurization of milk

The effect of microwave pasteurization of cow's milk on its nutritional quality was examined by the FAST method (Fluorescence of Advanced Maillard products and Soluble Tryptophan). Raw milk samples were submitted to different laboratory scale in batch microwave treatments using a central composite experimental design based on specific power and treatment time. The FAST index and bacterial count were monitored to assess protein denaturation, modification by the Maillard reaction and pasteurization efficiency, respectively. High discrimination between samples indicated that the FAST method is a potent tool for estimating the deterioration of the milk quality during experimental microwave treatment. Thus, the FAST index can be effectively used as the continuous response in experimental designs set up and to maximize information economically. In short, the FAST method allows us to retain the rapidity of experimental design while providing the advantages of convenience and low cost.     

Prevention of volatile fatty acids production and limitation of odours from winery wastewaters by denitrification

The effect of the addition of nitrate to winery wastewaters to control the formation of VFA in order to prevent odours during storage and treatment was studied in batch bioreactors at different NO(3)/chemical oxygen demand (COD) ratios and at full scale in natural evaporation ponds (2 x 7000 m(2)) by measuring olfactory intensity. In the absence of nitrate, butyric acid (2304 mgL(-1)), acetic acid (1633 mgL(-1)), propionic acid (1558 mgL(-1)), caproic acid (499 mgL(-1)) and valeric acid (298 mgL(-1)) were produced from reconstituted winery wastewater. For a ratio of NO(3)/COD=0.4 gg(-1), caproic and valeric acids were not formed. The production of butyric and propionic acids was reduced by 93.3% and 72.5%, respectively, at a ratio of NO(3)/COD=0.8, and by 97.4% and 100% at a ratio of NO(3)/COD=1.2 gg(-1). Nitrate delayed and decreased butyric acid formation in relation to the oxidoreduction potential. Studies in ponds showed that the addition of concentrated calcium nitrate (NITCAL) to winery wastewaters (3526 m(3)) in a ratio of NO(3)/COD=0.8 inhibited VFA production, with COD elimination (94%) and total nitrate degradation, and no final nitrite accumulation. On the contrary, in ponds not treated with nitrate, malodorous VFA (from propionic to heptano?c acids) represented up to 60% of the COD. Olfactory intensity measurements in relation to the butanol scale of VFA solutions and the ponds revealed the pervasive role of VFA in the odour of the untreated pond as well as the clear decrease in the intensity and not unpleasant odour of the winery wastewater pond enriched in nitrates. The results obtained at full scale underscored the feasibility and safety of the calcium nitrate treatment as opposed to concentrated nitric acid.     

Influence of a stormwater sediment deposit on microbial and biogeochemical processes in infiltration porous media

The purpose of this study was to test the relative influence of organic matter quantity and quality and the pollutant content of a stormwater sediment deposit on mineralization processes, microbial characteristics, and the release of solutes in infiltration sediment systems. In microcosm experiments, two other natural sediment deposits (one low and one rich particulate organic matter deposits) were studied to compare their effects with those of the stormwater deposit. The results showed that the biogeochemical processes (aerobic respiration, denitrification, fermentative processes), the microbial metabolism (enzymatic activities), and the releases of several solutes (NH(4)(+) and DOC) were stimulated in presence of the stormwater deposit and the natural particulate organic matter (POM)-rich deposit because of the quantity of the POM in these deposits. In the stormwater deposit, the high availability of the POM (indicated by its low C/N ratio and its high P content) produced a higher stimulation of the microbial metabolism than in presence of the POM-rich deposit (with a high C/N ratio). Pollutant (hydrocarbon and heavy metal) contents of the stormwater deposit did not have a significant effect on microbial processes. Thus, main effects of the stormwater sedimentary deposit on infiltration system were due to its organic matter characteristics (quantity and quality). Such organic matter characteristics need to be considered in future studies to determine the contamination potential of stormwater management practices.