Angular dependence of the specular reflectance from an isotropic polydomain medium with large domains: surprising results regarding Brewster's angle

The angular dependence of the reflectance from an isotropic medium with large, randomly oriented, ordered domains is investigated and compared with that of an isotropic medium in which the optical properties can be characterized by a scalar dielectric function. Employing average reflectance and transmittance theory, we demonstrate that an isotropic medium consisting of optically large ordered domains exhibits only a parallel-polarized reflectance minimum, not the formal zero expected at Brewster's angle. We attribute this result to the existence of nonzero cross-polarization terms despite the random orientation and the application of an incoherent averaging scheme, which is used to mimic traditional light sources.     

Evidence from surface tension and fluorescence data of a pyrene-assisted micelle-like assemblage of humic substances

Surface activity and fluorescence of humic substances (HS) and HS/pyrene solutions were monitored under various pH conditions. For HS alone the surface tension of the solutions decreased with increasing acidity, with a minimum at around pH 4. This effect, which is a consequence of an increase in the amphiphilic character of structures, is much more pronounced in humic (HA) than in fulvic acids (FA). The addition of pyrene (0.1 micromolL(-1)) results, for HA, in a marked reduction in the migration of amphiphilic species to the solution surface. FA profiles are not modified in presence of pyrene at that concentration. A decrease in the pyrene I1/I3 ratio in HS solutions shows that below pH 9 pyrene molecules react progressively to the change to a more hydrophobic environment, the greatest effect being observed at around pH 6 to 7. These signals are followed by a significant increase in the pyrene excimer fluorescence (lambda(exc)/lambda(em)=334 nm/450 nm), which is a consequence of the proximity of pyrene molecules. For FA, the I1/I3 decrease is less significant and no excimers develop. This set of effects is explained in view of conformational adjustments of HS, mainly HA, which become arranged in micelle-like domains in aqueous solution, the aromatic moieties being assembled around the pyrene molecules.     

Arsenic leaching from mulch made from recycled construction and demolition wood and impacts of iron-oxide colorants

Mulch made from recycled construction and demolition (C&D) wood has been reported to contain elevated levels of arsenic from inadvertent inclusion of chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood. Such mulch is also commonly colored with iron oxide, a compound known to bind arsenic. The objectives of this study were to quantify the releases of arsenic from mulch made from C&D wood, to evaluate the impacts of an iron-oxide colorant in potentially decreasing arsenic leaching rates, and to evaluate the relative significance of additional variables on leachate concentrations. Atotal of 3 sets of mulch samples (0%, 5%, or 100% CCA-treated wood) were prepared containing a sample either with or without colorant addition. Each sample was subjected to two tests: a field leaching test and the Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure (SPLP). Results showed that arsenic concentrations in the field leachate from the 0% treated wood mulches were consistently low (<0.003-0.013 mg/L) whereas leachates from 5 and 100% treated wood mulches were characterized by higher arsenic concentrations (0.059-2.23 mg/L for 5%; 0.711-22.7 mg/L for 100%). The mass of arsenic leached from the field samples during the 1-year monitoring period was between 10 and 15% of the initial mass of arsenic. The colorant reduced the leaching of arsenic by more than 20% for the field leachate and 50% for the SPLP leachate, on average. However, the study showed that the effect may not last for long periods. Besides colorant addition other factors were observed to affect the amount of arsenic leached from contaminated mulch. These include the proportion of CCA-treated wood in the mulch, time, and pH of rainfall.     

Effects of feeding propionibacteria to dairy cows on milk yield, milk components, and reproduction

Two weeks before parturition, 38 Holstein primiparous and multiparous cows were assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: control animals (n = 13) received regular total mixed rations (TMR), the low-dose group (n = 14) received the control TMR plus 6 x 10(10) cfu/cow of Propionibacterium strain P169 (P169), and the high-dose group (n = 11) received the control TMR plus 6 x 10(11) cfu/cow of P169 from -2 to 30 wk postpartum. Weekly milk samples were analyzed for percentage of milk fat, protein, lactose, and SNF, milk urea nitrogen, and somatic cell counts. Daily milk production expressed as 4% fat-corrected milk was affected by treatment and week x parity. High-dose and low-dose P169-treated cows exhibited 7.1 and 8.5% increases above controls in daily 4% fat-corrected milk, respectively. Treatment x parity and week significantly influenced percentage of milk fat, lactose, and protein, whereas treatment x parity and treatment x week influenced SNF. Ruminal propionate levels were influenced by treatment such that high-dose P169 cows had greater molar percentage of propionate than did low-dose P169 and control cows. Change in body weight postpartum was influenced by week x parity and treatment x parity such that high-dose and low-dose P169 multiparous cows exhibited a more rapid recovery of wk-1 body weight than did control multiparous cows. There was no treatment, parity, or interaction on days to first postpartum ovulation or on estrous behavior at 45 and 90 d postpartum. We concluded that P169 might have potential as an effective direct-fed microorganism to increase milk production in dairy cows.     

Innovational radiation sensor by integrating AL2O3:C optically stimulated luminescent dosemeter and GaN detectors

We report a new dosimetry concept that is built on an earlier integrated sensor concept by our group at University of Washington to integrate a radiation-dosimetry-quality Al2O3:C and a high quantum-efficiency GaN-based p-i-n photodiode on one side, and light emitting diodes (LEDs) on the opposite side as the stimulation source. The performance of the sensor has been evaluated by computer simulation, the performance of GaN photodiodes and studying the GaN films. The absorption spectrum of the GaN film was measured and indicated that the GaN photodiodes would not respond to the output wavelengths of the stimulating LEDs. The electrical properties and the performance of GaN p-i-n photodiode under irradiation were simulated. The results showed that the sensor offered comparable radiation sensitivity to current technologies and could be operated in active mode.     

Confocal Raman microspectroscopy of stratum corneum: a pre-clinical validation study

Skin moisturization is not only important for maintaining skin functional properties but also has great impact on the skin's aesthetic properties. The top layer of the skin, the stratum corneum (SC), plays a key role in protecting and preventing against external aggressions as well as in regulating water flux in and out. Confocal Raman microspectroscopy is the first commercially available technique that provides a non-invasive, in vivo method to determine depth profiles of water concentration in the skin, however, in this case it was applied in an in vitro setting. As the first phase of validating the usefulness of confocal Raman microspectroscopy, we used porcine skin as a surrogate for human skin. Water concentration profiles were obtained using confocal Raman microspectroscopy from isolated pigskin SC and compared with that using the Karl Fischer titration method. The two methods correlated very well with a regression coefficient of 1.07 as well as a correlation coefficient, R(2) = 0.989, which demonstrated the consistency and accuracy of confocal Raman microspectroscopy for water concentration determination. To evaluate the instrument's response to different skin care/cleansing products, a wide range of products were tested to compare their skin moisturization ability. Among those tested were a lotion, commercial soap bar, syndet bar, traditional non-emollient shower gel (water, Sodium Laureth Ether Sulfate (SLES), cocamidopropyl betaine system) and emollient containing shower gel (water, sunflower oil, SLES, cocamidopropyl betaine, glycerin, petrolatum). The results were consistent with what was expected. The water content on skin treated with (A) lotion was significantly higher than the non-treated control; (B) syndet bar-treated skin had a significantly higher water content than soap-based bar-treated sites; (C) non-emollient shower gel washed sites were more moisturized than soap-based bar-treated samples; and (D) emollient shower gel-treated skin was significantly more hydrated than non-emollient shower gel washed skin. The unique and direct quantitative water content information provided by confocal Raman microspectroscopy offers a whole new perspective for fundamental skin moisturization studies and will play an important role in evaluating moisturizing profiles and the hydration potential of products designed for personal care in the cosmetic industry.     

Dynamics of contact line motion during the wetting of rough surfaces and correlation with topographical surface parameters

Dynamics of contact line motion and wettability is essential in many industrial applications such as liquid coating, lubrication, printing, painting, condensation, etc. However, the wettability of surfaces depends not only on liquid-solid chemical properties but also can be strongly affected by surface roughness. As a practical application of controlled wettability, we can mention the self-cleaning surfaces, protective clothing, microfluidics devices, electro wetting, etc. In this article, we experimentally investigate the spreading of droplets deposited onto rough surfaces. Anisotropic surfaces were prepared by abrasive polishing on the following materials: aluminium alloy AA7064, titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V, steel AISI 8630, copper alloy UNS C17000, machinable glass ceramic, and poly-methylmethacrylate. Topographical 2D parameters were calculated according to the following standards, defining Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS): ISO 4287, ISO 12085, ISO 13565, ISO 12780, and ISO 12181. The influence of topographical parameters on wettability and spreading phenomenon has been evaluated by statistical covariance analysis. The following parameters have strong influence on fluid spreading on rough surfaces: R(mr) is the relative material ratio of the roughness profile, T(rc) is the microgeometric material ratio, P(mr) is the relative material ratio of the raw profile, K(r) is the mean slope of the roughness motifs, RON(t) is the peak to valley roundness deviation, and P(sk) is the Skewness of the raw profile. The physical meaning of selected parameters is discussed, and K(r) (the mean slope of the roughness motifs) is selected as the most important and physically meaningful parameter. It has been found that for all tested materials, fluid spreading shows increasing tendency when mean slope of the roughness motifs (K(r) ) increases.     

Development of a shape memory alloy multiple-point injector for chemotherapy

A medical needle is described that allows injection to take place at multiple sites through a single stab wound. This is achieved by extruding multiple, thin, and curved internal needles from a larger, straight, outer needle. The development and finite element modelling of the shape memory alloy (SMA) inner needles is presented in this paper. A non-linear elastic element model was used in this process to allow for the non-linear properties of the alloy and the large deformations that occur. The model provided maximum strain values and penetration forces for the inner needles. The deformation force on the tip of the needle was measured against displacement to confirm the predicted penetration force. Applications for the device include the treatment of liver cancer by direct injection of alcohol into the tumours.     

Tactile and kinaesthetic aspects of push-buttons

Push-buttons are used widely as important controls on a large number of machines ranging from tiny electronic calculators to heavy industrial plant. Although there are some similar design problems for all sizes of button there are also very big differences. Considerable work has been done on keyboard button design but little has been written about the design and layout of control buttons for industrial equipment. This paper describes the tactile and kinaesthetic senses, explaining their importance for button design and layout, especially in situations where visual identification of buttons is not possible. An experiment is reported whereby push-button shapes were tested for tactile discriminability and allocated to given control functions.