First insights of Cr speciation in leached Portland cement using X-ray spectromicroscopy

X-ray spectromicroscopy has been successfully applied to determine the evolution of the Cr oxidation state in Portland cement during leaching experiments. To our knowledge, this is the first study that demonstrates the possibility to study the chromium oxidoreduction phenomena in cement materials at natural Cr concentration (approximately 60 ppm) and at the micron scale. Line scans of Cr for Cr(VI) doped (2000 ppm) and undoped samples indicate that the altered layer (0-1000 microm from the surface) is characterized by a lower amount of Cr as compared to the core part, whereas an accumulation appears in the intermediate region (1000-1300 microm). This Cr-rich interface could correspond to an accumulation of ettringite (3CaO x Al2O3 x 3CaSO4 x 32H2O) as reported by previous works. This mineral exhibits the property to incorporate Cr(III) and Cr(VI) by replacement of aluminum and sulfate, respectively, in the structure. The most surprising result concerns the evolution of the Cr(VI)/Cr(tot) ratio along the line spectra, which is constant from the altered layer to the core (both for doped and undoped samples). This means thatthe same amounts of Cr(VI) and Cr(tot) are released during leaching. Even for the undoped sample, Cr(VI) was detected in the altered layer at 40 microm from the surface. This result is not in perfect agreement with literature, which usually states that Cr(VI) is mainly leached out. Although this result must be confirmed, it clearly indicates that Cr(VI) may be less mobile than predicted by models. An attempt is made to identify potential Cr(VI) fixation phases.     

Estimation of Discrete-Event Systems Using Interval Computation

Discrete-event systems are driven by events and generate events. To describe their evolution, the dater approach associate to each event a sequence of dates, namely a dater, corresponding to the dates at which the event occurs.In this paper, we show that for a large class of discrete-event systems, the dater approach makes it possible to cast the characterization of the set of all parameters that are consistent with some collected dater, in a bounded-error context, into a set-inversion framework. Set inversion consists of characterizing the reciprocal image of a given set by a known function. Provided that an inclusion function is known for the function to be inverted, the characterization can be performed by the interval-based algorithm SIVIA. A short presentation of this algorithm is recalled in this paper. The approach is illustrated through three examples.     

Evaluation of the unavailability of a multistate-component system using a binary model

In this article, we discuss the problem of computing the unavailability of a multistate-component system. We propose the use of a Boolean model describing as much as possible about the system structure. A theorem of two-sided estimation of the approximation error enables us to check the calculation accuracy. An application of this method to a nuclear safety system is offered.     

Phylogenetic consistencies among chondrichthyan and teleost fishes in their bioaccumulation of multiple trace elements from seawater

Multi-tracer experiments determined the accumulation from seawater of selected radioactive trace elements (Mn-54, Co-60, Zn-65, Cs-134, Am-241, Cd-109, Ag-110m, Se-75 and Cr-51) by three teleost and three chondrichthyan fish species to test the hypothesis that these phylogenetic groups have different bioaccumulation characteristics, based on previously established contrasts between the carcharhiniform chondrichthyan Scyliorhinus canicula (dogfish) and the pleuronectiform teleost Psetta maxima (turbot). Discriminant function analysis on whole body: water concentration factors (CFs) separated dogfish and turbot in two independent experiments. Classification functions grouped the perciform teleosts, seabream (Sparus aurata) and seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax), with turbot and grouped the chondrichthyans, undulate ray (Raja undulata; Rajiformes) and spotted torpedo (Torpedo marmorata; Torpediniformes), with dogfish, thus supporting our hypothesis. Hierarchical classificatory, multi-dimensional scaling and similarity analyses based on the CFs for the nine radiotracers, also separated all three teleosts (that aggregated lower in the hierarchy) from the three chondrichthyan species. The three chondrichthyans were also more diverse amongst themselves compared to the three teleosts. Particular trace elements that were more important in separating teleosts and chondrichthyans were Cs-134 that was elevated in teleosts and Zn-65 that was elevated in chondrichthyans, these differences being due to their differential rates of uptake rather than loss. Chondrichthyans were also higher in Cr-51, Co-60, Ag-110m and Am-241, whereas teleosts were higher only in Mn-54. These contrasts in bioaccumulation patterns between teleosts and chondrichthyans are interpreted in the context of both proximate causes of underlying differences in physiology and anatomy, as well as the ultimate cause of their evolutionary divergence over more than 500 million years before present (MyBP). Our results and interpretation point to the possibility that radiation exposure regimes may be influenced by phylogeny, with implications for the adequacy of the marine reference organism approach in marine environmental protection.     

Grating-assisted coupling of terahertz waves into a dielectric waveguide studied by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

We report on the efficient coupling of terahertz (THz) waves into a dielectric waveguide by means of a diffraction grating engraved at the top of the waveguide. The waveguide is made of a 201-microm-thick high-resistivity silicon wafer. The transmission of the device, measured versus frequency by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy, shows usual m lines when a frequency component of the THz pulse spectrum satisfies the phase-matching condition and is coupled into the waveguide. The experimental data are well modeled with the differential electromagnetic method to compute the diffraction pattern of the grating device. The dispersion curve of the first four modes of propagation is determined from the frequency position of the m lines recorded for different angles of incidence of the THz beam. The waveguide exhibits a weak group velocity dispersion at high frequencies.     

Supervisory control of (max,+) automata: extensions towards applications

In this paper, supervisory control of (max,+) automata is studied. The synthesis of maximally permissive and just-in-time supervisor, as well as the synthesis of minimally permissive and just-after-time supervisor, are proposed. Results are also specialised to non-decreasing solutions, because only such supervisors can be realised in practice. The inherent issue of rationality raised recently is discussed. An illustration of concepts and results is presented through an example of a flexible manufacturing system.     

Molecular Regulation of Canalicular ABC Transporters

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters expressed at the canalicular membrane of hepatocytes mediate the secretion of several compounds into the bile canaliculi and therefore play a key role in bile secretion. Among these transporters, ABCB11 secretes bile acids, ABCB4 translocates phosphatidylcholine and ABCG5/G8 is responsible for cholesterol secretion, while ABCB1 and ABCC2 transport a variety of drugs and other compounds. The dysfunction of these transporters leads to severe, rare, evolutionary biliary diseases. The development of new therapies for patients with these diseases requires a deep understanding of the biology of these transporters. In this review, we report the current knowledge regarding the regulation of canalicular ABC transporters’ folding, trafficking, membrane stability and function, and we highlight the role of molecular partners in these regulating mechanisms.     

Improvement in hydrogen sorption properties of Mg by reactive mechanical grinding with Cr2O3, Al2O3 and CeO2

We tried to improve the hydrogen sorption properties of Mg by mechanical grinding under H₂ (reactive mechanical grinding) with oxides Cr₂O₃, Al₂O₃ and CeO₂. The hydriding rates of Mg are reportedly controlled by the diffusion of hydrogen through a growing Mg hydride layer. The added oxides can help pulverization of Mg during mechanical grinding. A part of Mg is transformed into MgH₂ during reactive mechanical grinding. The Mg+10wt.%Cr₂O₃ powder has the largest transformed fraction 0.215, followed in order by Mg+10wt.%CeO₂ and Mg+10wt.%Al₂O₃. The Mg+10wt.%Cr₂O₃ powder has the largest hydriding rates at the first and fifth hydriding cycle, followed in order by Mg+10wt.%Al₂O₃ and Mg+10wt.%CeO₂. Mg+10wt.%Cr₂O₃ absorbs 5.87wt.% H at 573 K, 11 bar H₂ during 60 min at the first cycle. The Mg+10wt.%Cr₂O₃ powder has the largest dehydriding rates at the first and fifth dehydriding cycle, followed by Mg+10wt.%CeO₂ and Mg+10wt.%Al₂O₃. It desorbs 4.44 wt.% H at 573 K, 0.5 bar H₂ during 60 min at the first cycle. All the samples absorb and desorb less hydrogen at the fifth cycle than at the first cycle. It is considered that this results from the agglomeration of the particles during hydriding–dehydriding cycling. The average particle sizes of the as-milled and cycled powders increase in the order of Mg+10wt.%Cr₂O₃, Mg+10wt.%Al₂O₃ and Mg+10wt.%CeO₂. The quantities of hydrogen absorbed or desorbed for 1 h for the first and fifth cycles decrease in the order of Mg+10wt.%Cr₂O₃, Mg+10wt.%Al₂O₃ and Mg+10wt.%CeO₂. The quantities of absorbed or desorbed hydrogen increase as the average particle sizes decrease. As the particle size decreases, the diffusion distance shortens. This leads to the larger hydriding and dehydriding rates. The Cr₂O₃ in the Mg+10wt.%Cr₂O₃ powder is reduced after hydriding–dehydriding cycling. The much larger chemical affinity of Mg than Cr for oxygen leads to a reduction of Cr₂O₃ after cycling.     

Degradation process of an industrial thermoplastic elastomer polyurethane-coated fabric in artificial weathering conditions

The aging of an industrial thermoplastic elastomer polyurethane (TPU)-coated fabric, based on a polyether diol and an aromatic diisocyanate, is studied in artificial weathering tests. It is noticed that the degradation of this TPU-coated fabric leads to a weight loss, to the formation of a reticulated layer in sample surface, and to a change of surface relief. The degradation layer and the surface relief have been observed by optical microscopy. The weight loss has been followed with aging time. The main degradation products causing weight loss are volatile. Therefore, they have been analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy. The weight loss degradation takes place in the exposed part of the reticulated layer by volatile products emission, which implies the urethane and the polyether bonds. Water is involved in degradation process: without external water supply, weight loss is limited; with a permanent contact of vapor or liquid water, the weight loss rate is constant and depends on aging conditions. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 73: 2525–2534, 1999     

Optoelectronic properties of sexithiophene single crystals

UV—Vis absorption, photoluminescence (PL) and photoconductivity (PC) measurements have been carried out on sexithiophene (6T) single crystals grown from the vapor phase. UV—Vis absorption data were used to determine the absorption coefficient and refraction index under polarized light. The spectrum at polarization perpendicular to the unique axis b is similar to that measured on polycrystalline films, whereas that at light polarized parallel to b presents a weak structured absorption. The refractive index is 1.656, independent of the wavelength, under parallel polarization, and follows the Sellmeier equation, with n_∞ = 1.867, under perpendicular polarization. The PL excitation spectrum with parallel polarization follows exactly the corresponding weak absorption, whereas, at perpendicular polarization, it saturates when the absorption length compares the crystal thickness, and then decreases down to a minimum at 3.5 eV. This lowering mirrors a decrease of the PL yield at higher energies. The PC action spectrum shows an opposite behavior: it presents first a rise at 2.4 eV, parallel to the absorption onset, then a second rise at 3.0 eV up to a maximum at 3.3 eV. The first rise corresponds to the generation of singlet excitons, which then give birth to charges, through either exciton breaking, or more likely charge detrapping. The second rise could correspond to a direct ionization process. The magnetic field effect on PC has been studied. A relative decrease of up to 6% at a field of 4000 G has been detected. The decrease is attributed to the lowering of the triplet—doublet interaction constant R.