Constraining predictions of the carbon cycle using data

We use a carbon-cycle data assimilation system to estimate the terrestrial biospheric CO(2) flux until 2090. The terrestrial sink increases rapidly and the increase is stronger in the presence of climate change. Using a linearized model, we calculate the uncertainty in the flux owing to uncertainty in model parameters. The uncertainty is large and is dominated by the impact of soil moisture on heterotrophic respiration. We show that this uncertainty can be greatly reduced by constraining the model parameters with two decades of atmospheric measurements.     

Effect of Chemical Glycosylation on the Surface Properties of the Soluble Fraction of Casein

To optimize the use of caseins as surfactants, the surface tension, foaming capacity and stability of the soluble fraction of casein as a function of different factors: pH, protein concentration, polarity (modified by covalent binding of carbohydrates) were studied. Below but near the pHi, the surface properties of the casein (foaming capacity and stability, decrease in surface tension) were improved. The glycosylated caseins which were more flexible and more unfolded diffused and adsorbed more rapidly at the interface and also had increased foaming capacity and stability.     

Composition of interfacial layers in complex food emulsions before and after aeration: effect of egg to milk protein ratio

Whipped emulsions were prepared at pilot scale from fresh milk, whole egg, and other ingredients, for example, sugars and stabilizers (starch, polysaccharides). Egg content was varied: 4 recipes were studied differing in their egg to milk protein ratio (0, 0.25, 0.38, and 0.68). Protein and fat contents were kept constant by adjusting the recipes with skim-milk powder and fresh cream. Emulsions were prepared by high-pressure homogenization and whipped on a pilot plant. Particle-size distribution determined by laser-light scattering showed an extensive aggregation of fat globules in both mix and whipped emulsions, regardless of recipe. Amount of protein adsorbed at the oil-water interface and protein composition of adsorbed layer were determined after isolation of fat globules. Protein load is strongly increased by the presence of egg in formula. Values obtained for the whipped emulsions were dramatically lower than those obtained for the mix by a factor of 2 to 3. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE indicated a preferential adsorption of egg proteins over milk proteins at the oil-water interface, regardless of recipe. This phenomenon was more marked in aerated than in unaerated emulsions, showing evidence for desorption of some milk proteins during whipping. Egg proteins stabilize mainly the fat globule surface and ensure emulsion stability before whipping. Air bubble size distribution in whipped emulsions was measured after 15 d storage. When the egg to milk protein ratio is decreased to 0.25, large air cells appear in whipped emulsions during storage, indicating mousse destabilization. The present work allows linking the protein composition of adsorbed layers at the fat globule surface to mousse formula and mousse stability.     

The effects of NO passivation on the radiation response of SiO2/4H-SiC MOS capacitors

The radiation response of SiO₂ gate oxides grown on 4H-SiC to NO passivation is presented for the first time. The effects of gamma radiation on Q_eff are similar for n-4H-SiC MOS capacitors both with and without NO passivation, but are different in sign (negative) compared to SiO₂ on Si. The variation in D_it with total dose, however, is different for the passivated versus the unpassivated samples. Comparisons between Si SOI and 4H-SiC suggest that properly passivated SiC MOSFETs should have good radiation tolerance.     

Hydrodynamic hot-electron transport simulation based on the Monte Carlo method

A hydrodynamic hot electron model is used to study electron transport through a submicron N⁺ --- N --- N⁺ GaAs structure. This study is used to investigate improvements which the unique features of this model offer to analysis of devices operating under nonstationary transport conditions. The model is based upon semiclassical “hydrodynamic” conservation equations for the average carrier density, momentum and energy. The general model includes particle relaxation times, momentum relaxation times, energy relaxation times, electron temperature tensors and heat flow vectors as a function of average carrier energy for the Γ, X and L valleys of GaAs. For this study, we utilized a simplified single electron gas version of our model to clearly reveal the impact of the nonstationary terms in the model. Results from both a drift-diffusion model approach and a Monte Carlo analysis are used to show the relative accuracy and facility this new model offers for investigating practical submicron device structures operating under realistic conditions.     

Analysis of the CONRAD computational problems expressing only stochastic uncertainties: neutrons and protons

Within the scope of CONRAD (A Coordinated Action for Radiation Dosimetry) Work Package 4 on Computational Dosimetry jointly collaborated with the other research actions on internal dosimetry, complex mixed radiation fields at workplaces and medical staff dosimetry. Besides these collaborative actions, WP4 promoted an international comparison on eight problems with their associated experimental data. A first set of three problems, the results of which are herewith summarised, dealt only with the expression of the stochastic uncertainties of the results: the analysis of the response function of a proton recoil telescope detector, the study of a Bonner sphere neutron spectrometer and the analysis of the neutron spectrum and dosimetric quantity H(p)(10) in a thermal neutron facility operated by IRSN Cadarache (the SIGMA facility). A second paper will summarise the results of the other five problems which dealt with the full uncertainty budget estimate. A third paper will present the results of a comparison on in vivo measurements of the (241)Am bone-seeker nuclide distributed in the knee. All the detailed papers will be presented in the WP4 Final Workshop Proceedings.     

Changes in arsenic speciation through a contaminated soil profile: a XAS based study

An impacted soil located near an industrial waste site in the Massif Central near Auzon, France, where arsenical pesticides were manufactured, has been studied in order to determine the speciation (chemical forms) of arsenic as a function of soil depth. Bulk As concentrations range from 8780 mg kg(-1) in the topsoil horizon to 150 mg kg(-1) at 60 cm depth. As ores (orpiment As2S3, realgar AsS, arsenopyrite FeAsS) and former Pb- and Al-arsenate pesticides have been identified by XRD at the site and are suspected to be the sources of As contamination for this soil. As speciation was found to vary with depth, based on XRD, SEM-EDS, EPMA measurements and selective chemical extractions. Based on oxalate extraction, As is mainly associated with amorphous Fe oxides through the soil profile, except in the topsoil horizons where As is hosted by another phase. SEM-EDS and EPMA analyses led to the identification of arseniosiderite (Ca2Fe3+3(AsVO4)3O2.3H2O), a secondary mineral that forms upon oxidation of primary As-bearing minerals like arsenopyrite, in these topsoil horizons. These mineralogical and chemical results were confirmed by synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy. XANES spectra of soil samples indicate that As occurs exclusively as As(V), and EXAFS results yield direct evidence of changes in As speciation with depth. Linear combination fits of EXAFS spectra of soil samples with those of various model compounds indicate that As occurs mainly As-bearing Fe(III)-(hydr)oxides (65%) and arseniosiderite (35%) in the topsoil horizon (0-5 cm depth). Similar analyses also revealed that there is very little arseniosiderite below 15 cm depth and that As(V) is associated primarily with amorphous Fe oxides below this depth. This vertical change of As speciation likely reflects a series of chemical reactions downward in the soil profile. Arseniosiderite, formed most likely by oxidation of arsenopyrite, is progressively dissolved and replaced by less soluble As-bearing poorly ordered Fe oxides, which are the main hosts for As in well aerated soils.     

Interactions between municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash and bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa)

Municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash (MSWI BA) can be used in road construction where it can become exposed to microbial attack, as it can be used as a source of oligoelements by bacteria. The extent of microbial colonization of the bottom ash and the intensity of microbial processes can impact the rate of leaching of potentially toxic elements. As a consequence, our objective was to highlight the mutual interactions between MSWI bottom ash and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common bacteria found in the environment. Experiments were carried out for 133 days at 25 degrees C using a modified soxhlet's device and a culture medium, in a closed, unstirred system with weekly renewal of the aqueous phase. The solid products of the experiments were studied using a laser confocal microscopy, which showed that biofilms formed on mineral surfaces, possibly protecting them from leaching. Our results show that the total mass loss after 133 days is systematically higher in abiotic medium than in the biotic one in proportions going from 31 to 53% depending on element. Ca and Sr show that rates in biotic medium was approximately 19% slower than in abiotic medium during the first few weeks. However, in the longer term, both rates decreased to reach similar end values after 15 weeks. By taking into account the quantities of each tracer trapped in the layers we calculate an absolute alteration rate of MSWI BA in the biotic medium (531 microg m(-2) d(-1)) and in the abiotic one (756 microg m(-2) d(-1)).     

Radiation and chemical degradation of UVR protection characteristics of fabrics

Clothing can provide substantial protection against solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and quantifying the amount of protection can have useful applications to recreational, occupational and medical situations. However, exposure of fabrics to sunlight and sea water can alter their physical and chemical properties, resulting in a change of UVR attenuation characteristics. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of environmental degradation of fabrics on their UVR protection characteristics. The methodologies applied in this study can be used also for the assessment of protective clothing against occupational exposure.     

Assessment of sun protection for children's summer 2005 clothing collection

Overexposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in childhoodis considered to be a critical factor for developing skin cancerin later life. Clothing may offer a simple and effective meansof protection against overexposure to the sun, but its use hasoften been underrated in public opinion. The Health ProtectionAgency, in close collaboration with a number of UK retailers,conducted a study to evaluate the UVR protection characteristicsof the summer 2005 collection of children's clothing for outdooractivity. The current paper presents a summary of the assessmentand the effects of stretching and wetting on the UltravioletProtection Factor (UPF) rating of children's clothing. The resultsdemonstrate the need for better public guidance in sun protectionof children and more comprehensive evaluation procedures forsun protection provided by clothing.