Recursive T matrix algorithm for resonant multiple scattering: applications to localized plasmon excitations

A matrix balanced version of the recursive centered T matrix algorithm applicable to systems possessing resonant interparticle couplings is presented. Possible domains of application include systems containing interacting localized plasmon resonances, surface resonances, and photonic jet phenomena. This method is of particular interest when considering modifications to complex systems. The numerical accuracy of this technique is demonstrated in a study of particles with strongly interacting localized plasmon resonances.     

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.     

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.     

High-Purity Composite Briquette for Direct UMG-Si Production in Arc Furnaces

In metallurgical grade Si (MG-Si), the coal (B) and charcoal (P) contents are on average above 30 ppm as the carbon reduction materials used in the arc furnace are either rich in B or in P. A decrease of both impurities by a factor of 3 using purer raw materials would allow for the direct production of the upgraded metallurgical grade (UMG).This would significantly improve the efficiency of the resulting photovoltaic (PV) cells made with the refined solar grade silicon (SoG-Si) or massively decrease the costs of Si purification by shortening the number of steps needed for reaching B and P contents below 1 ppm requested for the SoG-Si used for the PV cells. A composite C/SiO₂ briquette fulfilling the purity targets for the direct production of UMG-Si in the arc furnace was developed. The composite contains several carbon materials with different levels of reactivities and quartz sand. The raw materials aspects, the paste and briquette preparation, as well as the final carbonization step are discussed. The finished briquettes are free of volatiles and are mechanically and thermally very stable, thus, ensuring stable arc furnace charges with minimum losses of dust and SiO gas. Semi-industrial trials including the downstream purification steps for the production of SoG-Si by a metallurgical low-cost route are contemplated.