A micro–macro approach of permeability evolution in rocks excavation damaged zones

in Computers & Geotechnics (2013), 49

Excavation damaged zone, with significant irreversible deformations and nonnegligible changes in flow and transport properties generally occurs in indurated clay around underground structures. The stress ... [more ▼]

Excavation damaged zone, with significant irreversible deformations and nonnegligible changes in flow and transport properties generally occurs in indurated clay around underground structures. The stress perturbation around the excavation could lead to a significant increase of the permeability physically due to diffuse and/or localized microcracks growth in the material. In the present study, we investigate microcracks-induced damage processes together with the subsequent modification in permeability. The proposed approach is based on a homogenization-based upper bound extended to the context of micro-cracked media in presence of initial stress. Application of this approach is done on a borehole excavation problem related to the Selfrac in situ experiments on Opalinus Clay. Although, the model fails to quan-titatively account for the in situ permeability change (which may also originated from existing macro-fractures), its prediction shows a significant evolution of the material permeability around the borehole. This is in qualitative agreement with available data. [less ▲]

Mapping Magnetic Near-Field Distributions of Plasmonic Nanoantennas

in ACS Nano (2013)

We present direct experimental mapping of the lateral magnetic near-field distribution in plasmonic nanoantennas using aperture scanning nearfield optical microscopy (SNOM). By means of full-field ... [more ▼]

We present direct experimental mapping of the lateral magnetic near-field distribution in plasmonic nanoantennas using aperture scanning nearfield optical microscopy (SNOM). By means of full-field simulations it is demonstrated how the coupling of the hollow-pyramid aperture probe to the nanoantenna induces an effective magnetic dipole which efficiently excites surface plasmon resonances only at lateral magnetic field maxima. This excitation in turn affects the detected light intensity enabling the visualization of the lateral magnetic near-field distribution of multiple odd and even order plasmon modes with subwavelength spatial resolution. [less ▲]

Identification and structure elucidation of four cannabimimetic compounds in seized products

in Journal of Analytical Toxicology (2013)

Since 2008, herbal mixtures with synthetic cannabinoid compounds have been sold as incense throughout the world. Although these new drugs are labeled as not for human consumption, these products are ... [more ▼]

Since 2008, herbal mixtures with synthetic cannabinoid compounds have been sold as incense throughout the world. Although these new drugs are labeled as not for human consumption, these products are smoked for their cannabis-like effects. This study reports the structural and spectral elucidation of four cannabimimetic compounds seized in Belgium: (4-methoxyphenyl)-1-(pentyl-1H-indol-3-yl)methanone (RCS-4), 1-(5-fluoropentyl)-3-(1-naphtoyl)indole (AM-2201), 2-(2-chlorophenyl)-1-(1-pentylindol-3-yl)ethanone (JWH-203) and 4-ethylnaphthalen-1-yl-(1-pentylindol-3-yl)methanone (JWH-210). Laboratory investigations were conducted by liquid chromatography (LC)–ultraviolet spectroscopy, high-resolution accurate mass detection and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. This combined analytical approach allowed the detection of illicit compounds for which reference materials were not available. To facilitate identification and to complete existing databases, ultraviolet spectra and NMR data of all seized products are presented. Additionally, LC–quadrupole time-of-flight data were recorded to provide absolute identification. [less ▲]

Etude clinique d’une dyade, régressant en fonctionnement borderline au niveau contextuel, individuel et familial, caractérisée par un passage à l’acte abusif d’ordre sexuel

in Thérapie Familiale (2013), 2

This research is based on Luigi Cancrini’s theory of regression in borderline functioning which provides a structured and nuanced reflection on sexual abuse. It offers the possibility of establishing a ... [more ▼]

This research is based on Luigi Cancrini’s theory of regression in borderline functioning which provides a structured and nuanced reflection on sexual abuse. It offers the possibility of establishing a framework for observation and analysis of both synchronic and diachronic blendings; the behavioral characteristics proposed by the victims, perpetrators and their families; and the historical sense that can give them. It leads to the identification of the central link connecting the actors and their life contexts. We analyze a clinical situation with sexual abuse. The chosen dyad, composed by a 7 year-old-girl and a 13 ½ year-old-boy, was observed in vivo during hospitalization. Relevant behavioral, relational and historical components were compiled in an analytic scale based on Cancrini (2009) and Barudy (1997) writings. Similar psychopathological functioning among perpetrators, victims and families could thus be seen within this framework. The comparison of the systems reported similar family dynamics within the different subsystems. For these children, this results in the emergence of a specific behavioral repertory, typical of a borderline functioning, characterizing both the perpetrator and the aggressed: both are embedded in rigid supporting dyadic relational patterns and intense cleaved positions, which are also found within the various systems and the individuals within them. [less ▲]

Successful Asteroseismology for a Better Characterization of the Exoplanet HAT-P-7b

in Astrophysics and Space Science Proceedings (2013), 31

It is well known that asteroseismology is the unique technique permitting the study of the internal structure of pulsating stars using their pulsational frequencies, which is per se very important. It ... [more ▼]

It is well known that asteroseismology is the unique technique permitting the study of the internal structure of pulsating stars using their pulsational frequencies, which is per se very important. It acquires an additional value when the star turns out to be a planet host. In this case, the asteroseismic study output may be a very important input for the study of the planetary system. With this in mind, we use the large time-span of the Kepler public data obtained for the star system HAT-P-7, first to perform an asteroseismic study of the pulsating star using Time-Dependent-Convection (TDC) models. Secondly, we make a revision of the planet properties in the light of the asteroseismic study. [less ▲]

The susceptibility of bananas to crown rot disease is influenced by geographical and seasonal effects

in Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology = Revue Canadienne de Phytopathologie (2013)

Crown rot of banana fruits is caused by a complex of fungal pathogens, the most common of which is Colletotrichum musae, and is one of the main quality defects of exported bananas. Susceptibility of ... [more ▼]

Crown rot of banana fruits is caused by a complex of fungal pathogens, the most common of which is Colletotrichum musae, and is one of the main quality defects of exported bananas. Susceptibility of banana fruits to crown rot is influenced by many pre-harvest factors. The aim of this study was to improve on the methodology for the evaluation of fruit susceptibility and to verify whether cultivation areas in Cameroon as well as seasonal variations have an influence on the susceptibility to crown rot. Fruit susceptibility was evaluated on a monthly basis throughout a year (including the dry and rainy seasons) in three banana plantations located at very different agro-ecological conditions (two in a lowland area and one in a highland area). Fruit susceptibility was determined through an internal necrotic surface (INS) assessment after artificial inoculation with C. musae. The standardization of post-inoculation environmental conditions enabled more reliable INS assessments. Fruit susceptibility was found to be significantly influenced by cultivation area (P<0.001) since fruits grown in low altitude (Dia-dia, Koumba, 80 m) were more susceptible than fruits grown in high altitude (Ekona, 500 m). Although no seasonal effect was observed (P=0.075), there was a highly significant date effect (P<0.001). This was specifically the case in low altitude plantations where fruit susceptibility was higher for some harvest dates within the rainy season. In Ekona, fruit grade and number of leaves on the banana plant were found to be significantly higher than in the two other locations, while black leaf streak disease severity was significantly lower. The potential relationship with fruit susceptibility is fully discussed. [less ▲]

Impact of follicular G-CSF quantification on subsequent embryo transfer decisions: a proof of concept study.

in Human Reproduction (2013), 28(2), 406-13

BACKGROUND: Previous experiments have shown that granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), quantified in the follicular fluid (FF) of individual oocytes, correlates with the potential for an ongoing ... [more ▼]

BACKGROUND: Previous experiments have shown that granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), quantified in the follicular fluid (FF) of individual oocytes, correlates with the potential for an ongoing pregnancy of the corresponding fertilized oocytes among selected transferred embryos. Here we present a proof of concept study aimed at evaluating the impact of including FF G-CSF quantification in the embryo transfer decisions. METHODS: FF G-CSF was quantified with the Luminex XMap technology in 523 individual FF samples corresponding to 116 fresh transferred embryos, 275 frozen embryos and 131 destroyed embryos from 78 patients undergoing ICSI. RESULTS: Follicular G-CSF was highly predictive of subsequent implantation. The receiving operator characteristics curve methodology showed its higher discriminatory power to predict ongoing pregnancy in multivariate logistic regression analysis for FF G-CSF compared with embryo morphology [0.77 (0.69-0.83), P < 0.001 versus 0.66 (0.58-0.73), P = 0.01)]. Embryos were classified by their FF G-CSF concentration: Class I over 30 pg/ml (a highest positive predictive value for implantation), Class II from 30 to 18.4 pg/ml and Class III <18.4 pg/ml (a highest negative predictive value). Embryos derived from Class I follicles had a significantly higher implantation rate (IR) than those from Class II and III follicles (36 versus 16.6 and 6%, P < 0.001). Embryos derived from Class I follicles with an optimal morphology reached an IR of 54%. Frozen-thawed embryos transfer derived from Class I follicles had an IR of 37% significantly higher than those from Class II and III follicles, respectively, of 8 and 5% (P < 0.001). Thirty-five per cent of the frozen embryos but also 10% of the destroyed embryos were derived from G-CSF Class I follicles. Non-optimal embryos appear to have been transferred in 28% (22/78) of the women, and their pregnancy rate was significantly lower than that of women who received at least one optimal embryo (18 versus 36%, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring FF G-CSF for the selection of embryos with a better potential for pregnancy might improve the effectiveness of IVF by reducing the time and cost required for obtaining a pregnancy. [less ▲]

Les syndromes cardio-rénaux

Learning material (2013)

L’Alfier nero (Le Fou noir) d’Arrigo Boito – Lecture anthropologique et poétologique d’un combat d’échecs.

in Achim Küpper, Kristine Vanden Berghe (Ed.) Guerre et jeu. Perspectives transversales (2013)

Monitoring of slaughterhouse wastewater biodegradation in a SBR using fluorescence and UV–Visible absorbance

in Chemosphere (2013)

The aim of this study was to demonstrate that the effectiveness of slaughterhouse wastewater treatment by activated sludge could be enhanced through the use of optical techniques, such as UV–Visible ... [more ▼]

The aim of this study was to demonstrate that the effectiveness of slaughterhouse wastewater treatment by activated sludge could be enhanced through the use of optical techniques, such as UV–Visible absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy, to estimate the hydraulic retention time necessary to remove the biodegradable chemical oxygen demand (COD). Two experiments were conducted. First, a batch aerobic degradation was performed on four wastewater samples collected from four different cattle processing sites in order to study the changes in the spectroscopic properties of wastewater during biodegradation. Second, a sequencing batch reactor was used in order to confirm that the wastewater fluorescence could be successfully used to monitor wastewater biodegradation in a pilot-scale experiment. Residual blood was the main source of organic matter in the wastewater samples. The absorbance at 416 nm, related to porphyrins, was correlated to the COD during wastewater biodegradation. The tryptophan-like/fulvic-like fluorescence intensity ratio was related to the extent of biodegradation. The COD removal efficiency ranged from 74% to 94% with an hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 23 h. A ratio of tryptophan-like/fulvic-like fluorescence intensities higher than 1.2 indicated incomplete biodegradation of the wastewater and the need to increase the HRT. [less ▲]