Stability of Surface Complexes Formed at the TiO2/Water Interface

TiO2 surface complexation by bidentate organic ligands is analysed in terms of the ligand Brønstead and Lewis basicities. The complexation and basicity constants comply with linear Gibbs Energy relationships (LGERs). For dicarboxylic acids, the surface chelate bond makes an approximately constant contribution to the stability. The proton transfer to the surface modulates the pH dependence of stability. A correlation exists between the surface complexation constant of the neutral acid H2L and the ligand first acidity constant. On the other hand, the surface complexation constants of dianions L2- of cathecols and aminophenols are positively correlated with the ligand second acidity constant. Apparent stability is determined by the competition of H+ and surface metal ions for the ligand. Stability trends are strongly influenced by the Brønstead acid base reaction between the acid ligands H2L and the surface, whereas the stability of the surface chelate contributes to the overall stability

Electrokinetic Behaviour and Interaction with Oxalic Acid of Different Hydrous Chromium(III) Oxides

Three samples of hydrous chromium(III) oxide have been prepared by different procedures, and their electrokinetic mobilities have been measured. In mineral media, isoelectric points were found to be 8.45 ±0.15. This value is shifted from the solution isoelectric point by –0.35 ±0.15, due to the contribution of solvation energy to the energy of ionic adsorption. On the basis of a simple model, it is suggested that the two successive surface acidity constants of hydrous chromium(III) oxide are pKS a1 = 7.17 and pKS a2 = 9.72. The influence of oxalic acidity on mobility may be described in terms of two successive adsorption equilibria, the first one conducive to the neutralization of positive protonic charge, and the second one originating a charge reversal. It is shown that the apparent affinity for this latter mode is lower in one of the samples, suggesting that surface complexation constants may in fact be sensitive to the history of hydrous chromium(III) oxide particles. The three samples show similar dissolution behaviour but the specific rates differ, in one case by two orders of magnitude. This difference is explained in terms of the influence of crosslinking on the reactivity

Electrokinetic Behaviour and Interaction with Oxalic Acid of Different Hydrous Chromium(III) Oxides

Three samples of hydrous chromium(III) oxide have been prepared by different procedures, and their electrokinetic mobilities have been measured. In mineral media, isoelectric points were found to be 8.45 ±0.15. This value is shifted from the solution isoelectric point by –0.35 ±0.15, due to the contribution of solvation energy to the energy of ionic adsorption. On the basis of a simple model, it is suggested that the two successive surface acidity constants of hydrous chromium(III) oxide are pKS a1 = 7.17 and pKS a2 = 9.72. The influence of oxalic acidity on mobility may be described in terms of two successive adsorption equilibria, the first one conducive to the neutralization of positive protonic charge, and the second one originating a charge reversal. It is shown that the apparent affinity for this latter mode is lower in one of the samples, suggesting that surface complexation constants may in fact be sensitive to the history of hydrous chromium(III) oxide particles. The three samples show similar dissolution behaviour but the specific rates differ, in one case by two orders of magnitude. This difference is explained in terms of the influence of crosslinking on the reactivity

Advanced monitoring of an industrial process integrating several sources of information through a data warehouse

This paper presents a methodology and architecture for the advanced monitoring of an industrial process integrating several sources of information using a data warehouse (DW) that include as metadata datamart to cross technical ubications and equipments with the information given by the existing monitoring systems and the time dimension. The advanced monitoring includes functionalities that allow to diagnose faulty components and to prognose faulty situations when a problem occurs in the production process. A real car painting process is used for illustration purposes.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors in the ram reproductive tract

Some melatonin functions in mammals are exerted through MT1 and MT2 receptors. However, there are no reports of their presence in the reproductive tract of the ram, a seasonal species. Thus, we have investigated their existence in the ram testis, epididymis, accessory glands and ductus deferens. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) revealed higher levels of m-RNA for both receptors in the testis, ampulla, seminal vesicles, and vas deferens, than in the other organs of the reproductive tract (p < 0.05). Western blot analyses showed protein bands compatible with the MT1 in the testis and cauda epididymis, and for the MT2 in the cauda epididymis and deferent duct. Immunohistochemistry analyses revealed the presence of MT1 receptors in spermatogonias, spermatocytes, and spermatids, and MT2 receptors in the newly-formed spermatozoa in the testis, whereas both receptors were located in the epithelial cells of the ampulla, seminal vesicles, and ductus deferens. Indirect immunofluorescence showed significant differences in the immunolocation of both receptors in spermatozoa during their transit in the epididymis. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that melatonin receptors are present in the ram reproductive tract. These results open the way for new studies on the molecular mechanism of melatonin and the biological significance of its receptors