Absence and presence Organic and Inorganic Inhibitors

The aggressive effect of different concentrations of HNO3 and the inhibitive action of some organic and inorganic additives on the corrosion of copper metal have been studied by thermometric technique. The rate of metal dissolution increases with acid concentration. The copper dissolution rate in 2M HNO3 was dependent on the chemical properties and concentration of the used additives. The inhibitive action of these compounds obey the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The degree of surface coverage (?) of adsorbed organic and inorganic additives was determined from the reaction number (R.N.) values. The thermodynamic parameters Kads. and ?G?ads. of organic additives are calculated and illustrated. The values of ?G?ads. clear strong physisorption of the tested organic inhibitors on copper metal surface. Keywords: Copper; Acid Corrosion; Passivity; Thermometry

A cryogenic surface-electrode elliptical ion trap for quantum simulation

Two-dimensional crystals of trapped ions are a promising system with which to implement quantum simulations of challenging problems such as spin frustration. Here, we present a design for a surface-electrode elliptical ion trap which produces a 2-D ion crystal and is amenable to microfabrication, which would enable higher simulated coupling rates, as well as interactions based on magnetic forces generated by on-chip currents. Working in an 11 K cryogenic environment, we experimentally verify to within 5% a numerical model of the structure of ion crystals in the trap. We also explore the possibility of implementing quantum simulation using magnetic forces, and calculate J-coupling rates on the order of 10^3 / s for an ion crystal height of 10 microns, using a current of 1 A

Cardiac sarcoma presenting with abdominal pain and mimicking myxoma on echocardiogram

Cardiac sarcoma’s are highly aggressive tumours. Clear resection margins ± autotransplant, followed by chemotherapy, offers the best survival chance. Therefore, frozen section should be preformed when there is ambiguity in diagnosis

Macrophage migratory inhibitory factor (MIF) profiles are associated with indicators of physical and psychosocial stress in professional rugby league players

Introduction: MIF is an inflammatory cytokine which has a remarkable array of functions, including immune, metabolic and angiogenic effects. There is substantial evidence linking MIF to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functions, with MIF hypothesised to counter-regulate the anti-inflammatory actions of glucocorticoids (GC) at least partially by reducing the GC-sensitivity of immune cells. There is also evidence that changes in MIF are part of the well-established bi-directional links between psychological stress factors and dysregulation of inflammatory systems and HPA function. In professional athletes there is a unique combination of both physical and psychosocial stress which has been hypothesised to include immune dysfunction. The current study examined the association between indicators of physical and psychosocial stress on changes in MIF across a competitive season in professional rugby league players. Methods: Players (n=29) from a Sydney National Rugby League club participated in the study from February – August 2012. MIF was analysed in resting blood samples taken at least 24 hrs after the most recent exercise bout on six occasions approximately 1 month apart, with the first (baseline) sample taken prior to season start. From the same time points, data from standardised wellness questions was extracted from player diaries. Results: A significant effect of Time was observed in MIF levels (p\u3c.001), with a nadir at time 4 (May), and no difference between baseline and final samples (Feb-Aug). To determine salient associations, change in MIF from baseline to time 4 was calculated, and found to be negatively associated with the change over the same time period in stress/mood, sleep and muscle soreness, such that better mood, sleep quality and less muscle soreness were associated with lower levels of MIF. Conclusion: The current findings provide evidence that in a highly physically fit cohort, inflammatory markers are associated with indicators of both physical and psychosocial stress. MIF appears to be a reactive marker associated with stress and deserves further attention. Further, it may be important for athlete preparation to determine sleep and psychosocial stress influences on the homeostasis of inflammatory stress through GC function

Traitement des incertitudes des avis à dire d'expert pour l'évaluation de la sûreté des digues

3rd European Conference on Flood Risk Management FLOODrisk 2016, Lyon, FRA, 17-/10/2016 - 21/10/2016International audienceIn France, levees remain most of the time badly maintained; these long linear structures show signs of weaknesses on numerous occasions. Only incomplete information is usually available. The general lack of data describing the behaviour of the infrastructure during unwanted events led to estimate their safety mainly from expert judgement. Thus the ability of the expert to predict the level of functioning of an infrastructure for a type of hazard and its intensity is crucial. An error of judgement can have very serious consequences and the production of reliable information requires the ability of the expert to report accurately the uncertainties in its estimations, as well as associated confidence. In order to meet this need, our research within Incertu project (French Ministry of Ecology funding) aims to produce relevant scientific approaches and tools for the collection and processing reliable experts'statements or combined with a confidence level in the context of uncertain information and input data