The effect of a low-frequency sound source (acoustic thermometry of the ocean climate) on the diving behavior of juvenile northern elephant seals,Mirounga angustirostris

Changes in the diving behavior of individual free-ranging juvenile northern elephant seals, Mirounga angustirostris, exposed to the acoustic thermometry of the ocean climate (ATOC) sound source were examined using data loggers. Data loggers were attached to the animals and measured swim speed, maximum depth of dive, dive duration, surface interval, descent and ascent rate, and descent and ascent angle along with sound pressure level (SPL). The ATOC sound source was at a depth of 939 m and transmitted at 195 dB re: 1 microPa at 1 m centered at 75 Hz with a 37.5-Hz bandwidth. Sound pressure levels (SPL) measured at the seal during transmissions averaged 128 dB and ranged from 118 to 137 dB re: 1 microPa for the 60-90 Hz band, in comparison to ambient levels of 87-107 dB within this band. In no case did an animal end its dive or show any other obvious change in behavior upon exposure to the ATOC sound. Subtle changes in diving behavior were detected, however. During exposure, deviations in descent rate were greater than 1 s.d. of the control mean in 9 of 14 seals. Dive depth increased and descent velocity increased in three animals, ascent velocity decreased in two animals, ascent rate increased in one animal and decreased in another, and dive duration decreased in only one animal. There was a highly significant positive correlation between SPL and descent rate. The biological significance of these subtle changes is likely to be minimal. This is the first study to quantify behavioral responses of an animal underwater with simultaneous measurements of SPL of anthropogenic sounds recorded at the animal.     

Self-organized filaments in dielectric barrier glow discharges

The filamentation of a plasma created by a dielectric barrier discharge in conditions of low pd products (i.e., Townsend breakdown and not streamer breakdown) is investigated both experimentally and with a two-dimensional numerical discharge model. Complex stationary and dynamical domains and filaments are observed experimentally. Some of the properties of these systems are reproduced by the model     

Optical properties of new 5-(4-phenylethynyl)-substituted-1,10-phenanthroline derivatives

The synthesis and optical properties of a novel family of 5-substituted-1,10-phenanthroline derivatives are reported herein. One carbon-carbon triple-bond function was introduced using a Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction. The effects on optical properties, of the substitution with electro-withdrawing or -donating substituents in the 5th position of the 1,10-phenanthroline are investigated. Experimental chemical structure-polarisability relationship is analyzed according to the Lippert-Mataga correlation and compared to a theoretical study carried out with DFT calculations. These compounds are promising candidates for a fine-tuning of the internal charge-transfers but also as potential nonlinear chromophores and ligands within multifunctional coordination complexes.     

239PuN powder neutron diffraction study

A powder neutron diffraction study has been carried out on ²³⁹PuN, which was reported to be antiferromagnetic below T = 13 K. No magnetic ordering has been detected at 4K, the limit of the magnetic ordering which could be detected being μ_ord = 0.25μ_B per Pu atom. Moreover a neutron scattering length determination of ²³⁹Pu was performed which gave a value of b_²³⁹Pu = (0.81 ± 0.05) × 10^-12 cm at neutron wavelength $\text{λ = 1.219}\text{A}\text{?}$.     

Positive and negative sawtooth signals applied to a DBD plasma actuator – influence on the electric wind

The influence of the electric signal shape applied to a surface dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) actuator is investigated in order to optimise the produced electric wind. This report also gives insights on the mechanisms involved in the electro-fluido-dynamic (EFD) operated by actuators based on atmospheric non-thermal discharges in air. The parameters of the electric signal that maximises the produced electric wind in quiescent air are investigated with a positive and negative sawtooth waveforms. The induced airflow properties are observed with a particle image velocimetry (PIV) set-up. The positive sawtooth waveform results in a more filamentary discharge and generates an electric wind with maximum velocities close to the active air exposed electrode. This contrasts with the negative sawtooth waveform that does not create as many filaments and induces electric wind velocities more homogeneously distributed along the dielectric surface. Even though the velocities values are of the same order, the shape of the vortex generated above the air exposed electrode is very dependant on the waveform.