Multiblock redundancy analysis: interpretation tools and application in epidemiology

For the purpose of exploring and modeling the relationships between a dataset Y and several datasets () measured on the same individuals, multiblock Partial Least Squares is a regression technique which is widely used, particularly in process monitoring, chemometrics and sensometrics. In the same vein, a new multiblock method, called multiblock Redundancy Analysis, is proposed. It is introduced by maximizing a criterion that reflects the objectives to be addressed. The solution of this maximization problem is directly derived from the eigenanalysis of a matrix. In addition, this method is related to other multiblock methods. Multiblock modeling methods provide to the user a large spectrum of interpretation indices for the investigation of the relationships among variables and among datasets. They are related to the criterion to maximize and therefore directly derived from the maximization problem under consideration. The interest of multiblock Redundancy Analysis and the associated interpretation tools are illustrated using a dataset in the field of veterinary epidemiology. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

'Dispersible electrodes': a solution to slow response times of sensitive sensors

Herein, we introduce the concept of utilizing conductive gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles as 'dispersible electrodes', which serve as the active element in the selective capture and direct electro-analytical quantification of analytes. This concept reduces response times and decreases detection limits by bringing the sensor to the analyte rather than the conventional paradigm of the analyte finding the sensor.     

Biological impacts of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> on human lung cell lines A549 and H1299: particle size distribution effects

Increasing use of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles in many commercial applications has led to emerging concerns regarding the safety and environmental impact of these materials. In this study, we have investigated the biological impact of nano-TiO₂ (with particle primary size of 20 nm Aeroxide P25) on human lung cell lines in vitro and also the effect of particle size distribution on the particle uptake and apparent toxicity. The biological impact of nano-TiO₂ is shown to be influenced by the concentration and particle size distribution of the TiO₂ and the impact was shown to differ between the two cell lines (A549 and H1299) investigated herein. A549 cell line was shown to be relatively resistant to the total amount of TiO₂ particles uptaken, as measured by cell viability and metabolic assays, while H1299 had a much higher capacity to ingest TiO₂ particles and aggregates, with consequent evidence of impact at concentrations as low as 30–150 μg/mL TiO₂. Evidence gathered from this study suggests that both viability and metabolic assays (measuring metabolic and mitochondrial activities and also cellular ATP level) should be carried out collectively to gain a true assessment of the impact of exposure to TiO₂ particles.     

Alternative methods of producing photoionised plasmas in the laboratory

We present the conceptual design of a new experiment to reproduce the atomic kinetics of astrophysical photoionised plasmas in the laboratory. In particular the problems of the high densities usually found in laboratory experiments and the production of high colour temperature radiation fields are discussed and solutions presented. Following an analytic discussion, which allows one to find a combination of elements, one for the radiation source and one for the element to be photoionized, the proposed experiment is modelled using existing experimental data for the radiation source and a collisional-radiative model to calculate the photoionisation history. The results indicate that this approach is feasible with current experimental parameters and techniques.     

Green synthesis of para-Menthane-3,8-diol from Eucalyptus citriodora: Application for repellent products

A simple and efficient method was developed for the synthesis of para-Menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), a well-known repellent active against mosquitoes, from Eucalyptus citriodora essential oil by a treatment of citric acid in a biphasic medium (H₂O/essential oil). The E. citriodora contains as main component (+)-citronellal (74% in the present case), which cyclises (Prins reaction) to form cis/trans PMD isomers. As an example, an emulsion containing an aqueous solution of 7% citric acid and E. citriodora oil at 50°, conducted after 15 h stirring to 82% conversion of (+)-citronellal with a selectivity of 80% with the remaining presence of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes in the medium. Investigations of lasting protection on human volunteers are carried out using a cage test bioassay protocol and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. At 20% in ⁱPrOH, the new reaction mixture showed a complete protection of 303 min compared to 22 min with the pure essential oil. The modified oil was compared with N,N-diethyl-m-methylbenzamide (DEET), the most popular active used in repellent formulations. Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) of E. citriodora, the modified oil, PMD, DEET, and (+)-citronellal were performed and showed a slow evaporation rate for PMD and DEET as well as for the modified oil, which may explain their long lasting protection action.     

A Commentary on the Paper Titled “Relative Permeability Analysis of Tube Bundle Models”, by J. T. Bartley and D. W. Ruth,Transport in Porous Media 36(2): 161–187 (1999)

Transport in Porous Media -     

PERSISTENCE IN AN AGE-STRUCTURED POPULATION FOR A PATCH-TYPE ENVIRONMENT

A discrete-time model for an age-structured population in a patch-type environment is presented and analyzed. Comparison techniques for difference equations are used to find sufficient conditions for population persistence or extinction. The persistence and extinction theorem is used to define the critical patch number, the threshold for population persistence. Several examples are presented which illustrate the results of the theorems. The model is applied to a watersnake population.     

Wave reflection and transmission in beams containing delamination and inhomogeneity

This paper presents an analytical approach using higher order plate theories to determine wave reflections from and transmissions through a damaged region in a beam. The damaged region is either treated as two split beams or as an inhomogeneity. The reflection ratios and transmission ratios are found to depend strongly on the frequency of the incident flexural waves, as well as the size of the damage, which gives rise to strong stop/pass band behaviour. Using the spectral analysis method, the transient wave propagation in a beam with a part-through delamination is predicted and compared with experimental results, indicating a good agreement in the phases and amplitudes of both the reflected and transmitted waves.