Evolution of Langmuir waves in a plasma contaminated by variable-charge impurities

The propagation of Langmuir waves in nonisothermal plasmas contaminated by fine dust particles with variable charge is investigated for a self-consistent closed system. Dust charge relaxation, ionization, recombination, and collisional dissipation are taken into account. It is shown that the otherwise unstable coupling of the Langmuir and dust-charge relaxation modes becomes stable and the Langmuir waves are frequency down-shifted.

Propagating waves in polar coronal holes as seen by SUMER and EIS

Context. To study the dynamics of coronal holes and the role of waves in the acceleration of the solar wind, spectral observations were performed over polar coronal hole regions with the SUMER spectrometer on SoHO and the EIS spectrometer on Hinode. Aims. Using these observations, we aim to detect the presence of propagating waves in the corona and to study their properties. Methods. The observations analysed here consist of SUMER spectra of the Ne VIII 770 angstrom line (T = 0.6 MK) and EIS slot images in the Fe XII 195 angstrom line (T = 1.3 MK). Using the wavelet technique, we study line radiance oscillations at different heights from the limb in the polar coronal hole regions. Results. We detect the presence of long period oscillations with periods of 10 to 30 min in polar coronal holes. The oscillations have an amplitude of a few percent in radiance and are not detectable in line-of-sight velocity. From the time distance maps we find evidence for propagating velocities from 75 km s(-1) (Ne VIII) to 125 km s(-1)(Fe XII). These velocities are subsonic and roughly in the same ratio as the respective sound speeds. Conclusions. We interpret the observed propagating oscillations in terms of slow magneto-acoustic waves. These waves can be important for the acceleration of the fast solar wind.

Accelerating Waves in Polar Coronal Holes as Seen by EIS and SUMER

We present EIS/Hinode and SUMER/SOHO observations of propagating disturbances detected in coronal lines in inter-plume and plume regions of a polar coronal hole. The observation was carried out on 2007 November 13 as part of the JOP196/HOP045 program. The SUMER spectroscopic observation gives information about fluctuations in radiance and on both resolved (Doppler shift) and unresolved (Doppler width) line-of-sight velocities, whereas EIS 40 `'wide slot images detect fluctuations only in radiance but maximize the probability of overlapping field of view between the two instruments. From distance-time radiance maps, we detect the presence of propagating waves in a polar inter-plume region with a period of 15-20 minutes and a propagation speed increasing from 130 +/- 14 km s(-1) just above the limb to 330 +/- 140 km s(-1) around 160 `' above the limb. These waves can be traced to originate from a bright region of the on-disk part of the coronal hole where the propagation speed is in the range of 25 +/- 1.3 to 38 +/- 4.5 km s(-1), with the same periodicity. These on-disk bright regions can be visualized as the base of the coronal funnels. The adjacent plume region also shows the presence of propagating disturbances with the same range of periodicity but with propagation speeds in the range of 135 +/- 18 to 165 +/- 43 km s(-1) only. A comparison between the distance-time radiance map of the two regions indicates that the waves within the plumes are not observable (may be getting dissipated) far off-limb, whereas this is not the case in the inter-plume region. A correlation analysis was also performed to find out the time delay between the oscillations at several heights in the off-limb region, finding results consistent with those from the analysis of the distance-timemaps. To our knowledge, this result provides first spectroscopic evidence of the acceleration of propagating disturbances in the polar region close to the Sun (within 1.2 R/R-circle dot), which provides clues to the understanding of the origin of these waves. We suggest that the waves are likely either Alfvenic or fast magnetoacoustic in the inter-plume region and slow magnetoacoustic in the plume region. This may lead to the conclusion that inter-plumes are a preferred channel for the acceleration of the fast solar wind.

Thermodynamic measurements of b.c.c. Cr-Mn solid solutions at 1373 K

Thermodynamics of Cr-Mn alloys have been studied by Eremenko et al (l) using a fused salt e.m.f.technique. Their results indicate positive deviations from ideality at 1023 K. Kaufman (2) has independently estimated negative enthaipy and excess entropy for the b.c.c. Cr-Mn alloys, such that at high temperatures, the entropy term predominates over the enthalpy term giving positive deviations from ideality. Recently the thermodynamic properties of the alloys have been measured by 3acob (3) using a Knudsen cell technique in the temperature range of 1200 to 1500 K. The results indicate mild negative deviations from ideality over the entire composition range. Because of the differences in the reported results and Mn being a volatile component in the alloys which leads to surface depletion under a dynamic set up, an isopiestic technique is used to measure the properties of the alloys.

Solution of a Boundary-Value Problem associated with Diffraction of Water Waves by a Nearly Vertical Barrier

An exact solution is derived for a boundary-value problem for Laplace's equation which is a generalization of the one occurring in the course of solution of the problem of diffraction of surface water waves by a nearly vertical submerged barrier. The method of solution involves the use of complex function theory, the Schwarz reflection principle, and reduction to a system of two uncoupled Riemann-Hilbert problems. Known results, representing the reflection and transmission coefficients of the water wave problem involving a nearly vertical barrier, are derived in terms of the shape function.

A New Approach to the Problem of Scattering of Water Waves by Vertical Barriers

Using a modified Green's function technique the two well-known basic problems of scattering of surface water waves by vertical barriers are reduced to the problem of solving a pair of uncoupled integral equations involving the “jump” and “sum” of the limiting values of the velocity potential on the two sides of the barriers in each case. These integral equations are then solved, in closed form, by the aid of an integral transform technique involving a general trigonometric kernel as applicable to the problems associated with a radiation condition.

Propagating MHD Waves in Coronal Holes

Coronal holes are the coolest and darkest regions of the upper solar atmosphere, as observed both on the solar disk and above the solar limb. Coronal holes are associated with rapidly expanding open magnetic fields and the acceleration of the high-speed solar wind. During the years of the solar minima, coronal holes are generally confined to the Sun's polar regions, while at solar maxima they can also be found at lower latitudes. Waves, observed via remote sensing and detected in-situ in the wind streams, are most likely responsible for the wind and several theoretical models describe the role of MHD waves in the acceleration of the fast solar wind. This paper reviews the observational evidences of detection of propagating waves in these regions. The characteristics of the waves, like periodicities, amplitude, speed provide input parameters and also act as constraints on theoretical models of coronal heating and solar wind acceleration.

Bacterial transformation using micro-shock waves

Shock waves are one of the most competent mechanisms of energy dissipation observed in nature. We have developed a novel device to generate controlled micro-shock waves using an explosive-coated polymer tube. In this study, we harnessed these controlled micro-shock waves to develop a unique bacterial transformation method. The conditions were optimized for the maximum transformation efficiency in Escherichia coli. The maximum transformation efficiency was obtained when we used a 30 cm length polymer tube, 100 mu m thick metal foil, 200 mM CaCl(2), 1 ng/mu l plasmid DNA concentration, and 1 x 10(9) cell density. The highest transformation efficiency achieved (1 x 10(-5) transformants/cell) was at least 10 times greater than the previously reported ultrasound-mediated transformation (1 x 10(-6) transformants/cell). This method was also successfully employed for the efficient and reproducible transformation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhimurium. This novel method of transformation was shown to be as efficient as electroporation with the added advantage of better recovery of cells, reduced cost (40 times cheaper than a commercial electroporator), and growth phase independent transformation. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Selective colorimetric detection of nanomolar Cr (VI) in aqueous solutions using unmodified silver nanoparticles

In this study we present a colorimetric detection method for Cr (VI) in aqueous solution based on as synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) without surface functionalization. The method principle involves reduction of Cr (VI) to Cr (III) by excess reductant present in as synthesized Ag NP dispersion, and subsequent aggregation of Ag NPs by Cr (III) leading to red-shift of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak. The UV-vis absorption spectra. Zeta potentials, dynamic light scattering measurements, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the aggregation of the Ag NPs. Under the optimized conditions, a good linear relationship (correlation coefficient r=0.981) was obtained between the ratio of the absorbance at 550 nm to that at 390 nm (A(550/390)) and the concentration of Cr (VI) over the range of 10(-3)-10(-9) M 50 mg/L to 50 ng/L]. The reported probe has a limit of detection down to 1 nM, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the lowest ever reported for the colorimetric detection of Cr (VI). Furthermore, a remarkable feature of this method is that it involves a simple technique exhibiting high selectivity to Cr (VI) over other tested heavy metal ions. (C) 2012 Elsevier BM. All rights reserved.

Electronic structure origin of conductivity and oxygen reduction activity changes in low-level Cr-substituted (La, Sr)MnO3

The electronic structure of the (La0.8Sr0.2)(0.98)Mn1-xCrxO3 model series (x = 0, 0.05, or 0.1) was measured using soft X-ray synchrotron radiation at room and elevated temperature. O K-edge near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectra showed that low-level chromium substitution of (La, Sr)MnO3 resulted in lowered hybridisation between O 2p orbitals and M 3d and M 4sp valance orbitals. Mn L-3-edge resonant photoemission spectroscopy measurements indicated lowered Mn 3d-O 2p hybridisation with chromium substitution. Deconvolution of O K-edge NEXAFS spectra took into account the effects of exchange and crystal field splitting and included a novel approach whereby the pre-peak region was described using the nominally filled t(2g) up arrow state. 10% chromium substitution resulted in a 0.17 eV lowering in the energy of the t(2g) up arrow state, which appears to provide an explanation for the 0.15 eV rise in activation energy for the oxygen reduction reaction, while decreased overlap between hybrid O 2p-Mn 3d states was in qualitative agreement with lowered electronic conductivity. An orbital-level understanding of the thermodynamically predicted solid oxide fuel cell cathode poisoning mechanism involving low-level chromium substitution on the B-site of (La, Sr)MnO3 is presented. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.

Evaluación de cinco cepas de Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. phaseoli en el cultivo del frijol (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) var. Rev. 84

Esta investigación se realizó en el Centro Experimental "La Compañía" ubicada en San Marcos, Carazo, con el objetivo de evaluar la adaptabilidad de las cepas en las condiciones estudiadas, determinar cuál de las cepas es la más infectiva y efectiva en cuanto a la nodulación y determinar su efecto en el crecimiento y rendimiento del cultivo del frijol (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) var. Rev. 84. Los factores evaluados fueren 5 cepas de Rhisoblum leguminosearum by. phaseoli y 3 testigos: 1 Testigo Absoluto (no inoculado. no fertilizado) Y 2 Testigos Relativos (no inoculados y fertilizados). El diseño experimental utilizado fue el de bloques completos al azar (SCA), con 4 repeticiones. La parcela experimental del ensayo fue de 32 (8 m x 4 m), la distancia de siembra fue de 0.1 m entre plantas y 0.4 m entre surcos. Las variables analizadas fueron: número; eficiencia y peso seco de nódulos por planta, peso seco de área foliar y rendimiento. Los datos se procesaron usando análisis de varianza (AHUEVA) y se utilizó la prueba de rangos múltiples de DUNCAN (P ≤ 0. 05). No se observó diferencias significativas para las variables de nodulación y rendimiento, determinándose efecto significativo sólo para el peso seco de área foliar en la I y II etapa de evaluación Sin embargo, se determinó quo la cepa CR-436 fue la que presentó mayor infectividad en el sistema radicular y la cepa CIAT-899, la que presentó el mejor porcentaje de efectividad nodular y con la que se obtuvo el mayor promedio de peso seco de área foliar. El mejor rendimiento fue obtenido con la cepa CR-436.

Incremento de la productividad de frijol (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) a nivel de finca mediante la inoculación con Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. phaseoli

El efecto de una mezcla de tres cepas de Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar phaseoll (CIAT-613, CR-477 y KIM-5) relacionado con los factores limitantes del suelo (P, Ca, Cu, y Zn) sobre la simbiosis en tres variedades de Phaseolus vulgaris L. (DOR-364, ESTELI-90B y FIEVOLUCION-84) fue estudiado en un suelo Molisol y un Aluvial en las localidades de San Diego (Nandaime) y San Lorenzo (La Trinidad, Estelí), respectivamente, bajo condiciones de labranza convencional para ambas localidades. En la localidad de San Lorenzo se trabajó con las variedades DOR-364 y EST-908 con la corrección del cobre (factor A) y el zinc (factor 8), mientras que en la localidad de San Diego, el trabajo se realizó con las variedades DOR-364 y REVOLUCION-84 y la corrección del calcio (factor A) y el fósforo (factor 8), Ambos estudios se llevaron a cabo en época de postrera de 1994. En los dos ensayos la inoculación se hizo directamente a la semilla. Los tratamientos a evaluar fueron los siguientes: Alto nitrógeno, bajo nitrógeno como testigos (sin inocular), mezcla de inoculantes con (-A,-B), (+A,-B), (-A,+B), y (+A,+B) para un total de seis tratamientos por cada variedad. El diseño usado fue de bloques completos al azar (B.C.A). Las variables evaluadas fueron: Número y peso seco de nódulos, peso de materia seca de la planta en R6, peso de mil granos y rendimiento de grano en R9. Los datos se procesaron usando análisis de varianza (ANDEVA) y se utilizó la prueba de rangos múltiples de DUNCAN (P ≤ 0,05). Se observó a nivel general en ambos experimentos que la variedad introducida mostró un mayor rendimiento y que el mejor rendimiento de grano se obtuvo con el tratamiento en el que se usó alta dosis de nitrógeno y sin inocular. Por otro lado el rendimiento de frijol fue afectado negativamente por las aplicaciones de zinc en el caso del experimento en San Lorenzo. Para la localidad de San Diego se obtuvo respuesta positiva a las aplicaciones de fósforo junto con la mezcla de inoculantes usados. En los dos experimentos no se encontró respuesta significativa con el uso de la mezcla de inoculantes relacionados con los elementos limitantes del suelo comparado con los testigos.

Incremento de la productividad de frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) a nivel de finca mediante la inoculación con Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. Phaseoli

En el presente trabajo experimental se evaluó la respuesta a la inoculación de dos variedades de frijol común Phaseolus vulgaris L. con el objetivo de incrementar los rendimientos unitarios. Las variedades fueron DOR-364 y EST-90B, inoculadas con tres cepas de Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar phaseoli (CR-477, KIM-5 y CIAT-613) bajo condiciones de labranza convencional en la localidad de San Lorenzo, ubicada a 1O km del municipio de La Trinidad en el departamento de Estelí. Este estudio se realizó en dos etapas, postrera (1993) y primera (1994). En la primera etapa experimental se aplicó el inoculante al suelo al momento de la siembra y en la segunda etapa la inoculación se hizo a la semilla. En la primera etapa se utilizaron dos inoculantes (KIM-5 y CR-477) comparados con dos testigos sin inocular, con bajo nitrógeno (20 kg/ha de N) y el testigo sin inocular y el otro con alto nitrógeno (90 kg/ha de N en forma fraccionada). En la segunda etapa experimental, los tratamientos inoculados (KIM-5, CR-477, CIAT-613 y mezcla de las tres cepas), se compararon siempre con dos testigos sin inocular, uno sin nitrógeno y otro con alto nitrógeno (50 kg/ha de N). El diseño utilizado para ambas fases fue el de parcelas divididas (DPD). En el primer ensayo las variables medidas fueron número y peso seco de nódulos, peso seco de la parte aérea en las etapas R6 y R8 así como el rendimiento de grano. En el segundo ensayo se hicieron las mismas mediciones con la excepción del peso seco de la parte aérea en la etapa R8 del cultivo. En el primer experimento hubo respuesta significativa a la inoculación con las cepas evaluadas en la etapa R8 del cultivo, mientras que en el segundo experimento no hubo respuesta significativa en el peso seco de la parte aérea en esta etapa, en donde el mejor tratamiento fue el fertilizado con alto nitrógeno en el primer ensayo. En la primera fase del estudio, el rendimiento aunque no significativo, se vio favorecido con la fertilización nitrogenada para ambas variedades. En el segundo experimento se observó diferencias significativas en el rendimiento de grano, obteniéndose los más altos rendimientos con el tratamiento CR-477 en ambas variedades. En este estudio los tratamientos fertilizados presentaron menor rendimiento comparado con los tratamientos sin nitrógeno.

Integration of holographic sensors into microfluidics for the real-time pH sensing of L. casei metabolism

We describe developments in the integration of analyte specific holographic sensors into PDMS-based microfluidic devices for the purpose of continuous, low-impact monitoring of extra-cellular change in micro-bioreactors. Holographic sensors respond to analyte concentration via volume change, which makes their reduction in size and integration into spatially confined fluidics difficult. Through design and process modification many of these constraints have been addressed, and a microfluidics-based device capable of real-time monitoring of the pH change caused by Lactobacillus casei fermentation is presented as a general proof-of-concept for a wide array of possible devices.

High Aspect Ratio (L/D) Riser Viv Prediction Using Wake Oscillator Model

A two-dimensional (2-D) vortex-induced vibration (VIV) prediction model for high aspect ratio (LID) riser subjected to uniform and sheared flow is studied in this paper. The nonlinear structure equations are considered. The near wake dynamics describing the fluctuating nature of vortex shedding is modeled using classical van der Pol equation. A new approach was applied to calibrate the empirical parameters in the wake oscillator model. Compared the predicted results with the experimental data and computational fluid dynamic (CFD) results. Good agreements are observed. It can be concluded that the present model can be used as simple computational tool in predicting some aspects of VIV of long flexible structures. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.