Functionally associated molecular genetic marker map construction in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

A molecular marker-based map of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) has been constructed through the use of polymorphisms associated with expressed sequence tags (ESTs). A pair-cross between genotypes from a North African ecotype and the cultivar Aurora was used to generate a two-way pseudo-testcross population. A selection of 157 cDNAs assigned to eight different functional categories associated with agronomically important biological processes was used to detect polymorphic EST–RFLP loci in the F1(NA6 × AU6) population. A comprehensive set of EST–SSR markers was developed from the analysis of 14,767 unigenes, with 310 primer pairs showing efficient amplification and detecting 113 polymorphic loci. Two parental genetic maps were produced: the NA6 genetic map contains 88 EST–RFLP and 71 EST–SSR loci with a total map length of 963 cM, while the AU6 genetic map contains 67 EST–RFLP and 58 EST–SSR loci with a total map length of 757 cM. Bridging loci permitted the alignment of homologous chromosomes between the parental maps, and a sub-set of genomic DNA-derived SSRs was used to relate linkage groups to the perennial ryegrass reference map. Regions of segregation distortion were identified, in some instances in common with other perennial ryegrass maps. The EST-derived marker-based map provides the basis for in silico comparative genetic mapping, as well as the evaluation of co-location between QTLs and functionally associated genetic loci.

Counterclockwise exhumation of a hot orogen: The Paleoproterozoic ultrahigh-temperature granulites in the North China Craton

Regional metamorphic belts provide important constraints on the plate tectonic architecture of orogens. We report here a detailed petrologic examination of the sapphirine-bearing ultra-high temperature (UHT) granulites from the Jining Complex within the Khondalite Belt of the North China Craton (NCC). These granulites carry diagnostic UHT assemblages and their microstructures provide robust evidence to trace the prograde, peak and retrograde metamorphic evolution. The P–T conditions of the granulites estimated from XMgGrt(Mg/Fe + Mg) − XMgSpr isopleth calculations indicate temperature above 970 °C and pressures close to 7 kbar. We present phase diagrams based on thermodynamic computations to evaluate the mineral assemblages and microstructures and trace the metamorphic trajectory of the rocks. The evolution from Spl–Qtz–Ilm–Crd–Grt–Sil to Spr–Qtz–Crd–Opx–Ilm marks the prograde stage. The Spl–Qtz assemblage appears on the low-pressure side of the P–T space with Spr–Qtz stable at the high-pressure side, possibly representing an increase in pressure corresponding to compression. The spectacular development of sapphirine rims around spinel enclosed in quartz supports this inference. An evaluation of the key UHT assemblages based on model proportion calculation suggests a counterclockwise P–T path. With few exceptions, granulite-facies rocks developed along collisional metamorphic zones have generally been characterized by clockwise exhumation trajectories. Recent evaluation of the P–T paths of metamorphic rocks developed within collisional orogens indicates that in many cases the exhumation trajectories follow the model subduction geotherm, in accordance with a tectonic model in which the metamorphic rocks are subducted and exhumed along a plate boundary. The timing of UHT metamorphism in the NCC (c. 1.92 Ga) coincides with the assembly of the NCC within the Paleoproterozoic Columbia supercontinent, a process that would have involved subduction of passive margins sediments and closure of the intervening ocean. Thus, the counterclockwise P–T path obtained in this study correlates well with a tectonic model involving subduction and final collisional suturing, with the UHT granulites representing the core of the hot or ultra-hot orogen developed during Columbia amalgamation.

Biosynthesis of coenzyme Q in microorganisms

Incorporation of mevalonate-2-C14, acetate-1-C14, and formate-C14 into the lipids of microorganisms was studied. In the case of four bacteria tested—Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Azotobacter vinelandii, Escherichia coli, and a Pseudomonas species—the various homologues of coenzyme Q present were not labeled with any of the tracers used, although significant amounts of radioactivity were present in the lipids. Both acetate and mevalonate were incorporated into coenzyme Q and sterol of the moulds, Aspergillus niger, Neurospora crassa, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Gibberella fujickuroi, and a yeast, Torulopsis utilis. Mevalonate was incorporated into the side chain but not the ring, whereas acetate was incorporated into both. It appears that the mevalonate pathway for the synthesis of coenzyme Q is operative only in those organisms which also contain other isoprene compounds such as sterol and carotene.

Competing magnetic interactions in a dinuclear Ni(II) complex: Antiferromagnetic O-H center dot center dot center dot O moiety and ferromagnetic N-3(-) ligand

Synthesis, structural characteristics, magnetic studies and DFT calculations in Ni(II) dinuclear complexes containing two bridging N-3(-) and an O-(HO)-O-... linkage reveal the existence of ferromagnetic interactions between Ni(II) centers via N-3(-) ligands and antiferromagnetic interactions through the H-bonded moiety. The overall magnetic behavior of the system depends on the delicate balance between these two competing interactions.

New transparent crystallized glasses with optical nonlinear LiBGeO4 crystals

Crystallization behaviors of the glass with a composition of 25Li(2)O.25B(2)O(3).50GeO(2) corresponding to lithium borogermanate LiBGeO4 have been examined. It has been confirmed that the LiBGeO4 crystalline phase is formed at the surface of heat-treated glasses. The second harmonic (SH) generation is found from transparent surface crystallized glasses, demonstrating for the first time that the LiBGeO4 phase shows optical nonlinearity. The SH intensity of LiBGeO4 crystallites (powdered state) prepared through crystallization is about ten times as large as that of pulverized alpha-quartz. The SH intensity of transparent crystallized glasses (bulk state) with crystalline layers of 3-4.5 mum thickness increases with increasing heat treatment temperature (540-560degreesC) and time (1-6 h), and the maximum SH intensity among the samples studied is in the order of 1/10 in comparison with that of alpha-quartz single crystal. The transparent crystallized glass obtained by heat treatment at 550alphaC for 3 h exhibits a clear and fine Maker fringe pattern, indicating a highly orientation of LiBGeO4 crystals at the surface.

High contrast imaging and thickness determination of graphene with in-column secondary electron microscopy

We report a new method for quantitative estimation of graphene layer thicknesses using high contrast imaging of graphene films on insulating substrates with a scanning electron microscope. By detecting the attenuation of secondary electrons emitted from the substrate with an in-column low-energy electron detector, we have achieved very high thickness-dependent contrast that allows quantitative estimation of thickness up to several graphene layers. The nanometer scale spatial resolution of the electron micrographs also allows a simple structural characterization scheme for graphene, which has been applied to identify faults, wrinkles, voids, and patches of multilayer growth in large-area chemical vapor deposited graphene. We have discussed the factors, such as differential surface charging and electron beam induced current, that affect the contrast of graphene images in detail. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. doi:10.1063/1.3608062]

Simulation of Influence of Bilayer Melting on Dynamics and Thermodynamics of Interfacial Water

We investigate the effect of bilayer melting transition on thermodynamics and dynamics of interfacial water using molecular dynamics simulation with the two-phase thermodynamic model. We show that the diffusivity of interface water depicts a dynamic crossover at the chain melting transition following an Arrhenius behavior until the transition temperature. The corresponding change in the diffusion coefficient from the bulk to the interface water is comparable with experimental observations found recently for water near 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) vesicles Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 13, 7732 (2011)]. The entropy and potential energy of interfacial water show distinct changes at the bilayer melting transition, indicating a strong correlation in the thermodynamic state of water and the accompanying first-order phase transition of the bilayer membrane. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.110.018303

The effect of alloy composition on instabilities in the beta phase of titanium alloys

A metastable nano-scale disordered precipitate with orthorhombic symmetry has been identified using high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. The phase, termed O', is metastable, formed by a shuffle mechanism involving a {110}<1<(1)over bar>0> transverse phonon wave in samples of Ti-26Nb-2Zr (at.%) quenched from the beta phase. The addition of 2% Zr to Ti-26Nb appears to suppress significantly the stability of both the {11 (2) over bar}<111> shear and 2/3 <111> longitudinal phonon wave but promotes the {110}<1<(1)over bar>0> transverse shuffle. This results in the nano-size O' phase being homogeneously formed in the parent beta phase matrix rather than the massive alpha `' phase. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A nano-scale instability in the beta phase of dilute Ti-Mo alloys

A nano-scale instability in the beta phase resulting in the formation of the disordered orthorhombic O' phase has been discovered in a fairly dilute binary Ti-Mo alloy, using selected area electron diffraction and high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. The O' phase informed in the alloy when the Mo content exceeds a critical value. The instability occurs in beta-solutionized samples that have been quenched to room temperature and is found to co-exist with athermal omega to phase. Interestingly, this nano-scale instability, involving the {110}<1<(1)over bar>0> soft-phonon shuffle, occurs in the beta phase without deliberate additions of either interstitial or substitutional solutes. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Strain-Induced Grain Refinement of Cobalt During Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment

The microstructural evolution during surface mechanical attrition treatment of cobalt (a mixture of hexagonal close packed (hep) and face-centered cubic (fcc) phases) was investigated. In order to reveal the mechanism of grain refinement and strain accommodation. The microstructure was systematically characterized by both cross-sectional and planar-view transmission electron microscopy. In the hcp phase, the process of grain refinement. Accompanied by an increase in strain imposed in the surface layer. Involved: (1) the onset of 110 111 deformation twinning, (2) the operation of (1 120) 110 1 0} prismatic and (1 120) (000 1) basal slip, leading to the formation of low-angle dislocation boundaries, and (3) the successive subdivision of grains to a finer and finer scale. Ressulting in the formation of highly misoriented nanocrystalline grains. Moreover. The formation of nanocrystalliies at the grain boundary and triple junction was also observed to occur concurrently with straining. By contrast. The fec phase accommodated strain in a sequence as follows: (1) slip of dislocations by forming intersecting planar arrays of dislocations, (2) {1 1 1} deformation twinning, and (3) the gamma(fcc) --> epsilon(hcp) martensitic phase transformation. The mechanism of grain refinement was interpreted in terms of the structural subdivision of grains together with dynamic recrystallization occurring in the hep phase and the gamma --> E: martensitic transformation in the fcc phase as well.

微桥结构铜膜杨氏模量和残余应力研究

采用MEMS(MicroelectromechanicalSystems)技术研制了铜 (Cu)膜微桥结构试样 ,应用陶瓷压条为承力单元 ,并与纳米压痕仪XP系统的Berkovich三棱锥压头相结合 ,解决了较宽Cu膜微桥加载问题。测量了微桥载荷与位移的关系 ,并结合微桥力学理论模型得到了Cu膜微桥的杨氏模量及残余应力 ,其值分别为 115 .2GPa和 19.3MPa ,与应用纳米压痕仪直接测得的带有Si基底的Cu膜杨氏模量 110± 1.6 7GPa相吻合。

Biossorção de tório e urânio pela macroalga marinha sargassum filipendula

Por ser um material de baixo custo e apresentar propriedades ligantes, a macroalga marinha Sargassum filipendula vem sendo utilizada como material biossorvente no processo de biossorção de metais. No presente trabalho a alga marrom foi utilizada no estudo cinético e de equilíbrio dos íons de tório e urânio individuais e os resultados comparados à biossorção desses metais em sistema binário. Os testes foram realizados nas concentrações 1 e 10 mg/L e pH= 1,0 e 4,0 na temperatura de 25 1C. A melhor condição para biossorção de tório foi encontrada para 1 mg/L e pH= 1,0, enquanto que para urânio foi em 1 mg/L e pH= 4,0. O estudo cinético de biossorção de tório mostrou que o modelo de segunda ordem descreve melhor os dados experimentais em 1 mg/L (R2= 0,9987) e 10 mg/L (R2= 0,9919) em pH= 1,0 e 1 mg/L (R2= 0,9976) em pH= 4,0, enquanto em 10 mg/L (R2= 0,9787) pH= 4,0 a curva encontrada representou uma cinética de primeira ordem. Para a cinética de urânio os dois modelos se adequaram bem aos dados em ambas as condições experimentais. O estudo de equilíbrio mostrou um perfil crescente de captação de tório, com uma remoção de 96% e 54% do metal em pH= 1,0 e 4,0, respectivamente, a partir da Co= 1 mg/L. A melhor eficiência de captação dos íons de urânio foi de 33% para Co= 100 mg/L em pH= 1,0 e 71% para Co= 1 mg/L em pH= 4,0. Os dados experimentais da isoterma de tório mostraram-se mais adequados ao modelo de Freundlich para pH= 1,0, enquanto que para o pH= 4,0 esses foram melhor representados pelo modelo de Langmuir, com valores de coeficiente de determinação superiores. Em relação à isoterma do urânio, o modelo de Freundlich representou bem os dados experimentais. Os parâmetros de equilíbrio calculados a partir do modelo de Langmuir (kL, qmax ) e Freundlich (kF, n) indicaram uma maior afinidade da biomassa pelos íons de tório em ambas as condições experimentais. O estudo de equilíbrio do sistema binário mostrou que a biossorção dos íons de tório não é afetada pela presença do urânio em solução. Por outro lado, a sorção do urânio foi fortemente afetada pela coexistência com os íons de tório.

Ba（NO3）2晶体受激拉曼散射的角度分布和脉冲压缩(英文)

报道了利用重复频率为30HZ，波长为532nm的Nd：YAG倍频激光单次通过抽运硝酸钡（Ba（NO3）2）晶体（晶体由水溶液降温法生长，长度为48mm，横截面为10mm×10mm），获得高效率的一阶（563nm），二阶（599nm）和三阶（639nm）斯托克斯光的实验结果．硝酸钡晶体沿着[110]晶轴方向切割．观测到一、二、三阶斯托克斯光呈锥形环分布，一、二、三阶斯托克斯光的散射外边缘与抽运光轴线间的夹角大小分别为1．7°，3．5°，5．0°．同时也观测到Ba（NO3）2的SRS角度分布与抽运光强度无关．

Spatial and temporal distribution of grouper larvae (Serranidae: Epinephelinae: Epinephelini) in the Gulf of Mexico and Straits of Florida

Little is known about the seasonality and distribution of grouper larvae (Serranidae: Epinephelini) in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean off the coast of the southeast United States. Grouper larvae were collected from a transect across the Straits of Florida in 2003 and 2004 and during the Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program spring and fall surveys from 1982 through 2005. Analysis of these larval data provided information on location and timing of spawning, larval distribution patterns, and interannual occurrence for a group of species not easily studied as adults. Our analyses indicated that shelf-edge habitat is important for spawning of many species of grouper—some species for which data were not previously available. Spawning for some species may occur year-round, but two peak seasons are evident: late winter and late summer through early fall. Interannual variability in the use of three important subregions by species or groups of species was partially explained by environmental factors (surface temperature, surface salinity, and water depth). A shift in species dominance over the last three decades from spring-spawned species (most of the commercial species) to fall-spawned species also was documented. The results of these analyses expand our understanding of the basic distribution and spawning patterns of northwest Atlantic grouper species and indicate a need for further examination of the changing population structure of individual species and species dominance in the region.