Cold beam of isotopically pure Yb atoms by deflection using 1D-optical molasses

We demonstrate the generation of an isotopically pure beam of laser-cooled Yb atoms by deflection using 1D-optical molasses. Atoms in a collimated thermal beam are first slowed using a Zeeman slower. They are then subjected to a pair of molasses beams inclined at 45(a similar to) with respect to the slowed atomic beam. The slowed atoms are deflected and probed at a distance of 160 mm. We demonstrate the selective deflection of the bosonic isotope Yb-174 and the fermionic isotope Yb-171. Using a transient measurement after the molasses beams are turned on, we find a longitudinal temperature of 41 mK.

Dynamic Site Characterization and Correlation of Shear Wave Velocity with Standard Penetration Test `N' Values for the City of Agartala, Tripura State, India

Seismic site characterization is the basic requirement for seismic microzonation and site response studies of an area. Site characterization helps to gauge the average dynamic properties of soil deposits and thus helps to evaluate the surface level response. This paper presents a seismic site characterization of Agartala city, the capital of Tripura state, in the northeast of India. Seismically, Agartala city is situated in the Bengal Basin zone which is classified as a highly active seismic zone, assigned by Indian seismic code BIS-1893, Indian Standard Criteria for Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures, Part-1 General Provisions and Buildings. According to the Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi (2002), it is the highest seismic level (zone-V) in the country. The city is very close to the Sylhet fault (Bangladesh) where two major earthquakes (M (w) > 7) have occurred in the past and affected severely this city and the whole of northeast India. In order to perform site response evaluation, a series of geophysical tests at 27 locations were conducted using the multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) technique, which is an advanced method for obtaining shear wave velocity (V (s)) profiles from in situ measurements. Similarly, standard penetration test (SPT-N) bore log data sets have been obtained from the Urban Development Department, Govt. of Tripura. In the collected data sets, out of 50 bore logs, 27 were selected which are close to the MASW test locations and used for further study. Both the data sets (V (s) profiles with depth and SPT-N bore log profiles) have been used to calculate the average shear wave velocity (V (s)30) and average SPT-N values for the upper 30 m depth of the subsurface soil profiles. These were used for site classification of the study area recommended by the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program (NEHRP) manual. The average V (s)30 and SPT-N classified the study area as seismic site class D and E categories, indicating that the city is susceptible to site effects and liquefaction. Further, the different data set combinations between V (s) and SPT-N (corrected and uncorrected) values have been used to develop site-specific correlation equations by statistical regression, as `V (s)' is a function of SPT-N value (corrected and uncorrected), considered with or without depth. However, after considering the data set pairs, a probabilistic approach has also been presented to develop a correlation using a quantile-quantile (Q-Q) plot. A comparison has also been made with the well known published correlations (for all soils) available in the literature. The present correlations closely agree with the other equations, but, comparatively, the correlation of shear wave velocity with the variation of depth and uncorrected SPT-N values provides a more suitable predicting model. Also the Q-Q plot agrees with all the other equations. In the absence of in situ measurements, the present correlations could be used to measure V (s) profiles of the study area for site response studies.

Microstructure-hardness-fretting wear resistance correlation in ultrafine grained Cu-TiB2-Pb composites

The retention of the desired combination of mechanical/tribological properties in ultrafine grained materials presents important challenges in the field of bulk metallic composites. In order to address this aspect, the present work demonstrates how one can achieve a good combination of hardness and wear resistance in Cu-Pb-TiB2 composites, consolidated by spark plasma sintering at low temperatures ( < 500 degrees C). Transmission electron microscope (TEM) studies reveal ultrafine grains of Cu (100-400 nm) with coarser TiB2 particles (1-2 mu m) along with fine scale Pb dispersoid at triple junctions or at the grain boundaries of Cu. Importantly, a high hardness of around 2.2 GPa and relative density of close to 90% relative density (rho(theo)) have been achieved for Cu-15 wt% TiB2-10 wt% Pb composite. Such property theo, combination has never been reported for any Cu-based nanocomposite, by conventional processing route. In reference to the tribological performance, fretting wear tests were conducted on the sintered nanocomposites and a good combination of steady state COF (0.6-0.7) and wear rate (10-4 mm(3)/N m) were measured. An inverse relationship between wear rate and hardness was recorded and this commensurates well with Archard's relationship of abrasive wear. The formation of a wear-resistant delaminated tribolayer consisting of TiB2 particles and ultrafine oxide debris, (Cu, Fe, Ti)(x)O-y as confirmed from subsurface imaging using focused ion beam microscopy has been identified as the key factors for the low wear rate of these composites. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Molecular Dissection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Integration Host Factor Reveals Novel Insights into the Mode of DNA Binding and Nucleoid Compaction

Background: mIHF belongs to a subfamily of proteins, distinct from E. coli IHF. Results: Functionally important amino acids of mIHF and the mechanism(s) underlying DNA binding, DNA bending, and site-specific recombination are distinct from that of E. coli IHF. Conclusion: mIHF functions could contribute beyond nucleoid compaction. Significance: Because mIHF is essential for growth, the molecular mechanisms identified here can be exploited in drug screening efforts. The annotated whole-genome sequence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis revealed that Rv1388 (Mtihf) is likely to encode for a putative 20-kDa integration host factor (mIHF). However, very little is known about the functional properties of mIHF or the organization of the mycobacterial nucleoid. Molecular modeling of the mIHF three-dimensional structure, based on the cocrystal structure of Streptomyces coelicolor IHF duplex DNA, a bona fide relative of mIHF, revealed the presence of Arg-170, Arg-171, and Arg-173, which might be involved in DNA binding, and a conserved proline (Pro-150) in the tight turn. The phenotypic sensitivity of Escherichia coli ihfA and ihfB strains to UV and methyl methanesulfonate could be complemented with the wild-type Mtihf but not its alleles bearing mutations in the DNA-binding residues. Protein-DNA interaction assays revealed that wild-type mIHF, but not its DNA-binding variants, binds with high affinity to fragments containing attB and attP sites and curved DNA. Strikingly, the functionally important amino acid residues of mIHF and the mechanism(s) underlying its binding to DNA, DNA bending, and site-specific recombination are fundamentally different from that of E. coli IHF. Furthermore, we reveal novel insights into IHF-mediated DNA compaction depending on the placement of its preferred binding sites; mIHF promotes DNA compaction into nucleoid-like or higher order filamentous structures. We therefore propose that mIHF is a distinct member of a subfamily of proteins that serve as essential cofactors in site-specific recombination and nucleoid organization and that these findings represent a significant advance in our understanding of the role(s) of nucleoid-associated proteins.

Effects of Withania somnifera and Tinospora cordifolia Extracts on the Side Population Phenotype of Human Epithelial Cancer Cells: Toward Targeting Multidrug Resistance in Cancer

Recent reports suggest the existence of a subpopulation of stem-like cancer cells, termed as cancer stem cells (CSCs), which bear functional and phenotypic resemblance with the adult, tissue-resident stem cells. Side population (SP) assay based on differential efflux of Hoechst 33342 has been effectively used for the isolation of CSCs. The drug resistance properties of SP cells are typically due to the increased expression of ABC transporters leading to drug efflux. Conventionally used chemotherapeutic drugs may often leads to an enrichment of SP, revealing their inability to target the drug-resistant SP and CSCs. Thus, identification of agents that can reduce the SP phenotype is currently in vogue in cancer therapeutics. Withania somnifera (WS) and Tinospora cordifolia (TC) have been used in Ayurveda for treating various diseases, including cancer. In the current study, we have investigated the effects of ethanolic (ET) extracts of WS and TC on the cancer SP phenotype. Interestingly, we found significant decrease in SP on treatment with TC-ET, but not with WS-ET. The SP-inhibitory TC-ET was further fractionated into petroleum ether (TC-PET), dichloromethane (TC-DCM), and n-butyl alcohol (TC-nBT) fractions using bioactivity-guided fractionation. Our data revealed that TC-PET and TC-DCM, but not TC-nBT, significantly inhibited SP in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, flow cytometry-based functional assays revealed that TC-PET and TC-DCM significantly inhibited ABC-B1 and ABC-G2 transporters and sensitized cancer cells toward chemotherapeutic drug-mediated cytotoxicity. Thus, the TC-PET and TC-DCM may harbor phytochemicals with the potential to reverse the drug-resistant phenotype, thus improving the efficacy of cancer chemotherapy.

A micropolar peridynamic theory in linear elasticity

A state-based micropolar peridynamic theory for linear elastic solids is proposed. The main motivation is to introduce additional micro-rotational degrees of freedom to each material point and thus naturally bring in the physically relevant material length scale parameters into peridynamics. Non-ordinary type modeling via constitutive correspondence is adopted here to define the micropolar peridynamic material. Along with a general three dimensional model, homogenized one dimensional Timoshenko type beam models for both the proposed micropolar and the standard non-polar peridynamic variants are derived. The efficacy of the proposed models in analyzing continua with length scale effects is established via numerical simulations of a few beam and plane-stress problems. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Experimental Investigation on Switching Characteristics of High-Current Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors at Low Currents

Insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) are used in high-power voltage-source converters rated up to hundreds of kilowatts or even a few megawatts. Knowledge of device switching characteristics is required for reliable design and operation of the converters. Switching characteristics are studied widely at high current levels, and corresponding data are available in datasheets. But the devices in a converter also switch low currents close to the zero crossings of the line currents. Further, the switching behaviour under these conditions could significantly influence the output waveform quality including zero crossover distortion. Hence, the switching characteristics of high-current IGBTs (300-A and 75-A IGBT modules) at low load current magnitudes are investigated experimentally in this paper. The collector current, gate-emitter voltage and collector-emitter voltage are measured at various low values of current (less than 10% of the device rated current). A specially designed in-house constructed coaxial current transformer (CCT) is used for device current measurement without increasing the loop inductance in the power circuit. Experimental results show that the device voltage rise time increases significantly during turn-off transitions at low currents.

Magnetometry using Ramsey interferometry in a Yb atomic beam

We use the Ramsey separated oscillatory fields technique in a 400 degrees C thermal beam of ytterbium (Yb) atoms to measure the Larmor precession frequency (and hence the magnetic field) with high precision. For the experiment, we use the strongly allowed S-1(0) P-1(1) transition at 399 nm, and choose the odd isotope Yb-171 with nuclear spin I = 1/2, so that the ground state has only two magnetic sublevels m(F) = +/- 1/2. With a magnetic field of 22.2 G and a separation of about 400 mm between the oscillatory fields, the central Ramsey fringe is at 16.64 kHz and has a width of 350 Hz. The technique can be readily adapted to a cold atomic beam, which is expected to give more than an order-of-magnitude improvement in precision. The signal-to-noise ratio is comparable to other techniques of magnetometry; therefore it should be useful for all kinds of precision measurements such as searching for a permanent electric dipole moment in atoms.

Seismic intensity map of South India for estimated future earthquakes

In this study, an attempt has been made to prepare the seismic intensity map for south India considering the probable earthquakes in the region. Anbazhagan et al. (Nat Hazards 60:1325-1345, 2012) have identified eight probable future earthquake zones in south India based on rupture-based seismic hazard analysis. Anbazhagan et al. (Eng Geol 171:81-95, 2014) has estimated the maximum future earthquake magnitude at these eight zones using regional rupture character. In this study, the whole south India is divided into several grids of size 1(o) x 1(o) and the intensity at each grid point is calculated using the regional intensity model for the maximum earthquake magnitude at each of the eight zones. The intensity due to earthquakes at these zones is mapped and thus eight seismic intensity maps are prepared. The final seismic intensity map of south India is obtained by considering the maximum intensity at each grid point due to the estimated earthquakes. By looking at the seismic intensity map, one can expect slight to heavy damage due to the probable earthquake magnitudes. Heavy damage may happen close to the probable earthquake zones.

MIXED NORM ESTIMATES FOR THE RIESZ TRANSFORMS ON SU (2)

In this paper we prove mixed norm estimates for Riesz transforms on the group SU(2). From these results vector valued inequalities for sequences of Riesz transforms associated to Jacobi differential operators of different types are deduced.

Evaluación de la diversidad de macroinvertebrados edáficos en cinco microcuencas del Río Estelí y Río Viejo Nicaragua

En investigación se determinó la densidad, número de familia y composición de familias de macroinvertebrados encontradas en tres microcuencas de la Subcuenca del Río Estelí y dos microcuenca de la Subcuenca del Río Viejo. En el marco del proyecto UNA/CARE/MARENA/PIMCHAS, 2010. Al mismo tiempo se realizó comparación de la densidad con respecto al uso de suelo. De igual manera, se determinó el cambio de macroinvertebrados en tres profundidades de muestreo (hojarasca, 1 -10cmy 10-25cm) y se agruparon por sus hábitos alimenticios. Para la toma de datos se exploraron los macroinvertebrados en 171 monolitos de 20x20x25 cm repartidos en los sitios de acción del proyecto UNA-CARE-MARENA- PIMCHAS de las microcuencas El Coyote, Las Chichiguas, La Pita, La Laguneta y Tomabú. Los 2,920 individuos identificados se determinaron en 52 familias, 22 órdenes, 7 clases y 4 filums. El número de familias y su composición no varió significativamente entre microcuencas ni entre sitios. Las familias que obtuvieron los mayores valores de abundancia en general fueron: Carabidae, Staphylinidae, Curculionidae, miembros de la clase Diplopoda- d, Formicidae y Scolopendridae. La densidad y el número de familias no variaron significativamente en las tres profundidades estudiadas , pero sí varió la composición de familias. Los individuos con hábitos alimenticios fitófagos y depredadores, además de estar entre los grupos con más individuos por m2 , junto a los fungívoros y xilófagos, tuvieron la mayor variedad de familias. Los usos de tierra en donde se reportaron los mayores números de individuos por m 2 fueron de manera descendente: café con sombra, bosque, granos básicos y pasto. El número de familias no varió significativamente entre los usos, sin embargo la composición de familia si varió.

Prevalencia de Coccidiosis en lechones de patio de el casco urbano de Siguate-Olancho, Honduras

La Coccidiosis neonatal es una de las enfermedades producidas por protozoarios, cuyo agente causal en la especie porcina es la Isospora Suis. Se caracteriza por una invasión aguda al intestino delgado, con frecuencia atacando animales jóvenes, produciendo destrucción de los enterositos y la consiguiente diarrea blanca amarillenta cremosa en los lechones. En Honduras la aldea de Siguate se desconoce el impacto por Coccidiosis. Lo cual motivo a la realización de este trabajo que tiene por titulo: “PREVALENCIA DE COCCIDIOSIS EN LECHONES DE PATIO EN EL CASCO URBANO DE SIGUATE-OLANCHO, HONDURAS”, este estudio se realizo en la aldea de Siguate, municipio de Catacamas departamento de Olancho a 264 kilómetros sur este de la ciudad de Tegucigalpa Francisco Morazán, Honduras C.A., con una población de 71 mil habitantes y ubicado a 14ª 56” y 14ª 23” latitud norte y 86ª 19” longitud oeste, a una altura de 350msnm, presenta una temperatura promedio de 25ªc, con una humedad relativa de 67.66%, precipitación pluvial promedio anual de 1311.25, siendo el objetivo principal, Realizar un diagnostico parasitologico en las especie porcina através de la técnica de flotación, así como, también determinar la prevalencia en porcinos de patio en el casco urbano e identificar el comportamiento de la enfermedad en los porcinos de Siguate-Olancho, Honduras. Para lo cual se elaboraron formatos específicos para obtener datos generales de los lechones, se seleccionó una muestra de 171 lechones, elegidos solamente los que presentaban diarreas, a cada lechón se le realizo valoración clínica, se efectúo encuesta para valorar el historial de esta patología en el área de estudio, concluyendo con una muestra de heces diarreicas para ser analizadas posteriormente obteniendo los siguiente resultados. Que la Coccidiosis en lechones en el casco urbano de Siguate se presento mayormente en lechones menores de un mes con una prevalencia del 65%, que la enfermedad suele ser mortal cuando se presentaba con otras patologías ,como rotavirus, y en muchos casos se determinaron lechones positivos a Coccidiosis también resultaban positivos a rotavirus. No obviando que los cerdos que permanecían en hacinamiento y con prácticas de destete precoz, presentaron mayor numero de casos positivos de diarreas ocasionadas por Coccidiosis. En vista de ello se recomienda que la higiene y el control sanitario debe de ser integral (Limpieza química y limpieza mecánica), por lo que es saludable que residuos de alimentos (maschigue) sean revisados antes de su entrega y levantados los desperdicios al terminar para evitar la presencia de moscas. Aunque es de vital importancia para la producción de alimentos sano, confiable y seguro al consumo humano que tome control el Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería y desarrolle capacitaciones sobre la seguridad alimenticia para la comunidad de Siguate Honduras.

Efecto de cuatro densidades poblacionales y cuatro niveles de nitrógeno en el rendimiento del sorgo (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) variedad pinolero-1

El presente trabajo se desarrolló en el Centro Naciones de Granos Básicos “HUMBERTO TAPIA BARQUERO” campo experimental San Cristobal, Managua en el período comprendido de Junio a Septiembre de 1990. Los factores en estudio fueron cuatro niveles de nitrógeno (0, 45, 90 y 135 Kg N/ha) y cuatro densidades poblacionales (114,000, 171,000, 228,000 y 285,000 plantas/ha), con el objetivo de determinar el efecto de le densidad poblacional y de los niveles de nitrógeno sobre el rendimiento de grano del sorgo variedad PINOLERO 1, y determinar el efecto de les Interacciones de los factores en estudio en el rendimiento de grano. El diseño empleado fue parceles divididas con arreglo de tratamientos en bloques completos al azar con cuatro repeticiones, colocando le densidad poblacional en la parcele grande y los niveles de nitrógeno en la sub-parcela. En las variables analizadas no se observaron diferencias significativas exceptuando en la variable panojas cosechadas por parcela útil donde se observó el efecto de las densidades poblacionales. Los niveles de nitrógeno no ejercieron efecto significativo en ninguna de les variables. Para obtener mayor precisión en los resultados se hicieron pruebas de contraste ortogonales para les variables estudiadas, en las cuales no se encontró diferencias significativas. Los rendimientos más ellos se obtuvieron con le interacción de la densidad poblacional de 228,000 plantas/ha con el nivel de nitrógeno de 45 kg/ha. El más bajo se obtuvo con le interacción de la densidad poblacional de 228,000 plantas/ha y el nivel de nitrógeno de 135 kg/ha.

Fine scale structures from deformation of aluminium containing small alumina particles

Microstructures and mechanical properties have been studied in aluminium containing a fine dispersion of alumina particles, deformed by cold-rolling to strains between 1.4 and 3.5. The microstructure was characterised by TEM. The deformation structures evolved very rapidly, forming a nanostructured material, with fine subgrains about 0.2 μm in diameter and a fraction of high-angle boundaries which was already high at a strain of 1.4, but continued to increase with rolling strain. The yield stress and ductility of the rolled materials were measured in tension, and properties were similar for all materials. Yield stress measurements were correlated with estimates made using microstructural models. The role of small particles in forming and stabilising the deformation structure is discussed. This nanostructured cold-deformed alloy has mechanical properties which are usefully enhanced at comparatively low cost. This gives it, and similar particle-strengthened alloys, good potential for commercial exploitation. © 2002 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.