Dynamic recovery and recrystallization during high-temperature tensile deformation of a free-standing Pt-aluminide bond coat

Free-standing Pt-aluminide (PtAl) bond coat, when subjected to tensile testing at high temperatures (T >= 900 degrees C), exhibits significant decrease in strength and increase in ductility during deformation at strains exceeding that corresponding to the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), i.e., in the post-UTS regime. The stress-strain curve is also marked by serrations in this regime. Electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies suggest dynamic recovery and recrystallization (DRR) as the mechanisms for the observed tensile behavior in the coating. Activation energy values suggest vacancy diffusion assists DRR. The fine recrystallized grains formed after deformation had a strong < 110 > texture. (c) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Turing and animal coat patterns

The present article describes a beautiful contribution of Alan Turing to our understanding of how animal coat patterns form. The question that Turing posed was the following. A collection of identical cells (or processors for that matter), all running the exact same program, and all communicating with each other in the exact same way, should always be in the same state. Yet they produce nonhomogeneous periodic patterns, like those seen on animal coats. How does this happen? Turing gave an elegant explanation for this phenomenon, namely that differences between the cells due to small amounts of random noise can actually be amplified into structured periodic patterns. We attempt to describe his core conceptual contribution below.

Phase transformation of ZrO2:Tb3+ nanophosphor: Color tunable photoluminescence and photocatalytic activities

The current study involves synthesis of a series of Tb3+ doped ZrO2 nanophosphors by solution combustion method using oxalyl dihydrazide as fuel. The as-formed ZrO2:Tb3+ nanophosphors having different concentrations of Tb3+ (1-11 mol%) were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-Visible spectroscopic techniques and the materials were subjected to photoluminescence and photocatalytic dye decolorization studies. The PXRD analysis indicates the formation of tetragonal symmetry up to 5 mol% concentration of Tb3+. Further increase in Tb3+ concentration has lead to cubic phase formation and the same was confirmed by Rietveld refinement analysis. SEM images revealed that material was highly porous in nature comprising of large voids and cracks with irregular morphology. TEM and SAED images clearly confirm the formation of high quality tetragonal nanocrystals. The emissive properties of nanophosphors were found to be dependent on Tb3+ dopant concentration. The green emission of the material was turned to white emission with the increase of Tb3+ ion concentration. The photocatalytic activities of these nanophosphors were probed for the decolorization of Congo red under UV and Sunlight irradiation. All the photocatalysts showed enhanced activity under UV light compared to Sunlight. The photocatalyst with 7 mol% Tb3+ showed enhanced activity attributed to effective separation of charge carriers due to phase transformation from tetragonal to cubic. The influence of crystallite size and PL on charge carrier trapping-recombination dynamics was investigated. The study successfully demonstrates synthesis of tetragonal and cubic ZrO2:Tb3+ green nanophosphors with superior photoluminescence and photocatalytic activities. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multispectral Bayesian reconstruction technique for real-time two color fluorescence microscopy

We have developed a real-time imaging method for two-color wide-field fluorescence microscopy using a combined approach that integrates multi-spectral imaging and Bayesian image reconstruction technique. To enable simultaneous observation of two dyes (primary and secondary), we exploit their spectral properties that allow parallel recording in both the channels. The key advantage of this technique is the use of a single wavelength of light to excite both the primary dye and the secondary dye. The primary and secondary dyes respectively give rise to fluorescence and bleed-through signal, which after normalization were merged to obtain two-color 3D images. To realize real-time imaging, we employed maximum likelihood (ML) and maximum a posteriori (MAP) techniques on a high-performance computing platform (GPU). The results show two-fold improvement in contrast while the signal-to-background ratio (SBR) is improved by a factor of 4. We report a speed boost of 52 and 350 for 2D and 3D images respectively. Using this system, we have studied the real-time protein aggregation in yeast cells and HeLa cells that exhibits dot-like protein distribution. The proposed technique has the ability to temporally resolve rapidly occurring biological events.

A matrix model for QCD: QCD color is mixed

We use general arguments to show that colored QCD states when restricted to gauge invariant local observables are mixed. This result has important implications for confinement: a pure colorless state can never evolve into two colored states by unitary evolution. Furthermore, the mean energy in such a mixed colored state is infinite. Our arguments are confirmed in a matrix model for QCD that we have developed using the work of Narasimhan and Ramadas(3) and Singer.(2) This model, a (0 + 1)-dimensional quantum mechanical model for gluons free of divergences and capturing important topological aspects of QCD, is adapted to analytical and numerical work. It is also suitable to work on large N QCD. As applications, we show that the gluon spectrum is gapped and also estimate some low-lying levels for N = 2 and 3 (colors). Incidentally the considerations here are generic and apply to any non-Abelian gauge theory.

A coat of many scents: Cuticular hydrocarbons in multitrophic interactions of fig wasps with ants

The fig fig wasp system of Ficus racemosa constitutes an assemblage of galler and parasitoid wasps in which tritrophic interactions occur. Since predatory ants (Oecophylla smaragdina and Technomyrmex albipes) or mostly trophobiont-tending ants (Myrmicaria brunnea) were previously shown to differentially use volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from figs as proximal cues for predation on fig wasps, we examined the response of these ants to the cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) of the wasps. CHC signatures of gallers were distinguished from those of parasitoids by the methyl-branched alkanes 5-methylpentacosane and 13-methylnonacosane which characterised trophic group membership. CHC profiles of wasp predator and wasp prey were congruent suggesting that parasitoids acquire CHCs from their prey; the CHC composition of the parasitoid Apocrypta sp 2 clustered with that of its galler host Apocryptophagus fusca, while the CHC profile of the parasitoid Apocryptophagus agraensis clustered with its galler prey, the fig pollinator Ceratosolen fusciceps. In behavioural assays with ants, parasitoid CHC extracts evoked greater response in all ant species compared to galler extracts, suggesting that parasitoid CHC extracts contain more elicitors of ant behaviour than those of plant feeders. CHCs of some wasp species did not elicit significant responses even in predatory ants, suggesting chemical camouflage. Contrary to earlier studies which demonstrated that predatory ants learned to associate wasp prey with specific fig VOCs, prior exposure to fig wasp CHCs did not affect the reaction of any ant species to these CHCs. (C) 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Boron-doped carbon nanoparticles: Size-independent color tunability from red to blue and bioimaging applications

Here, we report the hydrothermal synthesis of boron-doped CNPs (B-CNPs) with different size/atomic percentage of doping and size-independent color tunability from red to blue. The variation of size/atomic percentage of B is achieved by simply varying the reaction time, while the color tunability is obtained by diluting the solution. With dilution, the luminescence spectra are not only blue-shifted, the intensity increases as well. The huge blue-shift in the emission energy (similar to 1 eV) is believed to be due to the increase in the interparticle distance. The quantum yield with optimum dilution is found to increase with boron doping though it is very low as compared to CNPs and nitrogen-doped CNPs. Finally, we show that B-CNPs with a quantum yield of 0.5% can be used for bioimaging applications. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

YIn0.9Mn0.1O3-ZnO nano-pigment exhibiting intense blue color with impressive solar reflectance

The current study reports on the synthesis and characterization of a new inorganic nano-pigment with an intense blue color and high solar radiation reflective properties (70%). The nano-pigment YIn0.9Mn0.1O3-ZnO was synthesized by a sol-gel combustion method and characterized with the aid of X-Ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Magnetic susceptibility, Transmission electron microscopy, UV ndash;vis-NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and CIE-1976 L*a*b* color measurements. The Rietveld refinement of the XRD patterns of the developed nano-pigment disclosed the existence of YIn0.9Mn0.1O3 and ZnO in a 1:1 ratio with hexagonal crystal structures. For comparison, YIn0.9Mn0.1O3 was also synthesized by the sol gel combustion route and its optical properties compared with that of YIn0.9Mn0.1O3-ZnO. It is interesting to note that the developed YIn0.9Mn0.1O3-ZnO nano-pigmeht exhibits superior blue hue (b* = -40.55) and solar reflectance (R* = 70%) values as compared to the YIn0.9Mn0.1O3 nano-pigment (b* = -22.28, R* = 50%). Most importantly, the potential utility of the nano-pigment as a ``Cool Pigment'' was demonstrated by coating onto roofing materials like aluminum roofing sheets. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structural studies on tobacco streak virus coat protein: Insights into the pleomorphic nature of ilarviruses

Tobacco streak virus (TSV), the type member of Ilarvirus genus, is a major plant pathogen. TSV purified from infected plants consists of a ss-RNA genome encapsidated in spheroidal particles with diameters of 27, 30 and 33 nm constructed from multiple copies of a single species of coat protein (CP) subunits. Apart from protecting the viral genome, CPs of ilarviruses play several key roles in the life cycle of these viruses. Unlike the related bromo and cucumoviruses, ilarvirus particles are labile and pleomorphic, which has posed difficulties in their crystallization and structure determination. In the current study, a truncated TSV-CP was crystallized in two distinct forms and their structures were determined at resolutions of 2.4 angstrom and 2.1 angstrom, respectively. The core of TSV CP was found to possess the canonical beta-barrel jelly roll tertiary structure observed in several other viruses. Dimers of CP with swapped C-terminal arms (C-arm) were observed in both the crystal forms. The C-arm was found to be flexible and is likely to be responsible for the polymorphic and pleomorphic nature of TSV capsids. Consistent with this observation, mutations in the hinge region of the C-arm that reduce the flexibility resulted in the formation of more uniform particles. TSV CP was found to be structurally similar to that of Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) accounting for similar mechanism of genome activation in alfamo and ilar viruses. This communication represents the first report on the structure of the CP from an ilarvirus. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Structural studies on chimeric Sesbania mosaic virus coat protein: Revisiting SeMV assembly

The capsid protein (CP) of Sesbania mosaic virus (SeMV, a T=3 plant virus) consists of a disordered N-terminal R-domain and an ordered S-domain. Removal of the R-domain results in the formation of T=1 particles. In the current study, the R-domain was replaced with unrelated polypeptides of similar lengths: the B-domain of Staphylococcus aureus SpA, and SeMV encoded polypeptides P8 and P10. The chimeric proteins contained T=3 or larger virus-like particles (VLPs) and could not be crystallized. The presence of metal ions during purification resulted in a large number of heterogeneous nucleoprotein complexes. N Delta 65-B (R domain replaced with B domain) could also be purified in a dimeric form. Its crystal structure revealed T=1 particles devoid of metal ions and the B-domain was disordered. However, the B-domain was functional in N Delta 65-B VLPs, suggesting possible biotechnological applications. These studies illustrate the importance of N-terminal residues, metal ions and robustness of the assembly process. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluación preliminar de sesenta y tres lineas avanzadas de frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) de grano color negro en la Estación Experimental La Compañía, Carazo

El experimento fue establecido en la estación experimental “La Compañía”, San Marcos, Departamento de Carazo, Nicaragua, durante la época de postrera (Octubre-Diciembre) de 2003, con los objetivos de identificar genotipos de frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L) con mejores resultados en cuanto a rendimiento, evaluar las principales características fenológicas y determinar la incidencia y severidad de las principales enfermedades. Las líneas estudiadas provienen del vivero de adaptación centroamericano de grano negro (VIDAC-Negro-2003). Se utilizó un testigo, la variedad Guaymí; el diseño empleado fue el de ensayo preliminar, el cual consistió en un surco por línea de 3m de longitud con el testigo intercalado cada 9 surcos. Los análisis estadísticos realizados a los datos fueron: media, desviación estándar, coeficiente de variación, distribución de frecuencias y correlaciones Pearson. Entre los caracteres evaluados se midieron 13 variables, 3 sobre fenología, hábito de crecimiento, cinco sobre el rendimiento y sus componentes y enfermedades, entre las cuales se evaluaron mustia hilachosa y mancha de la hoja. Se observaron amplios rangos de comportamiento sobre fenología, rendimiento y sus componentes y enfermedades. Respecto a las variables fenológicas se observaron rangos de 33 a 40 dds en el número de días a floración, los días a madurez fisiológica oscilaron entre 63 y 72 dds y los días a cosecha entre 70 y 83 dds. Respecto al hábito de crecimiento las líneas fueron en su totalidad indeterminadas (IIa y IIb), en su mayoría IIb. En cuanto a los componentes del rendimiento el número de vainas por planta osciló entre 1 y 15.6, el número de granos por vaina entre 3.1 y 6.5, las plantas cosechadas entre 8 y 40 y el peso de 100 granos entre 12.31 y 30.25 g. Respecto al rendimiento relativo osciló entre 7.86205.88 %, encontrándose 15 líneas que superaron al testigo. La mayoría de los materiales presentaron severidad a mustia hilachosa con valores de 1 a 6, para mancha de la hoja la severidad osciló entre 2 y 5.

Caracterización y evaluación de siete genotipos de frijol común grano color rojo (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) en la Estación Experimental La Compañía, Carazo, 2004-2005

El presente ensayo se realizó en el centro experimental La Compañía, San Marcos Departamento de Carazo, Nicaragua en la época de primera (junio–agosto del 2004), con el fín de caracterizar y evaluar el comportamiento de 7 genotipos de frijol rojo, proporcionadas por el Programa Internacional de Viveros de Adaptación y Rendimiento, del Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT) , en coordinación con el Instituto Nicaragüense de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Fue establecido un diseño de bloques completamente al azar con tres repeticiones; el tamaño de la muestra fue de 10 plantas para caracteres cuantitativos y para los cualitativos se basó en el aspecto de predominancia de caracteres. Se realizó el análisis de varianza y la separación de medias por Tukey al 95% de confianza para las variables del rendimiento y sus componentes; así como la media, desviación estándar y coeficiente de variación para caracteres relacionados al desarrollo y crecimiento. Fueron evaluados 18 caracteres cuantitativos y 15 cu alitativos. De acuerdo con los resultados la semilla se clasificó como pequeña, con forma ovoidea, alargada ovoidea y arriñonada recta en el lado del hilo, esta última con mayor frecuencia; el grano presentó color, rojo claro con testa brillante y rojo marrón oscuro con testa intermedio, predominan do el color rojo claro con testa brillante. Los análisis estadísticos indican que solo dos genotipos difirieron estadísticamente en cuanto al rendimiento, obteniendo el mayor valor el SRC 1-12-1-43 con 2203.9 kg ha -1 , no mostrando diferencias estadísticas las demás variables relacionadas. Todos los genotipos mostraron hábito de crecimiento arbustivo indeterminado (IIb). Respecto a las variables fenológicas se observaron rangos de 36 a 38 dds para el número de días a floración, los días a madurez fisiológica oscilaron entre 62 y 68 dds y los días a cosecha entre 66 y 72 dds, ubicándose de esta manera como materiales precoces. Todos los materiales presentaron daños de las enfermedades mustia hilachosa ( Thanatephorus cucumeris Frank) y mancha angular ( Isariopsis griseola Sacc) con niveles de severidad intermedia con excepción de los genotipos SRC 1-12-1-43 y MPN 103-25, que mostraron susceptibilidad a la mustia hilachosa; sin embargo estos alcanzaron los mayores rendimientos.

Evaluación de dieciseis genotipos de frijol comun de color negro (Phaseolus vulgaris, L.) en epoca de apante, Yasica Sur, San Ramón, Matagalpa

El presente ensayo se realizó en Yasica Sur, San Ramón, Matagalpa, en época de apante del 23 de Noviembre del 2002 al 24 de Febrero del 2003, con el objetivo de evaluar el comportamiento agronómico de 16 genotipos de fríjol común de grano color negro (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) a las condiciones de la localidad, a fin de encontrar alternativas de materiales genéticos para pequeños y medianos productores de frijol común. Para el estudio se utilizó un diseño experimental unífactorial en bloques completos al azar (B.C.A) con 4 repeticiones y 16 tratamientos. Los resultados de campo se procesaron mediante el programa sistema análisis estadístico (SAS V.8), la prueba de rango múltiple de Tukey al 0.01 por ciento de error para las variables evaluadas y correlación de Person para las mismas variables. Con base en los datos obtenidos se puede afirmarque, los componentes del rendimiento grano por vainas, vainas plantas y peso de 100 granos presentaron diferencias significativas; sin embargo, la variable del rendimiento de los genotipos no muestra diferencias significativas entre sí. El análisis de correlación múltiple efectuado a las variables fenológicas mostró diferencias significativas en días a flor, madurez fisiológica y días a cosechas. Los principales hábitos de crecimiento que se presentaron entre los materiales fueron indeterminados IIb y IIIb, a diferencia del genotipo B2059 con hábito indeterminado Ib. Los genotipos evaluados con relación a enfermedades fúngicas mostraron resistencia a Roya (Uromyces appendiculatus. Pers.Unger.), Mancha angular (Isariopsis griseolas Sacc) y Tizón bacteriano o bacteriosis común (Xanthomonas campestrispv.phaseoli). .

Reflection of shock-wave in pur foam from rigid wall

Keller proposed that a building, a mechanical installation or a body wrapped bya layer of foam plastics may be an efficient means for protection from damage ofblast wave. However, the practical effect was beyond expectation. For example, agunner wearing the foam plastics-padded waistcoat was injured more seriously by theblast wave from a muzzle. Monti took the foam plastics as homogeneous two-phasemedium and analyzed it with the theory of dusty flow. The obtained results showthat the peak pressure behind the reflected shock wave from rigid wall with foamcoat exceeds obviously that without foam coat under the same condition. Gel'fand,Patz and Weaver made experimental observations by means of shock tubes and veri-