Oxidation and oxygen diffusion in Ti-6al-4V alloy: improving measurements during sims analysis by rotating the sample

Titanium alloys are attractive to the industrial world, as they offer the benefits of low density, great corrosion resistance, and relatively good strength, making them viable candidates for a multitude of applications. However, above 500 °C, oxidation and oxygen diffusion in titanium alloys need to be taken into account as they change their microstructure and then their mechanical properties. Oxidations were carried out between 600 and 750 °C on a specific titanium alloy: an a-b annealed Ti-6Al-4V. Oxidation kinetics and oxygen diffusion in the matrix were studied. SIMS analyses were realized on rotating specimens of this two-phase polycrystalline alloy in order to reduce roughness. Composition profiles along the sample thickness were compared to microhardness measurements. SIMS mappings were realized on the smooth slopes of the crater

Biological markers for meat tenderness of the three main French beef breeds using 2-DE and MS approach

In order to identify new markers of beef tenderness, a proteomic analysis was performed on Longissimus thoracis muscle to compare two extreme groups in terms of meat tenderness, consisting of 10 animals each of the three main French beef breeds: Blond d’Aquitaine, Charolais, and Limousin. Animals were grouped on the basis of an index combining a tenderness score estimated by a trained panel and mechanical shear force measurement (Warner-Bratzler). The large number of available experimental animals (more than 3,300 young bulls) allowed animals with different meat tenderness but similar main muscle characteristics (fibers, collagen, and lipids) to be chosen. The muscle proteins of the extreme groups considered 24 h after slaughter were analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis, statistical analysis, and mass spectrometry. Potential markers of tenderness were suggested for each breed; their marker status varied according to the breed. Only α actin appeared to be a potential marker of tenderness in the three studied breeds. We focused particularly on different abundances of HSP27 and Troponin T fast isoforms between tenderness groups and according to breed