Lattice Dynamics and the High Pressure Equation of State of Au

Elastic constants and zone-boundary phonon frequencies of gold are calculated by total energy electronic structure methods to twofold compression. A generalized force constant model is used to interpolate throughout the Brillouin zone and evaluate moments of the phonon distribution. The moments are used to calculate the volume dependence of the Gruneisen parameter in the fcc solid. Using these results with ultrasonic and shock data, we formulate the complete free energy for solid Au. This free energy is given as a set of closed form expressions, which are valid to compressions of at least V/V_0 = 0.65 and temperatures up to melting. Beyond this density, the Hugoniot enters the solid-liquid mixed phase region. Effects of shock melting on the Hugoniot are discussed within an approximate model. We compare with proposed standards for the equation of state to pressures of ~200 GPa. Our result for the room temperature isotherm is in very good agreement with an earlier standard of Heinz and Jeanloz.Comment: 13 pages, 8 figures. Accepted by Phys. Rev.

Exploration of intraclonal adaptation mechanisms of Pseudomonas brassicacearum facing cadmium toxicity

Pseudomonas brassicacearum forms phenotypic variants in vitro as well as in planta during root colonization under natural conditions, leading to subpopulations (phase I and II cells) that differ in colony morphology and production of exoenzymes/secondary metabolites. The maximal concentration of cadmium allowing both variants growth was 25 μM; however, phase II cells accumulated fivefold higher Cd than phase I cells, even though both variants showed the same growth rate and kinetics, comprising a long stasis period (50 h). The whole transcriptome analysis of both variants in response to Cd was investigated using the home-made DNA microarrays. This analysis revealed completely different adaptation mechanisms developed by each variant to withstand and grow in the presence of the toxic. A re-organization of the cell wall to limit Cd entrance was noticed for phase I cells, as genes encoding levan exopolymers were downregulated at the expense of an upregulation of genes encoding alginate, and an upregulation of transporters such as cadA, and a downregulation of copper transporters. Phase II cells were unable to prevent Cd entrance and recruited genes under the control of oxyR and soxR regulation to face osmotic and oxidant stresses generated by Cd. Putrescine and spermidine metabolism appeared to play a central role in Cd tolerance. Microarray data were validated by biological analyses such as motility, oxidative stress assay, metabolite profiling with ICR-FT/MS and UPLC, capillary electrophoresis analysis of biogenic amines

Patterns of thermal preference and Visual Thermal Landscaping model in the workplace

The main purpose of research on occupant behaviour is to enhance building energy performance. However, it is difficult to reduce the energy use without understanding the occupant, their needs and preferences. Individual differences and preferences for the thermal environment in relation to the spatial context are overlooked in the main stream of research. This study investigates the patterns of occupant thermal preference based on individual differences in perceiving the thermal environment to enhance user comfort and energy performance. A novel method of Visual Thermal Landscaping is used, which is a qualitative method to analyse occupant comfort and user behaviour according to the spatial context. This method drives away from the notion of ‘thermal neutrality’ and generic results, rather it opens to details and meaning through a qualitative analysis of personal-comfort, based on individual differences and spatial context information. Field test studies of thermal comfort were applied in five office buildings in the UK, Sweden and Japan with overall 2,313 data sets. The primary contribution of the study was the recognition of four patterns of thermal preference, including consistent directional preference; fluctuating preference; high tolerance and sensitive to thermal changes; and high tolerance and not-sensitive to thermal changes. The results were further examined in a longitudinal field test study of thermal comfort. In several cases, occupant thermal comfort and preferences were observed to be influenced by the impact of outdoor conditions, when the windows were fixed. Practical solutions for research, practice and building design were recommended with direct implications on occupant comfort and energy use

Biocontrol of Pythium in the pea rhizosphere by antifungal metabolite producing and non-producing Pseudomonas strains

The definitive version is available at www.blackwell-synergy.com. Copyright Blackwell Publishing DOI : 10.1046/j.1365-2672.2001.01260.xFour well-described strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens were assessed for their effect upon pea growth and their antagonistic activity against large Pythium ultimum inocula. The effect of Pseudomonas strains upon the indigenous soil microflora, soil enzyme activities and plant growth in the presence and absence of Pythium is assessed. Pythium inoculation reduced the shoot and root weights, root length, and the number of lateral roots. The effect of Pythium was reduced by the Pseudomonas strains as follows: F113, SBW25 and CHAO increased the shoot weights (by 20%, 22% and 35% respectively); strains Q2-87, SBW25 and CHAO increased root weights (14%, 14% and 52%); Strains SBW25 and CHAO increased the root lengths (19% and 69%), and increased the number of lateral roots (14% and 29%). All the Pseudomonas strains reduced the number of lesions and the root and soil Pythium populations, whilst SBW25 and CHAO increased the number of lateral roots. Pythium inoculation increased root and soil microbial populations but the magnitude of this effect was Pseudomonas strain specific. Pythium increased the activity of C, N and P cycle enzymes, whilst the Pseudomonas strains reduced this effect, indicating reduced plant damage. Overall, strains SBW25 and CHAO had the greatest beneficial characteristics as these strains produced the greatest reductions in the side effects of Pythium infection (microbial populations and enzyme activities) and resulted in significantly improved plant growth. Surprisingly strain SBW25 does not produce antifungal metabolites, and its biocontrol activity was related to a greater colonisation ability in the rhizosphere.Peer reviewe