Binary Star Evolution in Different Environments: Filamentary, Fractal, Halo and Tidal-tail Clusters

Using membership of 85 open clusters from previous studies (Pang et al. 2021a,b, 2022b; Li et al. 2021) based on Gaia DR3 data, we identify binary candidates in the color-magnitude diagram, for systems with mass ratio q > 0.4. The binary fraction is corrected for incompleteness at different distances due to the Gaia angular resolution limit. We find a decreasing binary fraction with increasing cluster age, with substantial scatter. For clusters with a total mass > 200$M_\odot$, the binary fraction is independent of cluster mass. The binary fraction depends strongly on stellar density. Among four types of cluster environments, the lowest-density filamentary and fractal stellar groups have the highest mean binary fraction: 23.6% and 23.2%, respectively. The mean binary fraction in tidal-tail clusters is 20.8%, and is lowest in the densest halo-type clusters: 14.8%. We find clear evidence of early disruptions of binary stars in the cluster sample. The radial binary fraction depends strongly on the cluster-centric distance across all four types of environments, with the smallest binary fraction within the half-mass radius $r_h$, and increasing towards a few $r_h$. Only hints of mass segregation is found in the target clusters. The observed amount of mass segregation is not significant to generate a global effect inside the target clusters. We evaluate the bias of unresolved binary systems (assuming a primary mass of 1$M_\odot$) in 1D tangential velocity, which is 0.1-1$\,\rm km\,s^{-1}$. Further studies are required to characterize the internal star cluster kinematics using Gaia proper motions

Mitigation of Vortex-Induced Vibration of Cylinders Using Cactus-Shaped Cross Sections in Subcritical Flow

Flexible cylinders, such as marine risers, often experience sustained vortex-induced vibrations (VIVs). Installing helical strakes on a riser is the most widely used technique to mitigate VIVs. This study was inspired by the giant Saguaro Cacti which can withstand strong wind with a shallow root system. In this study, numerical simulations of flow past a stationary cylinder of a cactus-shaped cross-section in a two-dimensional flow field at a subcritical Reynolds number of 3900 were performed. Results show that cylinders of a cactus-shaped cross-section have a lower lift coefficient without increasing drag compared to those of a circular cylinder. VIV experiments on a single flexible pipe as well as on a set of two tandem-arranged flexible pipes were conducted at different reduced velocities to investigate the effects of the streamwise spacing and wake of the cactus-like body shape on VIV mitigation. Experimental results show that the cactus-like body shape can mitigate VIV responses of the cylinder at upstream position with no cost of increased drag; however, similar to helical strakes, the efficiency of VIV mitigation for the cylinder at downstream position is reduced. Although the cactus-like body shapes tested in this study were not optimized for oscillation suppression, still this study suggests that modification of the cross-sectional shape to a well-designed cactus-like shape has potentials to be used as an alternative technology to mitigate VIV of marine risers

Genome-wide identification and characterization, phylogenetic comparison and expression profiles of SPL transcription factor family in B. juncea (Cruciferae).

SQUAMOSA promoter-binding protein-like (SPL), as plant specific transcription factors, is involved in many plant growth and development processes. However, there is less systematical study for SPL transcription factor in B. juncea (Cruciferae). Here, a total of 59 SPL genes classified into eight phylogenetic groups were identified in B. juncea, highly conserved within each ortholog were also found based on gene structure, conserved motif, as well as clustering level. In addition, clustering of SPL domain showed that two zinc finger-like structures and NLS segments were identified in almost of BjuSPLs. Analyzed of putative cis-elements for BjuSPLs demonstrated that SPL transcription factors were involved in adverse environmental changes, such as light, plant stresses and phytohormones response. Expression analysis showed that differentially expressed SPL genes were identified in flower and stem development of Cruciferae; such as BjuSPL3a-B, BjuSPL2b_B and BjuSPL2c_A were significantly expressed in flower; BjuSPL 3b_B and BjuSPL10a_A were significantly expressed in stem node (VP: vegetative period). Moreover, 28 of the 59 BjuSPLs were found involved in their posttranscriptional regulation targeted by miR156. We demonstrated that miR156 negatively regulated BjuSPL10a_A and BjuSPL3b_B to act for stem development in B. juncea

Genome-wide analysis of transcription factors related to anthocyanin biosynthesis in carmine radish (Raphanus sativus L.) fleshy roots

Carmine radish produced in Chongqing is famous for containing a natural red pigment (red radish pigment). However, the anthocyanin biosynthesis transcriptome and the expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis-related genes in carmine radish have not been fully investigated. Uncovering the mechanism of anthocyanin biosynthesis in the ‘Hongxin 1’ carmine radish cultivar has become a dominant research topic in this field. In this study, a local carmine radish cultivar named ‘Hongxin 1’ containing a highly natural red pigment was used to analyze transcription factors (TFs) related to anthocyanin biosynthesis during the dynamic development of fleshy roots. Based on RNA sequencing data, a total of 1,747 TFs in 64 TF families were identified according to their DNA-binding domains. Of those, approximately 71 differentially expressed transcription factors (DETFs) were commonly detected in any one stage compared with roots in the seedling stage (SS_root). Moreover, 26 transcripts of DETFs targeted by 74 miRNAs belonging to 25 miRNA families were identified, including MYB, WRKY, bHLH, ERF, GRAS, NF-YA, C2H2-Dof, and HD-ZIP. Finally, eight DETF transcripts belonging to the C2C2-Dof, bHLH and ERF families and their eight corresponding miRNAs were selected for qRT-PCR to verify their functions related to anthocyanin biosynthesis during the development of carmine radish fleshy roots. Finally, we propose a putative miRNA-target regulatory model associated with anthocyanin biosynthesis in carmine radish. Our findings suggest that sucrose synthase might act as an important regulator to modulate anthocyanin biosynthesis in carmine radish by inducing several miRNAs (miR165a-5p, miR172b, miR827a, miR166g and miR1432-5p) targeting different ERFs than candidate miRNAs in the traditional WMBW complex in biological processes

Genetic variations and evolutionary relationships among radishes (Raphanus sativus L.) with different flesh colors based on red pigment content, karyotype and simple sequence repeat analysis

To determine the genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships among red radishes, 37 accessions with different flesh colors were analyzed in terms of the red pigment content, karyotypes, and simple sequence repeat markers. Red pigment content of red radish was 3.4 to 28.8% with an average of 15.62%. The karyotype formulas were 14 m (median) + 4 sm (submedian), 16 m + 2 sm, and 18 m for radishes with the same number of chromosomes. The number of alleles detected among the 86 simple sequence repeat primers was 2 to 15 in red-flesh radishes and 2 to 11 in white-flesh radishes. Clustering analysis separated the accessions into three clusters, with most accessions from the same region clustering together. The results indicated that (1) red radish is abundant in red radish, which is a valuable material in red pigment industry; (2) the white-flesh radish is an ancestor of the red-flesh radish, which should be considered a variety in Raphanussativus, and (3) a low level of genetic diversity exists among the 37 accessions. The available radish germplasms should be expanded by creating new hybrid or introducing genes from other crops.Keywords: Genetic diversity, karyotypes, Raphanus sativus, red pigment content, radish, simple sequence repea

Ghostwriter

A publication documenting the “Ghostwriter” series of exhibitions presented in Mercer Union’s project room throughout 1996 and 1997. It includes: a brief statement by the project organizers; an essay by Patton on the subject of curatorial practice; and five essays on selected artists’ works by the artists/writers who organized the exhibitions. Patton’s essay focuses on how contemporary artworks are limited by curatorial interpretations grounded in notions of universality, objectivity and truth. Hassan’s text on S. Neshat’s work addresses themes of memory, childhood and the role of women within Islam. Barkhouse’s response to works by J. Abrams, F. HeavyShield and V. Verkley touches on issues of survival and colonization. G. McMaster situates the works of D. Hall and R. Houle within the context of aboriginal culture/history. A. Fabo’s essay on works by C. Boudreau/A. Golden, B. Cehan and J. McLachlin foregrounds issues of identity, desire and queer culture. Finally, M. Chen suggests the works of M. Gay, J. Kerbel and E. Von Michalofski offer an implicit critique of modern technology and science by foregrounding the “organic intelligence of a corporeal language.” Biographical notes on artists and authors. 35 bibl. ref

Grain refinement and Laves phase dispersion by high-intensity ultrasonic vibration in laser cladding of Inconel 718

Laser cladding is a promising surface modification and repair technology for fabricating Inconel 718 parts. However, laser cladding may produce coarse grains and brittle Laves phase, leading to a significant decrease in performance. The application of high-intensity ultrasonic vibration in laser cladding is able to refine grain and reduce Laves phase. This study investigates the distribution characteristics and the evolution mechanism of the grains and Laves phase in laser cladding with high-intensity ultrasonic vibration. The effects of high-intensity ultrasonic vibration on alteration of grain characteristics and the reduction of Laves phase were analyzed and discussed through ultrasonic vibration-assisted laser cladding experiments. Results indicate that high-intensity ultrasonic vibration promoted a columnar-to-equiaxed transition, and reduced the grain size from 75.6 μm to 48.8 μm. Furthermore, the Laves phase had a decrease of 47.1% in the volume fraction, and transformed from a long-striped shape into a fine granular shape, leading to a more homogeneous distribution of elements in Laves phase. The change in the grains and the Laves phase is attributed to dendrite fragmentation and inhibition of element segregation by nonlinear effects of ultrasound including cavitation and acoustic streaming. The findings of this study confirm the significant benefits of applying high-intensity ultrasonic vibration in laser cladding and provide insight into the underlying evolution mechanisms of high-intensity ultrasonic vibration for grains and Laves phase

Optimized Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate Can Increase Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency for Open-Field Chinese Cabbage in Southwest China

Intensive vegetable production has been characterized by high nitrogen (N) fertilizer input in southwest China. Optimizing the N fertilizer rate is the basis for the optimal management of regional N fertilizer. A two-year field experiment with five N fertilizer rates was conducted during 2019–2021 in southwest China, and the aim of this study was to identify the effects of different N application rates on yield, dry matter biomass (DMB), N uptake, N use efficiency (NUE) and soil mineral N (Nmin) residues for Chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis L.) and further determine the critical plant N concentration and root-zone soil Nmin residues required to reach the maximum DMB of Chinese cabbage. Five N treatments were established: control without N input (CK); optimal N fertilizer rate decreased by 30% (70% OPT, 175 kg N ha−1), optimized N fertilizer rate (OPT, 250 kg N ha−1), optimal N fertilizer rate increased by 30% (130% OPT, 325 kg N ha−1) and farmers’ N fertilizer practice (FP, 450 kg N ha−1). The N source in all treatments was conventional urea (N ≥ 46.2%). The results showed that the total yield of Chinese cabbage followed a “linear-plateau” trend with an increasing N fertilizer rate. There was no significant difference in yield between the OPT, 130% OPT and FP treatments. The aboveground plant DMB and N uptake showed a ‘slow-fast-slow’ pattern with the growth period. There was no significant difference in aboveground plant DMB and N uptake between the OPT, 130% OPT and FP treatments. Moreover, the OPT treatment significantly increased the aboveground plant DMB and N accumulation by 29.6% and 40.5%, respectively, compared with the 70% OPT treatment. The OPT treatment significantly increased the NUE by 23.8%, 31.2% and 43.1% compared with that in the 70% OPT, 130% OPT and FP treatments, respectively. The linear-plateau model provided the best fit for the relationship among aboveground DMB of Chinese cabbage, plant N concentration and root-zone soil Nmin content. The critical root-zone soil Nmin and plant N concentrations were 94.1, 63.4 and 68.3 kg ha−1 and 34.4, 33.5 and 32.9 g kg−1 during the rosette, heading and harvest periods, respectively. In summary, compared to the FP treatment, the optimized N fertilizer rate (250 kg N ha−1) could significantly reduce the N application rate, maintain yield, increase aboveground plant DMB and N uptake, and improve NUE. Moreover, the study has great significance for guiding the green utilization of vegetable N fertilizer in southwest China