Electrodeposition of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate coatings on stainless steel substrates

Cathodic reduction of an aqueous solution containing dissolved calcium and phosphate ions results in the deposition of micrometer thick CaHPO 4·2H2O (dicalcium phosphate dihydrate) coatings on stainless steel substrates. The coating obtained at a low deposition current (8 mA cm-2) comprises lath-like crystallites oriented along 020. The 020 crystal planes are non-polar and have a low surface energy. At a high deposition current (12 mA cm-2), platelets oriented along 121Ì are deposited. CaHPO4·2H2O is an important precursor to the nucleation of hydroxyapatite, the inorganic component of bones. Differently oriented CaHPO4·2H2O coatings transform to hydroxyapatite with different kinetics, the transformation being more facile when the coating is oriented along 121Ì�. These observations have implications for the development of electrodeposited biocompatible coatings for metal endoprostheses for medical applications. © Indian Academy of Sciences

Historical Synthesis-Analysis of Changes in Grain Nitrogen Dynamics in Sorghum

Citation: Ciampitti IA and Prasad PVV (2016) Historical Synthesis-Analysis of Changes in Grain Nitrogen Dynamics in Sorghum. Front. Plant Sci. 7:275. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2016.00275Unraveling the complexity underpinning nitrogen (N) use efficiency (NUE) can be physiologically approached via examining grain N sources and N internal efficiency (NIE) (yield to plant N content ratio). The main objective of this original research paper is to document and understand sorghum NUE and physiological mechanisms related to grain N dynamics. The study of different grain N sources, herein defined as the reproductive-stage shoot N remobilization (Remobilized N), reproductive-stage whole-plant N content (Reproductive N), and vegetative-stage whole-plant N content (Vegetative N), was pursued with the goal of synthesizing scientific literature for sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] crop. A detailed literature review was performed and summarized on sorghum NUE (13 studies; >250 means) with three Eras, defined by the year of the study, named as Old Era (1965–1980); Transient Era (1981–2000); and New Era (2001–2014). The most remarkable outcomes from this synthesis were: (1) overall historical (1965–2014) cumulative yield gain was >0.5 Mg ha-1 (yields >7 Mg ha-1); (2) NIE did not change across the same time period; (3) grain N concentration (grain %N) accounted for a large proportion (63%) of the variation in NIE; (4) NIE increased as grain %N diminished, regardless of the Eras; (5) Remobilized N was strongly (>R2 0.6) and positively associated with Vegetative N, presenting a unique slope across Eras; and (6) a trade-off was documented for the Remobilized N and Reproductive N (with large variation, <R2) relationship, suggesting complex regulation processes governing N forces. Improvements in NUE are subjected to the interplay between N supply (N from non-reproductive organs) and grain N demand, sink- (driven by grain number) and source-modulated (via restriction of grain N demand)

On the Possible Mechanisms for Saltening of the Bay of Bengal

The Bay of Bengal (BoB) is a low saline basin owing to large influx of freshwater from precipitation and river runoff. To maintain the salt balance of the BoB, the incessant lowering of salinity is to be balanced by the inflow of saltier water into the basin. In the present work, various processes that contribute to the saltening of the BoB, viz. coastal upwelling, eddies and their interaction, lateral advection from Arabian Sea and tropical cyclones are discussed. In the near-shore regions, the coastal upwelling due to wind induced Ekman transport plays a dominant role in increasing the surface salinity. On the other hand, in the open ocean, the divergence induced by eddies and their mutual interaction contributes significantly to the salt water pumping. In the southern BoB, the advection from the Arabian Sea increases the salinity. The formation of cyclones in the BoB also leads to an increase in the surface salinity. However, the magnitude of saltening of the Bay due to these processes varies from north to south. The uplift of saltier water from subsurface levels increases the salinity in the surface layers thereby creating a salinity gradient and a salinity front

ENERGY AUDITING OF A HOUSE USING MATLAB

Energy crisis is one of the crucial problems faced by all the countries in the world due to depletion in natural resources used for energy generation and the huge investment for generating energy from alternate resources. This article shows the present situation of energy crisis in the state of Andhra Pradesh and suggested some of the major areas of energy conservation practices so that there may be a chance to see the state of Andhra Pradesh as “NO POWER CUT” state in India. A viable and immediate solution in this juncture is the energy conservation as cited by the slogan “Energy conserved is Energy Generated”. Optimum use of electrical energy, not only results in cash savings, but also improves the economy of the country substantially. Hence there is an urgent need for energy management and control, which ultimately concludes with the practice of energy conservation. Energy as we all know is a crucial input in the process of economic, social and industrial development. Energy consumption is increasing at a very fast rate. With growing demand for energy it has become essential to minimize energy leakages. This article shows the present status of energy crisis in “Andhra Pradesh” state. This article also shows about the gap between power generation and demand and it suggest some of the methods to make the gap between power generation and demand is equal to Zero

Investigation of Trapezoidal-Cut Twisted Tape Insert in a Double Pipe U-Tube Heat Exchanger using Al2O3/Water Nanofluid

AbstractAn attempt is made to enhance the rate of heat transfer in heat exchangers using Al2O3 nanofluid. In this work an experimental analysis on trapezoidal-cut twisted tape insert in a double pipe U-tube heat exchanger using Al2O3 water based nanofluid is presented. The heat transfer coefficients and the corresponding friction factors required for performance analysis are determined taking into account the typical operating conditions of the heat exchangers in turbulent flow regimes with particle volume concentration of 0.01% and 0.03% and twist ratios ranging between 5 and 20. Experimental data is generated at flow rates ranging from 0.0333kg/s to 0.2667kg/s. Experimental data is generated with water and nanofluid for Reynolds number in the range 3000<Re<30000, the Nusselt number of entire pipe for 0.03% concentrations of nanofluid with trapezoidal-cut twisted tape inserts of H/D = 5 is enhanced by 34.24% as compared to water. The friction factor of entire pipes for 0.03% concentration of nanofluid with trapezoidal-cut twisted tape inserts of H/D=5 is enhanced by 1.29 times as compared to water. The results of the investigation indicate an enhancement in the performance parameters of the heat exchanger namely heat transfer coefficient and friction factor with an increase in volume concentration of the nanoparticle

Alterations in Wheat Pollen Lipidome during High Day and Night Temperature Stress

Understanding the adaptive changes in wheat pollen lipidome under high temperature (HT) stress is critical to improving seed set and developing HT tolerant wheat varieties. We measured 89 pollen lipid species under optimum and high day and/or night temperatures using electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry in wheat plants. The pollen lipidome had a distinct composition compared to that of leaves. Unlike in leaves, 34:3 and 36:6 species dominated the composition of extraplastidic phospholipids in pollen under optimum and HT conditions. The most HT-responsive lipids were extraplastidic phospholipids, PC, PE, PI, PA, and PS. The unsaturation levels of the extraplastidic phospholipids decreased through the decreases in the levels of 18:3 and increases in the levels of 16:0, 18:0, 18:1, and 18:2 acyl chains. PC and PE were negatively correlated. Higher PC:PE at HT indicated possible PE-to-PC conversion, lower PE formation, or increased PE degradation, relative to PC. Correlation analysis revealed lipids experiencing coordinated metabolism under HT and confirmed the HT-responsiveness of extraplastidic phospholipids. Comparison of the present results on wheat pollen with results of our previous research on wheat leaves suggests that similar lipid changes contribute to HT adaptation in both leaves and pollen, though the lipidomes have inherently distinct compositions

Impact of high temperature stress on floret fertility and individual grain weight of grain sorghum: sensitive stages and thresholds for temperature and duration

Citation: Prasad PVV, Djanaguiraman M, Perumal R and Ciampitti IA (2015) Impact of high temperature stress on floret fertility and individual grain weight of grain sorghum: sensitive stages and thresholds for temperature and duration. Front. Plant Sci. 6:820. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2015.00820Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] yield formation is severely affected by high temperature stress during reproductive stages. This study pursues to (i) identify the growth stage(s) most sensitive to high temperature stress during reproductive development, (ii) determine threshold temperature and duration of high temperature stress that decreases floret fertility and individual grain weight, and (iii) quantify impact of high daytime temperature during floret development, flowering and grain filling on reproductive traits and grain yield under field conditions. Periods between 10 and 5 d before anthesis; and between 5 d before- and 5 d after-anthesis were most sensitive to high temperatures causing maximum decreases in floret fertility. Mean daily temperatures >25°C quadratically decreased floret fertility (reaching 0% at 37°C) when imposed at the start of panicle emergence. Temperatures ranging from 25 to 37°C quadratically decreased individual grain weight when imposed at the start of grain filling. Both floret fertility and individual grain weights decreased quadratically with increasing duration (0–35 d or 49 d during floret development or grain filling stage, respectively) of high temperature stress. In field conditions, imposition of temperature stress (using heat tents) during floret development or grain filling stage also decreased floret fertility, individual grain weight, and grain weight per panicle

Physiological and Molecular Mechanisms of Differential Sensitivity of Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) to Mesotrione at Varying Growth Temperatures

Citation: Godar, A. S., Varanasi, V. K., Nakka, S., Prasad, P. V. V., Thompson, C. R., & Mithila, J. (2015). Physiological and Molecular Mechanisms of Differential Sensitivity of Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) to Mesotrione at Varying Growth Temperatures. Plos One, 10(5), 17. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0126731Herbicide efficacy is known to be influenced by temperature, however, underlying mechanism(s) are poorly understood. A marked alteration in mesotrione [a 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) inhibitor] efficacy on Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson) was observed when grown under low- (LT, 25/15 degrees C, day/night temperatures) and high (HT, 40/30 degrees C) temperature compared to optimum (OT, 32.5/22.5 degrees C) temperature. Based on plant height, injury, and mortality, Palmer amaranth was more sensitive to mesotrione at LT and less sensitive at HT compared to OT (ED50 for mortality; 18.5, 52.3, and 63.7 g ai ha(-1), respectively). Similar responses were observed for leaf chlorophyll index and photochemical efficiency of PSII (F-v/F-m). Furthermore, mesotrione translocation and metabolism, and HPPD expression data strongly supported such variation. Relatively more mesotrione was translocated to meristematic regions at LT or OT than at HT. Based on T-50 values (time required to metabolize 50% of the C-14 mesotrione), plants at HT metabolized mesotrione faster than those at LT or OT (T-50; 13, 21, and 16.5 h, respectively). The relative HPPD: CPS (carbamoyl phosphate synthetase) or HPPD:beta-tubulin expression in mesotrione-treated plants increased over time in all temperature regimes; however, at 48 HAT, the HPPD:beta-tubulin expression was exceedingly higher at HT compared to LT or OT (18.4-, 3.1-, and 3.5-fold relative to untreated plants, respectively). These findings together with an integrated understanding of other interacting key environmental factors will have important implications for a predictable approach for effective weed management

Implications of high temperature and elevated CO2on flowering time in plants

Citation: Jagadish, S. V. K., Bahuguna, R. N., Djanaguiraman, M., Gamuyao, R., Prasad, P. V. V., & Craufurd, P. Q. (2016). Implications of high temperature and elevated CO2on flowering time in plants. Frontiers in Plant Science, 7. doi:10.3389/fpls.2016.00913Flowering is a crucial determinant for plant reproductive success and seed-set. Increasing temperature and elevated carbon-dioxide (e[CO2]) are key climate change factors that could affect plant fitness and flowering related events. Addressing the effect of these environmental factors on flowering events such as time of day of anthesis (TOA) and flowering time (duration from germination till flowering) is critical to understand the adaptation of plants/crops to changing climate and is the major aim of this review. Increasing ambient temperature is the major climatic factor that advances flowering time in crops and other plants, with a modest effect of e[CO2]. Integrated environmental stimuli such as photoperiod, temperature and e[CO2] regulating flowering time is discussed. The critical role of plant tissue temperature influencing TOA is highlighted and crop models need to substitute ambient air temperature with canopy or floral tissue temperature to improve predictions. A complex signaling network of flowering regulation with change in ambient temperature involving different transcription factors (PIF4, PIF5), flowering suppressors (HvODDSOC2, SVP, FLC) and autonomous pathway (FCA, FVE) genes, mainly from Arabidopsis, provides a promising avenue to improve our understanding of the dynamics of flowering time under changing climate. Elevated CO2mediated changes in tissue sugar status and a direct [CO2]-driven regulatory pathway involving a key flowering gene, MOTHER OF FT AND TFL1 (MFT), are emerging evidence for the role of e[CO2] in flowering time regulation. © 2016 Jagadish, Bahuguna, Djanaguiraman, Gamuyao, Prasad and Craufurd

dGEMRIC as a function of BMI

SummaryObjectiveDelayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC) reflects cartilage glycosaminoglycan (GAG) distribution. The technique assumes that the plasma levels of the contrast agent Gd-DTPA2− are the same across individuals after intravenous (IV) injection, when dosing by weight. However, adipose tissue has lower extracellular water (ECW) than lean tissue. The aims of this study were to measure (1) plasma Gd-DTPA2− levels vs body mass index (BMI), and (2) dGEMRIC vs BMI after correcting for the dose–BMI effect.Method(1) Plasma Gd-DTPA2− levels were analyzed at 3–90min after IV injection per body weight in 24 individuals with BMI between 21.5 and 46.5. (2) dGEMRIC was compared with BMI in 19 asymptomatic volunteers and 23 with osteoarthritis (OA).Results(1) Plasma Gd-DTPA2− kinetics were similar in obese and non-obese groups, however, overall concentration was higher in the obese group. A very obese subject (BMI 45) would have 1.4 times higher Gd-DTPA2− concentration than a lean subject (BMI 20), which translates into a bias in dGEMRIC of up to 20%. (2) With dose bias taken into account, dGEMRIC showed no correlation with BMI in asymptomatic knees. In OA knees, unnarrowed femoral compartments demonstrated a negative correlation between dGEMRIC and BMI (R=0.57, P=0.004). No correlation was seen in radiographically narrowed compartments.ConclusionBMI can be a source of dosing bias in dGEMRIC and a correction factor should be considered in cross-sectional studies with a large range of BMI. There is no correlation between dGEMRIC and BMI in asymptomatic knees, but a negative correlation in OA knees