258 research outputs found
Canonical description of ideal magnetohydrodynamic flows and integrals of motion
In the framework of the variational principle the canonical variables
describing ideal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flows of general type (i.e., with
spatially varying entropy and nonzero values of all topological invariants) are
introduced. The corresponding complete velocity representation enables us not
only to describe the general type flows in terms of single-valued functions,
but also to solve the intriguing problem of the ``missing'' MHD integrals of
motion. The set of hitherto known MHD local invariants and integrals of motion
appears to be incomplete: for the vanishing magnetic field it does not reduce
to the set of the conventional hydrodynamic invariants. And if the MHD analogs
of the vorticity and helicity were discussed earlier for the particular cases,
the analog of Ertel invariant has been so far unknown. It is found that on the
basis of the new invariants introduced a wide set of high-order invariants can
be constructed. The new invariants are relevant both for the deeper insight
into the problem of the topological structure of the MHD flows as a whole and
for the examination of the stability problems. The additional advantage of the
proposed approach is that it enables one to deal with discontinuous flows,
including all types of possible breaks.Comment: 16 page
Quasi-Two-Dimensional Dynamics of Plasmas and Fluids
In the lowest order of approximation quasi-twa-dimensional dynamics of planetary atmospheres and of plasmas in a magnetic field can be described by a common convective vortex equation, the Charney and Hasegawa-Mirna (CHM) equation. In contrast to the two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equation, the CHM equation admits "shielded vortex solutions" in a homogeneous limit and linear waves ("Rossby waves" in the planetary atmosphere and "drift waves" in plasmas) in the presence of inhomogeneity. Because of these properties, the nonlinear dynamics described by the CHM equation provide rich solutions which involve turbulent, coherent and wave behaviors. Bringing in non ideal effects such as resistivity makes the plasma equation significantly different from the atmospheric equation with such new effects as instability of the drift wave driven by the resistivity and density gradient. The model equation deviates from the CHM equation and becomes coupled with Maxwell equations. This article reviews the linear and nonlinear dynamics of the quasi-two-dimensional aspect of plasmas and planetary atmosphere starting from the introduction of the ideal model equation (CHM equation) and extending into the most recent progress in plasma turbulence.U. S. Department of Energy DE-FG05-80ET-53088Ministry of Education, Science and Culture of JapanFusion Research Cente
Climatization, Energy Efficiency and Environmental Protection
It is known that approximately 15% of the energy consumed in Ecuador is used for the operation of climate conditioning equipment and, on the other hand, most of the existing technology operates on the basis of the use of refrigerant gases Are invasive to the ozone layer. In the work, a case study is shown that allows the identification of a relevant result linked to an action of technological innovation based on the conversion of the R-22 gas by the R-290 gas, thus reducing the consumption of electric energy and reducing the Environmental inventory of the institution, achieving a better performance of the technology
Efeito do ácido giberélico e da nutrição mineral no crescimento de mudas florestais nativas.
A demanda florestal do estado, compreende a uma área anual de colheita de 15 mil ha/ano, e uma área de plantio de cerca de 100 mil ha/ano. Crescente desde 2005, impulsionada pela criação de um pólo florestal mantido por empresas consumidoras de celulose, necessita de alta produção de mudas de qualidade em tempo hábil, havendo contudo, interesse em espécies nativas do cerrado. Gastos com mudas representam 30% do custo de implantação de um reflorestamento, isso se deve ao longo tempo que estas permanecem em viveiro, recebendo tratos culturais específicos e onerosos. As árvores nativas têm sido exploradas recentemente, porém um dos desafios é a produção de mudas de qualidade em menor tempo. O uso de uma fertilização adequada à cada espécie, bem como fitormônios que aceleram seu crescimento podem reduzir o tempo de produção e, consequentemente, seu custo, permitindo assim que o plantio de florestas torne-se cada vez mais acessível. Neste experimento objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da aplicação de diferentes soluções nutritivas e giberelina (GA3) no crescimento e desenvolvimento de mudas de cumbarú (Dipterix alata) e canafístula (Peltophorum dubium), visando acelerar o crescimento e agregar valor às mudas de forma que apresentassem melhor adaptação as condições de campo. As sementes foram germinadas em câmara de germinação tipo B.O.D. a 20°C. Posteriormente, as plântulas foram transplantadas para tubetes com substrato PLANTMAX. As mudas serão avaliadas nas características de altura e diâmetro de colo, peso fresco e peso seco da parte aérea e da raiz. Adotou-se delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com parcelas subdivididas, com 10 tratamentos e 8 repetições, para cada espécie. Os resultados serão submetidos à análise de variância por meio do programa computacional Estat
Design of a nitrogen-implanted titanium-based superelastic alloy with optimized properties for biomedical applications
International audienceIn this study, a superelastic Ni-free Ti-based biomedical alloy was treated in surface by the implantation of nitrogen ions for the first time. The N-implanted surface was characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and secondary ion mass spectroscopy, and the superficial mechanical properties were evaluated by nano-indentation and by ball-on-disk tribological tests. To investigate the biocompatibility, the corrosion resistance of the N-implanted Ti alloy was evaluated in simulated body fluids (SBF) complemented by in-vitro cytocompatibility tests on human fetal osteoblasts. After implantation, surface analysis methods revealed the formation of a titanium-based nitride on the substrate surface. Consequently, an increase in superficial hardness and a significant reduction of friction coefficient were observed compared to the non-implanted sample. Also, a better corrosion resistance and a significant decrease in ion release rates have been obtained. Cell culture experiments indicated that the cytocompatibility of the N-implanted Ti alloy was superior to that of the corresponding non-treated sample. Thus, this new functional N-implanted titanium-based superelastic alloy presents the optimized properties that are required for various medical devices: superelasticity, high superficial mechanical properties, high corrosion resistance and excellent cytocompatibility
'She's like a daughter to me': insights into care, work and kinship from rural Russia
This article draws on ethnographic research into a state-funded homecare service in rural Russia. The article discusses intersections between care, work and kinship in the relationships between homecare workers and their elderly wards and explores the ways in which references to kinship, as a means of authenticating paid care and explaining its emotional content, reinforce public and private oppositions while doing little to relieve the tensions and conflicts of care work. The discussion brings together detailed empirical insights into local ideologies and practices as a way of generating new theoretical perspectives, which will be of relevance beyond the particular context of study
The key neuroendocrine regulators of the onset of puberty in the Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus)
Recently, significant progress on spawning induction in captive bluefin tuna (BFT, Thunnus thynnus), has been achieved providing the basis for the species' domestication. To further promote the development of a self- sustained BFT aquaculture, we investigated first sexual maturity in BFT reared from an immature stage in captivity. Accordingly, our major objectives were to evaluate: (i) maturational status of the brain-pituitary-gonadal (BPG) axis, and (ii) responsiveness of the BPG to exogenous hormones. Special emphasis was given to characterize the gonadotropins follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) that act as central regulators of gonadal development and gamete maturation.
The growth parameters recorded for the captive BFT juveniles are consistent with the length-weight relationship established for wild Mediterranean BFT stocks. The histological analyses of the gonads indicate advanced sexual maturation in BFT males compared to females, yet it is not yet clear whether this phenomenon typifies wild stocks or is induced due to the culture conditions. The hormone measurements show expression and accumulation of both gonadotropins in the pituitaries of immature and mature BFT. The pituitary LH content increased concomitantly with the age of the fish, exhibiting sex dimorphic patterns (i.e. 3-fold higher levels in females) in adult but not in juvenile BFT. The pituitary FSH levels, however, were elevated in 2Y immature males and in fully mature adults. Comparable to mammals, the intra-pituitary FSH/LH ratio was found to be higher (>1) in sexually immature than in maturing or pubertal BFT. Nevertheless, in the 3Y BFT females, which were all immature, the onset of puberty appears to require some other prerequisites, such as a rise in the LH storage above a minimal threshold. Our in vitro trials further demonstrated the capacity of rFSH and to a lesser extent that of rLH to stimulate cell proliferation in the immature ovarian and testicular fragments. Both rFSH and rLH have failed to stimulate steroidogenesis, yet pre-treatment with KiSS containing EVAc implants appeared to potentiate FSH-stimulated steroidogenesis in the immature testes. On the other hand, the expression levels of both the GtH-R and IGF I genes in the testicular fragments, derived from BFT juveniles and further exposed to the rLH treatment, showed dose-dependent pattern.
Future studies testing the effects of captivity and hormone-based treatments on precocious maturity at relatively small body size are expected to facilitate the handling in confined environments, and to greatly improve the cost-efficiency of BFT farming.Postprin
Development of singularities for the compressible Euler equations with external force in several dimensions
We consider solutions to the Euler equations in the whole space from a
certain class, which can be characterized, in particular, by finiteness of
mass, total energy and momentum. We prove that for a large class of right-hand
sides, including the viscous term, such solutions, no matter how smooth
initially, develop a singularity within a finite time. We find a sufficient
condition for the singularity formation, "the best sufficient condition", in
the sense that one can explicitly construct a global in time smooth solution
for which this condition is not satisfied "arbitrary little". Also compactly
supported perturbation of nontrivial constant state is considered. We
generalize the known theorem by Sideris on initial data resulting in
singularities. Finally, we investigate the influence of frictional damping and
rotation on the singularity formation.Comment: 23 page
Applying network and genetic analysis to the potato metabolome
Compositional traits in potato [Solanum tuberosum L.] are economically important but genetically complex, often controlled by many loci of small effect; new methods need to be developed to accelerate analysis and improvement of such traits, like chip quality. In this study, we used network analysis to organize hundreds of metabolic features detected by mass spectrometry into groups, as a precursor to genetic analysis. 981 features were condensed into 44 modules; module eigenvalues were used for genetic mapping and correlation analysis with phenotype data collected by the Solanaceae Coordinated Agricultural Project. Half of the modules were associated with at least one SNP according to GWAS; 11 of those modules were also significantly correlated with chip color. Within those modules features associated with chipping provide potential targets for selection in addition to selection for reduced glucose. Loci associated with module eigenvalues were not evenly distributed throughout the genome but were instead clustered on chromosomes 3, 7, and 8. Comparison of GWAS on single features and modules of clustered features often identified the same SNPs. However, features with related chemistries (for example, glycoalkaloids with precursor/product relationships) were not found to be near neighbors in the network analysis and did not share common SNPs from GWAS. Instead, the features within modules were often structurally disparate, suggesting that linkage disequilibrium complicates network analyses in potato. This result is consistent with recent genomic studies of potato showing that chromosomal rearrangements that create barriers to recombination are common in cultivated germplasm
Multidimensional Gaussian sums arising from distribution of Birkhoff sums in zero entropy dynamical systems
A duality formula, of the Hardy and Littlewood type for multidimensional
Gaussian sums, is proved in order to estimate the asymptotic long time behavior
of distribution of Birkhoff sums of a sequence generated by a skew
product dynamical system on the torus, with zero Lyapounov
exponents. The sequence, taking the values , is pairwise independent
(but not independent) ergodic sequence with infinite range dependence. The
model corresponds to the motion of a particle on an infinite cylinder, hopping
backward and forward along its axis, with a transversal acceleration parameter
. We show that when the parameter is rational then all
the moments of the normalized sums , but the second, are
unbounded with respect to n, while for irrational , with bounded
continuous fraction representation, all these moments are finite and bounded
with respect to n.Comment: To be published in J. Phys.
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