Mechanical properties of Y2O3-doped W-Ti alloys

W and W alloys are currently considered promising candidates for plasma facing components in future fusion reactors but most of the information on their mechanical properties at elevated temperature was obtained in the 1960s and 1970s. In this investigation, the strength and toughness of novel Y₂O₃-doped W-Ti alloys manufactured by powder metallurgy were measured from 25 °C up to 1000 °C in laboratory air and the corresponding deformation and failure micromechanisms were ascertained from analyses of the fracture surfaces. Although the materials were fairly brittle at ambient temperature, the strength and toughness increased with temperature and Ti content up to 600 °C. Beyond this temperature, oxidation impaired the mechanical properties but the presence of Y₂O₃ enhanced the strength and toughness retention up to 800 °C.     

Dynamic competition between plug-in hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for personal transportation

This article addresses the issue of the diffusion of hydrogen cars in the market, particularly the competition with electric cars for the replacement of conventional vehicles. Using the multi-technological competition model developed by Le Bas and Baron-Sylvester’s (Diffusion technologique non binaire et schéma épidémiologique. Une reconsidération. Economie Appliquée 1995; tome XLVIII(3):71–101), it is shown that the early deployment of plug-in hybrid vehicles—the only electric technology which can compete with fuel cell cars in the multipurpose vehicle field—risks closing the market for hydrogen in the future. Moreover, the advent of the hydrogen vehicle depends on the rapid advancements in fuel cell technologies, as well as on the existence of an infrastructure with a sufficient coverage.     

The precipitation process in Mg–Ca–(Zn) alloys investigated by positron annihilation spectroscopy

Coincidence doppler broadening (CDB) spectroscopy has been applied to study the precipitation process induced by aging in Mg–1.0 wt.% Ca and Mg–1.0 wt.% Ca–1.0 wt.% Zn alloys. In addition positron lifetime experiments and microhardness measurements have been performed. A peak centered at 11.5 × 10⁻³m₀c is found in the CDB ratio spectra of the alloys aged at 473 K. It is attributed to annihilations with the core electrons of Ca. The results indicate the formation of a particle dispersion that hardens the alloys. This dispersion is correlated with the appearance of the peak attributed to Ca atoms. Zn atoms in the Mg matrix inhibit the formation of quenched-in vacancies bound to Ca atoms in the aged ternary alloy producing the dispersion refinement.     

Prevalence of Cyclospora sp., Cryptosporidium sp, microsporidia and fecal coliform determination in fresh fruit and vegetables consumed in Costa Rica

The presence of Cyclospora sp., Cryptosporidium sp. and microsporidia and the levels of fecal coliforms were determined in lettuce, parsley, cilantro, strawberries and blackberries acquired in local agricultural markets of the Central Valley of Costa Rica, in order to establish the possible transmission risk of these microorganisms and other pathogens from the consumption of these raw products. During the second semester of 2001 and the first of 2002, 50 different samples of each product, 25 taken in the dry season and 25 in the rainy season and coming from five different local agricultural markets were evaluated. The fecal coliforms count was done according to the technique recommended by Vanderzant & Splittstoesser. The parasite determination was done using Zielh Nielsen and Weber staining techniques from a sediment obtained through the rinse of the mentioned products, using sterile peptonated water 0.1% and centrifuging at 900 G for 15 min. One hundred per cent of vegetable samples had fecal coliforms and the greatest prevalence was obtained during the rainy season. Although all vegetables presented fecal coliforms in high concentrations, lettuce and cilantro presented statistical difference between rainy and dry season, being greater during the rainy season. Fecal coliforms were not detected in strawberries and blackberries probablydue to its low pH. All products evaluated presented, at least once, Cryptosporidium sp., Cyclospora sp. and microsporidia, showing the risk they represent to Public Health. Cryptosporidium was present in all products but strawberries. Microsporidia was present in all products except blackberries and Cyclospora was only isolated from lettuce during the dry season. These results show the importance of introducing in the country Good Agricultural Practices, especially due to the resistance of Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora to disinfecting agents.     

Evaluation of lipopolysaccharide aggregation by light scattering spectroscopy

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are cell wall components of Gram-negative bacteria. These molecules behave as bacterial endotoxins and their release into the bloodstream is a determinant of the development of a wide range of pathologies. These amphipathic molecules can self-aggregate into supramolecular structures with different shapes and sizes. The formation of these structures occurs when the LPS concentration is higher than the apparent critical micelle concentration (CMC(a)). Light scattering spectroscopy (both static and dynamic) was used to directly characterize the aggregation process of LPS from Escherichia coli serotype 026:B6. The results point to a CMC(a) value of 14 microg mL(-1) and the existence of premicelle LPS oligomers below this concentration. Both structures were characterized in terms of molecular weight (5.5 x 10(6) and 16 x 10(6) g mol(-1) below and above the CMC(a), respectively), interaction with the aqueous environment, gyration radius (56 and 105 nm), hydrodynamic radius, (60 and 95 nm) and geometry of the supramolecular structures (nearly spherical). Our data indicates that future in vitro experiments should be carried out both below and above the CMC(a). The search for drugs that interact with the aggregates, and thus change the CMC(a) and condition LPS interactions in the bloodstream, could be a new way to prevent certain bacterial-endotoxin-related pathologies.