A document by Russell Kirby. Click on the document to view its contents.

The present study was conducted in areas of large-scale soybean cultivation under long-term no-till (NT). Soil samples from depths of 0.0-0.10 (L1), 0.10-0.20 (L2) and 0.20-0.40 m (L3) were obtained from 65 commercial farms characterized by a high soybean yield in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Oxisols were the predominant soils in these farms, which were located within the Cerrado Biome, and the main textural classes were loamy sand, sandy loam, sandy clay loam, sandy clay and clay. The following physical properties of soil were measured: penetration resistance, bulk density, particle density, total porosity, field moisture capacity, saturation and residual moisture contents, soil water retention curve (SWRC), inflection point, plant available water, n and α parameters of the Van Genuchten equation, S index, and clay and sand contents. In addition, the soil organic matter (SOM) and its densimetric fractions were also determined. The average soybean yield of the studied areas in the last three years was 4.13 Mg ha-1; however, 26 farms had yielded above 4.20 Mg ha-1. Only some of the physical properties at L1 layer, including the penetration resistance, bulk density and the porosity-related parameters, were significantly related with the soybean yield. The SOM and its fractions were directly influenced by the clay or sand contents. In conclusion, the areas with higher productivity under long-term NT showed an adequate S index at three studied layers with values of 0.11, 0.67 and 0.84 at L1, L2 and L3 layers, respectively.

Purpose: This document provides guidelines for authors of CiSE department articles, and outlines the workflow that department editors follow for submitting articles for publication. Scope: The information in this document applies to department articles that are reviewed by department editors. It does not apply to regular articles that are submitted to the journal to be put through the standard peer review; these use ScholarOne for submission management as described in the CiSE Author Information page.

We have recently developed a computational methodology to separate the effects of size, composition, symmetry and fluxionality in explaining the experimental photoelectron spectra of mixed-metal clusters. This methodology was successfully applied first in explaining the observed differences between the spectra of Al13- and Al12Ni- and more recently to explain the measured spectra of AlnMo-, n=3-5,7 clusters. The combination of our approach and new synthesis techniques can be used to prepare cluster based materials with tunable properties. In this work we use the methodology to predict the spectrum of Al6Mo-. This system was chosen because its neutral counterpart is a perfect octahedron and it is distorted to a D3d symmetry and was not observed in the recent experiments. This high symmetry cluster bridges the less symmetric Al5Mo- and Al7Mo-structures. The measured spectra of Al5Mo- has well defined peaks, while that of Al7Mo-does not. This can be explained by the fluxionality of Al7Mo-, as at least 6 different structures lie within the range that can be reached by thermal effects. We predict that Al6Mo- has well defined peaks, but some broadening is expected as there are two low-lying isomers, one of D3d and the second of D3h symmetry that are only 0.052 eV apart.

Due to low working temperature, high energy density and low pollution, proton exchange fuel cells have been investigated under different operating conditions in different applications. Using platinum catalysts in methanol fuel cells leads to increasing the cost of this kind of fuel cell which is considered as a barrier to the commercialism of this technology. For this reason, a lot of efforts have been made to reduce the loading of the catalyst required on different supports. In this study, carbon black (CB) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) have been used as catalyst supports of the fuel cell as well as using the double-metal combination of platinum-ruthenium (PtRu) as anode electrode catalyst and platinum (Pt) as cathode electrode catalyst. The performance of these two types of electro-catalyst in the oxidation reaction of methanol has been compared based on electrochemical tests. Results showed that the carbon nanotubes increase the performance of the micro-fuel cell by 37% at maximum power density, compared to the carbon black.Based on thee-electrode tests of chronoamperometry and voltammetry, it was found that the oxidation onset potential of methanol for CNT has been around 20% less than CB, leading to the kinetic improvement of the oxidation reaction.The current density of methanol oxidation reaction increased up to 62% in CNT sample compared to CB supported one, therefore the active electrochemical surface area of the catalyst has been increased up to 90% by using CNT compared to CB which shows the significant rise of the electrocatalytic activity in CNT supported catalyst.

Accurately predicting distributions of concentration and temperature field in fixed-bed column is essential for designing adsorption processes. In this study, a two-dimensional (2D), axisymmetric, nonisothermal, dynamic adsorption model was established by coupling equations of mass, momentum and energy balance, and solved by finite element analysis. The simulation breakthrough curves fit well with the low-concentration CO2 adsorption experimental data, indicating the reliability of the established model. The distributions of concentration and temperature field in the column for CO2 adsorption and separation from CO2/N2 were obtained. The sensitivity analysis of the adsorption conditions shows that the operation parameters such as feed flow rate, feed concentration, pellet size, and column height-to-diameter ratio produce a significant effect on the dynamic adsorption performance. The multi-physics coupled 2D axisymmetric model could provide a theoretical foundation and guidance for designing CO2 fixed-bed adsorption and separation processes, which could be extended to other mixed gases as well.

Mobile robots are robots that can move around in the physical environment. The mobile robot must know where it is, where it should go and how to reach the goal position without any collisions. Navigation is very essential in many robotic applications such as autonomous cars, agricultural robots, and space exploration missions. The main constraints facing by researchers in mobile robot navigation are execution time, finding shortest path, and obstacle avoidance. This paper presents a comparison of algorithms like A*, Bidirectional Rapidly Exploring Random Tree, Artificial Potential field, Probabilistic Road Map (PRM) and Rapidly Exploring Random Tree (RRT) used for path planning. The shortest path and the processing time for each algorithm is determined in a MATLAB environment. Among the sampling-based algorithms, the A* algorithm gives the shortest path and PRM takes the least processing time when compared to other algorithms.

Herein, we demonstrate successful fabrication of cellulose acetate (CA)/(PdOAc)2 blend membranes for the gas-permeation performance of H2, CO2, and CH4 gases. Pristine CA and CA/(PdOAc)2 blend membranes with various concentrations (0.5, 0.75 and 1 wt %) of (PdOAc)2 were prepared via vapor induced phase separation (VIPS) method. The membranes were investigated through various techniques such as ATR-IR spectroscopy to study the interaction between the CA and (PdOAc)2. Followed by morphological study by FESEM which showcased homogeneous blending between CA and (PdOAc)2. XRD patterns revealed the characteristic peaks denoting (PdOAc)2 and the change in crystallinity of the membranes upon blending. The alteration in mechanical strength of the blends due to incorporation of (PdOAc)2 into CA matrix was deliberated by tensile strength analysis. Gas experiments showcased permeability in the descending order of H2>CO2>CH4, with a selectivity of 2.02, 68.5 and 34 for H2/CO2, H2/CH4 and CO2/CH4 separation respectively for the optimum membrane.

Machine learning techniques have been successfully used to simulate and optimise bioprocesses. This study explores the feasibility to apply Gradient Boosting, an emerging Ensemble Learning algorithm, which combines weak learners to generate better predictions for bioprocess dynamic modelling and prediction. A thorough procedure was presented for Gradient Boosting based data-driven model construction. Different case studies were employed including fermentation and algal photo-production processes. Given that generating a large size of experimental data for model training is time consuming and challenging to many bioprocesses, this work launched a first investigation on the data efficiency of Gradient Boosting by comparing its predictive capability against the predominantly used artificial neural networks. By carrying out a series of experimental verifications over a broad spectrum of process operating conditions, this study concluded that Gradient Boosting may have several advantages in small experimental datasets and can outperform artificial neural networks for bioprocess predictive modelling, indicating its potential for future bioprocess digitalisation and optimisation.

Efficient Topology discovery and maintenance are the most critical requirements of Software Defined Wireless Sensor Networks (SDWSN). Existing SDWSN protocols for discovering the underlying network topology put more constraints on the already limited wireless sensor node resources. Previously, an extensive literature survey was conducted and this fact was established. In this paper, a novel minimal control overhead topology discovery and data forwarding protocol is proposed and detailed. The proposed protocol requires some changes to the topology discovery protocol implemented in SDN WISE to improve its performance. The proposed protocol has been implemented in the IT-SDN framework for evaluation. The results show reduced control packet overhead and improved energy consumption compared to the existing protocol. Besides, the implementation shows an increase of 20% data packet delivery rate over the protocol in SDN WISE.

Manufacturers have been promoting multi-material designs. So, the dissimilar material welding methods are being developed. We focused on heat welding technologies for friction stir spot welding of aluminum alloy and carbon fiber-reinforced plastic. This study investigated the effect of changes to jig constraint of joined members on the fatigue properties of joints. Also the fatigue life estimation was carried out by considering the singular stress at the welding joint interface. As a result, the fatigue strength of joint in a less constrained state is higher than that in a more constrained state. The singular stress intensity at the slit tip was uniformly predicted by the differences in welding parameters of joints.

The development of water-saving irrigation strategies is crucial because of the increasing demand on water resources. There is a need to improve our understanding of water use strategies that save water and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions without causing yield losses in paddy soil. The current study was carried out to examine the net global warming potential (NGWP) and net greenhouse gas intensity (NGHGI) based on net GHG emissions calculations, including soil organic carbon (SOC) change and indirect emissions (IE). The experiment was carried out under flood irrigation (FI), shallow irrigation (SI), and intermittent irrigation (II) conditions. The results showed that average double rice yields under SI and II were significantly higher than those under FI by 4.5% and 12.2%, respectively, but without significantly difference at annual mean SOC sequestration rate (0-30 cm) over 2 years among the three irrigation regimes. Compared to FI, the annual methane (CH4) emissions decreased by 34% and 45% under SI and II irrigation regimes, respectively. In contrast, nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions under the SI and II increased by 27% and 50%, respectively. IE were nearly the same among the three irrigation regimes, with fertilizer use as the top contributor, and followed the order FI > SI > II. The NGWP and NGHGI respectively decreased by 40% and 45% under II compared to those under FI. In conclusion, water-saving irrigation strategies, especially the II practice, are an effective choice that can simultaneously achieve great success in saving water, increasing rice production, and reducing GHG emissions.

Efforts to tackle land degradation worldwide have spurred the adoption of soil and water conservation (SWC) practices intended to reduce surface runoff and erosion. Despite their widespread implementation, missing or incomplete monitoring remains a pervasive problem preventing evaluation of how well SWC practices meet these aims. Key metrics to evaluate SWC efficacy are the production of flow per unit rainfall (runoff ratio), and exported sediment (sediment concentration). We develop a method to assess changes in these metrics in the absence of a flow rating curve, using more complete and reliable measurements of stage (flow depth). We apply these methods to incomplete monitoring datasets collected from five watersheds included in the Tana and Beles Integrated Water Resource Development Project (TBIWRDP) in the Abay (Blue Nile) basin, Ethiopia. Changes in runoff ratio and sediment concentration relative to the first year of treatment varied by season. In the long wet season (Kiremt) that generates most runoff and erosion, reductions in runoff ratio occurred in three watersheds, and reductions in sediment concentration in four watersheds. Reductions in the runoff ratio were directly proportional to the areal density of SWC treatments in the watersheds, suggesting that SWC treatments were effective in controlling runoff and erosion. We suggest that stage and sediment concentration information can be used to assess watershed responses to SWC treatments. Focusing on these relatively robust measurements, may facilitate the design of reliable and affordable monitoring programs, and ultimately facilitate improved financing approaches based on reasonable estimates of likely SWC practice performance.

Anticoagulants are used in the treatment and prevention of thromboembolism. The most common indications for long-term anticoagulation with warfarin are atrial fibrillation, mechanical heart valves and venous thromboembolism. A number of anticoagulants are available, including unfractioned heparin, low molecular weight heparin, and the vitamin K antagonists; warfarin, acenocoumarol and phenindione. These anticoagulants have been used for many years, and at present most people who require an anticoagulant are prescribed warfarin.However, recent national guidelines have recommended the use of New oral anticoagulants(NOAC) in certain circumstances. The new oral anticoagulants; rivaroxaban, dabigatran and apixaban have all completed phase III clinical trials for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation, and many countries, including the United Kingdom, have approved the use of the new oral anticoagulants for the prevention of cerebrovascular accidents and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation and the treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.This report aims to look at the peri-operative management of patient using the NOACs.

Numerical simulation on groundwater is critical for water resources management. Much research has been conducted in the past using different techniques. Groundwater and surface water should not be treated as isolated components, but rather as interconnected constituents. The interaction between surface and ground water is complex and has never been fully understood. A clear understanding of fundamentals between surface and ground water is essential to conduct groundwater simulation. A comprehensive framework is needed to incorporate physical mechanisms with mathematical models for describing the surface-groundwater interactions. In the present review, up to date coupling strategies and techniques are summarized and compared. Detailed domain models and domain integrated models are reviewed respectively. The advantages and limitations of each technique, including fully coupled scheme and loosely coupled scheme, are presented. The available software using each coupling strategy are listed from previous research. The review will serve as a guidance for future numerical simulation on surface and groundwater interactions.

We demonstrated that classical biophysical measurements of water dynamics on germinating diaspores can improve the understanding of the germination process in a simpler, safer and newer way. This was done using diaspores of cultivated species as a biological model. To calculate the water dynamics measurements (weighted mass, initial diffusion coefficient, velocity and acceleration) we used the mass of diaspores recorded over germination time. Weighted mass of germinating diaspores has a similar pattern, independent of the physiological quality, species or genetic improvement degree. However, initial diffusion coefficient (related to imbibition per se), velocity and acceleration (related to the whole germination metabolism) are influenced by species characters, highlighting the degree of genetic improvement and physiological quality. Changes in the inflection of velocity curves demonstrated each phase of germination sensu stricto. There is no pattern related to the number of these phases, which could range between three and six. Regression models can demonstrate initial velocity and velocity increments for each phase, giving an idea of management of germinative metabolism. Our finds demonstrated that germination is a polyphasic process with a species-specific pattern, but still set by the degree of genetic improvement and (or) physiological quality of diaspores. Among the biophysical measurements, velocity has the greatest potential to define the germination metabolism

Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of clinical pharmacist services addition to cardiac rehabilitation program, on high sensitivity C-reactive protein and echocardiographic parameters. Methods: The study was a prospective; randomized, controlled study. A total of 40 post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients participating in cardiac rehabilitation program were randomly allocated to either the control group (n = 20) or the clinical pharmacist-provided services group (n = 20). High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and echocardiographic parameters (left ventricular end systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricular end systolic volume (LVEDV) and ejection fraction (EF%) were compared between both groups at baseline and after 3 months. Results: After three months of follow-up, the intervention group showed a significant decrease in the percent change of hsCRP, LVESV and LVEDV compared to the control group. However, there was no statistical difference in the percent change of ejection fraction between both groups. Conclusion: Addition of clinical pharmacist services to cardiac rehabilitation program had resulted in marked decrease in hs-CRP, LVESV and LVEDV. Understanding the impact of the clinical pharmacist-provided services in post-ACS patients may encourage clinical implementation of this model in cardiac rehabilitation programs.

Objectives of this study were to clarify the involvement of root to shoot ABA in regulation of leaf stomatal conductance (gs) and mesophyll conductance (gm) during progressive soil drought, and to investigate its impact on leaf photosynthesis and intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi) in pot-planted tomato. A fast-stomatal closure was related to decrease of Ψleaf in the early stage of soil drought, whereas gm kept unchanged until ABAxylem synchronously increased at threshold of relative soil water content (RSWC) decreasing from 51.43 to 44.69%. This out-of-step response between gs and gm resulted in an increase of gm/gs ratio and potentially improved WUEi during RSWC decreased from 51.43 to 40.16%. Meanwhile, gs and gm declined logarithmically with increasing xylem sap ABA concentration (p<0.01). The sensitivity of gm response to root to shoot ABA signaling, even though less than gs, played a key role in regulation of CO2 diffusion into the chloroplast as soil drying proceeded. gs mainly limited leaf photosynthesis with RSWC in range of 51.43 to 40.16%, and relative contribution of gm limitation exceed that of gs limitation as soil further dried. These results provided new understanding of ABA in the regulation of gm and WUEi in response to drought stress.

Background and purpose: Electrical field stimulation (EFS) induces contractions of both snake aorta and human umbilical cord vessels (HUCV) which were dependent on the presence of the endothelium. This study aimed to establish the nature of the mediator(s) responsible for EFS-induced contractions in HUCV. Experimental approach: Rings with or without endothelium from human umbilical artery (HUA) or vein (HUV) were mounted in organ bath chambers containing oxygenated, heated Krebs-Henseleit’s solution. Basal release of dopamine (DA), noradrenaline and adrenaline were measured by LC-MS-MS. Cumulative dose-response curves were performed with dopamine in the absence and in the presence of L-NAME or of dopamine antagonists. EFS studies were performed in the presence and absence L-NAME, the alpha-adrenergic blockers prazosin and idazoxan and the dopamine antagonists SCH-23390 and haloperidol. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopa-decarboxylase (DDC) were studied by immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in-situ hybridizations. Key Results: Basal release of dopamine requires an intact endothelium in both HUA and HUV. TH and DDC are present only in the endothelium of both HUA and HUV as determined by immunohistochemistry. Dopamine induced contractions in HUA only in the presence of L-NAME. Dopamine-induced contractions in HUV were strongly potentiated by L-NAME. The EFS-induced contractions in both HUA and HUV were potentiated by L-NAME and inhibited by the D2-like receptor antagonist haloperidol. The α-adrenergic antagonists prazosin and idazoxan and the D1-like receptor antagonist SCH-23390 had no effect on the EFS-induced contractions of HUA and HUV. Conclusion and Implications: Endothelium-derived dopamine is a major modulator of HUCV reactivity in vitro.

Ipsilateral ectopic pregnancy on tubal remnant after salpingectomy is rare and it is associated with mortality rates higher than other ectopic pregnancies. We present a case of a 38-years-old patient, gravida 4, nulliparous woman, with two spontaneous abortions and a previous right salpingectomy for a tubal pregnancy, that was referred to our hospital at 4+5 weeks of gestation for pelvic pain and spotting. After a confirmed diagnosis of recurrent ectopic pregnancy on tubal remnant, she performed a laparoscopy with removal of the right tubal remnant with the pregnancy, using for the first time in literature the Endoloop ligature.

Background and purpose - In spite of decades research the etiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is not yet well defined. The present study was conducted to assess the role of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α) in progressive dopaminergic neuronal death. Experimental approach - The investigation was done employing experimental rat model of parkinsonism and utilizing various interventions (YM08, 4µ8C, AEBSF, salubrinal, ursolic acid) of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signaling. The mRNA and protein level of ER stress related signaling factors (GRP78, IRE1α, ATF6, eIF2α, ATF4, XBP-1, GADD153) were estimated along with various biochemical alterations (reactive oxygen species generation, levels of nitrite level, intracellular calcium, mitochondrial membrane potential), neuronal morphology and neuronal apoptosis after 3 and 7 day of experiment initiation. Key results - Findings with single administration of interventions showed that salubrinal exhibited significant protection against rotenone induced alterations in ER stress related signaling factors in comparison to other interventions. Therefore, further study was expanded with repeat dose of salubrinal. Rotenone administration in rat brain caused the dose dependent progressive neuronal death which was significantly attenuated with salubrinal treatment involving its diverse effects on altered levels of various ER stress related signaling factors and altered biochemical parameters. Conclusion and implications - Findings showed that rotenone administration induced PD pathology involve the dose dependent progressive neuronal death including various biochemical alterations with critical role of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α, suggesting the potential pharmacological utilization of salubrinal or salubrinal like molecule in therapeutics of Parkinson’s diseases.

Gene therapy using siRNA can be a new potent strategy to treat many incurable diseases, including cancer and viral infection, at the genetic level. Therapies using siRNA essentially need an efficient and safe method of siRNA delivery into cells while maintaining the stability of the siRNA. Here, we designed new fusion peptides of SPACE and oligo arginine. Fusion peptides formed uniform self-assembled nano-complexes without additional reactions. Moreover, siRNAs were stable in nano-complexes for four days in 10% fetal bovine serum. Cellular uptake efficiency of each complex was similar or higher than that of commercialized available Lipofectamine™ 2000. GAPDH-siRNA/peptide complex knock GAPDH mRNA down similar to that mediated by Lipofectamine™ 2000. The increase of arginine residues in fusion peptides induced higher siRNA stability, which enhanced GAPDH knockdown. Co-localization and cellular internalization of siRNA/S-R15 complexes were verified peripherally around the nucleus. The endocytosis pathway of the siRNA/S-R15 complex was identified via lipid-raft mediated endocytosis. Besides, the biosafety of each fusion peptide was proven under a particular concentration. Therefore, a safe and stable self-assembled complex could be expected to deliver siRNA into cells efficiently for the treatment of many diseases.

Protein-based fibers are lightweight, biodegradable, have excellent moisture and temperature regulation, and exceptional mechanical properties, but they are limited in production capacity. Biosynthetic protein-based fibers have the potential to overcome these concerns, but large-scale production with high yield (>1g/L) and purity (>%80), as well as low cost (<$50/kg), must be achieved. Here we developed an optimized expression and purification method for biosynthetic tandem repeat proteins, that are inspired from squid ring tooth (SRT) protein using three wet-waste feedstock, corn steep liquor, molasses, and soybean extract. SRT is composed of a highly stiff, naturally occurring bioplastic and these properties arise from the molecular architecture of the constituant proteins, which are segmented co-polymers with alternating semicrystalline and amorphous domains similar to silk. We have developed protocols to use liquid industrial and agricultural waste as feedstock for SRT production, which has the potential to divert waste streams into useful products. We also show that our biosynthetic protein powder, produced at 1 g/L yield and greater than 80% purity, can be manufactured into fibers using conventional split film or wet-spinning approaches.

Forest ecosystems, as sinks of atmospheric carbon, play an important role in reducing CO2 emissions and preventing annual temperatures from rising. On the other hand, climate change entails changes in the structure and functions of all the biota, including forest cover. Therefore, we attempted to model Betula spp. ecosystem biomass and annual net primary production (NPP) (t ha-1) using the data from 650 forest stands for biomass, 245 for NPP and biomass, as well as climate data on the Trans-Eurasian hydrothermal gradients. The model involves regional peculiarities of age and morphology of the forests. It is found that the reaction of birch biomass and NPP structure on temperature and precipitation corresponds to the principle of limiting factors by Liebig-Shelford but in different proportions for different species. Since the minimum values of biomass and NPP occur in regions with minimum precipitation and minimum temperature, these two factors are limiting in terms of biomass and NPP of birches. The same phenomenon is typical for firs, partly typical for spruces and very differ for larches and pines. The development of such models for basic forest-forming species grown in Eurasia will give possibility to predict any changes in the biological productivity of forest cover of Eurasia in relation to climate change.