bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Herbicide-Resistance and Yield Optimization in Boro Rice (cv. BRRI dhan29) through Post-emergence Herbicides Applications
Authors: Nur-A-Alam Md. , Ahmed Md. Towkir , Sarker Uttam Kumer , Rahman Md. Rashedur , Uddin Md. Romij
Published: August 2024

Effective weed management is crucial for achieving optimal crop performance and yield in rice cultivation. While post-emergence herbicides are commonly used to control weed population (WP), their effectiveness can vary based on the dosage and combinations applied. In this respect, an experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, from December 2019 to May 2020 to predict herbicide-resistant weeds and assess the yield of boro (dry season irrigated) rice (cv. BRRI dhan29) in response to post-emergence herbicides. The experiment consisted of five post-emergence herbicides: Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, Triafamone, Penoxsulam, Bispyribac-sodium, and Carfentrazone-ethyl, and four doses of herbicide: control, half of the recommended dose (RD), RD, and double the RD. Weed dry weight (DW), WP, and inhibition were significantly affected by different doses of herbicides. Ten weed species (WS) belonging to four families infested the experimental plots, with the most dominant being Echinochloa crus-galli, Scirpus mucronatus, and Scirpus articulatus. The lowest WP and DW, as well as the highest weed control efficiency (WCE), were achieved with double the RD of Penoxsulam and Triafamone, showing 91.09% and 90.13% efficiency, respectively, at 30 DAT. The tallest plants, highest number of effective tillers hill-1, highest grain yield, straw yield, biological yield, and harvest index were found with double the RD of Penoxsulam. In contrast double the RD of Triafamone produced the second-highest grain yield. Although double doses of herbicides increased yield, the variation was not significantly greater than the RD. Some weeds, particularly E. crus-galli, S. articulatus, Leersia hexandra, and Digitaria sanguinalis, survived even with double the RD of herbicides. This indicates a potential for herbicide-resistant weeds.
Screening Urban Tree Species for Air Quality Enhancement: A Review
Authors: K. Natarajan , M. P. Sugumaran , G. Porkodi , Kumar Hemanth , S. Radhakrishnan , G. Gayathry , J. Jayakumar , K. Kalaichelvi , K. Suganya , Thangeswari S.
Published: August 2024

Air pollution poses a significant global challenge, particularly in urban areas, due to factors like industrialization, urbanization, increased vehicular traffic, and high energy consumption. In India, vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and power plants are major contributors to deteriorating air quality, with vehicles alone responsible for substantial carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions. Unplanned urbanization and population growth further exacerbate pollution levels. Urban air pollution is linked to millions of deaths and respiratory illnesses annually, especially in developing countries. Vegetation plays a crucial role in mitigating air pollution by absorbing gaseous pollutants and particulate matter through leaves. Plants also act as bioindicators, displaying characteristic responses to specific pollutants. They employ mechanisms like leaf absorption, particulate deposition, and fallout on the leeward side to cleanse the atmosphere. Bio-monitoring with plants is a cost-effective method to assess environmental pollution impacts, highlighting the vital role of urban green spaces in improving air quality and public health. In summary, the screening of trees for pollution abatement is essential in urban planning. The APTI, coupled with assessing the dust-capturing capacity and emission reduction of trees, aids in categorizing them as sensitive indicators or effective pollution sinks.
Assessment of Soil Nutrient Dynamics in Sugarcane Cultivation Areas of Navsari District: Implications for Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Keniya B. J. , Zinzala V. J. , Sisodiya R. R. , Patel A. V.
Published: August 2024

Sentinel 2 satellite data from the year 2021 were acquired from the Copernicus site to identify the sugarcane producing area in the Navsari district. Hybrid classification approach i.e., supervised and unsupervised with ground truth data were applied using ERDAS IMAGINE software. After image classification, 2.5 km x 2.5 km grid was prepared in Q-GIS software which along with classified sugarcane area were overlapped for site identification. Then, random soil surface and sub-surface samples were collected with reference from grid of intensive sugarcane growing area. The available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, DTPA-Fe, DTPA-Mn, DTPA-Zn and DTPA-Cu of surface soil ranged from 132.19 to 428.65 kg ha-1, 18.48 to 107.32 kg ha-1, 202.34 to 359.39 kg ha-1, 0.97 to 29.90 ppm, 1.10 to 29.63 ppm, 0.20 to 6.89 ppm and 1.02 to 11.69 ppm while sub-surface soil varied from 101.91 to 388.62 kg ha-1, 10.16 to 99.57 kg ha-1, 138.66 to 323.35 kg ha-1, 0.35 to 24.97 ppm, 0.20 to 29.08 ppm, 0.05 to 3.64 ppm and 0.21 to 8.07 ppm respectively. The soils of sugarcane growing area of Navsari district showed low OC, available N and S while other nutrients were normal in range for sugarcane cultivation.
Study on Brinjal’s Demonstration in Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Chaturvedi Abhimanyu , Tripathi AN , Singh Ajeet Pratap
Published: August 2024

The twenty numbers of frontline Demonstrations on Integrated Crop Management practices in Brinjal were demonstrated in selected villages of Tirap district, Arunachal Pradesh during Rabi season, 2017-18 and 2018-19 respectively. Before conducting the demonstration; field level surveys were conducted in selected villages to know the farmer’s practices. As per result of survey; there was huge gap between scientific practices and farmer’s practices. On the basis of surveys, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Tirap, Arunachal Pradesh conducted the demonstrations. During the both years the extension gap was recorded in the demonstration plot as 40 & 59 q/ha respectively while the yield were as:  238 & 246 q/ha, Benefit: Cost Ratio ratios were 3.63 & 3.54 as compared control (198 & 187 q/ha and 2.37 & 2.12 respectively).
On Flc-Focal Curves According Flc-Frame
Authors: Mendonca Thiago
Published: August 2024

In this study, we first characterize focal curves by examining the FLC-frame in three-dimensional Euclidean space. We then derive the relationship between the curvatures of a curve and the focal curvatures. Finally, we present some new conditions for curves with constant curvatures in \(\mathbb{E}^3\).
Relationship between Above-ground Biomass and Different Vegetation Indices of Tea Plantation of Alipurduar District, West Bengal, India
Authors: H. R. Ragini , Debnath Manoj Kanti , Basak Pradip , Gupta Deb Sankar
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the relationship between above-ground biomass (AGB) and various vegetation indices in the tea plantations of Alipurduar District, West Bengal, India. The research was conducted in three major tea estates: Kumargram, Sankos and Newlands, using stratified random sampling across 36 plots. Field measurements of trees, shrubs and herbs were taken and AGB was estimated using allometric equations. Sentinel-2 satellite data was utilized to derive vegetation indices such as NDVI, GNDVI, SAVI, MSAVI, EVI-1, EVI-2, NDVIRE, RDVI, DVI, OSAVI and ARVI. The study found significant variation in AGB, ranging from 31.40 Mg ha-1 to 68.84 Mg ha-1, with an average of 47.22 Mg ha-1. Strong positive correlations were observed between AGB and indices like GNDVI (r=0.96) and EVI-2 (r=0.96), indicating their effectiveness in biomass prediction. The integration of remote sensing technologies enhances the scalability and precision of biomass estimation, providing valuable insights into the carbon storage potential and ecological health of tea plantations. These findings have implications for sustainable management and climate change mitigation in agroforestry systems.
The Effects of Bioinoculants on Enhancement Growth in Nanjanagud Rasabale Tissue Culture Banana
Authors: P. Maruvarasi, , Hipparagi Kulapati , G. Prabhuling, , D.L. Rudresh, , M.P. Basavarajappa,
Published: August 2024

Bio-hardening is a process where micro propagated plantlets are inoculated with suitable strains of microorganisms in order to enhance their acclimatization. Trials were taken to expose banana plantlets to useful microbes that encourage growth and mutual association during 2022 at UHS, Bagalkot. It promotes host plant growth, plant nutrient uptake, inhibits pathogen growth, reduces disease severity, enhances tolerance to environmental stress etc. In the present study, twenty treatments were imposed with different bioinoculants by two methods of application (1) powder formulation and (2) liquid formulation. Among these treatments, M1T13- VAM and fusicont significantly increased the survivability per cent (58.80%), plant height (6.46 cm), pseudo stem girth (5.42 cm), number of leaves (4.07) and leaf area (33.15 cm2). Thus, the artificial inoculation of bioinoculants through the powder formulation enhances the growth during primary hardening.
Impact of Organic Manures and Liquid Formulations on Garlic Growth, Yield and Quality in Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Negi Pragti , Goswami Gargi , Pant S.C. , Singh K.C. , Bahuguna Pankaj , Verma S.K.
Published: August 2024

The field study was carried out to VCSG, UUHF, Pauri Garhwal in 2022-2023 to investigate the integrated effect of organic manures and organic liquid formulations on the growth and yield of garlic. The main objective of this study was to determine the benefits of using organic manures and liquid formulations over conventional farming because the abundant use of nitrogenous fertilizers causes excessive vegetative growth at the expense of bulb formation.  Among fourteen different treatment combinations that consist of various combinations of organic manures (FYM and Vermicompost) and organic liquid formulations (Panchgavya and Jeevamrit) treatment T3 i.e., FYM (10t/ha) + Panchgavya (2%) emerged as the best treatment concerning growth and yield of garlic. The findings showed that the maximum plant height (69.080 cm), number of leaves (8.400), leaf length (47.880 cm) and breadth (3.207 cm), and leaf area index (1.023) at all the 30 days intervals after sowing of garlic has been observed with the application of Treatment T3. The fundamental reason for the increased growth might be due to growth-promoting substances like auxins and gibberellins in panchgavya and high nitrogen and phosphorus in FYM.  Concerning yield and quality attributes, the bulb diameter (5.657 cm), fresh weight of bulb (64.643 cm), length of the bulb (5.853 cm), number of cloves per bulb (12.200), bulb yield (120.833 q), total chlorophyll content (2.127 mg/g) and ascorbic acid content (15.333 mg/100g) was obtained maximum with the application of same treatment T3 i.e., FYM (10t/ha) + Panchgavya (2%) with yield increases up to 30% compared to control.  However, the harvest index percent was found to be maximum (89.243 %) in treatment T13 i.e., Vermicompost (5t/ha) + Jeevamrit (6%). These findings suggest that organic farming practices can effectively enhance garlic production, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers. Moreover, this study provides practical insights for farmers and contributes to the growing body of research on sustainable agriculture.
Bridging the Gap: Factors Influencing Farmers' Willingness and Behaviour in Biopesticide Application
Authors: Pithiya Kishan N. , Maheta Hiten Y. , Bharodia Chirag R. , Kumar Kalpesh
Published: August 2024

Replacing chemical pesticides with biopesticides is crucial for ensuring high-quality agricultural products and advancing environmental sustainability. This study examines farmers’ willingness and behaviors regarding the use of biopesticides. A survey of 127 farmers in Junagadh district, Gujarat, was conducted, and a logistic model was employed to analyze factors influencing deviations between farmers’ willingness and their actual behaviors. The findings revealed that 37% of farmers showed a discrepancy between their willingness to use biopesticides and their actual application. Factors significantly impacting this deviation included price affordability, peer influence, education level, land size, emergency conditions, awareness of biopesticides, knowledge of the harmful effects of chemical pesticides, and awareness of agricultural product safety and quality. The primary reason for the gap between willingness and behavior is the farmers’ insufficient knowledge about biopesticides and the incomplete market structure for these products. To address this issue, it is recommended to improve farmers’ professional skills, raise awareness about green production methods, and accelerate the development of the biopesticides market to boost their adoption.
Systemic Biomarkers in Predicting Clinical Outcomes among Patients with Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review
Authors: Echere Jovita , Sayegh George , Asaju Felix , Okafor Eke Nwanne , Oguntuase Oluwaseun Abayomi , Leukeu Armelle Jordan , Adetunji Elijah Oluwasegun Ayoigbala , Badr Omar , Brown Stephanie M. , Sultana Shaheen , Azipu Regina , Ezewudo Onyinye , Obi Marian , Ferguson Frederick , Gopal Shwetha
Published: August 2024

Background: The ability to predict clinical outcomes in Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) could potentially lead to better risk stratification and treatment management. This systematic review aims to evaluate the predictive value of systemic biomarkers on the clinical outcomes among NSTEMI patients.
Methods: A comprehensive search across PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus was conducted, adhering to PRISMA Statement 2020 guidelines. Original clinical studies involving NSTEMI patients with measured systemic biomarkers were considered. Keyword combinations included the following: 'NSTEMI', 'systemic biomarkers', 'clinical outcomes', 'major adverse cardiac events', and/or 'mortality.
Results: We included 7 studies in total pooling in 863 participants, with biomarkers such as Syntax score, Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), Matrix Metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9), and Perforin (P), among others. All systemic inflammation (SI) biomarkers were found significantly elevated in patients with high Syntax scores. ROC values for major adverse cardiac events (MACE) ranged from 0.592 to 0.637, and for overall mortality from 0.524 to 0.761. Monocytic MMP-9 mRNA levels were found increased in patients with NSTEMI (0.9 +/- 0.3 relative units (RU)). Positive correlations were found between cardiac troponin I plasma concentrations and the frequency of Perforin-positive cells during the first week after the NSTEMI.
Conclusion: Systemic biomarkers, including Syntax score, NLR, PLR, MMP-9, and Perforin, show potential predictive value for clinical outcomes in NSTEMI patients. Their use could aid in early risk stratification and management. However, more large-scale, multicenter studies are warranted to validate these findings.
The Impact of Horse-Assisted Therapy on Socio-Emotional Behaviors in Children with Autism
Authors: (Măierean) Ana Maria Zagrai , Cotor Gabriel , Cotor Dragoș Corneliu , Zagrai Gavrilă , Grama Aureliana , Cupșa Eniko , Damian Aurel
Published: August 2024

Animal-assisted therapy for children with autism (ASD) is a form of complementary therapy, integrating methods from various other types of therapy. AAT, or animal-assisted therapy, is a series of interventions that are based on the behavioral traits of animals, especially dogs and horses, which are the most common in this context. These interventions can be integrated into conventional treatments such as behavioral therapy, play therapy, music therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and art therapy, depending on the individual needs of patients. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of an already existing Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) program on social communication skills, executive functions and motor skills in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. The research adopted an observational design to analyze how often certain behaviors occur in the presence or absence of horses in a group intervention program. This research included 16 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), aged between 9 and 14 years (12 boys and 4 girls), who were selected from an School Center for Inclusive Education. The conclusions drawn from our results showed that the horse-assisted therapy, implemented in our experiment, recorded a notable improvement in all the behavioral parameters analyzed. Improvements were observed in Attention in Activity (21.2%), Communication (18.3%) and Compliance (9.1%) during activities, Physical Movements, with a difference of 34.1%, Affective State (23.33%), Visual Control (45%), Functional Skills and Response to Command (46.66%), Social Attention (33.5%) and Dynamic Motor Skills (35.55%) during activities. And the biggest difference was observed in Vocalizations, with a difference of 53%. Our results strongly support the fact that complementary therapy of autism spectrum disorders with the help of horses is an effective form of intervention, which can bring substantial improvements in therapeutic outcomes.
Alkaline Comet Assay for Assessing DNA Damage in Individual Cells
Authors: Pu Xinzhu , Wang Zemin , Klaunig James E.
Published: August 2015

Single‐cell gel electrophoresis, commonly called a comet assay, is a simple and sensitive method for assessing DNA damage at the single‐cell level. It is an important technique in genetic toxicological studies. The comet assay performed under alkaline conditions (pH >13) is considered the optimal version for identifying agents with genotoxic activity. The alkaline comet assay is capable of detecting DNA double‐strand breaks, single‐strand breaks, alkali‐labile sites, DNA‐DNA/DNA‐protein cross‐linking, and incomplete excision repair sites. The inclusion of digestion of lesion‐specific DNA repair enzymes in the procedure allows the detection of various DNA base alterations, such as oxidative base damage. This unit describes alkaline comet assay procedures for assessing DNA strand breaks and oxidative base alterations. These methods can be applied in a variety of cells from in vitro and in vivo experiments, as well as human studies. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Determination of Metabolic Stability Using Cryopreserved Hepatocytes from Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Fay Kellie A. , Nabb Diane L. , Mingoia Robert T. , Bischof Ina , Nichols John W. , Segner Helmut , Johanning Karla , Han Xing
Published: August 2015

Trout provide a relatively easy source of hepatocytes that can be cryopreserved and used for a range of applications including toxicity testing and determination of intrinsic clearance. Standard protocols for isolating, cryopreserving, and thawing rainbow trout hepatocytes are described, along with procedures for using fresh or cryopreserved hepatocytes to assess metabolic stability of xenobiotics in fish by means of a substrate depletion approach. Variations on these methods, troubleshooting tips, and directions for use of extrapolation factors to express results in terms of in vivo intrinsic clearance are included. These protocols have been developed for rainbow trout, but can be adapted to other fish species with appropriate considerations. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Coupled C–S–Fe geochemistry in a rapidly accumulating marine sedimentary system: Diagenetic and depositional implications
Authors: Peketi A. , Mazumdar A. , Joao H. M. , Patil D. J. , Usapkar A. , Dewangan P.
Published: August 2015

In the present study, we have investigated the C–S–Fe systematics in a sediment core (MD161‐13) from the Krishna‐Godavari (K‐G) basin, Bay of Bengal. The core covers the late Holocene period with high overall sedimentation rate of ∼573 cm kyr−1. Pore fluid chemical analyses indicate that the depth of the present sulfate methane transition zone (SMTZ) is at ∼6 mbsf. The (ΔTA + ΔCa + ΔMg)/
ratios suggest that both organoclastic degradation and anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) drive sulfate reduction at the study site. The positive correlation between total organic carbon content (TOC) and chromium reducible sulfur (CRS) content indicates marked influence of organoclastic sulfate reduction on sulfidization. Coupled occurrence of 34S‐enriched iron sulfide (pyrite) with 12C‐enriched authigenic carbonate zones is the possible records of paleo‐sulfate methane transition zones where AOM‐driven‐focused sulfate reduction was likely fueled by sustained high methane flux from underlying gas‐rich zone. Aluminum normalized poorly reactive iron (FePR/Al) and La/Yb ratios suggest increasing contribution from Deccan basalts relative to that of Archean‐Proterozoic granitic complex in sediment flux of Krishna‐Godavari basin during the last 4 kyr.
Charge and discharge of polar cold air mass in northern hemispheric winter
Authors: Kanno Yuki , Abdillah Muhammad Rais , Iwasaki Toshiki
Published: August 2015

This study shows the variability of polar cold air mass amount below potential temperature of 280 K, and north of 45°N can be understood with a concept of charge and discharge, where anomalously large daily discharge indicates an intermittent occurrence of cold air outbreak. The polar cold air mass amount north of 45°N gradually charges up due to diabatic cooling but dramatically discharges due to cold air outbreak with a pulse width of about 5 days. Cold air outbreaks tend to bring colder winter in East Asia and the east coast of North America, while warmer winter prevails on the northern side of these regions. The cold air mass amount south of 45°N increases just after a cold air outbreak but returns to the normal level soon because of its life time of about 3 days. Therefore, monthly mean of total cold air mass amount in the Northern Hemisphere is negatively correlated with the monthly mean discharge.
Observations of a large‐scale gravity wave propagating over an extremely large horizontal distance in the thermosphere
Authors: Guo Jianpeng , Forbes Jeffrey M. , Wei Fengsi , Feng Xueshang , Liu Huixin , Wan Weixing , Yang Zhiliang , Liu Chaoxu , Emery Barbara A. , Deng Yue
Published: August 2015

In this paper we report the detection of a large‐scale gravity wave propagating over an extremely large horizontal distance in the thermosphere on 28 July 2006. Specifically, after being launched at the northern auroral region on the dayside, this wave propagated equatorward with phase speeds on the order of ∼720 m/s and finally almost traveled around the Earth once horizontally in the thermosphere prior to dissipation. The time taken to dissipate is about 15.5 h. It is the farthest‐traveling large‐scale gravity wave currently tracked by satellite measurements, made possible by a sudden injection of energy in an unusually clean propagation environment. This experiment of opportunity serves as an important step in furthering our theoretical understanding of gravity wave propagation and dissipation in the thermosphere.
Relation between the short‐term variation of the Jovian radiation belt and thermosphere derived from radio and infrared observations
Authors: Kita Hajime , Misawa Hiroaki , Bhardwaj Anil , Tsuchiya Fuminori , Sakanoi Takeshi , Kasaba Yasumasa , Tao Chihiro , Miyoshi Yoshizumi , Morioka Akira
Published: August 2015

We report the first comprehensive observations of Jovian synchrotron radiation (JSR) and H3+ emission from the Jovian thermosphere to investigate the generation process of short‐term (days to weeks) variations in the Jovian radiation belt. The observations were made by the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope and NASA Infrared Telescope Facility during November 2011. The total flux density of JSR increased by approximately 5% between 6–9 November and 12–17 November, associated with the increased solar UV/EUV flux. From 7 to 14 November, a possible rise in the infrared H3+ emission was observed in the middle‐latitude region, corresponding to a temperature variation of approximately 10 K. These results are consistent with the scenario that the solar UV/EUV heating causes variations in the thermospheric temperature and JSR. Radio images along the equatorial region showed that the JSR intensity decreased inside 1.5 Jovian radii (RJ) and the peak position shifted outward. This implies that energetic electrons are attenuated by some internal loss process, despite the simultaneous increase in radial diffusion. A physical model for the radiation belt shows that such an internal loss process can explain the observed variation of brightness distribution. Typical loss time scale is longer than strong diffusion limit, which suggests the existence of some pitch angle diffusion process such as wave‐particle interaction. Thus, variations of the total JSR flux density and thermospheric temperature seem consistent with the scenario, and the brightness distribution of JSR can be explained by the increase in radial diffusion accompanied by internal loss processes.
Cross‐scale impact of climate temporal variability on ecosystem water and carbon fluxes
Authors: Paschalis Athanasios , Fatichi Simone , Katul Gabriel G. , Ivanov Valeriy Y.
Published: August 2015

While the importance of ecosystem functioning is undisputed in the context of climate change and Earth system modeling, the role of short‐scale temporal variability of hydrometeorological forcing (~1 h) on the related ecosystem processes remains to be fully understood. Various impacts of meteorological forcing variability on water and carbon fluxes across a range of scales are explored here using numerical simulations. Synthetic meteorological drivers that highlight dynamic features of the short temporal scale in series of precipitation, temperature, and radiation are constructed. These drivers force a mechanistic ecohydrological model that propagates information content into the dynamics of water and carbon fluxes for an ensemble of representative ecosystems. The focus of the analysis is on a cross‐scale effect of the short‐scale forcing variability on the modeled evapotranspiration and ecosystem carbon assimilation. Interannual variability of water and carbon fluxes is emphasized in the analysis. The main study inferences are summarized as follows: (a) short‐scale variability of meteorological input does affect water and carbon fluxes across a wide range of time scales, spanning from the hourly to the annual and longer scales; (b) different ecosystems respond to the various characteristics of the short‐scale variability of the climate forcing in various ways, depending on dominant factors limiting system productivity; (c) whenever short‐scale variability of meteorological forcing influences primarily fast processes such as photosynthesis, its impact on the slow‐scale variability of water and carbon fluxes is small; and (d) whenever short‐scale variability of the meteorological forcing impacts slow processes such as movement and storage of water in the soil, the effects of the variability can propagate to annual and longer time scales.
Statistical analysis of the ionospheric response during geomagnetic storm conditions over South Africa using ionosonde and GPS data
Authors: Matamba Tshimangadzo Merline , Habarulema John Bosco , McKinnell Lee‐Anne
Published: August 2015

This paper presents a statistical analysis of ionospheric response over ionosonde stations Grahamstown (33.3°S, 26.5°E, geographic) and Madimbo (22.4°S, 30.9°E, geographic), South Africa, during geomagnetic storm conditions which occurred during the period 1996–2011. Such a climatological study is important in establishing local ionospheric behavior trend which later forms a basis for accurate modeling and forecasting electron density and critical frequency of the F2 layer (foF2) useful for high‐frequency communication. The analysis was done using foF2 and total electron content (TEC), and to identify the geomagnetically disturbed conditions, the Dst index with a storm criterion of Dst ≤−50 nT was used. Results show a strong solar cycle dependence with negative ionospheric storm effects following the solar cycle and positive ionospheric storm effects occurring most frequently during solar minimum. Seasonally, negative and positive ionospheric storm effects occurred most in summer (63.24%) and in winter (53.62%), respectively. An important finding is that only negative ionospheric storms were observed during great geomagnetic storm activity (Dst ≤−350 nT). For periods when both foF2 and TEC data (from colocated ionosonde and GPS receiver stations) were available, a similar response in terms of variational trend was observed. Hence, GPS data can be used to effectively identify the ionospheric response in the absence of ionosonde data.
Tectonic, magmatic, and metallogenic evolution of the Late Cretaceous arc in the Carpathian‐Balkan orogen
Authors: Gallhofer Daniela , Quadt Albrecht von , Peytcheva Irena , Schmid Stefan M. , Heinrich Christoph A.
Published: August 2015

The Apuseni‐Banat‐Timok‐Srednogorie Late Cretaceous magmatic arc in the Carpathian‐Balkan orogen formed on the European margin during closure of the Neotethys Ocean. It was subsequently deformed into a complex orocline by continental collisions. The Cu‐Au mineralized arc consists of geologically distinct segments: the Apuseni, Banat, Timok, Panagyurishte, and Eastern Srednogorie segments. New U‐Pb zircon ages and geochemical whole rock data for the Banat and Apuseni segments are combined with previously published data to reconstruct the original arc geometry and better constrain its tectonic evolution. Trace element and isotopic signatures of the arc magmas indicate a subduction‐enriched source in all segments and variable contamination by continental crust. The magmatic arc was active for 25 Myr (~92–67 Ma). Across‐arc age trends of progressively younger ages toward the inferred paleo‐trench indicate gradual steepening of the subducting slab away from the upper plate European margin. This leads to asthenospheric corner flow in the overriding plate, which is recorded by decreasing 87Sr/86Sr (0.70577 to 0.70373) and increasing 143Nd/144Nd (0.51234 to 0.51264) ratios over time in some segments. The close spatial relationship between arc magmatism, large‐scale shear zones, and related strike‐slip sedimentary basins in the Timok and Pangyurishte segments indicates mild transtension in these central segments of the restored arc. In contrast, the Eastern Srednogorie segment underwent strong orthogonal intraarc extension. Segmental distribution of tectonic stress may account for the concentration of rich porphyry Cu deposits in the transtensional segments, where lower crustal magma storage and fractionation favored the evolution of volatile‐rich magmas.
Low Temperature Processing to Form Oxidation Insensitive Electrical Contact at Silicon Nanowire/Nanowire Junctions
Authors: Ternon Céline , Serre Pauline , Lebrun Jean‐Marie , Brouzet Virginie , Legallais Maxime , David Sylvain , Luciani Thierry , Pascal Céline , Baron Thierry , Missiaen Jean‐Michel
Published: August 2015

The development of functional devices compatible with standard microelectronic processes is central to the More‐than‐Moore and Beyond‐CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) electronic fields. Devices based on nanowires (NWs) are very promising, but their integration remains complex and submitted to variability limiting the potential scalability. The field of flexible electronics is another one in which the standard microelectronic industry struggles to propose a solution. Despite tremendous progress, organic materials remain highly sensitive to oxygen and humidity and deteriorate under UV irradiation, thus limiting their long‐term operation. Here, it is shown that Si NW networks, also called Si nanonets, provide an easy‐to‐process single answer to develop flexible electronics and NW‐based devices. As a major contribution to the state of the art, it is demonstrated that stable Si NW–NW junctions, insensitive to oxidation, can be formed with low variability, which opens up a new route to form reproducible and reliable devices, with long‐term performances, presumably over several years, for NW‐based or flexible devices using Si as active element.
Thermodynamic model for the permeability of light gases in glassy polymers
Authors: Minelli Matteo , Sarti Giulio C.
Published: August 2015

The permeability of light gases in a series of different glassy polymers is analyzed through a thermodynamic‐based approach for solubility and diffusivity. The nonequilibrium thermodynamic model for glassy polymers describes the solubility of the different penetrants; diffusivity is given as the product of a mobility factor and a thermodynamic factor. The latter is predicted by the nonequilibrium lattice fluid thermodynamic model, while the mobility coefficient is determined using the experimental permeability data. For rather soluble penetrants (e.g., CO2), a plasticization factor is also accounted for, considering the mobility to depend exponentially on penetrant concentration, as often observed experimentally. The model is able to describe accurately the experimental behavior in a simple and effective way, considering only two adjustable parameters. The mobility coefficient is found to depend on the penetrant size (critical volume) and on the fractional free volume of the polymer matrix, following rather general and reasonable correlations. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 2776–2788, 2015
Water and methane in shale rocks: Flow pattern effects on fluid transport and pore structure
Authors: Ho Tuan A. , Striolo Alberto
Published: August 2015

Using molecular dynamics simulations, the two‐phase flow of water and methane through slit‐shaped nanopores carved from muscovite is studied. The simulations are designed to investigate the effect of flow patterns on fluids transport and on pore structure. The results indicate that the Darcy's law, which describes a linear relation between flow rate and pressure drop, can be violated when the flow pattern is altered. This can happen when the driving force, that is, the pressure drop, increases above a pore‐size dependent threshold. Because the system considered here contains two phases, when the fluid structure changes, the movement of methane with respect to that of water changes, leading to the violation of the Darcy's law. Our results illustrate the importance of the capillary force, due to the formation of water bridges across the model pores, not only on the fluid flow, but also on the pore structure, in particular its width. When the water bridges are broken, perhaps because of fast fluid flow, the capillary force vanishes leading to significant pore expansion. Because muscovite is a model for illite, a clay often found in shale rocks, these results advance our understanding regarding the mechanism of water and gas transport in tight shale gas formations. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 2993–2999, 2015
Pervaporation of organic compounds from aqueous mixtures using polydimethylsiloxane‐containing block copolymer membranes
Authors: Greer Douglas R. , Ozcam A. Evren , Balsara Nitash P.
Published: August 2015

Pervaporation of aqueous mixtures of ethanol, acetone, butanol, isobutanol, and furfural through polystyrene‐b‐polydimethylsiloxane‐b‐polystyrene (SDS) triblock copolymer membranes is reported. These mixtures are important for biofuel production from lignocellulosic feedstocks. Feedstock depolymerization results in the formation of furfural which must be removed before fermentation. Ethanol, butanol, isobutanol, and acetone are important fermentation biofuels. The membrane selectivity of SDS is about unity over a wide range of concentrations of aqueous ethanol mixtures, similar to the membrane selectivity of crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The permeabilities of butanol, isobutanol, and furfural are larger than those of ethanol and acetone. The volatile organic compound permeability through SDS is similar to or higher than that through PDMS across a broad range of temperatures and feed concentrations is found. More selective and permeable membranes are needed to lower the cost of biofuel purification. The SDS membranes developed are but one step toward improved membranes. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 2789–2794, 2015
Predicting multicomponent adsorption: 50 years of the ideal adsorbed solution theory
Authors: Walton Krista S. , Sholl David S.
Published: August 2015

Describing multi‐component adsorption is fundamental to using sorption in any chemical separation. 50 years ago, Myers and Prausnitz made a seminal contribution to characterization and prediction of multi‐component adsorption by introducing Ideal Adsorbed Solution Theory (IAST). Here, we give an overview of IAST, highlighting its continued role as a benchmark method in describing adsorption using illustrative examples from a variety of experimental and molecular modeling studies. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 2757–2762, 2015
Molecular‐based virial coefficients of CO2‐H2O mixtures
Authors: Schultz Andrew J. , Kofke David A. , Harvey Allan H.
Published: August 2015

We report second and third virial coefficients for the system CO2‐H2O, calculated via cluster integrals using quantitative molecular models taken from the literature. Considered models include (1) fits to highly accurate ab initio calculations of the potential energy surfaces, and (2) semiempirical Gaussian Charge Polarizable Models (GCPM). Three‐body effects are found to be essential for obtaining quantitative results. Good agreement with experiment is obtained for the pure‐component coefficients, and for the cross second virial coefficient. For the two cross third virial coefficients, the few experimental data available do not agree well with the calculations; it is not clear whether this is due to problems with the data or deficiencies in the three‐body potentials. The uncertain state of the experimental data, and the relative mutual consistency of values computed from ab initio and GCPM models, suggest that calculated mixture third virial coefficients could be more accurate than values from experiment. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 3029–3037, 2015
Analysis of countercurrent membrane vapor extraction of a dilute aqueous biosolute
Authors: Liu David E. , Cerretani Colin , Tellez Rodrigo , Scheer Agnes P. , Sciamanna Steve , Bryan Paul F. , Radke Clayton J. , Prausnitz John M.
Published: August 2015

Removal of dilute bioproducts from fermenter broths is a major challenge both to avoid microbe inhibition and to recover solutes economically without water loss. We analyze a proposed new process, membrane vapor extraction (MVE), where semi‐volatile dilute aqueous solutes vaporize at the upstream side of an omniphobic, microporous membrane and dissolve into a nonpolar solvent highly favorable to the solutes but not to water. A new membrane‐process analysis is outlined and applied to the countercurrent recovery of 2 wt % aqueous butanol by a prototype solvent (dodecane) at 40°C. Thermodynamic phase equilibria, pioneered by the Prausnitz school, are crucial to MVE process design. Over 90% of the feed butanol is recovered with essentially no water loss giving a separation factor of over 1000. Energy requirements in MVE are low. Our design calculations demonstrate that MVE is a viable separation process to remove and recover dilute aqueous biosolutes. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 2795–2809, 2015
Incorporating critical divergence of isochoric heat capacity into the soft‐SAFT equation of state
Authors: Llovell Fèlix , Vega Lourdes F. , Anisimov Mikhail A. , Sengers Jan V.
Published: August 2015

In the critical region, widely used equations of state, including molecular‐based statistical associating fluid theory (SAFT) equations, fail to quantitatively describe the critical anomalies affected by the diverging fluctuations of density due to their classical mean‐field approximation. Description of some properties in the critical region, in particular vapor‐liquid coexistence and isothermal compressibility, can be improved by fitting (multi) parameters of an equation of state to the properties obtained in accurate computer simulations. However, some anomalies in the critical region, which are caused exclusively by critical fluctuations, cannot be readily generated by this procedure. An example of a critical anomaly, completely absent in the mean‐field approximation, is the divergence of the isochoric heat capacity. A simplified methodology for modifying the original soft‐SAFT equation of state to take into account these anomalies is explored. Possible procedures for further improvement are mentioned. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 3073–3080, 2015
Diffusion in fluids between Knudsen and Fickian limits: Departure from classical behavior
Authors: Aranovich Gregory L. , Donohue Marc D.
Published: August 2015

The finite‐difference equation of diffusion (consistent with Einstein's evolution equation of diffusion) without the assumption of small mean free path is discussed. This equation predicts significant deviations from classical behavior for the simplest geometry: fluid in a pipe with a large density gradient, such that one end is at the Fickian limit, the other end is at Knudsen limit and there can be a transition zone between them. This has not been considered in previous studies. The analysis indicates that significant deviations from classical (Fickian) behavior arise due to the large change in mean free path which is important in numerous situations, including vacuum technology and propulsion in space. Other examples of deviations from Fick's law include cases where the mean free path is not small compared to system size (nanoscale systems and low density systems) and cases where there are large gradients. These are important in a variety of practical applications, including vacuum distillation, vacuum pumps, and adsorption measurements. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 3138–3143, 2015
Effects of cell construction parameters on the performance of lithium/sulfur cells
Authors: Song Min‐Kyu , Zhang Yuegang , Cairns Elton J.
Published: August 2015

Current lithium‐ion batteries are predicted to be unable to provide the specific energy required to meet the ever‐increasing demands of rapidly emerging technologies. Due to a high theoretical specific capacity of 1675 mAh/g, sulfur has gained much attention as a promising positive electrode material for high specific energy rechargeable batteries. Although the lithium/sulfur cell has been studied for many years and continues to receive much attention today as an alternative power source for zero‐emission vehicles and advanced electronic devices, the realization of this novel cell's promise as a commercial product has yet to be successful. The major problems with sulfur electrodes involve: (1) the dissolution of sulfur (as polysulfides) and the resulting diffusion of dissolved polysulfides and (2) the deposition of insulating products (including Li2S) on both the negative and the positive electrodes. These solid deposits can physically block the electrode reaction sites, thus passivating the electrode surfaces. Another important problem is the large volume change that occurs with the conversion of S to Li2S. It is important to understand that the performance of Li/S cells is hampered by linked chemical and mechanical degradations and both degradation mechanisms must be correctly alleviated in order to markedly improve current‐technology Li/S cells. In this study, improved cycling performance via the reactive functional groups on graphene oxide to successfully immobilize sulfur and lithium polysulfides during operation has been demonstrated. The use of a new electrolyte and binder leads to improved cell performance in terms of high‐rate capability (up to at least 2 C) and good reversibility (S ↔ Li2S), yielding at least 800 cycles have also been demonstrated. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 2749–2756, 2015
Critical Reviews: How we treat sickle cell patients with leg ulcers
Authors: Minniti Caterina P. , Kato Gregory J.
Published: August 2015

The past five decades have seen an improvement in the mortality and morbidity of sickle cell disease (SCD) because of prophylaxis against infectious complications, improved and expanded red cell transfusions, implementation of hydroxyurea therapy, and advances in supportive care. Now that the majority of patients in the western hemisphere reaches adulthood, end organ diseases are frequent, which include vasculopathic complications such as chronic leg ulcers. The management of patients with leg ulcers requires the hematologist to lead a team of health care professionals, and investigates the presence of associated, but potentially still occult signs of vasculopathy, such as pulmonary hypertension, renal disease, priapism and retinopathy. These complications may be asynchronous, and long term careful screening is indicated, in order to ensure early diagnosis and intervention. It is crucial to address both the immediate consequences of pain, infection and disability, and long term effects on quality of life, employment and stigma associated with chronic ulceration. Recent insights into their pathophysiology may have practical implications. We propose a holistic approach to the management of patients' physical and emotional problems and mechanisms of ulcers formation and delayed healing. An overview of topical and systemic therapies for chronic ulcers is given, with the understanding that wound care therapy is best left to the wound specialists, medical and surgical, with whom the hematologist must keep an open line of communication. In the absence of evidence‐based guidelines, our opinion is based on both a critical review of the literature and our personal clinical and research experience. Am. J. Hematol. 00:000–000, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Am. J. Hematol. 91:22–30, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A mutation in TRPV4 results in altered chondrocyte calcium signaling in severe metatropic dysplasia
Authors: Hurd Lauren , Kirwin Susan M. , Boggs Mary , Mackenzie William G. , Bober Michael B. , Funanage Vicky L. , Duncan Randall L.
Published: August 2015

Transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily V, member 4 (TRPV4) is a polymodal modulated non‐selective cation channel required for normal development and maintenance of bone and cartilage. Heterozygous mutations of this channel cause a variety of channelopathies, including metatropic dysplasia (MD). We analyzed the effect of a novel TRPV4 mutation c.2398G>A, p.Gly800Asp on intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) regulation in chondrocytes and compared this response to chondrocytes with a frequently observed mutation, c.2396C>T, p.Pro799Leu. We observed temperature‐dependent [Ca2+]i oscillations in both intact and MD chondrocytes however, MD mutations exhibited increased peak magnitudes of [Ca2+]i during oscillations. We also found increased baseline [Ca2+]i in MD primary cells, as well as increased [Ca2+]i response to either hypotonic swelling or the TRVP4‐specific agonist, GSK1016790A. Oscillations and stimulation responses were blocked with the TRPV4‐specific antagonist, GSK205. Analysis of [Ca2+]i response kinetics showed that MD chondrocytes had increased frequency of temperature‐sensitive oscillations, and the magnitude and duration of [Ca2+]i responses to given stimuli. Duration of the response of the p.Gly800Asp mutation to stimulation was greater than for the p.Pro799Leu mutation. These experiments show that this region of the channel is essential for proper [Ca2+]i regulation. These studies of primary cells from patients show how both mutant and WT TRPV4 channels regulate cartilage and bone development. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.