bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling Spatial Distribution of the Carob Tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) in Azilal Province, Morocco
Authors: LAHSSINI Said , HAJIB Said , Lahlaoi Hicham , MHARZI ALAOUI Hicham , Khattabi Abdellatif
Published: December 2015

Factors determining forest species distribution include, in addition to external factors such as human interference and environmental management strategies, also soil and hydrological characteristics and climate conditions in any given areas. Modelling distribution has practical application in forest conservation and management, and help decision makers to develop strategies aimed at forest restoration, development of mountainous areas and the continuous and sustainable provision of forest-related services. Species distribution modelling (SDM) can be used for predicting species distribution based on tree presence records and on a number of environmental predictors. In this study we used MaxEnt for niche modelling in predicting carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) trees spatial distribution in the Province of Azilal in Morocco. The results obtained show that a large area of the mountain regions is suitable for the expansion of Ceratonia siliqua stands. These findings will help decision makers in forest planning to better identify suitable sites for carob tree plantations and assess the potential of the exiting populations.
Magnetic Susceptibility of Soils from Eastern Botswana: A Reconnaissance Survey and Potential Applications
Authors: Ranganai Rubeni Tawanda , Moidaki Moikwathai , G. King James
Published: December 2015

Soil magnetic properties measurements are relatively fast and inexpensive but have been proved to be sufficient for preliminary investigations in diverse socio-developmental issues. This paper presents results of a reconnaissance study of soil colour and magnetic susceptibility (c) in eastern Botswana, where ~80% of the population resides. The work is a first step to creating a database of rock and soil magnetic properties and to document spatial variations in magnetic properties in the country. These measurements are important as constraints for interpretation of available aeromagnetic data and can also be exploited for environmental soil research (pollution) and land-use planning (agriculture). The soils sampled include derivatives of varying types and provenance such as Archean gneissic granitoids, metamorphosed rocks (granulites), volcano-sedimentary assemblages, Karoo basalts, and alluvial sediments. A soil colour chart was used since soil colours and magnetic properties are diagnostic of its parent rock sources and weathering profiles. Soil magnetic susceptibilities were measured at both low frequency (0.46 MHz, clf) and high frequency (4.6 MHz, chf), thus allowing calculation of frequency-dependent susceptibility (cfd, cfd%) for detecting ultra-fine ferromagnetic minerals.
It was found that soils with Hues ranging from 7.5YR to 10YR have appreciable amount of magnetic materials and soils with Hues of 2.5YR are generally nonmagnetic. The results of soil magnetic susceptibility profiles show spatial variation closely related to the variation in basement rocks, which provides excellent evidence that the magnetic susceptibility variation reflects basement rocks or bedrock composition (soil parent material). In relation to the Botswana physiographic units, soils from the hardveld (Precambrian) show the highest susceptibilities, followed by those from the sandveld, with the lowest values being from the alluvial. The frequency dependent magnetic susceptibilities indicate the presence of ultra-fine super-paramagnetic minerals such as magnetite/maghemite. It is suggested that a systematic and continuous programme of rock and soil magnetic measurements would benefit various socio-economic and development priority sectors of Botswana. This also applies to many developing countries in Africa where soil physics and measurement of soil susceptibility in particular, is generally still at an embryonic stage.
Stratigraphical and Structural Analyses of the Sagrma (Sagerma) Anticline, Sulaimani Area, Iraqi Kurdistan Region
Authors: Azad Khanaqa Polla , Haji Karim Kamal
Published: December 2015

The Sagrma anticline is a name for two parallel series of mountain peaks that are separated by a deep, wide and elongate valley which has width and length of 2 and 40 km respectively. The valley is called Qopy Qaradagh and it is beautiful picnic area for the people of the nearby Qaradagh town and surrounding villages. The anticline is located 40 kms to the south of Sulaimani city at the boundary between High and Low Folded Zones. Recently the anticline is subjected to intense geological and seismic survey for oil exploration and an oil well is drilled to depth of 3400 m without finding economic oil. The aim of the present study is updating the data about the stratigraphy and structure of the anticline with the critical review of the previous studies. It is also aimed to give the possible reasons for the absence of oil in the anticline. The Kolosh, Sinjar, Gercus (or Khurmala) and Pila Spi Formations are exposed in the core, lower limbs, middle limbs and upper limbs of the inner arc of anticline respectively. The Pila Spi, Oligocene rocks, and Lower Fars, and Upper Fars Formations are exposed along the upper, middle and lower part of the outer arc of the two limbs. The previously described Sagerma and Avanah Formations are not recorded in the present study and this is true for the previous growth strata (as a syn-sedimentary deformation) too. Structurally, the Sagrma anticline is a tight double plunging anticline and its northeastern limb steeper than southwestern one. The anticline is not formed by fault propagation fold as concluded previously but deformed by limb rotation by which a detachment fold is generated. The rotation has intensely deformed the core of the anticline and due to this deformation the possible existed oil is not preserved. The main detachment fold is further deformed into several smaller (parasitic) anticlines which they have either Z or S shape which can be called anticlinorium. The anticline is shorted, in some places, by a large lateral thrust.
Correlation between Theoretical and Experimental Specific Surface Area Estimation for PANI and PANI (Zr) Composite
Authors: N. Myasoedova Tatiana , K. Plugotarenko Nina , A. Moiseeva Tatiana , V. Vorobyev Eugeniy , V. Butova Vera , V. Petrov Viktor
Published: December 2015

Polyaniline (PANI) and polyaniline/Zr (PANI/Zr) powders have been prepared by in situ polymerization method,
and the morphology, structure and pore structure are investigated. Quantum-chemical calculations showed that
the polyaniline structure formed with zirconium ions is not globular, but fiber-like, and its fiber patterns are
characterized by clear orientation of individual fragments Estimation of the theoretical and experimental specific
surface area of the PANI/Zr composite is done. It is shown that the most preferred is the fiber-like structure with
the specific surface area about 128-162 m2/g, which stability may be improved by using zirconium (IV)
containing substances as a dopant. Experimental specific surface area is 66.8 and 146.05 m2/g for PANI and
PANI/Zr, respectively. Correlation between theoretical and experimental specific surface area PANI/Zr
composite is observed.
Effects of Pinch Technique, Torque Direction and Sensation on the Pinch Force in Loaded and Unloaded Conditions
Authors: Ng Poh Kiat , Saptari Adi , Yean Ng Chiew
Published: December 2015

Many daily hand-related tasks require the ability to produce and control pinch forces to handle small objects. While there have been studies of various parameter effects on grip force, there appear to be no studies that investigate these effects on pinch force. This study aims to determine the effects of pinch technique, torque direction and sensation on pinch force with an emphasis on screw knobs under loaded and unloaded conditions. A total of 30 manual workers participated in the study. The workers were required to operate loaded and unloaded screw knobs in clockwise and counterclockwise directions to produce pinch forces using reduced and increased sensations and 3 types of common pinch techniques. The data was analysed using the analysis of variance via Minitab 16. Results for both conditions showed that pinch force is significantly affected by torque direction, sensation and pinch technique. However, the interaction effects of sensation and torque direction on pinch force appeared to be insignificant for both conditions. This is because the effects of increased sensation which reduce pinch force were neutralised by the effects of clockwise torque direction which increase force, while the effects of reduced sensation which increase pinch force were compensated by the effects of counterclockwise rotations which reduce pinch force. This study serves as a fundamental guideline for researchers and designers to improve hand tool designs operated with pinch grips so that they are safer and more ergonomic for manual tasks in the industry.
The Moderating Effect of Religiosity on the Relationship between Trust and Diffusion of Electronic Commerce
Authors: Ali Basharat , Baluch Nazim , Mohamed Udin Zulkifli
Published: December 2015

Electronic commerce, an enormous revolution in today’s business world, has genuinely influenced the financial systems, marketplaces, product manufacturing, service and job industries, logistics and consumers’ mind-set. Consumers, posturing different individual characteristics, act differently in showing their trust in e-commerce business mainly due to the nature of the business. As an important predecessor of customers’ readiness to make use of e-commerce, it is essential to maintain consumers’ level of trust. Importantly, religiosity is one of the leading factors in building Muslim consumers’ opinion, both intra-personally and interpersonally, towards new ideas or latest technologies. This is a conceptual study to explore the moderating effect of religiosity on the relationship between trust and diffusion of e-commerce; in particular in Islamic perspective.  Exploring the enlightened moderate version of Islamic teachings toward new ideas and innovations including e-commerce, the study aims to highlight applicability of Islamic traits.
Providing a Combination Classification (Honeybee Clooney and Decision Tree) Based on Developmental Learning
Authors: Ahad Zolfagharifar Seyed , Karamizadeh Faramarz , Parvin Hamid
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study is to provide a combination classification based on developmental learning in the proposed method using algorithms inspired by nature (honeybee Clooney) and decision tree, by using algorithm classifier consensus is proposed that this method, at first classifier once implemented and based on the detection rate of input data agreement in the final consensus which is an innovation in this research. To implement the proposed algorithms used MATLAB software. Note that, this is an increase compared to the classifiers ensemble, it have accuracy and fix. This shows that this method of making the ensemble by helping bee Clooney algorithm, when appropriate and effective which the number of data collection records is high or the number of study characteristics is high. In this study, we proposed algorithm on 8 samples tested. However, training time of this method compared with simple ensemble is a slower process but this method compared with simple ensemble method has higher accuracy, this shows, if we want a higher accuracy, we should be spent more time.
In general, if the accuracy of the process have a large importance for us, this method can be a good option to get the results that almost optimal.
Microwave Surface Reflection Method for Soil Moisture Determination Using frequency of 1.7-2.6 GHz
Authors: C. W. Yap , R. Mardeni , N. N. Ahmad
Published: December 2015

Soil moisture is one of the critical components to be investigated in civil, geological and agricultural works. This is because the parameter can affect the physical and electromagnetic characteristics of soil, such as density and permittivity and this can further restricts soil application. Unfortunately, finding a suitable non-destructive model for accurate soil moisture determination is challenging. In this article, the concept and development of soil moisture determination via ground penetrating radar (GPR) principle and surface reflection method is explained. The system is designed to be used with standard horn antenna with a frequency of 1.7-2.6 GHz along with vector network analyzer (VNA). The proposed system can measure soil moisture of three types of soil samples such as sand, loamy, and clay with high degree of accuracy. In this research, microwave surface reflection method is applied to analyze the effect of soil moisture with its electrical properties using our novel GPR principle. The result of the research is promising with high percentage of agreement with Topp theoretical value. The values are 31% to 61% for sand, 5% to 42% for clay, and 44% to 54% for loamy. For validation on the system, a new type of soil is used for measurement, and the result has an accuracy of 93%. By using the proposed developed models, soil moisture estimation can be easily determined with minimal data input through a novelty GPR surface reflection method.
Capacidade de retenção de água em solos da Serra do Mar, SP
Authors: Mendes Rodolfo Moreda , Marinho Fernando Antônio Medeiros , Valério Filho Mario
Published: December 2015

Apresenta-se um estudo comparativo entre as características físicas, mineralógicas e microestruturais e as curvas de retenção de água de horizontes representativos de dois perfis de solo (Cambissolos Háplicos distróficos) da Serra do Mar. As curvas de retenção de água foram obtidas por três métodos: placa de sucção (para tensões de 1 a 30 kPa); câmara de pressão (para tensões de 50 a 400 kPa) e papel filtro (para tensões acima de 400 kPa). Em geral, os solos estudados apresentam relativa homogeneidade mineralógica e significativa heterogeneidade microestrutural e textural. Essa heterogeneidade afeta diretamente o formato das curvas de retenção de água obtido para a maioria dos solos, podendo, inclusive, influenciar positiva ou negativamente o comportamento da condutividade hidráulica. Na prática, a maior ou menor condutividade hidráulica dos horizontes de solo influenciará diretamente na capacidade de infiltração da água da chuva e, consequentemente, no fator de segurança ou de estabilidade das encostas em áreas de risco. Merece ser destacado que o comportamento de retenção de água não está relacionado exclusivamente com as características mineralógicas e texturais do solo, mas também com os aspectos microestruturais do solo, por meio da distribuição de macro e micropores em seu arcabouço.
A Chemical CO2 Sensor Monitoring CO2 Movement Under Reservoir Conditions
Authors: Wang Sai , San Jingshan , Liu Ning
Published: December 2015

A downhole CO2 sensor can continuously collect real-time data about CO2 movement and concentration changes at subsurface conditions. These data are very valuable for better understanding of subsurface uncertainties and quality-controlling theoretical studies such as reaction, transport, and mechanics in oil and gas formations. This paper describes the development of a downhole CO2 sensor tested under high pressure and reservoir conditions to monitor aqueous CO2 concentration change. The CO2 sensor developed is a Severinghaus-type sensor, which includes a metal-oxide electrode, a gas-permeable membrane, a porous steel cup, and a bicarbonate-based internal electrolyte solution. The CO2 sensor thus prepared 0.7 in. in diameter and 1.5 in long. A linear correlation was observed between a change in sensor output potential and dissolved CO2 in water under 1,000 psi pressure. CO2/brine coreflooding tests were performed to simulate the CO2 storage process and the sensor was deployed to monitor CO2 movement. The results indicated that the CO2 sensor could monitor CO2 movement in-situ in CO2 storage processes.

Introduction

Geologic sequestration of CO2 involves putting CO2 into long-term storage in geologic zones at subsurface conditions [1]. Such sites as deep saline aquifers and unmined coal seams onshore, and depleted oil or gas formations both onshore and offshore have been recommended for further serious consideration [2]. Thus far, in various regions of the world (Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, North Sea, Chinese East sea, and the Atlantic Ocean), a large part of research studies and pilot projects have looked at the feasibility of geological sequestration of CO2 [3]. The first commercial project occurred in Norway in 1996, in which CO2 was captured from natural gas streams and around 1 million tons of CO2 per year were into the Utsira formation [4] and to provide insight into CO2 migration [8]. All these pilot studies, located in Kansas, Virginia, West Virginia and Canada, are either under consideration or have been initiated.
Compositional Simulation of CO2 Storage Capacity in Depleted Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Ampomah William , Balch Robert S. , Grigg Reid B. , Dai Zhenxue , Pan Feng
Published: December 2015

The Farnsworth Unit (FWU) of Ochiltree County, Texas operated by Chaparral Energy L.L.C. is the site of a CO2-EOR project using anthropogenic CO2. The Southwest Regional Partnership on Carbon Sequestration (SWP), sponsored by the Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory, is using this project to monitor CO2 injection and movement in the field to determine CO2 storage potential in depleted oil reservoirs. The field was discovered in 1955 with estimated initial oil in place of about 120 MMBO. The target reservoir is the Pennsylvanian-aged Upper Morrow sandstone, locally termed the Morrow "B" sandstone. CO2 flooding was initiated by Chaparral Energy in December 2010.

This paper describes a compositional simulation of CO2 storage in a depleted oil reservoir. Mechanisms considered for CO2 storage include structural/stratigraphic trapping, dissolution in formation water and oil, and residual trapping. A high resolution geological model constructed from geological, geophysical and engineering data from FWU was used for the study. FWU has no recorded oil-water contact. The model was first calibrated to the reservoir's primary and secondary recovery history performance as a benchmark for the study. Several models were constructed and the storage capacity was analyzed as a function of injection volume, time and pressure.

Numerical simulation results show that with over 25 years of WAG injection, 75% of the CO2 was sequestered. Afterwards wells were shut-in to monitor the storage. Significant amount of stored CO2 was dissolved in remaining oil, contributing to enhanced oil recovery from the tertiary stage of the field operations. Supercritical phase CO2 mass within the reservoir compared to CO2 dissolved in formation water was dependent on CO2 injection rate. Residual trapping contribution was significant when hysteresis was modeled. Pressure, volume of reservoir fluid present, and cap rock integrity and optimized WAG injection strategies were significant parameters to determine long-term CO2 storage capacity within FWU.
Fast Modeling of Local Capillary Trapping during CO2 Injection into a Saline Aquifer
Authors: Ren Bo , Bryant Steven L. , Lake Larry W.
Published: December 2015

When CO2 migrates upwards under buoyancy in the subsurface saline aquifer and encounters local capillary barriers (regions of rock with large capillary entry pressure), CO2 would accumulate beneath these small barriers, and these accumulations are called local capillary trapping (LCT). LCT benefits storage because locally trapped CO2 has a much larger saturation than residual gas, and such trapped gases cannot escape from the formation even if leakage conduits (fractures or fault) in the seal develop during the long-term storage of CO2. Thus predicting and maximizing LCT is valuable in design and risk assessment of geologic storage projects.

Modeling LCT is computationally expensive and may even be intractable by using a conventional reservoir simulator. In this work, we decouple the problem into two parts: permeability-based flow simulation and capillary entry pressure-based local capillary trapping phenomenon. The connectivity analysis originally developed for characterizing well-to-reservoir connectivity is adapted to the flow simulation by means of a newly defined edge weight property between neighboring grid blocks, which accounts for the multiphase flow properties, injection rate, and buoyancy effect. Then the connectivity was estimated from shortest path algorithm to predict the CO2 migration behavior and plume shape during injection. A geologic criteria algorithm is developed to estimate the potential LCT only from the entry capillary pressure field. The latter is correlated to a geostatistical realization of permeability field.

The extended connectivity analysis shows a good match of CO2 plume computed by the full-physics simulation. We then incorporate it into the geologic algorithm to quantify the amount of LCT structures identified within the entry capillary pressure field that can be filled during CO2 injection. Several simulations were conducted in the reservoirs with different level of heterogeneity (measured by the Dykstra-Parsons coefficient) under various injection scenarios. We demonstrate the reservoir heterogeneity affects the optimal injection rate in maximizing the LCT during injection.

Both the geologic algorithm and connectivity analysis are very fast; therefore, the integrated methodology can be used as a quick tool to estimate LCT. It can also be used as a potential complement to the full-physics simulation to evaluate the total safe storage capacity.
Two-dimensional physically based semi-analytical model of source/drain series resistance in MOSFETs
Authors: He Pei , Ke Daoming , Hu Pengfei
Published: December 2015

In this study, a two-dimensional physically based semi-analytical model of source/drain series resistance in MOSFETs is developed, in which only one parameter needs to be extracted by measurement and the extracted parameter can be repeatedly used when the structure size of the source or drain is changed. The model at the first time separates the resistance into two independent parameters that multiply each other. One is the extracted parameter that is only related to the resistivity. The other one is calculated by the expressions obtained by using the semi-analytical method and Eigen function expansion method, and is only related to the structure size of the source or drain area. The model provides a new approach to solve the resistance problem and matches well with simulation results. It can be used easily to estimate the resistance when the device structure changes in device design.
Trail Making Test performance contributes to subjective judgment of visual efficiency in older adults
Authors: Setti Annalisa , Loughman James , Savva George M. , Kenny RoseAnne
Published: December 2015

Introduction.The determinant factors that influence self-reported quality of vision have yet to be fully elucidated. This study evaluated a range of contextual information, established psychophysical tests, and in particular, a series of cognitive tests as potentially novel determinant factors.

Materials & Methods.Community dwelling adults (aged 50+) recruited to Wave 1 of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, excluding those registered blind, participated in this study (N= 5,021). Self-reports of vision were analysed in relation to visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, ocular pathology, visual (Choice Response Time task; Trail Making Test) and global cognition. Contextual factors such as having visited an optometrist and wearing glasses were also considered. Ordinal logistic regression was used to determine univariate and multivariate associations.

Results and Discussion.Poor Trail Making Test performance (Odds ratio, OR = 1.36), visual acuity (OR = 1.72) and ocular pathology (OR = 2.25) were determinant factors for poor versus excellent vision in self-reports. Education, wealth, age, depressive symptoms and general cognitive fitness also contributed to determining self-reported vision.

Conclusions.Trail Making Test contribution to self-reports may capture higher level visual processing and should be considered when using self-reports to assess vision and its role in cognitive and functional health.
Palaeogeographic implications of a new iocrinid crinoid (Disparida) from the Ordovician (Darriwillian) of Morocco
Authors: Zamora Samuel , Rahman Imran A. , Ausich William I.
Published: December 2015

Complete, articulated crinoids from the Ordovician peri-Gondwanan margin are rare. Here, we describe a new species,Iocrinus africanussp. nov., from the Darriwilian-age Taddrist Formation of Morocco. The anatomy of this species was studied using a combination of traditional palaeontological methods and non-destructive X-ray micro-tomography (micro-CT). This revealed critical features of the column, distal arms, and aboral cup, which were hidden in the surrounding rock and would have been inaccessible without the application of micro-CT.Iocrinus africanussp. nov. is characterized by the presence of seven to thirteen tertibrachials, three in-line bifurcations per ray, and an anal sac that is predominantly unplated or very lightly plated.Iocrinusis a common genus in North America (Laurentia) and has also been reported from the United Kingdom (Avalonia) and Oman (middle east Gondwana). Together withMerocrinus, it represents one of the few geographically widespread crinoids during the Ordovician and serves to demonstrate that faunal exchanges between Laurentia and Gondwana occurred at this time. This study highlights the advantages of using both conventional and cutting-edge techniques (such as micro-CT) to describe the morphology of new fossil specimens.
Large-scale structure of brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) populations in England: effects on rodenticide resistance
Authors: Haniza Mohd Z.H. , Adams Sally , Jones Eleanor P. , MacNicoll Alan , Mallon Eamonn B. , Smith Robert H. , Lambert Mark S.
Published: December 2015

The brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) is a relatively recent (<300 years) addition to the British fauna, but by association with negative impacts on public health, animal health and agriculture, it is regarded as one of the most important vertebrate pest species. Anticoagulant rodenticides were introduced for brown rat control in the 1950s and are widely used for rat control in the UK, but long-standing resistance has been linked to control failures in some regions. One thus far ignored aspect of resistance biology is the population structure of the brown rat. This paper investigates the role population structure has on the development of anticoagulant resistance. Using mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA, we examined 186 individuals (from 15 counties in England and one location in Wales near the Wales–England border) to investigate the population structure of rural brown rat populations. We also examined individual rats for variations of theVKORC1gene previously associated with resistance to anticoagulant rodenticides. We show that the populations were structured to some degree, but that this was only apparent in the microsatellite data and not the mtDNA data. We discuss various reasons why this is the case. We show that the population as a whole appears not to be at equilibrium. The relative lack of diversity in the mtDNA sequences examined can be explained by founder effects and a subsequent spatial expansion of a species introduced to the UK relatively recently. We found there was a geographical distribution of resistance mutations, and relatively low rate of gene flow between populations, which has implications for the development and management of anticoagulant resistance.
Triple therapy in type 2 diabetes; a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Downes Martin J. , Bettington Emilie K. , Gunton Jenny E. , Turkstra Erika
Published: December 2015

Aims.The purpose was to evaluate the evidence for triple therapy regimen using medicines available in Australia for type 2 diabetes.

Methods.A systematic literature review was performed to update the relevant evidence from 2002 to 2014 on triple therapy for type 2 diabetes. A multiple-treatments network meta-analysis was undertaken to summarise the comparative efficacy and harms of different triple therapies.

Results.Twenty seven trials were identified, most were six months of duration. The following combinations were included in the network meta-analysis: metformin (MET) + sulfonylureas (SU) (used as reference combination); MET + SU+ dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4-i); MET + SU+ thiazolidinediones (TZD); MET + SU+ glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1-RA); MET + SU+ insulins; MET + TZD + DPP-4-i; and MET + SU+ sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2-i). For HbA1creduction, all triple therapies were statistically superior to MET+SU dual therapy, except for MET + TZD + DPP-4-i. None of the triple therapy combinations demonstrated differences in HbA1ccompared with other triple therapies. MET + SU + SGLT2-i and MET + SU + GLP-1-RA resulted in significantly lower body weight than MET + SU + DPP-4-i, MET+SU+insulin and MET + SU + TZDs; MET + SU + DPP-4-i resulted in significantly lower body weight than MET + SU + insulin and MET + SU + TZD. MET + SU + insulin, MET + SU + TZD and MET + SU + DPP-4-i increased the odds of hypoglycaemia when compared to MET + SU. MET + SU + GLP-1-RA reduced the odds of hypoglycaemia compared to MET + SU + insulin.

Conclusion.Care when choosing a triple therapy combination is needed as there is often a risk of increased hypoglycaemia events associated with this regimen and there are very limited data surrounding the long-term effectiveness and safety of combined therapies.
Production of fatty acids inRalstonia eutrophaH16 by engineeringβ-oxidation and carbon storage
Authors: Chen Janice S. , Colón Brendan , Dusel Brendon , Ziesack Marika , Way Jeffrey C. , Torella Joseph P.
Published: December 2015

Ralstonia eutrophaH16 is a facultatively autotrophic hydrogen-oxidizing bacterium capable of producing polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)-based bioplastics. As PHB’s physical properties may be improved by incorporation of medium-chain-length fatty acids (MCFAs), and MCFAs are valuable on their own as fuel and chemical intermediates, we engineeredR. eutrophafor MCFA production. Expression ofUcFatB2, a medium-chain-length-specific acyl-ACP thioesterase, resulted in production of 14 mg/L laurate in wild-typeR. eutropha. Total fatty acid production (22 mg/L) could be increased up to 2.5-fold by knocking out PHB synthesis, a major sink for acetyl-CoA, or by knocking out the acyl-CoA ligasefadD3, an entry point for fatty acids intoβ-oxidation. As ΔfadD3mutants still consumed laurate, and because theR. eutrophagenome is predicted to encode over 50 acyl-CoA ligases, we employed RNA-Seq to identify acyl-CoA ligases upregulated during growth on laurate. Knockouts of the three most highly upregulated acyl-CoA ligases increased fatty acid yield significantly, with one strain (ΔA2794) producing up to 62 mg/L free fatty acid. This study demonstrates that homologousβ-oxidation systems can be rationally engineered to enhance fatty acid production, a strategy that may be employed to increase yield for a range of fuels, chemicals, and PHB derivatives inR. eutropha.
Cyclic mechanical stretch down-regulates cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide expression and activates a pro-inflammatory response in human bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Karadottir Harpa , Kulkarni Nikhil Nitin , Gudjonsson Thorarinn , Karason Sigurbergur , Gudmundsson Gudmundur Hrafn
Published: December 2015

Mechanical ventilation (MV) of patients can cause damage to bronchoalveolar epithelium, leading to a sterile inflammatory response, infection and in severe cases sepsis. Limited knowledge is available on the effects of MV on the innate immune defense system in the human lung. In this study, we demonstrate that cyclic stretch of the human bronchial epithelial cell lines VA10 and BCi NS 1.1 leads to down-regulation of cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) gene expression. We show that treatment of VA10 cells with vitamin D3 and/or 4-phenyl butyric acid counteracted cyclic stretch mediated down-regulation ofCAMPmRNA and protein expression (LL-37). Further, we observed an increase in pro-inflammatory responses in the VA10 cell line subjected to cyclic stretch. The mRNA expression of the genes encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-8 and IL-1βwas increased after cyclic stretching, where as a decrease in gene expression of chemokines IP-10 and RANTES was observed. Cyclic stretch enhanced oxidative stress in the VA10 cells. The mRNA expression of toll-like receptor (TLR)3,TLR5andTLR8was reduced, while the gene expression ofTLR2was increased in VA10 cells after cyclic stretch. In conclusion, ourin vitroresults indicate that cyclic stretch may differentially modulate innate immunity by down-regulation of antimicrobial peptide expression and increase in pro-inflammatory responses.
Covariance between Arctic sea ice and clouds within atmospheric state regimes at the satellite footprint level
Authors: Taylor Patrick C. , Kato Seiji , Xu Kuan‐Man , Cai Ming
Published: December 2015

Understanding the cloud response to sea ice change is necessary for modeling Arctic climate. Previous work has primarily addressed this problem from the interannual variability perspective. This paper provides a refined perspective of sea ice‐cloud relationship in the Arctic using a satellite footprint‐level quantification of the covariance between sea ice and Arctic low cloud properties from NASA A‐Train active remote sensing data. The covariances between Arctic low cloud properties and sea ice concentration are quantified by first partitioning each footprint into four atmospheric regimes defined using thresholds of lower tropospheric stability and midtropospheric vertical velocity. Significant regional variability in the cloud properties is found within the atmospheric regimes indicating that the regimes do not completely account for the influence of meteorology. Regional anomalies are used to account for the remaining meteorological influence on clouds. After accounting for meteorological regime and regional influences, a statistically significant but weak covariance between cloud properties and sea ice is found in each season for at least one atmospheric regime. Smaller average cloud fraction and liquid water are found within footprints with more sea ice. The largest‐magnitude cloud‐sea ice covariance occurs between 500 m and 1.2 km when the lower tropospheric stability is between 16 and 24 K. The covariance between low cloud properties and sea ice is found to be largest in fall and is accompanied by significant changes in boundary layer temperature structure where larger average near‐surface static stability is found at larger sea ice concentrations.
Control of water distribution networks with dynamic DMA topology using strictly feasible sequential convex programming
Authors: Wright Robert , Abraham Edo , Parpas Panos , Stoianov Ivan
Published: December 2015

The operation of water distribution networks (WDN) with a dynamic topology is a recently pioneered approach for the advanced management of District Metered Areas (DMAs) that integrates novel developments in hydraulic modeling, monitoring, optimization, and control. A common practice for leakage management is the sectorization of WDNs into small zones, called DMAs, by permanently closing isolation valves. This facilitates water companies to identify bursts and estimate leakage levels by measuring the inlet flow for each DMA. However, by permanently closing valves, a number of problems have been created including reduced resilience to failure and suboptimal pressure management. By introducing a dynamic topology to these zones, these disadvantages can be eliminated while still retaining the DMA structure for leakage monitoring. In this paper, a novel optimization method based on sequential convex programming (SCP) is outlined for the control of a dynamic topology with the objective of reducing average zone pressure (AZP). A key attribute for control optimization is reliable convergence. To achieve this, the SCP method we propose guarantees that each optimization step is strictly feasible, resulting in improved convergence properties. By using a null space algorithm for hydraulic analyses, the computations required are also significantly reduced. The optimized control is actuated on a real WDN operated with a dynamic topology. This unique experimental program incorporates a number of technologies set up with the objective of investigating pioneering developments in WDN management. Preliminary results indicate AZP reductions for a dynamic topology of up to 6.5% over optimally controlled fixed topology DMAs.
Impact of switching crop type on water and solute fluxes in deep vadose zone
Authors: Turkeltaub T. , Kurtzman D. , Russak E. E. , Dahan O.
Published: December 2015

Switching crop type and consequently changing irrigation and fertilization regimes lead to alterations in deep percolation and solute concentrations of pore water. Herein, observations from the deep vadose zone and model simulations demonstrate the changes in water, chloride, and nitrate fluxes under a commercial greenhouse following the change from tomato to lettuce cropping. The site, located above a phreatic aquifer, was monitored for 5 years. A vadose‐zone monitoring system was implemented under the greenhouse and provided continuous data on both temporal variations in water content and chemical composition of the pore water at multiple depths in the deep vadose zone (up to 20 m). Following crop switching, a significant reduction in chloride concentration and dramatic increase in nitrate were observed across the unsaturated zone. The changes in chemical composition of the vadose‐zone pore water appeared as sequential breakthroughs across the unsaturated zone, initiating at land surface and propagating down toward the water table. Today, 3 years after switching the crops, penetration of the impact exceeds 10 m depth. Variations in the isotopic composition of nitrate (18O and 15N) in water samples obtained from the entire vadose zone clearly support a fast leaching process and mobilization of solutes across the unsaturated zone following the change in crop type. Water flow and chloride transport models were calibrated to observations acquired during an enhanced infiltration experiment. Forward simulation runs were performed with the calibrated models, constrained to tomato and lettuce cultivation regimes as surface boundary conditions. Predicted chloride and nitrate concentrations were in agreement with the observed concentrations. The simulated water drainage and nitrogen leaching implied that the observed changes are an outcome of recommended agricultural management practices.
Steady nonuniform shallow flow within emergent vegetation
Authors: Wang Wei‐Jie , Huai Wen‐Xin , Thompson Sally , Katul Gabriel G.
Published: December 2015

Surface flow redistribution on flat ground from crusted bare soil to vegetated patches following intense rainfall events elevates plant available water above that provided by rainfall. The significance of this surface water redistribution to sustaining vegetation in arid and semiarid regions is undisputed. What is disputed is the quantity and spatial distribution of the redistributed water. In ecohydrological models, such nonuniform flows are described using the Saint‐Venant equation (SVE) subject to a Manning roughness coefficient closure. To explore these assumptions in the most idealized setting, flume experiments were conducted using rigid cylinders representing rigid vegetation with varying density. Flow was induced along the streamwise x direction by adjusting the free water surface height H(x) between the upstream and downstream boundaries mimicking the nonuniformity encountered in nature. In natural settings, such H(x) variations arise due to contrasts in infiltration capacity and ponded depths during storms. The measured H(x) values in the flume were interpreted using the SVE augmented with progressively elaborate approximations to the roughness representation. The simplest approximation employs a friction factor derived from a drag coefficient (Cd) for isolated cylinders in a locally (but not globally) uniform flow and upscaled using the rod density that was varied across experiments. Comparison between measured and modeled H(x) suggested that such a “naive” approach overpredicts H(x). Blockage was then incorporated into the SVE model calculations but resulted in underestimation of H(x). Biases in modeled H(x) suggest that Cd must be varying in x beyond what a local or bulk Reynolds number predicts. Inferred Cd(x) from the flume experiments exhibited a near‐parabolic shape most peaked in the densest canopy cases. The outcome of such Cd(x) variations is then summarized in a bulk resistance formulation that may be beneficial to modeling runon‐runoff processes on shallow slopes using SVE.
Biomechanical Effects of Prefabricated Foot Orthoses and Rocker‐Sole Footwear in Individuals With First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Osteoarthritis
Authors: Menz Hylton B. , Auhl Maria , Tan Jade M. , Levinger Pazit , Roddy Edward , Munteanu Shannon E.
Published: December 2015

Objective

To evaluate the effects of prefabricated foot orthoses and rocker‐sole footwear on spatiotemporal parameters, hip and knee kinematics, and plantar pressures in people with first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint osteoarthritis (OA). Methods. A total of 102 people with first MTP joint OA were randomly allocated to receive prefabricated foot orthoses or rocker‐sole footwear. The immediate biomechanical effects of the interventions (compared to usual footwear) were examined using a wearable sensor motion analysis system and an in‐shoe plantar pressure measurement system.

Results

Spatiotemporal/kinematic and plantar pressure data were available from 88 and 87 participants, respectively. The orthoses had minimal effect on spatiotemporal or kinematic parameters, while the rocker‐sole footwear resulted in reduced cadence, percentage of the gait cycle spent in stance phase, and sagittal plane hip range of motion. The orthoses increased peak pressure under the midfoot and lesser toes. Both interventions significantly reduced peak pressure under the first MTP joint, and the rocker‐sole shoes also reduced peak pressure under the second through fifth MTP joints and heel. When the effects of the orthoses and rocker‐sole shoes were directly compared, there was no difference in peak pressure under the hallux, first MTP joint, or heel; however, the rocker‐sole shoes exhibited lower peak pressure under the lesser toes, second through fifth MTP joints, and midfoot.

Conclusion

Prefabricated foot orthoses and rocker‐sole footwear are effective at reducing peak pressure under the first MTP joint in people with first MTP joint OA, but achieve this through different mechanisms. Further research is required to determine whether these biomechanical changes result in improvements in symptoms.
Effectiveness of Foot Orthoses Versus Rocker‐Sole Footwear for First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Osteoarthritis: Randomized Trial
Authors: Menz Hylton B. , Auhl Maria , Tan Jade M. , Levinger Pazit , Roddy Edward , Munteanu Shannon E.
Published: December 2015

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of prefabricated foot orthoses to rocker‐sole footwear in reducing foot pain in people with first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Participants (n = 102) with first MTP joint OA were randomly allocated to receive individualized, prefabricated foot orthoses or rocker‐sole footwear. The primary outcome measure was the pain subscale on the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) at 12 weeks. Secondary outcome measures included the function, footwear, and general foot health subscales of the FHSQ; the Foot Function Index; severity of pain and stiffness at the first MTP joint; perception of global improvement; general health status; use of rescue medication and co‐interventions to relieve pain; physical activity; and the frequency of self‐reported adverse events.

Results

The FHSQ pain subscale scores improved in both groups, but no statistically significant difference between the groups was observed (adjusted mean difference 2.05 points, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] −3.61, 7.71; P = 0.477). However, the footwear group exhibited lower adherence (mean ± SD total hours worn 287 ± 193 versus 448 ± 234; P < 0.001), were less likely to report global improvement in symptoms (39% versus 62%; relative risk [RR] 0.63, 95% CI 0.41, 0.99; P = 0.043), and were more likely to experience adverse events (39% versus 16%; RR 2.47, 95% CI 1.12, 5.44; P = 0.024) compared to the orthoses group.

Conclusion

Prefabricated foot orthoses and rocker‐sole footwear are similarly effective at reducing foot pain in people with first MTP joint OA. However, prefabricated foot orthoses may be the intervention of choice due to greater adherence and fewer associated adverse events.
Inserting Sn Nanoparticles into the Pores of TiO2−x–C Nanofibers by Lithiation
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Chen Yuming , Wang Hongtao , Yao Haimin , Huang Haitao , Mai Yiu‐Wing , Hu Ning , Zhou Limin
Published: December 2015

Tin holds promise as an anode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) because of its high theoretical capacity, but its cycle life is limited by structural degradation. Herein, a novel approach is exploited to insert Sn nanoparticles into the pores of highly stable titanium dioxide–carbon (TiO2−x–C) nanofiber substrates that can effectively localize the postformed smaller Sn nanoparticles, thereby address the problem of structural degradation, and thus achieve improved anode performance. During first lithiation, a Li4.4Sn alloy is inserted into the pores surrounding the initial Sn nanoparticles in TiO2−x–C nanofibers by its large volume expansion. Thereafter, the original Sn nanoparticle with a diameter of about 150 nm cannot be recovered by the delithiation because of the surface absorption between inserted Sn nanoparticles and the TiO2−x–C substrate, resulting in many smaller Sn nanoparticles remaining in the pores. Batteries containing these porous TiO2−x–C–Sn nanofibers exhibit a high capacity of 957 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.1 A g−1 and can cycle over 10 000 times at 3 A g−1 while retaining 82.3% of their capacity, which represents the longest cycling life of Sn‐based anodes for LIBs so far. This interesting method can provide new avenues for other high‐capacity anode material systems that suffer from significant volume expansion.
Photocrosslinkable Nanocomposite Multilayers for Responsive 1D Photonic Crystals
Authors: Jeon Seog‐Jin , Chiappelli Maria C. , Hayward Ryan C.
Published: December 2015

A straightforward method to increase the refractive index of photocrosslinkable polymers by incorporation of high index inorganic nanoparticles is demonstrated and shown to enhance the reflection efficiency of thermochromic 1D photonic multilayers. The refractive index of spin‐coated and UV‐crosslinked films based on poly(para‐methyl styrene) (PpMS) copolymers is increased from 1.57 for the copolymer alone to as high as 1.67 for nanocomposite samples with a volume fraction of 0.38 of ZrO2 nanoparticles. Thermochromic photonic multilayers consisting of alternating films of PpMS–ZrO2 with poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) copolymers shows the increases in reflectance as large as 2.5‐fold compared to PpMS/PNIPAM multilayers lacking particles. In addition, ZrO2 nanoparticles are used to increase the refractive index of PNIPAM‐based films up to 1.68 with a volume fraction of 0.49 of nanoparticles, enabling the fabrication of alternating PNIPAM–ZrO2/PNIPAM multilayers with a well‐defined Bragg peak that shifts from 635 nm at 6 °C to 410 nm at 48 °C, and reflectance intensities as high as ≈0.30.