Rice Root-Associated Endophytic Microbiome in Correspondence To Different Levels of Salinity At Indian Sundarban Areas

The present study attempted to analyse rice root endogenous microbial diversity and their relationship with soil salinity and physicochemical factors in the salt stressed region of Sundarbans, India using amplicon metagenomics approaches. Our investigation indicates, the unique microbiome at slightly acidic nutrient enriched non-saline zone characterized by microbial genera that reported either having plant growth promotion (Flavobacterium, Novosphingobium and Kocuria) or biocontrol abilities (Leptotrichia) whereas high ionic alkaline saline stressed zone dominated with either salt-tolerant microbes or less characterized endophytes (Arcobacter and Vogesella). The number of genera represented by significantly abundant OTUs was higher at the non-saline zone compared to that of the saline stressed zone probably due to higher nutrient concentrations and the absence of abiotic stress factors including salinity. Physicochemical parameters like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were found significantly positively correlated with Muribaculaceae highly enriched at the non-saline zone. However, relative dissolved oxygen was found significantly negatively correlated with Rikenellaceae and Desulfovibrionaceae, enriched in the non-saline soil. This study gives a well resolved picture of microbial community composition impacted by salinity and other rhizospheric soil factors.

Computational evaluation of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

LSG is one of the most performed bariatric procedures worldwide. It is a safe and effective operation with a low complication rate. Unsatisfactory weight loss/regain may occur, suggesting that the operation design could be improved. A bioengineering approach might significantly help in avoiding the most common complications. Computational models of the sleeved stomach after LSG were developed according to bougie size (range 27–54 Fr). The endoluminal pressure and the basal volume were computed at different intragastric pressures. At an inner pressure of 22.5 mmHg, the basal volume of the 54 Fr configuration was approximately 6 times greater than that of the 27 Fr configuration (57.92 ml vs 9.70 ml). Moreover, the elongation distribution of the gastric wall was assessed to quantify the effect on mechanoreceptors impacting satiety by differencing regions and layers. An increasing trend in elongation strain with increasing bougie size was observed in all cases. The most stressed region and layer were the antrum (approximately 25% higher stress than that in the corpus at 37.5 mmHg) and mucosa layer (approximately 7% higher stress than that in the muscularis layer at 22.5 mmHg), respectively. In addition, the pressure–volume behaviors were reported. Computational models and bioengineering methods can help to quantitatively identify some critical aspects of the “design” of bariatric operations to plan interventions, and predict and increase the success rate. Moreover, computational tools can support the development of innovative bariatric procedures, potentially skipping invasive approaches.

The Biomechanics of the Fibrocystic Breasts at Finite Compressive Deformation

The deformation of the human breast, especially that of the female, under variable pressure conditions, has been a recent focus for researchers, both in the computational biomechanics, computational biology and the health sector. When the deformation of the breast is large, it hampers suitable cyst tracing as a mammographic biopsy precontrive data. Finite element methods (FEM) has been instrumental in the currently studied practices to trail nodules dislocation. However, the effect of breast material constitution, especially that of a fibrocystic composition, on the biomechanical response of these nodules has gained less attention. The present study is aimed at developing a finite element fibrocystic breast model within the frame of biosolid mechanics and material hyperelasticity to model the breast deformation at finite strain. The geometry of a healthy stress‐free breast is modelled from a magnetic resonance image (MRI) using tissues deformations measurements and solid modelling technology. Results show that the incompressible Neo-Hookean and Mooney-Rivlin constitutive models can approximate large deformation of a stressed breast. In addition to the areola (i.e. nipple base), the surrounding area of the cyst together with its interface with the breast tissue is the maximum stressed region when the breast is subjected to compressive pressure. This effect can lead to an internal tear of the breast that could degenerate to malignant tissue.

Future projections of High Atlas snowpack and runoff under climate change

The High Atlas, culminating at more than 4000 m, is the water tower of Morocco. While plains receive less than 400 mm of precipitation in an average year, the mountains can get twice as much, often in the form of snow between November and March. Snowmelt thus accounts for a large fraction of the river discharge in the region, and is particularly critical during spring, as the wet season ends but the need for irrigation increases. In the same region, future climate change projections point towards a significant decline in precipitation and enhanced warming of temperature. Understanding how the High Atlas snowpack will evolve under such trends is therefore of paramount importance to make informed projections of future water availability in Morocco. Here, we build on previous research results on snow and climate modeling in the High Atlas to make detailed projections of snowpack and river flow response to climate change in this region. Using a distributed energy balance snow model based on SNOW-17, high-resolution climate simulations over Morocco, and a panel regression framework to relate runoff ratios to regional meteorological conditions, we quantify the severe declines in snowpack and river discharge that are to be expected, even under a scenario of substantial mitigation of emissions. Our results have important implications for water resources planning and sustainability of agriculture in this already water-stressed region.

An Approach for Route Optimization in Applications of Precision Agriculture Using UAVs

This research paper focuses on providing an algorithm by which (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) UAVs can be used to provide optimal routes for agricultural applications such as, fertilizers and pesticide spray, in crop fields. To utilize a minimum amount of inputs and complete the task without a revisit, one needs to employ optimized routes and optimal points of delivering the inputs required in precision agriculture (PA). First, stressed regions are identified using VegNet (Vegetative Network) software. Then, methods are applied for obtaining optimal routes and points for the spraying of inputs with an autonomous UAV for PA. This paper reports a unique and innovative technique to calculate the optimum location of spray points required for a particular stressed region. In this technique, the stressed regions are divided into many circular divisions with its center being a spray point of the stressed region. These circular divisions would ensure a more effective dispersion of the spray. Then an optimal path is found out which connects all the stressed regions and their spray points. The paper also describes the use of methods and algorithms including travelling salesman problem (TSP)-based route planning and a Voronoi diagram which allows applying precision agriculture techniques.

Redistribution of metabolic resources through astrocyte networks mitigates neurodegenerative stress

In the central nervous system, glycogen-derived bioenergetic resources in astrocytes help promote tissue survival in response to focal neuronal stress. However, our understanding of the extent to which these resources are mobilized and utilized during neurodegeneration, especially in nearby regions that are not actively degenerating, remains incomplete. Here we modeled neurodegeneration in glaucoma, the world’s leading cause of irreversible blindness, and measured how metabolites mobilize through astrocyte gap junctions composed of connexin 43 (Cx43). We elevated intraocular pressure in one eye and determined how astrocyte-derived metabolites in the contralateral optic projection responded. Remarkably, astrocyte networks expand and redistribute metabolites along distances even 10 mm in length, donating resources from the unstressed to the stressed projection in response to intraocular pressure elevation. While resource donation improves axon function and visual acuity in the directly stressed region, it renders the donating tissue susceptible to bioenergetic, structural, and physiological degradation. Intriguingly, when both projections are stressed in a WT animal, axon function and visual acuity equilibrate between the two projections even when each projection is stressed for a different length of time. This equilibration does not occur when Cx43 is not present. Thus, Cx43-mediated astrocyte metabolic networks serve as an endogenous mechanism used to mitigate bioenergetic stress and distribute the impact of neurodegenerative disease processes. Redistribution ultimately renders the donating optic nerve vulnerable to further metabolic stress, which could explain why local neurodegeneration does not remain confined, but eventually impacts healthy regions of the brain more broadly.

DEFLECTED STATE OF SEMICONDUCTOR NEAR-CONTACT REGION AT ELECTRODEGRADATION OF METALLIZATION TRACK ON ITS SURFACE

It is well known that a nonhomogeneous state of stress occurs in compounds of dissimilar materials upon heating. Uon the assessment of the strength of the joints, it is necessary to factor in the physical specifications of the soldered elements, the geometric dimensions and temperature conditions of their operation. The purpose of the research was to perform the stress-strain state analysis of the contact zone of a semiconductor upon electrodegradation of a metallization track on its surface. Thin-film metal-semiconductor structures were researched. As substrates, it was used phosphorus-doped silicon single-crystal wafers oriented in the (111) and (100) directions, with a resistivity in the range p = 1 ... 0.01 Ω.cm, and a 30 ... 50 μm n-epitaxial layer was deposited on a part of the wafers. As a conductive metal film, aluminum 1 ... 2 μm thick was used. The test structure was formed by optical photolithography. The oscillograms of the U(t) inclusion in the process of passage of the current pulse were taken by the corresponding probes from potential sites and recorded by a digital storage oscilloscope. An estimation procedure for the semiconductor stressed region at local surface heating of a metallized surface area with electric pulse was given. The calculated size of deformed silicon substrate region was compared with the experimental one under passage of square electric pulses. It was estimated the deflected region that depends on duration and amplitude of electric pulse. A considerable nonuniformity of the metallization track after electric pulse passage was fixed experimentally.

Long-term groundwater recharge rates across India by in situ measurements

Groundwater recharge sustains groundwater discharge, including natural discharge through springs and the base flow to surface water as well as anthropogenic discharge through pumping wells. Here, for the first time, we compute long-term (1996–2015) groundwater recharge rates using data retrieved from several groundwater-level monitoring locations across India (3.3 million km2 area), the most groundwater-stressed region globally. Spatial variations in groundwater recharge rates (basin-wide mean: 17 to 960 mm yr−1) were estimated in the 22 major river basins across India. The extensive plains of the Indus–Ganges–Brahmaputra (IGB) river basins are subjected to prevalence of comparatively higher recharge. This is mainly attributed to occurrence of coarse sediments, higher rainfall, and intensive irrigation-linked groundwater-abstraction inducing recharge by increasing available groundwater storage and return flows. Lower recharge rates (<200 mm yr−1) in most of the central and southern study areas occur in cratonic, crystalline fractured aquifers. Estimated recharge rates have been compared favorably with field-scale recharge estimates (n=52) based on tracer (tritium) injection tests. Results show that precipitation rates do not significantly influence groundwater recharge in most of the river basins across India, indicating human influence in prevailing recharge rates. The spatial variability in recharge rates could provide critical input for policymakers to develop more sustainable groundwater management in India.