Medium Depth Research Articles

Experimental and numerical evaluation of soil water and salt dynamics in a corn field with shallow saline groundwater and crop-season drip and autumn post-harvest irrigations

In areas with shallow saline groundwater, soil salts inevitably accumulate in the root zone during the growth period due to irrigation and upward movement of salts from the groundwater. In Northern China, autumn irrigation (AIR) with large amounts of water is commonly employed post-harvest to mitigate soil salt stress on crop growth in the subsequent year. Optimizing the total irrigation depth during both crop-growth and non-growth periods is challenging because of the movement of soil salts, which is influenced by their two-dimensional distribution around drippers and the impact of the winter freeze-thaw cycles, significantly affecting water flow and solute transport during winter. In this study, the HYDRUS-1D and HYDRUS-2D models were integrated and calibrated using experimental data collected from 2021 to 2023 in China's Ordos south bank irrigation area. This model integration was conducted to assess soil water and salt dynamics during the non-growth and corn-growth periods under different irrigation strategies: a) AIR with high (AH) and low (AL) irrigation depths, and b) drip irrigation (DIR) with high (DH), medium (DM), and low (DL) irrigation depths. The results indicated that HYDRUS effectively modeled the electrical conductivity of the saturation paste extract (ECe) across different irrigation strategies, yielding an average coefficient of determination (R2) and the root mean square errors (RMSE) of 0.87 and 0.53 dS m−1, respectively. Generally, ECe increased during the growth period with DIR and decreased during the non-growth period with AIR. For the 0–40 cm soil layer, ECe decreased by 5.7 % and 12 % for every 100 mm increase in the AIR and DIR depths, respectively. Compared with the AHDM and AHDL treatments, reducing an AIR depth and increasing a DIR depth resulted in lower ECe in the 0–40 cm layer during the growth period and higher crop yield (CY) and irrigation water productivity (WPI). Specifically, the average ECe in the 0–40 cm layer decreased by 4.8 % during the growth period in the ALDH treatment compared to the AHDM treatment, and CY and WPI increased by 7.2 % and 10.3 %, respectively. Additionally, the irrigation strategy was the most effective in reducing ECe when AIR accounted for 35 % of the total irrigation. This study suggested that combining low AIR and high DIR could enhance water and field productivity.

Kinorhynch assemblages on the southern Gulf of Mexico continental shelf

So far, 24 named kinorhynch species have been reported from the Southern Gulf of Mexico, and out of these only five are Echinoderes species. The present study focuses on Echinoderidae species at 29 sites from sGoM and includes new information for non-Echinoderidae species. The study revealed the presence of 28 Echinoderidae species in total, and a rich undescribed fauna, including one species of Fissuroderes and 18 Echinoderes species. The species composition through the depth gradient was significantly different. The variability of environmental conditions measured suggests a decreasing intensity of disturbance as depth increases, which influenced the diversity increasing from shallow sites (16–200 m) to medium depth sites (391–725 m) and decreasing again when reach deep sites (>953 m). The non-Echinoderidae species did not show significant trends. The total kinorhynch community was represented by 46 species and statistical analyses revealed similar trends as observed for the Echinoderidae assemblage. The richness recorded in sGoM was greater than the 32 species reported in nGoM.

Discussion on Deep Geothermal Characteristics and Exploration Prospects in the Northern Jiangsu Basin

The Northern Jiangsu Basin (NJB), located at the northeast edge of the Yangtze block, is not only rich in oil and gas resources but also contains abundant geothermal resources. Nevertheless, the distribution of geothermal resources at medium depth in the NJB is still unclear due to its complex geological structure and tectonic–thermal evolution process, which restricts its exploitation and utilization. The characteristics of the geothermal field and distribution of geothermal reservoirs within the NJB are preliminarily analyzed based on available temperature measurements and geothermal exploration data. The prospective areas for the exploration of deep geothermal resources are discussed. The analysis results show that (1) Mesozoic–Paleozoic marine carbonate rocks are appropriate for use as principal geothermal reservoirs for the deep geothermal exploration and development within the NJB; (2) the geothermal field is evidently affected by the base fluctuation, and the high-temperature area is mainly concentrated at the junction of the Jianhu uplift and Dongtai depression; (3) the southeast margin of Jinhu sag, Lianbei sag, the east and west slope zone of Gaoyou sag, the low subuplifts within the depression such as Lingtangqiao–Liubao–Zheduo subuplifts, Xiaohai–Yuhua subuplifts and the west of Wubao low subuplift, have good prospects for deep geothermal exploration.

Mapping and resource evaluation of deep high-temperature geothermal resources in the Jiyang Depression, China

In China, geothermal resource utilization has mainly focused on resources at shallow and medium depths. Yet, the exploration of deep, high-temperature geothermal resources holds significant importance for achieving the “dual carbon” goals and the transition of energy structure. The Jiyang Depression in the Bohai Bay Basin has vast potential for deep, high-temperature geothermal resources. By analyzing data from 2187 wells with temperature logs and 270 locations for temperature measurement in deep strata, we mapped the geothermal field of shallow to medium-deep layers in the Jiyang Depression using ArcGIS and predicted the temperatures of deep layers with a burial depth of 4000 m. Through stochastic modeling and numerical simulation, a reservoir attribute parameter database for favorable deep, high-temperature geothermal areas was developed, systematically characterizing the spatial distribution of geothermal resources within a play fairway of 139.5 km2 and estimating the exploitable deep geothermal resource potential by using the heat storage method and Monte Carlo data analysis. The study reveals that the Fan 54 well block in the Boxing-Jijia region is of prime significance to develop deep, high-temperature geothermal resources in the Jiyang Depression. Strata from the Cenozoic to the Upper Paleozoic are identified as effective cap layers for these deep geothermal resources. The Lower Paleozoic capable of effectively storing thermal energy and possessing an exploitable resource volume up to 127 million tons of standard coal, is identified as a target system for the development of deep high-temperature geothermal resources, providing significant insights for the efficient development of geothermal resources in the Jiyang Depression.

Description of the linear features of the exterior of the first –calfs of different origin

In our country, a linear assessment of the exterior of animals is becoming increasingly widespread, which allows us to objectively assess the influence of the producer bull on the change in the most important exterior features that ensure the se-verity of the dairy type while maintaining high productivity and intensity of use in the herd. This ensures the ranking of animals by body type and helps to accelerate the genetic progress of productivity. In this regard, the introduction of a linear assessment of the daughters of breeding bulls in the herd of a breeding plant is relevant. We conducted research aimed at studying and analyzing the signs of a linear description of the exterior of the first-calf cows of the daughters of Holstein bulls and identifying the most common exterior flaws in one of the breeding plants of the Kirov region. The analysis of the data showed that the evaluated first-calf cows of different origins are characterized by exterior features: average height, body of medium depth, strong physique, pronounced dairy type. The most common disadvantages of the exterior of the examined heifer cows are: interception of the shoulder blades (25.6%), asymmetry of the udder lobes (23.0%), weak headstock (15.4%).

Intraoperative Videogrammetry and Photogrammetry for Photorealistic Neurosurgical 3-Dimensional Models Generated Using Operative Microscope: Technical Note.

Intraoperative orientation during microsurgery has a prolonged learning curve among neurosurgical residents. Three-dimensional (3D) understanding of anatomy can be facilitated with realistic 3D anatomic models created from photogrammetry, where a series of 2-dimensional images is converted into a 3D model. This study implements an algorithm that can create photorealistic intraoperative 3D models to exemplify important steps of the operation, operative corridors, and surgical perspectives. We implemented photograph-based and video-based scanning algorithms for uptakes using the operating room (OR) microscope, targeted for superficial structures, after surgical exposure, and deep operative corridors, in cranial microsurgery. The algorithm required between 30-45 photographs (superficial scanning), 45-65 photographs (deep scanning), or approximately 1 minute of video recording of the entire operative field to create a 3D model. A multicenter approach in 3 neurosurgical departments was applied to test reproducibility and refine the method. Twenty-five 3D models were created of some of the most common neurosurgical approaches-frontolateral, pterional, retrosigmoid, frontal, and temporal craniotomy. The 3D models present important steps of the surgical approaches and allow rotation, zooming, and panning of the model, enabling visualization from different surgical perspectives. The superficial and medium depth structures were consistently presented through the 3D models, whereas scanning of the deepest structures presented some technical challenges, which were gradually overcome with refinement of the image capturing process. Intraoperative photogrammetry is an accessible method to create 3D educational material to show complex anatomy and demonstrate concepts of intraoperative orientation. Detailed interactive 3D models, displaying stepwise surgical case-based anatomy, can be used to help understand details of the operative corridor. Further development includes refining or automatization of image acquisition intraoperatively and evaluation of other applications of the resulting 3D models in training and surgical planning.

Flood Risk Assessment of Areas under Urbanization in Chongqing, China, by Integrating Multi-Models

In the context of urbanization, frequent flood event have become the most common natural disasters, posing a significant challenge to human society. Considering the effects of urbanization on flood risk is critical for flood risk reduction and reasonable land planning strategies at the city scale. This study proposes an integrated approach based on remote sensing data using CA, Markov, and simplified hydrodynamic (FloodMap) models to accurately and effectively assess flood risk under urbanization. Taking Chongqing City as a case study, this paper analyzes the temporal and spatial variations in land use/land cover (LULC) in 2010, 2015, and 2018 and predicts the LULC for 2030, based on historic trends. Flood risk is assessed by combining the hazard, exposure, and modified vulnerability. The results suggest that the area of built-up land will increase significantly from 19.56% in 2018 to 25.21% in 2030. From 2010 to 2030, the area of medium and high inundation depths will increase by 10 and 16 times, respectively. Flood damage varies remarkably according to the LULC and return period. The expected annual damage (EAD) has been estimated to increase from USD 68 million in 2010 to USD 200 million in 2030. Flood risk is proportional to population and is significantly inversely proportional to socioeconomic level. The approach used here can provide a comprehensive understanding of flood risk and is significant for land-use policymaking and the management of flood control facilities.

The Effects of Depth of Knowledge of a Virtual Agent.

We explored the impact of depth of knowledge on conversational agents and human perceptions in a virtual reality (VR) environment. We designed experimental conditions with low, medium, and high depths of knowledge in the domain of game development and tested them among 27 game development students. We aimed to understand how the agent's predefined knowledge levels affected the participants' perceptions of the agent and its knowledge. Our findings showed that participants could distinguish between different knowledge levels of the virtual agent. Moreover, the agent's depth of knowledge significantly impacted participants' perceptions of intelligence, rapport, factuality, the uncanny valley effect, anthropomorphism, and willingness for future interaction. We also found strong correlations between perceived knowledge, perceived intelligence, factuality, and willingness for future interactions. We developed design guidelines for creating conversational agents from our data and observations. This study contributes to the human-agent interaction field in VR settings by providing empirical evidence on the importance of tailoring virtual agents' depth of knowledge to improve user experience, offering insights into designing more engaging and effective conversational agents.

Multi-scale analysis on sustainability and driving factors based on three-dimensional ecological footprint: A case study of the Yangtze River Delta region, China

Accurate assessment of the sustainable development level is crucial to providing reasonable and effective management recommendations. However, analysis with a single scale can only reflect the sustainable status at a specific level. In this study, a multi-scale analysis of sustainability was conducted via the three-dimensional Ecological Footprint (EF) model in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD). Moreover, driving factors of sustainability were analyzed using the Multi-scale Geographically Weighted Regression model (MGWR). The conclusions include: (1) the development of YRD showed an unsustainable trend from 2014 to 2021, with per capita EF decreasing from 5.769 ha/cap to 5.283 ha/cap. The provincial sustainability is ranked as follows, from being the most sustainable to the least: Anhui Province > Jiangsu Province > Zhejiang Province > Shanghai City. (2) Based on dual indicators of EF depth and size, 41 cities were categorized into nine groups. The dominant type is always Medium size-Low depth (ML) and High size-Low depth (HL) type cities from 2014 to 2021. From the perspective of city scale, the sustainability of five cities weakened, while seven cities showed improvements. (3) Output value of primary industry (OVPI) and population (POP) were always the dominant factors affecting EF, but showed positive and negative correlations respectively. OVPI changes from north-south symmetric type to central symmetric type, while POP changes from central symmetric type to north-south symmetric type. This paper aims to comprehensively assess the sustainable development status from agglomeration-province-city perspectives, and its findings can provide a reference for similar regions with unbalanced development status between ecology and production.

Influence of different palatal morphologies on the accuracy of intraoral scanning of the edentulous maxilla: A three-dimensional analysis.

This study investigated the influence of different palatal morphologies on the accuracy of intraoral scanning (TRIOS 4) of edentulous maxillae. Six typodonts were fabricated for different palatal morphologies with flat (F), medium (M), and deep (D) palates, with palatal wrinkles (W), or smooth palates (S), resulting in six groups: WF, WM, WD and SF, SM, SD. Ten scans were performed for each group; standard tessellation language files obtained were imported into a software to measure trueness and precision in micrometer. Trueness was calculated as the mean of the standard deviation values obtained by superimposing each scan onto the reference scan. Precision was achieved by overlapping each scan with that with the best trueness in the group. Descriptive and post-hoc analyses were conducted. The mean values for trueness were as follows: WM=48.7±4.7, WD=161.7±18.4, WF=85.9±16, SM=48.1±2.4, SD=349.9±8.8, and SF=349.1±25.5. The precision values were as follows: WM=46.7±7.3, WD=46.9±9, WF=48.9±6.7, SM=46±2.7, SD=105.9±17.4, SF=72.6±10.8. Significant differences were observed for trueness between SM and SD (P < 0.001), SM and SF (P < 0.001), and WF and SF (P = 0.003); whereas for precision, significant differences were reported between WD and SD (P = 0.015). Regarding trueness and precision, no difference was found between WM and SM (P = 1.0). Medium palatal depth showed the best accuracy. The mean accuracy values were within the clinical acceptability thresholds for all palatal morphologies. The presence of rugae improved the precision of deeper palates and the trueness of flat palates. No differences were observed in the medium palates with or without rugae.

Nitrogen isotopes and geochemistry of the basal Datangpo Formation: Contrasting redox conditions in the upper and lower water columns during the Cryogenian interglaciation period

The late Neoproterozoic witnessed series of remarkable geological evolutions, including the Sturtian and Marinoan glaciation events during the Cryogenian. A stratified oceanic redox structure has been proposed for this period, and the dynamics of the deep water redox conditions have been well illustrated by trace metals and their isotopes. However, variations in the redox conditions of the upper water column have received much less attention. Sedimentary nitrogen isotopes (δ15N) are critical for reconstructing the redox conditions in the upper water columns of ancient oceans. Existing research on the N cycle during the Cryogenian period is scarce, and the majority of studied samples were collected from shallow and medium water depth facies. To address this paucity of studies, we conducted a high-resolution N isotope study in combination with Fe speciation and Mo concentration data from two deep-water sections of black shales in the basal Datangpo Formation in the Nanhua Basin, a typical organic-rich stratum deposited during the Cryogenian interglaciation period. While the trace metal proxies suggest a fluctuating euxinic–ferruginous bottom water column for the lower interval and a stable euxinic bottom water column for the upper interval, the redox conditions of the upper water column were relatively stable, as indicated by minimal changes in the recorded δ15N values. Furthermore, the δ15N values of black shales in the basal Datangpo Formation of the Nanhua Basin have a limited range (3.1‰ − 5.8‰, average of 4.3‰, standard deviation (SD) = 0.5‰, n = 104) and show no water-depth gradient, indicating the presence of a relatively large and stable nitrate reservoir and a deep redox chemocline in the Nanhua Basin. The characteristic of the nitrate reservoir reflected by these δ15N signals can be roughly analogized to the global interglacial ocean, although only the counterpart northeast Svalbard can be used for comparison. Therefore, the nitrate availability in the marine water column may have had little effect on animal radiation during the Cryogenian interglacial period. These findings help to clarify the N cycle in the Cryogenian Nanhua Basin and shed light on its significance on bioevolution.

Способ фиксации капсулы хрусталика с внутрикапсульным кольцом в одной точке при децентрации ИОЛ в позднем послеоперационном периоде на фоне псевдоэксфолиативного синдрома

Purpose. To assess the clinical effectiveness of the method of fixing the lens capsule with an intracapsular ring at one point in IOL decentration in the late postoperative period against the background of pseudoexfoliative syndrome (PES). Methods. Patient A., 71 years old. He was admitted with a diagnosis of OD – pseudophakia, decentration of the IOL, PES; OS – artifakia, PES. In the anamnesis: 5 years ago, cataract phacoemulsification with intracapsular ring and IOL implantation in the right eye. Examination: visometry, perimetry, autorefractometry, pneumotonometry. In order to center the IOL at the OD, ab interno fixation of the lens capsule with the intracapsular ring was performed to the sclera at one point in the region of the ciliary sulcus using a suture needle with a double thread and a guide needle. The suture thread on the intracapsular ring was fixed with a «cow hitch». Results. On the 2nd day after surgery, visual acuity without correction was 0.7. On examination, the right eye is calm, the cornea is transparent, the anterior chamber is of medium depth, the moisture of the anterior chamber is transparent, the pupil is round 3 mm, centered, the IOL is in the correct position. Visual acuity did not change throughout the entire period of observation, intraocular pressure remained compensated for the entire period of observation of the patient. Conclusion. This example demonstrates the feasibility of using an intracapsular ring during phacoemulsification against the background of PES and the clinical effectiveness of the method of fixing the lens capsule with an intracapsular ring at one point in IOL decentration in the late postoperative period. Key words: intracapsular ring, pseudoexfoliative syndrome, «cow hitch»

Elastic stability of viscoelastic liquid films flowing on a porous substrate

This paper investigates the linear stability of viscoelastic liquid films flowing down an inclined porous substrate analytically and numerically. It focuses on the Stokes flow of viscoelastic films and uncovers two unstable modes triggered by elasticity. The elastic surface mode with a long wave number is solved analytically and numerically. Our results also indicate elasticity can trigger an elasto-porous mode at small incline angle and ratio of film thickness to substrate thickness. The Oldroyd-B model is used for the constitutive relation between the strain and polymer stress. The classical Beavers–Joseph condition is applied to describe the boundary conditions at the fluid-porous interface (Beavers and Joseph, 1967). This condition represents the linear relationship between velocity gradient of fluid layer and velocity difference between two layers, ∂zu=ακ(u−um), where α is the Beavers–Joseph coefficient, representing slip flow at the interface; κ is the permeability of the porous medium. Effects of porous medium properties, including permeability and depth ratio, as well as the impact of slip flow at the interface on the unstable modes are examined.

True Triaxial Test and Research into Bolting Support Compensation Stresses for Coal Roadways at Different Depths

During the excavation and support construction process used in coal mine roadways, the stress path is the unloading of in situ stress and the compensation of support stress. The 150 mm × 150 mm × 150 mm coal mass samples were obtained in situ underground and prepared, the true triaxial loading–unloading–confining pressure restoring test method was used, and the mechanical response and deformation failure evolution characteristics of the coal seam during the excavation and support process of the shallow, medium depth, and deep coal roadways in the coal mine were simulated and studied. Based on the distribution law of the bolt and cable support stress field, the support compensation stress required for the stability of the surrounding rock after the excavation of the coal roadway with different burial depths was determined, and the corresponding roadways’ surrounding rock control technologies were proposed. This study’s results indicate that the compensation stress required for support in shallow coal roadways (with a burial depth of about 200 m) was much less than 0.1 MPa. A single rock bolt support can keep the surrounding rock of the roadway stable; the compensation stress required for support in the medium buried coal roadway (with a depth of about 600 m) is around 0.1 MPa, and the combined support of rock bolts and cables can meet the support requirements. Deep coal roadways under high stress (with a depth of about 1000 m) require support to provide compensation stress. Even if the compensation stress reaches 0.2 MPa, the surrounding rock of the roadway will experience varying degrees of creep. In this study, it was necessary to increase the support density and surface area of rock bolts and cables, the pre-tension forces of rock bolts and cables were improved, and in synergy with grouting modification, destressing and other technologies could control the large deformation of the surrounding rock of the roadway in 1000 m deep coal mines. This study’s results provide a theoretical basis for the selection of control technologies for use in coal roadways at different depths.

Tidal turbulence in medium depth water, primarily a model study

Tidal energy is considered to be one important future source of renewable energy. There is presently a strong development in new technology, and there is an emerging need to e.g., describe the turbulence intensity and its characteristics in a tidal stream. In this study we consider a high resolution Large Eddy Simulation (LES) in water with 80 m depth and a tidal stream with a maximum volume mean flow amplitude of 2 ms-1. the simulation is designed to describe turbulence characteristics at a developer site outside Holyhead in the Irish Sea. We find that the turbulence intensity and characteristics has clear time dependence, and that it is 100% stronger on the retarding tidal current as compared to the accelerating tidal current. We also find that it depends on the distance from the bottom. The turbulence is highly anisotropic with much longer length scales in the flow directions than perpendicular to flow direction. The simulation setup and results for mean flow quantities and turbulence measures are discussed in the presentation. Finally, results are compared with results from a ship mounted ADCP for mean flow characteristics and for turbulence quantities.

A dye–fibre system from food waste: Dyeing casein fibres with anthocyanins

AbstractRegenerated protein fibres manufactured from food side‐streams offer significant potential as circular and sustainable fibres, but greater knowledge of their dyeing properties is required. In this research, coloration of casein fibres with dyes also extracted from blackcurrant skins left over from juice pressing is explored. Casein fibre was dyed with blackcurrant extract, rich in anthocyanins, from pH 2 to pH 6 and from 40 to 80°C, with and without alum. Casein fibres could be dyed with blackcurrant extract across all conditions tested, and under optimal conditions, dyeing is achieved with medium depths of colour with good wash fastness. Highest sorption of anthocyanins onto casein is observed at pH 4, where anthocyanins are a mixture of 60% neutral purple quinonoidal base form and 40% flavylium cation form; under these conditions dye–fibre interaction is optimal. At pH 2, casein fibre has a highly positively charged surface and anthocyanin is in the flavylium cation form, leading to some dye–fibre repulsion. At pH 6, the slightly negatively charged casein fibre demonstrates lower sorption of the mixture of 40% purple quinonoidal base form and 60% the anionic quinonoidal base form, again leading to some dye–fibre repulsion. Presence of alum in the dyebath enhances sorption of anthocyanins onto fibre at pH 4 due to formation of Al–anthocyanin complexes. Wash fastness of the dyeings is better as pH increases and as temperature increases.

Are offshore platforms a good candidate to restore functional diversity of reef fish communities in the Arabian Gulf?

Human-made structures are ubiquitous in the marine realm. Complex structures such as oil and gas platforms may constitute a suitable habitat for species in areas where natural reefs have been highly degraded by coastal development. We here explore the suitability of fish assemblages associated to offshore platforms as surrogates for depleted fish stocks from coastal areas. Taxonomic and functional diversity have been used as approaches to test this hypothesis. Beta diversity components (nestedness and turnover) have also been assessed to unveil the magnitude of the differences between fish-associated communities from offshore platforms and natural reefs. The results showed a sharp difference between natural and artificial reef assemblages, suggesting that these artificial structures may not be suitable candidates serving as surrogates of fish assemblages. Natural reefs were characterized by a depletion of species and abundances, typical of overfished sites, together with other factors such as depth and substrate complexity. Reefs at medium depth in the eastern part of oil platforms, i.e. Kharaza, Maydam Mahzam and Fast east-Halul, showed the highest species richness (19–25 taxa) and functional richness. Thus, our results showed that offshore platforms harbor different fish species composition and community structures than natural reefs. Hence, the conservation of natural reefs under pressure, and artificial systems that act as marine protected areas are of utmost importance to preserve the fish biodiversity in the region. From our perspective, an integrative management of both natural and artificial structures is urgently needed, considering the extensive number of installations that will be decommissioned in the study region. The present results have ecological implications of utmost importance that need to be considered in coastal planning of the Arabian Gulf where a substantial portion of natural reefs have been drastically transformed.

Reproducible Preparation of Primary Rat Hepatocyte Sheets Using a Thermoresponsive Culture Dish.

Hepatocyte transplantation has been utilized as a therapy for congenital metabolic liver diseases such as hemophilia and for liver function support in acute liver failure. Hepatocyte sheet technology using a thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PIPAAm)-grafted dish is expected to provide an efficient cell transplantation method because the resulting hepatocyte sheet possesses extracellular matrix (ECM) on the basal surface, which enhances attachment to the target sites. However, the cultured hepatocytes consume large amounts of oxygen, leading to the loss of a few hepatocytes within the confluent culture sheet owing to a lack of oxygen. To circumvent this problem, this work demonstrates the shortening of diffusion distance, that is, the medium depth, to accelerate oxygen supply from the gas phase/medium interface to the cultured hepatocytes, allowing them to form a monolayer hepatocyte sheet. Incubation of hepatocytes with medium at a depth of 1.3 mm facilitates confluent culture of hepatocytes for 72 h, whereas viable hepatocytes decreased at 2.6 mm depth. Hepatocyte sheets are formed on a 0.5 μg/cm2 fibronectin-physisorbed PIPAAm-grafted dish during 72 h incubation at 37°C. Detachment of the cultured hepatocyte sheet from the PIPAAm-grafted dish where the surface becomes hydrophilic at 20°C is accomplished by scraping the periphery of the sheet using a cell scraper. Furthermore, the apical side of the hepatocyte sheet can be physically grabbed using a gelatin-coated membrane, and the sheet with ECM on the basal surface can be readily transferred to the target site after melting the coated gelatin at 37°C. Both methods are beneficial for creating tissue models by layering with another type of cell sheets, and for quick transplantation, such as into the subcutaneous space and orthotopic transplantation on the surface of the liver.

A comparison of atmospheric aerosol absorption properties from the MERRA-2 reanalysis with AERONET

Our focus is the comparison of atmospheric aerosol absorption properties between the MERRA-2 reanalysis and the inversion product of the surface station network AERONET. We use the available Aerosol Absorption Optical Depth (AAOD) and Single Scattering Albedo (SSA) data from both sources during the period 1993–2022, for the globe. The comparison is performed for the whole dataset, but also repeated for different classifications, namely by aerosol types, Köppen climate, and continent. Moreover, we investigate the relationships between these classifications. For these medium and high optical depth cases, the MERRA-2 relative bias for AAOD and SSA is globally −3.7% and −1.4%, but there is a wide differentiation in performance for the different types, climates, and continents. The MERRA-2 SSA frequency distribution is too narrow compared to the AERONET. MERRA-2 strongly overestimates the absorption over N. America and less so over S. America and Europe, while it underestimates it greatly over Oceania. AAOD is underestimated over biomass-burning regions and overestimated over most areas rich in dust. There is evidence that the lack of brown carbon in the aerosol type classification scheme in MERRA-2 hampers its performance. The comparison over Asia dry areas (classified as Köppen climate type B) shows a large underestimation in AAOD, non-existent in other dry (B) climate types. For the relatively few observations over polar (Köppen type E) climates, MERRA-2 gives too absorptive aerosols. With respect to absorption properties, it appears that MERRA-2 would improve its agreement with AERONET by addressing some erroneous aerosol classifications, employing the brown carbon type, and introducing more detail in dry region aerosol sources.

Effect of different depths of irrigation water on yield and water use pattern of summer groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Field experiment was conducted during summer season of 2013 and 2014 to evaluate the effect of different depths of irrigation water on yield and water use pattern of summer groundnut. Plant height increased with increasing the quantity and uniform depth (50 mm) of irrigation water during all through growth period. Towards maturity presence of moisture had no greater influence to plant growth but had significant role to developmentalprocesses. Depth ofirrigation had greatly influenced on drymatter production rather than total quantity of irrigation water applied. Increasing irrigation depth to higher (40 mm) from lower (20 mm) depth did not influence the crop growth rate significantly. Irrigation water applied either uniform or different depth during various growth stages significantly influenced the yield attributes viz., number of pods per plant, shelling percentage etc. and skipping of irrigation water at any stage did not influence the yield attributes. Yield of groundnut also increased with lesserquantity of irrigation water when irrigation water was applied in judicious manner with different depths during different growth stages. Skipping of any depth of irrigation water from 30 DAE to 65 DAE the pod yield wasreduced significantly about 20-26 per cent and moisture stress at early growth stage to early pod development stage was detrimental. Total water use or water expense was higher under T7 (379.0 mm) where 160 mm irrigation water was applied under various depths during different growth stages followed by skipping of 20 mm irrigation water at 30 DAE but water expense efficiency was higher under T5 where, 180 mmofirrigation water was applied in different depth of combinations during different growth stages of the crop followed by higher pod yield. So it may be concluded that moisture stress at early growth stage to early pod development stage was detrimental and to meet the physiological demand of the crop judicious management of irrigation water viz., shallow depth of irrigation waterat early part of the growth along with medium depth of irrigation water towards later growth stages (T5) is recommended for good harvest of the crop.