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This paper presents a hermitic fiber sensor packaging technique that enables fiber sensors to be embedded in energy systems for performing multi-parameter measurements in high-temperature and strong radiation environments. A high-temperature stable Intrinsic Fabry–Perot interferometer (IFPI) array, inscribed by a femtosecond laser direct writing scheme, is used to measure both temperature and pressure induced strain changes. To address the large disparity in thermo-expansion coefficients (TECs) between silica fibers and metal parts, glass sealants with TEC between silica optical fibers and metals were used to hermetically seal optical fiber sensors inside stainless steel metal tubes. The hermetically sealed package is validated for helium leakages between 1 MPa and 10 MPa using a helium leak detector. An IFPI sensor embedded in glass sealant was used to measure pressure. The paper demonstrates an effective technique to deploy fiber sensors to perform multi-parameter measurements in a wide range of energy systems that utilize high temperatures and strong radiation environments to achieve efficient energy production.

Abstract Distributed fiber-optic sensing continues to gain widespread adoption in the energy industry because of the numerous benefits it offers for real-time surface and subsurface monitoring of pipelines, wellbores, reservoirs, and storage infrastructure. In this study, we introduce a novel workflow to analyze optical fiber-based distributed acoustic sensor (DAS) data, which takes into account the speed of sound for a certain phase to filter the acoustic energy or signal contributed by that phase. This information is then utilized for the characterization of multiphase flow. The application of the proposed velocity band energy (VBE) workflow is demonstrated using a dataset acquired in a 5163-ft-deep wellbore, for estimating gas void fraction and real-time gas–liquid interface tracking across the length of the well. The workflow utilizes a series of signal processing and conditioning steps that aim to reduce noise and enhance the signals of interest. The insights from the new methodology will further assist in validating DAS-based flow monitoring algorithms, leak detection and quantification, and reservoir characterization.

The review of the literature demonstrated that the diverse properties of the organotin (IV) attributed to the various moieties contained inside the molecule account for the functions and utility of the organotin (IV) complexes. Furthermore, the capacity of organometallic compounds to stabilise complexes with unique stereochemistry is well documented. Due to their robust coordination chemistry, consistency, and varied molecular structures, these complexes exhibit a wide spectrum of biological activity. This article provides an overview of complexes' arrangement and geometry, spectroscopic research, and physical, chemical, and biological properties. This review also focuses on recent developments in conventional chemistry, practical synthesis methods, and the diverse functions of organotin (IV) complexes. [ J Adv Biotechnol Exp Ther 2023; 6(2.000): 386-402]

In this paper, we investigate the impact of an external magnetic field on the Weibel instability driven by temperature anisotropy in a magnetized plasma. The study provides the influence of electron temperature anisotropy, considering both cold as well as warm ions. We derive expressions for the growth rate Γ (s−1) in each case to quantify the effect of some specific parameters on the instability. For example, the growth rate is plotted against the magnetic field for three distinct cases: considering only electrons, including cold ions, and incorporating warm ions. It is observed that the growth rate decreases as the applied magnetic field increases. Furthermore, the addition of both cold and warm ions to the plasma significantly influences the observed effects. It can be explained as follows: in the presence of cold ions, the growth rate is decreased with an increase in the wave number kz (cm−1). In addition, a decrease in the growth rate is observed with an increasing wave number in the case of warm ions. Therefore, it can be seen that the Weibel instability, propelled by thermal anisotropy, holds significant implications owing to its prevalence in both astrophysical and laboratory plasmas. The findings presented here are expected to contribute to the advancements in magnetic field generation and particle acceleration in various astrophysical phenomena, including gamma-ray bursts, relativistic collisionless shock fronts, radio supernovae, and pulsar winds.

Altered mitochondrial function without a well-defined cause has been documented in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). In our efforts to understand UC pathogenesis, we observed reduced expression of clustered mitochondrial homolog (CLUH) only in the active UC tissues compared with the unaffected areas from the same patient and healthy controls. Stimulation with bacterial Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands similarly reduced CLUH expression in human primary macrophages. Further, CLUH negatively regulated secretion of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α and rendered a proinflammatory niche in TLR ligand–stimulated macrophages. CLUH was further found to bind to mitochondrial fission protein dynamin related protein 1 (DRP1) and regulated DRP1 transcription in human macrophages. In the TLR ligand–stimulated macrophages, absence of CLUH led to enhanced DRP1 availability for mitochondrial fission, and a smaller dysfunctional mitochondrial pool was observed. Mechanistically, this fissioned mitochondrial pool in turn enhanced mitochondrial ROS production and reduced mitophagy and lysosomal function in CLUH-knockout macrophages. Remarkably, our studies in the mouse model of colitis with CLUH knockdown displayed exacerbated disease pathology. Taken together, this is the first report to our knowledge explaining the role of CLUH in UC pathogenesis, by means of regulating inflammation via maintaining mitochondrial-lysosomal functions in the human macrophages and intestinal mucosa.

Abstract Present study analysed the therapeutic potential of traditionally acclaimed medicinal herb Nanorrhinum ramosissimum, using plant parts extracted with different solvents (10 mg/mL). Shoot extracts exhibited comparatively better antimicrobial properties, in comparison to root extracts. Total phenolic content was estimated, to ascertain its dependency on antioxidant properties of plant extracts. Antioxidant assay revealed promising results in comparison to IC50 value of standard ascorbic acid (52.2±0.07 µg/mL), for methanolic extracts of shoot (61.07±0.53 µg/mL and 64.33±0.33 µg/mL) and root (76.705±0.12 µg/mL and 89.73±0.28 µg/ mL) for in vivo and in vitro regenerants respectively. Correlation coefficient R2 values ranged between 0.90-0.95, indicating a positive correlation between phenolic contents and antioxidant activity. Plant extracts were also able to inhibit DNA oxidative damage again indicating their antioxidative potential. Antidiabetic potential was confirmed by alpha amylase inhibition assay where shoot methanolic extracts (invivo, in vitro) exhibited the best IC50 values (54.42±0.16 µg/mL, 66.09±0.12 µg/mL) in comparison to standard metformin (41.92±0.08 µg/mL). Ethanolic extracts of roots (in vitro, invivo) exhibited the relative IC50 values (88.97±0.32µg/mL,96.63±0.44 µg/mL) indicating that shoot parts had a better alpha amylase inhibition property; thus proving the herb’s bioactive potential and its prospective therapeutic source for curing various ailments.

Abstract Background Symbiotic associations of endophytic fungi have been proved by possessing an ability to produce hormones and metabolites for their host plant. Members of the Orchidaceae are obligate mycorrhizal species but a non-mycorrhizal association needs more investigation for their ability to promote plant growth and produce plant growth hormones. In the present study, endophytic fungi were isolated from the roots of Dendrobium longicornu Lindl., to investigate the root colonizing activity and role in plant growth and development. Results Among 23 fungal isolates were identified both by morphological and molecular technique as Penicillium sp., Fusarium sp., Coniochaeta sp., Alternaria sp., and Cladosporium sp. The dominate species were Coniochaeta sp. and Cladosporium sp. The dominant species as per the isolation was Coniochaeta sp. These fungal strains were screened for growth-promoting activity of Cymbidium aloifolium (plantlet) consider as cross genus interaction and Dendrobium longicornu (protocorms) as a host plant in in-vitro condition. Importantly, Cladosporium sp., and Coniochaeta sp. showed successful colonization and peloton formation with roots of C. aloifolium. Moreover, it also enhanced acclimatization of plantlets. Fungal elicitors from nine fungal isolates enhanced the growth of the in vitro grown protocorms of D. longicornu. Key bioactive compounds detected in the fungal colonized plant extract were 2H-pyran-2-one, Cyclopropanecarboxylic acid, Oleic Acid and d-Mannitol, which may have a potential role in plant-microbe interaction. All fungal endophytes were able to synthesize the indole acetic acid (IAA) in presence of tryptophan. Moreover, fungal extract DLCCR7 treated with DL-tryptophan yielded a greater IAA concentration of 43 μg per ml than the other extracts. The iaaM gene involved in IAA synthesis pathway was amplified using iaaM gene primers successfully from Alternaria sp., Cladosporium sp., and Coniochaeta sp. Conclusions Hence, this study confirms the production of IAA by endophytes and demonstrated their host as well as cross-genus plant growth-promoting potential by producing metabolites required for the growth of the plant.

Background: Cancer chemotherapeutic drugs are commonly associated with serious adverse effect which contributes to increase in the duration of hospitalisation and economic burden. Aim: The aim of this study was to characterise the seriousness and outcome of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) produced by chemotherapy drugs in cancer patients. Materials and Methods: Patient''s demographic characteristics and ADRs due to chemotherapeutic drugs were documented inpatient case report form. Frequencies of the seriousness of the ADRs, its outcome and preventability were studied using descriptive statistics. Proportion of life-threatening ADRs and ADRs linked to increase in duration of hospitalisation were studied. Factors associated with serious ADRs and patient characteristics were studied using calculation of odds ratio (OR) at 95% confidence interval (P < 0.5). Results: A total of 412 ADRs were noted in selected 120 patients received chemotherapy drugs. Majority of ADRs (61%) were linked to increase in duration of hospital admission. Some ADRs (12%) were noted as life-threatening to the patients. OR 1.58 was found on the association between patient age group and serious ADRs (P = 0.02). Association of preventability of ADRs and serious ADRs shows OR of 3.65 (P = 0.0001). Common serious ADRs were noted as anaemia, neutropenia, fever, thrombocytopenia, diarrhoea, mucositis and nausea and vomiting. Conclusion: The incidence of serious ADRs due to chemotherapy drugs amongst cancer patients is high. Studies on the nature of seriousness of ADRs, outcome and its triggering factors may help to prevent them. Early identification of serious ADRs may support to reduce hospital stay and economic burden.

Objectives To perform an external validation to assess the usefulness of the Maternal Severity Index (MSI) in predicting maternal death among women with potentially life-threatening complications during pregnancy or childbirth.Design Prospective observational study.Setting A tertiary referral centre in southeastern India.Participants 1833 women with potentially life-threatening complications identified using the WHO criteria.Predictor assessed MSI calculated based on the severity markers of the WHO criteria for maternal near-miss.Primary outcome Maternal death.Statistical analysis Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess discriminative performance, and agreement between expected and observed deaths was plotted to determine calibration.Results The incidence of severe maternal outcomes was 10 per 1000 live births. There were 57 (151 per 100 000 live births) maternal deaths during the study period. Maternal Severity Score was significantly higher among those who died (2.8±1.3 vs 2.0±1.2, p

The effect of dust grains on the parametric coupling of neutral beam driven ion–cyclotron wave instability with a lower hybrid pump wave is studied. A high amplitude lower hybrid pump, which is launched into a tokamak for heating purposes in the presence of neutral beam driven ion-cyclotron waves, can excite the parametric coupling involving two lower hybrid sidebands. In a tokamak, the lower hybrid waves result in parametric excitation of the ion-cyclotron mode and quasi-modes near the edge when the electron oscillatory velocity is greater than the sound velocity. This parametric coupling increases the growth rate of instability when the lower sideband wave is resonant. Moreover, the presence of dust grains in the tokamak plasma, their radius, and the number density significantly affect the growth rate of the instability, which in turn can affect the advanced stage operations of a tokamak. The growth rate of parametric instability scales with the amplitude of the pump wave. The growth rate is found to be linearly increased with the dust grain density, but it decreased with increasing size of dust grains, which means large sized dust grains stabilize the instability. The theoretical results explained in the present paper are very helpful in explaining the complexity in the plasma properties of a tokamak due to the dust–plasma interactions, which can diminish the performance of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor due to potential safety issues.

Abstract In this study, we used data from optical fiber-based Distributed Acoustic Sensor (DAS) and Distributed Temperature Sensor (DTS) to estimate pressure along the fiber. A machine learning workflow was developed and demonstrated using experimental datasets from gas–water flow tests conducted in a 5163-ft deep well instrumented with DAS, DTS, and four downhole pressure gauges. The workflow is successfully demonstrated on two experimental datasets, corresponding to different gas injection volumes, backpressure, injection methods, and water circulation rates. The workflow utilizes the random forest algorithm and involves a two-step process for distributed pressure prediction. In the first step, single-depth predictive modeling is performed to explore the underlying relationship between the DAS (in seven different frequency bands), DTS, and the gauge pressures at the four downhole locations. The single-depth analysis showed that the low-frequency components (

Abstract Background A plant growth-promoting endophytic bacterium PVL1 isolated from the leaf of Vanda cristata has the ability to colonize with roots of plants and protect the plant. PVL1 was isolated using laboratory synthetic media. 16S rRNA gene sequencing method has been employed for identification before and after root colonization ability. Results Original isolated and remunerated strain from colonized roots were identified as Bacillus spp. as per EzBiocloud database. The presence of bacteria in the root section of the plantlet was confirmed through Epifluorescence microscopy of colonized roots. The in-vitro plantlet colonized by PVL1 as well as DLMB attained higher growth than the control. PVL1 capable of producing plant beneficial phytohormone under in vitro cultivation. HPLC and GC-MS analysis suggest that colonized plants contain Indole Acetic Acid (IAA). The methanol extract of Bacillus spp., contains 0.015 μg in 1 μl concentration of IAA. PVL1 has the ability to produce antimicrobial compounds such as ethyl iso-allocholate, which exhibits immune restoring property. One-way ANOVA shows that results were statistically significant at P ≤ 0.05 level. Conclusions Hence, it has been concluded that Bacillus spp. PVL1 can promote plant growth through secretion of IAA during root colonization and ethyl iso-allocholate to protect plants from foreign infections. Thus, this study supports to support Koch’s postulates of bacteria establishment.

The Weibel instability due to temperature anisotropy of electrons and ions in a plasma in the presence of cold and warm ions is reported. Numerical calculations of the normalized growth rate are carried out when the frequency of electromagnetic waves is greater than or less than the thermal velocity of electrons for typical existing plasma parameters. The normalized growth rate increases with an increasing normalized wave number, and after attaining maxima, it decreases due to thermal effects. Therefore, a parabolic plot is obtained for the growth rate. The threshold values of the growth rate depend on the anisotropy parameters. On increasing the value of the temperature anisotropy ratio of either plasma component, the observed growth rate increases. There is a considerable and contrasting effect of the presence of cold and warm ions on the growth rate of the Weibel instability in the plasma. The addition of cold ions stabilizes the instability and reduces the maximum growth rate values, while the addition of warm ions to the plasma increases the instability with a considerable decrease in the domain of instability. Our theoretical investigations of the effect of temperature anisotropy on the growth rate of the Weibel instability are in good agreement with the existing experimental results.

In this article, the effect of dust charge fluctuations on the parametric upconversion of a lower hybrid wave into an ion cyclotron wave and a side band wave in a two-ion species tokamak plasma is studied. When the oscillatory velocity of plasma electrons is a few percent of the sound velocity, the lower hybrid wave becomes unstable and decays into two modes: an ion cyclotron wave mode and a low frequency lower hybrid side band wave. Furthermore, a ponderomotive force by a lower hybrid pump and a side band wave is exerted on the existing electrons, which drives the ion cyclotron decay mode. The presence of negatively charged dust grains and their shape, size, radius, and density influence the instability. The growth rate of instability is calculated by considering typical existing D–T (Deuterium–Tritium) dusty plasma parameters, and it is observed that the growth rate increases with the relative density of dust grains, number density of dust grains, oscillatory velocity of electrons, and amplitude of pump waves. However, the normalized growth rate increases with the unstable wave frequency, and it also increases as we increase the ratio of deuterium to tritium density. Here, the growth rate decreases with the increase in the size of dust grains and electron cyclotron frequency. The theoretical results summarized in the present study are able to efficiently elaborate the complexity produced in plasma properties in a tokamak due to the dust–plasma interactions, which are briefly discussed here.

The effect of fluctuations of dust grains on the parametric up conversion of lower hybrid waves into a whistler wave in a complex plasma is studied. In a complex plasma, which contains ambient magnetic field, the lower hybrid pump possessing a large amplitude decays into two modes: a whistler wave mode and a lower hybrid wave mode having low frequency. Furthermore, a ponderomotive force is exerted by the lower hybrid pump and whistler side bands on the existing electrons, which drives the lower hybrid decay mode. Furthermore, the coupling of v⃗1, the oscillatory velocity of low-frequency lower hybrid waves, along with the density perturbations, produces a nonlinear current, which drives the whistler mode. The growth rate Γ (sec−1) of lower hybrid waves scales linearly with the amplitude of the pump waves, and it increases as the amplitude of the lower hybrid pump waves increase. Moreover, the dust grain charges influence the instability appreciably. Our theoretically observed growth rate decreases with the increase in the relative density d=n0i/n0e of negatively charged dust grains, while it decreases with the size of dust grains a (μm). The growth rate varies inversely to the electron cyclotron frequency ωce, and it decreases as ωce increases. The results presented in the article are efficiently able to elaborate the basics of the whistler wave excitation in complex plasmas, space plasmas, processing in solid state plasmas, fusion plasmas, and laboratory plasmas as well as industrial plasmas.

Besides the plant-fungus symbiosis in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (EM) plants, many endorhizal and rhizosphere bacteria (Root Associated Bacteria, or RAB) also enhance plant fitness, diversity, and coexistence among plants via bi- or tripartite interactions with plant hosts and mycorrhizal fungi. Assuming that bacterial associations are just as important for the obligate mycorrhizal plant family Orchidaceae, surprisingly little is known about the RAB associated with orchids. Herein, we first present the current, underwhelming state of RAB research including their interactions with fungi and the influence of holobionts on plant fitness. We then delineate the need for novel investigations specifically in orchid RAB ecology, and sketch out questions and hypotheses which, when addressed, will advance plant-microbial ecology. We specifically discuss the potential effects of beneficial RAB on orchids as: (1) Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), (2) Mycorrhization Helper Bacteria (MHB), and (3) constituents of an orchid holobiont. We further posit that a hologenomic view should be considered as a framework for addressing co-evolution of the plant host, their obligate Orchid Mycorrhizal Fungi (OMF), and orchid RAB. We conclude by discussing implications of the suggested research for conservation of orchids, their microbial partners, and their collective habitats.

Modifications taking place in ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) films due to gamma ray radiation-induced and investigated in correlation with the applied doses. Films were irradiated in a vacuum at room temperature by a 1.25 MeV Co60 a source with doses ranging from 0 to 300 kGg. The optical, chemical, structural, and surface morphological properties of the irradiated and unirradiated UHMWPE films were investigated by UV-Visible, FTIR, XRD, and SEM, respectively. The band gap Eg decreases with increasing radiation dose and coloration effects have been seen at higher doses. FTIR spectra show an oscillatory behavior in the transmittance intensities without affecting in their peak positions. Number of small absorption peaks can be seen clearly which may be due to the cross-linking of the polymeric chain. No significant change in crystalline peak has been found in the X-ray diffraction pattern indicating the structural stability of the polymer. The morphology of the smooth topography of the polymer samples to change rougher one polymeric sample shows the formation of microvoids on the surface of the polymeric materials with the increase of the doses from 0 to 300 kGy.

We investigate the effect of the target position, laser polarization, and focusing on the energy spread and the angle of emittance for the acceleration of electrons generated during the ionization of rarefied gases, neon ions Ne8+, krypton ions Kr32+, and argon ions Ar16+ by a laser pulse. The electrons generated from the ions at the position after laser focus interact with the laser pulse for a longer duration and gain more energy than those electrons generated from the ions at the position before laser focus. There are two peaks in the energy spectrum for linear polarization and only one peak for circular polarization. The energy spectrum peak is sharper for circular polarization than that for linear polarization. The energy gained by the electrons increases with the laser spot size due to the increase in the laser energy. The spectrum of the angle of emittance for electrons shows the sharpest peak at the lowest angle for linear polarization for ions at the position after laser focus. The circular polarization is good to obtain quasi-monoenergetic electron beams and linearly polarized laser pulse is good to generate collimated electron beams. The required laser intensity to ionize electrons from the ions Ne8+, Kr32+, and Ar16+ increases and the electron energy peaks are at higher energies and scattering angles are at lower values for these gases, in their respective orders.

Estimation of fluid saturation is an important step in dynamic reservoir characterization. Machine learning techniques have been increasingly used in recent years for reservoir saturation prediction workflows. However, most of these studies require input parameters derived from cores, petrophysical logs, or seismic data, which may not always be readily available. Additionally, very few studies incorporate the production data, which is an important reflection of the dynamic reservoir properties and also typically the most frequently and reliably measured quantity throughout the life of a field. In this research, the random forest ensemble machine learning algorithm is implemented that uses the field-wide production and injection data (both measured at the surface) as the only input parameters to predict the time-lapse oil saturation profiles at well locations. The algorithm is optimized using feature selection based on feature importance score and Pearson correlation coefficient, in combination with geophysical domain-knowledge. The workflow is demonstrated using the actual field data from a structurally complex, heterogeneous, and heavily faulted offshore reservoir. The random forest model captures the trends from three and a half years of historical field production, injection, and simulated saturation data to predict future time-lapse oil saturation profiles at four deviated well locations with over 90% R-square, less than 6% Root Mean Square Error, and less than 7% Mean Absolute Percentage Error, in each case.

Background: The role of Papanicolaou (Pap) test in cervical cancer screening need not be overemphasized. While most Western countries have adopted the liquid-based cytology (LBC), which is considered superior, many developing countries are still using the conventional Pap smear (CPS) technique. Objective: To compare the staining and cytomorphological features on conventional versus liquid-based cervicovaginal smears. Materials and Methods: One hundred and forty cervicovaginal smears prepared by the standard conventional and LBC techniques were interpreted as per the Bethesda system of reporting cervicovaginal smears. Twelve parameters were studied, compared, and statistically analyzed. A P value

The detection of carbon dioxide (CO2) is critical for environmental monitoring, chemical safety control, and many industrial applications. The manifold application fields as well as the huge range of CO2 concentration to be measured make CO2 sensing a challenging task. Thus, the ability to reliably and quantitatively detect carbon dioxide requires vastly improved materials and approaches that can work under different environmental conditions. Due to their unique favorable chemical, optical, physical, and electrical properties, nanomaterials are considered state-of-the-art sensing materials. This mini-review documents the advancement of nanomaterial-based CO2 sensors in the last two decades and discusses their strengths, weaknesses, and major applications. The use of nanomaterials for CO2 sensing offers several improvements in terms of selectivity, sensitivity, response time, and detection, demonstrating the advantage of using nanomaterials for developing high-performance CO2 sensors. Anticipated future trends in the area of nanomaterial-based CO2 sensors are also discussed in light of the existing limitations.

A novel workflow is presented for integrating fiber optic Distributed Temperature Sensor (DTS) data in numerical simulation model for the Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS) process, using an intelligent optimization routine that automatically learns and improves from experience. As the steam–oil relationship is the main driver for forecasting and decision-making in thermal recovery operations, knowledge of downhole steam distribution across the well over time can optimize injection and production. This study uses actual field data from a CSS operation in a heavy oil field in California, and the value of integrating DTS in the history matching process is illustrated as it allows the steam distribution to be accurately estimated along the entire length of the well. The workflow enables the simultaneous history match of water, oil, and temperature profiles, while capturing the reservoir heterogeneity and the actual physics of the injection process, and ultimately reducing the uncertainty in the predictive models. A novel stepwise grid-refinement approach coupled with an evolutionary optimization algorithm was implemented to improve computational efficiency and predictive accuracy. DTS surveillance also made it possible to detect a thermal communication event due to steam channeling in real-time, and even assess the effectiveness of the remedial workover to resolve it, demonstrating the value of continuous fiber optic monitoring.

Effective well control depends on the drilling teams’ knowledge of wellbore flow dynamics and their ability to predict and control influx. Unfortunately, detection of a gas influx in an offshore environment is particularly challenging, and there are no existing datasets that have been verified and validated for gas kick migration at full-scale annular conditions. This study bridges this gap and presents pioneering research in the application of fiber optic sensing for monitoring gas in riser. The proposed sensing paradigm was validated through well-scale experiments conducted at Petroleum Engineering Research & Technology Transfer lab (PERTT) facility at Louisiana State University (LSU), simulating an offshore marine riser environment with its larger than average annular space and mud circulation capability. The experimental setup instrumented with distributed fiber optic sensors and pressure/temperature gauges provides a physical model to study the dynamic gas migration in full-scale annular conditions. Current kick detection methods primarily utilize surface measurements and do not always reliably detect a gas influx. The proposed application of distributed fiber optic sensing overcomes this key limitation of conventional kick detection methods, by providing real-time distributed downhole data for accurate and reliable monitoring. The two-phase flow experiments conducted in this research provide critical insights for understanding the flow dynamics in offshore drilling riser conditions, and the results provide an indication of how quickly gas can migrate in a marine riser scenario, warranting further investigation for the sake of effective well control.

The plasma instabilities play an important role in an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion source for the production of intense heavy ion beams in high charge states for particle accelerators. The geometrical and operational constraints of ECR sources hinder the trapping of ions for a sufficient time to get fully ionized with maximum efficiency. This problem is looked at in detail by studying the plasma instabilities in ECR ion sources. The ECR environment is full of complex rearrangements of various electric and magnetic fields to define a sustainable trap for the ions. The maximum frequency of plasma instability has been observed to be of 122.5 kHz under a set of sustainable plasma parameters. However, this limit may be pushed further if the plasma is overdriven in terms of source parameters. The instabilities cover a full regime of few tens of Hz to few hundreds of kHz under various operating conditions of radio frequency (rf), negative bias voltage, rf power and injection gas pressure. The rigorous details of frequencies and amplitudes of plasma instabilities are being reported by studying the Fourier spectrum of extracted and analyzed beam intensity. The plasma instabilities are attributed as drift waves in an inhomogeneous ECR plasma generated by the application of radio-frequency fields.

Benthic habitats harbour a significant (yet unexplored) diversity of microscopic eukaryote taxa, including metazoan phyla, protists, algae and fungi. These groups are thought to underpin ecosystem functioning across diverse marine environments. Coastal marine habitats in the Gulf of Mexico experienced visible, heavy impacts following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, yet our scant knowledge of prior eukaryotic biodiversity has precluded a thorough assessment of this disturbance. Using a marker gene and morphological approach, we present an intensive evaluation of microbial eukaryote communities prior to and following oiling around heavily impacted shorelines. Our results show significant changes in community structure, with pre-spill assemblages of diverse Metazoa giving way to dominant fungal communities in post-spill sediments. Post-spill fungal taxa exhibit low richness and are characterized by an abundance of known hydrocarbon-degrading genera, compared to prior communities that contained smaller and more diverse fungal assemblages. Comparative taxonomic data from nematodes further suggests drastic impacts; while pre-spill samples exhibit high richness and evenness of genera, post-spill communities contain mainly predatory and scavenger taxa alongside an abundance of juveniles. Based on this community analysis, our data suggest considerable (hidden) initial impacts across Gulf beaches may be ongoing, despite the disappearance of visible surface oil in the region.

Nematodes occur regularly in macrobenthic samples but are rarely identified from them and are thus considered exclusively a part of the meiobenthos. Our study compares the generic composition of nematode communities and their individual body weight trends with water depth in macrobenthic (>250/300 µm) samples from the deep Arctic (Canada Basin), Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and the Bermuda slope with meiobenthic samples (

A comprehensive seafloor biomass and abundance database has been constructed from 24 oceanographic institutions worldwide within the Census of Marine Life (CoML) field projects. The machine-learning algorithm, Random Forests, was employed to model and predict seafloor standing stocks from surface primary production, water-column integrated and export particulate organic matter (POM), seafloor relief, and bottom water properties. The predictive models explain 63% to 88% of stock variance among the major size groups. Individual and composite maps of predicted global seafloor biomass and abundance are generated for bacteria, meiofauna, macrofauna, and megafauna (invertebrates and fishes). Patterns of benthic standing stocks were positive functions of surface primary production and delivery of the particulate organic carbon (POC) flux to the seafloor. At a regional scale, the census maps illustrate that integrated biomass is highest at the poles, on continental margins associated with coastal upwelling and with broad zones associated with equatorial divergence. Lowest values are consistently encountered on the central abyssal plains of major ocean basins The shift of biomass dominance groups with depth is shown to be affected by the decrease in average body size rather than abundance, presumably due to decrease in quantity and quality of food supply. This biomass census and associated maps are vital components of mechanistic deep-sea food web models and global carbon cycling, and as such provide fundamental information that can be incorporated into evidence-based management.

ENH-1086, a 5-page fact sheet by J. Sharma, A.V. Ogram, and A. Al-Agely, describes the symbiotic relationships between plant roots and fungi and how the resulting rhizosphere activity can lead to transformation and removal of polluting compounds from the soil, reduce the need for fertilizer in commercial nurseries, and improve soil structure and health. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, November 2007.

ENH-1088, a 6-page illustrated factsheet by J. Sharma, P.C. Wilson, and T.H. Yeager, describes the problem of non-point source pollution from container nurseries, and plant-based and non-plant-based options for remediation. Includes references. Published by UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, January 2008.

ENY-845, a 10-page illustrated fact sheet by Joe Funderburk, Stan Diffie, Jyotsna Sharma, Amanda Hodges, and Lance Osborne, describes the common thrips associated with ornamental plants in the southeastern U.S., their biology, feeding behavior and damage, natural enemies, sampling and identification. Includes references and a key representing thrips species from three families. Published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, December 2007.