A metagenomic view of novel microbial and metabolic diversity found within the deep terrestrial biosphere

The deep terrestrial subsurface is a large and diverse microbial habitat and a vast repository of biomass. However, in relation to its size and physical heterogeneity we have limited understanding of taxonomic and metabolic diversity in this realm. Here we present a detailed metagenomic analysis of samples from the Deep Mine Microbial Observatory (DeMMO) spanning depths from the surface to 1.5 km deep in the crust. From these eight geochemically and spatially distinct fluid samples we reconstructed ~600 metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs), representing 50 distinct phyla and including 18 candidate phyla. These novel clades include many members of the Patescibacteria superphylum and two new MAGs from candidate phylum OLB16, a phylum originally identified in DeMMO fluids and for which only one other MAG is currently available. We find that microbes spanning this expansive phylogenetic diversity and physical space are often capable of numerous dissimilatory energy metabolisms and are poised to take advantage of nutrients as they become available in relatively isolated fracture fluids. This metagenomic dataset is contextualized within a four-year geochemical and 16S rRNA time series, adding another invaluable piece to our knowledge of deep subsurface microbial ecology.

Technologies Development for Thermo-Temporal Melt Processing in Order to Improve the Quality of Metal Products

The melt thermo-temporal processing technology of using the results of analysis, which allowed to recommend it in the production of large-tonnage ingots and amorphous materials on iron, nickel and aluminum bases, was carried out. Thermo-temporal treatment of the melt leads to a favorable structure formation, decrease in its chemical and physical heterogeneity, reduction in size and number of shrinkage defects. These usually are accompanied by an increase in technological and service characteristics of alloys. The usable products suitable alloy increases, the metal consumption of products decreases.

It’s a macroporous world; we just model in it

<p>Many soil physical models assume a homogeneous domain and equilibrium conditions, even as decades of evidence have suggested that such states are rarely present in the real world. Instead, natural soils tend to be characterized by physical heterogeneity (e.g., macropores) and non-equilibrium movement of water, solutes and gases (e.g., preferential flow and transport), making it critical to develop physically realistic yet parsimonious descriptors of these processes. In this presentation we discuss recent advances using multi-domain descriptions of soils to model preferential flow and subsurface contaminant movement under field conditions. Here we emphasize the use of simplifying assumptions and straightforward parameterizations, and consider whether those factors constrain the ability of such models to realistically represent underlying physical mechanisms. We also discuss results of an innovative field experiment aimed at constraining macropore porosity, which is a key yet highly uncertain factor in such multi-domain models. Finally, we consider the relevant scales of these multi-domain models, and whether such approaches merit consideration in larger (e.g., hillslope- or catchment-scale) simulations.    </p>

Interfacial structure in the liquid–liquid extraction of rare earth elements by phosphoric acid ligands: a molecular dynamics study

MD simulations reveal the chemical and physical heterogeneity at the liquid–liquid interface, nature of complexes formed by phosphoric acid ligands with lanthanides, and the sequence of events in the extraction of these ions.

International Real Estate Review

In many developing countries, house price index construction is sparse, leaving decisions which hinge on housing performance data with little corroboratory evidence. Thus, the purpose of this research is to ascertain the micro-level determinants of house prices in Ghana. Using a qualitative approach, data are collected through semi-structured interviews with twenty expert property practitioners including valuers, academics, property developers, mortgage providers and housing agents. This research uncovers interesting findings including the relevance of unexpired lease terms, and the impacts of market dynamics such as the physical heterogeneity of properties and hearsay. The study also reveals that an index needs to be created and managed through a collaborative effort between the government and industry to ensure wide acceptability. This study lends guidance to housing policy decisions at the local and national levels, and provides a much-needed source of data for further academic inquiry into the housing dynamics in Ghana.