bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case Study of Proppant Fracturing Campaigns in a Mature Field, Onshore Gabon
Authors: Bremner S. E. , Devia F. , Vendiany M. K. , Belyakova L.
Published: November 2024

Onshore Gabon, two proppant fracturing campaigns conducted between 2021 and 2023 resulted in the treatment of 25 wells. The mature asset, which has been in production since 2009, had experienced falling production and reduced reservoir pressure. To extend the life of the asset, a series of production and injection wells was selected for proppant fracturing. With a large number of total wells in field, a methodology was developed to screen, assess, and select final stimulation candidates. This was followed by the analysis of each well, type of intervention required, and pumping data for an optimum fracturing treatment.

With 300 wells to consider for evaluation, the selection process started with simple elimination and progressed to more detailed analysis before the final 30 well candidates were selected. Many of the initial wells were eliminated based on well configuration and existing status. Then, a review of logs and the reservoir profile led to the final candidate list. This methodology for mature assets enabled design teams to focus on wells with the potential to give the most benefit from stimulation with the least amount of investment. Fracturing design was initially based on a single-well mechanical earth model using log assessment. This was further calibrated using pumping injection testing plus pre- and post-injection temperature logging. This enabled sufficient understanding of mechanical properties for proppant fracturing design. Post-treatment analysis of production data enabled assessment from fracture geometry and confirmation of the field mechanical model. Fracturing was carried out using a combination of conventional and channel fracturing techniques, plus the use of screens to prevent proppant flow back.

Between 2021 and 2023, 25 wells were successfully stimulated, placing over a half a million pounds of proppant using conventional and channel fracturing methods. These wells were stimulated with either completion in place or utilizing a fracturing string with or without a packer for zonal isolation. The campaign demonstrated that workover operations can be achieved without a workover unit and can be supported with an external crane. Production results from each of the wells were analyzed, ranging from 50 to 300% increase in oil production, to give a better indication of fracture geometry and to help support field production.

Contributions to hydraulic fracturing planning and operations from these campaigns include the assessment of fracturing design using multiple fracture simulation models including standalone simulators, integrated reservoir workflows, nodal analysis, the methodology of candidate selection, and a process for mature field intervention in remote locations.
Fiber Optic Wells Cement Quality Review in PDO: PDO learning Curve in Cementing Fiber Optic Wells
Authors: Al Zahli Hamood , Al Bahri Sultan , Basu Saptarshi , Al Busafi Maher , Al Hashmi Mohammed
Published: November 2024

Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has been utilizing fiber optic technology as one of the surveillance methods in several Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) methods in the Sultanate of Oman to accelerate and increase recovery from fields with challenging rock and fluid properties. Cement Quality in fiber optic wells becomes a concern area in the past few years which hinders the installation process that impact the maturation of EOR projects and full-field scale deployment in many oil and gas fields in Oman.

The intension of this paper is to show PDO journey with cement quality and the progress of the improvements over times as part of this continuing effort, a currently ongoing installation and cement mapping shows that cement mapping tools play a vital role in assessing the quality of cement jobs and detecting any potential leak paths to the surface. These tools use various techniques to evaluate the cement bond between the casing and the formation, such as acoustic, electromagnetic, and ultrasonic measurements. This paper meant to show how the Ultrasonic imaging tools provide high-resolution images of the cement sheath surrounding the casing. These images allow engineers to visually inspect the integrity of the cement and detect any channels or voids that could potentially lead to leaks. The intension of this work is to show the cement quality journey of fiber optic well and the improvements done over time to ensure proper cementation jobs. Moreover, another objective is to how the cement quality was assessed before and after perforation jobs which ensure that cement integrity was not jeopardize after the perforation job.

The focus of this paper is to show the build learning curve by mainly showing the techniques used and monitoring over time of those wells after adding wells into stream. The data was used for several key decisions; to map the fiber optic cables and show any out-of-Zone Injection, matrix versus fracture injection, and to prove conformance. The most valuable information inferred from the cement quality of FO data allowed confirmation of the cement quality improvement overtime, any quality issues, and the efficiency of perforation jobs.
Leveraging Robotic Large Format Additive Manufacturing (LFAM) to Introduce Post-Industrial Recycled Polymers and Composites into the Production of New Applications in the Energy Sector On-Site
Authors: Trolese Andrea , Nicastro Riccardo , Nespolo Violetta , De Santis M. , Caltanisetta F. , Boughdachi Asma
Published: November 2024

Large Format Additive Manufacturing has been supporting the introduction of more sustainable and efficient part production on-site for the energy players. From 3D printing simulacra on-demand in remote locations to developing new applications in a more flexible manner, Large Format Additive Manufacturing has been supporting innovation for the Oil & Gas sector.

Over the last five years, robotic Large Format Additive Manufacturing has emerged as a leading technology for the fabrication of complex, lightweight, and high performing parts across sectors, where the volume is above 1 m3. The possibility of fabricating large monolithic parts allows to introduce great benefits to manufacturing supply chains – making the innovation relevant on applications that range from tooling to finished parts in advanced sectors such as Aerospace, Automotive, and Energy. Specifically, thanks to the fast production lead times, the drastic reduction of direct human intervention for assembly and reworking, and the ability to combine both process cost-efficiencies and environmental sustainability the Oil & Gas sector has significantly grown its interest on the technology, particularly to produce several components locally and on-demand.

Leading companies in the sector have been working to introduce certifiable sustainable materials, often also underdoing metal replacement, for the production of several applications: from non-critical parts to functional parts such as piping and plant components; all done with a more efficient and sustainable manufacturing process - robotic large format additive manufacturing.

Through several research and customer projects, Large Format Additive Manufacturing technology companies have been collaborating with leading players in the Energy sector to validate real-world applications, gradually moving from lower risk parts to researching on higher-risk applications. Specifically, what has already been proven are a series of applications that include buildings and site facilities as well as simulacra and temporary spare parts produced on-demand.
Study on the Mechanical Properties and Failure Characteristics of Heterogenous Shale Based on CT Scanning
Authors: Cong Wenyu , Li Tianjiao , Shi Yaoli , Tang Chun’an
Published: November 2024

Shale reservoirs, as a significant type of unconventional reservoir, have always been a focal point in oil and gas exploration and development. The precise determination of shale mechanical properties is fundamental to the stimulation of shale oil and gas reservoirs. The heterogeneity of rock has a significant impact on its mechanical properties. Computed tomography (CT) scanning technology is an important method for observing the internal microstructure of rocks, and digital cores constructed based on CT scans can truly reflect the heterogeneity of shale. Numerical models of shale were established using image processing technology; the basic mechanical parameters of minerals were obtained through nanoindentation experiments; and mineral content was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Uniaxial and triaxial compression simulations were conducted to study the impact of mineral composition and porosity on shale mechanical performance. The results indicate that the mechanical properties of shale are the outcome of the combined effects of pore distribution, mineral arrangement, and porosity. Initial natural pores significantly influence the initiation and expansion of fractures during the loading process. For models with obvious through-going joints, fractures mainly expand along the joint planes. For models with uneven pore distribution, fractures start at the pores and expand along the loading direction, eventually connecting different pores, leading to failure. In cases where a certain type of mineral is abundant or concentrated in the mineral composition, its mechanical properties will be significantly influenced by that type of mineral. In this simulation model with a high quartz content, the direction of fracture propagation during fracture was altered by the quartz. Porosity also has a significant impact on mechanical properties. As porosity increases, the model’s compressive strength decreases. Under triaxial loading conditions, at lower confining pressures, the model primarily fails due to tensile stresses; as the confining pressure increases, the proportion of tensile failures decreases, while the proportion of compressive failures increases. Models with a high content of quartz maintain a relatively stable proportion of tensile failures under different confining pressures. Meanwhile, dolomite in the model, due to its strong deformation capability, is better able to withstand tensile stress initially, but as loading continues, the proportion of tensile failures gradually increases. The composition of shale plays a crucial role in determining its mechanical properties, serving as a key reference for analyzing the mechanical behavior of shale.
Investigation of novel brightener acid blue 1 on copper electroplating coating
Authors: Li Mingjie , Li Xin , Li Yaqiang , Peng Xuesong , Jiang Jie , Meng Fan , Zhang Jinqiu , Yang Peixia , Li Ruopeng , An Maozhong
Published: November 2024

Fabricating electroplated nanocrystalline copper coatings with good brightness is significant. A novel brightener organic anion Acid Blue 1 (AB1) was used to obtain bright nanocrystalline copper coatings. AB1 was studied based on electrochemical methods and theoretical calculation methods. The suppressing effect of AB1 was confirmed and analyzed by electrochemical methods. Further insights into the effect mechanism of AB1 were investigated through computational methods, specifically, Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. The phenomena of adsorption of AB1 on copper surface was discovered based on MD simulation and the coordination interaction formed between -SO3- of AB1 and free Cu2+ inhibit the growth of copper coatings, resulting that compact and flat copper plating coatings were formed. The electroplating condition and copper coatings morphology was studied by SEM and AFM. Bright flat copper coatings can be obtained with 100 mg/L to 200 mg/L AB1 under 5 A/dm2. The phase structure under the influence of AB1 concentration was studied using XRD. With the increase of AB1 concentration, the (111) surface is preferentially obtained. The average grain size of optimized copper coating, calculated according to Scherrer's formula, is about 11 nm, indicating the acquisition of nanocrystalline copper plating coating.
Conformational trajectory of the HIV-1 fusion peptide during CD4-induced envelope opening
Authors: Acharya Priyamvada , Thakur Bhishem , Katte Revansiddha , Xu Wang , Janowska Katarzyna , Sammour Salam , Henderson Rory , Lu Maolin , Kwong Peter
Published: November 2024

The hydrophobic fusion peptide (FP), a critical component of the HIV-1 entry machinery, is located at the N terminal stretch of the envelope (Env) gp41 subunit1-3. The receptor-binding gp120 subunit of Env forms a heterodimer with gp41 and assembles into a trimer, in which FP is accessible for antibody binding3. Env conformational changes or “opening” that follow receptor binding result in FP relocating to a newly formed interprotomer pocket at the gp41-gp120 interface where it is sterically inaccessible to antibody4. The mechanistic steps connecting the entry-related transition of antibody accessible-to-inaccessible FP configurations remain unresolved. Here, using SOSIP-stabilized Env ectodomains5, we visualized atomic-level details of a functional entry intermediate, where partially open Env was bound to receptor CD4, co-receptor mimetic antibody 17b, and FP-targeting antibody VRC34.01, demonstrating that FP remains antibody accessible despite substantial receptor-induced Env opening. We determined a series of structures delineating stepwise opening of Env from its closed state to a newly resolved intermediate and defining downstream re-organizations of the gp120-gp41 interface that ultimately resulted in FP burial in an antibody-inaccessible configuration. Our studies improve our understanding of HIV-1 entry and provide information on entry-related conformation reorganization of a key site of HIV vulnerability to neutralizing antibody.
Revisiting Tetrahydrofuran as the Solvent for Lithium–Sulfur Battery
Authors: Chen Zhenyu , Du Zhenyu , Wang Tianxiang , Chen Lei
Published: November 2024

Lithium–sulfur (Li/S) batteries using tetrahydrofuran (THF) as an electrolyte solvent have high discharge capacity. In this study, we investigate the effect of THF as an electrolyte solvent on the performance of Li/S batteries. Charge/discharge tests show that Li/S batteries employing THF as an electrolyte solvent have higher discharge specific capacity than those employing 1,3-dioxolane (DOL) and 1,2-dimethyl ether (DME) at low current densities. The reaction rate of S with Li metal and the shuttle effect of polysulfide ions is lower in THF than in DME. Compared to DME and DOL, THF has a higher dielectric constant, and its solvation ability is weaker than that of DME, which is more conducive to the deposition of lithium ions. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy shows that the charge transfer resistance of symmetric Li metal batteries in THF is lower than that in DOL/DME. THF forms a gel layer that restrains the shuttle effect during battery discharge and increases battery impedance. Addition of DOL to THF can effectively inhibit the formation of a gel layer and improve the columbic efficiency of the system. Finally, ternary mixed solvents are prepared, and batteries with the new electrolyte solvent reveal better discharge capacity and higher coulombic efficiency than those with the original solvents. Taking the results together, THF appears to be a promising solvent for Li/S batteries.
Neurogenesis inhibition restores cocaine withdrawal-induced depression via Rac1 mediation
Authors: Zhang Lu , Qin sifei , Liu Yutong , Xue Tao , Tian Yuguang , Zhu Hangfei , Ye Qing , Tan Yi , Mo Jiading , Zhou Kaini , Li Qihao , Zhang Yilin , Xie Yutong , Li Juan , Jiang Yong , Zhu Yingjie , Guo Fukun , Zhang Lin
Published: November 2024

Mood disorders, such as depression, are strongly associated with cocaine withdrawal, which increases the risk of relapse1. Unlike many other addictive substances, cocaine is associated with chronic withdrawal symptoms, which often manifest as negative emotional states, including anxiety and depression2–4. However, the efficacy of antidepressant drugs in treating cocaine-induced depression is limited and controversial. Here we show that the distinct neural mechanisms underlying depressive-like behaviors induced by cocaine withdrawal. In contrast to earlier research protocols, we precisely classified cocaine withdrawal mice into several distinct phenotypes using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and discovered enhanced neurogenesis in the dorsal dentate gyrus in anxiety- and depressive-like (AD) mice. Suppressing neurogenesis through the inactivation of Rac1-GTPase in D1R-expressing neurons specifically reversed depressive-like behaviors rather than anxiety-like behavior. Additionally, the neurogenesis-enhancing drug fluoxetine exacerbated depressive-like behaviors in AD mice, while neurogenesis-independent drugs alleviated depressive-like behaviors in AD mice. This study unravels a unique neurobiological mechanism for depression symptoms induced by cocaine withdrawal, providing a new perspective for future clinical treatment of cocaine withdrawal-induced depressive symptoms, and suggests Rac1 as a potential target for antidepressant therapeutic interventions.
Altered gut microbiome and metabolism in synucleinopathies and iRBD using multimodal differential abundance analyses
Authors: Du Juanjuan , Huang Pei , Zhang Pingchen , Gao Chao , Liu Jin , Huang Maoxin , Li Hongxia , Shen Xin , Tan Yuyan , Chen Shengdi
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives:
The microbiota-gut-brain axis has been suggested to play an important role in synucleinopathy. Microbiota dysbiosis may occur in synucleinopathies including multiple system atrophy (MSA) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), however, the results of the microbiota were heterogeneous. Here we performed a cross-sectional study to profile gut microbiota across Idiopathic rapid-eye-movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD), MSA, PD, and healthy controls (HCs) using multimodal differential abundance analyses based on DADA2 denoising algorithm and operational taxonomic unit (OTU) clustering method.
Methods
Gut microbiota and fecal Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels were measured in 37 iRBD, 70 MSA, 104 PD, and 61 HCs matched by age, gender and BMI, using 16S rRNA sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry respectively. Additionally, the samples were divided into training set and testing set to ensure robustness in our findings.
Results
Gut microbiota compositions were significantly altered in iRBD, MSA, and PD. The increase in the abundance of pro-inflammatory bacteria and decrease in the abundance of SCFA-Producing bacteria were observed in iRBD, MSA, and PD. Butyricicoccus remained distinctive among the overlapping gut microbiota genera of iRBD, MSA, and PD compared to HCs as revealed by random forest analysis. The fecal SCFAs levels (acetic acid, butyric acid, and isovaleric acid) were also altered in iRBD, MSA, and PD. The combination of differential microbiota and SCFAs could improve the accuracy of predictive models in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of synucleinopathies.
Conclusions
Microbiota dysbiosis was observed in iRBD, sharing overlapping gut microbiota changes with synucleinopathies, indicating microbiota dysbiosis might be an early change in the disease process of synucleinopathies. Consequent functional alterations, such as SCFA changes, may provide microbiological explanations for pathogenesis of synucleinopathy. We identified Butyricicoccus as a biomarker for synucleinopathy, sharing by iRBD, MSA and PD, which may be a potential hallmark of phenoconversion of RBD to synucleinopathy. The combination of microbiota and SCFAs may be potential biomarkers in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of synucleinopathies.
Naive weighting of Earth system models overestimates future carbon losses from tropical ecosystems
Authors: Meunier Felicien , Bauters Marijn , Boeckx Pascal , De Hertog Steven , Verbeeck Hans
Published: November 2024

Tropical ecosystems are critical carbon reservoirs and sinks, holding more than 200 Pg of aboveground carbon. However, global changes threaten those carbon stocks by altering precipitation and evapotranspiration patterns. This study leverages Earth system model (ESM) simulations from the latest phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) to assess future tropical carbon storage potential by linking the current tropical climate and state of the art tropical vegetation biomass maps. We find that weighting ESM - according to their ability to reproduce spatial patterns of water deficit observed in the tropics - reduces the estimated carbon losses compared with a naive average. Yet, our results indicate that tropical ecosystems could still experience substantial carbon losses, particularly under high-emission scenarios (SSP5-8.5), with predictions ranging from 23 (weighted average) to 37 (naive average) PgC by 2100, principally driven by the Amazon transition towards drier ecosystems. These findings underscore the need for accurate model representations of present-day climates to refine predictions of future sink-source balances of carbon in tropical ecosystems.
Sperm DNA methylation landscape and its links to male fertility in a non-model teleost using EM-seq
Authors: Pappas Fotis , Johnsson Martin , Andersson Göran , Debes Paul V. , Palaiokostas Christos
Published: November 2024

Male fertility in fish is often overlooked despite its critical importance to reproductive success in nature and captivity. Differential DNA methylation due to epigenetic phenomena plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression, and understanding such patterns in sperm may provide insights into male fertility. This study investigated the DNA methylation landscape in spermatozoa of domesticated Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) and its associations with sperm quality parameters. Computer assisted-semen analysis (CASA) was performed in 48 sperm samples of farmed Arctic charr, followed by enzymatic methylation sequencing (EM-seq). Our results showed that the DNA of Arctic charr sperm is highly methylated (mean value of ~86%), though variations were observed in genomic features involved in gene regulation. Methylation at variable CpG sites exhibited regional correlation decaying by physical distance, while methylation similarities among individuals were strongly coupled with genetic variation and mirrored pedigree structure. Comethylation network analyses for promoters, CpG islands and first introns revealed genomic modules significantly correlated with sperm quality traits (P < 0.05; Bonferroni adjusted), with distinct patterns suggesting a resource trade-off between sperm concentration and kinematics. Furthermore, annotation and gene-set enrichment analysis highlighted biological mechanisms related to spermatogenesis, cytoskeletal regulation, and mitochondrial function, all vital to sperm physiology. These findings suggest that DNA methylation is a critical and fundamental factor influencing male fertility in Arctic charr, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms of male reproductive success.
Flatbands from Bound States in the Continuum for Orbital Angular Momentum Localization
Authors: Zhang Baile , zhu Weiwei , Zou Hong-yu , Ge Yong , Wang Yin , Cheng Zheyu , Wang Bing-bing , Yuan Shouqi , Sun Hong-xiang , Xue Haoran
Published: November 2024

A flatband material is a system characterized by energy bands with zero dispersion, allowing for the compact localization of wavefunctions in real space. This compact localization significantly enhances inter-particle correlations and light-matter interactions, leading to notable advancements such as fractional Chern insulators in condensed matter systems and flat-band lasers in photonics. Previous flatband platforms, including twisted bilayer graphene and artificial kagome/Lieb lattices, typically focused on nondegenerate flatbands, lacking access to the high degeneracy that can facilitate the localization of orbital angular momentum (OAM). Here, we propose a general framework to construct highly degenerate flatbands from bound states in the continuum (BICs)--a concept originating from quantum theory but significantly developed in photonics and acoustics in recent years. The degeneracy of flatbands is determined by the number of BICs within each unit cell in a lattice. We experimentally validate this approach in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) acoustic crystals, demonstrating flatbands with 4-fold and 12-fold degeneracies, respectively. The high degeneracy provides sufficient internal degrees of freedom, enabling the selective excitation of localized OAM at any position in any direction. Our results pave the way for exploring BIC-constructed flatbands and their localization properties.
Comparing the Effectiveness of Gratitude Intervention and Behavioral Activation Technique in Breast Cancer Patients: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Shariatmadari Haniyeh , Taheri-Kharameh Zahra , Kamaliuon Noora , Abadi Bahram Ali Ghanbari Hasem , Shokouhi-Tabar Mahmoud
Published: November 2024

Background: Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can lead to significant psychological distress, including anxiety and depression. Positive psychology interventions, such as Gratitude Intervention (GI) and Behavioral Activation (BA), have shown promise in managing mental health issues. This study aims to evaluate and compare the effects of GI and BA on anxiety and depression levels among women with breast cancer.
Method: This study randomly assigned 45 breast cancer patients from a hospital in Mashhad, Iran, into two groups: the gratitude group (n=22) and the BA group (n=23). The participants underwent six weekly 45-minute sessions of their respective interventions. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was employed to assess anxiety and depression levels prior to and following the intervention. Statistical analyses were conducted to ascertain the relative effectiveness of the two methods.
Results: Following the intervention, both the GI and BA groups exhibited a statistically significant reduction in anxiety scores. However, the depression score changes were not statistically significant. The mean anxiety scores in the GI group decreased from 19.54 ± 3.63 to 17.00 ± 1.79, while in the BA group, anxiety scores decreased from 21.43 ± 3.65 to 18.73 ± 2.94. The BA group demonstrated a greater reduction in anxiety scores compared to the GI group, with a mean change of 2.70 ± 0.71 versus 2.54 ± 1.84, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.022).
Conclusion: The study suggests that both gratitude exercises and BA may be beneficial in mitigating anxiety among breast cancer patients, with BA demonstrating potentially greater efficacy. Further research with larger samples and longer follow-up periods is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
AdditiveGDL: Generative deep learning for predicting local thermal distributions in metal 3D-printed layers
Authors: Guirguis David , Tucker Conrad , Beuth Jack
Published: November 2024

In metal additive manufacturing, comprehending the intricate thermal dynamics during the printing process is paramount. These dynamics have far-reaching effects on various critical aspects including microstructure and mechanical properties, fatigue life, residual stresses, dimensional accuracy, shape integrity, and surface quality. Additionally, the scan strategy significantly impacts heat accumulation, especially at geometric features with sharp corners, overhangs, and thin walls. Thus, predicting heat distribution given the scan strategy becomes crucial. While numerical simulations using finite element methods are common, they can be computationally prohibitive for complex parts. In this paper, we propose a method that leverages constrained generative neural networks to predict the local thermal distribution given the laser toolpath. By identifying critical regions of heat accumulation, we can optimize geometry, and scan paths, ultimately enhancing the quality and reliability of 3D-printed metal components. Results show that generative deep learning offers an alternative approach to predicting the thermal field of printed layers efficiently.
Characterizing changes in cranberry phenology from 1958 to 2022: Implications for spring frost protection in Massachusetts, United States
Authors: Bhatti Sandeep , Jeranyama Peter , Kennedy Casey D. , Buda Anthony R. , Ghantous Katherene , Millar David J. , DeMoranville Carolyn J.
Published: November 2024

Warmer temperatures associated with climate change have affected the phenology of most plants, but limited information exists for the American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.). We examined long-term spatiotemporal trends in cranberry bud development during spring using detailed field observations of cranberry bud stages over a 65-yr period, spanning from 1958–2022. A growing degree day (GDD) model was further used to interpret the observed trends in bud development over the study period. To assess spatial variability in cranberry bud development, the GDDs were computed using gridded weather data for four counties of Massachusetts, representing 85% of the state’s cranberry acreage. A Theil-Sen linear regression model was implemented to determine trends in the occurrence of the cabbage head stage. We found significant temporal trends (p-value < 0.01) in the annual timing of white bud and cabbage head stages using the field observations, which were occurring 18 to 20 days earlier than was observed 65 years ago in the spring. GDDs accumulated at a faster rate in spring towards the end of the study period due to rising mean air temperature. Analysis of 65 years of gridded data revealed a significant trend (p-value < 0.01) of earlier phenological development across the four counties. The rate of advancement in cabbage head stage ranged from -0.15 to -0.25 d yr -1 across the study area. These findings highlight the need to update frost forecasting models that account for changes in growth schedule of cranberry.
Technical assessment of 3D-printed spur gears produced from recycled PLA
Authors: Hasan Mohammad Raquibul , Davies Ian J. , Pramanik Alokesh , John Michele , Biswas Wahidul K.
Published: November 2024

Plastic gears are primarily utilised in manufacturing and automotive industries due to their quiet operation, resistance to corrosion, and lightweight characteristics. Traditionally, injection moulding (IM) has been the preferred method for producing gears. However, the high cost associated with IM has made additive manufacturing (otherwise known as “3D printing”) an increasingly attractive alternative. This study investigated the potential benefits of 3D-printed spur gears made from three distinct types of polylactic acid (PLA) materials: recycled PLA (rPLA), blended PLA, and virgin PLA (vPLA). Gears with varying tooth counts were designed based on commercially available models and printed using optimised printing parameters, including layer height, infill density and nozzle temperature. The performance of polymer gears depends on several engineering characteristics, including wear resistance, running load, speed, and operating temperature. To assess these factors, sound, temperature, wear loss, wear rate, and service life were measured using a custom-built testing machine at rotational speeds of 500, 1000, and 1500 rpm under a torque of 1.5 Nm. The results were compared with those of injection-moulded PLA and nylon gears under the same testing conditions. The experimental findings revealed that the rPLA gears exhibited the poorest performance across all measured metrics. In contrast, the blended PLA gears demonstrated wear characteristics similar to those of the vPLA gears, although they still fell short of the performance of the injection-moulded gears.
Mapping and Functional Characterization of the Golden Fruit 1 (gf1) in Melon (Cucumis melo L.)
Authors: Li Shuai , Wang Huihui , Li Yang , Jing Feng , Xu Yuanchao , Deng Shijun , Wang Naonao , Zhang Zhonghua , Chai Sen
Published: November 2024

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a globally cultivated vegetable crop with substantial economic importance. Fruit color is an important factor that affect the appearance quality and economic value of crops, which is determined mainly by the type and concentration of pigments such as chlorophyll, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. Identifying and utilizing the genetic loci that govern melon fruit color is crucial for guiding breeding efforts aimed at enhancing melon rind coloration. In this study, we identified an EMS-induced mutant that produces golden-colored fruit which named gf1. Through MUTmap and map-based cloning, we narrowed the gf1 locus to an 862 kb region containing 28 SNPs, consistent with typical alkylation-induced mutations. Of these SNPs, only one was located in a coding region, resulting in a stop-gained mutation in the gene MELO3C008847, which exhibits the highest sequence similarity to AtEGY1 in Arabidopsis. Genome editing of CsEGY1, the homolog of CmEGY1 in cucumber, led to the golden fruit. Transcriptome and metabolome analysis reveal that flavonoid and carotenoid biosynthesis pathways were changed, which may affect the appearance quality and flavor of gf1 fruit. The identification and characterization of egy1 offer new insights into modifying fruit color in melons, providing valuable implications for future breeding programs.
Clinical Indications for Dialysis: A study of patient Demographics and Outcomes at Hargeisa Group Hospital
Authors: Ibrahim Naema , Abdikadir Abdikani , Ali Abdirahman Omer
Published: November 2024

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant global health concern, with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis or transplantation for survival. Data on clinical indications for dialysis initiation in resource-limited settings like Somaliland are scarce. This study aimed to identify the primary clinical indications for dialysis at Hargeisa Group Hospital in Somaliland.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using medical records of 123 patients undergoing hemodialysis from May 2022 to August 2024. Demographic and clinical data, including indications for dialysis initiation, were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Uremic syndromes, particularly uremic gastritis and uremic encephalopathy, were the most prevalent reasons for dialysis initiation. These findings differed from previous studies in developed countries, highlighting potential regional variations in CKD presentation and access to care. Significant disparities in dialysis indications across regions were observed, with Maroodijeex accounting for the majority of cases.
Discussion: The study highlights the significant burden of CKD in Somaliland and the need for improved early detection and management. The findings have important implications for strengthening primary care services, investing in infrastructure and personnel, promoting equitable access to dialysis, and fostering collaborative partnerships to address the growing burden of CKD.
Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the clinical indications for dialysis in Somaliland, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted approach to address the growing burden of CKD in the region. Strengthening primary care, investing in infrastructure, promoting equitable access, and fostering partnerships are crucial for improving kidney care and achieving better health outcomes for patients.
Causal relationships between smoking, alcohol consumption frequency, coffee intake and osteomyelitis: a univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Feng Tianxuan , Chen Peisheng , Lin Dongze , Zheng Ke , Liu Jiajie , Lin Fengfei
Published: November 2024

Background
This study aimed to evaluate the causal relationships between smoking, alcohol consumption and coffee intake with osteomyelitis through Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
Methods
Data on smoking, alcohol consumption, coffee intake, and osteomyelitis-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were obtained from the open Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) database of the Integrated Epidemiology Unit. We employed univariable Mendelian randomization (MR) methods, including MR‒Egger, weighted median, inverse variance weighted (IVW), simple mode, and weighted mode, to investigate the causal relationships between the three exposures (smoking initiation, alcohol consumption frequency, and coffee intake) and osteomyelitis. Sensitivity analyses, including heterogeneity tests, horizontal pleiotropy tests, and leave-one-out (LOO) analyses, were subsequently conducted. Furthermore, multivariable MR (MVMR) analyses were performed to simultaneously consider the effects of the three exposure factors on osteomyelitis.
Results
On the basis of the results of the univariable Mendelian randomization analysis via the inverse variance weighted method, a significant causal relationship was found between smoking initiation and alcohol consumption frequency with osteomyelitis, whereas no significant association was detected for coffee intake. Specifically, smoking initiation (p ≤ 0.001, odds ratio (OR) = 1.642, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.321–2.041) and alcohol consumption frequency (p = 0.003, OR = 1.384, 95% CI: 1.116–1.716) were identified as risk factors for osteomyelitis. With respect to the sensitivity analysis for MR results, there was no heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy. Leave-one-out (LOO) analysis confirmed the robustness of the univariable MR results. Additionally, multivariable MR analysis revealed that smoking (p ≤ 0.001, OR = 1.573, 95% CI: 1.259–1.965) and alcohol consumption (p = 0.011, OR = 1.312, 95% CI: 1.064–1.618) remained significant risk factors for osteomyelitis when all three factors were considered simultaneously, whereas coffee intake was not statistically significant (p = 0.528).
Conclusion
This Mendelian randomization study revealed that smoking and alcohol consumption are significant risk factors for osteomyelitis, whereas coffee intake is not significantly associated with osteomyelitis. These findings provide important insights for osteomyelitis prevention and public health strategies.
Robot trajectory planning for Gear chamfer grinding based on multi-objective collaborative optimization and quintic B-spline interpolation algorithm
Authors: Zhu Yongguo , Wang Xin , Wang Yafei , Zhuo Xin , Zhang Huike , Wan Yuan
Published: November 2024

In response to the shortcomings, such as the incomplete quantification of evaluation indexes for robot trajectory planning and the inadequate consideration of robot joint motion performance during the gear chamfer grinding process, a robot trajectory planning method is proposedbased on multi-objective collaborative optimization and quintic B-spline interpolation. Firstly, the robot trajectory of the gear chamfer grinding is pre-planned based on the three-dimensional model of the gear, and the robot trajectory points are discretized for the gear chamfer grinding.Subsequently, a multi-objective weighted comprehensive evaluation model for the chamfer grinding trajectory is established to quantitatively assess the quality of the chamfer grinding trajectory.Secondly, a multi-objective collaborative genetic algorithm is proposed to solve the mathematical model of the chamfer grinding trajectory, obtaining the optimal solution set of trajectory points.Next, a quintic B-spline interpolation algorithm is used to obtain the characteristic points of the robot joint trajectory to improve the motion performance of the robot joints.Finally, a comprehensive optimization method using the multi-objective collaborative genetic algorithm and the quintic B-spline interpolation algorithm is proposed for the gear chamfer grinding trajectory and joint trajectory of the robot. Experiment results show that the comprehensive evaluation index of the grinding trajectory is significantly improved, and the stability of the robot's motion start-stop is greatly enhanced by using the gear chamfer grinding robot trajectory planning method proposed in this paper.
Starvation tolerance and effects on fitness of predatory mite Amblyseius orientalis
Authors: Sheng Fujing , Wei Jiaxing , Wang Xianjie , Wang Endong , Xu Xuenong , Zhang Bo
Published: November 2024

Amblyseius orientalis Ehara (Acari: Phytoseiidae) has garnered significant attention as an effective predatory mite for controlling spider mites in fruit production in China. However, despite its considerable potential for pest management, A. orientalis may face food shortages during transportation and field application. Currently, there is a lack of research on the effects of starvation on the development, survival, and reproductive capacity of A. orientalis. In this study, we evaluated the impact of starvation during both the developmental and adult stages on the development, survival, and reproduction of A. orientalis. We found that female adults exhibited greater tolerance to starvation than larvae and protonymphs. Approximately 50% of the female adults survived after eight days of starvation. Interestingly, starvation during the early developmental stages extended lifespan, nearly doubling male longevity from 20.56 to 38.00 days, and increasing female longevity from 44.68 to 70.31 days. However, starvation in female adults reduced egg production from 18.46 to 5.33 eggs over a period of ten days, while male reproductive abilities increased from 18.46 to 19.41 eggs. Additionally, the sex ratio of the offspring was not influenced by paternal starvation, but maternal starvation resulted in a male-biased offspring ratio. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that A. orientalis can tolerate starvation at various life stages, enabling it to withstand food shortages during both production and application.
Unveiling Key Feature Genes and Immune Infiltration Patterns in Cervical Cancer Through WGCNA, LASSO, and SVM-RFE Analysis
Authors: Chao Shuai , Liu Shiqiang , Wang Kun , Xie Mingming , Liu Beibei
Published: November 2024

Backgroud:
This study seeks to uncover key gene patterns in Cervical cancer (CC), advance our understanding of its molecular mechanisms and inform more effective therapeutic strategies.
Methods
We analyzed data from the GEO database using differential expression analysis, GO, KEGG, GSEA, and DO pathways. Additionally, we employed WGCNA, LASSO, and SVM-RFE to identify feature genes. These genes were subsequently evaluated in a validation dataset to assess their diagnostic value. The CIBERSORT tool was utilized to evaluate the infiltration of immune cells and their association with the identified feature genes.
Results
We identified 168 DEGs between normal and CC tissue. GO and KEGG analyses indicated that upregulated genes were primarily involved in DNA replication and cell cycle regulation, while downregulated genes were enriched in epidermal development, keratinocyte differentiation. GSEA and DO analyses revealed significant metabolic pathway enrichment in the normal group, contrasting with DNA repair and cell cycle control pathways in the CC group. WGCNA, LASSO regression, and SVM-RFE algorithms pinpointed six key genes: CDKN2A, MCM2, KNTC1, DTL, KIF18B, and ENDOU. All exhibiting similar expression patterns across independent datasets with AUC values above 0.8. CIBERSORT analysis showed significant upregulation of memory B cells, naive CD4 + T cells, M0 and M1 macrophages in the CC group, alongside notable downregulation of CD8 + T cells and memory CD4 + T cells.
Conclusion
This study not only deepens our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of CC, but also lays the foundation for the development of more effective therapeutic strategies. Through further functional validation and mechanistic studies, these key genes and pathways are expected to become important targets for future precision medicine in CC.
In vitro activities of isobavachalcone against planktonic and persister cells and biofilm of Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Ouyang Lili , Xu Zhicao , Tang Yuanyuan , Li Duoyun , Yu Zhijian , Wen Zewen , Zhang Haigang , Zhang Chaoqin
Published: November 2024

Background
Mounting evidences have demonstrated the extensive pharmacological activities of the natural product isobavachalcone, including antimicrobial activity, inhibition of reverse transcriptase, antitubercular and antioxidant ability et al. However, the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity and its action mode of isobavachalcone against clinical E. faecalis isolates remain elusive. This study aims to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of isobavachalcone on clinical E. faecalis isolates from China and further investigate the possible target site of isobavachalcone in E. faecalis.
Results
Our data suggested the MICs of isobavachalcone ranging from 6.25 to 12.5 µM against 220 E. faecalis strains. The robust inhibitory effect of isobavachalcone with sub-MIC concentration ( 1/2xMIC ) against the biofilm formation of E. faecalis was found. The rapid bactericidal effect of isobavachalcone against E. faecalis was demonstrated and more planktonic cells could be killed by isobavachalcone compared with vancomycin, linezolid, or ampicillin at 2, 4, 6, and 12h. No synergetic bactericidal activity of isobavachalcone combined with vancomycin, linezolid, or ampicillin was found. Furthermore, genetic mutation of isobavachalcone-resistant E. faecalis was compared with the parental strain by whole genome sequencing, showing that the functions of the mutated proteins were associated with the PurH and FlgJ proteins and other eight proteins involved in the cell wall or cell membrane biogenesis, DNA synthesis, and energy metabolism. Molecular docking analysis showed that FlgJ protein might serve as the potential target of isobavachalcone in E. faecalis. Other mutations are involved in the cell wall or cell membrane biogenesis, DNA synthesis, and energy metabolism.
Conclusion
This study discovered that isobavachalcone had an antibacterial effect on E. faecalis, and significantly inhibited the biofilm formation of E. faecalis at subinhibitory concentrations. In addition, antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against clinical E. faecalis isolates from China by targeting FlgJ protein.
Optimizing Text-to-SQL Transformations: The Potential of Skeleton Decoupling in SKT-SQL
Authors: Yi Jiawen , Chen Guo
Published: November 2024

The Text-to-SQL technology faces significant challenges in converting natural language questions into SQL code, particularly in handling complexities and diversities in multi-domain and high-complexity tasks. To address these issues, this paper proposes a novel framework, SKT-SQL, which effectively decomposes the key steps in Text-to-SQL transformation, such as skeleton generation and schema linking, through multi-decoupling and skeleton prompting strategies, thereby simplifying the entire process. SKT-SQL employs a schema decoupler to filter relevant schema items linked to the natural language questions, reducing the burden on the model during the parsing process. Concurrently, the skeleton generator guides the language model in generating accurate SQL questions using an abstract SQL skeleton representation. This innovative strategy significantly enhances the accuracy of SQL skeleton generation using smaller-scale language models and optimizes the final SQL query generation results. The core contribution of this paper lies in the analysis of the potential of skeleton-based decoupling, demonstrating the advantages of SKT-SQL in improving the accuracy of Text-to-SQL generation, and providing new insights for future Text-to-SQL methods. Experimental validation on the Spider dataset shows that SKT-SQL excels in execution accuracy (EX) and exact-match accuracy (EM), showcasing its robust potential in complex query scenarios.