bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Recovery: Signs of Recovery?
Authors: Ben-Naceur Kamel
Published: December 2021

The 2021 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition (ATCE) was held in September as a hybrid (in-person and virtual) event in Dubai with more than 6,000 participants, with the health and safety of the participants being our highest priority. While the number of attendees is lower than in previous years, there was a general feeling that we may finally be getting out of the pandemic situation, after 18 months of a complete trans-formation of the way we work, communicate, and move.

Thanks to the Conference Chair Ali Al Jarwan, CEO of Dragon Oil; Program Committee Chair Fareed Abdulla AlHashmi, COO of Dragon Oil; and the ATCE Executive and Program committees for organizing an excellent event under the theme of “The New Oil and Gas Journey: Agility, Innovation, and Value Creation.” The conference included 80 technical sessions, six plenary and panel sessions, and eight special sessions, spanning digitalization, electrification, sustainability, and emerging themes. Our appreciation goes to the sponsors, the exhibitors, the presenters, the volunteers, and the SPE staff.

Dubai and the UAE, 1 week before the 2020 World Expo, were great hosts. Congratulations to the winners of the SPE (and AIME) International, Regional, and Student awards (https://jpt.spe.org/spe-honors-2021-international-award-recipients-during-annual-meeting). Many of them were able to travel to Dubai to receive their recognition. The Startup Village Awards, organized in collaboration with Rice University, was also well attended, and the winners were recognized (https://jpt.spe.org/2021-atce-startup-village-competition-winners-announced). The dynamism of the city of Dubai and the country of UAE and their capacity to project themselves in the future with a unique 50-year strategical timeframe that spans the period 2021–2071 never cease to amaze me.

The world, including developing economies, has expanded significantly the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, reaching more than 6 billion doses administered, and nearly half of the world has received at least one dose of vaccination as of early October. The “green list” of countries deemed safe for travel is expanding after a summer that has seen a major impact of the COVID-19 Delta variant.

Oil and gas demand is recovering for sectors such as transport and industry, even though the airlines may not see pre-pandemic levels of activity before 2025. Massive amounts of public funding injected to fuel the world’s economic recovery have been announced in Europe, the US, and Asia, adding up to trillions of dollars. However, economic recovery from the pandemic will take time, as there is a major backlog in global manufacturing activities impacting consumer markets and creating inflationary pressures.
Technology Focus: Drilling and Completion Fluids (November 2021)
Authors: Kuru Ergun
Published: December 2021

Design and development of optimal drilling-fluid systems, as well as their proper maintenance while drilling, are essential components of any successful drilling campaign. As the oil and gas industry is drilling in more-challenging areas (e.g., unconventional shale oil/gas wells, deepwater offshore wells, and deep high-pressure/high-temperature sour gas wells), the demand for more-accurate real-time assessment of the downhole state of the drilling fluids during drilling operations increases.

Recent developments in drilling systems automation provide a multitude of opportunities to have real-time monitoring of drilling-fluid properties and early diagnosis of drilling-fluid-related complications that might arise while drilling. Coupled with closed-loop control of surface and downhole drilling-fluid properties, automated monitoring of fluid properties would allow rig personnel to make timely corrections to the drilling-fluid program, which eventually would lead to more-cost-efficient and safer drilling operations.

This feature provides examples of such new technologies that can be used as part of the automated drilling-fluid monitoring system, allowing real-time control of drilling-fluid rheological properties (i.e., density and viscosity) and management of solids content with potential benefits of real-time management of equivalent circulating density, effective hole cleaning/cuttings transport, increasing drilling rate, and reducing nonproductive time, resulting in safer wells drilled at minimum costs.

Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org.

SPE 199101 - Field Results of a Real-Time Drilling-Fluid Monitoring System by Sérgio Magalhães, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, et al.

SPE 200990 - Intelligent Pressure-Control System for Managed-Pressure Drilling by Zhao Hui Song, Engineering Technology Research Institute of XDEC, et al.

SPE 203389 - Real-Time Measurement of Drilling-Fluid Rheology and Density Using Acoustics by Paul Ofoche, Texas A&M University, et al.
Cellulose Nanocrystal Switchable Gel Improves CO2 Sweep Efficiency
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: December 2021

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 201609, “Cellulose Nanocrystal Switchable Gel for Improving CO2 Sweep Efficiency in Enhanced Oil Recovery and Gas Storage,” by Ali Telmadarreie, University of Calgary and Cnergreen; Christopher Johnsen, University of Calgary; and Steven Bryant, University of Calgary and Cnergreen, prepared for the 2020 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, originally scheduled to be held in Denver, 5–7 October. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

The entanglement of biopolymers is a well-known phenomenon that, when controlled, can result in a smart fluid with strong gelation properties. The authors write that, when a suitable salt is incorporated into the cellulose nanocrystal (CNC), the fluids undergo gelation upon contact with bulk-phase carbon dioxide (CO2) but remain a flowing liquid otherwise. In this study, this composition-selective trigger was applied to improve sweep efficiency in CO2 enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and sequestration.

Introduction

Hydrogels are hydrophilic structures that swell when hydrated and have various applications in industry. Hydrogels are of interest in EOR because of their ability to respond to stimuli such as pH, temperature, light, and ionic strength. CNCs are nanoparticles derived from cellulose, one of the more sustainable natural resources available.

CNC hydrogels could have specific applications as a solution to media het-erogeneity and poor gas-sweep efficiency. The hydrogels can be tuned to set over time, allowing the intentional placement of gels into already-swept areas of a reservoir. CNC hydrogels are unique in that they can be formed when contacted with CO2 and broken by the application of nitrogen (N2) gas. The pH of the solution will be increased as the nitrogen partitions across the gel, reversing the CO2 reaction. This gives the gel-forming solution the added benefit of being transmittable throughout a reservoir.

Material and Procedure

Spray-dried CNCs with an average length of 100–200 nm and a width of 15 nm were used. Imidazole was used as the salt mixed with water and CNC suspension to create a pH-triggered gel system. CO2 gas and N2 gas were used as received. Mineral oil with a viscosity of approximately 20 cp was used at the oil phase. Solution preparation, and the process for gel strength in bulk testing, are provided in the complete paper.

All tests were performed at a pressure of 400 psi and an ambient temperature of 21°C. Two sets of flow experiments were performed. The first included flow in a single sandpack saturated with water to investigate the in-situ gelation and reversibility of the gel. The second set used a dual-sandpack system. The shorter sandpack with higher permeability was saturated with water to create a path of less resistance compared with the longer sandpack with lower permeability saturated with viscous oil. Further details of these experiments are provided in the complete paper.
Strategy Targets Risk Management for CO2 Waterless Fracturing
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: December 2021

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper OTC 30437, “Risk Management and Control for CO2 Waterless Fracturing,” by Siwei Meng, Qinghai Yang, SPE, and Yongwei Duan, PetroChina, et al., prepared for the 2020 Offshore Technology Conference Asia, originally scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur, 2–6 November. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Copyright 2020 Offshore Technology Conference. Reproduced by permission.

Given shortages and uneven distribution of water resources in China, efforts must be made to develop waterless fracturing techniques. The fluid experiences high pressures and low temperatures during carbon dioxide (CO2) waterless fracturing operations, which can lead to accidents and environmental pollution. In the complete paper, a safety-management approach and a contingency plan for such operations are developed. At the time of writing, this CO2 waterless fracturing methodology has been completed successfully more than 20 times.

Surface Process Work Flow of CO2 Waterless Fracturing

The basic process of a CO2 waterless fracturing operation is shown in Fig. 1. First, several CO2 storage tanks are connected in parallel. The booster, sealed blender, fracturing pump (all mounted on trunks), and wellhead equipment are connected. The measuring trunk communicates with each vehicle to monitor operation status. Proppant is put into the sealed blender, into which liquid CO2 is injected for pre-cooling. Pump testing is conducted on the high-pressure line and the wellhead and the low-pressure liquid supply line is pressure-tested. Operation does not proceed until pressure-testing results are positive. Afterward, liquid CO2 is injected into formations to fracture them and, moreover, extend created fractures. The sealed blender is enabled to inject prop-pants, and displacement begins after the end of proppant injection. Finally, a series of tasks, including well shut-in for soaking and flowback, is carried out successively.
New Technology Yields High-Resolution 3D Modeling for Fracture Analyses
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: December 2021

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 203108, “High-Resolution Fracture Analyses and 3D DMX DFN Modeling of Triassic Dolomites, Wadi Bih, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE,” by Janpieter van Dijk and Raffik Lazzar, GeoModl, prepared for the 2020 Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi, held virtually 9–12 November. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

The complete paper outlines a high-resolution 3D fracture modeling exercise using the DMX protocol applied to Triassic dolomites of the United Arab Emirates. The outcropping rocks show a low primary porosity, are well bedded, and are highly fractured (jointed) up to centimeter scale. The exercise shows the relevance of applying new technologies to outcrop observations and shows several elements and related technologies that, to the authors’ knowledge, have not been presented previously.

Introduction

The focus area of the complete paper is a small outcrop situated in Wadi Bih in the territory of Ras Al Khaimah (Fig. 1) along a small road near a recently constructed artificial lake. This outcrop, which is approximately 150 m2 in size, shows well-bedded, highly fractured Triassic dolomites. Both section views and bedding-plane views can be observed. The outcrop was selected because it represents an analog of the Triassic Khuff formation, an important hydrocarbon-producing reservoir in the region. The outcrop is easily accessible and displays a clearly defined fracture (joint) network with recognizable sets, also showing truncation relationships between fractures, joints, and bedding that can be examined.

Geological Context

The area shows a complete series of Permian to Cretaceous, mostly carbonate sediments, outcropping in a series of north/south to north-northeast/south-southwest anticlines and synclines bounded by mostly west-vergent thrust faults. The Wadi Bih outcrop is situated on the moderately east-dipping flank of the north/south-trending Hagab Anticline, also called the Hagil Window after the area of the nearby Wadi Hagil, where the deepest Permian series are outcropping in the core of the anticline. This anticline is situated on the foot-wall of a major north/south-trending thrust fault.

The geological history of the area is connected to the initial Mesozoic deposition of the series on the shelf area along the northeast flank of the Arabian shield.

In the outcrop study, the focus is on the joint network. The authors write that this network is tilted together with the bedding as part of the flank of the anticline. No relation can be detected between the joint network sets and the fault and anticline axis pattern dominating the area. The joint network, therefore, most probably was formed in the early stages after lithification and dolomitization of the rock.
Anatomical Characteristics and Potential Gene Mutation Sites of a Familial Recurrent Patellar Dislocation
Authors: Zhang Qi-hao , Zhang Yan , He Rui-xuan , Wang Xin-guang
Published: December 2021

Background

Recurrent patellar dislocation is the result of anatomical alignment and imbalance of restraint of bone and soft tissue. To investigate the anatomical characteristics of the knee joint in a family of patients with recurrent patella dislocation, and to screen the possible pathogenic genes in this family by whole exon sequencing in 4 patients and 4 healthy subjects, so as to provide theoretical basis for the pathogenesis of this disease.
Methods

The data related to patella dislocation were measured by imaging data. The peripheral blood DNA of related family members was extracted for full exon sequencing, and then the sequencing results were compared with the human database. By filtering out synonymous mutations and high-frequency mutations, and then integrating single nucleotide non-synonymous mutations of family members, disease-causing genes were found.
Results

All patients in this family have different degree of abnormal knee anatomy, which is closely related to patella dislocation. The sequencing results of patients and normal persons in this patella dislocation family were compared and analyzed, and the data were filtered through multiple biological databases. Find HOXB9(NM_024017.4:p.Glu135Gly/c.404A>G),COL1A1(NM_000088.3:p.Ala1256 Thr/c.3766G>A),GNPAT(NM_014236.3:p.Asp519Gly/c1556A>G),NANS(NM_018946.3:p.Glu68Asp/c.204G>C),SLC26A2(NM_000112.3:p.Thr689Ser/c.2065A>T) are not synonymous mutations (MISSENSE). Through Sanger sequencing, HOXB9 and SLC26A2 genes were found to be the pathogenic genes of this family with recurrent patella dislocation.
Conclusions

The anatomical structure of the knee joint of patients with recurrent patellar dislocation in this family is obviously abnormal. HOXB9 mutation may be the high frequency pathogenic gene of recurrent patella dislocation in this family, while COL1A1, GNPAT, NAans, SLC26A2 gene may be the sporadical pathogenic gene.
Producing Medicinal Phytochemicals from Phyllanthus acuminatus in Plant - Cell Suspension Cultures
Authors: Gallegos-Ordóñez Astrid Larissa , Sánchez-Kopper Andrés , Jiménez-Quesada Karol , Garro-Monge Giovanni
Published: December 2021

Pharmaceutical use is not feasible for important medicinal compounds derived from certain plant materials, including Phyllanthus acuminatus roots, due to their low natural abundance. New technologies in non-traditional biomass generation are needed to produce these remarkable natural compounds. Therefore, this article describes a methodology for establishing Phyllanthus acuminatus plant-cell suspensions from callus cultures: An evaluation on inoculum concentration and agitation speed displayed significant changes in plant cell growth kinetics. It was determined that treatment with 2 g of inoculum in 25 mL of medium and 100 rpm agitation creates the best conditions for generating thick cell suspensions. Likewise, treatment with 2 g of inoculum and 120 rpm agitation produces the best conditions for establishing fine cell suspensions. Phytochemical comparison through high-resolution mass spectrometry of P. acuminatus roots and plant cell suspension extracts confirmed presence in the plant cell culture of multiple phyllantostatins of pharmaceutical interest. Here, we demonstrate that Phyllanthus acuminatus can be cultured in plant cell suspensions to produce secondary metabolites of medical interest – technology that could be scaled up for implementation in industrial bioprocesses.
Safety Comparison of Conventional Versus Extended Infusion of Pulse Methylprednisolone in Multiple Sclerosis Exacerbation Retrospective Study
Authors: Alabd Haider , Barakat Lolwa , S Bhagya , Chandra Prem , Khalil Mohamed , Elshafei Mohamed Nabil
Published: December 2021

Objective: - To ascertain the adverse events and changes in vital signs (heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and serum potassium level during and after intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) in multiple sclerosis exacerbation.Design: retrospective review study conducted at Hamad General Hospital (HGH), all patients who are admitted 2019-2020 with MS exacerbation without any other comorbidities will be categorized into 2 groups depending on infusion rate, one group received conventional intravenous methylprednisolone pulse dose over 30minutes to one hour, while the second group received methylprednisolone pulse dose intravenously over an extended period)(four to six hours). Multiple readings of vital signs and, potassium level through steroid administration time will be assessed to determine if there is an infusion-related significant difference in adverse events between both groups.Methods: 74 adult patients with MS relapse who have been admitted at Hamad General Hospital (HGH) and satisfied pre-specified inclusion criteria were invited to participate in the study.Results: 74 patients with MS included in the study, 61 patients (83.6%) were received methylprednisolone dose 500 mg -1000 mg in conventional infusion rate while 12 patients (16.4%) were received pulse steroid in extended duration. There was no significant difference in mean blood pressure before and after IVMP in both groups. There was a small but statistically significant increase in mean heart rate in the conventional group immediately after first and second but not 3rd dose of IVMP compared to baseline 3.5± 8.9 and 4.85± 13.9 P < 0.003. There was a minimal non-significant increase in potassium level in the conventional group (P = 0.17), while there is a non-significant decrease in potassium level in the extended group (P=0.72).Conclusion: IVMP is considered safe and effective in the treatment of MS exacerbation regardless of intravenous infusion duration. There was no significant difference in vital signs among different infusion rates. However, there was a small but statistically significant increase in mean heart rate in the conventional group immediately after first and second but not 3rd dose of IVMP compared to baseline. No significant difference was observed in potassium levels before and after IVMP. We, therefore, recommend that potassium level monitoring should be only restricted to patients with other risk factors of hypokalemia.
Identification of the Potential Biomarkers in Barrett’S Esophagus Derived Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yi Nan , He Juan , Xie Xike , Liang Liexin , Zuo Guowen , Xiong Mingyue , Liang Yunxiao , Yi Tingzhuang
Published: December 2021

Clinically, almost 50% of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) originates from the progression of Barrett’s esophagus (BE). EAC is often diagnosed at late stages and is related to dismal prognosis. However, there are still no effective strategies for stratification and therapy in BE derived EAC (BE-EAC). Two public datasets (GSE26886 and GSE37200) are analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between BE and EAC. A series of bioinformatics analyses are performed to explore potential biomarkers associated with BE-EAC. 27 up- and 104 down-regulated genes are identified between GSE26886 and GSE37200. The GO and KEGG enrichment analysis indicate that the DEGs are highly involved in tumorigenesis. Subsequently, Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) is performed to explore the potential genes related to BE-EAC, which are further validated in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. 5 up-regulated genes (MYO1A, ACE2, COL1A1, LGALS4, and ADRA2A) and 3 down-regulated genes (AADAC, RAB27A, and P2RY14) were found in BE-EAC. Among them, the expression level of AADAC, ACE2 and ADRA2A show a significant correlation with patients’ survival probability. In conclusion, MYO1A, ACE2, COL1A1, LGALS4, ADRA2A, AADAC, RAB27A, and P2RY14 are potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in BE-EAC.
Creating Amylose-Free Barley Cultivars with High Soluble Sugar Content By Genome Editing
Authors: Li Yun , Jiang Yanyan , Fan Shiting , Gan Xiaolong , Cao Dong , Zong Yuan , Li Genying , Li Jianming , Liu Baolong
Published: December 2021

Background
Amylose biosynthesis is strictly associated with granule-bound starch synthase I (GBSSI) encoded by the Waxy gene. Waxy barley has extensive prospects for application in functional food development and the brewing industry; however, amylose-free waxy barleys are relatively scarce in nature.
Results
Here we created new alleles of the Waxy gene using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Mutagenesis of single bases in these novel alleles caused absence of intact waxy protein in grain of the edited line. Consequently, B-type granules disappeared. The amylose and amylopectin contents of the edited line were zero and 31.73%, while those in the wild type (WT) were 33.50% and 39.00%, respectively. The absence of waxy protein led to increase in soluble sugar content to 37.30% compared with only 10.0% in the WT. Typical soluble sugars, sucrose and β-glucan, were 39.16% and 35.40% higher in the edited line than in the WT, respectively. Transcriptome analysis identified differences between the edited line and the WT that could partly explain the reduction in amylose and amylopectin contents and the increase in soluble sugar, sucrose and β-glucan contents.
Conclusions
The barley cultivar with novel alleles of the Waxy gene contained zero amylose, lower amylopectin, and higher soluble sugar, sucrose and β-glucan than the wild type. This new cultivar provides a good germplasm resource for improving the quality of barley.
An Application of Geospatial Based MCDM Technique to Identify Landslide Susceptibility Zones in the Ragnu Khola River Basin of Darjeeling Himalayan Region, India
Authors: DAS SATYAJIT , ROY DIPESH , MITRA RAJIB
Published: December 2021

Several natural disasters are taking place on the earth, and landslide is one of them. Darjeeling Himalaya is one of the world's young fold mountainous area, often suffering from landslide hazards. Hence, the study identifies the landslide susceptibility zone in the Ragnu Khola river basin of the Darjeeling Himalayan region by applying the geospatial-based MCDM technique. This research's major goal is to identify whether this GIS-based multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) technique is validated or not for landslide susceptibility zones (LSZ); if validated, then how much manifest for describing the LSZ in the study area. MCDM evaluation applies to determining weight value to integrate different thematic layers of river morphometry like Drainage Diversity (DD) parameters and Relief Diversity (RD) parameters. Both DD and RD have significant impacts on landslide intensity. Hence, both layers are combined using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) of the MCDM technique for the final LSZ. The final result has been validated by ROC analysis using landslide occurring point data obtained from the Geological Survey of India (GSI). The outcome of the study shows that1.45% and 17.83% areas of the region fall in 'very high' and ‘high' LSZ, which belongs to near Mull Gaon, Sanchal forest, and Alubri basty. Most of the area (47.70%) is observed in 'moderate' LSZ. Only 1.32% and 31.7% are kept in ‘very low’ and ‘low’ LSZ, respectively, through the study area. The description capability of the technique for LSZ is significant as the area under the curve (AUC) is 72.10%. The validation of the study using the frequency density of the landslides (FDL) also indicates the 'very high' LSZ is associated with the maximum (2.19/km2) FDL. The work will be needful to develop the overall socio-economic condition of such kind of tectonically sensitive region by proper effective planning.
Luteolin Reduces Blood Pressure via Down-regulation of Renal Angiotensin II Receptor and Mineralocorticoid Receptor Expressions in Rats Co-exposed to Diclofenac and Sodium Fluoride
Authors: Ajibade Temitayo Olabisi , AKINRINDE Akinleye Stephen , Adetona Moses Olusola , Oyagbemi Ademola Adetokunbo , Adedapo Aduragbenro Deborah A. , Larbie Christopher , Omobowale Temidayo Olutayo , Ola-Davies Olufunke Eunice , Saba Adebowale Benard , Adedapo Adeolu Alex , Oguntibeju Oluwafemi Omoniyi , Yakubu Momoh Audu
Published: December 2021

This study was designed to investigate the modulatory role of Luteolin (Lut) on haemodynamic parameters and the potential mechanisms involving renal Angiotensin II (AT2R) and Mineralocorticoid (MCR) receptors in renal toxicity induced by co-exposure to Diclofenac (Dcf) and sodium fluoride (NaF) in rats. Male Wistar rats were administered with either vehicle (control), Dcf only (9 mg/kg orally) or concurrently with NaF (300 ppm in drinking water). Other groups were treated with LutA (100 mg/kg) or LutB (200 mg/kg) along with Dcf and NaF exposures. All treatments lasted 8 days, following which blood pressure indices were measured using tail-cuff plethysmography. Renal expressions of AT2R and MCR were studied with immunohistochemistry, while biomarkers of oxidative and antioxidant status were also measured in the kidneys. Systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in Dcf-treated rats, compared to control values. However, co-treatment with NaF or Lut restored these parameters. While the expression of AT2R and MCR was high in the Dcf and Dcf+NaF groups, treatment with Lut caused obvious reduction in the renal expression of these receptors. Increased lipid peroxidation (Malondialdehyde) and protein oxidation (protein carbonyls) with a lowering of reduced glutathione levels contributed to the renal toxicity of Dcf, which was significantly ameliorated in Lut-treated rats. The protective effect of Lut on blood pressure was probably mediated by stimulation of renal expressions of AT2R and MCR, reduction of oxidative stress and an improvement of renal antioxidant status.
Unique SARS-CoV-2 variant found in public sequence data of Antarctic soil samples collected in 2018-2019
Authors: Csabai István , Papp Krisztián , Visontai Dávid , Stéger József , Solymosi Norbert
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has been going on for two years now and although many hypotheses have been put forward, its origin remain obscure. We investigated whether the huge public sequencing data archives’ samples collected earlier than the earliest known cases of the pandemic might contain traces of SARS-CoV-2. Here we report the bioinformatic analysis of a metagenome sample set collected from soil on King George Island, Antarctica between 2018-12-24 and 2019-01-13. It contains sequence fragments matching the SARS-CoV-2 reference genome with altogether more than half million nucleotides, covering the complete genome on average 17×. Preliminary phylogeny analysis places the sample close to the known earliest cases. The high sequence coverage rules out chance alignments from other species but possible laboratory contamination cannot be excluded. The sequence harbours a unique combination of mutations, unseen in other samples, so whatever its origin, it can add important piece of information to the puzzle of the ongoing pandemic.
Adamantinomatous Craniopharyngioma Cyst Fluid can Trigger Inflammatory Activation of Microglia to Damage the Hypothalamic Neurons by Inducing the Production of β-Amyloid
Authors: Ainiwan Yilamujiang , Chen Yiguang , Mao Chaofu , Peng Junxiang , Chen Siyuan , Wei Songtao , Qi Songtao , Pan Jun
Published: December 2021

Introduction: The mechanism by which adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) damages the hypothalamus is still unclear. Cyst fluid rich in lipids and inflammatory factors is a characteristic pathological manifestation of ACP and may play a very important role in hypothalamic injury caused by tumors. Objective: To construct a reliable animal model of ACP cyst fluid-induced hypothalamic injury and explore the specific mechanism of hypothalamic injury caused by cyst fluid. Methods: An animal model was establish by injecting human ACP cyst fluid into the bilateral hypothalamus of mice . ScRNA-seq was performed on the mice hypothalamus and on an ACP sample to obtain a complete gene expression profile for analysis. Data verification was performed through pathological means. Results: ACP cystic fluid caused growth retardation and an increased obesity index in mice, affected the expression of the Npy, Fgfr2, Rnpc3, Sst, and Pcsk1n genes that regulate growth and energy metabolism in hypothalamic neurons, and enhanced the cellular interaction of Agrp-Mc3r. ACP cystic fluid significantly caused inflammatory activation of hypothalamic microglia. The cellular interaction of CD74-APP is significantly strengthened between inflammatory-activated microglia and hypothalamic neurons. Beta-amyloid, a marker of neurodegenerative diseases, was deposited in the ACP tumor tissues and in the hypothalamus of mice injected with ACP cyst fluid. Conclusion: In this study, a novel animal model of ACP cystic fluid-hypothalamic injury was established. For the first time, it was found that ACP cystic fluid can trigger inflammatory activation of microglia to damage the hypothalamus, which may be related to the upregulation of the CD74-APP interaction and deposition of β-amyloid, implying that there may be a similar mechanism between ACP cystic fluid damage to the hypothalamus and neurodegenerative diseases.
Study on the Uncertainty of Critical Rainfall for Flash Floods in Small Watersheds Based on the Random Rainfall Pattern
Authors: Yuan Wenlin , Lu Lu , Song Hanzhen , Zhang Xiang , Xu Linjuan , Su Chengguo , Liu Meiqi , Yan Denghua , Wu Zening
Published: December 2021

Flash floods cause great harm to people's lives and property safety. Rainfall is the key factor which induces flash floods, and critical rainfall (CR) is the most widely used indicator in flash flood early warning systems. Due to the randomness of rainfall, the CR has great uncertainty, which causes missed alarms when predicting flash floods. To improve the early warning accuracy for flash floods, a random rainfall pattern (RRP) generation method based on control parameters, including the comprehensive peak position coefficient (CPPC) and comprehensive peak ratio (CPR), is proposed and an early warning model with dynamic correction based on RRP identification is established. The rainfall-runoff process is simulated by the HEC-HMS hydrological model, and the CR threshold space corresponding to the RRP set is calculated based on the trial algorithm. Xinxian, a small watershed located in Henan Province, China, is taken as the case study. The results show that the method for generating the RRP is practical and simple, and it effectively reflects the CR uncertainty caused by the rainfall pattern uncertainty. The HEC-HMS model is proved to have good application performance in the Xinxian watershed. Through sensitivity analysis, the effect of the antecedent soil moisture condition, CPPC, and CPR are compared. The proposed early warning model is practical and effective, which increases the forecast lead time.
The synergy of patterns vs. processes at a community level: a successful mechanism underlying subtropical native forests along the urban riparian zone
Authors: Wang Danrong , Shi Ya , Wang Haiyang , Chen Hong
Published: December 2021

Riparian zone possesses ecological position with biota differing from aquatic body and terrestrial lands, and plant-animal coevolution may be the main factor for the framework of riparian vegetation. In the current study, the riparian plant community patterns along the subtropical mountainous riparian belts of Chongqing, China, was proposed to be regulated by co-evolving with the avifauna through propagule-dispersal process. The results show that: 1) the forests’ species composition and vertical layers are dominated by native catkins of Moraceae species with adapting traits of small and numerous propagules to frugivorous bird species, revealing an evolutionary trend different from the one in the terrestrial plant climax communities in the subtropics, and which forms a biological base for the plant-bird co-evolution; 2) there are significant associations of plant-bird species clusters, i.e., four plant-bird co-evolution groups (PBs) were divided out according to the plant species’ dominance and growth form relating to the fruit-dispersing birds’ abundance; 3) the correlation intensity within PB ranks as PBⅠ>Ⅱ>Ⅳ>Ⅲ, indicating the PBⅠis the leading type of co-evolution mainly shaped by the dominant plant species; 4) the PB correlation may be a key node between patterns vs. process of a riparian ecosystem responsible for the native vegetation, or even the ecosystem health. The results theoretically contribute new evidence to plant-animal co-evolution interpreting the forests’ characters in riparian environments, and urban planner and managers may simulate the native forests for restoring a more stable riparian biota, a better functioning ecosystem in subtropical zone.
Spinal manipulative therapy and acupuncture for chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs
Authors: Yue Ting , Li Jingjing , Yang Jiaman , Fan Dehui
Published: December 2021

Background

Spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) and acupuncture are commonly used for low back pain (LBP) among complementary and alternative therapies. However, it remains unclear which of the two therapies is more effective for LBP. Therefore, the purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of SMT and acupuncture on LBP.
Methods

Four electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (all years until July 2021), including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Two reviewers independently abstracted data, assessed risk of bias, and rated the quality of evidence. The primary outcome was pain; secondary outcomes included functional status and adverse events. Review Manager 5.3 software and Stata 12.0 were used for all statistical analyses.
Results

9 RCTs with a total of 714 participants were identified, who were on average middle aged (39-60 years) without signs of radiating pain. These trials included patients with mild to moderate pain. Overall, moderate quality of evidence suggested that SMT had better effects for pain relief (MD: 0.32, 95%CI: 0.09 to 0.55, I2=34%) and similar effects in function (MD: 0.24, 95%CI: -0.45 to 0.94, I2=21%) when compared to acupuncture. Moderate quality of evidence showed SMT reduced pain better than acupuncture at month 2 (MD: 0.61, 95%CI: 0.08 to 1.14, I2=0%) and at month 12 (MD: 1.02, 95%CI: 0.28 to 1.75, I2=42%). In addition, Low quality of evidence showed SMT may provide better improvement in pain at month 3 (MD: 0.74, 95%CI: 0.09 to 1.39, I2=42%) and in function at month 4 (MD: 3.50, 95%CI: 0.71 to 6.29). Adverse events associated with SMT and acupuncture were rare and mild.
Conclusions

SMT showed better effects than acupuncture for chronic low back pain, while SMT and acupuncture had similar effects in functional improvement. Although SMT and acupuncture were tolerable and safe, patients should be informed about the potential risks of adverse events before starting therapy.
Prosthodontic Rehabilitation of Bilateral Maxillary Lateral Incisors Agenesis: A Case Report with One-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Yew Hin Beh , Ariffin Zaihan
Published: December 2021

Globally, non-syndromic tooth agenesis is commonly seen in clinical practice. However, its management is often complex and requires a multidisciplinary team approach for the maximal outcome. While various treatment options are possible, considerations for the treatment are not only based on the dentofacial conditions but also cultural and social background and personal preference of the patient. Thus, patientcentred care approach should always be practised for an optimal outcome. In the present case, a patient with established craniofacial growth presenting with bilateral agenesis of maxillary lateral incisors and over-retained deciduous maxillary left canine sought for aesthetic improvements. The patient did not prefer any orthodontic treatment citing a prolonged treatment duration and sub-optimal motivation as a hindrance. Thus, a prosthodontic only approach was taken by providing a conventional cantilever bridge and ceramic veneers to achieve the aims of treatment. This article discusses the possible limitation of such prosthodontic only solution in managing tooth agenesis.
Households Waste Management Practices and Associated Factors in Tain District, Ghana
Authors: Bayor Bonaventure , Ansah Edward Wilson , Baidoo Michael Afari
Published: December 2021

Objective: Rapid population growth has increased tons of waste generated daily in the various Ghanaian districts. A total of 9,331kg of household waste is generated daily in the Tain District, but managing it becomes a challenge. The aim of the study was to investigate households’ waste management practice in the Tain District of Ghana. Method: A concurrent mixed method design was used to select four major communities in the Tain District for the study. A sampled of 1,037 female household heads were selected by convenient sampling for the qualitative and quantitative data collection. A questionnaire, participant and community observation were used to collect the data. Frequencies, percentages, logistic regression and observational interpretations were applied in analysing the data. Results: Many gutters at homes were clogged, bushy environment and littering of home, and that, there were limited waste bins and containers available, and waste dumpsites were near community gathering places. Furthermore, the main household generated wastes included food scraps (41%), but majority of the participants use public dumpsite (76.37%) for waste disposal. Meanwhile, 825(8%) of the households have high level of knowledge on the health effects of indiscriminate waste disposal. Conclusions: It is necessary to demarcate dumpsites away from community gathering places. The crude dumping places cannot contain the increase in waste production, which results in indiscriminate dumping of waste. Proper measures including regulations and standards are expected to be implemented for a more effective and efficient integrated waste management system in the district.
Hayvansal Lif Karışımlı Kumaşların Isıl Tuşesi Üzerine Bir Araştırma
Authors: UYANIK Seval
Published: December 2021

Tekstil sektöründe çevreye duyarlı ürünlere talebin artması doğal liflere ve dolayısıyla hayvansal liflere olan ilgiyi artırmıştır. Ancak hayvansal lifler ihtiyacı karşılama oranlarının düşük olması sebebiyle oldukça pahalı olup tekstil sektöründe genellikle düşük oranlarda diğer liflerle karışım halde kullanılmaktadır. Giysi konforu, son yıllarda oldukça önemli bir kavram haline gelmiş ve konforu yüksek giysiler çok daha fazla tercih edilmeye başlanmıştır. Kumaşların ısıl davranış özelliklerinin, giysi konforunu etkilediği bilinmektedir. Bu çalışmada hayvansal lif içeren kumaşların ısıl soğurganlık özelliklerinin yani dokunma yolu ile kullanıcıya verdiği sıcak veya soğuk hissini ifade eden ısıl tuşesinin ortaya koyulması amaçlanmıştır. Çalışma sonuçları kumaşlarda ısıl soğurganlığın; ısıl iletkenlik, lif cinsi ve sıklık, gramaj, kalınlık gibi kumaş yapı parametrelerinden etkilendiğini ortaya koymuştur.
The Turbulence Intensity Effect on the Flow Characteristics and Aerodynamics of a Circular Cylinder
Authors: KARASU İlyas , TÜMSE Sergen
Published: December 2021

In this investigation, a numerical study about the turbulence intensity effect on the time-dependent flow structure around a circular cylinder employing k-ω based Detached Eddy Simulation (DES) turbulence model was performed at sub-critical Reynolds number of Re=5×103. According to the numerical analyses, the length of recirculation region reduces as the level of turbulence intensity augments. While the normalized length of recirculation region after the cylinder, Ls/D is measured as 1.225 at turbulence intensity of Tu=0.8%, it reduces to the value of Ls/D =1.0822 at turbulence intensity of Tu=7%. Furthermore, the location of peak negative pressure coefficient moves in downstream direction by increasing turbulence intensity. The drag coefficient, CD was observed to increase when turbulence intensity increases from Tu=0.8% to 7% and 12%. Thus, it was concluded that the level of turbulence intensity is effective on changing the flow characteristics and aerodynamics of a circular cylinder.
Un bifaz del Paleolitico Medio localizado en el entorno del yacimiento de Aranbaltza (Barrika, Bizkaia)
Authors: Rios-Garaizar Joseba , San Emeterio Aixa , Trebolazabala Alesander
Published: December 2021

Se presenta el hallazgo de un bifaz de basalto en Lastarri, cerca del yacimiento de Aranbaltza. Se analizan sus características morfo-tecnológicas en relación con los bifaces atribidos al Paleolítico Inferior y Medio en el área cantábrica del País Vasco y se concluye que probablemente este bifaz está relacionado con las ocupaciones del Paleolítico Medio de Aranbaltza (120-55.000 años).
Developing Society Integrity and Cultural Code by Means of Social and Cultural Activity as Factor of Ensuring National Security
Authors: Bezuglaya N. S.
Published: December 2021

Trends of developing relations in today’s society, spread of digital technologies and restrictions in movement during the last year showed a rising diffusion of society, split of opinions and weakening of the cultural code of the Russian population. The article studies sources of these changes and searches for solutions based on means of social and cultural activity. It is well known that cultural code is formed for decades and it is the social and cultural sphere that can concentrate this process and direct it to strengthening of national self-identification, rise in the rate of patriotism, education and wellbeing of the population. The process of shaping the civil society in the post-soviet period is based on pursuing cultural policy financed at the expense of the country budget, in contrast to western countries. This aspect makes us think about the necessity to change means and methods of social and cultural activity with due regard to processes of society digitalization. At the same time cultural policy acts as a significant section of the system of national security, as a way of shaping civil society, keeping cultural values and traditions. The research showed that non-linear interaction of such tensors, as sustainable development, corporate social responsibility, national security, digitalization, technologization of society can seriously affect the processes of diffusion of society integrity, destruction of its cultural code and sovereignty of state as it is. Preserving the cultural code as a foundation of national culture and overcoming problems of society diffusion are possible in case the state participation in reforming approaches to pursuing cultural policy is extended. A separate aspect is developing the HR potential of  cultural institutions of the future oriented to advanced technologies, continuous learning the achievements of psychology as a science, which can create patriotic feelings in society promoting values of cultural inheritance as a foundation of national identification.
The Precise Estimation of Development Project Cost and its Life Cycle
Authors: Vladimirova I. L. , Kosareva Yu Yu. , Kallaur G. Yu. , Tsygankova A. A.
Published: December 2021

Development plays a significant role in working out national projects in the field of house-building aimed at providing high-quality and affordable housing for the population of Russia. The key indicator for the development project is its cost, which affects both affordability for the population and finance and economic figures of the developer. Therefore, the system of cost management in the development company shall be formalized on the basis of design parameters, characterizing the project cost at all stages of the life cycle. The article proposes to use four interconnected indicators, the precise estimation of the project cost is assumed to be the principle one in the research. The authors worked out the model of development project cost management with due regard to stages of its life cycle, showed key events and relevant control points to assess precision, investigated and described methods of cost estimation at certain stages of the project life cycle (PLC). On the basis of real development projects they analyzed precision of cost estimation by stages of life cycle and plotted the graph ‘precision funnel’. The general positive dynamics in precise cost estimation was discovered, however the range of indicator incoherence would not allow us to adopt universal recommendations on its appraisal. The analysis showed the necessity to improve precision of cost estimation at early stages of project life cycles, which impacts the efficiency of the development project.
Role of Fyn Kinase Inhibitors in Switching Neuroinflammatory Pathways
Authors: Marotta Giambattista , Basagni Filippo , Rosini Michela , Minarini Anna
Published: December 2021

Fyn kinase is a member of the Src non-receptor tyrosine kinase family. Fyn is
involved in multiple signaling pathways extending from cell proliferation and differentiation
to cell adhesion and cell motility, and it has been found to be overexpressed in various
types of cancers. In the central nervous system, Fyn exerts several different functions
such as axon–glial signal transduction, oligodendrocyte maturation, and myelination, and
it is implicated in neuroinflammatory processes. Based on these premises, Fyn emerges as
an attractive target in cancer and neurodegenerative disease therapy, particularly Alzheimer’s
disease (AD), based on its activation by Aβ via cellular prion protein and its interaction
with tau protein. However, Fyn is also a challenging target since the Fyn inhibitors
discovered so far, due to the relevant homology of Fyn with other kinases, suffer
from off-target effects. This review covers the efforts performed in the last decade to
identify and optimize small molecules that effectively inhibit Fyn, both in enzymatic and
in cell assays, including drug repositioning practices, as an opportunity for therapeutic intervention
in neurodegeneration.