bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimum Rate Estimation Guide in Mature Water-Prone Reservoirs
Authors: Obe Ebenezer , Davis Rick , Reynolds Ken , Ibrahim John , Oragwu Aluba , Chukwu Festus
Published: July 2011

In this paper, an empirical method that enables estimation of a critical choke, and corresponding production rate beyond which there is a high risk of early water breakthrough, is proposed.

The method involves the plot of the log of the average of well test rates at various choke settings. All the reservoirs investigated in this manner indicated a characteristic hump shape with some notable features. Hence characteristic reservoir models corresponding to selected Niger Delta reservoirs were developed and validated with well tests of recent drills.

Furthermore, a theoretical justification for this observation was realised by applying a slight mathematical manipulation of the Gilbert's correlation, which relates surface production with the choke.

Finally, deductions from the correlation yielded a two-phase flow shift factor that can be used to match Gilbert's correlation to actual performance.
A Quick Look Drilling Evaluation Tool
Authors: Ani Bonaventure. O. , Egbon Franck , Fusier Francis
Published: July 2011

Globally, drilling simulators are used extensively for proffering drilling solutions which save time and reduce cost in order to meet up with the demanding E & P activities. This paper presents a new drilling software – PETDRILL® which is developed for quick evaluation and analysis of some key drilling and well control operations which include: determination/evaluation of burst, collapse and tensile stress requirements per drilling phase; auto determination of minimum casing type per drilled phase, custom casing design, hydraulic power requirements based on well profile, mud volumes and spec, abnormal pressure regimes, mud densities, and a guide to Well Control for vertical wells. PETDRILL also graphically displays in 3D, the existing sub-surface geological layout which improves riser placement and better view of existing well profiles.

Finally, this software proffers a better drilling solution and will give a quick look evaluation and estimation of on-the-job drilling parameters and at the same time, serve as a learning tool for drilling students.
Phase Behaviour Measurements of the Fluid Properties in Flowing Multiphase Hydrocarbon Streams
Authors: Mmata B. , Azubike A. , Ikeji K. , Onyekonwu M.
Published: July 2011

Knowledge of the phase behaviour and the availability of accurate fluid properties are crucial in all stages of exploration and production of petroleum reservoir. To accurately quantify individual fluid phase in a production stream; calculate the water cut as well as convert flow rates from flow line conditions to standard conditions, the phase behaviour and volumetric properties of the fluid are imperative.

Previously, the practice has been to generate some of these physical properties such as density at flow line conditions. By using the principle of ideal solutions; densities at standard condition were measured in a laboratory and subsequently converted to flow line conditions by correcting for compressibility and thermal expansions.

This paper introduces a direct experimental method of obtaining the fluid properties at the exact prevailing flow line temperature and pressure. Representative flow line samples from some offshore wells in the Niger Delta region were studied. The behaviour of these samples was investigated and important fluid properties like the anhydrous oil densities at flow line conditions, water densities, oil shrinkage, gas gravity and stock tank oil gravity were measured.

These data can be used as input parameters in production system calculations such as in coriolis multiphase flow meters, to obtain precise oil, water and gas flow rate from individual wells and fields. They can also be used for proper reservoir management, well optimization, fiscal allocation and volume record custody transfer at pipeline station or port terminals.
Predicting Critical Internal Diameters of Onshore LNG Storage Tanks for Minimizing Boil Off Gas Production
Authors: Aimikhe V J.
Published: July 2011

This paper focuses on developing a model for predicting internal tank diameters that will yield minimum boil off gas production in LNG above ground double wall metallic storage tanks. Critical analysis was carried out for various tank capacities ranging from 20,000m3 to 520,000m3. In each case the heat transfer from the cylindrical bodies and the ellipsoidal/hemispherical tops were calculated and the produced boil off gas determined. For each tank studied, the imternal diameter was varied and the corresponding effective boil off gas rate obtained. The values of the internal diameters corresponding to the minimum boil off gas rate were recorded as critical internal diameters. A relationship was found to exist between the values of critical internal diameters obtained and tank capacities from which an equation was developed empirically. On comparing the values of critical diameter obtained from the equation developed in this study with actual values of critical internal diameters calculated from other models, the results indicated an average error of −0.105%, an average absolute error of 2.04% and a standard deviation of 2.43.
Prediction and Monitoring of Oilfield Carbonate Scales Using Scale Check©
Authors: Eseosa Abbe , Atubokiki Ajienka Joseph
Published: July 2011

One of the major problems facing oilfield operations is the occurrence of scale. In oilfields the mixture of produced water and formation water is unavoidable as produced water can be used to enhance production through water re-injection. The occurrence of scale in oil wells may cause flow restriction resulting in production damage, emergency shutdowns, increased maintenance costs due to frequent work-overs and an overall decrease in the production efficiency.

Formation water from field XYZ in the Niger Delta region was analyzed to predict the scaling tendency of the water using the General Solubility Index for Calcium carbonate. A scaling program Scale-Check© was written based on the Stiff-Davis predictive model, Langelier's predictive model and the General Solubility Index; these helped to calculate the scaling Index. Scale-Check© was used to predict the scale formation tendency of calcium carbonate scale for Well XY over three periods within the life of the well. Sensitivity analysis that showed the effect of temperature and pressure on carbonate scaling was also implemented.

Scale-Check© presents an easy-to-use program for checking the scaling tendency of formation or produced water and hence putting in place proactive measures that go a long way to reduce the negative effects of scaling in the oilfield.
Pressure Drop Mechanism in Horizontal and Inclined Multiphase Flow Pipes under Low Sand Loading
Authors: Oluyemi G. F. , Olusegun T. O.
Published: July 2011

This study provides more insight into multiphase flow of fluid in horizontal and inclined pipe configurations under a low sand loading condition. A steady-state turbulent flow simulation of complex oil-water-gas-solid multiphase flow was conducted to ascertain the impact of increased wall roughness on sand transport and pressure drop in horizontal and inclined pipes at low sand loading. Specifically, the pressure drop mechanism in these pipe configurations was investigated for a specified sand particle size and loading limit. Investigation was done using a 2 metre pipe length with physical model created in Gambit and computation implemented using Fluent 6.3. Results obtained demonstrate that at low sand loading, sand particles deposit on the internal surface of pipe forming an extra layer of material. This extra layer of sand particles results in a superficial increase in pipe roughness which contributes to the observed increase in pressure drop in the systems.
Rim Oil Economic Maximum Efficient Rate and Reserve Potential Evaluation
Authors: Ike I. A. , Mbee O.
Published: July 2011

Rim oil reservoirs are often associated with either large water aquifer or gas cap or both. These conditions often present unique challenges in the economic viability of these properties due to the high coning tendency during production. Due to the limited resource potential of these reserves, the cost involved in evaluating their economic potentials in the first place and the optimal production rate to be employed in their eventual development are not infrequently hard nuts to crack for developers.

Various schemes have been advanced for the development of oil rims including strategic well placement, intelligent well completion, etc. Determination of the most important factors that control recovery in thin oil columns using generic simulation to aid assessment is an interesting scheme even though the end product is known to sometimes deviate from physical and mathematical trends. Restricting production to critical rate figures is often not practicable.

In this work, a simple procedure amenable to computer coding employing critical rate and after breakthrough behavior correlations and modest data is developed to calculate the economic maximum efficient rate (MER) for the development of oil rims with water coning challenge. The MER so computed can be used as a cost effective reserve potential evaluation tool for preliminary assessment of thin oil column properties.

The accuracy of this method is a direct function of the critical rate and after breakthrough behavior models used in its development. This can be a great advantage as it ensures that the procedure can be adapted to any reservoir condition for which suitable correlations are available or can be developed. It also implies that models that are more in keeping with physical and mathematical principles can be put to use.
Semi-Analytical Models on the Effect of Drilling Fluid Properties on Rate of Penetration (ROP)
Authors: Alum Moses A. , Egbon F
Published: July 2011

Rate of penetration (ROP) plays a major role in drilling optimization and several attempts have been made to obtain a mathematical model for ROP. In this work, semi-analytical models for ROP were developed based on the original Bourgoyne and Young Model using real time bit records obtained from wells drilled in Niger Delta reservoirs. Simple regression analysis was applied on the equation on the parameter that contains differential pressure (j=4), to obtain regression constants which were then used to generate mathematical relationship between rate of penetration (ROP) and drilling fluid properties. Equations relating ROP to annular pressure losses, plastic viscosity for annular flow under laminar and turbulent conditions, as well as gel strength/yield stress were developed, plots obtained from these equations showed that penetration rate increases as annular pressure losses, and plastic viscosity under laminar and turbulent flow decreases, and increases as yield stress increases. Hence confirming the trend obtained from practical drilling experience, however the (R2) values obtained for viscosity and yield stress ranged between 50-62% and 88% for annular pressure losses. The (R2) values so obtained for mud properties such as plastic viscosity and yield stress/gel strength showed that although these properties affect ROP, their net effect is actually not as significant on ROP as they are thought to be, only annular pressure losses seemed to drastically affect ROP which is evident as it is directly related to equivalent circulating density (ECD).
The Integrated Technology of Water Detection, Shutoff and Regulating Separate Layer Production in the Oil Recovery Process
Authors: Zhou WanFu , Zhang ShuJin , Yu Lei , Zhou Quan , Shi Lei , Liu ChunRong
Published: July 2011

At present the Daqing oilfield is the largest inland oilfield, also is one of the oversize sandstone oilfield in the world. This paper enumerated some problems in the water injection stage of Daqing oilfield, just like the Daqing oilfield is in the extra-high water-cut stage that the oil layer's average water content was above 91.6%, the interlayer permeability had great difference, the interlayer cross flow occurred in practical production process that caused the well water content raised rapidly, too difficulty to confirm the water yield layers and developed the regulating separate layer production technology suited the inclined well, controlled directional well, this technology applied the mechanical, electronic, chemical method to integrate the water detection, shutoff and regulate the separate layer production together into the whole string, separated many controversial high water cut layers in one trip to improve the water detection reliability and the water shutoff treating pertinence, controlled the water cut increasing speed effectively. This technology can realize water detection, shutoff and control to regulate arbitrary separate layer production in practical production process, the whole strings' valid period was three years. In view of Daqing's geologic feature, the other assorted techniques were researched, using the chemical water shutoff technique to shut off the interlayer water channelling abidingly and give these technologies' application principles in this paper. The integrated technology of water detection, shutoff and regulating separate layer production was applied to 351 well in field application, the mechanical water shutoff was applied to 131 well and average well was separated for four layers. The chemical water shutoff was applied to 220 well, the individual layer maximum plugging thickness was 25.5m. After the implementation treating, the production rate increased and the producing liquid reduced obviously, the individual well producing liquid reduced to 28-43m3/d, the water content reduced to 1.5%-11.1%. The water shutoff valid period was one year at least. Through the aforementioned technologic research and the field applications, it provided a self-contained and economic rationally technology of water detection, shutoff & regulating separate layer production for the Daqing oilfield petroleum sustainable exploitation. At the end of this paper, one inclined oil well and one oil well's oil production testing result indicates this integrated technology not only founds and shutoff the high water production oil layers but also regulates to increase these oil layers' production effectively in the oil recovery process with the extra-high water-cut stage. All these regulating operation processes don't need stop production and don't having to kill well.
Validation of a Pseudocomponent Scheme for Nigerian Heavy Oil and Bitumen
Authors: Lawal Kazeem A.
Published: July 2011

Recently, a set of six pseudocomponent (PC) schemes was proposed for general characterisation of the Nigerian heavy oil and bitumen 1. However, the performance of the schemes is yet to be assessed. Given the laboratory-measured viscosity versus temperature relationship of a sample of the Nigerian bitumen, this paper employs the PC schemes to construct and tune fluid models to the viscosity dataset. Although all the cases show reasonable agreements (average absolute deviation below 25%) between measured and fitted data, the best and worst performances are obtained with the 4-PC and 1-PC schemes, respectively.

The tuned fluid models are then applied in thermal reservoir simulation studies. With a generic but representative reservoir-sector model, the dynamic response of the Nigerian bituminous deposit to the recovery method of steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) is investigated. Simulation results indicate excellent consistency among the 3, 4, and 5-PC schemes but the 1- and 2-PC schemes deviate markedly from the higher-component approximations. As might be expected, the 1-PC model can not explain the solution gas reported in the Nigerian bituminous belt.

From the specific case studied, at least three PC's may be required to enable satisfactory characterisation of the Nigerian heavy crude for general applications. This initial conclusion follows from the comparative accuracy and computational efficiency of the ternary (3-PC) model. Future efforts should focus on generating additional experimental datasets, including but not limited to viscosity, on the Nigerian bitumen and evaluating the robustness of our preliminary conclusion.
Safeguarding Well Integrity in a Deepwater Field – The Bonga Field Experience
Authors: Ebitu Sophia , Orekyeh Uchenna , Bogaert Philip
Published: July 2011

Bonga oil producer wells are capable of delivering high rates in excess of 20 Mbopd; thus, any breach of well safety critical barriers could potentially lead to significant people asset and environmental damages. In addition, deferment caused by well integrity would also significantly impact production. Therefore, well integrity management remains an integral part of Shell's "Must Wins" and the Bonga team is focused on ensuring that we can demonstrate that the Bonga wells remain "safe and healthy" while delivering against production targets. One of the key challenges faced in the deepwater environment is the prohibitive high cost of rig intervention for diagnosis and remediation of well equipment failures; hence the well integrity management approach in the Bonga field places a lot of emphasis on use of alarm settings to operate wells within defined operating envelopes; proactive monitoring of the well operating parameters and consistent high compliance on preventive maintenance. This has resulted in the early detection of well integrity issues and minimal shut-in periods of wells for well integrity related failures. Also, innovative and cost effective methods of integrity repairs using an ROV deployed by the field intervention vessel have been implemented in the Bonga field. This article describes the application of Well Integrity Management in the Bonga deepwater environment and highlights some of the challenges and lessons learned in safeguarding the integrity of deepwater wells through the operational phase.
Wellbore Strengthening and Borehole Stability: A Geomechanical Model to Increase the Thin Mudweight Window in Vertical and Deviated Wellbores
Authors: Bassey Akong , Dosunmu Adewale , Buduka Stanley , Alabi Tunde
Published: July 2011

Saving time and money are the results of the stable bore hole design. During drilling there are two main instability problems, namely, bore hole collapse and fracture. The consequences of these drilling problems are severe, even the most simple bore hole collapse or break down can lead to the loss of millions of dollars in equipment and valuable natural resources. The main aspect of the well bore stability analysis is to mitigate these drilling problems. This is typically investigated by a constitutive model to estimate stress around the well bore, coupled with failure criterion. The objective of this study is to develop a model to widen the operating mud window by increasing the shear strength which involves reducing the minimum mudweight required to keep the hole open, and also increasing the near – wellbore compressive tangential stress which is coupled with the increase in maximum mudweight prior to fracture initiation. The most common approach for stability analysis is a linear elastic and isotropic constitutive model in conjunction with linear failure criteria like Mohr-Coulomb. The Mohr- Coulomb failure criterion only involves the maximum and minimum principle stresses and therefore assumes that the intermediate principle stress has no influence on rock strength. In addition, it is believed that the fluid barrier, and a part of the bore hole wall, behave plastically which provides higher fracturing pressure than conventional elastic theory. In this paper, a model for the mud weight window determination, using Mogi-Coulomb failure criterion and the elasto plastic model is developed. This is based on the hypothesis that, indeed elastic constitutive model does not fit with the reality of the well bore wall behavior and intermediate principle stress plays an important role on rock strength. This model leads to easily computed expression for the critical mud pressure required to maintain well bore stability and obtain a wider mudweight window for borehole strengthening during vertical and deviated well operations.
Rural-Nonrural Disparities in Postsecondary Educational Attainment Revisited
Authors: Byun Soo-yong , Meece Judith L. , Irvin Matthew J.
Published: July 2011

Using data from the National Educational Longitudinal Study, this study revisited rural-nonrural disparities in educational attainment by considering a comprehensive set of factors that constrain and support youth’s college enrollment and degree completion. Results showed that rural students were more advantaged in community social resources compared to nonrural students, and these resources were associated with a significant increase in the likelihood of bachelor’s degree attainment. Yet results confirmed that rural students lagged behind nonrural students in attaining a bachelor’s degree largely due to their lower socioeconomic background. The findings present a more comprehensive picture of the complexity of geographic residence in shaping college enrollment and degree attainment.
Professional Development for Technology-Enhanced Inquiry Science
Authors: Gerard Libby F. , Varma Keisha , Corliss Stephanie B. , Linn Marcia C.
Published: July 2011

The knowledge integration framework is used to analyze studies on professional development in technology-enhanced science involving more than 2,350 teachers and 138,0000 students. The question of how professional development enhances teachers’ support for students’ inquiry science learning is the focus of the work. A literature search using the keywords technology, professional development, and science identified 360 studies from the past 25 years, 43 of which included multiple data sources and reported results for teachers and/or students. Findings suggest that professional development programs that engaged teachers in a comprehensive, constructivist-oriented learning process and were sustained beyond 1 year significantly improved students’ inquiry learning experiences in K–12 science classrooms. In professional development programs of 1 year or less, researchers encountered common technical and instructional obstacles related to classroom implementation that hindered success. Programs varied most considerably in terms of their support for teachers’ use of evidence to distinguish effective technology-enhanced practices.
Analysis of Binding of KIR3DS1*014 to HLA Suggests Distinct Evolutionary History of KIR3DS1
Authors: O’Connor Geraldine M. , Yamada Eriko , Rampersaud Andy , Thomas Rasmi , Carrington Mary , McVicar Daniel W.
Published: July 2011

NK cell activity is regulated by the integration of positive and negative signals. One important source of these signals for human NK cells is the killer Ig-like receptor (KIR) family, which includes both members that transduce positive and those that generate negative signals. KIR3DL1 inhibits NK cell activity upon engagement by its ligand HLA-Bw4. The highly homologous KIR3DS1 is an activating receptor, which is implicated in the outcome of a variety of pathological situations. However, unlike KIR3DL1, direct binding of KIR3DS1+ cells to HLA has not been demonstrated. We analyzed four key amino acid differences between KIR3DL1*01502 and KIR3DS1*013 to determine their role in KIR binding to HLA. Single substitutions of these residues dramatically reduced binding by KIR3DL1. In the reciprocal experiment, we found that the rare KIR3DS1 allotype KIR3DS1*014 binds HLA-Bw4 even though it differs from KIR3DS1*013 at only one of these positions (position 138). This reactivity was unexpectedly dependent on residues at other variable positions, as HLA-Bw4 binding was lost in receptors with KIR3DL1-like residues at both positions 199 and 138. These data provide the first evidence, to our knowledge, for the direct binding of KIR3DS1+ cells to HLA-Bw4 and highlight the key role for position 138 in determining ligand specificity of KIR3DS1. They also reveal that KIR3DS1 reactivity and specificity is dictated by complex interactions between the residues in this region, suggesting a unique functional evolution of KIR3DS1 within the activating KIR family.
Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Infiltrate the Heart in Acute Trypanosoma cruzi Infection
Authors: Cuervo Henar , Guerrero Néstor A. , Carbajosa Sofía , Beschin Alain , De Baetselier Patrick , Gironès Núria , Fresno Manuel
Published: July 2011

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, affects several million people in Latin America. Myocarditis, observed in the acute and chronic phases of the disease, is characterized by a mononuclear cell inflammatory infiltrate. We previously identified a myeloid cell population in the inflammatory heart infiltrate of infected mice that expressed arginase I. In this study, we purified CD11b+ myeloid cells from the heart and analyzed their phenotype and function. Those CD11b+ cells were ∼70% Ly6G−Ly6C+ and 25% Ly6G+Ly6C+. Moreover, purified CD11b+Ly6G− cells, but not Ly6G+ cells, showed a predominant monocytic phenotype, expressed arginase I and inducible NO synthase, and suppressed anti-CD3/anti-CD28 Ab-induced T cell proliferation in vitro by an NO-dependent mechanism, activity that best defines myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Contrarily, CD11b+Ly6G+ cells, but not CD11b+Ly6G− cells, expressed S100A8 and S100A9, proteins known to promote recruitment and differentiation of MDSCs. Together, our results suggest that inducible NO synthase/arginase I-expressing CD11b+Ly6G− myeloid cells in the hearts of T. cruzi-infected mice are MDSCs. Finally, we found plasma l-arginine depletion in the acute phase of infection that was coincident in time with the appearance of MDSCs, suggesting that in vivo arginase I could be contributing to l-arginine depletion and systemic immunosuppression. Notably, l-arginine supplementation decreased heart tissue parasite load, suggesting that sustained arginase expression through the acute infection is detrimental for the host. This is, to our knowledge, the first time that MDSCs have been found in the heart in the context of myocarditis and also in infection by T. cruzi.
TLT2 Potentiates Neutrophil Antibacterial Activity and Chemotaxis in Response to G Protein-Coupled Receptor-Mediated Signaling
Authors: Halpert Matthew M. , Thomas Kimberly A. , King R. Glenn , Justement Louis B.
Published: July 2011

Receptors encoded within the Trem locus have been shown to play an important role in modulating the cellular response to pattern recognition receptor signaling. TREM-like transcript 2 (TLT2) is a member of the Trem locus that is conserved in mouse and human. TLT2 exhibits a unique expression pattern in that it is expressed on cells of the myeloid and lymphoid lineage, suggesting that it plays a role in both innate and adaptive immunity. In this work, studies reveal that TLT2 plays an important role in potentiating neutrophil antibacterial activity and chemotaxis. TLT2 ligation enhances the neutrophil response to the formylated peptide FMLF, leading to increased reactive oxygen species production, degranulation, and chemotaxis. Moreover, TLT2 has the ability to specifically potentiate neutrophil activation and chemotaxis in response to a range of agonists that bind to G protein-coupled receptors, as it does not potentiate the response of cells to growth factor receptor-, Fc receptor-, or TLR-mediated signaling. Finally, TLT2 ligation potentiates the recruitment of neutrophils to sites of inflammation in vivo. These findings reveal a novel functional role for TLT2 that involves potentiation of neutrophil responses to G protein-coupled receptor signaling. Thus, TLT2 appears to play an important role in enhancing the innate immune response via a novel molecular mechanism.
Proteasome Immunosubunits Protect against the Development of CD8 T Cell-Mediated Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Zaiss Dietmar M. W. , Bekker Cornelis P. J. , Gröne Andrea , Lie Benedicte A. , Sijts Alice J. A. M.
Published: July 2011

Exposure of cells to inflammatory cytokines induces the expression of three proteasome immunosubunits, two of which are encoded in the MHC class II region. The induced subunits replace their constitutive homologs in newly formed “so-called” immunoproteasomes. Immunosubunit incorporation enhances the proteasome’s proteolytic activity and modifies the proteasome’s cleavage-site preferences, which improves the generation of many MHC class I-presented peptides and shapes the fine specificity of pathogen-specific CD8 T cell responses. In this article, we report on a second effect of immunoproteasome formation on CD8 T cell responses. We show that mice deficient for the immunosubunits β5i/low molecular mass polypeptide (LMP7) and β2i/multicatalytic endopeptidase complex-like–1 develop early-stage multiorgan autoimmunity following irradiation and bone marrow transplantation. Disease symptoms are caused by CD8 T cells and are transferable into immunosubunit-deficient, RAG1-deficient mice. Moreover, using the human Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium MHC dataset, we identified two single nucleotide polymorphisms within the β5i/LMP7-encoding gene sequences, which were in strong linkage disequilibrium, as independent genetic risk factors for type 1 diabetes development in humans. Strikingly, these single nucleotide polymorphisms significantly enhanced the risk conferred by HLA haplotypes that were previously shown to predispose for type 1 diabetes. These data suggested that inflammation-induced immunosubunit expression in peripheral tissues constitutes a mechanism that prevents the development of CD8 T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases.
Examination of factors influencing the variability of yeast amount in the context of ph changes in bottled wines
Authors: Zeleňáková Lucia , Matejková Eva , Lopašovský Ľubomí­r , Kozelová Dagmar , Mura Ladislav
Published: July 2011

Aim of this paper was to examine of factors (manufacturer, temperature and storage time) influencing the variability of yeast amount and pH changes in bottled white wines. It was confirmed that wine coming from the business network was better quality in contract to domestic wine. We have assumed that domestic wine was contaminated during the manufacturing process, while the most probable reason was imperfect filtration of wine, or its contamination during the bottling. The results showed that the way of storage wine in the room, resp. cooler temperature did not significant effect on changes in the amount of yeast (p-hodnota=0.2080). Regarding the period of storage of wine, the conclusions are identical to the previous factor, ie. storage time not significantly impacted amount of yeast in wine (p-value=0.5507).
The Clinic Visit
Authors: Varvares Mark
Published: May 2024

In this narrative medicine essay, a surgical oncologist reflects on his 30-year practice and the care he receives for his leukemia, understanding how vital the relationships and discourse with the care team are for his recovery.
Climate Change in Comprehensive Cancer Control Plans in the US
Authors: Nogueira Leticia M. , Ross A. Julia , D’Angelo Heather , Neta Gila
Published: May 2024

This cross-sectional study examines the inclusion of climate- and climate change–related mitigation efforts in cancer prevention plans in US states, tribes, and territories.
DICER1 Syndrome Discovered Through an Eye Tumor
Authors: Fortarezza Francesco , Midena Giulia , Parrozzani Raffaele , Dei Tos Angelo Paolo
Published: May 2024

This case report describes a patient with medulloepithelioma of the ciliary body that was subsequently diagnosed as DICER1 syndrome.
Systemic Fluoroquinolone Use and Risk of Uveitis or Retinal Detachment
Authors: Brown Jeremy P. , Wing Kevin , Evans Stephen J. , Leyrat Clémence , Mansfield Kathryn E. , Smeeth Liam , Wong Angel Y. S. , Yorston David , Galwey Nicholas W. , Douglas Ian J.
Published: May 2024

Importance

Fluoroquinolone use has been associated with increased risk of uveitis and retinal detachment in noninterventional studies, but the findings have been conflicting and causality is unclear.

Objective

To estimate the association of systemic fluoroquinolone use with acute uveitis or retinal detachment, using multiple analyses and multiple databases to increase the robustness of results.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum and GOLD UK primary care records databases, which were linked to hospital admissions data. Adults prescribed a fluoroquinolone or a comparator antibiotic, cephalosporin, between April 1997 and December 2019 were included. Adults with uveitis or retinal detachment were analyzed in a separate self-controlled case series. Data analysis was performed from May 2022 to May 2023.

Exposures

Systemic fluoroquinolone or comparator antibiotic.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was a diagnosis of acute uveitis or retinal detachment. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated in the cohort study for the association of fluoroquinolone prescription with either uveitis or retinal detachment, using stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighted Cox regression. Rate ratios (RRs) were estimated in the self-controlled case series, using conditional Poisson regression. Estimates were pooled across databases using fixed-effects meta-analysis.

Results

In total, 3 001 256 individuals in Aurum (1 893 561 women [63.1%]; median [IQR] age, 51 [35-68] years) and 434 754 in GOLD (276 259 women [63.5%]; median [IQR] age, 53 [37-70] years) were included in the cohort study. For uveitis, the pooled adjusted HRs (aHRs) for use of fluoroquinolone vs cephalosporin were 0.91 (95% CI, 0.72-1.14) at first treatment episode and 1.07 (95% CI, 0.92-1.25) over all treatment episodes. For retinal detachment, the pooled aHRs were 1.37 (95% CI, 0.80-2.36) at first treatment episode and 1.18 (95% CI, 0.84-1.65) over all treatment episodes. In the self-controlled case series, for uveitis, the pooled adjusted RRs (aRRs) for fluoroquinolone use vs nonuse were 1.13 (95% CI, 0.97-1.31) for 1 to 29 days of exposure, 1.16 (95% CI, 1.00-1.34) for 30 to 59 days, and 0.98 (95% CI, 0.74-1.31) for 60 days for longer. For retinal detachment, pooled aRRs for fluoroquinolone use vs nonuse were 1.15 (95% CI, 0.86-1.54) for 1 to 29 days of exposure, 0.94 (95% CI, 0.69-1.30) for 30 to 59 days, and 1.03 (95% CI, 0.59-1.78) for 60 days or longer.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings do not support an association of systemic fluoroquinolone use with substantively increased risk of uveitis or retinal detachment. Although an association cannot be completely ruled out, these findings indicate that any absolute increase in risk would be small and, hence, of limited clinical importance.
Effect of V Content on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of High‐Pressure Torsion Nanostructured CoCrFeMnNiVx High‐Entropy Alloys
Authors: Tabachnikova Elena. D. , Smirnov Sergej N. , Shapovalov Yuriy O. , Kolodiy Igor V. , Levenets Anastasia V. , Tikhonovsky Mikhail A. , Zehetbauer Michael J. , Rentenberger Christian , Schafler Erhard , Huang Yi , Langdon Terence G.
Published: May 2024

The article presents investigations of microstructure and low‐temperature mechanical properties of nanostructured alloys CoCrFeMnNiVx (x = 0.15–0.75), processed by high‐pressure torsion (HPT) at temperatures of 300 and 77 K. While at x ≥ 0.5 the values of microhardness (Hv) and compression yield stress (σ0.2) in samples after HPT at 77 K are larger than those in samples after HPT at 300 K, for x ≤ 0.2 surprisingly the opposite effect is observed. As in case of the undeformed CoCrFeMnNiVx alloys, the behavior for vanadium concentrations x ≥ 0.5 can be related to the formation of tetragonal σ‐phase in addition to face‐centered cubic matrix, while the anomalous behavior for x ≤ 0.2 arises from the formation of HPT‐induced hexagonal martensitic phase. In the low‐temperature ranges, i.e., 20–300 K in case of HPT nanostructured CoCrFeMnNiV0.2, and 150–300 K in case of HPT nanostructured CoCrFeMnNiV0.5, dependences of σ0.2(T) show characteristics of thermally activated dislocation movement. For the first time in high‐entropy alloys, anomalous dependences of σ0.2(T) at temperatures 4.2–20 K for CoCrFeMnNiV0.2, and at 80–150 K for CoCrFeMnNiV0.5 are found, which indicate at the occurrence of nonthermal inertial dislocation movement.
Mucus‐Inspired Self‐Healing Hydrogels: A Protective Barrier for Cells against Viral Infection
Authors: Bej Raju , Stevens Corey Alfred , Nie Chuanxiong , Ludwig Kai , Degen George D. , Kerkhoff Yannic , Pigaleva Marina , Adler Julia M. , Bustos Nicole A. , Page Taylor M. , Trimpert Jakob , Block Stephan , Kaufer Benedikt B. , Ribbeck Katharina , Haag Rainer
Published: May 2024

Mucus is a dynamic biological hydrogel, composed primarily of the glycoprotein mucin, exhibits unique biophysical properties and forms a barrier protecting cells against a broad‐spectrum of viruses. Here, this work develops a polyglycerol sulfate‐based dendronized mucin‐inspired copolymer (MICP‐1) with ≈10% repeating units of activated disulfide as cross‐linking sites. Cryo‐electron microscopy (Cryo‐EM) analysis of MICP‐1 reveals an elongated single‐chain fiber morphology. MICP‐1 shows potential inhibitory activity against many viruses such as herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV‐1) and SARS‐CoV‐2 (including variants such as Delta and Omicron). MICP‐1 produces hydrogels with viscoelastic properties similar to healthy human sputum and with tuneable microstructures using linear and branched polyethylene glycol‐thiol (PEG‐thiol) as cross‐linkers. Single particle tracking microrheology, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and cryo‐scanning electron microscopy (Cryo‐SEM) are used to characterize the network structures. The synthesized hydrogels exhibit self‐healing properties, along with viscoelastic properties that are tuneable through reduction. A transwell assay is used to investigate the hydrogel's protective properties against viral infection against HSV‐1. Live‐cell microscopy confirms that these hydrogels can protect underlying cells from infection by trapping the virus, due to both network morphology and anionic multivalent effects. Overall, this novel mucin‐inspired copolymer generates mucus‐mimetic hydrogels on a multi‐gram scale. These hydrogels can be used as models for disulfide‐rich airway mucus research, and as biomaterials.
Synergistic Machine Learning Accelerated Discovery of Nanoporous Inorganic Crystals as Non‐Absorbable Oral Drugs
Authors: Xiang Liang , Chen Jiangzhi , Zhao Xin , Hu Jinbin , Yu Jia , Zeng Xiaodong , Liu Tianzhi , Ren Jie , Zhang Shiyi
Published: May 2024

Machine learning (ML) has taken drug discovery to new heights, where effective ML training requires vast quantities of high‐quality experimental data as input. Non‐absorbable oral drugs (NODs) have unique safety advantage for chronic diseases due to their zero systemic exposure, but their empirical discovery is still time‐consuming and costly. Here, a synergistic ML method, integrating small data‐driven multi‐layer unsupervised learning, in silico quantum‐mechanical computations, and minimal wet‐lab experiments is devised to identify the finest NODs from massive inorganic materials to achieve multi‐objective function (high selectivity, large capacity, and stability). Based on this method, a NH4‐form nanoporous zeolite with merlinoite (MER) framework (NH4‐MER) is discovered for the treatment of hyperkalemia. In three different animal models, NH4‐MER shows a superior safety and efficacy profile in reducing blood K+ without Na+ release, which is an unmet clinical need in chronic kidney disease and Gordon's syndrome. This work provides a synergistic ML method to accelerate the discovery of NODs and other shape‐selective materials.
Interstitials in Thermoelectrics
Authors: Xu Liqing , Yin Zhanxiang , Xiao Yu , Zhao Li‐Dong
Published: May 2024

Defect structure is pivotal in advancing thermoelectric performance with interstitials being widely recognized for their remarkable roles in optimizing both phonon and electron transport properties. Diverse interstitial atoms are identified in previous works according to their distinct roles and can be classified into rattling interstitial, decoupling interstitial, interlayer interstitial, dynamic interstitial, and liquid interstitial. Specifically, rattling interstitial can cause phonon resonance in cage compound to scatter phonon transport; decoupling interstitial can contribute to phonon blocking and electron transport due to their significantly different mean free paths; interlayer interstitial can facilitate out‐of‐layer electron transport in layered compounds; dynamic interstitial can tune temperature‐dependent carrier density and optimize electrical transport properties at wide temperatures; liquid interstitial could improve the carrier mobility at homogeneous dispersion state. All of these interstitials have positive impact on thermoelectric performance by adjusting transport parameters. This perspective therefore intends to provide a thorough overview of advances in interstitial strategy and highlight their significance for optimizing thermoelectric parameters. Finally, the profound potential for extending interstitial strategy to various other thermoelectric systems is discussed and some future directions in thermoelectric material are also outlined.
Visualized Sensing‐Integrated Multi‐Responsive Soft Actuator for On‐Demand Robotic Manipulation
Authors: Cui Xiyue , Zeng Yuyang , Qin Liutong , Cheng Xiang , Yang Yuanyuan
Published: May 2024

Research on small‐scale soft robots has emerged in recent years, and various soft actuators have been developed to implement various actions. Nevertheless, realizing self‐sensing alongside environmental sensing capabilities remains a challenge, largely due to the constraints imposed by compact dimensions and the limited load‐bearing capacity intrinsic to these robots. In this study, an innovative approach is introduced through the development of a visualized sensing integrated soft actuator, which harnesses the actuator's color as a straightforward and real‐time sensing medium. Additionally, a multi‐responsive actuation mechanism is adopted in which the actuator responds concurrently to both electric and magnetic fields. To exemplify the efficacy of this concept, the actuators are engineered as flexible soft grippers, thereby accommodating functions encompassing grasping and transporting. Relying on the color distribution manifested by the actuator, the actuator's self‐sensing ability alongside its capacity to discern object temperatures is demonstrated. Such a soft actuator provides new perspectives in the realm of soft robotics, showing great potential in diverse robotic applications.
Effect of cover crop species and termination timing on corn growth and seedling disease
Authors: Almeida Tauana F. , Robinson Emily , Matthiesen‐Anderson Rashelle , Robertson Alison E. , Basche Andrea
Published: May 2024

Later spring termination of fall‐planted cover crops can result in more biomass production, which has the potential to improve environmental benefits. However, later cover crop termination can also have the potential to harm cash crops, such as through increases in corn seedling disease. With the objective of better understanding such potential competing interactions, we evaluated the impact of early and late termination timing of two cover crops—cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.)—on growth, seedling disease, and grain yield of corn in 2021 and 2022 in Nebraska. The total biomass production varied among treatments. Hairy vetch biomass was lower than cereal rye biomass at both termination times in 2021, but not different from cereal rye terminated early in 2022. Radicle root rot severity, a symptom of corn seedling disease, was not affected by cover crops in 2021. In 2022, however, radicle root rot was most severe in cereal rye terminated late treatments. Hairy vetch did not affect radicle root rot severity, regardless of termination time. Late termination of cereal rye resulted in a reduction in corn yield of 15.3% in 2021 and 76.1% in 2022 compared to no cover crop. Corn (Zea mays L.) grain yield was not affected following hairy vetch at either termination timing. Our results suggest that corn planted following late‐terminated cereal rye can increase the severity of root rot and decrease corn grain yield; however, planting green into hairy vetch can be a successful option to increase biomass without increasing corn seedling disease or decreasing corn yield.
Improving on Complexity: Ideas for Enhancing Quantitative Modeling of Climate Mobility
Authors: Michelini Sidney , Petrova Kristina , Gong Chen Chris , Zantout Karim
Published: May 2024

Quantitative climate mobility research has, so far, focused primarily on climate change impacts on migration outcomes. This focus has led to a separation between quantitative climate migration research and the broader field of migration studies. In this paper ways are proposed for quantitative research to better address the complexity in the relationship between climate change and mobility. First technical suggestions are presented to improve upon migration model setups and designs and highlight promising developments. Then it is argued that quantitative methodologies can broaden the scope of research inquiries by examining how climate mitigation and adaptation efforts influence mobility, as well as assessing how mobility itself impacts vulnerability.
Non‐Hermitian Bonding and Electronic Reconfiguration of Ba2ScNbO6 and Ba2LuNbO6
Authors: Tan Yaorui , Bo Maolin
Published: May 2024

Despite the extensive applications of perovskite compounds, the precise nature of non‐Hermitian bonding in these materials remains poorly understood. In this study, density functional theory calculations are performed to determine the electronic structures of perovskite compounds. In particular, the bandgaps of Ba2ScNbO6 and Ba2LuNbO6 are found to be 2.617 and 2.629 eV, respectively, and the deformation bond energies and non‐Hermitian bonding of these compounds are calculated. The relationship between the non‐Hermitian zeros of the O‐Nb bond of Ba2ScNbO6 and the non‐Hermitian zeros of the Sc‐O bond is found to be similar but with varying sizes. Further, in‐depth research on non‐Hermitian chemistry verified that precise control of atomic bonding and electron states can be achieved, providing new insights into the study of chemical bonds.
Highly efficient palladium‐catalyzed hydroesterification of functionalized alkenes
Authors: Dai Chenghui , Zheng Yanling , Fu Haiyan , Xu Jiaqi , Zheng Xueli , Chen Hua , Ge Yicen , Li Ruixiang
Published: May 2024

Herein, we introduce a catalytic system consisting of Pd (OAc)2/Xantphos/Al (OTf)3, which exhibits excellent reactivity in catalyzing the hydroesterification of a wide range of substrates, including electron‐deficient unsaturated acids/esters, aliphatic alkenes, functionalized styrenes, and phenylacetylenes. The catalytic system featured high reactivity and selectivity, low catalyst loading, wide substrate scope, and low CO pressure. Importantly, it eliminated the need for corrosive strong Brønsted acid additives, yielding alkyl‐ or aryl‐substituted dicarboxylic acid esters and monocarboxylic acid ester derivatives that hold significant industrial and pharmaceutical value. Mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction proceeds via the palladium hydride pathway.
A 65‐year‐old woman with ALS and bilateral precentral motor band sign
Authors: Ghaderi Sadegh , Batouli Seyed Amir Hossein , Kalra Sanjay , Mohammadi Sana , Fatehi Farzad
Published: May 2024

Key Clinical Message

Advanced MRI techniques, including SWI, MinIP, and QSM, are instrumental in detecting the “motor band sign” in ALS, aiding in the early diagnosis and assessment of upper motor neuron involvement, which is critical for therapeutic interventions.
A CBPR approach to multicultural and socially just counseling research
Authors: Trott Arianna , Suri Tanupreet , Chávez Thomas A.
Published: May 2024

Counselor education needs innovative approaches to research that align with counseling values including the multicultural social justice counseling competencies. Community‐based participatory research can be used as an approach to bridge gaps in research and promote equity, social justice competencies, and ethical standards in the field of counseling.