bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Downhole Electric Heaters to Complement or Replace Cyclic Steam Stimulation Operations
Authors: Cureton Ethan
Published: April 2024

The combination of downhole electric heaters with Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS) operations has been successfully piloted in a California heavy oil field. This paper focuses on a field case study of the installation of an electric heater in a horizontal CSS producer with the primary objective of extending the duration of the production phase of the well’s average steam cycle. History matched thermal reservoir simulations based on the results of this field trial predict that operating an electric heater in a comparable well from the beginning of its life could extend the duration of the average CSS cycle by at least 90% while maintaining equivalent cumulative oil production over a 5-year period. The history matched model was adapted for steam cycles of various durations ranging from 3 to 8 months, and the benefits of extending these cycles’ durations using the hybrid downhole heater application are analyzed.

Further modeling work determined that doubling the length of the productive interval of the field’s average horizontal CSS well while electrically heating could completely eliminate the need for steam injection and increase oil production on a per-well basis by more than 10%. Reductions in CO2 emissions through the elimination of steam are estimated to be greater than 80%, and reductions in water consumption can reach as high as 100%.

Whether electric heaters are used to complement CSS operations by extending steam cycle duration, or to replace CSS operations with longer horizontal wells, significant economic and environmental benefits can be realized by implementing the technology.
Laboratory Evaluation to Assess the Performance of a New Eco-Friendly Drilling Fluid Additive
Authors: Alsaba M. , Elgaddafi R. , Ismael A. , Marake T. , Hersi A.
Published: April 2024

Due to the strict environmental regulations particularly with chrome-based drilling fluid additives and due to the challenges faced when drilling HPHT wells in terms controlling the rheological properties and filtration characteristics of water-based drilling fluids, a lot of efforts have been put into the development of an efficient chrome-free based drilling fluid additives. Controlling the fluid loss and rheological properties under high temperature conditions can be very challenging due to the fact that a lot of polymers degrade at such conditions, which could result in poor fluid loss control as well as a dramatic increase or decrease in the rheological properties. This paper presents an extensive development and laboratory evaluation of a new chrome-free lignosulfonate with high thermal stability along with a comparison with some available commercial chrome-free products.

A water-based drilling fluid, which was contaminated with calcium sulfate to simulate the contamination occurring when drilling through thick anhydrite sections, was used as reference point to evaluate the performance of nine different Chrome-Free Lignosulfonate (CFLS) and the performance was compared with two commercially available CFLS. The performance of the new CFLS was evaluated under both low and high temperature. The rheological properties were assessed after aging the reference fluid samples for 24 hours under room temperature conditions and treating it with 8 lb/bbl CFLS. Then, the samples were aged for 16 hours under high temperature conditions (300o F) and both the rheological properties and filtration characteristics were measured. The performance of the CFLS was assessed in terms of the %thinning efficiency as well as the %reduction in fluid loss.

The results showed a significant reduction of 36% in terms of thinning efficiency and up to 42% in terms of fluid loss by the addition of 8 lb/bbls of the newly developed CFLS. On one hand, one of the evaluated commercial CFLS showed a 63% improvement in terms of thinning, however, the fluid loss increased by 33%. On the other hand, the other commercial CFLS resulted in adverse effect on the rheological properties, where the yield point was increased by almost 100% while the fluid loss was reduced by 48%. Based on the results, the newly developed CFLS product was able to maintain both good rheological properties and filtration characteristics under high temperature conditions. The newly developed CFLS outperformed the two commercially evaluated products under high temperature conditions, which shows the great potential of the new product in replacing the available products.
Navigating Sand Management Challenges in Mature Offshore Fields: A Deep Dive into Technologies, Strategies, and Best Practices in Offshore East Malaysia
Authors: Lin Catherine Tang Ye , Jeffry Suzanna Juyanty Bt M , Chandrakant Ashvin Avalani , Yusof Aqil M , Shyan Vincent Lim Ming , Lun Louis Chee Wuei
Published: April 2024

Sand production presents significant challenges in the management of mature offshore fields. Field A has faced persistent sand production issues since 2015, resulting in 16 incidents of loss of primary containment (LOPC) across surface valves and flowlines within a six-year period, leading to substantial production losses. The presence of sand has also caused significant locked-in potentials (LIP) in Field A, resulting from the choking or shut-in of wells due to the risk of sand production, and adversely impacted well performance even after remedial sand control measures were implemented. Consequently, considerable efforts were directed towards enhancing the effectiveness of sand management in Field A.

A comprehensive approach encompassing seven lenses of sand management was adopted, integrating subsurface and surface considerations. Digital technologies played a pivotal role in transitioning the team from reactive to proactive sand management practices. Continuous monitoring, improvisation, and enhancement of these seven lenses over the years have been instrumental in safeguarding production in Field A. Emphasis has been placed on the integration of these technologies through effective reservoir, well, and facilities management (RWFM) workflows, involving production engineers, operations engineers, and offshore crew members, thereby enabling holistic sand management.

As a result, significant production improvements were observed, and no LOPC events have occurred since 2020 at Field A. The applications of game-changing technologies such as erosion-resistant thru-tubing sand screens (ERTTSS), surface bulk desander systems, acoustic sand monitoring, ultrasonic flowline thickness sensors, and other initiatives also instilled higher confidence in managing sand production issues.

In conclusion, this paper offers a comprehensive summary of the key elements within the holistic sand management approach adopted in Field A. Overall, this paper highlights the operational philosophies underpinning real-time monitoring systems, predictive maintenance, and proactive intervention approaches implemented in Field A, that serves as a valuable resource for oil and gas operators seeking to optimize sand control practices and enhance overall production efficiency in mature oil and gas field.
Hybrid Virtual Flow and Pressure Metering Approach Integrating Physics and Machine Learning Models for Accurate and Efficient Rates and Bottom Hole Pressure Prediction
Authors: Abudeeb F. , Idris M. , Abdullah Z.
Published: April 2024

Data collection is crucial in the Oil and Gas business. Reliable production and pressure measurements for oil and gas operations can be acquired from Multiphase Flow metering and bottom hole pressure metering. Accurate and continuous production and pressure measurements are crucial not only for field surveillance, but also for effective production optimization. Virtual Flow & Pressure Metering (VFPM) is an alternative to the conventional physical meters and can exist in two forms, physics-based VFPM and Machine learning-based VFPM. The physics-based VFPM relies on multiphase flow and pressure simulations including thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, fluid modeling, and optimization techniques. Machine learning VFPM however, uncovers the relationship between target variables and sensor data. Both methods have strengths but also have some limitations.

The proposed algorithm is the hybrid VFPM that merges both types, the physics-based VFPM and the Machine Learning VFPM. The approach first tests each VFPM method independently and checks for time consumed and accuracy. Then, it tests for the hybrid model option. In the hybrid model case, the framework starts with the basic well data going into the Physics-based Model to simulate the well behavior and create sensitivity analysis. The generated data is then fed to the Machine Learning model. The process then considers correlation between input features and removes highly correlated features. Data is split into train and test and then, the regression model is built using multiple model options to choose the most suitable model based on accuracy metrics and elapsed time. The best model is picked and the target variables are generated. The model here was decision tree-based Machine Learning Model as it represented the data best and needed few hyper-parameters to tune.

The effectiveness of the algorithm was tested and validated, achieving a high accuracy of 90% in predicting Multiphase Flow Rate and 98% accuracy in predicting bottomhole pressure, and a reduction of 45% in time consumed to generate the data.

The algorithm's prediction reduces the time needed to generate data using solely physics-based VFPM while increasing the accuracy of the solely Machine Learning-based VFPM. In addition, this approach can translate into a huge cost saving since it eliminates the need for a physical meter in each well.
Identification of Polymer Flooding Flow Channels and Characterization of Oil Recovery Factor Based On U-Net
Authors: Cao Jinxin , Li Yiqiang , Zhang Yaqian , Gao Wenbin , Zhang Yuling , Cai Yifei , Tang Xuechen , Li Qihang , Liu Zheyu
Published: April 2024

Image identification is a major means to achieve quantitative characterization of the microscopic oil displacement process. Traditional digital image processing techniques usually uses a series of pixel-based algorithms, which is difficult to achieve real-time processing of large-scale images. Deep learning methods have the characteristics of fast speed and high accuracy. This paper proposes a four-channel image segmentation method based on RGB color and rock particle mask. First, the micro model rock particle mask is divided together with the RGB component to form four-channel input data through image processing technology. Pixel-level training set labels are then created through traditional image processing techniques. Through the U-Net semantic segmentation network, the pixel-level oil and water identification and recovery factor calculation of the polymer microscopic oil displacement process were carried out. Combined with the pore distance transformation algorithm, the lower limit of pore utilization for different displacement media was clarified. The results show that U-Net can achieve accurate division of oil and water areas. Compared with conventional three-channel images, the improved four-channel image proposed in this paper has significantly improved the segmentation accuracy due to the addition of the constraints of the rock particle mask, and the global accuracy can be Up to 99%. Combining some post-processing methods, this paper found that polymer flooding increased the mobilization degree of small pores on the basis of water flooding and lowered the lower limit of pore mobilization from 25 μm to 16 μm. In microscopic experiments, the recovery factor was increased by 24.01%, finally achieving rapid and accurate quantitative characterization of the microscopic oil displacement process. The four-channel image method based on the U-Net semantic segmentation network and the improved rock particle mask proposed in this article has strong adaptability to the identification of flow channels in the microscopic oil displacement process. Quantitative characterization of the lower limit of pore movement and recovery degree during microscopic oil displacement provides a new method for microscopic image processing.
Techno-Economic Assessment of Integrated Crude Gasification and CO2-Plume Geothermal Systems: A Synergic Approach for Electricity Generation
Authors: Altowilib A. , Baaqel H. , Sarathy M.
Published: April 2024

Global hydrogen production contributes significantly to carbon dioxide emissions due to reliance on fossil fuels. This study aims to integrate and model various upstream and downstream processes to facilitate concurrent hydrogen production, underground storage, CO2 utilization, and electricity generation. The first part of this paper focuses on modeling gasification and CO2 capture processes, supplemented by an economic analysis to estimate critical capital and operating costs for design, scale-up, and integration considerations. The second part of this work shows how CO2-plume geothermal systems and power generation plants can complement gasification and CO2 capture processes to create a sustainable energy system. Key findings reveal a H2/VR ratio is 0.24 % wt/wt with a CO2 intensity is 3 % wt/wt. The CO-2 capture process achieves a capture rate of 97%, with an initial CO2 flow rate of 582.0 kg/s and a captured CO2 flow rate of 565.8 kg/s. Additionally, the levelized costs of H2, with and without carbon capture, are determined as 1.795 $/kg and 1.684 $/kg, respectively. The CO2-plume geothermal model demonstrates varied outcomes, with the 1000 md scenario exhibiting the lowest CO2 sequestration due to its high average CO2 flow rate, while the 25 md scenario produces the most water owing to low permeability values. Notably, the 250 md and 1000 md scenarios achieve the highest and second-highest average power output, attributed to high CO2 flow rate, low water cut, and prolonged maintenance of CO2 in a supercritical state. This research provides valuable economic and technical insights that support the transition towards a low-carbon hydrogen future. The findings pave the way for more sustainable and efficient energy solutions.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Acid Treatment of Low-Permeability Carbonate Reservoirs Using a Developed Foam-Acid Composition Through Physical Modeling and 3D and 4D Tomography on Core Models
Authors: Malakhov A. O. , Leukhina M. A. , Valisheva D. I. , Zharkov D. A. , Badretdinov E. N. , Kadyrov R. I. , Saifullin E. R. , Bykov A. A. , Nazarychev S. A. , Abdelrehim A. , Varfolomeev M. A. , Abusalimov E. M. , Lutfullin A. A.
Published: April 2024

Currently, fields with carbonate reservoirs are the main objects of geological exploration, providing the bulk of the increase in oil and gas reserves. Carbonate deposits are highly productive and provide about 60% of global oil production [1]. More than 200 fields with carbonate reservoirs are exploited in Russia. In recent years, low-permeability rocks have become increasingly promising as productive reservoirs. This paper examines the deposits of the Republic of Tatarstan. This fields are characterized by an average reservoir temperature of 23-25 °C, reservoir pressures of 50-60 bar and high salinity of water in the near well-bore area. The oil in the fields is highly bituminous, and the mineralization of water is more than 20 g/L. Currently, carbonate deposits are being actively developed in this area. Contamination or clogging of the bottomhole zone of production wells is one of the main problems that complicates oil production from carbonate reservoirs [2]. In the process of field development, the effectiveness of geological and technical actions to bottomhole treatment of wells decreases due to changes in the structure of reserves, well stock, deterioration of reservoir properties of the near well-bore area, increase in water cut, changes in the component and salt composition of the produced fluid.

The most common method of cleaning the near well-bore area for carbonate reservoirs is the use of various types of hydrochloric treatment. The experience of using hydrochloric treatment technology in the fields of Tatarstan [3–6] has shown that this technology in its traditional design has less efficiency every year. The high rate of reaction with the rock does not allow the acid to penetrate deep into the formation, the low viscosity of the agent leads to the formation of large channels in highly permeable zones. As a result, low efficiency of repeated treatments is observed due to the expansion of existing channels and less radial distance from hole axis.
Formation Evaluation Using LWD NMR, LWD Electrical Imaging and Triple Combo Data - A Case Study from India
Authors: Pawandeep Singh Bagga , Harsh Vardhan
Published: April 2024

Logging While Drilling (LWD) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), LWD Electrical Imaging along with Conventional Triple Combo LWD services were deployed in Mumbai Offshore field in India. LWD NMR data gives a rock independent porosity measurement which seem to verify the other measurements which in turn increases the data confidence. Depending on rock quality and wettability NMR data might give some good insight in fluid saturations. Furthermore, NMR data gives a permeability Index (also while drilling) which can be useful for selecting pressure stations while drilling, it might also be useful for completion design and production/injection rate calculations. LWD Electrical Imaging tool from provides detailed reservoir characterization, structural classification, and wellbore integrity management in Realtime.

In this well, The NMR permeability seemed to be related to total porosity; high porosity gave high permeability and low porosity gave low permeability, i.e., a synthetic perm curve based on Neutron density aligned quite well with NMR perm. The Hydrocarbon saturation appeared to be highest in the upper part of the section but both Archie saturation and NMR saturation indicate a nearly monotonically decreasing Hydrocarbon saturation towards end of well. In the upper part the T2 peak was positioned at around 1000ms but gradually moved towards a shorter T2 time with depth. Towards bottom the T2 peak had moved down to about 2-300ms and water saturation appeared to be high.

Electrical imaging was used to demarcate the bed boundaries, Dip Picking and Fracture identification. Quick-Look Interpretation of the image data provides evidence of vuggy carbonaceous formation with presence of continuous conductive fractures scattered across the drilled interval. This made the use of permeability model and saturation calculation more complicated. The conventional triple combo helped to steer the well and be in the zone of interest.

The paper in depth discusses the deployments of LWD NMR and LWD Electrical Imaging in the field, Associated challenges, and value these services brought to the operator.
Research of a New Micro-Nano Oil-Displacement System Conformance Control Technology and its Performance Evaluation
Authors: Sun Zhe , Zhang Jian , Wang Xiujun , Huang Bo , Xie Kun , Vasilevskaya Valentina V. , Ushakova Alexandra
Published: April 2024

Although polymer flooding technology has been widely applied and achieved remarkable effect of oil increment. Yet the "entry profile inversion" phenomenon occurs inevitably in its later stage. This exposes the shortcomings of its oil displacement mechanism and ultimately affects the oil recovery rate. Therefore, a novel dispersion system has been developed in recent years. Due to its excellent performance and advanced mechanism, it can effectively overcoming the above issues.

The dispersion system consists of microgel particles and its carrier fluid. After coming into porous media, it shows the motion feature of "trapping, deformation, migration". In this paper, the preparation method, reservoir adaptability evaluation, and plugging and deformation characteristics of dispersion system is firstly studied. Then, by adopting the microfluidic technology, its oil displacement mechanism is further explored. On this basis, oil displacement evaluation is carried out through the CT technology. Furthermore, the typical field application case is analyzed.

Results show that, the dispersion system have good physical and chemical properties performance and transport ability in porous media. Through microfluidic experiments, the temporary plugging and deformation characteristics of microgel particles in the pore throat are clearly displayed. Additionally, due to the partitioning and cooperation between microgels and carrier fluids, the dispersion system causes no damage to the low permeability layer. Furthermore, microgel particles presents the movement feature of "migration, trapping, and deformation" in the porous media, which can realize deep fluid diversion and expand swept volume. 3D macro physical simulation experiment shows that, dispersion system can achieve the goal of enhance oil recovery. Finally, the dispersion flooding technology has been applied in 15 different oilfields, which all obtained great success.

Through interdisciplinary innovative research methods, the oil displacement mechanism and field application of dispersion system is researched, which proves its progressiveness and superiority. The research results provide theoretical basis and technical support for the enhancing oil recovery significantly.
The effect of different constant temperatures on biological characteristics and life table parameters of Trichogramma bourarachae Pintureau and Babault, 1988 (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)
Authors: Zouba Anis , ZOUGARI Sahar , Latifian Masoud , Mamay Mehmet , Kadri Nabila , Hmida Foued Ben
Published: April 2024

Trichogramma parasitoids are highly effective biocontrol agents largely used in integrated pest management strategies for controlling lepidopterous pests. One of the key factors significantly influencing their efficacy is climatic conditions, with temperature playing a central role. Trichogramma bourarachae Pintureau and Babault (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), an arrhenotokous parasitoid commonly found in the Mediterranean region, has shown remarkable performance in managing numerous economically important lepidopterous pests. Understanding its thermal requirements holds paramount importance for optimizing rearing techniques and strategic inundative releases. In this study, we investigated the biological characteristics and life table parameters of T. bourarachae at eight constant temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30, 32, 35, 37 and 40°C) using Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs. Temperature had a significant impact on all the key life history traits of T. bourarachae, including the number of parasitized eggs, development time, emergence rate, sex ratio, progeny's longevity, and fecundity. T. bourarachae demonstrates the ability to thrive within a temperature range of 15°C to 37°C, with its optimal development and reproductive performance occurring at 32°C. Life table analysis revealed that the net reproductive rate (R0) and intrinsic rate of increase (r) peaked at 32°C. The finite rate of increase (λ) showed a positive correlation with temperature within the range of 15°C to 32°C. Generation time (T) and doubling time (DT) decreased with increasing temperature from 15°C to 37°C. These results indicate that T. bourarachae is well-adapted to high temperature conditions, positioning it as a promising candidate for controlling thermophilic lepidopteran pests in the Mediterranean region.
Note On Importance of Correct Stoichiometric Assumptions for Modeling of Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Gibiansky Leonid , Gibiansky Ekaterina
Published: April 2024

Pharmacokinetic modeling of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with non-linear binding is based on equations of the target-mediated drug disposition (Mager and Jusko, 2001). These equations demonstrated their utility in countless examples and drug development programs. The model assumes that the mAb drug and the target have only one binding site each while, in reality, most antibodies have two binding sites. Thus, the currently used model does not correspond to the biological process that it aims to describe. The correct mechanistic model should take into account both binding sites. We investigated, using simulations, whether this discrepancy is important and when it is advisable to use a model with correct stoichiometric 2-to-1 ratio. We show that for soluble targets when elimination rate of the drug-target complex is comparable with the elimination rate of the drug or lower, and when measurements of both total drug and total target concentrations are available, the model with 1-to-1 (monovalent) binding cannot describe data simulated from the model with 2-to-1 (bivalent) binding. In these cases, models with correct stoichiometric assumptions may be necessary for an adequate description of the observed data. Also, a model with allosteric binding that encompasses both 2-to-1 and 1-to-1 binding models as particular cases was proposed and applied. It was shown to be identifiable given the detailed concentration data of total drug and total target.
Effects of The Self- Determined Learning Model of Instruction on Goal Attainment and Self-Determination for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder Attending College
Authors: Monaghan Meredith Moates
Published: April 2024

PURPOSE
This was the first study to examine the effects of the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI) on goal attainment of academic college coursework for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The intervention was designed to facilitate student development, and participation in community college course settings, increase academic and vocational goal attainment and self-determined behavior, while decreasing support needs. The SDLMI has shown to be effective for teaching students with disabilities how to access the general education curriculum and increase self-determination skills to achieve academic goals.
METHODS
A multiple probe design across participants with four college-aged students with ASD, evaluated the effects of the intervention for three different post-secondary education (PSE) goals to show the extent to which the intervention affects participants’ ability to be more self-determined in their decision-making regarding the management of educational goals and course requirements using self-directed learning. The SDLMI Teacher’s Guide for Model Implementation was used for intervention implementation fidelity.
RESULTS
The study compared real time data in point-by-point agreement ratios to quantify the number of times the observers agreed in each observation to determine differences during data collection. The baseline, intervention, and maintenance sessions lasted 1 semester, and data were collected during all sessions. Results from the intervention effects showed a functional relationship (cause-effect) between the intervention and goal attainment.
CONCLUSION
Participants increased their ability to use self-determined behaviors to attain goals through student questions, teacher objectives, and educational supports. Self-determined behaviors increased while support needs greatly decreased.
Consistency of Heat Stress Tolerance Across Life Stages in Macrocystis pyrifera
Authors: Harden Maddelyn , Kovalev Maxim , Molano Gary , Yorke Christie , Miller Robert , Reed Daniel C. , Alberto Filipe , Koos David S. , Lansford Rusty , Nuzhdin Sergey
Published: April 2024

Kelps are vital for marine ecosystems, yet the genetic diversity underlying their capacity to adapt to climate change remains unknown. In this study, we focused on the kelp Macrocystis pyrifera (M. pyrifera), a species critical to coastal habitats. We developed a phenotyping protocol to evaluate heat stress response in 204 M. pyrifera gametophytes, subjected to heat stress treatments ranging from 21°C to 27°C. Here we show that genotypes exhibiting a heat-stress tolerant (HST) phenotype as haploid gametophytes also produced greater biomass as diploid sporophytes in a warm-water ocean farm. This correlation suggests a predictive relationship between early-stage HST and later-stage growth performance, indicating the potential for selecting resilient kelp strains under warmer ocean temperatures. However, HST kelps showed reduced genetic variation, underscoring the importance of integrating heat tolerance genes into a broader genetic pool to maintain the adaptability of kelp populations in the face of climate change.
Quantitative Determination of Residue Amounts of Pesticide Active İngredients Used in Grapes by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS Devices and Evaluation of These Pesticides in Terms of Public Health
Authors: Elmastaş Ayhan
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study was to quantitatively determine pesticide residues in grapes, one of the most produced and consumed fruits in Turkey and in the world. A total of 226 active ingredients were analyzed in 21 samples collected from Southeastern and Eastern Anatolia regions using QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) extraction method and multiple residue analysis technique and LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS devices. In 11 out of 21 samples (52.4%), no active ingredient was detected, while at least one active ingredient was detected in 10 samples (47.6%). Thirteen different active substances (Ametoctradin, Azoxystrobin, Boscalid, Diphenoconazole, Dimethomorph, Fenhexamid, Fluopyram, Flutriafol, Metalaxyl- Metalaxyl-M, Metrafenone, Tebuconazole, Trifloxystrobin) were detected in the samples. The top 3 most detected active substances were Boscalid-Azoxystrobin and Fluopyram, respectively. The active ingredients were found between 0.015–0.499 mg.kğ−1 values.
Microbiota and pulmonary hypertension: a systematic review on human studies
Authors: Yarmohammadi Hossein , Soltanipur Masood , Rezaei Mahdi , Soroush Erfan , Mahalleh Mehrdad , Razavi Alireza , Raei Maedeh , Yaghmaei Hessam , Mirhosseini Seyed Mohsen , Siadat Seyed Davar
Published: April 2024

Background
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is accompanied by unfavorable outcomes and the search for new targets such as metabolites for its treatment is ongoing, therefore, this systematic review gathered evidence of the possible relationship between microbiota and PH.
Methods
This study was performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). Population characteristics, PH etiology, treatment, and, severity, and the source of samples were extracted for each study. Also, microbiome composition and increased or decreased bacteria in metabolites were gathered. The quality assessment was performed based on the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist.
Results
Eight case-controls were included which all were focused on etiologies other than the left heart diseases. The range of mean values for mPAP of PH patients was 38 to 78 mmHg. Oronasopharynx and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were the sources of samples in two and one studies respectively. The abundance of different bacteria such as Firmicutes, Hemophilus, Prevotella, and, Bacteroides was altered among PH patients compared to controls. In one study TMAO level was significantly increased among patients with higher REVEAL scores. In five studies random forest modeling was employed to differentiate PH patients from controls and the range of accuracy reported by three studies was 80.3–93.8%.
Conclusion
There is limited evidence regarding the role of microbiome alterations in PH. Both gut and respiratory dysbiosis might play a role in PH pathogenesis and be related to its severity. Clinical trials are needed to investigate the efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of PH.
Investigating Outcomes and Associated Risk Factors of Heterotopic Pregnancy Following In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer Cycles
Authors: Gao Mingxia , Dong Xianghua , Liu Haifei , Zhou Xinyue , Liu Jiajia , Li Hongwei , Zhang Xuehong
Published: April 2024

Research Question:
To study the outcome of heterotopic pregnancy (HP) and related influencing factors after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), and to provide clinical experience for the treatment of heterotopic pregnancy.
Design:
Observational study.
Results
Our data revealed a HP incidence of 1.27‰. Among the 66 patients with HP, 5 underwent conservative treatment (7.58%, 5/66) with a live birth rate of 25.00% (1/5). Laparoscopic surgery was performed on 61 cases (92.42%, 61/66), with a live birth rate of 77.05% (47/61). ​Further logistic regression analysis revealed that the average diameter of the intrauterine gestational sac prior to laparoscopic surgery, the absence of a fetal germ and fetal heartbeat within the intrauterine gestational sac, and an extended duration of laparoscopic surgery were risk factors affecting pregnancy outcomes (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Laparoscopic surgery is an effective method for the treatment of HP, and laparoscopic ectopic resection of ectopic pregnancy lesion does not seem to affect the continuous pregnancy and live birth of the intrauterine gestational sac. The mean diameter of the intrauterine gestational sac on the day of surgery, the development of the intrauterine gestational sac, and the duration of surgery can affect the patient's pregnancy outcome.
Emergent inductance and capacitance in elemental tellurium
Authors: Enderlein Carsten , de Oliveira Jaime Ferreira , Fontes Magda , Baggio-Saitovich Elisa , Muller Matheus , Rowley Stephen , Cernicchiaro Geraldo , Lopes Pedro , Neto Marcello Silva
Published: April 2024

The miniaturisation of electronic building blocks is of uttermost importance. Efficient nanoscopic inductors and capacitors could pave the way to better energy economics and therewith more powerful processors. Topological materials which exhibit emergent electromagnetism are promising candidates for such future technologies. Due to its helical crystal structure and strong spin-orbit interaction, tellurium exhibits an experimentally verified internal inductance. By formulating the constitutive equations which describe electromagnetism in tellurium, we show how capacitive and inductive properties naturally emerge in the material. We demonstrate on the basis of AC-impedance measurements that elemental tellurium exhibits an unusually high virtual capacitance and inductance, far exceeding previously studied materials. The highest capacitance we detect in our samples is 130 mF and in one of our samples we measure an extremely impressive virtual inductance of 1.5 H. For low current densities a single piece of tellurium mimics the reactance of an RLC-circuit.
Accuracy of CBCT with different fields of view and voxel sizes for detection of simulated periodontal defects in comparison with periapical radiography: An in vitro study
Authors: Foroozandeh Maryam , Kavandi Sina , Poormoradi Banafsheh , Shokri Abbas , Zohrevand Fatemeh , Cheraghi Fatemeh
Published: April 2024

Objectives
This study aimed to assess the accuracy of different fields of view (FOVs) and voxel sizes of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for detection of simulated periodontal defects in comparison with periapical (PA) radiography.
Materials and Methods
This in vitro study was conducted on 60 periodontal defects including furcation and wall defects, dehiscence, and fenestration that were artificially created in 5 mandibles of freshly slaughtered sheep. After recording the defect sites and types as the gold-standard, they underwent PA radiography. Thirty CBCT images were also obtained in three FOVs and voxel sizes of 13 x 17 cm2/ 300 µm, 10 x 10 cm2/ 180 µm, and 5 x 5 cm2/ 90 µm, and evaluated by a radiologist and a periodontist. The inter-observer agreement was assessed by the kappa coefficient, and the parameters were calculated and compared using the Chi-square test with STATA 14.
Results
The inter-observer agreement was generally 85.4% for all periodontal defects; this value was the highest (88.1%) with the smallest FOV and voxel size (5 x 5 cm2 and 90 µm). By a reduction in FOV and voxel size, the inter-observer agreement significantly increased (P < 0.001). The mean sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 87.8%, 94.9%, 94.6%, and 88.4%, respectively, for CBCT. These values for PA radiography were lower than the corresponding values for CBCT.
Conclusion
Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and inter-observer agreement increased in use of smaller FOV for detection of simulated periodontal defects, indicating an increase in diagnostic accuracy by a reduction in FOV and voxel size.
The molecular immune modulator adenosine deaminase-1 enhances HIV specific humoral and cellular responses to a native-like HIV envelope trimer DNA vaccine
Authors: Kutzler Michele A. , Cusimano Gina , Joyner David , Konopka Emily , Muir Roshell , Barnette Philip , Guderian Melanie , Moral-Sánchez Iván del , Derking Ronald , Bijl Tom , Snitselaar Jonne , Rotsides Photis , Woloszczuk Kyra , Bell Matthew , Canziani Gabriela , Chaiken Irwin , Hessell Ann , Bartsch Yannic , Sanders Rogier , Haddad Elias
Published: April 2024

There is currently no prophylactic vaccine available for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Research efforts have resulted in improved immunogens that mimic the native envelope (Env) glycoprotein structure. Recently, a novel triple tandem trimer (TTT) platform has been used to generate a plasmid encoding Env immunogen (pBG505-TTT) that expresses only as trimers, making it more suitable for nucleic acid vaccines. We have previously demonstrated that adenosine deaminase-1 (ADA-1) is critical to the T follicular helper (TFH) function and improves vaccine immune responses in vivo. In this study, we demonstrate that co-delivery of plasmid-encoded adenosine deaminase 1 (pADA) with pBG505-TTT enhances the magnitude, durability, isotype switching and functionality of HIV-specific antibodies in a dose-sparing manner. Co-delivery of the molecular immune modulator ADA-1 also enhances HIV-specific T cell polyfunctionality, activation, and degranulation as well as memory B cell responses. These data demonstrate that pADA enhances HIV-specific cellular and humoral immunity, making ADA-1 a promising immune modulator for HIV-targeting vaccines.
A concentration-dependent differential AKT phosphorylation regulation between the breast normal and tumor cells induced by the flavonoids in Macrothelypteris torresiana under the combinational administration with a AKT inhibitor
Authors: Ouyang Yi , Wang Lin , Hao Xincai
Published: April 2024

The combinational application of herbal extract with chemical synthetic medicines is a very common therapeutic scheme for various disease. People have explored lots of combinations of natural medicine and chemical synthetic medicines to increase efficacy and reduce side effects in long lasting clinical medication. Our work found that the extract of Macrothelypteris torresiana could interfere with the inhibition of AKT phosphorylation induced by wortmannin in a concentration dependent manner, and the interaction mechanisms were elucidated by concentration-effect analysis and pharmacological evaluation. The study found the interaction is mainly attributed to the competitive inhibition between two flavonoids in the extract of Macrothelypteris torresiana and wortmannin, which competitively bind with the P110 subunit in PI3K complex. The study also found that, due to the hyperphosphorylation in the breast tumor cells, the pharmacological benefits based on the interaction are correlated with the concentration of Macrothelypteris torresiana extract in the combinational administration schemes. The combinational administration with 10 µg/mL EM and 0.5 µM wortmannin, a classic inhibitor of AKT, could down-regulate the AKT phosphorylation level in the tumor cells, meanwhile protecting the normal cells. The finding supports the idea of side effect reduction by combinational administration of low concentration of natural medicine and chemical synthetic medicine.
Blueprinting the Ecosystem Health Index for Blue Carbon Ecotones
Authors: Convertino Matteo , Zhang Jiaqi
Published: April 2024

Blue Carbon Ecotones (BCEs) play a critical role in regulating abiotic and biotic ecological fluxes underpinning services which are also critical for protection in the land-ocean continuum. Previous assessments of BCEs typically focused on specific aspects such as fishery, carbon storage, or biodiversity. The sustainable conservation and development of BCEs at the global and local scale requires a comprehensive assessment of their systemic health status and its drivers to control. Here, we proposed a novel Benefit-Pressure-Transformation Risk model (BPT model) to calculate Ecotone Health Index (EHI) for mangrove, salt marsh, and seagrass as core BCEs, based on habitat structure, species morphological features, ecological services, pressures from both nature and human activities, vulnerability of species, and niche overlap. The health status of BCEs is more sensitive to structural indicators such as area, fragmentation, and height compared to co-dependent environmental pressure. For instance, 54% and 13% of mangroves' EHI are explained by species height and marine pressure, respectively. Thus, the focus on BCE's structure, where connectivity plays a dominant role in habitat and species integrity, is critical for enhancing EHI. This research provides clear analytics along coastlines at a pixel resolution of 1 °(lat)
× 1 °(long)(100km × 100km at the equator) globally with a novel index EHI, and yet setting a quantitative basis for BCEs assessment. Our BPT model is not just a descriptive framework, but a flexible tool that can be applied to all ecosystems at any scale.
Public Expenditure, Housing Value and Wealth Redistribution: Evidence from Chinese Cities
Authors: Zhang Ping , Zhuge Andong , Li Bo , Wang Xiao
Published: April 2024

China’s household wealth is growing rapidly and has become significant worldwide. While the government played an important role in economic growth and wealth accumulation, few research has explained why and how government expenditure redistributes household wealth in Chinese cities. This study uses China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) household survey (2010–2018) and prefecture-level data to estimate the impact of government expenditure on household wealth, especially the value of housing asset. We find that the capitalization of government expenditure contributes an important part to housing value appreciation, which accounts for more than 50% of household wealth. Furthermore, the impact mechanism of government expenditure on households’ wealth has a substantial redistributive effect. Government expenditures greatly advance the net worth of households who own their houses, especially for households that own two or more houses, but contribute much less to those comprising rental tenants.
JEL codes: D31, P25, H54, H41
Metagenomics analysis of bacterial communities in the periphytic biofilms from floating fish cages and their relationship with water physicochemical parameters
Authors: A Nadia Sabrina , A Najatul Su' Ad , M Firdaus-Nawi , Ramly Rimatulhana , Abdullah Azila , M Izzuan-Razali , H. Syafiq-Izzuddin M. A. , H Muhammad Fadzil , J. Mohamad Hafizan A. , Zamri Samtina , M Nur-Nazifah
Published: April 2024

In this study, we report the presence of bacterial community in terms of abundance and taxonomic biodiversity from periphytic biofilm samples attached to the surface of floating fish cage components in the Pahang River and their relationship with water physicochemical parameters. Periphytic biofilm samples were collected from five sites located in the different districts alongside the Pahang River. Water physicochemical parameters assessment was also conducted simultaneously during the sampling process. Bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was then extracted from periphytic biofilm samples and sequenced on NovaSEQ6000 by Illumina Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to construct metagenomics libraries. The results indicated the predominant phyla were Cyanobacteria, which accounted for more than half of the total bacteria detected, followed by Proteobacteria, Planctomycetota and Actinobacteriota. At the class level, the top five most detected classes were Cyanobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Actinomycetia and Planctomycetes. Statistical analysis discovered a significant correlation between the bacterial abundance and distribution with the water physicochemical parameters. This study is the first report of bacterial abundance and its relationship with water physicochemical parameters in the Pahang River through metagenomic analysis.
Patterns of US Citizenship Status vs. Diet Quality among Adults of African Descent
Authors: Jeffery Tia D. , Duan Xuejing , Ardakani Azam , Batheja Sapna , Stevinson Gifty , Monroe-Lord Lillie
Published: April 2024

Introduction: With the substantial growth rate of the Black immigrant population in the US, the impact of colonization on the diets of African Americans and disproportionately high rates of chronic diseases in the Black Community, studies should place more emphasis on ethnicity when investigating nutrition-related risk factors. This study examined the relationship between variations in citizenship level and diet quality among adult subjects of African descent.
Methods: We analyzed data from 1,198 African American adults in the NHANES 2015-2016. A 'citizenship level' scale was developed using principal component analysis, incorporating years lived in the US, country of birth, and citizenship status. Diet quality was assessed using HEI scores. Associations between citizenship level, gender, age, income, and categorized diet quality (poor, moderate, or good) were examined using a Monte Carlo simulation of Fisher's exact tests. Linear regression models were employed to examine the relationship between citizenship level and continuous HEI scores, adjusting for gender, age, and income, with stratified analyses conducted for each demographic subgroup.
Results: Fisher's exact tests revealed that the level of US citizenship, gender, age, and income level were all significantly associated with the categorical level of diet quality (HEI). Regression analysis demonstrated that a lower level of US citizenship was significantly associated with higher HEI scores, indicative of better diet quality (p < 0.001), even after adjusting for gender, age, and income. This relationship persisted across most demographic subgroups but appeared stronger among males and those in the lowest income bracket. The relationship was also significant for younger adults but not for adults aged 65 and older.
Conclusions: Studies suggest a need for more inclusive culturally tailored nutrition interventions. To minimize the impact of colonization and US assimilation on lifestyle practices and chronic diseases, future studies should consider interventions that utilize traditional dietary patterns of the African diaspora as a tool to improve the quality of life among people of African descent.