bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study Suggests Geosteers Often Are Missing the Target
Authors: Rassenfoss Stephen
Published: January 2023

Horizontal drilling makes it possible to drill through the most-productive rock, but based on the following charts, oil companies may often be missing that opportunity.

The heavy black bars show the most-productive rock in two producing wells—one unconventional onshore and, the other, offshore and conventional.

The tangle of thin, colored lines on and around it are the well paths chosen by 329 competitors in a geosteering contest showing that many of them got lost on the way.

The charts are from a paper that analyzed 10,000 geosteering decisions made during the 2021 Rogii Geosteering World Cup, an annual competition started by the maker of geosteering software.

The work by Rogii and a team of Norwegian researchers studying drilling decision making was presented at this year’s Unconventional Resources Technical Conference (URTeC 3722510).

The results showed about half the contestants earned scores of 30% or less based on the percentage of the well in the target zone—weighted 75%—and their rate of penetration—25%. Only 14 of the 329 participants scored 60% or more, with the balance somewhere in between.

To some extent, this dim view of geosteering is a product of the contest rules.

Competitors were asked to geosteer two difficult wells at breakneck speed—a decision every 2 minutes based on data from the last 100 m drilled—with minimal information upfront about the wells chosen because they were difficult to steer. In the contest, there was no professional downside for poor performance.

Still, it is the rare public attempt to measure how well drillers do at adjusting well plans to maintain contact with the most-productive rock.

While the nature of the competition suggests it is not trying to replicate actual drilling conditions, it does raise questions about how well oil companies are doing at maximizing reservoir contact.

They observed that some top performers in one well did poorly on the next, and luck played a significant role in some of the results.

“The inconsistent performances of players in the two rounds/poor average scores/and significantly different well trajectories planned by geosteerers represent a lack of unified guidelines for stratigraphic-based steering,” Yasaman Cheraghi, a PhD fellow in computational engineering at the University of Stavanger, wrote in an email.

Geography was not a good predictor of performance. While 40% of the participants were working in North America, where the greatest number of horizontal wells have been drilled, their results were not better despite their experience.

Those involved in the geosteering simulations, based on wells in the Duverney shale in Western Canada and the Xihu Sub-Basin (Yuquan discovery) of the East China Sea, would say they were using a standard method—stratigraphic-based steering. That approach uses the data gathered while drilling and other data about the formation to predict how the layers of rock in the reservoir—the stratigraphy—are likely to change ahead of the steering.
Machine Learning Assists Bit Selection and Optimization
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: January 2023

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This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper IPTC 21299, “Drilling in the Digital Age: Machine-Learning-Assisted Bit Selection and Optimization,” by Peter Batruny, SPE, Hafiz Zubir, and Pete Slagel, SPE, Petronas, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Copyright 2021 International Petroleum Technology Conference. Reproduced by permission.

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The project outlined in the complete paper describes machine learning as a powerful tool for bit selection and parameter optimization to improve drilling performance. Machine learning will become a significant part of well planning, design, and operations in the future. The study demonstrates how artificial neural networks (ANNs) can be used to learn from previous operations and influence planning decisions to improve bit performance.

Introduction

Multiple wells have been drilled in an onshore field in Iraq using different bit designs and with a variety of downhole conditions. To improve the rate of penetration (ROP) in a significant manner, a radical shift in how drill bits are selected, as well as a closer look at bit characteristics, is needed. This work aims to combine analytical and physical models to examine aspects of bit designs previously overlooked.

Two mathematical models traditionally have been used for bit selection, the cost per foot (CPF) model and the mechanical specific energy (MSE) model. This work concludes that MSE is more effective than CPF in optimizing ROP and is a valid benchmark for comparing bits. MSE can be used to compare previous bit runs but is limited in predicting ROP for future bit runs.

Equipment and Processes

Data governance consists of data collection, processing, cleaning, and compilation. Data are collected from American Standard Code for Information Interchange logs in real time and then are processed by removing missing values. The data sets are split by individual bits, with each bit characterized by data compiled from multiple wells in which the bit was run. Throughout this paper, ROP will refer to instantaneous on-bottom ROP. Given the success that ANNs have had, and continue to have, in predicting ROP in the literature, they are used for this work.

Once a model is established based on statistical and physical performance, it is used as a base model to run optimization analysis for each bit. This paper examines two methods of optimization, the first being sensitivity analysis based on average ROP. The second optimization method used in this study is a Monte Carlo-style optimization.

Once optimal parameters are generated from the sensitivity analysis and Monte Carlo models, they are plotted against the modeled values of offset ROP. This acts as a further verification of the optimal parameters to ensure they are within range of actual historical parameters. The optimal values are then implemented in future wells.
A type-1 immunity-restricted promoter of the IL-33 receptor gene directs antiviral T cell responses
Authors: Löhning Max , Brunner Tobias , Serve Sebastian , Marx Anna-Friederike , Dzamukova Maria , Duran Nayar , Saikali Philippe , Kommer Christoph , Heinrich Frederik , Durek Pawel , Heinz Gitta , Höfer Thomas , Mashreghi Mir-Farzin , Kuehn Ralf , Pinschewer Daniel
Published: February 2023

The pleiotropic alarmin interleukin-33 (IL-33) drives type-1, type-2, and regulatory T-cell responses via its receptor ST2. Subset-specific differences in ST2 expression intensity and dynamics suggest that transcriptional regulation is key in orchestrating the context-dependent activity of IL-33-ST2 signaling in T-cell immunity. Here, we identify a previously unrecognized alternative promoter in mice and humans that is located far upstream of the curated ST2-coding gene and drives ST2 expression in type-1 immunity. Mice lacking this promoter exhibit a selective loss of ST2 expression in type-1- but not type-2-biased immune cells, resulting in impaired expansion of cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) and T-helper-1 cells upon viral infection. T-cell-intrinsic IL-33 signaling via type-1 promoter-driven ST2 is critical to generate a clonally diverse population of antiviral short-lived effector CTLs. Thus, lineage-specific alternative promoter usage directs alarmin responsiveness in T-cell subsets and offers opportunities for immune cell-specific targeting of the IL-33-ST2 axis in infections and inflammatory diseases.
Using artificial neural networks for estimating the compressive strength of andesite-substituted cement-based composites
Authors: Özkan Şükrü , Ceylan Hakan , Sivri Mustafa
Published: February 2023

In this study, the effect of waste andesite dust (WAD) substitution used in the production of cement-based composites on the strength values of the composite material was investigated using artificial neural networks (ANN). In the production of cement-based mixtures, WAD was substituted with cement at six different ratios as 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% by weight. In addition, the effect of curing times on compressive strength was investigated at two different curing times as 28-days and 90-days curing times. While the cement and WAD replacement rates constituted the main input data for the ANN, the 28 and 90-days compressive strength values constituted the output data. When the data obtained from the compressive strength estimation conducted by ANN and the experimental data obtained under laboratory conditions were compared, it was determined that the compatibility between them was good with a 99% coefficient of determination. In addition, the 5% substitution rate used in the mixtures provided higher strength values among other substitution rates.
Evaluation of a new robotic system for infant surgery – a study in piglets of less than 10kg body weight.
Authors: Krebs Thomas F. , Kayser Timo , Lorenzen Ulf , Grünewald Matthias , Kayser Marit , Saltner Anna , Durmaz Lidya-Olgu , Reese Lina Johanna , Brownlee Ewan , Reischig Katja , Baastrup Jonas , Meinzer Andreas , Kalz Almut , Becker Thomas , Bergholz Robert
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND:
We were able to demonstrate the feasibility of a new robotic system (Versius, CMR Surgical, Cambridge, England) for procedures in small inanimate cavities. The aim of this consecutive study was to test the Versius® system for its feasibility, performance and safety of robotic abdominal and thoracic surgery in piglets simulating infants with a body weight lower than 10kg.
METHODS:
24 Procedures (from explorative laparoscopy to thoracoscopic esophageal repair) were performed in 4 piglets with a mean age of 12 days days and a mean body weight of 6.4 (7 - 7.5) kg. Additional urological procedures were performed after euthanasia of the piglet. The Versius® robotic system was used with 5mm wristed instruments and a 10 mm 3D 0° or 30° camera. The setup consisted of the master console and three to four separate arms. The performance of the procedure, the size, position and the distance between the ports, the external and internal collisions and complications of the procedures were recorded and analyzed.
RESULTS:
We were able to perform all surgical procedures as planned. We encountered neither surgical nor robot associated complications in the live model. Whereas all abdominal procedures could be performed successfully under general anesthesia, one piglet was euthanized early before the thoracic intervention, likely due to pulmonary inflammatory response. Technical limitations were based on the size of the camera (10 mm) being too large and the minimal insertion depth of the instruments for calibration of the pivot point.
CONCLUSIONS:
Robotic surgery on newborns and infants appears technically feasible with the Versius® system. Software adjustments for pivot point calibration need to be implemented by the manufacturer as a result of our study.
To further evaluate the Versius® system, prospective trials are needed, comparing comparing it to open and laparoscopic surgery as well as to other robotic systems.
Comparison of clinical outcomes and second-look hysteroscopy of complete and incomplete septate uterus after hysteroscopic septoplasty
Authors: Xiong Wei , Tan Xin , Liu Yana , Liu Jie , Dong Xue , Wang Zhilin , Chen Hengxi
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Septate uterus is the most common congenital uterine malformation. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to compare the clinical outcomes and second-look hysteroscopy of patients with complete and incomplete septate uterus after septoplasty.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of patients with septate uterus who underwent hysteroscopic septoplasty and a second-look hysteroscopy at West China Second University Hospital between September 2013 to September 2021. Information on pregnancy outcomes was subsequently collected through telephone interviews. Independent samples t-test/Mann–Whitney U test and Pearson’s chi-square test/ Fisher’s exact test were used to explore the differences between the complete group and the incomplete group.

Results

A total of 64 patients were enrolled in the study. There was no significant difference in intrauterine adhesion (IUA) rates (16.7% and 32.1%), pregnancy rates (44.1% and 42.9%), term delivery rates (35.3% and 32.1%), premature delivery rates (2.9% and 0), placenta previa rates (2.9% and 3.6%), placenta implantation/adhesion rates (5.9% and 3.6%), and premature rupture of membranes rates (2.9% and 0) between the complete group and the incomplete group after hysteroscopic septoplasty (P＞0.05). Endometrial polyps in septate uterus were not rare, with an incidence of 33.3% in complete group and 25% in incomplete group (P＞0.05).

Conclusion

The pregnancy outcomes of complete septate uterus and incomplete septate uterus after hysteroscopic septoplasty were similar, and there was no statistical difference in IUAs after the surgery.
Impact of molecular symmetry on Ostwald's step rule
Authors: Cho Yong Chan , Lee Sooheyong , Wang Lei , Lee Yun-Hee , Kim Seongheun , Lee Hyun Hwi , Lee Jonghyun , Lee Geun Woo
Published: February 2023

Solute structure and its evolution in supersaturated aqueous solutions are key clues to understand Ostwald’s step rule. Here, we measure the structural evolution of solute molecules in extremely supersaturated solutions (KH2PO4 (KDP) and NH4H2PO4 (ADP)) using a combination of electrostatic levitation and synchrotron X-ray scattering. The measurement reveals the existence of a solution-solution transition in KDP solution, caused by changing molecular symmetries and structural evolution of the solution with supersaturation. Moreover, we find that the molecular symmetry of H2PO4- impacts on phase selection. These findings manifest that molecular symmetry and its structural evolution can govern the crystallization pathways in aqueous solutions, explaining the microscopic origin of Ostwald’s step rule.
Real-time controlling a single DNA in hotspot for back-and-forth programmable site-specified SERS characterizations in solution
Authors: Fu Wenhao , Dai Xin , Chiu King Wai , Mesias Vince St. , Zhu Hongni , Liu Wei , Huang Jinqing
Published: January 2023

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful tool for single-molecule studies. However, it is challenging to characterize biomacromolecules with conformational complexity in solutions, concerning its credibility, sensitivity, repeatability, and accuracy, due to the limited molecular control of existing single-molecule SERS platforms. Here, we integrate dual-trap optical tweezers and nanoparticle-deposited nanostages with a typical Raman spectro-microscope to correlate single-molecule manipulations and molecular site-specified SERS characterizations. A single drug-bound DNA is stretched at sub-nanometer precision, while its specified site is placed into an inter-particle hotspot under spatial and temporal control. It allows back-and-forth translocations of the single drug-bound DNA through hotspot in a programmable manner, generating the real-time SERS readouts correlative to the specified DNA sites for re-examining the same single molecule multiple times. Hence, it utilizes the extra molecular controllability to minimize errors in direct single-molecule spatial SERS characterizations of biomacromolecules in solutions, providing implications for molecular interactions, encryption, and sequencing.
Genomic landscape of drug binding and pharmacogenetic variation across diverse populations using SNPdrug3D
Authors: Maurer-Stroh Sebastian , Malik Ashar , Kenanov Dimitar , Chong Cheng-Shoong , Ozturk Mert Burak , Hebrard Maxime , Ho Ying Swan , Wang Zhenxun , Limviphuvadh Vachiranee , Miyajima Jhoann , Magallanes Roberto , Sim Xueling , Chai Jin Fang , Davila Sonia , Yeo Khung Keong , Leong Khai Pang , Goh Liuh Ling , Karnani Neerja , Eriksson Johan Gunnar , Cheng Ching-Yu , Wong Tien , Loh Marie , Dalan Rinkoo , Khor Chiea Chuen , Chew Guo-Liang , Lim Weng Khong , Ngeow Joanne , Chambers John , Tai E Shyong , Bertin Nicolas , Tan Chris Soon Heng , Koh Judice , Tan Patrick , Verma Chandra
Published: January 2023

One of the promises of precision medicine is to understand and act on inter-individual genetic differences in drug responses. SNPdrug3D contains the complete genomic landscape of missense single nucleotide variants (SNV) across the human proteome and at population-wide level that could affect drug binding. In the Singapore SG10K Health and global gnomAD cohorts, comprising variations in over 80,000 individuals, we identified ~ 1.17 million variants mapped to residues near bound drug molecules in protein-drug complexes relative to ~ 6000 drug molecules and experimentally verified effects of selected SNVs, including previously uncharacterized variants, on drug binding in relevant proteins ranging from kinases to cytochrome P450s (CYPs). The latter led to a specific predictor for interpreting variants in the CYP family that vastly outperforms existing tools in the prediction of pharmacogenetic effects. By placing variants and drugs in structural context, SNPdrug3D aids drug development by early flagging of resistance potential through population-specific variability.
Antibody Bioconjugates Incorporating Bacterial formyl-Met Peptides Engage Neutrophils in Targeted Cell Killing
Authors: Linnik Matthew , Parker James , Valenzuela Francisco , Swearingen Michelle , Trivedi Purva , Feng Yiqing , Brennan Seamus , Castanares Mark , Mezo Adam , Xu Jianghuai , Chao Grace , Batt Michael , Onyia Jude , Leung Donmienne
Published: February 2023

Immune-oncology therapies targeting adaptive immunity have transformed cancer therapy. In contrast, therapies targeting the innate immune response have received less attention. Here we describe an antibody drug conjugate (ADC) capable of engaging neutrophils in targeted cell killing. These initial ADCs, which we term bactabodies, consist of a targeting antibody conjugated to formyl-Met peptides via a short polyethylene glycol linker to activate formyl peptide receptor-1 (FPR-1) on neutrophils. A trastuzumab (Tmab) bactabody stimulated human neutrophil migration, degranulation and reactive oxygen production. Her2+ tumor cells opsonized with Tmab bactabody were rapidly killed by primary human neutrophils and antibody targeted killing was more effective than FPR-1-mediated bystander killing. In vivo, Tmab bactabody activated intratumor neutrophils and reduced tumor growth in a mouse xenotransplant model. Molecular design elements required for translation to humans and mice are described. Our results establish a modular strategy for engineering novel ADCs to engage neutrophils in targeted cell killing.
Effect of Moderate Sedation Versus Deep Sedation on Recovery Following Outpatient Gastroscopy in Older Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chen Bing , Lu Lin , Zhai Jie , Hua Zhen
Published: January 2023

Background

Although gastrointestinal endoscopy with sedation is being increasingly performed in older patients, the appropriate level of sedation remains unclear. This study compared the effect of moderate sedation (MS) and deep sedation (DS) on recovery following outpatient gastroscopy in older patients.

Methods

In this randomized, partly blinded, controlled trial, 270 patients older than 60 years scheduled for elective outpatient gastroscopy were randomly divided into MS or DS group according to Modified Observer’s Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (MOAA/S). The primary outcome was the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay time. Secondary outcomes include total hospital stay time, the incidence of retching, bucking, and body movements during the examination, the endoscopist and patient satisfaction, and sedation-associated adverse events during procedure.

Results

A total of 264 patients completed the study, of whom 131 received MS, and 133 received DS. MS was associated with a shorter PACU stay time [15.83 ± 8.69 min vs. 19.28 ± 9.70 min, P༜0.001] and total hospital stay time[30.37 ± 8.99 min vs. 34.02 ± 12.16min, P༜0.001], lesser hypoxemia [2.3% (3/131) vs. 12.8% (17/133), P = 0.014], use of fewer vasoactive drugs (P༜0.001) and more retching (P༜0.001). There was no difference in the incidence of bucking and body movements and endoscopist and patient satisfaction between two groups.

Conclusion

MS may be a better option for older patients undergoing outpatient gastroscopies, as demonstrated by shorter PACU stay time and total hospital stay time, lower sedation-associated adverse events, equal endoscopist and patient satisfaction.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial registration number ChiCTR2100049180. Registered 24/07/2021.
Optimizing Predator-Prey Relation of Atlantic Bonito and Anchovy, and their Sustainable Fishery in the Black Sea
Authors: DEMIR Mahir
Published: January 2023

There is no consistent harvesting strategy for the fisheries of the Atlantic bonito (Sarda sarda) and the Black Sea anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) on the southern part of the Black Sea. To address this problem, the predator-prey relation of the Atlantic bonito and the Black Sea anchovy is optimized and stabilized as both species are facing harvesting on the southern part of the Black Sea. A fishery model was built and a stability analysis was applied to the fishery model to obtain stable predator-prey dynamics. After that, it was coupled with Optimal Control Theory (OCT) to optimize the stable predator-prey dynamics of these species, and to obtain an optimal and sustainable landing. This study not only provides optimal and stable predator-prey dynamics for these species but also provides more landings and profits for the commercial fishery of these species as compared with the predicted current harvesting strategy obtained in this study. It also provides optimal and sustainable yields to be considered as fishing quotes for these fisheries.
MSC Classification: 92B05 , 92B99 , 34H15 , 93D99
Network Consensus Analysis and Optimization of Distributed FANETs Based on Multi-agent Consensus Theory
Authors: Tong Xin , Li Xu , Ding FuZhuang , Liu Ying
Published: January 2023

Distributed flying ad hoc networks (FANETs) have been widely used in collaborative reconnaissance, situation construction, and other scenarios. In distributed FANETs with multi-hop and intermittent links, nodes only maintain neighbors' information and cannot obtain knowledge of the whole network. There may be contradicting information collected across nodes, resulting in inconsistency problems. However, existing research on collaborative consensus focuses mainly on the control domain using multi-agent consensus theory. The study on distributed network consensus does not consider the effect of the multi-hop forwarding sequence, hence limiting distributed FANETs optimization. Based on this, we establish a network consensus model utilizing the multi-agent consensus theory and analyze the impact of outage probability of links and untimely forwarding on the distributed consensus probability, considering the node density, link outage probability, and network maintenance times. Besides, using the election mechanism as an example, we establish distributed network performance analysis models considering consensus error to enhance the performance analysis of service delay and resource efficiency of distributed FANETs. Finally, we construct a protocol-level simulation platform based on Visual Studio and extensive experiments to validate the model’s accuracy and figure out the optimal mechanism parameters under different network and channel parameters. The simulation results show that the optimal network maintenance times increase with the increasing outage probability of links. Moreover, distributed FANETs can achieve optimal resource efficiency without achieving complete consensus; that is, there is a tradeoff between network maintenance cost and network consensus performance.
Abundant production of dimethylsulfoniopropionate as a cryoprotectant by freshwater phytoplankton in ice-covered Lake Baikal
Authors: Toda Kei , Obolkin Vladimir , Ohira Shin-Ichi , Saeki Kentaro
Published: January 2023

Phytoplankton dinoflagellate forms colonies between vertical ice crystals during the ice-melting season in Lake Baikal: how the plankton survive the freezing conditions was previously not known. Here we show that the phytoplankton produces large amounts of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) known as a marine compound. Lake-water DMSP concentrations in the spring season are comparable with those in the oceans, and colony water in ice exhibits extremely high concentrations. DMSP concentration correlates with plankton density and reaches maximum in mid-April with exhibiting temperature-dependent fluctuations. DMSP is released from plankton cells into water in warm days. DMSP is a characteristic osmolyte of marine algae; our results demonstrate that the freshwater plankton has the DMSP-producing ability, and efficiently uses the limited sulfur resource (only 1/500 of sea sulfate) to survive in freshwater ice. Plankton in Lake Baikal do not need an osmolyte, and our results indicate that DMSP plays a purely cryoprotective role.
Improvement of oxidation stability and cold flow properties of biodiesel using mixed oil strategy
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Singhal Mukesh Kumar , Sharma Mahendra P.
Published: January 2023

Biodiesel's major limitations are its low-temperature performance and oxidation stability. This study analyses how different oil mixes affect biodiesel oxidation stability and cold flow. For this investigation, Jatropha, Karanja, and Palm oils were selected based on their chemical composition and availability, and their mixtures were formed. A simplex lattice mixture design model for biodiesel properties was designed, and optimisation was carried out to achieve a set of objectives. The optimal mixed-oil ratio for Jatropha, Karanja, and Palm oil was found 8:57:35(% v/v), with the desirability of 0.32, and the response values were observed to be compatible with biodiesel standards. Optimal oils mix biodiesel oxidation stability was 8.5 h, better than Jatropha (5.2 h) and Karanja (7.5 h). Similarly, blended oil's biodiesel cloud point improves by 57% compared to Palm biodiesel. oil-mixing technique balances saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and improves the oxidation stability and cold flow properties without chemical treatment.
Real-time observation of phase transition from layered to spinel phase under electron beam irradiation
Authors: Seo Jong Hyeok , Park Joon Yong , Kim Yong-Il , Nam Ki Min , Jang Jae-Hyuck , Kwon Ji-Hwan
Published: January 2023

The irreversible phase transition from a layered to a spinel structure, typically observed in an intercalation-type electrode, has been recognized as one of the main causes of capacitance fading, structural instability, and thermal instability in Li-ion batteries. However, observing the phase transition in a real environment in real-time is still challenging. Here, cobalt hydroxide, Co(OH)2 was irradiated with an electron beam in a transmission electron microscope, and the phase transition was intensively investigated using in-situ high resolution transition electron microscopy. Both the alpha and beta-Co(OH)2 phases changed into a spinel Co3O4 phase, and formed nanograins. However, the alpha Co(OH)2 showed a faster phase transition and dramatic volume shrinkage during the phase transition, which led to layer bending/discontinuity and the development of cracks. Our results provide a detailed explanation of the mechanism behind the deterioration of the layered structure and the emergence of defects during the phase transition, providing crucial information for designing the next generation battery.
Privatized Graph Federated Learning
Authors: Rizk Elsa , Vlaski Stefan , Sayed Ali H.
Published: January 2023

Federated learning is a semi-distributed algorithm, where a server communicates
with multiple dispersed clients to learn a global model. The federated
architecture is not robust and is sensitive to communication and computational
overloads due to its one-master multi-client structure. It can also be subject to
privacy attacks targeting personal information on the communication links. In
this work, we introduce graph federated learning (GFL), which consists of
multiple federated units connected by a graph. We then show how graph
homomorphic perturbations can be used to ensure the algorithm is di erentially
private on the server level. While on the client level, we show that improvement
in the di erentially private federated learning algorithm can be attained through
the addition of random noise to the updates, as opposed to the models. We
conduct both convergence and privacy theoretical analyses and illustrate
performance by means of computer simulations.
Genome-wide systematic characterization of the NRT2 gene family and its expression profile in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) during plant growth and in response to nitrate deficiency
Authors: Deng Qing-Yan , Luo Jiang-Tao , Zheng Jian-Min , Tan Wen-Fang , Pu Zong-Jun , Wang Fang
Published: January 2023

Background: Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major crop that is grown worldwide, but it is highly dependent on sufficient N supply. The molecular mechanisms associated with nitrate uptake and assimilation are still poorly understood in wheat. In plants, NRT2 family proteins play a crucial role in NO3– acquisition and translocation under limited nitrate conditions. However, the biological functions of these genes in wheat are still unclear, especially their roles in NO3– uptake and assimilation.
Results: In this study, a comprehensive analysis of wheat TaNRT2 genes was conducted using bioinformatics and molecular biology methods and 49 TaNRT2 genes were identified. A phylogenetic analysis clustered the TaNRT2 genes into three clades. The genes clustered on the same phylogenetic branch had similar gene structures and nitrate assimilation functions. The identified genes were further mapped onto the 13 wheat chromosomes and the results showed that a large duplication event had occurred on chromosome 6. To explore the TaNRT2 genes expression profiles in wheat, we performed transcriptome sequencing after low nitrate treatment for three days. The transcriptome analysis revealed that expression levels of all TaNRT2 genes in shoot and root and, based on the expression profiles, three highly expressed genes (TaNRT2-6A.2, TaNRT2-6A.6, and TaNRT2-6B.4) were selected for a qPCR analysis in two different wheat cultivars (‘Mianmai367’ and ‘Nanmai660’) under nitrogen limited and normal conditions. All three genes were up-regulated under nitrate limited conditions and highly expressed in the high nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) wheat ‘Mianmai36’ under low nitrate conditions.
Conclusion: We systematically identified 49 NRT2 gens in wheat and analyzed the transcript levels of all the TaNRT2s under nitrogen deficiency conditions and over the whole growth period. These results suggest that these genes play important roles in nitrate absorption, distribution, and accumulation. This study provides valuable information and key candidate genes for further studies on the function TaNRT2s in wheat.
Proliferation and survival analysis of rhizosphere soil bacteria in a new Mars soil simulant under Mars conditions
Authors: Qureshi Behzad
Published: January 2023

Growth of plants on Mars have a significant importance ranging from being an essential food source to oxygen production and raw material for manufacturing purposes, for early Mars colonists. Rhizosphere dwelling bacteria perform key functions in the growth and development of plants. In this study, the growth and survival of rhizosphere soil bacteria were examined for a period of 7 days in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Red Mountainous Soil (KP-Mars-1), representing Mars soil simulant. KP-Mars-1 is our identified Mars soil simulant, which we characterized and refined. It exhibits similar elemental composition as Mars soil and can potentially be used as a Mars soil simulant. The simulated Mars conditions provided in this study for the analysis of bacterial growth and survival included; temperature range of + 24 °C and – 20 °C, low soil moisture content, anaerobic atmosphere (carbon dioxide dominant) and UV-C ionization radiation (200nm – 280nm). Nutrient broth culture of 3.6 mL was inoculated in 5g of KP-Mars-1. The growth and survival of rhizosphere soil bacteria were analyzed at 1, 3 & 7 days interval. Rhizosphere soil bacterial were able to survive all of the provided Mars conditions. A significant number of bacterial cells died in Mars simulated temperature and UV-C radiations. A significant growth was observed only in anaerobic (carbon dioxide dominant) conditions.
Did Peasants’ Work Characteristics Impact Household Land Use Pattern? Off-farm Employment, Risk Perception and Land Rental Behavior in Rural China
Authors: Hu Yi , Xing Qi , Wang Jian
Published: February 2023

Farmers' off-farm working choices have a profound impact on family land use behavior under the rapid urbanization in China. This paper studies the mechanism of off-farm employment affecting farmland allocation behavior and focuses on the role of risk. Based on the Chinese Family Panel Studies (CFPS) data, Probit and Tobit models were used to empirically test the impacts of off-farm employment on farmers' land renting behavior, and instrumental variables were applied to test the stability of the models. The results show that households who join off-farm employment are more likely to rent land out, and they are more willing to rent out land to relatives or neighbors in the oral, informal, rent-free or low-rent contracts. But the incentive to rent out land won't increase with households’ off-farm level enhancing. The existence of unemployment risk will prevent farmers from land renting out, especially for farmers who mainly work in off-farm sectors. Besides, with the development of agricultural productive services, the workplace no longer has an impact on land rental behavior. In general, addressing the risk of loss of land rights and unemployment faced by farmers will effectively promote the development of rural land leasing market.
An Integral Method for Parameter Identification of a Nonlinear Robot subject to Quantization Error
Authors: Li Yang-Rui , Peng Chao-Chung , Juang Jer-Nan
Published: January 2023

This paper focuses on the parameter identification of a class of nonlinear mechanical dynamic systems subject to feedback quantization errors.} A second-order integral method for the parameter identification of a nonlinear two-degrees-of-freedom robotic manipulator is studied. To obtain accurate parameter estimates, an optimal excitation trajectory subject to state constraints is proposed. The designated excitation trajectory is able to minimize estimation uncertainties, providing the controlled system trajectory reaches the desired optimal excitation trajectory. Moreover, for most of the nonlinear robotic systems, the output measurements are acquired from the encoders subject to apparent quantization error. Directly differentiating the position to estimate the velocity and acceleration trajectories is unrealistic and unsuitable due to the amplified quantization errors will cause considerable estimation errors. Instead, the finite Fourier series is introduced to perform optimal estimation of the position, velocity, and acceleration histories to capture the dominant frequencies of the system response. A weighted least-squares solution is further proposed to improve parameter identification precision. The comparative studies reveal that the integral method has superior parameter estimation performance than the direct difference model and the filtered regression model in the existing literature. Experimental simulations illustrate the effectiveness of the presented method.
Testis Cell Pyroptosis Mediated by CASP1 and CASP4: Possible Sertoli Cell-Only Syndrome Pathogenesis
Authors: Liu Wantao , Li Xinan , Ma Qiang , Zhu Yongtong , Zhao Wenzhong , Yang Yisheng , Xiao Weiqiang , Huang Daxiong , Cai Fengbo , Chan David Yiu Leung , Zhao Shanchao , Chu Qingjun
Published: January 2023

Background and aims: Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) is the most serious pathological type of non-obstructive azoospermia. In recent years, some genes related to SCOS have been identified, including FANCM, TEX14, NR5A1, NANOS2, PLK4, WNK3, and FANCA, but they cannot explain the pathogenesis of SCOS completely. This study attempted to explain the spermatogenesis dysfunction in SCOS through testicular tissue RNA sequencing and provide new targets for SCOS diagnosis and therapy.
Methods and results: We analyzed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) based on RNA sequencing of 9 SCOS patients and 3 obstructive azoospermia patients with normal spermatogenesis. A total of 9406 DEGs were expressed (Log2|FC| ≥ 1 and adjusted P value < 0.05) in SCOS patients, and 21 hub genes were identified among the DEGs. Three upregulated core genes were found in our study including CASP4, CASP1, and PLA2G4A. Thus, we hypothesized that testis cell pyroptosis mediated by CASP1 and CASP4 might be involved in SCOS occurrence and development.
We verified that CASP1 and CASP4 activities in the testes of patients with SCOS were significantly higher than those in patients with normal spermatogenesis using ELISA. Immunohistochemical results showed that CASP1 and CASP4 in the normal spermatogenesis group were mainly expressed in the nuclei of spermatogenic cells, Sertoli cells, and interstitial cells. CASP1 and CASP4 in the SCOS group were mainly expressed in the nuclei of Sertoli cells and interstitial cells because of the loss of spermatogonia and spermatocytes. At the same time, CASP1 and CASP4 expression levels in the testes of patients with SCOS were significantly higher than those in normal spermatogenic patients. Furthermore, the pyroptosis-related proteins GSDMD and GSDME in the testes of patients with SCOS were also significantly higher than those in patients with normal spermatogenesis. ELISA also showed that inflammatory factors IL-1 β, IL-18, LDH, and ROS were significantly increased in the testes of SCOS patients.
Conclusion: For the first time, we found that cell pyroptosis-related genes and key markers were significantly increased in the testes of patients with SCOS, and we observed a large number of inflammatory and oxidative stress reactions in SCOS. Thus, we considered that testis cell pyroptosis mediated by CASP1 and CASP4 could participate in SCOS occurrence and development.
A Pure Mathematical Proof of the 4-Colour Theorem
Authors: Wang John
Published: January 2023

This work "A Pure Mathematical Proof of the 4-Colour Theorem" is related to the previous proof assited by computer. "Triangulations of Euler Convex Polygon" provides a fresh beginning point for the proof. The central concept is to discover an extended invariant property of Standard Graph’s boundary, which is described as "3-Colour All Phase States (3CP)" in this work and it is demonstrated that the standard graph’s boundary and sub-bound are 3CP and 4-colorable（4-3CP） via the expanded operation e(+, pi) and e(-, pi). It's exciting that this regularity was discovered for the first time and the 4-3CP invariant can naturally derive the 4-Colour Theorem. The majority of the definitions, theorems, and proof strategies are shown in this work.
Effect of workpiece vibration frequency on heat distribution and material flow in the molten pool in tandem-pulsed gas metal arc welding
Authors: Zargari Habib Hamed , Ito Kazuhiro , Sharma Abhay
Published: January 2023

Versatility, high deposition rate, fine quality, and low equipment cost are known features of the tandem-pulsed gas metal arc welding (TP-GMAW) process. Concurrently, vibration-assisted welding has been considered one of the trends in developing advanced industrial concepts. This study presents a three-dimensional model of the TP-GMAW process to investigate heat transfer and material flow. The competition between the heat distribution beneath the surface and the physical movement caused by the workpiece sine-mode vibration are traced and discussed to understand how the penetration shape change was determined. It is found that applying the vibration extends the heat distribution along the welding direction beneath the weld pool surface, and this trend increases with increasing vibration frequency and effective heat input. In contrast, the heat extending is minimum in the sample without vibration having the highest heat input. This inconsistency can be explained by the physical movement of material in a molten pool due to the workpiece vibration. The vibration also changes the material flow from the surface to the depth in the central rear areas, although it follows an opposite direction in the sample without vibration. Thus, the material flow is vital in improving the penetration shape.
Improved Five Axis–Rough Milling Process Efficacy: a Close-Bounded Volume (CBV) Evaluation Method Based on a Faceted Model
Authors: Sutrisno Himawan Hadi , Kiswanto Gandjar , Istiyanto Jos
Published: January 2023

Roughing processes create workpieces that are similar to actual forms in short periods of time. However, the current method, which involves either three-axis or five-axis machines, is limited in regards to workpiece feed accessibility. Often, significant amounts of material are left on workpieces that can be removed.
This paper presents a solution to this issue. By conducting a Close Bouded Volume (CBV) evaluation of an area for which a roughing process can be used, a tool path can be formed with a consideration of tool-path length. It can be done by using a point cloud as a cutter contact (CC) point. Tool orientations can be calculated based on a vector operation from a CC point in a CBV area to the nearest and highest CC point outside the CBV area. By orienting each tool on a formed CC point, interference detection can be used to avoid collisions and gouges that occur between feeds and workpieces on the tool path. Tool interference avoidance can be applied using rotation and translation methods until tools are free from interference. Then, from a CC point that is already free of interference, the avoidance can be tested using an actual rough machining process with a five-axis milling machine.
According to this study's results, volume increases can be obtained in roughing so residual materials on workpieces can be reduced. Thus, this method improves disposal processes for residual materials. Moreover, it increases the efficacy of roughing processes.
The incidence, associated factors and adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes of uterine rupture among vaginal births after caesarean section: An observational study from the National Maternal Near-Miss Surveillance System in China
Authors: Zhou Yangwen , Mu Yi , Chen Peiran , Xie Yanxia , Zhu Jun , Liang Juan
Published: February 2023

Background
The most serious problem during vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) is the risk of uterine rupture but there is controversy regarding important related factors. With the relaxation of birth policy in China, the maternal and perinatal outcomes after uterine rupture during VBAC are a societal concern. The lack of any large-scale study of uterine rupture during VBAC in China underscores the need for more research evidence.
Methods
We studied singleton pregnant women with VBAC from 2012 to 2019 registered in China’s National Maternal Near-Miss Surveillance System (NMNMSS). First, we calculated the incidence of uterine rupture during VBAC. Second, using a logistic regression model with weighting for the sampling distribution of the population and clustering of births within hospitals, we examined the association of sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics and maternal diseases with uterine rupture during VBAC. With multivariable logistic regression, adjusted odds ratio were estimated using two models. Finally, we compared the risk of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in women with and without uterine rupture during VBAC.
Results
This study included 155774 singleton pregnant women with VBAC, and the incidence of uterine rupture was 0.23%. Characteristics associated with the increased risk of uterine rupture during VBAC included two (aOR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.06–2.73) and three or more (aOR = 2.59; 95% CI: 0.54–12.44) previous caesarean sections, delivery at 42 weeks or later (aOR = 2.62; 95% CI: 1.58–4.35), and foetal birthweight greater than 4000 g (aOR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.30–2.87). Compared with those without these conditions, the risk of uterine rupture during VBAC among women with amniotic fluid embolism, severe anaemia, placenta accreta spectrum, placental abruption, preeclampsia or eclampsia, and mild anaemia was 25.7-fold, 15.89-fold, 4.17-fold, 3.96-fold, and 2.49-fold higher, respectively. The incidence of adverse maternal outcomes during VBAC was higher in women with uterine rupture than in women without.
Conclusion
The incidence of uterine rupture during VBAC is comparable between China and some developed countries. In the clinical medical practice of obstetrics, it is necessary to be vigilant to factors associated with uterine rupture during VBAC and identify uterine rupture as soon as possible to improve maternal and perinatal outcomes.
Intravenous application of tranexamic acid in intramedullary nailing for the treatment of geriatric intertrochanteric fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Jiakai , Fan Xiaoyuan , Zheng Yi , Wu Junlong , Yuan Xinhua
Published: January 2023

Background: Recently, several meta-analyses on the use of tranexamic acid in intertrochanteric fractures have been published. However, their inclusion criteria were not rigorous enough, and the clinical heterogeneity was high, leading to less reliable results. Therefore, we used more stringent criteria to include the most recent randomized controlled studies. The aim was to evaluate the effects and safety of intravenous application of tranexamic acid in the treatment of geriatric intertrochanteric femoral fractures with intramedullary nailing.
Methods: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from the database inception to August 2022. The date of total blood loss (TBL), intra-operative blood loss (IBL), hidden blood loss (HBL), transfusion rate, transfusion units, thromboembolic events, and mortality were extracted. Review Manager 5.3 was used for the analysis.
Results: A total of six RCTs involving 689 patients were included. Meta-analyses indicated that TXA can significantly reduce TBL (WMD = -232.82; 95% CI -312.81 to -152.84; p < 0.00001), IBL (WMD = -36.33; 95% CI -51.38 to -21.28; p < 0.00001), HBL (WMD = -189.23; 95% CI -274.92 to -103.54; p < 0.0001), transfusion rate (RR = 0.53; 95% CI 0.33 to 0.85; p = 0.008), and transfusion units (WMD = -0.58; 95% CI -0.75 to -0.41; p < 0.01). No increase in thromboembolic events rate (RR = 0.75; 95% CI 0.38 to 1.50; p = 0.42) and mortality (RR = 1.36; 95% CI 0.61 to 3.04; p = 0.45) was observed.
Conclusions: Our meta-analysis suggested that intravenous administration of TXA in the treatment of geriatric intertrochanteric femoral fractures with intramedullary nailing is effective and safe. TXA resulted in a significant reduction in TBL, IBL, HBL, transfusion rate and units, without increasing the risk of thromboembolic events and mortality.