bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technical assessment of the Old, Mississippi, Atchafalaya, and Red (OMAR) Rivers : Atchafalaya River HEC-6T model
Authors: Donohue Patrick , Copeland Ronald , Lewis James
Published: August 2022

The HEC-6T one-dimensional numerical sedimentation model was used to evaluate the long-term and system-wide sedimentation effects of modifying the operation schedule at the Old River Control Complex (ORCC). The changes evaluated were increasing and decreasing the percentage of flow that is diverted to the Atchafalaya River from the Mississippi River at the ORCC and modifying the distributions through the four ORCC structures. Sedimentation effects for several operation scenarios were compared to a Base Condition that represented the existing operation protocols. Additionally, a dredging scenario was developed and analyzed. This scenario featured dredging material from the Mississippi River and depositing it into the Outflow Channel, downstream of the ORCC. The predictive simulations extended for 50 years. The model was used to calculate and compare sand transport past various gages along the Atchafalaya River. Also, the model compared differences in water surface elevations and bed elevations using a specific gage analysis at several gages along the Atchafalaya River. Last, the effects of the various scenarios on annual dredging requirements in Berwick Bay were also determined.
Hybrid Artificial Lift-SRP/Gas Lift for Oil Production in High GOR Environment
Authors: Chanchlani Kuldeep , Gogoi Ranjit , Awasthi Sukumar , Gunwant Deepak , Meena Sunil
Published: August 2022

Gas Lift is the ideal candidate in the high GOR environment. Due to different surface constraints, a rod pump is adopted at the field scale. This necessitates the installation of a downhole gas anchor. Free gas vented, is utilized by the installation of gas lift valves above the pump depth. The flowing gas is recombined with liquid and decreases fluid density.

The Casing Gas Pressure Operated Rod Lift (CGPORL) consists of a sucker rod, pump, gas lift valves, downhole gas anchor, and tubing string. The gas injection valve is open once the annulus pressure has built over the valve closing pressure. Once the gas is released into the tubing and the injection valve is closed, the annulus becomes a closed system. It is open gas lift completion, with intermittent gas lift operation. Gas lift valves and rod pump were tested on the surface at both these wells.

The placement of the gas lift valve in these installations is critical. The pump was placed at a deeper depth and gas lift valves were designed at different depths above the pump. In the first well, very good self-flow through the annulus was observed for 6 days, and the pump was kept stopped. When the self-flow ceased, the pump was started again. In the second well, good withdrawal was observed through the tubing, due to the pump effect. Diagnostic studies are carried out regularly to monitor the pump's performance. Two pen recorder charts tracked continuous flow through the gas lift valve. The productivity of the wells was increased four times post application of this technology.

Due to a limited supply of gas and the availability of a compressor network, rod pumps are used in low productivity and high GOR wells. This paper will benefit the operators in enhancing the rates and exploiting maximum from these low productivity, high GOR wells of the field.
Fiberglass Sucker Rod Cost-Effectiveness: A Case Study from the Permian Basin
Authors: Brewer Melanie , Su Chaohui , Gault Steve
Published: August 2022

Fiberglass rods are mainly used to overcome the design limitations of rod pump equipment when additional lift capacity is required. Economic analyses for new installations or repair jobs must consider the life span of fiberglass rods. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of fiberglass rod applications by reviewing their life spans in the Permian Basin.

The objective of this project was to build a stress fatigue diagram to help minimize expenses by maximizing the effective life of fiberglass rods. In theory, this diagram would define the allowable stress range that could be applied to fiberglass rods without causing excessive failures. Each data point would consist of one fiberglass rod failure, and all calculations would be performed over the age of the taper, from initial installation to failure. These operating limits would then be applied to field applications.

The industry's rule of thumb for the "end of life" for fiberglass rods is 30-40 million rod reversals. However, most failures occurred before the rods reached one-third of their life expectancy, even though the fiberglass rods were operated well within the recommended stress ranges provided by the manufacturers. There was a positive relationship between average fiberglass taper failure frequency and average peak polished rod stress. Failures mainly occurred in the steel connection in the pin. Therefore, failures were not due to tensile stress fatigue in the fiberglass body. Failure frequency was so high in some fields that upsizing the pumping unit made more economic sense than installing a fiberglass taper.

The recommendations from this project were to: (1) understand connection failures better through improved root cause failure analysis (RCFA) data collection and manufacturer involvement; (2) reassess and improve operational conditions at failure, such as rod pump design, pump off setpoints, and pump fillage; (3) evaluate switching to a 100% metal string with an upsized pumping unit or installing a different artificial lift method if failure frequency is not reduced by operational changes; and (4) re-evaluate rod string design criteria to maximize value, as current designs are based on tensile loading in the body of the top rod, but actual failures were not due to tensile stress fatigue in the body.

Significant cost savings can be achieved if the average life span can be increased to the industry standard of 30-40 million rod reversals. More work needs to be done to understand connection failures.
Carbon Footprint Reduction Using Permanent Magnet Motors in Artificial Lift Systems
Authors: Ararat Luis Fernando , Herrera Ronald Fabian , Parra Sergio Andres , Solano Francisco Javier , Martinez Angie Catherine , Suarez Efrain
Published: August 2022

Permanent magnet motor (PMM) technology was evaluated and implemented in the different artificial lift systems in Llanos Norte (LLN) and La Cira Infantas (LCI) fields aiming to find a more efficient motor that aligns with SierraCol Energy's mission as an independent operator in Colombia to generate energy consumption savings and contributing to reduce the carbon footprint.

During the last decade, awareness has been raised about environmental issues and the need to combat the effects of climate change. Efforts led by different agreements between nations have gained strength based on the 1992 Earth Summit and the 2015 Agreement of Paris, which establishes measures for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in order to minimize the impact of the carbon footprint in different industries strongly associated with the exploitation of fossil resources and its impact. More efficient technologies within the oil and gas sector are important since the increase in energy costs worldwide has been impacting the operating costs of mature oil and gas fields, and reservoir depletion, high water cuts, and equipment maintenance are increasing energy demands. The process of identifying new, more efficient technologies was initiated, and PMMs were selected and implemented, achieving a significant reduction in energy consumption (15% - 25%) in artificial lift systems at SierraCol Energy fields.

In 2016, a trial test in LLN field began with the installation of PMM in two wells with ESP systems, with an average energy saving of 15%, based on ESP results. The trial test began in 2019 with two wells with PCP systems in LCI, obtaining 35% energy savings. These favorable energy savings resulted in a large-scale implementation in the initial completions in 2021. The last trial test for the SRP system began in 2020/2021 with the installation of five wells in LCI with an average energy saving of 18%. PMM met the expectations and objectives set for their evaluation; a 15% reduction in energy consumption has been achieved for the main artificial lift systems (ESP, SRP and PCP) with PMM technology compared to conventional systems. Savings in energy translates into a reduction of 24,500 tons CO2eq in five years; therefore, implementation of PMM technology is considered an energy efficient alternative and potential agent of change in reducing the carbon footprint.

This paper shares technical details of the evaluation of new technologies and tests carried out in the field to validate the implementation of PMM technology in the artificial lift systems, the calculation of reduction of tons of CO2eq, and the main challenges in its application as an energy efficient solution for future projects.
Predicting ESP Motor's Overheating Due to High Free Gas Fraction
Authors: Chu Thuy , Nguyen Tan C. , Yoo Hyunsang , Wang Jihoon , Vuong Duc
Published: August 2022

Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) is one of the most adaptable artificial lift methods that is capable of lifting high fluid volumes from wellbore to surface. Despite that, ESPs are not suitable for wells with high gas liquid ratio. Presence of free gas inside an ESP causes pump performance degradation which may lead to higher motor temperature and/or pump failures during operations. Thus, it is necessary to investigate effects of free gas on pump failures due to the degradation of pump performance under two-phase flow and high motor temperature. This study is one of the first attempts to simulate motor temperature using developed correlations which predict two-phase pump performance under downhole conditions. Field data from two ESP-oil wells were used to confirm the reliability of the developed simulations predicting two-phase ESP performance and motor temperature under downhole conditions. The simulation results show that liquid rate drops significantly due to the degradation of pump performance under two-phase flow, reduces by around 50% when free gas fraction increases from 0 to 0.4. In addition, ESP applications might be feasible in different gassy conditions with up to 0.35 free gas fraction. However, when the pump is run at 3500 RPM, the maximum free gas fraction that an ESP can tolerate is about 0.25 before the pump is overheated and failed. The findings from this study will help operating companies as well as ESP manufacturers to operate ESPs within the recommended range under downhole conditions.
A Detailed Investigation of Gravity-Driven Separation Mechanisms for Horizontal Wells Under Slugging Conditions
Authors: Rosli Redza , Pereyra Eduardo , Sarica Cem
Published: August 2022

An experimental and theoretical investigation of the mechanisms of downhole gravity (shroud type) separation under slugging conditions has been conducted. Based on the observations, a new mechanistic model for downhole separation failure has been proposed.

A new facility has been designed and built to represent a section of a gravity-driven inverted shroud type separator at the primary separation region. This study focuses on how the Taylor bubble (large bubble) interacts with the primary separation region. High-speed video recordings were used to analyze the interaction in detail.

The results show that the Taylor bubble starts to be ingested into the inverted shroud when a critical liquid flow rate is reached. This critical flow rate separates the regions of the ‘high efficiency’ and ‘disrupted efficiency.’ A gas ingestion criterion model has been proposed based on a simplified slug flow model in vertical wellbore conditions. The model has been evaluated with data from the large-scale downhole separator facility with favorable results.

We present the results of the first experiments to investigate the main mechanisms of gas-liquid separation in a gravity-driven inverted shroud type separator under slugging conditions. Identifying the mechanisms is the first step in developing mathematical models for downhole separation design and troubleshooting. The results could be applied to a horizontal well configuration where electrical submersible pumps are deployed in larger GOR environments.
Sucker Rod Couplings: Fatigue Failures and Stress Cracking Under Corrosive Environment
Authors: Bühler Martín , Lopez Edgardo , Oliva Esteban
Published: August 2022

The sucker rod joint is designed to be made up to a given preload stress level in order to prevent separation between the pin shoulder and the coupling face during operation. As long as the connection is correctly made up, non-failures are expected to occur working within the fatigue limit of the design. Nevertheless, sucker rods joint failures occur constantly in oil fields around the world. It has been observed these failures both in loose joints and in properly made up connections. When the connection is loose, additional loads appear on the threads, not only adding more tensile stresses but also some flexion components that increase the risk of fatigue both in the pin and the coupling (in both cases in the last engaged thread, the most stressed). These failures can occur with equal probability in either the pin or the coupling. Once initiated, the failure growths by fatigue mechanism. But in several cases, coupling failures with the same apparent pattern as in a loose connection have been observed in properly made up ones at the failure moment. A common element detected in all these failures was the operation in corrosive environments.

The goal of this work is to assess the performance of different threads and materials having the same manufacturing method (cold rolled threads) under stress corrosion conditions. Comparative tests were performed in different sucker rod coupling grades. Modified NACE TM0177 Method A Tensile Tests (Proof Ring) as well as full scale fatigue tests under corrosive environments were performed.

The results show that the performance of a Sour Service steel (widely use in OCTG), cold rolled, is better than an 8630M rolled material and even better than the same steel with cut threaded element.
Closed Loop Gas-Lift Optimization
Authors: Asgharzadeh Shishavan Reza , Serrano Juan C , Ludena Jose R , Li Qian , Hager Bradley J , Saenz Eduardo , Stephenson Greg B , Hendroyono Arief , Stojanovic Slavoljub , Sankpal Dipti , Alexander Asher N
Published: August 2022

Significant value can be achieved by optimizing production of a gas-lift network. Operators have traditionally performed this work manually using network models, but maintaining these models is often labor-intensive. To address this challenge, a closed-loop optimization system was developed that leverages both advanced analytics and physics-based techniques, as well as Internet of Things (IoT) Edge technology. The objectives of such system are to control and optimize the gas-lift network automatically, reduce downtime during compressor upsets, and mitigate any potential flare events.

The new closed-loop gas-lift optimization algorithm consists of well and surface network models, optimization and regression solvers, and disturbance adaptation, all running in real time. The closed-loop optimizer works as follows: (1) in every cycle, the optimizer receives measurements; (2) disturbance adaptation compares the model's estimates with the measurements and adapts the surface network model to make it more accurate; (3) the adapted surface network model and well models are used to find the optimum lift gas setpoints; and (4) the calculated setpoints are sent to the automation system through IoT Edge technology.

Integral to this system is a single-well nodal analysis model that automatically generates updated models daily for all gas-lift wells. This model is used both as a monitoring tool by the engineers and as part of the network model in the closed-loop gas-lift optimizer, which has been deployed in multiple fields and is running continuously (24/7). The optimizer has saved both production engineering time per network and well specialist time per compressor upset event. Field case studies have shown that the closed-loop optimizer has been successful in maintaining compressor station outlet pressure and optimizing the gas-lift networks during compressor upsets or potential flare events. A significant improvement in oil production has been achieved in fields using optimizer due to both optimized lift gas distribution and reduced downtime.

This new algorithm can optimize gas-lift networks during normal operating conditions, compressor upsets, or potential flare events, while simultaneously controlling compressor station outlet pressure within an acceptable range in real time. Significantly, disturbance adaptation is used for the first time to improve the surface model accuracy immediately as additional measurements are received.
Empirical and Theoretical Electrical Integrity Analysis Based on Polarization Index, Dielectric Absorption Ratio and Insulation Measurements
Authors: Zuluaga Castro Juan David , Escobar Ardila Carlos Hernando , Cely Rey Luis Alejandro , Trujillo Artunduaga Jose Edgar
Published: August 2022

As a part of the electrical submersible pumping equipment installation guidelines, electrical measurements should be conducted when production string is lowering into the well during completion operations, by this way is possible detect how electrical integrity is changing as a function of depth and if the conductor's insulation was affected by mechanical effects from the last electrical integrity measurement. Commonly, electrical integrity is verified taking insulation resistance (phase to ground) and continuity (phase to phase) measurements nevertheless, another parameter such polarization index and dielectric absorption ratio exist and be able to verify insulation resistance behavior.

Therefore, is imperative understand what means polarization index (PI) and dielectric absorption ratio (DAR). According to existing standards, those two indexes could indicate insulation quality and cleanliness state of the electrical rotary machine (asynchronous motors for this case).

To appraise the PI and DAR impact on insulation behavior were taken data form 50 different wells in Colombian Llanos basin (Llanos 34 block) and were analyzed closer to verify if PI and DAR indexes could aid to determine poor insulation quality than only conventional readings, observing that the low insulation values not always will indicates poor insulation properties. Finally, this analysis aid to determine the insulation status each time the system is electrically tested.
Development of an AMPCP Condition Indicator
Authors: Sheldon John W. , MacDonald Justin , Noble Evan , Chung Christine V.
Published: August 2022

All-metal progressing cavity pumps (AMPCPs) are frequently used in oil and gas applications to produce high-temperature fluids to surface. Unfortunately, due to the interaction of the metal rotor on the metal stator, AMPCPs can exhibit accelerated wear during operation that results in decreasing pump volumetric efficiency over the pump's life.

While decreasing pump volumetric efficiency can be a result of pump wear, it can also be due to changes in downhole operating conditions, such as increasing pump differential pressure or decreasing pump speed. For this reason, when evaluating the state or condition of an AMPCP, the use of pump efficiency alone may be a misleading or imperfect indicator.

In this work, a proposed condition indicator is presented that estimates the wear experienced by an AMPCP at any given time in operation and takes into consideration the potential effects of downhole operating conditions. The proposed condition indicator can also be extrapolated into the future and used to estimate the potential remaining useful life (RUL) of an AMPCP by considering the current pump condition and the estimated future downhole operating conditions.

An example is provided to demonstrate how to calculate the condition indicator of an AMPCP and several case studies are presented that illustrate the effects of varying downhole operating conditions and various workover activities, such as rotor re-landing and rotor swaps, on the condition of an AMPCP and its potential RUL.

The proposed AMPCP condition indicator enables operators to estimate the condition of an AMPCP over time, which allows for better pump selection based on the anticipated operating decisions, better operating practices to maximize system performance, as well as improved planning of upcoming workovers based on more accurate AMPCP RUL estimates.
Analytical solution of the steady Navier-Stokes equation for an incompressible fluid entrained by a rotating disk of finite radius using the apparatus of tunnel mathematics.
Authors: G. Shvydkyi O.
Published: August 2022

The flow in the neighborhood of a rotating disk is of great practical importance particularly in connexion with rotary machines. It becomes turbulent at larger Reynolds numbers, R > 3 x 105, in the same way as the flow about a plate. In this article we consider o motion of incompressible fluid that is always turbulent in circular direction (Reynolds number based on circular velocity R > 3 x 105) and is of both of kinds in radial direction, i e. laminar (Reynolds number based on radial velocity Rr < 3 x 105) and turbulent ( Rr > 3 x 105). The equations of analyticity of functions of spatial complex variable (shortly, the equations of tunnel mathematics) affords a possibility to seek the solutions of steady Navier-Stokes equation in view of elementary functions. All vector fields, including those obeying the Navier-Stokes equation, satisfy to the equations of tunnel mathematics. The Navier-Stokes equations themselves are afterwards applied for verification of obtained solutions and calculation the pressure. Obtained formulae for pressure allow to visualize the presence of the boundary layer and estimate its thickness for laminar and turbulent flows. We use the Prandtl`s concept of considering of fluids with small viscosities, i. e. we suppose that Reynolds number is enough large and the viscosity has in important effect on the motion of fluid only in a very small region near the disk (boundary layer). We also suppose that the fluid and the disk had at beginning the same temperatures and the energy dissipation occurs only by means internal friction.
A gamified morning report curriculum to improve internal medicine trainee engagement, content exposure, and perceived learning efficacy
Authors: Peterson Jacob , Hensley Lauren
Published: August 2022

BackgroundThe daily morning report session for the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Internal Medicine Residency Program uses the traditional format of case presentation and discussion. This commonly-used approach to morning report has relatively low learner attendance and perceived individual engagement and topics are derived from a limited pool of recently admitted cases. To improve engagement, material exposure, and perceived learning efficacy, we implemented a weekly competitive quiz session designed to review material presented previously.MethodsThe Friday morning report session was changed to a weekly quiz game, called “Follow-up Friday” with trainees forming small groups of 3-4 people from different levels of training. Using their smartphones and presentation software available from “Mentimeter.com,” learners engaged in a competitive quiz with questions derived from cases and material presented earlier in the week as well as older material that they had found challenging from prior quizzes and the in-service training exam. ResultsImplemented in July 2021, this session was delivered to over 150 trainees including medical students and trainees rotating through the internal medicine department. When surveyed, internal medicine trainees of all year-groups indicated a strong perception that the Follow-Up Friday session improved engagement, material exposure, and learning efficacy. DiscussionModifying the morning report format to include well-established educational concepts was simple to implement and very well received by learners. This study was limited by a small sample size and a design that included only subjective outcomes from the learners. ConclusionFollow-Up Friday employed time-spaced learning, recall practice, and interleaving of topics resulting in improved learner engagement, material exposure, and perceived learning efficacy. This simple and effective format warrants continued use and may be of benefit to other training programs.
The gametogenic cycle and spawning of the Short-Necked Clam, Paphia undulata Born, 1778 from Timsah Lake, Suez Canal, Egypt
Authors: Mahmoud Mostafa A. M. , Yassien Mohamed H.
Published: August 2022

Background
The Short-Necked Clam Paphia undulata is a marine edible bivalve consumed all over the world and locally in Egypt. In the past decade, its population declined across the Egyptian fisheries due to overexploitation and pollution. The gametogenic cycle and spawning studies of P. undulata were carried out during the period from January 2020 to December 2020 along Timsah Lake, Suez Canal, Egypt.
Results
Shell lengths of the collected clams ranged from 2.31 cm to 6.22 cm in males, 2.05 cm to 5.97 cm in females and 3.70 cm to 4.36 cm in hermaphrodite clams. These clams are functionally dioecious wherein male and female sexes are separate, with very low incidences of hermaphroditism. The sex ratio (male: female: hermaphrodite) of the clam population was 1.0: 1.07: 0.04. The onset of sexual maturity of both males and females was 2.3 cm and 2.7 cm respectively.
Conclusions
Reproductive studies revealed that this species has a prolonged spawning season not restricted during a certain period.
Comparison of Autonomous sensory meridian response and binaural auditory beats effects on stress reduction: A randomized double-blind trial
Authors: Lee Minji , Lee Hyuk Joo , Ahn Junseok , Hong Jung Kyung , Yoon In-Young
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to compare the effects of Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) and binaural beat (BB) on stress reduction, and to determine whether ASMR and BB can induce changes in quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG). A double-blind randomized trial was conducted. Subjects with stress were recruited considering their perceived stress scale (PSS), Beck depression inventory-II (BDI-II), insomnia severity index (ISI), and state-trait anxiety inventory-state anxiety (STAI-S) scores. Subjects listened to ASMR or BB with music (8Hz for daytime, 5Hz for nighttime) for 15 minutes in daytime and 30 minutes before going to sleep for 3 weeks. QEEG was measured before and after the intervention. Seventy-six participants (57 female, mean age = 46.12 ± 12.01) finished the trial. After the intervention, PSS, BDI-II, ISI, STAI-S, and PSQI scores improved significantly in both groups. BDI-II and ISI mean scores were normalized in both groups after the intervention. Changes of absolute beta and high beta power in the ASMR group were larger than those in the BB group (p = 0.026, p = 0.040, respectively). Both ASMR and BB are equally effective in reducing stress levels. Unlike BB, ASMR can lead to an increase in beta and high beta waves associated with cortical arousal.
High Variability of interaction energy between Volcanic Particles: Implications for Deposit Stability
Authors: Ontiveros Alfonso , Plaza Ivan , Calero Julio , Moleon Jose Alberto , Ibañez Jesus Miguel
Published: August 2022

Landslides on the flanks of stratovolcanoes can significantly modify the structure of the volcano. Macroscopic factors that determine the stability of volcanic deposits are well understood, but the microscopic interactions between particles and their impact on deposit cohesion remain poorly understood. Deposit cohesion is related to the energy of interaction between particles, and its calculation depends on the surficial properties of the eruptive materials. The purpose of this study was to perform a preliminary comparative analysis of the surficial properties of volcanic materials from various tectonic settings, including electrical (zeta potential) and thermodynamic (surface free energy) components and to calculate the total interaction energy between particles under different environmental conditions. We analyzed eruptive materials from six active volcanoes (El Hierro, Pico Do Fogo, Vulcano, Stromboli, Mt. Etna, and Deception Island). The results show that deposit cohesion varies among volcanoes, and changes drastically with the pH of the medium. Among the volcanic systems investigated, El Hierro (pH = 3) has the most cohesive materials, while Mt. Etna (pH = 8) has the least cohesive materials. Our results suggest that microscopic electrical and thermodynamic properties play a role in the stability of volcanic deposits, and confirm the need for a greater research focus in this area.
Fish Species Classification Using a Collaborative Technique Of Firefly Algorithm & Neural Network
Authors: PRASENAN POOJA
Published: August 2022

Monitoring various Fish Species and its distribution of the species obtains a primary significance in receiving the insights to marine ecological-system. After this, visual classification of those species would aid in tracing out the movement and yields the patterns and trends in fish activities, which provides in depth knowledge of the species. Unconstrained under-water images pose highly variations because of the fish orientation changes, Light-intensities, similarity in fish patterns and fish shapes. This would create the greater challenge for Image-processing techniques in accurate classification of Fish species or the Fish classes. Hence, for this reason, Underwater Image Enhancement (UWIE) is implemented in combination of Morphological-operations in pre-processing method. The pre-processed image is then subjected to feature extraction process by using Speed-up Robust Feature (SURF) algorithm. This is followed by Firefly Algorithm (FFA), applied for optimization of Region of interest (ROI) selection in the selected-features. For the categorization of Fish-species, PatternNet is a technique which is employed, in classifying 10,000 marine fish-images to five categories (Dascyllus reticulatus, Plectroglyphidodondickii, Chromis chrysura, Amphiprionclarkii, and Chaetodon lunulatus). The Efficiency of the proposed-framework is performed in terms of Classification accuracy, execution time, precision value, F-measure and recall factors with respect to various categories of fish species. The comparison of the proposed-framework is also assessed with the other existing methods. 98% of accuracy rate in classification was produced by the evaluation results of the proposed framework with a lesser average computation time of 3.64 seconds upon different tested images. Thus, the higher efficiency of the proposed framework is proved by the outcomes of the study.
Transcriptomics of differences in thermal plasticity associated with selection for an exaggerated male sexual trait
Authors: Plesnar-Bielak Agata , Parrett Jonathan M. , Chmielewski Sebastian , Dudek Katarzyna , Łukasiewicz Aleksandra , Marszałek Marzena , Babik Wiesław , Konczal Mateusz
Published: August 2022

BackgroundThe information about the magnitude of between-individual differences in thermal plasticity and identification of the underlying molecular mechanisms are key to understand the evolution of thermal plasticity. In particular, genes underlying variation in the physiological response to temperature can provide raw material for selection acting on plastic traits. Using RNAseq, we investigate the transcriptional response to temperature in males and females from the bulb mite populations selected for the increased frequency of one of two discrete male morphs (fighter- and scrambler-selected populations) that differ in relative fitness depending on temperature.ResultsAt decreased temperature, males from fighter-selected populations showed higher transcriptomic plasticity, as indicated by a significant selection treatment by temperature (decreased vs. control) interaction effect on the expression of 40 genes, 38 of which were overexpressed in fighter-selected populations in response to temperature decrease. These genes were mostly associated with carbohydrate metabolism. At increased temperature, no selection-by-temperature interaction in gene expression was detected. Hence, between-morph differences in response to increased temperature are most likely determined by genes consistently differing in expression between morphs. These genes were associated with protein metabolism, ion transport, lipid metabolism and oxidoreductase activity among others. In females, we did not find genes with selection-treatment-specific response to temperature decrease or increase, but both sexes differed between selection treatments in expression of 79 genes. They can be treated as candidates for genes underlying temperature sensitivity of fitness differences between females from fighter- and scrambler-selected populations.ConclusionDifferent mechanisms underly the divergence in thermal response between populations differing in sexually selected traits prevalence at decreased vs. increased temperature. While temperature decrease was associated with higher transcriptomic plasticity of males with more elaborate armaments, differential response to temperature increase likely depended on genes associated with their distinct thermal tolerance. Selection on males drove gene expression patterns in females. These patterns could be associated with temperature-dependent fitness differences between females from fighter- vs. scrambler-selected populations reported in previous studies. Our study shows that selection for divergent male sexually selected morphologies and behaviors has a potential to drive divergence in metabolic pathways underlying plastic response to temperature in both sexes.
Survival analysis of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma treated by radical surgery for the first time
Authors: Li Yadong , Dong Linsheng , Xue Lingli , Fang Chuan , Cheng Wei , Tang Jin
Published: August 2022

﻿Objective:To investigate the five-year overall survival (OS) rate and postoperative survival time of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and to analyze the clinical and pathological factors affecting the survival of patients with OSCC.Methods:We collected the data of patients with OSCC received radical surgical treatment for the first time in the department of maxillofacial surgery of the first affiliated hospital of Chongqing medical university from Apr. 2015 to Dec 2016.Follow-up was conducted until March 2022.Results:A total of 68 patients were included in this study.Tongue (35.3%) was the most common part, followed by cheek (30.9%).The 5-year OS rate was 55.9%, about 52.9% of OSCC patients had recurrence and metastasis after surgery, and the 5-year overall disease-free survival rate was 42.6%. The univariate analysis showed that clinical stage, size of tumor, lymph node metastasis (pN), pathological differentiation and recurrence and metastasis were the exposure factors affecting survival time (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that drinking, pathological differentiation and recurrence and metastasis were independent factors affecting survival time (P<0.05). Another special finding was that 4 patients with OSCC were found to suffer from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) within 1-4 years after surgery.Conclusion:The survival prognosis of patients with OSCC is correlated with clinical stage, size of tumor, lymph node metastasis (pN), pathological differentiation, recurrence and metastasis. drinking, pathological differentiation and recurrence and metastasis were independent factors affecting survival time. Clinical screening of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma may be performed routinely in OSCC patients with a history of alcohol and tobacco.Mini Abstract:The survival prognosis of patients with OSCC is correlated with clinical stage, size of tumor, lymph node metastasis (pN), pathological differentiation, recurrence and metastasis.
Chromosomal copy-number variation analysis of villous tissues using molecular karyotyping in early missed abortions
Authors: Xue Huili , Guo Qun , Yu Aili , Lin Min , Chen Xuemei , Xu Liangpu , Huang Hailong
Published: August 2022

Karyotype abnormalities are the most common etiology of early spontaneous miscarriage. However, traditional karyotyping of chorionic villus samples (CVSs) is limited by cell culture and its low resolution. The objective of our study was to investigate the efficiency of molecular karyotyping technology in detecting the CNVs of early missed abortion tissues. Chromosome analysis of 1160 abortion CVSs in early pregnancy, collected by hysterosuction, was conducted in Fujian, China, with informed consent secured from the participants; 449 chromosomal CNV analyses were conducted via CNV-seq and 711 analyses were conducted using microarray. Clinically submicroscopic CNVs of abortion villous tissues were identified to clarify the cause of the abortion and to guide the participants’ subsequent pregnancies. Among the 1160 samples, 754 cases (65.0%) with genetic abnormalities were identified, of which, 531 (45.8%) were single aneuploidies, 31 (2.7%) were multiple aneuploidies, 50 (4.3%) were polyploidies, 53 (4.6%) were partial aneuploidies, 78 (6.7%) had a microdeletion or microduplication, and 8 cases (0.7%) were uniparental disomies. However, compared with the young maternal age group, the embryotic numerical and structural chromosomal rate was significantly different in the advanced maternal age group, while there was no significant positive correlation between maternal age and other types of genetic abnormalities. A higher detection rate of embryotic chromosomal abnormalities, especially submicroscopic CNVs, was achieved using CNV-seq and microarray. Our results indicate that embryonic CNVs cause early miscarriage and highlight the importance of CNV analysis in CVSs, irrespective of maternal age.
Promoting Membrane Electrode Assembly via Blocking Nafion's Sulfonate Group with Cyclohexanol: Releasing Pt Activity and Improving Mass Transport
Authors: Chen Fadong , Chen Siguo , Wang Aoxue , Wang Meng , Guo Lin , Wei Zidong
Published: August 2022

Owing to the physical confinement of Nafion ionomer and the specific adsorption of sulfonate (-SO3H) group on Pt, the catalytic activity of Pt-based catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has been badly suppressed in membrane electrode assembly (MEA). Herein, we report a blocking strategy with cyclohexanol to mitigate the detrimental impacts of Nafion ionomer in cathode catalyst layer. The stereoscopic cyclohexanol incorporated in the ionomer has cut off the poisoning adsorption of -SO3H group on Pt and increased the loose of the ionomer in catalyst layer. As a result, MEA with cyclohexanol has reached a mass activity as high as 0.87 A mgPt-1 @0.85 V and a peak power density of 1.772 W cm-2 in the H2/O2 fuel cell, 40% and 47% higher relative to these of the MEA with only Nafion ionomer, respectively. The demonstrated strategy provides a new direction for fully releasing the catalytic activity of Pt in MEA.
Fixed-Time Adaptive Fuzzy Control For Time-Varying Systems Based On Nominal
Authors: Yi Bing , Liu Zhi , Zhang Yun , Chen C. L. Philip , Wu ZongZe
Published: August 2022

The fixed-time control for systems with timevarying parameters is investigated in this article. Different from the previous pure robust control, the proposed method is less conservative. Applying this method could avoid the existence of unknown time-varying parameter derivatives in control design. Combining with adaptive fuzzy control and projection operator, a novel singularity-avoidance virtual controller is constructed via backsteping. The proposed controller guarantees that the tracking errors converge to a user-defined precision within a prescribed fixed-time. Two examples are used to show that this method can achieve fixed time control even if the time-varying parameters are unknown and non-asymptotically constant.
The Long-run Effects of Fetal PM2.5 Exposure on Mental Health: Evidence from China
Authors: Ai Hongshan , Wu Jia , Zhou Zhihan
Published: August 2022

This paper investigates the long-run effects of PM2.5 exposure in utero on the mental health of adolescents. Using nationally representative survey data from China, we instrument the PM2.5 exposure with wind speed to tackle the possible endogenous problem of the PM2.5 exposure. Our results show that mothers’ PM2.5 exposure during their pregnancy has negative effects on the mental health of their children aged between 10 and 15. A one μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure in utero increases the probability of having a severe mental illness for adolescents by 0.6%. Our evidence supports the “fetal origins” hypothesis. We also find that fetal PM2.5 exposure leads adolescents to be more likely to be absent from school and quarrel with their parents, implying that fetal PM2.5 exposure probability affects individuals’ behavior when they grow up.JEL codes: J13, J24, Q53
Pinus Sylvestris L. Mature Seeds Megamethophytes Cultured in Vitro. Influence of the Genotype and the Growth Regulators Content in Nutrient Medium on the Initiation of Callus Formation
Authors: Chirva Olga Vladimirovna , Ignatenko Roman Viktorovich , Ershova Maria Alekseevna
Published: August 2022

Despite the significant progress in forest biotechnology Scots pine still remains difficult for mass propagation via somatic embryogenesis (SE) due to the influence of many factors, such as the genotype and location of the donor plant, the composition of the nutrient medium, including the concentration of growth regulators, etc. Mature seeds were collected from Pinus sylvestris trees growing in the northern (Loukhsky district, Engozerskoye district forestry, natural phytocoenosis) and middle (Prionezhsky district, Petrozavodsk seed orchard) boreal subzone in Karelia (Russia). The influence of various growth regulators content in the composition of the DCR medium on the initiation of callus formation from mature seeds megagametophytes of both habitats was analyzed. Cytogenetic analysis of explants (root meristem of seedlings) showed that the frequency of mitosis pathologies is 4 times, and the proportion of cells with micronuclei is 6 times higher in P. sylvestris plants from a natural phytocoenosis than from Petrozavodsk seed orchard. Nevertheless explants collected from trees growing in the northern boreal subzone more often formed a cell culture (initiation frequency 13.4±2.9%) than megagametophytes from seed orchard (8.83±1.43%). The most active callus formation was registered on medium containing (1) 9 µM benzyladenine and 13.6 µM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid; (2) 9 µM benzyladenine and 2.7 µM 1-naphthylacetic acid.
Soil denitrification response to increased urea concentration constrains nitrous oxide emission factor in a simulated cattle urine patch
Authors: Helgason Bobbi , Reimer Jesse C. , Arcand Melissa M.
Published: August 2022

Aim
Incorporating non-bloat legumes into grass pastures can reduce enteric methane and alter cattle urinary urea-N output by increasing protein intake. Deposition of high urea-N urine influences soil N-cycling microbes and potentially, N2O production. We studied how urea-N concentration affects soil nitrifier and denitrifier abundance and activity and CO2 and N2O production.
Methods
15N13C-labelled urea dissolved in cattle urine was added at 3.5 and 7.0 g L− 1 to soils from a grazed, non-bloat legume pasture and incubated under controlled conditions. CO2, N2O, 13CO2, and 15N2O production were quantified over 240 h, along with nitrifer and denitrifier N-cycling genes and mRNA transcripts.
Results
High urea urine increased total N2O relative to the control; low urea was not significantly different from the control or the high urea treatment. As a result, N2O-N emission factors decreased from 1.25–0.74% in low vs. high urea treatments. Doubling urea concentration doubled urea-derived 13CO2 and 15N2O but not total N2O. Urine addition initially inhibited, but then increased AOB transcription and abundance. nirK and nirS transcript abundances indicated that denitrification by ammonia oxidizers and/or heterotrophic denitrifiers likely dominated N2O production at a lower-than-expected WFPS (47% & 65%). Urine addition increased nosZ-II vs. nosZ-I transcription, improving soil N2O reduction potential.
Conclusion
Characterizing this interplay between nitrifiers and denitrifiers improves the understanding of urine patch N2O sinks and sources. The smaller emission factor from high urea urine suggests that current inventory methods using N deposition rates could overestimate soil N2O emissions from cattle consuming non-bloat legumes.
Administrative Burden Associated with Cost-Related Delays in Care in U.S. Cancer Patients
Authors: Doherty Meredith , Thom Bridgette , Gardner Daniel
Published: August 2022

Purpose: U.S. cancer patients engage in a range of administrative tasks to pay for their healthcare (e.g., estimating costs, negotiating with insurers, and making sense of bills). This study investigates the relationship between payment tasks and timely access to cancer care. Methods: We administered a web-based survey to 510 cancer patients and survivors, stratified by cancer type and geographic region, to assess their financial and insurance concerns and experiences. Logistic regression was used to determine if there was an independent relationship between number of administrative payment tasks and odds of cost-related delay/nonadherence. Results: Younger patients (£ 44 years) reported more payment tasks and cost-related delays/nonadherence than older patients (³ 55 years); African American patients reported more payment tasks and cost-related delays/nonadherence than white patients. After accounting for age, race/ethnicity, education, and estimated out-of-pocket costs, patients who reported engaging in more tasks had greater odds of delaying or forgoing care due to cost (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.26, 1.85). Conclusion: Payment tasks increased the odds of cost-related delays and nonadherence by over 50%, taking the form of delayed or skipped doctor appointments, tests and bloodwork, and prescription fulfillment. Younger patients and those identifying as African American were more likely to engage in payment tasks and delay or forgo care due to cost. Administrative burdens can disrupt access to care and traditionally underserved patient populations are disproportionately exposed to these hardships. Reducing the administrative complexity of healthcare through universal, human-centered design could reduce burdens and increase access.
Effect of Drought Stress or Soil pH on Cesium Accumulation in Napier Grass
Authors: Kang Dong-Jin , Tazoe Hirofumi
Published: August 2022

Radio-cesium (Cs) decontamination efficiency by plants is supposedly affected by environmental conditions. To elucidate the factors influencing the unstable 137Cs-decontamination efficiency, we first examined the influence of drought or soil pH on Cs accumulation using cesium-133 (133Cs) using Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) grown under pot conditions. The experiment was performed on three different conditions with 150 µM 133Cs applied to soil: low pH (L-pH, pH = 5.6 ± 0.0), near-neutral pH (N-pH, pH = 6.6 ± 0.1), and the combination of low pH and drought stress (Drought). Drought stress had prominent negative effects on plant height, aboveground dry matter weight (DWabove), 133Cs concentrations in aboveground or root (Csabove or Csroot) parts, or 133Cs total content in the part aboveground (Cs-T). 133Cs concentration and total content in Drought conditions were reduced by 44.1% and 60.0% aboveground, and 63.6% and 66.0% in root parts compared with counterpart normal soil moisture conditions (L-pH), respectively. Conversely, there were no significant effects of soil pH on Csabove, Csroot, or Cs-T in L-pH and N-pH conditions. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (Fv/Fm, Fv/F0) and the temperature in leaves were negatively affected by drought stress or soil pH conditions. From our results, drought strongly influenced plant growth and Cs accumulation in plants compared with soil acidity. Therefore, soil moisture appears to be a significant factor in maintaining 137Cs-decontamination efficiency by Napier grass.