bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic Anisotropy Analysis of Fractured Reservoirs
Authors: Chichinina T. , Avila-Carrera R. , Bezkhodarnov V.
Published: November 2023

Vertical fractures cause azimuthal anisotropy. To predict the fractures’ azimuth, we use anisotropy analysis of four seismic attributes: NMOA, AVOA, QVOA and Shear-Wave-Splitting (SWS). Namely: the first NMOA-attribute means "Normal-Move-Out velocity versus Azimuth". The second attribute AVOА stands for "Amplitude Versus Offset and Azimuth". The amplitude is understood as the reflection coefficient of the longitudinal (PP) wave. In the SWS analysis, we separate two shear waves from each other (S1 and S2). The S1 -wave has its polarization vector parallel to the plane of the fractures, and the other (S2) is perpendicular. The delay time Δt between the S1-wave and the S2 -wave is proportional to the fracture concentration. Regarding the NMOA, the unequal time of arrival of the PP-wave in different azimuths is due to the velocity anisotropy induced by fractures. The azimuthal variation of the NMO velocity is described by the NMO ellipse. The spatial time-field surface for the reflected PP-wave can be represented as a hyperboloid with an elliptical section, which is the so-called NMO ellipse. The minor axis of the ellipse points to the fractures’ azimuth (α0). In addition, the AVOA attribute is used for fracture characterization. The azimuthal variation of the AVO gradient can be represented as an ellipse, whose minor axis (Bmin) shows the fracture direction azimuth. We can estimate the concentration of fractures by the value of its major axis (Bmax). We apply an integrated approach, that is, the analysis of four anisotropy attributes: NMOA, AVOA, SWS and QVOA. The QVOA-attribute means "Q Versus Offset and Azimuth". Q is a quality factor. The inverse (the reciprocal) of the quality factor 1/Q is a measure of the attenuation of the seismic-wave energy. When analyzing the azimuthal variation of an anisotropy attribute, it is considered that a fractured reservoir can be represented as a model of a transversely isotropic medium with a horizontal axis of symmetry (HTI). With regard to the latter QVOA method, we come to the conclusion that in order to achieve the highest accuracy in the angle of the fracture-direction estimation, it is best to use our new "canonical" formula derived for the Q−1(θ, φ)-attenuation function, which gives the highest accuracy in estimating the azimuth of the fracture direction compared to its former approximations. In the former version of QVOA method, we used a simplified approximation formula of the attenuation (Q−1(θ, φ)) in the form A + Bx + Cx2, (where x = sin2θcos2(φ − φ0), as well as its truncated approximation A + Bx. However, to achieve the highest accuracy in estimating fracture direction, it is best to use our new "canonical" formula of Q−1(θ, φ)-function, which gives the best accuracy in estimating the azimuth angle of fractures’ direction compared to those simple approximations. Thus, our improved QVOA method gives an excellent absolute accuracy of more than 0.25 degrees.
Reduction of Oil Losses from Evaporation at Oil Collection Points
Authors: Mammadzada N. M.
Published: November 2023

During the filling and emptying of the tanks at the oil collection points, the transfer of petroleum products from one tank to another, and the storage of petroleum products in tanks, evaporation losses of petroleum products occur, and ecology and the environment are polluted. In order to reduce evaporation losses in the tanks, the gas spaces should be connected with the collector pipe. For the condensation of oil vapors, the collector connecting the gas spaces of the tanks should be connected to the drainage capacity by passing through the overflow crude oil collection or formation water collection tanks. Steam passing through the tank condenses as a result of cooling.

Ecology and environmental protection are the most important issues in the collection, transportation and storage of extracted oil and gas. Ecology and environmental protection is about reducing losses in the transportation and storage of oil. There may be quantity and quality losses in petroleum products. In quantitative losses, the consumption of petroleum products increases, and in quality losses, their composition changes. Quantitative losses are caused by leaks in the flange joints of fittings, pump casings, erosion of tanks and pipes during transportation of oil products, as well as evaporation of oil products in tanks. Evaporation losses account for 75% of total losses [1].

Evaporation losses of petroleum products occur as they are stored in tanks, filled and unloaded, and transported from one tank to another. In tanks filled with petroleum products, a complex evaporation process always occurs, resulting in oil losses. Oil losses are inevitable during the "breathing" of tanks [2, 3]. Small "breathing" is accompanied by the temperature difference between day and night, and large "breathing" is accompanied by filling the tanks with petroleum products.
Subsea Water Treatment and Injection to Optimize Production and to Reduce Cost
Authors: Hegdal T.
Published: November 2023

Water injection is normally used as the preferred drainage mechanism and to optimize oil recovery. Moving water treatment and injection close to the subsea wellhead, as close to the reservoir as possible, enables flexible, cost-efficient, and robust field development. The short distance the water travels and the unique approach to water treatment make the subsea solution attractive, with reduced energy and chemical consumption. Moving water treatment and injection to the seabed saves significant weight and space topside and enables unmanned or low-manned operations.

The subsea approach and technology offer new ways to develop and optimize existing fields. Implementing and expanding water injection on existing fields are possible with minimal interruption to ongoing operations and practically no production shutdown required. The modular approach and flexibility enable more freedom to manage the subsurface uncertainties, mitigate risk, and pursue upsides throughout the life cycle of the field. Subsea water treatment and injection, combined with subsea chemical storage, enable an all-electric solution for sophisticated injection water for enhanced oil recovery with a high potential to increase value on brown and green fields.

Treating seawater at the seabed has several inherent advantages, such as effective disinfection through long-time chlorine soak and removal of particles via sedimentation without topside processing equipment. SWIT is a modular system that can be adapted to all water requirements and is based on Seabox as the initial conditioning step where microbes are killed and particles are settled out.

The quality of water injected into an oil reservoir impacts the water produced together with the oil and gas. Thorough disinfection to mitigate reservoir souring and H2S generation is a prerequisite. Further tailoring of the chemistry of the injection water to mitigate any compatibility issues between raw seawater and formation water is critical for many reservoirs and operations to avoid precipitation of solids and scaling. The subsea seawater treatment technology offers some unique capabilities to improve this.

Subsea water treatment enables processing capacity increases without impacting the existing topside. This reduces weight, avoiding topside modification and associated shutdowns, cost, and environmental footprint compared to a traditional topside solution. Long-term maintenance-free and unmanned operations reduce logistics and hence improve safety.

This paper discusses conceptually how the quality of water injected into the reservoir impacts oil recovery and overall flow assurance from a life-of-field perspective. Subsea chemical storage and pigging are also discussed and may play an important role in flow assurance and production optimization.
Enhancing BHA Tendency Modeling Accuracy Using Hybrid Physics and Machine Learning
Authors: Suryadi H. , Yu T. , Boualleg R.
Published: November 2023

Directional drilling capabilities continue pushing for a more challenging 3D wellbore path with higher dogleg severity. The ability of the planned BHA to drill the wellbore as per the planned trajectory determines the well's success. Drilling program critical decisions require an accurate prediction of BHA tendency. Inaccurate modeling results lead to failures in execution, such as the inability to deliver the planned trajectory, the failure to reach the target reservoir or the compromise of the well production result.

Physical modeling has been extensively used in well planning to simulate the drilling process, optimize the design, and identify potential risks. The drilling process, including BHA steering tendency, is complex, with multiple parameters involved. Physical modeling cannot accurately model all parameters and minimize various uncertainties. This limitation leads to a reduction in modeling result accuracy.

In recent years, artificial intelligence or machine learning has been the most popular technology to unlock the full potential of data across industries. We need novel methodologies to integrate traditional physics-based modeling with state-of-the-art machine learning techniques to solve complex science and engineering problems such as drilling simulations.

The physics-based approach of BHA tendency modeling is based on static and dynamic finite element analysis. This approach is often a good solution if the physics model is accurately calibrated. Yet, it requires deep domain knowledge and accurate formation, bit, and steering tools data and may incur a high computational cost.

The machine learning (ML) model is based on learning algorithms that find relationships between various parameters and actual tendency results in a training dataset. The limitation of the ML model is that it requires big historical data to get accurate modeling. Merging the two principles of physics and machine learning combines the best of the two worlds, resulting in higher accuracy, better scalability, and computational cost efficiency.
Systematically Study and Practice for Thermal Well Integrity in Liaohe Oilfield
Authors: Tong Deshui , Liu Mingtao , Xiong Jimin , Chen Ping
Published: November 2023

Liaohe Oilfield has developed heavy oil for more than 40 years, and accumulated a lot of experience in research and practice for well integrity under Cyclic Steam Stimulation, Steam Flooding, SAGD, In-situ Combustion. This paper will introduce the systematical achievements, including well completion design, casing selection, cementing slurry, string attachment, etc.

Based on the continuous study of fundamental principles, thermal casing, details of pre-stress method and industrial evaluation, the well completion design method has been optimized and the practicality has been checked ultimately. In particularly, the pre-stress method has been deeply studied through experiments and calculations. We have made a further improvement on string attachments. According to thermal recovery environment and low-cost requirement, a Portland cementing slurry characterized with low Young’s modulus, high compressive strength, and good temperature resistance, has been researched and used in field.

The pre-stress method for the completion string design is testified to be effective in some extent, because the stress pre-imposed can reduce the string stress and minimize the wellhead growth in thermal recovery. The newly researched cementing slurry has been systematically tested in laboratory, the results are excellent: Young’s modulus ≤6, compressive strength ≥21MPa, temperature resistance 350°C, cost lower than 1000$/t. Casing used in thermal well should have a good performance of collapse strength, and the thickness to diameter ratio is important as well as the premium connection. The newly designed anchor with 6-cylinder anchor claws attached the completion string can adapt with softy and hard stratum. With the standardization of all the measures used in Liaohe oilfield, the thermal well integrity becomes better and better. The statistical data shows that the casing damage rate lowered 34%, and the life of the thermal well prolonged at least 2 years on average.

Some contents in this paper are novel, such as the result of the pre-stress experiment, Portland cementing slurry with low-cost and good performance, newly designed anchor, etc. We believe all the experience accumulated and introduced in this paper could give some useful directives for thermal well integrity all over the world.
Wireline Surveillance Operations with Minimum Impact to Production
Authors: Mussayev G. , Saduakassov B. , Nurmukhanbetov A. , Morrison A. , Seitmaganbetov N. , Darmentayev S. , Suleimenov O. , Kulshinbayev N. , Williams D. , Simaganbetov D. , Ismailov B. , Timonin A. , Adilkhanov A. , Mukashev A.
Published: November 2023

This paper is aimed to share recent best practices in wireline well interventions in Tengiz field, specifically aimed to reduce the intervention impact to LPO (Loss Production Opportunity). Three main practices will be shared:

Installation of protecting cages to conduct wireline interventions on MWPs. TCO has Multi-WellPad (MWP) facilities with a number of wells that hooked up into one production system. TCO must collect subsurface data for RoK requirements and Reservoir Management. In the past, TCO had to shut-in entire MWP to execute surveillance operations, which would negatively impact production. An intermediate improvement was to shut-in adjacent neighbor wells if any intervention scope on the working well is required, with the aim for the team to review the procedure to identify possible methods and safeguards to allow continued production to those adjacent wells to mitigate production impact. Previously, TCO could flow the well at a minimum rate in a smaller ID completion to control lifting forces, but by utilizing a different cable and logging unit provided a safer execution of PLT logging in high-rate wells that reduced uncertainties of zonal allocation and provided more accurate data. Utilization of combined PLT, RST and HFND logging tools string to maximize gathering of quality information with minimum well downtime. Using heavy cable to conduct high-rate production logging in small diameter liners. To minimize well downtime during wireline surveillance, we offer PLT\RST\Noise tool into one toolstring within taller lubricator. Combination of 3 tools provide large picture in wider range with minimum well downtime.

This paper aims to provide an overview on the surveillance operations processes improvements and to share the best practices in planning of operational activities at the field with minimized impact on overall field production.
Enhanced Oil Recovery Method for Highly Viscous Oil Reservoirs Based on In-Situ Modification of Physico-Chemical Properties
Authors: Veliyev E. F. , Askerov V. M. , Aliyev A. A.
Published: November 2023

In recent decades, there has been a significant and ongoing increase in the demand for hydrocarbons, notably oil. According to OPEC, this demand is projected to rise by 16.4 million barrels per day by 2040. In comparison, the daily hydrocarbon consumption, which stood at 99.2 million barrels in 2021, is expected to surge to 109.4 million barrels per day by 2040 [1]. This escalating demand presents a unique set of challenges for oil-exporting nations. The conventional exploitation of light oil fields falls short in addressing these challenges.

Researchers continually strive to meet the escalating demand for hydrocarbon energy sources through innovative field exploitation and development methods [2-6]. However, despite the promise of these technologies, they do not offer comprehensive solutions [7-13]. Consequently, enhancing the efficiency of heavy oil field development emerges as the most pragmatic alternative [14-15].

Heavy oil, characterized by a density of 20°API or lower and a viscosity exceeding 100 mPa*s, owes its properties to the elevated concentration of tar-asphaltene components. Developing heavy oil fields is considerably more complex compared to light oil fields due to these distinctive characteristics [16-21]. Additionally, the methods to boost oil production from heavy oil reservoirs are limited.
Field Trial of LWD NMR Tool for Accurate Estimation of Effective Porosity in Deviated HPHT Wells: A Viable Alternative to Wireline-Based NMR Tools
Authors: Kabiyev Y. , Manakhayev R. , Kazhgaliyev M.
Published: November 2023

The Tengiz reservoir is known for its substantial bitumen content, requiring careful differentiation during formation evaluation processes. To accurately estimate the effective porosity, wireline nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) tools were used in conjunction with other logging tools. However, the increasing number of deviated wells drilled in Tengiz posed conveyance challenges for the wireline-based NMR tool due to high deviation angles. In light of this, TCO (Tengizchevroil) geoscientists sought opportunities to acquire NMR data using logging-while-drilling (LWD) technology in the reservoir section. Although the LWD NMR tool was not previously available for the required hole size, recent commercialization made it feasible.

A team of geoscientists at TCO meticulously planned and executed a field trial of the LWD NMR tool to assess its potential future utilization in situations where the conveyance of wireline NMR tools may encounter difficulties. The LWD NMR tool was successfully deployed in a deviated well during drilling operations, followed by a subsequent measurement after drilling (MAD) pass to ensure log quality control. To verify and compare the acquired data, wireline-based NMR measurements were also conducted in the same well.

The results of the field trial demonstrated the successful acquisition of high-quality LWD NMR data, corroborated by the MAD pass data and wireline log data. Furthermore, we revised and tested internal NMR data processing workflows, which conclusively established LWD NMR as a viable alternative to wireline-based NMR tools.

Notably, the acquisition of NMR data while drilling offers additional benefits, as the near wellbore zone is not fully flushed with drilling mud, potentially enhancing fluid typing techniques (T1 and T2 distribution). This promising outcome opens up new avenues for more efficient and reliable estimation of effective porosity in deviated wells, as well as in wells with potential restrictions to run WL tools within the Tengiz reservoir and beyond, contributes to improved reservoir characterization and decision-making processes in asset development.
Predicting distribution and establishment of two invasive alien Daphnia species in diverse lakes in New Zealand-Aotearoa
Authors: Burns Carolyn , Rees Andrew , Wood Susie
Published: November 2023

The freshwater zooplankton of New Zealand-Aotearoa are species-poor with only two indigenous Daphnia species: D. thomsoni, and D. tewaipounamu which was discovered in a few subalpine lakes in 2016. Over the last two decades two species of invasive non-indigenous Daphnia, D. pulicaria/pulex and D. galeata, have become well established in the plankton of many lakes in New Zealand-Aotearoa and their distribution appears to be increasing rapidly. We report the current distribution of these two invasive species in approximately 300 lakes throughout New Zealand-Aotearoa and test the hypothesis that the distribution and establishment of these invaders is more closely related to human access to a lake than to any environmental attributes of a lake’s water or biota and consider potential implications of our findings for lake management. Although canonical variates analysis and boosted regression trees did not identify human access as an important predictor, both invasive Daphnia occurred significantly more often in lakes within 200 m of a road, consistent with our hypothesis that humans and their recreational activities are the most likely vectors and facilitators of the distribution of these Daphnia in New Zealand-Aotearoa. Critically, D. galeata's realised niche completely envelopes D. thomsoni's, which could force the native species to become extinct through competitive exclusion. These results suggest that the spread of D. pulicaria and D. galeata to lakes where they do not yet occur is unlikely to be prevented unless public access to these waterways is denied or strictly controlled.
Carbon Black: A Thermally Conductive Reinforcement for Epoxy Based Composite
Authors: SAHOO BIBEKANANDA , Patel Pooja , Nanda Bishnu Prasad
Published: November 2023

Heat conduction plays a vital role in the performance and durability of any component. A wide range of applications is available which demand a good heat conduction ability. The property used to understand the heat conduction behavior in a solid is called effective thermal conductivity (Keff). It is recommended to reinforce an adequate amount of filler material in the matrix to increase the Keff of the composite. The current study used carbon black (CB) particulates, a by-product of waste tyre pyrolysis, as the reinforcing agent in the epoxy resin. The composites are prepared by solution casting method with different volume % of filler. To study the thermal behavior of samples, effective thermal conductivity, glass transition temperature (Tg), and co-efficient thermal expansion (CTE) are measured as a function of vol. % of filler. After plotting the experimental result, it is noticed that the Keff and Tg are increased, and CTE is decreased with an increase in vol. % of CB. The percolation threshold is also calculated from Keff vs. vol. % curve. Various mathematical models are incorporated to verify the experimental results of effective thermal conductivity. A finite element method (FEM) based numerical model is also developed to study the thermal conductivity behavior of composites. ANSYS MECHANICIAL APDL is used for the FEM analysis. The FEM results showed a marginal variation from experimental data at 0.9928 vol. % of CB. The reason behind this is the formation of voids during sample making, the effect of which is not taken in FEM.
Participation in activities among people with long-term spinal cord injury in Sweden and in the USA - A secondary data analysis.
Authors: Lundström Ulrica , Dashner Jessica
Published: November 2023

Study design
Secondary analysis.
Objective
To explore differences in participation, secondary health complications, and the use of assistive devices and personal assistance among people with long-term SCI in Sweden and the USA.
Methods
Secondary analysis of data collected via PARTS-Mv3 among individuals living with SCI in Sweden (n = 73) and in the USA (n = 45). Descriptive analyses provided information regarding the participants, their participation in activities, and secondary health complications, together with the use of assistive devices and personal assistance.
Results
Both samples included more males than females. The mean ages for the Sweden and USA samples were 63.7 and 58, respectively. The mean duration since injury was 36.3 years for Sweden and 35.9 for the USA. Perceived health was significantly higher in Sweden (3.80) than in the USA (2.89). The USA sample reported higher occurrence of secondary health complications than Sweden. The amount and type of participation in activities varied between countries, so also the use of assistive devices and personal assistance.
Conclusions
Participation differences were identified when comparing individuals with long-term SCI living in Sweden in the USA. Further work is needed to determine whether the differences can be attributed to the varying social policies and health care systems of each country. Understanding how cultural differences influence participation can provide valuable information to determine which system is likelier to positively influence the participation of individuals with long-term SCI.
LRG1 is a novel HER3 ligand and promotes growth in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Rui , Rathore Moeez , Wright Michel’le , Huang Wei , Martin Daniel , Taylor Derek , Miyagi Masaru , Tang Wen , Feng Hao , Li Yamu , Wang Zhenghe , Ellis Lee , Winter Jordan , Moss Stephen , Greenwood John
Published: November 2023

HER3 signaling pathway plays a major role in promoting the development of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Here, we demonstrated that endothelial cells, a key component of the liver microenvironment, secrete leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) that activates HER3 as a ligand, distinct from the canonical HER3 ligand neuregulins. Blocking LRG1 in host animals either by gene knockout or a neutralizing antibody significantly blocked outgrowth of CRC liver metastases and prolonged mouse survival. We also identified eIF4B-mediated protein synthesis as a downstream target of LRG1-HER3 interactions, and determined PI3K-PDK1-RSK as the mediating signaling axis. Our findings identify LRG1 as a key mediator of liver-mCRC crosstalk, and suggest inhibition of the LRG1-HER3 signaling axis as potential therapeutic strategy for treating patients with mCRC.
Treatment of cefixime-containing wastewater using ultrasound, H2O2, and sodium persulfate and antimicrobial analysis
Authors: Patel Sarvesh , Sharma Jyoti , Gole Vitthal L , Yadav Rajesh K.
Published: November 2023

The present work investigated the degradation of cefixime (C16H15N5O7S2) using a synergy of sonochemical effects with oxidant radical promoters such as hydrogen peroxide and sodium persulfate. Complex hydrocarbon chain of cefixime degraded using different approaches viz, ultrasound + H2O2 (USH), ultrasound + sodium persulfate (USSP), and combined approach ultrasound + H2O2 + persulfate (USHSP). The optimum oxidant dosing was found to be 1:40, 1:50, and 1:20, and the percentage degradation was 74.2, 65.9, and 74.9 for USH, USSP, and USHSP, respectively. The degradation results are also supported by kinetic rate analysis. The maximum kinetic rate constant was observed for USHSP compared to USP and USSP. The time required for degradation using USHSP was half compared to other combinations. The pseudo-first-order kinetic rate constant for USP, USSP, and USHSP was 4.32, 5.32, and 8.40 min-1. The effect of USSP was marginally higher compared to USH and USHSP but the oxidant produced was useful for complete mineralization of cefixime. Total organic carbon removal was 53.2, 83.2, and 79.1% for USP, USSP and USHSP, respectively. Antimicrobial analysis of the treated sample confirmed the degradation results and maximum survival of E. Coli. the strain was found in USH, USSP, and USHSP.
Genetic determinants of COVID-19 vaccine antibody response and breakthrough infection risk: genome-wide association studies based on UK biobank data
Authors: Prieto-Alhambra Daniel , Herraiz Marta Alcalde , Català Martí , Prats-Uribe Albert , Paredes Roger , Xie Junqing
Published: November 2023

Understanding the genetic basis of COVID-19 vaccine immune response is crucial to study the role of genetics on vaccine effectiveness. In our study, we used UK Biobank data to find the genetic determinants of COVID-19 vaccine-induced immunity and breakthrough infections. We conducted four genome-wide association studies among vaccinated participants for COVID-19 vaccine antibody responses and breakthrough susceptibility and severity. Our findings confirmed a link between the HLA region and humoral response after the first and second doses. Additionally, we identified 6 genomic regions associated with breakthrough infection (SLC6A20, ST6GAL1, MXI1, MUC16, FUT6, FUT2) and one with breakthrough severity (AC024590.1-RP11-481E4.1). We also observed that FUT2 genetic loci colocalise with one-dose vaccine response and susceptibility to breakthrough infection, suggesting a potential shared genomic root of these two traits. This study provides novel evidence that genetic variants influence vaccine response and the risk of breakthrough COVID-19 outcomes in the vaccinated population.
Cationic peptides erase memories by removing synaptic AMPA receptors through endophilin-mediated endocytosis
Authors: Beier Kevin , Stokes Eric , Zhuang Yinyin , Toledano Michael , Vasquez Jose , Azouz Ghalia , Hui May , Tyler Isabella , Shi Xiaoyu , Aoto Jason
Published: November 2023

Administration of the Zeta Inhibitory Peptide (ZIP) interferes with memory maintenance and long-term potentiation (LTP). However, mice lacking its putative target, the protein kinase PKMz, exhibit normal learning and memory as well as LTP, making ZIP’s mechanism unclear. Here, we show that ZIP disrupts LTP by removing surface AMPA receptors through its cationic charge alone. This effect was fully blocked by drugs that block macropinocytosis and is dependent on endophilin A2 (endoA2)-mediated endocytosis. ZIP and other cationic peptides selectively removed newly inserted AMPAR nanoclusters, providing a mechanism by which these peptides erase memories without effects on basal synaptic function. Lastly, cationic peptides can be administered locally and/or systemically and can be combined with local microinjection of macropinocytosis inhibitors to modulate memories on local and brain-wide scales. Our findings have critical implications for an entire field of memory mechanisms and highlight a previously unappreciated mechanism by which memories can be lost.
An approach to increase sustainability in agricultural systems; An agroecological analysis of the wheat and sugar beet ecosystems
Authors: Banhangi Fatemeh Moallem , Khorramdel Soroor , Moghaddam Parviz Rezvani , Mahallati Mehdi Nassiri
Published: November 2023

The goal of this study was to undertake a detailed investigation of the agroecological state of the wheat and sugar beet ecosystems on a local scale. From 2001 to 2016, a set of the most critical agroecological indicators of wheat and sugar beet farming systems in the Torbat-e Heydarieh region, northeast of Iran, were studied. Potential yield calculations using both FAO and modified FAO methodologies revealed that potential yield was nearly consistent for both ecosystems over the research period in the region. The extent of the yield gap for both habitats decreased. The study of the regional yield factor revealed that improving the management system resulted in higher actual yield and thus a smaller yield gap in both ecosystems. In both ecosystems, there was a reduction in yield stability. The rate of nitrogen uptake efficiency, nitrogen utilization efficiency, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) all decreased during the studied years in the region. According to the findings, the primary cause of the increase in nitrogen consumption, growing intensification, and decreasing stability in the analyzed systems appears to be a deficiency of NUE and its downward trend. As a result, planning and altering management methods focusing on enhancing NUE may be proposed as the first step toward boosting sustainability in the Torbat-e Heydarieh wheat and sugar beet agroecosystems.
Trans-boundary Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Sentinel 5P Tropospheric Nitrogen Dioxide and Total Carbon Monoxide Columns over Punjab & Haryana Regions with COVID-19 Lockdown Impact
Authors: Shabbir Yasir , Guanhua Zhou , ur-Rehman Obaid , Shah Syed Roshaan Ali , Ishaq Rana AhmadFaraz
Published: November 2023

A spatio-temporal analysis of Tropospheric Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Total Carbon Monoxide (CO) concentrations over the Punjab and Haryana regions of India and Pakistan is performed, utilizing datasets from the Sentinel 5-Precursor (S5P). These regions, marked by diverse economic growth factors such as population expansion, power generation, transportation, and agricultural practices, confront similar challenges in atmospheric pollution. This is particularly evident in major urban centers like Delhi and Lahore, which are identified as pollution hotspots. The study also spotlights pollution associated with power plants. In urban areas, Tropospheric NO2 levels are predominantly elevated due to vehicular emissions, whereas residential activities mainly contribute to CO pollution. However, precisely attributing urban CO sources is complex due to its longer atmospheric residence time and intricate circulation patterns. Notably, the burning of rice crop residue in November significantly exacerbates winter pollution episodes and smog, showing a more pronounced correlation with Total CO than with Tropospheric NO2 levels. The temporal analysis indicates that the months from October to December witness peak pollution, contrasted with the relatively cleaner period during the monsoon months of July to September. The severe pollution in the OND quarter is attributed to factors such as variations in boundary layer height and depletion of OH radicals. Furthermore, the study highlights the positive impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on air quality, with a significant decrease in NO2 concentrations during April 2020 (Delhi: 59%, Lahore: 58%). However, the reduction in Total CO columns was less significant. The study also correlates lockdown stringency with Tropospheric NO2 Columns (R2: 0.37 for Delhi, 0.25 for Lahore, 0.22 for Rawalpindi/Islamabad), acknowledging the influence of various meteorological and atmospheric variables.
A High-performance Osmotic Energy Conversion Membrane Enabled by Cu2+-crosslinked Polyamide Acid
Authors: Zhai Jin , He Jianwei , Wang Yuting , Lu Bingxin , Li Xuejiang , Liu Jun , Wang Zhe , Fan Xia
Published: November 2023

Ion-selective membranes can convert osmotic energy into electrical energy through reverse electrodialysis, thus enabling the generation of sustainable blue energy. However, developing ion-selective membranes with excellent ion selectivity and fast ion transport rates, while also suitable for large-scale production, poses a significant challenge. In this study, we propose a feasible solution on a large scale: an amorphous polymer membrane with sub-nanopore channels made from Cu2+-cross-linked polyamide acid (PAA-Cu). The presence of inherent carboxyl sub-nanochannels in the PAA-Cu membrane (membrane area 390 cm2), combined with the three-dimensional porous interconnected structure formed through Cu2+ coordination, synergistically enhances ion propulsion and selective ion transport properties under the dominating influence of surface charge. By leveraging the energy gradient, the PAA-Cu membrane demonstrates an output power density of 187 W m-2 when subjected to a salinity gradient of 50-fold (0.5 M/0.01 M) KCl. Moreover, it can extract osmotic energy from the diffusion between saline solutions of the same concentration, offering a promising energy harvesting system for industrial wastewater treatment. These findings suggest that the self-supporting PAA-Cu membrane holds great potential for the practical implementation of osmotic energy conversion.
Mitigating Perennial Floods in Cities of the Global South: A Nature Based Approach
Authors: Asiedu Joel Barnard Kofi , Nyarko Benjamin Kofi
Published: November 2023

The incidence of flooding in cities of the global south has become perennial with increasing urbanization, showing a lack of targeted approach to the challenge. The objective of this research was to develop a resilient and an integrated approach to stormwater management that could be used to inform policy. The Research for Design model was adopted using the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA), Ghana as a case. Land cover types for three focal areas; Area1, Area2, and Area3, respectively 10.2 km2, 10.2 km2 and 10.5 km2 were extracted and combined with daily rainfall values to estimate direct runoff, using the Curve Number method. Eight [8] landcover types were extracted based on which percentage imperviousness was determined for Area1 (54.1%), Area2 (43.66%) and Area3 (22%). Area3 had more large roofs (≥ 81m2) averaging 248.5 m2 compared with Area2 (195.6 m 2) and Area1 (182.2 m2) but did not significantly impact runoff generation at 5%. Harvestable roof runoff for both small roofs (< 81m2) and large roofs (≥ 81m2) contributed 32.6% in Area1, 22.5% in Area2 and 14.7% in Area3, to runoff generation per rain event. The results suggests that retaining roof runoff at the plot level could significantly reduce stormwater runoff. To demonstrate this Living Labs concepts was combined with various design methods, aided by a schema to integratively design a selected site for roofwater harvesting for irrigation, storage for non-portable uses, infiltration to recharge groundwater and to create amenity values. The research contributes to knowledge by proposing a quantitative basis to target stormwater management at the plot level.
WITHDRAWN: Development of the correlation between mitophagy-related genes and epilepsy
Authors: zheng jingxian , Wang Miao , Zhang Han , An Wen , Xu xiangping
Published: November 2023

Background
Approximately 30% of patients with epilepsy are refractory to medication. Dysregulation of mitochondrial autophagy in the central nervous system may be associated with the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Therefore, we conducted a global analysis to elucidate the biological roles of mitophagy-related genes in epilepsy.
Methods
We downloaded the GSE143272 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and identified mitophagy-related genes (MRGs) from the Molecular Signatures Database. The differentially expressed MRGs between drug-naïve patients with epilepsy and healthy individuals were identified. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and diagnostic model were then constructed. Subsequently, we performed functional enrichment and clustering analysis to identify the different epilepsy subtypes. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was used to identify significant modules closely related to epilepsy, and a PPI network was co-constructed with MRGs to obtain hub genes. Finally, we used CIBERSORT to further investigate the distribution pattern of peripheral blood immune cell subtypes in patients with epilepsy, as well as the correlation between hub genes, MRG expression, and immune cell infiltration.
Results
We identified 11 differentially expressed MRGs (5 upregulated and 6 downregulated). The MRG diagnostic model used in our study showed good diagnostic performance. We identified the top six significant modules that were closely related to epilepsy. By co-constructing PPI with MRGs, we obtained the top 10 hub genes and constructed a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. Furthermore, CIBERSORT analysis indicated that patients with epilepsy had a higher infiltration level of neutrophils, and the hub genes and differentially expressed MRGs were highly correlated with infiltrating immune cells.
Conclusions
Our findings highlight that mitophagy is associated with epilepsy and may provide a novel direction for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
The Association between Serum Cortisol and Folate Levels and Positive and Negative Symptoms in Patients with first episode of Schizophrenia: A Case-Control Study
Authors: shahini najmeh , derakhshanopour firoozeh , chalakinia nasrin , omiddezyani mahsa , zare mostafa
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum cortisol and folate levels and the positive and negative symptoms of patients with schizophrenia, comparing them with a control group. The study included 66 individuals, comprising 33 patients with first episode of schizophrenia and 33 controls. Demographic information, the Simpson-Angus Extrapyramidal Side Effect Scale (SAS), and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) were used to collect data on demographic characteristics, symptom severity, and extrapyramidal symptoms. Blood samples were obtained from each patient to measure cortisol and folate levels. The results showed that the mean ± SD cortisol and folate levels in the schizophrenia group were 54.98 ± 26.90 and 2.21 ± 2.20, which were significantly lower compared to the control group, where the levels were 96.10 ± 57.15 and 14.69 ± 11.68 (P < 0.0001). There was no significant correlation between cortisol and folate levels and the total scores on the SAS, PANSS, and their subscales in the schizophrenia group. However, patients with a history of psychiatric illness had significantly lower cortisol levels compared to the control group (P = 0.017), and patients with a history of hypothyroidism had significantly lower serum folate levels (P = 0.020). Folate levels were significantly higher in smokers (P = 0.036). In conclusion, the study found significantly lower serum folate and cortisol levels in patients with first episode of schizophrenia. However, there was no association between PANSS and SAS scores and serum cortisol and folate levels.
A Comparison of Representations in Grammar-Guided Genetic Programming in the context of Glucose Prediction in People with Diabetes
Authors: Ingelse Leon , Hidalgo Jose Ignacio , Colmenar José Manuel , Lourenço Nuno , Fonseca Alcides
Published: November 2023

The representation of individuals in Genetic Programming (GP) has a large impact on the evolutionary process. In this work, we investigate the evolutionary process of three Grammar-Guided GP (GGGP) methods, Context-Free Grammars GP (CFG-GP), Grammatical Evolution (GE) and Structured Grammatical Evolution (SGE), in the context of the complex, real-world problem of predicting the glucose level of people with diabetes two hours ahead of time.Our analysis differs from previous analyses by (1) comparing all three methods on a complex benchmark, (2) implementing the methods in the same framework, allowing a fairer comparison, and (3) analyzing the evolutionary process outside of performance.We conclude that representation choice is more impactful with a higher maximum depth, and that CFG-GP better explores the search space for deeper trees, achieving better results. Furthermore, we find that CFG-GP relies more on feature construction, whereas GE and SGE rely more on feature selection.Additionally, we altered the GGGP methods in two ways: using $\epsilon$-lexicase selection, which solved the overfitting problem of CFG-GP; and with a penalization of complex trees, to create more interpretable trees. Combining $\epsilon$-lexicase selection with CFG-GP performed best.Finally, we evaluated the impact of initialization methods in the quality of solutions, having found that they have no impact, even when the change of representation has.
Post-cholecystectomy Bile duct injuries: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zidan Mohamed H. , Seif-Eldeen Mostafa , Ghazal Abdelhamid , Refaie Mostafa
Published: November 2023

Background: Bile duct injury (BDI) is still a major worrisome complication that is feared by all surgeons undergoing cholecystectomy. The overall incidence of biliary duct injuries still falls between 0.2-1.3%. BDI classification remains an important method to define the type of injury conducted for investigation and management. In recent years, a Consensus has been taken to clearly define BDI using the ATOM classification. Early management brings better results than delayed management. The current perspective in biliary surgery is the laparoscopic role in diagnosing and managing BDI. Diagnostic laparoscopy has been conducted in various entities for diagnostic and therapeutic measures in both minor and major BDIs.
Methods: 35 cases with iatrogenic BDI following cholecystectomy (after both open and laparoscopic approaches) both happened in or were referred to Alexandria Main University Hospital surgical department from January 2019 till May 2022 and were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were classified according to the ATOM classification. Management options undertaken were mentioned and compared to the timing of diagnosis, and the morbidity and mortality rates (using the Clavien-Dindo classification).
Results: 35 patients with BDI after both laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) (54.3%), and Open cholecystectomy (OC) (45.7%) (20% were converted and 25.7% were Open from the start) were classified according to ATOM classification. 45.7% were main bile duct injuries (MBDI), and 54.3% were non-main bile duct injuries (NMBDI), where only one case 2.9% was associated with vasculobiliary injury (VBI). 28% (n=10) of the cases were diagnosed intraoperatively (Ei), 62.9% were diagnosed early postoperatively (Ep), and 8.6% were diagnosed in the late postoperative period (L). LC was associated with 84.2% of the NMBDI, and only 18.8% of the MBDI, compared to OC which was associated with 81.3% of the MBDI, and 15.8% of the NMBDI. By the Clavien-Dindo classification, 68.6% fell into Class IIIb, 20% into Class I, 5.7% into Class V (mortality rate), 2.9% into Class IIIa, and 2.9% into Class IV. The Clavien-Dindo classification and the patient's injury (type and time of detection) were compared to investigation and management options.
Conclusion: Management options should be defined individually according to the mode of presentation, the timing of detection of injury, and the type of injury. Early detection and management are associated with lower morbidity and mortality. Diagnostic Laparoscopy was associated with lower morbidity and better outcomes.
Mitochondrial DNA mosaicism in human normal somatic cells
Authors: Ju Young Seok , An Jisong , Nam Chang Hyun , Kim Ryul , Lee Yunah , Won Hyein , Park Seongyeol , Kwon Hyun Woo , Oh Ji Won , Park Jee Yoon , Kim Min Jung
Published: November 2023

Genomic alterations accumulate in the somatic cells throughout an individual’s lifetime1-5. Recent sequencing studies have documented widespread mutations in the nuclear genome and the frequent clonal competition of normal cells carrying mutations6-11. However, the landscape of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) heteroplasmy in normal human tissues is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the whole genome sequences of 2,096 clones established from single cells obtained from 31 donors. We identified 6,451 mtDNA variants with >0.3% heteroplasmy in the clones. Approximately 6% of these variants originated from fertilized eggs, suggesting pervasive mtDNA heteroplasmy in the first cell of our life, despite the purification bottleneck in the maternal germline12,13. Using the landscape of variants in the fertilized egg, sporadic mutations (88%) and hotspot variants (6%), we determined two fundamental components that shape mtDNA heteroplasmy in somatic cells: the absolute mutation rate in mtDNA (1.01x10-7 per bp) and the frequency of mtDNA turnovers (22-43 turnovers per year varying across cell types). We found that a dominant mutational signature exhibiting extreme replication strand bias was mainly responsible for sporadic mutations, and the expansion of truncating mutations was substantially repressed in the somatic lineages. Cross-comparison between DNA and RNA sequences further confirmed that mtDNA localized in the stems of tRNA and rRNA had an impact on the regulation of mtDNA transcripts. Despite extensive inter-clonal and inter-individual heterogeneity in the mtDNA copy number per cell, the cellular transcriptional profiles were surprisingly uniform. Taken together, our findings provide comprehensive insights into the origin and dynamics of heteroplasmy levels, and the functional consequences of mtDNA variants in human somatic cells.