bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Ceramides with Phytosphingosine Backbone by Hydrogen-deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Dapic Irena , Jakasa Ivone , Kobetic Renata , Brkljacic Lidija
Published: October 2019

Ceramides are a lipid subclass of the sphingolipids that show large structural diversity. Structural characterization of the ceramides (CERs) can lead to better understanding of their role and function in the biological system. Here we investigated representatives of NP (CER III, CER IIIB) and AP ceramide classes (CER VI) that contain phytosphingosine (P) backbone. Ceramides were characterized in positive ionization mode by hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS). Fragmentation in positive ionization mode of the CER III and CER VI resulted in abundant ions assigned to phytosphingosine moiety at m/z 282, 300 and 318. HDX-MS of fragments showed increase in m/z of corresponding ions confirming the exchange of deuterium. In negative ionisation spectra multiple fragment ions were assigned to fatty acyl (RCOO–) moiety. Presence of RCOO– allowed unambiguous identification of CER III and CER IIIB which were distinguished by the presence of double bond on fatty acyl chain.
Environments of Deposition and Early Diagenesis, la Joya Formation, Huizachal Group Red Beds, Northeastern Mexico
Authors: Bracken Bryan
Published: October 2019

During the Middle Jurassic, continental basins formed in northeastern Mexico that were complexly related to the initial stages of the opening of the Gulf of Mexico. The La Joya Formation is one of the many sequences of red beds that partially filled these basins. It is composed of terrigenous clastics and freshwater limestones. The vertical sequence of facies, from the base up, are alluvial-fan clastics, lacustrine carbonates and clastics, meandering-fluvial and low-sinousity, ephermeral fluvial clastics. Early diagenetic modifications include pedoturbation and pedogenic calcite precipitation, infiltration of clay, dissolution of unstable framework grains, and precipitation of authigenic phases from the released elements. Infiltered clay was a major porosity reducing process and is, in part, facies controlled. This early diagenesis significantly modified the compositional and textural characteristics and porosity of the La Joya sandstones and contributed to the poor reservoir quality.
Diagenesis and Reservoir Potential of the Upper Jurassic Smackover Formation of South Texas
Authors: Loucks R.G. , Budd D.A.
Published: October 2019

The hydrocarbon potential of the Smackover Formation in South Texas is virtually untested. Much of the section penetrated is impermeable; however, reservoirs as thick as 33 feet (10 m), with porosity ranging from 4 to 26 percent and permeabilities ranging from 0.1 to 6.5 millidarcys, have been cored at depths below 18,000 feet (5,500m). Nearly complete dolomitization has resulted in the development of intercrystalline porosity in innershelf wackestones and shoal-complex grainstones. In addition, some grainstones have subsurface-derived oomoldic porosity.

In the grainstone facies, four general stages of diagenesis affected porosity: Stage 1 (marine-phreatic environment)-precipitation of an isopachous carbonate cement and extensive grain micritization; Stage 2 (shallow-meteoric environment)-precipitation of very coarse-crystalline syntaxial calcite and fine-crystalline equant calcite, dissolution of aragonitic skeletal grains, and incipient solution-compaction; Stage 3 (regional fluid-mixing environment)-intrapore precipitation of and grain/matrix replacement by fine- to medium-crystalline rhombic dolomite; and Stage 4 (subsurface environment associated with basinal fluid expulsion)-dissolution of ooids and dolomite, microstylolitization by solution compaction resulting from decarboxylation of kerogen, and precipitation of coarse-crystalline calcite and baroque dolomite. The magnitude of each general diagenetic stage varies regionally.

Reprinted with permission from Transactions of the Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies, v. 31, p. 339-346, 1981.

Porosity development in dolomitized wackestones is sporadic but within grainstones porosity is in part facies related. Hydraulically equivalent oolitic grainstone and oolitic quartzarenite facies are commonly dolomitized and have associated porosity development. In addition, dolomitization of oolitic facies is more extensive in the updip half of the shoal-complex trend. These facies/diagenetic relationships can be used as an exploration tool in the Smackover Formation in South Texas.
INFLUENCE OF BASIN HISTORY ON RESERVOIR QUALITY OF SANDSTONES: UPPER CRETACEOUS OF NORTHERN MEXICO
Authors: McBride Earle F.
Published: October 2019

Upper Cretaceous sandstones of northern Mexico have similar framework composition for a distance of 400 km south of the Rio Grande but differ markedly in reservoir quality in the north versus the south chiefly because the basins in which the sandstones were deposited experienced different post-depositional histories. The sandstones are composed largely of detritus from volcanic and intrusive igneous rocks and were deposited in paralic and fluvial environments.

Sandstones in the north were never buried more than 1500 m and were subjected to slow, gentle, basinward downwarping, followed by gentle uplift and denudation. They underwent a complex diagenetic history of cementation by chlorite, quartz, calcite, ferroan carbonate and kaolinite; the development of modest secondary porosity; and they form hydrocarbon reservoir rocks of moderate quality (ϕ = 2 to 18%, k = 0.2 to 20 md). Sandstones to the south were buried rapidly by 1000 to 4000 m of younger strata and immediately thereafter underwent strong compressional folding and local thrustfaulting during the Laramide orogeny. These sandstones lost from 20 to 35% porosity by compaction and the remainder of the porosity by cementation with calcite and minor chlorite and quartz. They are tight, did not develop secondary porosity, and have no shows of hydrocarbons.

During slow subsidence of sandstone-shale sequences in the north, the normal maturation of shale and associated organic matter occurred. Shale water was probably expelled in stages, organic matter evolved to produce some hydrocarbons, and acid formation water was generated. Diagenesis of the associated sandstones followed a typical sequence found in many sedimentary basins and included the development of secondary porosity by the dissolution of framework grains and cement. To the south, Laramide compressive forces caused strong compaction and more rapid than normal de-watering of the Upper Cretaceous shales. Most water present in the shales was expelled prior to development of conditions favorable for hydrocarbon maturation. Thus, the rapid and severe compaction precluded the opportunity for the development of typical acidic formation waters that might have contributed to dissolution of some labile constituents. Close to the Sierra Madre front, rapid and early expulsion of water produced a strong fracture cleavage in shale and siltstone.
FORMATION OF MODERN SAND-RICH FACIES BY MARINE CURRENTS ON THE ANTARCTIC CONTINENTAL SHELF
Authors: Anderson John B. , Smith Michael J.
Published: October 2019

Sediments delivered to the seas surrounding Antarctica are not subjected to the fluvial and coastal processes which would otherwise sort them before reaching the continental shelf. For this reason, the Antarctic continental shelf is an ideal environment in which to study the role of marine currents in sediment transport and deposition.

The results of theoretical studies and laboratory flume experiments on sediment transport indicate that moderately strong marine currents are capable of transporting fine-to-very fine sand in suspension. These currents are therefore capable of transporting these sands great distances on the shelf. Modern sand-rich facies, derived from the unsorted glacial debris of the Antarctic continental shelf, provide striking evidence for this.

Four areas of the Antarctic continental shelf were examined in detail, the Ross Sea shelf, George V shelf, Pennell Coast shelf, and the continental shelf of the northwestern corner of the Weddell Sea. All of these areas have extensive sand-rich facies on their outer shelves. These facies are hundreds of kilometers long and tens of kilometers wide. The thickness of these deposits is limited by the availability of sand to the outer shelf.

Physical oceanographic data from the Ross Sea and George V continental shelves indicate that sand-rich facies of these areas occur where the modified derivatives of Circumpolar Deep Water extend onto the shelf. Near-bottom current meter records from the Ross Sea shelf show frequent and sustained currents with speeds capable of suspending very-fine to fine sand. Wind-driven currents appear to be active sediment transporting agents to a depth of nearly 300 m, but most of the Antarctic continental shelf is deeper than this. The sea floor of the inner shelf is mainly blanketed by muds, which implies weak thermohaline circulation at depths below 300 m.
SHELF SANDSTONES OF THE ROBULUS L ZONE, OFFSHORE LOUISIANA
Authors: HART GEORGE F. , FERRELL RAY E. , LOWE DONALD R. , LENOIR ANN E.
Published: October 2019

A detailed palynologic, sedimentologic, and mineralogic investigation of the Robulus L No. 2 and the Robulus L No. 5 sands in cores from Texaco well No. 6 of Vermilion Block 31, offshore Louisiana, confirms that the units were deposited in the middle to outer part of the continental shelf during the early Miocene Epoch. The co-occurrence of the dinocysts, Hystrichosphaeropsis obscura and Lejeunecysta hyalina, further restricts the cored intervals to the Burdigalian Age. Variations in the abundances of Polysphaeridium zoharyi, Lingulodinium machareophorum, Tuberculodinium vancampoae, and terrestrial organic matter indicate the sediments are mixtures of marine and estuarine debris accumulating in the neritic zone.Five lithofacies and seven palynofacies are recognized. Current-structured, medium-grained sandstone containing abundant terrestrial organic matter and shell fragments (lithofacies B) forms the best potential reservoirs. Original high clay content and bioturbation restrict the permeability of other lithofacies and, hence, their producing potential. The Robulus L No. 2 is a better producer because lithofacies B is more abundant. Sandstones of this lithofacies often exhibit porosities between 15-28 percent and permeabilities as high as 2000 md because of their coarser grain size and the dissolution of shell fragments. In the Texaco No. 6 well, there is a clear relationship between original characteristics of the sediments, diagenesis, and hydrocarbon production.
Chemical and Isotopic Evidence of the Origins of Natural Gases in Offshore Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Rice Dudley D.
Published: October 2019

The chemical and isotopic composition of natural gases from 55 fields in the offshore Gulf of Mexico province has been analyzed. The gases display a trend of more positive δ13C1 values (−70 to −35 ‰ (permil)) with increasing depth and age of producing reservoir. The mechanisms responsible for this fractionation are biogenic enrichment of 12C1, thermal cracking, and mixing. Separate trends are present in Texas and Louisiana which suggest a higher geothermal gradient or different type of organic matter in offshore Texas. There is considerable scatter along the general trend because gases generated from deeper, thermally mature source rocks have commonly migrated to shallower immature reservoirs.

The province is primarily a gas-producing region for three reasons. Many gas fields, particularly those of Pleistocene age, are of apparent biogenic origin. This gas is characterized by enrichment of the light isotope 12C in methane (δ13C1 more negative than −55 ‰) and by large amounts of methane (C1/C1-5 > 0.99). Miocene gas accumulations in the western part of the province are either the result of early stages of thermal cracking of liquid hydrocarbons because of a higher geothermal gradient, or a different type of organic matter from which the hydrocarbons were derived. This gas is wetter than biogenic gas (C1/C1-5 > 0.94) and isotopically heavy (δ13C1 more positive than −40 ‰). Many gas fields in reservoirs of all ages are the result of “separation-migration” in which the gas phase was physically segregated from a petroleum accumulation. These gases are similar in composition to gas associated with petroleum.
Preliminary Analysis of the Entire Holocene Valley Fill Sequence As Revealed by the P-I-90 Boring, Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana
Authors: Connor Paul F. , Kuecher Gerry J. , Hazel Joseph E.
Published: October 2019

This paper provides a preliminary analysis of the PI90 boring that penetrated the entire Holocene valley fill sequence in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. The PI90 boring was acquired as part of the Louisiana Geological Survey -U.S. Geological Survey cooperative research project concerning wetland subsidence in Louisiana. The borehole site is located near Cocodrie, about 19 km inland of Louisiana's coastal barrier islands. A total depth of 65.0 m was reached and recovered, utilizing a combination of wet-rotary drilling and pushcores, 1.5 m in length and 7.62 cm in diameter. From the top of the coarse-grained Pleistocene Substratum (±62.5 m) to the surface, seven coarsening-upward cycles ranging from 3.0 to 12.0 m in thickness were encountered. These coarsening-upward cycles were interpreted by in-situ cone penetrometer and bore-log descriptions. They are indicative of seven separate delta-building episodes during overall regional Holocene transgression.
The Mississippi Delta Plain’S Levees, Crevasses, and Sediments
Authors: Davis Donald W.
Published: October 2019

From its inception, New Orleans was an “island city” surrounded by water. When it was surveyed in 1720, each block was circled with drainage ditches. These small channels established New Orleans' dependence on a levee/drainage network. Levee construction began as early as 1718. By 1727, a hand-made embankment protected the earliest city–the “Vieux Carre.” With time the initial levee extended along the Mississippi River for a total of 67.6 km. The first artificial levee built to protect New Orleans was in place, but it was neither high enough nor wide enough. By the 1850s, intermittent dikes flanked most of the lower Mississippi River.

After the devastating flood of 1927, the Mississippi River was locked into a conduit framed by artificial levees. The river can no longer inundate its historic flood plain. Sediments are channeled away from the wetlands. Loss of these sediments deprives the coast of the material necessary to build new land at a rate slightly greater than subsidence. There is nothing available that can offset the rapid rate of wetland loss. Consequently, to exist in this dynamic and sometimes inhospitable physiographic province, the population had to develop and utilize innovative engineering techniques, unconventional wisdom, and unique cultural occupancy patterns.
Geomorphic History, Geologic Framework, and Hard Mineral Resources of the Petit Bois Pass Area, Mississippi-Alabama
Authors: McBride Randolph A. , Byrnes Mark R. , Penland Shea , Pope David L. , Kindinger Jack L.
Published: October 2019

Approximately 200 line-km of high-resolution seismic reflection data, 24 vibracores, historical maps, and aerial photography were used to delineate the geomorphic history, geologic framework, and potential hard mineral resources of the Petit Bois Pass area. Petit Bois Pass is a natural tidal inlet system located between Petit Bois and Dauphin islands at the Mississippi-Alabama state line. Since its opening, the inlet has migrated to the west at rates exceeding 50 m/yr. However, the main channel of Petit Bois Pass has remained relatively stable since 1917, occupying an antecedent topographic depression cut into underlying pre-Holocene deposits. Pre-Holocene deposits form the eastern core of Dauphin Island, where they are subaerially exposed. The pre-Holocene surface dips to the west, providing a platform for the narrow, elongated Holocene spit of Dauphin Island. The pre-Holocene surface crops out on the shoreface at the western end of Dauphin Island 8 to 9 m below mean low water (MLW). Farther to the west, vibracores from the main inlet channel of eastern Petit Bois Pass contain only Holocene sediment, suggesting that the pre-Holocene surface is >11 m below MLW. West of the main tidal channel, the undulating pre-Holocene surface shallows in the central portion of the pass before dipping down to >11 m under Petit Bois Island. It appears that tidal channels associated with Petit Bois Pass occupy pre-Holocene fluvial channels cut by either the Pascagoula, Escatawpa, or Fowl rivers during lower sea level. In the study area, the primary hard mineral resource targets include Holocene tidal inlet channels, ebbtidal deltas, and shoreface sand ridges, while abandoned pre-Holocene fluvial channels are considered secondary.
RATES OF RELATIVE SEA LEVEL CHANGE IN THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO
Authors: Ramsey Karen E.
Published: October 2019

Over the last 65 years, relative sea-level has averaged 0.23 cm/yr in the Gulf of Mexico, and as much as 1.5 cm/yr in the Mississippi River delta plain of Louisiana, ranking the second highest after Japan by global region. Under the conditions of rapid sea-level rise and subsidence, thousands of acres of productive coastal wetlands have been converted to open water each year. Between 1956 and 1978, Texas and Mississippi lost 11,400 ha and 2490 ha of wetlands respectively. Louisiana lost 18,755 ha of wetlands.

Relative sea-level rise (RSL), which is the combined effects of eustatic change and subsidence, ranges from 0.15 cm/yr to 0.23 cm/yr in Mississippi and Florida and 0.63 cm/yr to 1.5 cm/yr in Texas and Louisiana, respectively. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Resource Council (NRC), and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predict eustatic sea level to increase over the next century due to global climate change. With predicted change, areas currently influenced by subsidence will experience a dramatic increase in rates of land loss. Other areas in the northern Gulf of Mexico may begin to experience the coastal land loss conditions currently observed in Louisiana if the predictions are accurate.
LITHOSTRATIGRAPHY, BIOSTRATIGRAPHY, AND ISOTOPIC INVESTIGATION OF A BORING IN MAIN PASS AREA, BLOCK 303: A CALIBRATION OF HIGH RESOLUTION SEISMIC STRATIGRAPHY
Authors: ROBERTS HARRY H. , FILLON RICHARD H. , KOHL BARRY , BOUMA ARNOLD H. , SYDOW JOHAN
Published: October 2019

A 300 ft (92 m) continuous boring collected in the Main Pass lease area, Block 303, provides excellent data for a better understanding of shelf margin deltaic deposition and facies architecture in relation to glacio-eustatic cycles.

The boring penetrated a complete late Pleistocene deltaic progradational wedge characterized by sand-rich sediments that are represented as well-developed clinoforms on high-resolution seismic records. A thin shell-rich transgressive sand overlies the delta and its superimposed gravel to sand-filled channel. Below the delta, a shale and calcareous shale section occurs that represents prodelta and distal shelf deposits. It comprises about half the boring and accounts for most of the time represented by the sedimentary column sampled. Sediments of the boring span six oxygen isotope stages or three sea level cycles. Lithologically, the boring reveals an upward succession of shale to carbonate-rich shale to silty-shale and thin sandy laminae to sands (fine to medium grain size) of the delta to a thin organic shale to a massive/cross laminated channel fill to a carbonate-rich silty shale. Biostratigraphic data indicate that this upward lithologic succession reflects water depths of inner shelf to outer neritic to marginal marine and back to outer neritic.
Restoration of Wetlands Using Pipeline Transported Sediments
Authors: Suhayda Joseph N. , Kemp G. Paul , Jones Robert S. , Peckham Jeanene
Published: October 2019

A joint federal-state effort has been initiated in Louisiana to reduce current 6,000 hectare annual coastal wetland losses and restore wetland building in the Mississippi River delta. At $50 to $60 million annually, this initiative ranks with efforts in Florida and California as among the most ambitious habitat restorations yet undertaken. It is proposed that slurry pipelines be considered as modern surrogates for natural distributary channels in a subsiding delta tightly managed for navigation, flood control, fisheries and energy development. A twenty year scenario is proposed as one example of how funds available today might be used to stabilize wetland loss by building, saving and maintaining wetlands using a pipeline-based infrastructure to transport sediments. This model predicts that stabilization, or “no net loss” of coastal wetlands, could be achieved after 16 years.
INFLUENCE OF SUBMARINE CANYON EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION ON ALLOCHTHONOUS SALT BODY GEOMETRY: THE PATHWAY OF BRYANT CANYON IN GARDEN BANKS
Authors: FIDUK JOSEPH C.
Published: October 2019

The path of Bryant Canyon was identified during the structural and sequence stratigraphic mapping of reprocessed, migrated, 72-fold seismic data in the Garden Banks OCS area. The canyon pathway winds around and through salt structures in Garden Banks and continues to the south where it eventually overrides the allochthonous salt sheet that extends to the Sigsbee Escarpment. Stratigraphic evidence suggests that Bryant Canyon may be 0.2-0.3 Ma in age. It is now almost entirely infilled with shelf-derived (probably deltaic) sediments near the shelf/slope break and with turbidite and/or slump deposits farther down slope. Erosional features and reentrants in paleoshelf margins suggest that earlier canyons may also have occupied this pathway. The path of Bryant Canyon may be a primary and long standing conduit for shelf-derived coarse clastic sediments being transported into deep water.

Sediments and sedimentation associated with Bryant Canyon have affected salt body geometries observed within the Garden Banks area in three ways. First, updip and lateral differential loading by sediments infilling Bryant Canyon helped drive salt migration. Variations in size and location of these differential loads influence the direction and rate of salt flow. Second, sediment transported down Bryant Canyon has physically eroded and incised certain salt structures. Although rare, deep water erosion and dissection of salt structures directly affects their observed geometries. Third, erosion has removed the sediment covering some shallowly buried salt structures thus exposing them to sea water. Geometries of the exposed structures are affected by both the disruption of isostatic equilibrium and by the effects of salt water dissolution.

Nearest the shelf margin the effect of differential sediment loading is most advanced. There, sedimentation has dissected the allochthonous salt into closely spaced salt stocks. Farther down slope the dissection process is less complete. Bryant Canyon intersects and parallels a dip-oriented salt ridge. In southernmost Garden Banks, the effects of differential sediment loading are least advanced. Sediment transported down Bryant Canyon has created a series of dip-oriented salt-free fensters within the continuous allochthonous salt sheet.
MODELLING THE EFFECTS OF SALT-INDUCED TOPOGRAPHY ON DEPOSITION FROM TURBIDITY CURRENTS
Authors: KNELLER BEN , McCAFFREY BILL
Published: October 2019

Prediction of turbidite sandstone reservoirs in topographically variable systems is approached through a combination of physical and conceptual modelling; scaled physical analogues help to constrain geometries, while physically based genetic facies models predict the distribution of lithotypes. Data are presented for experimental gravity flows interacting with obstacles simulating salt-induced topography. Interactions between the flow and topographic features are dependent upon the shape and orientation of the obstacle, and upon its size relative to the height of the flow. Deposition of sediment from turbidity currents is as dependent on flow non-uniformity as it is upon unsteadiness; the nature and magnitude of flow nonuniformity are functions of down-flow changes in gradient or confinement, and it is therefore a function of the topography over which the flow is moving. This can be combined with the effects of flow unsteadiness to create a powerful, physically based facies model that predicts the relations between turbidite facies and the topographic elements of turbidite systems.
APPLICATION OF HIGH RESOLUTION BIOSTRATIGRAPHY, OSO FIELD, NIGERIA
Authors: ARMENTROUT JOHN M. , RODGERS B. KIRBY , FEARN LARRY B. , BLOCH ROGER B. , SNEDDEN JOHN W. , LYLE W.D. , HERRICK DAVID C. , NWANKWO BASIL
Published: October 2019

High resolution biostratigraphic analyses provide calibration of both depositional systems and specific depositional environments. Such studies facilitate prediction of reservoir geometry and the lateral continuity of both reservoir sandstones and sealing shales. Data from the offshore Nigeria Oso Field is presented as a case study of one late Miocene deltaic depositional system. Within the Oso Field, marine shales are recognized as effective topseals across the entire field in contrast to marginal marine to nonmarine shales which have more restricted distribution and act as intrafield baffles. Multiple sequence stratigraphic models have been considered; one model based on regional seismic and well-logs data, one on log-motif and core sedimentology, and one on biostratigraphic data integrated with core sedimentology. The lower Oso Field producing interval is interpreted as a lowstand prograding wedge and the upper interval as a prograding distal transgressive or alternatively distal highstand system tract, based on integrating all these data.
STRATIGRAPHIC ANATOMY OF SHELFAL MIOCENE RESERVOIRS: WESTERN MATURÍN BASIN, VENEZUELA
Authors: PORTA RODOLFO , GALEAZZI SEBASTIÁN , SADLER PETER , RISI DANIEL , ULIANA MIGUEL , LEGARRETA LEONARDO , MITCHUM ROBERT M.
Published: October 2019

The Maturin basin is a supercharged hydrocarbon setting that hosts the world’s largest individual oil accumulation: the Orinoco Belt, in situ 1.2 TBO. Miocene strata represent the most prolific reservoirs in the Maturin and in several of the Eastern Venezuela-Trinidad oil districts. Production in this region is in excess of 10 BBO. In spite of protracted and intense exploration and production activity by the oil industry, detailed stratigraphic knowledge on the oil-bearing Miocene successions has received only limited consideration in the public domain literature. As part of a field reactivation project undertaken on behalf of Corpoven S.A., rightholder of the Quiamare-La Ceiba unit (Fig. 1), the Lower-Middle Miocene succession in NE Anzoátegui was analyzed from a sequence-stratigraphic and reservoir-characterization perspective. The study follows a four-fold approach: the first part outlines the geodynamic context and describes the key elements of the basin-scale Miocene stratigraphy and paleogeography; the second part discusses the sequence stratigraphy of the 4,000 m (12,000 ft) thick Miocene series over the SW fringe of the Maturin fold-thrust belt, as well as the implications of the regional stratal patterns and facies architecture for trapping potential; the third part examines the anatomy of individual reservoirs at the parasequence scale, describes the effects of fourth-order sequences on trapping, and analyzes internal reservoir facies heterogeneities; the last part focuses on the potential of seismic inversion for pre-drill reservoir prediction and efficient development planning.

Figure 1.Location map of the area of this study and the Eastern Venezuela Basin.
SHELL’S EXPLORATION STRATEGIES AND LEARNINGS IN THE MATURE GULF OF MEXICO SHELF
Authors: SHEPARD J.L. , FOSTER R.A. , GODO T.J.
Published: October 2019

Exploration strategies and tactics are dynamic, reacting and evolving in response to drilling success and failure, evolving technology, economic factors, infrastructure availability, and the type and perceived abundance of remaining opportunities. This paper addresses the transformation of one company’s approach to exploration in a mature province. In late 1992, Shell Offshore Incorporated implemented a new Gulf of Mexico shelf exploration strategy. The new “drill any profitable prospect” strategy replaced a strategy that emphasized finding the “big one.” One outcome of the new strategy is a larger drillsite portfolio that is more balanced with regard to risk and reward.

Two prospects offer insights into potential complications and challenges in the discovery appraisal process and the value of reservoir architecture models to successful appraisal. While the example prospects are illustrative of a slope depositional environment, the strategies and learnings themselves are independent of depositional environment and have business relevance to deltaic and non-marine exploration and development activities in diverse settings.
FACIES ANALYSIS OF THE UPPER EOCENE LA PAZ FORMATION, PROVINCIA FIELD, NORTHERN MIDDLE MAGDALENA VALLEY BASIN, COLOMBIA
Authors: SUAREZ MARIO , WEIMER PAUL , KRAUS MARY J. , PULHAM ANDREW J.
Published: October 2019

The upper Eocene La Paz Formation is the primary petroleum reservoir in the Provincia Field, located in the eastern foothills of the northern Middle Magdalena Valley Basin, Colombia. The average thickness of the La Paz reservoir is 800 feet in the Provincia field. A facies analysis of this unit was conducted using 332 feet of core, which were calibrated with well logs, core petrophysical data, and used for well log facies associations predictions in six wells. Four facies associations are recognized and represent deposition in braided trunk channel, minor channel (distributary or crevasse), crevasse splay and floodplain subenvironments. The minor channel and crevasse splay deposits comprise avulsion deposits. The avulsion deposits are volumetrically important and comprise nearly half of the reservoir (49.1%). Recognition of significant avulsion deposits in this study suggests that channel avulsion and preservation of thick avulsion sequences may be common in braided stream settings and are not exclusively characteristic of meandering systems.

The best reservoir facies in the La Paz Formation are subarkosic sandstones (porosity 16.7%, permeability 409.2 md), deposited in braided trunk channels and comprise 30.6% of the total reservoir thickness. Sandstone facies in the avulsion deposits have poor reservoir quality (porosity 12.9%, permeability 29 md) and act as fluid flow retardants (or lateral plugs). Floodplain deposits comprising 20.3% of the reservoir are impermeable and are the main vertical barriers.

Based on the depositional model, a 2-D reservoir zonation was constructed for the La Paz reservoir. Six flow units were defined, ranging from 50 to 140 feet in thickness, each separated by floodplain deposits. Within the flow units, interbedded avulsion deposits and trunk channel deposits produce high reservoir heterogeneity. Understanding all of the depositional elements in this type of fluvial system has helped to create realistic reservoir characterization that could be applied to reservoir simulation models.
Interference Pattern Representation on the Complex s-Plane
Authors: Trinidad Guillen Bonilla José , Guillen Bonilla Alex , Alberto García Ramírez Mario , Adolfo Vega Gómez Gustavo , Guillen Bonilla Héctor , Susana Ruiz Palacio María , Javier Martínez Silva Martín , María Bettancourt Rodriguez Verónica
Published: October 2019

In this work, the normalized interference pattern produced by a coherence interferometer system was represented as a complex function. The Laplace transform was applied for the transformation. Poles and zeros were determined from this complex function, and then, its pole-zero map and its Bode diagram were proposed. Both graphical representations were implemented numerically. From our numerical results, pole location and zero location depend on the optical path difference (OPD), while the Bode diagram gives us information about the OPD parameter. Based on the results obtained from the graphical representations, the coherence interferometer systems, the low-coherence interferometer systems, the interferometric sensing systems, and the fiber optic sensors can be analyze on the complex s-plane.
L’éducation autochtone au Québec sous l’angle de la sociologie : de l’objet au sujet
Authors: Ratel Jean-Luc
Published: October 2019

Fidèle à la rupture épistémologique initiale entre sociologie et anthropologie, c’est traditionnellement cette dernière qui a étudié les Autochtones, alors que l’éducation autochtone est encore surtout abordée dans une perspective interdisciplinaire. Il devient par conséquent plus difficile d’y distinguer spécifiquement l’apport de la sociologie. Nous proposons d’abord un survol de la production scientifique en éducation autochtone au Québec des années 1960 aux années 1990, pour ensuite poursuivre avec celle des années 2000 et 2010, là où l’on observe davantage de publications en sociologie. Nous poursuivrons par une réflexion sur les thèmes étudiés en éducation autochtone et l’apport de la sociologie dans les études autochtones, dans un contexte où deux paradigmes se démarquent (Martin, 2009) : l’approche du passage de la tradition à la modernité et l’approche (post)coloniale. Nous conclurons avec une réflexion sur le dépassement de la perspective déficitaire en éducation autochtone et les changements occasionnés par la recherche collaborative en sociologie.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND OCCUPATIONAL NOISE MANAGEMENT PROCESS IN CEMENT INDUSTRY
Authors: HADŽI-NIKOLOVA MARIJA , MIRAKOVSKI DEJAN , DONEVA NIKOLINKA , BAKRESKA NATAŠA
Published: October 2019

The main environmental issues associated with cement production are the consumption of raw materials, energy use and emissions in the air. Noise emissions occur throughout the whole cement manufacturing process - from preparing and processing raw materials, from the clinker burning and cement production process, from material storage as well as from the dispatch and shipping of the final products. The heavy machinery and large fans used in the cement manufacturing process can give rise to noise emissions. Cement Plants are required to comply with standards for reduction in line with national legislation, and to conduct measurements and perform noise surveys. Having this in mind, A TITAN Group Usje Cement Plant in Skopje, following their strong commitment to high environmental performance and Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development Policy in 2013-2014 have engaged an AMBICON Lab (Faculty of Natural and Technical Sciences) from Stip, to conduct a Noise Control Study in order to identify noise sources within cement plant and marl quarry, determine their impacts on nearby residents and develop noise control/protection strategies. During the past three years, the Usje Cement plant has implemented most of the noise control measures proposed in this Study. Also, a follow-up study during 2016-2017 was conducted in order to assess the effectiveness of measures taken. This paper presents the outcomes of noise reduction measures taken. Keywords: noise, cement industry, process management, measures, environment
IMPACTS OF EXTREME HYDROLOGICAL EVENTS ON SUSTAINABLE WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND HUMAN WELL-BEING
Authors: STANKOVIĆ SANDRA , VASOVIĆ DEJAN , ŽIVKOVIĆ NENAD
Published: October 2019

The aim of this research is to emphasize the impact of extreme hydrological phenomena on thesustainable management of water-related societal needs. Therefore, it provides a definition of extreme hydrological events, as well as a survey of extreme hydrological events in the Republic of Serbia. It also gives a brief overview of Agenda 2030 with particular respect to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No 6 and highlights the impacts of extreme hydrological phenomena on the water resources, both from the perspective of the ecosystem and the society. Root-cause analysis and synthesis of data related to extreme hydrological events that occurred in the Republic of Serbia for characteristic years have been used as primary methods. The conclusion highlights the necessity of ensuring sustainable management of water resources in order to achieve the desired state of human well-being, as well as a healthy ecosystem.
Keywords: extreme hydrological events, ecosystem services, sustainability, water resources, management
Rosiglitazone accelerates wound healing by improving endothelial precursor cell function and angiogenesis in db/db mice
Authors: Zhou Guoliang , Han Xue , Wu Zhiheng , Shi Qiaojuan , Bao Xiaogang
Published: October 2019

Background & Aims

Endothelial precursor cell (EPC) dysfunction is one of the risk factors for diabetes mellitus (DM) which results in delayed wound healing. Rosiglitazone (RSG) is a frequently prescribed oral glucose-lowering drug. Previous studies have shown the positive effects of RSG on ameliorating EPC dysfunction in diabetic patients. Interestingly, knowledge about RSG with regard to the wound healing process caused by DM is scarce. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the possible actions of RSG on wound healing and the related mechanisms involved in db/db diabetic mice.

Methods

Db/db mice with spontaneous glucose metabolic disorder were used as a type 2 DM model. RSG (20 mg/kg/d, i.g.,) was administered for 4 weeks before wound creation and bone marrow derived EPC (BM-EPC) isolation. Wound closure was assessed by wound area and CD31 staining. Tubule formation and migration assays were used to judge the function of the BM-EPCs. The level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), stromal cell derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) and insulin signaling was determined by ELISA. Cell viability of the BM-EPCs was measured by CCK-8 assay.

Results

RSG significantly accelerated wound healing and improved angiogenesis in db/db mice. Bioactivities of tube formation and migration were decreased in db/db mice but were elevated by RSG. Level of both VEGF and SDF-1α was increased by RSG in the BM-EPCs of db/db mice. Insulin signaling was elevated by RSG reflected in the phosphorylated-to-total AKT in the BM-EPCs. In vitro, RSG improved impaired cell viability and tube formation of BM-EPCs induced by high glucose, but this was prevented by the VEGF inhibitor avastin.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrates that RSG has benefits for wound healing and angiogenesis in diabetic mice, and was partially associated with improvement of EPC function through activation of VEGF and stimulation of SDF-1α in db/db mice.
Quality Characteristics of Soy Milk-Fluted Pumpkin Leaf Based Product
Authors: Korshima M. E. , Sengev A. I. , Acham I. O. , Ahemen S. A.
Published: October 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of fluted pumpkin leaves extract on the physicochemical properties, microbiological quality and organoleptic attributes of the soy milk using standard methods. Five blend ratios and codes of 100:0 (Sample A), 95:5 (Sample B), 90:10 (Sample C), 85:15 (Sample D) and 80:20 (Sample E) were developed for soy milk and fluted pumpkin leaves extract respectively. Results from this study revealed that increase in fluted pumpkin leaves extract supplementation in the soy milk increased the moisture (80.06 to 82.68%), fiber (0.58 to 0.76%), ash (0.71 to 0.96%), pH (5.99 to 6.50), while decreasing the protein (3.57 to 2.80%), fat (2.78 to 2.30%), carbohydrate (12.30 to 10.38%), titratable acidity (0.17 to 0.13%), total solids (19.27 to 18.60%), total bacteria (3.30×105 to 1.45×105 cfu/mL) and fungi (2.40×104 to 6.0×102 cfu/mL) loads. The fluted pumpkin leaves extract also appeared to have a bactericidal effect on the product as bacterial load decreased with increase in the concentration of the extract. The sensory evaluation revealed that Sample C containing 90% soy milk and 10% fluted pumpkin leaves extract was the most preferred blend among the samples containing the leaves extract. The formulated product could be useful to individuals who have lactose intolerance or heart-related diseases since it is practically free from lactose and cholesterol. It is recommended that flavour masking agents should be used to improve the herbal flavour of the product, to enhance its general acceptability and encourage consumption.
Status of Karnal Bunt in Major Wheat Growing Regions of Northern Haryana
Authors: Jakhar S. S. , Kumar Sunil , Malik Anil Kumar
Published: October 2019

Karnal bunt is a major problem in reducing the quality of wheat seed during seed production programmes in Haryana. A survey was conducted to access the status of Karnal bunt in major wheat growing regions of Haryana during Rabi season of 2018-19. During the survey 11 districts of northern Haryana viz., Hisar, Yamunanagar, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Ambala, Jind, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Karnal, Panipat and Sonipat were covered. Under the survey a total of 785 samples of wheat grains were collected from 34 grain markets. Samples revealed the range of Karnal bunt was between 0.05 – 4.70 per cent in these districts which was exceeding the permissible limit of Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards (0.25%) for quality wheat seed production. The infected samples were 395 (50.31%) and rejected samples were 155 (19.74%) having infection more than 0.25 per cent. Maximum average infection was found in Karnal district (0.413%), Hisar (0.278%) and Kurukshetra (0.273%) and the minimum was recorded in Sirsa (0.012%), Ambala (0.077%) and Fatehabad (0.104%). The range of infection was highest in Karnal (0.05 - 4.70%), then Hisar (0.05 - 4.50%) followed by Kurukshetra (0.05 - 3.40%) and lowest was observed in Sirsa  (0.05 - 0.10).
Development of a New Type-I Isotherm for Correction of Langmuir Isotherm’s Over-estimation of Adsorption at Higher Pressures
Authors: J. Alawode Adeolu , A. Falode Olugbenga
Published: October 2019

Different gas equilibrium adsorption models (or isotherms) with various theoretical frameworks have been applied to quantify adsorbed volume (V) of gas (or fluid) through pressure-volume behaviour at a constant temperature. Most often, Langmuir isotherm (representing Type I Isotherm) has been used in modelling monolayer adsorption even though it yields over-estimation at higher pressures thus contradicting the description of Type I isotherm. Here, higher pressures refer to pressures above the adsorption saturation pressure(Ps) . Hence, in this work, a new Type I adsorption isotherm involving pressure(P), adsorption saturation pressure(Ps) , maximum adsorbed volume  and adsorbate-adsorbent resistance parameter  was developed using kinetic approach. The developed adsorption isotherm is V= 

and it shows that Vmax is attained when pressure increases to Ps , above which no further gas adsorption occurs. The developed isotherm can be used to model all cases of monolayer adsorptions of gases (or fluids) on adsorbents. The developed and Langmuir isotherms were used in modelling secondary low-pressure gas adsorption data of different adsorbents and the qualities of fit were statistically assessed. For laboratory methane adsorption on Turkey’s shale sample at 25°C, the developed isotherm yields a correlation with an R2 value of 0.997 and predicts a maximum adsorption volume of 0.0450 mmol g-1 at a Ps  of 2,005 psia. However, Langmuir isotherm yields a correlation with an R2 value of 0.989 and predicts a maximum adsorption volume (Langmuir volume,VL ) of 0.0548 mmol g-1 at infinite Ps. At the higher-pressure range, the developed isotherm reveals that Langmuir isotherm is not a Type I isotherm but a "pseudo-Type I” isotherm.
Engineering III–V Semiconductor Nanowires for Device Applications
Authors: Wong‐Leung Jennifer , Yang Inseok , Li Ziyuan , Karuturi Siva Krishna , Fu Lan , Tan Hark Hoe , Jagadish Chennupati
Published: October 2019

III–V semiconductor nanowires offer potential new device applications because of the unique properties associated with their 1D geometry and the ability to create quantum wells and other heterostructures with a radial and an axial geometry. Here, an overview of challenges in the bottom‐up approaches for nanowire synthesis using catalyst and catalyst‐free methods and the growth of axial and radial heterostructures is given. The work on nanowire devices such as lasers, light emitting nanowires, and solar cells and an overview of the top‐down approaches for water splitting technologies is reviewed. The authors conclude with an analysis of the research field and the future research directions.
Inorganic 2D Luminescent Materials: Structure, Luminescence Modulation, and Applications
Authors: Su Liumei , Fan Xing , Yin Teng , Wang Huide , Li Yu , Liu Fusheng , Li Junqin , Zhang Han , Xie Heping
Published: October 2019

Inorganic luminescent semiconductors have triggered burgeoning research interest in all‐solid‐state light‐emitting devices over the past decades owing to their band‐to‐band transitions along with their high efficiency and excellent long‐term stability compared with most organic luminescent materials. Recent booming developments in 2D materials demonstrate their fascinating tunable layer‐dependent electronic structures, strong light–matter interactions, high carrier mobilities, and broad spectral ranges at the 2D limit, which are promising for high‐performance light‐emitting devices. Here, state‐of‐the‐art 2D luminescent nanomaterials are reviewed from the fundamental aspects of crystal structures and electronic properties to practical applications, providing insights into the luminescence mechanism. Many research paradigms are comprehensively discussed to elaborate ingenious luminescence modulation strategies through control of the microstructure, such as the number of layers, defects, morphologies, charge carriers, heterostructures, and surface states of 2D systems. Promising applications of 2D luminescent systems in light‐emitting diodes, lasers, and bioimaging and biosensing devices are systematically illustrated. Finally, by summarizing the luminescence in 2D materials, challenges are proposed, which will provide new opportunities for developing 2D luminescence physics, luminescent materials, and related light‐emitting device applications.
Molybdenumhexacarbonyl‐Mediated Imino‐Carbonylative Acylation of NH‐Sulfoximines with Aryl Iodides
Authors: Baranwal Siddharth , Gupta Surabhi , Sabiah Shahulhameed , Kandasamy Jeyakumar
Published: October 2019

Development of a catalyst‐free, robust and straightforward iminocarbonylation protocol for the synthesis of N‐acyl sulfoximines from sulfoximines and aryl iodides in the presence of Mo(CO)6 has been reported. Simple operation, broad substrate scope, wide functional group tolerance and excellent yields are the salient features of this work.