bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extensive Well-Testing Operations Provide Insight Into Khuff Reservoirs
Authors: Carpenter Chris 
Published: January 2021

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 203441, “Lessons Learned From Extensive Well-Testing Operations in Khuff Formations Offshore Abu Dhabi,” by Florian Hollaender, SPE, Schlumberger, and Mahmoud Basioni and Ahmed Yahya Al Blooshi, ADNOC, et al., prepared for the 2020 Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi, held virtually from 9-12 November. The paper has not been peer reviewed.
An extensive appraisal campaign was performed in the Khuff reservoirs offshore Abu Dhabi, with multiple appraisal wells drilled in different fields. Those wells were evaluated using detailed logging campaigns and then subjected to well tests, usually through drillstem testing for targeted intervals. The interpretation of well tests, combined with advanced petrophysical analysis, formation-test data, and production logs, provided insight into the nature of the Khuff reservoirs. A wide range of responses was observed, from tight to highly productive, but not necessarily with clear previous indications of deliverability or inflow intervals.
Overview of the Khuff Formations
The key characteristics of the Khuff formations offshore Abu Dhabi have been well-documented in previous work and can be summarized by the following:
Low porosity and permeability carbonate reservoirs, where natural fractures are critical contributors to flow
Properties vary widely laterally, with significant uncertainty regarding connectivity
Variations in stress and petrophysical properties can be significant and affected by diagenetic and tectonic history
These reservoirs present significant challenges for development planning. Previous studies have shown that it can be difficult to relate production performance to standard petrophysical analysis directly and that the presence of fractures - in particular, critically stressed fractures - in the vicinity of the wellbore is an essential factor for production performance. Productivity also was found to vary by several orders of magnitude within the same reservoir depending on the field and lateral location of a given well.
The presence of natural fractures has been recognized as a major contributor to flow in tight gas reservoirs; however, this raises several questions related to assessing formation potential. First, the nature of the fractures must be evaluated. Some will contribute to production, while others will remain sealed. Equally importantly, identifying zones with promising porosity developments is not a solid indicator of production expectations.
Well-Test Observations
With more than 20 drillstem tests performed in the Khuff reservoirs during a 4-year period, the first observation is the wide range of reservoir responses encountered, with an apparent lack of consistency within a given reservoir or field.
Guest Editorial: Three Pathways to Relevance and Profitability
Authors: Satapathy Manas , Wilczynski Herve 
Published: January 2021

For most of the past 160 years, the exploration and production (E&P) sector earned outsized economic rent for finding new oil and gas (O&G) resources and making them economically viable for production. This was possible because of the perceived scarcity of such resources; demand expectations for hydrocarbon products far exceeded their likely supply.
During that period, E&P companies focused on building functional expertise to enable growth and operate assets safely. Exploration and appraisal capabilities were particularly revered as key drivers of value. Other areas of the value chain such as field production management, logistics, or even marketing were not seen as critically differentiating. Understandably, building expertise in those areas was never made the primary focus.
What a difference a decade makes.
Perpetual Disruption Is the New Normal
Today, we live in a completely different world. The challenges facing upstream companies simply did not exist 10 years ago. Six compressive forces, in particular, are bringing about a sea change in the industry.
Earlier this year, COVID-19 brought with it a sharp and palpable drop in demand for transportation-related crude. With the dramatic structural changes we have made to the ways we live and work in response to the pandemic, low crude demand is expected to continue. This will only exacerbate resource holders’ concerns about supply overabundance. E&P companies that hold hydrocarbon resources were already worried that the resources they own could go unmonetized. Now, that threat is stronger than ever. So is the incentive to monetize their resources as quickly as possible. Ironically, their actions to do so will make the oversupply situation worse.
Beyond the issues of supply and demand, the industry’s general economic climate is wreaking havoc. O&G companies typically focus on half-cycle economics or lifting costs when making production decisions. That is because land acquisition and development costs are considered sunk. If oil prices stay in the $40-50/bbl range, many asset classes will simply be uneconomical from a full-cycle standpoint.
Reuse of Produced Water Grows in the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Feder Judy 
Published: January 2021

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Judy Feder, contains highlights of paper SPE 199498, “Reuse of Produced Water in the Oil and Gas Industry,” by Madeleine Gray, International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association, prepared for the 2020 SPE International Conference and Exhibition on Health, Safety, Environment, and Sustainability, originally scheduled to be held in Bogota, Colombia, 28-30 July. The paper has not been peer reviewed.
The onshore oil and gas industry investigates new and improved ways to manage the supply and disposal of produced water continually. Within oil and gas operations, produced water increasingly is being recycled and reused for enhanced oil recovery, drilling, and well stimulation. The growing global demand for water resources also is creating interest in reusing produced water outside oil and gas operations. The complete paper focuses on sources of produced water from conventional and unconventional onshore oil and gas operations and addresses the challenges and opportunities associated with reusing the produced water.
Introduction
Produced water is water that is brought to surface during oil and natural-gas production. It includes formation, flowback, and condensation water. Produced water varies in composition and volume from one formation to another and is often managed as a waste material requiring disposal. In recent years, increased demand for, and regional variability of, available water resources, along with sustainable water-supply planning, have driven interest in reusing produced water with or without treatment to meet requirements within the industry or by external users.
Reuse of produced water can provide important economic, social, and environmental benefits, particularly in water-scarce regions. It can be used for hydraulic fracturing, waterflooding, and enhanced oil recovery, decreasing the demand for other sources of water. However, reuse for offsite, non-oilfield applications such as crop irrigation, wildlife and livestock consumption, industrial processes, and power generation, is subject to a variety of constraints and risks. Practical considerations for offsite reuse include supply and demand and regulatory, infrastructural, economic, legal, social, and environmental factors.
Sources, Chemical Properties, and Management of Produced Water
The information contained in the paper is based on an internal survey conducted by the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA) of 14 of its member companies, interviews with selected external stakeholders covering a range of sectors and geographic regions, and a literature review of readily available information. The external stakeholders were identified from the membership survey as well as from IPIECA and consultant experience.
Sources and Volumes. Onshore oil and gas operations generate millions of barrels of produced water each day world-wide. The composition and flow of produced water can differ dramatically from one source to another.
Pathogenic convergence of CNVs in genes functionally associated to a severe neuromotor developmental delay syndrome
Authors: García-Hernández Juan L. , Corchete Luis A. , Marcos-Alcalde Íñigo , Gómez-Puertas Paulino , Fons Carmen , Lazo Pedro A. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Complex developmental encephalopathy syndromes might be the consequence of unknown genetic alterations are likely to contribute to the full neurological phenotype as a consequence of pathogenic gene combinations. Methods: To identify the additional genetic contribution to the neurological phenotype, we studied as a test case a boy, with a KCNQ2 exon-7 partial duplication, by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray to detect copy-number variations (CNVs). Results: The proband presented a cerebral palsy like syndrome with a severe motor and developmental encephalopathy. The SNP array analysis detected in the proband several de novo CNVs, nine partial gene losses (LRRC55, PCDH9, NALCN, RYR3, ELAVL2, CDH13, ATP1A2, SLC17A5, ANO3), and two partial gene duplications (PCDH19, EFNA5). The biological functions of these genes are associated with ion channels such as calcium, chloride, sodium, and potassium; and with several membrane proteins implicated in neural cell-cell interactions, synaptic transmission and axon guidance. Pathogenically, these functions can be associated to cerebral palsy, seizures, dystonia, epileptic crisis, and motor neuron dysfunction, all present in the patient. Conclusions: Severe motor and developmental encephalopathy syndromes of unknown origin can be the result of a phenotypic convergence by combination of several genetic alterations in genes whose physiological function contributes to the neurological pathogenic mechanism.
Novel weapon to conquer human glioblastoma: G-quadruplexes and neuro-inducers
Authors: Pavlova Galina , Kolesnikova Varvara , Samoylenkova Nadezhda , Drozd Sergey , Revishchin Alexander , Usachev Dmitry , Kopylov Alexey 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Cancer cell reprogramming based on aptamers with antiproliferative properties in combination with small molecules that are used for conversion iPSCs into neurons represents a new approach to reduce the probability of glioblastoma recurrence and tumor resistance to therapy. In this research we tested several combinations of factors on whole cell cultures, derived from tumor tissue after surgical resection, and on cell cultures divided in CD133 enriched and depleted populations, as CD133 marker is believed to be characteristic for glioblastoma stem cells. We showed that CD133+ and CD133- cells have a different response to tested combinations of factors and CD133-positive cells are more stable and possess stemness properties. Thus, affecting these cells will lead to decrease of therapy resistance. Moreover, we found a combination of factors that is able to inhibit proliferation of both CD133+ and CD133- cells. Our results reveal a promising strategy to improve treatment of patients with glioblastoma.
Ceramide Kinase Regulates TNF-α-induced Immune Responses in Human Monocytic Cells
Authors: Al-Rashed Fatema , Ahmad Zunair , Snider Ashley J , Thomas Reeby , Kochumon Shihab , Melhem Motasem , Sindhu Sardar , Obeid Lina M , Al-Mulla Fahd , Hannun Yusuf A , Ahmad Rasheed 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Ceramide kinase (CERK) phosphorylates ceramide to produce ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P), which is involved in the development of metabolic inflammation. TNF-α modulates inflammatory responses in monocytes associated with various inflammatory disorders; however, the underlying mechanisms remain not fully understood. Here, we investigated the role of CERK in TNF-α-induced inflammatory responses in monocytes. Our results show that disruption of CERK activity in monocytes either by the chemical inhibitor NVP- 231 or by small interfering RNA (siRNA) results in the defective expression of inflammatory markers including CD11c, CD11b and HLA-DR in response to TNF-α. Our data show that TNF-α upregulates ceramide phosphorylation. Inhibition of CERK in monocytes significantly reduced the secretion of IL-1β and MCP-1. Similar results were observed in CERK deficient cells. Phosphorylation of JNK, p38 and NF-κB resulting from TNF-α stimulation was reduced by inhibition of CERK. Additionally, NF-κB/AP-1 activity was suppressed by the inhibition of CERK. Clinically, obese individuals had higher levels of CERK expression in PBMCs compared to lean individuals, which correlated with TNF-α levels. Taken together, these results suggest that CERK plays a key role in regulating inflammatory responses in human monocytes during TNF-α stimulation. CERK may be a relevant target for developing novel therapies for chronic inflammatory diseases.
Relative risk factors of nerve root sedimentation sign (Sedsign) in patients with severe central lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS)
Authors: YU Haiming , HAN Yunfeng , ZHANG Rui , SUN Chu , WANG Mingda , YUE Bo , CHOU Kaiping , LI Bin , ZHANG Nan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Here we evaluated the incidence of positive nerve root sedimentation sign (Sedsign) and its correlation with MRI parameters in patients with severe lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) to explore its pathogenesis. Among 209 patients with severe LSS, there were 290 levels with intervertebral narrowing, among which 248 had a positive Sedsign (a prevalence of 85.52%). We then analyzed those levels with a positive Sedsign relative to those with a negative Sedsign (42 levels). There was no significant difference between the two groups for the minimum cross-sectional area (CSA) of the dural sac or the minimum posteroanterior diameter (PAD) of the spinal canal. In contrast, there was a significant difference between the groups for the grade of degenerative facet joint (DFJ) (p < 0.05), the maximum thickness of ligamentum flavum (TLF) (p < 0.01), and the maximum cross-sectional area difference (CSAD) of the dural sac (p < 0.01). In addition, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify associated factors. The area under the ROC curve for PAD was 0.608 (95%CI: 0.55−0.665, p < 0.05), for DFJ was 0.634 (95%CI: 0.576−0.69, p < 0.05), for TLF was 0.74 (95%CI: 0.742−0.839, p < 0.01), and for CSAD was 0.911 (95%CI: 0.875−0.943, p < 0.01). In summary, a positive Sedsign has notable advantages in assisting with the diagnosis of severe LSS. Compression of the dural sac from the rear may be the main cause of a positive Sedsign, and the TLF and DFJ parameters were the main relative risk factors.
Clinical and Ultrasonographic Features of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Located in the Isthmus
Authors: Fan Jinfang , Zhou Wei , Zhan Weiwei , Tao Lingling , Li Weiwei , Kuang Lijun 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the clinical and ultrasonographic features of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in the isthmus.Methods: A total of 823 patients with 823 PTCs including 133 in the isthmus and 690 in the lateral lobe were included in our study. All patients were confirmed by post-operative pathology. The clinical and ultrasonographic characteristics were retrospectively analyzed and compared. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed.Results: Multi-factor analyses showed that PTC in the isthmus was significantly different from PTC originating from the lateral lobe in aspect ratio, microcalcification, extrathyroid extension, lymph node metastasis（LNM）, lymph node density（LND） (P < 0.05, for all). There were no significant differences in age, gender, tumor size, margin, halo, echogenicity and homogeneity (P > 0.05, for all).Conclusions: The sonographic appearance of PTC in the isthmus was not typical, however, it had a higher incidence of extrathyroidal extension, central lymph node involvement and a tendency of higher lymph node density. Therefore, more careful ultrasound evaluation should be performed for these nodules.
Nutritional Status Among Orphans and Vulnerable Children Aged 6 to 59 Months in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Berr Nina , Nigatu Yemisrach , Dereje Nebiyu 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Childhood malnutrition is a global problem contributing to more than a third of under-five mortality. Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) fare worse than children living with their parents. However, the nutritional and healthcare needs of OVC are under-recognized in Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross sectional study was conducted among OVC aged 6 to 59 months. Multi-stage sampling technique was applied to select the households and eligible children included in the study (n=584). An interviewer-administered questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were carried out. The proportions of stunting, wasting and underweight were determined based on the WHO Z-score cut-off. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with stunting. Results: The prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight were 35.1% (95% CI; 31.3% - 39.1%), 4.7% (95% CI; 3.2% - 6.7%) and 12.0% (95% CI; 9.6% - 14.9%), respectively. Stunting was significantly associated with initiation of complementary feeding after 12 months of age (AOR = 3.61; 95% CI 1.16 - 14.11), household food insecurity (AOR = 1.90; 95% CI 1.10 - 3.17), unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 1.90; 95% CI 1.03 - 3.42), age ≥ 2 years (AOR = 1.80; 95% CI 1.25 - 2.67), caretaker’s age ≤25 years (AOR = 1.50; 95% CI 1.03 - 2.16) and employment of the caretaker (AOR = 1.50; 95% CI 1.03 - 2.26). Conclusion: The prevalence of all forms of malnutrition among OVC was significantly higher than the national estimate. Most importantly, this study uncovers that the positive health statistics which point towards decreases in under nutrition as evidenced by consecutive Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS) data do not accurately reflect the condition of the many underprivileged children living in the society. These findings of the study underscore the need for interventions to enhance household food security and caretaker’s awareness on child feeding particularly addressing the OVC.
Effects of Acute Benzo[a]pyrene Exposure on Blood Clam Tegillarca Granosa: Histological Changes, Oxidative Stress, Neurotoxicity and DNA Hypomethylation
Authors: Guo Baoying , Feng Dan , Qi Pengzhi , Liao Zhi , Yan Xiaojun 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The blood clam is being developed into a model bivalve molluscs for assessing and monitoring marine pollution on the offshore seabed. However, the information on the response of blood clam to PAHs, an organic pollutant usually deposited in submarine sediment, remains limited. Herein, we employed multiple biomarkers, including histological changes, oxidative stress, neurotoxicity and global DNA methylation, to investigate the effects of Bap exposure under laboratory conditions on blood clams and its potential mechanisms. Acute Bap exposure can induce significant morphological abnormalities in gills as shown through hematoxylin-eosin (H.E) staining, providing an intuitive understanding on the effects of Bap on the structural organization of blood clams. Meanwhile, the oxidative stress was significantly elevated as manifested by the increase of antioxidants activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST), lipid peroxidation (LPO) level and 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) content. The neurotoxicity was also strengthened by Bap toxicity manifested as inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activities. In addition, the global DNA methylation level was investigated, and a significant DNA hypomethylation was observed in Bap exposed blood clams. The correlation analysis showed that the global DNA methylation was negatively correlated with antioxidants (SOD, CAT and POD) activities, but positively correlated choline enzymes (AChE and ChAT) activities. These results collectively suggested that acute Bap exposure can cause damage in gills structures in blood clams possibly by generating oxidative stress and neurotoxicity, and the global DNA methylation was inhibited to increase the transcriptional expression level of antioxidants genes and consequently elevate antioxidants activities against Bap toxicity. These results are hoped to shed some new light on the study of ecotoxicology effect of PAHs on marine bivalves.
Novel starter cultures Virgibacillus spp. selected from grasshopper sub shrimp paste to inhibit biogenic amines accumulation
Authors: Zhao Yirui , Sang Xue , Hao Hongshun , Bi Jingran , Zhang Gongliang , Hou Hongman 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Controlling the content of biogenic amines (BAs) is critical to guarantee the safety of fermented aquatic products. The degradation characteristics and application potential of amine-negative starter cultures (Virgibacillus halodenitrificans CGMCC 1.18601: G25, Virgibacillus pantothenticus CGMCC 1.18602: G38) screened from grasshopper sub shrimp paste (Gssp) were studied. The enzymes of the two strains G25 and G38 that degrade BAs were amine oxidases (AOs) located on their respective cell membranes. The conditions that promoted the AO activity of Virgibacillus spp. were NaCl concentrations 5–10%, temperature 37°C, pH 7.0 and ethanol concentrations 0–2%. Safety assessments (antibiotic susceptibility, biofilm activity and hemolytic activity) indicated that Virgibacillus spp. do not present a risk to human health, and this isolate can be confidently recommended as safe starter cultures for the food industry. Then, the two strains were cultured separately as starters and applied to the Gssp to analyze their influence on the flavor and quality of the product. As far as the bad flavors in Gssp such as sulfur-organic and sulf-chlor were concerned, the response values in the starter groups by G25 and G38 were significantly reduced by 39% and 65%, respectively. For the ability of strains to degrade BAs in Gssp, G25 degraded 11.1% of histamine, 11.3% of tyramine, 15.5% of putrescine and 4.1% of cadaverine; G38 significantly degraded 10.1% of histamine, 21.8% of tyramine, 18.1% of putrescine and 5.0% of cadaverine. These results indicated that the selected species could be used as starter cultures for the control of BA accumulation and degradation in Gssp.