bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficiency and Operational Consistency in Horizontal Wells with Motorized Rotary System to Reduce Operation Time and Costs
Authors: Leon N. Fuenmayor , Carignano H. R. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Horizontal drilling of extended wells in Vaca Muerta, Argentina, in hostile environments with high temperatures close to 150°C, densities of 14.5ppg and high vibrations such as torsional, represents a major challenge. These extreme conditions require specified technologies and operating practices to achieve high penetration rates without compromising well integrity. Tortuosity is crucial to ensure hole cleaning and efficient trips to surface, and these conditions demand the appropriate solutions. Real-time monitoring technologies and automated drilling systems helped to improve drilling accuracy and efficiency in these challenging environments.
The implementation of advanced Rotary Steerable System (RSS) with automation capabilities provided by a high-performance mud motor and risk evaluation and mitigation, where key point to successfully address drilling challenges to propose the suitable solutions in the service design. Furthermore, was essential to have a dedicated team monitoring operations in real time, capable of issuing alerts and taking action to reduce or eliminate risks. This proactive approach improved safety and efficiency, facilitating the collection of valuable technical information. Once analyzed, this contributed to the creation of a repository of lessons learned, vital for continuous improvement.
The development of lateral lengths in horizontal wells was a significant milestone to maximize asset value, with extensions reaching more than of 4000 meters, duplicating the reservoir contact compared with the initial 2000 meters at the early stages. Also, the implementation of an autonomous steering control feature (Cruise Control), designed to manage laterals and tangents, by automatic adjusting the well inclination and direction to align with the planned trajectory, reducing well tortuosity and improving rate of penetration helped to maximize the drilling efficiency in lateral sections.
Prospects of Handling Digital Technology Disputes by Courts of Integration Associations
Authors: Talimonchik V. P. 
Published: November 2024

Objective: to analyze the competence and procedure of case handling by the courts of integration associations, allowing them to resolve disputes related to information technologies, and to identify the prospects of handling of this category of disputes by the courts of integration associations.Methods: the main research methods were analysis, synthesis, and problem-theoretical method.Results: the article identified the main features of the “disputes related to digital technologies” category in relation to resolving disputes involving individuals by the courts of integration associations. It reveals opportunities for some courts of integration associations to resolve disputes related to information technologies. The said opportunities are provided by the courts competence, allowing the appeal of individuals, as well as by the dispute resolution procedure involving experts. By analyzing international treaties and practice of courts of integration associations, the author proves that the changes in the category of “disputes related to digital technologies” are related not only to technologies, but also to information and communication systems. By own judgments, the author reveals the content of disputes related to digital technologies in the courts of integration associations.Scientific novelty: the paper reveals the peculiarities of the category “disputes related to digital technologies” in relation to the courts of integration associations and the prospects of resolving disputes related to information technologies by the courts of integration associations. Practical significance: the conclusions provided in the article can be used to improve the practice of courts of integration associations.
Perceptions of palliative care among medical students: A thematic analysis
Authors: Chan Junji , Tee Tze Yuan , Lam Chee Loong , Loh Ee Chin , Zainuddin Sheriza Izwa , Paul Capelle David 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: Palliative care (PC) needs are projected to increase and training future practitioners is an important response to this. While the specialty of PC has developed rapidly it is not yet universally integrated in healthcare. Advocacy has achieved improvements in this field but misperceptions of PC have remained in the general population.
Methods: A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with medical students at a Malaysian university was conducted. Results were thematically analyzed.
Results: Fifteen students were interviewed. Seven themes were generated: (1) Understanding palliative care (2) communication (3) spirituality (4) ethical issues (5 education.
Conclusion: Perceptions of PC are relevant to the medical training and the development of PC.
Identification of a Resistance Exercise-Specific Signaling Pathway that Drives Skeletal Muscle Growth
Authors: Zhu Wenyuan , Thomas Aaron , Wilson Gary , Hibbert Jamie , Flynn Corey , McGlory Chris , Jorgenson Kent , Steinert Nathaniel , Lin Kuan-Hung , Coon Joshua , Phillips Stuart , MacInnis Martin , Hornberger Troy 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

A human model of unilateral endurance versus resistance exercise, in conjunction with deep phosphoproteomic analyses, was used to identify exercise mode-specific phosphorylation events. Among the outcomes, a resistance exercise-specific cluster of events was identified, and a multitude of bioinformatic- and literature-based predictions suggested that this was mediated by prolonged activation of a pathway involving MKK3b/6, p38, MK2, and mTORC1. Follow-up studies in humans and mice provide consistent support for the predictions and also revealed that resistance exercise-induced signaling through MKK3b and the induction of protein synthesis are highly correlated events (R = 0.87). Moreover, genetic activation of MKK3b/6 in skeletal muscles was sufficient to induce signaling through the members of the resistance exercise-specific pathway, as well as an increase in protein synthesis and fiber size. Thus, we propose that we have identified some of the core components of a signaling pathway that drives the growth-promoting effects of resistance exercise.
Utilizing Facies and lithofacies thin sections and laboratory experimental techniques for Late Cenomanian-Early Turonian carbonate reservoir characterization in an Iraqi oilfield, Iraq, Middle East region
Authors: Al-kanaani Nuhad , Jawad Mohammed Al , Al-Shahwan Mowafaq 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Mishrif Formation holds significant importance as an oil-producing stratum, originating from shallow marine settings during the Late Cenomanian to Early Turonian period in southern Iraq. This study focuses on two specific wells, Rt2 and Rt5 in Ratawi oilfield, chosen as primary subjects. Collectively, more than 200 core samples were meticulously gathered from these wells and subjected to thin section analysis. Petrographic scrutiny of the thin sections unveiled that Mishrif Formation encompasses four primary facies and an additional ten secondary facies, which were deposited across a broad spectrum of environments, spanning from shallow marine to shallow or open lacustrine settings. The analysis of thin sections further confirmed the existence of diagenetic processes that influenced the rock properties of the formation. Among these processes were dissolution, cementation, and compaction, all contributing to the alteration of porosity characteristics. Notably, interparticle porosity, vuggy porosity, and intrafossil porosity emerged as the predominant forms of porosity within the formation. Distinct diagenetic environments were identified based on the findings, including shallow marine, mixed, and surface settings. The study revealed an evolution of facies traits and diagenetic processes towards the Rt5 well. Important parameters such as porosity, permeability and water saturation are determined. Correlations are used to assess permeability in uncored wells because direct measurement techniques, such as core analysis and well testing, are costly. Understanding fluid flow in the formation is aided by an exponential equation with R-squared values evaluating the fit between core permeability and porosity. By breaking the reservoir up into units and minimizing heterogeneity, the FZI approach provides the best regression. The usual method for predicting permeability is to divide well data into homogeneous subgroups according to hydraulic flow units and microfacies. By enhancing permeability projections and decreasing the requirement for extensive coring, porosity-permeability analysis offers insightful information. The novelty in this paper lies in identifying good reservoirs, understanding their extensions, determining the direction of facies development, and knowing locations where facies reservoir properties are expected to be present.
Curvularia species complex Associated with Brown Leaf Spot of Rice
Authors: Larbi-Koranteng Stephen , Adomako Joseph , Bukari Titus 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Brown leaf spot disease (BLSD) of rice results in germination failure, seedling mortality, yield reduction and quality. The disease is distributed worldwide, reducing yield of rice to about 30–40%. The study sought to isolate brown leaf spot pathogen(s) from rice and determine their pathogenicity and identity (morphological and molecular). Diseased rice leaves with typical symptoms of BLSD were sampled and cut into pieces (1 cm), disinfected with 3% Clorox (commercial bleach), and arranged equidistantly on PDA medium in plates for fungal pathogen’s growth. The fungal pathogens were identified between 5–7 days after incubation using morphological features and later confirmed by molecular techniques using DNA sequencing and BLAST analysis. The isolation and virulence/pathogenicity study were carried out at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Crop Research Institute (CRI), Kumasi. All isolates obtained during the study were then inoculated on 3-weeks-old rice seedlings. The isolates included C. lunata, C. soli, C. geniculata, C. senegalensis and C. subpapendorfii. All isolates showed symptoms of brown leaf spot similar to what was observed on field of rice plants after confirming through Koch postulate. The investigation on the pathogenicity of the obtained Curvularia isolates displayed the existence of a pathogenic variability among the isolates. Apart from C. lunata, which is the known pathogen associated with rice brown leaf spot disease in Ghana, new species such as C. soli, C. geniculata, C. senegalensis and C. subpapendorfii were found to be associated with rice in a disease complex and causing brown leaf disease individually, suggesting together they contribute to disease severity in a complex. The current study therefore suggests that C. soli, C. senegalensis, C. geniculata and C. subpapendorfii are in a complex with C. lunata, a known pathogen associated with blown leaf spot disease of rice in Ghana and their sequenced data have since been deposited at NCBI GenBank with the following assigned accession numbers; C. soli (PP564496), C. senegalensis (PP564498 and PP564499), C. geniculata (PP564502) and C. subpapendorfii (PP564501).
Comparative analysis of differential salinity tolerance in wheat species under hydroponic conditions
Authors: Malipatil Srivijay S. , Biradar Suma S. , Desai S. A. , C. Vishwasgowda. , S Gundlur S. , P.U. Krishnaraj , Singh S. K 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Soil salinity is the major threat to crop production worldwide, particularly in arid regions of the world as global climate change is hastening the process of soil salinization. The development of crop cultivars that are salt tolerant, however, offers a more affordable, sustainable option. Hydroponic systems have evolved into a quick technique for evaluating a large number of genotypes for salt stress at the seedling stage. 140 wheat genotypes including bread wheat, durum and dicoccum wheat with check cultivars were evaluated at three different salinity levels along with control under hydroponic conditions. The relevance of seedling traits in screening salt tolerance was shown by studies on correlation, PCA (Principal Component Analysis), and broad sense heritability (h2bs). Salinity stress considerably reduced all seedling characteristics under study in terms of growth and physiological variables. The study on heritability (h2bs) indicated that all saline treatments exhibited high heritability (> 60%) for seedling parameters, including root length, shoot length, fresh weight, and dry weight. PCA and the Stress Tolerance Index (STI) identified the genotypes UASBW-13903, UASBW-13892, DIC-4, DIC-22, DIC-77, DIC-92, DIC-104, and DDK50507 as salt-tolerant, as they exhibited the smallest reductions in seedling traits under saline treatments. Based on the findings, a concentration of 150mM NaCl is found suitable and recommended for hydroponic culture-based preliminary salt tolerance screening of various wheat genotypes.
In-situ Reaction Compatibilization Modification of Biodegradable Poly (lactic acid)/Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) Blends by Multifunctional Epoxy Compound
Authors: Sun Chuang , Ren Liang , Qin Yixuan , Liu Xiangpeng , Shao Mingliang , Mu Guangming , Gao Yutong , Zhang Mingyao 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (P34HB) copolyester is a novel biodegradable polymer synthesized by microorganisms in recent years, however it cannot meet the people's daily production and living requirements owing to its poor strength. Thanks to their remarkable combination of good strength and high modulus, Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is mixed with P34HB to enhance its strength, and the chain extender ADR-4370F is selected to modify PLA/P34HB blend via in-situ reaction compatibilization. The incorporation of 0.7 phr ADR into the 70/30 wt% PLA/P34HB blend promotes a remarkable increase of 181% in elongation at break compared to PLA/P34HB with 70/30 wt%. Meanwhile, the Izod impact strength, tensile strength and modulus of PLA blend increases by 60%, 20% and 22% compared with 70/30 wt% PLA/P34HB, respectively. Rheological results demonstrate that storage modulus, loss modulus, and complex viscosity enhance evidently with the elevation of ADR dosage, indicating that the improvement of melt strength is beneficial to the processing and forming of the materials. The compatibilization mechanism is investigated by infrared spectroscopy, and the epoxy groups in ADR is the most important factor to improve the compatibility and the mechanical properties of the blends.
Comparison of Dam Inflow Generation Techniques for Assessing Drought Coping Capacity
Authors: Lee Joohyung , Kim Young-Oh 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Heavy rainfall during flood seasons has become more concentrated, whereas rainfall during dry seasons has decreased, owing to the impacts of climate change. Despite similar average annual precipitation, this phenomenon has led to the occurrence of stronger and more localized droughts. To address this issue, the Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water) adopted the K-water disaggregation method (KDM) to manage dam operations efficiently by considering regional characteristics. KDM calculates the monthly inflow for the upcoming year using the correlation between the annual and monthly inflow frequency analysis results. However, the current implementation of KDM, which provides a single scenario, often exhibits significant discrepancies from the observed inflow. To overcome this limitation, this study proposes incorporating uncertainty through a disaggregation model to enhance the accuracy of inflow estimation. Thus, a wider range of inflow scenarios can be considered, thereby enhancing the strategy for dam operations. This study compared the inflow scenarios generated by two different methods and assessed the corresponding drought coping capacities expected from operating dams under these scenarios. The drought coping capacity assessment included calculating the Supply-day (S-day) and dam storage performance measures. The results indicated that KDM generally showed a lower S-day during the water supply seasons and exhibited a lower dam storage performance than the disaggregation method inflow scenarios. Consequently, the single scenario provided by KDM may distort the potential inflow scenarios for the target dam. Considering a range of monthly scenarios for an annual drought quantile proved advantageous for assessing drought coping capacity. This study issues a broader warning, not only for Korea but also for other countries, about the risks of relying on a single scenario for determining next-year drought inflows, which may increase the likelihood of encountering more severe droughts than anticipated.
RDS04-010: A novel atypical DAT inhibitor that inhibits cocaine taking and seeking and itself has low abuse potential in experimental animals
Authors: Xi Zheng-Xiong , Soler-Cedeño Omar , Galaj Ewa , Klein Benjamin , Cao Jianjing , Bi Guo-Hua , Newman Amy 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is a severe public health problem, and currently, there is no FDA-approved medication for its treatment. Atypical dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT) inhibitors display low addictive liability by themselves and may have therapeutic potential for treatment of psychostimulant use disorders. Here, we report that RDS04-010, a novel atypical DAT inhibitor that binds to an inward-facing conformation of DAT due to its sulfoxide moiety, displayed distinct pharmacological profiles in animal models of addiction from its sulfide analog, RDS03-094, a DAT inhibitor that binds to a more outward-facing conformation. Systemic administration of RDS04-010 dose-dependently inhibited cocaine self-administration (SA), shifted the cocaine SA dose-response curve downward, decreased motivation for cocaine seeking under progressive ratio reinforcement conditions, and inhibited cocaine-primed reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior. RDS04-010 alone neither altered optical brain-stimulation reward nor evoked reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior. RDS04-010 substitution for cocaine was not able to maintain self-administration in rats trained to self-administer cocaine. In contrast, RDS03-094 displayed more cocaine-like reinforcing effects. Its pretreatment upward-shifted both the cocaine self-administration dose-response and optical brain-stimulation reward curves. RDS03-094 alone was able to reinstate extinguished cocaine-seeking behavior and sustain self-administration during a substitution test. Collectively, these findings suggest that RDS04-010 is a novel atypical DAT inhibitor with favorable therapeutic potential in reducing cocaine-taking and -seeking behavior with low addictive liability. Moreover, this extensive behavioral evaluation further confirms the role DAT binding conformation plays in the distinctive profiles of atypical DAT inhibitors that prefer the inward facing conformation.
Targeting STING to disrupt macrophage-mediated fibrosis in encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis.
Authors: Peng Hui , SUN JUAN , Sun Yuxiang , Guo Dandan , Ye Huolin , Huang Qiang , Zhou Hu , Li Canming , Liao Mei , You Yujia , Shang Hongli , Zhou Pan , Wu Dongxuan , Hu Zhaoyong 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a life-threatening fibrotic condition characterized by severe abdominal adhesions, chronic inflammation, and significant morbidity. The lack of effective treatments for EPS stems from a limited understanding of its underlying mechanisms. In this study, we developed a modified mouse model of PD-induced EPS and investigated the role of the STING signaling pathway in disease progression. Our findings reveal that STING activation in peritoneal mesothelial cells significantly increases the secretion of the macrophage chemokine CCL2, leading to enhanced macrophage infiltration and the formation of pathological adhesions. Notably, pharmacological inhibition of STING using the inhibitor H151 effectively reduced macrophage infiltration and fibrosis, demonstrating its therapeutic potential in alleviating EPS. These results identify the STING pathway as a critical mediator of EPS pathogenesis and suggest that STING inhibitors could offer a promising therapeutic strategy to prevent or reverse EPS, particularly in clinical settings such as peritoneal dialysis.
An antibacterial, antioxidant and hemostatic hydrogel accelerates infectious wound healing
Authors: Zhou Ziyi , Zhang Dengjun , Ning Xuchao , Jin Linbo , Lin Yijing , Liang Chen , Wen Xin , Huang Tianhao , Zhou Junli , Zhang Yiming 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Hydrogel drug-delivery system that can effectively load antibacterial drugs, realize the in-situ drug release in the microenvironment of wound infection to promote wound healing. In this study, a multifunctional hydrogel drug delivery system (HA@TA-Okra) was constructed through the integration of hyaluronic acid methacrylate (HAMA) matrix with tannic acid (TA) and okra extract. The composition and structural characteristics of HA@TA-Okra system and its unique advantages in the treatment of diverse wounds were systematically evaluated. TA, due to its unique chemical structure, is able to anchor within the HAMA network through interactions and cross-linking, conferring exceptional mechanical strength and stability to the hydrogel. Both TA and okra extract possess antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and when they two acts synergistically they can effectively scavenge free radicals, enhance antibacterial action, diminishing the risk of wound infection. In vitro experiments revealed that HA@TA-Okra system has superior properties, such as rapid gel response, remarkable swelling regulation, and potent antioxidant ability. Furthermore, the HA@TA-Okra system significantly outperformed conventional dressings in terms of hemostatic performance in a rat hemorrhage model. We further evaluated the repair role of HA@TA-Okra system in vivo by establishing an animal model of full-thickness skin defects and a model of infected total skin defects. The results confirmed its positive effects in fighting bacterial infection, reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing. In summary, the HA@TA-Okra system exhibits comprehensive properties such as antibacterial, antioxidant and hemostatic properties, which has a potential application in the field of tissue repair medicine.
DNA Detection in Biosensing: A Study on the Efficacy of Plasmonic Nanostructures in Improving Sensitivity
Authors: Moradi Omar , Sharifi Ahvan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Nanoparticles and nanostructures are widely used for the detection of micromolecules. These types of structures show high sensitivity in the vicinity of small molecules such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). In this work, the effects of the shape and dimensions of nanostructures on the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect in the ultraviolet and visible bands for DNA detection were investigated. The SPR effect has been studied for metal nanostructures such as gold and aluminum in planar, vacuolar and spherical shapes via the discrete dipole approximation (DDA) method. The main goal of this research is to find the maximum sensitivity factor when the DNA molecule is placed close to the nanostructure. Accordingly, a bowtie nanostructure is proposed, which has a higher sensitivity factor than the other nanostructure shapes. The simulation results show that the sensitivity factor of the gold bowtie nanostructure is approximately 0.83. In other words, the nanostructure of the gold bowtie has a higher accuracy in detecting DNA molecules than other shapes of nanostructures introduced.