bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel Resin Coated Sand Placement Design Guidelines for Controlling Proppant Flowback Post Slickwater Hydraulic Fracturing Treatments
Authors: Tarek Mohamed , Leung Jada 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Resin coated sand (RCS) is an effective way for controlling post stimulation proppant flowback. However, with the shift to slickwater treatment fluids, the "tail-in" placement approach has proved to be less efficient for complete flowback control due to proppant settling characteristics from using low viscosity fluids. A new RCS placement approach was developed based on results of several flowback studies. Trial wells were completed in different US basins with successful results.
Proppant flowback samples were collected during different stages of drillout and production from wells using slickwater fluid systems. Thirty-five wells, completed by thirteen different operators, within the Permian and MidCon basins were evaluated. All wells were completed using multiple proppant mesh sizes. 375 flowback samples were collected during drillout and production phases. The samples were sieved, and results were fed into an in-house material balance model to determine the percentages of different mesh sizes in the flowback samples. The conclusions were used as guidelines for a new placement approach implemented in multiple new wells to control proppant flowback.
The flowback samples ranged from predominantly lead proppant to a similar proportion of the pumped mesh sizes. Not one of the thirty-five wells had flowback samples containing majority tail-in mesh size. This supports the early sand dune assumption. The assumption suggests that the early proppant forms dunes near wellbore and late sand settles over the existing proppant beds. The use of late RCS appears to have a minimal effect on preventing flowback of the early proppant within a stage utilizing slickwater fracturing. Therefore, RCS efficiency to control proppant flowback with the tail-in method is reduced when used in such slickwater stimulations. To seal the different proppant beds, the new approach recommends pumping multiple RCS steps within a stage. The first RCS step is recommended within the first 10-20%, second sequence within the first 40-60% of proppant volume and third as a tail-in. The exact percentages and step design were based on the results of flowback samples from neighbor wells. The implementation of this approach in more than 30 wells resulted in superior flowback control compared to offset control wells. In all trials, the proppant flowback completely stopped within 1 to 7 days of starting production.
This paper discusses the drawbacks of the current RCS placement practice while suggesting a new practical approach supported by data. Resin coated sand tail-in showed successful flowback control with viscous fracturing fluids and hybrid systems. For slickwater systems, an optimized placement design for RCS throughout the pump schedule provided enhanced flowback control compared to RCS tail-in. Finally, this paper illustrates results of field trials in which utilizing the new RCS placement approach successfully reduced flowback.
Getting Granular with Proppant Logistics
Authors: Wagner C. , Poppel B. , McKee G. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Delivery of the proppant required for a hydraulic fracturing job can quickly become a weak link in operational excellence. New technology in the oil and gas industry has been hyper focused on well site efficiency but has missed out on the synergies that can be leveraged between proppant delivery and hydraulic fracturing operations. A new logistics solution was developed to take advantage of these synergies and support higher operational efficiency.
The new proppant logistics solution was built on an established hydraulic fracturing field data collection platform. Driver and proppant load information was ingested into the new solution with a software program used to order the proppant loads to be delivered to the job. The combination of these two systems synergized the new solution and ensured the supply chain of products needed for a hydraulic fracturing job would not create a weak link in the chain of operational excellence.
With the world still feeling impacts from the 2020 pandemic, worldwide shipping and logistics markets sank into a supply imbalance. This supply-demand disparity combined with the consistency of over-the-road trucking as compared with the historically volatile nature of proppant delivery, over-the-road trucking became very desirable for existing proppant delivery drivers. This paper will present a case study reviewing how a new software solution was built and implemented to facilitate rapid field data delivery and will also discuss how this solution was utilized to build out differential visual and predictive analysis tools to promote timely delivery of proppant needed at each fracturing location. After implementing the new solution, success was measured through the following observations.
90% decrease in proppant delivery downtime. 35% decrease in drivers needed for a job, lowering the footprint of drivers on the road. Individual drivers delivered 20% more loads per day. 33% decrease in total time required to deliver a load of proppant. Enhanced competitiveness among drivers lowering the cost to produce a barrel of oil.
With this new solution, proppant logistics teams are now able to leverage intelligent solutions to help dispatch proppant so that operational excellence is maintained to the highest standard.
Single-Chip Silicon Photonic Processor for Analog
Optical and Microwave Signals
Authors: Deng Hong , Zhang Jing , Soltanian Emadreza , Chen Xiangfeng , Pang Chao , Vaissiere Nicolas , Neel Delphine , Ramirez Joan , Decobert Jean , Singh Nishant , Torfs Guy , Roelkens Gunther , Bogaerts Wim 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
We present a single photonic chip that processes both optical and microwave signals, and can convert signals between the two domains. Our chip, fabricated in IMEC’s iSiPP50G silicon photonics process, is capable of both generation and detection of analog electrical and optical signals, and can program a user-defined filter response in both domains. The single chip integrates all essential components like modulators, optical filters, and photodetectors, as well as tunable lasers enabled by transfer-printed indium phosphide optical amplifiers. This makes it possible to operate the chip as a black-box microwave photonics processor, where the user can process high-frequency microwave signals without being exposed to inner optical operation of the chip. The system’s configuration is locally programmed through thermo-optic phase shifters and monitored by photodetectors, and can select any combination of optical or microwave inputs and outputs. We demonstrate our chip’s capabilities with different combinations of RF and optical signal processing functions, including optical and RF signal generation and filtering. This represents a key step towards compact and affordable microwave photonic systems that can enable higher-speed wireless communication networks and low-cost microwave sensing applications.
The origin of exceptionally large ductility in Molybdenum Alloys dispersed with Irregular-Shaped La2O3 Nano-Particles
Authors: Yu Qian , Chen Yujie , Fang Yan , Cheng Pengming , Ke Xiaoxing , Zhang Manchen , Zou Jiawei , Ding Jun , Zhang Bozhao , GU Lin , Zhang Qinghua , Liu Gang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Molybdenum and its alloys typically exhibit superior strength compared with other body centered cubic materials, while the pronounced decrease in ductility at lower temperatures often imped their widespread applications. In this study, we demonstrate the attainment of extraordinary ductility by utilizing rotary-swaging to process a Mo alloy containing rare earth La2O3 nanoparticles —a rarity within the domain of Mo-based materials. Our atomic structure analysis elucidates that the exceptionally large ductility is originated from the substantial variations in electronic density of states, a characteristic intrinsic to rare-earth elements, which can expedite the generation of oxygen vacancies. This, in turn, facilitates the amorphization of the oxide-matrix interface under precise processing control, which then exhibits a propensity for vacancy absorption and modification of dislocation configurations. Furthermore, by imparting irregular shapes to the La2O3 nanoparticles through rotary-swaging, we succeeded in engendering multiple dislocation sources in the vicinity of the interface as incoming dislocations interact with these La2O3 nanoparticles. The newly generated dislocation sources persistently operate as potent dislocation initiators under applied stress even at reduced temperatures, resulting in the formation of diverse dislocation types and intricate dislocation networks and ultimately leading to superior dislocation plasticity.
Narratives and Opinion Polarization: A Survey Experiment
Authors: Antinyan Armenak , Bassetti Thomas , Corazzini Luca , Pavesi Filippo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We explore the impact of narratives on beliefs and policy opinions through a survey experiment that exposes US subjects to two media-based explanations of the causes of COVID-19. The Lab narrative ascribes the pandemic to human error and scientific misconduct in a Chinese lab, and the Nature narrative describes the natural causes of the virus. First, we find that both narratives influence individual beliefs about COVID-19 origins. More precisely, individual beliefs tend to be swayed in the direction of the version of the facts to which one is more exposed generating a potential source of polarization by exposure. Second, only the Nature narrative unidirectionally affects policy opinions by increasing people’s preferences toward climate protection and trust in science, therefore representing a channel for one-sided polarization by exposure. Finally, we also explore the existence of heterogeneous effects of our narratives, finding that the Lab narrative leads to opinion polarization between Republican- and Democratic-leaning states on climate change and foreign trade. This indicates the existence of an additional channel that can lead policy opinions to diverge, which we denote polarization by social context.
Perforated small bowel lymphoma presenting as an acute abdomen and requiring emergency surgery, a case report
Authors: Finnerty Ailbhe J , O’Connell Lauren V , Sheehan Margaret , Joyce Myles 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Introduction: Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). It accounts for most lymphomas affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Extranodal sites include the stomach, small intestine, and ileocecal region. Mesentery is commonly involved. Symptoms are generally non-specific but may present as surgical emergencies secondary to perforation or ischemia.
Case presentation: This case report discusses an emergency presentation of a DLBCL in a 74-year-old male. On examination, he had a palpable mass in the mid abdomen. Cross sectional computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a large intra-peritoneal mass, 20cm in transverse diameter with a smaller more proximal mass. Prior to treatment initiation he represented with an acute abdomen. He underwent an emergency laparotomy. Encasement of the SMA (Superior mesenteric artery) produced ischemia and subsequent perforation of a segment of distal small bowel. This required resection and formation of an end ileostomy. The 20cm mass involving the proximal mesentery was left in situ as safe surgical removal was not feasible.
Conclusion: We conclude that in the case of mesenteric lymphoma, surgical intervention should address the compromised bowel segment and accompanying contamination only to avoid vascular risks or potential for extensive small bowel resection. When stabilized the definitive treatment should be in the form of systemic chemotherapy.
An atom-level interaction design between amine and support: achieving efficient and stable CO2 capture
Authors: Zuotai Zhang , Xin Sun , Xuehua Shen , Hao Wang , Feng Yan , Jiali Hua , Guanghuan Li 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Amine-functionalized adsorbents hold great promise for CO2 capture due to their exceptional selectivity and diverse applications scenarios. However, their applications are impeded by low efficiency and unstable cyclic performance. Here, a novel amine-support system is synthesized to achieve an efficient and stable CO2 capture. Based on an atom-level design, each polyethyleneimine (PEI) molecule is precisely impregnated into cage-like pore of MIL-101(Cr), forming stable composites through strong coordination with unsaturated Cr acid sites in crystal internalization. The developed adsorbent exhibits low regeneration energy (39.6 kJ/molCO2), excellent cyclic stability (0.18% decay per cycle under dry CO2 regeneration) high CO2 adsorption capacity (4.0 mmol/g), and rapid adsorption kinetics (15 min for saturation at room temperature). These outstanding properties result from the unique electron-level interaction between amine and support, which prevents the dehydration of carbamate products. This work provides a feasible and promising strategy for cost-effective and sustainable CO2 capture.
Evolution of characteristics of MASLD with and without diabetes: A meta- analysis of placebo arms
Authors: Lee Han Ah , Lee Hye Ah , Kim Hwi Young 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background: We explored the changes in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) severity over time by analyzing data from the placebo arms of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), particularly in relation to the presence of diabetes.
Methods: RCTs on MASLD that included a placebo arm were identified using a systematic search of the literature. The primary outcomes were the changes in hepatic steatosis and fibrosis.
Results: The meta-analysis included 8 RCTs involving 386 patients without diabetes and 24 RCTs involving 637 patients with diabetes. The pooled estimate of mean change in steatosis grade by histology was -0.1 in patients without diabetes, and -0.37 in patients with diabetes (P=0.066). The mean change in fibrosis stage by histology was 0.05 in patients without diabetes, and -0.03 in patients with diabetes (P=0.359). The mean change in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score was -0.55 in patients without diabetes, and -1.50 in patients with diabetes (P=0.100).The mean change in ALT (-20.22 IU/L vs. -4.48 IU/L) and AST (-10.67 IU/L vs. -2.58 IU/L) were significantly larger in patients without diabetes compared to those with diabetes (P <0.05).
Conclusion: In the placebo arm, patients with diabetes showed greater improvement in liver steatosis than those without diabetes.
Acute clinical features and persistence of joint pain in probable cases of Chikungunya Fever in Eritrea
Authors: Frezgi Okbu , Berhane Araia , Ghebrewelde Ghide , Tekie Henok , Kiflezgi Tsegezab , Mohamedsied Abdelaziz , Tekie Yonas , Asrat Medhanie , Gebrejesus Tewaldemedhine 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background Chikungunya fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness that has re-emerged as an important global concern. Persistent arthralgia following chikungunya fever is common and requires advanced pharmacological interventions as pain does not respond well to analgesics. Objective The study aimed to describe the acute clinical features of probable cases of chikungunya fever and risk factors associated with the persistence of joint pain. Methods A prospective, descriptive cohort study was conducted on probable cases of chikungunya fever from October 2018 to March 2019 following the chikungunya outbreak of October 2018 in the Tesseney subzone of Eritrea. Results A total of 203 probable cases of chikungunya fever were enrolled, majority being males (68%) with a mean age of 39.2 years. The acute phase symptoms include the triad of polyarthralgia (97%), fever (96.1%), and skin rash (56.7%). Commonly affected joint sites were the wrist (59.4%) and interphalangeal joints of the hands (56.9%). Fever had a mean duration of 4.1 ± 3 days, while headache had a mean duration of 3.8 ± 3 days. Skin rash was maculopapular which was pruritic (85.2%) with common involved sites were the hands (71%) and trunk (46.5%). Complete blood count during the initial visit showed lymphocytosis (64.5%) and granulocytopenia (43.3%). Joint pain persisted at three months in 52.1% of cases and at six months in 21.7% of the cases. Age > 41 (p = 0.001, OR: 1.588; 95% CI: 0.935–2.695) and having the O-type blood group (p = 0.033, OR: 0.704; 95% CI: 0.448–1.105) were found to be significant risk factors for the persistence of joint pain. Conclusion Our study indicates polyarthralgia, fever, and skin rash as a triad of symptoms during the acute phase. Persistent arthralgia was a frequent long-term complication of chikungunya fever in which increasing age was identified to be a significant risk factor.
The Developing Myeloarchitecture of the Human Cortex: Relationships between Intra-Cortical Myelination and Developing Cognitive Function
Authors: Deoni Sean CL , D’Sa Viren , Beauchemin Jennifer , Huentelman Matthew , Lewis Candace , Carnell Susan , Bonham Kevin , Klepec-Ceraj Vanja , Bruchhage Muriel , Volpe Alexandra 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Three important themes in neuroscience are parcellation, structure-function specificity, and neural plasticity. These themes relate to: 1. The ability to delineate brain regions, for example on the basis of their cellular composition, myeloarchitecture, microstructural architecture, and/or connectivity profiles; 2. Relate parcellations to specific cognitive functions or behaviors; and 3. The ability of the tissue microstructure and architecture to adaptively change in response to environmental influences, with concurrent functional consequences. Neural plasticity suggests that any regional delineation scheme is likely to change with age and functional development, which we can exploit to identify functionally relevant regions and their development with age. From a large longitudinal cohort of neurotypically-developing children, 0 to 13 years of age, we used a data-driven approach to subdivide the cortex based on cortical myelination patterns. Next, we quantified the relationships between rates of myelination across each region and rates of functional development (including motor, language, visuospatial, executive, and academic ability). Linking these evolving processes, we identified unique and overlapping cortical regions that underly diverse skill development, providing new insight into how the cortical myeloarchitecture develops throughout early childhood and its importance to developing cognitive functioning.
Improving compliance and effectiveness in Falls’ prevention, using a Dynamic Balance Training Platform. A randomized Control Trial. A feasibility study
Authors: Antoniadou Eleftheria , LAKOUMENTAS John , PANAGIOTOPOULOS Elias , ZAMPAKIS Peter 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Methods
The design was a Randomized control trial. The setting was an outpatient Balance Rehabilitation Clinic in a tertiary University Hospital. Results from 20 women all of them fallers, 10 in the intervention group and 10 in the control group (no intervention) were analyzed. Older women with falls in their anamnesis were evaluated with the mCTSIB test of the dynamic platform as a screening test, and if pathological also with the miniBEST test and the SPPB test. Based on the miniBEST (less than 18) the woman was placed randomly in the intervention or the control group. The intervention group completed a total of 36 sessions, 3 times per week for 30 min. The control group had no intervention.
Results
Dynamic platform exercise programs are proved to be effective (mini-BEST p < 0.006 and mCTSIB p < 0.02, SPPB p < 0.02) to balance rehabilitation and therefore to fall prevention. The results show also that a good compliance was achieved with a p < 0.001, and a % of patient that adhere to the protocol up to 96%
Conclusion
We can conclude that that fall prevention exercises on a dynamic platform are effective and with good compliance.
Enhanced 3D Dose Prediction for Hypofractionated SRS (Gamma Knife Radiosurgery) in Brain Tumor Using Cascaded-Deep-Supervised Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Li Nan , Wang Jinyuan , Fang Chunfeng , Zhou Dongxue , Liu Yaoying , Wang Yanping , Zhang Chunsu , Cao Lin , Zhang Gaolong , Xu Shouping 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is a well-established radiation therapy (RT) technique for treating brain tumors. However, the planning process for GKRS is complex and time-consuming, heavily reliant on the expertise of medical physicists. Incorporating deep learning approaches for GKRS dose prediction can reduce this dependency, improving planning efficiency and homogeneity, streamlining clinical workflows, and reducing patient lagging times. Despite this, precise Gamma Knife plan dose distribution prediction using existing models remains a significant challenge. The complexity stems from the intricate nature of dose distributions, subtle contrasts in CT scans, and the interdependence of dosimetric metrics. In an effort to overcome these challenges, we have developed a "Cascaded-Deep-Supervised" Convolutional Neural Network (CDS-CNN) that employs a hybrid-weighted optimization scheme. Our innovative method incorporates multi-level deep supervision along with a strategic sequential multi-network training approach. It enables the extraction of intra-slice and inter-slice features, leading to more realistic dose predictions with additional contextual information. CDS-CNN was trained and evaluated using data from 105 brain cancer patients who underwent GKRS treatment, with 85 cases used for training and 20 for testing. Quantitative evaluations and statistical analyses demonstrated high consistency between the predicted dose distributions and the reference doses from the treatment planning system (TPS). The 3D overall gamma passing rates (GPRs) reached 97.15%±1.36% (3mm/3%, 10% threshold). When evaluated using the more stringent criteria of 2mm/3%, 10% threshold, the overall GPRs still achieved 96.33%±1.08%. Furthermore, the average target coverage (TC) was 98.33%±1.16%, dose selectivity (DS) was 0.57±0.10, gradient index (GI) was 2.69±0.30, and homogeneity index (HI) was 1.79±0.09. The experimental results showed that the proposed CDS-CNN outperformed other models in predicting GKRS dose distributions, with the prediction being the closest to the TPS dose.
Fluvial Geomorphological Changes in the Moribund Deltaic Region of Eastern India using remote sensing and GIS techniques
Authors: Quamar Shams , Parhi Prabeer Kumar , Dwivedi Anuj Kumar , Singh Deepak , Jeet Pawan , Singh Umesh Kumar , Mayank Muskan , Kumar Pradeep , Mishra Alok , Kumar Saral , Kumar Sumit 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The present study focuses on the deltaic region of West Bengal, which is one of the most dynamic natural regions in the state. The study area is a part of the moribund deltaic region of Nadia district. Bank erosion, channel shifting, siltation of channels, and the decay of oxbow lakes are common geomorphic hazards in the Bhagirathi-Jalangi interfluve and further south in the floodplain of the Hugli River. The study area is susceptible to various geomorphic hazards, including bank erosion, channel shifting, siltation of channels, and the decay of oxbow lakes. These hazards are prevalent in the Bhagirathi-Jalangi interfluve and the southern floodplain of the Hugli River. The primary aim of the study is to identify distinct patterns of fluvial geomorphic features on the floodplain using remote sensing and GIS techniques. For the analysis, data on river planform were collected from the Survey of India toposheets and a number of satellite images. Surveys were carried out to compare the present scenario with the past situation. The results revealed that fluvial geomorphological changes over a period of 45 years are considerably significant. Anthropogenic causes have a greater influence on changing the morphology and increasing the rate of bank erosion.