Crystal Structures of Human 17<i>β</i>-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 Complexed with the Dual-Site Inhibitor EM-139

Human 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (17β-HSD1) catalyzes the biosynthesis of the most potent natural estrogen 17β-estradiol (E2) from estrone (E1) in the ovary and peripheral tissues, playing a pivotal role in the progression of estrogen-dependent diseases. N-n-Butyl-N-methyl-ll-(16'α-chloro-3',17'β-dihydroxyestra-1',3',5'(10')-trien-7'α-yl)undecanamide (EM-139) was previously described as a dual-site inhibitor that can inhibit 17β-HSD1 transforming E1 into E2 and also inhibit estrogen receptor. In the present report, we describe the co-crystallization of EM-139 with 17β-HSD1 as well as the analysis of the three-dimensional structure of the enzyme/inhibitor complex. The crystal is grown under similar condition as native crystals, whereas the space group is changed to I121 never observed in other 17β-HSD1 crystals before. The steroidal moiety of the bound EM-139 molecule has shown a binding pattern similar to E2 in the E2 binary complex. The O-3 of the inhibitor develops hydrogen bonds with residues His221 and Glu282, whereas the O-17 makes hydrogen bonds with Ser142 and Tyr155. The bulky 7α-alkyl moiety of the inhibitor, which is essential for its anti-estrogenic activity but cannot be defined in the electron density, may compromise the inhibitory effect of EM-139 to 17β-HSD1. Moreover, the 16α-Cl atom shows no obvious interaction with surrounding residues. The atomic level understanding of the inhibitory mechanism of EM-139 provides important information for the inhibitor design of 17β-HSD1, which will facilitate future development of more potent and selective inhibitors of the enzyme for therapeutic purposes.

Crystal Structure of Carboxypeptidase a Complexed with an Inactivator in a New Crystalline Form

A new crystalline form of carboxypeptidase A (CPA) complexes withan inactivator was obtained by the method of hanging drop vapor diffusion. The inacti-’vator, 2-benzyl-3-iodo-propanoic acid (BIPA ), binds covalently to an active siteresidue Glu-27O of CPA. The complex was crystallized in space group P212121 with a= 48. 8 A, b=66. 9 A, c= 96. 0 A. The complex structure was determined by molecu-lar replacement using the native CPA crystal structure as the search model. The finalcrystallographic residual is 0. 152. Except for the modification of Glu-270, the inactiva-tor exhibits normal binding mode compared with other ligand complexes of CPA. Inthe final different electron density maps (2Fo-Fc, Fo-Fc), the density of the iodo ioncould not be found while the conserved molecule remains coordinated to Zn2+ as in thenative CPA. Comparisons of complex of CPA-BIPA with the native CPA and theCPA/D-Phe complex are presented. The mechanism of inactivation of CPA was dis-cussed.

A Synergistic Multi-Attribute Decision-Making Method for Educational Institutions Evaluation Using Similarity Measures of Possibility Pythagorean Fuzzy Hypersoft Sets

Due to the numerous variables to take into account as well as the inherent ambiguity and uncertainty,evaluating educational institutions can be difficult.The concept of a possibility Pythagorean fuzzy hypersoft set(pPyFHSS)is more flexible in this regard than other theoretical fuzzy set-like models,even though some attempts have been made in the literature to address such uncertainties.This study investigates the elementary notions of pPyFHSS including its set-theoretic operations union,intersection,complement,OR-and AND-operations.Some results related to these operations are also modified for pPyFHSS.Additionally,the similarity measures between pPyFHSSs are formulated with the assistance of numerical examples and results.Lastly,an intelligent decision-assisted mechanism is developed with the proposal of a robust algorithm based on similarity measures for solving multi-attribute decision-making(MADM)problems.A case study that helps the decision-makers assess the best educational institution is discussed to validate the suggested system.The algorithmic results are compared with the most pertinent model to evaluate the adaptability of pPyFHSS,as it generalizes the classical possibility fuzzy set-like theoretical models.Similarly,while considering significant evaluating factors,the flexibility of pPyFHSS is observed through structural comparison.

CNKSR2 interactome analysis indicates its association with the centrosome/microtubule system

The protein connector enhancer of kinase suppressor of Ras 2(CNKSR2),present in both the postsynaptic density and cytoplasm of neurons,is a scaffolding protein with several protein-binding domains.Variants of the CNKSR2 gene have been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders,particularly intellectual disability,although the precise mechanism involved has not yet been fully understood.Research has demonstrated that CNKSR2 plays a role in facilitating the localization of postsynaptic density protein complexes to the membrane,thereby influencing synaptic signaling and the morphogenesis of dendritic spines.However,the function of CNKSR2 in the cytoplasm remains to be elucidated.In this study,we used immunoprecipitation and high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify the interactors of CNKSR2.Through a combination of bioinformatic analysis and cytological experiments,we found that the CNKSR2 interactors were significantly enriched in the proteome of the centrosome.We also showed that CNKSR2 interacted with the microtubule protein DYNC1H1 and with the centrosome marker CEP290.Subsequent colocalization analysis confirmed the centrosomal localization of CNKSR2.When we downregulated CNKSR2 expression in mouse neuroblastoma cells(Neuro 2A),we observed significant changes in the expression of numerous centrosomal genes.This manipulation also affected centrosome-related functions,including cell size and shape,cell proliferation,and motility.Furthermore,we found that CNKSR2 interactors were highly enriched in de novo variants associated with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder.Our findings establish a connection between CNKSR2 and the centrosome,and offer new insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Functions of nuclear factor Y in nervous system development,function and health

Nuclear factor Y is a ubiquitous heterotrimeric transcription factor complex conserved across eukaryotes that binds to CCAAT boxes,one of the most common motifs found in gene promoters and enhancers.Over the last 30 years,research has revealed that the nuclear factor Y complex controls many aspects of brain development,including differentiation,axon guidance,homeostasis,disease,and most recently regeneration.However,a complete understanding of transcriptional regulatory networks,including how the nuclear factor Y complex binds to specific CCAAT boxes to perform its function remains elusive.In this review,we explore the nuclear factor Y complex’s role and mode of action during brain development,as well as how genomic technologies may expand understanding of this key regulator of gene expression.

Intersection of two rare conditions:Clinical reflection on tuberous sclerosis combined with primary lymphedema

This editorial discusses a case report recently published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases.The report describes the clinical presentation,imaging,diagnosis,and treatment of a patient with tuberous sclerosis complex(TSC)combined with primary lymphedema(PLE).Additionally,it retrospectively analyzes the data of 16 previously reported cases of children with TSC combined with PLE to summarize the epidemiology,genetic diagnosis,and current main treatments of these patients.The report also speculates on the pathological and physiological mechanisms underlying TSC combined with PLE.TSC combined with PLE is rare;therefore,the report provides a theoretical basis for understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment options for patients with TSC and PLE.Comprehensive clinical management of TSC is essential due to the diverse and multiorgan nature of its manifestations,often requiring a multidisciplinary approach for newly diagnosed cases.

Differential response of injured and healthy retinas to syngeneic and allogeneic transplantation of a clonal cell line of immortalized olfactory ensheathing glia:a double-edged sword

Olfactory ensheathing glia promote axonal regeneration in the mammalian central nervous system,including retinal ganglion cell axonal growth through the injured optic nerve.Still,it is unknown whether olfactory ensheathing glia also have neuroprotective properties.Olfactory ensheathing glia express brain-derived neurotrophic factor,one of the best neuroprotectants for axotomized retinal ganglion cells.Therefore,we aimed to investigate the neuroprotective capacity of olfactory ensheating glia after optic nerve crush.Olfactory ensheathing glia cells from an established rat immortalized clonal cell line,TEG3,were intravitreally injected in intact and axotomized retinas in syngeneic and allogeneic mode with or without microglial inhibition or immunosuppressive treatments.Anatomical and gene expression analyses were performed.Olfactory bulb-derived primary olfactory ensheathing glia and TEG3 express major histocompatibility complex classⅡmolecules.Allogeneically and syngenically transplanted TEG3 cells survived in the vitreous for up to 21 days,forming an epimembrane.In axotomized retinas,only the allogeneic TEG3 transplant rescued retinal ganglion cells at 7 days but not at 21 days.In these retinas,microglial anatomical activation was higher than after optic nerve crush alone.In intact retinas,both transplants activated microglial cells and caused retinal ganglion cell death at 21 days,a loss that was higher after allotransplantation,triggered by pyroptosis and partially rescued by microglial inhibition or immunosuppression.However,neuroprotection of axotomized retinal ganglion cells did not improve with these treatments.The different neuroprotective properties,different toxic effects,and different responses to microglial inhibitory treatments of olfactory ensheathing glia in the retina depending on the type of transplant highlight the importance of thorough preclinical studies to explore these variables.

Laparoscopic liver resection utilizing the ventral avascular area of the inferior vena cava:A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic liver resection(LLR)can be challenging due to the difficulty of establishing a retrohepatic tunnel under laparoscopy.Dissecting the third hepatic hilum before parenchymal transection often leads to significant liver mobilization,tumor compression,and bleeding from the short hepatic veins(SHVs).This study introduces a novel technique utilizing the ventral avascular area of the inferior vena cava(IVC),allowing SHVs to be addressed after parenchymal transection,thereby reducing surgical complexity and improving outcomes in in situ LLR.AIM To introduce and evaluate a novel LLR technique using the ventral avascular area of the IVC and compare its short-term outcomes with conventional methods.METHODS The clinical cohort data of patients with pathologically confirmed hepatocellular carcinoma or intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who underwent conventional LLR and novel LLR between July 2021 and July 2023 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were retrospectively analyzed.In novel LLR,we initially separated the caudate lobe from the IVC using dissecting forceps along the ventral avascular area of the IVC.Then,we transected the parenchyma of the left and right caudate lobes from the caudal side to the cephalic side using the avascular area as a marker.Subsequently,we addressed the SHVs and finally dissected the root of the right hepatic vein or left hepatic vein.The short-term postoperative outcomes and oncological results of the two approaches were evaluated and compared.RESULTS A total of 256 patients were included,with 150(58.59%)undergoing conventional LLR and 106(41.41%)undergoing novel LLR.The novel technique resulted in significantly larger tumor resections(6.47±2.96 cm vs 4.01±2.33 cm,P<0.001),shorter operative times(199.57±60.37 minutes vs 262.33±83.90 minutes,P<0.001),less intraoperative blood loss(206.92±37.09 mL vs 363.34±131.27 mL,P<0.001),and greater resection volume(345.11±31.40 mL vs 264.38±31.98 mL,P<0.001)compared to conventional LLR.CONCLUSION This novel technique enhances liver resection outcomes by reducing intraoperative complications such as bleeding and tumor compression.It facilitates a safer,in situ removal of complex liver tumors,even in challenging anatomical locations.Compared to conventional methods,this technique offers significant advantages,including reduced operative time,blood loss,and improved overall surgical efficiency.

Challenges and improvement strategies in the hospitalization of chronic multimorbid patients

BACKGROUND Addressing the growing challenge of hospitalizing chronic multimorbid patients,this study examines the strain these conditions impose on healthcare systems at a local level,focusing on a pilot program.Chronic diseases and complex patients require comprehensive management strategies to reduce healthcare burdens and improve patient outcomes.If proven effective,this pilot model has the potential to be replicated in other healthcare settings to enhance the management of chronic multimorbid patients.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of the high complexity unit(HCU)in managing chronic multimorbid patients through a multidisciplinary care model and to compare it with standard hospital care.METHODS The study employed a descriptive longitudinal approach,analyzing data from the Basic Minimum Data Set(BMDS)to compare hospitalization variables among the HCU,the Internal Medicine Service,and other services at Antequera Hospital throughout 2022.The HCU,designed for patients with complex chronic conditions,integrates a patient-centered model emphasizing multidisciplinary care and continuity post-discharge.RESULTS The study employed a descriptive longitudinal approach,analyzing data from the BMDS to compare hospitalization variables among the HCU,the Internal Medicine Service,and other services at Antequera Hospital throughout 2022.The HCU,designed for patients with complex chronic conditions,integrates a patient-centered model emphasizing multidisciplinary care and continuity post-discharge.CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the HCU in managing patients with complex chronic diseases through a multidisciplinary approach.The coordinated care provided by the HCU results in improved patient outcomes,reduced unnecessary hospitalizations,and better management of patient complexity.The superiority of the HCU compared to standard care is evident in key outcomes such as fewer readmissions and higher patient satisfaction,reinforcing its value as a model of care to be replicated.

Unveiling the impact:COVID-19's influence on bacterial resistance in the Kingdom of Bahrain

BACKGROUND Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health threat,and understanding local trends in bacterial isolates and their susceptibility patterns is crucial for effective infection control and antimicrobial stewardship.The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has introduced additional complexities,potentially influencing these patterns.AIM To analyze trends in bacterial isolates and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns at Salmaniya Medical Complex from 2018 to 2023,with a specific focus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these trends.METHODS A retrospective analysis of microbiological data was conducted,covering the period from 2018 to 2023.The study included key bacterial pathogens such as Escherichia coli(E.coli),Klebsiella pneumoniae,Acinetobacter baumannii,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,and Staphylococcus aureus,among others.The antibiotic susceptibility profiles of these isolates were assessed using standard laboratory methods.To contextualize the findings,the findings were compared with similar studies from other regions,including China,India,Romania,Saudi Arabia,the United Arab Emirates,Malaysia,and United States.RESULTS The study revealed fluctuating trends in the prevalence of bacterial isolates,with notable changes during the COVID-19 pandemic.For example,a significant increase in the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus was observed during the pandemic years,while the prevalence of E.coli showed a more variable pattern.Antibiotic resistance rates varied among the different pathogens,with a concerning rise in resistance to commonly used antibiotics,particularly among Klebsiella pneumoniae and E.coli.Additionally,the study identified an alarming increase in the prevalence of multidrug-resistant(MDR)strains,especially within Klebsiella pneumoniae and E.coli isolates.The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these trends was evident,with shifts in the frequency,resistance patterns,and the emergence of MDR bacteria among several key pathogens.CONCLUSION This study highlights the dynamic nature of bacterial isolates and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns at Salmaniya Medical Complex,particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.The findings underscore the need for continuous monitoring and effective anti-microbial stewardship programs to combat the evolving threat of antibiotic resistance.Further research and policy initiatives are required to address the identified challenges and improve patient outcomes in the face of these ongoing challenges.

Effect of glucan addition on complexed zinc concentration and physico-chemical attributes of buffalo milk paneer whey

Present investigation was undertaken to explore buffalo milk paneer whey for the preparation of zinc complex using different glucans(β-glucan and dextran).Addition of zinc and glucan,both individually and in combination,increased the apparent viscosity and endothermic heat flow characteristics of whey.Particle size distribution of whey remained multi-modal but the lower sized particles aggregated to form larger particles with the addition of zinc and glucan.Zeta potential of whey increased with glucan addition and decreased with zinc addition.Complexed zinc concentration increased from 18.96%(in whey)to 51.02%and 67.06%with dextran andβ-glucan addition,respectively.FTIR absorbance spectra revealed that carboxylic and hydroxyl groups were involved in complex formation with zinc.Complex formation resulted into decrease in the zeta potential and fluorescence intensity of whey.Micro-structural imaging revealed that the particle surface became smooth with glucan addition and complex formation.

全耳内镜下耳屏软骨-软骨膜复合体在上鼓室外侧壁重建中的临床应用

目的探究全耳内镜下耳屏软骨-软骨膜复合体在上鼓室外侧壁重建中的临床应用。方法选取2020年6月~2023年6月间徐州市中心医院收治的58例进行上鼓室外侧壁重建的胆脂瘤患者,根据采用修复材料的不同分为对照组及观察组各29例。对照组采用耳屏软骨膜进行上鼓室外侧壁重建,观察组采用耳屏软骨-软骨膜复合体进行上鼓室外侧壁重建,两组患者均于全耳内镜下进行手术。统计患者术中出血量、手术时间,术后3个月复查听力情况、干耳情况及耳道功能改善情况,术后随访6个月鼓膜愈合情况。结果与术前比较,术后3个月气导听阈、气骨导差降低(P<0.05),与对照组比较,观察组气导听阈、气骨导差降低(P<0.05);与对照组比较,观察组干耳率、耳道功能良好率、听力提高成功率均升高,干耳时间缩短,但耳屏愈合时间增加(P<0.05);与对照组比较,观察组手术时间缩短,术中出血量减少(P<0.05);观察组、对照组术后并发症总发生率分别为13.79%、24.14%,二者比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);观察组愈合良好率高于对照组(86.21%vs.62.07%)(P<0.05),两组患者耳膜穿孔(10.34%vs.24.14%)、鼓膜移位(3.45%vs.6.90%)及鼓膜回缩(0.00%vs.6.90%)发生情况比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论全耳内镜下耳屏软骨-软骨膜复合体在上鼓室外侧壁重建中有利于改善患者听力,有利于术后恢复。

Recent Progress in Reinforcement Learning and Adaptive Dynamic Programming for Advanced Control Applications

Reinforcement learning(RL) has roots in dynamic programming and it is called adaptive/approximate dynamic programming(ADP) within the control community. This paper reviews recent developments in ADP along with RL and its applications to various advanced control fields. First, the background of the development of ADP is described, emphasizing the significance of regulation and tracking control problems. Some effective offline and online algorithms for ADP/adaptive critic control are displayed, where the main results towards discrete-time systems and continuous-time systems are surveyed, respectively.Then, the research progress on adaptive critic control based on the event-triggered framework and under uncertain environment is discussed, respectively, where event-based design, robust stabilization, and game design are reviewed. Moreover, the extensions of ADP for addressing control problems under complex environment attract enormous attention. The ADP architecture is revisited under the perspective of data-driven and RL frameworks,showing how they promote ADP formulation significantly.Finally, several typical control applications with respect to RL and ADP are summarized, particularly in the fields of wastewater treatment processes and power systems, followed by some general prospects for future research. Overall, the comprehensive survey on ADP and RL for advanced control applications has d emonstrated its remarkable potential within the artificial intelligence era. In addition, it also plays a vital role in promoting environmental protection and industrial intelligence.

Nontraditional energy-assisted mechanical machining of difficult-to-cut materials and components in aerospace community:a comparative analysis

The aerospace community widely uses difficult-to-cut materials,such as titanium alloys,high-temperature alloys,metal/ceramic/polymer matrix composites,hard and brittle materials,and geometrically complex components,such as thin-walled structures,microchannels,and complex surfaces.Mechanical machining is the main material removal process for the vast majority of aerospace components.However,many problems exist,including severe and rapid tool wear,low machining efficiency,and poor surface integrity.Nontraditional energy-assisted mechanical machining is a hybrid process that uses nontraditional energies(vibration,laser,electricity,etc)to improve the machinability of local materials and decrease the burden of mechanical machining.This provides a feasible and promising method to improve the material removal rate and surface quality,reduce process forces,and prolong tool life.However,systematic reviews of this technology are lacking with respect to the current research status and development direction.This paper reviews the recent progress in the nontraditional energy-assisted mechanical machining of difficult-to-cut materials and components in the aerospace community.In addition,this paper focuses on the processing principles,material responses under nontraditional energy,resultant forces and temperatures,material removal mechanisms,and applications of these processes,including vibration-,laser-,electric-,magnetic-,chemical-,advanced coolant-,and hybrid nontraditional energy-assisted mechanical machining.Finally,a comprehensive summary of the principles,advantages,and limitations of each hybrid process is provided,and future perspectives on forward design,device development,and sustainability of nontraditional energy-assisted mechanical machining processes are discussed.

Historical biogeography and evolutionary diversification of Lilium(Liliaceae): New insights from plastome phylogenomics

Here, we infer the historical biogeography and evolutionary diversification of the genus Lilium. For this purpose, we used the complete plastomes of 64 currently accepted species in the genus Lilium(14plastomes were newly sequenced) to recover the phylogenetic backbone of the genus and a timecalibrated phylogenetic framework to estimate biogeographical history scenarios and evolutionary diversification rates of Lilium. Our results suggest that ancient climatic changes and geological tectonic activities jointly shaped the distribution range and drove evolutionary radiation of Lilium, including the Middle Miocene Climate Optimum(MMCO), the late Miocene global cooling, as well as the successive uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau(QTP) and the strengthening of the monsoon climate in East Asia during the late Miocene and the Pliocene. This case study suggests that the unique geological and climatic events in the Neogene of East Asia, in particular the uplift of QTP and the enhancement of monsoonal climate, may have played an essential role in formation of uneven distribution of plant diversity in the Northern Hemisphere.

Discovery of nano organo-clay complex pore-fractures in shale and its scientific significance:A case study of Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation shale,Songliao Basin,NE China

A new pore type,nano-scale organo-clay complex pore-fracture was first discovered based on argon ion polishing-field emission scanning electron microscopy,energy dispersive spectroscopy and three-dimensional reconstruction by focused ion-scanning electron in combination with analysis of TOC,R_(o)values,X-ray diffraction etc.in the Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation shale in the Songliao Basin,NE China.Such pore characteristics and evolution study show that:(1)Organo-clay complex pore-fractures are developed in the shale matrix and in the form of spongy and reticular aggregates.Different from circular or oval organic pores discovered in other shales,a single organo-clay complex pore is square,rectangular,rhombic or slaty,with the pore diameter generally less than 200 nm.(2)With thermal maturity increasing,the elements(C,Si,Al,O,Mg,Fe,etc.)in organo-clay complex change accordingly,showing that organic matter shrinkage due to hydrocarbon generation and clay mineral transformation both affect organo-clay complex pore-fracture formation.(3)At high thermal maturity,the Qingshankou Formation shale is dominated by nano-scale organo-clay complex pore-fractures with the percentage reaching more than 70%of total pore space.The spatial connectivity of organo-clay complex pore-fractures is significantly better than that of organic pores.It is suggested that organo-complex pore-fractures are the main pore space of laminar shale at high thermal maturity and are the main oil and gas accumulation space in the core area of continental shale oil.The discovery of nano-scale organo-clay complex pore-fractures changes the conventional view that inorganic pores are the main reservoir space and has scientific significance for the study of shale oil formation and accumulation laws.

Regulatory mechanisms of iron homeostasis in maize mediated by ZmFIT

Regulation of iron homeostasis in maize remains unclear,despite the known roles of FER-Like Fe deficiency-induced transcription factor(FIT)in Arabidopsis and rice.ZmFIT,like At FIT and Os FIT,interacts with iron-related transcription factors 2(ZmIRO2).Here,we investigate the involvement of ZmFIT in iron homeostasis.Mutant ZmFIT lines exhibiting symptoms of Fe deficiency had reduced shoot iron content.Transcriptome analysis revealed downregulation of Fe deficiency-responsive genes in the roots of a Zmfit mutant.ZmFIT facilitates the nuclear translocation of ZmIRO2 to activate transcription of downstream genes under Fe-deficient conditions.Our findings suggest that ZmFIT,by interaction with ZmIRO2,mediates iron homeostasis in maize.Notably,the binding and activation mechanisms of ZmFIT resemble those in Arabidopsis but differ from those in rice,whereas downstream genes regulated by ZmFIT show similarities to rice but differences from Arabidopsis.In brief,ZmFIT,orthgologs of Os FIT and At FIT in rice and maize,respectively,regulates iron uptake and homeostasis in maize,but with variations.

ESTIMATE ON THE BLOCH CONSTANT FOR CERTAIN HARMONIC MAPPINGS UNDER A DIFFERENTIAL OPERATOR

In this paper,we first obtain the precise values of the univalent radius and the Bloch constant for harmonic mappings of the formL(f)=zfz-zfz,where f represents normalized harmonic mappings with bounded dilation.Then,using these results,we present better estimations for the Bloch constants of certain harmonic mappings L(f),where f is a K-quasiregular harmonic or open harmonic.Finally,we establish three versions of BlochLandau type theorem for biharmonic mappings of the form L(f).These results are sharp in some given cases and improve the related results of earlier authors.

Evolution, resilience and causes of global petroleum gas trade networks: 1995-2020

Based on the HS 4-digit code trade data in UNCOMTRADE from 1995 to 2020, this paper analyzes the characteristics of the evolution of the global PG trade network using the complex network approach and analyzes the changes in its resilience at the overall and country levels, respectively. The results illustrated that:(1) The scale of the global PG trade network tends to expand, and the connection is gradually tightened, experiencing a change from a “supply-oriented” to a “supply-and-demand” pattern, in which the U.S., Russia, Qatar, and Australia have gradually replaced Canada, Japan, and Russia to become the core trade status, while OPEC countries such as Qatar, Algeria, and Kuwait mainly rely on PG exports to occupy the core of the global supply, and the trade status of other countries has been dynamically alternating and evolving.(2) The resilience of the global PG trade network is lower than that of the random network and decreases non-linearly with more disrupted countries. Moreover, the impact of the U.S. is more significant than the rest of countries. Simulations using the exponential random graph model(ERGM) model revealed that national GDP, institutional quality, common border and RTA network are the determinants of PG trade network formation, and the positive impact of the four factors not only varies significantly across regions and stages, but also increases with national network status.

Saturation Estimation with Complex Electrical Conductivity for Hydrate-Bearing Clayey Sediments:An Experimental Study

Clays have considerable influence on the electrical properties of hydrate-bearing sediments.It is desirable to understand the electrical properties of hydrate-bearing clayey sediments and to build hydrate saturation(S_(h))models for reservoir evaluation and monitoring.The electrical properties of tetrahydrofuran-hydrate-bearing sediments with montmorillonite are characterized by complex conductivity at frequencies from 0.01 Hz to 1 kHz.The effects of clay and Sh on the complex conductivity were analyzed.A decrease and increase in electrical conductance result from the clay-swelling-induced blockage and ion migration in the electrical double layer(EDL),respectively.The quadrature conductivity increases with the clay content up to 10%because of the increased surface site density of counterions in EDL.Both the in-phase conductivity and quadrature conductivity decrease consistently with increasing Sh from 0.50 to 0.90.Three sets of models for Sh evaluation were developed.The model based on the Simandoux equation outperforms Archie’s formula,with a root-mean-square error(E_(RMS))of 1.8%and 3.9%,respectively,highlighting the clay effects on the in-phase conductivity.The fre-quency effect correlations based on in-phase and quadrature conductivities exhibit inferior performance(E_(RMS)=11.6%and 13.2%,re-spectively)due to the challenge of choosing an appropriate pair of frequencies and intrinsic uncertainties from two measurements.The second-order Cole-Cole formula can be used to fit the complex-conductivity spectra.One pair of inverted Cole-Cole parameters,i.e.,characteristic time and chargeability,is employed to predict S_(h) with an E_(RMS) of 5.05%and 9.05%,respectively.