High Definition Acoustic and Temperature Logging for the Diagnosis of Complex Annuli Leaks and Communication

Maintaining annuli integrity is critical for safe and optimized well operations. Monitoring of tubing casing annulus (TCA) and casing-casing annulus (CCA) pressures is mandatory as it gives a direct indication of possible seal or tubular failures that may lead to a negative impact on HSE or well production. In cases where the observed annuli pressures suggest leaks and possible communication between tubing and TCA or TCA and CCA, a comprehensive plan should be put in place to detect and evaluate the possible leak sources and paths that will allow for proper remedial actions. Logging techniques using spectral noise logging (SNL), and high precision temperature Logging (HPT) are one way to diagnose the source of a leak and communication path between 2 adjacent casings (for example TCA and CCA). The operation is performed by running the HPT and SNL log under shut in conditions to establish a base line, followed by logging under dynamic conditions. Dynamic conditions can include bleeding off the TCA pressure while all other annuli and tree valves are shut-in and injecting into the tubing-casing annulus while bleeding off the CCA. The dynamic passes aim to activate the leak points. The SNL and HPT will capture the corresponding temperature and Spectral noise events revealed by the fluid flow though the leak points. These are compared to the base line shut in logs. The SNL is run in stations and can capture noise generated by fluid movement in a wide range of strength (decibels) and frequency within a wide scanning radius, while HPT can capture minor temperature changes of 0.02 Deg F. The paper will discuss an example where the HPT and SNL were run along with a set of conventional sensors such as GR, CCL, and pressure in a HPHT gas well to diagnose leak points and a possible communication path between the TCA and CCA. The Logging operation was carried out rig-less with minimum intervention using wire line under the shut in and dynamic conditions. Spectral noise logging precisely captured the leak points and drew a clear picture of the casing integrity breaches in multiple points. The results of the diagnostics and evaluation will now be used to design the appropriate remedial actions required to restore the well to the desired condition for production.

Analysis of the Russian Regulatory Base to Ensure the Electromagnetic Compatibility of Microprocessor Relay Protection and Automation Devices

In this work, the author analyzed the texts of normative documents on ensuring electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of microprocessor relay protection devices (MPS), aimed at creating conditions for ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of power circuits of the electric power complex and their secondary circuits, ensuring the tracking of all processes, collecting information, accounting for electricity and operational control of main technological equipment in real EMO conditions. Controversial issues enshrined in regulatory documents were considered, their relevance was assessed. During the analysis of regulatory documents, it was found that in a number of regulatory documents, both Russian and international, there is a direct indication of the need to ensure electromagnetic compatibility at electric power facilities, however, they provide general methods and recommendations without specifying the list of measured and regulated parameters, do not fix the sequence of actions, tools for measuring and modeling, providing the necessary result. In this regard, the author proposes solutions for introducing electromagnetic compatibility into theory and practicein the electric power industry and bringing regulatory documents to updating and systematization in terms of discussed controversial issues, introducing more accurate and consistent actions and measures during the practical implementation of the methods indicated in the work.

Depside and Depsidone Synthesis in Lichenized Fungi Comes into Focus through a Genome-Wide Comparison of the Olivetoric Acid and Physodic Acid Chemotypes of Pseudevernia furfuracea

Primary biosynthetic enzymes involved in the synthesis of lichen polyphenolic compounds depsides and depsidones are non-reducing polyketide synthases (NR-PKSs), and cytochrome P450s. However, for most depsides and depsidones the corresponding PKSs are unknown. Additionally, in non-lichenized fungi specific fatty acid synthases (FASs) provide starters to the PKSs. Yet, the presence of such FASs in lichenized fungi remains to be investigated. Here we implement comparative genomics and metatranscriptomics to identify the most likely PKS and FASs for olivetoric acid and physodic acid biosynthesis, the primary depside and depsidone defining the two chemotypes of the lichen Pseudevernia furfuracea. We propose that the gene cluster PF33-1_006185, found in both chemotypes, is the most likely candidate for the olivetoric acid and physodic acid biosynthesis. This is the first study to identify the gene cluster and the FAS likely responsible for olivetoric acid and physodic acid biosynthesis in a lichenized fungus. Our findings suggest that gene regulation and other epigenetic factors determine whether the mycobiont produces the depside or the depsidone, providing the first direct indication that chemotype diversity in lichens can arise through regulatory and not only through genetic diversity. Combining these results and existing literature, we propose a detailed scheme for depside/depsidone synthesis.

Depside and depsidone synthesis in lichenized fungi comes into focus through a genome-wide comparison of the olivetoric and physodic acid chemotype of Pseudevernia furfuracea

ABSTRACTPrimary biosynthetic enzymes involved in the synthesis of lichen polyphenolic compounds depsides and depsidones are Non-Reducing Polyketide Synthases (NR-PKSs), and cytochrome P450s (CytP450). However, for most depsides and depsidones the corresponding PKSs are unknown. Additionally, in non-lichenized fungi specific fatty acyl synthases (FASs) provide starters to the PKSs. Yet, the presence of such FASs in lichenized fungi remains to be investigated. Here we implement comparative genomics and metatranscriptomics to identify the most likely PKS and FASs for the synthesis of olivetoric and physodic acid, the primary depside and depsidone defining the two chemotypes of the lichen Pseudevernia furfuracea. We propose that the gene cluster PF33-1_006185, found in both chemotypes, is the most likely candidate for olivetoric and physodic acid biosynthesis. This is the first study to identify the gene cluster and the FAS likely responsible for physodic and olivetoric acid biosynthesis in a lichenized fungus. Our findings suggest that gene regulation and other epigenetic factors determine whether the mycobiont produces the depside or the depsidone, providing the first direct indication that chemotype diversity in lichens can arise through regulatory and not only through genetic diversity. Combining these results and existing literature, we propose a detailed scheme for depside/depsidone synthesis.

Accuracy of mutual predictions of plant and microbe communities varies along a successional gradient in an alpine glacier forefield

SummaryDue to climate warming, recently deglaciated glacier forefields create virtually uninhabited substrates waiting for initial colonization of bacteria, fungi and plants and serve as an ideal ecosystem for studying transformations in community composition and diversity over time and the interactions between taxonomic groups.In this study, we investigated the composition and diversity of bacteria, and fungi, plants and environmental factors (pH, temperature, plot age and soil nutrients) along a 1.5km glacier forefield. We used random forest analysis to detect how well the composition and diversity of taxonomic groups and environmental factors can be mutually predicted.Community composition and diversity of taxonomic groups predicted each other more accurately than environmental factors predicted the taxonomic groups; within the taxonomic groups bacteria and fungi predicted each other best and the taxa’s composition was better predicted than diversity indices. Additionally, accuracy of prediction among taxonomic groups and environmental factors considerably varied along the successional gradient.Although our results are no direct indication of interactions between the taxa investigated and the environmental conditions, the accurate predictions among bacteria, fungi, and plants do provide insights into the concerted community assembly of different taxa in response to changing environments along a successional gradient.

Development of a real-time PCR assay for the detection of Brucella ovis DNA in clinical samples

The etiological agent of infectious ovine epididymitis is Brucella ovis and for its direct indication in clinical samples several PCR protocols are proposed. This study describes a design and selection of the oligonucleotides for real-time PCR targeting conservative BOV_A0504 gene. The specificity of a real-time PCR was validated using 25 B. ovis field isolates and 14 microorganisms of closely related species. The detection limit of B. ovis in bacterial culture was determined as 3.5×101 CFU/mL with Ct value of 37.8. There are no detectable fluorescence signals in the clinical samples from intact animals, whereas bacteriologically confirmed material such as urine and testicle tissue samples were positive. It confirms that the assay is highly specific for detection of B. ovis DNA. Thus, the proposed real-time PCR assay enables fast detection and quantification of B. ovis in clinical material, which can be used as additional test for estimation of the health status of a sheep herd

Substances and Cycles

This chapter looks at two sets of evidence for food: first, we consider the archaeological evidence of bones, plant remains, and pottery, each a direct indication of the food consumed; we also gather together and synthesize information on isotopes from human and animal bones for periods from the Iron Age to the early medieval period. Isotope data shows changes over time and space, reinforcing the idea that the Roman rural economy was more intensive than that of other periods. We are able to identify a series of regional food cultures and changes through time, looking also at the influence of towns from the late Iron Age onwards. We integrate the evidence through a consideration of the thought of Deleuze and De Landa.

THE POLICY OF SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS IN AFRICA

Summary. The purpose of the study is to analyze and explain the policy of Septimius Severus in Africa. The research methodology is based on the principle of objectivity as well as on a scientific principle. The research is based on general scientific methods (analysis and synthesis, induction-deduction) and special historical methods. The scientific novelty is that for the first time in the Ukrainian historiography the article supports and substantiates the thesis about the expedition of 203 AD, the topic, which is not very popular in classical studies. The conclusions are as follows. During his reign Roman advancement in Africa became extensive. The main regions of Roman expansion were Numidia, Mauritania and Tripolitania. Septimius Severus personally did not take part in African campaigns. The African campaign was led by the legate of the Legio III Augusta – Quintus Anicius Faustus. The Romans carried out large-scale frontier fortification works. Frontier policy in the region was similar to that in Arabia. These measures helped Rome to control trade and emigration in the region. Roman possessions in Africa reached their maximum during the time of Septimius Severus. An analysis of the sources pointing to a possible expedition of Septimius Severus to Africa in 203 AD suggests that there is no direct indication to this event. Therefore, it is likely that the Roman emperor was only preparing for a trip that was later canceled for unknown reasons.

Recurrent Potential G-Quadruplex Sequences in Archaeal Genomes

Evolutionary conservation or over-representation of the potential G-quadruplex sequences (PQS) in genomes are usually considered as a sign of the functional relevance of these sequences. However, uneven base distribution (GC-content) along the genome may along the genome may result in seeming abundance of PQSs over average in the genome. Apart from this, a number of other conserved functional signals that are encoded in the GC-rich genomic regions may inadvertently result in emergence of G-quadruplex compatible sequences. Here, we analyze the genomes of archaea focusing our search to repetitive PQS (rPQS) motifs within each organism. The probability of occurrence of several identical PQSs within a relatively short archaeal genome is low and, thus, the structure and genomic location of such rPQSs may become a direct indication of their functionality. We have found that the majority of the genomes of Methanomicrobiaceae family of archaea contained multiple copies of the interspersed highly similar PQSs. Short oligonucleotides corresponding to the rPQS formed the G-quadruplex (G4) structure in presence of potassium ions as demonstrated by circular dichroism (CD) and enzymatic probing. However, further analysis of the genomic context for the rPQS revealed a 10–12 nt cytosine-rich track adjacent to 3'-end of each rPQS. Synthetic DNA fragments that included the C-rich track tended to fold into alternative structures such as hairpin structure and antiparallel triplex that were in equilibrium with G4 structure depending on the presence of potassium ions in solution. Structural properties of the found repetitive sequences, their location in the genomes of archaea, and possible functions are discussed.

Effect of Gas Annealing on the Electrical Properties of Ni/AlN/SiC

It is shown in this work that annealing of Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) in the form of Ni/AlN/SiC heterojunction devices in an atmosphere of nitrogen and oxygen leads to a significant improvement in the electrical properties of the structures. Compared to the non-annealed device, the on/off ratio of the annealed SBD devices increased by approximately 100 times. The ideality factor, derived from the current-voltage (IV) characterization, decreased by a factor of ~5.1 after annealing, whereas the barrier height increased from ~0.52 to 0.71 eV. The bonding structure of the AlN layer was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Examination of the N 1 s and O 1 s peaks provided direct indication of the most prevalent chemical bonding states of the elements.