PETROLEUM GEOCHEMISTRY OF KUCHALLI -1 IN THE NIGERIAN SECTOR OF THE CHAD BASIN

Kuchalli -1 well, one of the twenty-three exploratory oil wells drilled in the Nigerian sector of the Chad Basin penetrated a Cretaceous succession comprising the Bima, Gongila, Fika and Chad formations. Organic geochemical analyses were carried out to assess the source-rock potential of forty (40) selected ditch cuttings. Total Organic Carbon (TOC) content was found to vary between 0.5 – 2.0wt % (moderate to good) at a depth of 1700m and 2300m. Hydrogen Index (HI) values correlated against TOC and Tmax values indicate gas generative potential. Results of the investigation show that the Chad Basin has hydrocarbon source rock potential at the indicated interval. TOC of > 0.5wt% was recorded in both the Gongila and Fika shales. The Bima Sandstone and the Gombe Sandstone could serve as potential reservoir rocks. An integrated exploration programme is recommended for use in the Chad Basin to enable a better understanding of the petroleum systems of the basin

High-Temperature Superconducting Level Meter for Liquid Argon Detectors

Capacitive devices are customarily used as probes to measure the level of noble liquids in detectors operated for neutrino studies and dark matter searches. In this work we describe the use of a high-temperature superconducting material as an alternative to control the level of a cryogenic noble liquid. Lab measurements indicate that the superconductor shows a linear behaviour, a high degree of stability and offers a very accurate determination of the liquid volume. This device is therefore a competitive instrument and shows several advantages over conventional level meters.Comment: 13 pages, 11 figures. Accepted for publication in JINS

Cardiovascular and musculskeletal co-morbidities in patients with alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency

Background Determining the presence and extent of co-morbidities is fundamental in assessing patients with chronic respiratory disease, where increased cardiovascular risk, presence of osteoporosis and low muscle mass have been recognised in several disease states. We hypothesised that the systemic consequences are evident in a further group of subjects with COPD due to Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (A1ATD), yet are currently under-recognised. Methods We studied 19 patients with PiZZ A1ATD COPD and 20 age, sex and smoking matched controls, all subjects free from known cardiovascular disease. They underwent spirometry, haemodynamic measurements including aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV), an independent predictor or cardiovascular risk, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry to determine body composition and bone mineral density. Results The aPWV was greater in patients: 9.9(2.1) m/s than controls: 8.5(1.6) m/s, p = 0.03, despite similar mean arterial pressure (MAP). The strongest predictors of aPWV were age, FEV1% predicted and MAP (all p < 0.01). Osteoporosis was present in 8/19 patients (2/20 controls) and was previously unsuspected in 7 patients. The fat free mass and bone mineral density were lower in patients than controls (p < 0.001). Conclusions Patients with A1ATD related COPD have increased aortic stiffness suggesting increased risk of cardiovascular disease and evidence of occult musculoskeletal changes, all likely to contribute hugely to overall morbidity and mortality

An app-, web- and social support-based weight loss intervention for adults with obesity: the 'HelpMeDoIt!' feasibility randomised controlled trial

This is the final version. Available on open access from BMC via the DOI in this recordAvailability of data and materials: The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.Background: Social support has an important role in successful weight loss. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an app-, web- and social support-based intervention in supporting adults with obesity to achieve weight loss. Methods: The intervention and evaluation methods were tested in a feasibility randomised controlled trial. Adults in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board area of Scotland with a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2 were recruited and randomised 2:1 (intervention to control). The feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and trial methods were assessed against pre-specified progression criteria, via process, economic and outcome evaluation. Three primary outcomes were explored: BMI, diet and physical activity, as well as a number of secondary outcomes. The intervention group had access to the HelpMeDoIt! intervention for 12 months. This encouraged them to (i) set goals, (ii) monitor progress and (iii) harness social support by inviting 'helpers' from their existing social network. The control group received a healthy lifestyle leaflet. Results: One hundred and nine participants were recruited, with 84 participants (77%) followed-up at 12 months. The intervention and trial methods were feasible and acceptable. Participants and helpers were generally positive. Of the 54 (74%) participants who downloaded the app, 48 (89%) used it. Interview data indicated that HelpMeDoIt! promoted social support from existing social networks to support weight loss. This support was often given outside of the app.Outcomes were compared using linear regression models, with randomised group, the baseline measurement of the outcome, age and gender as predictor variables. These analyses were exploratory and underpowered to detect effects. However, all pre-specified primary outcome effects (BMI, diet and physical activity) had wide confidence intervals and were therefore consistent with clinically relevant benefits. Objective physical activity measures perhaps showed most potential (daily step count (p = 0.098; 1187 steps [- 180, 2555])) and sedentary time (p = 0.022; - 60.8 min [- 110.5, - 11.0]). However, these outcomes were poorly completed. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that a novel social support intervention involving support from participants' close social networks, delivered via app and website, has potential to promote weight loss and is feasible and acceptable. Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN85615983. Registered 25 September 2014.National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)Medical Research Council (MRC)Chief Scientist Office Social and Public Health Sciences Uni

Microscopic analysis of the microbiota of three commercial Phytoseiidae species (Acari: Mesostigmata)

Microbes associated with the external and internal anatomy of three commercially available predatory mite species, Phytoseiulus persimilis, Typhlodromips (=Amblyseius) swiskii, and Neoseiulus (=Amblyseius) cucumeris were examined using light microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy and fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH). Four microbe morphotypes were observed on external body regions. These included three microfungi-like organisms (named T1, T2 and T3) and rod-shaped bacteria (T4). Morphotypes showed unique distributions on the external body regions and certain microbes were found only on one host species. Microfungi-like T1 were present in all three species whereas T2 and T3 were present in only P. persimilis and T. swirskii respectively. T1 and T2 microbes were most abundant on the ventral structures of the idiosoma and legs, most frequently associated with coxae, coxal folds, ventrianal shields and epigynal shields. T3 microbes were most abundant on legs and dorsal idiosoma. T4 microbes were less abundant and were attached to epigynal shields of N. cucumeris and T. swirskii. Significant differences in distribution between seasons (spring and winter) suggest that there are fluctuations in the microbiota of phytoseiids in mass reared systems. FISH using the EUB338 (I-III) probes showed bacteria within the alimentary tract, in Malpighian tubules and anal atria. It is possible these have a role in absorbing excretory products or maintaining gut physiology. We suggest how microbes might be transmitted to offspring and throughout populations. The implications of these findings for commercial mass rearing are discussed. This study highlights the necessity of understanding the intrinsic microbiota of Phytoseiidae and other Acari

GW190412: Observation of a Binary-Black-Hole Coalescence with Asymmetric Masses

We report the observation of gravitational waves from a binary-black-hole coalescence during the first two weeks of LIGO’s and Virgo’s third observing run. The signal was recorded on April 12, 2019 at 05∶30∶44 UTC with a network signal-to-noise ratio of 19. The binary is different from observations during the first two observing runs most notably due to its asymmetric masses: a ∼30 M_⊙ black hole merged with a ∼8 M_⊙ black hole companion. The more massive black hole rotated with a dimensionless spin magnitude between 0.22 and 0.60 (90% probability). Asymmetric systems are predicted to emit gravitational waves with stronger contributions from higher multipoles, and indeed we find strong evidence for gravitational radiation beyond the leading quadrupolar order in the observed signal. A suite of tests performed on GW190412 indicates consistency with Einstein’s general theory of relativity. While the mass ratio of this system differs from all previous detections, we show that it is consistent with the population model of stellar binary black holes inferred from the first two observing runs

The association between active participation in a sports club, physical activity and social network on the development of lung cancer in smokers: a case-control study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This study analyses the effect of active participation in a sports club, physical activity and social networks on the development of lung cancer in patients who smoke. Our hypothesis is that study participants who lack social networks and do not actively participate in a sports club are at a greater risk for lung cancer than those who do.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Data for the study were taken from the <b>Co</b>logne <b>Smo</b>king <b>S</b>tudy (<b>CoSmoS</b>), a retrospective case-control study examining potential psychosocial risk factors for the development of lung cancer. Our sample consisted of n = 158 participants who had suffered lung cancer (diagnosis in the patient document) and n = 144 control group participants. Both groups had a history of smoking.</p> <p>Data on social networks were collected by asking participants whether they participated in a sports club and about the number of friends and relatives in their social environment. In addition, sociodemographic data (gender, age, education, marital status, residence and religion), physical activity and data on pack years (the cumulative number of cigarettes smoked by an individual, calculated by multiplying the number of cigarettes smoked per day by the number of years the person has smoked divided by 20) were collected to control for potential confounders. Logistic regression was used for the statistical analysis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The results reveal that participants who are physically active are at a lower risk of lung cancer than those who are not (adjusted OR = 0.53*; CI = 0.29-0.97). Older age and lower education seem also to be risk factors for the development of lung cancer. The extent of smoking, furthermore, measured by pack years is statistically significant. Active participation in a sports club, number of friends and relatives had no statistically significant influence on the development of the cancer.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The results of the study suggest that there is a lower risk for physically active participants to develop lung cancer. In the study sample, physical activity seemed to have a greater protective effect than participation in a sports club or social network of friends and relatives. Further studies have to investigate in more detail physical activity and other club participations.</p

Lessons from participatory community mapping to inform neglected tropical disease programmes in Nigeria

Background: Participatory research methods promote collaborations between researchers and communities to collectively overcome implementation challenges for sustainable social change. Programmes usually take a top-down approach to addressing such challenges. This study developed and piloted contextualised participatory methods to identify community structures that could improve the equity of medicine administration for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in northern and southern Nigeria. Methods: Participants and researchers conducted transect walks and social mapping to understand which community-based structures could be used to maximise accessibility and acceptability of medicines for NTDs. Results: Using visual participatory methods with a diverse set of stakeholders facilitated the identification of new structures within the community that could be used to improve the equity of medicine distribution and access. Available materials such as sticks, stones and leaves were appropriately used by respondents in the rural areas, which increased meaningful engagement irrespective of their literacy level. Structures identified included Qur'anic schools, football grounds, mechanics shops, shrines, village head's houses and worship centres. Challenges in using these structures for medicine distribution included resistance from school authorities and restrictions to women's access due to traditions and norms, particularly within palaces and mosques. Conclusions: This article highlights the importance of meaningful community engagement methods and engaging gatekeepers in visual participatory methods. It emphasizes the importance of including divergent views of various population groups in order to ensure that all communities are reached by NTDs programmes