Using "Umbrella Deconstruction & Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (UD-EDS)" technique to quantify the anisotropic elements distribution of "Chang 7" shale and its significance

This study utilizes the experimental technique named "Umbrella Deconstruction & Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (UD-EDS)" method to quantify the anisotropic element distribution of shale which has been proved significant in the stimulation of shale. Direct quantification of anisotropic distribution of element in shale from the Triassic Yanchang formation in the HJS" district was carried out to ensure both observational resolution and sample representativeness. Results show that many types of elements distribution vary in eight directions. The element contents are similar in three directions - 90 degrees (270 degrees), 112.5 degrees (292.5 degrees) and 135 degrees (315 degrees), they are quite different from which in other five directions, which has obvious significance in shale stimulation. Results also prove that the evidence of dominant fracture direction in fracturing can be found in brittle minerals. As to "Chang 7" shale, the dominant fracture direction of shale reservoir is distributed in a specific area instead of overall extending along a single direction. In this specific area the best dominant fracture direction can be found. The subsequent results would offer the microscopic evidences for the shale fracturing and point to an innovative direction for research on exploration and development of the unconventional oil and gas. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Comparison of microstructures and mechanical properties of composite extruded AZ31 sheets

The microstructures and mechanical properties of the composite extruded AZ31/AZ31 and AZ31/4047 Al sheets were investigated and made a comparison to the conventional extruded AZ31 sheet. Owing to the introduced intense shear deformation at the interface during the composite extrusion, grain refinement and tilted texture were detected in AZ31 layers of the AZ31/AZ31 and AZ31/4047 Al sheets, while the conventional extruded AZ31 sheet exhibited a relative coarse, inhomogeneous microstructure and strong basal texture. The compression-tension yield ratio was increased gradually from the AZ31 to the AZ31/AZ31 and AZ31/4047 Al sheets. Besides, the AZ31/4047 Al sheet could successfully accomplish the whole bending forming process at room temperature, while the AZ31 and AZ31/AZ31 sheets were both bend-formed to failure with significant cracks in the outer tensile region under the identical bending parameters. Moreover, under the same bending strain, both the outward offset degree of strain neutral layer and the sheet thickening were more serious in the AZ31/4047 Al composite sheet than those of the AZ31 and AZ31/AZ31 sheets. The foremost reason was the quite wide gap of material properties between Mg alloy AZ31 layer (tensile loading in the outer region) and Al 4047 layer (compressive loading in the inner region). Keywords: Mg alloy sheet, Composite extrusion, Tension–compression yield asymmetry, Bendabilit

Severe hemolytic exacerbations of Chinese PNH patients infected SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron

Abstract Introduction Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is characterized by hemolytic anemia, bone marrow failure, thrombophilia. COVID‐19, caused by a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) with many variants including Omicron. Methods This study collected demographic and clinical data of 20 PNH patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron infection. Results They all were with high disease activity, and LDH level exceeded any documented since the diagnosis of PNH, and those reported in the literature for previously stable treatment with complement inhibitors. D‐dimer level elevated in 10 patients. 2 patients developed mild pulmonary artery hypertension. Glomerular filtration rate declined in 5 patients. 1 patient developed acute renal failure and underwent hemodialysis. Anemia and hemolysis were improved in 5 patients treated with eculizumab. Conclusions Hemolytic exacerbation of PNH with COVID‐19 is severe and eculizumab may be an effective treatment

Phase 3 randomized COMMODORE 2 trial : Crovalimab versus eculizumab in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria naive to complement inhibition

Crovalimab is a novel C5 complement inhibitor that enables rapid and sustained C5 inhibition with subcutaneous, low-volume self-administration every 4 weeks. COMMODORE 2 (NCT04434092) is a global, randomized, open-label, multicenter, phase 3 trial evaluating the non-inferiority of crovalimab versus eculizumab in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria not previously treated with C5 inhibition. C5 inhibitor-naive patients with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) >= 2 x upper limit of normal (ULN) were randomized 2:1 to crovalimab or eculizumab. Co-primary efficacy endpoints were proportion of patients with hemolysis control (centrally assessed LDH <= 1.5 x ULN) and proportion with transfusion avoidance. Secondary efficacy endpoints were proportions of patients with breakthrough hemolysis, stabilized hemoglobin, and change in FACIT-Fatigue score. The primary treatment period was 24 weeks. Two hundred and four patients were randomized (135 crovalimab; 69 eculizumab). Crovalimab was non-inferior to eculizumab in the co-primary endpoints of hemolysis control (79.3% vs. 79.0%; odds ratio, 1.0 [95% CI, 0.6, 1.8]) and transfusion avoidance (65.7% vs. 68.1%; weighted difference, -2.8 [-15.7, 11.1]), and in the secondary efficacy endpoints of breakthrough hemolysis (10.4% vs. 14.5%; weighted difference, -3.9 [-14.8, 5.3]) and hemoglobin stabilization (63.4% vs. 60.9%; weighted difference, 2.2 [-11.4, 16.3]). A clinically meaningful improvement in FACIT-Fatigue score occurred in both arms. Complete terminal complement activity inhibition was generally maintained with crovalimab. The safety profiles of crovalimab and eculizumab were similar with no meningococcal infections. Most patients who switched from eculizumab to crovalimab after the primary treatment period preferred crovalimab. These data demonstrate the positive benefit-risk profile of crovalimab