Ways to improve safety of a pumping-circulatory system of a drilling rig

Purpose. To modernize a pumping-circulatory system of a drilling rig in order to improve the environmental safety data, reliability, and convenience during oil well construction. Methods. Methods of system analysis of the conditions and use of different design features of facilities and equipment of pumping-circulatory systems for well washing with muds have been applied. Computer modeling has been performed to assess the risks of pumping-circulatory station operation; theoretical and experimental data have been evaluated and generalized to develop environmentally friendly pumping-circulatory system. Findings. Improved design of a pumping-circulatory system which components are made of elastic (e.g. rubber-textile) materials has been proposed; the design provides air-tightness and prevents harmful substances from penetrating into the environment. Modernized pumping-circulatory system allows obtaining efficient operation results since it meets following requirements: quick readjustment to the drilling mode under certain conditions; minimum time for transportation to the operating site, assembling and disassembling; compactness and mobility; convenient and safe labor conditions for the personnel; and considerable damage-resistance. Originality. The paper demonstrates the approach aimed at the increase of environmental safety level, labor protection, and efficiency of operating processes in terms of pumping-circulatory system based on stage-by-stage study of different sections of the equipment, technological processes, and impact of the related substances. The research has made it possible to determine the ways for the improvement of separate equipment units as well as to define their positioning and provide proper operation modes. That approach, aimed at the increase of the environmental safety level of the industry, is appropriate to be applied at other stages of the life cycle of oil and gas industry.Мета. Вдосконалення насосно-циркуляційної системи бурової установки для покращення показників екологічної безпеки, надійності та зручності при спорудженні нафтогазових свердловин. Методика. Використано методи системного аналізу умов і досвіду експлуатації різноманітних конструктивних особливостей пристроїв та обладнання насосно-циркуляційних систем для промивання свердловин буровими розчинами. Проведено комп’ютерне моделювання оцінки ризиків при роботі насосно-циркуляційної системи, а також оцінювання й узагальнення теоретичних та експериментальних даних для можливості створення екологічно безпечної насосно-циркуляційної системи. Результати. Запропоновано вдосконалену схему насосно-циркуляційної системи, особливостями якої є виконання складових з еластичного матеріалу (наприклад, гумовотканинного), який забезпечує герметичність та ізоляцію шкідливих речовин від потрапляння в навколишнє середовище. Модернізована насосно-циркуляційна система, з точки зору досягнення ефективних виробничих результатів, задовольняє наступні вимоги: оперативно переналагоджується на метод буріння, який відповідає конкретним умовам; має мінімальні витрати часу на перевезення до місця роботи, монтаж і демонтаж; є компактною для підвищення маневреності; має комфортні та безпечні умови праці для обслуговуючого персоналу; володіє мінімальною схильністю до ушкоджень. Наукова новизна. В роботі продемонстровано підхід для підвищення рівня екологічної безпеки, охорони праці та якості виробничих процесів на прикладі насосно-циркуляційної системи, який базується на поетапному дослідженні різних ділянок обладнання, технологічних процесів і впливу речовин, що їх супроводжують. Це дало можливість встановити напрями вдосконалення обладнання: підібрати найбільш відповідні матеріали для виконання окремих одиниць обладнання, визначити їх розташування та забезпечити необхідні режими роботи. Такий підхід для підвищення рівня екологічної безпеки доцільно використовувати й на інших етапах життєвого циклу нафтогазової галузі. Практична значимість. Запропонована насосно-циркуляційна система потребує мінімальних фінансових витрат на транспортування, монтаж, експлуатацію, обслуговування й демонтаж.Цель. Совершенствование насосно-циркуляционной системы буровой установки для улучшения показателей экологической безопасности, надежности и удобства при сооружении нефтегазовых скважин. Методика. Использованы методы системного анализа условий и опыта эксплуатации различных конструктивных особенностей устройств и оборудования насосно-циркуляционных систем для промывки скважин буровыми растворами. Проведено компьютерное моделирование оценки рисков при работе насосно-циркуля-ционной системы, а также оценка и обобщение теоретических и экспериментальных данных для возможности создания экологически безопасной насосно-циркуляционной системы. Результаты. Предложена усовершенствованная схема насосно-циркуляционной системы, особенностями которой является выполнение составляющих из эластичного материала (например, резинотканевого), обеспечивающего герметичность и изоляцию вредных веществ от попадания в окружающую среду. Модернизированная насосно-циркуляционная система, с точки зрения достижения эффективных производственных результатов, удовлетворяет следующим требованиям: оперативно переналаживается на метод бурения, который соответствует конкретным условиям; имеет минимальные затраты времени на перевозку до места работы, монтаж и демонтаж; является компактной для повышения маневренности; имеет комфортные и безопасные условия труда для обслуживающего персонала; обладает минимальной склонностью к повреждениям. Научная новизна. В работе продемонстрирован подход для повышения уровня экологической безопасности, охраны труда и качества производственных процессов на примере насосно-циркуляционной системы, основанный на поэтапном исследовании различных участков оборудования, технологических процессов и влиянии сопровождающих веществ. Это позволило установить направления совершенствования оборудования: подобрать наиболее подходящие материалы для выполнения отдельных единиц оборудования, определить их расположение и обеспечить необходимые режимы работы. Такой подход для повышения уровня экологической безопасности целесообразно использовать и на других этапах жизненного цикла нефтегазовой отрасли. Практическая значимость. Предложенная насосно-циркуляционная система требует минимальных финансовых затрат на транспортировку, монтаж, эксплуатацию, обслуживание и демонтаж.Authors of the paper express their gratitude to the Rector of Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor Yevstakhii Ivanovych Kryzhanivskyi for his assistance in the research

Expression of Tumor Assosiated and Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition Markers in 2d and 3d Cell Cultures of Mcf-7

The target effects on the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition regulation molecules are promising for cancer therapy, including breast cancer. 3D cell culture is a model for studying epithelial-mesenchymal transition in vitro and may become a test system for anticancer therapy.Aim of research. The aim of this research was to evaluate and compare the expression of tumor associated and epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers in tumor cells of breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7 cell line) in 2D and 3D cell culture.Methods. For realization of the aim MCF-7 cell line (breast adenocarcinoma) was chosen as an experimental model in vitro. The monolayer cell culture was cultured in standard conditions (37 0C, 5 % CO2, humidity 95 %). The initial density of inoculated cells was 2 x 104 cells/cm2. The cells were incubated for two days before their use in the experiment. For the initial generation of spheroids the monolayer cell culture was removed off the substrate after the four days of incubation, using 0,25 % Trypsin-EDTA, and placed in nutrient medium with 5 % carboxymethyl cellulose (Bio-Rad, USA) at concentration of 5 x 105 cells/ml. Then the plates were incubated on an orbital shaker (Orbital shaker, PSU-10i, Biosan, Latvia) at 50 rpm for 3–5 hours. Half of culture medium was replenished every 3 days. A spheroid culture was maintained for 14 days. Detection of markers (ER, p53, EpCAM, vim, AE1/AE3, panCK, EGFR) in 2D and 3D cell culture was performed using immunohistochemistry method with primary monoclonal antibodies. Histological samples of cells were photographed to compare the morphological characteristics and the expression of proteins in monolayer and spheroid cultureResults. The results demonstrated that the percentage of tumor marker positive cells (ER+, EGFR+, EpCAM+, panCK+, AE1/AE3+) in monolayer culture is 1.25–2 times than more in spheroid culture. In contrast, tumor spheroids consist of fewer cells with the expression of epithelial markers such as EpCAM and AE1/AE3, but they contain a large number of cells that expressed mesenchymal marker vimentin by 5 % and p53 by 10 %. This may indicate that the cells acquire a mesenchymal phenotype. However, tumor cells of monolayer cell culture were not expressed vimentin.Conclusions. Our results demonstrated the differences of expression of tumor associated and epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers in 2D and 3D breast cancer cell cultures. Thus, the percentage of epithelial markers (Cytokeratines and epithelial cell adhesion molecule) in tumor spheroids is less than in cells of monolayer however spheroids cells begin expressing a mesenchymal marker – vimentin. In 3D cell culture only the outer cell layers expressed tumor associated proteins unlike 2D cell culture in which all of cells showed equally expression. Reduced of manifestation of tumor associated markers in 3D cell culture may indicate an increase of stem properties. These data showed that 3D cell culture more than 2D cell culture characterized processes of epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Calcium signaling in endocardial and epicardial ventricular myocytes from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

© 2020 The Authors. Journal of Diabetes Investigation published by Asian Association for the Study of Diabetes (AASD) and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd Aims/Introduction: Abnormalities in Ca2+ signaling have a key role in hemodynamic dysfunction in diabetic heart. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes on Ca2+ signaling in epicardial (EPI) and endocardial (ENDO) cells of the left ventricle after 5–6 months of STZ injection. Materials and Methods: Whole-cell patch clamp was used to measure the L-type Ca2+ channel (LTCC) and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger currents. Fluorescence photometry techniques were used to measure intracellular free Ca2+ concentration. Results: Although the LTCC current was not significantly altered, the amplitude of Ca2+ transients increased significantly in EPI-STZ and ENDO-STZ compared with controls. Time to peak LTCC current, time to peak Ca2+ transient, time to half decay of LTCC current and time to half decay of Ca2+ transients were not significantly changed in EPI-STZ and ENDO-STZ myocytes compared with controls. The Na+/Ca2+ exchanger current was significantly smaller in EPI-STZ and in ENDO-STZ compared with controls. Conclusions: STZ-induced diabetes resulted in an increase in amplitude of Ca2+ transients in EPI and ENDO myocytes that was independent of the LTCC current. Such an effect can be attributed, at least in part, to the dysfunction of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. Additional studies are warranted to improve our understanding of the regional impact of diabetes on Ca2+ signaling, which will facilitate the discovery of new targeted treatments for diabetic cardiomyopathy

Calcium signaling in endocardial and epicardial ventricular myocytes from streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats

Aims/Introduction: Abnormalities in Ca2+ signaling have a key role in hemodynamic dysfunction in diabetic heart. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of streptozotocin (STZ) - induced diabetes on Ca2+ signaling in epicardial (EPI) and endocardial (ENDO) cells of the left ventricle, after 5-6 months of STZ injection. Materials and Methods: Whole-cell patch clamp was used to measure L-type Ca2+ channel (LTCC) and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) currents. Fluorescence photometry techniques were used to measure intracellular free Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i. Results: Although LTCC current was not significantly altered, the amplitude (AMP) of Ca2+ transients increased significantly in EPI-STZ and ENDO-STZ compared to controls. Time to peak (TPK) LTCC current, TPK Ca2+ transient, time to half (THALF) decay of LTCC current and THALF decay of Ca2+ transients were not significantly changed in EPI-STZ and ENDO-STZ myocytes compared to controls. NCX current was significantly smaller in EPI-STZ and in ENDO-STZ compared to controls. Conclusions: STZ-induced diabetes resulted in an increase in AMP of Ca2+ transients in EPI and ENDO myocyte that was independent of LTCC current. Such an effect can be attributed, at least in part, to the dysfunction of NCX. Additional studies are warranted to improve our understanding of the regional impact of diabetes on Ca2+ signaling, which will facilitate the discovery of new targeted treatments for diabetic cardiomyopathy

Blood coagulation parameters in rats with acute radiation syndrome receiving activated carbon as a preventive remedy

Radiation-induced coagulopathy (RIC) is one of the major causes of death during acute radiation syndrome (ARS). The aim of this study was to characterize the responses of the hemostasis system to ARS of a moderate level on the 1st and 9th days after irradiation. We aimed to identify molecular markers of the blood coagulation system that are most affected by ARS and to estimate the enterosorption effect on the development of irradiation-induced changes. Platelet aggregation rate, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and fibrinogen concentration were determined by standard methods. Level of protein C (PC) was measured using­ chromogenic substrate S2366 (p-Glu-Pro-Arg-pNa) and Agkistrodon halys halys snake venom activa­ting enzyme. Functionally inactive forms of prothrombin (FIFPs) were determined using two activators in parallel – thromboplastin or prothrombin activator from Echis multisqumatis venom. Rats of both irradia­ted groups had a higher risk of intravascular clotting in comparison to both control groups. Statistically significant shortening of clotting time in the APTT test (24 ± 4 s vs. 33 ± 5 s) and increased fibrinogen concentration (4.2 ± 0.6 mg/ml vs. 3.2 ± 0.3 mg/ml) were detected. Both parameters were normalized on the 9th day after irradiation. However the platelet count was decreased (0.3∙106 ± 0.05∙106 1/μl vs. 0.145∙106 ± 0.04∙106 1/μl) due to the impaired megakaryocytic function. The level of PC was decreased after X-ray irradiation (70 ± 10%) and partly restored on the 9th day after irradiation (87 ± 10%). Administration of activated carbon (AC) inhibited the drop in the PC concentration after X-ray irradiation (86 ± 15%) and accelerated its restoration on the 9th day (103 ± 14%). The statistically significant accumulation of FIFPs was detected in blood plasma of irradia­ted rats at the 1st and 9th days after irradiation. No FIFPs were found in any irradiated rat treated with AC. Characterization of the hemostasis system of rats that were exposed to a semilethal dose of X-rays allowed us to select parameters that can be used for monitoring of ARS development. Apart of from basic coagulation tests (APTT) and the measurement of platelet aggregation, fibrinogen and protein C level we can recommend the determination of FIFPs as a useful tool for estimation of the hemostasis response after irradiation with X-rays. This test indicates the intravascular thrombin generation and can help predict thrombotic complication or disseminated intravascular coagulation. Determination of FIFPs in blood plasma of irradia­ted rats allowed us to study the enterosorption effect on the development of irradiation-induced changes. It was shown that enterosorption with AC prevented accumulation of FIFPs which appears to be a newly discovered anti-thrombotic effect of therapy with AC. ARS influenced hemostasis by inducing thrombin generation (indicated by FIFPs generation), low-grade inflammation (indicated by PC concentration decrease) and thrombocytopenia. Enterosorption with AC minimizes inflammation and pro-coagulant processes caused by a moderate dose of X-ray irradiation. Accumulation of FIFPs can be assumed to be one of the most sensitive markers of the blood coagulation response to X-ray irradiation

АКТУАЛЬНІСТЬ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЇ ЕФЕКТИВНОЇ САМОСТІЙНОЇ РОБОТИ СТУДЕНТІВ ПРИ ВИВЧЕННІ ФАРМАКОЛОГІЇ

The article is concerned with the dynamics of course schedule on Pharmacology during the practical training of 2nd 3rd years students of dental faculty and 3rd ones – medical faculty. The relevance of the organization of students’ individual work is analyzed and indentified. It is concerned with the decreased number of hours of practical courses. Comparative characteristics of in-classes lear­ning and out classes activities on academic discipline of Pharmacology by Dentistry and Medicine specialty according to the schedule is presented. It has been indicated, that the amount of hours for practical classes for students who studied by Specialist Degree decreased in 1.6 in students of dental faculty and in 1.8 – in medical ones. The total number of hours was saved. With the change of specialists’ training of Master’s Degree of high school, the situations has been improved. According to new schedule in medical students, the list of drugs increased in half of the total number of hours and the number of out-classes hours – on 15 % compared with dental students. Methodical recommendations and instructions were prepared by instructors to optimize the study the discipline of Pharmacology. Textbooks, manuals, innovative technologies and methods of interactive learning are involved.У статті проаналізовано динаміку розподілу навчального навантаження з дисципліни «Фармакологія» в період підготовки студентів 2–3 курсів стоматологічного та 3 курсу медичного факультетів. Розкрито актуальність раціональної організ­ації самостійної роботи студентів при вивченні дисципліни у зв’язку зі зменшенням кількості аудиторних годин. Представлено порівняльну характеристику кількості аудиторних та позааудиторних годин з фармакології за фахом «Стоматологія» та «Лікувальна справа» згідно з робочими програмами. Встановлено, що за останні 3–4 навчальні роки кількість годин для практичних занять у студентів, які навчалися за освітньо-кваліфікаційним рівнем «Спеціаліст», скоротилася в 1,6 раза у студентів стоматологічного факультету та в 1,8 раза у студентів медичного факультету зі збереженням загальної кількості годин із дисципліни. З переходом підготовки спеціалістів другого (магістерського) рівня вищої освіти ситуація дещо покращилась. Однак у студентів медичного факультету згідно з новою типовою програмою перелік лікарських препаратів збільшено майже наполовину та обсяг позааудиторних годин більше на 15 % порівняно зі студентами-стоматологами. Для оптимізації вивчення «Фармакології» та раціональної організації самостійної роботи студентів викладачами кафедри підготовлено достатнє методичне забезпечення, видано навчальні підручники та посібники, залучаються інноваційні технології та інтерактивні форми навчання

Synthesis Control of Charge Separation at Anatase TiO2 Thin Films Studied by Transient Surface Photovoltage Spectroscopy

For the efficient photocatalytic oxidation of organic pollutants at surfaces of semiconductors, photogenerated holes shall be separated toward the surface and transferred to reactive surface sites, whereas the transfer of photogenerated electrons toward the surface shall be minimized. In this Research Article, the identification of suitable synthesis control of charge separation combined with an in depth understanding of charge kinetics and trapping passivation mechanisms at the related surfaces can provide tremendous opportunities for boosting the photocatalytic performance. In this work, a comprehensive transient surface photovoltage spectroscopy study of charge separation at anatase TiO2 thin films, synthesized by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis from titanium IV isopropoxide TTIP acetylacetone AcacH based precursor is reported. By varying the amount of AcacH in the precursor solution, an experimental approach of synthesis control of the charge transfer toward TiO2 surface is provided for the first time. An increased amount of AcacH in the precursor promotes transition from preferential fast electron to preferential fast hole transfer toward anatase surface, correlating with a strong increase of the photocatalytic decomposition rate of organic pollutants. Suitable mechanisms of AcacH induced passivation of electron traps at TiO2 surfaces are analyzed, providing a new degree of freedom for tailoring the properties of photocatalytic system

Improvement of operational parameters for precision rolling bearings by cleaning working surfaces from micro pollution of various nature

In manufacturing high-precision rolling bearings for aviation and urban machinery, the key tasks are to reduce the cost of production of such products, increase their efficiency and resource, and ensure their reuse after performing appropriate repair work. The results of many years of research show that these tasks can be successfully solved by cleaning the working surfaces of the parts of such precision tribonodes by non-contact pulse methods, particularly by using variable electromagnetic fields. The article describes the process of deep cleaning the working surfaces of parts of various high-precision ball bearings (from overall to miniature). During this cleaning, ferromagnetic and other impurities in the form of micro-, sub-micro- and nanoparticles were removed on a developed stand that can be used on an industrial scale. Further studies of cleaned bearings showed improved operational parameters such as reduced noise and vibration and the degree of magnetization. To achieve the specified results, appropriate cleaning methods were developed and tested

The Effect of Content Retelling on Vocabulary Uptake from a TED Talk

This study investigates the potential benefits for incidental vocabulary acquisition of implementing a particular sequence of input-output-input activities. More specifically, EFL learners (n = 32) were asked to watch a TED Talks video, orally sum up its content in English, and then watch the video once more. A comparison group (n = 32) also watched the TED Talks video twice but were not required to sum it up in between. Immediate and delayed post-tests showed significantly better word-meaning recall in the former condition. An analysis of the oral summaries showed that it was especially words which learners attempted to use that stood a good chance of being recalled later. These findings are interpreted with reference to Swain’s (e.g., 1995) Output Hypothesis, Laufer and Hulstijn’s (2001) Involvement Load Hypothesis, and Nation and Webb’s (2011) Technique Feature Analysis. What makes the text-based output task in this experiment fundamentally different from many previous studies which have investigated the merits of text-based output activities is that it was at no point stipulated for the participants that they should use particular words from the input text. The study also illustrates the potential of TED Talks as a source of authentic audio-visual input in EFL classrooms

Peculiarities of diagnosis and treatment of mucocele of appendix

Peculiarities of diagnosis and treatment of mucocele of appendi