Successful Exploration Research Articles

1,2,4-Triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines as a Novel Class of Inhibitors of the HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase-Associated Ribonuclease H Activity.

Despite great efforts have been made in the prevention and therapy of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection, however the difficulty to eradicate latent viral reservoirs together with the emergence of multi-drug-resistant strains require the search for innovative agents, possibly exploiting novel mechanisms of action. In this context, the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT)-associated ribonuclease H (RNase H), which is one of the few HIV-1 encoded enzymatic function still not targeted by any current drug, can be considered as an appealing target. In this work, we repurposed in-house anti-influenza derivatives based on the 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]-pyrimidine (TZP) scaffold for their ability to inhibit HIV-1 RNase H function. Based on the results, a successive multi-step structural exploration around the TZP core was performed leading to identify catechol derivatives that inhibited RNase H in the low micromolar range without showing RT-associated polymerase inhibitory activity. The antiviral evaluation of the compounds in the MT4 cells showed any activity against HIV-1 (IIIB strain). Molecular modelling and mutagenesis analysis suggested key interactions with an unexplored allosteric site providing insights for the future optimization of this class of RNase H inhibitors.

Exploring the success of Thai advertising: historical perspective

Purpose This paper aims to provide a comprehensive record of the development of Thai advertising, which started as being heavily influenced by the West and subsequently evolved with a unique style that fits well with the global advertising trends. Design/methodology/approach The analysis was done based on literature review and content analysis of Thai advertising. In addition, ten in-depth interviews were conducted with executives of the Advertising Association of Thailand and academics. Findings Thai advertising progressed from being influenced by the growth of transnational advertising agencies. This resulted in strong creative foundations that blended well with the unique Thai emotional flair. In addition, consumer protection has grown in importance, leading to a strong commitment in pushing for self-regulation. Research limitations/implications Examination of Thai advertising shows that the strength of Thai advertising lies in its human resources. This exploration of challenges and success of Thai advertising has shed light on how the advertising industry can be developed for creativity leadership in the global arena. The limitation is that the paper misses interviews with digital agencies. Practical implications This paper provides a comprehensive presentation of Thai advertising history in terms of agency development, creativity, and self-regulation. Originality/value This paper aims to provide a better understanding of the Thai advertising industry based on agency ownership and growth, creativity development leading to the unique Thai emotional advertising and self-regulation.

Tectono-thermal evolution of Cambrian–Ordovician source rocks and implications for hydrocarbon generation in the eastern Tarim Basin, NW China

The tectono-thermal evolution is an important control on petroliferous basin development; however, this evolution is difficult to reconstruct in sedimentary basins subjected to multiple tectono-thermal events. The Tarim Basin is the largest petroliferous basin in northwestern China and hosts a complex oil–gas system comprising several sets of source, reservoir, and cap rocks that have experienced multiple tectonic, thermal, and sedimentary events. Large oil and gas reserves have been discovered in the central and northern Tarim Basin during the last 30 years, but none in the eastern part of the basin. This is generally attributed to the high thermal maturity reached by source rocks during the Late Ordovician, and subsequent hydrocarbon loss. Therefore, reconstructing the Cambrian–Ordovician tectono-thermal evolution is critical in facilitating successful oil and gas exploration in this region. We compiled equivalent vitrinite reflectance data (n = 178) of source rocks from seven wells in the Tarim Basin, which for Cambrian–Ordovician source rocks are >1.3%, beyond the hydrocarbon generation threshold and in the main gas and dry gas generation stages. The Cambrian–Ordovician source rocks experienced rapid burial and heating during the Caledonian period, entered the hydrocarbon generation stage during the Middle–Late Ordovician, and reached peak hydrocarbon generation at the end-Caledonian period. They might have experienced secondary hydrocarbon generation after the Jurassic. Homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions (n = 616) from wells GC4, LX1, MD1, and YD2 as well as the modeled thermal evolution reveal a main hydrocarbon generation event during the Caledonian period and a secondary event in the Yanshanian and Himalayan period in other wells (LX1, MD1, and YD2). Hercynian and Indosinian uplift and exhumation in the eastern Tarim Basin controlled the main structures, and faulting created favorable conditions for secondary hydrocarbon generation and migration at this time. Since the Yanshanian and Himalayan, the Tarim Basin has experienced further sedimentation and heating, and the tectono-thermal evolution might have been related to the formation of the Tibetan Plateau. In summary, our reconstruction of the tectono-thermal evolution of Cambrian–Ordovician strata and the hydrocarbon generation history of the Tarim Basin suggests that the eastern Tarim Basin may also have hydrocarbon generation potential and can guide future oil and gas exploration.

A multicomponent geothermometer for high-temperature basalt settings

For successful geothermal reservoir exploration, accurate temperature estimation is essential. Since reservoir temperature estimation frequently involves high uncertainties when using conventional solute geothermometers, a new statistical approach is proposed. The focus of this study is on the development of a new multicomponent geothermometer tool which requires a significantly reduced data set compared to existing approaches. The method is validated against reservoir temperature measurements in the Krafla and the Reykjanes geothermal systems. A site-specific basaltic mineral set was selected as the basis to compute the equilibrium temperatures. These high-enthalpy geothermal reservoirs are located in the neo-volcanic zone of Iceland where the fluid temperatures are known to reach up to 350 °C at a depth of 2000 m. During ascent, the fluid composition is prone to changes as well as possible phase segregation due to depressurization and boiling. Therefore, to reduce the uncertainty of temperature estimations, reservoir temperature conditions are numerically reconstructed with sensitivity analyses considering pH, aluminium concentration, and steam loss. The evaluation of the geochemical data and the sensitivity analyses were calculated via a numerical in-house tool called MulT_predict. In all cases, the temperature estimations match with the in situ temperatures measured at Krafla and Reykjanes. The development of this method tends to be a promising and precise tool for reservoir temperature estimation. The developed methodology is a fast and easy-to-handle exploration tool that can be applied to standard geochemical data without the need for a sophisticated gas analysis yet obtaining very accurate results.

The digital rock analysis of biogenically induced reservoir heterogeneities in Cretaceous reservoirs of Saudi Arabia

The characterization of the fluid-flow properties in biogenically altered formations is a key for successful exploration campaigns. This study assessed reservoir quality and evaluated permeability of the biogenically-modified Cretaceous carbonate section in Saudi Arabia. When dealing with these bioturbated carbonates, characterization of sedimentary heterogeneities is often overprinted by the complex spatial geometries of burrows. The high-resolution 3D X-ray microscopy imaging and analysis of these bioturbated sections lead to a better understanding of the interconnectivity between permeable burrows and tight matrix. The analysis deploys multiscale imaging from whole core to sub-micron scale. The coarse imaging at 20-50 microns resolution helped to identify bioturbated sections to select samples for higher resolution tomography. The 3D sample tomograms were segmented to define burrows and matrix distributions, where samples were extracted for thin-sections, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP) analyses to refine the pore sizes and rock types. The analysis showed an intricate, highly connected, mixed horizontal and inclined burrow system dominated by Thalassinoides. Intergranular porosity, associated with the fill of Thalassinoides, constitutes a mechanism for permeability enhancement in a tight matrix. Increased permeability is associated with higher dolomite content that might be used as a sweet spot identifier from wireline logs.

A New Mechanism for Soft Landing in Robotic Space Exploration

Landing safely is the key to successful exploration of the solar system; the mitigation of the connected effects of collision in mechanical systems relies on the conversion of kinetic energy into heat or potential energy. An effective landing-system design should minimize the acceleration acting on the payload. In this paper, we focus on the application of a special class of nonlinear preloaded mechanisms, which take advantage of a variable radius drum (VRD) to produce a constant reactive force during deceleration. Static and dynamic models of the mechanism are presented. Numerical results show that the system allows for very efficient kinetic energy accumulation during impact, approaching the theoretical limit.

A preliminary study of the gas hydrate stability zone in a gas hydrate potential region of China

AbstractDue to its significance for gas hydrate accumulation, the gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ) is an essential condition for successful gas hydrate exploration and is usually controlled by three main factors: gas components, geothermal gradient, and permafrost thickness. Based on the core and conventional log data of gas hydrate potential region, the CSMHYD program was adopted to simulate the influences of above three factors on the thickness of the GHSZ. When the gas components of the gas hydrate were CH4, C2H6, and C3H8, with the CH4 percentage ranging from 50% to 100%, the average GHSZ thickness can reach 1000 m according to the forward simulation results. When the gas hydrate was composed of CH4 and one of C2H6, C3H8, H2S, and CO2, the influence order of the above four gases on the thickness of GHSZ is as follows: H2S ＞ C2H6 ＞ C3H8 ＞ CO2. Under the gas components of 90% CH4, 5% C2H6, and 5% C3H8, the thickness of GHSZ decreased rapidly as the geothermal gradient increased following an exponential relation with a correlation of 99.92% and increased slowly as permafrost thickness increased following a linear relation with a correlation of 99.9%. In addition, the thickness of a gas hydrate favorable reservoir was determined by comprehensive log methods as 500 m. We conclude that a reservoir within 500 m below the permafrost layer is favorable for gas hydrate reservoir formation.

Polymorphic variants of xenobiotic metabolism genes and body mass index in schizophrenia patients receiving antipsychotic therapy

The use of atypical antipsychotic drugs has made metabolic disorders one of the most common side effect of pharmacotherapy for schizophrenic patients. The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of polymorphic variants of genes of the P450 cytochrome system to changes in body mass index in patients with schizophrenia. As a result of the study, we did not identify significant associations of genotypes and alleles of the studied polymorphic variants of the CYP2D6, CYP1A2, CYP2C19 genes with weight gain in patients with schizophrenia of Russian nationality of the Siberian region receiving antipsychotic therapy and can revealed neither protective nor predisposing effects. Metabolic syndrome and, increase in body weight especially, are complex side effect, and further studies is needed to increase successful exploration and identification of the genetic component and assess contribution.

Holmium laser lithotripsy improves the rate of successful transcystic laparoscopic common bile duct exploration

PurposeTranscystic laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) seems safer than transductal LCBDE and is associated with fewer biliary complications. It has traditionally been limited to smaller bile duct stones however. This study aimed to assess the ability of laser-assisted bile duct exploration by laparoendoscopy (LABEL) to increase the rate of successful transcystic LCBDE in patients with bile duct stones at the time of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.MethodsPatients undergoing LCBDE between 2014 and 2018 were retrospectively analysed. Baseline demographic and medical characteristics were recorded, as well as intra-operative findings and post-procedure outcomes. Standard LCBDE via the transcystic route was initially attempted in all patients, and LABEL was only utilised if there was failure to achieve transcystic duct clearance. The transductal route was utilised for failed transcystic extraction.ResultsOne hundred and seventy-nine consecutive patients underwent LCBDE; 119 (66.5%) underwent unaided transcystic extraction, 29 (16.2%) required LABEL to achieve transcystic extraction and 31 (17.3%) failed transcystic extraction (despite the use of LABEL in 7 of these cases) and hence required conversion to transductal LCBDE. As such, LABEL could be considered to increase the rate of successful transcystic extraction from 66.5% (119/179) to 82.7% (148/179). Patients requiring LABEL were however more likely to experience major complications (CD III–IV 5.6% vs 0.7%, p = 0.042) although none were specifically attributable to the laser intra-operatively.ConclusionsLABEL is an effective adjunct to LCBDE that improves the rate of successful transcystic extraction.

Discovery and geological knowledge of the large deep coal-formed Qingyang Gas Field, Ordos Basin, NW China

Abstract After 50 years of oil and gas exploration in Longdong area of southwest Ordos Basin, NW China, a deep coal-formed gas field was discovered for the first time in Qingyang area. Through observation of field outcrops and core, analysis of common, cast and cathode thin sections, Ro and other geochemistry indexes, carbon isotope, electron microscope and other supporting tests and analyses, the hydrocarbon generation, reserves formation and reservoir formation characteristics of gas reservoirs at different buried depths in Yishaan slope were examined and compared. The deep gas reservoir has an average buried depth of more than 4 200 m, and the main gas-bearing formation is the Member 1 of Lower Permian Shanxi Formation, which is characterized by low porosity, low permeability, low pressure and low abundance. It is believed that hydrocarbon generation in thin seam coal source rocks with high thermal evolution can form large gas fields, high-quality sandstone reservoirs with dissolved pores, intergranular pores and intercrystalline pores can still develop in late diagenetic stage under deep burial depth and high thermal evolution, and fractures improve the permeability of reservoirs. High drying coefficient of natural gas and negative carbon isotope series are typical geochemical characteristics of deep coal-formed gas. The integrated exploration and development method has been innovated, and the economic and effective development mode of gas fields of “dissecting sand body by framework vertical wells, centralized development by horizontal wells” has been formed. The discovery and successful exploration of the large gas field has provided geological basis and technical support for the construction of natural gas fields of 100 billion cubic meter scale in the southwest of the basin, and has important guidance for exploration of coal-derived gas with deep buried depth and high thermal evolution widely distributed in China.

Seismic Interpretation and Depositional Model of Kais-Lower Klasafet Reservoirs inWalio Area of Kepala Burung PSC, Salawati Basin, West Papua, Indonesia

Kepala Burung PSC is located at onshore portion of Salawati Basin. The PSC area is divided into two area(s) namely Walio Area and Arar Area at the south and north, respectively. Numerous exploratory wells had been drilled at Walio Area which resulted several economical discoveries of oil reservoired within the reefal Kais Formation and the overlying mixed-silisiclastics carbonate of Lower Klasafet reservoirs namely U-Marker and Texturalia Intervals. The latest discoveries at this area was in 2010 by the drilling of North Walio-1 well which encountered oil reservoirs within Kais Formation. With consideration of exploration success ratio, proven petroleum system elements and thebroad distribution of Miocene Kais and Lower Klasafet; exploration in this area is still promising. Moreover, twothree-dimensional (3D) volume of seismic which acquired in 2004 and 2007 are beneficial in improving the geological understanding in this area. This study is providing seismic interpretation which weighted to seismic facies analysis within Kais-Lower Klasafet reservoirs and the depositional model of these two associated reservoirs. Seismic facies analysis within the studied reservoirs are focused to reflection characteristics such as; seismic reflection termination, continuity, amplitude, frequency and internal reflection configuration. The internal seismic reflection characteristics are compared between the successful and unsuccessful exploration drilling. Subsequently, a sketched depositional model at the times of Kais and Lower Klasafet deposition is constructed. Three seismic reservoir facies are recognised in this area; pinnacle reef-patch reef which associated to narrow topography high(s), reefal carbonate bank which associated to broad or extensive topography highs, and drowning package of carbonate-mixed-silisiclastics at the top of Kais reef(s). These types of carbonates are interpreted to be deposited within five stages of major sea level rise. The antecedent topography of the reefs is mapped to be used as reef fairways in Salawati Basin, which means will be tied to neighbouring northern Arar Area and the other adjacent areas.

New developments in field-portable geochemical techniques and on-site technologies and their place in mineral exploration

This paper focuses on handheld and top-of-hole techniques which have appeared since 2007 or have undergone major improvements, and discusses their benefits, challenges and pitfalls, why we use them and what to expect from them. There is an ongoing need to be innovative with the way we undertake mineral exploration. Recent technological advances that have been applied to successful mineral exploration include on-site or portable instruments, on-site laboratory technologies, various core scanners, and technologies for fluid analysis. Portable or field technologies such as pXRF, pXRD, pNIR-SWIR, µRaman and LIBS aid in obtaining chemical and mineralogical information. Spectral gamma tools, a well-known technology, recently took advantage of improved ground and airborne (drone) instruments, to complement hyperspectral imagery. At mine and exploration sites, top-of-hole sensing technologies, such as Lab-at-Rig® and various core scanners (both spectral- and XRF-based) have become useful tools to analyse metres of core as it is being drilled. Fluid analyses are not as common as analyses of solid materials, but there are advances in such technologies as anodic stripping voltammetry, polarography and ion-exchange electrodes aiming for analysis of commodity or environmentally important elements. Field-portable geochemical techniques and on-site technologies now offer instant response and flexibility for most exploration tasks. By providing relevant data within minutes, they allow safer field decisions and focus on the most promising finds, while saving valuable resources in sampling grids or drilling. More efficient laboratory analysis programs are supported by sample screening and homogeneity checking on-site. Field analyses are not always as accurate as laboratory ones, but most of the time can be correlated with them, enabling reliable decisions. The level of confidence in field-made decisions needs to be compared between later and less numerous laboratory analyses, and less precise but more abundant and immediate field analyses. It may be demonstrated that, in many cases, the fit–for-purpose nature of the latter allows a better confidence level. Quality compromises associated with field analyses can be reduced by the application of better sample preparation and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures. Most of the further development of on-site chemical analysis is expected to be based on its integration with lab methods and on sound QA/QC practice, allowing a precise evaluation of its confidence level and uncertainties. Mineralogical analyses are constrained by our ability to interpret the data in near-real time but offer promising approaches in both surface and drilling exploration campaigns. Thematic collection: This article is part of the Exploration 17 collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/exploration-17

Traumatic dislocation of the testis

Traumatic dislocation of testis is an uncommon condition and usually occurs after direct impact on the scrotum. The diagnosis may be overlooked because of associated major injuries or due to lack of awareness of its possible occurrence. We report a case of traumatic displacement of testis in a young man presented to the emergency following polytrauma. The patient underwent a successful surgical exploration without loss of testicular function. A high index of suspicion is therefore necessary to diagnose traumatic testicular displacement.

Jack of all trades and master of knowledge: The role of diversification in new distant knowledge integration

AbstractResearch SummaryWe consider the role of individual‐level diversification as a mechanism through which skilled researchers engage in successful exploration—recognizing and integrating new knowledge external to one's domains of expertise. To approach an ideal experiment, we (a) employ a matching procedure and (b) exploit the unexpected adoption of Microsoft Kinect as a motion‐sensing technology in research. We evaluate the impact of Kinect and its embodiment of new knowledge on a set of ability‐matched, diversity‐varying researchers without prior experience in motion‐sensing and find that diversified researchers explore more successfully than their more specialized peers. We also examine the role of personal preferences and professional incentives as antecedents of diversification and find that culture, age and intellectual freedom are positively associated with the propensity to diversify successfully.Managerial SummaryOrganizations where R&D is core to driving competitive advantage face important tradeoffs when hiring researchers. Specifically, diverse combinations of knowledge generate the most impactful discoveries. Yet, coordinating such combinations increasingly requires larger teams as knowledge accumulation causes researchers to specialize in narrower areas. How should organizations achieve the best balance? We argue and show evidence that diversified researchers, individuals routinely criticized for their lack of knowledge depth, are more likely than specialized researchers of similar ability to integrate new knowledge from beyond their domains of expertise to create impactful innovations. Therefore, organizations aiming to create competitive advantage by pushing the boundaries of knowledge should carefully consider the nuanced tradeoffs between specialized and diversified researchers when strategizing about hiring the optimal types of expertise.

Orogenic Gold in Transpression and Transtension Zones: Field and Remote Sensing Studies of the Barramiya–Mueilha Sector, Egypt

Multi-sensor satellite imagery data promote fast, cost-efficient regional geological mapping that constantly forms a criterion for successful gold exploration programs in harsh and inaccessible regions. The Barramiya–Mueilha sector in the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt contains several occurrences of shear/fault-associated gold-bearing quartz veins with consistently simple mineralogy and narrow hydrothermal alteration haloes. Gold-quartz veins and zones of carbonate alteration and listvenitization are widespread along the ENE–WSW Barramiya–Um Salatit and Dungash–Mueilha shear belts. These belts are characterized by heterogeneous shear fabrics and asymmetrical or overturned folds. Sentinel-1, Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR), Advanced Space borne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER), and Sentinel-2 are used herein to explicate the regional structural control of gold mineralization in the Barramiya–Mueilha sector. Feature-oriented Principal Components Selection (FPCS) applied to polarized backscatter ratio images of Sentinel-1 and PALSAR datasets show appreciable capability in tracing along the strike of regional structures and identification of potential dilation loci. The principal component analysis (PCA), band combination and band ratioing techniques are applied to the multispectral ASTER and Sentinel-2 datasets for lithological and hydrothermal alteration mapping. Ophiolites, island arc rocks, and Fe-oxides/hydroxides (ferrugination) and carbonate alteration zones are discriminated by using the PCA technique. Results of the band ratioing technique showed gossan, carbonate, and hydroxyl mineral assemblages in ductile shear zones, whereas irregular ferrugination zones are locally identified in the brittle shear zones. Gold occurrences are confined to major zones of fold superimposition and transpression along flexural planes in the foliated ophiolite-island arc belts. In the granitoid-gabbroid terranes, gold-quartz veins are rather controlled by fault and brittle shear zones. The uneven distribution of gold occurrences coupled with the variable recrystallization of the auriferous quartz veins suggests multistage gold mineralization in the area. Analysis of the host structures assessed by the remote sensing results denotes vein formation spanning the time–space from early transpression to late orogen collapse during the protracted tectonic evolution of the belt.

A genetic link between iron oxide-apatite and iron skarn mineralization in the Jinniu volcanic basin, Daye district, eastern China: Evidence from magnetite geochemistry and multi-mineral U-Pb geochronology

Abstract Various styles of ore deposits may form from a single magmatic-hydrothermal system. Identification of a possible genetic link between different ore types in a region is not only of critical importance for a better understanding of the magmatic-hydrothermal processes, but can also help in successful mineral exploration. Both iron oxide-apatite (IOA) and iron skarn deposits are closely associated with intrusive rocks of intermediate to felsic in composition, but whether these two ore types can form from the same magmatic intrusion remains poorly understood. In this study, we present a comparative study between a newly identified subsurface IOA ore body located at the apex of a diorite porphyry and the iron skarn ore bodies located immediately above it in the Jinniu volcanic basin of the Daye district, Middle-Lower Yangtze River metallogenetic belt (MLYRMB), eastern China in order to highlight a genetic link between these two styles of mineralization. The IOA ores are dominated by Ti-rich magnetite with variable amounts of fluorapatite, diopside, and actinolite. This mineralogical assemblage is distinctly different from the iron skarn ores, which consist mainly of Ti-depleted magnetite and subordinate pre-ore garnet and diopside, and post-ore quartz, chlorite, calcite, and pyrite. In addition, magnetite from the IOA ores is characterized by well-developed ilmenite lamellae and has high concentrations of Ni, V, Co, and Ga, consistent with high temperature crystallization, whereas magnetite grains from the iron skarn ores usually exhibit oscillatory growth zones and contain much lower Ni, V, Co, and Ga, indicating their formation under relatively low temperatures. Titanite and fluorapatite from the IOA ores have U-Pb ages of 132.5 ± 2.4 Ma to 128.4 ± 3.0 Ma, which match a titanite U-Pb age for the associated iron skarn ores (132.3 ± 2.0 Ma), and are consistent with zircon U-Pb ages for the ore-hosting diorite porphyry (130.4 ± 0.7 Ma to 130.3 ± 0.5 Ma). This age consistency supports a possible genetic link among the diorite porphyry, IOA ores, and iron skarn ores. We propose that the IOA and skarn ores are the products of two consecutive mineralization stages of the same magmatic-hydrothermal system, involving a high-temperature, hypersaline fluid coexisting with the diorite porphyry magma during emplacement and a subsequent low temperature, diluted hydrothermal fluid. Other IOA and iron skarn deposits of similar ages (130 Ma) are found in a series of volcanic basins in the MLYRMB, which forms one of the world’s largest IOA metallogenic belts. The close association of the two ore styles identified at Daye provides a useful exploration guide for IOA and iron skarn deposits both on a local and regional scale.

Longitudinal time course of muscle impairments during partial weight-bearing in rats

In the near future, space agencies plan to send the first crews for extended stays on the Moon and Mars, where gravity is significantly reduced compared to Earth (0.16×g and 0.38×g, respectively). However, the long-term effects of partial gravity have not yet been elucidated, and ensuring astronauts’ health and performance is crucial to the success of these missions. Using a quadrupedal partial weight-bearing (PWB) model in rats that we designed, we investigated the longitudinal time course of muscle function at three different PWB levels. We demonstrated that both muscle mass and muscle function are significantly impaired in reduced weight-bearing environments as early as after 7 days of suspension. Moreover, we showed that muscular alterations are correlated to the PWB level and do not reach a plateau during a 1-month exposure to reduced weight-bearing, emphasizing the need for mitigating countermeasures for safe and successful extraterrestrial exploration.

Exploring duality on ontology debugging

Ontology debugging is an important and intractable reasoning task. Minimal unsatisfiability-preserving subset (MUPS) which is a minimal subset of an ontology to debug an unsatisfiable concept, is an important concept in ontology debugging. Hitting set relation between conflict set and diagnosis is essential for computing all conflict sets. And there has been many successful explorations about hitting set duality between conflict set and diagnosis in many fields. So in this paper, we will explore the duality between MUPS and minimal correctness-preserving subset (MCPS) which denotes the minimal diagnosis of a concept to debug unsatisfiable concepts on ontology debugging domain. Then several methods for computing all MUPSes will be devised based on the duality between MUPS and MCPS, meanwhile parallel strategies are also applied to newly proposed methods. And we show, by an empirical evaluation, that performances of different methods on real world ontologies from different domains. And it is proved that it is meaningful to explore duality on ontology debugging, as it really boosts the efficiency when applied to complex ontologies compared to the previous methods.

Subcellular engineering of lipase dependent pathways directed towards lipid related organelles for highly effectively compartmentalized biosynthesis of triacylglycerol derived products in Yarrowia lipolytica

As an alternative to in vitro lipase dependent biotransformation and to traditional assembly of pathways in cytoplasm, the present study focused on targeting lipase dependent pathways to a subcellular compartment lipid body (LB), in combination with compartmentalization of associated pathways in other lipid relevant organelles including endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and peroxisome for efficient in vivo biosynthesis of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) and hydrocarbons, in the context of improving Yarrowia lipolytica lipid pool. Through knock in and knock out of key genes involved in triacylglycerols (TAGs) biosynthesis and degradation, the TAGs content was increased to 51.5%, from 7.2% in parent strain. Targeting lipase dependent pathway to LB gave a 10-fold higher FAMEs titer (1028.0 mg/L) compared to cytosolic pathway (102.8 mg/L). Furthermore, simultaneously targeting lipase dependent pathway to LB, ER and peroxisome gave rise to the highest FAMEs titer (1644.8 mg/L). The subcellular compartment engineering strategy was extended to other lipase dependent pathways for fatty alkene and alkane biosynthesis, which resulted in a 14-fold titer enhancement compared to traditional cytosolic pathways. We developed yeast subcellular cell factories by directing lipase dependent pathways towards the TAGs storage organelle LB for efficient biosynthesis of TAG derived chemicals for the first time. The successful exploration of targeting metabolic pathways towards LB centered organelles is expected to promote subcellular compartment engineering for other lipid derived product biosynthesis.

“It is Important to Prepare Ourselves for the Future Career”: A Study of Indonesian Student’s Self-Directed Experience on Career Exploration

Lack of career exploration leads to career indecisiveness among Indonesian high school students. According to some studies, successful career exploration is determined by students’ initiative. However, no consistent answer about factors that make the students self-directedly engage in career exploration. This study is aimed to explore student’s self-directedness during the career exploration, including the factors that encourage student’s career exploratory behavior. This single case study used semi-structured interview and document analysis to investigate the experience of one Indonesian high school student. Two themes emerged from the data: involvement factor in career exploration, which determined by internal and external influence, and qualities of self-directedness, which is reflected by the employment of strategies and self-awareness. Recommendation for parents and educators to provide exposure to various activities, explicit teaching of self-directed learning and related skills is also essential to build students’ initiative in career exploration.