Tmax Values Research Articles

Impacts of Climate Change on Temperature and Precipitation in Nepal: Projections and Bias Correction

Climate change is likely to have a significant impact on Nepal, affecting its infrastructure, agriculture, and water resources. This study created day-to-day bias-corrected data of precipitation (ppt), maximum temperature (tmax) and minimum temperature (tmin) at 0.25° spatial resolution for Nepal using 7 CMIP6-GCMs under two shared socioeconomic pathways, SSP245 and SSP585. The bias-corrected datasets were produced using an empirical robust quantile mapping method for ppt and quantile mapping with linear transformation function method for tmax and tmin. The bias-corrected dataset was evaluated by comparing it against observed data for the mean values of ppt, tmax and tmin. Our bias-corrected projections reveal a warming of 4-6°C and an increase in ppt of 40-60% by the end of the 21st century. These changes will have a significant impact on Nepal's climate, environment, and people. The bias-corrected projections can be used to assess the impact of climate change in Nepal and to develop adaptation strategies.

Evaluation of the effect of constant and non-constant Poisson’s ratio on reinforcement load of reinforced soil walls

This study analytically and numerically investigates the impact of constant and non-constant Poisson’s ratio on the mobilized maximum load in the reinforcements, Tmax, of reinforced soil walls with vertical facing under working stress conditions. This assessment is carried out considering different controlling factors including reinforcement stiffness, wall height, backfill friction angle, and compaction-induced stress. The analytical procedure and the numerical model are validated against data from an instrumented, large-scale, geosynthetic-reinforced soil wall under working stress conditions. Considering the key factors evaluated in the current study, the results show that the impact of the reinforcement stiffness is dominant over the approach used to consider Poisson’s ratio. A maximum difference of about 20% was obtained between the values of Tmax calculated using constant and variable Poisson’s ratios. This implies that, from a practical standpoint, it may be appropriate to adopt a simpler approach that utilizes a constant Poisson's ratio for the determination of Tmax under operational conditions.

Synthesis and Characterization of Multicolor Luminescent and Thermally Stable Thioureas and Polythioamides.

Two new polythioamides were prepared through the polycondensation reaction between thiourea monomers and terephthaloyl dichloride, while the thiourea monomers were synthesized by the interaction of aromatic (4,4'-diaminophenylsulfone) or alicyclic (1,2-cyclohexanediamine) diamine with ammonium thiocyanate. The elemental composition of polythioamides was confirmed through CHN microanalysis. The structure and properties of thiourea monomers and polythioamides were determined through proton NMR, UV-Vis, FT-IR spectroscopy, fluorescence, TGA/DTA and SEM. The polythioamides indicated high thermal stabilities which were assessed from their Tmax (temperature indicating highest rate of weight loss) values (670 °C and 346 °C) observed in their DTG graphs. The thioureas and polythioamides were fluorescent and showed multicolor (violet, green, yellow, orange and red) emissions at different excitation wavelengths. All the synthesized compounds were also tested for their antifungal and antibacterial functions and showed antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, and antifungal activity against Candida albicans.

Geochemical pyrolysis, petrographical analysis and burial history reconstructions of the Kazhdumi Formation in the Hendijan and Soroosh oil fields, northwestern Persian Gulf

The Kazhdumi Formation is one of the most important source units throughout the Persian Gulf and surrounded areas that mainly formed from dark, organic rich shales and marls. In this study, source characteristics of the Kazhdumi successions in the Hendijan and Soroosh oilfields (northwestern Persian Gulf) are evaluated using the Rock-Eval pyrolysis, vitrinite reflectance analysis and one-dimensional thermal modeling. The Rock-Eval data suggest good to very good and poor to fair hydrocarbon potentials for the studied formation in the Hendijan and Soroosh oil fields, respectively. In addition, pyrolyzed data reveal that the successions mainly contain kerogen type II in the Hendijan and kerogen type III in the Soroosh oil fields. Also the Tmax values and vitrinite reflectance measurements show that the Kazhdumi Formation has reached to the oil generation phase in the Hendijan, whereas this formation is immature in the Soroosh Field. Moreover, reconstructions of thermal history exhibit that variations in maturity are linked to the Kazhdumi burial depth and the values of basin heat flow. Eventually, the combination of results indicate that the Kazhdumi hydrocarbon generation in northwestern Persian Gulf increase considerably towards the Dezful Embayment.

Physicochemical characterization of microcrystalline cellulose derived from underutilized orange peel waste as a sustainable resource under biorefinery concept

In this work, orange (Citrus sinensis) peel has been explored as sustainable resource for the production of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). Herein, two strategies, i.e. (route 1) traditional acidified sodium chlorite and (route 2) ecofriendly total chlorine free (TCF) methods were compared for their efficiency in removing non-cellulosic constituents. Afterwards, ultrastructure, composition, crystallinity and thermal properties of the resulting MCCs were investigated. As compared to MCC-1, MCC-2 presented smooth surface with no non-fibrous components. From XRD diffractograms, highest CrI value obtained for MCC-2 (85 %) as compared to MCC-1 (69 %) which pointed towards superior purification efficiency of TCF approach corroborated with the outcome of FTIR and SEM analysis. TGA-DTG analysis showed that Tmax value shifted to ∼330 °C for MCCs, compared to native OP (313 °C). The observed WHC of MCCs was higher than their precursors due to more exposed surface area available for hydrophilic interactions that improved its water retention ability.

A first-in-human study of Brozopentyl Sodium, following single and multiple ascending intravenous infusion in Chinese healthy volunteers

BackgroundBrozopentyl Sodium (BZP), a novel agent for ischemic stroke, has shown promising results in preclinical pharmacological studies, prompting the initiation of the first-in-human investigation. PurposeThis study aimed to assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic (PK) characteristics of BZP in Chinese healthy volunteers. MethodsThe study consisted of two parts. Part I was a single-center, randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled, single-ascending study with six BZP dose cohorts (SAD: 25, 50, 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg). Part II was a single-center, randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled, multi-dose- and dose-elevated study with three BZP dose cohorts (MAD: 50, 100, and 200 mg). Doses were administered once daily on days 1 and 7 and twice daily on days 2–6. The PK properties of BZP and its bioactive metabolites, BNBP, were assessed. Safety and tolerability evaluations were also conducted. ResultsIn the SAD study, BZP reached peak plasma concentrations (Tmax) at the end of administration, with median Tmax values ranging from 1 to 1.03 h, while BNBP reached Tmax between 1.25 to 1.38 h. The terminal half-lives (T1/2) were approximately 8 h for BZP and 15 h for BNBP. In the MAD study, steady-state plasma concentrations of BZP were reached by day 5. There was minimal accumulation of both BZP and BNBP after 7 days of administration. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve from 0 to time of the last measurable concentration (AUC0-t) and maximum plasma drug concentration (Cmax) showed dose-proportional increases for BZP but not for BNBP in both study parts. Single and multiple doses of BZP demonstrated a good safety profile and were well-tolerated. ConclusionBZP displayed safety, good tolerability and predictable PK characteristics following both single and multiple ascending intravenous administrations. These findings provide a basis for further clinical development of BZP for ischemic stroke patients.

Compatibility and Thermal Decomposition Kinetics of Hexahydro-1,3,5- trinitro-1,3,5-triazine with Different Polyester-based Polyurethanes

Backround: The compatibility study is an important aspect before pre-formulation of the energetic composites. Any sort of the incompatibility between the ingredients of the energetic composites greatly affects the safety and functionality of the energetic composites. Therefore, to develope safer energetic composites, the compatibility between the different ingredients of the energetic formulations and their thermal decomposition kinetics is important study as it is directly linked with the safety and functionality of the energetic composites. Methods: The compatibility of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) with different polyester-based polyurethanes (PUs) were studied by using vacuum stability tester (VST) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) methods as outlined by North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Standardisation Agreement (STANAG 4147). The mixture of RDX with polyester-based PUs was cured with MDI (4,4’-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate), IPDI (isophorone diisocyanate) and TMDI (2,2,4- trimethylhexamethylene diisocyanate) as curatives to get polyester-based PUs. The VST measurements were carried out at isothermal temperature of 100℃ for 40 h. For kinetic study, all the samples were subjected to heat from 25-600℃ at different heating rates under flow rate of nitrogen gas of 40 mL/min Results: The VST results revealed that energetic RDX was compatible with all polyester-based PUs and was chemically stable. The thermal decomposition behaviour was studied by employing thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and DSC. The DSC results indicated that peak temperature difference (∆Tp) between pure RDX and binary mixture of RDX and polyester-based PUs i.e., RDX/PE/MDI, RDX/PE/IPDI and RDX/PE/TMDI were found to be greater than 4℃, indicating that RDX was not compatible with all types polyester-based PUs. The thermal stability in terms of Tmax values of RDX/PE/MDI, RDX/PE/IPDI and RDX/PE/TMDI was found to be significantly reduced as compared to pure RDX. The activation energy obtained by the Kissinger method for RDX/PE/MDI, RDX/PE/IPDI and RDX/PE/TMDI samples was found to be 220.2, 271.5 and 210.4 kJ/mol, respectively. The experimental results showed that the values are comparable and in good agreement with the values obtained by Ozawa method. Conclusion: This study provides useful information for selecting polyester -based PUs as polymeric binder for the preparation of RDX-based energetic composites.

Upper Jurassic Source Rock Evaluation and Thermal Maturity Evolution of the NW Sab’Atayn Basin, Yemen

Of Yemen’s Mesozoic basins, the Sab’atayn Basin offers the most significant potential for oil and gas exploration. The key consideration in the evaluation of source rocks to hydrocarbon exploration is the quantity and nature of the organic materials in sedimentations. Using organic geochemistry and total organic carbon content, organic-rich sediments from the Meem (Lower) and Lam (Upper) members from four wells in the NW Sab’atayn Basin were evaluated. The information gained reveals that the Meem source rocks have a total organic carbon content (TOC) value between 0.2–1.68 wt%, therefore suggests fair to very good source rocks. Only two samples in the Kamaran-01 well had values greater than 3 wt%, compared to the Lam source rocks’ values, which range from 0.2 to 3.81 wt%, which suggest excellent source rocks. The majority of the samples are made up of reworked organic debris, with no possibility for interesting source rocks, according to the Rock-Eval pyrolysis data. The majority of the Meem and Lam source rocks samples under study have Tmax values below 440 °C, placing them in the immature to marginally mature and on the main periphery of main phases of hydrocarbon formation. Based on the results of the Meem source rocks’ generative potential (GP), it may be inferred that non-generative rocks status of Meem source rocks due to GP values less than 2 mg HC/gm rock. Additionally, if the burial depth is sufficient to generate the necessary temperature and pressure, source rocks with extraordinarily high GP values of more than 10 mg Hc/g rock may serve as an efficient source rock for the Dahamr Ali-01 well. On the other hand Lam source rock is classified as moderate source rocks. Non-generative potential has been reported from Lam source rock in Himyar-01 well where the GP is less than 1 mg HC/g rock. The cross-plots of pyrolysis characteristics, such as HI versus Tmax (modified van Krevelen diagram) and TOC vs S2, which are most likely the result of deposition of more terrigenous type III organic materials derived from terrestrial in the study area, can be used to determine the kerogen type for Lam and Meem source units. The analysis of Meem source rocks demonstrated that they are typically plotted in the mature zone; however samples of Lam source rocks proved that they have been still immature, merely marginally mature in the Dahamr Ali-01 and Saba-01 wells.

Synthesis and Properties of Polybutylene (Succinate)-b-poly(dimethylsiloxane) with Unprecedented Combined Performance and Functions.

The excellent combined properties of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) make it a promising biodegradable plastic. However, the lack of functionality and low impact strength limit its application. Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) was introduced to prepare new high-performance and functional poly(butylene succinate)-b-poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PBS-b-PDMS) in this work. The resulting PBS-b-PDMS was found to possess high molecular weight, narrow molecular weight distribution, and excellent combined performance. PBS-b-PDMS had good thermal properties. The decomposition temperature of 5% weight loss (T5%) increased from 324 to 344 °C, and the temperatures at the maximum weight loss rate (Tmax) values increased from 385.1 to 396.7 °C. The impact strength increased significantly from 7.8 kJ/m2 of PBS to 53.9 kJ/m2 of PBS-b-PDMS. As the PDMS block endows copolymers with low surface energy and good liquid resistance, PBS-b-PDMS has excellent antismudge, self-cleaning, and solvent resistance. Finally, to minimize the surface energy, PDMS blocks preferentially enrich the surface, which imparts the polymers with self-cleaning properties.

Organic richness and source rock potential of the La Peña Formation in the Sabinas and Piedras Negras basins, NE of Mexico

This paper investigates the petroleum generation potential of the Lower Cretaceous organic-rich rocks of the La Peña Formation in the Sabinas and Piedras Negras Basin (SB-PNB) of northeastern Mexico. In order to provide insights into the source rock potential of this unit, a total of 25 cutting samples collected from 15 wells at different stratigraphic intervals along the study area were analysed using Rock-Eval Pyrolysis technique. The analytical results revealed that all the analysed samples can be described as hydrogen-poor organic matter with HI <200 mg HC/g TOC. The organic richness indicates a poor to excellent Total Organic Carbon content suggesting that existed different conditions during the deposition and burial of this unit, causing variable organic matter production and preservation. Also, the results revealed a variation in the kerogen types that may be attributed to the relative stratigraphic positions of the selected samples in the wells.
 With respect to the organic matter thermal maturity, given by the geographical distribution of the Tmax values, the mature and overmature zone (435–508 °C) correspond to the Sabinas basin (SB).
 Overall, these results show a variability in the organic richness, thermal maturity and petroleum potential of the La Peña Formation, differentiating the values of the TOC content, petroleum potential and HI content for the samples from the Sabinas Basin and Piedras Negras Basin, respectively.

Maastrichtian – Paleocene environmental and climatic conditions in Koum Basin (northern benue trough, Cameroon) inferred using a multiproxy approach including sedimentology, mineralogy, and geochemistry

The Koum Basin is one of major intracontinental basins in northern Cameroon. It is part of the Upper Benue Trough and has genetic ties to the West and Central African Rift System. The main purpose of studying the Koum Basin sedimentary deposits was to re-examine the time of the deposition and constrain the palaeoenvironmental and paleoclimatic conditions during deposition. To accomplish this, we used a combination of sedimentologic, palynologic, mineralogic, and geochemical data. Claystone units interbedded with calcareous siltstones dominate sedimentary sequence, including few clay beds, fine to medium-grained sandstone, and rare marl layers. The palynomorph assemblage suggests a previously unknown Maastrichtian – Paleocene age in this basin. The sediments originated from intermediate igneous parent rocks with a relative contribution of felsic rocks. These rocks underwent low detritism (Si/Al: 2.51–4.43; K/Al: 0.11–0.36; Ti/Al: 0.05–0.10) and chemical weathering (CIA: 55–64; PIA: 56–68) in the source region. Consequently, deposits are immature (ICV values > 1) and weakly recycled (Si2O3/Al2O3 ratios ≤5). The organic matter analysis and the palynoflora assemblage, reveal Type III kerogen with significant contributions of Type II-III and type II kerogens, as well as a continental paleo-depositional environment with open rainforest to savannah vegetation. The clay minerals distribution suggests moderate illitization and chloritization processes and thus moderate burial diagenesis at temperatures ranging from 70 to 90 °C, also attested by immature to mature Tmax values (≤436 °C) marginally. The low CIA values and very low kaolinite contents, indicate dry climatic conditions. In addition, two major-element-based discrimination diagrams show that the parent rocks of clastic sediments formed primarily in a continental arc system, with a moderate contribution from the rift system and a low contribution from the oceanic island arc, implying compressional conditions, which is consistent with previous studies on the tectonic background of the region during the late Maastrichtian to Paleocene period.

Pharmacokinetics of Two Nanoemulsion Formulations of Δ8-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Rats.

The use of Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) has increased in recent years. Given that the oral absorption of cannabinoids in oil formulations is typically slow and variable, nanoemulsions may be an improved delivery vehicle. Therefore, we characterized the pharmacokinetics (PK) in Sprague-Dawley rats following the administration of three different oral formulations containing 10 mg/kg Δ8-THC: a translucent liquid nanoemulsion, a reconstituted powder nanoemulsion, and a medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil solution for comparison. Δ8-THC was also administered intravenously at 0.6 mg/kg. Plasma samples were quantified for Δ8-THC and two metabolites, 11-hydroxy-Δ8-THC (11-OH-Δ8-THC) and 11-carboxy-Δ8-THC (COOH-Δ8-THC). Non-compartmental PK parameters were calculated, and a PK model was developed based on pooled data. Despite a smaller median droplet size of the translucent liquid nanoemulsion (26.9 nm) compared to the reconstituted powder nanoemulsion (168 nm), the PK was similar for both. The median Tmax values of Δ8-THC for the nanoemulsions (0.667 and 1 h) were significantly shorter than the median Tmax of Δ8-THC in MCT oil (6 h). This resulted in an approximately 4-fold higher Δ8-THC exposure over the first 4 h for the nanoemulsions relative to the MCT oil solution. The active 11-OH-Δ8-THC metabolite followed a similar pattern to Δ8-THC. The non-compartmental bioavailability estimates of Δ8-THC for the nanoemulsions (11-16.5%) were lower than for the MCT oil solution (>21.5%). However, a model-based analysis indicated similar bioavailability for all three oral formulations. These results demonstrate favorable absorption properties of both nanoemulsions, despite the difference in droplet sizes, compared to an MCT oil formulation.

Studi Kinetika Ekstraksi Pektin dari Kulit Buah Pisang Kepok

Pectin is one of the polysaccharides that located in plant cell walls along with cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose. The method for obtaining pectin is extraction. During the extraction process, there is reaction kinetic occur. This study aims to determine the extraction kinetics of kepok banana peel including reaction rate constants and activation energy with variations in extraction time. Secondary data that is processed are 1; 1,5; and 2 of pH extraction, 80oC and 90oC of temperature extraction, time extraction 70, 80, 90, and 100 minutes, and yield of pectin. The result showed that the value of the degradation constant (k2) is smaller than the value of the extraction constant (k1) on all variables. The highest Yemax is 41,88% that was found at pH 1,5; 90oC and 80 minutes of extraction times. The lowest value of activation energy for pectin formation (Ea1) is 17,812 kJ/mol and the highest value of activation energy for pectin degradation (Ea2) is 3,787 kJ/mol, both of which are found at pH 1,5. The optimum conditions for extracting pectin from kepok banana peel were at pH extraction 1,5 and 90oC of temperature extraction taking into account the values of k1, k2, Yemax, tmax, and activation energy.

Geochemical identification of a source rock affected by migrated hydrocarbons and its geological significance: Fengcheng Formation, southern Mahu Sag, Junggar Basin, NW China

The Fengcheng Formation is a crucial source rock and the primary reservoir for oil accumulation in the Mahu Sag. Crude oils are distributed throughout the Fengcheng Formation, ranging from the edge to the interior of the sag in the southern Mahu Sag. These crude oils originate from in-situ source rocks in shallowly buried areas and the inner deep sag. During migration, the crude oil from the inner deep sag affects the source rocks close to carrier beds, leading to changes in the organic geochemical characteristics of the source rocks. These changes might alter source rock evaluations and oil-source correlation. Based on data such as total organic carbon (TOC), Rock-Eval pyrolysis of source rocks, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of the saturated fraction, and considering the geological characteristics of the study area, we define the identification characteristics of source rock affected by migrated hydrocarbons and establish the various patterns of influence that migrated hydrocarbons have on the source rock of the Fengcheng Formation in the southern Mahu Sag. The source rocks of the Fengcheng Formation are mostly fair to good, containing mainly Type II organic matter and being thermally mature enough to generate oil. Source rocks affected by migrated hydrocarbons exhibit relatively high hydrocarbon contents (S1/TOC > 110 mg HC/g TOC, Extract/TOC > 30 %, HC: hydrocarbon), relatively low Rock-Eval Tmax values, and relatively high tricyclic terpane contents with a descending and mountain-shaped distribution. Furthermore, biomarker composition parameters indicate a higher thermal maturity than in-situ source rocks. Through a comparison of the extract biomarker fingerprints of adjacent reservoirs and mudstones in different boreholes, three types of influence patterns of migrated hydrocarbons are identified: the edge-influence of thin sandstone-thick mudstone, the mixed-influence of sandstone-mudstone interbedded, and the full-influence of thick sandstone-thin mudstone. This finding reminds us that the influence of migrated hydrocarbons must be considered when evaluating source rocks and conducting oil-source correlation.

Paleodepositional environment and hydrocarbon generation potential of the Paleogene lignite in the Barmer Basin, Rajasthan, India

The Barmer Basin in Rajasthan is considered one of the most important petroliferous sedimentary basins of India. Apart from a hydrocarbon-producing source rock, the basin also hosts some significant lignite deposits of Giral fen and Kapurdi bog developed during the late Paleocene to early Eocene, being currently under exploitation. Applying organic petrology, geochemical, mineralogical techniques, and Rock-Eval pyrolysis on samples obtained from seams in both mines, the paleodepositional settings in both areas were reconstructed, and the hydrocarbon generation potential was assessed. The Tmax (377–427 °C) and PI (0.01–0.09) values in the studied samples from the Barmer Basin indicate an immature nature of the organic matter. HI values range from 66 to 476 mg HC/g TOC, revealing that the Giral and Kapurdi lignite contains mostly Type III and mixed Type II-III kerogen and can generate mainly gaseous hydrocarbons, although few samples have liquid hydrocarbon generation potential. Significant values of TOC (20–60 wt%) reveal that they may act as a good source of hydrocarbons and make them favourable for the generation of hydrocarbons. The concentrations of major oxides and selected trace elements indicate that the Giral and Kapurdi lignite was developed in warm humid to some extent arid warm climate and oxic conditions prevailed in the basin. Petrographic indices suggest the peat accumulation occurred in a dry forest mire under limnic to limnotelmatic conditions. The indicators further suggest the lignite originated from the bog and fen under mesotrophic to ombrotrophic hydrological condition. The Giral and Kapurdi lignite were determined to be ortho-lignite or low-rank lignite C rank, immature for hydrocarbon generation. The lignite derived mainly from herbaceous vegetation with a higher contribution of woods in the Giral fen compared to the Kapurdi bog. Geochemical indicators suggest the presence of freshwater conditions and a shift from freshwater to brackish water conditions within the basin.

Evaluation of portable Raman spectroscopic analysis for source-rock thermal maturity assessments on bulk crushed rock

This study presents a simplified method and empirical relationships for determining organic matter thermal maturity using a portable Raman system equipped with a 785 nm laser, for analysis of crushed, whole-rock samples. Suites of rocks represented by shale and coal samples with various mineralogical composition, thermal maturity, and total organic carbon (TOC) were used to test the method and build correlations between Raman band separation (RBS) values and traditional thermal maturity indicators, organic matter reflectance (Ro), and programmed temperature pyrolysis (Tmax) values. A set of disparate shale samples, where both vitrinite and solid bitumen reflectance values were reported, have Ro values that range from 0.40 to 4.62%. Above 3.35% Ro, the corresponding RBS values plateau at ∼290 cm−1, thus correlations were evaluated with a linear regression (R2 = 0.96) between 0.40 and 3.35% Ro. Shale samples with Ro < 2% and Tmax < 551 were also used to correlate Tmax and RBS, yielding a linear correlation with an R2 of 0.94. For the coal data set, Ro values range from 1.21 to 4.08% and correlated RBS values plateau at ∼250 cm−1 above Ro = 3.0%, suggesting its correlative application below this maturity level. Several sample preparation methods were tested on cuttings material and standard deviation values for RBS were minimized by washing, drying, and hand crushing the material to pass through a 40-mesh sieve, although less preparation can still yield reliable results. The high degrees of correlation between whole-rock RBS data and two thermal maturity indicators demonstrate the utility of this approach for generating source rock thermal maturity data from minimally processed, whole-rock samples which could easily be applied in field or laboratory settings.

THU073 Somapacitan Administered Subcutaneously At 5 mg/1.5 mL Or 10 mg/1.5 mL Strengths Yields Clinically Similar PK And IGF-I Profiles In Healthy Participants

Abstract Disclosure: M. Højby Rasmussen: Employee; Self; Novo Nordisk. Stock Owner; Self; Novo Nordisk. R.J. Kildemoes: Employee; Self; Novo Nordisk. Stock Owner; Self; Novo Nordisk. C. Sværke: Employee; Self; Novo Nordisk. Stock Owner; Self; Novo Nordisk. Background: Somapacitan is a once-weekly long-acting GH for treatment of AGHD. Objectives: To confirm bioequivalence of sc somapacitan 5 mg/1.5 mL and 10 mg/1.5 mL strengths in equimolar doses of 0.04 mg/kg body weight and investigate pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) properties of the two strengths. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, single-dose, three-period crossover trial. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) bioequivalence guidelines require area under the curve (AUC0-t) and maximum serum concentration (Cmax) to be identical within predefined limits. The 10 mg/1.5 mL strength (reference treatment) was administered in two separate treatment periods. Healthy participants (full analysis set n=32; 5 females; 31 White, 1 Black; mean age 35.1 years; mean BMI 22.8 kg/m2) were randomized to receive treatment in one of three sequences. Each participant attended three in-house 5-day dosing and PK/PD sampling visits, each followed by daily PK/PD sampling visits for 3 days after each dosing visit and again 1 week later, and finally an end-of-trial visit. Dosing visits were separated by 3 weeks’ washout. Results: For AUC0-t, treatment ratio (5 mg/1.5 mL vs 10 mg/1.5 mL) was 0.95 [90% CI 0.89;1.01]. Point estimate and 90% CIs were within the acceptance range [0.80;1.25]; bioequivalence criterion for AUC was met. For Cmax, treatment ratio was 0.77 [0.68;0.89]. Point estimate was outside [0.80;1.25] and the 90% CI was outside the widened acceptance range [0.70;1.43], defined in line with the EMA guideline on bioequivalence due to within-subject variability of Cmax; EMA and FDA bioequivalence criteria for Cmax were not met. Treatment ratios of AUC0-168 h and AUC0-∞ were 0.93 [0.84;1.02] and 0.95 [0.89;1.01], respectively. Geometric mean value of t½ was comparable for somapacitan 5 mg/1.5 mL (52.7 hours) and reference treatment periods (53.9 and 50.5 hours). Median tmax values were 10 hours (5 mg/1.5 mL) and 8 hours (both reference treatment periods). Mean IGF-I and IGF-I standard deviation score (SDS) concentration-time curves for the two strengths were almost identical. Treatment ratio of AUCIGF-I, 0-168 h was 1.00 [90% CI 0.98;1.02]. Median tmax, IGF-I values for the two strengths were identical. Geometric mean value of Cmax, IGF-I for 5 mg/1.5 mL was similar to that for somapacitan 10 mg/1.5 mL. The two somapacitan strengths showed similar safety profiles, with no new safety issues identified. Conclusion: Bioequivalence criterion for somapacitan 5 mg/1.5 mL and 10 mg/1.5 mL was met for AUC0-t but not for Cmax. Treatment ratios of AUC0-168 h and AUC0-∞ were similar to those of AUC0-t. Concentration-time curves of IGF-I and IGF-I SDS for the two strengths were almost identical. Observed difference in Cmax was not considered clinically significant; 5 mg/1.5 mL and 10 mg/1.5 mL were equivalent from a clinical perspective, and have been approved by authorities. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Geologic and Geochemical Features of the Upper Devonian Coals of the North Timan (the Sula River Coal Field)

Abstract —The composition of the oldest coals of the Timan–northern Urals region has been studied comprehensively, and their hydrocarbon and microcomponent characteristics are given. The relationship between different types of coals and Late Devonian plant communities of the North Timan is revealed. It is also determined that some samples contain microspores, megaspores, and plant remains belonging mainly to the lycopod Helenia. The most probable source of jet coals is identified as the wood of the progymnosperm Callixylon. The values of vitrinite reflectance and Tmax and the data on the distribution of polycyclic biomarkers and methylphenanthrenes indicate the low maturation of the coal organic matter. The coal bitumen investigated here is characterized by the dominance of steranes and diaster-13(17)-enes of compositions C28 and C29. The following diterpanes are identified: beyerane, 16α(H)-kaurane, 16β(H)-kaurane, and 16α(H)-atisane. At the same time, phyllocladane is absent.

Source-rock evaluation of the Triassic – Jurassic interval of the Tanga Basin, coastal Tanzania

The Triassic-Jurassic interval is known to be the main source of oil and gas generation across the world. In the Tanga Basin of Tanzania, however, the potentiality of these strata for oil and gas generation has remained poorly understood. This study presents the organic geochemical analysis of the source rock within the Triassic-Jurassic interval of the Tanga Basin, integrating rock-eval pyrolysis, vitrinite reflectance and spore coloration analyses to assess the organic richness, quality and maturity for hydrocarbon generation. The results reveal that the Triassic and Jurassic shales are organically rich, with average total organic carbon (TOC) values of 1 wt % and 2 wt %, respectively. Triassic shales demonstrate the dominance of kerogen types II (oil), III (gas pone), II/III (gas with minor oil), and IV (inert) as indicated by hydrogen index values between 365 and 15 mg HC/g TOC. The hydrogen index (HI) values in the Jurassic interval range from 87 to 162 mg/HC/TOC, suggesting the dominance of kerogen type III (gas prone). Pyrolysis Tmax, vitrinite reflectance (Ro) and spore color index (SCI) indicate that the Triassic interval is thermally mature into a gas generation window, with average Tmax values of 450 °C, Ro ∼ 1.7% and SCI ∼8.5. The Jurassic interval is also revealed as thermally mature, with average values of Tmax ∼ 452 °C, Ro ∼ 0.7% and SCI ∼ 7.2, indicative of oil window. The positive findings of this study lay out an important foundation to follow up studies and extended exploration for hydrocarbon accumulations in the poorly explored Tanga Basin and across the coastal Tanzania in general.

Geochemical characteristics of lacustrine source rock: An insight of Banuwati Formation from Sunda and Asri Basins, Indonesia

The Sunda and Asri Basins are petroliferous in Indonesia. Despite producing billions of barrels of oil equivalent since their initial production, research on the source rock organic geochemistry of these basins remains limited, particularly concerning the sapropelic kerogen of the syn-rift Banuwati Formation. A comprehensive study of the Banuwati Formation in the Sunda and Asri Basins was conducted using kerogen and biomarker data. Various techniques, such as carbon analysis, Rock-Eval pyrolisis, vitrinite reflectance (Ro), gas chromatography (GC), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), were employed on samples from six wells. The Banuwati Formation exhibits source rock with good to very good quantities. Biomarker analysis offers a novel interpretation, suggesting that the Banuwati shale source rock was deposited in an oxic-suboxic environment. The formation is primarily composed of Type I organic material, characterized by the presence of biomarkers such as C26 tricyclic terpane, C30 4-methylsterane, and a possible botryococcane peak, indicative of a lacustrine setting. Maturity assessments based on Ro and Tmax values show conflicting results. Tmax values imply maturity, while Ro values suggest immaturity. This discrepancy is likely due to Ro suppression, a phenomenon often observed in Type I kerogen samples.