Balázs Kovács

Transcriptomic and morphophysiological evidence for a specialized human cortical GABAergic cell type

We describe convergent evidence from transcriptomics, morphology, and physiology for a specialized GABAergic neuron subtype in human cortex. Using unbiased single-nucleus RNA sequencing, we identify ten GABAergic interneuron subtypes with combinatorial gene signatures in human cortical layer 1 and characterize a group of human interneurons with anatomical features never described in rodents, having large ‘rosehip’-like axonal boutons and compact arborization. These rosehip cells show an immunohistochemical profile (GAD1+CCK+, CNR1–SST–CALB2–PVALB–) matching a single transcriptomically defined cell type whose specific molecular marker signature is not seen in mouse cortex. Rosehip cells in layer 1 make homotypic gap junctions, predominantly target apical dendritic shafts of layer 3 pyramidal neurons, and inhibit backpropagating pyramidal action potentials in microdomains of the dendritic tuft. These cells are therefore positioned for potent local control of distal dendritic computation in cortical pyramidal neurons.The authors use single-nucleus RNA-seq to identify 10 GABAergic interneuron subtypes in human cortex layer 1. Molecular, morphological, and physiological evidence points to an emerging human cell type, the rosehip cell, not found in other species.

New geothermal well-completion and rework technology by laser

Our research team has developed a new well completion and rework technology involving lasers. The system is made up of a high-power laser generator and a custom-designed directional laser drilling head. The laser head is attached to a coiled tubing unit to maximize production and to carry out special downhole tasks. In this phase of the development effort, laser technology is particularly well suited to cost-efficiently drill short laterals from existing wells in a single work phase, drilling through the casing and cement as well as the formation. The technology, which is an extended perforation solution, enables a more intensive interaction with the downhole environment and supports cutting edge subsurface engineering scenarios such as barite removal. Laser-induced heat treatment appears to be a suitable alternative to effectively remove the almost immovable deposits and scales from thermal water-well pipes.

Calibration process for groundwater flow model of a river influenced shallow aquifer

Understanding and simulating the interaction of groundwater and surface water is essential to hydrologists. Water supply and water quality aspects are a few examples of common water-resource issues where understanding the interconnections of groundwater and surface water is fundamental to develop an effective water-resource management and policy. In our study a detailed investigation of a riverbank aquifer was performed to be able to simulate and predict the behavior of the flow system. The continuous hydraulic head measurements in the area of interest showed strong influence on the hydraulic head field caused by intensively changing river head at a distance from the river up to 3,500 m. Based on the results steady state and transient flow calculations were compared, and a great effort has been made to ensure that the model more precisely describe the time and space variable flow field. Beside fulfilling the standard calibration requirements, a multi-step calibration process was performed.

The effect of thermal water aeration and water—rock interaction

This paper aims at determining the behavior of thermal water brought to surface and how this might impact reinjection wells and the rock during reinjection. The biggest problem is that reinjection wells are predisposed to choking. We searched for a method to examine this process, including a model for physico-chemical changes in the water—rock interaction. Two different samples of powdered rock (designated α and β) were analyzed using thermal water samples from production and reinjection wells. The pH shows significant differences between the samples from wells where free water treatment was carried out, and those from the aerated thermal waters, as well as for the rock sample. Basically, a decrease in sediment volume can be obtained by increasing the pH. The salt effect was more coherent. Its result was an interesting case of W-shaped graphs from the producing well. On the other hand there is virtually no difference between the samples with acid titration.

Recent trends and activities in hydrogeologic research at the University of Miskolc, Hungary

The Institute of Environmental Management at the University of Miskolc, as a major Hungarian research entity in groundwater management, is dedicated to finding solutions to regional issues of global sustainable water resource management challenges, thus further developing its scope of groundwater management competence. WELLaHEAD is an EU-funded fundamental research program coordinated by the faculty members of the institute, covering a broad spectrum of relevant groundwater related research topics based on Northern Hungarian test sites. The research concept is described in the detailed Research Plan of the project, and after 14 project months some of intermediate results can be presented from three research modules.