bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scale Modelling, Prediction and Management Strategy in High-Temperature High Salinity Reservoir in Middle East
Authors: Wu Bohong , Wang Jingyao , Shi Shuzhe , Zhang Yanna , Nie Zhen , Li Yong
Published: September 2023

High salinity produced water leads to serious scaling deposition issues along the wellbore in N oilfield, Middle East. It’s important to model the scale deposition tendency, investigate the scale mechanism inside tubing strings, propose the technical proposals for scaling mitigation and treatment.

Scaling has been identified in more than 20 producers in the field. The scale mechanism was summarized and well-analyzed based on well conditions, production history, water chemistry, the composition of the reservoir fluid, and composition of scale sample, etc. A conceptual scale model was established to predict the scale tendency under different conditions. The scale composition is a mixture of organic and inorganic (mainly iron compounds and CaCO3). The iron compounds are the byproducts of the tubing string corrosion. The high content of CO2/H2S and the high salinity formation water led to the corrosion of the tubing. This is also proved by the corrosion rate prediction results. With temperature and pressure changes in the production process, CaCO3 is gradually formed and deposited on the tubing wall.

Comprehensive scale mitigation and prevention proposals are proposed based on water chemistry, scale mechanism, scale severity, well structure and well condition in the field. Two field case studies are conducted and focused on fit-for-purpose scale removal and prevention proposals. In the first case study, we proposed to utilize organic retarded acid with strong permeability, high efficiency, and low corrosive from the tubing to soak and dissolve the scale to maximize scale removal results with marginal cost and low HSE risk. In the second case study, we proposed an advanced high-temperature scale inhibitor into the well bottom through a special-designed capillary chemical injection system for scale deposition prevention in the field.

This paper elaborated proposed integrated scale management strategy and approach which can be adopted to effectively remove tubing scale deposition and prevent downhole and surface scale deposition issues with marginal cost in high salinity high-temperature carbonate reservoirs.
Aerodynamic Shape Optimization of Offshore Wind Turbine Blades
Authors: Li Jichao , Le Quang Tuyen , Dao My Ha
Published: September 2023

Aerodynamic shape optimization of wind turbine blades is a promising way to improve wind energy collection efficiency. As aerodynamic analyses using high-fidelity CFD is computationally expensive, it is difficult to optimize the complicated three-dimensional blade shape in various wind conditions efficiently and robustly. To solve the issue, we present an efficient wind turbine blade shape optimization method using deep learning. The optimization framework involves the feasible-domain-reformulation based modal parameterization method to reduce the number of geometric design variables for wind turbine blade optimization (from hundreds to tens), a data-driven blade element momentum solver—data-driven CCBlade to reduce the computational cost of aerodynamic analyses. The framework is demonstrated in single-point optimization of the NREL 5 MW wind turbine blade to improve its power coefficient at the rated wind and rotation speed. The optimization result is further validated by high-fidelity CFD, showing the effectiveness of the presented optimization method.
Influence of Hydrodynamic Damping Model on Floater and Mooring Responses of 10MW Class Floating Offshore Wind Turbine
Authors: Kim Eungsoo , Kim Dongeun , Poguluri Sunny Kumar , Bae Yoon Hyeok , Ha Yoon-Jin , Park Ji Yong , Kim Jeongbin
Published: September 2023

In this study, the influence of the hydrodynamic damping model of the semi-submersible type floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) on the floater and mooring dynamics were verified numerically and experimentally. Most of the FOWT substructures currently being developed are semi-submersible type and consist of a combination of multiple pontoons and vertical columns. These structures submerged in the sea water undergo dynamic behavior in the fluid domain under the influence of waves and currents. The drag force due to the shape of the structure and the damping force due to the viscosity of the fluid act in a complex way to affect the dynamic motion of the floater. In the initial stage of design, an integrated load analysis is performed to estimate the response characteristics of the structure. At this time, if an appropriate level of drag coefficient or damping coefficient is not applied to the floating structure, the motion of the floating body may be underestimated or overestimated. Since this affects the reliability of the entire structure, it is very important to select an appropriate damping model that can simulate the damping characteristics of the actual structure as closely as possible. The floating substructure used in this study is a semi-submersible type composed of three outer columns and one center column, and a DTU 10MW turbine is mounted at the center column. To design the optimal damping model for the 1/36 scale model, a combination of experiments and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was used. The linear and quadratic damping coefficients were determined by analyzing the results of free decay experiments conducted in calm water. These coefficients were applicable to the time-domain solution. The nonlinear Morison drag coefficient was obtained through a uniform flow field test using CFD. The characteristics of the obtained damping models were compared, and an appropriate combination method was proposed. Its validity was confirmed by applying it to the floating substructure.
A Preliminary Study on Design Optimisation of Submerged Floating Tunnels
Authors: Lin Wei , Tian Yinghui , Cassidy Mark J.
Published: September 2023

This paper systematically studies the submerged floating tunnel, a concept initially proposed in the 19th century, only sporadically built, but possibly more viable potential in the future. The first part of this paper presents a literature review on submerged floating tunnel concepts with different design variables, where various type, plane alignment, cross-sections, tethers, and anchoring systems are discussed. Critical parameters for potential design are discussed, including submergence depth, Buoyancy-Weight-Ratio, and cross-section dimensions. The second part introduces an optimisation model of the complex engineering system of submerged floating tunnel, with a balanced approach to address appropriate type selection, weight balance consideration, structural deflection, tether capacity and slack prevention, and uplift/sliding stability of gravity type foundation taken. With given environmental parameters of water depth, crossing length, and wave/current characteristics, the optimal solution with minimum cost is obtained, with design variables including the tunnel’s outer and inner diameters, tether’s diameter and layout, and anchor mass optimised.
Investigation of Container Ship Structural Dynamic Ultimate Strength Under Combined Bending, Torsion and Lateral Pressure
Authors: Zhang Weilong , Cui Jinju , Wang Deyu
Published: September 2023

The dynamic ultimate strength of ship structure has been paid more and more attention by researchers as an important parameter to evaluate ship maximum capacity. Due to the influence of inertia effect and stress wave effect and so on, the dynamic ultimate strength is more complicated than the static ultimate strength, whose determination needs to consider all aspects to get more accurate results. Therefore, this research takes the hull girder model of container ship as the research object, and mainly studies the dynamic ultimate strength of the hull girder based on the nonlinear finite element method. Firstly, the dynamic ultimate strength of the hull girder under the slamming moment load is studied, and it is found that the dynamic ultimate strength of the hull girder decreases with the increase of the slamming duration. Considering the load of the ship within actual sea states, the dynamic strength of the hull girder under the combined influence of lateral pressure on the bottom of the ship, the torsion of the hull girder and the slamming load are explored. Finally, it is found that the lateral pressure and the torsion of the hull girder are two unfavorable factors, which will reduce the dynamic ultimate strength of the hull girder to a certain extent.
A Combined Maneuvering and Seakeeping Model for the ONR Tumblehome
Authors: Oladele Omotayo , Lambert William , Brizzolara Stefano
Published: September 2023

The paper presents a series of simulation results obtained with an integrated time-domain seakeeping and maneuvering dynamic model for the self-propelled ONR Thumblehome vessel in waves. A four degrees of freedom (surge/sway/yaw/roll) lumped-parameter model for maneuvering in calm water is first developed and verified against results obtained from another system based model. Memory effects due to radiated waves and incident wave induced forces are then incorporated into the maneuvering model to be able to simulate the maneuvers of the same ship in waves. The proposed combined maneuvering/seakeeping model is validated against available experimental results on the self-propelled ONR-T model using zigzag tests in head and following waves. Special attention is given to the analysis of the transient loading of the propellers when the ship executes a 20/20 zig-zag maneuvers in calm water and in waves.
Riemann-Hilbert Formulation and Solution of Nonlinear Shallow-Water Wave Equations: Nonlocal Dbar Problem as a Unified Approach to Computing Exact Solutions in the Time Domain
Authors: Nabelek Patrik , Yim Solomon C.
Published: September 2023

Linear wave theories and stochastic linear wave spectra are foundational to ocean and coastal engineering. However, there are some important limitations with linear wave theories, and some of which were originally observed experimentally more than a century ago by John Scott Russell. Nonlinearities will cause the linear wave spectra to evolve in time and space as waves move across a basin, or as waves evolve in the ocean and coastal waters, and in coastal channels. Using a nonlinear wave theory can therefore allow researchers and engineers to better capture the dynamic nature of the ocean waves. Common classical nonlinear wave theories include the (2+1)D KP equation and the (1+1)D Korteweg-de Fries (KdV) equation. As described by Osborne [2010], the invariance nature of these nonlinear wave equations can be characterized in an exact manner by their corresponding nonlinear frequency or wave-number spectrum parallel to the linear case. A nonlocal dbar model was used by Ablowitz, Bar-Yaacov and Fokas [1983], and Zakharov and Manakov [1984] to solve the KP equation by the inverse scattering transform (IST). In this study we discuss the use of the nonlocal dbar problem (NDP) to compute the soliton solutions by the inverse scattering transform, and finite-genus solutions to the KdV equation, and undular bores (dispersive shockwaves). We also discuss the use of NDP to produce soliton solutions and the calculation of periodic finite-genus solutions to the KP equation using Riemann theta functions and complex algebraic geometry.
Classification of Sensor Measurements From Non-Newtonian Fluids Using Batch and Online Analysis of Data
Authors: Sheriff M. Ziyan , Nounou Mohamed N. , Rahman Mohammad A. , Hassan Ibrahim , Nounou Hazem N.
Published: September 2023

With recent technological advancements most industrial processes collect an abundance of process data from sensors. Sensible utilization and interpretation of collected data is increasingly important. A primary objective of this work is to evaluate the potential of using only differential pressure measurements to classify operating flow rates of non-Newtonian fluids for single phase and multiphase flow conditions using both batch and online methods of data analysis. This was accomplished by using statistical tests and charts to monitor changes in the process mean and variance. For batch analysis, the two-sample t-test and the F-test for equality of variance provided classification accuracies of 100%, despite the presence of measurement noise, while advanced statistical hypothesis testing techniques, namely the generalized and exponential likelihood ratio charts, performed well for online analysis.
Efficiency Evaluation of Resources Allocation in Port Cluster in the Yangtze River Delta Area Based on DEA-BCC Model
Authors: Zhou Yong , Lian Wenkang
Published: September 2023

Evaluation of port efficiency is the basic work of optimizing port resource allocation. In order to accurately and effectively evaluate the efficiency of the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) port cluster, a three-stage DEA model is used to empirically analyze the efficiency of 31 ports in the YRD port cluster from 2016 to 2020 on the basis of dividing the ports at different hierarchies. The following results can be obtained: first, from an overall perspective, the ports in the YRD have not reached the efficiency frontier, and the efficiency of ports at different hierarchies varies significantly; second, the pure technical efficiency of the port cluster is gradually improving; third, after excluding the influence of environmental and stochastic factors, the comprehensive efficiency of shipping center, main hub and major ports has improved, but the comprehensive efficiency of general ports has decreased. Finally, suggestions for improvement are proposed based on the existing efficiency of the YRD port cluster.
2d Wave Spectra Forecast Correction Applying Machine Learning
Authors: Primo Bruno V. , Achete Fernanda M. , Kaji Aline , Barbosa Nicholas , Ramiro André , Salvio Filipe
Published: September 2023

This paper describes the Wave Spectra Correction (WASCO). The WASCO methodology is based on the combination of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and multiple linear regression between in situ data (PNBOIA) and numerical model results from hindcast (ERA5) and forecast.

Analysis of the WASCO show poor performance for low spectra energy, but consistent improvement for high energy spectra. An important benefit of WASCO product is the applicability to other regions worldwide, since it is not dependent on local parameters.

The corrected reanalysis and forecast show a consistent error reduction when comparing with the non corrected pairs. For the forecast, MAE is reduced by 49.4%; the total RMSE and the frequency and direction integrated RMSE are reduced by 55%, 48.6% and 22%, respectively.
A New Method for Valuing Nontraditional Stakeholder Parameters in Novel Power Systems Analysis
Authors: Nagy D. A. , Shadle Lawrence J. , Hovsapian Rob , Mohanpurkar Manish , Tucker D.
Published: September 2023

Unregulated electricity markets have shifted to a five minute time period. Generation asset (GA) valuation calculations do not take these changes and several emerging factors into account when valuing electricity GAs. A dynamic Levelized Cost of Electricity (d-LCOE) was developed to accommodate the dynamics of the electrical power markets. In addition, traditional multi-objective optimization methods have been modified to include nontraditional stakeholder parameters in valuing a project, both from a parametric sensitivity and constraint point of view. Factors are integrated into a traditional LCOE to include inputs from stakeholders such that the application of the model can be geographically accommodated and technology agnostic [12]. By aggregating factors into costs and revenues, a generic valuation framework is posed to compare different technologies in situations where nontraditional inputs can be considered by decisionmakers for financing novel power generation.
An antibody-based molecular switch for continuous small-molecule biosensing
Authors: Thompson Ian A.P. , Saunders Jason , Zheng Liwei , Hariri Amani A. , Maganzini Nicolò , Cartwright Alyssa P. , Pan Jing , Yee Steven , Dory Constantin , Eisenstein Michael , Vuckovic Jelena , Soh Hyongsok Tom
Published: September 2023

We present a generalizable approach for designing biosensors that can continuously detect small-molecule biomarkers in real time and without sample preparation. This is achieved by converting existing antibodies into target-responsive “antibody-switches” that enable continuous optical biosensing. To engineer these switches, antibodies are linked to a molecular competitor through a DNA scaffold, such that competitive target binding induces scaffold switching and fluorescent signaling of changing target concentrations. As a demonstration, we designed antibody-switches that achieve rapid, sample preparation–free sensing of digoxigenin and cortisol in undiluted plasma. We showed that, by substituting the molecular competitor, we can further modulate the sensitivity of our cortisol switch to achieve detection at concentrations spanning 3.3 nanomolar to 3.3 millimolar. Last, we integrated this switch with a fiber optic sensor to achieve continuous sensing of cortisol in a buffer and blood with <5-min time resolution. We believe that this modular sensor design can enable continuous biosensor development for many biomarkers.
Mitochondria-ER contact mediated by MFN2-SERCA2 interaction supports CD8
+
T cell metabolic fitness and function in tumors
Authors: Yang Jie-Feng , Xing Xudong , Luo Li , Zhou Xin-Wei , Feng Jian-Xiong , Huang Kang-Bo , Liu Huashan , Jin Shanzhao , Liu Yi-Na , Zhang Shi-Hui , Pan Yi-Hui , Yu Bing , Yang Jin-Yu , Cao Yu-Lu , Cao Yun , Yang Cliff Y. , Wang Yuan , Zhang Yuxia , Li Jiang , Xia Xiaojun , Kang Tiebang , Xu Rui-Hua , Lan Ping , Luo Jun-Hang , Han Hui , Bai Fan , Gao Song
Published: September 2023

Metabolic fitness of T cells is essential for their vitality, which is largely dependent on the behavior of the mitochondria. The nature of mitochondrial behavior in tumor-infiltrating T cells remains poorly understood. In this study, we show that mitofusin-2 (MFN2) expression is positively correlated with the prognosis of multiple cancers. Genetic ablation of
Mfn2
in CD8
+
T cells dampens mitochondrial metabolism and function and promotes tumor progression. In tumor-infiltrating CD8
+
T cells, MFN2 enhances mitochondria–endoplasmic reticulum (ER) contact by interacting with ER-embedded Ca
2+
-ATPase SERCA2, facilitating the mitochondrial Ca
2+
influx required for efficient mitochondrial metabolism. MFN2 stimulates the ER Ca
2+
retrieval activity of SERCA2, thereby preventing excessive mitochondrial Ca
2+
accumulation and apoptosis. Elevating mitochondria-ER contact by increasing MFN2 in CD8
+
T cells improves the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Thus, we reveal a tethering-and-buffering mechanism of organelle cross-talk that regulates the metabolic fitness of tumor-infiltrating CD8
+
T cells and highlights the therapeutic potential of enhancing MFN2 expression to optimize T cell function.
Research Ready: a student-initiated workshop model for developing foundational research skills
Authors: Sivarajah Nivetha , Irranious Jenevan A. , Krishnamoorthy Sivagini , Kalaineethan Thayaparan , Kugathasan Deluxeani , Sivanantham Uventhikka , McMillan Mary E. , Ketheesan Natkunam
Published: September 2023

Travel restrictions, pandemics, economic downturn, and increasing costs in organizing workshops all impact on face-to-face training of undergraduates planning to undertake research. The inability to obtain basic, first-hand information regarding research in practice causes undue stress for students and leads to unrealistic expectations regarding research projects. Here, we describe how a student initiated online workshop, co-designed by a group of undergraduate leaders in conjunction with a panel of international academic researchers, and enabled the delivery of an introductory workshop on research training to meet student needs. Post-workshop, over 80%–95% of the participants rated their understanding of different aspects of research in practice as either being good or excellent. The design of this workshop provides an innovative template, in particular for resource-restricted countries, on how student-initiated workshops with multi-institutional academic collaboration could enhance training in research practice.
Nearly complete genome sequence of a
Perhabdovirus
isolated on European perch (
Perca fluviatili
s)
Authors: Pallandre Laurane , Flores Doriana , Pozet Françoise , Bigarré Laurent
Published: September 2023

We report a nearly full-length genome of a
Perhabdovirus
isolated in 2022 on perch on a French farm. This virus is genetically related to virus 20/43, which was associated with an outbreak of perch on a farm in France in 2019. Both viruses represent a specific lineage of perch rhabdovirus.
Comparative genomics analysis of three conserved plasmid families in the Western Hemisphere soft tick-borne relapsing fever borreliae provides insight into variation in genome structure and antigenic variation systems
Authors: Kneubehl Alexander R. , Lopez Job E.
Published: September 2023

Borrelia
spirochetes, causative agents of Lyme disease and relapsing fever (RF), have uniquely complex genomes, consisting of a linear chromosome and both circular and linear plasmids. The plasmids harbor genes important for the vector-host life cycle of these tick-borne bacteria. The role of plasmids from Lyme disease causing spirochetes is more refined compared to RF
Borrelia
because of limited plasmid-resolved genome assemblies for the latter. We recently addressed this limitation and found that three linear plasmid families (F6, F27, and F28) were syntenic across all the RF
Borrelia
species that we examined. Given this conservation, we further investigated the three plasmid families. The F6 family, also known as the megaplasmid, contained regions of repetitive DNA. The F27 was the smallest, encoding genes with unknown function. The F28 family encoded the putative expression locus for antigenic variation in all species except
Borrelia hermsii
and
Borrelia anserina
. Taken together, this work provides a foundation for future investigations to identify essential plasmid-localized genes that drive the vector-host life cycle of RF
Borrelia
.

IMPORTANCE

Borrelia
spp. spirochetes are arthropod-borne bacteria found globally that infect humans and other vertebrates. RF borreliae are understudied and misdiagnosed pathogens because of the vague clinical presentation of disease and the elusive feeding behavior of argasid ticks. Consequently, genomics resources for RF spirochetes have been limited. Analyses of
Borrelia
plasmids have been challenging because they are often highly fragmented and unassembled in most available genome assemblies. By utilizing Oxford Nanopore Technologies, we recently generated plasmid-resolved genome assemblies for seven
Borrelia
spp. found in the Western Hemisphere. This current study is an in-depth investigation into the linear plasmids that were conserved and syntenic across species. We identified differences in genome structure and, importantly, in antigenic variation systems between species. This work is an important step in identifying crucial plasmid-localized genetic elements essential for the life cycle of RF spirochetes.
In vitro
activity of new combinations of β-lactam and β-lactamase inhibitors against the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex
Authors: Economou Lundeberg Elin , Andersson Viktoria , Wijkander Maria , Groenheit Ramona , Mansjö Mikael , Werngren Jim , Cortes Teresa , Barilar Ivan , Niemann Stefan , Merker Matthias , Köser Claudio U. , Davies Forsman Lina
Published: September 2023

As meropenem-clavulanic acid is recommended for the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis, the repurposing of new carbapenem combinations may provide new treatment options, including oral alternatives. Therefore, we studied the
in vitro
activities of meropenem-vaborbactam, meropenem-clavulanic acid, and tebipenem-clavulanic acid. One hundred nine
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTBC) clinical isolates were tested, of which 69 were pan-susceptible and the remaining pyrazinamide- or multidrug-resistant. Broth microdilution MICs were determined using the EUCAST reference method. Meropenem and tebipenem were tested individually and in combination with vaborbactam 8 mg/L and clavulanic-acid 2 and 4 mg/L, respectively. Whole-genome sequencing was performed to explore resistance mechanisms. Clavulanic acid lowered the modal tebipenem MIC approximately 16-fold (from 16 to 1 mg/L). The modal meropenem MIC was reduced twofold by vaborbactam compared with an approximately eightfold decrease by clavulanic acid. The only previously described high-confidence carbapenem resistance mutation,
crfA
T62A, was shared by a subgroup of lineage 4.3.4.1 isolates and did not correlate with elevated MICs. The presence of a β-lactamase inhibitor reduced the MTBC MICs of tebipenem and meropenem. The resulting MIC distribution was lowest for the orally available drugs tebipenem-clavulanic acid. Whether this
in vitro
activity translates to similar or greater clinical efficacy of tebipenem-clavulanic acid compared with the currently WHO-endorsed meropenem-clavulanic acid requires clinical studies.

IMPORTANCE

Repurposing of already approved antibiotics, such as β-lactams in combination with β-lactamase inhibitors, may provide new treatment alternatives for drug-resistant tuberculosis. Meropenem-clavulanic acid was more active
in vitro
compared to meropenem-vaborbactam. Notably, tebipenem-clavulanic acid showed even better activity, raising the potential of an all-oral treatment option. Clinical data are needed to investigate whether the better
in vitro
activity of tebipenem-clavulanic acid correlates with greater clinical efficacy compared with the currently WHO-endorsed meropenem-clavulanic acid.
Oral fosfomycin for treatment of acute bacterial prostatitis caused by multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales
Authors: Burgos Joaquin , Hoyos-Mallecot Yannick , Ferre-Losa Carles , Arando Maider , Monforte Arnau , Pumarola Tomas , Los-Arcos Ibai , Falcó Vicenç
Published: September 2023

To assess the feasibility of oral fosfomycin-tromethamine (FT) for the management of acute bacterial prostatitis (ABP) caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Enterobacterales. An observational study of adult patients diagnosed with ABP from Vall d’Hebron University Hospital (Barcelona, Spain), treated with oral FT. The primary outcome was clinical cure defined as symptom relief at the control visit, 2–4 weeks post-end of treatment. Secondary outcomes included microbiological cure, relapse, and adverse events related to the treatment. Eighteen patients with ABP caused by Enterobacterales (15
Escherichia coli
and three
Klebsiella pneumoniae
) were included. Microorganisms were MDR bacteria [14 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers and two carbapenemase producing
K. pneumoniae
]. Patients received treatment with FT 3 g/48 hours during a median of 14 days (Q25–Q75, 12–17.75). Fifteen patients received a lead-in phase of intravenous suitable antimicrobial during a median of 7 days (Q25–Q75, 3.75–8). No patient had to stop treatment due to adverse events, and the only side effect reported in two patients was diarrhea. Clinical cure was achieved in all (18/18) patients and microbiological cure in 11/12 patients. After a median of follow-up of 5 months (Q25–Q75, 2–11), 2/18 patients relapsed with an orchitis and a new episode of ABP. FT is an attractive step-down therapy for ABP in patients with resistance or side effects to first-line drugs. The availability of oral treatment could reduce the use of the carbapenems, with a benefit in the quality of life of the patient, health costs, and an ecological impact.

IMPORTANCE

We present a brief but largest and interesting experience in which we use fosfomycin-tromethamine (FT) for the treatment of acute bacterial prostatitis (ABP) due to multiresistant bacteria. Our study provides new data that help to consider FT as a plausible alternative for treating ABP in patients with resistance or side effects to first-line drugs. The availability of an alternative oral treatment to avoid the use of the carbapenems could have important benefits in terms of quality of life of the patient, health costs, and an ecological impact.
Supplemental Material: Lateral and vertical characteristics of floodplain aggradation cycles in the lower Eocene Willwood Formation, Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, USA
Authors: Wang Youwei , et al.
Published: September 2023

Supplemental Text S1: More detailed workflow about the coefficient of variation (CV) calculation. Supplemental Text S2: More detailed workflow about the calculation and application of compensational stacking index. Table S1: Geostatistical features of thicknesses of different floodplain aggradation cycles. Figure S1: Example data distribution and schematic illustration of variogram components. Figure S2: An example showing how CV is calculated. 
Supplemental Material: Tectonics of the Paleoproterozoic Rinkian orogen, central West Greenland
Authors: Guarnieri Pierpaolo , et al.
Published: September 2023

Table S1: Geochronology data table with U-Th-Pb data from zircons. Table S2: Geochemistry data tables with geochemistry data from siliciclastic, magmatic, and volcanic rocks.
Non-Immunoglobulin Synthetic Binding Proteins for Oncology
Authors: David Temitope I. , Pestov Nikolay B. , Korneenko Tatyana V. , Barlev Nikolai A.
Published: September 2023

Extensive application of technologies like phage display in screening peptide and protein combinatorial libraries has not only facilitated creation of new recombinant antibodies but has also significantly enriched repertoire of the protein binders that have polypeptide scaffolds without homology to immunoglobulins. These innovative synthetic binding protein (SBP) platforms have grown in number and now encompass monobodies/adnectins, DARPins, lipocalins/anticalins, and a variety of miniproteins such as affibodies and knottins, among others. They serve as versatile modules for developing complex affinity tools that hold promise in both diagnostic and therapeutic settings. An optimal scaffold typically has low molecular weight, minimal immunogenicity, and demonstrates resistance against various challenging conditions, including proteolysis – making it potentially suitable for peroral administration. Retaining functionality under reducing intracellular milieu is also advantageous. However, paramount to its functionality is the scaffold’s ability to tolerate mutations across numerous positions, allowing for the formation of a sufficiently large target binding region. This is achieved through the library construction, screening, and subsequent expression in an appropriate system. Scaffolds that exhibit high thermodynamic stability are especially coveted by the developers of new SBPs. These are steadily making their way into clinical settings, notably as antagonists of oncoproteins in signaling pathways. This review surveys the diverse landscape of SBPs, placing particular emphasis on the inhibitors targeting the oncoprotein KRAS, and highlights groundbreaking opportunities for SBPs in oncology.
Congenital myopathy presenting as recurrent pneumonia with lung collapse and pulmonary artery hypertension
Authors: Vardhan Anand , Singh Devina , Tripathi Shalini , Kumar Mala , Singhai Atin
Published: September 2023

A boy presented with cough, breathlessness for 1 month, fever for 1 week with similar previous episodes without hospitalisation. He had generalised muscle wasting, acute chronic malnutrition and required immediate ventilation. Provisional diagnosis of recurrent pneumonia with failure to thrive was made. As serial chest X-rays showed recurrent lung collapse, congenital lung anomalies were ruled out. 2D-echocardiography showed pulmonary arterial hypertension. Workup for congenital immunodeficiency and cystic fibrosis was negative. There was no improvement in muscle mass despite total parenteral nutrition. He was noticed to have myopathic facies. History was reviewed when the mother reported reduced fetal movements in this pregnancy. The patient had low voice amplitude. Creatine kinase levels were normal. Muscle biopsy followed by whole exome sequencing identified frameshift duplication NM_020451.3(SELENON):c.249_250dupGG (p.Asp84Glyfs*17), thus, confirming diagnosis of SEPN1-related congenital myopathy (CM) with fibre-type disproportion. Respiratory system involvement was distracter, emphasising consideration of CM while evaluating persistent lung collapse with muscle wasting.
Machine learning-based integration develops a metabolism-derived consensus model for improving immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Guo Yongdong , Wang Ronglin , Shi Jingjie , Yang Cheng , Ma Peixiang , Min Jie , Zhao Ting , Hua Lei , Song Yang , Li Junqiang , Su Haichuan
Published: September 2023

Background

Pancreatic cancer (PAC) is one of the most malignant cancer types and immunotherapy has emerged as a promising treatment option. PAC cells undergo metabolic reprogramming, which is thought to modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME) and affect immunotherapy outcomes. However, the metabolic landscape of PAC and its association with the TME remains largely unexplored.

Methods

We characterized the metabolic landscape of PAC based on 112 metabolic pathways and constructed a novel metabolism-related signature (MBS) using data from 1,188 patients with PAC. We evaluated the predictive performance of MBS for immunotherapy outcomes in 11 immunotherapy cohorts from both bulk-RNA and single-cell perspectives. We validated our results using immunohistochemistry, western blotting, colony-formation assays, and an in-house cohort.

Results

MBS was found to be negatively associated with antitumor immunity, while positively correlated with cancer stemness, intratumoral heterogeneity, and immune resistant pathways. Notably, MBS outperformed other acknowledged signatures for predicting immunotherapy response in multiple immunotherapy cohorts. Additionally, MBS was a powerful and robust biomarker for predicting prognosis compared with 66 published signatures. Further, we identified dasatinib and epothilone B as potential therapeutic options for MBS-high patients, which were validated through experiments.

Conclusions

Our study provides insights into the mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance in PAC and introduces MBS as a robust metabolism-based indicator for predicting response to immunotherapy and prognosis in patients with PAC. These findings have significant implications for the development of personalized treatment strategies in patients with PAC and highlight the importance of considering metabolic pathways and immune infiltration in TME regulation.
Percutaneous Closure Device for the Carotid artery: An integrated review and design analysis
Authors: Bhatia Shovan , Riccobono Giancarlo , Lima Nicholas J , Cruz Joshua T , Prusener Derek W , Domingo Ricardo , Ghaith Abdul Karim , Rios-Zermeno Jorge , Kashyap Samir , Tawk Rabih G
Published: September 2023

Endovascular thrombectomies (EVTs) are the current standard of care therapy for treating acute ischemic strokes. While access through the femoral or radial arteries is routine, up to 20% of EVTs through these sites are unable to access the cerebral vasculature on the first pass. These shortcomings are commonly due to tortuous vasculature, atherosclerotic arteries, and type III aortic arch, seen especially in the elderly population. Recent studies have shown the benefits of accessing the cerebral vasculature through a percutaneous direct carotid puncture (DCP), which can reduce the time of the procedure by half. However, current vascular closure devices (VCDs) designed for the femoral artery are not suited to close the carotid artery due to the anatomical differences. This unmet clinical need further limits a DCP approach. Thus, to foster safe adoption of this potential approach, a VCD designed specifically for the carotid artery is needed. In this review, we outline the major biomechanical properties and shortcomings of current VCDs and propose the requirements necessary to effectively design and develop a carotid closure device.
A record of the Steptoean Positive Carbon Isotope Excursion (SPICE; Cambrian, Paibian) from the Cow Head Group, western Newfoundland
Authors: Westrop Stephen R. , Engel Michael H.
Published: September 2023

Analysis of biostratigraphically dated boulders demonstrates that the Steptoean Positive Carbon Isotope Excursion (SPICE) is recorded in debris flow conglomerates of the Downes Point Member of the Shallow Bay Formation in western Newfoundland. Fifteen boulders composed of bioclastic carbonates were assigned to five faunas based on assemblages of agnostids and trilobites. The Glyptagnostus reticulatus and “ Innitagnostus” inexpectans faunas correlate into strata that record the rising limb of the SPICE in its type area of Nevada and Utah, whereas equivalents of the Acmarhachis kindlei   Fauna lie in the interval that records peak δ13C values. The Crepicephalus and Triorygma burkhalteri faunas correlate into pre- and post-SPICE strata, respectively. δ13C values for boulders from the three faunas correlative with the SPICE are significantly higher than “background” levels of the pre- and post-SPICE boulders, but the maximum value in the A. kindlei   Fauna (1.5‰) is less than half of the peak values recorded in Nevada and Utah. The values are, however, in line with those reported from the Port au Port Peninsula of Newfoundland, which reach 2.2‰. The differences in magnitude between Newfoundland and Nevada–Utah hint at differences in the expression of the SPICE in different geographic regions of the Laurentian continent that might reflect oceanographic conditions.
Development of local density perturbation technique to identify cracking points in f(R, T) gravity
Authors: Malik Adnan , Shafaq Attiya , Koussour M. , Yousaf Z.
Published: September 2023

This paper investigate the impacts of local density perturbations on the stability of self-gravitating compact objects by utilizing cracking technique within the context of f(R, T) gravity, where R and T represent the Ricci scalar, and the trace of energy–momentum, respectively. To achieve this, we developed the hydrostatic equilibrium equation for spherically symmetric spacetime with anisotropic matter configuration and subsequently applied the Krori–Barua spacetime coefficient. Subsequently, the hydrostatic equilibrium equation of the configuration is perturbed by employing the local density perturbations to the system, while considering a barotropic equation of state. To ascertain the validity of the proposed technique, we applied it to several compact stars, including, Her X-1, SAX J1808.4-3658, 4U 1820-30, PSR J1614-2230, Vela X-1, Cen X-3, and RXJ1856-37 and found that all the considered stars exhibit cracking or overturning. This study conclusively highlights the significance of the cracking technique in providing valuable insights into the stability analysis of self-gravitating compact objects.
Exploring the electronic transport, magnetic, and optical properties of strongly correlated systems: A numerical analytical continuation approach
Authors: Rai R. K. , Kaphle G. C. , Ray R. B. , Niraula O. P.
Published: September 2023

The electronic, magnetic and optical properties of the double perovskites Ca2NiOsO6 and Fe-doped derivative were calculated using the full potential linearized augmented plane wave technique through the GGA + U with PBE exchange correlation functionals. The calculations show that both of the systems are half-metallic with Fe-doped system as a ferromagnet, whereas the undoped system shows the ferrimagnetic ordering. Additionally, the study is extended for calculating the Mott parameters through dynamical mean field theory (DMFT) with the maximum entropy model (MEM). It is found that the MIT model parameters (U, [Formula: see text]) for Ca2NiOsO6 and Ca2Fe[Formula: see text]Ni[Formula: see text]OsO6 systems are (5.7[Formula: see text]eV, 6.0[Formula: see text](eV)[Formula: see text]) and (6.0[Formula: see text]eV, 6.0[Formula: see text](eV)[Formula: see text]), respectively. Furthermore, the calculations agree with optical Drude peak analysis. The optical conductivity, reflectivity, absorptivity, ELOSS function, dielectric function refractive index and sum-rule are also explored in relation to the photoinduced behaviors of the materials.
SUBSETS OF POSITIVE AND FINITE MULTIFRACTAL MEASURES
Authors: ATTIA NAJMEDDINE , SELMI BILEL
Published: September 2023

Sets of infinite multifractal measures are awkward to work with, and reducing them to sets of positive finite multifractal measures is a very useful simplification. The aim of this paper is to show that the multifractal Hausdorff measures satisfy the “subset of positive and finite measure” property. We apply our main result to prove that the multifractal function dimension is defined as the supremum over the multifractal dimension of all Borel probability measures.
A NEW ESTIMATION OF BOX DIMENSION OF RIEMANN–LIOUVILLE FRACTIONAL CALCULUS OF CONTINUOUS FUNCTIONS
Authors: WU JUN-RU , JI ZHE , ZHANG KAI-CHAO
Published: September 2023

This paper establishes a linear relationship between the order of the Riemann–Liouville fractional calculus and the exponent of the Hölder condition, whether the Hölder condition is global, local, or at a single point. We propose and prove a control inequality between the Hölder derivative ([Formula: see text] as defined in Proposition 12) of a continuous function and the Hölder derivative of the Riemann–Liouville fractional calculus of this function. In addition, this paper provides a more accurate estimation of the Box dimension of the graph of the Riemann–Liouville fractional integral of an arbitrary continuous function. More specifically, it establishes the result that whenever there is a continuous function whose graph has the upper Box dimension [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], the graph of its Riemann–Liouville fractional integral of order [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text], has the upper Box dimension not greater than [Formula: see text].
Geoheritage and geoconservation in the American Midwest: Silurian reefs of the Milwaukee–Chicago region
Authors: Mikulic Donald G. , Kluessendorf Joanne
Published: September 2023

Paleozoic reefs were first identified by James
Hall (1862)
in the Silurian rocks of the American Midwest. Scientifically, they were crucial in defining ancient reefs, documenting the early history of this marine ecosystem, and interpreting regional stratigraphy, palaeogeography and palaeoecology. Schoonmaker Reef in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, is historically the most significant of these structures, as the first to be correctly identified as a ‘coral’ reef by exhibiting the transition between a reef mound and the surrounding seafloor. After nearly two hundred years of quarrying, Thornton Reef in Thornton, Illinois, is next in importance as it displays an unequalled three-dimensional exposure, demonstrating the impact of Silurian climate change on reef development. Silurian reefs were discovered and studied only through stone industry quarrying. Extensive nineteenth-century fossil collecting by local naturalists was also a key component in reef studies. These reefs are also an important part of the region's geoheritage, comprising elements of its economy, history, education and scenic landscape. Recognizing their scientific and historical importance, some reefs were part of geoconservation projects and are protected sites. However, other reefs and irreplaceable reef fossil collections need further initiatives to preserve the scientific value and historical legacy of these relatively small geological features.
Beyond Deep Fakes
Authors: Seymour Michael , Riemer Kai , Yuan Lingyao , Dennis Alan R.
Published: September 2023

A conceptual framework and research agenda for neural rendering of realistic digital faces.
Locating Everyday Objects Using NFC Textiles
Authors: Wang Jingxian , Zhang Junbo , Li Ke , Pan Chengfeng , Majidi Carmel , Kumar Swarun
Published: September 2023

This paper builds a Near-Field Communication (NFC) based localization system that allows ordinary surfaces to locate surrounding objects with high accuracy in the near-field. While there is rich prior work on device-free localization using far-field wireless technologies, the near-field is less explored. Prior work in this space operates at extremely small ranges (a few centimeters), leading to designs that sense close proximity rather than location. We propose TextileSense, a near-field beamforming system that can track everyday objects made of conductive materials (for example, a human hand) even if they are a few tens of centimeters away. We use multiple flexible NFC coil antennas embedded in ordinary and irregularly shaped surfaces we interact with in smart environments---furniture, carpets, and so forth. We design and fabricate specialized textile coils woven into the fabric of the furniture and easily hidden by acrylic paint. We then develop a near-field blind beam-forming algorithm to efficiently detect surrounding objects, and use a data-driven approach to further infer their location. A detailed experimental evaluation of TextileSense shows an average accuracy of 3.5 cm in tracking the location of objects of interest within a few tens of centimeters from the furniture.
Towards Safe Autonomy in Hybrid Traffic: Detecting Unpredictable Abnormal Behaviors of Human Drivers via Information Sharing
Authors: Wang Jiangwei , Su Lili , Han Songyang , Song Dongjin , Miao Fei
Published: September 2023

Hybrid traffic which involves both autonomous and human-driven vehicles would be the norm of the autonomous vehicles’ practice for a while. On the one hand, unlike autonomous vehicles, human-driven vehicles could exhibit sudden abnormal behaviors such as unpredictably switching to dangerous driving modes—putting its neighboring vehicles under risks; such undesired mode switching could arise from numbers of human driver factors, including fatigue, drunkenness, distraction, aggressiveness, and so on. On the other hand, modern vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication technologies enable the autonomous vehicles to efficiently and reliably share the scarce run-time information with each other [
1
]. In this article, we propose, to the best of our knowledge, the first efficient algorithm that can (1) significantly improve trajectory prediction by effectively fusing the run-time information shared by surrounding autonomous vehicles, and can (2) accurately and quickly detect abnormal human driving mode switches or abnormal driving behavior with formal assurance without hurting human drivers’ privacy.

To validate our proposed algorithm, we first evaluate our proposed trajectory predictor on NGSIM and Argoverse datasets and show that our proposed predictor outperforms the baseline methods. Then through extensive experiments on SUMO simulator, we show that our proposed algorithm has great detection performance in both highway and urban traffic. The best performance achieves detection rate of 97.3%, average detection delay of 1.2 s, and 0 false alarm.