bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An integrated approach to environmental assessment for decommissioning outcomes
Authors: Mayboehm Louise , Martin Katie , Veluayitham Sheela
Published: May 2022

As the Esso/BHP infrastructure in Bass Strait is prepared for decommissioning, it is imperative to develop an enhanced understanding of the environment that has evolved around the infrastructure over the past 50 years of production operations. To meet this need, Esso is progressing an integrated environmental assessment program. The first stage of the program recognised that Esso held a wealth of underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) imagery collected over many decades of routine inspections. Working in partnership with third-party marine scientists and biologists, the ecological value of this imagery was assessed. Approximately 1000 h of subsea imagery was analysed to identify species to the lowest possible taxa. To supplement this information, Esso then undertook comprehensive offshore environmental surveys, collecting further underwater imagery to assess marine biota, fish and benthic communities during the summer of 2020/2021. Esso also engaged a leading Australian research organisation to design an environmental survey for the collection and analysis of sediment samples around targeted infrastructure, including reference sites, to increase our understanding of the potential impacts different decommissioning options may have, including disturbance and resuspension of sediments. This integrated approach to environmental assessment has enabled industry, leading marine scientists and research organisations to work collaboratively to better understand the ecological role of oil and gas infrastructure in Bass Strait. This knowledge will assist in identifying optimal decommissioning outcomes for all infrastructure types.
Central Queensland hydrogen project
Authors: Richardson Phil , Wauchope Antony
Published: May 2022

Renewable hydrogen is being heavily promoted around the world for energy storage, and to support the decarbonisation of energy systems. Queensland is well placed for hydrogen export to Asia and is actively working to make this a reality. Stanwell Corporation, together with its project partners Iwatani, APA Group, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Marubeni and Kansai Electric Power Company, is working to develop a commercial world-scale project to produce and export hydrogen from Gladstone to Japan, supporting Japan’s Net Zero by 2050 commitment. The size of the hydrogen production system (3 GW) is significant and as a first of a kind in Queensland raises several technical, regulatory and social challenges. To highlight the scale of the project, the renewable power generation to be installed to support this project will have a capacity equivalent to the current Queensland daily power demand. There are several challenges, one being that solar and wind energy resources by their nature are variable. Identifying and defining the mix of renewable energy to achieve a reliable power supply, and integrating this with the electrolyser systems, will be key to the success of the project. The upgrades required to existing power transmission infrastructure are significant, while additional water supply in the Gladstone region will be required. Finally, recent developments in Gladstone have created a boom–bust cycle and the social acceptance of this development requires ongoing engagement to address community concerns.
Collocated offshore wind-hydrogen
Authors: Mohan Sam Lee , Taylor Andrew
Published: May 2022

The hydrogen industry in Australia is in its infancy with most projects at this stage supported either by State Governments or through the funding arms of the Federal Government. The market is rapidly developing and interest in hydrogen has grown exponentially over the past few years. Governments in Australia and many countries around the world have set decarbonisation targets and it is expected that Hydrogen will play a major role in fulfilling these commitments. Largely driven by policy announcements and commitments, several hydrogen projects are currently in development in Australia and globally. Current forecast data indicates over 200 GW of electrolyser capacity are either planned for deployment or under construction. While industry moves forward with deployment-scale projects, incumbent fuels occupy a healthy competitive position. For example, in Western Australia natural gas prices are around $6/GJ and are set to remain stable into the foreseeable future, largely due to Western Australia’s domestic gas reservation policy. However, the impact of volatile oil prices on domestic natural gas remains to be seen. Although potential green hydrogen projects are mostly in early stages, increased opportunities for partnerships on the supply side or joint venture arrangements with energy producers and demand side off-takers, will accelerate these projects achieving feasibility. However, in achieving target hydrogen prices, the barriers remain significant. One such barrier, is the cost of renewable electricity and one such solution could be collocated offshore wind-hydrogen systems. By nature, offshore wind is an intermittent energy source. Hydrogen could be used as a means of storing renewable energy for electricity balancing, and as a dedicated source for large-scale hydrogen production. Hard-to-abate sectors remain a significant challenge as we transition to net-zero. Hydrogen may be used to de-carbonise hard-to-abate sectors as many stakeholders see offshore wind as the primary partner for hydrogen production. This paper discusses collocated wind-hydrogen systems as a potential pathway for offshore wind deployment and commercial hydrogen production.
Progressive sanding evaluation at different stages of the Geographe field development, Otway Basin
Authors: Younessi Ahmadreza , Khaksar Abbas , Hogue Charles , McKenzie Peter
Published: May 2022

Sanding risk assessments were conducted at different stages of development of Geographe field in the Otway Basin, Australia. The initial sanding analysis was conducted using the exploration and appraisal wells data in 2010. This analysis showed low sanding risk for the planned wells with the expected production plan. The sanding model was then updated in 2014. Logs, core tests and sand-free production data from the early production wells were used to improve the initial sanding model. The updated model reconfirmed the low sanding risk for planned horizontal wells and suggested no sand control would be required even at high depletions. The last model update was conducted in 2019 taking the advantage of about 5 years of sand-free gas production from two long horizontal laterals, with no downhole sand control. As of early 2022, the horizontal wells are still producing sand-free with depletion approaching more than 75%. A geosteered long horizontal well (approximately 2.1 km) at a different azimuth was drilled in the latter part of 2021. As the updated sanding model showed negligible risk of sanding for the planned well, a sand-face completion with pre-drilled liner was implemented. The progressing sanding analyses helped to augment the reliability of the initial prediction by calibrating against the actual production data from two horizontal wells. Drilling and production experiences are used to optimise geosteering and confirm suitability of the completion system for the well including later life of the field at high-pressure depletion condition.
Old basins, new seismic data – architecture of Proterozoic basins in Northwest Queensland
Authors: Troup Alison , Edwards Sally
Published: May 2022

As part of the Strategic Resources Exploration Program and to complement surveys acquired under Geoscience Australia’s Exploring for the Future (EFTF) initiative, the Geological Survey of Queensland acquired the Camooweal 2D seismic survey in 2019. This survey was designed to support exploration for hydrocarbons in the Georgina and South Nicholson Basins and Isa Superbasin in Northwest Queensland (NWQ) by providing precompetitive sub-surface data to enable interpretation of basin and basement architecture and to examine structures interpreted in the 2018 North West Queensland SEEBASE Study. The Camooweal 2D seismic survey extends Geoscience Australia’s L210 South Nicholson Seismic Survey into an underexplored region of NWQ. It also ties into and complements the 1994 and 2004 Mount Isa seismic surveys, and the 2019 L212 Barkly Seismic Survey in the Northern Territory. The South Nicholson survey highlighted a significant thickness of sedimentary strata and identified a new depocenter of probable Proterozoic age, now referred to as the Carrara Sub-basin. The Camooweal and Barkly surveys extended the seismic coverage in this region and possibly increase the Carrara Sub-basin’s extent underneath the Georgina Basin. This work will present an interpretation of the basin architecture of the Camooweal 2D seismic in light of the recent drilling at NDI Cararra 1 and tie into interpretation of the Barkly Seismic Survey to provide a regional interpretation of NWQ’s Proterozoic basins in the region.
A regional strike-slip fault under the Canning Basin
Authors: Zhan Yijie , Haines Peter W.
Published: May 2022

Gravity data in the Canning Basin exhibit a northeast-trending linear feature that offsets a gravity ridge in the vicinity of the Jurgurra–Mowla Terraces with a displacement of about 30 km. The sharp displacement is aligned with similar disruptions on the Lennard Shelf to the northeast and Broome Platform to the southwest. The northeast part of the lineament also shows an anomalous offset on aeromagnetic images. However, the lineament does not correspond to fault displacement within the sedimentary succession of the Canning Basin based on seismic profiles. The geophysical responses to the linear feature vary in different areas, possibly caused by the different thickness of overlying sedimentary rocks across the basin. The lineament is interpreted as a left-lateral strike-slip fault that pre-dates the Canning Basin to account for the lack of seismic responses in the sedimentary section. This northeast-trending fault lies in the basement and might have originated during one of the younger Proterozoic to earliest Paleozoic orogenies pre-dating the Canning Basin. The northeast-oriented fault in the basement was orthogonal to the strike of the basin, thus was less likely to have significant impact on the basin deposition compared to the northwest-oriented faults, such as the Pinnacle and Fenton Fault system. However, these perpendicular features probably created a deeply seated crustal weakness near the intersection where the cluster of lamproite pipes of the Ellendale field intruded during the Miocene.
Natural hydrogen exploration in Australia – state of knowledge and presentation of a case study
Authors: Frery Emanuelle , Langhi Laurent , Markov Jelena
Published: May 2022

Hydrogen will play a major role in Australia’s transition to a net zero emissions energy future. The hydrogen industry and technology are scaling up with hydrogen produced via two pathways, thermochemical and electrochemical, that involve the use of fossil fuel feedstock or the use of an electrical current to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Exploration for and production of natural hydrogen is one of the most promising ways to get large quantities of green hydrogen cheaper than the ‘blue’ hydrogen produced from methane. Some predictions from this growing industry even estimate that the production of natural hydrogen can quickly become economically viable. We propose to review the state of knowledge of natural hydrogen exploration and production in the world and focus on the exploration of the Australian natural seeps in the frame of the incredible exploration rush we are currently experiencing. Surface emanations often referred to as ‘fairy circles’ are often associated with high hydrogen soil-gas measurement and have been described in numerous countries. In the frame of our research, we recently showed that similar hyrdrogen-emitting structures are present in Australia. New regional scale soil-gas measurements reveal persistent hydrogen concentration along the Darling Fault, in the Perth Basin and on the Yilgarn Craton. Those geological settings promote processes such as deep serpentinisation of ultramafic rocks as potential hydrogen sources that are of massive potential economic value. We review the results of different techniques to explore and quantify the presence of natural hydrogen leakage.
A holistic approach to reducing small-bore fitting and tubing failures in oil and gas facilities
Authors: Singh Rajinesh , Swindell Robert
Published: May 2022

Small-bore piping and instrument tubing vibration failures are not just a hidden risk to production, reliability, and safety, but also a frequent source of emissions through leaks and plant flaring when issues arise. Vibration-induced failure risks are often overlooked and detected too late, despite making up a significant portion of leaks and lost production incidents. Conventional approaches to managing these hidden risks have resulted in recurring failures and unplanned downtime at process plants. Large inventories of Small-Bore Fittings (SBFs) and tubing generally require management as most are integral parts of the plant and can be classed as safety and/or production critical. Small-bore tubing assemblies are at risk of fatigue failure due to a general lack of awareness of the best-practice design for reducing vibration response and how to manage this risk. A holistic approach to manage and pro-actively reduce small-bore piping and tubing vibration anomalies in the field is presented in this paper. This involves a risk-based assessment approach combined with the use of digital tools to register, manage, and visualise the status of the risk to the plant and the improvement in risk with the implementation of remedial actions. Best-practice and a short case study is discussed to demonstrate how the approach can be implemented to effectively reduce and manage vibration-induced small-bore piping and tubing failure incidents.
Environmental genomics applications for environmental management activities in the oil and gas industry: state-of-the-art review and future research needs
Authors: Marnane Michael , Skinner Marc , Young Catie , Murdoch Mary , Angle Jordan , Pollock Jeffrey , Merzi Thomas , Tsesmetzis Nicolas , Pedroni Paola Maria , Kjølhamar Ane , Skarstad Anita , Mickiewicz Cyril , Robertson Felicite , Johnstone Harvey
Published: May 2022

Environmental genomics is a rapidly advancing field that promises to revolutionise the way in which industry conducts biodiversity monitoring. The International Association of Oil and Gas Producers Environmental Genomics Joint Industry Program (JIP) was formed in June 2019 with the aim of facilitating the development and uptake of environmental genomics within the oil and gas industry. Towards this goal, a white paper was produced that summarises the state‐of‐the‐art in environmental genomics research, and the opportunities and limitations of applying environmental genomics within industry. The white paper included a comprehensive literature review, and importantly, involved consultation with professionals from academic, regulatory and industry backgrounds from across the globe that had expertise in environmental genomics applications. While this consultation revealed a consensus that the application of environmental genomics has advanced greatly in a brief period, with demonstrable benefits, there was an acknowledgement that key aspects are still lacking that would allow confident application of genomics approaches within industry. Through the review and consultation process, a range of knowledge gaps and areas requiring further development were identified. To elucidate which of these areas were most critical to the successful application of environmental genomics within industry, the JIP is drafting guidance that describes sampling design considerations, minimum standards for laboratory analyses and approaches to genomics data interpretation. Through the drafting of guidance, the JIP hopes to determine which gaps are most critical, enabling these to be prioritised for targeted research. The guidance will then be updated regularly to capture the latest research outcomes.
Collaborative development of the Northern Territory low-emissions carbon capture, utilisation and storage hub – a blueprint for the rapid decarbonisation of Northern Australia
Authors: Ross Andrew , Stewart Martin , Richardson Chanti , Clifford Alex
Published: May 2022

As the world increases its decarbonisation ambition, Australia is well placed to offer low emission intensity energy supplies to our region. Northern Australia’s plentiful resources mean that the region can be both an energy export and regional decarbonisation powerhouse. The Northern Territory has abundant natural gas and solar resources, significant carbon dioxide (CO2) storage capacity and proximity to international markets. This paper will summarise the development of the business case for a large-scale Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) hub based in the Northern Territory. The work is a result of a collaborative initiative to bring together experience and expertise from CSIRO, the Northern Territory Government, major gas industry emitters and engineering companies. The approach has been to develop a common vision of a low emission CCUS hub, develop an understanding of the key attributes of a hub, the development decisions, value drivers, market analysis and an understanding of potential economic outcomes that could be realised from its collaborative development. This work contemplates both initial and long-term economies of scale required to provide a pathway for decarbonisation of existing industries while providing opportunities for the development of new low-emission industries.
Enhancing the management of decommissioning activities in joint development areas
Authors: Tung Aaron
Published: May 2022

Establishing joint development areas is a solution that can be used by sovereign states to exploit resources in areas with maritime disputes. However, when legislation and regulations governing these joint development areas were established, less attention was given to the challenges of oil and gas decommissioning. As part of wider research to investigate stakeholder impacts on oil and gas decommissioning activities in the United Kingdom and Australia, a significant emergent finding was that there are various regulatory uncertainties regarding the rules, standards and procedures that should be adopted when managing oil and gas decommissioning activities in joint development areas. One reason for these uncertainties is because there is still an ongoing debate regarding the nature and definition of joint development areas as political entities. These uncertainties are unfavourable because oil and gas decommissioning activities can have significant social, political, environmental and even economic impacts. Rather than focusing on the debate regarding the definition of joint development areas as political entities, this paper proposes that governments enhance the prescriptiveness of existing joint development agreements to address these regulatory uncertainties. This approach is favourable, as joint development agreements can also be utilised in order to incentivise the sharing of resources and collaboration amongst stakeholders. Such an arrangement can facilitate the better management of oil and gas decommissioning activities in joint development areas, and hence, minimise the overall decommissioning liabilities of organisations, institutions and governments.
Potential field interpretation and modelling in the deep-water Otway Basin
Authors: Poudjom Djomani Yvette H. , Gunning Merrie-Ellen
Published: May 2022

The NW–SE trending Otway Basin is a well-established hydrocarbon province with onshore and shallow-water offshore discoveries. However, the deep-water offshore is underexplored due to the sparsity of data in the past. New 2D seismic, gravity and magnetic data, acquired during the 2020 Otway Basin Seismic Program, were combined with legacy seismic data to improve the understanding of this part of the basin. The new data have been processed and integrated with existing open-file data to derive Moho and lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary surfaces. Additional wavelength filtering of the newly acquired magnetic and gravity data, using constraints from seismic data, provides valuable information on the geometry and the spatial extent of igneous rocks in the deep-water basin. While extrusive igneous rocks and related intrusive rocks in the Otway Basin can be inferred from seismic reflection data, the new magnetic and gravity data provide additional constraints that help to map their distribution across the basin.
Cradle to grave: planning for all well decommissioning
Authors: Goh Pauline , Bourne Mark , O’Keeffe Derrick
Published: May 2022

As the Australian offshore oil and gas sector continues to mature, there is an increasing level of activity in the final phase of the well lifecycle: well decommissioning (well abandonment). Several decommissioning projects are either already in progress or being planned in Australian waters. Since the 1960s, the eventual decommissioning of wells has been an expectation within the law. Whilst this fundamental obligation has not changed, the expectations for the management of offshore wells and equipment have changed for both the industry and regulators. In the meantime, the number of unused wells grew. In 2021, the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) published a Decommissioning Compliance Strategy and Decommissioning Compliance Plan. From this, all wells will have been risk assessed and have accepted abandonment plans in place by the end of 2023, and all wells will be permanently abandoned within 3 years of cessation of well operation by the end of 2025. The industry has an immediate challenge catching up on the backlog of abandoning wells, some of which have been in an unused state for decades. Going forward, well abandonment should be actively considered throughout the well lifecycle, including design, construction and operation phases. This will enable decommissioning objectives to be achieved in a safe, timely and efficient manner. This paper will provide an overview of recent domestic and international developments related to well decommissioning, from a regulatory perspective, and the importance of proactive well decommissioning planning and collaboration.
Multiple world first technology applications on Julimar Development Phase 2 – multizone openhole gravel packing with enhanced shunted screens and zonal isolation in high rate gas wells and 18″ reel lay for corrosion resistant alloy (CRA) flowlines
Authors: Witton Ben , Markham Ross
Published: May 2022

Project delivery certainty is a key success factor for positive business outcomes. Taking on world first applications across multiple delivery streams comes with risk that requires significant risk reduction to meet business requirements. The Julimar Development completed this successfully across both drilling and completions, and subsea. Reliable multizone completions with robust sand control have traditionally been a challenge in high-rate gas wells. Cased hole stacked gravel packs can leave high mechanical skin, require multiple trips and are complex operations. While OpenHole Gravel Packs (OHGPs) have provided reliable sand control in such wells, multizone applications have been limited due to the trade-off between effective gravel placement and zonal isolation. Recent developments in technology have enabled reliable gravel placement and complete zonal isolation. The largest flow line installation by reel lay for corrosion resistant alloy (CRA) flowlines was previously 16″. Increasing this size to 18″ required an in-depth understanding of key risks for the contractor to deliver on the size increase, and for Operator to engineer in risk mitigation. Key areas to understand included vessel capability, new build spool base, engineering methods to support delivery and the Operators role in change management when additional risks are identified, or issues occur. This paper discusses contracting, design, execution and evaluation of technologies on the Julimar Development. It includes methodology followed for both technology selections, engineering development, qualification tests, post project evaluation, lessons learned along with health and safety benefits.
Monitoring well cementing operations using distributed fibre optic sensing
Authors: Ricard Ludovic Paul , Arjomand Elaheh
Published: May 2022

Subsurface resources operations are critically dependent on the behaviour of the well through its lifetime. While the production and injection stages are commonly monitored both at surface and downhole, the monitoring of completion installation, work-overs and decommissioning are performed mostly at surface. Yet, most recently, improvements in distributed fibre optic sensing (DFOS) technology have made downhole monitoring more tractable and enables access to data previously not available. The technology has a very small downhole footprint, low cost and provides high spatial resolution from the surface to the bottom of the well. DFOS has to date been successfully demonstrated for site characterisation via vertical seismic profiling and perforations performances assessment, providing a high-resolution description of the subsurface leading to a better-informed decision. In this work, we focus on illustrating via case studies the benefits of the technology for insights on completion installation and well integrity. Well cementing operations are critical for providing zonal isolation over the life of a well. The deployment of a casing-conveyed fibre optic cable enabled the real-time surveillance of the displacement of mud by cement, the cement equilibration and the cement curing processes. This information allowed the identification of inflow zones and cavities in the well. In another example of cement plug installation, the same technology was used to identify leakage to the formation as well as the timing and depth of the cement plugs at very high spatial resolution.
2021 Development and production review
Authors: Wilkes Martin
Published: May 2022

The Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia (PESA) Year in Review Development and Production review looks back at the oil and gas production and development activities in Australia in 2021, with a look at both the historical context of these activities, and the future implications. With the impact of COVID-19 continuing throughout the year, and increased awareness of the impact of emissions on climate change there were several notable highlights and events for the year. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) production hit record high levels and confirmed Australia as the current top LNG exporting country in the world. Two major LNG-related projects were sanctioned: Barossa in March 2021, and Scarborough/Pluto 2 in November 2021 and the Moomba Carbon Capture and Storage project was also sanctioned in November. The domestic market looked a lot like the classic novel ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ with major concerns about gas supply in the East contrasting with significant discoveries and development in the Perth Basin in the West.
Lighting the way
Authors: Hardman Blair , Sharp Dave
Published: May 2022

Historically, Chevron Australia Pty Ltd have utilised Mobile Diesel Lighting Towers (MDLTs), with ‘turtle friendly’ luminaires at the Gorgon natural gas project (located on Barrow Island, Western Australia), operated by Chevron Australia on behalf of a joint venture of the Australian subsidiaries of Chevron (47.3%), ExxonMobil (25%), Shell (25%), Osaka Gas (1.25%), Tokyo Gas (1%) and JERA (0.417%). MDLTs are a known, relatively safe and reliable light source that can be utilised in most locations, though they emit noise, odour, vibrations, waste hydrocarbons and CO2 as well as requiring regular refuelling and general engine maintenance. With recent and significant improvements in solar energy harvest, and battery storage efficiencies, Mobile Solar Lighting Towers (MSLTs) have technical and performance characteristics that are comparable, and in many instances superior, to MDLTs. In addition to these characteristics, Chevron Australia has successfully worked with its Australian supplier, conducting trials on site to introduce a range of additional design and performance improvements. These improvements include simple Human–Machine Interface (HMI) touch screen interface allowing remote automation through WiFi or 4G, real-time battery and performance monitoring, CCTV, geofencing and GPS tracking. The benefits of replacing just 25 owned MDLTs with solar includes the abatement of over 600 tonnes of CO2 and direct operational cost savings of almost A$50 000 per year (not including indirect cost savings or avoided carbon emissions costs). Further, net present value calculations demonstrate a financial benefit exceeding A$1 000 000 over 5 years when the solar towers are leased compared with maintaining existing or purchasing new diesel units. These MSLT units are delivering environmental benefits, direct and indirect financial savings, and reduced health, safety and environment risk, which have been welcomed by the on-site workforce.
Nitrogen fertilisation affected zinc and selenium biofortification in silage maize
Authors: Petković Klara , Manojlović Maja , Čabilovski Ranko , Lončarić Zdenko , Krstić Đorđe , Kovačević Dragan , Ilić Marko
Published: May 2022

Context Biofortification of forage crops has become even more important, due to the improvement in livestock nutrition, but it has also had an indirect positive impact on the human diet. Aim This study investigated the effect of nitrogen and microelement (Zn and Se) fertilisation on yield and on the microelement composition of maize (Zea mays L.) silage. Methods Two field experiments were conducted using a two-factorial split-plot design with nitrogen fertilisation in three doses: 0, 120, 180 and 240 kg N/ha. The first experiment included foliar Zn fertilisation as the second factor (0, 1.5 kg Zn/ha and 1.5 kg Zn/ha + urea solution). The second experiment studied the effect of Se (10 g Se/ha). Key results Nitrogen fertilisation increased biomass yield, Cu and Mn concentration in silage maize. Application of Se and Zn did not affect the biomass yield, but it had a positive effect on Se and Zn concentration in plants. Zn and urea application in combination proved to be more efficient in increasing Zn concentration in plants when compared to Zn applied alone. Conclusions Nitrogen and fertilisation with Zn and Se can be a good tool in fodder plant biofortification because their application led to a yield increase (Zn), but at the same time to an improvement in the mineral composition of maize biomass, with essential elements (Zn and Se). Implications Although biofortification with 1.5 kg Zn/ha has achieved the concentration in maize biomass that can meet the nutritional needs of dairy cows, further research is needed to examine the adjuvant doses and forms of Zn to obtain high yields and Zn concentration in forage crops.
Maladaptation after a virus host switch leads to increased activation of the pro-inflammatory NF-κB pathway
Authors: Yu Huibin , Peng Chen , Zhang Chi , Stoian Ana M. M. , Tazi Loubna , Brennan Greg , Rothenburg Stefan
Published: May 2022

Significance

Myxoma virus (MYXV) is benign in the natural brush rabbit host but causes a fatal disease in European rabbits. Here, we demonstrate that MYXV M156 inhibited brush rabbit protein kinase R (bPKR) more efficiently than European rabbit PKR (ePKR). Because ePKR was not completely inhibited by M156, there was a depletion of short–half-life proteins like the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) inhibitor IκBα, concomitant NF-κB activation and NF-κB target protein expression in ePKR-expressing cells. NF-κB pathway activation was blocked by either hypoactive or hyperactive M156 mutants. This demonstrates that maladaptation of viral immune antagonists can result in substantially different immune responses in aberrant hosts. These different host responses may contribute to altered viral dissemination and may influence viral pathogenesis.
HDX-MS performed on BtuB in
E. coli
outer membranes delineates the luminal domain’s allostery and unfolding upon B12 and TonB binding
Authors: Zmyslowski Adam M. , Baxa Michael C. , Gagnon Isabelle A. , Sosnick Tobin R.
Published: May 2022

Significance

TonB
-
dependent transporters such as BtuB are found in the outer membranes of gram-negative bacteria. They import scarce nutrients essential for growth, such as B12, the substrate of BtuB. Many transport steps remain enigmatic. Recent studies have emphasized force-mediated unfolding or the breakage of the “Ionic Lock,” a moiety far from the B12 binding site. A strong dependence on the membrane environment has been noted. Accordingly, we measured hydrogen exchange on BtuB still embedded in native outer membranes and found that B12 binding is sufficient to break the Ionic Lock. The amino terminus then extends into the periplasm to bind TonB, but we find no evidence of pore formation, which likely requires energy transduction from the inner membrane by TonB.
Fast slow folding of an outer membrane porin
Authors: Weatherill Eve E. , Fahie Monifa A. , Marshall David P. , Andvig Rachel A. , Cheetham Matthew R. , Chen Min , Wallace Mark I.
Published: May 2022

Significance

Outer membrane porins play a crucial role in processes as varied as energy production, photosynthesis, and nutrient transport. They act as the gatekeepers between a gram-negative bacterium and its environment. Understanding how these proteins fold and function is important in improving our understanding and control of these processes. Here we use single-molecule methods to help resolve the apparent differences between the fast folding expected on a molecular scale and the slow kinetics observed in ensemble measurements in the laboratory.
Quantum guessing games with posterior information
Authors: Carmeli Claudio , Heinosaari Teiko , Toigo Alessandro
Published: May 2022

Quantum guessing games form a versatile framework for studying different tasks of information processing. A quantum guessing game with posterior information uses quantum systems to encode messages and classical communication to give partial information after a quantum measurement has been performed. We present a general framework for quantum guessing games with posterior information and derive structure and reduction theorems that enable to analyze any such game. We formalize symmetry of guessing games and characterize the optimal measurements in cases where the symmetry is related to an irreducible representation. The application of guessing games to incompatibility detection is reviewed and clarified. All the presented main concepts and results are demonstrated with examples.
Interaction between electrostatic collisionless shocks generates strong magnetic fields
Authors: Boella E , Schoeffler K , Shukla N , Innocenti M E , Lapenta G , Fonseca R , Silva L O
Published: May 2022

The head-on collision between electrostatic shocks is studied via multi-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. A strong magnetic field develops after the interaction, which causes the shock velocities to drop significantly. This transverse magnetic field is generated by the Weibel instability, which is driven by pressure anisotropies due to longitudinal electron heating while the shocks approach each other. The possibility to explore the physics underpinning the shock collision in the laboratory with current laser facilities is discussed.
Towards the surface flashover in DC GIL/GIS: the electric field distribution and the surface charge accumulation
Authors: Wu Shaocong , Xu Hao , Zhang Xuanning , Liang Yanyu , Shao Yuming , Wang Cong , Tu Youping , Xu Yongsheng
Published: May 2022

Under DC voltage, the interface charge of the spacer in gas-insulated metal-enclosed transmission lines (GIL) and gas-insulated metal-enclosed switchgear (GIS) is prone to accumulate, and the charge is an important factor to induce surface flashover. On different spacers, the distribution of the electric field can be varied and affect the flashover greatly. This paper concentrates on the surface flashover induced by solid-gas interface charge accumulation in DC GIL/GIS. The electric field distribution of the real insulator and the electrode structure commonly used in research are analyzed and summarized into two distribution forms: the tangential-component dominant type and the hybrid type. According to the electric field distribution forms, how the density distribution and electric field distortion of interface charge influence the flashover voltage of spacer is reviewed, and the influence of metal particles on charge and surface flashover is reviewed as well. Efforts to understand the mechanism of the surface flashover have alse been tracked.
Non-adiabatic evolution of dark sector in the presence of U(1)Lμ
– Lτ
gauge symmetry
Authors: Tapadar Ananya , Ganguly Sougata , Roy Sourov
Published: May 2022

In secluded dark sector scenario, the connection between
the visible and the dark sector can be established through
a portal coupling and its presence opens up the possibility
of non-adiabatic evolution of the dark sector.
To study the non-adiabatic evolution of the dark sector,
we have considered a U(1)
Lμ
– Lτ

⊗ U(1)
X
 
extension of the standard model (SM). Here
the dark sector is charged only under U(1)
X
gauge symmetry whereas
the SM fields are singlet under this symmetry. Due to the
presence of tree-level
kinetic mixing between U(1)
X
and U(1)
Lμ
– Lτ

 
gauge bosons, the dark sector evolves non-adiabatically
and thermal equilibrium between the visible and dark sector
is governed by the portal coupling.
Depending on the values of the portal coupling (ϵ),
dark sector gauge coupling (gX
),
mass of the dark matter (m
χ) and
mass of the dark vector boson (m
Z'), we study the temperature
evolution of the dark sector as well as the various non-equilibrium
stages of the dark sector in detail.
Furthermore we have also investigated the constraints
on the model parameters from various laboratory and astrophysical searches. We
have found that the parameter space for the non-adiabatic
evolution of dark sector is significantly constrained for 
m
Z' ≲ 100 MeV from
the observations of beam dump experiments, stellar cooling etc.
The relic density satisfied region of our parameter space
is consistent with the bounds from direct detection, and
self interaction of dark matter (SIDM) for the mass ratio
r ≡ m
Z'/m
χ = 10-3 and these bounds will be more relaxed
for larger values of r. However the constraints from
measurement of diffuse γ-ray background flux
and cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropy
are strongest for r = 10-1 and for smaller
values of r, they are not significant.
Scrutinizing entropic uncertainty and quantum discord in an open system under quantum critical environment
Authors: Pourkarimi Mohammad Reza , Haseli Soroush , Haddadi Saeed , Hadipour Maryam
Published: May 2022

We explore the dynamics of quantum discord (QD) and entropic uncertainty lower bound for a two-qubit system independently coupled to an Ising spin chain. For this model, we obtain the analytic results of QD and uncertainty bound and find that there is a trade-off between them. We also examine the effect of the number of spins and the coupling strength to a transverse field on these two quantum criteria.
Multiple modes of perpendicular magnetization switching scheme in single spin–orbit torque device
Authors: Liu Tong-Xi , Wang Zhao-Hao , Wang Min , Wang Chao , Wu Bi , Liu Wei-Qiang , Zhao Wei-Sheng
Published: May 2022

Spin–orbit torque (SOT) has been considered as one of the promising technologies for the next-generation magnetic random access memory (MRAM). So far, SOT has been widely utilized for inducing various modes of magnetization switching. However, it is a challenge that so many multiple modes of magnetization switching are integrated together. Here we propose a method of implementing both unipolar switching and bipolar switching of the perpendicular magnetization within a single SOT device. The mode of switching can be easily changed by tuning the amplitude of the applied current. We show that the field-like torque plays an important role in switching process. The field-like torque induces the precession of the magnetization in the case of unipolar switching, however, the field-like torque helps to generate an effective z-component torque in the case of bipolar switching. In addition, the influence of key parameters on the mode of switching is discussed, including the field-like torque strength, the bias field, and the current density. Our proposal can be used to design novel reconfigurable logic circuits in the near future.
Tailored martensitic transformation and enhanced magnetocaloric effect in all-d-metal Ni35Co15Mn33Fe2Ti15 alloy ribbons
Authors: Li Yong , Qin Liang , Zhang Hongguo , Li Lingwei
Published: May 2022

The crystal structure, martensitic transformation and magnetocaloric effect have been studied in all-d-metal Ni35Co15Mn33Fe2Ti15 alloy ribbons with different wheel speeds (15 m/s (S15), 30 m/s (S30), and 45 m/s (S45)). All three ribbons crystalize in B2-ordered structure at room temperature with crystal constants of 5.893(2) Å, 5.898(4) Å, and 5.898(6) Å, respectively. With the increase of wheel speed, the martensitic transformation temperature decreases from 230 K to 210 K, the Curie temperature increases slightly from 371 K to 378 K. At the same time, magnetic entropy change (ΔS
m) is also enhanced, as well as refrigeration capacity (RC). The maximum ΔS
m of 15.6(39.7) J/kg⋅K and RC of 85.5 (212.7) J/kg under ΔH = 20 (50) kOe (1 Oe = 79.5775 A⋅m−1) appear in S45. The results indicate that the ribbons could be the candidate for solid-state magnetic refrigeration materials.
The shadow and observation appearance of black hole surrounded by the dust field in Rastall theory
Authors: Zhu Xuan-Ran , Chen Yun-Xian , Mou Ping-Hui , He Ke-Jian
Published: May 2022

In the context of Rastall gravity, the shadow and observation intensity casted by the new Kiselev-like black hole with dust field have been numerically investigated. In this system, the Rastall parameter and surrounding dust field structure parameter have considerable consequences on the geometric structure of spacetime. Considering the photon trajectories near the black hole, we investigate the variation of the radii of photon sphere, event horizon and black hole shadow under the different related parameters. Furthermore, taking into account two different spherically symmetric accretion models as the only background light source, we also studied the observed luminosity and intensity of black holes. For the both spherical accretions background, the results show that the decrease or increase of the observed luminosity depends on the value range of relevant parameters, and the promotion effect is far less obvious than the attenuation effect on the observed intensity. One can find that the inner shadow region and outer bright region of the black hole wrapped by infalling accretion are significantly darker than those of the static model, which is closely related to the Doppler effect. In addition, the size of the shadow and the position of the photon sphere are always the same in the two accretion models, which means that the black hole shadow depend only on the geometry of spacetime, while the observation luminosity is affected by the form of accretion material and the related spacetime structure.
New experimental measurement of natSe(n, γ) cross section between 1 eV to 1 keV at the CSNS Back-n facility
Authors: Hu Xin-Rong , Liu Long-Xiang , Jiang Wei , Ren Jie , Fan Gong-Tao , Wang Hong-Wei , Cao Xi-Guang , Song Long-Long , Liu Ying-Du , Zhang Yue , Li Xin-Xiang , Hao Zi-Rui , Kuang Pan , Wang Xiao-He , Hu Ji-Feng , Jiang Bing , Wang De-Xin , Zhang Suyalatu , An Zhen-Dong , Wang Yu-Ting , Ma Chun-Wang , He Jian-Jun , Su Jun , Zhang Li-Yong , Yang Yu-Xuan , Jin Sheng , Chen Kai-Jie
Published: May 2022

The 74Se is one of 35 p-nuclei, and 82Se is a r-process only nucleus, and their (n, γ) cross sections are vital input parameters for nuclear astrophysics reaction network calculations. The neutron capture cross section in the resonance range of isotopes and even natural selenium samples has not been measured. Prompt γ-rays originating from neutron-induced capture events were detected by four C6D6 liquid scintillator detectors at the Back-n facility of China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS). The pulse height weighting technique (PHWT) was used to analyze the data in the 1 eV to 100 keV region. The deduced neutron capture cross section was compared with ENDF/B-VIII.0, JEFF-3.2, and JENDL-4.0, and some differences were found. Resonance parameters were extracted by the R-matrix code SAMMY in the 1 eV–1 keV region. All the cross sections of natSe and resonance parameters are given in the datasets. The datasets are openly available at http://www.doi.org/10.11922/sciencedb.j00113.00019.
Spatiotemporal mode-locked multimode fiber laser with dissipative four-wave mixing effect
Authors: Qiu Ming-Wei , Cai Chao-Qun , Zhang Zu-Xing
Published: May 2022

The high degree of freedom and novel nonlinear phenomena of multimode fiber are attracting attention. In this work, we demonstrate a spatiotemporal mode-locked multimode fiber laser, which relies on microfiber knot resonance (MKR) via dissipative four-wave-mixing (DFMW) to achieve high-repetition-rate pulses. Apart from that, DFMW mode locking with switchable central wavelengths can also be obtained. It was further found that high pulse energy induced nonlinear effect of the dominant mode-locking mechanism transforming from DFMW to nonlinear Kerr beam cleaning effect (NL-KBC). The experimental results are valuable for further comprehending the dynamic characteristics of spatiotemporal mode-locked multimode fiber lasers, facilitating them much more accessible for applications.
Interface engineering of transition metal dichalcogenide/GaN heterostructures: Modified broadband for photoelectronic performance
Authors: Gao Yinlu , Cheng Kai , Jiang Xue , Zhao Jijun
Published: May 2022

The GaN-based heterostructures are widely used in optoelectronic devices, but the complex surface reconstructions and lattice mismatch greatly limit the applications. The stacking of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD = MoS2, MoSSe and MoSe2) monolayers on reconstructed GaN surface not only effectively overcomes the larger mismatch, but also brings about novel electronic and optical properties. By adopting the reconstructed GaN (0001) surface with adatoms (N-ter GaN and Ga-ter GaN), the influences of complicated surface conditions on the electronic properties of heterostructures have been investigated. The passivated N-ter and Ga-ter GaN surfaces push the mid-gap states to the valence bands, giving rise to small bandgaps in heterostructures. The charge transfer between Ga-ter GaN surface and TMD monolayers occurs much easier than that across the TMD/N-ter GaN interfaces, which induces stronger interfacial interaction and larger valence band offset (VBO). The band alignment can be switched between type-I and type-II by assembling different TMD monolayers, that is, MoS2/N-ter GaN and MoS2/Ga-ter GaN are type-II, and the others are type-I. The absorption of visible light is enhanced in all considered TMD/reconstructed GaN heterostructures. Additionally, MoSe2/Ga-ter GaN and MoSSe/N-ter GaN have larger conductor band offset (CBO) of 1.32 eV and 1.29 eV, respectively, extending the range from deep ultraviolet to infrared regime. Our results revel that the TMD/reconstructed GaN heterostructures may be used for high-performance broadband photoelectronic devices.