bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical constants of single-crystalline Ni(100) from 77 to 770 K from ellipsometry measurements
Authors: Abadizaman Farzin , Love Jaden , Zollner Stefan
Published: March 2022

Ellipsometry measurements were taken on single-crystalline Ni(100) at various temperatures between 77 and 770 K. DC conductivity and resistivity are extracted from the model optical constants and their temperature dependence is discussed. The authors find only qualitative agreement in the general trend of the resistivity measured by ellipsometry and electrical measurements. The temperature dependence of the main absorption peak at 4.8 eV indicates that the interband transitions are scattered by magnons with an effective energy of about 53 meV. The width of the main absorption peak reduces by 0.38 eV as the temperature rises, which is interpreted as the ferromagnetic exchange energy at the L-point. The small absorption peak at 1.5 eV is prominent only in the ferromagnetic phase and almost disappears in the paramagnetic phase. This peculiarity is explained by assigning the peak to K3↓→K2↓ transitions, which accounts for the decrease of the magnitude of the peak and its constant energy.
The analog computer: Beyond the museum artwork, a tool for studying linear and nonlinear systems
Authors: Carlà Marcello
Published: March 2022

Analog computers have been a valuable resource for a time to solve linear as well as nonlinear differential equations before being superseded by digital computers. However, interest toward analog computing has not fully faded away. Though not competitive for accuracy or speed, analog computers have the important property of being true physical systems that can be made to behave according to a given equations set. This aspect makes analog computers interesting educational tools for hands-on work with real physical systems, where a number of effects, both linear and not linear, can easily be added at will (a feature not readily available in mechanical systems). This paper describes the implementation of a modular, very flexible, cheap, yet powerful analog computer, suitable for student laboratories. As examples of possible applications, a selection of linear and nonlinear oscillator models are described that can be used in the laboratory to introduce students to various nonlinear effects.
A numerically stable T-matrix method for acoustic scattering by nonspherical particles with large aspect ratios and size parameters
Authors: Ganesh M. , Hawkins Stuart C.
Published: March 2022

We consider a two-part method for computing the acoustic scattering T-matrix of a three dimensional particle. The first part involves accurately computing the far fields by solving a number of particular scattering problems. The second part calculates the T-matrix from these far fields using the Fourier transform over the sphere. The two-part method was first introduced in Ganesh and Hawkins [J. Comput. Appl. Math. 234, 1702–1709]. The focus of this work is to demonstrate the numerical stability and physical correctness of the two-part method for scattering by nonspherical particles with large aspect ratios and size parameters that are at the upper limit of numerical stability for the current state-of-the-art algorithm. The numerical stability of the method is attributed to elimination of the Hankel functions by working with the far field. The numerical experiments use our recently developed open-source software package (TMATROM3) that implements the two-part method.
Pushing the envelope: Evaluating speech rhythm with different envelope extraction techniques
Authors: MacIntyre Alexis Deighton , Cai Ceci Qing , Scott Sophie K.
Published: March 2022

The amplitude of the speech signal varies over time, and the speech envelope is an attempt to characterise this variation in the form of an acoustic feature. Although tacitly assumed, the similarity between the speech envelope-derived time series and that of phonetic objects (e.g., vowels) remains empirically unestablished. The current paper, therefore, evaluates several speech envelope extraction techniques, such as the Hilbert transform, by comparing different acoustic landmarks (e.g., peaks in the speech envelope) with manual phonetic annotation in a naturalistic and diverse dataset. Joint speech tasks are also introduced to determine which acoustic landmarks are most closely coordinated when voices are aligned. Finally, the acoustic landmarks are evaluated as predictors for the temporal characterisation of speaking style using classification tasks. The landmark that performed most closely to annotated vowel onsets was peaks in the first derivative of a human audition-informed envelope, consistent with converging evidence from neural and behavioural data. However, differences also emerged based on language and speaking style. Overall, the results show that both the choice of speech envelope extraction technique and the form of speech under study affect how sensitive an engineered feature is at capturing aspects of speech rhythm, such as the timing of vowels.
A scalable empathic-mindset intervention reduces group disparities in school suspensions
Authors: Okonofua Jason A. , Goyer J. Parker , Lindsay Constance A. , Haugabrook Johnetta , Walton Gregory M.
Published: March 2022

Suspensions remove students from the learning environment at high rates throughout the United States. Policy and theory highlight social groups that face disproportionately high suspension rates—racial-minoritized students, students with a prior suspension, and students with disabilities. We used an active placebo-controlled, longitudinal field experiment (
N
teachers
= 66,
N
students
= 5822) to test a scalable “empathic-mindset” intervention, a 45- to 70-min online exercise to refocus middle school teachers on understanding and valuing the perspectives of students and on sustaining positive relationships even when students misbehave. In preregistered analyses, this exercise reduced suspension rates especially for Black and Hispanic students, cutting the racial disparity over the school year from 10.6 to 5.9 percentage points, a 45% reduction. Significant reductions were also observed for other groups of concern. Moreover, reductions persisted through the next year when students interacted with different teachers, suggesting that empathic treatment with even one teacher in a critical period can improve students’ trajectories through school.
Oxidized primary arc magmas: Constraints from Cu/Zr systematics in global arc volcanics
Authors: Zhao Si-Yu , Yang Alexandra Yang , Langmuir Charles H. , Zhao Tai-Ping
Published: March 2022

Arc volcanics are more oxidized than mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB), but it is debated whether this is a mantle feature or a result of magmatic evolution. Copper, a sulfur-loving element, has been used to trace the behavior of redox-sensitive sulfur during mantle melting and infer similar redox states of sub-arc and sub-ridge mantle. Previous studies, however, neglected elevated sulfur contents in the sub-arc mantle, leading to underestimation of oxygen fugacities, and did not recognize systematic Cu variations in arc volcanics. Here, we show that the Cu/Zr ratio is a sensitive indicator that responds to sulfur content, oxygen fugacity, and extent of melting of the mantle. Because of higher mantle S contents, Cu systematics of arc magmas require one log unit higher oxygen fugacities of sub-arc than sub-ridge mantle. Low Cu contents of thick-crusted arc volcanics result from low extents of melting of sulfur-rich mantle, obviating the need for deep crustal sulfide fractionation, with substantial implications for the origin of porphyry-Cu deposits.
Cotranscriptionally encoded RNA strand displacement circuits
Authors: Schaffter Samuel W. , Strychalski Elizabeth A.
Published: March 2022

Engineered molecular circuits that process information in biological systems could address emerging human health and biomanufacturing needs. However, such circuits can be difficult to rationally design and scale. DNA-based strand displacement reactions have demonstrated the largest and most computationally powerful molecular circuits to date but are limited in biological systems due to the difficulty in genetically encoding components. Here, we develop scalable cotranscriptionally encoded RNA strand displacement (ctRSD) circuits that are rationally programmed via base pairing interactions. ctRSD circuits address the limitations of DNA-based strand displacement circuits by isothermally producing circuit components via transcription. We demonstrate circuit programmability in vitro by implementing logic and amplification elements, as well as multilayer cascades. Furthermore, we show that circuit kinetics are accurately predicted by a simple model of coupled transcription and strand displacement, enabling model-driven design. We envision ctRSD circuits will enable the rational design of powerful molecular circuits that operate in biological systems, including living cells.
Prolonged drying trend coincident with the demise of Norse settlement in southern Greenland
Authors: Zhao Boyang , Castañeda Isla S. , Salacup Jeffrey M. , Thomas Elizabeth K. , Daniels William C. , Schneider Tobias , de Wet Gregory A. , Bradley Raymond S.
Published: March 2022

Declining temperature has been thought to explain the abandonment of Norse settlements, southern Greenland, in the early 15th century, although limited paleoclimate evidence is available from the inner settlement region itself. Here, we reconstruct the temperature and hydroclimate history from lake sediments at a site adjacent to a former Norse farm. We find no substantial temperature changes during the settlement period but rather that the region experienced a persistent drying trend, which peaked in the 16th century. Drier climate would have notably reduced grass production, which was essential for livestock overwintering, and this drying trend is concurrent with a Norse diet shift. We conclude that increasingly dry conditions played a more important role in undermining the viability of the Eastern Settlement than minor temperature changes.
The Roles of the Various Cellulose Biosynthesis Operons in
Komagataeibacter hansenii
ATCC 23769
Authors: Bimmer Martin , Mientus Markus , Klingl Andreas , Ehrenreich Armin , Liebl Wolfgang
Published: March 2022

Acetic acid bacteria form a massive biofilm called “mother of vinegar,” which is built of cellulose fibers. Bacterial cellulose is an appealing biomaterial with manifold applications in biomedicine and biotechnology.
3,4-Dicaffeoylquinic Acid from the Medicinal Plant
Ilex kaushue
Disrupts the Interaction Between the Five-Fold Axis of Enterovirus A-71 and the Heparan Sulfate Receptor
Authors: Hsieh Chung-Fan , Chen Yu-Li , Lin Guan-Hua , Chan Yoke Fun , Hsieh Pei-Wen , Horng Jim-Tong
Published: March 2022

The canyon region and the 5-fold axis of the EV-A71 viral particle located within the VP1 protein mediate the interaction of the virus with host surface receptors. The three most extensively investigated cellular receptors for EV-A71 include SCARB2, PSGL1, and cell surface heparan sulfate.
Draft Genome Sequences of a
Bifidobacterium
Strain and a
Bacteroides
Strain Isolated from a Human Stool Sample
Authors: Shin Woojung , Kim Hyun Jung
Published: March 2022

We present draft genome sequences of
Bifidobacterium longum
subsp.
longum
JCM 7050 and
Bacteroides
sp. strain 1_1_30 isolated from a healthy donor’s fecal sample obtained from a public stool bank, OpenBiome. Phylogenetic and functional analyses were performed to understand the physiological characteristics and functions of the strains in the human intestine.
Activation of the Extracytoplasmic Function σ Factor σ
V
in Clostridioides difficile Requires Regulated Intramembrane Proteolysis of the Anti-σ Factor RsiV
Authors: Pannullo Anthony G. , Ellermeier Craig D.
Published: March 2022

Clostridioides difficile
is a major cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea and represents an urgent concern due to the prevalence of antibiotic resistance and the rate of recurrent infections. We previously showed that σ
V
and the regulon under its control were involved in lysozyme resistance.
Multiple Routes of Antibody-Dependent Enhancement of SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Okuya Kosuke , Hattori Takanari , Saito Takeshi , Takadate Yoshihiro , Sasaki Michihito , Furuyama Wakako , Marzi Andrea , Ohiro Yoichi , Konno Satoshi , Hattori Takeshi , Takada Ayato
Published: March 2022

Potential risks of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has been discussed and the proposed mechanism mostly depends on the Fc gamma receptor (FcγR). However, since FcγRs are exclusively expressed on immune cells, which are not primary targets of SARS-CoV-2, the clinical importance of ADE of SARS-CoV-2 infection remains controversial.
Determination and Characterization of a Novel Birnavirus Associated with Massive Mortality in Largemouth Bass
Authors: Fu Xiaozhe , Luo Mingju , Zheng Guo , Liang Hongru , Liu Lihui , Lin Qiang , Niu Yinjie , Luo Xia , Li Ningqiu
Published: March 2022

Pathogen isolation and identification are vital for emerging infectious outbreaks. Here we report the isolation, determination and characterization of a novel largemouth bass Birnavirus (LBBV) associated with massive mortality in largemouth bass.
Vertebrate paleontology and Cenozoic depositional environments of Death Valley National Park, California, USA
Authors: Nyborg* Torrey , Lander* E. Bruce
Published: March 2022

The vertebrate paleontology, lithostratigraphies, and depositional environments of the Cenozoic continental Titus Canyon and Furnace Creek Formations have been the subjects of several recent investigations. The two units are exposed in the Amargosa Range in northeastern Death Valley National Park, Inyo County, southeastern California, USA. Fossil tracks and trackways are preserved in playa mudflat deposits of the Pliocene Furnace Creek Formation at the Cow Creek tracksite on the western slope of the central Funeral Mountains. The tracksite includes footprints of birds and land mammals, as well as associated sedimentary structures. The lower red beds of the Titus Canyon Formation have produced numerous fossilized bones and teeth at Titus and upper Titanothere Canyons in the southeastern half of the Grapevine Mountains. The fossil remains represent 17 extinct genera and species of land mammals and one genus and species of pond turtle. The taxa constitute the Titus Canyon Fauna. The rodents Quadratomus? gigans and Dolocylindrodon texanus, the bear dog Daphoenictis n. sp. (small), and the tapir Colodon stovalli are associated elsewhere only in the correlative, late early late Duchesnean Upper Porvenir Local Fauna of Trans-Pecos or Far West Texas. The local fauna occurs in the Blue Cliff Horizon (i.e., above lower marker bed) in the lower part of the Chambers Tuff Formation. The two assemblages share 12 species. The age of the latter unit is constrained by corrected single-crystal laser-fusion 40Ar/39Ar dates of 37.83 ± 0.09 Ma for the underlying Buckshot Ignimbrite and 37.14 ± 0.08 Ma for the overlying Bracks Rhyolite. However, both determinations should be considered tentative and subject to change with further investigation. The first green conglomerate unit of the Titus Canyon Formation overlies the lower red beds, underlies the Monarch Canyon Tuff Bed, and has produced the first records of land mammal footprints and a land plant (petrified palm wood) from the formation. The Monarch Canyon Tuff Bed and the Unit 38 Tuff Bed, which lies at the mutual tops of the upper “red beds” and the Titus Canyon Formation, are 34.7 ± 0.7 m.y. old and 30.4 ± 0.6 m.y. old, respectively, based on recalculated 40Ar/39Ar dates. Consequently, the Titus Canyon Formation is latest middle Eocene to earliest Oligocene in age, according to the 2020 Paleogene time scale.
Unraveling the multi-phase history of southern Death Valley geology
Authors: Fleming* Zachariah , Pavlis* Terry , Trullenque* Ghislain
Published: March 2022

This field trip is designed to highlight recent findings in regard to the tectonic history of the southern Death Valley region. During the first day, stops will take place in the Ibex Hills and adjacent Ibex Pass area. These stops were chosen to emphasize recent work that supports multiple phases of extension in the region, and is recorded by the interactions of complexly overprinted normal faults. Mapping of the Ibex Hills revealed an older set of normal faults that have a down-to-the-SW sense of movement and are cross-cut by down-to-the-NW style normal faults. Additionally, the Ibex Pass basin poses a number of questions regarding its stratigraphy and how it relates to the timing and kinematics of the region. Multiple stops within the basin will show the variation of volcanic and sedimentary units across Ibex Pass. The second day of the field trip is focused more so on the more recent transtensional and strike-slip history of southern Death Valley. In particular, recent mapping has correlated features in the Avawatz and Owlshead Mountains that indicate ~40k m of offset along the Southern Death Valley Fault Zone (SDVFZ). Stops will take place along traces of the SDVFZ in the Avawatz Mountains and the Noble Hills. The final stop of the trip is in the Mormon Point turtleback, where the implications of the SDVFZ offset are discussed, alongside the metamorphic rocks at the stop, suggesting the restoration of the Panamint Range partially atop the Black Mountains.
Supplemental Material: Multi-stage construction of the Little Cottonwood stock, Utah, USA: Origin, intrusion, venting, mineralization, and mass movement
Authors: Jensen C.G. , al. et
Published: March 2022

Interactive Figures: Figure 5, Figure 6, Figure 9, Figure 11, Figure 13
Supplemental Material: Modification of the lithospheric mantle induced by recycled crustal components: Insights from Early Cretaceous appinites from the Liaodong Peninsula, NE China
Authors: Yan Xiang-Yu , Yang De-Bin , al. et
Published: March 2022

Figures S1–S3; Tables S1–S6; details of the analytical methods; and cited references in Figures 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6.
Implementation of a nurse-led alternate care site for the management of the surge of patients with COVID-19 in an Italian emergency department
Authors: Paganini Matteo , Pizzato Michele , Weinstein Eric , Vecchiato Elena , Bitetti Andrea , Compostella Caterina , Onesto Caterina , Favaro Andrea
Published: March 2022

Background

To accommodate and separate the large numbers of patients going to hospital with COVID-19, many EDs had to create new pathways for patients. We describe the outcomes of patients treated in a nurse-led alternate care site (ACS) at our hospital.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of outcomes of patients managed at the ACS of ‘San Bassiano’ Hospital ED, Bassano del Grappa, Italy between 9 March and 16 April 2020. Self-presenting patients aged 5 years and older, suspected of having COVID-19, were initially diverted to the ACS. Patients with a National Early Warning Score ≥5 or with a desaturation ≥4% after the walking test were sent back to the main ED COVID-19 path for further evaluation and medical attention and were not further followed up. In the ACS, patients received a CXR, blood samples and a nasopharyngeal swab to test for SARS-CoV-2, and were sent home. An emergency physician reviewed the results later and called the patient back 5–6 hours later with instructions to return for medical evaluation of abnormal findings, or to seek their general practitioner’s attention. Patients received a follow-up phone call 15 days later to learn of their course.

Results

A total of 487 patients were fully managed in the ACS and discharged home. Of the 392 (80.5%) patients with no abnormalities after the workup and instructed to stay at home, 29 reattended the ED in the next 15 days, and 13 were admitted. Among the 95 patients asked to return and receive medical attention, 20 were admitted and of those discharged, 3 reattended the ED within 15 days. At 15 days, no patient was deceased or received invasive ventilation; one admitted patient received non-invasive ventilation.

Conclusions

A nurse-led ACS diverted a substantial proportion of patients from main ED resources without associated negative clinical outcomes.
Over-the-scope-clips versus standard treatment in high-risk patients with acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a randomised controlled trial (STING-2)
Authors: Meier Benjamin , Wannhoff Andreas , Denzer Ulrike , Stathopoulos Petros , Schumacher Brigitte , Albers David , Hoffmeister Albrecht , Feisthammel Jürgen , Walter Benjamin , Meining Alexander , Wedi Edris , Zachäus Markus , Pickartz Tilman , Küllmer Armin , Schmidt Arthur , Caca Karel
Published: March 2022

Objective

Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) is managed by standard endoscopic combination therapy, but a few cases remain difficult and carry a high risk of persistent or recurrent bleeding. The aim of our study was to compare first-line over-the-scope-clips (OTSC) therapy with standard endoscopic treatment in these selected patients.

Design

We conducted a prospective, randomised, controlled, multicentre study (NCT03331224). Patients with endoscopic evidence of acute NVUGIB and high risk of rebleeding (defined as complete Rockall Score ≥7) were included. Primary endpoint was clinical success defined as successful endoscopic haemostasis without evidence of recurrent bleeding.

Results

246 patients were screened and 100 patients were finally randomised (mean of 5 cases/centre and year; 70% male, 30% female, mean age 78 years; OTSC group n=48, standard group n=52). All but one case in the standard group were treated with conventional clips. Clinical success was 91.7% (n=44) in the OTSC group compared with 73.1% (n=38) in the ST group (p=0.019), with persistent bleeding occurring in 0 vs 6 in the OTSC versus standard group (p=0.027), all of the latter being successfully managed by rescue therapy with OTSC. Recurrent bleeding was observed in four patients (8.3%) in the OTSC group and in eight patients (15.4%) in the standard group (p=0.362).

Conclusion

OTSC therapy appears to be superior to standard treatment with clips when used by trained physicians for selected cases of primary therapy of NVUGIB with high risk of rebleeding. Further studies are necessary with regards to patient selection to identify subgroups benefiting most from OTSC haemostasis.

Trial registration number

NCT03331224.
Disability: leaning away from the curve
Authors: Jesudason Edwin
Published: March 2022

This response to Evanset alencourages broader consideration of what constitutes disability, extending beyond a protagonist’s capabilities toward society’s fuller chorus. Three avenues are submitted to encourage this. First, Engel’s biopsychosocial paradigm of health can be helpfully applied to the question of identity in general, and disability in particular. Second, the philosophy of language (and of naming) gives useful insight into the pitfalls of trying to define disability via descriptions of capability. Third, Kennedy’s critique ‘Unmasking Medicine’ offers a sociopolitical view that builds on Foucault and Illich allowing us to recognise that it matters who judges who, as disabled, and on what grounds. Alongside this, I suggest alternative views first, on the authors’ liberal use of bell curves in the depiction of disability and second, on their terminology of capacity spaces.
Effects of Cuscuton dynamics on braneworld configurations in the scalar–tensor representation of $$f\left( R,T\right) $$ gravity
Authors: Rosa João Luís , Bazeia D. , Lobão A. S.
Published: March 2022

In this work we study braneworld configurations in the scalar–tensor representation of the $$f\left( R,T\right) $$

f

R
,
T

gravity theory in the presence of a Cuscuton term in the source field matter Lagrangian. We start by deriving the scalar–tensor representation of the theory and obtaining its respective equations of motion. We then introduce the standard metric for a flat braneworld model with one extra dimension for the general case of a $$f\left( R,T\right) $$

f

R
,
T

theory and study two different models for the source field. Given the complexity of the field equations, these solutions are obtained numerically. In these cases, the Cuscuton term effectively amplifies the effect, by increasing the height of the stability potential barrier and, consequently, the depth of the minimum of the graviton zero-mode on the brane. Finally, we study the particular cases of $$F(R)+T$$

F
(
R
)
+
T

and $$R+G\left( T\right) $$

R
+
G

T

, for which only the scalar fields $$\varphi $$
φ
or $$\psi $$
ψ
are present, respectively, and we prove that the presence of the scalar field $$\varphi $$
φ
is essential in the development of internal structure on the brane.
Källén–Lehmann spectral representation of the scalar SU(2) glueball
Authors: Dudal David , Oliveira Orlando , Roelfs Martin
Published: March 2022

The estimation of the Källén–Lehmann spectral density from gauge invariant lattice QCD two point correlation functions is proposed, and explored via an appropriate inversion method. As proof of concept the SU(2) glueball spectrum for the quantum numbers $$J^{PC} = 0^{++}$$

J

PC

=

0

+
+

is investigated for various values of the lattice spacing. The spectral density and the glueball spectrum are estimated using the published data of Yamanaka et al. (Phys Rev D 102(5):054507, 10.1103/PhysRevD.102.054507, arXiv:1910.07756 [hep-lat], 2020). Our estimates for the ground state mass are in good agreement with the traditional approach published therein, which is based on the large time exponential behaviour of the correlation functions. Furthermore, the spectral density also contains hints of excites states in the spectrum.
Active T1 transitions in cellular networks
Authors: Duclut Charlie , Paijmans Joris , Inamdar Mandar M. , Modes Carl D. , Jülicher Frank
Published: March 2022

In amorphous solids as in tissues, neighbor exchanges can relax local stresses and allow the material to flow. In this paper, we use an anisotropic vertex model to study T1 rearrangements in polygonal cellular networks. We consider two different physical realizations of the active anisotropic stresses: (i) anisotropic bond tension and (ii) anisotropic cell stress. Interestingly, the two types of active stress lead to patterns of relative orientation of T1 transitions and cell elongation that are different. Our work suggests that these two realizations of anisotropic active stresses can be observed in vivo. We describe and explain these results through the lens of a continuum description of the tissue as an anisotropic active material. We furthermore discuss the energetics of the dynamic tissue and express the energy balance in terms of internal elastic energy, mechanical work, chemical work and heat. This allows us to define active T1 transitions that can perform mechanical work while consuming chemical energy.

Graphic abstract
Impact of Recent Chinese Stock Market Liberalization: History and Literature Review
Authors: Chen Shimin , Ni Serene Xu , Tong Jamie Yixing
Published: March 2022

Synopsis

The research problem

In recent decades, the Chinese government has taken several measures to liberalize its stock market to attract foreign investment. In this survey, we described these liberalization measures and reviewed the research on their consequences.

Motivation

Along with the rapid development of the Chinese stock market, increasing numbers of global investors have shown interest in this market. As a result, we also witness a steady growth in the number of empirical research and review studies published in the international journals. However, no published reviews have focused on stock market liberalization, which is an important perspective requiring further investigation. Our study bridges the gap by making a thorough and in-depth review on issues associated with the stock market liberalization in China.

The discussed questions and implications

In analyzing this literature, we focused on two dimensions: (1) how liberalization impacts five corporate-level accounting and financial issues—corporate governance, information environment and financial disclosure, earnings quality, value-relevance of accounting information, and auditing, and (2) how liberalization improves the Chinese stock market as a whole and affects asset pricing in this market. Based on the issues explored in the literature, we provide suggestions for future research in our concluding remarks.
Generation and estimation of overpressure from wireline logs using deterministic approaches in western Indonesia's Tertiary sedimentary basins
Authors: Ramdhan Agus M. , O'Connor Stephen
Published: March 2022

Many basins in Indonesia such as the North Sumatra, South Sumatra and Lower Kutai are highly overpressured. As a result, some wells have experienced drilling problems resulting in termination. In the literature, an empirical relationship such as Eaton has historically often been used to interpret pore pressure. In this paper, we take an alternative approach, one based on deterministic models.

Herein, we use Bowers’ and Dutta's equations to calculate the contributions of loading and unloading to the overall overpressure. Due to the advantages of the density log, the contributions of loading and unloading can be discriminated. By applying these methods, we suggest that in the North Sumatra Basin, unloading is caused by clay diagenesis. In the others, gas generation is significant.

The analysis also reveals that the unloading parameter (
U
) in the North Sumatra and South Sumatra basins is different than that of
U
in the Lower Kutai Basin. This suggests that mudrock in the overpressure zone in the Sumatran basins is more elastic than that in the Lower Kutai Basin, which appears to be more plastic in behaviour.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Geopressure collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/geopressure
An Intent-driven DaaS Management Framework to Enhance User Quality of Experience
Authors: Wu Chao , Horiuchi Shingo , Murase Kenji , Kikushima Hiroaki , Tayama Kenichi
Published: March 2022

Desktop as a Service (DaaS) has become widely used by enterprises. In 2020, the use of DaaS increased dramatically due to the demand to work remotely from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The DaaS market is expected to continue growing rapidly [
1
]. The quality of experience (QoE) of a DaaS service has been one of the main factors to enhance DaaS user satisfaction. To ensure user QoE, the amount of cloud computation resources for a DaaS service must be appropriately designed. We propose an Intent-driven DaaS Management (IDM) framework to autonomously determine the cloud-resource-amount configurations for a given DaaS QoE requirement. IDM enables autonomous resource design by abstracting the knowledge about the dependency between DaaS workload, resource configuration, and performance from previous DaaS performance log data. To ensure the IDM framework's applicability to actual DaaS services, we analyzed five main challenges in applying the IDM framework to actual DaaS services: identifying the resource-design objective, quantifying DaaS QoE, addressing low log data availability, designing performance-inference models, and addressing low resource variations in the log data. We addressed these challenges through detailed designing of IDM modules. The effectiveness of the IDM framework was assessed from the aspects of DaaS performance-inference precision, DaaS resource design, and time and human-resource cost reduction.
When Tags ‘Read’ Each Other: Enabling Low-Cost and Convenient Tag Mutual Identification
Authors: Cai Haofan , Wang Ge , Shi Xiaofeng , Xie Junjie , Wang Minmei , Qian Chen , Chen Shigang
Published: March 2022

Though widely used in industrial and logistic applications, current passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology still has a fundamental limitation: Individual users who do not carry any reader find it difficult to interact with tagged items, such as retrieving their digital profiles and requesting certain associations with them. Recent proposals to improve the user–item interaction experience rely on special hardware, such as a smartphone-based RFID scanner. This work presents a promising approach to allowing each user to interact with a tagged item using only one passive tag, which is named the Tag Mutual Identification Interface (TagMii). TagMii requires a user to put one’s user tag in physical proximity with an item tag to express certain interactions between the user and item. The key idea behind TagMii is to utilize two experimental observations: (1) inductive coupling for detecting interaction events, and (2) channel similarity for determining the actual interacting tags. We implement TagMii using commodity off-the-shelf RFID devices and conduct experiments in complex environments with rich multipath, mobility, wireless signals, electrical devices, and magnetic fields. The results show that TagMii provides accurate mutual identification. TagMii is a completely new approach for user–item interactions in pervasive environments and enables many user-friendly Internet of Things applications with low cost and convenience.
A Review and Comparison of AI-enhanced Side Channel Analysis
Authors: Panoff Max , Yu Honggang , Shan Haoqi , Jin Yier
Published: March 2022

Side Channel Analysis (SCA) presents a clear threat to privacy and security in modern computing systems. The vast majority of communications are secured through cryptographic algorithms. These algorithms are often provably-secure from a cryptographical perspective, but their implementation on real hardware introduces vulnerabilities. Adversaries can exploit these vulnerabilities to conduct SCA and recover confidential information, such as secret keys or internal states. The threat of SCA has greatly increased as machine learning, and in particular deep learning, enhanced attacks become more common. In this work, we will examine the latest state-of-the-art deep learning techniques for side channel analysis, the theory behind them, and how they are conducted. Our focus will be on profiling attacks using deep learning techniques, but we will also examine some new and emerging methodologies enhanced by deep learning techniques, such as non-profiled attacks, artificial trace generation, and others. Finally, different deep learning–enhanced SCA schemes attempted against the ANSSI SCA Database and their relative performance will be evaluated and compared. This will lead to new research directions to secure cryptographic implementations against the latest SCA attacks.
A Survey on Deep Learning and Explainability for Automatic Report Generation from Medical Images
Authors: Messina Pablo , Pino Pablo , Parra Denis , Soto Alvaro , Besa Cecilia , Uribe Sergio , Andía Marcelo , Tejos Cristian , Prieto Claudia , Capurro Daniel
Published: March 2022

Every year physicians face an increasing demand of image-based diagnosis from patients, a problem that can be addressed with recent artificial intelligence methods. In this context, we survey works in the area of automatic report generation from medical images, with emphasis on methods using deep neural networks, with respect to (1) Datasets, (2) Architecture Design, (3) Explainability, and (4) Evaluation Metrics. Our survey identifies interesting developments but also remaining challenges. Among them, the current evaluation of generated reports is especially weak, since it mostly relies on traditional Natural Language Processing (NLP) metrics, which do not accurately capture medical correctness.
Structure and Mechanism of the Lipid Flippase MurJ
Authors: Kuk Alvin C.Y. , Hao Aili , Lee Seok-Yong
Published: March 2022

Biosynthesis of many important polysaccharides (including peptidoglycan, lipopolysaccharide, and N-linked glycans) necessitates the transport of lipid-linked oligosaccharides (LLO) across membranes from their cytosolic site of synthesis to their sites of utilization. Much of our current understanding of LLO transport comes from genetic, biochemical, and structural studies of the multidrug/oligosaccharidyl-lipid/polysaccharide (MOP) superfamily protein MurJ, which flips the peptidoglycan precursor lipid II. MurJ plays a pivotal role in bacterial cell wall synthesis and is an emerging antibiotic target. Here, we review the mechanism of LLO flipping by MurJ, including the structural basis for lipid II flipping and ion coupling. We then discuss inhibition of MurJ by antibacterials, including humimycins and the phage M lysis protein, as well as how studies on MurJ could provide insight into other flippases, both within and beyond the MOP superfamily.
Cyclic Voltammetric Experiment-Simulation Comparisons of the Complex Zr4+ to Zr0 Reduction Mechanism at a Molybdenum Electrode in LiF-CaF2 Eutectic Molten Salt
Authors: Fabian Cesimiro P. , Le Thanh Hai , Bond Alan M.
Published: March 2022

Nuclear energy represents an important option for generating largely clean CO2-free electricity. Zirconium is a fission product in the nuclear reaction that needs to be extracted from irradiated fuels used in Gen-IV molten salt reactors. The present investigation addresses the electrochemical reduction of solution soluble Zr4+
(soln) to surface confined Zro
(s−c) at a molybdenum electrode in a LiF—CaF2 eutectic molten salt at 840 °C using DC cyclic, square-wave and AC voltammetry. Cyclic voltammograms simulated by the reaction scheme: Zr4+
(soln) + 4e− → Zro
(soln); Zro
(soln) ↔ Zr*(s−c); Zr*(s−c) → Zr4+*(s−c) + 4e−; Zr4+*(s−c) → Zr4+
(soln); Zr*(s−c) + Zr4+
(soln) ↔ 2Zr2+
(soln); Zr2+
(soln) ↔ Zr2+*(s−c) and Zr2+*(s−c) → Zr4+*(s−c) + 2e− provided excellent agreement with experimental data over the scan rate range of 50 to 500 mV s−1. The interpretation of the simulation is that the reduction of Zr4+
(soln) to Zro
(metal) takes place via a transiently soluble Zro
(soln) in an overall 4-electron essentially reversible diffusion-controlled process having a reversible formal potential (Eo
f) of −1.22 V (vs Pt). A minor oxidation process observed at −0.455 V (vs Pt) on the reversing the potential scan direction is simulated via the reaction step Zr(s−c) + Zr4+
(soln) ↔ 2Zr2+
(s−c) followed by Zr2+
(s−c) → Zr4+
(sol) + 2e−. The sharply rising initial component where reduction of Zr4+
(sol) commences, contains evidence of a nucleation-growth mechanism associated with the electrocrystallisation of zirconium metal. This initial rapid growth of current is not fully accommodated in the simulations, but all features found beyond the peak potential are supported by the theory. A comparison with theory based on a direct reduction of Zr4+
(soln) to the metallic state having unit activity is provided. It is proposed that an analogous mechanism applies at a Ni electrode, except that a Ni-Zr alloy formation occurs instead of Zr metal.
Perspective—Is Sustainable Electrowinning of Neodymium Metal Achievable?
Authors: Akolkar Rohan
Published: March 2022

Rare–earth metals such as neodymium are central to numerous technologically important applications such as electrified transportation, renewable energy harvesting, and magnetic data storage. Presently, neodymium metal is produced via electrolysis of Nd2O3–containing NdF3–LiF molten salts at high temperatures. However, this conventional electrolytic route has several drawbacks including emissions of greenhouse gases such as CO2 and perfluorocarbons, which are harmful to the environment. In this perspective, an alternate concept based on electrolysis of NdCl3–containing chloride–based molten salts is explored and its potential advantages are discussed. Notably, NdCl3 can be obtained via direct non–carbothermic chlorination of Nd2O3, supported by thermodynamic calculations and experimental evidence from literature. The chloride–based molten salt electrolysis route also offers the possibility of incorporating a non–consumable or dimensionally stable anode leading to reduced electrical energy consumption, stable cell operation and ease of process scalability.
Review—Metal and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles/Nanocomposites as Electrochemical Biosensors for Cancer Detection
Authors: Eskandarinezhad Sara , Wani Irshad Ahmad , Nourollahileilan Mohammad , Khosla Ajit , Ahmad Tokeer
Published: March 2022

Nanomaterials have been employed in the fabrication of electrical biosensors owing to their significantly high surface area to volume ratio, excellent electrical conductivity & good affinity towards biomolecules. Integrating nanomaterials with electrochemical techniques has increased the efficiency & detection limits of electrochemical analytical tool for the identification of various types of disease biomarkers. This review aims to provide a wide coverage of the current advances in the fabrication of metal & metal oxide nanocomposite based electrochemical biosesnors for the identification of various types of cancer biomarkers such as Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), CA 125, platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), MUC1, Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), HER2, EGFR, H2O2, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-HDG), miR-196B & cancerous cells such as OE21 & OE21–1, MCF-7 etc. Following a brief description on cancer diagnosis, electrochemical biosensors & its types, main focus is laid on the recent advances in the use of metal & metal oxide nanocomposites especially of Ag, Au, Cu, Fe, Ti & layered double hydroxides (LDH) as electrochemical biosensors due to their wide sensing applications. Mechanism details of electrochemical biosensing of such electrochemical biosensors have also been discussed. At last existing challenges & future prospects are discussed in details.
Aerosolized vitamin E acetate causes oxidative injury in mice and in alveolar macrophages
Authors: Matsumoto Shotaro , Traber Maret G. , Leonard Scott W. , Choi Jaewoo , Fang Xiaohui , Maishan Mazharul , Wick Katherine D. , Jones Kirk D. , Calfee Carolyn S. , Gotts Jeffrey E. , Matthay Michael A.
Published: March 2022

Although vitamin E acetate (VEA) is suspected to play a causal role in the development of electronic-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI), the underlying biological mechanisms of pulmonary injury are yet to be determined. In addition, no study has replicated the systemic inflammation observed in humans in a murine EVALI model, nor investigated potential additive toxicity of viral infection in the setting of exposure to vaping products. To identify the mechanisms driving VEA-related lung injury and test the hypothesis that viral infection causes additive lung injury in the presence of aerosolized VEA, we exposed mice to aerosolized VEA for extended times, followed by influenza infection in some experiments. We used mass spectrometry to evaluate the composition of aerosolized VEA condensate and the VEA deposition in murine or human alveolar macrophages. Extended vaping for 28 days versus 15 days did not worsen lung injury but caused systemic inflammation in the murine EVALI model. Vaping plus influenza increased lung water compared with virus alone. Murine alveolar macrophages exposed to vaped VEA hydrolyzed the VEA to vitamin E with evidence of oxidative stress in the alveolar space and systemic circulation. Aerosolized VEA also induced cell death and chemokine release and reduced efferocytotic function in human alveolar macrophages in vitro. These findings provide new insights into the biological mechanisms of VEA toxicity.
Parental obesity alters offspring blood pressure regulation and cardiovascular responses to stress: role of P2X7R and sex differences
Authors: da Silva Alexandre A. , Moak Sydney P. , Dai Xuemei , Borges Gisele C. , Omoto Ana C. M. , Wang Zhen , Li Xuan , Mouton Alan J. , Hall John E. , do Carmo Jussara M.
Published: March 2022

We examined the impact of parental obesity on offspring blood pressure (BP) regulation and cardiovascular responses to stress. Offspring from normal (N) diet-fed C57BL/6J parents were fed either N (NN) or a high-fat (H) diet (NH) from weaning until adulthood. Offspring from obese H diet-fed parents were also fed N (HN) or H diet (HH). Body weight, calorie intake, and fat mass were measured at 22 wk of age when cardiovascular phenotyping was performed. Male and female HH offspring were 15% heavier than NH and 70% heavier than NN offspring. Male HH and HN offspring had elevated BP (121 ± 2 and 115 ± 1 mmHg, by telemetry) compared with male NH and NN offspring (108 ± 6 and 107 ± 3 mmHg, respectively) and augmented BP responses to angiotensin II, losartan, and hexamethonium. Male HH and HN offspring also showed increased BP responses to air-jet stress (37 ± 2 and 38 ± 2 mmHg) compared with only 24 ± 3 and 25 ± 3 mmHg in NH and NN offspring. Baseline heart rate (HR) and HR responses to air-jet stress were similar among groups. In females, BP and cardiovascular responses to stress were similar among all offspring. Male H diet-fed offspring from obese H diet-fed purinoreceptor 7-deficient (HH-P2X7R-KO) parents had normal BP that was similar to control NN-P2X7R-KO offspring from lean parents. These results indicate that parental obesity leads to increased BP and augmented BP responses to stress in their offspring in a sex-dependent manner, and the impact of parental obesity on male offspring BP regulation is markedly attenuated in P2X7R-KO mice.
Angiotensin II inhibits the A-type K+ current of hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus neurons in rats with heart failure: role of MAPK-ERK1/2 signaling
Authors: Roy Ranjan K. , Ferreira-Neto Hildebrando Candido , Felder Robert B. , Stern Javier E.
Published: March 2022

Angiotensin II (ANG II)-mediated sympathohumoral activation constitutes a pathophysiological mechanism in heart failure (HF). Although the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is a major site mediating ANG II effects in HF, the precise mechanisms by which ANG II influences sympathohumoral outflow from the PVN remain unknown. ANG II activates the ubiquitous intracellular MAPK signaling cascades, and recent studies revealed a key role for ERK1/2 MAPK signaling in ANG II-mediated sympathoexcitation in HF rats. Importantly, ERK1/2 was reported to inhibit the transient outward potassium current ( IA) in hippocampal neurons. Given that IA is a critical determinant of the PVN neuronal excitability, and that downregulation of IA in the brain has been reported in cardiovascular disease states, including HF, we investigated here whether ANG II modulates IA in PVN neurons via the MAPK-ERK pathway, and, whether these effects are altered in HF rats. Patch-clamp recordings from identified magnocellular neurosecretory neurons (MNNs) and presympathetic (PS) PVN neurons revealed that ANG II inhibited IA in both PVN neuronal types, both in sham and HF rats. Importantly, ANG II effects were blocked by inhibiting MAPK-ERK signaling as well as by inhibiting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a gateway to MAPK-ERK signaling. Although no differences in basal IA magnitude were found between sham and HF rats under normal conditions, MAPK-ERK blockade resulted in significantly larger IA in both PVN neuronal types in HF rats. Taken together, our studies show that ANG II-induced ERK1/2 activity inhibits IA, an effect expected to increase the excitability of presympathetic and neuroendocrine PVN neurons, contributing in turn to the neurohumoral overactivity that promotes progression of the HF syndrome.