bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Doubling of Asymptotically Flat Half-spaces and the Riemannian Penrose Inequality
Authors: Eichmair Michael , Koerber Thomas
Published: January 2023

Building on previous works of Bray, of Miao, and of Almaraz, Barbosa, and de Lima, we develop a doubling procedure for asymptotically flat half-spaces (M, g) with horizon boundary $$\Sigma \subset M$$

Σ
⊂
M

and mass $$m\in {\mathbb {R}}$$

m
∈
R

. If $$3\le \dim (M)\le 7$$

3
≤
dim
(
M
)
≤
7

, (M, g) has non-negative scalar curvature, and the boundary $$\partial M$$

∂
M

is mean-convex, we obtain the Riemannian Penrose-type inequality $$\begin{aligned} m\ge \left( \frac{1}{2}\right) ^{\frac{n}{n-1}}\,\left( \frac{|\Sigma |}{\omega _{n-1}}\right) ^{\frac{n-2}{n-1}} \end{aligned}$$

m
≥

1
2

n

n
-
1

|
Σ
|

ω

n
-
1

n
-
2

n
-
1

as a corollary. Moreover, in the case where $$\partial M$$

∂
M

is not totally geodesic, we show how to construct local perturbations of (M, g) that increase the scalar curvature. As a consequence, we show that equality holds in the above inequality if and only if the exterior region of (M, g) is isometric to a Schwarzschild half-space. Previously, these results were only known in the case where $$\dim (M)=3$$

dim
(
M
)
=
3

and $$\Sigma $$
Σ
is a connected free boundary hypersurface.
Development of Near Net Shaped Coatings for Reduced Postprocessing Costs in Valves
Authors: Bobzin K. , Heinemann H. , Burbaum E. , Schulz M.
Published: January 2023

Thermally sprayed WC/CoCr coatings are established in the valve industry for wear protection. However, conventional coatings have to be cost-intensive postprocessed. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop near net shaped (nns) WC/CoCr coatings with a high wear resistance in order to avoid the expensive grinding postprocess. For the development of the nns coatings, a parameter study is used to investigate the influence of the stand-off distance and hydrogen volume flow rate in the HVAF process. The parameter study indicates the influence of the hydrogen volume flow and the stand-off distance on the porosity, microhardness and wear resistance of the coatings. The developed coatings exhibit a low porosity and high wear resistance. Through the correlation of the coating properties with the process parameters, promising parameter ranges for a further development of HVAF-sprayed nns coatings of WC/CoCr can be identified. With these results, first benchmarks for HVAF process parameters, hydrogen flow rate and stand-off distance could be delivered, advancing the overall goal of reducing manufacturing costs of valves.
Rationale and design of the iCORONARY trial: improving the cost-effectiveness of coronary artery disease diagnosis
Authors: Peper J. , Becker L. M. , Bruning T. A. , Budde R. P. J. , van Dockum W. G. , Frederix G. W. J. , Habets J. , Henriques J. P. S. , Houthuizen P. , Mohamed Hoesein F. A. A. , Planken R. N. , Voskuil M. , Bots M. L. , Leiner T. , Swaans M. J.
Published: January 2023

Background

In patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD), revascularisation decisions are based mainly on the visual grading of the severity of coronary stenosis on invasive coronary angiography (ICA). However, invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) is the current standard to determine the haemodynamic significance of coronary stenosis. Non-invasive and less-invasive imaging techniques such as computed-tomography-derived FFR (FFR-CT) and angiography-derived FFR (QFR) combine both anatomical and functional information in complex algorithms to calculate FFR.

Trial design

The iCORONARY trial is a prospective, multicentre, non-inferiority randomised controlled trial (RCT) with a blinded endpoint evaluation. It investigates the costs, effects and outcomes of different diagnostic strategies to evaluate the presence of CAD and the need for revascularisation in patients with stable angina pectoris who undergo coronary computed tomography angiography. Those with a Coronary Artery Disease—Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) score between 0–2 and 5 will be included in a prospective registry, whereas patients with CAD-RADS 3 or 4A will be enrolled in the RCT. The RCT consists of three randomised groups: (1) FFR-CT-guided strategy, (2) QFR-guided strategy or (3) standard of care including ICA and invasive pressure measurements for all intermediate stenoses. The primary endpoint will be the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (death, myocardial infarction and repeat revascularisation) at 1 year. Clinicaltrials.gov-identifier: NCT04939207.

Conclusion

The iCORONARY trial will assess whether a strategy of FFR-CT or QFR is non-inferior to invasive angiography to guide the need for revascularisation in patients with stable CAD. Non-inferiority to the standard of care implies that these techniques are attractive, less-invasive alternatives to current diagnostic pathways.
A numerical method for the locomotion of bi-flagellated bacteria in viscous fluid
Authors: Nourian Vahid , Shum Henry
Published: January 2023

Flagellated bacteria propel themselves by rotating flexible flagella driven by independent motors. Depending on the rotation direction of the motors and the handedness of the helical filaments, the flagella either pull or push the cell body. Motivated by experimental observations of Magnetococcus marinus, we develop an elastohydrodynamic model to study the locomotion of a bi-flagellated bacterium with one puller flagellum and one pusher flagellum. In this model, the boundary integral technique and Kirchhoff rod model are employed respectively to calculate the hydrodynamic forces on the swimmer and model the elastic deformations of the flagella. Our numerical results demonstrate that the model bacterium travels along a double helical trajectory, which is consistent with the experimental observations. Varying the stiffness, orientations or positions of the flagella significantly changes the swimming characteristics. Notably, when either the applied torque is higher than a critical value or the flagellum stiffness is lower than a critical stiffness, the pusher flagellum exhibits overwhirling motion, resulting in a more complicated swimming style and a lower swimming speed. For a moderate flagellum stiffness, the swimming speed is insensitive to the rest configuration orientation over a wide range of orientation angles as the flagella deform to maintain alignment with the swimming direction.
On the propagation of acoustic–gravity waves due to a slender rupture in an elastic seabed
Authors: Williams Byron , Kadri Usama
Published: January 2023

The propagation of waves from a vertical uplift of a slender rectangular fault in a sea of constant depth is discussed, accounting for water compressibility, gravity and seabed elasticity. The compressed water column results in the generation of acoustic–gravity waves that travel at the speed of sound in water. Acoustic–gravity waves are found to terminate after a finite time, with the decay time most influenced by seabed rigidity, which is in contrast to the rigid stationary-phase model where signals persist indefinitely. At certain frequencies acoustic–gravity waves couple with the elastic seabed and travel at the shear velocity (speed of sound in an elastic solid). Improved estimates of the critical frequencies are derived. Moreover, besides the usual tsunami, a second – very small amplitude – surface wave mode travelling at the speed of sound arises under certain frequencies. We derive the cut-off frequency for this mode. The acoustic modes possess a frequency spectrum which depends on the time evolution and spatial properties of the rupture. We find that appropriate filtering of the acoustic–gravity wave signal can reveal characteristic peaks that encode information on the fault's geometry and dynamics.
Reproductive ecology of the Argus brief squid Lolliguncula argus in the coast off Oaxaca, southern Mexican Pacific
Authors: Olvera Mata Rocío Guadalupe , Alejo-Plata María del Carmen , González Acosta Adrián Felipe , Reyes-Hernández Cristóbal
Published: January 2023

Lolliguncula argus is a squid species endemic to the Tropical Eastern Pacific and caught incidentally by the artisanal fishery around Puerto Angel, Oaxaca (Mexico). Due to the low abundance of Argus brief squid, basic aspects of the species’ reproductive biology have not been adequately studied. Therefore, in this study, we assess size at maturity (L50), gonad maturation, ovarian development and spawning pattern by means of both histological and oocyte size–frequency analyses. Our results are based on 581 squid specimens: 534 females (11.9–82.4 mm dorsal mantle length, DML) and 47 males (16.0–68.2 mm DML) caught by artisanal fishery from May 2017 to April 2018. The L50 was 58.0 mm DML for females and 55.4 mm DML for males. The ovulation pattern in L. argus is asynchronous, with multiple-batch spawning in a relatively short period of time (intermittent spawning). Lolliguncula argus breed in the coastal waters off Puerto Angel, in the western margin of the Gulf of Tehuantepec, and exhibit gregarious behaviour during spawning events, which is associated with the regional oceanographic conditions. Based on these results, we determine that the opportunistic reproductive strategy of L. argus occurs in response to suitable regional environmental conditions.
NURSING BABIES TO FIGHT POVERTY: WAGES OF WET NURSES OF SPANISH FOUNDLING HOSPITALS IN THE 18THAND 19THCENTURIES
Authors: Sarasúa Carmen , Erdozáin Pilar , Hernández Ricardo
Published: January 2023

Foundling hospitals spread across Europe in the 18thand 19thcenturies, taking in hundreds of thousands of children each year. In Spain, the hospitals of major cities had staffs of more than 1,000 external wet nurses, who worked mainly in rural localities. Their cash wages were key for the household economies of the poor rural and urban populations. This article presents a methodology to interpret wet-nurse wages and explains their utility with respect to other occupations for men and women. Our results include a series of nominal and real wages for wet nurses and a calculation of their contributions to family income. The level of wages these institutions could offer was a major determinant in the supply of wet-nurse labour.
Simultaneous p-adic Diophantine approximation
Authors: BERESNEVICH V. , LEVESLEY J. , WARD B.
Published: January 2023

The aim of this paper is to develop the theory of weighted Diophantine approximation of rational numbers to p-adic numbers. Firstly, we establish complete analogues of Khintchine’s theorem, the Duffin–Schaeffer theorem and the Jarník–Besicovitch theorem for ‘weighted’ simultaneous Diophantine approximation in the p-adic case. Secondly, we obtain a lower bound for the Hausdorff dimension of weighted simultaneously approximable points lying on p-adic manifolds. This is valid for very general classes of curves and manifolds and have natural constraints on the exponents of approximation. The key tools we use in our proofs are the Mass Transference Principle, including its recent extension due to Wang and Wu in 2019, and a Zero-One law for weighted p-adic approximations established in this paper.
How Much Greenhouse Gas Do Tropical Soils Emit?
Authors: Derouin Sarah
Published: January 2023

New research found that tropical soils emit nitrogen mostly as inert dinitrogen rather than as greenhouse gases.
Equatorial waves as useful precursors to tropical cyclone occurrence and intensification
Authors: Feng Xiangbo , Yang Gui-Ying , Hodges Kevin I. , Methven John
Published: January 2023

Understanding and prediction of tropical cyclone (TC) activity on the medium range remains challenging. Here, we find that the pre-existing westward-moving equatorial waves can inform the risk of TC occurrence and intensification, based on a dataset obtained by synchronising objectively identified TCs and equatorial waves in a climate reanalysis. Globally, westward-moving equatorial waves can be precursors to 60–70% of pre-tropical cyclogenesis events, and to >80% of the events with the strongest vorticity, related to the favourable environmental conditions within the pouch of equatorial waves. We further find that when storms are in-phase with westward-moving equatorial waves, the intensification rate of TCs is augmented, whilst in other phases of the waves, storm intensity grows more slowly, or even decays. Coherent wave packets associated with TCs are identifiable up to two weeks ahead. Our findings show that westward-moving equatorial waves can be useful medium-range precursors to TC activity.
Quantum machine learning beyond kernel methods
Authors: Jerbi Sofiene , Fiderer Lukas J. , Poulsen Nautrup Hendrik , Kübler Jonas M. , Briegel Hans J. , Dunjko Vedran
Published: January 2023

Machine learning algorithms based on parametrized quantum circuits are prime candidates for near-term applications on noisy quantum computers. In this direction, various types of quantum machine learning models have been introduced and studied extensively. Yet, our understanding of how these models compare, both mutually and to classical models, remains limited. In this work, we identify a constructive framework that captures all standard models based on parametrized quantum circuits: that of linear quantum models. In particular, we show using tools from quantum information theory how data re-uploading circuits, an apparent outlier of this framework, can be efficiently mapped into the simpler picture of linear models in quantum Hilbert spaces. Furthermore, we analyze the experimentally-relevant resource requirements of these models in terms of qubit number and amount of data needed to learn. Based on recent results from classical machine learning, we prove that linear quantum models must utilize exponentially more qubits than data re-uploading models in order to solve certain learning tasks, while kernel methods additionally require exponentially more data points. Our results provide a more comprehensive view of quantum machine learning models as well as insights on the compatibility of different models with NISQ constraints.
Reef islands have continually adjusted to environmental change over the past two millennia
Authors: Kench P. S. , Liang C. , Ford M. R. , Owen S. D. , Aslam M. , Ryan E. J. , Turner T. , Beetham E. , Dickson M. E. , Stephenson W. , Vila-Concejo A. , McLean R. F.
Published: January 2023

Global environmental change is identified as a driver of physical transformation of coral reef islands over the past half-century, and next 100 years, posing major adaptation challenges to island nations. Here we resolve whether these recent documented changes in islands are unprecedented compared with the pre-industrial era. We utilise radiometric dating, geological, and remote sensing techniques to document the dynamics of a Maldivian reef island at millennial to decadal timescales. Results show the magnitude of island change over the past half-century (±40 m movement) is not unprecedented compared with paleo-dynamic evidence that reveals large-scale changes in island dimension, shape, beach levels, as well as positional changes of ±200 m since island formation ~1,500 years ago. Results highlight the value of a multi-temporal methodological approach to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamic trajectories of reef islands, to support development of adaptation strategies at timeframes relevant to human security.
The use of therapeutic drug monitoring for early identification of vedolizumab response in Saudi Arabian patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Anbarserry Doaa , Mosli Mahmoud , Qari Yousef , Saadah Omar , Bokhary Rana , Esmat Ahmed , Alsieni Mohammed , Shaker Ahmed , Elango Ramu , Alharthi Sameer
Published: January 2023

Vedolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody used to treat moderate-to-severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the induction of vedolizumab trough level in predicting short-term (week 14) clinical outcomes, and covariates that affect the response in Saudi Arabian patients. This prospective, real-life study included a total of 16 patients (4 Crohn's disease (CD) and 12 ulcerative colitis (UC)) with a confirmed diagnosis of IBD and generally naïve to receiving vedolizumab therapy. Using ELISA assay, vedolizumab induction trough and peak levels were measured at weeks 0, 2, and 6. The follow-up assessment was at week 14, where clinical outcomes were measured using the partial Mayo score for UC, and the CD activity score (CDAI), and Harvey Bradshaw index (HBI) for CD. At week 14, 9 patients (52.9%) out of 16 patients demonstrated response to therapy; clinical remission was reported in 5 patients (29.4%), and in 4 cases a clinical response was noted (23.5%). Clinical remission at week 14 was linked significantly with week 6 median vedolizumab levels in responders (25.1 µg/ml 95% CI: 16.5–42.9) compared to non-responders (7.7 µg/ml, 95% CI: 4.6–10.6) (P = 0.002). Receiver operator curve analysis at week 6 identified a cut-off > 8.00 µg/mL for short-term clinical remission. Also, at week 14, BMI significantly correlated with week 6 vedolizumab trough levels (P = 0.02). No other covariates correlated with drug levels at any time point examined. Week 6 early vedolizumab trough level measurements in IBD patients predicted short-term week 14 clinical remission.
Automatic COVID-19 severity assessment from HRV
Authors: Aliani Cosimo , Rossi Eva , Luchini Marco , Calamai Italo , Deodati Rossella , Spina Rosario , Francia Piergiorgio , Lanata Antonio , Bocchi Leonardo
Published: January 2023

COVID-19 is known to be a cause of microvascular disease imputable to, for instance, the cytokine storm inflammatory response and the consequent blood coagulation. In this study, we propose a methodological approach for assessing the COVID-19 presence and severity based on Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers. Classifiers were applied to Heart Rate Variability (HRV) parameters extracted from photoplethysmographic (PPG) signals collected from healthy and COVID-19 affected subjects. The supervised classifiers were trained and tested on HRV parameters obtained from the PPG signals in a cohort of 50 healthy subjects and 93 COVID-19 affected subjects, divided into two groups, mild and moderate, based on the support of oxygen therapy and/or ventilation. The most informative feature set for every group’s comparison was determined with the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) technique. Both RF and SVM classifiers showed a high accuracy percentage during groups’ comparisons. In particular, the RF classifier reached 94% of accuracy during the comparison between the healthy and minor severity COVID-19 group. Obtained results showed a strong capability of RF and SVM to discriminate between healthy subjects and COVID-19 patients and to differentiate the two different COVID-19 severity. The proposed method might be helpful for detecting, in a low-cost and fast fashion, the presence and severity of COVID-19 disease; moreover, these reasons make this method interesting as a starting point for future studies that aim to investigate its effectiveness as a possible screening method.
Polarization-independent wavelength demultiplexer based on a single etched diffraction grating device
Authors: Li Chenguang , Xiong Bo , Chu Tao
Published: January 2023

Polarization-compatible receivers are indispensable in transceivers used for wavelength division multiplexing optical communications, as light polarization is unpredictable after transmission through network fibers. However, the strong waveguide birefringence makes it difficult to realize a polarization-independent wavelength demultiplexer in a silicon photonic receiver. Here, we utilized the birefringence effect for simultaneously demultiplexing wavelengths and polarizations, and experimentally demonstrated a polarization-independent wavelength demultiplexer with a single device on a SiPh platform. The principle was validated on an etched diffraction grating, which successfully split the arbitrarily polarized light containing four wavelengths into eight channels with single-polarization and single-wavelength signals. Polarization-dependent losses of 0.5–1.8 dB, minimum insertion loss of 0.5 dB, and crosstalks lower than −30 dB were experimentally measured for the fabricated etched diffraction grating. Thus, a promising general solution was developed for implementing polarization-independent wavelength division multiplexing receivers and other polarization-independent devices on photonics platforms with birefringent waveguide devices.
Brazilian green propolis extracts modulate cholesterol homeostasis in a preclinical guinea pig model: anin vitroandin vivostudy
Authors: de Miranda Aline Mayrink , da Silva Lilian Eslaine Costa Mendes , Santiago Marcella da Silva Araujo , Rodrigues Débora Munhoz , Aldana Mejía Jennyfer Andrea , Perobelli Juliana Elaine , Vieira Maria José Fonseca , Bastos Jairo Kenupp
Published: January 2023

Brazilian green propolis hydroalcoholic extract alters serum and hepatic metabolism of cholesterol in guinea pigs fed a hypercholesterolemic diet.
Advancements in bacteriophage therapies and delivery for bacterial infection
Authors: Durr Hannah A. , Leipzig Nic D.
Published: January 2023

Graphical representation of phage natural replication, molecular modification applications including CRISPR/Cas9, and delivery applications including hydrogels and liposome encapsulation for treatment of bacterial infections.
A fast-acting brain-targeted nano-delivery system with ultra-simple structure for brain emergency poisoning rescue
Authors: Li Yao , Zhang Zinan , Huang Jingyi , Xing Huanchun , Wang Lin , Huang Lijuan , Sui Xin , Luo Yuan , Shen Liao , Wang Yongan , Yang Jun
Published: January 2023

Treatment for acute brain conditions remains a major challenge owing to the unavailability of antidotes, especially for organophosphorus compounds, exposure to which leads to rapid death.
Communication of molecular fluorophores with other photoluminescence centres in carbon dots
Authors: Langer Michal , Zdražil Lukáš , Medveď Miroslav , Otyepka Michal
Published: January 2023

The establishment of structure-photoluminescence (PL) relationships remains an ultimate challenge in the field of carbon dots (CDs).
BSA-templated synthesis of Ir/Gd bimetallic oxide nanotheranostics for MR/CT imaging-guided photothermal and photodynamic synergistic therapy
Authors: Cai Chao , Tian Feng , Ma Junping , Yu Zipei , Yang Mo , Yi Changqing
Published: January 2023

A biomineralization method using BSA as a template is demonstrated to facilely synthesize BSA@Gd2O3/IrO2 nanotheranostics, which exhibit high effectiveness in MR/CT dual-modal imaging and synergistic tumor treatment with PTT and PDT in vivo.
Enantioselective direct Michael addition of cyanohydrin ether derivatives to enones catalyzed by chiral bis(guanidino)iminophosphorane organosuperbase
Authors: Das Saikat , Kondoh Azusa , Terada Masahiro
Published: January 2023

The direct use of cyanohydrin ether derivatives as less acidic pronucleophiles was achieved for the first time in the catalytic enantioselective Michael addition reaction under transition metal free conditions.
Strategies to mitigate the shuttle effect in room temperature sodium–sulfur batteries: improving cathode materials
Authors: Wang Yiting , Chai Jiali , Li Yifei , Li Qingmeng , Du Jiakai , Chen Zhiyuan , Wang Longzhen , Tang Bohejin
Published: January 2023

Challenges and insights into high-performance sulfur electrodes for optimizing RT-Na/S batteries are discussed.
Organophosphonic acid and cerium functionalized antimonotungstate with electrochemical promise in biosensing bacterial dissimilatory sulfite reductase gene sequence
Authors: Tang Zhigang , Zhang Wenshu , Hu Yalun , Jia Xiaodan , Meng Lina , Wang Dan , Chen Lijuan , Zhao Junwei
Published: January 2023

An organophosphonic acid and cerium functionalized antimonotungstate was reported, and its application in the electrochemical biosensing of the bacterial dissimilatory sulfite reductase gene sequence was explored.
An enzyme-powered microRNA discriminator for the subtype-specific diagnosis of breast cancer
Authors: Mao Huiru , Cao Ya , Zou Zihan , Xia Jianan , Zhao Jing
Published: January 2023

This paper reports an enzyme-powered microRNA discriminator to selectively distinguish breast cancer cells from normal cells and further identify subtype-specific features.
A catalogue of high-mass X-ray binaries in the Galaxy: from the INTEGRAL to theGaiaera
Authors: Fortin Francis , García Federico , Simaz Bunzel Adolfo , Chaty Sylvain
Published: January 2023

Context.High-mass X-ray binaries (HMXBs) are a particular class of high-energy sources that require multi-wavelength observational efforts to be properly characterised. New identifications and the refinement of previous measurements are regularly published in the literature by independent teams of researchers and might, when they are collected in a catalogue, offer a tool for facilitating further studies of HMXBs.

Aims.We update previous instances of HMXB catalogues in the Galaxy and provide the community easy access to the most complete set of observables on Galactic HMXBs. In addition to the fixed version that is available in Vizier, we also aim to host and maintain a dynamic version that can be updated upon request from users. Any modification will be logged in this version.

Methods.Using previous HMXB catalogues supplemented by listings of hard X-ray sources detected in the past 20 yr, we produced a base set of HMXBs and candidates by means of identifier and sky coordinate cross matches. We queried in Simbad for unreferenced HMXBs. We searched for as many hard X-ray, soft X-ray, optical, and infrared counterparts to the HMXBs as we could in well-known catalogues and compiled their coordinates. Each HMXB was subjected to a meticulous search in the literature to find relevant measurements and the original reference.

Results.We provide a catalogue of 152 HMXBs in the Galaxy with their best known coordinates, the spectral type of the companion star, systemic radial velocities, component masses, orbital period, eccentricity, and spin period when available. We also provide the coordinates and identifiers for each counterpart we found from hard X-rays to the near-infrared, including 111 counterparts from the recentGaiaDR3 catalogue.
Stable accretion and episodic outflows in the young transition disk system GM Aurigae
Authors: Bouvier J. , Sousa A. , Pouilly K. , Almenara J. M. , Donati J.-F. , Alencar S. H. P. , Frasca A. , Grankin K. , Carmona A. , Pantolmos G. , Zaire B. , Bonfils X. , Bayo A. , Rebull L. M. , Alonso-Santiago J. , Gameiro J. F. , Cook N. J. , Artigau E.
Published: January 2023

Context. Young stellar systems actively accrete from their circumstellar disk and simultaneously launch outflows. The physical link between accretion and ejection processes remains to be fully understood.

Aims. We investigate the structure and dynamics of magnetospheric accretion and associated outflows on a scale smaller than 0.1 au around the young transitional disk system GM Aur.

Methods. We devised a coordinated observing campaign to monitor the variability of the system on timescales ranging from days to months, including partly simultaneous high-resolution optical and near-infrared spectroscopy, multiwavelength photometry, and low-resolution near-infrared spectroscopy, over a total duration of six months, covering 30 rotational cycles. We analyzed the photometric and line profile variability to characterize the accretion and ejection processes.

Results. The optical and near-infrared light curves indicate that the luminosity of the system is modulated by surface spots at the stellar rotation period of 6.04 ± 0.15 days. Part of the Balmer, Paschen, and Brackett hydrogen line profiles as well as the HeI 5876 Å and HeI 10830 Å line profiles are modulated on the same period. The Paβ line flux correlates with the photometric excess in the u′ band, which suggests that most of the line emission originates from the accretion process. High-velocity redshifted absorptions reaching below the continuum periodically appear in the near-infrared line profiles at the rotational phase in which the veiling and line fluxes are the largest. These are signatures of a stable accretion funnel flow and associated accretion shock at the stellar surface. This large-scale magnetospheric accretion structure appears fairly stable over at least 15 and possibly up to 30 rotational periods. In contrast, outflow signatures randomly appear as blueshifted absorption components in the Balmer and HeI 10830 Å line profiles. They are not rotationally modulated and disappear on a timescale of a few days. The coexistence of a stable, large-scale accretion pattern and episodic outflows supports magnetospheric ejections as the main process occurring at the star-disk interface.

Conclusions. Long-term monitoring of the variability of the GM Aur transitional disk system provides clues to the accretion and ejection structure and dynamics close to the star. Stable magnetospheric accretion and episodic outflows appear to be physically linked on a scale of a few stellar radii in this system.
Laboratory modeling in laser-induced plasma to estimate the pressure in bolide wake
Authors: Zakuskin A. S. , Beglaryan B. G. , Labutin T. A.
Published: January 2023

Aims. We study Fe and FeO emission in laser-induced plasma under reduced pressure to develop an approach for finding the conditions under which the laboratory plasma state matches the state of bolide wake plasma.

Methods. To acquire spectra of laser-induced plasma, we ablated a target of Fe3O4 in a vacuum chamber using a Q-switched laser. The Boltzmann plot method and Stark broadening of the emission lines were used to estimate the plasma temperature and electron number density. The intensity ratios of two Fe I lines (544.61 nm and 558.69 nm) to the intensity of FeO orange band at 587.1 nm were calculated to compare the conditions in laser-induced plasma and bolide wake plasma.

Results. Several combinations of pressure (75–150 Torr) and delay (12–15 μs) lead to the highest degree of similarity between laser-induced plasma and the Beneov bolide spectra at an altitude of 39 km. Importantly, the plasma parameters and pressure are consistent at these points. A detailed comparison of the spectra shows that the best-match conditions are 100 Torr and 15 μs. This pressure is ≈25 times higher than the ambient pressure at this altitude.

Conclusions. We assume that the pressure in the bolide wake is higher than the ambient pressure by a factor of 20–30. This can be considered to be the upper bound estimate of the pressure in the bolide wake, and the developed approach would be beneficial to support the modeling of a meteoroid entry.
Approches géographiques et agroclimatologiques des conséquences du changement climatique sur l’agrosystème céréalier de la Plaine de Caen (Normandie) aux horizons 2050 et 2100 : analyse comparative des résultats tirés des indicateurs agroclimatiques et phénoclimatiques
Authors: Beauvais François
Published: January 2023

En Normandie, chaque année, 3,6 Mt de tonnes de blé tendre (Triticum aestivum) sont récoltées, ce qui correspond à 10% des productions françaises. La région occupe donc une place importante dans le grenier à blé français. Face au changement climatique, la filière céréalière pose la question de son adaptation. Cet article propose de projeter les conditions climatiques pour le blé aux horizons 2050 et 2100 à partir des données extraites du modèle ALADIN-Climat pour deux scénarios RCP du GIEC en Plaine de Caen, région agricole caractéristique de la céréaliculture régionale. L’étude propose de comparer la performance des diagnostics fondés sur les indicateurs agroclimatiques (IAG) et phénoclimatiques (IPH), tout en discutant des approches spatiales et systémiques nécessaires pour étudier la vulnérabilité des agrosystèmes au changement climatique.
Digital rock workflow to calculate wettability distribution in a reservoir rock
Authors: Islam Ashraful , Tio Salazar Rafael , Crouse Bernd
Published: January 2023

Wettability has a strong influence on multi-phase flow behavior through reservoir rock. Reservoir rocks tend to have spatially varying wettability. Prior to contact with oil, rocks are almost always naturally water-wet. As oil invades the pore-space over geologic time, the initial water-wet state may be altered in certain locations due to adhesion of substances within the oil phase to the grains. Mechanisms of wettability alteration depend on various properties such as pressure, temperature, mineral chemistry, surface roughness and fluid composition. In this study wettability alteration in a reservoir rock is studied through direct simulation using multiphase Lattice Boltzmann method where the computational grid is constructed from segmented micro-CT images of the rock sample. The pore-grain interface is defined by a triangulated surface mesh for accurate fluxes near boundary and local curvature calculation. A capillary pressure drainage simulation is conducted in a water-wet Berea sandstone sample initially filled with water. When oil invades the pore space as the capillary pressure is increased, a fraction of the pore-grain surface is altered towards an oil-wet condition, as determined by a novel wettability alteration process. This process calculates local curvature at every surface element of the rock, obtains local capillary pressure from the simulation and assumes a disjoining pressure to determine water-film breakage at every location of the pore-grain surface. As a result, a spatially varying rock wettability is created. Using this new wettability distribution, the simulation is continued to allow the fluid phases to redistribute accordingly. The process is iteratively carried out until both fluid saturation and wettability distribution converged at a given applied capillary pressure. Afterwards, the pressure is ramped up to the next stage and the process is repeated again. It has been found that the wettability alteration is a slow dynamic process where the non-wetting phase can gradually invade finer pore space as the surrounding grain wettability is altered. In this study, it has also been found that wettability alteration of the reservoir rock produces lower connate water saturation during primary drainage compared to the simulation results without alteration. The resulting spatially varying wettability distribution from primary drainage is used for a subsequent water flooding simulation to calculate water-oil relative permeability curves. The methodology presented in this work can be leveraged to better understand and predict an improved mixed wetting conditions found in the reservoir rocks which is needed for more accurate displacement tests such as relative permeability simulations.
Nano-colloid based suspensions and emulsions used as means for enhanced oil recovery
Authors: Strekla Anastasia , Ntente Christina , Theodoropoulou Maria , Tsakiroglou Christos
Published: January 2023

Aqueous solutions of polyphenols extracted from parsley leaves are mixed with solution of ferric chloride hexahydrate to synthesize suspensions of polyphenol-coated iron oxide nanoparticles, which are then used to prepare Pickering oil (n-decane)-in water emulsions. The performance of the nano-colloid suspensions and emulsions as agents of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is assessed with secondary imbibition tests performed under constant flow rate on a glass-etched pore network, after a drainage / primary imbibition cycle for paraffin oil / brine (0.25M NaCl solution) system. The transient changes of the fluid saturation profile along with the pressure drop across the porous medium are recorded. Comparative analysis of the oil recovery efficiency attained with nano-colloid suspensions of varying iron concentration, and Pickering emulsion, enables us to classify them, and select the most efficient ones for further studies.
An integrated petrophysical analysis based on NMR, organic geochemistry and mineralogy. The Vaca Muerta source rock-unconventional play at different thermal maturities
Authors: Masiero Diana , Comerio Marcos , Domené Esteban , Vila Gabriela , Epele Bernarda , Cipollone Mariano , Silka Mariela , Camacho Carlos , Vera López Lourdes , Chiappero Silvina
Published: January 2023

The Vaca Muerta Formation (Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous) of the Neuquén Basin, Argentina is a world-class source rock and renowned as an unconventional reservoir for both oil and gas. The present study examines rotary sidewall cores representative of the oil and gas windows to analyze correlations between nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR T2 and T1-T2 maps at 2 MHz), Gas Filled Porosity (GFP), Rock-Eval programmed pyrolysis and quantitative X-ray diffraction (XRD) mineralogy. Shale samples are characterized by high present-day total organic carbon contents ranging from 3 to 7.20% (mean: 4.30%) for Well A at the oil window and, 0.72 to 11.77% (mean: 5.86%) for Well B at the gas window. The analyzed set also covers a wide compositional spectrum from carbonate-rich (> 50% of calcite and minor dolomite), mixed carbonate-siliciclastic (30 to 50% of calcite), to siliciclastic-rich (< 30% of calcite) samples. Notably, the clay fraction is dominated by interstratified illite-smectite minerals with less than 10% of expandable layers. Total porosity, calculated from Gas Filled Porosity plus NMR T2 Cumulative Distribution, is in the range of 10 to 20 porosity units. In this work we also present a new NMR sequence to detect solid-like organic matter with NMR at 2 MHz in an integrated workflow to characterize petrophysical properties of the Vaca Muerta Formation.
Impulse für die Recovery-Reise
Authors: Boden Marie , Feldt Doris
Published: January 2023

Für eine gelungene Recovery-Reise sind viele Elemente erforderlich. Wir stellen Ihnen deshalb einen prall gefüllten Interventionskoffer vor, der dazu dient, Betroffenen den Umgang mit Krisen und Gefühlen, Stabilisierung, Trost und Hoffnung sowie Genuss zu ermöglichen. Die Idee dahinter ist, dass sowohl Betroffene als auch Pflegende sich frei bedienen können und jeweils das Handwerkszeug nutzen, das zu ihrer Lebenslage passt.
Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci in Neonatal Blood: How Concerning?
Authors: Ansari Farheen , Banerjee Tuhina , Kumar Ashok , Anupurba Shampa
Published: January 2023

Objective Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are being implicated as one of the leading causes of bloodstream infection (BSI). To study the spectrum, prevalence, and antimicrobial susceptibility of CoNS causing BSI in neonates.

Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was done in level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Blood samples in automated culture bottles were processed as per the standard technique. Previously validated methods were followed for the characterization of CoNS and for AST of standard antibiotics by Kirby Bauer disk diffusion and vancomycin by agar dilution. The prevalence of causative organisms and susceptibility of CoNS were statistically analyzed. Categorical variables were compared by chi-square or Fisher's exact probability tests.

Result In total, 1,365 blood samples (1,365 neonates) were studied, of which 383 (28.05%) were positive and 982 (71.94%) were negative. Gram-positive organisms (GPC) predominated (n = 238; 62.14%) (p < 0.001) with 41.77% (160/383) S. aureus and 13.83% (53/383) CoNS. CoNS included S. epidermidis (19, 38%), S. haemolyticus (7, 14%), S. hominis (6, 12%), S. simulans (6,12%), S. capitis (5,10%), S. cohnii (4, 8%), S. warneri (1, 2%), and S. xylosus (1, 2%). The susceptibility to netilmicin, linezolid, and vancomycin was 100% (p ≤ 0.001), and 54% (n = 27) had vancomycin MIC of 0.125 μg/mL but methicillin-resistant CoNS (MRCoNS) was 70%. Methicillin-susceptible (MS) CoNS had lower MIC of vancomycin (p < 0.05) than MRCoNS.

Conclusion The spectrum of pathogens causing BSI in neonates is changing with predominance of GPC and among CoNS, S. epidermidis. Considerable proportion of MRCoNS with the emergence of MIC creep for vancomycin requires immediate attention.
Salivary IgA as a Surrogate Biomarker for Microbial Infections in Postoperative Patients Receiving Chemo-Radio-Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Chavan Preeti , Bhat Vivek , Joshi Amit , Gupta Tejpal , Murthy Vedang , Noronha Vanita , Rathish Divya , Prabhash Kumar
Published: January 2023

Objective Radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT) are important treatment options in patients with head and neck cancers. A common complication of this is microbial colonization or infection of mucosal surfaces. These infections may commonly be due to bacteria or yeasts. Salivary proteins with their buffering activity and immunoglobulin, especially immunoglobulin A (IgA), protect oral tissue, mucosal surfaces, and teeth from various microorganisms. This study characterizes the common microorganisms encountered and evaluates the role of salivary IgA in predicting microbial infections in this group of patients with mucositis.

Methods A total of 150 adult head and neck cancer patients on CTRT were evaluated at baseline and at the end of 3 and 6 weeks, respectively. Oral swabs collected from buccal mucosa were processed in the microbiology laboratory for the presence of microorganisms. Saliva was processed for IgA level estimation on Siemens Dimension Automated biochemistry analyzer.

Results Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most common organisms found in our patients, followed by Escherichia coli and group A beta-hemolytic Streptococci. A significant increase (p = 0.0203) in the incidence of bacterial infection was observed in post-CTRT patients (61%) compared to pre-CTRT patients (49.33%). There was significant increase in levels of salivary IgA (p = 0.003) in patients with bacterial and fungal infection (n = 135/267) when compared to those in samples showing no growth (n = 66/183).

Conclusion A significant increase in the incidence of bacterial infection in post-CTRT patients was observed in this study. This study also indicated that postoperative head and neck cancer patients with oral mucositis that developed an infection were associated with high salivary IgA levels, and it may serve as a surrogate biomarker of infection in these patients.
Performance Evaluation of Different RT-PCR Kits for the Direct Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Preheated Specimens
Authors: Jain Rajeev Kumar , Perumal Nagaraj , Chaurasia Deepti , Shrivastava Rakesh , Ahirwar Kamlesh Kumar , Sharma Archa , Kapoor Garima , Lalwani Jaya
Published: January 2023

Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has created high demand for molecular kits and consumables for mass screening of suspected individuals. Direct real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay without nucleic acid extraction has several advantages in saving testing time and cost and helps in the rapid reporting of SARS-CoV-2. The present study evaluated the analytical performance of four SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR for direct RT-PCR testing using preheated specimens.

Methods A total of 100 clinical specimens were selected and divided into three different groups: (1) group I: 20 SARS-CoV-2 positive specimens with high viral load, viz., low Ct values (< 30 Ct), (2) group II: 50 SARS-CoV-2 positive specimens with low viral load, viz., high Ct values (> 30 Ct), and (3) group III: 30 SARS-CoV-2 negative specimens. Specimens were heat-inactivated at 70°C for 10 minutes and cooled down at 4°C and were evaluated for standard and direct RT-PCR method by using ViralDtect-II Multiplex Real-Time PCR kit, TaqPath COVID-19 Combo kit, COVIDsure Pro Multiplex RT-PCR kit, and Hi-PCR Coronavirus (COVID-19) Multiplex Probe PCR kit.

Results Results showed that except ViralDtect-II kit, the other three TaqPath COVID-19 Combo kit, COVIDsure Pro kit, and Hi-PCR Coronavirus (COVID-19) RT-PCR kit were able to amplify all the SARS-CoV-2 genes in the direct RT-PCR method using preheated specimens. In group I specimens, 100% sensitivity was observed in all three RT-PCR kits. In group II specimens, COVIDsure Pro kit was found to be superior among other kits.

Conclusion Direct RT-PCR method during pandemic situation is valuable and cost effective for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. All three TaqPath COVID-19 Combo kit, COVIDsure Pro kit, and Hi-PCR Coronavirus (COVID-19) RT-PCR kit can be used for direct RT-PCR method and COVIDsure Pro kit performance was found to be superior among all.
Decreased Platelet Reactivity and Function in a Mouse Model of Human Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Kawano Tomohiro , Hisada Yohei , Grover Steven P. , Schug Wyatt J. , Paul David S. , Bergmeier Wolfgang , Mackman Nigel
Published: January 2023

Cancer patients have increased thrombosis and bleeding compared with the general population. Cancer is associated with activation of both platelets and coagulation. Mouse models have been used to study the dysregulation of platelets and coagulation in cancer. We established a mouse model of pancreatic cancer in which tissue factor-expressing human pancreatic tumors (BxPC-3) are grown in nude mice. Tumor-bearing mice have an activated coagulation system and increased venous thrombosis compared to control mice. We also showed that tumor-derived, tissue factor-positive extracellular vesicles activated platelets ex vivo and in vivo. In this study, we determined the effect of tumors on a platelet-dependent arterial thrombosis model. Unexpectedly, we observed significantly reduced carotid artery thrombosis in tumor-bearing mice compared to controls. In addition, we observed significantly increased tail bleeding in tumor-bearing mice compared to controls. These results suggested that the presence of the tumor affected platelets. Indeed, tumor-bearing mice exhibited a significant decrease in platelet count and an increase in mean platelet volume and percentage of reticulated platelets, findings that are consistent with increased platelet turnover. Levels of the platelet activation marker platelet factor 4 were also increased in tumor-bearing mice. We also observed decreased platelet receptor expression in tumor-bearing mice and reduced levels of active αIIb/β3 integrin in response to PAR4 agonist peptide and convulxin in platelets from tumor-bearing mice compared with platelets from control mice. In summary, our study suggests that in tumor-bearing mice there is chronic platelet activation, leading to thrombocytopenia, decreased receptor expression, and impaired platelet adhesive function.
Local, yet global: Implications of caste for MNEs and international business
Authors: Bapuji Hari , Chrispal Snehanjali , Vissa Balagopal , Ertug Gokhan
Published: January 2023

Caste is an informal institution that influences socioeconomic action in many contexts. It is becoming increasingly evident that international business research, practice, and policy need to programmatically address caste. To facilitate this endeavor, we review the limited research in IB that has addressed caste, and theorize caste as a distinct informal institution by distinguishing it from other systems of stratification like race, class, and gender. In addition, we propose a parsimonious framework to highlight the implications of caste for Indian and non-Indian MNEs in their Indian and global operations. In doing this, we focus on implications with respect to the internal organization and inter-organizational relationships of MNEs, and consider how these implications might differ as based on the MNEs’ organizational forms. We then build on these implications to discuss how MNEs and other stakeholders of international business can address caste inequalities via policies related to human rights, anti-racism, and affirmative action. By bridging theory, practice, and policy, we pave the way for MNEs to address global inequalities that relate to caste.