bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resistive Switching Memory Based on Ferroelectric Polarization Reversal at Schottky-like BiFeO3 Interfaces
Authors: Tsurumaki-Fukuchi Atsushi , Yamada Hiroyuki , Sawa Akihito 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTWe have fabricated a ferroelectric resistive switching device of Pt/Bi1-δFeO3 (BFO)/SrRuO3 (SRO) in which the conductivity of BFO layer was controlled by changing the Bi-deficiency concentration. The devices showed a bipolar-type resistive switching effect, i.e., zero-crossing hysteretic current–voltage (I–V) characteristics. In addition, the I–V characteristics in both high and low resistance states are nonlinear, which can avoid a read-error problem in a passive crossbar memory array. Resistive switching characteristics measured in pulse-voltage mode revealed that the resistance values in low resistance states vary with the amplitude and duration time of the pulsed-voltage stresses, indicating possibility of multilevel switching. On the basis of the experimental results, we discuss the potential of the Pt/BFO/SRO device for application in a large-capacity nonvolatile memory.
Anti-Parallel Circuit of Resistive Cu/TaOx/Pt Switches
Authors: Liu Tong , Kang Yuhong , Verma Mohini , Orlowski Marius 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTResistive switches are being explored as a candidate for ultra-dense memory as well as logic circuits. The advantages of the resistive switches include high switching speed and excellent scaling potential. Here, we report for the first time the switching behavior of anti-parallel connected resistive switches (APS), which is a composite device exhibiting bi-directional switching properties. Under the opposite voltage biases, the two anti-parallel cells are alternatively set and reset, rendering the APS switched in both directions. For appropriate ON resistance values and set and reset voltages the two anti-parallel switches can be both set in conductive states. An APS device can be realized in a single switch by two coexisting Cu and oxygen vacancy nanofilaments which are formed and ruptured under opposite voltage polarities. The described APS behavior is of interest to logic applications and in neural networks.
Ab-Initio Modeling of the Resistance Switching Mechanism in RRAM Devices: Case Study of Hafnium Oxide (HfO2)
Authors: Duncan Dan , Magyari-Kope Blanka , Nishi Yoshio 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTThe structures and energies of stoichiometric and oxygen-deficient monoclinic HfO2 were calculated using density functional theory. The electronic interactions in HfO2 were calculated using the LDA+U and GGA+U formalisms, where on-site Coulomb corrections were applied to the 5d electrons of hafnium (Ud) and the 2p electrons of oxygen (Up). Properties calculated using these techniques are compared to results obtained from LDA, GGA, hybrid functionals, and experiment. Ultimately, we show that LDA+Ud+Up and GGA+Ud+Up calculations of HfO2’s electronic and structural properties achieve a level of accuracy on par with much more computationally demanding hybrid functional techniques, such as PBE0 and HSE06.
Development of an Advisory System Based on Bayesian Network to Minimize Corrosion Problems in Underbalanced Drilling
Authors: Al-Yami Abdullah S. , Schubert Jerome 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
In underbalanced drilling the use of air as an injected gas sets up the potential for oxygen corrosion. Membrane nitrogen with about 5% oxygen eliminates the chance for fire or explosion, but does not solve the corrosion problem. Natural gas or cryogenic nitrogen eliminates the chance for oxygen corrosion, but does not always eliminate the chance of corrosion from other down hole acid gasses (Hydrogen Sulfide, H2S, Carbon Dioxide, and CO2). Any corrosion that occurs while drilling will be forced by some drilling fluid or drilling operational procedure such as KCl fluids, aerated mud, or floating mud cap operations.
The objective of this study is to identify some of the practical elements of corrosion encountered with underbalanced drilling and their optimum solution by development of an advisory system based on field cases and expert opinions. This advisory system is intended to be a field guide for the drilling engineer or rig supervisor. Corrosion is a matter of concern to the drilling contractor because of pitting or loss of steel in the drill pipe.
The advisory system is developed by proposing a set of guidelines for the optimal practices to minimize corrosion in underbalanced drilling operations. The optimum practices collected from data and experts' opinions, are integrated into a Bayesian Network BN to simulate likely scenarios of its use that will honor efficient practices when dictated by varying certain parameters. These parameters are measuring corrosion, identifying corrosion types, drill pipe and corrosion, treatment methods for H2S corrosion, CO2 sources and treatment, different methods to test for corrosion, general corrosion prevention and treatment, treatment methods for formation water and makeup water, and recommended practices to minimize corrosion in underbalanced drilling operations.
To the best of the authors' knowledge, this paper is the first study to develop an advisory system for minimizing corrosion problems. The developed software solutions on corrosion will be demonstrated such as using mechanical means to reduce O2 concentration and inhibitors for pipe coating. Finally, the advisory system list recommendations for all types of underbalanced drilling (flow, aerated, foam and mist) to minimize corrosion problems.
Corrosion Monitoring, Root Cause Analysis and Selection Criteria for Future Well Completion Design in Deep HPHT Sour Wells
Authors: Al-Saeed Abdulla , Chandra Ravi , Al-Mai Noura , Al-Awadi Mishari , Dashti Qasem 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
In high pressure high temperature (HPHT), deep sour gas condensate and volatile oil fields, in which the wells contains approximately 2 – 8 % H2S and 1 – 2.5% CO2 it is necessary to evaluate the corrosion rates for the downhole completion string. As it is well known that, corrosion leads to several major problems which affect the well integrity and the production sustainability through the production string failures and tubing casing pressure communication.
The purpose of this paper is to illustrate an initial monitoring plan to extend the life of a completion string, reduce the number of well interventions and workovers due to corrosion and scale deposition. This systematic approach will improve the future tubing selection criteria and evaluate the need for CRA material also enhancing the downhole inhibition system with reference to KOC safety regulations from operational and economical prospective.
The conclusions of the above will be based on data collected from 13 wells to investigate the key factors which accelerate the corrosion occurrence and rate. As such, a detailed analysis was constructed by using the baseline corrosion logs and their outputs such as time lapse, pitting, and fluid properties vs. metallurgy.
Corrosion and Scales Problems in a Mature Oil Field under Waterflooding; From the Dagnostic to the Integrity Management; Casabe Field, Colombia
Authors: Peralta-Vargas J. , Gonzalez V. , Bravo L. , Gandolfo J. Martin , Caicedo J. , Valera M. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Inorganic scales are new identified phenomena in Casabe field while corrosion has started to increase to alert the field operations. The field has been under waterflooding since 1985 with no much success due to lack of vertical selectivity. It was resumed in 2004 and boosted from 25000 BWIPD to 110000 BWIPD, and in consequence, some injection related problems which had never been recognized in the field turned out to be an issue from wellbores to surface facilities. Failures in tubings, casing and flowline integrity and storage facilities with evidences of corrosion, lighted on the alarms regarding the corrosion processes in the field.
Diagnostic process started in 2010, revising the fluids being injected and the produced fluids from the wells, knowing that injected water is fresh and formation water has salinities up to 50000 ppm. Water samples were collected and analyzed to establish a current field wide corrosion baseline and evaluating the impact of the water injection process from the water source, injection lines and down into the injection wells and the reservoir, likewise the back to the producing wells x-mas trees.
Chemical treatment is being applied upfront in the injection system, and corrective treatments have been implemented in some wells to reduce corrosion downhole. Simultaneously, a surface flowline integrity survey, maintenance and replacement by new materials were initiated to avoid spills or unexpected failures in the gathering system.
Nevertheless, the current scenario is regularly under control, continuing monitoring is required in throughout the field. A new integrity management plan for the asset is under preparation since produced water is planned to be re-injected in the reservoir as primary source for the waterflooding. Whilst re-injection starts up, potential problems for corrosion could come up including scaling as it is indicated by Langelier Saturation index in the produced water.
Structural Integrity Management: Painting Predictive Control
Authors: Witte Carlos C. , Ribeiro Duperron M. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Predictive maintenance (PdM) helps to determine the optimal time and date when repairs should be performed, offering cost savings over routine or preventive maintenance. PdM is frequently used for constant condition monitoring and equipment evaluation. The main goal is, by statistical process control, to determine when future maintenance will be more appropriate according to the structure condition. Our purpose is to introduce a new PdM concept and technique, avoiding corrective maintenance high costs by undertaking an effective painting control. It has been proven efficient on field, when tools are used such as integrity maintenance management software along with 3D modeling.
Structure integrity PdM techniques may be applied on critical structures such as offshore structures, port equipment, refineries, bridges or any structure located on aggressive weather conditions. A new painting control method can be found on integrity maintenance management software. This procedure is used to predict painting corrosion rates and optimize maintenance. It consists on simulating painting schemes using 3D models and doing assessments with image analysis tools on visual inspection, such as corroded area pictures taken on the timeline.
This predictive maintenance technique affects the traditional procedures; it may require some time investment to adapt to this new practice. The method implies in innumerous benefits since all the corrosion treatment is done before major interventions are needed. Therefore a corrosion coating monitoring means a low-cost maintenance, it extends the structure life integrity and lowers repairs frequency.
Epigenetic epidemiology in psychiatry: A translational neuroscience perspective
Authors: Pishva Ehsan , Kenis Gunter , Lesch Klaus , Prickaerts Jos , Steinbusch Harry , Hove Daniel , Os Jim , Rutten Bart 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAccumulating evidence from the field of neuroscience indicates a crucial role for epigenetic regulation of gene expression in development and aging of nervous system and suggests that aberrations in the epigenetic machinery are involved in the etiology of psychiatric disorders. Epidemiologic evidence on epigenetics in psychiatry, however, is currently very sparsely available, but is consistent with a mediating role for epigenetic mechanisms in bringing together inherited and acquired risk factors into a neurodevelopmental etiological model of psychiatric disorders. Here, we review evidence from the epidemiological and neuroscience literature, and aim to converge the evidence into an etiological model of psychiatric disorders that encompasses environmental, genetic and epigenetic contributions. Given the dynamic nature of the epigenetic machinery and the potential reversibility of epigenetic modifications, future well-designed interdisciplinary and translational studies will be of key importance in order to identify new targets for prevention and therapeutic strategies.
Fear and Nostalgia in Times of Crisis: The Paradoxes of Globalization in Oliver Stone’s Money Never Sleeps (2010)
Authors: Oliete-Aldea Elena 
Published: May 2012

The intense interconnectedness of 21st century globalization has provoked continuous re-definitions of the political, cultural, economic and social frontiers. The imminent consequence of these constant changes is an increasing feeling of instability and uncertainty in the postmodern individual, ultimately leading to vulnerability and fear. This anxiety has provoked a nostalgic search for the shelter of a community, symbolically represented by the ’home’: the place where human bonds could make up for the unpredictable border-crossing forces of globalization. The question that remains is whether this ’home’ is real or just a reflection of memories of imagined past securities.
After a brief analysis of the contemporary processes of globalization in the light of the 2008 economic crisis, my aim in this paper is to study how the crossborder movements, which had optimistically facilitated the liberalization of global economies, have now become a source of threat and fear for U.S. American individuals. More concretely, I propose to focus on Oliver Stone’s film Wall Street, Money Never Sleeps (2010), as I believe that both this cinematographic production reflects and questions the anxieties and social contradictions that the crossing of political, cultural and economic frontiers has provoked in the context of the contemporary financial crisis.
Association of tree diameter with body size and lipid content of mountain pine beetles
Authors: Graf M. , Reid M.L. , Aukema B.H. , Lindgren B.S. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractHost tree diameter is considered an important predictor of the population dynamics of the mountain pine beetle,Dendroctonus ponderosaeHopkins (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), but the relationship between host tree diameter and beetle traits is unclear. The primary objective of this study was to determine how the quality of individual mountain pine beetles, measured as body size (pronotum width) and lipid content, varied with the diameter of lodgepole pine trees,Pinus contortavar.latifoliaEngelmann (Pinaceae). Naturally attacked trees, ranging in diameter from 10 to 35 cm, were selected from stands near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. Colonisation density and pupal density generally increased with tree diameter, but the number of pupal chambers per gallery start remained constant. Tree diameter positively affected beetle body size, which in turn was positively correlated with absolute lipid content in both sexes and relative lipid content in males. However, tree diameter did not directly predict absolute lipid content, and relative lipid content decreased with tree diameter in males. Larger beetles emerged earlier in the emergence period with relative lipid content remaining constant throughout emergence. All relationships had considerable unexplained variation. Thus, the use of tree diameter or emergence time as predictors of population dynamics of mountain pine beetles should be done with caution.
Classical Ataxia Telangiectasia Patients Have a Congenitally Aged Immune System with High Expression of CD95
Authors: Carney Ellen F. , Srinivasan Venkataramanan , Moss Paul A. , Taylor A. Malcolm 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare neurodegenerative immunodeficiency disorder caused by mutations in the ataxia telangiectasia mutated gene. Patients commonly have lymphopenia and Ig-production abnormalities. We used multicolor flow cytometry and IL-7 ELISA to investigate the effect of A-T and age on the proportions of major lymphocyte subsets and their pattern of CD95 expression in relation to IL-7 levels in 15 classical A-T patients. We also analyzed the sensitivity of T cells from four classical A-T patients to CD95-mediated apoptosis using TUNEL and caspase-activation assays. Our results confirmed lymphopenia and a deficiency in naive T and B cells in A-T patients. In contrast to controls, the proportions of naive and memory T and B cell subsets in A-T patients did not vary in relation to age. There was no evidence of a deficiency in plasma IL-7 or IL-7R expression, and IL-7 concentration correlated positively with CD95 expression on CD4+ T cells. CD95 expression on unstimulated A-T lymphocytes was high, and the apoptotic sensitivity of activated naive and central memory T cells was increased. These findings show that the immunodeficiency in A-T patients may be described as congenitally aged and is not progressive. The naive cell deficiency is not related to a deficiency in IL-7 or its receptor. However, IL-7 may upregulate CD95 on A-T lymphocytes. High CD95 expression and increased apoptotic sensitivity of activated naive and central memory T cells may result in an increased level of CD95-mediated apoptosis, which could contribute to the congenital lymphopenia in A-T.
Fcγ Receptor IIb Strongly Regulates Fcγ Receptor-Facilitated T Cell Activation by Dendritic Cells
Authors: van Montfoort Nadine , ’t Hoen Peter A. C. , Mangsbo Sara M. , Camps Marcel G. M. , Boross Peter , Melief Cornelis J. M. , Ossendorp Ferry , Verbeek J. Sjef 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
FcγR ligation by Ag–Ab immune complexes (IC) not only mediates effective Ag uptake, but also strongly initiates dendritic cell (DC) maturation, a requirement for effective T cell activation. Besides the activating FcγRI, FcγRIII, and FcγRIV, the inhibitory FcγRIIb is expressed on DCs. It is unclear how the ratio between signals from the activating FcγR and the inhibitory FcγRIIb determines the outcome of FcγR ligation on DCs. By microarray analysis, we compared the transcriptomes of steady state and IC-activated bone marrow-derived wild-type (WT) DCs expressing all FcγR or DCs expressing only activating FcγR (FcγRIIb knockout [KO]) or only the inhibitory FcγRIIb (FcR γ-chain KO). In WT DCs, we observed a gene expression profile associated with effective T cell activation, which was absent in FcR γ-chain KO, but strikingly more pronounced in FcγRIIb KO bone marrow-derived DCs. These microarray results, confirmed at the protein level for many cytokines and other immunological relevant genes, demonstrate that the transcriptome of IC-activated DCs is dependent on the presence of the activating FcγR and that the modulation of the expression of the majority of the genes was strongly regulated by FcγRIIb. Our data suggest that FcγRIIb-deficient DCs have an improved capacity to activate naive T lymphocytes. This was confirmed by their enhanced FcγR-dependent Ag presentation and in vivo induction of CD8+ T cell expansion compared with WT DCs. Our findings underscore the potency of FcγR ligation on DCs for the effective induction of T cell immunity by ICs and the strong regulatory role of FcγRIIb.
Cutting Edge: TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 4 Restricts IL-17–Mediated Pathology and Signaling Processes
Authors: Zepp Jarod A. , Liu Caini , Qian Wen , Wu Ling , Gulen Muhammet F. , Kang Zizhen , Li Xiaoxia 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
The effector T cell subset, Th17, plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis and of other autoimmune diseases. The signature cytokine, IL-17, engages the IL-17R and recruits the E3-ligase NF-κB activator 1 (Act1) upon stimulation. In this study, we examined the role of TNFR-associated factor (TRAF)4 in IL-17 signaling and Th17-mediated autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Primary cells from TRAF4-deficient mice displayed markedly enhanced IL-17–activated signaling pathways and induction of chemokine mRNA. Adoptive transfer of MOG35–55 specific wild-type Th17 cells into TRAF4-deficient recipient mice induced an earlier onset of disease. Mechanistically, we found that TRAF4 and TRAF6 used the same TRAF binding sites on Act1, allowing the competition of TRAF4 with TRAF6 for the interaction with Act1. Taken together, the results of this study reveal the necessity of a unique role of TRAF4 in restricting the effects of IL-17 signaling and Th17-mediated disease.
A 5:2 Intermittent Fasting Meal Replacement Diet and Glycemic Control for Adults With Diabetes
Authors: Guo Lixin , Xi Yue , Jin Wenbo , Yuan Huijuan , Qin Guijun , Chen Shuchun , Zhang Lihui , Liu Yu , Cheng Xingbo , Liu Wen , Yu Dongni 
Published: June 2024

ImportanceAn intermittent fasting plan consisting of 2 nonconsecutive fasting days and 5 days of habitual intake per week and meal replacement diet (5:2 MR) could provide additional benefits to patients with type 2 diabetes.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of the 5:2 MR on glycemic control among patients with early type 2 diabetes compared with metformin and empagliflozin.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThe EARLY (Exploration of Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Overweight/Obese Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus) study is a randomized, open-label, active parallel-controlled clinical trial conducted between November 13, 2020, and December 29, 2022, in 9 centers across China. A total of 509 eligible patients underwent screening, out of which 405 were randomly assigned to 3 groups and included in the intention-to-treat analysis.InterventionsPatients were randomly allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive either metformin, empagliflozin, or 5:2 MR. The treatment was 16 weeks, with an 8-week follow-up.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary end point was the change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level from baseline to 16 weeks. Secondary end points included changes in body weight, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical parameters.ResultsOf the 405 randomized participants (265 men [65.4%]; mean [SD] age, 45.5 [11.0] years; mean [SD] body mass index, 29.5 [4.1]; and mean [SD] HbA1c level, 7.9% [0.6%]), 332 completed the 16-week treatment. From baseline to week 16, participants in the 5:2 MR group showed the greatest reduction in HbA1c (least-squares mean [LSM], −1.9% [SE, 0.2%]), significantly greater than patients receiving metformin (LSM, −1.6% [SE, 0.2%]; adjusted LSM difference, −0.3% [95% CI, −0.4% to −0.1%]) and empagliflozin (LSM, −1.5% [SE, 0.2%]; adjusted LSM difference, −0.4% [95% CI, −0.6% to −0.2%]). At week 16, the mean weight loss in the 5:2 MR group (LSM, −9.7 kg [SE, 2.2 kg]) was greater than that in the metformin group (LSM, −5.5 kg [SE, 2.3 kg]) and empagliflozin group (LSM, −5.8 kg [SE, 2.3 kg]).Conclusions and RelevanceThis randomized clinical trial of Chinese adults with overweight or obesity and with early type 2 diabetes found that 5:2 MR could improve glycemic outcomes and weight loss in the short term compared with metformin or empagliflozin, making it a promising initial intervention and early management for type 2 diabetes.Trial RegistrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2000040656