bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Au‐Nanoparticle‐Array/Aligned‐Ag‐Nanowire‐Based Flexible Dual Plasmonic Substrate for Sensitive Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering Detection
Authors: Tang Zilun , Wu Jianyu , Liu Xiaochun , Su Qiuping , Yin Xingshan , Huang Zhiyi , Lin Xiaofeng , Lin Wenjing , Yi Guobin
Published: November 2021

The fabrication of flexible surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates for sensitive detection on uneven or irregular surfaces is challenging. In this study, a flexible dual plasmonic SERS (FDPS) substrate rationally constructed using Au nanoparticle (AuNP) arrays/aligned Ag nanowires (AgNWs) and elastic polyurethane (PU) is demonstrated. It exhibits high sensitivity (detection limit of 10−8 m for melamine and 10−10 m for malachite green) and excellent reproducibility. The well‐designed structure of AuNP arrays/aligned AgNWs fabricated using block copolymer self‐assembly and oil–water–air interfacial self‐assembly successfully enhances the electromagnetic field through plasmonic coupling. In addition, the FDPS substrate retains a high SERS sensitivity after exposure to air at room temperature for 30 days because of the high stability of AuNP arrays and antioxidation characteristic of the PU covered on the aligned AgNWs. Even after undergoing stretching, bending, and twisting for 100 cycles, the FDPS substrate maintains a stable SERS activity owing to the introduction of the elastic PU. This study demonstrates a potential application of SERS detection under practical conditions for irregular surfaces and may be helpful in the development of flexible sensors.
PANTHER: Making genome‐scale phylogenetics accessible to all
Authors: Thomas Paul D. , Ebert Dustin , Muruganujan Anushya , Mushayahama Tremayne , Albou Laurent‐Philippe , Mi Huaiyu
Published: October 2021

Phylogenetics is a powerful tool for analyzing protein sequences, by inferring their evolutionary relationships to other proteins. However, phylogenetics analyses can be challenging: they are computationally expensive and must be performed carefully in order to avoid systematic errors and artifacts. Protein Analysis THrough Evolutionary Relationships (PANTHER; http://pantherdb.org) is a publicly available, user‐focused knowledgebase that stores the results of an extensive phylogenetic reconstruction pipeline that includes computational and manual processes and quality control steps. First, fully reconciled phylogenetic trees (including ancestral protein sequences) are reconstructed for a set of “reference” protein sequences obtained from fully sequenced genomes of organisms across the tree of life. Second, the resulting phylogenetic trees are manually reviewed and annotated with function evolution events: inferred gains and losses of protein function along branches of the phylogenetic tree. Here, we describe in detail the current contents of PANTHER, how those contents are generated, and how they can be used in a variety of applications. The PANTHER knowledgebase can be downloaded or accessed via an extensive API. In addition, PANTHER provides software tools to facilitate the application of the knowledgebase to common protein sequence analysis tasks: exploring an annotated genome by gene function; performing “enrichment analysis” of lists of genes; annotating a single sequence or large batch of sequences by homology; and assessing the likelihood that a genetic variant at a particular site in a protein will have deleterious effects.
Structural basis for the interaction of SARS‐CoV‐2 virulence factor nsp1 with DNA polymerase α–primase
Authors: Kilkenny Mairi L. , Veale Charlotte E. , Guppy Amir , Hardwick Steven W. , Chirgadze Dimitri Y. , Rzechorzek Neil J. , Maman Joseph D. , Pellegrini Luca
Published: November 2021

The molecular mechanisms that drive the infection by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2)—the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)—are under intense current scrutiny to understand how the virus operates and to uncover ways in which the disease can be prevented or alleviated. Recent proteomic screens of the interactions between viral and host proteins have identified the human proteins targeted by SARS‐CoV‐2. The DNA polymerase α (Pol α)–primase complex or primosome—responsible for initiating DNA synthesis during genomic duplication—was identified as a target of nonstructural protein 1 (nsp1), a major virulence factor in the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Here, we validate the published reports of the interaction of nsp1 with the primosome by demonstrating direct binding with purified recombinant components and providing a biochemical characterization of their interaction. Furthermore, we provide a structural basis for the interaction by elucidating the cryo‐electron microscopy structure of nsp1 bound to the primosome. Our findings provide biochemical evidence for the reported targeting of Pol α by the virulence factor nsp1 and suggest that SARS‐CoV‐2 interferes with Pol α's putative role in the immune response during the viral infection.
Effect of Intrinsic Nb5+ Vacancy on Dielectric and Polarization Behaviors of KSr2Nb5O15: First‐Principles Investigation
Authors: Chen Qian , Feng Xiaoying , Teng Duo , Xu Jie , Cao Shuyao , Rydosz Artur , Kong Jie , Gao Feng
Published: October 2021

The Nb in the structure of ferroelectric KSr2Nb5O15 (KSN) is designated as Nb1 or Nb2 as it is surrounded by differing amounts of oxygen atoms. The dielectric properties and spontaneous polarization intensity of KSN with different Nb5+ vacancies are studied using first‐principles calculations and the influence mechanism of intrinsic cation vacancies on the dielectric properties and spontaneous polarization intensity of KSN is clarified. The dielectric constants and polarization responses to the materials are different when vacancy is formed at these two types of Nb sites, respectively; vacancy at the Nb1 site increases the dielectric constant, whereas vacancy at the Nb2 site decreases it. Furthermore, the experimental results support the effects of Nb5+ vacancy on the polarization behavior of the material, including polarizability and polarization intensity. This study provides a theoretical foundation for better understanding and improving the dielectric properties and polarization behavior of tungsten bronze structure ferroelectrics.
Adaptive Variational Quantum Imaginary Time Evolution Approach for Ground State Preparation
Authors: Gomes Niladri , Mukherjee Anirban , Zhang Feng , Iadecola Thomas , Wang Cai‐Zhuang , Ho Kai‐Ming , Orth Peter P. , Yao Yong‐Xin
Published: October 2021

An adaptive variational quantum imaginary time evolution (AVQITE) approach is introduced that yields efficient representations of ground states for interacting Hamiltonians on near‐term quantum computers. It is based on McLachlan's variational principle applied to imaginary time evolution of variational wave functions. The variational parameters evolve deterministically according to equations of motions that minimize the difference to the exact imaginary time evolution, which is quantified by the McLachlan distance. Rather than working with a fixed variational ansatz, where the McLachlan distance is constrained by the quality of the ansatz, the AVQITE method iteratively expands the ansatz along the dynamical path to keep the McLachlan distance below a chosen threshold. This ensures the state is able to follow the quantum imaginary time evolution path in the system Hilbert space rather than in a restricted variational manifold set by a predefined fixed ansatz. AVQITE is used to prepare ground states of H4, H2O, and BeH2 molecules, where it yields compact variational ansätze and ground state energies within chemical accuracy. Polynomial scaling of circuit depth with system size is shown through a set of AVQITE calculations of quantum spin models. Finally, quantum Lanczos calculations are demonstrated alongside AVQITE without additional quantum resource costs.
Research on path generation and stability control method for UAV‐based intelligent spray painting of ships
Authors: Cai Youhui , Zhou Honggen , Liu Jinfeng , Yuan Xin , Zhu Tianhu , Zou Shaofu , Wen Xiaojian , Du Chenxiao , Zhou Dazhi
Published: October 2021

This paper presents an intelligent path planning method with multiple constraints to solve the problem of instability of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intelligent spray painting (UAV‐ISP) systems for spray painting the outer panels of ships. Spray‐painting path planning is realized using the multiobjective particle swarm algorithm and ant colony algorithm. In addition, a stability control method for the UAV based on the linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC) algorithm is proposed and controlled by Mission Planner ground station software to solve the stability control problem of UAVs during spray painting. Through the above two key technologies, the painting quality of the UAV‐ISP system is guaranteed. First, a three‐dimensional (3D) model of the ship was obtained in a 3D modeling environment. Then the paint paths were optimized using the multiobjective particle swarm algorithm. The optimized path planning results were then combined using the ant colony algorithm to obtain the final spray painting path. Force analysis of the UAV during spray painting was carried out using the Newton–Euler equation and catenary theory, and a mathematical model of the UAV spray‐painting system with multiload coupling was established. Finally, a stability control system for the spray‐painting UAV based on LADRC was designed. The experimental and simulation results show that the proposed painting path is accurate, the spray‐painting UAV has good stability, and the spray‐painting quality of the UAV‐ISP system meets the standards for the outer panels of ships.
Stem Cell Translational Medicine: The Tianjin Model Revisited
Authors: Chen Haidan
Published: November 2021

Stem cells hold great promise for cell therapy to treat a wide spectrum of intractable diseases. Despite enthusiasm for stem cell therapy, the clinical and translational research of stem cells overall has been a slow and cumbersome process. This article uses the “technological system” as a framework to analyze the Tianjin model of stem cell translational medicine. It shows how heterogeneous elements interact with one another and relate to scientific, technological, social, economic, and political variables in order to fulfill the system goal of producing cell therapy in China. Then the strengths and weaknesses of the Tianjin model are compared with translational programs in other countries and the implications for the cell therapy industry are discussed.
Therapeutic use of Red Blood Cells and Platelets Derived from Human Cord Blood Stem Cells
Authors: Xie Xiaoyan , Yao Hailei , Han Xiaoyan , Yue Wen , Pei Xuetao
Published: November 2021

Red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets derived from stem cells are possible solutions to the increasing demand for blood transfusion. Based on the availability of stem cells, their relatively defined differentiation mechanisms, and the massive exploration of induction systems, the generation of RBCs or platelets in vitro from cord blood hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (CB-HSPCs) has potential for clinical applications. However, information on the clinical translation of stem cell-derived RBCs and platelets in the literature and at the ClinicalTrials.gov website is very limited. The only clinical trial on cultured RBCs, which aimed to assess the lifespan of RBCs cultured in vivo, was reported by Luc Douay and colleagues. Of note, the cultured RBCs they used were derived from autologous peripheral blood HSPCs, and no cultured platelets have been applied clinically to date. However, CB-HSPC-derived megakaryocytes, platelet precursors, have been used in the treatment of thrombocytopenia. A successful phase I trial was reported, followed by phase II and III clinical trials conducted in China. In this review, the gap between the many basic studies and limited clinical trials on stem cell-derived RBCs and platelets is summarized. The possible reasons and solutions for this gap are discussed. Further technological improvements for blood cell expansion and maturation ex vivo and the establishment of biological standards for stem cell derivatives might help to facilitate the therapeutic applications of cultured RBCs and platelets derived from CB-HSPCs in the near future.
Toward achieving sustainable development: Searching for economic development and globalization thresholds in the foreign direct investment‐environmental degradation nexus
Authors: Aluko Olufemi Adewale , Ibrahim Muazu , Vo Xuan Vinh
Published: October 2021

The need to reduce environmental degradation has led to the identification of several factors influencing environmental degradation, with the inflows of foreign direct investments (FDI) touted as a key factor. However, findings produced from the existing studies on FDI‐environmental degradation nexus are far from being conclusive, leaving policymakers under quandary regarding the precise effect of FDI on environmental degradation. We contribute to the FDI‐environmental degradation nexus debate by examining how economic development and globalization thresholds influences the role of FDI in environmental degradation in industrialized countries over the 1991–2016 period. We invoke a recently developed fixed effect panel threshold model estimation procedure that does not impose a prior functional form of the threshold. We find that FDI inflows mitigate environmental degradation when countries' levels of economic development and globalization are below the estimated thresholds. However, above the thresholds, higher FDI inflows significantly degrade the environment. Thus, unbridled economic development and globalization do not permit FDI to reduce environmental degradation.
Who do you take to tango? Examining pairing mechanisms between underwriters and initial public offering firms in a nascent stock market
Authors: Zhang Yan Anthea , Chen Jin , Li Haiyang , Jin Jing
Published: October 2021

Research Summary

Previous studies on initial public offerings (IPOs) in mature stock markets have documented that high‐reputation underwriters primarily work with high‐quality firms and vice versa—that is, they are paired through a quality‐matching mechanism. We propose that in a nascent stock market, a pricing mechanism may also play a role, through which pricing (the underwriting fee) sets the pairing. We examine these two mechanisms in the context of China's ChiNext stock exchange, which was launched in 2009 and experienced dramatic regulatory improvements in 2012–2013. With data on IPOs in 2009–2017, we find evidence to support the pricing mechanism's effect before the regulatory improvements and the quality‐matching mechanism's effect after the improvements. We contribute to the literature by developing an evolutionary view on the pairing mechanisms between important capital market participants.

Managerial Summary

In a mature stock market, underwriter reputation signals the underlying quality of initial public offering (IPO) firms to external investors because high‐reputation underwriters primarily work with high‐quality IPO firms and vice versa. We find that in a nascent stock market before the market experiences regulatory improvements, underwriters and IPO firms are paired through a pricing mechanism. That is, underwriters with higher reputation charge higher underwriting fees, and IPO firms with lower quality pay higher fees. Since the pricing mechanism rather than the quality‐matching mechanism sets the pairing, underwriter reputation does not have a signaling effect. Instead, we find that higher underwriting fees signal lower quality of IPO firms. Our findings shed important insights on how market participants are paired in other nascent markets, nascent technology fields and industries.
Black Tungsten Oxide Nanofiber as a Robust Support for Metal Catalysts: High Catalyst Loading for Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Kim Ga‐Yoon , Yoon Ki Ro , Shin Kihyun , Jung Ji‐Won , Henkelman Graeme , Ryu Won‐Hee
Published: October 2021

Black valve metal oxides with low oxygen vacancies are identified to be promising for various industrial applications, such as in gas sensing, photocatalysis, and rechargeable batteries, owing to their high reducibility and stability, as well as considerable fractions of low‐valent metal species and oxygen vacancies in their lattices. Herein, the nanofiber (NF) of black oxygen‐deficient tungsten trioxide (WO3−x) is presented as a versatile and robust support for the direct growth of a platinum catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The nonstoichiometric, poorly crystallized black WO3−x NFs are prepared by electrospinning the W precursor into NFs followed by their low‐temperature (650 °C) reductive calcination. The black WO3−x NFs have adequate electrical conductivity owing to their decreased bandgap and amorphous structure. Remarkably, the oxygen‐deficient surface (surface O/W = 2.44) facilitates the growth of small Pt nanoparticles, which resist aggregation, as confirmed by structural characterization and computational analysis. The Pt‐loaded black WO3−x NFs outperform the Pt‐loaded crystalline white WO3−x NFs in both the electrochemical ORR activity and the accelerated durability test. This study can inspire the use of oxygen‐deficient metal oxides as supports for other electrocatalysts, and can further increase the versatility of oxygen‐deficient metal oxides.
Inorganic Metal‐Oxide Photocatalyst for H2O2 Production
Authors: Wang Linxi , Zhang Jianjun , Zhang Yong , Yu Huogen , Qu Yinhu , Yu Jiaguo
Published: October 2021

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a mild but versatile oxidizing agent with extensive applications in bleaching, wastewater purification, medical treatment, and chemical synthesis. The state‐of‐art H2O2 production via anthraquinone oxidation is hardly considered a cost‐efficient and environment‐friendly process because it requires high energy input and generates hazardous organic wastes. Photocatalytic H2O2 production is a green, sustainable, and inexpensive process which only needs water and gaseous dioxygen as the raw materials and sunlight as the power source. Inorganic metal oxide semiconductors are good candidates for photocatalytic H2O2 production due to their abundance in nature, biocompatibility, exceptional stability, and low cost. Progress has been made to enhance the photocatalytic activity toward H2O2 production, however, H2O2 photosynthesis is still in the laboratory research phase since the productivity is far from satisfaction. To inspire innovative ideas for boosting the H2O2 yield in photocatalysis, the most well‐studied metal oxide photocatalysts are selected and the modification strategies to improve their activity are listed. The mechanisms for H2O2 production over modified photocatalysts are discussed to highlight the facilitating role of the modification methods. Besides, methods for the quantification of H2O2 and associated radical intermediates are provided to guide future studies in this field.
Recent Advances in Ternary Organic Solar Cells Based on Förster Resonance Energy Transfer
Authors: Wang Ting , Wang Xunchang , Yang Renqiang , Li Chaoxu
Published: October 2021

Recently, Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)‐based strategy has been successfully applied to promote the efficiencies of ternary blend organic solar cells (TOSCs). However, the intrinsic mechanism of FRET in the observed enhancement of efficiency has not been deconvolved unambiguously due to the complex photophysics mechanism. In this review, by deeply analyzing recent examples of FRET‐incorporated TOSCs, diverse framework structures of FRET pairs are summarized, then the theory, prerequisites, and the confirmation methods for FRET are discussed. In particular, the role of FRET theory in the photoconversion process is discussed in detail, including exciton harvesting, exciton diffusion, and charge generation. Finally, the existing challenges and future research directions of FRET applications in TOSCs are proposed.
Switchable All Inorganic Halide Perovskite Nanocrystalline Photoelectrodes for Solar‐Driven Organic Transformations
Authors: Fernández-Climent Roser , Gualdrón-Reyes Andrés F. , García-Tecedor Miguel , Mesa Camilo A. , Cárdenas-Morcoso Drialys , Montañes Laura , Barea Eva M. , Mas-Marzá Elena , Julián-López Beatriz , Mora-Seró Iván , Giménez Sixto
Published: October 2021

All inorganic halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) are considered as fascinating materials for a wide range of optoelectronic applications encompassing photovoltaics, lasing, sensing, and photocatalysis due to their outstanding optoelectronic properties. Herein, it is demonstrated that the photoelectrochemical behavior of CsPbBr3 NC films can be tailored through engineering the selective contacts and accepting species in the electrolyte. This concept has been successfully applied to the photoelectrochemical oxidation of benzyl alcohol (BzOH) to benzyl aldehyde (BzCHO) and the reverse photoelectrochemical reduction of BzCHO to BzOH, demonstrating that CsPbBr3 NCs activate both reactions with photocurrents up to 40 μA cm−2 toward BzCHO production and 5 μA cm−2 for the reverse reaction at 0.15 V versus normal hydrogen electrode. The obtained results highlight the huge potential and versatility of halide perovskite NCs for photoelectrocatalytic applications, validating the implementation of these materials for a wide range of solar‐driven complex organic transformations, and emphasizing the urgent need for stabilization strategies to move beyond the proof‐of‐concept stage to relevant technological developments.
Microstructure, Anisotropy and Formability Evolution of an Annealed AISI 430 Stainless Steel Sheet
Authors: Iquilio Abarzúa Roberto , Hernández-Durán Eliseo , Nguyen-Minh Tuan , Kestens Leo A. I. , Valín Rivera José Luis , Castro Cerda Felipe M.
Published: October 2021

The effect of the microstructure on the principal strain paths (uniaxial, plane, and biaxial) in the formability processes of ferritic stainless steel AISI 430 sheets is studied. The Marciniak test (determination of the plastic strain of sheet metal with a flat tip punch) is applied to determine the forming limit curves and different strain levels in the strain paths by the digital image correlation technique. The formability is discussed in light of the microstructure, standard mechanical properties, work hardening behavior, and anisotropy measurements (R‐value). Electron backscatter diffraction analysis is carried out to determine the texture of the selected strain paths. The texture evolution shows a marked γ (<111>// normal direction [ND]) fiber and cube ({001} <100>) texture component under the biaxial strain mode, whereas the α (<110>// rolling direction [RD]) fiber is somewhat favored under uniaxial plane strain. The results are compared with texture simulations performed under the fully constrained Taylor model, finding reasonable agreement with the experimentally measured main components.
Compressive strength of efficient self‐compacting concrete with rice husk ash, fly ash, and calcium carbide waste additives using multiple artificial intelligence methods
Authors: Mustafa Mohamed Abdeliazim , Osman Bashir Maaz , Dirar Samir , Beshir Osman Nisreen
Published: October 2021

The principal benefit of mixed concrete is to minimize the disadvantages of certain complementary cement ingredients by combining them with other better materials so that overall costs are managed and efficiencies of concrete production are increased. The structural and economic characteristics of concrete can also be improved. In this work, the compressive strength (CS) of self‐compacting concrete (SCC) was assessed and their interrelations were addressed using binary and ternary cementitious combinations of rice husk, fly ash (FA), and calcium carbide. Accordingly, various admixtures were prepared with diverse amounts of wastes by substituting ordinary Portland cement (5%). Thus, due to the raising of rice husk and FA, the CS of SCC was considerably improved. To raise the accuracy of the analysis, three soft computing models of particle swarm optimization (PSO), adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), and artificial neural network (ANN) were used. Six input parameters comprising FA replacement ratio, rice husk, total cementitious material, water cement ratio, high ratio water reducing agent and age of samples (AS), and one output parameter as the CS of SCC have been investigated. Subsequently, following the root mean square error and R2 results, three methods were shown as reliable tools for assessing the influence of cementitious material on CS of self‐compact concrete; however, ANFIS remarkably was better than ANN and PSO. As a result, rice husk showed less contribution to the strength of concrete at short times, but much at longer time than FA and calcium carbide. The enhanced influence of low amount of calcium carbide on CS was not significant. Also, it was found that the specimen incorporating of cement with 15% calcium carbide showed better workability than that of normal SCC specimen without calcium. Therefore, rice husk ash showed higher potential to be applied as partial replacements in SCC production.
Introduction: Can the Sendai Framework, the Paris Agreement, and Agenda 2030 Provide a Path Towards Societal Resilience?
Authors: Flood Stephen , Jerez Columbié Yairen , Le Tissier Martin , O’Dwyer Barry
Published: October 2021

The Global Risk Report 2021 highlights the portfolio of risks that may reshape the world in the coming years (WEF, The Global Risks Report 2021 (16th ed.). ISBN: 978-2-940631-24-7. http://wef.ch/risks2021, 2021). Although the global portfolio of risks is dominated by the existential crisis of climate change, the Covid-19 pandemic presents an immediate experience of how risk can upend and disrupt our societies and economies. It has highlighted existing global inequalities and demonstrated the scope and scale of cascading socio-ecological impacts. The impacts of climate change on global communities will likely dwarf the disruption brought on by the pandemic, with impacts being more diffuse and pervasive over a longer  time frame. The chapter sets out the nature of the climate change problem and the potential value in integrating the agendas of Climate Change Adaptation, Disaster Risk Reduction and the Sustainable Development Goals to increase societal resilience. It then describes the scope of the book under its three sections:

Best practice approaches

Irish case studies

International case studies

Lessons learned are then presented from the studies set out within the volume, followed by challenges and potential solutions to realising the ambition of resilience. Finally, a set of overarching conclusions are drawn.
Towards a Resilient Riverine Community: A Case Study in Sadong Jaya, Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: Wong Swee Kiong , Abdullah Regina Garai
Published: October 2021

This study highlights the vulnerabilities faced by a resource-deprived riverine community in Borneo (the Sadong Jaya community), particularly in dealing with different types of socio-ecological risks enhanced by the impacts of climate change. The sustainable development goals (SDGs) promote resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) as cornerstones of sustainable development. It is in this light that this chapter studies how a local community can sustain their livelihoods while coping with environmental and economic stresses and shocks. Comparisons and reflections are then made by referring to the findings of past studies carried out among other riverine communities to highlight the similarities and, more importantly, the uniqueness of adaptation mechanisms. Findings presented in the chapter are derived from content analysis based on the data collected from four Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and in-depth interviews with the key informants. Despite the fact that Borneo is a resource-rich region where most areas are blessed with an abundance of resources, there are also regions that have limited natural and economic or capital assets, or limited access to them. This situation raises the question of how a community that is located in a disadvantaged region, resource-wise, can adapt and strive to become more resilient. These findings illustrate the need for a comprehensive community strategy to reduce risk, increase resilience and support long-term survival.
Reimagining Our Menu for Sustainable Development
Authors: Rogers Adam
Published: October 2021

This chapter examines the pivotal role of food in realising the ambitions of the global agendas of climate change adaptation (CCA), disaster risk reduction (DRR) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The chapter advocates for a reduction in red (mammal) meat consumption and provides evidence that doing so will directly contribute to the achievement of seven of the 17 SDGs: Goal 2) Zero hunger; Goal 3) Good health and wellbeing; Goal 6) Clean water and sanitation; Goal 12) Responsible consumption and production; Goal 13) Climate action; Goal 14) Life below water, and Goal 15) Life on land. The chapter plots out a path to improved global sustainability, with greater societal resilience through changes in global food consumption choices. Citing the EAT-Lancet Commission, the chapter proposes that government policies and subsidies will need to be redirected away from harmful agricultural practices and towards ones that are better for our health, for our environment and for our economies.
Clothing the Emperor: Supporting National Climate Change Action in Ireland Through Local Governance Networks
Authors: Smith Glen
Published: October 2021

The Irish Government has set out policies and a governance framework for implementing action on climate change. However, the potential for local governance architecture to support this process has perhaps been overlooked. This chapter explores how this architecture is not an obstacle in implementing change, but a potential asset, and how it could be mobilised and enticed to deliver a lot more on climate action, sustainable development and disaster risk reduction (DRR). The coastal town of Youghal in County Cork provides an Irish case study through which the value of local governance for climate action is expounded. The chapter also recommends further research to consider the potential for local focus groups to seek sustainable pathways. The ‘sustainable pathways’ concept encourages broad input into decision points that support the selection of sustainable future trajectories, based on an understanding of risk, vulnerability and opportunity.
Radiation Belts and Their Environment
Authors: Koskinen Hannu E. J. , Kilpua Emilia K. J.
Published: October 2021

The Van Allen radiation belts of high-energy electrons and ions, mostly protons, are embedded in the Earth’s inner magnetosphere where the geomagnetic field is close to that of a magnetic dipole. Understanding of the belts requires a thorough knowledge of the inner magnetosphere and its dynamics, the coupling of the solar wind to the magnetosphere, and wave–particle interactions in different temporal and spatial scales. In this introductory chapter we briefly describe the basic structure of the inner magnetosphere, its different plasma regions and the basics of magnetospheric activity.
Dynamics of the Electron Belts
Authors: Koskinen Hannu E. J. , Kilpua Emilia K. J.
Published: October 2021

In this chapter we discuss the overall structure and dynamics of the electron belts and some of their peculiar features. We also consider the large-scale solar wind structures that drive geomagnetic storms and detail the specific responses of radiation belts on them. Numerous satellite observations have highlighted the strong variability of the outer electron belt and the slot region during the storms, and the energy and L-shell dependence of these variations. The belts can also experience great variations when interplanetary shocks or pressure pulses impact the Earth, even without a following storm sequence.
On the superconformal index of Chern-Simons theories and their KK spectrometry
Authors: Kim Hyojoong , Kim Nakwoo
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We study the large-N limit of superconformal index for two strongly interacting Chern-Simons theories in three dimensions with $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 supersymmetry, and compare the result against the AdS/CFT dual, namely the data of full Kaluza-Klein reduction spectra obtained using the exceptional field theory technique. The two theories of interest are mABJM and GJV theories, which are obtained as IR fixed point of RG whose UV description is ABJM and maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory respectively. We confirm agreement and the duality persists. For the case of mABJM it turns out that we need a refinement of the gravity index which reflects the fact that the UV description on the field theory side has enhanced global symmetry.
Supersymmetry breaking deformations and phase transitions in five dimensions
Authors: Bertolini Matteo , Mignosa Francesco
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We analyze a recently proposed supersymmetry breaking mass deformation of the E1 superconformal fixed point in five dimensions which, at weak gauge coupling, leads to pure SU(2) Yang-Mills and which was conjectured to lead to an interacting CFT at strong coupling. We provide an explicit geometric construction of the deformation using brane-web techniques and show that for large enough gauge coupling a global symmetry is spontaneously broken and the theory enters a new phase which, at infinite coupling, displays an instability. The Yang-Mills and the symmetry broken phases are separated by a phase transition. Depending on the structure of the potential, this can be first or second order.
Multiple mass hierarchies from complex fixed point collisions
Authors: Faedo Antón F. , Hoyos Carlos , Mateos David , Subils Javier G.
Published: October 2021

Abstract

A pair of complex-conjugate fixed points that lie close to the real axis generates a large mass hierarchy in the real renormalization group flow that passes in between them. We show that pairs of complex fixed points that are close to the real axis and to one another generate multiple hierarchies, some of which can be parametrically enhanced. We illustrate this effect at weak coupling with field-theory examples, and at strong coupling using holography. We also construct complex flows between complex fixed points, including flows that violate the c-theorem.
Aligned natural inflation in the Large Volume Scenario
Authors: Angus Stephen , Choi Kang-Sin , Shin Chang Sub
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We embed natural inflation in an explict string theory model and derive observables in cosmology. We achieve this by compactifying the type IIB string on a Calabi-Yau orientifold, stabilizing moduli via the Large Volume Scenario, and configuring axions using D7-brane stacks. In order to obtain a large effective decay constant, we employ the Kim-Nilles-Peloso alignment mechanism, with the required multiple axions arising naturally from generically anisotropic bulk geometries. The bulk volumes, and hence the axion decay constants, are stabilized by generalized one-loop corrections and subject to various conditions: the Kähler cone condition on the string geometry; the convex hull condition of the weak gravity conjecture; and the constraint from the power spectrum of scalar perturbations. We find that all constraints can be satisfied in a geometry with relatively small volume and thus heavy bulk axion mass. We also covariantize the convex hull condition for the axion-dilaton-instanton system and verify the normalization of the extremal bound.
Fabrication of micro-structured tools for the production of curved metal surfaces by pulsed electrochemical machining
Authors: Mankeekar Tejas , Bähre Dirk , Durneata Dan , Hall Thomas , Lilischkis Rainer , Natter Harald , Saumer Monika
Published: October 2021

A new, scalable process chain for the fabrication of curved micro-structured metallic tools is developed and evaluated. Arrays of arrows, circles, semicircles and rings with final lateral dimensions of 124 to 819 µm are realised on the tools and successfully transmitted in one process step to stainless steel workpieces with a functional area of 6.5 cm2using pulsed electrochemical machining. Photolithography-etching or micromilling are applied as initial micro-structuring processes, resulting in micro-structured master forms. These forms are copied into reusable silicon forms. This is followed by epoxy casting and electroforming to obtain the final tools. The tools are made of Nickel and have a diameter of 34 mm. Whilst micromilling, photolithography, silicon casting, epoxy casting and electroforming copy the structures very precisely, the wet etching process induces a widening of the dimensions due to the isotropic character of the process. The advantage of the process chain is the reusability of the master as well as of the silicone forms, which can be copied very precisely and easily with scalable processes to get precision tools with relatively large micro-structured areas. The reusability of the forms makes the fabrication of micro-structured tools relatively cost-efficient. The use of photolithography as the initial structuring process enables the generation of arbitrary, user-defined geometries for the micro-structures on the tool surface. The process chain described has the potential to fabricate lateral structure sizes on tools down to one micrometre.
Endovascular therapy in basilar artery occlusion in Sweden 2016–2019—a nationwide, prospective registry study
Authors: Ramgren Birgitta , Frid Petrea , Norrving Bo , Wassélius Johan , Ullberg Teresa
Published: October 2021

Purpose

We present the first nationwide study on endovascular therapy for basilar artery occlusion (BAO) from early hospital management to 3-month outcome.

Methods

Data were collected on all acute ischaemic stroke patients registered 2016–2019 in the two national quality registers for stroke care and endovascular therapy (EVT), receiving EVT for BAO and subclassified into proximal, middle and distal.

Results

In all, 251 patients were included: 69 proximal, 73 middle and 109 distal BAO. Patients with proximal BAO were younger (66, middle 71, distal 76, p < 0.0001), less often female (27.5%, middle 47.9%, distal 47.7%, p = 0.015), more often smokers (28.6%, middle 20.3%, distal 11.5%, p < 0.0001), and fewer had atrial fibrillation (13.2%, middle 24.7%, distal 48.6%, p < 0.0001). Level of consciousness and NIHSS score did not differ by BAO subtype and 52.2% were alert on admission. Time from groin puncture to revascularization was significantly longer in patients with proximal BAO (71, middle 46, distal 42 min, p < 0.0001), and angioplasty and/or stenting was more often performed in patients with proximal (43.4%) and middle (27.4%) than distal (6.4%) BAO (p < 0.0001). Cumulative 90-day mortality was 38.6% (proximal 50.7%, middle 32.9%, distal 34.9%, p = 0.02). Older and pre-stroke dependent patients had higher mortality, as did patients in whom angioplasty/stenting was performed.

Conclusion

We confirm a serious outcome in BAO despite endovascular therapies, and demonstrate important differences relating to occlusion location in baseline characteristics, procedural time, therapeutic measures and outcome. Further in-depth analyses of factors affecting outcome in BAO are warranted.
Aerobic Methanotrophy and Co-occurrence Networks of a Tropical Rainforest and Oil Palm Plantations in Malaysia
Authors: Ho Adrian , Zuan Ali Tan Kee , Mendes Lucas W. , Lee Hyo Jung , Zulkeflee Zufarzaana , van Dijk Hester , Kim Pil Joo , Horn Marcus A.
Published: October 2021

Oil palm (OP) plantations are gradually replacing tropical rainforest in Malaysia, one of the largest palm oil producers globally. Conversion of lands to OP plantations has been associated with compositional shifts of the microbial community, with consequences on the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While the impact of the change in land use has recently been investigated for microorganisms involved in N2O emission, the response of the aerobic methanotrophs to OP agriculture remains to be determined. Here, we monitored the bacterial community composition, focusing on the aerobic methanotrophs, in OP agricultural soils since 2012, 2006, and 1993, as well as in a tropical rainforest, in 2019 and 2020. High-affinity methane uptake was confirmed, showing significantly lower rates in the OP plantations than in the tropical rainforest, but values increased with continuous OP agriculture. The bacterial, including the methanotrophic community composition, was modified with ongoing OP agriculture. The methanotrophic community composition was predominantly composed of unclassified methanotrophs, with the canonical (Methylocystis) and putative methanotrophs thought to catalyze high-affinity methane oxidation present at higher relative abundance in the oldest OP plantation. Results suggest that the methanotrophic community was relatively more stable within each site, exhibiting less temporal variations than the total bacterial community. Uncharacteristically, a 16S rRNA gene-based co-occurrence network analysis revealed a more complex and connected community in the OP agricultural soil, which may influence the resilience of the bacterial community to disturbances. Overall, we provide a first insight into the ecology and role of the aerobic methanotrophs as a methane sink in OP agricultural soils.
Influence of tropical convective enhancement in Pacific on the trend of stratospheric sudden warmings in Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Li Yuanpu , Wen Zhiping
Published: October 2021

The exploration of the trend in stratospheric sudden warmings (SSWs) is conducive to predict SSWs in the future. Utilizing the National Centre for Environmental Prediction Reanalysis (NCEP) (1948–2020) and Japanese 55-year Reanalysis (JRA55) (1958–2020), we investigated the duration and strength of SSWs in the Northern Hemisphere occurred in the boreal winter (December–February). We found the duration of SSWs tends to increase and the strength of SSWs tends to strengthen from 1948 to 2003. After 2003, these trends did not continue. We utilized the observed cloudiness from the International Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set (ICOADS) to find that the convective activities in the tropical Central Pacific were enhanced during 1948–2003, and the enhancement of the convective activities did not continue after 2003. The circulation anomalies caused by the enhanced convective activities propagate to the high latitudes through wave trains. The anomalies of circulation and the climatological circulation at high latitudes interfere with each other and superimpose, which has a significant impact on planetary wave 1 (PW1). As a result, the PW1 also showed an increasing trend from 1948 to 2003 and a decreasing trend after 2003. After the stratosphere filters out the planetary wave with a large wavenumber, PW1 accounts for more proportion of planetary waves, which causes the trend in SSWs to change.
Salvage surgery for continent ileostomies (CI) after a first successful revision: more long-term blame on the reservoir than the nipple valve
Authors: Ecker Karl-Wilhelm , Tönsmann Mathias , Ecker Nils Karl Josef , Möslein Gabriela
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The aim of the study was to investigate the underlying cause of long-term complications in patients requiring at least one revision surgery of a continent ileostomy (CI) and to analyze functional outcome.

Methods

Only patients with CI at least one revision were included in the retrospective data analysis. Four different classes of complications (Cl A–D) were defined: Cl A = Nipple valve (NV), Cl B = pouch, Cl C = outlet (stoma), and Cl D = afferent loop (AL). Associations between underlying disease and origin of complications were analyzed. Cumulative probabilities were calculated using Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results

A total of 77 patients were identified with a follow-up of 30 years, requiring 133 surgeries for 148 complications (c.). Cl A 49 c. (33.1%), Cl B 50 c. (33.8%), Cl C 39 c. (26.4%), and Cl D 10 c. (6.8%). Cl A and C complications were not correlated to underlying disease, whereas Cl B and D complications were only found in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). The cumulative probability of a second revision showed a linear rise, reaching 62.5% after 20 years. Cl A and B complications both reached 42.1%. Eleven (14.3%) patients (10 Cl B) had pouch failure in a follow-up period of 11.5 ± 8.7 years (1–31 years), whereas 66 (85.7%) had successful revisional surgery. Overall CI survival was 78.8% at 44 years.

Conclusion

CI survival is limited by inflammatory complications of the pouch based on the underlying disease and not by mechanical limitations of the NV.

Trial registration numbers

None.
Hemp and buckwheat are valuable sources of dietary amino acids, beneficially modulating gastrointestinal hormones and promoting satiety in healthy volunteers
Authors: Neacsu Madalina , Vaughan Nicholas J. , Multari Salvatore , Haljas Elisabeth , Scobbie Lorraine , Duncan Gary J. , Cantlay Louise , Fyfe Claire , Anderson Susan , Horgan Graham , Johnstone Alexandra M. , Russell Wendy R.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study evaluated the postprandial effects following consumption of buckwheat, fava bean, pea, hemp and lupin compared to meat (beef); focussing on biomarkers of satiety, gut hormones, aminoacids and plant metabolites bioavailability and metabolism.

Methods

Ten subjects (n = 3 men; n = 7 women; 42 ± 11.8 years of age; BMI 26 ± 5.8 kg/m2) participated in six 1-day independent acute interventions, each meal containing 30 g of protein from buckwheat, fava bean, pea, hemp, lupin and meat (beef). Blood samples were collected during 24-h and VAS questionnaires over 5-h.

Results

Volunteers consumed significantly higher amounts of most amino acids from the meat meal, and with few exceptions, postprandial composition of plasma amino acids was not significantly different after consuming the plant-based meals. Buckwheat meal was the most satious (300 min hunger scores, p < 0.05).Significant increase in GLP-1 plasma (AUC, iAUC p = 0.01) found after hemp compared with the other plant-based meals. Decreased plasma ghrelin concentrations (iAUC p < 0.05) found on plant (hemp) vs. meat meal. Several plasma metabolites after hemp meal consumption were associated with hormone trends (partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA): 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid, indole 3-pyruvic acid, 5-hydoxytryptophan, genistein and biochanin A with GLP-1, PYY and insulin; 3-hydroxymandelic acid and luteolidin with GLP-1 and ghrelin and 4-hydroxymandelic acid, benzoic acid and secoisolariciresinol with insulin and ghrelin. Plasma branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), (iAUC, p < 0.001); and phenylalanine and tyrosine (iAUC, p < 0.05) were lower after buckwheat comparison with meat meal.

Conclusion

Plants are valuable sources of amino acids which are promoting satiety. The impact of hemp and buckwheat on GLP-1 and, respectively, BCAAs should be explored further as could be relevant for aid and prevention of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

Study registered with clinicaltrial.gov on 12th July 2013, study ID number: NCT01898351.