bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An exploration of the effects of information giving and information needs of women with newly diagnosed early‐stage breast cancer: A mixed‐method systematic review
Authors: Zou Guanfa , Simons Alison , Toland Samantha
Published: July 2021

Aim

To review the information needs of women with newly diagnosed early‐stage breast cancer and the effects of information giving by measuring patient‐reported outcomes.

Design

A mixed‐method systematic review using PRISMA guidelines.

Methods

The major electronic nursing databases were searched from inception until 31 December 2019 using key terms. Included studies were assessed using the Crowes Critical Appraisal Tool.

Results

Four quantitative studies and two qualitative studies, comprising of 537 participants (age range from 25 to 98 years), were included for the ultimate qualitative synthesis of this review. There was high‐level evidence that demonstrated the prevalence of these groups of women's information needs and their improvement in fighting spirit and decrease in helplessness/hopelessness for information giving interventions; low‐level evidence of long‐term adjustment and well‐being improvement; and limited evidence indicating that inadequate information, including restricted information, too much information and conflicting information could cause some ramifications.
Evaluation of spin in the abstracts of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses focused on the treatment of obesity
Authors: Faulkner Jantzen J. , Polson Connor , Dodd Andrew H. , Ottwell Ryan , Arthur Wade , Neff Jenny , Chronister Justin , Hartwell Micah , Wright Drew N. , Vassar Matt
Published: July 2021

Objective

Spin, i.e., the misrepresentation of research findings, has the potential to affect patient care. Evidence suggests that spin is prevalent in obesity randomized controlled trials. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to evaluate spin in abstracts of systematic reviews covering obesity treatments.

Methods

MEDLINE and Embase were searched to retrieve systematic reviews on obesity treatments. Each systematic review abstract was inspected for the nine most severe types of spin, i.e., the misrepresentation of study findings by exaggeration or omission, regardless of intentionality. Screening and data extraction occurred in a masked, triplicate fashion. Methodological quality was determined using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR‐2).

Results

Spin was identified in 20 (out of 200, 10%) abstracts, with spin type 5 (claiming efficacy despite high risk of bias among primary studies) being most common (11/200, 5.5%). Spin types 2 and 7, both related to unsupported efficacy claims, were not found. No associations were found between spin and extracted study characteristics. The methodological quality of the sample was rated as follows: critically low (23.0%), low (13.5%), moderate (60.5%), and high (3%).

Conclusions

Although these findings demonstrate a low proportion of spin in the abstracts of systematic reviews for obesity treatment; increased preventive measures may further reduce its presence.
Silicone‐based polymer blends: Enhancing properties through compatibilization
Authors: Abdilla Allison , D'Ambra Colton A. , Geng Zhishuai , Shin Jaeman J. , Czuczola Michael , Goldfeld David J. , Biswas Souvagya , Mecca Jodi M. , Swier Steven , Bekemeier Thomas D. , Laitar David S. , Bates Morgan W. , Bates Christopher M. , Hawker Craig J.
Published: July 2021

Polymer blending is a cost‐effective way to control the properties of soft materials, but the propensity for blends to macrophase separate motivates the development of efficient compatibilization strategies. Across this broad area, compatibilization is particularly important for polysiloxanes, which exhibit strong repulsive interactions with most organic polymers. This review analyzes state‐of‐the‐art polysiloxane compatibilization strategies for silicone–organic polymer blends. Emphasis is placed on chemical innovation in the design of compatibilization agents that may expedite the commercialization of new silicone–organic materials. We anticipate that hybrid silicone blends will continue to play an important role in fundamental and applied materials science across industry and academia.
Cancer patient perspective in the arena of COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Ballatore Zelmira , Merloni Filippo , Ranallo Nicoletta , Bastianelli Lucia , Vitarelli Francesca , Cantini Luca , Ricci Giulia , Ferretti Benedetta , Alessandroni Paolo , Del Prete Michela , Chiorrini Silvia , Safi Mobin , Ficarelli Rita , Benedetti Giovanni , Faloppi Luca , Marcellini Massimo , Stoico Rosa , Berardi Rossana
Published: July 2021

Objective

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outbreak has been declared a global pandemic of unprecedented proportions. Italy is a country which has been heavily affected. Cancer patients are at a higher risk owing to their intrinsic fragility related to their underlying disease and oncologic treatment. Against this backdrop, we conducted a survey to investigate how patients perceived their condition, clinical management and availability of information during the pandemic.

Methods

Between 15 April and 1 May 2020 a survey was submitted to cancer patients at oncology departments in the Marche region. Questions regarding the perception of personal safety, continuity of cancer care, information quality and psychological distress.

Results

Seven hundred patients participated in the survey; 59% were female and 40% were aged between 46 and 65. The majority of the participants perceived compliance with appropriate safety standards by cancer care providers and 80% were reassured about their concerns during the medical interview. 40% were worried of being at a higher risk of infection and 71% felt they were at a greater risk because of chemotherapy. 55% felt that postponing cancer treatment could reduce its efficacy, however 76% declared they did not feel abandoned at the time of treatment postponement. Patients between 46 and 65 years declared a significant reduction in sleep (p < 0.01) and in concentration (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

The emergency care offered to cancer patients has been deemed satisfactory in terms of both safety standards and care management. However, the majority of participants perceived the mutual negative influence between their oncologic disease and the risk of infection highlighting the need for special measures to ensure safe continuity of care.
Risk perception, treatment adherence, and personality during COVID‐19 pandemic: An international study on cancer patients
Authors: Cheli Simone , Lam Wendy W. T. , Estapé Tania , Winterling Jeanette , Bahcivan Ozan , Andritsch Elisabeth , Weis Joachim , Centeno Isabel , Serpentini Samantha , Farkas Clemens , Wengström Yvonne , Fioretto Luisa , Baider Lea , Lam Cherry C. L. , Goldzweig Gil
Published: July 2021

Objective

To explore the role of personality traits in moderating the relation between COVID‐19 risk perception and treatment adherence, and between risk perception and psychosocial distress in patients diagnosed with cancer.

Methods

An online survey (n = 1281) was conducted worldwide in seven countries (Austria, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey). Inclusion criteria were to be 18 years of age or older, have received a cancer diagnosis, and be in treatment or follow‐up. A few moderated regression models were performed with both personality traits and Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology super‐spectra as moderators.

Results

Detachment, negative affectivity, psychoticism and all the super‐spectra significantly moderated the relation between coronavirus risk perception and psychosocial distress, after the adjusting effect of confidence in safeguards. Only negative affectivity moderated the association between coronavirus risk perception and treatment adherence.

Conclusions

Personality traits may foster the understanding of how a patient might adjust to cancer treatment and, more generically, to highly stressful events such as the COVID‐19 pandemic. Further research is needed to confirm the results in different cancer stages and types.
Biology, ecology, and management of cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsisTinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)
Authors: Waqas Muhammad S , Shi Zuhua , Yi Tian‐Ci , Xiao Rong , Shoaib Ali AZ , Elabasy Asem SS , Jin Dao‐Chao
Published: July 2021

The cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is a highly invasive and harmful pest. It causes considerable loss of cotton crops in China, India and Pakistan. Little is known about its bionomics since it was first recorded in Pakistan and India in 2005. Rapid spread of this pest worldwide has accelerated research on its biology, ecology and management. The P. solenopsis has a short life cycle, and optimal temperatures lead to an increase in the number of generations per year, which is a serious threat to cotton crop production. Cotton mealybug is native to the USA, although it has now spread to >43 countries. Insecticidal control is the primary and dominant practice for this pest, and its resistance to commonly used insecticides is increasing. Biocontrol agents have strong potential for the management of nymphal instar stages. We read >250 articles related to our review title and finally reviewed recent advances in the understanding of P. solenopsis biology, ecology and control approaches, aiming to highlight integrated and biological management practices of this pest. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Methyl jasmonate‐induced resistance to Delia platura (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) in Lupinus mutabilis
Authors: Erazo‐Garcia Maria P , Sotelo‐Proaño Adolfo R , Ramirez‐Villacis Dario X , Garcés‐Carrera Sandra , Leon‐Reyes Antonio
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Andean lupin (Lupinus mutabilis Sweet) is an important leguminous crop from South America with a high protein content. In Ecuador, lupin yields are severely affected by the infestation of Delia platura larvae on germinating seeds. The application of elicitor molecules with activity against herbivorous insects to control D. platura infestation constitutes an unexplored and promising alternative for chemical insecticides. In this study, methyl jasmonate (MeJA), hexanoic acid, menadione sodium bisulfite, and DL‐β‐aminobutyric acid were evaluated for their ability to induce resistance against D. platura in three commercial lupin cultivars.

RESULTS

Only seeds pretreated with MeJA significantly impaired insect performance during choice and no‐choice assays. Additionally, fitness indicators such as seed germination and growth were not affected by MeJA treatment. To investigate the molecular mechanisms behind the MeJA‐mediated resistance, RT‐qPCR assays were performed. First, RT‐qPCR reference genes were validated, showing that LmUBC was the most stable reference gene. Next, expression analysis over time revealed that MeJA application up‐regulated the activity of the jasmonic acid biosynthetic genes LmLOX2 and LmAOS, together with other jasmonate‐related defense genes, such as LmTPS1, LmTPS4, LmPI2, LmMBL, LmL/ODC, LmCSD1, and LmPOD.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that MeJA can be used as an environmentally friendly elicitor molecule to protect Andean lupin from D. platura attack without fitness cost. MeJA application induces plant defense responses to insects in Andean lupin that may be modulated by the onset of terpenoid biosynthesis, proteinase inhibitors, lectins, polyamines, and antioxidative enzymes. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Half‐Metallic CoO2 and Semiconducting NiO2 at High Pressures
Authors: Han Yingna , Xu Xing , Xing Wandong , Yu Rong , Meng Fanyan
Published: July 2021

The recent discovery of stable FeO2 under high pressures has aroused great interest in materials science, suggesting the existence of the 4+ oxidation state of late transition metals in their binary oxides. Compared with other cobalt and nickel compounds, reports on CoO2 and NiO2 are limited, and even the oxidation states of Co and Ni in CoO2 and NiO2 are the subject of debate in theoretical works. Herein, PbO2‐type CoO2 and pyrite‐type NiO2 are predicted using density functional theory calculations. The equations of state and relative enthalpies with known compounds are determined, showing that the PbO2‐type CoO2 and pyrite‐type NiO2 can be synthesized above 40 and 43 GPa, respectively. The calculations of elasticity and phonon spectra have confirmed their mechanical and dynamical stabilities at 0 GPa. The band structures and densities of states show that PbO2‐CoO2 is half metallic and pyrite‐NiO2 is semiconducting.
Robustadial A and B from Eucalyptus globulus Labill. and their anticancer activity as selective tyrosyl‐DNA phosphodiesterase 2 inhibitors
Authors: Zhang Yu , He Xiao‐Zhi , Yang Hao , Liu Hai‐Yang , An Lin‐Kun
Published: July 2021

Tyrosyl‐DNA phosphodiesterase 2 (TDP2) is a recently discovered DNA repair enzyme that can repair topoisomerase 2‐mediated DNA damage, resulting in cancer cell resistance. In this study, two compounds, robustadial A and B, were isolated from a fraction of the ethyl acetate extract of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. fruits based on TDP2 inhibition screening. The biological experiments indicated that robustadial A and B have TDP2 inhibitory activity with EC50 values of 17 and 42 μM, respectively, but no tyrosyl‐DNA phosphodiesterase 1 inhibition at 100 μM. Robustadial A showed significant synergistic effects with the anticancer drug etoposide in four human cancer cell lines, non‐small cell lung cancer cell line (A549), prostate cancer cell line (DU145), breast cancer cell line (MCF‐7), colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (HCT‐116), and chicken lymphoma cell line (DT40), and chicken lymphoma cell line complementation with human TDP2 (DT40 hTDP2) with combination index values ranging from 0.21 to 0.74. This work will facilitate future efforts for the development of robustadial A‐based TDP2 selective inhibitors.
A review of therapeutic potentials of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its active constituent, curcumin, on inflammatory disorders, pain, and their related patents
Authors: Razavi Bibi Marjan , Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar Mahboobeh , Hosseinzadeh Hossein
Published: July 2021

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its constituent, curcumin, have been used for their therapeutic properties for a long time. Most of the medicinal impacts of turmeric and curcumin might be attributed to their anti‐inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antioxidant effects. In the present review, the preventive and therapeutic potentials of turmeric and its active constituent, curcumin, on inflammatory disorders and pain as well as patents related to their analgesic and anti‐inflammatory effects, have been summarized to highlight their value on human health. A literature review was accomplished in Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Google Patent, Patentscope, and US Patent. Several documents and patents disclosed the significance of turmeric and curcumin to apply in several therapeutic, medicinal, and pharmaceutical fields. These phytocompounds could be applied as a supplementary therapy in phytotherapy, inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, dermatitis, and different types of pain including neuropathic pain. However, because of inadequate clinical trials, further high‐quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the plant. Consistent with the human tendency to the usage of phytocompounds rather than synthetic drugs, particular consideration must be dedicated to bond the worth of turmeric and curcumin from basic sciences to clinical applications.
Substituent effects and mechanism studies in CO2 transformation to benzoxazinone derivatives as worthwhile N‐containing heterocycles: Insight from Density functional theory
Authors: Sabet‐Sarvestani Hossein , Eshghi Hossein , Izadyar Mohammad
Published: July 2021

The substituted arynes, an imine compound, and atmospheric CO2 have been considered as the starting materials in a theoretical study of a CO2 transformation to N‐containing heterocycles. Functional groups show substantial effects on the studied mechanisms. The obtained results show that Mechanism A, in which the imine compound is added to arynes, is the most probable mechanism. Kinetic studies are performed by the energetic span model. The transition stats of Step 1 and the corresponding intermediates are the turnover‐frequency determining transition state (TDTS) and turnover‐frequency determining intermediate (TDI), respectively. Also, electron localization function (ELF) analyses reveal that the electron densities of developing monosynaptic basins on the carbon atom (V[C]) at the transition state show a good linear correlation with the calculated energy values of TDTS. Electron‐withdrawing and electron‐releasing characters of the substituents affect the TDTS energy values.
Financial distress and the cost of labor: Evidence from a natural experiment
Authors: Pedersen David J.
Published: July 2021

Employees bear significant costs in bankruptcy. Theoretical models predict they will accept lower wages in the face of financial distress to avoid such costs. Using a natural experiment, I test this theory and find an exogenous increase in default risk causes a decrease in employee wages. The effect is economically meaningful: the reduction in aggregate annual wages equals 10% of the firm's earnings and 33% of its interest expense. As expected, it is concentrated in financially vulnerable firms and those with fewer agency conflicts. Employees thus represent an important financial resource for firms in the midst of financial distress.
Stabilization control of a flexible marine riser with failed and bounded actuator and time‐varying boundary constraints
Authors: Han Zhiji , Liu Zhijie , He Xiuyu
Published: July 2021

In this article, we investigate the stabilization control problem of a flexible marine riser system with a failed and bounded control action and time‐varying boundary constraints. The considered system is modeled as a distributed parameter system dominated by a partial differential equation. The involved problems are extended to some more general conditions. The saturation and failures of the actuator make the input and output of the actuator a nonlinear relationship, which leads to the normally designed control input invalid. By applying the Nussbaum gain technique, we report a synthetical control method to tackle the input nonlinearity. A piecewise barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) is introduced to reduce the boundary displacement in an asymmetric open set. Compared with the traditional BLFs, the initial boundary displacement is not forced to retain within the given region by integrating a shifting function into the BLF design. In addition, the adaptive method is combined with the hyperbolic tangent function to provide a smooth control solution to the unknown parameters from nonlinear input and external perturbation. Relying on a Lyapunov‐based analysis and a numerical simulation, it is proven that the actuated riser system is uniformly bounded and the boundary displacement always keeps in the limited set even subject to actuator failures and limitations.
Building resilience for healthcare professionals working in an Italian red zone during the COVID‐19 outbreak: A pilot study
Authors: Giordano Francesca , Cipolla Alessandra , Ungar Michael
Published: July 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has placed considerable strain on healthcare workers showing high rates of stress and psychological health problems. Interventions are urgently needed to help healthcare workers perform under conditions of great risk and uncertainty. In particular, healthcare leadership is known to be critical to supporting healthcare workers to deal with an uncertain and distressing healthcare environment. This pilot study evaluated the impact of the R2 resilience program tailored for healthcare leaders working in a highly affected COVID‐19 area in Italy. Through two group cohorts, 21 healthcare leaders completed the intervention, with 17 participants providing pre‐ and post‐intervention assessment data. Sixty‐two staff members who benefitted from their coordinators' resilience‐focused leadership were also included in the study. Findings show that participation in R2 was associated with reduction in levels of perceived stress and burnout symptoms, and increases in rugged qualities, self‐efficacy and in social‐ecological resilience. Significant changes in rugged qualities, self‐efficacy and perceived stress were also detected in staff members. High rates of participants' program satisfaction have been detected. R2 is a promising intervention for healthcare professionals working in emergency settings designed to enhance the rugged qualities and resources required to deal with heightened exposure to stress.
Ultrasensitive Photodetectors Promoted by Interfacial Charge Transfer from Layered Perovskites to Chemical Vapor Deposition‐Grown MoS2
Authors: Wen Wen , Zhang Wenbin , Wang Xiaojian , Feng Qingliang , Liu Zheng , Yu Ting
Published: July 2021

Heterostructures for charge‐carrier manipulation have laid the foundation of modern optoelectronic devices, such as photovoltaics and photodetectors. High‐performance heterostructure devices usually impose stringent requirements on the material quality to sustain efficient carrier transport and charge transfer, thus leading to sophisticated fabrication processes. Here, a simple yet efficient strategy is proposed to develop ultrasensitive photodetectors based on heterostructures of chemical vapor deposition‐grown MoS2 and polycrystalline‐layered perovskites. The layered perovskites possess pure crystallographic orientation with conductive edges in contact with MoS2, which gives rise to efficient light absorption, exciton diffusion, and interfacial charge transfer. In dark state, the mismatch of work functions of two materials facilitates low dark currents by the depletion of electrons in MoS2. Under light irradiation, efficient exciton diffusion and interfacial charge transfer are realized in the heterostructures with type‐II band alignment, which produces drifting electrons in MoS2 and leaves trapped holes in layered perovskites. The photodetectors present suppress noises and boost photocurrents, yielding a champion device with a responsivity of 2.5 × 104 A W−1, and a specific detectivity of 4.1 × 1014 Jones. The results demonstrate a scalable approach for the integration of high‐performance devices with high tolerance to defects.
Power Generation from Moisture Fluctuations Using Polyvinyl Alcohol‐Wrapped Dopamine/Polyvinylidene Difluoride Nanofibers
Authors: Li Tong , Jin Fei , Qu Minghe , Yang Fan , Zhang Jin , Yuan Tao , Dong Wei , Zheng Jie , Wang Ting , Feng Zhang‐Qi
Published: July 2021

Despite the boom in the water‐triggered electric power generation technologies, few attempts have been made with a broader horizonyielding the electricity from sweat, which is of great value for low‐power‐consumption wearable electronics. Here, an electromechanical coupling and humidity‐actuated two‐in‐one humidity actuator‐driven piezoelectric generator (HAPG) are reported, that can yield continuous electric power from fluctuations in the ambient humidity. It is composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)‐wrapped highly aligned dopamine (DA)/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) shell/core nanofibers (PVA@DA/PVDF NFs). As‐received PVA@DA/PVDF NFs can exchange water with the ambient humidity to perform expansion and contraction and convert them into electric power. An all‐fiber‐based portable HAPG is fabricated and tested on human palm skin. The devices show high sensitivity and accuracy for converting the mental sweating‐derived continuous moisture fluctuations into electric power. This electric power can be stored in capacitors, which is expected to power micro‐ and nano‐electronic devices or be used in electrotherapy such as electrical stimulation to promote wound healing. Beyond this, the obtained voltage profiles exhibit unique features that can reflect the typical sweat damping oscillation curve features.
Toward All‐Vacuum‐Processable Perovskite Solar Cells with High Efficiency, Stability, and Scalability Enabled by Fluorinated Spiro‐OMeTAD through Thermal Evaporation
Authors: Choi Yunseong , Koo Donghwan , Jeong Mingyu , Jeong Gyujeong , Lee Junghyun , Lee Byongkyu , Choi Kyoung Jin , Yang Changduk , Park Hyesung
Published: July 2021

Developing scalable technologies in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), including the deposition of uniform perovskite photoactive layers and charge transport layers, is critical for successfully migrating the recently developed advances in the PSC community toward industrialization. Herein, efficient and stable large‐area PSCs using vacuum‐deposited fluorinated analogue Spiro‐OMeTAD (Spiro‐mF) and methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) as hole transport and absorber layers, respectively, are demonstrated. The vacuum‐deposited Spiro‐mF exhibits improved crystallinity compared with the solution‐processed counterpart through the enhanced molecular orientation along the π–π stacking direction, promoting the charge transport characteristics. Also, its uniform surface morphology contributes to the better quality crystallinity of the overlying perovskite film, which altogether leads to improved device performance and operational stability. Moreover, the all‐vacuum deposition process allows the fabrication of large‐area (250 mm2) and scalable (75 × 75 mm2) PSCs with excellent reliability in device performance.
Effect of Prior Austenite Grain Size on Crystallographic Characteristics and Low‐Temperature Toughness of a Quenched Low‐Carbon Low‐Alloy Steel
Authors: Xu Xiaoning , Tian Yong , Ye Qibin , Misra R. Devesh K. , Wang Zhaodong
Published: July 2021

Herein, it is aimed to correlate the crystallographic structure, crack propagation, and toughness scatter with the prior austenite grain size (PAGS) in a low‐carbon low‐alloy (LCLA) steel from the perspective of crystallography. Two average austenite grain sizes, 16.1 ± 13.4 μm and 30.1 ± 24.9 μm, are obtained by reheating the experimental steel to 950 °C (S950) and 1100 °C (S1100), respectively. Overall, the weaker variant selection and higher density of high‐angle grain boundaries (HAGBs) are observed in the as‐quenched microstructure of S1100. However, coarser blocks and Bain groups (BPs) also appear in S1100 due to some oversized PAGs, which cause a more uneven microstructure in S1100 than that in S950. The ductile‐to‐brittle transition temperature (DBTT) is estimated to be −60 and −88 °C for S1100 and S950, respectively. In addition, a larger scatter of impact toughness occurs in S1100 in the DBTT range from −35 to −80 °C. The inhomogeneous microstructure inherited from oversized PAGs explains higher DBTT and large scatter in impact toughness of S1100. Therefore, to improve low‐temperature toughness, it is more important to balance the blocks and BPs’ size refinement and uniformity rather than only consider the fraction of HAGBs in quenched LALC steel.
Application of nano‐graphene oxide as nontoxic disinfectant against alpha and betacoronaviruses
Authors: Chung Hee‐Chun , Nguyen Van Giap , Kim Cheong Ung , Do Hai‐Quynh , Park Bong Kyun , Park Yong Ho , Song Dae‐Sub , Kong Aeri , Ryu Jae‐Chul , Kang Kyung‐Sun
Published: July 2021

New viruses are continuously emerging and recently there have been many great concerns on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2). Nanographene oxide (nanoGO) has received much attention and is widely investigated to be utilised in therapy for infectious diseases by viruses. Thus, antiviral activity of nanoGO was evaluated using the porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV), bovine coronavirus (BCoV), and SARS‐CoV‐2, which are all Alpha‐ and Beta‐coronavirus. In a virus inhibition assay, the three viruses were inhibited by nanoGO in a dose‐dependent manner, including attempts in the presence of high serum solution which partially mimicked biological fluid.
Proactive and reactive geoengineering: Engineering the climate and the lithosphere
Authors: Oomen Jeroen , Meiske Martin
Published: July 2021

In recent years, the idea of geoengineering, understood as large‐scale interventions in the planet's climate to counteract anthropogenic climate change, has steadily increased its visibility. Presented explicitly as an approach to climate change, geoengineering is positioned as aresponse, a reactive fix. Geoengineering, however, has a longer and broader history than the current climate crisis. It has long been an umbrella term for large‐scale projects in which various Earth sciences meet dreams about human ecosphere interventions, especially regarding lithosphere and climate and weather modifications. In this paper, we review the history of geoengineering, focusing specifically on climate geoengineering and lithosphere geoengineering. We draw attention to the difference between “proactive” (“high‐modernist”), aimed at mastery over nature, and “reactive” forms of geoengineering, hoping to address anthropogenic environmental degradation technologically. Additionally, we trace historical (dis)continuities between the older, proactive, form of geoengineering and their recent reframing as a technological fix—specifically around the question to what extent nature's complex systems can be known and controlled. Finally, we argue for the need to further research the intersections and shared histories between various forms of geoengineering.

This article is categorized under:

Climate, History, Society, Culture > Ideas and Knowledge
The anomalous case of axion EFTs and massive chiral gauge fields
Authors: Bonnefoy Quentin , Di Luzio Luca , Grojean Christophe , Paul Ayan , Rossia Alejo N.
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We study axion effective field theories (EFTs), with a focus on axion couplings to massive chiral gauge fields. We investigate the EFT interactions that participate in processes with an axion and two gauge bosons, and we show that, when massive chiral gauge fields are present, such interactions do not entirely originate from the usual anomalous EFT terms. We illustrate this both at the EFT level and by matching to UV-complete theories. In order to assess the consistency of the Peccei-Quinn (PQ) anomaly matching, it is useful to introduce an auxiliary, non-dynamical gauge field associated to the PQ symmetry. When applied to the case of the Standard Model (SM) electroweak sector, our results imply that anomaly-based sum rules between EFT interactions are violated when chiral matter is integrated out, which constitutes a smoking gun of the latter. As an illustration, we study a UV-complete chiral extension of the SM, containing an axion arising from an extended Higgs sector and heavy fermionic matter that obtains most of its mass by coupling to the Higgs doublets. We assess the viability of such a SM extension through electroweak precision tests, bounds on Higgs rates and direct searches for heavy charged matter. At energies below the mass of the new chiral fermions, the model matches onto an EFT where the electroweak gauge symmetry is non-linearly realised.
Combined use of interferon alpha-1b, interleukin-2, and thalidomide to reverse the AML1-ETO fusion gene in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Mi Ruihua , Chen Lin , Yang Haiping , Zhang Yan , Liu Jia , Yin Qingsong , Wei Xudong
Published: July 2021

This study aims to explore the effect of the ITI (interferon alpha-1b, thalidomide, and interleukin-2) regimen on the AML1-ETO fusion gene in patients with t(8;21) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who were in hematologic remission but positive for the AML1-ETO fusion gene. From September 2014 to November 2020; 20 patients with AML (15 from The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 4 from The First Affiliated Hospital; and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, and 1 from Anyang District Hospital) with hematological remission but AML1-ETO fusion gene positivity were treated with different doses of the ITI regimen to monitor changes in AML1-ETO fusion gene levels. Twenty patients were treated with a routine dose of the ITI regimen, including 13 males and 7 females. The median patient age was 38 (14–70 years). The fusion gene was negative in 10 patients after 1 (0.5 ~ 8.6) month, significantly decreased in 4 patients after 2.8 (1 ~ 6) months, increased in 4 patients, and unchanged in 2 patients. The 4 patients with elevated levels of the fusion gene were treated with an increased dose of the ITI regimen, and all four patients became negative, for a total effective rate of 90%. The ITI regimen reduces AML1-ETO fusion gene levels in patients with AML who are in hematologic remission but are fusion gene–positive. Improvement was observed in patients’ response to a higher dose administration, and patients tolerated the treatment well.
Flowering plant embryos: How did we end up here?
Authors: Rensing Stefan A. , Weijers Dolf
Published: July 2021

The seeds of flowering plants are sexually produced propagules that ensure dispersal and resilience of the next generation. Seeds harbor embryos, three dimensional structures that are often miniatures of the adult plant in terms of general structure and primordial organs. In addition, embryos contain the meristems that give rise to post-embryonically generated structures. However common, flowering plant embryos are an evolutionary derived state. Flowering plants are part of a much larger group of embryo-bearing plants, aptly termed Embryophyta. A key question is what evolutionary trajectory led to the emergence of flowering plant embryos. In this opinion, we deconstruct the flowering plant embryo and describe the current state of knowledge of embryos in other plant lineages. While we are far yet from understanding the ancestral state of plant embryogenesis, we argue what current knowledge may suggest and how the knowledge gaps may be closed.
A survey on evolutionary computation for complex continuous optimization
Authors: Zhan Zhi-Hui , Shi Lin , Tan Kay Chen , Zhang Jun
Published: July 2021

Complex continuous optimization problems widely exist nowadays due to the fast development of the economy and society. Moreover, the technologies like Internet of things, cloud computing, and big data also make optimization problems with more challenges includingMany-dimensions,Many-changes,Many-optima,Many-constraints, andMany-costs. We term these as 5-M challenges that exist in large-scale optimization problems, dynamic optimization problems, multi-modal optimization problems, multi-objective optimization problems, many-objective optimization problems, constrained optimization problems, and expensive optimization problems in practical applications. The evolutionary computation (EC) algorithms are a kind of promising global optimization tools that have not only been widely applied for solving traditional optimization problems, but also have emerged booming research for solving the above-mentioned complex continuous optimization problems in recent years. In order to show how EC algorithms are promising and efficient in dealing with the 5-M complex challenges, this paper presents a comprehensive survey by proposing a novel taxonomy according to the function of the approaches, includingreducing problem difficulty,increasing algorithm diversity,accelerating convergence speed,reducing running time, andextending application field. Moreover, some future research directions on using EC algorithms to solve complex continuous optimization problems are proposed and discussed. We believe that such a survey can draw attention, raise discussions, and inspire new ideas of EC research into complex continuous optimization problems and real-world applications.
An empirical evaluation of kernels for time series
Authors: Badiane Mourtadha , Cunningham Pádraig
Published: July 2021

There exist a variety of distance measures which operate on time series kernels. The objective of this article is to compare those distance measures in a support vector machine setting. A support vector machine is a state-of-the-art classifier for static (non-time series) datasets and usually outperforms k-Nearest Neighbour, however it is often noted that that 1-NN DTW is a robust baseline for time-series classification. Through a collection of experiments we determine that the most effective distance measure is Dynamic Time Warping and the most effective classifier is kNN. However, a surprising result is that the pairing of kNN and DTW is not the most effective model. Instead we have discovered via experimentation that Dynamic Time Warping paired with the Gaussian Support Vector Machine is the most accurate time series classifier. Finally, with good reason we recommend a slightly inferior (in terms of accuracy) model Time Warp Edit Distance paired with the Gaussian Support Vector Machine as it has a better theoretical basis. We also discuss the reduction in computational cost achieved by using a Support Vector Machine, finding that the Negative Kernel paired with the Dynamic Time Warping distance produces the greatest reduction in computational cost.
Genetic and ecological consequences of recent habitat fragmentation in a narrow endemic plant species within an urban context
Authors: Delnevo Nicola , Piotti Andrea , Carbognani Michele , van Etten Eddie J. , Stock William D. , Field David L. , Byrne Margaret
Published: July 2021

Understanding the timescales that shape spatial genetic structure is pivotal to ascertain the impact of habitat fragmentation on the genetic diversity and reproductive viability of long-lived plant populations. Combining genetic and ecological information with current and past fragmentation conditions allows the identification of the main drivers important in shaping population structure and declines in reproduction, which is crucial for informing conservation strategies. Using historic aerial photographs, we defined the past fragmentation conditions for the shrub Conospermum undulatum, a species now completely embedded in an urban area. We explored the impact of current and past conditions on its genetic layout and assessed the effects of genetic and environmental factors on its reproduction. The historically high structural connectivity was evident in the genetics of the species. Despite the current intense fragmentation, we found similar levels of genetic diversity across populations and a weak spatial genetic structure. Historical connectivity was negatively associated with genetic differentiation among populations and positively related to within-population genetic diversity. Variation partitioning of reproductive performance explained ~ 66% of the variance, showing significant influences for genetic (9%), environmental (15%), and combined (42%) fractions. Our study highlights the importance of considering the historical habitat dynamics when investigating fragmentation consequences in long-lived plants. A detailed characterization of fragmentation from 1953 has shown how low levels of genetic fixation are due to extensive gene flow through the non-fragmented landscape. Moreover, knowledge of the relationships between genetic and environmental variation and reproduction can help to implement effective conservation strategies, particularly in highly dynamic landscapes.
The Process of Pregnancy: Paradoxical Temporalities of Prenatal Entities
Authors: Völkle Laura , Wettmann Nico
Published: July 2021

In this article, we reflect on the particular temporal structure of pregnancies and prenatal entities with the aim to contribute to the field of the sociology of pregnancy. Medical models and technology shape today’s notion of pregnancy as a linear, nine-month developmental process that leads to the birth of a child. Through ultrasound technology and prenatal examinations, prenatal entities have thus historically gained a present ‘being’ as a developing, unborn child. While these ideas undoubtedly greatly influence the participants’ interpretations, a culturalistic perspective on time alone does not do justice to the phenomenon’s lived tensions and the temporal complexity of the phenomenon. From a Schutzian perspective of time, we have worked out how practices of pregnancy and the production of meaning are shaped by an interwoven back and forth between orientations to the past, present and future. Drawing on relevant works from the sociology of pregnancy, we work out five modes of temporal references that mold the phenomenon of pregnancy: joint imagination of the couple, in which the (un)born is anticipated as fantasies of the future (1), passivities of pregnancy, in which the desired future is experienced as unable to influence (2), the presentification of the unborn in and through visual and bodily-somatic contact moments (3), its futurization through the cultivation of a ‘not-yet’ (4) and prenatal losses, as a critical rupture with the anticipated and desired future (5). Our analysis underlines the potential of a time sociological perspective on pregnancy and the constitution of relationships and persons.
Carbon pricing under uncertainty
Authors: van der Ploeg Frederick
Published: July 2021

Economists have adopted the Pigouvian approach to climate policy, which sets the carbon price to the social cost of carbon. We adjust this carbon price for macroeconomic uncertainty and disasters by deriving the risk-adjusted discount rate. We highlight ethics- versus market-based calibrations and discuss the effects of a falling term structure of the discount rate. Given the wide range of estimates used for marginal damages and the discount rate, it is unsurprising that negotiators and policy makers have rejected the Pigouvian approach and adopted a more pragmatic approach based on a temperature cap. The corresponding cap on cumulative emissions is lower if risk tolerance and temperature sensitivity are more uncertain. The carbon price then grows much faster than under the Pigouvian approach and discuss how this rate of growth is adjusted by economic and abatement cost risks. We then analyse how policy uncertainty and technological breakthrough can lead to the risk of stranded assets. Finally, we discuss various obstacles to successful carbon pricing.
Characterizing slope regions
Authors: Gonzalez-Diaz Rocio , Batavia Darshan , Casablanca Rocio M. , Kropatsch Walter G.
Published: July 2021

This paper provides a theoretical characterization of monotonically connected image surface regions, called slope regions. The characterization is given by several topological properties described in terms of critical points relative to the region. We formally prove the necessary and sufficient conditions that a region needs to satisfy to be a slope region. We also provide a prototype of slope regions which is general and contains, as particular cases, the prototypes studied and published in previous conference papers.
Extension of Fermat’s last theorem in Minkowski natural spaces
Authors: Carbó-Dorca Ramon , Reyes Sebastián , Niño Alfonso
Published: July 2021

Minkowski natural (N + 1)-dimensional spaces constitute the framework where the extension of Fermat’s last theorem is discussed. Based on empirical experience obtained via computational results, some hints about the extension of Fermat’s theorem from (2 + 1)-dimensional Minkowski spaces to (N + 1)-dimensional ones. Previous experience permits to conjecture that the theorem can be extended in (3 + 1) spaces, new results allow to do the same in (4 + 1) spaces, with an anomaly present here but difficult to find in higher dimensions. In (N + 1) dimensions with $$N > 4$$

N
>
4

there appears an increased difficulty to find Fermat vectors, there is discussed a possible source of such an obstacle, separately of the combinatorial explosion associated to the generation of natural vectors of high dimension.
The Dutch Multidisciplinary Occupational Health Guideline to Enhance Work Participation Among Low Back Pain and Lumbosacral Radicular Syndrome Patients
Authors: Luites J. W. H. , Kuijer P. P. F. M. , Hulshof C. T. J. , Kok R. , Langendam M. W. , Oosterhuis T. , Anema J. R. , Lapré-Utama V. P. , Everaert C. P. J. , Wind H. , Smeets R. J. E. M. , van Zaanen Y. , Hoebink E. A. , Voogt L. , de Hoop W. , Boerman D. H. , Hoving J. L.
Published: July 2021

Purpose Based on current scientific evidence and best practice, the first Dutch multidisciplinary practice guideline for occupational health professionals was developed to stimulate prevention and enhance work participation in patients with low back pain (LBP) and lumbosacral radicular syndrome (LRS). Methods A multidisciplinary working group with health care professionals, a patient representative and researchers developed the recommendations after systematic review of evidence about (1) Risk factors, (2) Prevention, (3) Prognostic factors and (4) Interventions. Certainty of the evidence was rated with GRADE and the Evidence to Decision (EtD) framework was used to formulate recommendations. High or moderate certainty resulted in a recommendation “to advise”, low to very low in a recommendation “to consider”, unless other factors in the framework decided differently. Results An inventory of risk factors should be considered and an assessment of prognostic factors is advised. For prevention, physical exercises and education are advised, besides application of the evidence-based practical guidelines “lifting” and “whole body vibration”. The stepped-care approach to enhance work participation starts with the advice to stay active, facilitated by informing the worker, reducing workload, an action plan and a time-contingent increase of work participation for a defined amount of hours and tasks. If work participation has not improved within 6 weeks, additional treatments should be considered based on the present risk and prognostic factors: (1) physiotherapy or exercise therapy; (2) an intensive workplace-oriented program; or (3) cognitive behavioural therapy. After 12 weeks, multi-disciplinary (occupational) rehabilitation therapy need to be considered. Conclusions Based on systematic reviews and expert consensus, the good practice recommendations in this guideline focus on enhancing work participation among workers with LBP and LRS using a stepped-care approach to complement existing guidelines focusing on recovery and daily functioning.
Contrary to Expectations: Does Context Influence the Processing Cost Associated with Negation?
Authors: Albu Elena , Tsaregorodtseva Oksana , Kaup Barbara
Published: July 2021

Negative sentences are hard to process when they are presented out of context. When embedded in a context of plausible denial their processing difficulty decreases or is completely eliminated. We investigated in six behavioral experiments whether the processing of negation is eased in a denial context triggered by discourse markers (e.g.Contrary to expectations, John has/hasn’t eaten the soup). In order to investigate the necessary conditions for a context of plausible denial to reduce the processing cost of negation, we contrasted the processing of affirmative and negative sentences in minimal and extended denial and non-denial contexts (represented by either no context or a different type of context). We expected significantly longer response times (RTs) for negative sentences in comparison with affirmation in non-denial contexts and similar RTs for affirmative and negative sentences in denial contexts. The results from a sensibility judgement task (Experiment 1 and 2) and from a self-paced reading paradigm (Experiment 3 and 4) showed two robust main effects of context and polarity but no significant interaction between the two factors, suggesting that the processing of negative sentences was not facilitated in a context of minimal denial triggered solely by discourse markers. However, when the discourse markers were replaced with the explicit mention of the expectation to be denied and longer narratives used, the processing difficulty was eliminated specifically in the denial contexts (Experiment 5). Furthermore, when the discourse markers were used in longer narratives, a facilitation effect was also found (Experiment 6). All in all, the present findings suggest that, although negative sentences are felicitous in a context of plausible denial, the interplay of pragmatic factors like relevance or informativity is decisive in easing their processing difficulty.