bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Free BMN correlators with more stringy modes
Authors: Du Bao-ning , Huang Min-xin
Published: March 2021

Abstract

In the type IIB maximally supersymmetric pp-wave background, stringy excited modes are described by BMN (Berenstein-Madalcena-Nastase) operators in the dual $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super-Yang-Mills theory. In this paper, we continue the studies of higher genus free BMN correlators with more stringy modes, mostly focusing on the case of genus one and four stringy modes in different transverse directions. Surprisingly, we find that the non-negativity of torus two-point functions, which is a consequence of a previously proposed probability interpretation and has been verified in the cases with two and three stringy modes, is no longer true for the case of four or more stringy modes. Nevertheless, the factorization formula, which is also a proposed holographic dictionary relating the torus two-point function to a string diagram calculation, is still valid. We also check the correspondence of planar three-point functions with Green-Schwarz string vertex with many string modes. We discuss some issues in the case of multiple stringy modes in the same transverse direction. Our calculations provide some new perspectives on pp-wave holography.
The extension problem for fractional Sobolev spaces with a partial vanishing trace condition
Authors: Bechtel Sebastian
Published: March 2021

We construct whole-space extensions of functions in a fractional Sobolev space of order $$s\in (0,1)$$

s
∈
(
0
,
1
)

and integrability $$p\in (0,\infty )$$

p
∈
(
0
,
∞
)

on an open set O which vanish in a suitable sense on a portion D of the boundary $${{\,\mathrm{\partial \!}\,}}O$$

∂

O

of O. The set O is supposed to satisfy the so-called interior thickness condition in$${{\,\mathrm{\partial \!}\,}}O {\setminus } D$$

∂

O
\
D

, which is much weaker than the global interior thickness condition. The proof works by means of a reduction to the case $$D=\emptyset $$

D
=
∅

using a geometric construction.
30 Jahre Deutsche Einheit: Errungenschaften und verbliebene Unterschiede in der Mortalitätsentwicklung nach Alter und Todesursachen
Authors: Grigoriev Pavel , Pechholdová Markéta , Mühlichen Michael , Scholz Rembrandt D. , Klüsener Sebastian
Published: March 2021

Hintergrund

Durch die deutsche Teilung wurden 2 kulturell sehr ähnliche Bevölkerungen sehr unterschiedlichen sozioökonomischen Bedingungen ausgesetzt, die sich nach 1989 wieder anglichen. Der Einfluss von Gesundheitsversorgung und Lebensumständen auf Sterblichkeitsunterschiede kann besser erfasst werden, wenn kulturelle Erklärungen weitgehend ausgeblendet werden können.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die Arbeit wertet harmonisierte Todesursachendaten erstmals detailliert nach Alter aus. Hierdurch kann aufgezeigt werden, welche Alter bzw. Geburtsjahrgänge besonders stark durch die deutsche Teilung und Wiedervereinigung in ihrer Mortalität beeinflusst wurden und auf welche Todesursachen dies zurückzuführen ist.

Material und Methoden

Die deutschen Todesursachenstatistiken wurden einem international standardisierten Harmonisierungsverfahren unterzogen, um Unterschieden und Brüchen in der Todesursachencodierung Rechnung zu tragen. Die Daten wurden mit Dekompositionsmethoden analysiert.

Ergebnisse

In den 1980er-Jahren stiegen die Ost-West-Unterschiede stark an, da Westdeutschland gerade in höheren Altern deutlich höhere Rückgänge bei der kardiovaskulären Mortalität erzielen konnte. Nach 1989 konnte Ostdeutschland in vielen Bereichen zum Westen aufholen. Dies gilt besonders für ältere Personen und Frauen, während gerade bei den stark von der ostdeutschen Transformationskrise betroffenen männlichen Geburtsjahrgängen (1950–1970) noch heute Ost-West-Unterschiede sichtbar sind.

Diskussion

Die geringere Lebenserwartung der ostdeutschen Bevölkerung Ende der 1980er-Jahre war primär durch Rückstände bei der kardiovaskulären Revolution bedingt. Die noch heute bestehenden Unterschiede sind eher Spätfolgen der ostdeutschen Transformationskrise als direkte Spätfolgen der Teilung.
Incidence and outcomes of perioperative myocardial infarction/injury diagnosed by high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I
Authors: Gualandro Danielle M. , Puelacher Christian , Lurati Buse Giovanna , Glarner Noemi , Cardozo Francisco A. , Vogt Ronja , Hidvegi Reka , Strunz Celia , Bolliger Daniel , Gueckel Johanna , Yu Pai C. , Liffert Marcel , Arslani Ketina , Prepoudis Alexandra , Calderaro Daniela , Hammerer-Lercher Angelika , Lampart Andreas , Steiner Luzius A. , Schären Stefan , Kindler Christoph , Guerke Lorenz , Osswald Stefan , Devereaux P. J. , Caramelli Bruno , Mueller Christian ,   for the BASEL-PMI Investigators, Marbot Stella , Strebel Ivo , Genini Alessandro , Rentsch Katharina , Boeddinghaus Jasper , Nestelberger Thomas , Wild Karin , Zimmermann Tobias , Duarte Alberto J. S. , Buser Andreas , de Luccia Nelson , Koechlin Luca , Wussler Desiree , Walter Joan , Widmer Velina , Freese Michael , Lopez-Ayala Pedro , Twerenbold Raphael , Badertscher Patrick , Seeberger Esther , Wolff Thomas , Mujagic Edin , Mehrkens Arne , Dinort Julia , Fahrni Gregor , Jeger Raban , Kaiser Christoph , Matheus Mariana , Pastana Adriana F.
Published: March 2021

Background

 Perioperative myocardial infarction/injury (PMI) diagnosed by high-sensitivity troponin (hs-cTn) T is frequent and a prognostically important complication of non-cardiac surgery. We aimed to evaluate the incidence and outcome of PMI diagnosed using hs-cTnI, and compare it to PMI diagnosed using hs-cTnT.

Methods

We prospectively included 2455 patients at high cardiovascular risk undergoing 3111 non-cardiac surgeries, for whom hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT concentrations were measured before surgery and on postoperative days 1 and 2. PMI was defined as a composite of perioperative myocardial infarction (PMIInfarct) and perioperative myocardial injury (PMIInjury), according to the Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction. All-cause mortality was the primary endpoint.

Results

Using hs-cTnI, the incidence of overall PMI was 9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 8–10%), including PMIInfarct 2.6% (95% CI 2.0–3.2) and PMIInjury 6.1% (95% CI 5.3–6.9%), which was lower versus using hs-cTnT: overall PMI 15% (95% CI 14–16%), PMIInfarct 3.7% (95% CI 3.0–4.4) and PMIInjury 11.3% (95% CI 10.2–12.4%). All-cause mortality occurred in 52 (2%) patients within 30 days and 217 (9%) within 1 year. Using hs-cTnI, both PMIInfarct and PMIInjury were independent predictors of 30-day all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.5 [95% CI 1.1–6.0], and aHR 2.8 [95% CI 1.4–5.5], respectively) and, 1-year all-cause mortality (aHR 2.0 [95% CI 1.2–3.3], and aHR 1.8 [95% CI 1.2–2.7], respectively). Overall, the prognostic impact of PMI diagnosed by hs-cTnI was comparable to the prognostic impact of PMI using hs-cTnT.

Conclusions

Using hs-cTnI, PMI is less common versus using hs-cTnT. Using hs-cTnI, both PMIInfarct and PMIInjury remain independent predictors of 30-day and 1-year mortality.

Graphic abstract
Applying urban climate model in prediction mode—evaluation of MUKLIMO_3 model performance for Austrian cities based on the summer period of 2019
Authors: Hollósi Brigitta , Žuvela-Aloise Maja , Oswald Sandro , Kainz Astrid , Schöner Wolfgang
Published: March 2021

Extreme heat events are natural hazards affecting many regions of the world. This study uses an example of the six largest cities in Austria to demonstrate the potential of urban climate model simulations applied in prediction mode providing detailed information on thermal conditions. For this purpose, the urban climate model MUKLIMO_3 of the German Meteorological Service (DWD) coupled with the hydrostatic numerical weather prediction model, ALARO, is used to simulate the development of the urban heat island (UHI) in Austrian cities for the summer period of 2019 with a horizontal resolution of 100 m. In addition to the evaluation of UHI predicting skills, other relevant variables, such as humidity and wind characteristics on hourly basis, are also analysed in this paper. Model evaluation confirmed that the MUKLIMO_3 microscale model had the capacity to simulate the main thermal spatiotemporal patterns in urban areas; however, a strong dependence on the input data from the mesoscale model was found. Our results showed large benefit in prediction of maximum air temperatures in urban areas, while the relative humidity predictions of MUKLIMO_3 appear to be much less plausible and show large variety of model prediction skills. Urban climate model simulations using real atmospheric conditions can facilitate better quantification and understanding of day-to-day intra-urban variations in microclimate as well as provide a basis for evaluation of the microclimate prediction skills of mesoscale numerical models with urban extensions.
Consequences of land-use change and the wildfire disaster of 2017 for the central Chilean biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Braun Andreas Ch. , Faßnacht Fabian , Valencia Diego , Sepulveda Maximiliano
Published: March 2021

Central Chile is an important biodiversity hotspot in Latin America. Biodiversity hotspots are characterised by a high number of endemic species cooccurring with a high level of anthropogenic pressure. In central Chile, the pressure is caused by land-use change, in which near-natural primary and secondary forests are replaced and fragmented by commercial pine and eucalyptus plantations. Large forest fires are another factor that can potentially endanger biodiversity. Usually, environmental hazards, such as wildfires, are part of the regular environmental dynamic and not considered a threat to biodiversity. Nonetheless, this situation may change if land-use change and altered wildfire regimes coerce. Land-use change pressure may destroy landscape integrity in terms of habitat loss and fragmentation, while wildfires may destroy the last remnants of native forests. This study aims to understand the joint effects of land-use change and a catastrophic wildfire on habitat loss and habitat fragmentation of local plant species richness hotspots in central Chile. To achieve this, we apply a combination of ecological fieldwork, remote sensing, and geoprocessing to estimate the spread and spatial patterns of biodiverse habitats under current and past land-use conditions and how these habitats were altered by land-use change and by a single large wildfire event. We show that land-use change has exceeded the wildfire’s impacts on diverse habitats. Despite the fact that the impact of the wildfire was comparably small here, wildfire may coerce with land-use change regarding pressure on biodiversity hotspots. Our findings can be used to develop restoration concepts, targeting on an increase of habitat diversity within currently fire-cleared areas and evaluate their benefits for plant species richness conservation.
An empirical investigation of the benefit of increasing the temporal resolution of task-evoked fMRI data with multi-band imaging
Authors: Darányi Virág , Hermann Petra , Homolya István , Vidnyánszky Zoltán , Nagy Zoltan
Published: March 2021

Objective

There is a tendency for reducing TR in MRI experiments with multi-band imaging. We empirically investigate its benefit for the group-level statistical outcome in task-evoked fMRI.

Methods

Three visual fMRI data sets were collected from 17 healthy adult participants. Multi-band acquisition helped vary the TR (2000/1000/410 ms, respectively). Because these data sets capture different temporal aspects of the haemodynamic response (HRF), we tested several HRF models. We computed a composite descriptive statistic, H, from β’s of each first-level model fit and carried it to the group-level analysis. The number of activated voxels and the t value of the group-level analysis as well as a goodness-of-fit measure were used as surrogate markers of data quality for comparison.

Results

Increasing the temporal sampling rate did not provide a universal improvement in the group-level statistical outcome. Rather, both the voxel-wise and ROI-averaged group-level results varied widely with anatomical location, choice of HRF and the setting of the TR. Correspondingly, the goodness-of-fit of HRFs became worse with increasing the sampling frequency.

Conclusion

Rather than universally increasing the temporal sampling rate in cognitive fMRI experiments, these results advocate the performance of a pilot study for the specific ROIs of interest to identify the appropriate temporal sampling rate for the acquisition and the correspondingly suitable HRF for the analysis of the data.
Measurement and interpretation of unary supercritical gas adsorption isotherms in micro-mesoporous solids
Authors: Pini Ronny , Ansari Humera , Hwang Junyoung
Published: March 2021

Gas adsorption at high pressures in porous solids is commonly quantified in terms of the excess amount adsorbed. Despite the wide spectrum of adsorbent morphologies available, the analysis of excess adsorption isotherms has mostly focused on microporous materials and the role of mesoporosity remains largely unexplored. Here, we present supercritical CO2 adsorption isotherms measured at $$T=308$$

T
=
308

 K in the pressure range $$p=0.02{-}21$$

p
=
0.02
-
21

 MPa on three adsorbents with distinct fractions of microporosity, $$\phi_2$$

ϕ
2

, namely a microporous metal-organic framework ($$\phi_2=70$$

ϕ
2

=
70

%), a micro-mesoporous zeolite ($$\phi_2=38$$

ϕ
2

=
38

%) and a mesoporous carbon ($$\phi_2<0.1$$

ϕ
2

<
0.1

%). The results are compared systematically in terms of excess and net adsorption relative to two distinct reference states–the space filled with gas in the presence/absence of adsorbent–that are defined from two separate experiments using helium as the probing gas. We discuss the inherent difficulties in extracting from the supercritical adsorption isotherms quantitative information on the properties of the adsorbed phase (its density or volume), because of the nonuniform distribution of the latter within and across the different classes of pore sizes. Yet, the data clearly reveal pore-size dependent adsorption behaviour, which can be used to identify characteristic types of isotherm and to complement the information obtained using the more traditional textural analysis by physisorption.
A phenomenological investigation of patients’ experiences during direct observation in residency: busting the myth of the fly on the wall
Authors: Rietmeijer Chris B. T. , Deves Mark , van Esch Suzanne C. M. , van der Horst Henriëtte E. , Blankenstein Annette H. , Veen Mario , Scheele Fedde , Teunissen Pim W.
Published: March 2021

Direct observation (DO) of residents by supervisors is a highly recommended educational tool in postgraduate medical education, yet its uptake is poor. Residents and supervisors report various reasons for not engaging in DO. Some of these relate to their interaction with patients during DO. We do not know the patient perspectives on these interactions, nor, more broadly, what it is like to be a patient in a DO situation. Understanding the patient perspective may lead to a more complete understanding of the dynamics in DO situations, which may benefit patient wellbeing and improve the use of DO as an educational tool. We conducted a phenomenological interview study to investigate the experience of being a patient in a DO situation. Our analysis included multiple rounds of coding and identifying themes, and a final phase of phenomenological reduction to arrive at the essential elements of the experience. Constant reflexivity was at the heart of this process. Our results provide a new perspective on the role of the supervisor in DO situations. Patients were willing to address the resident, but sought moments of contact with, and some participation by, the supervisor. Consequently, conceptions of DO in which the supervisor thinks she is a fly on the wall rather than a part of the interaction, should be critically reviewed. To that end, we propose the concept of participative direct observation in workplace learning, which also acknowledges the observer’s role as participant. Embracing this concept may benefit both patients’ wellbeing and residents’ learning.
Eribulin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer patients stratified by homologous recombination deficiency status: a multicenter randomized phase II clinical trial
Authors: Masuda Norikazu , Bando Hiroko , Yamanaka Takashi , Kadoya Takayuki , Takahashi Masato , Nagai Shigenori E. , Ohtani Shoichiro , Aruga Tomoyuki , Suzuki Eiji , Kikawa Yuichiro , Yasojima Hiroyuki , Kasai Hiroi , Ishiguro Hiroshi , Kawabata Hidetaka , Morita Satoshi , Haga Hironori , Kataoka Tatsuki R. , Uozumi Ryuji , Ohno Shinji , Toi Masakazu
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To investigate clinical usefulness of eribulin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients.

Methods

Patients in group A (aged < 65 years with homologous recombination deficiency, HRD, score ≥ 42, or those at any age with germline BRCA mutation, gBRCAm) were randomized to 4 cycles of paclitaxel plus carboplatin (group A1) or eribulin plus carboplatin (group A2), followed by 4 cycles of anthracycline. Patients in group B (aged < 65 years with HRD score < 42, or aged ≥ 65 years without gBRCAm) were randomized to 6 cycles of eribulin plus cyclophosphamide (group B1) or eribulin plus capecitabine (group B2); non-responders to the first 4 cycles of the eribulin-based therapy received anthracycline. Primary endpoint was pCR rate (ypT0-is, ypN0; centrally confirmed). Main secondary endpoint was safety.

Results

The full analysis set comprised 99 patients. The pCR rate was 65% (90% CI, 46%–81%) and 45% (27%–65%) in groups A1 and A2, respectively, and 19% (8%–35%) in both groups B1 and B2. No major difference was seen in secondary endpoints, but peripheral neuropathy incidence was 74% in group A1, whereas it was 32%, 22%, and 26% in groups A2, B1, and B2, respectively.

Conclusions

In patients aged < 65 years with high HRD score or gBRCAm, weekly paclitaxel plus carboplatin and eribulin plus carboplatin followed by anthracycline resulted in a pCR rate of > 60% and > 40%, respectively, suggesting potential usefulness of patient stratification using HRD; pCR tended to be low in patients with HRD-negative tumors. Neurotoxicity was less frequent with the eribulin-based regimen. Trial registration:The study has been registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm) with unique trial number UMIN000023162. The Japan Breast Cancer Research Group trial number is JBCRG-22.
Gender-Related Variability in Information Processing of Disclosure Documents
Authors: Ceravolo M. G. , Farina V. , Fattobene L. , Leonelli L. , Raggetti G.
Published: March 2021

Disclosure is used worldwide as a tool to increase transparency and help investors to make their decisions, thus partially overcoming asymmetric information in financial markets. This research seeks to explore gender-related variability in visual attention allocation to the Key Investor Information Document, and in the evaluation of product financial attractiveness. The study exploits the eye-tracking methodology to collect neural data, responding to the call for considering new data sources. The analysis shows that men tend to dedicate more attention to the sectionsObjectivesandPast performancewhile women spend more time to scan the sectionsRisk-reward profileandCosts and charges; When evaluating product financial attractiveness, women tend to evaluate them as poorly financially attractive more often than men. Results reveal the existence of gender-related variability in the visual search strategy for relevant information, which, in turn, can impact on the phase of product evaluation. These findings highlight the professional responsibility of regulators and supervisors to monitor sellers and marketers’ behaviours when they interact with consumers. Moreover, this study could provide support to develop financial disclosure documents considering individual differences and ensuring that adequate attention is allocated by investors to all financial information sources, thus raising the level of investor protection. Eventually, the study stimulates innovations to be embedded in the world-wide ongoing regulatory developments that aim at increasing transparency requirements.
Coloring linear hypergraphs: the Erdős–Faber–Lovász conjecture and the Combinatorial Nullstellensatz
Authors: Janzer Oliver , Nagy Zoltán Lóránt
Published: March 2021

The long-standing Erdős–Faber–Lovász conjecture states that every n-uniform linear hypergaph with n edges has a proper vertex-coloring using n colors. In this paper we propose an algebraic framework to the problem and formulate a corresponding stronger conjecture. Using the Combinatorial Nullstellensatz, we reduce the Erdős–Faber–Lovász conjecture to the existence of non-zero coefficients in certain polynomials. These coefficients are in turn related to the number of orientations with prescribed in-degree sequences of some auxiliary graphs. We prove the existence of certain orientations, which verifies a necessary condition for our algebraic approach to work.
On the maximal number of du Val singularities for a K3 surface
Authors: Peters Chris
Published: March 2021

A complex K3 surface or an algebraic K3 surface in characteristics distinct from 2 cannot have more than 16 disjoint nodal curves.
Choosing Chemistry at Different Education and Career Stages: Chemists, Chemical Engineers, and Teachers
Authors: Shwartz Gabriella , Shav-Artza Or , Dori Yehudit Judy
Published: March 2021

In response to the realization that qualified applicants’ choice of a career in chemistry is declining, we investigated the factors involved in chemistry and chemical education career choice. Building on the social cognitive theory (SCT) and the social cognitive career theory (SCCT), this research examines the personal, environmental, and behavioral factors influencing the chemistry-related profession choice of 55 chemists, 18 chemical engineers, and 72 chemistry teachers. Research participants also suggest ways to encourage students to major in chemistry during high school and pursue a chemistry-related career. Results showed that high school serves as a significant turning point of future career choices. Self-efficacy in the task-oriented and chemistry learning aspects are the driving forces of choosing a chemistry career. We also shed light on the importance of enhancing students’ choice in chemistry-related career via quality educational programs. The study contribution lies in examining all three aspects of career choice in the SCCT. We have applied this framework specifically in chemistry, but the identified factors can be applied to other STEM domains. Practically, we provide recommendations for different stakeholders on how to overcome the shortage of skilled chemistry professionals.
Correction to: Management forecasts of volatility
Authors: Ellahie Atif , Peng Xiaoxia
Published: March 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s11142-021-09592-x
Predicates of personal taste: empirical data
Authors: Kneer Markus
Published: March 2021

According to contextualism, the extension of claims of personal taste is dependent on the context of utterance. According to truth relativism, their extension depends on the context of assessment. On this view, when the taste preferences of a speaker change, so does the truth value of a previously uttered taste claim, and the speaker might be required to retract it. Both views make strong empirical assumptions, which are here put to the test in three experiments with over 740 participants. It turns out that the linguistic behaviour of ordinary English speakers is consistent with contextualist predictions and inconsistent with the predictions of the most widely discussed form of truth relativism advocated by John MacFarlane.
Counterpossibles, story prefix and trivialism
Authors: Sendłak Maciej
Published: March 2021

The aim of this paper is to argue in favor of the view that some counterpossibles are false. This is done indirectly by showing that accepting the opposite view, i.e., one that ascribes truth to each and every counterpossible, results in the claim that every necessarily false theory has exactly the same consequences. Accordingly, it is shown that taking every counterpossible to be true not only undermines the value of debates over various alternative theories and their consequences, but also puts into question the very possibility of such debates. In order to explicate this thesis, the close bond between counterpossibles and the so-called story prefix (i.e., the sentential operator ‘According to fictionF,P’) is explored. A number of possible responses to this criticism are also presented, and it is argued that none of them address the main problem.
“Good Savage” vs. “Bad Savage”. Discourse and Counter-Discourse on Primitive Language as a Reflex of English Colonialism
Authors: Mazzon Gabriella
Published: March 2021

In the ideological construction of colonialism and, more widely, of any hierarchy of human communities, a crucial role is played by discourse on language. English nationalism and imperialism, in particular, developed extensive argumentations on language as an interpretation of the encounter with the other, on the basis of internal cultural developments that assigned to language the role of social discriminator. The paper investigates a strand of such argumentations during the period from the seventeenth to the nineteenth century: the concept of “primitive” languages, described in a positive or, more often, in a negative light. The former arguments employ tones related to the idea of the “good savage” and stand in connection with narratives on the “language of Adam” and of the “Welsh Indians”, the latter uses a rhetoric extolling “progress” and “civilization” against the “immaturity” and “backwardness” of primitive languages, a perspective that was later to influence Darwinism.
Methane monooxygenases: central enzymes in methanotrophy with promising biotechnological applications
Authors: Khider May L. K. , Brautaset Trygve , Irla Marta
Published: March 2021

Worldwide, the use of methane is limited to generating power, electricity, heating, and for production of chemicals. We believe this valuable gas can be employed more widely. Here we review the possibility of using methane as a feedstock for biotechnological processes based on the application of synthetic methanotrophs. Methane monooxygenase (MMO) enables aerobic methanotrophs to utilize methane as a sole carbon and energy source, in contrast to industrial microorganisms that grow on carbon sources, such as sugar cane, which directly compete with the food market. However, naturally occurring methanotrophs have proven to be difficult to manipulate genetically and their current industrial use is limited to generating animal feed biomass. Shifting the focus from genetic engineering of methanotrophs, towards introducing metabolic pathways for methane utilization in familiar industrial microorganisms, may lead to construction of efficient and economically feasible microbial cell factories. The applications of a technology for MMO production are not limited to methane-based industrial synthesis of fuels and value-added products, but are also of interest in bioremediation where mitigating anthropogenic pollution is an increasingly relevant issue. Published research on successful functional expression of MMO does not exist, but several attempts provide promising future perspectives and a few recent patents indicate that there is an ongoing research in this field. Combining the knowledge on genetics and metabolism of methanotrophy with tools for functional heterologous expression of MMO-encoding genes in non-methanotrophic bacterial species, is a key step for construction of synthetic methanotrophs that holds a great biotechnological potential.
Investigating sustainable management of desalination brine through concentration using forward osmosis
Authors: El Zayat Hossam , Nasr Peter , Sewilam Hani
Published: March 2021

A fertilizer drawn forward osmosis (FDFO) process was tested for the concentration of synthetic brine using an industrial-grade fertilizer ammonium sulfate (NH4)2SO4 as the draw solution (DS), NaCl-based synthetic brine as the feed solution (FS), and a commercial forward osmosis (FO) membrane. A bench-scale investigation and a pilot-scale investigation were carried out. By using the highest possible concentration of the DS with a fixed concentration of the FS, the brine generated by reverse osmosis (RO) desalination plants was simulated. The aim of this investigation, performed in batch mode, was to assess the feasibility of using the FDFO process with the tested DS to concentrate the brine by extracting water to dilute the DS. While the main aim of the investigated process was achieving the maximum possible volume reduction of the brine, the resulting DS was further diluted to reduce the nutrients’ concentration in the diluted DS to the acceptable levels producing fertilized water that can be used for fertigation. The investigation showed that the proposed process using the tested fertilizer resulted in an average water flux of 8.01 l/h/m2, and a volume reduction of the brine of around 12%.
Changes in qualitative and quantitative traits of birch (Betula pendula) pollen allergenic proteins in relation to the pollution contamination
Authors: Ziemianin Monika , Waga Jacek , Czarnobilska Ewa , Myszkowska Dorota
Published: March 2021

Birch (Betula pendula) pollen causes inhalant allergy in about 20% of human population in Europe, most of which is sensitive to the main birch allergen, Bet v1. The aim of the study was to find out (i) whether and how the analysed birch individuals differ in regard to composition of individual subunits of pollen proteins and to protein content in these subunits; (ii) whether the level of particulate matter relates to concentration of Bet v1 allergen. Study was performed in Southern Poland, in 2017–2019. Pollen material was collected at 20 sites, of highly or less polluted areas. Protein composition was analysed by SDS-PAGE, while the concentration of Bet v1 was evaluated by ELISA. The obtained results were estimated at the background of the particulate matter (PM10) level and the birch pollen seasons in Kraków. The electrophoregrams of pollen samples collected at different sites showed huge differences in staining intensities of individual protein subunits, also among important birch allergens: Bet v1, Bet v2, Bet v6 and Bet v7. The level of Bet v1 was significantly higher in the pollen samples collected at the more polluted sites. While the birch pollen allergenic potential is determined, the both pollen exposure and the content of the main allergenic components should be considered, as factors causing immunological response and clinical symptoms manifestation in sensitive individuals.
COVID-19’s impact on real estate markets: review and outlook
Authors: Balemi Nadia , Füss Roland , Weigand Alois
Published: March 2021

As symbolized by vacant office buildings, empty shopping malls and abandoned flats in metropolitan areas, the new coronavirus disease 2019 has severely impacted real estate markets. This paper provides a comprehensive literature review of the latest academic insights into how this pandemic has affected the housing, commercial real estate and the mortgage market. Moreover, these findings are linked to comprehensive statistics of each real estate sector’s performance during the crisis. Finally, the paper includes an outlook and discusses possible future developments in each real estate segment.
Correction to: Natural capitals for nature’s contributions to people: the case of Japan
Authors: Kumagai Junya , Wakamatsu Mihoko , Hashimoto Shizuka , Saito Osamu , Yoshida Takehito , Yamakita Takehisa , Hori Keiko , Matsui Takanori , Oguro Michio , Aiba Masahiro , Shibata Rei , Nakashizuka Tohru , Managi Shunsuke
Published: March 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-021-00939-6
SEOM clinical guidelines for anaemia treatment in cancer patients (2020)
Authors: Escobar Álvarez Y. , de las Peñas Bataller R. , Perez Altozano J. , Ros Martínez S. , Sabino Álvarez A. , Blasco Cordellat A. , Brozos Vázquez E. , Corral Jaime J. , García Escobar I. , Beato Zambrano C.
Published: March 2021

Anaemia is defined by the presence of haemoglobin (Hb) levels < 13 g/dL in men and 12 g/dL in women. Up to 39% of cancer patients present it at the time of diagnosis and up to 40% have iron deficiency. Anaemia causes fatigue, functional deterioration and a reduction in the quality of life; it has also been associated with a poorer response to anti-tumour treatment and lower survival. Basic diagnostic tests for anaemia are simple and should be a routine part of clinical practice. These guidelines review the available evidence on the use of different therapies for treating anaemia: erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, iron supplements, and transfusion of blood products.
Locating Hotspots for the Social Life Cycle Assessment of Bio-Based Products from Short Rotation Coppice
Authors: Fürtner Daniela , Ranacher Lea , Perdomo Echenique E. Alejandro , Schwarzbauer Peter , Hesser Franziska
Published: March 2021

The establishment of new value chains raises expectations in economic and social benefits. To determine whether these expectations can be fulfilled or whether there are also negative consequences, social aspects should be assessed as early as the R&D phase. Potential social impacts can be assessed with the help of a social life cycle assessment (SLCA). A common problem in SLCA studies is the large number of social aspects. Thus, it is important to prioritize the most relevant aspects. Scholars agree that socioeconomic indicators should not be selected on a purely intuitive and common sense basis and that a standardized approach is missing. A three-step process has been developed to identify the most vulnerable and relevant social aspects. These three steps were implemented into a case study to empirically test the method. Short-rotation-coppice as an alternative form of agricultural dendromass production is one possibility to obtain wood resources for the processing of bio-based products. The use of agricultural land for dendromass production promises additional income for the region’s farmers and job opportunities for the local population. The extant literature shows that the most frequently addressed impacts are related to workers’ health and safety aspects. The outcome of this study aims to support future research by identifying an appropriate approach for the selection of indicators in SLCA. For studies with a similar focus, the proposed set of indicators can be used as a framework in itself or serve as a basis for the choice of relevant social indicators.
The role of epithelial–mesenchymal transition-regulating transcription factors in anti-cancer drug resistance
Authors: Seo Jihye , Ha Jain , Kang Eunjeong , Cho Sayeon
Published: March 2021

The complex orchestration of gene expression that mediates the transition of epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells is implicated in cancer development and metastasis. As the primary regulator of the process, epithelial-mesenchymal transition-regulating transcription factors (EMT-TFs) play key roles in metastasis. They are also highlighted in recent preclinical studies on resistance to cancer therapy. This review describes the role of three main EMT-TFs, including Snail, Twist1, and zinc-finger E homeobox-binding 1 (ZEB1), relating to drug resistance and current possible approaches for future challenges targeting EMT-TFs.
New Realization of Disaster Risk Reduction Education in the Context of a Global Pandemic: Lessons from Japan
Authors: Shaw Rajib , Sakurai Aiko , Oikawa Yukihiko
Published: March 2021

The global COVID-19 pandemic has challenged different development sectors, including education. In this article, two main analyses are provided: one on the biological hazards of the pandemic in the context of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015−2030, which analyzes the overall impacts on the education sector. Then we discuss the overall impact on education sectors, with specific focus on disaster risk reduction (DRR) education and education for sustainable development (ESD). Disaster risk reduction education and ESD are analyzed from the perspective of school-community-family linkages. Specific case analysis of COVID-19 response in the education sector is presented from Omuta City, Japan, which is considered as a champion city for ESD. Four phases of response in Omuta City are characterized with three specific foci: (1) mitigating covid impacts on educational program and participants; (2) preventing exacerbation of covid transmission within and outside schools; and (3) maintaining educational program integrity despite covid. Key lessons are summarized in the concluding section, which explore the importance of (1) educational governance (on critical decision making) during the pandemic as well as with cascading risks; (2) enhancement of school-community-family linkages as pandemic response commonalities between ESD and DRR education; (3) risk communication and citizen behavior; and (4) use of technology. We argue that integration of health and DRR education is important, that resilience needs to be redefined in terms of sustainable development goals (SDGs), and that education plays a vital role in achieving these ends.
Microfluidic-based virus detection methods for respiratory diseases
Authors: Tarim E. Alperay , Karakuzu Betul , Oksuz Cemre , Sarigil Oyku , Kizilkaya Melike , Al-Ruweidi Mahmoud Khatib A. A. , Yalcin Huseyin Cagatay , Ozcivici Engin , Tekin H. Cumhur
Published: March 2021

With the recent SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, the importance of rapid and direct detection of respiratory disease viruses has been well recognized. The detection of these viruses with novel technologies is vital in timely prevention and treatment strategies for epidemics and pandemics. Respiratory viruses can be detected from saliva, swab samples, nasal fluid, and blood, and collected samples can be analyzed by various techniques. Conventional methods for virus detection are based on techniques relying on cell culture, antigen-antibody interactions, and nucleic acids. However, these methods require trained personnel as well as expensive equipment. Microfluidic technologies, on the other hand, are one of the most accurate and specific methods to directly detect respiratory tract viruses. During viral infections, the production of detectable amounts of relevant antibodies takes a few days to weeks, hampering the aim of prevention. Alternatively, nucleic acid–based methods can directly detect the virus-specific RNA or DNA region, even before the immune response. There are numerous methods to detect respiratory viruses, but direct detection techniques have higher specificity and sensitivity than other techniques. This review aims to summarize the methods and technologies developed for microfluidic-based direct detection of viruses that cause respiratory infection using different detection techniques. Microfluidics enables the use of minimal sample volumes and thereby leading to a time, cost, and labor effective operation. Microfluidic-based detection technologies provide affordable, portable, rapid, and sensitive analysis of intact virus or virus genetic material, which is very important in pandemic and epidemic events to control outbreaks with an effective diagnosis.
SARS-CoV-2 Transmission in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario, Canada, December 25, 2019, to December 1, 2020
Authors: Fung Isaac Chun-Hai , Hung Yuen Wai , Ofori Sylvia K. , Muniz-Rodriguez Kamalich , Lai Po-Ying , Chowell Gerardo
Published: March 2021

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemiology in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario, Canada.

Methods:

Using data through December 1, 2020, we estimated time-varying reproduction number, Rt, using EpiEstim package in R, and calculated incidence rate ratios (IRR) across the 3 provinces.

Results:

In Ontario, 76% (92 745/121 745) of cases were in Toronto, Peel, York, Ottawa, and Durham; in Alberta, 82% (49 878/61 169) in Calgary and Edmonton; in British Columbia, 90% (31 142/34 699) in Fraser and Vancouver Coastal. Across 3 provinces, Rt dropped to ≤ 1 after April. In Ontario, Rt would remain < 1 in April if congregate-setting-associated cases were excluded. Over summer, Rt maintained < 1 in Ontario, ~1 in British Columbia, and ~1 in Alberta, except early July when Rt was > 1. In all 3 provinces, Rt was > 1, reflecting surges in case count from September through November. Compared with British Columbia (684.2 cases per 100 000), Alberta (IRR = 2.0; 1399.3 cases per 100 000) and Ontario (IRR = 1.2; 835.8 cases per 100 000) had a higher cumulative case count per 100 000 population.

Conclusions:

Alberta and Ontario had a higher incidence rate than British Columbia, but Rt trajectories were similar across all 3 provinces.
Discrimination and Bias in State Triage Protocols Toward Populations With Intellectual Disabilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Felt Ashley Brooke , Mitcham Dionne , Hathcock Morgan , Swienton Raymond , Harris Curtis
Published: March 2021

Individuals with intellectual disabilities face discrimination on a daily basis. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the systemic ableism that is embedded within American culture, particularly through health care bias and discrimination. In turn, this creates further marginalization during diagnosis, triage, and treatment of the novel coronavirus. Multiple states have filed complaints against state triage protocols that suggest an abled life is more worthy than a life with a disability. Although many of these protocols have been updated and replaced, generalized triage statements fail to address health care bias that is embedded within the American system. In addition to the existing solutions, proposed solutions to addressing health care bias include integrating social workers into the emergency management process and the overall disaster management field. To combat bias and ableism across the health care system, a social justice perspective that highlights discrimination, inequalities, and inequities in overall individual care must be adopted.
Feeling stuck: exploring experiences of junior doctors
Authors: Alexander Lauren , Counihan Eimear , McNally Deirdre , Douglas Leonard
Published: March 2021

Objectives:

Staff working in mental health services provide care for individuals with a variety of difficulties, which can pose treatment challenges. Perceived lack of progress in patients can engender uncomfortable feelings within the clinician, such as frustration, ‘heartsink’ and ‘feeling stuck’. The aim of this study was to explore the phenomenon of ‘feeling stuck’ amongst NCHDs in psychiatry.

Methods:

A total of 30 participants were recruited from three psychiatric hospitals to complete a 15-item questionnaire. The survey was designed to pursue a thematic analysis. Participants were asked to complete the survey anonymously, either online or paper version. The analysis was carried out by two researchers using open coding, with themes finalised through collective discourse.

Results:

Three themes were elicited from the data. The central theme – ‘causes of feeling stuck’ – consisted of three subthemes (patient, doctor and system factors). Participants were adept at describing patient and system factors, but reflected on doctor factors, such as countertransference, less often and in less detail. Other themes, explored in less detail by respondents, were ‘the experience of feeling stuck’ and ‘responses to feeling stuck’, with participants tending to seek solutions to, rather than an understanding of, these feelings.

Conclusions:

Trainee psychiatrists can clearly identify the situations where they are ‘stuck’ with clinical interactions. In spite of clinical supervision and reflective practice groups, they desire further training in managing these scenarios. NCHDs would benefit from further training, using these ‘stuck’ interactions as material, to further develop their understanding of the underlying factors in both themselves and their patients.
CONNECTED COMPONENTS IN THE INVARIABLY GENERATING GRAPH OF A FINITE GROUP
Authors: GARZONI DANIELE
Published: March 2021

We prove that the invariably generating graph of a finite group can have an arbitrarily large number of connected components with at least two vertices.
ADDITIVE BASES AND NIVEN NUMBERS
Authors: SANNA CARLO
Published: March 2021

Let

$g \geq 2$
be an integer. A natural number is said to be a base-g Niven number if it is divisible by the sum of its base-g digits. Assuming Hooley’s Riemann hypothesis, we prove that the set of base-g Niven numbers is an additive basis, that is, there exists a positive integer

$C_g$
such that every natural number is the sum of at most

$C_g$
base-g Niven numbers.
Bitter melon fruit extract enhances intracellular ATP production and insulin secretion from rat pancreatic β-cells
Authors: Shimada Takumi , Kato Fumihiro , Dwijayanti Dinia Rizqi , Nagata Takuma , Kinoshita Akito , Okuyama Tetsuya , Nishizawa Mikio , Mukai Eri
Published: March 2021

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) has been shown to have various health-promoting activities, including antidiabetic and hypoglycaemic effects. Improvement in insulin sensitivity and increase in glucose utilisation in peripheral tissues have been reported, but the effect on insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of bitter melon fruit on insulin secretion from β-cells and the underlying mechanism. The green fruit of bitter melon was freeze-dried and extracted with methanol. The bitter melon fruit extract (BMFE) was fractionated using ethyl acetate (fraction A), n-butanol (fraction B) and water (fraction C). Insulin secretory capacity from INS-1 rat insulinoma cell line and rat pancreatic islets, as well as glucose tolerance in rats by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), was measured using BMFE and fractions. ATP production in β-cells was also examined. BMFE augmented insulin secretion from INS-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The significant augmentation of insulin secretion was independent of the glucose dose. Fraction A (i.e. hydrophobic fraction), but not fractions B and C, augmented insulin secretion significantly at the same level as that by BMFE. This finding was also observed in pancreatic islets. In OGTT, BMFE and fraction A decreased blood glucose levels and increased serum insulin levels after glucose loading. The decrease in blood glucose levels was also observed in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. In addition, BMFE and fraction A increased the ATP content in β-cells. We concluded that hydrophobic components of BMFE increase ATP production and augment insulin secretion from β-cells, consequently decreasing blood glucose levels.
Megasthenes on the Military Livestock of Chandragupta and the Making of the First Indian Empire
Authors: Trautmann Thomas R.
Published: March 2021

Megasthenes was an eyewitness to the reign of Chandragupta Maurya, maker of the first India-wide empire (from ca. 321 BCE). The army with which he made that empire depended largely upon the supply of men, horses, elephants, and oxen, a sector which may be called military livestock. Megasthenes’ account of this large sector of government expense and the policies under which it operated gives important testimony about the causes of Chandragupta's success, namely the maintenance of a royal monopoly of horses, elephants, and arms, payment of the soldiers in peacetime and war, the demilitarization of the farmers, and the separation of the soldiers from the land. Over the long run of Indian history, from the Mauryan Empire to the present, the environmental roots of the political order lay in the complementary distribution of horse and elephant country, to the dry west and humid east of a line running down the middle of the Subcontinent; that is, respectively, the valleys of the Indus and the Ganga. The dominating power of India has always had its capital in elephant country, the valley of the Ganga, in cities from Pataliputra (Patna) to Kanauj to Delhi, in a position from which to control the eastward flow of horses and the westward flow of elephants to other states.