bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving ethanol production by studying the effect of pH using a modified metabolic model and a systemic approach
Authors: Ghaffarinasab Sajjad , Motamedian Ehsan
Published: April 2021

pH is an important factor affecting the growth and production of microorganisms; especially, its effect on ethanologenic microorganisms. It can change the ionization state of metabolites via the change in the charge of their functional groups that may lead to metabolic alteration. Here, we estimated the ionization state of metabolites and balanced the charge of reactions in genome‐scale metabolic models of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Escherichia coli, and Zymomonas mobilis at pH levels 5, 6, and 7. The robustness analysis was first implemented to anticipate the effect of proton exchange flux on growth rates for the constructed metabolic models at various pH. In accordance with previous experimental reports, the models predict that Z. mobilis is more sensitive to pH rather than S. cerevisiae and the yeast is more regulated by pH rather than E. coli. Then, a systemic approach was proposed to predict the pH effect on metabolic change and to find effective reactions on ethanol production in S. cerevisiae. The correlated reactions with ethanol production at predicted optimal pH in a range of proton exchange rates determined by robustness analysis were identified using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Then, fluxes of these reactions were applied to cluster the various pHs by principal component analysis and to identify the role of these reactions on metabolic differentiation because of pH change. Finally, 12 reactions were selected for up and downregulation to improve ethanol production. Enzyme regulators of the selected reactions were identified using the BRENDA database and 11 selected regulators were screened and optimized via Plackett–Burman and two‐level full factorial designs, respectively. The proposed approach has enhanced yields of ethanol from 0.18 to 0.36 mol/mol carbon. Hence, not only a comprehensive approach for understanding the effect of pH on metabolism was proposed in this study, but also it successfully introduced key manipulations for ethanol overproduction.
Next generation of chemistry and biochemistry conference posters: Animation, augmented reality, visitor statistics, and visitors' attention
Authors: Faridi Ehsan , Ghaderian Abolfazl , Honarasa Fatemeh , Shafie Arefeh
Published: April 2021

Every branch of science needs visitors' attention during the poster presentation session at conferences, symposiums, seminars, etc. In particular, participants in the chemistry and biochemistry conference need more visual tools to explain their research work in detail. Presence of smartphones and the ability of 2D barcodes will allow chemical reactions or processes to be shown in the form of a movie, animation or augmented reality (AR). Therefore, the next generation of posters will be more interested in this view. Here, the ability of 2D barcodes or QR codes to help researchers to catch more attention in their research work was presented during a poster presentation session. In this way, the visitors showed positive attitudes to the applicability of such tools. Also, some information including the number of poster visitors and interesting topics in the conference can be collected easily which is useful for the scientific and organizing committee of conferences. As a result, biochemistry conference posters can be presented in new ways, based on animation images or video, to capture the attention of viewers and deepen their understanding of poster concepts.
Atroposelective Construction of Axially Chiral Alkene‐Indole Scaffolds via Catalytic Enantioselective Addition Reaction of 3‐Alkynyl‐2‐indolylmethanols†
Authors: Wang Jing‐Yi , Sun Meng , Yu Xian‐Yang , Zhang Yu‐Chen , Tan Wei , Shi Feng
Published: April 2021

Main observation and conclusion

Atroposelective construction of axially chiral alkene‐heteroaryl scaffolds is highly desired but challenging. In this work, we established an atroposelective construction of axially chiral alkene‐indole scaffolds via the strategy of catalytic enantioselective addition reaction of 3‐alkynyl‐2‐indolylmethanols with bulky nucleophiles. In this strategy, α‐amido sulfones were used as competent nucleophiles and chiral phosphoric acid (CPA) acted as suitable chiral catalyst for this addition reaction. By this strategy, a new class of axially chiral acyclic alkene‐indoles was synthesized in overall high yields (up to 86%), excellent (E/Z)‐selectivity (all > 95 : 5) and good enantioselectivities (up to 92 : 8 er). This reaction represents the first catalytic enantioselective construction of axially chiral alkene‐indole frameworks, which will add a new member to the family of atropoisomeric heterocycles, especially the family of axially chiral indole compounds.
Association between obesity and neurocognitive function in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated only with chemotherapy
Authors: Iijima Mayuko , Liu Wei , Panetta John C. , Hudson Melissa M. , Pui Ching‐Hon , Srivastava Deo Kumar , Krull Kevin R. , Inaba Hiroto
Published: April 2021

Background

Neurocognitive impairment and obesity are common adverse sequelae in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL); however, the association has not been investigated.

Methods

Neurocognitive function was evaluated once in survivors of ALL who were at least 8 years old and 5 years from their diagnosis. In a cross‐sectional analysis, the associations with the body mass index (BMI) category and Z score were examined. A longitudinal analysis used the overweight/obesity area under the curve (AUC), which was determined via the trapezoidal rule by a sum of the integrals defined by the BMI Z score at each time point and the time intervals of the BMI measurement.

Results

For 210 survivors, the median BMI Z score at diagnosis was 0.17, which increased to 0.54 at the end of induction and to 0.74 at the neurocognitive assessment. In the cross‐sectional analysis, overweight/obese survivors scored significantly lower than others on the measures of executive function (cognitive flexibility, planning, verbal fluency, working memory, and spatial construction; all P < .05), attention (attention span and risk taking; all P < .05), and processing speed (visual motor coordination, visual speed, and motor speed; all P < .05). In the longitudinal analysis, when the treatment period was subdivided into 4 time periods (induction, consolidation, early maintenance, and late maintenance), a greater overweight/obesity AUC during induction therapy was associated with worse cognitive flexibility (P = .01) and slower motor speed (P = .02), which persisted throughout the treatment.

Conclusions

Overweight/obesity was significantly associated with neurocognitive impairment during long‐term follow‐up, and this association started early in treatment for ALL. Novel early interventions to provide cognitive training and prevent weight gain are required for patients at risk.
No interplay between gut microbiota composition and the lipopolysaccharide‐induced innate immune response in humans in vivo
Authors: Habes Quirine LM , Konstanti Prokopis , Kiers Harmke D , Koch Rebecca M , Stolk Roeland F , Belzer Clara , Kox Matthijs , Pickkers Peter
Published: April 2021

Objective

Animal studies have demonstrated the extensive interplay between the gut microbiota and immunity. Moreover, in critically ill patients, who almost invariably suffer from a pronounced immune response, a shift in gut microbiota composition is associated with infectious complications and mortality. We examined the relationship between interindividual differences in gut microbiota composition and variation in the in vivo cytokine response induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Furthermore, we evaluated whether an LPS challenge alters the composition of the gut microbiota.

Methods

Healthy male volunteers received an intravenous bolus of 2 ng kg−1 LPS (n = 70) or placebo (n = 8). Serial plasma concentrations of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8 and IL‐10 were measured, and subjects were divided into high and low cytokine responders. Gut microbiota composition was determined using 16s RNA gene sequencing of faecal samples obtained 1 day before (baseline) and 1 day and 7 days following the LPS challenge.

Results

Baseline microbiota composition, analysed by principal coordinate analysis and random forest analysis, did not differ between high and low responders for any of the four measured cytokines. Furthermore, baseline microbiota diversity (Shannon and Chao indices) was similar in high and low responders. No changes in microbiota composition or diversity were observed at 1 and 7 days following the LPS challenge.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that existing variation in gut microbiota composition does not explain the observed variability in the LPS‐induced innate immune response. These findings strongly argue against the interplay between the gut microbiota composition and the innate immune response in humans.
Detection of Chronic Hypoventilation Among Infants With Robin Sequence Using Capillary Blood Gas Sampling
Authors: Kwan James T. , Ebert Bridget E. , Roby Brianne B. , Scott Andrew R.
Published: April 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To describe the use of capillary blood gas (CBG) sampling to detect and quantify hypoventilation in infants with Robin sequence (RS).

Methods

Case series with chart review at two institutions. Infants with RS presenting over a 10‐year period were identified using departmental databases. CBG values obtained during infancy or until airway intervention (AI) were reviewed.

Results

From 2008 to 2018, 111 infants with RS were identified as having had been assessed and managed from birth or transfer until discharge home and having CBG data available. In most cases, CBG sampling was obtained every other day until intervention or discharge. A total of 81 (73%) infants required AI: 72 (89%) underwent mandibular distraction osteogenesis, five (6%) underwent tracheotomy, and four (5%) were discharged home with a nasopharyngeal airway. The mean PCO2 at day of life (DOL) 7–30 for the AI group was 52.7 mmHg (95% confidence interval: 51.7–53.7) and for the no AI group was 45.9 mmHg (44.8–47.0; P < .0001). The mean HCO3 at DOL 7–30 for the AI group was 29.8 mEq/L (29.4–30.1) and for the no AI group was 27.0 mEq/L (26.5–27.4; P < .0001). Receiver operating characteristic curves were created for maximum PCO2 and HCO3 values and cutoffs were established by optimizing a balance of sensitivity and specificity. Infants requiring AI surpassed the PCO2 and HCO3 cutoff at a median of DOL 9.

Conclusions

Among infants with RS and hypoventilation, objective measures of respiratory acidosis may be apparent by DOL 9.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:2789–2794, 2021
Design of bandwidth‐enhanced power amplifier based on class‐EF modes
Authors: Xuan Xuefei , Liu Yueyue , Zhai Muyi , Wang Yang , Ge Xianlei , Liu Guohua , Cheng Zhiqun
Published: April 2021

This article describes a methodology for designing broadband high‐efficiency GaN HEMT power amplifier (PA) which is suitable for base stations and modern wireless communication based on the Class‐EF mode. To achieve both efficiency enhancement and bandwidth extension for the PA, the load‐pull technique is employed to acquire the optimum impedance regions of the second harmonic. Especially, considering the influences of the harmonic control network on the accuracy of obtaining the fundamental impedance, the load‐pull technique is performed to obtain the optimal fundamental impedance again after the harmonic control circuit is determined. In addition, the theory of multiple frequencies matching is also employed to manipulate six desired fundamental frequency points concurrently. Based on the proposed theory, the Class‐EF PA prototype is designed and fabricated. The measurement results exhibits a drain efficiency (DE) of 60%–75% in the range of 2.1–3.6 GHz while having an output power of 38–40.5 dBm and gain of larger than 8 dB.
High spatial resolution imaging of the dynamics of cuticular lipid deposition during Arabidopsis flower development
Authors: Alexander Liza E. , Gilbertson Jena S. , Xie Bo , Song Zhihong , Nikolau Basil J.
Published: April 2021

The extensive collection of glossy (gl) and eceriferum (cer) mutants of maize and Arabidopsis have proven invaluable in dissecting the branched metabolic pathways that support cuticular lipid deposition. This bifurcated pathway integrates a fatty acid elongation‐decarbonylative branch and a fatty acid elongation‐reductive branch, which collectively has the capacity to generate hundreds of cuticular lipid metabolites. In this study, a combined transgenic and biochemical strategy was implemented to explore and compare the physiological function of three homologous genes, Gl2, Gl2‐like, and CER2, in the context of this branched pathway. These biochemical characterizations integrated new extraction chromatographic procedures with high spatial resolution mass spectrometric imaging methods to profile the cuticular lipids on developing floral tissues transgenically expressing these transgenes in wild‐type or cer2 mutant lines of Arabidopsis. Collectively, these datasets establish that both the maize Gl2 and Gl2‐like genes are functional homologs of the Arabidopsis CER2 gene. In addition, the dynamic distribution of cuticular lipid deposition follows distinct floral organ localization patterns indicating that the fatty acid elongation‐decarbonylative branch of the pathway is differentially localized from the fatty acid elongation‐reductive branch of the pathway.
A mutual information criterion with applications to canonical correlation analysis and graphical models
Authors: DelSole Timothy , Tippett Michael K.
Published: April 2021

This paper derives a criterion for deciding conditional independence that is consistent with small‐sample corrections of Akaike's information criterion but is easier to apply to such problems as selecting variables in canonical correlation analysis and selecting graphical models. The criterion reduces to mutual information when the assumed distribution equals the true distribution; hence, it is called mutual information criterion (MIC). Although small‐sample Kullback–Leibler criteria for these selection problems have been proposed previously, some of which are not widely known, MIC is strikingly more direct to derive and apply.
Exploring charm decays with missing energy in leptoquark models
Authors: Faisel Gaber , Su Jhih-Ying , Tandean Jusak
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We investigate the possibility that scalar leptoquarks generate consequential effects on the flavor-changing neutral-current decays of charmed hadrons into final states with missing energy "Image missing" carried away by either standard model or sterile neutrinos. We focus on scenarios involving the R2, $$ {\tilde{R}}_2 $$

R
˜

2

, and $$ {\overline{S}}_1 $$

S
¯

1

leptoquarks and take into account various pertinent constraints, learning that meson-mixing ones and those inferred from collider searches can be of significance. We find in particular that the branching fractions of charmed meson decays D →"Image missing", M = π, ρ, and Ds→"Image missing" and singly charmed baryon decays $$ {\Lambda}_c^{+} $$

Λ
c
+

→"Image missing" and Ξc→"Image missing" are presently allowed to attain the 10−7-10−6 levels if induced by R2 and that the impact of $$ {\tilde{R}}_2 $$

R
˜

2

is comparatively much less. In contrast, the contributions of $$ {\overline{S}}_1 $$

S
¯

1

, which couples to right-handed up-type quarks and the sterile neutrinos, could lead to branching fractions as high as order 10−3. This suggests that these charmed hadron decays might be within reach of the BESIII and Belle II experiments or future super charm-tau factories and could serve as potentially promising probes of leptoquark interactions with sterile neutrinos.
Accessing large global charge via the ϵ-expansion
Authors: Watanabe Masataka
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We compute the lowest operator dimension ∆(J; D) at large global charge J in the O(2) Wilson-Fisher model in D = 4 − ϵ dimensions, to leading order in both 1/J and ϵ. While the effective field theory approach of [1] could only determine ∆(J; 3) as a series expansion in 1/J up to an undetermined constant in front of each term, this time we try to determine the coefficient in front of J3/2 in the ϵ-expansion. The final result for ∆(J; D) in the (resummed) ϵ-expansion, valid when J ≫ 1/ϵ ≫ 1, turns out to be

$$ \Delta \left(J;D\right)=\left[\frac{2\left(D-1\right)}{3\left(D-2\right)}{\left(\frac{9\left(D-2\right)\pi }{5D}\right)}^{\frac{D}{2\left(D-1\right)}}{\left[\frac{5\Gamma \left(\frac{D}{2}\right)}{24{\pi}^2}\right]}^{\frac{1}{D-1}}{\epsilon}^{\frac{D-1}{2\left(D-1\right)}}\right]\times {J}^{\frac{D}{D-1}}+O\left({J}^{\frac{D-2}{D-1}}\right) $$
Δ

J
D

=

2

D
−
1

3

D
−
2

9

D
−
2

π

5
D

D

2

D
−
1

5
Γ

D
2

24

π
2

1

D
−
1

ϵ

D
−
1

2

D
−
1

×

J

D

D
−
1

+
O

J

D
−
2

D
−
1

where next-to-leading order onwards were not computed here due to technical cumbersomeness, despite there are no fundamental difficulties. We also compare the result at ϵ = 1,

$$ \Delta (J)=0.293\times {J}^{3/2}+\cdots $$
Δ

J

=
0.293
×

J

3
/
2

+
⋯

to the actual data from the Monte-Carlo simulation in three dimensions [2], and the discrepancy of the coefficient 0.293 from the numerics turned out to be 13%. Additionally, we also find a crossover of ∆(J; D) from ∆(J) ∝ $$ {J}^{\frac{D}{D-1}} $$

J

D

D
−
1

to ∆(J) ∝ J, at around J ∼ 1/ϵ, as one decreases J while fixing ϵ (or vice versa), reflecting the fact that there are no interacting fixed-point at ϵ = 0. Based on this behaviour, we propose an interesting double-scaling limit which fixes λ ≡ Jϵ, suitable for probing the region of the crossover. I will give ∆(J; D) to next-to-leading order in perturbation theory, either in 1/λ or in λ, valid when λ ≫ 1 and λ ≪ 1, respectively.
Observations of Hawking radiation: the Page curve and baby universes
Authors: Marolf Donald , Maxfield Henry
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We reformulate recent insights into black hole information in a manner emphasizing operationally-defined notions of entropy, Lorentz-signature descriptions, and asymptotically flat spacetimes. With the help of replica wormholes, we find that experiments of asymptotic observers are consistent with black holes as unitary quantum systems, with density of states given by the Bekenstein-Hawking formula. However, this comes at the cost of superselection sectors associated with the state of baby universes. Spacetimes studied by Polchinski and Strominger in 1994 provide a simple illustration of the associated concepts and techniques, and we argue them to be a natural late-time extrapolation of replica wormholes. The work aims to be self-contained and, in particular, to be accessible to readers who have not yet mastered earlier formulations of the ideas above.
Diagrammatic expansion of non-perturbative little string free energies
Authors: Hohenegger Stefan
Published: April 2021

Abstract

In [1] we have studied the single-particle free energy of a class of Little String Theories of A-type, which are engineered by N parallel M5-branes on a circle. To leading instanton order (from the perspective of the low energy U(N) gauge theory) and partially also to higher order, a decomposition was observed, which resembles a Feynman diagrammatic expansion: external states are given by expansion coefficients of the N = 1 BPS free energy and a quasi-Jacobi form that governs the BPS-counting of an M5-brane coupling to two M2-branes. The effective coupling functions were written as infinite series and similarities to modular graph functions were remarked. In the current work we continue and extend this study: working with the full non-perturbative BPS free energy, we analyse in detail the cases N = 2, 3 and 4. We argue that in these cases to leading instanton order all coupling functions can be written as a simple combination of two-point functions of a single free scalar field on the torus. We provide closed form expressions, which we conjecture to hold for generic N. To higher instanton order, we observe that a decomposition of the free energy in terms of higher point functions with the same external states is still possible but a priori not unique. We nevertheless provide evidence that tentative coupling functions are still combinations of scalar Greens functions, which are decorated with derivatives or multiplied with holomorphic Eisenstein series. We interpret these decorations as corrections of the leading order effective couplings and in particular link the latter to dihedral graph functions with bivalent vertices, which suggests an interpretation in terms of disconnected graphs.
Pheromone Mediated Sexual Reproduction of Pennate Diatom Cylindrotheca closterium
Authors: Klapper Franziska , Audoor Sien , Vyverman Wim , Pohnert Georg
Published: April 2021

Benthic diatoms dominate primary production in marine subtidal and intertidal environments. Their extraordinary species diversity and ecological success is thought to be linked with their predominantly heterothallic sexual reproduction. Little is known about pheromone involvement during mating of pennate diatoms. Here we describe pheromone guided mating in the coastal raphid diatom Cylindrotheca closterium. We show that the two mating types (mt+ and mt−) have distinct functions. Similar to other benthic diatoms, mt+ cells are searching for the mt− cells to pair. To enhance mating efficiency mt− exudes an attraction pheromone which we proved by establishing a novel capillary assay. Further, two more pheromones produced by mt− promote the sexual events. One arrests the cell cycle progression of mt+ while the other induces gametogenesis of mt+. We suggest that C. closterium shares a functionally similar pheromone system with other pennate diatoms like Seminavis robusta and Pseudostaurosira trainorii which synchronize sexual events and mate attraction. Remarkably, we found no evidence of mt+ producing pheromones, which differentiates C. closterium from other pennates and suggests a less complex pheromone system in C. closterium.
High-order Combined Multi-step Scheme for Solving Forward Backward Stochastic Differential Equations
Authors: Teng Long , Zhao Weidong
Published: April 2021

In this work, in order to obtain higher-order schemes for solving forward backward stochastic differential equations, we propose a new multi-step scheme by adopting the high-order multi-step method in Zhao et al. (SIAM J. Sci. Comput., 36(4): A1731-A1751, 2014) with the combination technique. Two reference ordinary differential equations containing the conditional expectations and their derivatives are derived from the backward component. These derivatives are approximated by using the finite difference methods with multi-step combinations. The resulting scheme is a semi-discretization in the temporal direction involving conditional expectations, which are solved by using the Gaussian quadrature rules and polynomial interpolations on the spatial grids. Our new proposed multi-step scheme allows for higher convergence rate up to ninth order, and are more efficient. Finally, we provide a numerical illustration of the convergence of the proposed method.
Policy learning as complex contagion: how social networks shape organizational beliefs in forest-based climate change mitigation
Authors: Gronow Antti , Brockhaus Maria , Di Gregorio Monica , Karimo Aasa , Ylä-Anttila Tuomas
Published: April 2021

Policy learning can alter the perceptions of both the seriousness and the causes of a policy problem, thus also altering the perceived need to do something about the problem. This then allows for the informed weighing of different policy options. Taking a social network perspective, we argue that the role of social influence as a driver of policy learning has been overlooked in the literature. Network research has shown that normatively laden belief change is likely to occur through complex contagion—a process in which an actor receives social reinforcement from more than one contact in its social network. We test the applicability of this idea to policy learning using node-level network regression models on a unique longitudinal policy network survey dataset concerning the Reducing Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) initiative in Brazil, Indonesia, and Vietnam. We find that network connections explain policy learning in Indonesia and Vietnam, where the policy subsystems are collaborative, but not in Brazil, where the level of conflict is higher and the subsystem is more established. The results suggest that policy learning is more likely to result from social influence and complex contagion in collaborative than in conflictual settings.
Hot or not? connecting rhizosphere hotspots to total soil respiration
Authors: Becker Joscha N. , Holz Maire
Published: April 2021

Aims

Soil organic carbon (C) efflux is tightly linked to the rhizosphere, where soil microorganisms rapidly decompose organic compounds released from roots. Recently, imaging approaches have greatly improved our understanding of small-scale C-turnover heterogeneity and promoted the term ‘rhizosphere hotspots’ for highly active areas. However, despite often assumed, the effect of these hotspots on total soil C balances is still unknown. We aim to bridge this gap by correlating rhizosphere imaging data to soil respiration on individual plant scale.

Methods

We grew 17 maize (Zea mays L.) plants in rhizoboxes filled with sandy arable soil. After four weeks, the plants were labelled with 14CO2 and root exudation was visualized and quantified by 14C-imaging one day after labeling. The evolved CO2 was trapped in NaOH and 14CO2 as well as total CO2 was quantified before and after labelling. Enzyme activity (β-glucosidase) was quantified by soil zymography.

Results

Bulk soil β-glucosidase activitiy negatively correlated to total CO2 efflux, and was the most important predictor (R2 = 0.55). Total and rhizosphere specific 14C-activity were solely correlated to 14CO2 efflux (r = 0.51, r = 0.58). A combination of bulk soil β-glucosidase activity, rhizosphere-14C activity and root biomass, explained about 75% of variance in CO2 efflux.

Conclusions

This indicates that root exudation and enzyme-activity hotspots are suitable predictors for total soil respiration, particularly when combined with root biomass to account for three-dimensional variation, and that hotspots on the rhizosphere scale are directly linked to larger scale C balances.
FABry Disease Patient-Reported Outcome-GastroIntestinal (FABPRO-GI): A new Fabry disease-specific gastrointestinal outcomes instrument
Authors: Shields Alan L. , Lamoureux Roger E. , Taylor Fiona , Barth Jay A. , Mulberg Andrew E. , Kessler Vivian , Skuban Nina
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Fabry disease is a rare multisystemic disorder caused by functional deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-galactosidase A. Gastrointestinal (GI) signs and symptoms are among the earliest clinical manifestations in patients with Fabry disease but are often nonspecific, misdiagnosed, and untreated. No instruments have been developed specifically to assess GI signs and symptoms in Fabry disease. The FABry disease Patient-Reported Outcome-GastroIntestinal (FABPRO-GI) was developed to address this unmet need and is intended for use in clinical trials (24-h FABPRO-GI) and real-world settings (7-day FABPRO-GI).

Methods

Findings from a literature review, expert advisory meetings, and patient concept elicitation interviews (CEIs) were summarized into conceptual models. These conceptual models were used to develop preliminary versions of the 24-h and 7-day FABPRO-GI. Cognitive debriefing interviews (CDIs) were conducted with additional patients to assess content validity, including understandability, relevance, and comprehensiveness of the preliminary versions of the 24-h and 7-day FABPRO-GI.

Results

Literature review (n = 17 articles), expert advisory meetings (n = 5), and patient CEIs (n = 17) identified mostly overlapping Fabry disease-related GI signs and symptoms, including abdominal cramps, bloating, and diarrhea, and informed development of the preliminary 24-h and 7-day FABPRO-GI. CDIs (n = 15) provided evidence of content validity and informed revisions of the 24-h and 7-day FABPRO-GI.

Conclusion

With evidence of content validity, the 24-h and 7-day FABPRO-GI are the first Fabry disease-specific patient-reported outcomes to assess GI signs and symptoms in patients with Fabry disease with potential for use in clinical trials and real-world settings, respectively.
Tor Relays an Universitäten
Authors: Döpmann Christoph , Marx Matthias , Federrath Hannes , Tschorsch Florian
Published: April 2021

Während Universitäten mit ihrer Infrastruktur und Kompetenz ideale Bedingungen für
den Betrieb von Tor-Knoten bieten, ist ihr Anteil am Tor-Netz erstaunlich gering. Wir berichten über
unsere Erfahrungen beim Betrieb von zwei Exit-Knoten an Universitäten und geben Empfehlungen für
deren Betrieb.
Three-dimensional guidance and control for ground moving target tracking by a quadrotor
Authors: Sepehri Movafegh M. , Dehghan S.M.M. , Zardashti R.
Published: April 2021

This paper develops a three-dimensional guidance and control algorithm to ensure that a manoeuverable target is preserved by a quadrotor in a long-term tracking scenario. The proposed guidance approach determines the desired altitude of the quadrotor to adjust the field of view (FOV) to the union of two desired trusted and critical regions. The dimensions of the desired trusted region depend on the controller performance that is evaluated by the distance of the target from the center of the FOV. The critical region is a predefined margin around the trusted region that is defined by the operator based on the upper bounds of the quadrotor and target localisation errors. It also depends on the duration and magnitude of the temporal increase in the target velocity compared to the quadrotor velocity. A sufficient condition is provided for the minimum desired altitude of the quadrotor to ensure that the target is maintained in the FOV. Furthermore, a model predictive control (MPC) is employed to preserve the target at the center of the aerial image and the desired altitude determined by the guidance law. Also, the integrals of the position errors are used to achieve null steady-state errors in the presence of wind disturbances. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach in preserving the manoeuverable target in the FOV in the presence of the wind, the uncertainty of the target and quadrotor localisation, accelerations estimation errors, and terrain altitude variation.
Food sources of iodine in schoolchildren and relationship with 24-h urinary iodine excretion in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Beckford Kelsey , Grimes Carley A. , Riddell Lyann J. , Margerison Claire , Skeaff Sheila A. , Nowson Caryl A.
Published: April 2021

Dietary recalls have been used previously to identify food sources of iodine in Australian schoolchildren. Dietary assessment can provide information on the relative contributions of individual food groups which can be related to a robust objective measure of daily intake (24-h urinary iodine excretion (UIE)). In Australia, the government has mandated the use of iodised salt in breadmaking to address iodine deficiency. The aim of this study was to determine the dietary intake and food sources of iodine to assess their contribution to iodine excretion (UIE) in a sample of Australian schoolchildren. In 2011–2013, UIE was assessed using a single 24-h urine sample and dietary intake was assessed using one 24-h dietary recall in a convenience sample of primary schoolchildren from schools in Victoria, Australia. Of the 454 children with a valid recall and urine sample, 55 % were male (average age 10·1 (1·3 (sd) years). Mean UIE and dietary iodine intake were 108 (sd54) and 172 (sd74) μg/d, respectively. Dietary assessment indicated that bread and milk were the main food sources of iodine, contributing 27 and 25 %, respectively, to dietary iodine. Milk but not bread intake was positively associated with UIE. Multiple regression (adjusted for school cluster, age and sex) indicated that for every 100 g increase in milk consumption, there was a 3 μg/d increase in UIE (β =4·0 (se0·9),P< 0·001). In conclusion, both bread and milk were important contributors to dietary iodine intake; however, consumption of bread was not associated with daily iodine excretion in this group of Australian schoolchildren.
First freshwater gastropod preserved in amber suggests long-distance dispersal during the Cretaceous Period
Authors: Yu Tingting , Neubauer Thomas A. , Jochum Adrienne
Published: April 2021

Burmese amber continues to provide unique insights into the terrestrial biota inhabiting tropical equatorial forests during mid-Cretaceous time. In contrast to the large amount and great diversity of terrestrial species retrieved so far, aquatic biota constitute rare inclusions. Here we describe the first freshwater snail ever preserved in amber. The new speciesGalba primasp. nov. belongs in the family Lymnaeidae, today a diverse and near globally distributed family. Its inclusion in terrestrial amber is probably a result of the amphibious lifestyle typical of modern representatives of the genus. The finding of a freshwater snail on the Burma Terrane, back then an island situated at some 1500 km from mainland Asia, has implications for the dispersal mechanisms of Mesozoic lymnaeids. The Cenomanian species precedes the evolution of waterfowl, which are today considered a main vector for long-distance dispersal. In their absence, we discuss several hypotheses to explain the disjunct occurrence of the new species.
Phase Two of the Federal HMO Development Program: New Directions After a Shaky Start
Authors: Rosoff Arnold J.
Published: April 2021

This Article by Professor Arnold J. Rosoff concerns the passage of the Health Maintenance Organization Act of 1973, the problems which have been experienced thus far in its implementation, and the current proposals for amendment of the Act in order to make it more viable.
New Opportunities for the Public to Shape the Nation's Institutional Health Care Services
Authors: Mandel Mark D.
Published: April 2021

The author of this Comment describes how recent federal legislation (P.L. 93-641, signed into law in January, 1975)—and improved scientific techniques for integrating (1) community medical needs assessment, (2) institutional budgeting linked to regional/state health plans, and (3) budget ceilings—have given the public new authority and technology to shape the nation's institutional health services. He urges administrators and trustees of health institutions—both proprietary and charitable—to become aware of recent developments in this area, and says that active consumer and provider participation in Health Systems Agencies and Statewide Coordinating Councils is necessary if the new federal expectations concerning health planning and regulation are to be met. Given the rising costs of medical care, stronger federal control might be forthcoming if the purposes of P.L. 93-641 are not achieved.
Licensure of Health Care Professionals: The Consumer's Case for Abolition
Authors: Baron Charles H.
Published: April 2021

While state medical licensure laws ostensibly are intended to promote worthwhile goals, such as the maintenance of high standards in health care delivery, this Article argues that these laws in practice are detrimental to consumers. The Article takes the position that licensure contributes to high medical care costs and stifles competition, innovation and consumer autonomy. It concludes that delicensure would expand the range of health services available to consumers and reduce patient dependency, and that these developments would tend to make medical practice more satisfying to consumers and providers of health care services.

I don't know that I cared much about these osteopaths until I heard you were going to drive them out of the State; but since I heard this I haven't been able to sleep . Now what I contend is that my body is my own, at least I have always so regarded it. If I do harm through my experimenting with it, it is I who suffer, not the State."

Mark Twain
Powder X-ray diffraction data for dimethylarsinic acid, (CH3)2AsO(OH)
Authors: Reid Joel W.
Published: April 2021

Synchrotron powder diffraction data is presented for the monoclinic polymorph of dimethylarsinic acid, (CH3)2AsO(OH) (DMAV). Rietveld refinement with GSASII yielded lattice parameters of a = 15.9264(15) Å, b = 6.53999(8) Å, c = 11.3401(9) Å, and β = 125.8546(17)° (Z = 8, space group C2/c). The Rietveld-refined structure was compared with both a density functional theory (DFT)-optimized structure and the published, low-temperature single-crystal structure, and all three structures exhibited excellent agreement. The triclinic polymorph of DMAV was also DFT optimized with CRYSTAL17 to determine the positions of the hydrogen atoms. Monoclinic DMAV forms zigzag chains parallel to the b-axis with adjacent DMAV molecules connected by an O–H⋯O bond, whereas triclinic DMAV forms dimers connected by two O–H⋯O bonds.
Obesity is a strong risk factor for short-term mortality and adverse outcomes in Mexican patients with COVID-19: a national observational study
Authors: Vera-Zertuche J. M. , Mancilla-Galindo J. , Tlalpa-Prisco M. , Aguilar-Alonso P. , Aguirre-García M. M. , Segura-Badilla O. , Lazcano-Hernández M. , Rocha-González H. I. , Navarro-Cruz A. R. , Kammar-García A. , Vidal-Mayo J. de J.
Published: April 2021

Conflicting results have been obtained through meta-analyses for the role of obesity as a risk factor for adverse outcomes in patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), possibly due to the inclusion of predominantly multimorbid patients with severe COVID-19. Here, we aimed to study obesity alone or in combination with other comorbidities as a risk factor for short-term all-cause mortality and other adverse outcomes in Mexican patients evaluated for suspected COVID-19 in ambulatory units and hospitals in Mexico. We performed a retrospective observational analysis in a national cohort of 71 103 patients from all 32 states of Mexico from the National COVID-19 Epidemiological Surveillance Study. Two statistical models were applied through Cox regression to create survival models and logistic regression models to determine risk of death, hospitalisation, invasive mechanical ventilation, pneumonia and admission to an intensive care unit, conferred by obesity and other comorbidities (diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, immunosuppression, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease). Models were adjusted for other risk factors. From 24 February to 26 April 2020, 71 103 patients were evaluated for suspected COVID-19; 15 529 (21.8%) had a positive test for SARS-CoV-2; 46 960 (66.1%), negative and 8614 (12.1%), pending results. Obesity alone increased adjusted mortality risk in positive patients (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.04–2.98), but not in negative and pending-result patients. Obesity combined with other comorbidities further increased risk of death (DM: HR = 2.79, 95% CI 2.04–3.80; immunosuppression: HR = 5.06, 95% CI 2.26–11.41; hypertension: HR = 2.30, 95% CI 1.77–3.01) and other adverse outcomes. In conclusion, obesity is a strong risk factor for short-term mortality and critical illness in Mexican patients with COVID-19; risk increases when obesity is present with other comorbidities.
Short‐Term Variability of Equatorial Electrojet Modulation by Solar Tidal and Planetary Waves, as Derived From the Swarm Constellation
Authors: Lühr Hermann , Zhou Yun‐Liang , Alken Patrick
Published: April 2021

ESA’s constellation mission Swarm with its three identical spacecraft allows the separation of spatial and temporal variations of wave phenomena. Here we investigate the modulation of the equatorial electrojet (EEJ) amplitude by solar tides and planetary waves. This is the first study to exploit the short‐term variability of these signals in the EEJ. Based on 6‐day data sets of quasi‐simultaneous observations from the well separated Swarm A and Swarm B spacecraft we derive amplitudes and phases of solar tides and prominent planetary waves. Tidal amplitudes can vary by a factor of 2 from week to week. Conversely, the phases of the tides show steady changes, suggesting a stable tidal system. Simultaneous observations at different local times return quite different wave forms, suggesting local time dependent amplitude changes of the tidal signatures in EEJ. DE3 signatures get weak toward evening, while DE2 is strongest around 15:00 magnetic local time. Modulation of the EEJ by planetary waves up to 6 days is also analyzed. Clearly dominating is the westward propagating quasi‐6‐day wave. Derived amplitudes are largest around September and exhibit a secondary occurrence maximum at spring time. Generally, the influence of this planetary wave on the EEJ hardly reaches 30% of that caused by solar tides. For the first time we monitor the influence of eastward propagating ultra‐fast Kelvin waves at 2–3 days period on the EEJ. Related activity occurs sporadically at intervals of 1–4 months and the effects on the EEJ are even smaller than that from the 6‐day wave.
A Warming World Threatens Colombia’s Coffee Future
Authors: Wight Andrew
Published: April 2021

Colombia is the second-largest producer of Arabica coffee, but changing climate, soil, and precipitation patterns are already altering the harvest volume, production techniques, and even the taste of coffee.
Brain reactivity during aggressive response in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder treated with a selective progesterone receptor modulator
Authors: Kaltsouni Elisavet , Fisher Patrick M. , Dubol Manon , Hustad Steinar , Lanzenberger Rupert , Frokjaer Vibe G. , Wikström Johan , Comasco Erika , Sundström-Poromaa Inger
Published: April 2021

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by late luteal phase affective, cognitive, and physical impairment. The disorder causes significant suffering in about 5% of women in their reproductive age. Altered sensitivity of cognitive-affective brain circuits to progesterone and its downstream metabolite allopregnanolone is suggested to underlie PMDD symptomatology. Core mood symptoms include irritability and anger, with aggression being the behavioral outcome of these symptoms. The present study sought to investigate the neural correlates of reactive aggression during the premenstrual phase in women with PMDD, randomized to a selective progesterone receptor modulator (SPRM) or placebo. Self-reports on the Daily Record of Severity of Problems were used to assess PMDD symptoms and gonadal hormone levels were measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 30 women with PMDD, while performing the point subtraction aggression paradigm. Overall, a high SPRM treatment response rate was attained (93%), in comparison with placebo (53.3%). Women with PMDD randomized to SPRM treatment had enhanced brain reactivity in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex during the aggressive response condition. The fronto-cingulate reactivity during aggressive responses depended on treatment, with a negative relationship between brain reactivity and task-related aggressiveness found in the placebo but not the SPRM group. The findings contribute to define the role of progesterone in PMDD symptomatology, suggesting a beneficial effect of progesterone receptor antagonism, and consequent anovulation, on top-down emotion regulation, i.e., greater fronto-cingulate activity in response to provocation stimuli.
Transcription-dependent domain-scale three-dimensional genome organization in the dinoflagellate Breviolum minutum
Authors: Marinov Georgi K. , Trevino Alexandro E. , Xiang Tingting , Kundaje Anshul , Grossman Arthur R. , Greenleaf William J.
Published: April 2021

Dinoflagellate chromosomes represent a unique evolutionary experiment, as they exist in a permanently condensed, liquid crystalline state; are not packaged by histones; and contain genes organized into tandem gene arrays, with minimal transcriptional regulation. We analyze the three-dimensional genome of Breviolum minutum, and find large topological domains (dinoflagellate topologically associating domains, which we term ‘dinoTADs’) without chromatin loops, which are demarcated by convergent gene array boundaries. Transcriptional inhibition disrupts dinoTADs, implicating transcription-induced supercoiling as the primary topological force in dinoflagellates.
First isolation and genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii strains from domestic animals in Tunisia
Authors: Lachkhem Arwa , Galal Lokman , Lahmar Ibtissem , Passebosc Karine , Riahi Homayoun , Plault Nicolas , Dardé Marie-Laure , Mercier Aurélien , Babba Hamouda
Published: April 2021

The isolation and molecular typing of Toxoplasma gondii strains provide an essential basis for a better understanding of the parasite’s genetic diversity, determinants of its geographical distribution and associated risks to human health. In this study, we isolated and genetically characterized T. gondii strains from domestic animals in Southern and coastal area of Tunisia. Blood, hearts and/or brains were collected from 766 domestic animals (630 sheep and 136 free-range chickens). Strain isolation from these samples was performed using mouse bioassay and genotyping was carried out with a multiplex PCR technique using 15 microsatellite markers. Thirty viable strains of T. gondii were successfully isolated from tissues of sheep (19/142) and chickens (11/33). In addition, 3 strains could be successfully genotyped from animal tissues for which mouse bioassay was unsuccessful. A large predominance of type II strains (n = 29) was found in the sampled regions, followed by type III (n = 3) and, for the first time in Tunisia, a single isolate of Africa 4 lineage from a sheep. Analyses of population genetics showed the presence of a divergent population of type II lineage in Tunisia, supporting limited recent migrations of strains between Tunisia and other countries of the world.
Simple and rapid peptide nanoprobe biosensor for the detection of Legionellaceae
Authors: Alhogail Sahar , Chinnappan Raja , Alrifai Majeda , Suaifan Ghadeer A. R. Y. , Bikker Floris J. , Kaman Wendy E. , Weber Karina , Cialla-May Dana , Popp Jürgen , Alfageeh Mohamed B. , Al-Kattan K. , Zourob Mohammed M.
Published: April 2021

This study demonstrates the development of a sensitive, specific, and quantitative peptide-based nanoprobe prototype assay for the detection of Legionellaceae in a simple way and in a short time.
A cyclic peptide antenna ligand for enhancing terbium luminescence
Authors: Ji Fei , Shao Shiqun , Li Zhonghan , Wang Siwen , Chaudhuri Rohit , Guo Zhili , Perkins Nicole G. , Sarkar Priyanka , Xue Min
Published: April 2021

We present here a cyclic peptide ligand, cy(WQETR), that binds to the terbium ion (Tb3+) and enhances Tb3+ luminescence intensity through the antenna effect.
Single-atom-catalyst with abundant Co–S4 sites for use as a counter electrode in photovoltaics
Authors: Li Nannan , Zhu Chao , Zhang Jiangwei , Jing Hongyu , Hu Jinwen , Hao Ce , Shi Yantao
Published: April 2021

Herein, a 7.35 wt% Co loading C-SAC is synthesized by pyrolysis of Co-MOF-74 in a strongly polar molten salt system.
Self-immobilization of coacervate droplets by enzyme-mediated hydrogelation
Authors: Chen Yufeng , Zhang Yanwen , Li Mei , Liu Songyang , Yang Xiaohai , Wang Kemin , Mann Stephen , Liu Jianbo
Published: April 2021

An artificial protocell model mimicking stimuli-triggered extracellular matrix formation is demonstrated based on the self-immobilization of coacervate microdroplets.
X-shaped thiadiazole-containing double [7]heterohelicene with strong chiroptical response and π-stacked homochiral assembly
Authors: Hong Juan , Xiao Xuxian , Liu Haoliang , Fu Lin , Wang Xin-Chang , Zhou Long , Wang Xiao-Ye , Qiu Zijie , Cao Xiao-Yu , Narita Akimitsu , Müllen Klaus , Hu Yunbin
Published: April 2021

A thiadiazole-based double [7]heterohelicene with D2 symmetry was synthesized with an impressive high absorption dissymmetry factor and fascinating homochiral π-stacked assembly.