bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polarization‐Controlled Dual‐Programmable Metasurfaces
Authors: Zhang Xin Ge , Yu Qian , Jiang Wei Xiang , Sun Ya Lun , Bai Lin , Wang Qiang , Qiu Cheng‐Wei , Cui Tie Jun
Published: April 2020

Programmable metasurfaces allow dynamic and real‐time control of electromagnetic (EM) waves in subwavelength resolution, holding extraordinary potentials to establish meta‐systems. Achieving independent and real‐time controls of orthogonally‐polarized EM waves via the programmable metasurface is attractive for many applications, but remains considerably challenging. Here, a polarization‐controlled dual‐programmable metasurface (PDPM) with modular control circuits is proposed, which enables a dibit encoding capability in modifying the phase profiles of x‐ and y‐polarized waves individually. The constructed extended interface circuit is able to extend the number of control interfaces from a field programmable gate array by orders of magnitude and also possesses memory function, which enhance hugely the rewritability, scalability, reliability, and stability of PDPM. As a proof‐of‐concept, a wave‐based exclusive‐OR logic gate platform for spin control of circularly‐polarized waves, a fixed‐frequency wide‐angle dual‐beam scanning system, and a dual‐polarized shared‐aperture antenna are demonstrated using a single PDPM. The proposed PDPM opens up avenues for realizing more advanced and integrated multifunctional devices and systems that have two independent polarization‐controlled signal channels, which may find many applications in future‐oriented intelligent communication, imaging, and computing technologies.
CD34+ cell dose effects on clinical outcomes after T‐cell replete haploidentical allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia using peripheral blood stem cells. A study from the acute leukemia working Party of the European Society for blood and marrow transplantation (EBMT)
Authors: Maffini Enrico , Labopin Myriam , Blaise Didier , Ciceri Fabio , Gülbas Zafer , Deconinck Eric , Leblond Veronique , Chevallier Patrick , Sociè Gerard , Araujo Mercedes C. , Koc Yener , Savani Bipin N. , Gorin Norbert C. , Lanza Francesco , Nagler Arnon , Mohty Mohamad
Published: April 2020

Previous observations have reported controversial conclusions regarding cell dose and survival endpoints after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We conducted a retrospective analysis on 414 adult patients (median age 54 years, range, 18‐74 years) with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first and second complete remission. They received a T‐cell replete allogeneic HSCT from haploidentical donors, using peripheral blood stem cells, between 2006‐2018. Median number of infused CD34+ was 6.58 × 106/kg (range, 2.2‐31.2 × 106/kg). Graft‐vs‐host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis was post‐transplant cyclophosphamide in 293 patients and anti‐lymphocyte serum in 121 patients. Conditioning was myeloablative in 179 patients and reduced‐intensity in 235 patients. After a median follow‐up of 23.3 months (range, 12.1‐41.8 months), 2‐year overall survival (OS) was 64.5% (95% CI 59.3%‐69.7%) with leukemia‐free survival (LFS) of 57.3% (95% CI 51.8%‐62.7%) and non‐relapse mortality (NRM) of 23.3% (95% CI 19%‐27.7%). Grades III‐IV acute GVHD day+100 incidence was 14.6% while extensive chronic GVHD was 14.4% at 2‐years. Thirteen (3.2%) patients experienced graft failure. We found the optimal CD34+/kg threshold defining high (n = 334) vs low cell dose (n = 80) at 4.96 × 106. Recipients of >4.96 × 106/kg CD34+ cells experienced less NRM (Hazard ratio [HR] 0.48; 95% CI 0.30‐0.76) and prolonged LFS (HR 0.63; 95% CI 0.43‐0.91) and OS (HR 0.60; 95% CI 0.40‐0.88) compared to those in the lower cell dose cohort. Larger cohort studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Synthesis of Phenanthro[9,10‐d]imidazoles and their Potential Applications in Solution Processable Bottom‐Gated OFETs
Authors: Sonalin Srinita , Kurlekar Komal , Anjali Anshika , Imran Predhanekar Mohamed , Nagarajan Samuthira
Published: April 2020

Phenanthro[9,10‐d]imidazole is synthesized by employing Radziszewski method and further functionalized through palladium catalyzed Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction. Solution processable organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) are assembled in bottom gate‐top contact architecture. A binary solvent system comprising of chloroform/toluene in the ratio of 1/1 is preferred for the deposition of active semiconducting layer. The fabricated devices demonstrated excellent p‐type characteristics with a good mobility, high ON/OFF ratio of 109 and a minimum threshold voltage of −4.5 V. Computational investigations indicted proper charge separation of the energy levels for the phenanthro[9,10‐d]imidazole containing nitro group. Frontier molecular orbitals and the packing patterns obtained from computational studies suggest an efficient band gap for better device operation. The ordered morphologies of the molecules obtained from SEM analysis prove to be beneficial in the OFET performance. The photophysical, electrochemical and thermal properties of the molecules are studied in detail. The research work majorly emphasized on structural designing of the phenanthro[9,10‐d]imidazoles for potential applications in organic devices.
Engineering Active Sites of Polyaniline for AlCl2+ Storage in an Aluminum‐Ion Battery
Authors: Wang Shuai , Huang Shuo , Yao Minjie , Zhang Yan , Niu Zhiqiang
Published: April 2020

The reversible capacity of AlCl4− intercalation/de‐intercalation in conventional cathodes of aluminum‐ion batteries (AIBs) is difficult to improve due to the large size of AlCl4− anions. Therefore, it is highly desirable to realize the intercalation/de‐intercalation of smaller Al‐based ions. Here, we fabricated polyaniline/single‐walled carbon nanotubes (PANI/SWCNTs) composite films and protonated the PANI nanorods. The protonation endows PANI with more active sites and enhanced conductivity. Hyper self‐protonated PANI (PANI(H+)) exhibits reversible AlCl2+ intercalation/de‐intercalation during the discharge/charge process. As a result, the discharge capacity of the Al/PANI(H+) battery is twice as high as that of the initial composite films. PANI(H+)@SWCNT electrodes also have a stable cycling life with only 0.003 % capacity decay per cycle over 8000 cycles. Owing to the excellent mechanical properties, PANI(H+)@SWCNT composite films can act as the electrodes of flexible AIBs.
Collective All‐Carbon Magnetism in Triangulene Dimers**
Authors: Mishra Shantanu , Beyer Doreen , Eimre Kristjan , Ortiz Ricardo , Fernández‐Rossier Joaquín , Berger Reinhard , Gröning Oliver , Pignedoli Carlo A. , Fasel Roman , Feng Xinliang , Ruffieux Pascal
Published: April 2020

Triangular zigzag nanographenes, such as triangulene and its π‐extended homologues, have received widespread attention as organic nanomagnets for molecular spintronics, and may serve as building blocks for high‐spin networks with long‐range magnetic order, which are of immense fundamental and technological relevance. As a first step towards these lines, we present the on‐surface synthesis and a proof‐of‐principle experimental study of magnetism in covalently bonded triangulene dimers. On‐surface reactions of rationally designed precursor molecules on Au(111) lead to the selective formation of triangulene dimers in which the triangulene units are either directly connected through their minority sublattice atoms, or are separated via a 1,4‐phenylene spacer. The chemical structures of the dimers have been characterized by bond‐resolved scanning tunneling microscopy. Scanning tunneling spectroscopy and inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy measurements reveal collective singlet–triplet spin excitations in the dimers, demonstrating efficient intertriangulene magnetic coupling.
Hierarchically Porous Biomass Carbon Derived from Natural Withered Rose Flowers as High‐Performance Material for Advanced Supercapacitors
Authors: Khan Abrar , Arumugam Senthil Raja , Pan Junqing , Sun Yanzhi , Liu Xiaoguang
Published: April 2020

Herein, a hierarchically porous carbon was derived from the natural withered rose flower (denoted as RDPC) through a facile two‐step method of carbonization and chemical activation with a mixture of KOH/KNO3. The as‐derived RDPC contains an enlarged specific surface area of 1980 m2 g−1, better electrical conductivity and hierarchical porous architectures. Under three‐electrode system with 6 M KOH electrolyte, the RDPC displays a wonderful electrochemical activity as supercapacitor electrode including of ultrahigh SC (350 F g−1 at 1 A g−1), superb rate ability (165 F g−1 even at 150 A g−1) and remarkable durability (only 4.4 % fading rate of capacitance after 140,000 cycles at 100 A g−1). The RDPC based symmetric supercapacitor with 6 M KOH electrolyte supplies the highest energy density of 15.6 Wh kg−1 at 499 W kg−1 with only 3.5 % decay rate of capacitance over 15,000 cycles at 20 A g−1, which is revealing the excellent real application of RDPC in the supercapacitor. This extraordinary electrochemical performance of RDPC can be attributed to its uniform interconnected layered‐like morphology, hierarchical porous networks, large specific surface area and fast electrochemical kinetics. Therefore, it is indicating that a facile and inexpensive designing of porous carbon from naturally available withered rose flowers and is a more sustainable electrode material for advanced energy storage related applications.
Intramolecular trans‐Carbocarbonation of Carbon‐Carbon Triple Bonds by an anti‐Carbopalladation/Suzuki Coupling Cascade
Authors: Reding Andreas , Ohta Naoki , Sebrantke Philip , Jones Peter G. , Nakao Yoshiaki , Werz Daniel B.
Published: April 2020

An intramolecular palladium‐catalyzed trans‐carbocarbonation cascade is presented that consists of a formal anti‐carbopalladation of an internal carbon‐carbon triple bond terminated by a Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction. The key to success in obtaining the anti‐geometry of the emerging double bond is the use of alkyne units with substituents that avoid β‐hydride elimination (e. g. tert‐butyl or silyl). The products, involving tetrasubstituted double bonds embedded in a seven‐ or eight‐membered ring system, are formed in moderate to good yields.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative Three‐Component Synthesis of α‐Arylglycines: Replacing Boronic with Carboxylic Acids in the Petasis Reaction
Authors: Diehl Andreas M. , Manolikakes Georg
Published: April 2020

A palladium‐catalyzed three‐component synthesis of α‐arylglycines from benzoic acids, sulfonamides and glyoxylic acid is reported. This novel reaction offers straightforward access to the important arylglycine motif in good yields and high structural diversity. By replacing boronic with carboxylic acids as nucleophilic component, this method can be considered as a more sustainable version of the classical Petasis reaction for synthesis of arylglycines.
Controllable Conversion of CdNCN Nanoparticles into Various Chalcogenide Nanostructures for Photo‐driven Applications
Authors: Jia Bingquan , Sun Du , Zhao Wei , Xu Fangfang , Huang Fuqiang
Published: April 2020

Semiconductor nanocrystals of tunable shell/core configurations have great potential in photo‐driven applications such as photoluminescence and photocatalysis, but few strategies realize a controllable synthesis with respect to both the size of the core and the shell with high crystallinity. Here, a new synthetic method based on cadmium cyanamide (CdNCN) nanoparticle anion exchange reactions was developed to access solid or hollow CdSe nanocrystals with tunable size and CdNCN@CdS heterostructures with modulated shell/core thickness. The gradual shift and narrow width of photoluminescence features demonstrate the high crystallinity and monodispersity of the resulting CdSe nanocrystals. In the CdNCN@CdS heterostructures, synergistic effects of the photocarrier separation is observed between the CdS shell and CdNCN core, which leads to great improvement in photocatalysis with optimized shell/core ratio.
Enhanced NiO Dispersion on a High Surface Area Pillared Heterostructure Covered by Niobium Leads to Optimal Behaviour in the Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethane
Authors: Rodríguez‐Castellón Enrique , Delgado Daniel , Dejoz Ana , Vázquez Isabel , Agouram Said , Cecilia Juan A. , Solsona Benjamín , López Nieto José M.
Published: April 2020

A Nb‐containing siliceous porous clay heterostructure (PCH) with Nb contents from 0 to 30 wt %) was prepared from a bentonite and used as support in the preparation of supported NiO catalysts with NiO loading from 15 to 80 wt %. Supports and NiO‐containing catalysts were characterised by several physicochemical techniques and tested in the oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of ethane. The characterisation studies on Nb‐containing supports showed the presence of well‐anchored Nb5+ species without the formation of Nb2O5 crystals. High dispersion of nickel oxide with low crystallinity was observed for the Nb‐containing PCH supports. In addition, when NiO is supported on these Nb‐containing porous clays, it is more effective in the ODH of ethane (ethylene selectivity of ca. 90 %) than NiO supported on the corresponding Nb‐free siliceous PCH or on Nb2O5 (ethylene selectivities of ca. 30 and 60 %, respectively). Factors such as the NiO–Nb5+ interaction, the NiO particle size and the properties of surface Nin+ species were shown to determine the catalytic performance.
Estimation in the Cox cure model with covariates missing not at random, with application to disease screening/prediction
Authors: Guo Lisha , Xiong Yi , Joan Hu X.
Published: April 2020

In an attempt to provide a statistical tool for disease screening and prediction, we propose a semiparametric approach to analysis of the Cox proportional hazards cure model in situations where the observations on the event time are subject to right censoring and some covariates are missing not at random. To facilitate the methodological development, we begin with semiparametric maximum likelihood estimation (SPMLE) assuming that the (conditional) distribution of the missing covariates is known. A variant of the EM algorithm is used to compute the estimator. We then adapt the SPMLE to a more practical situation where the distribution is unknown and there is a consistent estimator based on available information. We establish the consistency and weak convergence of the resulting pseudo‐SPMLE, and identify a suitable variance estimator. The application of our inference procedure to disease screening and prediction is illustrated via empirical studies. The proposed approach is used to analyze the tuberculosis screening study data that motivated this research. Its finite‐sample performance is examined by simulation.
Plant intraspecific functional trait variation is related to within‐habitat heterogeneity and genetic diversity inTrifolium montanumL.
Authors: Karbstein Kevin , Prinz Kathleen , Hellwig Frank , Römermann Christine
Published: April 2020

Intraspecific trait variation (ITV), based on available genetic diversity, is one of the major means plant populations can respond to environmental variability. The study of functional trait variation and diversity has become popular in ecological research, for example, as a proxy for plant performance influencing fitness. Up to now, it is unclear which aspects of intraspecific functional trait variation (iFDCV) can be attributed to the environment or genetics under natural conditions. Here, we examined 260 individuals from 13 locations of the rare (semi‐)dry calcareous grassland speciesTrifolium montanumL. in terms of iFDCV, within‐habitat heterogeneity, and genetic diversity. The iFDCVwas assessed by measuring functional traits (releasing height, biomass, leaf area, specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content, Fv/Fm, performance index, stomatal pore surface, and stomatal pore area index). Abiotic within‐habitat heterogeneity was derived from altitude, slope exposure, slope, leaf area index, soil depth, and further soil factors. Based on microsatellites, we calculated expected heterozygosity (He) because it best‐explained, among other indices, iFDCV. We performed multiple linear regression models quantifying relationships among iFDCV, abiotic within‐habitat heterogeneity and genetic diversity, and also between separate functional traits and abiotic within‐habitat heterogeneity or genetic diversity. We found that abiotic within‐habitat heterogeneity influenced iFDCVtwice as strong compared to genetic diversity. Both aspects together explained 77% of variation in iFDCV( = .77,F2, 10 = 21.66,p < .001). The majority of functional traits (releasing height, biomass, specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content, Fv/Fm, and performance index) were related to abiotic habitat conditions indicating responses to environmental heterogeneity. In contrast, only morphology‐related functional traits (releasing height, biomass, and leaf area) were related to genetics. Our results suggest that both within‐habitat heterogeneity and genetic diversity affect iFDCVand are thus crucial to consider when aiming to understand or predict changes of plant species performance under changing environmental conditions.
Using remote cameras to measure seasonal molts
Authors: Zimova Marketa , Barnard Lindsey S. , Davis Brandon M. , Kumar Alexander V. , Lafferty Diana J. R. , Mills L. Scott
Published: April 2020

Obtaining accurate data on seasonal timing of lifecycle events in the wild is critical for many aspects of ecological research. However, characterizing such phenological processes is difficult, expensive, and time consuming. Remote camera traps are increasingly used in ecology, yet their potential to study key phenological traits in animal populations has been largely unexplored. Here, we examine the potential of remote camera traps to measure the progression of seasonal molts in mammals. We evaluated the accuracy of trained observers to classify the stage of molt from camera‐trap images and identified factors that increase the accuracy of this method in a common, color molting mammal, the snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus). Our results showed that images taken by remote camera traps can be used to classify the stage of color molt with relatively high accuracy (i.e., 84%). Observers achieved the highest accuracy when using a classification protocol with fewer molt categories, and from images acquired during the day. We also found that hare body position in the image, and whether the hare was moving or still had small influences on observer classification accuracy. Camera model had negligible effect on accuracy. Overall, our results suggest that camera traps can be used to classify molt progression to measure molt phenology in the wild. Because many camera‐trap studies are ongoing around the world, images of species that undergo distinguishable seasonal molts could be pooled across studies to characterize molt phenology on local and global scales. In much the same way that remote cameras have revolutionized the study of distribution, abundance, and behavior of some animal populations, so too can remote camera images transform our understanding of key phenological processes across space, time, and taxa.
Caspian Sea environmental variables: an extension of the Bio‐ORACLE ocean data set
Authors: Lattuada Matteo , Wilke Thomas , Raes Niels
Published: April 2020

The Caspian Sea hosts unique native and endemic faunas. However, it is also a source and sink of invasive alien species (IAS), with some listed among the worst 100 invasive species by the IUCN. A common approach to study biodiversity and biogeographic patterns or to predict the invasive potential of species is the application of ecological niche models and species distribution models. These are statistical methods using spatially gridded environmental data and species occurrence information. As the Caspian Sea is not connected to the world’s oceans, spatially gridded environmental data for the Caspian Sea are not available in the widely used Bio‐ORACLE marine data set. To address this issue, we compiled 28 ecologically relevant spatially gridded environmental variables using Kriging interpolation of point data to model minimum, maximum, mean, and range of temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen for the surface and benthic zones of the Caspian Sea. Data were retrieved from the World Ocean Database. Additionally, we utilized raster statistics to create surface layers of maximum, mean, minimum, and range of chlorophyll a from remotely sensed data. We developed these environmental variables as they were previously confirmed to be relevant for the biogeographical classification of the Caspian Sea. To allow projections of models across the world’s oceans into the Caspian Sea (and vice versa), we matched our raster dimensions with those of the Bio‐ORACLE data set. Our extension of the Bio‐ORACLE data set with data from the Caspian Sea provides an important basis for the monitoring and evaluation of suitable habitats for native species as well as predicting the invasive potential of Caspian Sea species into world oceans. Please cite this Data Paper and the associated Figshare data set if the data are used in publications.
Chiral Ligand‐Mediated Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution of Naphthoic Acids: A Fast and Efficient Access to Axially Chiral Biaryls
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy , Guyon Hélène , Nguyen Kim Phi Phung , Boussonnière Anne , Mortier Jacques , Castanet Anne‐Sophie
Published: April 2020

A transition metal‐free synthesis of enantioenriched biaryls from aryllithium species has been developed. This approach relies on atropoenantioselective nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) reaction of unprotected naphthoic acids. The ability of a diverse set of chiral ligands to mediate this transformation has been investigated. 1,2‐diether ligands outperform their diamine counterparts and the best enantiocontrol was obtained with readily accessible enantiopure trans‐1,2‐dimethoxycyclohexane. This SNAr reaction offers an efficient and rapid access to enantioenriched binaphthalenes, phenylnaphthalene, and phenanthrylnaphthalenes (up to 94:6 er).
Dithieno[3,4‐b:3',4'‐d]arsole: A Novel Class of Hetero[5]radialenes
Authors: Urushizaki Aya , Yumura Takashi , Kitagawa Yuichi , Hasegawa Yasuchika , Imoto Hiroaki , Naka Kensuke
Published: April 2020

[5]Radialene is known as an unstable cyclic hydrocarbon with a cross‐conjugated system. Incorporation of heteroatoms into [5]radialene skeleton is an effective strategy for stabilization. Herein we synthesized dithieno[3,4‐b:3',4'‐d]arsole (1) as a novel class of hetero[5]radialenes since trivalent arsenic atom is much more stable than phosphorus one, which was used for hetero[5]radialene but unstable in air. The characteristic nature of the arsa[5]radialene was experimentally and computationally studied by comparing with the isomer, dithieno[3,2‐b:2',3'‐d]arsole (2). Structural analysis by X‐ray crystallography and computational evaluation of aromaticity revealed the radialene character of 1. Interestingly, 1 showed phosphorescence though only fluorescence was observed for 2. Time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) calculations implied that intersystem crossing could readily occur upon excitation for 1. Furthermore, it was computationally elucidated that dimerization and/or oligomerization via Diels‐Alder reaction, which convert [5]radialene, were circumvented to offer stability for 1.
Design of a New Non‐enzymatic Sensor Based on a Substituted A2BO4+δ Perovskite for the Voltammetric Detection of Glucose
Authors: Boubezari Imane , Zazoua Ali , Bessueille François , Errachid Abdelhamid , Jaffrezic‐Renault Nicole
Published: April 2020

Instant determination of glucose levels is necessary to monitor the treatment of diabetes. The next generation of electrochemical sensors aims to eliminate the use of enzymes because of their lack of stability and the complex procedure to immobilize them on the electrode. In this paper Pr1.92Ba0.08Ni0.95Zn0.05O4+δ perovskite, a A2BO4+δ type, was tested, for the first time for non enzymatic detection of glucose. It was synthesized by a sol‐gel method. The obtained crystallized powder was structurally characterized by XRD, morphologically characterized by SEM and EDX and electrochemically characterized. A monoclinic crystallographic system was formed. The presence of Pr2O3 during synthesis and calcination is in agreement with the formation of defects in the crystalline network and the disproportionation of NiIII sites into NiII and NiIV, due to the substitution of Pr by Ba. The oxido‐reduction of NiII sites is observed by cyclic voltammetry. The electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose through the electrooxidized NiII site was observed on a gold electrode, at 481 mV. The analytical performance of this glucose sensor is good in comparison to previously published ABO3 perovskite modified electrodes, in terms of dynamic range (1.5 μM–7000 μM) and detection limit (0.5 μM). Its application to human serum shows that there is no interference for glucose detection.
The role of ground motion duration and pulse effects in the collapse of ductile systems
Authors: Liapopoulou Maria , Bravo‐Haro Miguel A. , Elghazouli Ahmed Y.
Published: April 2020

The seismic collapse capacity of ductile single‐degree‐of‐freedom systems vulnerable to P‐Δ effects is investigated by examining the respective influence of ground motion duration and acceleration pulses. The main objective is to provide simple relationships for predicting the duration‐dependent collapse capacity of modern ductile systems. A novel procedure is proposed for modifying spectrally equivalent records, such that they are also equivalent in terms of pulses. The effect of duration is firstly assessed, without accounting for pulses, by assembling 101 pairs of long and short records with equivalent spectral response. The systems considered exhibit a trilinear backbone curve with an elastic, hardening and negative stiffness segment. The parameters investigated include the period, negative stiffness slope, ductility and strain hardening, for both bilinear and pinching hysteretic models. Incremental dynamic analysis is employed to determine collapse capacities and derive design collapse capacity spectra. It is shown that up to 60% reduction in collapse capacity can occur due to duration effects for flexible bilinear systems subjected to low levels of P‐Δ. A comparative evaluation of intensity measures that account for spectral shape, duration or pulses, is also presented. The influence of pulses, quantified through incremental velocity, is then explicitly considered to modify the long records, such that their pulse distribution matches that of their short spectrally equivalent counterparts. The results show the need to account for pulse effects in order to achieve unbiased estimation of the role of duration in flexible ductile systems, as it can influence the duration‐induced reduction in collapse capacity by more than 20%.
Disability and multidimensional quality of life: A capability approach to health status assessment
Authors: Anand Paul , Roope Laurence S. J. , Culyer Anthony J. , Smith Ron
Published: April 2020

This paper offers an approach to assessing quality of life, based on Sen's (1985) theory, which it uses to understand loss in quality of life due to mobility impairment. Specifically, it provides a novel theoretical analysis that is able to account for the possibility that some functionings may increase when a person's capabilities decrease, if substitution effects are large enough. We then develop new data consistent with our theoretical framework that permits comparison of quality of life between those with a disability (mobility impairment) and those without. Empirical results show that mobility impairment has widespread rather than concentrated impacts on capabilities and is associated with high psychological costs. We also find evidence that a small number of functionings are higher for those with a disability, as our theory allows. The paper concludes by discussing possible implications for policy and health assessment methods.
Serum miR‐195‐5p is upregulated in gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wang Jianping , Pan Yuanyuan , Dai Fen , Wang Fan , Qiu Haifan , Huang Xianping
Published: April 2020

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as varying degrees of glucose intolerance with an onset or first recognition during pregnancy in women without previously diagnosed diabetes. Accumulating evidence indicates that miRNAs exert crucial roles in the pathogenesis and development of diabetes, including GDM. In the present study, we aimed to determine the clinical performance of miR‐195‐5p in GDM.

Methods

First, the miR‐195‐5p expressions in serum samples from healthy pregnant women and women with GDM at 25 weeks pregnancy were detected using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). Then, receive characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the diagnostic value of miR‐195‐5p in GDM. Finally, the correlation analysis of miR‐195‐5p expression with related clinicopathological factors was carried out to determine the clinical value of miR‐195‐5p in GDM.

Results

In this study, we found that miR‐195‐5p expression was significantly increased in serum samples from GDM patients as compared with that in healthy pregnancies. Furthermore, miR‐195‐5p might be a putative biomarker for GDM diagnosis with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.8451; the cutoff value was 1.598, sensitivity was 73.69%, specificity was 96.85%, accuracy was 81.26%, and Youden index was 70.54%. Expression of miR‐195‐5p was positively associated with fasting plasma glucose, one‐hour plasma glucose, and two‐hour plasma glucose.

Conclusion

miR‐195‐5p might function as a putative diagnostic biomarker for GDM and contribute to identifying at‐risk mothers in pregnancy.
Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of the Cathepsin K Inhibitor Odanacatib: Insights Into Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factor Effects on Exposure in Postmenopausal and Elderly Women
Authors: Jaworowicz David , Bihorel Sébastien , Zajic Stefan , Stoch S. Aubrey , Humphrey Rebecca , McCrea Jacqueline B. , Stone Julie A.
Published: April 2020

This analysis developed a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model for odanacatib, characterized demographic and concomitant medication covariates effect, and provided odanacatib exposure estimates for subjects in phase 2/3 studies. Data from multiple phase 1 (P005, P025, and P014), phase 2b (P004 and P022), and phase 3 (Long‐Term Odanacatib Fracture Trial; P018) studies were pooled to create a data set of 1280 postmenopausal women aged 45 to 91 years (102 from phase 1, 514 from phase 2b, and 664 from phase 3) who received weekly oral odanacatib doses ranging from 3 to 100 mg. A 1‐compartment model with first‐order absorption, dose‐dependent relative bioavailability (F1), and first‐order elimination best described odanacatib PK. F1 decreased from the 100% reference bioavailability for a 3‐mg oral dose to 24.5% for a 100‐mg dose. Eight statistically significant covariates were included in the final PK model: body weight, age, race, and concomitant cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A inhibitors on apparent clearance; body weight on apparent central volume of distribution; and concomitant hydrochlorothiazide, high‐fat breakfast, and a study effect on F1. All fixed‐ and random‐effects parameters were estimated with good precision (%standard error of the mean ≤29.5%). This population PK analysis provides insights into intrinsic‐ and extrinsic‐factor effects on odanacatib exposure in postmenopausal and elderly women with osteoporosis. The magnitude of the intrinsic‐factor effects was generally modest (odanacatib exposure geometric mean ratios, 0.80‐1.21) even in subjects aged >80 years, or in subsets with multiple combinations of factors.
Exploring experiences and expectations of prenatal health care and genetic counseling/testing in immigrant Latinas
Authors: Garza Georgiann , Hodges‐Delgado Priscila , Hoskovec Jennifer , Palos Guadalupe , Wagner Chelsea , Zacharias Nikolaos , Noblin Sarah J.
Published: April 2020

As the Latino population of the United States continues to increase, the specific needs of Latinos in genetic counseling continue to be unmet. Using culturally tailored genetic counseling responsive to the needs of the patient can assist in building rapport in genetic counseling sessions. We aimed to investigate the relationship between acculturation, prenatal care, genetic testing experiences, and expectations for prenatal care in an immigrant Latino population. A total of 20 Spanish‐speaking, pregnant Latinas from various Latin American countries were interviewed after completing a prenatal genetic counseling session. The semi‐structured phone interview included questions about the participants’ experiences with genetic counseling/testing, prenatal health care in their home country, their current prenatal care in the United States, and information they felt to be important to know during their pregnancy. Although this study showed no statistically significant associations between acculturation, prenatal care, and genetic counseling/testing experiences, six significant content domains were identified as relevant to the participants. Overall, we found that immigrant Latinas desire to know prenatal risk information to help them prepare, relieve guilt, and help make screening/testing/family planning decisions. These Latinas reported the genetic counselor provided confidence, a sense of autonomy, and empowerment, for them to make their own decisions regarding prenatal screening/testing. The participants also spoke about stressors unique to the immigrant population, most notably being away from their older children and other family members. Identifying relevant factors about the lived experience of this population can help genetic counselors better address possible needs, feelings of guilt, and/or isolation and identifying women who could benefit from group‐based prenatal care, support groups, or referrals to social work.
Diagnostic uncertainties, ethical tensions, and accounts of role responsibilities in genetic counseling communication
Authors: Thomassen Hammerstad Gøril , Sarangi Srikant , Bjørnevoll Inga
Published: April 2020

Diagnostic uncertainties are intricately associated with genomic testing—especially concerning new technologies such as exome sequencing—with test results being either inconclusive or generating secondary findings or showing variants of uncertain significance. In the process of genetic counseling, diagnostic uncertainties have to be managed even when test results for an individual client are either positive or negative because of differential implications for family members. Previous studies have investigated diagnostic uncertainties in relation to clients wanting to know or not know the test results; here, we extend this line of research by addressing how genetic counselors and clients account for the management of diagnostic uncertainties vis‐à‐vis the attendant ethical tensions in the complex communicative environment in the clinic setting. Our dataset from the Norwegian context is longitudinal, consisting of ten audio‐recorded pre‐test genetic counseling sessions. It involves one extended family with a high burden of colorectal cancer. Through theme‐oriented discourse analysis, we demonstrate how diagnostic uncertainties give rise to tensions concerning risks and benefits of knowing in both professional and familial spheres, which then map onto accounts of various role responsibilities. For instance, in looking for certainty via advanced genomic testing to reduce diagnostic uncertainty for clients, genetic counselors are confronted with tensions regarding what can be communicated and made known because of their role responsibilities toward what may be regarded as scientific others and clinical others. Likewise, clients are faced with tensions concerning wanting to know/not know, which invokes various familial others and may align or not align with genetic counselors’ preferences, especially relating to management of diagnostic uncertainties and secondary findings.
Predictors of postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis, analysis of more than half a million procedures performed nationwide over the last 15 years
Authors: Abbas Ali , Sethi Sajiv , Vidyarthi Gitanjali , Taunk Pushpak
Published: April 2020

Background and Aim

Post‐ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) is the most common complication following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). It is still controversial whether the presence of a trainee would increase the risk of PEP. Additionally, the effects of demographic factors and comorbidities on the risk and severity of PEP are not fully understood. Our aim was to evaluate these factors using national database.

Methods

Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2000–2014 was used to identify adult patients admitted with biliary obstruction without acute pancreatitis and had an inpatient ERCP. PEP was defined as having a subsequent diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The presence of major organs failure marked moderate–severe PEP. Demographic information, hospital characteristics, and ERCP intervention types were collected.

Results

We included 654 394 patients. Overall PEP rate was 5.4%. The PEP rate was lower in teaching (4.8%) compared with nonteaching (6.2%, P < 0.001) hospitals. The highest PEP rate was observed among patients undergoing Sphincter of Oddi Manometry (15.1%, odds ratio [OR] = 2.5, P < 0.001) as compared to diagnostic cholangiography (4.4%). Asians and Hispanics had higher rate of PEP (10% and 7.9%, respectively) compared with Caucasians and African Americans (4.9% and 5%, respectively, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that after controlling for the ERCP intervention types, Asians and Hispanics continued to have higher odds of PEP (OR = 1.3, P < 0.001). Seventeen percent of patients were classified as moderate–severe PEP. Older patients (OR = 3.2, P < 0.001), males (OR = 1.4, P < 0.001), and high comorbidities (1.3, P < 0.001) were major predictors of moderate–severe PEP.

Conclusion

No evidence of higher PEP rates in teaching hospitals. Asians and Hispanics had higher PEP rates. Although ERCP intervention type is the major PEP predictor, its severity is dependent on patient characteristics.
Intrauterine and post‐ovipositional embryonic development of Amerotyphlops brongersmianus (Vanzolini, 1976) (Serpentes: Typhlopidae) from northeastern Argentina
Authors: Sandoval María Teresa , Ruiz García José Augusto , Álvarez Blanca Beatriz
Published: April 2020

The reproductive biology and embryonic development of Typhlopidae have rarely been explored. This family of snakes includes mostly oviparous species with uterine egg retention, but the morphology and development of embryos remain unknown. This work aimed to describe the embryonic development of Amerotyphlops brongersmianus from the northeast of Argentina. For this purpose, embryos from intrauterine eggs of gravid females and eight post‐ovipositional eggs incubated in the laboratory were analyzed. Embryonic stages, corresponding to the early, mid and advanced development, and a hatchling were described. The main organs and systems form during the period of intrauterine embryonic retention. Comparing to other snakes, differences in the development of cranial structures such as encephalic vesicles and mandibular and maxillary processes were identified. After oviposition the development and differentiation of the tissues and organs completes, the body scales develop, the characteristic pattern of pigmentation establishes and the embryo grows and consumes the yolk. On average, the incubation period lasts 55 days. Differences in the stage of development at oviposition among females of different populations were observed. Embryonic retention could extend up to advanced stages of development.
MRI of the Pancreas
Authors: Harrington Kate A. , Shukla‐Dave Amita , Paudyal Ramesh , Do Richard K.G.
Published: April 2020

MRI has played a critical role in the evaluation of patients with pancreatic pathologies, from screening of patients at high risk for pancreatic cancer to the evaluation of pancreatic cysts and indeterminate pancreatic lesions. The high mortality associated with pancreatic adenocarcinomas has spurred much interest in developing effective screening tools, with MRI using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) playing a central role in the hopes of identifying cancers at earlier stages amenable to curative resection. Ongoing efforts to improve the resolution and robustness of imaging of the pancreas using MRI may thus one day reduce the mortality of this deadly disease. However, the increasing use of cross‐sectional imaging has also generated a concomitant clinical conundrum: How to manage incidental pancreatic cystic lesions that are found in over a quarter of patients who undergo MRCP. Efforts to improve the specificity of MRCP for patients with pancreatic cysts and with indeterminate pancreatic masses may be achieved with continued technical advances in MRI, including diffusion‐weighted and T1‐weighted dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI. However, developments in quantitative MRI of the pancreas remain challenging, due to the small size of the pancreas and its upper abdominal location, adjacent to bowel and below the diaphragm. Further research is needed to improve MRI of the pancreas as a clinical tool, to positively affect the lives of patients with pancreatic abnormalities. This review focuses on various MR techniques such as MRCP, quantitative imaging, and dynamic contrast‐enhanced imaging and their clinical applicability in the imaging of the pancreas, with an emphasis on pancreatic malignant and premalignant lesions.

Level of Evidence 5

Technical Efficacy Stage 3

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2021;53:347–359.
Soil phosphorus testing for intensive vegetable cropping
Authors: Vandermoere Stany , Van De Sande Tomas , Tavernier Greet , Lauwers Lore , Goovaerts Ellen , De Nies Joris , De Neve Stefaan
Published: April 2020

Environmental concerns and rapidly decreasing phosphorus (P) resources caused a renewed interest in improving soil P tests for a more efficient P fertilization. This led to the development of better P fertilizer recommendation systems for major arable crops and grass. Nevertheless, these P fertilizer recommendation systems seem to fail for intensive vegetable crops, with often a very short growing season and limited rooting system. This leads to low P use efficiencies in the horticultural sector. In order to address this problem we set up a study to answer following questions: (1) which soil P test predicts the plant available P content for intensive vegetable crops the best and (2) can new insights, such as combining different soil P tests, improve P fertilizer recommendations for intensive vegetable crops? To this end, bulk samples of 41 soils with very different P status (based on ammonium lactate extractable P) were collected. The plant available P content of these soils was determined using six commonly used soil P tests (P‐CaCl2, P‐water, P‐Olsen, P‐acetate, P‐lactate, and P‐oxalate) and a P fertilizer pot experiment with endive (a very P sensitive vegetable crop) was conducted. Six pots of each soil were planted with endive. Three of these pots received no P fertilization (0P) and three pots received ammonium polyphosphate equivalent to 24 kg P ha−1 (24P). All other factors were kept constant. Relative crop yield of the 0P fertilized plants compared to the 24P fertilized plants was determined. Plotting these relative yields against the P status of the soil per soil P test allowed to fit a Mitscherlich curve through the data. Also the combination of two different soil P tests to predict the relative yield with a Mitscherlich equation was evaluated. The coefficients of variation of the soil P tests, the R2 values and the relative standard errors of the parameter estimates revealed that P‐acetate and P‐water predicted the relative yield of the 0P plants the best and that combining two different soil P tests gave no extra predictive power. This finding may form the basis for the development of a new P fertilizer recommendation system for intensive vegetable crops, leading to an improved P use efficiency in horticulture. In order to develop this new system more data relating soil P test values with RY of intensive vegetable crops should be collected.
Nehari‐type ground state solutions for a Choquard equation with lower critical exponent and local nonlinear perturbation
Authors: Tang Xianhua , Wei Jiuyang , Chen Sitong
Published: April 2020

This paper deals with the following Choquard equation with a local nonlinear perturbation:

where N ≥ 1, α∈(0,N), λ>0, 2
λ∗ for some given number λ∗.
A compact 4‐element MIMO antenna for terminal devices
Authors: Cheng Yong , Liu Hui , Sheng Bing Qing , Zhu Lei
Published: April 2020

A compact 4‐element multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna for terminal devices is proposed. The proposed antenna consists of 3 identical dipole antennas and 1 slot antenna, with 39 mm × 30 mm in size, operating at a high‐frequency band of WIFI, 5.15 to 5.85 GHz. After a design procedure is executed, both simulated and measured results are obtained to demonstrate that the return loss of the presented MIMO antenna is more than 10 dB with isolation level better than 20 dB. The radiation efficiency is higher than 70%, and the gain is above 2.8 dBi.
Estimating pentose phosphate pathway activity from the analysis of hepatic glycogen 13C‐isotopomers derived from [U‐13C]fructose and [U‐13C]glucose
Authors: Belew Getachew D. , Di Nunzio Giada , Tavares Ludgero , Silva Joao G. , Torres Alejandra N. , Jones John G.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) is an important component of hepatic intermediary metabolism. Jin et al developed an elegant 13C‐NMR method for measuring hepatic PPP flux by quantifying the distribution of glucose 13C‐isotopomers formed from [U‐13C]glycerol. We demonstrate that this approach can be extended to exogenous [U‐13C]fructose and [U‐13C]glucose precursors by 13C‐NMR analysis of glycogen.

Methods

Twelve male C57BL/6 mice fed standard chow were provided a 55/45 mixture of fructose and glucose at 30% w/v in the drinking water for 18 wk. On the evening before sacrifice, the fructose component was enriched with 20% [U‐13C]fructose for 6 mice, while the glucose component was enriched with 20% [U‐13C]glucose for the remaining 6 mice. Mice were allowed to feed and drink naturally overnight, and then, euthanized. Livers were freeze‐clamped and glycogen was extracted and derivatized for 13C NMR spectroscopy. Flux of each sugar into the PPP relative to its incorporation into glycogen was quantified from selected 13C glycogen isotopomer ratios.

Results

Both [U‐13C]fructose and [U‐13C]glucose precursors yielded glycogen 13C‐isotopomer distributions that were characteristic of PPP activity. The fraction of [U‐13C]glucose utilized by the PPP relative to its conversion to glycogen via the direct pathway was 14 ± 1%, while that from [U‐13C]fructose relative to its conversion to glycogen via the indirect pathway was significantly lower (10 ± 1%, P = .00032).

Conclusions

Hepatic PPP fluxes from both [U‐13C]glucose and [U‐13C]fructose precursors were assessed by 13C NMR analysis of glycogen 13C‐isotopomers. Glucose‐6‐phosphate generated via glucokinase and the direct pathway is preferentially utilized by the PPP.