bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stem Cell Factor Consistently Improves Thymopoiesis after Experimental Transplantation of Murine or Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells in Immunodeficient Mice
Authors: Wils Evert-Jan , Rombouts Elwin J. C. , van Mourik Irene , Spits Hergen , Legrand Nicolas , Braakman Eric , Cornelissen Jan J.
Published: August 2011

Deficient thymopoiesis is a pivotal determinant of impaired immune competence following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Stem cell factor (SCF) is essentially involved in early thymopoiesis. We evaluated whether SCF administration would improve recovery of thymopoiesis following HSCT in immunodeficient mice receiving: 1) bone marrow (BM) transplantation of congenic mice; or 2) human fetal liver HSCT in the human immune system mouse model. Following murine BM transplantation, SCF significantly enhanced thymopoiesis and peripheral T cell recovery in lymph nodes and spleen. SCF did not affect BM lymphoid progenitor recovery and/or expansion. Median thymic cellularity increased from 0.9 in PBS- to 266 × 104/thymus in SCF-treated mice (p = 0.05). Following human HSCT in human immune system mice, higher thymic cellularity was observed in SCF-treated mice. Double-negative and early double-positive thymocyte subsets increased, but especially late double-positive, CD4 single-positive, and CD8 single-positive thymocyte subsets were significantly enhanced (p < 0.05). These results show that exogenous supply of SCF may significantly improve murine and human posttransplant thymopoiesis, for which the effect is probably exerted by directly promoting T cell development intrathymically rather than by enhanced entry of prethymically expanded lymphoid progenitors.
A New Era in Cardiogenetics
Authors: Limongelli Giuseppe
Published: August 2011

Unless you have insatiable curiosity about what you are studying [...]
Genetic Testing for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Ongoing Voyage from Exploration to Clinical Exploitation
Authors: Olivotto Iacopo , Kassem Heba Sh. , Girolami Francesca
Published: August 2011

More than two decades have elapsed since the discovery that sarcomere gene defects cause familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Since then, genetic testing in HCM has developed and expanded, and is now widely available as a potential clinical service in the Western countries. In the meantime, however, the cross-talk between geneticists and clinicians has developed slowly, and still remains unstandardized, with modalities of interaction and degree of mutual comprehension that vary wildly in various settings. In addition, clinicians often question the clinical utility of genetic testing in HCM patients and their families. The apparent lack of practical benefit, in the face of considerable costs, has long hindered large-scale diffusion of genetic testing, particularly in developing countries, and still accounts for understandable (but not always justifiable) resistance on the part of the physicians. However, such resistance is in contrast with considerable evidence supporting a role for molecular diagnosis in tailoring management for HCM patients. We here review several sound clinical reasons in favour of systematic genetic testing in HCM, ranging from identification of complex genotypes, heralding severe disease expression and outcome, to the added benefit of multidisciplinary genetic teamwork, enhancing awareness towards inheritable diseases in the cardiology community. We hope to show that to underestimate the clinical potential of genetic testing in HCM, and to defer its implementation until more advanced knowledge becomes available, is to lose an important opportunity for present improvement in care.
Phenotypic Spectrum of Mutations in Cardiolaminopathies
Authors: Marian Ali J.
Published: August 2011

Phenotypic plasticity of mutations in LMNA, which encodes Lamin A/C, is unsurpassed by any other gene. Mutations in LMNA are responsible for least a dozen distinct phenotype sthat affect various mesenchymal organs and are collectively referred to as lamino - pathies or less frequently envelopathies. Cardiolaminopathies are a subset of lamino - pathies wherein involvement of the heart is the most prominent feature. The typical phenotype of cardiolaminopathies encompasses dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and conduction defects. LMNA is probably the most common causal gene for human DCM, being responsible up to 8% of all familial DCM. Several hundred mutations in the LMNA gene have already been described. The p.R644C mutation is the most commonly reported mutation in cardiolaminopathies. The phenotype in cardiolaminopathies is notable for a rapid progression of cardiac failure, conduction defects and arrhythmias, often necessitating implantation of a pacemaker and/or a defibrillator. The molecular pathogenesis of cardiolamino - pathies is poorly understood. Studies in animal models and cultured cells suggest involvement of the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) and transforming growth factor –β1 pathways. Comprehensive molecular genetics studies complemented with mechanistic studies are needed to delineate the mechanistic underpinnings of cardiolaminopathies, prerequisite for the ultimate cure of these potentially deadly disorders.
Atrioventricular Canal Defect and Associated Genetic Disorders: New Insights into Polydactyly Syndromes
Authors: Digilio M. Cristina , Versacci Paolo , Lepri Francesca , Baban Anwar , Dallapiccola Bruno , Marino Bruno
Published: August 2011

Atrioventricular canal defect (AVCD) is a common congenital heart defect (CHD), representing 7.4% of all cardiac malformations, considered secondary to an extracellular matrix anomaly. The AVCD is associated with extracardiac defects in about 75% of the cases. In this review we analyzed different syndromic AVCDs, in particular those associated with polydactyly disorders, which show remarkable genotype-phenotype correlations. Chromo - some imbalances more frequently associated with AVCD include Down syndrome, deletion 8p23 and deletion 3p25, while mendelian disorders include Noonan syndrome and related RASopathies, several polydactyly syndromes, CHARGE and 3C (cranio-cerebello-cardiac) syndrome. The complete form of AVCD is prevalent in patients with chromosomal imbalances. Additional cardiac defects are found in patients affected by chromosomal imbalances different from Down syndrome. Left-sided obstructive lesions are prevalently found in patients with RASopathies. Patients with deletion 8p23 often display AVCD with tetralogy of Fallot or with pulmonary valve stenosis. Tetralogy of Fallot is the only additional cardiac defect found in patients with Down syndrome and AVCD. On the other hand, the association of AVCD and tetralogy of Fallot is also quite characteristic of CHARGE and 3C syndromes. Heterotaxia defects, including common atrium and anomalous pulmonary venous return, occur in patients with AVCD associated with polydactyly syndromes (Ellis-van Creveld, short rib polydactyly, oral-facial-digital, Bardet-Biedl, and Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndromes). The initial clinical evidence of anatomic similarities between AVCD and heterotaxia in polydactyly syndromes was corroborated and explained by experimental studies in transgenic mice. These investigations have suggested the involvement of the Sonic Hedgehog pathway in syndromes with postaxial polydactyly and heterotaxia, and ciliary dysfunction was detected as pathomechanism for these disorders. Anatomic differences in AVCD in the different groups are probably due to different genetic causes.
Dietary Carbohydrate Modifies the Inverse Association between Saturated Fat Intake and Cholesterol on Very Low-Density Lipoproteins
Authors: Wood A.C. , Kabagambe E.K. , Borecki I.B. , Tiwari H.K. , Ordovas J.M. , Arnett D.K.
Published: August 2011

We aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary saturated fat on fasting triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol levels, and any mediation of this relationship by dietary carbohydrate intake. Men and women in the NHLBI Genetics of Lipid-Lowering Drugs and Diet Network (GOLDN) study ( n = 1036, mean age ± SD = 49 ± 16 y) were included. Mixed linear models were run with saturated fat as a predictor variable and fasting TG, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), low density cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density cholesterol (HDL-C) as separate outcome variables. Subsequent models were run which included dietary carbohydrate as a predictor variable, and an interaction term between saturated fat and carbohydrate. All models controlled for age, sex, BMI, blood pressure and dietary covariates. In models that included only saturated fat as a predictor, saturated fat did not show significant associations with fasting lipids. When carbohydrate intake and an interaction term between carbohydrates and saturated fat intake was included, carbohydrate intake did not associate with lipids, but there was an inverse relationship between saturated fat intake and VLDL-C ( P = 0.01) with a significant interaction ( P = 0.01) between saturated fat and carbohydrate with regard to fasting VLDL-C concentrations. Similar results were observed for fasting TG levels. We conclude that, when controlling for carbohydrate intake, higher saturated fat was associated with lower VLDL-C and TGs. This was not the case at higher intakes of carbohydrate. This has important implications for dietary advice aimed at reducing TG and VLDL-C levels.
Teaching Languages Online
Authors: Hess Natalie
Published: August 2011

Carla Meskill Natasha Anthony. Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Multilingual Matters, 2010.
Learner Digital Stories in a Web 2.0 Age
Authors: ALAMEEN GHINWA
Published: August 2011

This article reports on a 4‐week class project in which students created Web 2.0 digital stories and shared and discussed them with their peers using VoiceThread, a digital media online tool. Participants were English language learners in an academic writing class at a major research university in the United States. Digital stories provided an interactive venue for building learner communities, fostering collaboration, engaging learners in multi‐literacies, and creating opportunities for global audience interaction and feedback.
Using Literature for Children and Adolescents for Intermediate Language Acquisition
Authors: CHEN MEI‐LING , SQUIRES DAVID
Published: August 2011

This article suggests that literature written for children and adolescents is appropriate for use with intermediate‐level students of English as a second or foreign language of all ages (including adults). Following a description of this literature, three instructional applications are reviewed: extensive free reading based on language acquisition theory, close reading while attending to form and function using stylistic analyses along with a language awareness perspective, and reading a story to develop essential cultural understanding of the target language. These applications are framed by a discussion of related research. Literature for children and adolescents offers a light linguistic and content load. With interesting characters, themes, insights, and styles, these texts may capture adult interest and act as a bridge to more complex texts.
Teaching Immigrant and Second‐Language Students: Strategies for Success
Authors: Chan Hoi Yuen
Published: August 2011

Michael Sadowski, Ed. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Education Press, 2008.
Ground-based remote sensing profiling and numerical weather prediction model to manage nuclear power plants meteorological surveillance in Switzerland
Authors: Calpini B. , Ruffieux D. , Bettems J.-M. , Hug C. , Huguenin P. , Isaak H.-P. , Kaufmann P. , Maier O. , Steiner P.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. The meteorological surveillance of the four nuclear power plants in Switzerland is of first importance in a densely populated area such as the Swiss Plateau. The project "Centrales Nucléaires et Météorologie" CN-MET aimed at providing a new security tool based on one hand on the development of a high resolution numerical weather prediction (NWP) model. The latter is providing essential nowcasting information in case of a radioactive release from a nuclear power plant in Switzerland. On the other hand, the model input over the Swiss Plateau is generated by a dedicated network of surface and upper air observations including remote sensing instruments (wind profilers and temperature/humidity passive microwave radiometers). This network is built upon three main sites ideally located for measuring the inflow/outflow and central conditions of the main wind field in the planetary boundary layer over the Swiss Plateau, as well as a number of surface automatic weather stations (AWS). The network data are assimilated in real-time into the fine grid NWP model using a rapid update cycle of eight runs per day (one forecast every three hours). This high resolution NWP model has replaced the former security tool based on in situ observations (in particular one meteorological mast at each of the power plants) and a local dispersion model. It is used to forecast the dynamics of the atmosphere in the planetary boundary layer (typically the first 4 km above ground layer) and over a time scale of 24 h. This tool provides at any time (e.g. starting at the initial time of a nuclear power plant release) the best picture of the 24-h evolution of the air mass over the Swiss Plateau and furthermore generates the input data (in the form of simulated values substituting in situ observations) required for the local dispersion model used at each of the nuclear power plants locations. This paper is presenting the concept and two validation studies as well as the results of an emergency response exercise performed in winter 2009.
Validation of three different scientific ozone products retrieved from IASI spectra using ozonesondes
Authors: Dufour G. , Eremenko M. , Griesfeller A. , Barret B. , LeFlochmoën E. , Clerbaux C. , Hadji-Lazaro J. , Coheur P.-F. , Hurtmans D.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Three scientific ozone products from the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) aboard MetOp-A, retrieved in three different research teams (LA, LATMOS/ULB, LISA) with different retrieval schemes, are characterized and validated using ozonesondes measurements. The three products are mature enough to be used for detailed analyses of atmospheric chemistry and transport in the troposphere. The characteristics of the products are analyzed in terms of retrieval sensitivity, systematic and random errors, and ability to retrieve the natural variability of ozone and focus on different partial columns from the lower troposphere up to 30 km. The validation covers the midlatitudes and the tropics and the period from January to December 2008. The products present degrees of freedom (DOF) in the troposphere between 1 and 1.2 on average in the midlatitudes and between 1 and 1.4 in the tropics. The DOF are distributed differently on the vertical depending on the profiles and the season: summer leading to a better sensitivity to the lower troposphere, as expected. The error estimates range between 10 and 20 % from the lower tropospheric partial columns (0–6 km and 0–8 km for the midlatitudes and the tropics respectively) to the UTLS partial columns (8–16 km and 11–20 km for the midlatitudes and the tropics respectively) for all the products and are about 5 % in the stratosphere (16–30 km) and for the column up to 30 km. The main feature that arises from the comparison with the ozonesondes is a systematic overestimation of ozone in the UTLS (between 10 and 25 %) by the three products in the midlatitudes and the tropics, attributed to the moderate vertical resolution of IASI and possibly to spectroscopic inconsistencies. The ability of the products to reproduce natural variability of tropospheric ozone is fairly good and depends on the considered season and region.
Statistical characteristics of gravity wave activities observed by an OH airglow imager at Xinglong, in northern China
Authors: Li Q. , Xu J. , Yue J. , Yuan W. , Liu X.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. An all-sky airglow imager (ASAI) was installed at Xinglong, in northern China (40.2° N, 117.4° E) in November 2009 to study the morphology of atmospheric gravity waves (AGWs) in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) region. Using one year of OH airglow imager data from December 2009 to November 2010, the characteristics of short-period AGWs are investigated and a yearlong AGW climatology in northern China is first ever reported. AGW occurrence frequency in summer and winter is higher than that in equinoctial months. Observed bands mainly have horizontal wavelengths from 10 to 35 km, observed periods from 4 to 14 min and observed horizontal phase speeds in the range of 30 to 60 m s−1. Most of the bands propagate in the meridional direction. The propagation directions of the bands show a strong southwestward preference in winter, while almost all bands propagate northeastward in summer. Although the wind filtering in the middle atmosphere may control AGW propagations in the zonal direction, the non-uniform distribution of wave sources in the lower atmosphere may contribute to the anisotropy in the meridional direction in different seasons. Additionally, as an indication of local instability, the characteristics of ripples are also analyzed. It also shows seasonal variations, occurring more often in summer and winter and mainly moving westward in summer and eastward in winter.
On the use of satellites to obtain information on the occurrence of natural and anthropogenic aerosols over the boreal eurasian forest
Authors: de Leeuw G. , Arola A. , Sogacheva L. , Kivekäs N. , Kerminen V.-M. , Arneth A. , Christensen T. , Korhonen H. , Partanen A.-I. , Lappalainen H. , Kolmonen P. , Mielonen T. , Sofiev M. , Kulmala M. , Pinnock S.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. The ALANIS-Aerosols project is a feasibility study on the use of existing satellite data for discriminating between natural aerosols emitted by boreal Eurasian forests and long-range transported anthropogenic aerosols. In this paper an overview is provided of different satellite products which are potentially useful to obtain this kind of information. Approaches that have been followed in the past are briefly summarized. Secondary production of aerosols from their precursor gases, in particular biogenic volatile organic compounds which play an important role in the formation of new particles through nucleation, is briefly discussed. These newly formed particles are initially too small to observe directly with optical instruments used for earth observation (EO) but through the use of proxies information can be obtained on global nucleation mode aerosol concentrations. Next we focus on aerosols with particle sizes in the optically active size range, roughly particles with a diameter larger than 50–100 nm, depending on wavelength. These particles can be observed with EO instruments as well as using several different types of in situ observations. The satellite data used are aerosol properties retrieved from the Advanced Along Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR, flying on ENVISAT since 2002) using both the forward and nadir view with the AATSR dual view algorithm (ADV). Ground-based in situ data used here are aerosol properties measured in Hyytiälä, Finland. These observations are complemented with model calculations using the global atmospheric aerosol and chemistry model GLOMAP. Examples show the complementarity of different data sources to obtain information on the temporal and spatial information on the nature of aerosols over the Boreal forest.
A gender bias in the calcification response to ocean acidification
Authors: Holcomb M. , Cohen A. L. , McCorkle D. C.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. The effects of nutrients and pCO2 on zooxanthellate and azooxanthellate colonies of the temperate scleractinian coral Astrangia poculata (Ellis and Solander, 1786) were investigated at two different temperatures (16 °C and 24 °C). Corals exposed to elevated pCO2 tended to have lower relative calcification rates, as estimated from changes in buoyant weights. No nutrient effect was observed. At 16 °C, gamete release was not observed, and no gender differences in calcification rate were observed. However, corals grown at 24 °C spawned repeatedly and male and female corals exhibited two different growth rate patterns. Female corals grown at 24 °C and exposed to CO2 had calcification rates 39 % lower than females grown at ambient CO2, while males showed only a 5 % decline in calcification under elevated CO2. At 16 °C, female and male corals showed similar reductions in calcification rates in response to elevated CO2 (15 % and 19 % respectively). At 24 °C, corals spawned repeatedly, while no spawning was observed at 16 °C. The increased sensitivity of females to elevated pCO2 may reflect a greater investment of energy in reproduction (egg production) relative to males (sperm production). These results suggest that both gender and spawning are important factors in determining the sensitivity of corals to ocean acidification and their inclusion in future research may be critical to predicting how the population structures of marine calcifiers will change in response to ocean acidification.
Modelling water provision as an ecosystem service in a large East African river basin
Authors: Notter B. , Hurni H. , Wiesmann U. , Abbaspour K. C.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Reconciling limited water availability with an increasing demand in a sustainable manner requires detailed knowledge on the benefits people obtain from water resources. A frequently advocated approach to deliver such information is the ecosystem services concept. This study quantifies water provision as an ecosystem service for the 43 000 km2 Pangani Basin in Tanzania and Kenya. The starting assumption that an ecosystem service must be valued and accessible by people necessitates the explicit consideration of stakeholders, as well as fine spatial detail in order to determine their access to water. Further requirements include the use of a simulation model to obtain estimates for unmeasured locations and time periods, and uncertainty assessment due to limited data availability and quality. By slightly adapting the hydrological model Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), developing and applying tools for input pre-processing, and using Sequential Uncertainty Fitting ver. 2 (SUFI-2) in calibration and uncertainty assessment, a watershed model is set up according to these requirements for the Pangani Basin. Indicators for water provision for different uses are derived from model results by combining them with stakeholder requirements and socio-economic datasets such as census or water rights data. Overall water provision is rather low in the Basin, however with large spatial variability. On average, for domestic use, livestock, and industry, 86–105 l per capita and day (95 % prediction uncertainty, 95 PPU) are available at a reliability level of 95%. 1.19–1.50 ha (95 PPU) of farmland on which a growing period with sufficient water of 3-6 months is reached at the 75 % reliability level – suitable for the production of staple crops – are available per farming household, as well as 0.19–0.51 ha (95 PPU) of farmland with a growing period of ≥6~months, suitable for the cultivation of cash crops. The indicators presented reflect stakeholder information needs and can be extracted from the model for any physical or political spatial unit in the Basin.
Soil characterization using patterns of magnetic susceptibility versus effective radium concentration
Authors: Girault F. , Poitou C. , Perrier F. , Koirala B. P. , Bhattarai M.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Low-field magnetic susceptibility χm and effective radium concentration ECRa, obtained from radon emanation, have been measured in the laboratory with 129 soil samples from Nepal. Samples along horizontal profiles in slope debris or terrace scarps showed rather homogeneous values of both χm and ECRa. One sample set, collected vertically on a lateritic terrace scarp, had homogeneous values of ECRa while χm increased by a factor of 1 to 10 for residual soils and topsoils. However, for a set of samples collected on three imbricated river terraces, values of ECRa, homogeneous over a given terrace, displayed a gradual increase from younger to older terraces. By contrast, χm showed more homogeneous mean values over the three terraces, with a larger dispersion, however, for the younger one. Similarly, Kathmandu sediments exhibited a large increase in ECRa from sand to clay layers, while χm increased moderately. The combination of χm and ECRa, thus, provides a novel tool to characterize quantitatively various soil groups and may be of interest to distinguish modes of alteration or deposition histories.
A Lagrangian analysis of the variation in moisture sources related to drier and wetter conditions in regions around the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Drumond A. , Nieto R. , Hernandez E. , Gimeno L.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Here, we describe our use of the Lagrangian 3-D FLEXPART model to investigate the variation in sources of moisture related to the drier and wetter conditions of the different regions that surround the Mediterranean Basin. We carried out seasonal analyses for the period from March 2000 to February 2005, and identified those years with the highest and lowest rates of precipitation by season, averaged over eight different continental regions. The variation in specific humidity along the 10-day backward trajectories of the particles identified over the target areas was tracked for the selected period, and the characteristics of the moisture sources were then compared between wetter and drier conditions by season. Although they only represented a relatively short period, the results suggest that in most of the years chosen, the moisture sources were more extensive and/or more intense during wetter periods. The contribution of the north Atlantic as a source of moisture is apparent for the Iberian Peninsula, for France and for Central North Africa. Otherwise, the Mediterranean Sea is the predominant source for Eastern North Africa, and for the Italian and Balkan Peninsulas. Local sources provide moisture for the Eastern Mediterranean and Western North Africa.
Creativity and Entrepreneurial Intention in Young People
Authors: Zampetakis Leonidas A. , Gotsi Manto , Andriopoulos Constantine , Moustakis Vassilis
Published: August 2011

The authors examine the link between creativity and entrepreneurial intention in young people and the roles that family and education may play in encouraging this link. The results from a survey of 180 undergraduate business school students show that the more creative young people consider themselves to be, the higher are their entrepreneurial intentions. Students' creativity also fully mediates the effect of family support for creativity on their entrepreneurial intention. Support for creativity in the university is found to have no effect on their creativity or on their entrepreneurial intention. Entrepreneurship course attendance moderates the effect of individual creativity on entrepreneurial intention.
Entrepreneurial Proclivity and Farm Performance
Authors: Verhees Frans J.H.M. , Kuipers Abele , Klopcic Marija
Published: August 2011

Farmers are advised to be entrepreneurial, but there is scant research showing that an entrepreneurial proclivity (EP) in farmers results in better performance. This study tests empirically whether an EP contributes to the performance of farms. A model with hypotheses about the relationship between EP and performance is provided and tested for a sample of Dutch and Slovenian farmers. EP has a universal positive influence on the performance and performance expectations of farmers in The Netherlands and in Slovenia. Proactiveness is the most influential element of EP for the performance of farms. Risk taking and innovativeness, the two other elements of EP, are important because they help farmers to be proactive.
Combinatorial Methods for Detecting Surface Subgroups in Right-Angled Artin Groups
Authors: Bell Robert W.
Published: August 2011

We give a short proof of the following theorem of Sang-hyun Kim: if is a right-angled Artin group with defining graph
, then contains a hyperbolic surface subgroup if contains an induced subgraph
for some , where denotes the complement graph of an -cycle. Furthermore, we give a new proof of Kim's cocontraction theorem.
Comparison of Numerical Methods for Nano Boundary Layer Flow
Authors: Abd Elazem Nader Y. , Ebaid Abdelhalim
Published: August 2011

The nonlinear differential equations describing the nano boundary layer flow is investigated in this paper utilizing Chebyshev collocation scheme. The results obtained in this research are compared with those obtained by the other published works.
Three-Dimensional Flow Arising in the Long Porous Slider: An Analytic Solution
Authors: Khan Yasir , Wu Qingbiao , Faraz Naeem , Yildirim Ahmet , Mohyud-Dind Syed Tauseef
Published: August 2011

In this work, the long porous slider problem where the fluid is injected through the porous bottom is studied. The similarity transformations reduce the equation of motion to a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations which are solved using the Adomian decomposition method (ADM). The influence of the Reynolds number on the dimensionless velocity field has been discussed graphically. Finally, the validity of results is verified by comparing with the numerical method and existing numerical results. A very good agreement was found between approximate and numerical solution, which proves that ADM is very efficient and accurate.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Medicaid Disenrollment After the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
Authors: Rumalla Kranti C. , Nelson Daniel B. , McConnell K. John , Zhu Jane M.
Published: June 2024

This survey study reports the proportions of and reasons for Medicaid coverage loss among racially and ethnically minoritized individuals.
Ten-Year Outcomes Following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass vs Duodenal Switch for High Body Mass Index
Authors: Salte Odd Bjørn Kjeldaas , Olbers Torsten , Risstad Hilde , Fagerland Morten Wang , Søvik Torgeir Thorson , Blom-Høgestøl Ingvild Kristine , Kristinsson Jon A. , Engström My , Mala Tom
Published: June 2024

Importance

Results from long-term follow-up after biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (DS) are scarce.

Objective

To compare weight loss, health outcomes, and quality of life 10 years or more after Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass (RYGB) and DS surgery in patients with severe obesity—that is, a body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) of 50 to 60.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This open-label randomized clinical trial was conducted at 2 academic bariatric centers in Sweden and Norway. Sixty patients with a BMI of 50 to 60 were included from March 1, 2006, to August 31, 2007. Data were analyzed from August 12, 2022, to January 25, 2023.

Interventions

Laparoscopic RYGB or laparoscopic DS.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome was change in BMI after 10 or more years. Secondary outcomes included anthropometric measures, lipid and glycemic profiles, bone mass density, adverse events, gastrointestinal tract symptoms, and health-related quality of life.

Results

Forty-eight of the original 60 patients (80%) were assessed after a median of 12 (range, 9-13) years (mean [SD] age, 48.0 [6.0] years; 35 women [73%]). At follow-up, the mean BMI reductions were 11.0 (95% CI, 8.3-13.7) for RYGB and 20.3 (95% CI, 17.6-23.0) for DS, with a mean between-group difference of 9.3 (95% CI, 5.4-13.1; P < .001). Total weight loss was 20.0% (95% CI, 15.3%-24.7%) for RYGB and 33.9% (95% CI, 27.8%-40.0%) for DS (P = .001). Mean serum lipid levels, except high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and hemoglobin A1c, improved more in the DS group during follow-up. Bone mass was reduced for both groups from 5 to 10 years, with lower bone mass after DS at 10 years. Quality-of-life scores (Obesity-Related Problem Scale and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey) were comparable across groups at 10 years. The total number of adverse events was higher after DS (135 vs 97 for RYGB; P = .02). More patients in the DS group developed vitamin deficiencies (21 vs 11 for RYGB; P = .008) including 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency (19 for DS vs 9 for RYGB; P = .005). Four of 29 patients in the DS group (14%) developed severe protein-caloric malnutrition, of whom 3 (10%) underwent revisional surgery.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized clinical trial, BMI reduction was greater after DS, but RYGB had a better risk profile over 10 years. Biliopancreatic diversion with DS may not be a better surgical strategy than RYGB for patients with a BMI of 50 to 60.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00327912
What “First, Do No Harm” Means in Pediatrics
Authors: Segal J. Bradley
Published: June 2024

This Viewpoint describes the multiple layers of meaning in the maxim “first, do no harm” applied in the pediatric setting.
Repairable and Reconfigurable Structured Liquid Circuits
Authors: Fink Zachary , Kim Paul Y. , Han Jiale , Wu Xuefei , Popple Derek , Zhu Shipei , Xue Han , Zettl Alex , Ashby Paul D. , Helms Brett A. , Russell Thomas P.
Published: June 2024

The advance of printed electronics is significantly bolstered by the development of liquid‐state electronics that overcome the inherent limitations in flexibility and reconfigurability of solid‐state electronics. By integrating the biocompatibility and conductivity of sulfonated polyaniline (S‐PANI) and phytic acid (PA) with the reconfigurability of structured liquids, highly conductive all‐liquid threads are developed. The dense packing and overlap of PA/S‐PANI complexes at an oil/water interface promotes in‐plane electron transport, and standard four‐point probe measurements of PA/S‐PANI interfacial assemblies demonstrate enhanced electrical properties. Notably, the rapid jetting of the ink phase into the matrix phase allows for liquid threads to be printed, enabling the fabrication of large‐scale, conductive pathways between two electrodes and liquid circuits. Upon mechanical cleavage of the liquid wires, circuits can be broken, but will easily self‐repair using an electric field, making this motif useful in the design of switches as well as restoring conductive pathways in series or in parallel. The demonstrated flexibility and reconfigurability these PA/S‐PANI wires possess hold significant promise for their practical use in the design of flexible and adaptive bioelectronics that can be repaired on demand, signifying a transformative step in the evolution of liquid electronic materials.
Entropy‐Driven Highly Chaotic MXene‐Based Heterostructures as an Efficient Sulfur Redox Electrocatalysts for Li‐S Battery
Authors: Wu Kai , Lu Guodong , Huang Bin , Hu Zewei , Lv Yang , Younus Hussein A. , Wang Xiwen , Liu Zhixiao , Zhang Shiguo
Published: June 2024

Both the sluggish sulfur redox reaction (SRR) kinetics and lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) shuttle effect limit the practical application of Li‐S batteries. Designing heterostructure sulfur hosts has emerged as an effective way to address these two issues with one material. However, the principles of heterostructures reinforced Li‐S batteries remain inadequately understood. Here, it is demonstrated for the first time that increasing the entropy of heterostructure can promote its SRR catalytic activity and alleviate the LiPSs shuttling. By a simple solution‐based strategy, a highly chaotic MXene‐based heterostructure (HCMH, TiS2/TiN/TiO2/Ti3C2Tx) is fabricated. The smart integration of “high entropy”, heterostructure, and MXene endow the HCMH catalyst with significantly improved performance, demonstrated by a much smaller Tafel slope of 62.9 mV dec−1 and a higher electron transfer number of 7.10, compared with the moderately chaotic MXene‐based heterostructure (MCMH, TiO2/TiN/Ti3C2Tx) and MXene. DFT theoretical calculations reveal that introducing new phases lowers the Gibbs energy barriers of both rate‐limiting Li2S2/Li2S reduction and Li2S decomposition. Upon the addition of only 5 wt.% HCMH to the sulfur cathode, both the reversible capacity and rate capability of Li‐S cells are greatly improved, which further highlights the importance of the high entropy “cocktail effect” in the design of SRR electrocatalysts in the future.
Ionic Liquid Enabled Transparent Heterogeneous Elastomers for Soft Electronics
Authors: Chen Weilong , Qiao Zihao , Wang Caiyan , Li Bin , Ding Shujiang , Shi Lei
Published: June 2024

Dielectric elastomer (DE), as an electrically active soft material, has enabled stretchable electronics, electronic skins, artificial muscles, biomimetic soft robots, and non‐magnetic motors. High permittivity is urgently desired for increasing the sensitivity of DE sensors and lowering the driving voltage of DE actuators. However, existing efforts for significantly enhanced permittivity is usually achieved at the expense of transparency of the DE by compositing external fillers, which limits the applications in optoelectronics, such as displays, touch screens, artificial eyes, etc. Here, by utilizing of transparent functional filler, ionic liquid micro‐droplet, and precise matching the refractive index with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer matrix, heterogeneous composites with high transparency and high permittivity are obtained simultaneously. The composites are transparent in the visible range (transmittance, 80%–95%). The permittivity reaches up to 22, which is more than seven times higher than the original value of the elastomer matrix. Moreover, the arbitrary deformability of ionic liquid filler endows the composites with better stretchability (300%) and much lower elastic modulus (0.5 MPa, about a quarter the value of PDMS), which is beneficial for soft electronics. Based on the as‐prepared high‐performance composites, high sensitivity and transparent soft sensors and touch panels have been realized, as well as wireless transmission of sensing signals.
Metalorganic Polyhedra Polyoxometalate Hybrid Salts for Tandem Photooxidative‐Hydrolytic Pesticide Detoxification
Authors: Perona‐Bermejo Cristina , Vismara Rebecca , Padial Natalia M. , Almora‐Barrios Neyvis , Maldonado Carmen R. , Bandosz Teresa J. , Garrido‐Barros Pablo , Carmona Francisco J. , Navarro Jorge A. R.
Published: June 2024

The extensive use of pesticides to ensure global food production presents significant threats to both human health and the environment. In this study, the photochemical, redox, and acid‐base properties of Zr‐metal‐organic polyhedra (Zr‐MOP) and polyoxometalates (POM) are utilized to fabricate functional hybrid salts, denoted as [Zr‐MOP][POM], designed for pesticide detoxification. Upon light irradiation, [Zr‐MOP][POM] salts generate a charge‐separated state with oxidizing properties. This activated state selectively photooxidizes highly toxic and persistent fenamiphos into fenamiphos sulfoxide and subsequently hydrolytically breaks down it into non‐toxic 3‐methyl‐4‐(methylsulfinyl)phenol and phosphate components. The hydrolytic degradation of fenamiphos is facilitated by the reduced basicity of the 3‐methyl‐4‐(methylsulfinyl)phenolate residue (ΔpKb = ‐2.4) in the photooxidized form of the pesticide molecule. Furthermore, the hybrid salts demonstrate efficacy in the breakdown of multicomponent pesticide mixtures such as fenamiphos and methylparaoxon.
Optimizing Adsorption‐Redox Sites and Charge Transfer of Ternary Polymer Photocatalyst with P─N Linkage for CO2 Conversion Coupled with Antibiotics Removal
Authors: Wang Mengmeng , Zhang Guping , Dong Shihong , Li Najun , Xu Qingfeng , Li Hua , Lu Jianmei , Chen Dongyun
Published: June 2024

The rational design of bifunctional photocatalysts with high adsorption and enrichment characteristics and excellent photocatalytic redox activity is an effective way to address environmental pollution and energy shortage crisis. In this study, cyclophosphazene‐derived porous organic polymer (PCPD) microspheres with P─N linkage are coated with graphene oxide (GO) and loaded with Ag0 nanoparticles (NPs) to prepare covalently bonded xAg‐rGO/PCPD composites. The catalyst with the highest specific surface area (denoted as 2.5Ag‐rGO/PCPD) shows excellent adsorption capacity for fluoroquinolone antibiotics, removing 96.2% of ciprofloxacin (CIP) through adsorption. By applying the catalyst with the best photocatalytic redox activity (denoted as 5Ag‐rGO/PCPD), 82.97% of refractory sulfonamide antibiotics are removed through adsorption‐degradation, and 635.3 µmol g−1 of CO and 162.3 µmol g−1 of CH4 are generated as products of CO2 photoreduction alone. Among the co‐catalytic systems, the highest CO yield of 9.16 µmol g−1 is obtained by coupling CO2 reduction with levofloxacin (LVX) degradation to harness the electron‐donating power of the pollutant molecule. This study is expected to provide useful guidance for the rational design of bifunctional photocatalysts.
Fabrication of Metal Nuclear Acid Framework to Enable Carrier‐Free MNAzyme Self‐Delivery for Gastric Cancer Treatment
Authors: Ma Xiaodong , Yan Jiaqi , Zhou Gongting , Li Yuanqiang , Ran Meixin , Li Chengcheng , Chen Xiaodong , Sun Weijian , Zhang Hongbo , Shen Xian
Published: June 2024

Multi‐component deoxyribozymes (MNAzymes) have shown extraordinary potential in precise gene therapy in vitro, however, the in vivo application is limited by complicated delivery systems. Herein, a novel DNA‐metal binding mechanism is discovered, and metal‐nucleic acid frameworks (MNFs) are built composed of MNAzymes and metal ions, which enable the carrier‐free self‐delivery of MNAzymes. Metal ions have a high affinity to DNA, however, the binding of metals with DNA at 20–30 base pair long (that normally a MNAzyme has) to form MNF structure is challenged by stringent high‐temperature synthesis conditions, poor stability of the products, and lack of targeting capabilities. While, it is discovered that through folding and entanglement of the MNAzyme with an aptamer tail, and prolonging the sequence to 71 base pair, the metal MNAzymes binding is significantly improved and stabilized to MNF structure even at room temperature. Moreover, the aptamer tail also endows MNFs with targeting capabilities. As proof of concept, a carrier‐free Ca/MNAzyme delivery system at room temperature, loaded with the model imaging protein BSA‐Cy5 is synthesized. This system can effectively target Her‐2 positive gastric cancer cells with the Her‐2 responsive aptamer tail and initiate dual gene regulation, thereby inducing energy depletion in cancer cells.
Customized Hydrogel Films for MicroRNA Super‐Resolution Imaging in Liquid Biopsies
Authors: Lee Mirae , Woo Jiwon , Kim Kyoung‐Tae , Moon Seul‐A , Park Hyeong Cheon , Kim Tae Yeon , Park Jeong‐Yoon
Published: June 2024

Tissue biopsy for early diagnosis and monitoring comes with several challenges, such as its invasiveness, and issues related to tissue heterogeneity in sampling. To address these issues, researchers have proposed a noninvasive approach called liquid biopsy, which uses blood samples to detect specific noncoding RNA (microRNA, miRNA). However, the current process of isolating and amplifying miRNA can be time‐consuming and yield nonspecific results. In this study, a new super‐resolution imaging tool is introduced that utilizes a thin, hydrogel‐based liquid view (LV) film. This film can undergo a ninefold expansion and allows the analysis of cells obtained from liquid biopsy. The potential of the LV film is validated as a tool for early diagnosis and prognosis by testing biofluids derived from a variety of diseases. This method is confirmed to accurately analyze a greater number of miRNAs with higher sensitivity in a shorter time compared to other analytical methods. These findings suggest that the LV film provides high specificity, and multiplexing in detecting small amounts of miRNAs within cells, making it suitable for 3D implementation. It is proposed that liquid biopsy with LV films can be a solution to limitations related to the invasiveness, cost, and time‐consuming nature of molecular analysis.
Bismuth Chelate‐Mediated Digital Subtraction Angiography
Authors: Wang Jiaojiao , Fu Dianxun , Tang Cong , Shu Gang , Zhang Xuejun , Zhang Xuening , Pan Jinbin , Sun Shao‐Kai
Published: June 2024

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is considered the “gold standard” for the diagnosis of vascular diseases. However, the contrast agents used in DSA are limited to iodine (I)‐based small molecules, which are unsuitable for patients with contraindications. Here, iodine‐free DSA utilizing a bismuth (Bi) chelate, Bi–DTPA Dimeglumine, is proposed for vascular visualization for the first time. Bi–DTPA Dimeglumine possesses a simple synthesis process without the need for purification, large‐scale production ability (over 200 g in the lab), superior X‐ray imaging capability, renal clearance capacity, and good biocompatibility. Bi–DTPA‐enhanced DSA can clearly display the arteries of the rabbit's head and lower limbs, with a minimum vascular resolution of 0.5 mm. The displayed integrity of terminal vessels by Bi–DTPA‐enhanced DSA is superior to that of iopromide‐enhanced DSA. In a rabbit model of thrombotic disease, Bi–DTPA Dimeglumine‐enhanced DSA enables the detection of embolism and subsequent reevaluation of vascular conditions after recanalization therapy. This proposed iodine‐free DSA provides a promising and universal approach for diagnosing vascular diseases.
Vapor Deposition of Bilayer 3R MoS2 with Room‐Temperature Ferroelectricity
Authors: Jiang Hanjun , Li Lei , Wu Yao , Duan Ruihuan , Yi Kongyang , Wu Lishu , Zhu Chao , Luo Lei , Xu Manzhang , Zheng Lu , Gan Xuetao , Zhao Wu , Wang Xuewen , Liu Zheng
Published: June 2024

Two‐dimensional ultrathin ferroelectrics have attracted much interest due to their potential application in high‐density integration of non‐volatile memory devices. Recently, 2D van der Waals ferroelectric based on interlayer translation has been reported in twisted bilayer h‐BN and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). However, sliding ferroelectricity is not well studied in non‐twisted homo‐bilayer TMD grown directly by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In this paper, for the first time, experimental observation of a room‐temperature out‐of‐plane ferroelectric switch in semiconducting bilayer 3R MoS2 synthesized by reverse‐flow CVD is reported. Piezoelectric force microscopy (PFM) hysteretic loops and first principle calculations demonstrate that the ferroelectric nature and polarization switching processes are based on interlayer sliding. The vertical Au/3R MoS2/Pt device exhibits a switchable diode effect. Polarization modulated Schottky barrier height and polarization coupling of interfacial deep states trapping/detrapping may serve in coordination to determine switchable diode effect. The room‐temperature ferroelectricity of CVD‐grown MoS2 will proceed with the potential wafer‐scale integration of 2D TMDs in the logic circuit.