bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mediastinal Tumor in a Boy With GnRH-Independent Precocious Puberty and Fluctuating β-HCG Levels
Authors: Shilo Smadar , Amar Shirah , Shefer Averbuch Noa , Rosenbaum Efraim , Phillip Moshe , Lazar Liora 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH(-independent premature puberty in boys, characterized by elevated β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) levels, can indicate a secreting germ cell tumor (GCT). These tumors are rare but more common in individuals with Klinefelter syndrome (KS). We present a case of a 7.3-year-old boy with precocious puberty. Physical examination revealed bilateral testicular volumes of 8 to 10 mL and Tanner stage 3 secondary sexual characteristics (genitalia G3, pubic hair P3). His skeletal age was 12 years. Biochemical tests showed suppressed gonadotropin levels, elevated testosterone, and increased β-hCG of 86.6 mIU/mL (86.6 IU/L, reference range: &lt;5 mIU/mL, &lt;5 IU/L). Imaging, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), chest x-ray, whole-body computed tomography (CT), and testicular ultrasound, were interpreted as normal except for a small pineal cyst. Karyotype testing confirmed KS. Over 10 months, β-hCG levels fluctuated between 1 to 105 mIU/mL (1-105 IU/L). When β-hCG was 3.6 mIU/mL (3.6 IU/L), a fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography–CT (FDG PET-CT) scan revealed a mediastinal tumor. The tumor was surgically removed and identified as a mature teratoma. This case underscores the importance of karyotype testing and repeated imaging in boys with premature puberty and elevated β-hCG levels, even if β-hCG levels decrease spontaneously and remain low.
Medicaid's Political Development since 1965: How a Fragmented and Unequal Program Has Expanded
Authors: Grogan Colleen M. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The Medicaid program has changed enormously over the past 60 years from a very restrictive program primarily attached to recipients on public assistance in 1965 to a much more expansive program today allowing coverage for persons regardless of marital, parental, or employment status. Incorporating the “medically needy”—an ambiguous concept from the start—allowed states to include many different groups in Medicaid who are not traditionally thought of as poor. In addition, three structural features illuminate why the program has expanded and changed dramatically over time: federalism and intergovernmental financing, the dominance of the private sector, and fragmentation. Unequal treatment among Medicaid-covered groups alongside partisan politics create a political discourse that often reveals Medicaid as a public subsidy for stigmatized groups while hiding Medicaid's reach into the middle class. This central political ideological tension collides with programmatic realities such that Medicaid strangely often suffers from a residual retrenchment politics while at the same time benefiting from embeddedness, making it extremely difficult to truly turn back the clock on Medicaid's expansion.
Rationing Rights: Administrative Burden in Medicaid Long-Term Care Programs
Authors: Herd Pamela , Johnson Rebecca A. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Context: States use Medicaid waivers to provide supports for disabled people in communities rather than in institutions. Because waivers are not entitlements, those deemed eligible are not guaranteed these supports. How do states, in practice, use bureaucratic procedures to ration this “conditional” right?
Methods: Drawing on primary and secondary data, the authors analyze waiver programs and document state administrative procedures that indirectly and directly ration access.
Findings: Burdens indirectly limit disabled people's access to Medicaid home- and community-based services via a complex array of waiver programs that exacerbate costs associated with gaining eligibility. In addition, burdens directly limit access via wait lists and prioritization among the eligible. There is also evidence that states strategically deploy opaqueness to provide political cover for unpopular wait lists. The overall process is opaque, confusing, and time intensive, with burdens falling hardest on marginalized groups.
Conclusions: Administrative burdens impede disabled people's efforts to exercise their right to live in the community as afforded to them under the American with Disabilities Act. The opaqueness and associated burdens with waiver programs are a way to conceal these burdens, thereby demonstrating how burdens “neatly carry out the ‘how’ in the production of inequality, while concealing . . . the why” (Ray, Herd, and Moynihan 2023: 139).
Polar targeting of proteins – a green perspective
Authors: Pukhovaya Evgeniya M. , Ramalho João Jacob , Weijers Dolf 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
Cell polarity – the asymmetric distribution of molecules and cell structures within the cell – is a feature that almost all cells possess. Even though the cytoskeleton and other intracellular organelles can have a direction and guide protein distribution, the plasma membrane is, in many cases, essential for the asymmetric localization of proteins because it helps to concentrate proteins and restrict their localization. Indeed, many proteins that exhibit asymmetric or polarized localization are either embedded in the PM or located close to it in the cellular cortex. Such proteins, which we refer to here as ‘polar proteins’, use various mechanisms of membrane targeting, including vesicle trafficking, direct phospholipid binding, or membrane anchoring mediated by post-translational modifications or binding to other proteins. These mechanisms are often shared with non-polar proteins, yet the unique combinations of several mechanisms or protein-specific factors assure the asymmetric distribution of polar proteins. Although there is a relatively detailed understanding of polar protein membrane targeting mechanisms in animal and yeast models, knowledge in plants is more fragmented and focused on a limited number of known polar proteins in different contexts. In this Review, we combine the current knowledge of membrane targeting mechanisms and factors for known plant transmembrane and cortical proteins and compare these with the mechanisms elucidated in non-plant systems. We classify the known factors as general or polarity specific, and we highlight areas where more knowledge is needed to construct an understanding of general polar targeting mechanisms in plants or to resolve controversies.
Correlative microscopy – illuminating the endomembrane system of plant seeds
Authors: Huber Sonja , Hörmann-Dietrich Ulrike , Kapusi Eszter , Stöger Eva , Arcalís Elsa 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
The endomembrane system of cereal seed endosperm is a highly plastic and dynamic system reflecting the high degree of specialization of this tissue. It is capable of coping with high levels of storage protein synthesis and undergoes rapid changes to accommodate these storage proteins in newly formed storage organelles such as endoplasmic reticulum-derived protein bodies or protein storage vacuoles. The study of endomembrane morphology in cereal endosperm is challenging due to the amount of starch that cereal seeds accumulate and the progressive desiccation of the tissue. Here, we present a comprehensive study of the endomembrane system of developing barley endosperm cells, complemented by correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) imaging. The use of genetically fused fluorescent protein tags in combination with the high resolution of electron microscopy brings ultrastructural research to a new level and can be used to generate novel insights in cell biology in general and in cereal seed research in particular.
The Digital Lives of the Poor: Entertainment Traps and Information Isolation
Authors: Ramdas Kamalini , Sungu Alp 
Published: September 2024

Smartphones have enabled the delivery of life-improving information services to base-of-the-pyramid (BOP) consumers. However, little is known about how the poor interact with the digital world. Through a novel app we developed to investigate real-time smartphone usage, we identify an unnoticed barrier to digital information access by the poor—data shortages. By analyzing over 9.4 million minutes of smartphone usage data from 929 residents of a Mumbai settlement, we find that entertainment consumes 61% of their phone time. Our data reveal that under universally adopted monthly data plans, low-income individuals binge on YouTube and social media, resulting in data shortages and information isolation in the late-plan period. We offer a practical operational solution to this problem—shorter data-replenishment cycles—which serve as a commitment device to curb binge usage. We randomly assign participants to a “capped plan”—with daily data usage caps—or a standard (monthly) plan. Assignment to the capped plan increases late-plan access of invites to health camps sent via WhatsApp, increases attendance at these in-person camps by 27%, and reduces social media binge usage. Most participants (particularly those with low self-control and high fear of missing out) prefer the capped plan, even when costlier—clearly signaling demand. Because capped plans are inherently cheaper to provide, offering them could enable providers to increase BOP customer value and expand access. Our results suggest an opportunity to amplify the impact of life-improving services targeted at the poor by leveraging users’ interactions with smartphone technology. This paper was accepted by Victor Martínez de Albéniz, operations management. Funding: Financial support from The Wheeler Institute for Business & Development is gratefully acknowledged. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2024.4989 .
Experimental realization of a performance-enhanced reservoir computer based on a photonic-filter feedback laser
Authors: Huang Yu , Mu Penghua , Zhou Pei , Li Nianqiang 
Published: September 2024

Reservoir computing (RC), especially time-delayed RC, as a lightweight, high-speed machine learning paradigm, shows excellent performance in time-series prediction and recognition tasks. Within this framework, time delays play a vital role in dynamic systems, i.e., significantly affecting the transient behavior and the dimensionality of reservoirs. In this work, we explore a multidelay system as the core computational element of RC, which is constructed using a semiconductor laser with photonic-filter feedback. We demonstrate experimentally that the photonic-filter feedback scheme can improve the mapping of scalar inputs into higher-dimensional dynamics, and thus enhance the prediction and classification ability in time series and nonlinear channel equalization tasks. In particular, the rich neural dynamics in turn boosts its memory capacity, which offers great potential for short-term prediction of time series. The numerical results show good qualitative agreement with the experiment. We show that improved RC performance can be achieved by utilizing a small coupling coefficient and eschewing feedback at integer multiples, which can induce detrimental resonance. This work provides an alternative photonic platform to achieve high-performance neural networks based on high-dimensional dynamic systems.
The association between arthritis and cognitive function impairment in the older adults: Based on the NHANES 2011–2014
Authors: Lv Taihong , Yu Hanming , Ji Zishuo , Ma Li 
Published: September 2024

Objective
Arthritis has been postulated as a prevalent potential risk factor for the emergence of dementia and cognitive impairment. This conjecture prompted an examination of the correlation between arthritis and cognitive impairment using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) repository. The analysis was meticulously adjusted for potential confounders such as age and assorted systemic comorbidities, to ensure robustness in the results obtained.

Methods
Among 2,398 adults aged 60 years and above, logistic regression and cubic spline models were employed to elucidate the relationship between arthritis and cognitive performance. This was assessed utilizing tests such as Immediate Recall test (IRT), Delayed Recall test (DRT), Animal Fluency Test (AFT), and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST).

Results
In our investigation, a total of 19931 individuals were analyzed, among which 2,398 patients (12.03%) were identified with arthritis. Subjects with arthritis inflammation had lower DSST and AFT scores compared to the healthy group, indicating cognitive decline. After adjusting for all covariates, arthritis was significantly associated with higher DSST and AFT scores by logistic regression modeling (OR: 0.796, 95% CI: 0.649–0.975; OR: 0.769, 95% CI: 0.611–0.968).

Conclusion
Our analysis underscores the potential linkage between arthritis prevalence and cognitive impairment within a nationally representative of US older adults.
Participation and Yield in Multiple Rounds of Colorectal Cancer Screening Based on Fecal Immunochemical Test: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhou Yueyang , Li Na , Luo Jiahui , Chen Yuqing , Zhang Yuelun , Dai Min , Chen Hongda 
Published: September 2024

INTRODUCTION:
The evidence on the cumulative participation and yield in multiple rounds of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening based on fecal immunochemical test is sparse. We aimed to assess the trends in participation and detection for advanced colorectal neoplasm under different screening intervals in multiround fecal immunochemical testing–based CRC screening by synthesizing the current available evidence.

METHODS:
PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane were retrieved from January 1, 2002, to April 16, 2024, for potential eligible studies, and then, we synthesized participation and advanced colorectal neoplasm detection rates for each screening round, along with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS:
Nineteen studies involving a total of 2,296,071 individuals were included. As screening rounds increased, participation exhibited a gradual consistent increase, reaching 78.45% and 74.97% for annual and biennial screening strategies. For annual screening, the cumulative detection rates for 3 rounds were 1.38% (95% CI: 1.18%–1.63%), 1.95% (95% CI: 1.72%–2.21%), and 2.50% (95% CI: 2.29%–2.72%), respectively. For biennial screening, the cumulative detection rates for 4 rounds were 2.22% (95% CI: 1.22%–3.22%), 3.44% (95% CI: 2.06%–4.82%), 4.26% (95% CI: 2.70%–5.83%), and 5.10% (95% CI: 3.28%–7.29%), respectively. Notably, the per-round detection rate of advanced colorectal neoplasms declined yet as the screening progressed.

DISCUSSION:
In population-based CRC screening programs, the participation exhibited a slow upward trend for both screening strategies, but the incremental benefits in CRC detection gradually diminished. Tailored strategies, such as extending intervals for individuals with multiple negative fecal immunochemical testing results, might optimize effectiveness and cost-efficiency in population-based CRC screening.
Prevalence of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Women: Insights From the Houston HeartReach Study
Authors: Raghuram Arjun R. , Segar Matthew W. , Coulter Stephanie , Rogers Joseph G. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States. Past research has highlighted the importance of the relationship between female-specific demographics and traditional risk factors. The present analysis aimed to identify the prevalence of modifiable risk factors in women attending a community cardiovascular health screening.

Methods:
Data collected between 2011 and 2019 were obtained from the Houston HeartReach Registry. Participants were classified as having or not having each of 4 traditional cardiometabolic risk factors: hypertension, diabetes, body mass index indicating overweight or obesity, and dyslipidemia. Differences in prevalence were compared using the Pearson χ2 test.

Results:
Most participants had hypertension, overweight or obesity, and dyslipidemia. Older women (≥65 years) had the highest prevalence of all cardiometabolic risk factors. Black participants had a higher prevalence of hypertension (P = .006) and a lower prevalence of dyslipidemia (P = .009) than non-Black participants. Hispanic participants had a lower prevalence of hypertension (P < .001) and a higher prevalence of overweight or obesity (P = .03) than non-Hispanic participants. Participants in the lowest household income bracket (<$25,000) were more likely to have diabetes (P = .001) and overweight or obesity (P = .004) than participants in the highest income bracket (≥$50,000). Unemployed participants had a higher prevalence of diabetes (P < .001), overweight or obesity (P = .004), and dyslipidemia (P < .001) than employed participants. Comorbidity analysis revealed clustering of multiple cardiometabolic risk factors. Moreover, risk factor hot spots were identified by zip code, which could help select future sites for targeted screening.

Conclusion:
The analysis found that cardiometabolic risk factor prevalence varies with demographic and socioeconomic status. Geographic areas where cardiometabolic risk factor prevalence was highest were also identified. Further participant recruitment and analysis are required to create predictive models of cardiovascular disease risk in women.
How do adolescents perceive body image and respond to body dissatisfaction?
Authors: Deshmukh Vaishali R. , Oka Gauri A. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To assess adolescents’ attitudes, satisfaction, and practices regarding their body image across body mass index (BMI) categories.

Methods
In this cross-sectional survey (2019–2020), we recorded anthropometry of 2,089 girls and boys between 13 and 17 years from semi-urban schools in western India. Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) was used for multidimensional attitudinal assessment of body image and weight-related variables. The Stunkard scale was used to assess body shape perception.

Results
In higher age categories, boys were more satisfied with their appearance (p=0.012, p linearity=0.001), cared more about grooming (p=0.007, p linearity=0.001), and regarded themselves more physically fit (p=0.003, p linearity 0.030 up to 16 years). Boys with normal BMI were more satisfied with their appearance (p=0.001), fitness (p=0.024), and more alert about symptoms of illness (p<0.000) than others. With increasing BMI, older girls and boys were more preoccupied with their weight and perceived themselves to be heavier (p=0.001). A majority of underweight girls perceived their weight as normal. Students engaged in weight loss practices irrespective of their BMI category. Boys wanted a bigger, and girls a smaller body shape than their current shape. We found body shape dissatisfaction in 66.4 % adolescents, more in boys than in girls (p=0.001).

Conclusions
Body shape dissatisfaction is quite common among semiurban adolescents, with boys outnumbering girls. BMI, age, and sex are associated with weight perception and attitude toward body image. Unindicated weight loss practices are prevalent.
Brain metastasis mimicking a cavernous angioma as initial presentation of papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Bucci Ines , Giuliani Cesidio , Di Dalmazi Giulia , Intraina Daniele , Zotta Donato , Ieraci Alfio , Presutti Livio , Napolitano Giorgio 
Published: September 2024

Summary
Brain metastases as the first clinical presentation of a papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) are exceptional, while cavernous angiomas are common cerebral malformations. We report the case of a 36-year-old male with an incidental brain lesion mimicking a cavernous angioma on MRI. Gamma knife radiosurgery was performed, but after 6 months, the patient developed neurological symptoms, and a repeat brain MRI revealed a significant increase in the mass. The patient underwent neurosurgery, and the histological examination of the lesion revealed metastatic carcinoma of thyroid origin. PET–CT and neck ultrasound, subsequently performed, were concordant for the presence of a right lobe nodule and ipsilateral lymph nodes, both with ultrasound features suspicious of malignancy. Total thyroidectomy with central and right lateral neck dissection was performed, and histology confirmed an intrathyroidal multifocal PTC with lymph node metastases. Postoperative radioiodine was administered, and focal uptake within the thyroid bed, without distant metastases or brain remnants, was found on the post-therapeutic whole-body scan. At 2 years from diagnosis, the patient is in good health and undergoes clinical and imaging follow-up.

Learning points

Brain cavernous angiomas are common cerebral vascular malformations that are usually diagnosed by MRI.

Despite the high accuracy of MRI, the exam is not pathognomonic, and misdiagnosis cannot be excluded.

Brain metastases from PTC are very rare; however, they can mimic a cavernous angioma. Therefore, the differential diagnosis should always be considered.
Errors and Corrective Feedback in Chinese EFL Classroom Writing
Authors: Bi Zhuoqun , Lau Su Kia , Yap Leng Lee 
Published: September 2024

English as a foreign language (EFL) learners are often confronted with grammatical errors in writing. This study aimed thence to identify types of errors made by Chinese EFL learners in their writing and to explore the reasons behind these committed errors as well as the corrective feedback given by EFL instructors in responding to students’ errors. A mixed-methods case study research design was employed. Data were collected from the essays produced by 62 third-year senior high school students (equivalent to 12th grade) at Jining No.1 Middle School in Shandong, China and semi-structured interviews with five EFL instructors from China. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. This study found that omission was the most common error made by Chinese EFL learners. Inappropriate learning strategies, negative transfer, overgeneralization, lack of motivation and positive attitude were the reasons of this phenomenon. It was found that both implicit and explicit corrective feedback were used by the EFL instructors in responding to their students’ errors. The findings provide valuable pedagogical evidence for EFL instructors to scaffold EFL learners’ writing skills.