bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydraulic tortuosity of porous media: comparison of different modeling methods
Authors: Zhu Yuming , Yue Wenzheng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Hydraulic tortuosity is a crucial parameter affecting the movement of fluid in porous media. Currently, researchers have used different methods to construct porous media models and studied the variation of hydraulic tortuosity with porosity. In this paper, we use Monte Carlo random particle, quartet structure generation set (QSGS), and CT-scan reconstruction to construct porous media models with different porosity. The finite element method is used to simulate the fluid passing through the models. The effectiveness of the QSGS algorithm in constructing porous media is verified. The hydraulic tortuosity of the three types of model is computed using the streamline length ratio method, and its variation law with porosity is explored. The results show that the change law of the three models is consistent. The law of power function change is satisfied between the two for all models, which means the increase in porosity causes a decrease in tortuosity. Different models are constructed to explore the effect of tortuosity on permeability. An increase in tortuosity results in a smaller permeability when other conditions are equal. This paper aims to provide effective methods for constructing porous media models and a reference for studying hydraulic tortuosity.
EGFR/CEP7 high polysomy is separate and distinct from EGFR amplification in glioblastoma as determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Wilcock Diane M , Goold Eric , Zuromski Lauren M , Davidson Christian , Mao Qinwen , Sirohi Deepika 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
EGFR amplification in gliomas is commonly defined by an EGFR/CEP7 ratio of ≥2. In testing performed at a major reference laboratory, a small subset of patients had ≥5 copies of both EGFR and CEP7 yet were not amplified by the EGFR/CEP7 ratio and were designated high polysomy cases. To determine whether these tumors are more closely related to traditionally defined EGFR-amplified or nonamplified gliomas, a retrospective search identified 22 out of 1143 (1.9%) gliomas with an average of ≥5 copies/cell of EGFR and CEP7 with an EGFR/CEP7 ratio of &lt;2 displaying high polysomy. Of these cases, 4 had insufficient clinicopathologic data to include in additional analysis, 15 were glioblastomas, 2 were IDH-mutant astrocytomas, and 1 was a high-grade glial neoplasm, NOS. Next-generation sequencing available on 3 cases demonstrated one with a TERT promoter mutation, TP53 mutations in all cases, and no EGFR mutations or amplifications, which most closely matched the nonamplified cases. The median overall survival times were 42.86, 66.07, and 41.14 weeks for amplified, highly polysomic, and nonamplified, respectively, and were not significantly different (p =  0.3410). High chromosome 7 polysomic gliomas are rare but our data suggest that they may be biologically similar to nonamplified gliomas.
Is there a place for friendship in education? Thinking with Arendt on friendship, politics, and education
Authors: Zamotkin Ivan , Leiviskä Anniina 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In this article, we examine the political and educational relevance of Hannah Arendt’s account of friendship. Drawing from Arendt’s central works on friendship, we offer a novel interpretation of the concept by connecting the notion with the idea of educational ‘love for the world’, amor mundi. With this interpretation, we seek to demonstrate that the concept of friendship has both direct educational and indirect political significance. Thereby, we distinguish our interpretation from two previous understandings of the educational relevance of the Arendtian notion of friendship—those by (1) Aaron Schutz and Marie G. Sandy, and (2) Morten T. Korsgaard—in which friendship is either assigned a specifically political role (as in (1)) or its significance to education is narrowly understood (as in (2)). We argue our interpretation of friendship offers both a new contribution to the understanding of the relationship between education and politics in the context of Arendt scholarship, and a novel way of thinking about the educational significance of friendship in the context of contemporary democratic politics, especially the prevailing political polarization.
Neonatal Herpes Reporting in the United States: Review of Current Policies by State
Authors: Saremi Natalie , Lewis Katherine A , Klausner Jeffrey D 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Despite its devastating impact, neonatal herpes is not a nationally notifiable condition. As of 2023 it is only reportable in 6 states. A consistently applied case definition with designation as a nationally notifiable condition would optimize surveillance and preventative efforts.
Thermal X-ray emission in the western half of the LMC superbubble 30 Dor C
Authors: Chi Yi-Heng , Chen Han-Xiao , Chen Yang , Meng Yi-Fan , Zhou Ping , Sun Lei , Sun Wei 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
While 30 Dor C is a unique superbubble in the Large Magellanic Cloud for its luminous non-thermal X-ray emission, the thermal X-ray emission it emanates has not yet been thoroughly investigated and well constrained. Based on the separate ∼1 Ms deep XMM–Newton and Chandra observations, we report the discovery of the thermally emitting plasma in some portions of the western half of 30 Dor C. The thermal emission can be reproduced by a collisional-ionization-equilibrium plasma model with an average electron temperature of ∼0.4 keV. We find a significant overabundance of the intermediate-mass elements such as O, Ne, Mg, and Si, which may be indicative of a recent supernova explosion in 30 Dor C. Dynamical properties in combination with the information of the OB association LH 90 suggest that the internal post-main-sequence stars dominate the power of the superbubble and blow it out in the past ∼1 Myr.
Both partial inactivation as well as activation of NF-κB signaling lead to hypertension and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Zhang Xiaotan , Wang Guang , Li Ming , Li Yunjin , Luo Xin , Liu Yvonne , Zhang Xiaoli , Hocher Johann-Georg , Krämer Bernhard K , Hocher Berthold , Yang Xuesong 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
Activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signalling is key in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, a certain level of NF-κB activity is necessary to enable tissue repair.

Methods
The relationship between activated and inactivated NF-κB signaling and the pathogenesis of CKD was investigated using mouse models of NF-κB partial inactivation (mutating cysteine at position 59 of the sixth exon on the NF-κB gene into alanine) and activation (mutating cysteine at position 59 of the sixth exon on the NF-κB gene into serine).

Results
The density of CD3, CD8, CD68 positive cells, as well as the expression of interleukin 6, Tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 1 and Nef-associated factor 1 in the kidney tissues of NF-κBC59A mice were reduced, whereas an opposing pattern was observed in the NF-κBC59S mice. Blood pressure, kidney fibrosis (analyzed by periodic acid–Schiff, Masson trichrome and Sirius Red staining, as well as α-SMA immunofluorescence), serum creatinine and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio are markedly increased in NF-κB-activated and -inactivated mice compared with controls. Transmission electron microscopy indicated that the glomerular basement membrane was thicker in both NF-κBC59A and NF-κBC59S mice compared with wild-type mice.

Conclusions
Using mice models with partially activated and inactivated NF-κB pathways suggests that there is an apparently U-shaped relationship between blood pressure, kidney function as well as morphology and the activation of the NF-κB pathway. A certain optimal activity of the NF-κB pathway seems to be important to maintain optimal kidney function and morphology.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Modified E-cigarette Evaluation Questionnaire for Use With High School Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Morean Meghan E 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The subjective experience of positive and negative effects of e-cigarette use has been shown to relate to e-cigarette use outcomes in adults, but no validated measure of e-cigarette subjective response exists for adolescents and young adults (AYAs). In the current study, the psychometric properties of the Modified E-cigarette Evaluation Questionnaire (MECEQ) were evaluated for use with AYAs.

Aims and Methods
Nine hundred and ninety-seven AYAs who endorsed using nicotine e-cigarettes at least 4 days per week completed an anonymous, online survey in 2022 (51.1% male; 17.39 [1.88] years old; 33.9% Hispanic; 68% White). Analyses included factor analysis to determine the latent structure of the MECEQ, internal consistency, measurement invariance, between-group differences, and test-criterion relationships with vaping frequency and dependence.

Results
The originally proposed, five-factor structure and a novel four-factor structure were supported, and each subscale was internally consistent. Both models reached scalar invariance for all participant subgroups tested (eg, sex and daily vaping status), and several between-group differences were observed. For instance, compared to less frequent vaping, daily vaping was associated with increased craving reduction (five-factor), reduced stimulant effects (four-factor), and reduced Aversion (five-factor; four-factor). Adjusted relationships between both MECEQ versions and vaping frequency and dependence provided evidence of concurrent validity.

Conclusions
Similar to adults, a five-factor and four-factor version of the MECEQ were supported and evidenced internal consistency, scalar measurement invariance, and concurrent relationships with vaping frequency and dependence. Moving forward, researchers are encouraged to include the MECEQ in future studies to better understand the importance of subjective response in AYA vaping behavior.

Implications
The Modified E-cigarette Evaluation Questionnaire (MCEQ), an e-cigarette-adapted version of the Modified Cigarette Evaluation Questionnaire (MCEQ), recently was validated to assess subjective e-cigarette effects among adults. Here, we demonstrate that the MECEQ can be used among AYAs. The MECEQ can be scored using the original, five-factor MCEQ structure or using a novel, four-factor structure. Both versions were internally consistent, reached scalar measurement invariance, and evidenced concurrent relationships with vaping frequency and dependence. In sum, this study provides the field with the first psychometrically sound measure of the subjective effects of e-cigarette use for use with AYAs.
Shallow Meritocracy
Authors: Andre Peter 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Meritocracies aspire to reward hard work and promise not to judge individuals by the circumstances into which they were born. However, circumstances often shape the choice to work hard. I show that people’s merit judgments are “shallow” and insensitive to this effect. They hold others responsible for their choices, even if these choices have been shaped by unequal circumstances. In an experiment, U.S. participants judge how much money workers deserve for the effort they exert. Unequal circumstances disadvantage some workers and discourage them from working hard. Nonetheless, participants reward the effort of disadvantaged and advantaged workers identically, regardless of the circumstances under which choices are made. For some participants, this reflects their fundamental view regarding fair rewards. For others, the neglect results from the uncertain counterfactual. They understand that circumstances shape choices but do not correct for this because the counterfactual—what would have happened under equal circumstances—remains uncertain.
Disparities in Indications and Outcomes Reporting for Spinal Column Shortening for Tethered Cord Syndrome
Authors: Findlay Matthew C. , Tenhoeve Samuel A. , Johansen Chase M. , Kelly Michael P. , Newton Peter O. , Iyer Rajiv R. , Kestle John R.W. , Gonda David D. , Brockmeyer Douglas L. , Ravindra Vijay M. 
Published: April 2024

Study Design.
Systematic review.

Objective.
To identify commonly reported indications and outcomes in spinal column shortening (SCS) procedures.

Background.
SCS is a surgical procedure used in patients with tethered cord syndrome—characterized by abnormal attachment of neural components to surrounding tissues—to shorten the vertebral column, release tension on the spinal cord/neural elements, and alleviate associated symptoms.

Patients and Methods.
PubMed and EMBASE searches captured SCS literature published between 1950 and 2023. Prospective/retrospective cohort studies and case series were included without age limit or required follow-up period. Review articles without new patient presentations, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, conference abstracts, and letters were excluded. Studies included adult and pediatric patients.

Results.
The 29 identified studies represented 278 patients (aged 5–76 yr). In 24.1% of studies, patients underwent primary tethered cord syndrome intervention through SCS. In 41.4% of studies, patients underwent SCS after failed previous primary detethering (24.1% of studies were mixed and 10.3% were unspecified). The most commonly reported nongenitourinary/bowel surgical indications were back pain (55.2%), lower-extremity pain (48.3%), lower-extremity weakness (48.3%), lower-extremity numbness (34.5%), and lower-extremity motor dysfunction (34.5%). Genitourinary/bowel symptoms were most often described as nonspecific bladder dysfunction (58.6%), bladder incontinence (34.5%), and bowel dysfunction (31.0%). After SCS, nongenitourinary/bowel outcomes included lower-extremity pain (44.8%), back pain (31.0%), and lower-extremity sensory and motor function (both 31.0%). Bladder dysfunction (79.3%), bowel dysfunction (34.5%), and bladder incontinence (13.8%) were commonly reported genitourinary/bowel outcomes. In total, 40 presenting surgical indication categories and 33 unique outcome measures were reported across studies. Seventeen of the 278 patients (6.1%) experienced a complication.

Conclusion.
The SCS surgical literature displays variability in operative indications and postoperative outcomes. The lack of common reporting mechanisms impedes higher-level analysis. A standardized outcomes measurement tool, encompassing both patient-reported outcome measures and objective metrics, is necessary.

Level of Evidence.
Level IV.
An assessment of the mediating role of hypertension in the effect of long-term air pollution exposure on dementia
Authors: Libby Tanya E. , Ilango Sindana D. , Leary Cindy S. , Semmens Erin O. , Adam Claire E. , Fitzpatrick Annette L. , Kaufman Joel D. , Hajat Anjum 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Growing evidence links air pollution exposure to the risk of dementia. We hypothesized that hypertension may partially mediate this effect.

Methods:
We previously documented an association between air pollution and dementia in the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory Study, a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 3069 adults ≥75 years across four US sites who were evaluated for dementia every 6 months from 2000–2008. We utilized a two-stage regression approach for causal mediation analysis to decompose the total effect of air pollution on dementia into its natural direct and indirect effect through prevalent hypertension. Exposure to air pollution in the 10 or 20 years before enrollment was assigned using estimates from fine-scale spatial-temporal models for PM2.5, PM10, and NO2. We used Poisson regression models for hypertension and Cox proportional hazard models for time-to-incident all-cause dementia, adjusting for a priori confounders.

Results:
Participants were free of mild cognitive impairment at baseline (n = 2564 included in analyses); 69% had prevalent hypertension at baseline. During follow-up, 12% developed all-cause dementia (Alzheimer’s disease [AD] = 212; vascular dementia with or without AD [VaD/AD mixed] = 97). We did not find an adverse effect of any air pollutant on hypertension. Hypertension was associated with VaD/AD mixed (HR, 1.92 [95% CI = 1.14, 3.24]) but not AD. We did not observe mediation through hypertension for the effect of any pollutant on dementia outcomes.

Conclusions:
The lack of mediated effect may be due to other mechanistic pathways and the minimal effect of air pollution on hypertension in this cohort of older adults.
Diagnostic performance of EUS-guided tissue acquisition for solid pancreatic lesions ≤10 mm
Authors: Kawasaki Yuki , Hijioka Susumu , Nagashio Yoshikuni , Ohba Akihiro , Maruki Yuta , Takeshita Kotaro , Takasaki Tetsuro , Agarie Daiki , Hagiwara Yuya , Hara Hidenobu , Okamoto Kohei , Yamashige Daiki , Kondo Shunsuke , Morizane Chigusa , Ueno Hideki , Mizui Takahiro , Takamoto Takeshi , Nara Satoshi , Ban Daisuke , Esaki Minoru , Saito Yutaka , Hiraoka Nobuyoshi , Okusaka Takuji 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives
EUS tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) is the standard diagnostic method for solid pancreatic lesions (SPLs); however, there are few reports on EUS-TA results for SPLs ≤10 mm. Furthermore, given the recent advent of fine-needle biopsy, the current diagnostic accuracy of EUS-TA for SPLs ≤10 mm is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and efficacy of EUS-TA for SPLs ≤10 mm.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the data of 109 patients with SPLs ≤10 mm who underwent EUS-TA. All patients underwent rapid on-site specimen evaluation.

Results
The median tumor diameter was 8 mm (range, 2.5–10 mm), and the technical success rate was 99.1% (108/109). Adverse events were observed in 3 patients (2.8%). The diagnostic performance was as follows: sensitivity, 90.1% (64/71); specificity, 97.3% (36/37); accuracy, 92.6% (100/108); positive predictive value, 98.5% (64/65); and negative predictive value, 83.7% (36/43). Multivariate analysis revealed that the number of punctures (odds ratio, 7.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.32–37.5; P = 0.023) and tumor type (odds ratio, 11.90; 95% confidence interval, 1.38–102.0; P = 0.024) were independent risk factors for inaccurate EUS-TA results. The diagnostic accuracy of EUS-TA for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was 87.5% (14/16). No EUS-TA–related needle-tract seeding was observed in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma during the observation period.

Conclusions
EUS-TA for SPLs ≤10 mm showed adequate diagnostic accuracy and was safe for use with rapid on-site specimen evaluation in all cases.
New-onset diabetes is a predictive risk factor for pancreatic lesions in high-risk individuals: An observational cohort study
Authors: Baydogan Seyda , Mohindroo Chirayu , Hasanov Merve , Montiel Maria F. , Quesada Pompeyo , Cazacu Irina M. , Luzuriaga Chavez Adrianna A. , Mork Maureen E. , Dong Wenli , Feng Lei , You Y. Nancy , Arun Banu , Vilar Eduardo , Brown Powel , Katz Matthew H. G. , Chari Suresh T. , Maitra Anirban , Tamm Eric P. , Kim Michael P. , Bhutani Manoop S. , McAllister Florencia 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the third cause of cancer-related deaths. Early detection and interception of premalignant pancreatic lesions represent a promising strategy to improve outcomes. We evaluated risk factors of focal pancreatic lesions (FPLs) in asymptomatic individuals at hereditary high risk for PC.

Methods
This is an observational single-institution cohort study conducted over a period of 5 years. Surveillance was performed through imaging studies (EUS or magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) and serum biomarkers. We collected demographic characteristics and used univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to evaluate associations between potential risk factors and odd ratios (ORs) for FPL development.

Results
A total of 205 patients completed baseline screening. Patients were followed up to 53 months. We detected FPL in 37 patients (18%) at baseline; 2 patients had lesions progression during follow-up period, 1 of them to PC. Furthermore, 13 patients developed new FPLs during the follow-up period. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that new-onset diabetes (NOD) is strongly associated with the presence of FPL (OR, 10.94 [95% confidence interval, 3.01–51.79; P < 0.001]; OR, 9.98 [95% confidence interval, 2.15–46.33; P = 0.003]). Follow-up data analysis revealed that NOD is also predictive of lesions progression or development of new lesions during screening (26.7% vs. 2.6%; P = 0.005).

Conclusions
In a PC high-risk cohort, NOD is significantly associated with presence of FPL at baseline and predictive of lesions progression or new lesions during surveillance.
Closing the care gap: combining enhanced recovery with minimally invasive valve surgery
Authors: Gregory Alexander J. , Kent William D.T. , Adams Corey , Arora Rakesh C. 
Published: April 2024

Purpose of review
Patients with advanced age and frailty require interventions for structural heart disease at an increasing rate. These patients typically experience higher rates of postoperative morbidity, mortality and prolonged hospital length of stay, loss of independence as well as associated increased costs to the healthcare system. Therefore, it is becoming critically important to raise awareness and develop strategies to improve clinical outcomes in the contemporary, high-risk patient population undergoing cardiac
procedures.

Recent findings
Percutaneous options for structural heart disease have dramatically improved the therapeutic options for some older, frail, high-risk patients; however, others may still require cardiac surgery. Minimally invasive techniques can reduce some of the physiologic burden experienced by patients undergoing surgery and improve recovery. Enhanced Recovery After Cardiac Surgery (ERAS Cardiac) is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, evidence-based approach to perioperative care. It has been shown to improve recovery and patient satisfaction while reducing complications and length of stay.

Summary
Combining minimally invasive cardiac surgery with enhanced recovery protocols may result in improved patient outcomes for a patient population at high risk of morbidity and mortality following cardiac surgery.