bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D printed electrolyte-supported solid oxide cells based on Ytterbium-doped scandia-stabilized zirconia
Authors: Márquez Santiago , Anelli Simone , Nuñez Marc , Lira Maritta , Maria Asensio Antonio , Torrell Marc , Tarancón Albert
Published: December 2023

Solid oxide cells (SOC) are an efficient and cost-effective energy conversion technology able to operate reversibly in fuel cell and electrolysis mode. Electrolyte-supported SOC have been recently fabricated employing 3D printing to generate unique geometries with never-explored capabilities. However, the use of the state-of-the-art electrolyte based on yttria-stabilized zirconia limits the current performance of such printed devices due to a limited oxide-ion conductivity. In the last years, alternative electrolytes such as scandia-stabilized zirconia (ScSZ) became more popular to increase the performance of electrolyte-supported cells. In this work, stereolithography 3D printing of Ytterbium-doped ScSZ was developed to fabricate SOC with planar and corrugated architectures. Symmetrical and full cells with about 250 μm- thick electrolytes were fabricated and electrochemically characterized using impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic studies. Maximum power density of 500 mW cm−2 in fuel cell mode and an injected current of 1 A cm−2 at 1.3 V in electrolysis mode, both measured at 900 °C, were obtained demonstrating the feasibility of 3D printing for the fabrication of high-performance electrolyte-supported SOC. This, together with excellent stability proved for more than 350 h of operation, opens a new scenario for using complex-shaped SOC in real applications.
Exponential fast terminal sliding mode based finite-time control of manipulator systems
Authors: Zheng Zaihong , Li Ping
Published: December 2023

A finite-time controller is designed based on an exponential fast terminal sliding mode for multi-joint manipulators, which solves the problem of slow convergence in trajectory tracking. By adding an exponential function on the basis of fast terminal sliding mode, the convergence speed is greatly improved. In addition, a new fast variable power reaching law is designed to reduce the chattering problem. The approaching speed is adjusted by changing the size of the power term adaptively in different stages of the approximation, so that the states of the system enter the sliding mode surface faster and more stablely. The controller realizes the finite-time trajectory tracking of the manipulator, shorens the convergence time and weakens the chattering frequency. Finally, the above views are verified by simulation and comparison experiments.
New multilayer film photonic crystal grating multilayer anti-reflection layer for visible-near-infrared solar cells
Authors: Chenghao Zhan , Jun Cai , Yapeng Jia , Wenchao Shi
Published: December 2023

In this paper, a new anti-reflection layer(ARL) is designed by the finite element method, which is made of parabolic air slots with periodic distribution etched on a multilayer film structure with optimized thickness. The effective transmissivity in the 400–1450 nm band is formulated in conjunction with the AM1.5 solar spectrum, and the effects of the air slot depth (H), depth-to-width ratio, and the size of a period (T) on the transmissivity of the ARL are investigated separately. By optimizing the structural parameters, a new type of ARL with H = 310 nm and T = 105 nm acting in the 400–1450 nm waveband was obtained. The transmissivity of this stacked structure ARL is improved and the stability of the transmission effect in the full waveband is enhanced compared to the conventional membrane structure and the emerging micro-nano-optical structure. The effective transmissivity of this multilayer film photonic crystal grating ARL is calculated to be 98.43% in the operating full waveband (400–1450nm) of the Si-0.86 eV PbS double-junction solar cell. The transmissivity is higher than 93.83% of multilayer film ARL and 97.13% of TiO2 grating ARL.
Numerical and experimental investigations on AA6063 extrudates: effect of number of portholes on extrusion load and weld strength
Authors: Ammu V N S U Viswanath , Padole Pramod , Agnihotri Anupam , Dumpala Ravikumar
Published: December 2023

In aluminium extrusion process, metal flow is greatly controlled by the die geometry and a variety of intricate profiles can be achieved by designing dies of different configurations. In porthole die extrusion, number of portholes used for a profile is often determined by the subjective knowledge of designers. Nevertheless, extrusion load and weld strength of profile produced are not only dependent on extrusion ratio, temperature of deformation but also on the number of portholes along with other die geometry variables. In the present investigation, systematic studies were carried out on three different dies with four ports, three and two ports around die center to extrude profiles of outer diameter 29.4 mm and thickness 2 mm. Numerical simulations were carried out for estimation of pressure, temperature, strain, and strain rate parameters in the weld chamber for all the dies, followed by press trials and profiles produced were subjected to wedge expansion test. The results from numerical simulations indicated that pressure generated inside weld chamber increases with number of portholes. The surface plots indicated highest pressure of about 280 MPa for four port hole and about 276 MPa for three ports die and pressure of about 160 MPa was estimated for two port hole die at the entry of weld chamber , which is 65 mm from profile end. Similarly, temperature at profile exit was 551 °C for four portholes die and 546 °C for three portholes die and 537 °C for two portholes die. Furthermore, press trials indicated peak extrusion loads of 5241 kN, 4406 kN and 3961 kN respectively for four, three and two portholes die. Thus, the peak extrusion load decreased by about 16% for three port and about 25% for two ports die in comparison with four port die. Also, the extruded profiles in wedge expansion test indicated mean compression load of 22.70 ± 0.14 kN in four porthole die, mean compression load 22.29 ± 0.26 kN for three port die and mean compression load of 17.841 ± 0.27 kN.
‘United we stand, divided we fall’: intertwining as evidence of joint actions in pea plants
Authors: Bonato Bianca , Wang Qiuran , Guerra Silvia , Simonetti Valentina , Bulgheroni Maria , Quaggiotti Silvia , Ruperti Benedetto , Castiello Umberto
Published: December 2023

In life, it is common for almost every kind of organism to interact with one another. In the human realm, such interactions are at the basis of joint actions, when two or more agents syntonize their actions to achieve a common goal. Shared intentionality is the theoretical construct referring to the suite of abilities that enable such coordinated and collaborative interactions. While shared intentionality has become an important concept in research on social cognition, there is controversy surrounding its evolutionary origins. An aspect still unexplored but promising to bring new insights into this open debate is the study of aneural organisms. To fill this gap, here we investigate whether climbing plants can act jointly to achieve a common goal, i.e. reaching the light. We examined Pisum Sativum plants growing intertwined when there is a need to climb but a potential support is not present in the environment. Three-dimensional kinematic analysis of their movement revealed a coordinated and complementary behaviour. They tend to coordinate their movement in time and space to achieve a joint climbing. By deliberately extending the context in which a joint action takes place, we pay tribute to the complex nature of this social phenomenon. The next challenge for the field of joint action is to generate a perspective that links coordination mechanisms to an evolutionary framework across taxa.
Social ties, trust and the geography of discontent
Authors: McKay Lawrence , Jennings Will , Stoker Gerry
Published: December 2023

Alongside economic factors, regional variation in trust reflects the structure of social ties available to different regions. We support this claim by linking cross-national survey data from 22 countries in the European Social Survey with data on Facebook friendships. Regions with more local (within-region) connections exhibit lower political trust, but higher levels of (particular) social trust. Those regions with more social ties to national capitals and urban centres exhibit higher levels of political trust but lower (particular) social trust. Social ties to power centres support the creation of political trust and their absence limits it.
Clinical Dataset Classification Using Feature Ranking And Satin Bower Bird Optimized SVMs
Authors: K S Navin , Nehemiah H Khanna , Jane Nancy Y , Arputharaj Kannan
Published: December 2023

A clinical decision support system is a computer-based system that is designed to assist healthcare providers with clinical decision-making by analyzing electronic health records and other healthcare information systems to provide real-time support to clinicians at the point of care. A novel classification framework for clinical datasets in which the relevant features are selected by ranking them based on Fisher’s Score and a wrapper-based Satin Bower Bird Optimization algorithm with the combination of accuracy, G-mean and F-Score measured by support vector machine (SVM) as the fitness function is proposed. The classification is performed using an SVM classifier in which the hyperparameters of the SVM classifier are optimized using the Satin Bower Bird Optimization that improves the classification performance. In the context of statistical analysis, the research undergoes a non-parametric Friedman Test. This study selects relevant attributes from three clinical datasets from the Machine Learning Repository maintained by the University of California Irvine and achieved an accuracy of 86% for the Breast Cancer Wisconsin (Diagnostic) dataset, 89% for the Diabetic Retinopathy Debrecen dataset, and 91% for the EEG Eye State dataset respectively. When compared with other machine learning classifiers the proposed approach performed well with feature selection compared with other machine learning classifiers.
Strongly Menger Connectedness of a Class of Recursive Networks
Authors: Wang Yihong , Cheng Baolei , Wang Yan , Yu Jia , Fan Jianxi
Published: December 2023

According to Menger’s theorem, connectivity and edge connectivity are closely related to node-disjoint paths and edge-disjoint paths, respectively. Node- and edge-disjoint paths can keep the effective transmission of information and confidentiality. Therefore, node-disjoint paths and edge-disjoint paths are two important parameters to measure the reliability of a network. For a faulty node (resp. edge) set $S\subset V$ (resp. $S\subset E$), a connected graph $G=(V,E)$ is $S$-strongly Menger-node-connected (resp. Menger-edge-connected) if any two distinct nodes $x$ and $y$ in $G-S$ are connected by $\min \{\deg _{G-S}(x),\deg _{G-S}(y)\}$ internally node-disjoint (resp. edge-disjoint) paths in $G-S$, where $\deg _{G-S}(x)$ and $\deg _{G-S}(y)$ are the degrees of $x$ and $y$ in $G-S$, respectively. And most of the previous studies are based on networks that are triangle-free. In this paper, we consider the strongly Menger (edge) connectedness of a class of $r$-dimensional recursive networks RNCG $G_{r}$ with triangles. Moreover, we show that $G_{r}$ is $(rl-l-1)$-strongly Menger-node-connected. And then we show that $G_{r}$ is $[k+(r-1)l-2]$-strongly Menger-edge-connected of order 1 and $[2k+2(r-1)l-6]$-strongly Menger-edge-connected of order 2. Since the class of $r$-dimensional recursive networks RNCG $G_{r}$ includes not only data center networks DCell and generalized DCell but also interconnection network dragonfly, etc., all the results are appropriate for these networks.
Lycanthropus adulescens: the classical element in MTV’s Teen Wolf (2011–17)
Authors: Martínez Jiménez Javier
Published: December 2023

The adaptation of elements of Greek and Roman myth and folklore is a recurrent aspect of late-twentieth- and early-twenty-first-century fiction on page and screen. These elements are usually presented alongside other mythologies and serve to add depth and veracity to the world-building. This is no different in Teen Wolf, an MTV show that focused on Scott McCall’s journey through lycanthropy. However, in most modern fiction the classical element is one of many sources used in in-story world-building. This paper will present the many examples of the use of classical elements in Teen Wolf, including: the way the werewolves are presented as Lycaon’s descendants and with elements common to Roman versipelles, the way the classical past (historic, folkloric, mythic) is included as part of the intradiegetic lore, and how the show itself is built following ancient epic patterns with classical paradigms as points of reference.
Characterization of genomic regions escaping epigenetic reprogramming in sheep
Authors: Braz Camila U , Passamonti Matilde Maria , Khatib Hasan
Published: December 2023

The mammalian genome undergoes two global epigenetic reprogramming events during the establishment of primordial germ cells and in the pre-implantation embryo after fertilization. These events involve the erasure and re-establishment of DNA methylation marks. However, imprinted genes and transposable elements (TEs) maintain their DNA methylation signatures to ensure normal embryonic development and genome stability. Despite extensive research in mice and humans, there is limited knowledge regarding environmentally induced epigenetic marks that escape epigenetic reprogramming in other species. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the characteristics and locations of genomic regions that evade epigenetic reprogramming in sheep, as well as to explore the biological functions of the genes within these regions. In a previous study, we identified 107 transgenerationally inherited differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs) in the F1 and F2 generations in response to a paternal methionine–supplemented diet. These DMCs were found in TEs, non-repetitive regions, and imprinted and non-imprinted genes. Our findings suggest that genomic regions, rather than TEs and imprinted genes, have the propensity to escape reprogramming and serve as potential candidates for transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. Notably, 34 transgenerational methylated genes influenced by paternal nutrition escaped reprogramming, impacting growth, development, male fertility, cardiac disorders, and neurodevelopment. Intriguingly, among these genes, 21 have been associated with neural development and brain disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disease, and intellectual disability. This suggests a potential genetic overlap between brain and infertility disorders. Overall, our study supports the concept of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of environmentally induced marks in mammals.
Cardiac structure, function, and coronary anatomy 10 years after isolated contemporary adjuvant radiotherapy in breast cancer patients with low cardiovascular baseline risk
Authors: Krug Pauline , Geets Xavier , Berlière Martine , Duhoux François , Beauloye Christophe , Pasquet Agnès , Vancraeynest David , Pouleur Anne-Catherine , Gerber Bernhard L
Published: December 2023

Aims

The effects of isolated contemporary low-dose breast cancer (BC) radiotherapy (RT) on the heart remain poorly understood. This study aims to assess the long-term impacts of BC-RT on cardiac structure and function.

Methods and results

Seventy-six women (62 ± 7 years) without history of prior heart disease, who had undergone RT for either first left (n = 36) or right (n = 40) BC, without additional medical oncology therapy apart from hormonal treatment 11 ± 1 years earlier, underwent transthoracic echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA), NT-proBNP, and a 6-min walk test (6MWT). They were compared with 54 age-matched healthy female controls. By CTCA, 68% of BC patients exhibited no or very mild coronary disease, while only 11% had moderate stenosis (50–69%) and 3% had significant stenosis (>70%). Despite slightly reduced regional echocardiographic midventricular strains, BC patients exhibited similar global left and right ventricular volumes, ejection fractions, and global strains by echocardiography and CMR as controls. Mitral E/e′ ratios were slightly higher, and mitral deceleration times were slightly lower, but NT-proBNP was similar to controls. Also, 6MWT was normal. None had late gadolinium enhancement, and extracellular volume fraction was similar in BC (28 ± 3 vs. 29 ± 3, P = 0.15) and controls. No differences were observed relative to dose or side of RT.

Conclusion

Aside from minor alterations of regional strains and diastolic parameters, women who received isolated RT for BC had low prevalence of coronary disease, normal global systolic function, NT-proBNP, and exercise capacity and showed no structural changes by CMR, refuting significant long-term cardiotoxicity in such low-risk patients.
Long-term physical activity time-in-target range in young adults with cardiovascular events in later life
Authors: Huang Zihao , Huang Rihua , Xu Xinghao , Fan Ziyan , Xiong Zhenyu , Liang Qi , Guo Yue , Liao Xinxue , Zhuang Xiaodong
Published: December 2023

Aims

Achieving at least 150 min per week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA) is a ‘Class I, A level’ recommendation for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, long-term PA is a complex behaviour and varied by lifetime, which was insufficiently reflected by the current studies. This study used time-in-target range (TTR) to measure the long-term PA level during young adulthood and investigated its relationship with cardiovascular events in later life.

Methods and results

Participants in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study were recruited (n = 2902) and allocated into four groups by PA TTR: <25% (n = 1028), 25 to <50% (n = 444), 50 to <75% (n = 424), 75 to 100% (n = 1006). TTR was estimated with linear interpolation across the first 15 years. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular events. The mean (SD) age after the exposure period was 40.3 (3.6) years. After a median follow-up for an additional 18.9 years, the participants with a TTR of at least 75% had a 40% lower risk of the primary outcome (HR: 0.60; 95%CI: 0.38 to 0.95) compared with the lowest TTR group. Each 1-SD increase in TTR was also significantly associated with a 21% decreased risk of the primary outcome (HR: 0.79; 95%CI: 0.65–0.97).

Conclusion

Increasing PA is essential in young adulthood. In young adults, maintaining long-term guidelines-recommended PA levels may help to lower the risk of cardiovascular events in later life. Maintaining the guidelines-recommended PA level for at least 75% of time across young adulthood may be preferable.
QTL mapping reveals novel genes and mechanisms underlying variations in H2S production during alcoholic fermentation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: De Guidi Irene , Serre Céline , Noble Jessica , Ortiz-Julien Anne , Blondin Bruno , Legras Jean-Luc
Published: December 2023

Saccharomyces cerevisiae requirement for reduced sulfur to synthesize methionine and cysteine during alcoholic fermentation, is mainly fulfilled through the sulfur assimilation pathway. Saccharomyces cerevisiae reduces sulfate into sulfur dioxide (SO2) and sulfide (H2S), whose overproduction is a major issue in winemaking, due to its negative impact on wine aroma. The amount of H2S produced is highly strain-specific and also depends on SO2 concentration, often added to grape must. Applying a bulk segregant analysis to a 96-strain-progeny derived from two strains with different abilities to produce H2S, and comparing allelic frequencies along the genome of pools of segregants producing contrasting H2S quantities, we identified two causative regions involved in H2S production in the presence of SO2. A functional genetic analysis allowed the identification of variants in four genes able to impact H2S formation, viz; ZWF1, ZRT2, SNR2, and YLR125W, and involved in functions and pathways not associated with sulfur metabolism until now. These data point out that, in wine fermentation conditions, redox status, and zinc homeostasis are linked to H2S formation while providing new insights into the regulation of H2S production, and a new vision of the interplay between the sulfur assimilation pathway and cell metabolism.
The chemistry, stability and health effects of phenolic compounds in cultivated hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida var. major): a review
Authors: Shu Xipan , Zhang Wenna , Liu Yilong , Ye Xingqian , Chen Kunsong , Li Xian , Cao Yunlin
Published: December 2023

Cultivated hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida var. major), the principal cultivated hawthorn species in China, is rich in phenolic compounds. These phytochemicals are considered essential bioactive ingredients in different organs of cultivated hawthorn, contributing to its health effects. However, there is lack of a comprehensive review that systematically summarizes the chemistry, health effects, and stability of phenolic substances. This review summarizes recent progress in the characterization, classification, and distribution of phenolic compounds in C. pinnatifida var. major, including procyanidins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, and others. Importantly, the stability of these compounds was found to be influenced by factors such as the hawthorn development process, postharvest storage, postharvest processing, and the gastrointestinal tract environment. Additionally, the health effects of phenolic compounds in cultivated hawthorn and their underlying mechanisms were discussed. This review provides valuable insights into the utilization of hawthorn resources and the development of the hawthorn industry.
A high-quality reference genome for the common creek chub, Semotilus atromaculatus
Authors: Meuser Amanda V , Pitura Amy R , Mandeville Elizabeth G
Published: December 2023

Creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus) is a leuciscid minnow species commonly found in anthropogenically disturbed environments, making it an excellent model organism to study human impacts on aquatic systems. Genomic resources for creek chub and other leuciscid species are currently limited. However, advancements in DNA sequencing now allow us to create genomic resources at a historically low cost. Here, we present a high quality, 239 contig reference genome for the common creek chub, created with PacBio HiFi sequencing. We compared the assembly quality of two pipelines: Pacific Biosciences’ Improved Phase Assembly (873 contigs) and Hifiasm (239 contigs). Quality and completeness of this genome is comparable to the zebrafish (Danioninae) and fathead minnow (Leuciscidae) genomes. The creek chub genome is highly syntenic to the zebrafish and fathead minnow genomes, and while our assembly does not resolve into the expected 25 chromosomes, synteny with zebrafish suggests that each creek chub chromosome is likely represented by 1–4 large contigs in our assembly. This reference genome is a valuable resource that will enhance genomic biodiversity studies of creek chub and other nonmodel leuciscid species common to disturbed environments.
Genealogical Analyses of 3 Cultivated and 1 Wild Specimen of Vitis vinifera from Greece
Authors: Srivastava Rachita , Bazakos Christos , Tsachaki Maroussa , Žanko Danijela , Kalantidis Kriton , Tsiantis Miltos , Laurent Stefan
Published: December 2023

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) has been an important crop with considerable cultural and economic significance for over 2,500 years, and Greece has been an important entry point into Europe for lineages that were domesticated in Western Asia and the Caucasus. However, whole-genome-based investigation of the demographic history of Greek cultivars relative to other European lineages has only started recently. To understand how Greek cultivars relate to Eurasian domesticated and wild populations, we sequenced 3 iconic domesticated strains (‘Xinomavro,’ ‘Agiorgitiko,’ ‘Mavrotragano’) along with 1 wild accession (the vinetree of Pausanias—a historically important wild specimen) and analyzed their genomic diversity together with a large sample of publicly available domesticated and wild strains. We also reconstructed genealogies by leveraging the powerful tsinfer methodology which has not previously been used in this system. We show that cultivated strains from Greece differ genetically from other strains in Europe. Interestingly, all the 3 cultivated Greek strains clustered with cultivated and wild accessions from Transcaucasia, South Asia, and the Levant and are amongst the very few cultivated European strains belonging to this cluster. Furthermore, our results indicate that ‘Xinomavro’ shares close genealogical proximity with European elite cultivars such as ‘Chardonnay,’ ‘Riesling,’ and ‘Gamay’ but not ‘Pinot.’ Therefore, the proximity of ‘Xinomavro’ to Gouais/Heunisch Weiss is confirmed and the utility of ancestral recombination graph reconstruction approaches to study genealogical relationships in crops is highlighted.
Bone morphogenetic protein signaling: the pathway and its regulation
Authors: Akiyama Takuya , Raftery Laurel A , Wharton Kristi A
Published: December 2023

In the mid-1960s, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) were first identified in the extracts of bone to have the remarkable ability to induce heterotopic bone. When the Drosophila gene decapentaplegic (dpp) was first identified to share sequence similarity with mammalian BMP2/BMP4 in the late-1980s, it became clear that secreted BMP ligands can mediate processes other than bone formation. Following this discovery, collaborative efforts between Drosophila geneticists and mammalian biochemists made use of the strengths of their respective model systems to identify BMP signaling components and delineate the pathway. The ability to conduct genetic modifier screens in Drosophila with relative ease was critical in identifying the intracellular signal transducers for BMP signaling and the related transforming growth factor-beta/activin signaling pathway. Such screens also revealed a host of genes that encode other core signaling components and regulators of the pathway. In this review, we provide a historical account of this exciting time of gene discovery and discuss how the field has advanced over the past 30 years. We have learned that while the core BMP pathway is quite simple, composed of 3 components (ligand, receptor, and signal transducer), behind the versatility of this pathway lies multiple layers of regulation that ensures precise tissue-specific signaling output. We provide a sampling of these discoveries and highlight many questions that remain to be answered to fully understand the complexity of BMP signaling.
The Impact of Everyday ICT Use on Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults in China: A Subjective Social Status Perspective
Authors: Mu Aruhan , Hong Ziying , Wu Xiang
Published: December 2023

Objectives

While numerous studies have highlighted the positive effects of everyday information and communication technology (EICT) use among older adults, emerging evidence signals potential detriments to mental health, particularly among younger demographics. This study aims to examine the effect of EICT on depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults. We hypothesize that EICT use among older adults will contribute to higher amounts of depressive symptoms, mediated by a decline in subjective social status.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal mediation analysis with data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), a nationally representative survey. A total of 3,234 older adults aged 60 years and older were selected from Wave 2016 (T1), Wave 2018 (T2), and Wave 2020 (T3) of the CFPS. Structural equation modeling was used to construct complete longitudinal path model.

Results

EICT use at T1 predicted a decline in subjective social status at T2 (β = −0.215, p = .001), which in turn predicted higher depressive symptoms at T3 (β = −0.375, p = .005). The mediating effect of subjective social status was statistically supported (indirect effect 0.081, p = .042).

Discussion

We reveal the potential negative impact of EICT use among older adults and its underlying mechanism. It lays the groundwork for the formulation of relevant public health initiatives, critical for stemming and mitigating the burgeoning incidence of depressive symptoms within China’s aging population.
SECONDARY SCHOOL CURRICULAR RIGOR AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION AT AGE 81
Authors: Moorman Sara
Published: December 2023

A current goal is to identify how and for whom years of educational attainment translate into high cognitive function in later life. Recent work has found effects of school quality factors such as teacher experience and racial integration of schools. In this project, I examine secondary school curriculum. Not only is there variation in curriculum across school districts, but also adolescents within a single secondary school select different courses. Curricular opportunities and selections may change the developing brain in lasting ways, and/or may place the student on a path towards future academic and career opportunities that shape risk and resilience. I hypothesize that a rigorous secondary school curriculum positions students to attend college, which in turn promotes lifelong cognitive health. I tested this hypothesis by estimating multilevel structural equation models in data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS), which follows a randomly-selected one-third of all students who graduated from Wisconsin high schools in 1957 (N = 10,317). I created a latent measure of curricular rigor out of participants’ highest secondary school math course and number of semesters of English, science, and foreign language. In 2020 (most participants were age 81), participants completed a phone-based cognitive screening (Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-Modified; TICS-m). Net of school-level factors, parental socioeconomic status, and academic achievement, higher curricular rigor predicted higher cognitive function at age 81. Educational attainment significantly mediated this effect, and a significant direct effect also remained. Both educational attainment and curricular rigor are desirable targets for policy interventions.
“AH, A PROGRAM FOR FORMER CAREGIVERS. WHAT A GREAT IDEA! WHY DON’T YOU START SOMETHING?”
Authors: Fairbanks Sheryl , Wolfe Warren , Millenbah Ashley , Frazier Robbin , Baker Zachary
Published: December 2023

Sheryl Fairbanks and Warren Wolfe had insight into the experiences of bereaved dementia caregivers, having cared for four parents, two of whom had dementia, who all died within 14 months of each other after 12 years of care. After taking some time to grieve and settling an entire generation’s estates, Ms. Fairbanks and Mr. Wolfe sought resources to help them re-engage in life following caregiving. Here they were uniquely qualified to find what resources might exist. Mr. Wolfe had been a newspaper reporter and editor for four decades. Two of these decades were spent covering aging and in 2010 he was a member of the GSA Journalists in Aging Fellows Program. Likewise, Ms. Fairbanks attended GSA in 2015 as a journalist and editor as they contacted experts across the country seeking resources for bereaved dementia caregivers. While many sympathized with the need for such resources, few could be found, and it was suggested that maybe Mr. Wolfe and Ms. Fairbanks ought to create a group to help bereaved dementia caregivers figure out what was next after caregiving. In 2016 they created the Former Dementia Caregiver Re-Entry Initiative, which has helped more than 60 members figure out the next steps for themselves, re-engaging with life after caregiving. They have talked about hundreds of topics, laughed a lot, cried at times, disclosed deep fears, shared small and big discoveries about themselves, and generally have found a firmer footing as they have embarked on this new journey.
THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MEDICAL MARIJUANA USE AND DIVIDED ATTENTION ON A SIMULATED DRIVING PERFORMANCE TASK
Authors: Ennis Nicole , Dunleavy Daniel , Kloss Katie , Stetten Nichole , Classen Sherrilene
Published: December 2023

Driving is a complex and dynamic task requiring divided attention (DA), awareness of the traffic and surroundings while focusing on critical stimulus. The goal of this project was to examine the relationship between medical marijuana use and divided attention in adults 50 and older during a simulated driving performance task. We recruited adults 50 and older (N=20) pre-exposure to medical marijuana and followed them for the first 3 months of use. Driving performance was examined at baseline (pre-exposure to medical marijuana) and 1-month post medical marijuana exposure During a driving performance identification task that appeared in central or peripheral vision during the simulated drive, DA was assessed as a triangle that appeared on screen at pre-programmed intervals to which participants were required to press a button on the dashboard in response. Results showed that at 1-month post-medical marijuana initiation the 7-day pattern of use could be classified as light, moderate, or heavy. Further, there was a trend of improved performance among medical marijuana users 50 and older with moderate to heavy use having the best performance on the DA. We attribute these findings to the stimulant properties of medical marijuana and improved sleep reported by participants.
USE OF EYE TRACKING TECHNOLOGY TO DETECT MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Kennedy Quinn , Chao Linda , Liston Dorion
Published: December 2023

Early detection of dementia is key to helping individuals and their families cope. Use of eye tracking technology to measure eye movements could provide an objective and sensitive measure of cognitive impairment (Hodgson et al, 2019; Wang et al, 2020). In this pilot study, we predicted that eye tracking metrics differ between people with diagnosed MCI and those of healthy controls. Eleven veterans (≥ 55 years) being seen at the San Francisco VA Health Care System who either had a confirmed diagnosis of MCI or had subjective memory complaints and scored lower than a 26 on the MoCA participated. Their results were compared to that of a previously collected control sample (n = 41) (Liston et al, 2017). Participants completed a five-minute visual tracking test with 48 trials based on a classic step-ramp visual tracking paradigm that was administered on a PC computer with a camera and eye tracking capability. The visual tracking test yields 10 z-scored eye tracking metrics that are summarized in a single scalar summary score. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were computed and compared to the control sample. The summary score of the MCI group (median: -2.2) differed significantly from the healthy control sample (median: 0.0), which yielded a significant sensitivity of the test to presence or absence of MCI (ROC area = 0.94, p < .001). Although we view the results as preliminary due to the small sample size, results suggest that use of eye tracking technology may be a viable option for MCI detection.
CHALLENGES AND NOVEL SOLUTIONS TO PROMOTING ADHERENCE TO HOME-BASED COGNITIVE ASSESSMENT
Authors: Boot Walter , Fowe Ibukun , Zhang Shenghao , Dieciuc Michael , Dilanchian Andrew
Published: December 2023

New technologies now allow for home-based self-assessment of cognition to promote the early detection and treatment of cognitive decline. Early detection has a multitude of benefits for the individual and for our scientific understanding of cognitive impairments and possible treatments. However, for these solutions to be effective, they will likely require long-term adherence to assessment protocols to detect longitudinal change, and like many health behaviors, adherence can be a major challenge. This presentation will provide an overview of the Adherence Promotion with Person-centered Technology (APPT) project, which aims to develop a tailored, smart reminder system that infers participants’ contexts and motivations to provide just-in-time support to facilitate cognitive assessment adherence. Among other studies, this overview will include discussion of a recently completed focus group study (N = 42) that was used to understand motivations and potential barriers to home-based assessment and preferences for adherence support, a recently completed pilot study (N = 44) in which the adherence support system was initially tested and refined, and a series of survey studies (total N > 200) that examined older adults’ attitudes toward wearable technologies to detect cognitive decline. The talk will conclude with discussion of an upcoming randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of the newly developed system with respect to promoting long-term adherence to cognitive assessment via smartphone technologies.
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS IN A FAMILY CONTEXT
Authors: Suitor J Jill , Gilligan Megan
Published: December 2023

This symposium considers the ways in which the presence of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) shapes functional and affective relationships between family members, and raises questions about the future public health implications of ADRD family caregiving. In the first paper, Huo and Kim use dyadic data collected from husbands and wives in which one partner lives with mild-to-moderate cognitive AD to explore the role of relationship quality in caregiver stress. Next, Suitor and colleagues use mixed-methods data from the Within-Family Differences Study to examine how mothers’ cognitive impairment moderates the impact of maternal favoritism/disfavoritism on the psychological well-being of adult sons and daughters. Third, Gilligan, Suitor and Ogle investigate the role of adult children’s care provision in the association between parents’ cognitive impairment and adult sibling tension, also using mixed-methods data from the WFDS. Next, Savla and Roberto use mixed-methods data to explore how extended family caregivers manage their care responsibilities and how care arrangements impact the provision of future care for persons living with ADRD. Finally, Gaugler considers the public health ramifications of family caregiving, summarizing the scientific literature on estimating the future supply of family caregivers, and presenting a research agenda to address the potential family care gap. Taken together, this diverse set of papers highlights the complex ways in which the presence of ADRD shapes patterns of care, relationship quality, and well-being of members of later-life families. This is a collaborative symposium between the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias and Family Caregiving Interest Groups.
THE LONELINESS OF LOW-INCOME OLDER ADULTS IN A FEDERAL VOLUNTEERING PROGRAM: A MIXED-METHOD NETWORK PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Cao Katy (Qiuchang)
Published: December 2023

Volunteering is considered an important way to prevent and address loneliness for community-living older adults by fostering social interactions. However, some social network studies conducted outside of the volunteering context suggest that increased interactions among lonely individuals can elevate network members’ loneliness through the co-rumination of negative emotions. To understand how and why interactions among older volunteers might protect against loneliness, this study conducted a concurrent mixed-method social network analysis among older volunteers within the Senior Companion Program (SCP) in Columbus, Ohio. These volunteers are 55 years or older, at or below 200% of the federal poverty line, and culturally/linguistically diverse. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected using focus groups and surveys respectively during an SCP monthly in-service training, N=41. A linear network autocorrelation model (LNAM) was constructed to quantify how individuals’ loneliness was correlated in SCP. A grounded theory approach informed the qualitative analysis. Mixed-method integration was conducted through a joint display table. LNAM results on the covariates were consistent with previous loneliness studies on diverse older adults. Furthermore, the negative network autocorrelation indicated that less lonely volunteers tended to interact with lonelier volunteers (ρ= -0.06, p< 0.05). Qualitative results also supported the aforementioned socialization pattern suggestive of altruistic motivations. In other words, the altruistic tendency to interact with other volunteers differing in loneliness may be an important pathway by which volunteering addresses loneliness. Future research shall further examine the mechanism between volunteering and older adults’ psychosocial well-being. Findings have implications for maximizing the health and social benefits of volunteering.
A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF THE WRITINGS OF LONELY OLDER CHRONICALLY ILL ADULTS LIVING IN APPALACHIA
Authors: Theeke Laurie , Dowling Maritza , Hutto Lashawn , Odlum Michelle
Published: December 2023

Loneliness is a well-known growing public health risk that affects a large proportion of our aging population. The perspectives of older adults experiencing loneliness are essential to identify areas of potential support and intervention but have been understudied. We collected writings from older adults who participated in LISTEN intervention studies focusing on belonging, relationships, getting out in the community, challenges of loneliness, and finding meaning. Thirty-three community dwelling elders (81% female; mean age=71.77, SD=10.09 years) with multiple chronic conditions (mean number=2.63, SD=1.55) who reported high loneliness scores in the UCLA Loneliness Scale (mean=52.27; SD=8.302) contributed 50 minutes of writings or recordings (for those who were unable to write). These were accomplished in 10-minute increments during five weekly sessions of LISTEN. Thematic content analysis was conducted on the writings and the transcribed recordings. Five themes emerged: Lost Connections and Self-isolation, Empty Relationships, Life is Upside Down and Can’t Be Controlled, Doing Something is Better than Doing Nothing, and Loneliness is Haunting and Relentless. Participants admitted not reaching out to others, worried about being a burden, feeling lonely while with family, and ‘not being in the loop’. The downside of life was described as an uncertainty for the future and imminent functional decline. They described how loneliness ‘screams’ at you and is ‘always lurking’. Activities that ameliorated loneliness included painting, reading, crafting, puzzles, television, and faith activities. These findings will inform the refinement of the LISTEN intervention and the design of new interventions for loneliness.
THE MODERATING ROLE OF PURPOSE IN LIFE IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DISCRIMINATION AND COGNITION
Authors: Farmer Heather , Ambroise Alexis
Published: December 2023

Discrimination is a source of chronic stress disproportionately experienced by Black adults that has been associated with worse cognitive outcomes in older adults. Few studies have explored modifiable resilience resources that may protect people from the possible negative impacts of discrimination on cognition. Sense of purpose refers to an individual’s perception of future-oriented goals and direction in life, and is a key resource associated with better cognition. However, no studies have explored whether greater purpose may buffer older adults against the negative impacts of discrimination on cognition or whether there are race differences in the stress-buffering impact of purpose on cognition. We use data from 9,775 Non-Hispanic White and 1,687 Black adults in the 2006 to 2016 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to explore whether purpose in life moderates the association between everyday discrimination and cognitive functioning and whether this relationship varies by race. Discrimination was measured using the Everyday Discrimination Scale, which assesses how frequently an individual reports unfair and differential treatment (range, 0-5, where higher scores indicate more frequent discrimination). Multilevel linear regression models revealed that frequent discrimination was associated with worse cognition (b=-0.34, p<.001), controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, region, and urbanicity. There was a significant discrimination x purpose interaction (b=0.16, p<.001), suggesting that purpose may buffer the discrimination-cognition association. However, there was a non-significant discrimination x purpose x race interaction. This research suggests a strong sense of purpose can protect people from experiencing worse cognition when faced with frequent discrimination.
CARE-RESISTANT BEHAVIOR TRAJECTORIES OF PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA IN NURSING HOMES AND DISTAL OUTCOMES IN ORAL HEALTH
Authors: Xiao Chunhong , Puga Frank , Pickering Carolyn , Cain Cindy , Geisinger Maria , Jablonski Rita
Published: December 2023

Persons with dementia (PWD) who exhibit care-resistant behaviors (CRB) are likely to resist mouthcare and have poor oral health. This study aimed to examine predictors and describe the characteristics of CRB trajectories and their distal outcome in oral health among PWD in nursing homes (NH). Group-based trajectory modeling was used to analyze dynamic changes in CRB intensity over 21 days with two time-points (morning and afternoon) among 75 PWD. Sub-group analysis demonstrated the characteristics of each trajectory group membership. Distal-outcome models explored the association between oral health variation and mouthcare completion to CRB trajectories. The most influential predictors included CRB intensity at baseline, duration of mouthcare, and the number of antipsychotics prescribed. Three distinctive CRB trajectories were identified for both morning and afternoon in the context of mouthcare. Oral health status and the mouthcare completion rates differed by CRB trajectory groups, and worse oral health status was associated with higher level of CRB intensity trajectories. The High-start CRB groups had the worst oral health status and lowest mouthcare completion in both model estimation and pre-post test. Oral health showed improvement across all three trajectory groups. A tailored individual-level strategy based on a daily pattern of CRB intensity may provide the key to developing interventions that find the “sweet spot” between providing optimal mouthcare while minimizing CRB. Results imply that balancing CRB and mouthcare by providing morning-only mouthcare to those with high CRBs may allocate resources to PLWD most in need of mouthcare. Antipsychotics have not shown usefulness in managing CRB.
EMPOWERING ALL AGES THROUGH INTERGENERATIONAL CONNECTION AND LIFELONG LEARNING
Authors: Hollis-Sawyer Lisa , Donorfio Laura
Published: December 2023

This symposium will share a variety of pedagogical approaches designed to foster age-inclusivity and intergenerational learning. The authors will share research and outcomes of different educational designs utilizing intergenerational programming and other approaches to engage older and younger adult learners. The first presentation will explore how intergenerational discussions can be used in the classroom to facilitate collaborative learning among older adults, students, and instructors. The second presentation will discuss the development of a course abroad in Scotland called “Global Aging & Age-Friendly Initiatives,” aiming to promote intergenerational connection and global age-inclusivity. The third presentation will discuss “Between Islands,” an intergenerational virtual contact intervention designed to promote creativity and intergenerational connection between younger and older adults while challenging stereotypes about aging. The fourth presentation will explore the experiences of emeriti faculty in engaging online with Introduction to Gerontology students in a novel intergenerational classroom activity. The final presentation will review intergenerational classroom design guidelines to optimize multiple generations’ learning experiences, aging understanding/appreciation of others, and age-inclusivity. The empowerment and benefits of these efforts for the life-long learning of the generations involved will be discussed.