bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Associations of Subclinical Hearing Loss With Cognitive Decline
Authors: Irace Alexandria L , Armstrong Nicole M , Deal Jennifer A , Chern Alexander , Ferrucci Luigi , Lin Frank R , Resnick Susan M , Golub Justin S 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundSeveral studies have demonstrated that age-related hearing loss is associated with cognitive decline. We investigated whether subclinical hearing loss (SCHL) or imperfect hearing traditionally categorized as normal (pure-tone average ≤25 dB) may be similarly linked to cognitive decline and risk of incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI)/dementia.MethodsParticipants from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging were cognitively normal adults at least 50 years old with cognitive assessments from 1991 to 2019 and pure-tone average ≤25 dB measured between 1991 and 1994 (n = 263). The exposure was hearing based on the better ear pure-tone average. Outcomes were test scores in various cognitive domains. Multivariable linear-mixed effects models were developed to analyze the association between hearing and change in cognition over time, adjusting for age, sex, education, vascular burden, and race. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards models portrayed associations between hearing and incident MCI/dementia diagnosis based on predefined criteria.ResultsOf 263 participants, 145 (55.1%) were female; mean age was 68.3 years (SD = 8.9). Follow-up ranged up to 27.7 years (mean = 11.7 years). Adjusting for multiple comparisons, a 10-dB increase in hearing loss was associated with an annual decline of −0.02 SD (95% confidence interval: −0.03, −0.01) in Letter Fluency. No significant relationships were observed between hearing and incident MCI/dementia.ConclusionsA relationship between SCHL and cognitive decline was observed for the Letter Fluency test. Further studies are necessary to determine where in the spectrum of hearing loss there begins to be an observable relationship between hearing and cognitive decline.
Development of a psychological empowerment measure for youth in rural Guatemala
Authors: Bakal Michael , Lahiff Maureen , Deardorff Julianna 
Published: September 2021

Summary
Psychological empowerment (PE) is conceptualized as a context-dependent construct, yet few have studied its applicability to youth in international settings. The current study used a participatory approach to design a measure of empowerment for youth from a rural, Indigenous community in Guatemala and aimed to compare this new measure to extant measures. Youth co-researchers (aged 19–22) collaborated in the development of four culturally relevant empowerment scales through a formative process involving classroom observations and focus groups. Newly developed scales and two widely used, extant scales were administered to a school-based sample of 273 youth (mean age = 14.7, SD = 1.6). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) showed that one of the newly developed PE scales called Self-Efficacy for Community Action (SECA), which was moderately correlated with the extant scales, appeared to more effectively capture empowerment in the local context than the extant measures. These results support the notion that PE is contextually dependent and suggest that youth participation may aid in instrument design.
Identification of causal metabolites related to multiple autoimmune diseases
Authors: Yu Xing-Hao , Cao Rong-Rong , Yang Yi-Qun , Lei Shu-Feng 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Observational studies provide evidence that metabolites may be involved in the development of autoimmune diseases (ADs), but whether it is causal is still unknown. Based on the large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics, we performed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to evaluate the causal associations between human blood metabolites and multiple ADs, which were inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis (UC), crohns disease (CD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), type 1 diabetes (T1D), multiple sclerosis (MS), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). After Bonferroni adjustment, we identified 6 causal features of metabolites, i.e., glycerol 2-phosphate for T1D, hexadecanedioate, phenylacetylglutamine and laurylcarnitine for RA, glycine and arachidonate (20:4n6) for CD. Comprehensive sensitive analysis was further performed to validate the robustness of associations. We also observed some overlaps of metabolites among different ADs, implying similar or shared underlying mechanisms in such pathogenic processes. Multivariable MR analysis was then conducted to avoid potential pleiotropic effect of other complex traits. After controlling for several common traits, multivariable MR analysis ruled out most of potential pleiotropic effects and validated independence of identified metabolites. Finally, metabolic pathway analysis was performed based on suggestive metabolites for each AD respectively and a total of seven metabolic pathways were identified. In conclusion, this study provided novel insights into investigating causal role of blood metabolites in development of multiple ADs through a comprehensive genetic pathway.
Understanding copyright issues entailing deepfakes in India
Authors: Nema Purvi 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
With increase in the scope, scale and sophistication of digitisation, the line between fake and real is blurred. In the recent years, digital disinformation in the form of fake news or morphed pictures/videos has become a new normal on internet. Adding to this list are the artificial intelligence generated-Deepfakes. The wide use of deepfakes in cinematography, fake pornography, political campaigns etc. have fascinated the legal fraternity across the globe. Deepfakes raises many legal alarms including threat to privacy, cyber security, right to publicity, forgery, defamation, criminal intimidation, sedition, copyright infringement, copyright protection, authorship and the list continues. The concern of this article is to understand the copyright issues embroiled in deepfakes in Indian context. The first point of discussion is the sustainability of the claim of copyright infringement or right of publicity arising out of the modification and republication of original work to create deepfakes. Secondly, the creative use of deepfakes like in advanced cinematography would require copyright protection to the author. However, the issue is identifying the author of the deepfake – is it artificial intelligence or the human causing its creation.
Synchronization in epidemic growth and the impossibility of selective containment
Authors: Budich Jan C , Bergholtz Emil J 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Containment, aiming to prevent the epidemic stage of community-spreading altogether, and mitigation, aiming to merely ‘flatten the curve’ of a wide-ranged outbreak, constitute two qualitatively different approaches to combating an epidemic through non-pharmaceutical interventions. Here, we study a simple model of epidemic dynamics separating the population into two groups, namely a low-risk group and a high-risk group, for which different strategies are pursued. Due to synchronization effects, we find that maintaining a slower epidemic growth behaviour for the high-risk group is unstable against any finite coupling between the two groups. More precisely, the density of infected individuals in the two groups qualitatively evolves very similarly, apart from a small time delay and an overall scaling factor quantifying the coupling between the groups. Hence, selective containment of the epidemic in a targeted (high-risk) group is practically impossible whenever the surrounding society implements a mitigated community-spreading. We relate our general findings to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Antimicrobial Resistance in Endemic Enteric Infections in Kenya and the Region, and Efforts Toward Addressing the Challenges
Authors: Kariuki Samuel , Wairimu Celestine , Mbae Cecilia 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Resistance to commonly available antimicrobials is a major threat to the fight against endemic bacterial diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, with a majority of the population unable to afford alternative effective antimicrobial options for management of these diseases. Diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and invasive nontyphoidal Salmonella are among the key enteric infections endemic in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa, especially in displaced populations and among the urban populations living in overcrowded informal settlements. Here, we explore the prevalence and the genomic epidemiology of these infections and the growing problem of multidrug resistance, including emerging resistance to the last line of treatment for these infections. Prevalence rates to commonly available antimicrobials, including ampicillin, chloramphenicol, cotrimoxazole, and tetracycline, now range between 65% and 80%, while 15%–20% of recently studied isolates show reduced susceptibility to fluoroquinolones and emerging resistance to extended-spectrum β-lactams mediated by the CTX-M-15 gene carried on a highly mobile genetic element. The high prevalence of multidrug-resistant isolates including resistance to reserve antibiotics, calls for enhanced control and management options. It will be important for governments in the region to enhance the implementation of national action plans, as guided by the global action plan championed by the World Health Organization, to combat the threat of antimicrobial resistance. However, to yield meaningful results, these efforts will require a strong commitment and enhancement at all levels of healthcare in order. In addition, the use of World Health Organization–approved vaccines in the short to medium term and improvement of water and sanitation in the long term will reduce the burden of disease and antimicrobial resistance in the region.
EQUAL Score Scedosporiosis/Lomentosporiosis 2021: a European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) tool to quantify guideline adherence
Authors: Stemler Jannik , Lackner Michaela , Chen Sharon C -A , Hoenigl Martin , Cornely Oliver A 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Invasive scedosporiosis and lomentosporiosis are life-threatening fungal infections in immunocompromised patients with complex diagnostic and treatment patterns.

Objectives
To develop a scoring tool to facilitate and quantify adherence to current guideline recommendations for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of invasive scedosporiosis and lomentosporiosis.

Methods
Experts from European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) excellence centres reviewed current guidelines for scedosporiosis and lomentosporiosis. Recommendations for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up were summarized, assembled and weighted according to their strength of recommendation and level of evidence (strongly recommended = 3 points; moderately recommended = 2 points; marginally recommended = 1 point; recommended against = 0 points). Additional items considered of high importance for clinical management were also weighted.

Results
A total of 170 recommendations were identified. A 21-item tool was developed and embedded into the EQUAL score card. Nine items for diagnosis with 18 achievable points were assembled. For treatment, three general recommendation items with a maximal score of 9 were identified, while for specific antifungal treatment the two fungal pathogens were separated. Three and four items were established for scedosporiosis and lomentosporiosis, respectively, with a maximum achievable score of 3 due to the separation of different treatment options with the maximum point value of 3 for voriconazole-based treatment. Follow-up comprised two items (4 points maximum). Key recommendations for clinical outcome were weighted accordingly.

Conclusions
We propose the EQUAL Score Scedosporiosis/Lomentosporiosis to quantify adherence to current guideline recommendations for management of these rare infections. The score remains to be validated in real-life patient cohorts and correlated with patient outcome.
Simulation-Based Investigation of the Performance of Delimiting Trapping Surveys for Insect Pests
Authors: Caton Barney P , Fang Hui , Manoukis Nicholas C , Pallipparambil Godshen R 
Published: September 2021

AbstractFully trapped survey designs are widely used to delimit adventive pests populations that can be detected using traps and lures. Delimitation includes verifying the presence of the pest and determining its spatial extent. The size and shape of the survey design and the density of traps can vary; however, resulting variation in detecting efficiency is often unknown. We used a trapping network simulation model with diffusion-based insect movement to investigate delimiting survey trapping design performance for fully trapped and some modified designs. Simulations included randomized outbreak locations in a core area and a duration of 30 d. We assessed impacts of insect dispersal ability, grid size and shape, and trap attractiveness and density on survey performance, measured as mean probability of capturing individual pests [p(capture)]. Most published grids are square, but circles performed equally well and are more efficient. Over different grid sizes, p(capture) increased for insects with greater dispersal ability but was generally unresponsive to size because most captures occurred in central areas. For low dispersing insects, the likelihood of egress was approximately zero with a 3.2-km square grid, whereas an 11.3-km grid was needed to contain highly vagile insects. Trap attractiveness affected p(capture) more strongly than density: lower densities of poorly attractive traps may underperform expectations. Variable density designs demonstrated potential for cost savings but highlighted that resource-intensive outer bands are critical to boundary determination. Results suggesting that many grids are oversized need empirical verification, whereas other principles, such as using circular shapes, are readily adoptable now.
Do Research Joint Ventures Serve a Collusive Function?
Authors: Sovinsky Michelle 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Every year thousands of firms are engaged in research joint ventures (RJV), where all knowledge gained through research and development (R&D) is shared among members. Most of the empirical literature assumes members are non-cooperative in the product market. But many RJV members are rivals leaving open the possibility that firms may form RJVs to facilitate product market collusion. We examine this by exploiting variation in RJV formation generated by a policy change that affects the collusive benefits but not the research synergies associated with a RJV. We use data on RJVs formed between 1986 and 2001 together with firm-level information from Compustat to estimate a RJV participation equation. After correcting for the endogeneity of R&D and controlling for RJV characteristics and firm attributes, we find the decision to join is impacted by the policy change. We also find the magnitude is significant: the policy change resulted in an average drop in the probability of joining a RJV of $41\%$ among computer and semiconductor manufacturers, $34\%$ among telecommunications firms, and $33\%$ among petroleum refining firms. Our results are consistent with research joint ventures serving a collusive function.
Who Enforces an Arrest Warrant of the International Criminal Court?
Authors: Kawai Keiichiro 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Though there is an abundance of literature on the relationship between the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court ('ICC') and the immunities of non-state parties to the ICC Statute, the arrest process under Part 9 of the ICC Statute has not yet been addressed from the perspective of international organizations law. Yet, the ICC is certainly an international organization, and its arrest process is comparable to other organizations’ activities, e.g. the United Nations Security Council’s smart sanctions process. It is therefore argued that a clarification of the legal relationship between the cooperating state and the ICC under the general law of international organization would be a logical premise for further discussion of the relationship between the ICC’s jurisdiction and the immunities of non-state parties to the ICC Statute. The importance of this kind of analysis has become apparent as a consequence of the employment of the Surrogation of Jurisdiction theory by the Appeals Chamber of the ICC in its Al Bashir judgment. This theory formed an essential part of the judgment. An assessment of this theory from the perspective of the law of international organizations shows both the potential and the limitation of the theory. It will, thus, give us a more comprehensive understanding of the theory’s legal implications in the context of the enforcement of ICC arrest warrants against organs of non-state parties to the Statute who enjoy immunity under customary international law.
Directed evolution of Zymomonas mobilis sugar facilitator Glf to overcome glucose inhibition
Authors: Kurgan Gavin , Onyeabor Moses , Holland Steven C , Taylor Eric , Schneider Aidan , Kurgan Logan , Billings Tommy , Wang Xuan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Cellular import of D-xylose, the second most abundant sugar in typical lignocellulosic biomass, has been evidenced to be an energy-depriving process in bacterial biocatalysts. The sugar facilitator of Zymomonas mobilis, Glf, is capable of importing xylose at high rates without extra energy input, but is inhibited by D-glucose (the primary biomass sugar), potentially limiting the utility of this transporter for fermentation of sugar mixtures derived from lignocellulose. In this work we developed an Escherichia coli platform strain deficient in glucose and xylose transport to facilitate directed evolution of Glf to overcome glucose inhibition. Using this platform, we isolated nine Glf variants created by both random and site-saturation mutagenesis with increased xylose utilization rates ranging from 4.8-fold to 13-fold relative to wild-type Glf when fermenting 100 g l–1 glucose–xylose mixtures. Diverse point mutations such as A165M and L445I were discovered leading to released glucose inhibition. Most of these mutations likely alter sugar coordinating pocket for the 6-hydroxymethyl group of D-glucose. These discovered glucose-resistant Glf variants can be potentially used as energy-conservative alternatives to the native sugar transport systems of bacterial biocatalysts for fermentation of lignocellulose-derived sugars.
Family Adjustment to Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant During COVID-19
Authors: Chardon Marie L , Klages Kimberly L , Joffe Naomi E , Pai Ahna L H 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Objective
The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for families across the world due to fears about infection risk, increased social isolation, and significant changes in family roles and routines. Families with a child undergoing pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) may be at even greater risk for poor adjustment during COVID-19 given their child’s increased risk for infection. The purpose of the current study was to qualitatively examine the impact of COVID-19 on family adjustment during pediatric HCT to inform clinical care.

Methods
Twenty-nine caregivers of children (≤12 years) who underwent an HCT within the past 2 years completed semi-structured qualitative interviews and demographic questionnaires in the first 4 months following initial COVID-19 quarantine.

Results
Twenty-two themes emerged from the interviews using grounded theory methodology. Although nearly half of caregivers described COVID-19 as a stressor, 69% of caregivers reported adequate adjustment to COVID-19. Caregivers generally attributed their positive adjustment to HCT preparing the family for COVID-19 and more difficult adjustment to increased physical or social isolation and COVID-19 amplifying germ fears. The child’s HCT treatment status also had important implications on family adjustment to COVID-19.

Conclusions
Results suggest that families undergoing pediatric HCT are uniquely prepared to cope with the impacts of a global pandemic; however, families experiencing certain risk factors (e.g., more recent transplant, impaired access to social support, reduced access to coping tools) may experience poorer adjustment during pandemics such as COVID-19 and may benefit from increased psychosocial support from their healthcare team.
Light Therapy for QoL/Depression in AYA With Cancer: A Randomized Trial
Authors: LaRosa Kayla N , MacArthur Erin , Wang Fang , Zhang Hui , Pan Haitao , Brigden Jane , Pappo Alberto , Wilson Matthew W , Crabtree Valerie McLaughlin 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Objective
Secondary outcomes from a published feasibility and acceptability trial were examined to explore the effect of bright white light (BWL) on quality of life (QoL) and depressive symptoms compared to dim red light (DRL) control in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) receiving cancer-directed therapy.

Methods
Fifty-one AYAs (12–22 years, 51% male) newly diagnosed with cancer were randomized to receive 8 weeks of BWL (n = 26) or DRL (n = 25). The CDI-2 (total score, negative mood/physical symptoms, interpersonal problems, ineffectiveness, and negative self-esteem) and parent- and self-report PedsQL (total score and subscales of physical, emotional, social, and school QoL) were completed at multiple timepoints.

Results
BWL produced improvements in self-reported total depression (d = −.64; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −1.26, −0.01), negative self-esteem (d = −.80; 95% CI = −1.43, −.14), negative mood/physical symptoms (d = −.73; 95% CI = −1.36, −0.08), ineffectiveness (d = −.43; 95% CI = −1.04, .19), total self-reported QoL (d = .41; 95% CI = −.16, .96), emotional (d = .78; 95% CI = .19, 1.37), school functioning (d = .48; 95% CI = −.09, 1.04), and parent-reported school functioning (d = .66; 95% CI = 0.02, 1.33). BWL reported a greater rate of improvement than DRL for total depression (β = .49, p &lt; .05) and self-esteem (β = .44, p &lt; .05), and parent-reported school functioning (β = −1.68, p &lt; .05).

Conclusions
BWL improved QoL and depressive symptoms for AYAs with cancer. These findings will inform larger randomized controlled trials.
Galactic bar resonances inferred from kinematically hot stars in Gaia EDR3
Authors: Kawata Daisuke , Baba Junichi , Hunt Jason A S , Schönrich Ralph , Ciucă Ioana , Friske Jennifer , Seabroke George , Cropper Mark 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT
Using a numerical simulation of an isolated barred disc galaxy, we first demonstrate that the resonances of the inner bar structure induce more prominent features in the action space distribution for the kinematically hotter stars, which are less sensitive to the local perturbation, such as the transient spiral arms. Then, we analyse the action distribution for the kinematically hotter stars selected from the Gaia EDR3 data as the stars with higher values of radial and vertical actions. We find several resonance features, including two new features, in the angular momentum distribution similar to what are seen in our numerical simulations. We show that the bar pattern speeds of about Ωbar ∼ 34 and 42 km s−1 kpc−1 explain all these features equally well. The resonance features we find correspond to the inner 4:1, co-rotation (CR), outer 4:1, outer Lindblad, and outer 4:3 (CR, outer 4:1, outer Lindblad, outer 4:3, and outer 1:1) resonances, when Ωbar ∼ 34 (42) km s−1 kpc−1 is assumed.