bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social Disconnectedness and Loneliness: Do Self-Perceptions of Aging Play a Role?
Authors: Hu Rita Xiaochen , Li Lydia W 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Research suggests that self-perceptions of aging (SPA) have effects on physical, mental, cognitive, and emotional well-being among older adults. Few studies have examined the effects of SPA on social well-being. This study investigates the association of SPA with trajectories of social disconnectedness and loneliness in older Americans and explores mechanisms linking SPA and the 2 forms of social isolation.

Methods
We conducted Latent Growth Curve Modeling and path analysis using 3-wave data spanning 8 years (2008/2010–2016/2018) from the Health and Retirement Study. The sample included respondents aged 65 and older (N = 3,597) at baseline (2008/2010). SPA was measured by the Attitudes Toward Own Aging Scale. Social disconnectedness was an index including 6 indicators of social networks and social engagement. Loneliness was measured using the 11-item UCLA Loneliness Scale.

Results
Older adults with more negative SPA at baseline were more lonely but had slower rates of increase in loneliness during the 8-year study period. More negative SPA also predicted greater social disconnectedness but was not significantly related to the rate of change in social disconnectedness over time. The effects of SPA on social disconnectedness were primarily indirect through loneliness, whereas SPA had direct effects on loneliness. Overall, SPA had a stronger association with loneliness than with social disconnectedness.

Discussion
The results suggest that older adults with negative SPA are at risk of loneliness which then leads to social disconnectedness. Asking about SPA during individual assessment with older adults may help to discern issues with loneliness.
How Welfare Regimes Moderate the Associations Between Cognitive Aging, Education, and Occupation
Authors: Orsholits Dan , Cullati Stéphane , Ghisletta Paolo , Aartsen Marja J , Oris Michel , Studer Matthias , Maurer Jürgen , Perna Laura , Gouveia Élvio R , Gouveia Bruna R , Marques Adilson , Peralta Miguel , Marconcin Priscila , Kliegel Matthias , Ihle Andreas 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Previous studies have shown the importance of individual markers of cognitive reserve, such as education and occupation, for cognitive health in old age. However, there has been only little investigation so far on how this relationship varies across contexts.

Methods
We analyzed data from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe, using second-order latent growth models, to assess the moderating role of welfare regimes on the relationship between education and occupation skill level in explaining overall cognitive functioning and decline in old age. Our sample includes 13 European countries using data from 5 regular waves of the survey (2004–2007 and 2011–2015) and 2 retrospective ones (2008–2009 and 2017). Cognitive functioning was modeled as a latent variable measured by immediate and delayed recall, verbal fluency, and numeracy.

Results
74,193 participants were included from the survey. Our analysis showed that the association of education with cognition was weaker overall in Scandinavian countries, but stronger in Southern European countries, relative to Bismarckian ones. However, educational differences in the decline of cognition were more pronounced only in Scandinavian compared to Bismarckian countries. Additionally, higher-skilled occupations in Scandinavian countries had better overall functioning compared to the same occupations in Bismarckian countries, but there was no difference in the decline in cognitive functioning.

Discussion
Our findings indicate that the associations of cognitive functioning and its decline with individuals’ cognitive reserve markers (education and occupational skill level) vary according to welfare regimes, showing the importance of contextual factors in cognitive aging processes.
How Do Area Agencies on Aging Build Partnerships With Health Care Organizations?
Authors: Curry Leslie , Cherlin Emily , Ayedun Adeola , Rubeo Chris , Straker Jane , Wilson Traci L , Brewster Amanda 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Partnerships between health care and social service organizations may contribute to lower health care use and spending. Such partnerships are increasing, including Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) working and contracting with health care organizations. Nevertheless, knowledge about how AAAs establish and manage successful collaborations is limited. We sought to understand how AAAs establish and manage partnerships with health care organizations.

Research Design and Methods
We conducted an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study using a positive deviance approach. We used national-level data to identify AAAs with multiple health care partners serving areas with low utilization of nursing homes by residents with low-care needs (n = 9) and AAAs with few health care partners and high utilization for comparison (n = 3). We conducted in-depth interviews with key informants from these 12 AAAs and their partner organizations (total n = 130). A 5-person multidisciplinary team used the constant comparative method of analysis, supported by Atlas.ti software.

Results
Highly partnered AAAs were characterized by 3 distinctive features of organizational culture: (a) attention to external environments, (b) openness to innovation and change, and (c) risk-taking to learn, improve, and grow. AAAs and partners describe a broad set of organizational strategies and partnership development tactics, depending on their local contexts. These features were underdeveloped in AAAs with few health care partnerships.

Discussion and Implications
While federal and state policies can create more favorable environments for AAA–health care partnerships, AAAs can also work internally to foster an organizational culture that allows them to thrive in dynamic and challenging environments.
Animal-assisted interventions in universities: a scoping review of implementation and associated outcomes
Authors: Cooke Emily , Henderson-Wilson Claire , Warner Elyse , LaMontagne Anthony 
Published: January 2022

Summary
With levels of stress and anxiety rising among the university community, universities worldwide are implementing animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) on campus. However, to date, little is known about how to implement these initiatives. Questions also remain as to the impact of evaluated AAIs on health and wellbeing. Therefore, this study sought to review the implementation and effectiveness of previous AAIs in university settings. Electronic databases ProQuest Central, Gale and 16 databases within EBSCOHost were searched with key words, such as AAI, and university or college students for relevant articles. Inclusion criteria included primary research studies that measured a health, wellbeing or behavioural outcome. A total of 47 articles met inclusion criteria, including 24 RCTs. There was limited reporting on the implementation of AAIs in the higher education setting. A total of 11 different mental health and behavioural outcomes have been summarized, with stress, anxiety and mood providing favourable results. An AAI on campus may provide a form of stress and anxiety relief for the university community. Other mental health and behavioural outcomes require further research to determine their effectiveness. These findings highlight that an AAI on campus could potentially provide a form of stress and anxiety relief, and could be a strategy for addressing rising levels of psychological stress and mental health issues among university students and staff in Australia and internationally.
A randomized controlled trial of the impact of the Teen Council peer education program on youth development
Authors: Foss L , Brown S A , Sutherland S , Miller C J , Philliber S 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
This paper presents results of an impact evaluation of Teen Council, a program that trains youth as peer educators. Teen Council is designed to help peer educators make healthy sexual and reproductive decisions, increase their confidence and abilities to educate their peers and inspire them to advocate for just sexual policies. The program’s impact on these educators was evaluated using a randomized controlled trial. Over 5 years, interested high school students in seven states were randomly assigned to a study condition. An intent-to-treat framework using ordinary least square (OLS) regression was employed to measure program effects. Relative to control, Teen Council youth showed enhanced comfort with their own sexuality, greater comfort with and more frequent communication with parents about sexuality and more positive sexual health behaviors, including accessing reproductive health care and adopting more effective means of contraception. Teen Council youth also reported greater confidence in talking with peers about sexuality and more confidence in their civic engagement skills.
Dehn Surgery and Hyperbolic Knot Complements without Hidden Symmetries
Authors: Chesebro Eric , DeBlois Jason , R Hoffman Neil , Millichap Christian , Mondal Priyadip , Worden William 
Published: January 2022

AbstractNeumann and Reid conjectured that only three hyperbolic knot complements admit hidden symmetries. Here, we provide evidence for the conjecture, giving obstructions for a manifold to have infinitely many fillings that are knot complements with hidden symmetries. Applying these, we show that at most finitely many fillings of any hyperbolic two-bridge link complement can be covered by knot complements with hidden symmetries. We then make our tools effective, showing first that the only knot complement with hidden symmetries and volume less than $6v_0 \approx 6.0896496$ is the complement of the figure-eight. We conclude with two proofs that if a hyperbolic knot’s complement admits hidden symmetries and covers a filling of the complement of the $6_2^2$ link, it is the figure-eight.
Overcrowding Estimates for the Nodal Volume of Stationary Gaussian Processes
Authors: M E Lakshmi Priya 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
For smooth centered stationary Gaussian processes on ${{\mathbb {R}}}^d$ ($d \geq 1$), we study the unlikely event of overcrowding of the nodal set; this is the event that the volume of the nodal set in a region is much larger than its expected value. Under some mild assumptions on the spectral measure of the process, we obtain estimates for the probability of the overcrowding event.
Impaired Intrauterine Growth in the Context of Maternal Hookworm Infection During Gestation
Authors: Barry Meagan A , Colt Susannah , Vargas Zorimel , Barry Christopher V , Tallo Veronica , Sagliba Marianne J , Amoylen Amabelle J , Friedman Jennifer F , McDonald Emily A 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Hookworm infection is associated with poor nutritional outcomes, anemia, and impaired cognitive performance. We examined the association between maternal hookworm infection and birth outcomes in a cohort of women in Leyte, Philippines. We observed poor intrauterine growth characteristics associated with maternal hookworm only among male offspring, with lower birth weight, head circumference, and placental surface area. Male neonates also had higher insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) and lower adiponectin in cord blood. These data intriguingly suggest nutritional impacts of maternal hookworm infection during pregnancy may be divergent based on sex of the offspring.
Phylogenomics and Fossil Data Inform the Systematics and Geographic Range Evolution of a Diverse Neotropical Ant Lineage
Authors: Price Shauna L , Blanchard Benjamin D , Powell Scott , Blaimer Bonnie B , Moreau Corrie S 
Published: January 2022

AbstractRecent advances in phylogenomics allow for the use of large amounts of genetic information in phylogenetic inference. Ideally, the increased resolution and accuracy of such inferences facilitate improved understanding of macroevolutionary processes. Here, we integrate ultraconserved elements (UCEs) with fossil and biogeographic range data to explore diversification and geographic range evolution in the diverse turtle ant genus Cephalotes Latreille, 1802 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). We focus on the potential role of the uplift of the Panamanian land bridge and the putative ephemeral GAARlandia land bridge linking South America and the Antilles in shaping evolution in this group. Our phylogenetic analyses provide new resolution to the backbone of the turtle ant phylogeny. We further found that most geographic range shifts between South America and Central America regions were temporally consistent with the development of the Panamanian land bridge, while we did not find support for the GAARlandia land bridge. Additionally, we did not infer any shifts in diversification rates associated with our focal land bridges, or any other historical events (we inferred a single diversification rate regime across the genus). Our findings highlight the impact of the Panamanian land bridge for Cephalotes geographic range evolution as well as the influence of taxonomic sampling on macroevolutionary inferences.
Linezolid toxicity in patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Wasserman Sean , Brust James C. M. , Abdelwahab Mahmoud T. , Little Francesca , Denti Paolo , Wiesner Lubbe , Gandhi Neel R. , Meintjes Graeme , Maartens Gary 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Background
Linezolid is recommended for treating drug-resistant TB. Adverse events are a concern to prescribers but have not been systematically studied at the standard dose, and the relationship between linezolid exposure and clinical toxicity is not completely elucidated.

Patients and methods
We conducted an observational cohort study to describe the incidence and determinants of linezolid toxicity, and to determine a drug exposure threshold for toxicity, among patients with rifampicin-resistant TB in South Africa. Linezolid exposures were estimated from a population pharmacokinetic model. Mixed-effects modelling was used to analyse toxicity outcomes.

Results
One hundred and fifty-one participants, 63% HIV positive, were enrolled and followed for a median of 86 weeks. Linezolid was permanently discontinued for toxicity in 32 (21%) participants. Grade 3 or 4 linezolid-associated adverse events occurred in 21 (14%) participants. Mean haemoglobin concentrations increased with time on treatment (0.03 g/dL per week; 95% CI 0.02–0.03). Linezolid trough concentration, male sex and age (but not HIV positivity) were independently associated with a decrease in haemoglobin &gt;2 g/dL. Trough linezolid concentration of 2.5 mg/L or higher resulted in optimal model performance to describe changing haemoglobin and treatment-emergent anaemia (adjusted OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.3–6.8). SNPs 2706A &gt; G and 3010G &gt; A in mitochondrial DNA were not associated with linezolid toxicity.

Conclusions
Permanent discontinuation of linezolid was common, but linezolid-containing therapy was associated with average improvement in toxicity measures. HIV co-infection was not independently associated with linezolid toxicity. Linezolid trough concentration of 2.5 mg/L should be evaluated as a target for therapeutic drug monitoring.
Long noncoding RNA and phase separation in cellular stress response
Authors: Onoguchi-Mizutani Rena , Akimitsu Nobuyoshi 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Stress response is important for sensing and adapting to environmental changes. Recently, RNA-protein (RNP) condensates, which are a type of membrane-less organelle formed by liquid–liquid phase separation, have been proposed to regulate the stress response. Because RNP condensates are formed through interactions between positively charged proteins and negatively charged RNAs, the ratio of proteins to RNAs is critical for phase-separated condensate formation. In particular, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can efficiently nucleate phase-separated RNP condensates because of their secondary structure and long length. Therefore, increased attention has been paid to lncRNAs because of their potential role as a regulator of biological condensates by phase separation under stress response. In this review, we summarize the current research on the involvement of lncRNAs in the formation of RNP condensates under stress response. We also demonstrate that lncRNA-driven phase separation provides a useful basis to understanding the response to several kinds of cellular stresses.
Lithium in International Law: Trade, Investment, and the Pursuit of Supply Chain Justice
Authors: Hailes Oliver 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACT
Projected demand for renewable energy storage has underlined the importance of lithium-ion batteries, reflected in concern over ‘supply chain security’ for critical minerals. Yet, other voices have called for ‘supply chain justice’ among governments, firms, and communities affected by the social and environmental externalities of lithium extraction. To anticipate disputes and draw a baseline for further research, this article surveys the relevant rules of international law that presently regulate major operations of the lithium industry. First, the material dimensions of lithium are transformed into a workable object of international law, focusing on viable reserves (as opposed to all proven resources) and the analytical priority of territorial jurisdiction. Second, the regulatory regimes of four States with major reserves—Chile, Australia, Argentina, and China—illustrate recurring challenges, such as incentivizing investment in value-added production and the discontent of Indigenous communities. Third, the trade and investment treaties of these States help us to map an international legal framework for the lithium industry, focusing on the World Trade Organization, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. But such treaties may be interpreted in light of a State’s obligations concerning human rights, environmental protection, and Indigenous peoples, giving legal form to the pursuit of supply chain justice in the energy transition.
A support vector regression model for time series forecasting of the COMEX copper spot price
Authors: García-Gonzalo Esperanza , García Nieto Paulino José , Gracia Rodríguez Javier , Sánchez Lasheras Fernando , Fidalgo Valverde Gregorio 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The price of copper is unstable but it is considered an important indicator of the global economy. Changes in the price of copper point to higher global growth or an impending recession. In this work, the forecasting of the spot prices of copper from the New York Commodity Exchange is studied using a machine learning method, support vector regression coupled with different model schemas (recursive, direct and hybrid multi-step). Using these techniques, three different time series analyses are built and its performance are compared. The numerical results show that the hybrid direct-recursive obtains the best results.
Randomized Trial of First-Line Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor With or Without Radiotherapy for Synchronous Oligometastatic EGFR-Mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wang Xiao-Shan , Bai Yi-Feng , Verma Vivek , Yu Rui-Lian , Tian Wei , Ao Rui , Deng Ying , Zhu Xue-Qiang , Liu Hao , Pan Hai-Xia , Yang Lan , Bai Han-Song , Luo Xing , Guo Yan , Zhou Ming-Xiu , Sun Yue-Mei , Zhang Zi-Can , Li Si-Min , Cheng Xue , Tan Bang-Xian , Han Liang-Fu , Liu Ying-Yi , Zhang Kai , Zeng Fan-Xin , Jia Lin , Hao Xin-Bao , Wang You-Yu , Feng Gang , Xie Ke , Lu You , Zeng Ming 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Background
Adding radiotherapy (RT) to systemic therapy improves progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Whether these findings translate to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–mutated NSCLC remains unknown. The SINDAS trial (NCT02893332) evaluated first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy for EGFR-mutated synchronous oligometastatic NSCLC and randomized to upfront RT vs no RT; we now report the prespecified interim analysis at 68% accrual.

Methods
Inclusion criteria were biopsy-proven EGFR-mutated adenocarcinoma (per amplification refractory mutation system or next generation sequencing), with synchronous (newly diagnosed, treatment naïve) oligometastatic (≤5 metastases; ≤2 lesions in any one organ) NSCLC without brain metastases. All patients received a first-generation TKI (gefitinib, erlotinib, or icotinib), and randomization was between no RT vs RT (25-40 Gy in 5 fractions depending on tumor size and location) to all metastases and the primary tumor/involved regional lymphatics. The primary endpoint (intention to treat) was PFS. Secondary endpoints included OS and toxicities. All statistical tests were 2-sided.

Results
A total of 133 patients (n = 65 TKI only, n = 68 TKI with RT) were enrolled (2016-2019). The median follow-up was 23.6 months. The respective median PFS was 12.5 months vs 20.2 months (P &lt; .001), and the median OS was 17.4 months vs 25.5 months (P &lt; .001) for TKI only vs TKI with RT. Treatment yielded no grade 5 events and a 6% rate of symptomatic grade 3-4 pneumonitis in the TKI with RT arm. Based on the efficacy results of this prespecified interim analysis, the ethics committee recommended premature cessation of this trial.

Conclusions
As compared with a first-line TKI alone, addition of upfront local therapy using RT statistically significantly improved PFS and OS for EGFR-mutated NSCLC.
Comparison of pretreatment, preservation and determination methods for foliar pH of plant samples
Authors: Liu Sining , Chen Jiashu , Han Wenxuan 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
To compare current methods of pretreatment/determination for plant foliar pH, we proposed a method for long-period sample preservation with little interference with the stability of foliar pH. Four hundred leaf samples from 20 species were collected and four methods of pH determination were used: refrigerated (stored at 4 °C for 4 days), frozen (stored at −16 °C for 4 days), oven-dried and fresh green-leaf pH (control). To explore the effects of different leaf:water mixing ratio on the pH determination results, we measured oven-dried green-leaf pH by leaf:water volume ratio of 1:8 and mass ratio of 1:10, and measured frozen senesced-leaf pH by mass ratio of 1:10 and 1:15. The standard major axis regression was used to analyze the relationship and the conversion equation between the measured pH with different methods. Foliar pH of refrigerated and frozen green leaves did not significantly differ from that of fresh green-leaf, but drying always overrated fresh green-leaf pH. During the field sampling, cryopreservation with a portable refrigerator was an advisable choice to get a precise pH. For long-duration field sampling, freezing was the optimal choice, and refrigeration is the best choice for the short-time preservation. The different leaf:water mixing ratio significantly influenced the measured foliar pH. High dilution reduced the proton concentration and increased the measured pH. Our findings provide the conversion relationships between the existing pretreatment and measurement methods, and establish a connection among pH determined by different methods. Our study can facilitate foliar pH measurement, thus contributing to understanding of this interesting plant functional trait.