bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indices of vector fields for mixed functions
Authors: Cisneros-Molina José Luis , Romano-Velázquez Agustín
Published: October 2024

A mixed function is a real analytic map $$f:\mathbb {C}^n\rightarrow \mathbb {C}$$

f
:

C

n

→
C

in the complex variables $$z_1,\dots ,z_n$$

z
1

,
⋯
,

z
n

and their conjugates $$\bar{z}_1,\dots ,\bar{z}_n$$

z

¯

1

,
⋯
,

z

¯

n

. In this article, we define an integer valued index for vector fields v with isolated singularity at $$\textbf{0}$$
0
on real analytic varieties $$V_f:=f^{-1}(0)$$

V
f

:
=

f

-
1

(
0
)

defined by mixed functions f with isolated critical point at $$\textbf{0}$$
0
. We call this index the mixed GSV index and it generalizes the classical GSV index defined by Gomez-Mont, Seade and Verjovsky in (Math Ann 291(4):737–751, 1991), i.e., if the function f is holomorphic, then the mixed GSV index coincides with the GSV index. Furthermore, the mixed GSV index is a lifting to $$\mathbb {Z}$$
Z
of the $$\mathbb {Z}_2$$

Z
2

-valued real GSV index defined by Aguilar, Seade and Verjovsky in Aguilar et al. (J Reine Angew Math 504:159–176, 1998). As applications, we prove that the mixed GSV index is equal to the Poincaré–Hopf index of v on a Milnor fiber. If f also satisfies the strong Milnor condition, i. e., for every $$\epsilon >0$$

ϵ
>
0

(small enough), the map $$\frac{f}{\Vert f\Vert }:\mathbb {S}_\epsilon {\setminus } L_f \rightarrow \mathbb {S}^1$$

f

‖
f
‖

:

S
ϵ

\

L
f

→

S

1

is a fiber bundle, we prove that the mixed GSV index is equal to the curvatura integra of f defined by Cisneros-Molina, Grulha and Seade in (Int J Math 25(7): 1450069, 2014) based on the curvatura integra defined by Kervaire in (Courbure integrale generalisee et homotopie., Mathematische Annalen, pp. 219–252, 1956).
A Pilot Study Exploring the Feasibility of Virtual Written Exposure Therapy with Underserved Black Perinatal Women
Authors: Neal-Barnett Angela , Stadulis Robert E. , Ayoade Eniolufolake E. , McGhee-Dinvaut Alexis
Published: October 2024

In the USA, Black pregnant women are at the highest risk for maternal morbidity. They also experience the highest rates of trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD takes a toll on Black women’s mental and physical health, placing them at risk for maternal morbidity. It increases several mental health symptoms such as suicidality, anxiety, re-living the trauma, and numbness. These mental health conditions adversely affect health behaviors, including those essential for maternal health, such as attending prenatal and postpartum appointments. Furthermore, untreated PTSD is associated with higher blood pressure, increasing Black mothers’ risk of pre-eclampsia. For a variety of reasons including cultural mistrust, stigma, transportation, time constraints, and access to care, PTSD is frequently underassessed and undertreated among Black perinatal women. Written exposure therapy (WET) is a state-of-the-art brief treatment for PTSD. In this study, we explored the initial feasibility of the virtual delivery of WET to reduce PTSD symptoms among Black perinatal women. Results found the virtual delivery of WET to be feasible. Symptom reduction for PTSD in participants was 50–100% during follow-up, suggesting potential effectiveness of the intervention. Implications for virtual delivery of WET in reducing risk for Black maternal morbidity are discussed.
Exploring submergence impact on flow-induced motion energy-harvesting with circular-triangular prisms
Authors: Sharifi Ali , Omidyeganeh Mohammad , Masdari Mehran
Published: October 2024

Recent advancements in energy-harvesting have utilized Flow-Induced Motion (FIM) as a renewable source, diverging from past efforts aimed at minimizing FIM's adverse effects. This study introduces kinetic energy converters using alternating lift technology (ALT), employing a prism with a Circular-Triangular (Cir-Tria) shape, coupled with a spring and damper, to generate energy. Utilizing computational fluid dynamics in OpenFOAM for Reynolds numbers between 2 × 103 and 13 × 103 and varying submergence depth ratio from 0.98 to 5.91, this research employs a moving computational grid, two-dimensional incompressible Navier–Stokes equations, the k-omega Shear Stress Transport (SST) turbulence model, the Volume of Fluid, VOF, two-phase model, and the cylinder mass–spring–damper equation. Findings show that approaching the flow surface negatively impacts the FIM response due to the interaction of vortices from the flow surface and the prism’s upper shear layer. This interaction weakens and neutralizes the upper vortices, altering the flow structure around the prism and the governing FIM phenomena. Proximity to the free surface significantly affects FIM responses, with a notable decrease in vibration amplitude and energy conversion as the submergence depth ratio increases from 0.98 to 5.91. Maximum system efficiency of 1.4% is observed in the VIV initial branch at infinite submergence (single-phase flow). Beyond a submergence depth ratio of 5.91, FIM amplitude and energy conversion flatten, indicating negligible free surface effects.
A high-throughput protocol for testing heat-stress tolerance in pollen
Authors: Zhao Chenchen , Siddique Abu Bakar , Guo Ce , Shabala Sergey , Li Chengdao , Chen Zhonghua , Varshney Rajeev , Zhou Meixue
Published: October 2024

Viable pollen is crucial for fertilization, but pollen is generally highly susceptible to heat stress. A quick, reliable method for testing the heat-stress tolerance of pollen is needed to improve the heat-stress tolerance in plants, but current methods require considerable space and labor. In addition, many such methods only test tolerance to a single constant temperature, making it time-consuming to screen heat tolerance over a wide temperature range and to examine the dynamics of pollen viability at different temperatures. To address this issue, we aimed to: (1) develop an easy, reliable method for measuring pollen viability at different temperatures; and (2) identify the best temperature range for screening pollen with high heat-stress tolerance. We harvested mature pollen from wheat (Triticum aestivum) plants and transferred it to a 96-well plate filled with liquid medium containing sucrose. We placed the plate in a PCR machine operating under a gradient PCR program to simultaneously test a range of temperatures. After incubating the pollen for 4 h, at temperatures ranging from 21.9 to 47 °C, we examined the pollen grains under a light microscope and employed a specific image analysis pipeline to assess the effects of temperature on pollen morphology, germination, and tube growth. This method facilitated the high-throughput screening of many pollen samples, enabling rapid, reliable, and precise analysis of pollen viability in response to temperature. Our approach should be applicable to other plant species and could be used to identify quantitative trait loci or genes influencing heat stress tolerance in pollen for breeding programs.
The c-numerical range of a quaternion skew-Hermitian matrix is convex
Authors: van der Merwe Alma , Thiersen Madelein , Woerdeman Hugo J.
Published: October 2024

We show that the c-numerical range of a non-scalar skew-Hermitian quaternion matrix is convex. In fact, included in our result is that the c-numerical range of a skew-Hermitian matrix is a rotation invariant subset of the quaternions with zero real parts.
AI-FEED: Prototyping an AI-Powered Platform for the Food Charity Ecosystem
Authors: Sammer Marcus , Seong Kijin , Olvera Norma , Gronseth Susie L. , Anderson-Fletcher Elizabeth , Jiao Junfeng , Reese Alison , Kakadiaris Ioannis A.
Published: October 2024

This paper presents the development and functionalities of the AI-FEED web-based platform (ai-feed.ai), designed to address food and nutrition insecurity challenges within the food charity ecosystem. AI-FEED leverages advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology to facilitate improved access to nutritious food and efficient resource allocation, aiming to reduce food waste and bolster community health. The initial phase involved comprehensive interviews with various stakeholders to gather insights into the ecosystem’s unique challenges and requirements. This informed the design of four distinct modules in the AI-FEED platform, each targeting the needs of one of four stakeholder groups (food charities, donors, clients, and community leaders). Prototyping and iterative feedback processes were integral to refining these modules. The food charity module assists charities in generating educational content and predicting client needs through AI-driven tools. Based on blockchain technology, the food donor module streamlines donation processes, enhances donor engagement, and provides donor recognition. The client module provides real-time information on food charity services and offers a centralized repository for nutritional information. The platform includes a comprehensive mapping and proposal system for community leaders to strategically address local food insecurity issues. AI-FEED’s integrated platform approach allows data sharing across modules, enhancing overall functionality and impact. The paper also discusses ethical considerations, potential biases in AI systems, and the transformation of AI-FEED from a research project to a sustainable entity. The AI-FEED platform exemplifies the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration and technological innovation in addressing societal challenges, particularly in improving food security and community health.
Optimizing external advisory committee meetings of Clinical and Translational Science Awards through focused pre-review
Authors: Casey Shannon L. , Burnside Elizabeth S. , Brasier Allan R.
Published: October 2024

External advisory committees (EACs) are critical peer-review meetings that drive improvement at Clinical and Translational Science Award Program Hubs. Despite their ubiquity, evaluations of EAC optimization and effective implementation remain scarce. We present a two-tiered approach to optimizing EAC meetings through (1) in-depth, topically focused “pre-review” meetings comprised of external topic experts and at least one standing “full-board” EAC member, followed by (2) a traditional “full-board” EAC meeting. This approach allowed pre-review discussion of program-focused topics and specific recommendations, later delivered to the full-board for review and direction. To evaluate this approach, we interviewed 18 people who planned, administered, or attended pre-review and/or full-board meetings, including internal Hub staff, external topic experts, and standing EAC members. Thematic analysis was used to explore planning, implementation, and value of our two-tiered approach versus the traditional single full-board approach. Interviewees preferred the two-tiered approach, noting benefits including additional time to reflect, shared identification of strengths and challenges, and discussion of solutions to share later with the full-board. Those who attended pre-review meetings described building “transformational,” rather than “transactional,” relationships with invitees through more discussion and inter-hub sharing. That increased sharing invited more exploration, discussion, and planning of next steps toward innovation.
Development of the Dissemination and Implementation Science Collaborative (DISC): Opportunities to enhance implementation science capacity among researchers and practitioners in South Carolina
Authors: Allen Caitlin G. , Sterba Katherine , Oppenheimer Stephanie , Hanson Rochelle F. , Coen Emma , Gimbel Ron , Ford Dee
Published: October 2024

This paper explores the development of the Dissemination and Implementation Science Collaborative (DISC) at the Medical University of South Carolina, established through the Clinical and Translational Science Award program. DISC aims to accelerate clinical and translational science by providing training, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities in dissemination and implementation (D&I) science. Through DISC, investigators, trainees, and community partners are equipped with the knowledge and skills to conduct D&I research and translate findings into practice, particularly in South Carolina’s public health and healthcare landscape. We describe efforts to achieve the major overarching aims of DISC, which include conducting scientific workforce training, providing mentorship and consultation, and advancing methods and processes for D&I research. By sharing DISC experiences, successes, and challenges, this paper aims to support the growth of D&I research and capacity-building programs, fostering collaboration and shared resources in the field.
Economic costs of poor PSC manifest in sickness absence and voluntary turnover
Authors: Loh May Young , Dollard Maureen F. , Friebel Ashira
Published: October 2024

Work-related stress is a major occupational health and safety (OHS) issue that has industrial relations origins. Aside from the moral and human rights imperatives to improve the corporate climate for worker psychological health (as per psychosocial safety climate, PSC), there are strong economic costs for not doing so. PSC refers to worker perceptions of the corporate safety system to protect and promote workers’ psychological health and wellbeing. It is a leading indicator of working conditions, which in turn affect workers’ health and work engagement. In this study, we estimate the attributable economic cost of low PSC due to sickness absence and turnover. Data were collected from a multinational company using survey at Time 1 (T1) and objective company data (i.e., sickness absence and turnover) after one year (T2). Using regression analysis and a matched sample of 617 responses, PSC was negatively related to future sickness absence. A binomial logistic regression with 1268 respondents (i.e., all responses at T1) showed that PSC was negatively related to future voluntary turnover. An economic analysis suggests that improving OHS via PSC could save an organisation with 5000 employees USD 0.6–2.7 million per year. Building PSC to protect and promote workers’ psychological health is a likely economic saving on organisational productivity.
Rigidity of Lyapunov exponents for derived from Anosov diffeomorphisms
Authors: COSTA J. SANTANA , TAHZIBI A.
Published: October 2024

For a class of volume-preserving partially hyperbolic diffeomorphisms (or non-uniformly Anosov)

$f\colon {\mathbb {T}}^d\rightarrow {\mathbb {T}}^d$

homotopic to linear Anosov automorphism, we show that the sum of the positive (negative) Lyapunov exponents of f is bounded above (respectively below) by the sum of the positive (respectively negative) Lyapunov exponents of its linearization. We show this for some classes of derived from Anosov (DA) and non-uniformly hyperbolic systems with dominated splitting, in particular for examples described by Bonatti and Viana [SRB measures for partially hyperbolic systems whose central direction is mostly contracting. Israel J. Math.115(1) (2000), 157–193]. The results in this paper address a flexibility program by Bochi, Katok and Rodriguez Hertz [Flexibility of Lyapunov exponents. Ergod. Th. & Dynam. Sys.42(2) (2022), 554–591].
Global rigidity of smooth
${\mathbb{Z}}\ltimes _{\unicode{x3bb}}{\mathbb{R}}$
-actions on
${\mathbb{T}}^{2}$
Authors: DONG CHANGGUANG , SHI YI
Published: October 2024

For

$\unicode{x3bb}>1$

, we consider the locally free

${\mathbb Z}\ltimes _\unicode{x3bb} \mathbb R$

actions on

$\mathbb T^2$

. We show that if the action is

$C^r$

with

$r\geq 2$

, then it is

$C^{r-\epsilon }$

-conjugate to an affine action generated by a hyperbolic automorphism and a linear translation flow along the expanding eigen-direction of the automorphism. In contrast, there exists a

$C^{1+\alpha }$

-action which is semi-conjugate, but not topologically conjugate to an affine action.
Bounding geometrically integral del Pezzo surfaces
Authors: Bernasconi Fabio , Martin Gebhard
Published: October 2024

We prove several boundedness statements for geometrically integral normal del Pezzo surfaces X over arbitrary fields. We give an explicit sharp bound on the irregularity if X is canonical or regular. In particular, we show that wild canonical del Pezzo surfaces exist only in characteristic

$2$

. As an application, we deduce that canonical del Pezzo surfaces form a bounded family over

$\mathbb {Z}$

, generalising work of Tanaka. More generally, we prove the BAB conjecture on the boundedness of

$\varepsilon $

-klt del Pezzo surfaces over arbitrary fields of characteristic different from

$2, 3$

and

$5$

.
Assessing for race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic disparities in central line-associated bloodstream infection risk in a large academic health system
Authors: Gottlieb Lindsey B. , Prakash-Asrani Radhika , Dube William , Wiley Zanthia , Licitra Giancarlo , Fridkin Scott K.
Published: October 2024

Objective:

To examine the relationship between race and ethnicity and central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) while accounting for inherent differences in CLABSI risk related to central venous catheter (CVC) type.

Design:

Retrospective cohort analysis.

Setting:

Acute care facilities within an academic healthcare system.

Patients:

Adult inpatients from January 2012 through December 2017 with CVC present for ≥2 contiguous days.

Methods:

We describe variability in demographics, comorbidities, CVC type/configuration, and CLABSI rate by patient’s race and ethnicity. We estimated the unadjusted risk of CLABSI for each demographic and clinical characteristic and then modelled the effect of race on time to CLABSI, adjusting for total parenteral nutrition use and CVC type. We also performed exploratory analysis replacing race and ethnicity with social vulnerability index (SVI) metrics.

Results:

32,925 patients with 57,642 CVC episodes met inclusion criteria, most of which (51,348, 89%) were among non-Hispanic White or non-Hispanic Black patients. CVC types differed between race/ethnicity groups. However, after adjusting for CVC type, configuration, and indication in an adjusted cox regression, the risk of CLABSI among non-Hispanic Black patients did not significantly differ from non-Hispanic White patients (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.19; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.94, 1.51). The odds of having a CLABSI among the most vulnerable SVI subset compared to the less vulnerable was no different (odds ratio [OR] 0.95; 95% CI: 0.75–1.2).

Conclusions:

We did not find a difference in CLABSI risk between non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Black patients when adjusting for CLABSI risk inherent in type and configuration of CVC.
Sequencing the Southern Iberian Late Neolithic hypogeum cemetery of La Beleña through radiocarbon dating and Bayesian modeling
Authors: Santana Jonathan , Caro José L , Camalich Massieu María D , Aranda Jiménez Gonzalo , Martín Socas Dimas
Published: October 2024

This study aims to determine the chronological sequence of the collective burials in the hypogea of the prehistoric cemetery of La Beleña (Cabra, Córdoba) through Bayesian analyses of 14C dates obtained from human remains. The data from this site are not only key to grasping the phenomenon of the introduction and spread of hypogea throughout the western Mediterranean, but to gain insight into multi-stage funerary practices during the Late Neolithic/Chalcolithic. The dataset comprises 14C dates of 71 of the 79 individuals placed in five of La Beleña’s six hypogea. The findings suggest: (i) La Beleña is one of the oldest assemblages of hypogea in Iberia, (ii) that this type of collective burial spread rapidly throughout the western Mediterranean area, (iii) that La Beleña is marked by two main phases of funerary activity interspersed by brief burial surges, (iv) funerary intensity at La Beleña increased between cal BC 3400–2900 (2σ), and (v) the cemetery saw a very brief surge of burials potentially related to a catastrophic event. The results of this analysis thus shed light on the little-known chronological sequence of prehistoric hypogea or rock-cut tombs in Iberia, their spread, and their relation to other Late Neolithic collective burials in western Europe.
Tailoring interventions through a combination of statistical typology and frontier analysis: a study of mixed crop-livestock farms in semi-arid Zimbabwe
Authors: Baudron Frédéric , Homann-Kee Tui Sabine , Silva João Vasco , Chakoma Irenie , Matangi Dorcas , Nyagumbo Isaiah , Dube Sikhalazo
Published: October 2024

An innovative methodological approach combining statistical typologies and stochastic frontier analysis was applied to data collected from 1840 mixed crop-livestock farms in six districts of Zimbabwe, representative of semi-arid areas of the country. The average annual cereal production was 362 kg farm–1, and the average annual livestock offtake was 0.64 ± 1.32 Tropical Livestock Units (TLU) farm–1. Our results demonstrate there is scope to increase cereal and livestock production by 90.7% and 111.9% relative to current production levels, respectively, with more efficient use of existing resources and technologies. Rainfall was found to have a strong effect on cereal production, highlighting the need for climate-smart practices. Livestock mortality (0.59 ± 1.62 TLU farm–1) was found to be in the same order of magnitude as livestock offtake (0.64 ± 1.32 TLU farm–1). Cereal production was supported by livestock, demonstrating the importance of crop-livestock interactions in these mixed farming systems. Three farm types were identified in our analysis. Crop-oriented mixed farms (31%) are likely to be the ones most responsive to crop-specific interventions e.g., crop rotation and integrated pest management. Livestock-oriented mixed farms (34%) are likely to benefit the most from livestock-specific interventions, e.g., home feed. Mixed farms dependent on off-farm activities (36% of the sample) may require nutrition-sensitive and labour-saving sustainable intensification technologies to benefit from their limited resources. Reducing cattle mortality is a priority for all three farm types. The method proposed here could be adapted to other contexts characterized by heterogeneous farming populations to target interventions.
Detecting play behaviour in weaned dairy calves using accelerometer data
Authors: McKay Ciara , Ellis Kathryn , Haskell Marie J. , Cousar Heather , Gladden Nicola
Published: October 2024

This research paper describes a validation study evaluating the ability of IceTag accelerometers (Peacock Technology, UK) to detect play behaviour in weaned dairy calves. Play behaviour is commonly observed in young animals and is regarded as an indicator of positive welfare states. Eight Holstein Friesian calves aged three to five months old were monitored using leg-mounted accelerometers for 48 h. Data generated by accelerometers to quantify calf activity included step count, lying times and a proprietary measure of overall activity termed ‘motion index’ (MI). Calf behaviour was filmed continuously over the same 48-h period using closed circuit television cameras and analysed using one-zero sampling to identify the presence (1) or absence (0) of play within each 15-min time period. A positive correlation between MI and visually recorded play was found. Visual observations were compared with accelerometer-generated data and analysed using 2 × 2 contingency tables and classification and regression tree analysis. A MI value of ≥69 was established as the optimum threshold to detect play behaviour (sensitivity = 94.4%; specificity = 93.6%; balanced accuracy = 94.0%). The results of this study suggest that accelerometer-generated MI data have the potential to detect play behaviour in weaned dairy calves in a more time efficient manner than traditional visual observations.
Explaining microvariation using the Tolerance Principle: plugging the amn’t gap
Authors: Thoms Gary , Adger David , Heycock Caroline , Jamieson E. , Smith Jennifer
Published: October 2024

In this article, we describe and explain patterns of variation in acceptance of amn’t in varieties of Scots, drawing upon data from the Scots Syntax Atlas. Partly in line with findings from Bresnan (2001), we show that amn’t is much more widely accepted in inversion environments (amn’t I?) than in declaratives (I amn’t), but nevertheless, amn’t in declaratives is still accepted in certain regions of Scotland. We combine the productivity-based explanation of the amn’t gap in Yang (2016, 2017) with new insights into the syntax of Scots negation from Thoms et al. (2023) to provide a predictive account of the attested variation.
Caloplaca tswaluensis (Teloschistales, Teloschistaceae): a new species from South Africa with plurilocular ascospores
Authors: Fryday Alan , Svoboda Stanislav , Vondrák Jan , Ward Danielle A. , Struwig Madeleen
Published: October 2024

The new species Caloplaca tswaluensis is described from Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. Caloplaca tswaluensis occurs on the trunks of Vachellia erioloba (camelthorn) trees and is characterized by its 3-septate to quadrilocular ascospores. Molecular data indicate that the new species is placed in the subfamily Teloschistoideae but cannot be assigned to any existing genus and, because its systematic position is unclear, we choose to describe it in Caloplaca s. lat. Caloplaca tswaluensis is compared with other crustose Teloschistaceae species with plurilocular ascospores.
Cumulative stressor exposure predicts menstrual cycle affective changes in a transdiagnostic outpatient sample with past-month suicidal ideation
Authors: Nagpal Anisha , Barone Jordan C. , Tauseef Hafsah , Ross Jaclyn , Gray Zach J. , Schmalenberger Katja M. , Shields Grant , Slavich George M. , Eisenlohr-Moul Tory
Published: October 2024

Background

Affective responses to the menstrual cycle vary widely. Some individuals experience severe symptoms like those with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, while others have minimal changes. The reasons for these differences are unclear, but prior studies suggest stressor exposure may play a role. However, research in at-risk psychiatric samples is lacking.

Methods

In a large clinical sample, we conducted a prospective study of how lifetime stressors relate to degree of affective change across the cycle. 114 outpatients with past-month suicidal ideation (SI) provided daily ratings (n = 6187) of negative affect and SI across 1–3 menstrual cycles. Participants completed the Stress and Adversity Inventory (STRAIN), which measures different stressor exposures (i.e. interpersonal loss, physical danger) throughout the life course, including before and after menarche. Multilevel polynomial growth models tested the relationship between menstrual cycle time and symptoms, moderated by stressor exposure.

Results

Greater lifetime stressor exposure predicted a more pronounced perimenstrual increase in active SI, along with marginally significant similar patterns for negative affect and passive SI. Additionally, pre-menarche stressors significantly increased the cyclicity of active SI compared to post-menarche stressors. Exposure to more interpersonal loss stressors predicted greater perimenstrual symptom change of negative affect, passive SI and active SI. Exploratory item-level analyses showed that lifetime stressors moderated a more severe perimenstrual symptom trajectory for mood swings, anger/irritability, rejection sensitivity, and interpersonal conflict.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that greater lifetime stressor exposure may lead to heightened emotional reactivity to ovarian hormone fluctuations, elevating the risk of psychopathology.
Impulsivity in first-degree relatives at risk of psychosis and mania: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kerr-Gaffney Jess , Nuerzati Yahufu , Kopra Emma I. , Young Allan H.
Published: October 2024

Impulsivity is elevated in psychosis and during mania in bipolar disorder. Studies in unaffected relatives may help establish whether impulsivity is a heritable, state independent endophenotype. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine whether impulsivity is elevated in unaffected relatives of those with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder, compared to controls. Databases were systematically searched up until March 2023 for articles reporting data on a behavioral or self-report measure of impulsivity in first-degree relatives and controls. Nineteen studies were included. Behavioral (10 studies, d = 0.35, p < 0.001) and self-reported impulsivity was significantly elevated in bipolar disorder relatives compared to controls (5 studies, d = 0.46, p < 0.001), with small effect sizes. Relatives of those with schizophrenia did not show significantly elevated impulsivity compared to controls on behavioral measures (6 studies, d = 0.42, p = 0.102). There were not enough studies to conduct a meta-analysis on self-report data in schizophrenia relatives or schizoaffective disorder relatives (self-report or behavioral). Study quality was good, however there was moderate to high heterogeneity in behavioral meta-analyses. Results suggest elevated impulsivity may be an endophenotype for bipolar disorder, present in an attenuated state before and after the illness and in at-risk individuals. This trait, amongst other behavioral and psychological indices, could be used to identify those who are at risk of developing bipolar disorder. Future research should refine measurement across studies and establish which components of impulsivity are affected in those at risk of psychotic and bipolar disorders.
Associations of benzodiazepine use with cognitive ability and age-related cognitive decline
Authors: Osler Merete , Rozing Maarten Pieter , Wium-Andersen Ida Kim , Jørgensen Martin Balslev , Mortensen Erik Lykke , Okholm Gunhild Tidemann
Published: October 2024

Background

It remains uncertain whether long-term use of benzodiazepines is associated with age-related cognitive decline, and if cognitive ability in early life is the driver of any association. This study examines the association of cognitive ability in young adulthood with later use of benzodiazepines and explores whether the use of benzodiazepines during adult life is associated with cognitive decline in late midlife.

Methods

The study samples include cognitive tests on the Børge Priens Prøve (BPP) from the conscription board examination (age 19 years) from 335 513 men born 1949–1961 and data from re-examinations of 5183 men 44 years later. Cognitive decline was defined as the difference between scores at the conscription board and the re-examination. Information on purchases of benzodiazepines was obtained from the Danish National Prescription Registry, 1995–2022. Associations were analysed using Cox proportional hazards and linear regression.

Results

In total, 120 911 (36%) men purchased benzodiazepines during a follow-up of 20 years. Lower cognitive scores in young adulthood were associated with a higher risk of initiating benzodiazepines (hazard ratio [95% CI] = 0.71[0.68–0.75]). Men with the highest cumulative use of benzodiazepines had larger cognitive decline (β-coefficient [95% CI] = −1.66 [−2.09 to −1.23] BPP scores) compared with never users. Current benzodiazepine users showed a larger cognitive decline than never users (β-coefficient [95% CI] = −2.42[−3.18 to −1.66] BPP scores) and this partially explained the above association. These estimates for cognitive decline were relatively small and may lack clinical relevance.

Conclusion

Low cognitive ability increases the risk of benzodiazepine use in adulthood and cognitive decline is more pronounced in those with the highest benzodiazepine use compared with never-use, but the difference lacks clinical significance.
The politics of direct taxation in Chile, 1870s-1890s: ¿“será defecto de la raza”?
Authors: Nazer Ahumada Ricardo , Llorca-Jaña Manuel
Published: October 2024

This article deals with a fiscal reform implemented in Chile during the late 1870s, when the country was suffering a severe economic and fiscal crisis, on the eve of the War of the Pacific. In 1879, the Chilean government introduced a new set of direct levies, taxing inheritance, income and wealth, despite the historic resistance of most of the economic elites to direct taxation in a highly unequal society. The process also shows that not all the economic elite avoided direct taxation. Despite other challenges faced by any developing country in extracting taxes from its population (e.g. lack of both proper information and human capital), during c.1879-1884 collection of these new direct taxes was successful, mainly on account of the improved extractive capacity built up during the preceding decades. Yet, by the mid-1890s all direct taxes (new and old) had been either derogated or transferred to local government (in some cases after being modified). Once again, Chilean central government depended entirely on indirect taxes, with export duties on nitrate being the most important. Nitrate provides a good example of an export boom shaping taxation for the worse; rather than increasing and diversifying the sources of revenue, a dominant sector of the Chilean economic elite decided to stop paying direct taxes and to make the state entirely dependent on the cycles of the international economy. However, some members of the economic elite, although defeated in their purpose, were aware of the wide range of benefits of keeping direct taxation: social justice, financial health and less vulnerability to trade cycles. Unfortunately, the balance of power favoured elite groups with enough power to hinder direct taxation.
Teaching Pathographies of Mental Illness
Authors: Carlin Nathan , Gomez Angela , Ortiz Margarita
Published: October 2024

This paper describes the content and evolution of a fourth-year course for medical students on teaching pathographies of mental illness. (It is a follow-up to Nathan Carlin’s Pathographies of Mental Illness that appeared as an Element in the Bioethics and Neuroethics series published by Cambridge University Press.) The course originally centered on classic (and some contemporary) memoirs; however, responding to student evaluations, newer material now ensures more diversity, with material written by women and people of color, and describes the difference that can make.
Surgical outcome of the borderline hypoplastic left ventricle: impact of the left ventricle rehabilitation strategy
Authors: Cheng Haonan , Osawa Takuya , Palm Jonas , Schaeffer Thibault , Heinisch Paul Philipp , Piber Nicole , Röhlig Christoph , Meierhofer Christian , Georgiev Stanimir , Hager Alfred , Ewert Peter , Hörer Jürgen , Ono Masamichi
Published: October 2024

Objective:

This study aims to assess the surgical outcome of borderline hypoplastic left ventricle before and after the induction of the left ventricle rehabilitation strategy.

Methods:

A retrospective review investigated patients with borderline hypoplastic left ventricle who underwent surgical intervention between 2012 and 2022. The patient cohort was stratified into two groups based on the initiation of left ventricle rehabilitation: an early-era group (E group, 2012–2017) and a late-era group (L group, 2018–2022). Left ventricle rehabilitation was defined as palliation combined with other procedures aimed at promoting left ventricular growth such as restriction of atrial septal defect, relief of inflow/outflow obstructive lesions, and resection of endocardial fibroelastosis.

Results:

A total of 58 patients were included. Primary diagnosis included 12 hypoplastic left heart syndromes, 11 critical aortic valve stenosis, and others. A total of 9 patients underwent left ventricle rehabilitation, 8 of whom underwent restriction of atrial septal defect. As for clinical outcomes, 9 of 23 patients achieved biventricular repair in the E group, whereas in the L group, 27 of 35 patients achieved biventricular repair (39% vs. 77%, p = 0.004). Mortality did not differ statistically between the two groups (log-rank test p = 0.182). As for the changes after left ventricle rehabilitation, left ventricular growth was observed in 8 of 9 patients. The left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (from 11.4 to 30.1 ml/m2, p = 0.017) and left ventricular apex-to-right ventricular apex ratio (from 86 to 106 %, p = 0.014) significantly increased after left ventricle rehabilitation.

Conclusions:

The introduction of the left ventricle rehabilitation strategy resulted in an increased proportion of patients achieving biventricular repair without a concomitant increase in mortality. Left ventricle rehabilitation was associated with enhanced left ventricular growth and the formation of a well-defined left ventricle apex. Our study underscores the significance of left ventricle rehabilitation strategies facilitating successful biventricular repair. The data suggest establishing restrictive atrial communication may be a key factor in promoting left ventricular growth.
Kant on the Despotic Danger of a World State
Authors: Fang Bo
Published: October 2024

In this article, I argue that Kant’s real reason for rejecting a world state in practice is that a world state would be in greater danger of despotism than individual states. Kant hopes that public participation and self-enlightenment of the people in the public sphere could counter the despotic danger in individual states. However, in a world state, state affairs are too distant from the lives of individuals, making it difficult for individuals to maintain enthusiasm for public discourse and political enlightenment. Moreover, the absence of external competition and the risk of war would eliminate the incentive of the ruler to preserve freedom for the development of industry and commerce and, consequently, for the enlightenment of the people. These defects make it more difficult for a world state to resist despotic danger.
The concept of service model fidelity in Talking Therapies
Authors: Cromarty Paul
Published: October 2024

The concept of Service Model Fidelity is considered as a parallel process to Treatment Fidelity in evidence-based psychological therapies. NHS Talking Therapies (formerly IAPT) aimed to increase access to an expanded, upskilled workforce on a national scale. This included systematic training, supervision and front-line service delivery, emphasising treatment fidelity to evidence-based interventions. A further feature of NHS Talking Therapies was modernising and restructuring of the health system that housed these trained practitioners. The term ‘service model fidelity’ (Cromarty, 2016) was coined to emphasise service modernisation aspects as a distinct entity. A definition of the latter is included. Examples of service model fidelity and of service model drift, are outlined to distinguish these from therapist drift. This links to past literature recommending changes in traditional mental health service design and emergent evidence from NHS Talking Therapies. The latter examines publicly available data identifying characteristics of service design, which appear to be predictors of enhanced clinical outcome. Challenges in modernising health systems are discussed and conclusions are made highlighting the crucial role of service model when delivering evidence-based therapies. Suggestions for further research into service configuration to improve experiences of service users are considered. This includes ongoing exploration of service design being more than a qualitative feature, and increasingly appearing as a key factor in enhanced clinical outcome.

Key learning aims

(1)

To identify service model fidelity as separate entity to treatment fidelity.

(2)

To provide a clear definition of service model fidelity.

(3)

To delineate therapist drift from service drift.

(4)

To further examine the role of service model in delivering evidence-based interventions.
Forging support: when there is no alternative to ‘there is no alternative’
Authors: Joosten M.A. (Max)
Published: October 2024

Whether fiscal austerity by governments is unpopular or not is much discussed in the literature. One line of research argues that consolidation has negative electoral effects, ranging from declines in politicians’ approval ratings to abstention by voters at elections. Another strand highlights that re-election chances are not harmed by the implementation of austerity and that some voters in fact support consolidation measures. Both sides are limited in at least two regards. First, they do not allow for the possibility that public opinion is shaped by the political discussion about government debts and budget deficits. Second, and relatedly, the literature is limited in its extent to which it considers heterogeneity in preference adaptation across income groups. This article contributes to these debates by bringing to bear insights from the literature on mass preference formation. In particular, I argue that a cross-party consensus on austerity leads voters to align their preferences with the consensus, increasingly demanding cuts to government spending. This adaptation is conditioned by income so that the preferences of those income groups that are the furthest away from the consensus adapt their fiscal preferences most. By including the discursive context of fiscal policy, this article helps explain how austerity can be made popular. Empirically, I test these expectations by matching citizen preferences with party positions on fiscal policy for 60 country years. The empirical results indeed demonstrate that even though low- and middle-income voters are least supportive of austerity, they adapt the most to the party consensus on austerity.
Breaking Water Laws in the Murray‐Darling Basin: Understanding Water Compliance Challenges and Stakeholder Perceptions
Authors: Seidl Constantin , Wheeler Sarah Ann
Published: October 2024

Climate change will put pressure on irrigated agriculture, increasing water scarcity and possible non‐compliance with water regulations. This is especially true in areas such as the Murray‐Darling Basin (MDB), Australia, an area where water resources have been overallocated. Understanding the expected penalties and probability of detection and prosecution of water theft faced by irrigators is important for understanding the incentives for water compliance. We analyze state‐level compliance action data and undertake a detailed case study of estimating the real penalty value of water theft in New South Wales (NSW), the largest MDB state. This analysis is supplemented with qualitative comment on compliance issues from 63 MDB stakeholder interviews. Although findings from random audits suggest that only a small percentage of irrigators commit water theft offenses, the average probabilities of audit detection and prosecution for water theft in NSW between 2018/19 and 2020/21 were low, leading to an average real expected penalty value of stealing water well below existing market prices. Stakeholder interviews confirmed that the majority did not believe there were serious water theft or water compliance challenges—whereas recent secondary survey data suggests that the general public perceives water theft and compliance as a serious and ongoing challenge in the MDB and more needs to be done to address it. Three recommendations for data and policy reform are proposed, namely: (a) improving compliance data and reporting; (b) increasing the probability of detection and prosecution; and (c) increasing penalties, regulator visibility, and reforming legislation. Results illustrate that even countries with highly advanced water governance require data improvements, along with sufficient levels of compliance activities and penalties for effective deterrence and stakeholder confidence.
Non‐Typical Supershear Rupture: Fault Heterogeneity and Segmentation Govern Unilateral Supershear and Cascading Multi‐Fault Rupture in the 2021 Mw ${M}_{w}$7.4 Maduo Earthquake
Authors: Hayek J. N. , Marchandon M. , Li D. , Pousse‐Beltran L. , Hollingsworth J. , Li T. , Gabriel A.‐A.
Published: October 2024

Previous geodetic and teleseismic observations of the 2021 7.4 Maduo earthquake imply surprising but difficult‐to‐constrain complexity, including rupture across multiple fault segments and supershear rupture. Here, we present an integrated analysis of multi‐fault 3D dynamic rupture models, high‐resolution optical correlation analysis, and joint optical‐InSAR slip inversion. Our preferred model, validated by the teleseismic multi‐peak moment rate release, includes unilateral eastward double‐onset supershear speeds and cascading rupture dynamically triggering two adjacent fault branches. We propose that pronounced along‐strike variation in fracture energy, complex fault geometries, and multi‐scale variable prestress drives this event's complex rupture dynamics. We illustrate how supershear transition has signatures in modeled and observed off‐fault deformation. Our study opens new avenues to combine observations and models to better understand complex earthquake dynamics, including local and potentially repeating supershear episodes across immature faults or under heterogeneous stress and strength conditions, which are potentially not unusual.
Long Distance Transport of Subsurface Sediment‐Derived Iron From Asian to Alaskan Margins in the North Pacific Ocean
Authors: Sieber M. , Lanning N. T. , Steffen J. M. , Bian X. , Yang S.‐C. , Lee J. M. , Weiss G. , Hunt H. R. , Charette M. A. , Moore W. S. , Hautala S. L. , Hatta M. , Lam P. J. , John S. G. , Fitzsimmons J. N. , Conway T. M.
Published: October 2024

The international GEOTRACES program has been instrumental in demonstrating how marine sediments are a critical source of dissolved Fe to the world's oceans. Here, we present dissolved iron (dFe) from the GEOTRACES North Pacific GP15 section, which, alongside other sediment‐source tracers (including dissolved δ56Fe, Mn, 228Ra, and particulate Fe), allows for identification of the dFe provenance of three distinct dFe depth maxima at the Alaskan margin. Two of these (shelf and abyssal depths) are of local Alaskan sedimentary origin. The third, a mid‐depth dFe maximum with an absence of 228Ra, is an advected signal that, based on tracer data from Western Pacific GEOTRACES transects and circulation models, must be advected from sedimentary sources on the Asian margin, ∼5,000 km away. This study illustrates the importance of measuring diagnostic sedimentary tracers like radium when assigning local margins as sedimentary sources of marine trace metal budgets.
Detecting Instantaneous Tidal Signals in Ocean Models Utilizing Streaming Band‐Pass Filters
Authors: Xu Chengzhu , Zaron Edward D.
Published: October 2024

Through the implementation of a streaming filter, output of numerical ocean simulations can be band‐pass filtered at tidal frequencies while the model is running, yielding time series of sinusoidal motions consisting of tidal signals in the filter's target frequency band. The filtering algorithm is developed from a system of two ordinary differential equations that represents the motion of a damped harmonic oscillator. The filter's response to a broadband input signal is unity at its target frequency but vanishes toward the low and high frequency limits. The decay of the filter response is controlled by a dimensionless parameter, which determines the filter's bandwidth. As a result, the filter allows signals within a small frequency band around its target frequency to pass through, while blocking signals outside of its target frequency band. In this work, the filtering algorithm is implemented into the barotropic solver of the Modular Ocean Model version 6 (MOM6) for determining the instantaneous tidal velocities of the semi‐diurnal and diurnal tides. Utilizing the filters, the frequency‐dependent internal wave drag is applied to the semi‐diurnal and diurnal frequency bands separately. The simulation results suggest that the performance of the algorithm is consistent with the filter transfer function in Fourier space. Potential applications of the algorithm also include de‐tiding the model output for nested regional ocean models, especially those for the purpose of operational forecasting.