bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P–T–t conditions of Early Palaeozoic low‐P high‐T granulite facies metamorphism in the southern Truong Son Belt, Central Vietnam
Authors: Duc Nam Nguyen , Lo Ching‐Hua , Usuki Tadashi , Iizuka Yoshiyuki , Binh Pham
Published: June 2023

High‐grade metamorphic rocks are widely exposed along the SE–NW‐ to E–W‐trending shear zones in the Truong Son Belt, Central Vietnam, but few petrological studies have been conducted in this area. Herein, we report the occurrence of mylonitized granulites that crop out along the Dai Loc shear zone in the southernmost Truong Son Belt. Detailed petrographic analysis, geochemistry and P–T–t estimates of the evolution of two granulite samples are presented to elucidate the formation processes of these high‐grade metamorphic rocks. The results indicate that the rocks underwent two distinct metamorphic cycles. The first cycle (M1) is characterized by coarse‐grained granulite mineral assemblages, defining a tight clockwise P–T path with near‐isobaric heating to a near ultrahigh‐temperature peak at low pressure, followed by cooling. The prograde mineral assemblage (M1a) is indicated by inclusions of cordierite + sillimanite + biotite + quartz + spinel ± plagioclase in coarse‐grained garnet, orthopyroxene and cordierite. The mineral assemblage of garnet + orthopyroxene + cordierite + plagioclase + K‐feldspar + ilmenite + melt ± biotite (M1b) defines the peak P–T conditions of 5.3–6.3 kbar and 850–920°C. Post‐peak cooling (M1c) is marked by the formation of quartz + biotite symplectites around garnet and orthopyroxene. The second cycle involved medium‐pressure amphibolite facies metamorphism (M2), characterized by domainal development of fine‐grained kyanite‐bearing mineral associations. Petrographic observations indicate that these fine‐grained associations were formed during mylonitization. Zircon U–Pb dating reveals that the timing of granulite facies metamorphism appears to be coeval with the intrusion of a post‐collisional granitoid at 430–410 Ma. Granulite facies metamorphism and crustal melting were probably driven by asthenospheric mantle upwelling triggered by slab breakoff during the Early Palaeozoic. Considering previous structural and geochronological studies, the second metamorphic event likely occurred during the Triassic Indosinian orogeny.
Crime in the era of COVID‐19: Evidence from England
Authors: Neanidis Kyriakos C. , Rana Maria P.
Published: June 2023

This paper examines the effects of COVID‐19‐induced lockdowns on recorded crime in England. The enforcement of lockdowns at both the national and local levels allows unveiling the impact on criminal activities by type of shutdown policy. Using official crime data across the universe of local authorities, we find that unlike local lockdowns national lockdowns significantly change the shape of recorded criminal activity, with the first nationally‐imposed lockdown having the strongest impact. Findings also reveal that police operations play a prominent role in explaining changes in reported crimes. Back‐of‐the‐envelope calculations suggest that lockdowns reduced the economic costs of crime by £4.2 billion.
Transforming global health professions education for sustainability
Authors: Naidu Thirusha , Ramani Subha
Published: June 2023

Background

Health professions education (HPE) must keep pace with rapid shifts in learning and societal contexts, control of resources, knowledge and environmental concerns. Sustainability is increasingly seen as complex, balancing the three pillars of economy, society and the environment and addressing the current generation's needs without compromising future generations' needs. We aim to orient three‐pillar sustainability in (HPE) from a decolonial global perspective.

Conferences as truth‐regimes

Future‐proofing imperatives compel HPE to respond to sustainability calls in contexts of globalisation and internationalisation. International conferences are sites of power in knowledge production and dissemination because themes and invited speakers determine who experts in the field are and what knowledge is important. Scholarly communities, dominating the discourse, determine the nature of reality or ‘truth’ (ontology), theoretical foundations of that reality and approaches to knowing (epistemology). Using one international conference as a case study, we found few scholarly presentations on sustainability, especially economic disparities. Discourse in HPE is still dominated by Global North ‘experts’.

Implications

Conferences are important discursive spaces for knowledge production and exchange. Increasing attention to social justice and planetary health must include a global perspective on three‐pillar sustainability. Historical and contemporary perspectives about disparities on health should exceed Eurocentric epistemologies alone. These are areas ripe for innovative research in HPE. Promisingly, there is increasing attention to curricula around health equity, disparities and clinical rotations in rural and underserved communities among educational institutions around the world.

Conclusions

Future‐proofing HPE requires addressing three sustainability pillars simultaneously. Conferences as influential knowledge production spaces are mostly characterised by Global North to South flow of knowledge. Global North‐dominated discourse fails to reflect on the impact of historical disparities including colonialism that thwart equivalence. Transforming HPE can occur through a sustainability perspective that advances three‐pillar global approaches for inclusive global legitimacy in HPE narratives and standards.
Claudin‐19 localizes to the thick ascending limb where its expression is required for junctional claudin‐16 localization
Authors: Dimke Henrik , Griveau Camille , Ling Wung‐Man Evelyne , Brideau Gaelle , Cheval Lydie , Muthan Pravina , Müller Dominik , Al‐Shebel Amr , Houillier Pascal , Prot‐Bertoye Caroline
Published: June 2023

The kidney is critical for mineral homeostasis. Calcium and magnesium reabsorption in the renal thick ascending limb (TAL) involves claudin‐16 (CLDN16) and claudin‐19 (CLDN19) and pathogenic variants in either gene lead to familial hypomagnesemia with hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis (FHHNC) with severe calcium and magnesium wasting. While both CLDN16 and CLDN19 localize to the TAL, varying expression patterns in the renal tubule have been reported using different antibodies. We, therefore, studied the localization of CLDN19 in the kidneys of wild‐type and Cldn19‐deleted mice using three anti‐CLDN19 antibodies and examined the role of Cldn19 deletion on CLDN16 and CLDN10 localization. We find that CLDN19 localizes to basolateral membrane domains of the medullary and cortical TAL but only to the tight junction of TALs in the outer stripe of outer medulla and cortex, where it colocalizes with CLDN16. Furthermore, in TALs from Cldn19‐deleted mice, CLDN16 is expressed in basolateral membrane domains but not at the tight junction. In contrast, Cldn19 ablation does not change CLDN10 localization. These findings directly implicate CLDN19 in regulating permeability in the TAL by allowing junctional insertion of CLDN16 and may explain the shared renal phenotypic characteristics in FHHNC patients.
THE ACEHÚCHE GOLD TORC: GOLD AND SACRED LAND ON THE SHORES OF THE TAGUS RIVER (CÁCERES, WESTERN SPAIN)
Authors: Martín Bravo Ana María , Sanabria Marcos Primitivo Javier
Published: June 2023

This article describes the important discovery of a Late Bronze Age gold torc that was unearthed in a field of Acehúche (Cáceres, Spain). It was buried underneath some rocks at a site near a river crossing over the Tagus river. In its immediate vicinity, archaeological remains dating from the Copper Age to the Late Bronze Age have been found, which indicates the long use of this crossing. Until recently here, there existed a ferry and a chapel; and the place went by the toponym of the Dehesa de San Cristóbal. Legend too has it that the water from the river had curative properties. All of these components have maintained the sacred nature of the spot, otherwise transformed over the course of time, and reflect an earlier sacred landscape with quite ancient roots.
Accessory fimbrial subunits and PPAD are necessary for TLR2 activation by Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Wielento Aleksandra , Bereta Grzegorz P. , Szczęśniak Katarzyna , Jacuła Anna , Terekhova Marina , Artyomov Maxim N. , Hasegawa Yoshiaki , Grabiec Aleksander M. , Potempa Jan
Published: June 2023

Porphyromonas gingivalis is an oral pathogen that promotes dysbiosis by quenching the bactericidal activity of the host immune system while maintaining chronic inflammation, leading to periodontitis. This involves the secretion of virulence factors such as P. gingivalis peptidyl arginine deiminase (PPAD), which converts the C‐terminal Arg residues of bacterial and host‐derived proteins and peptides into citrulline. We have previously shown that PPAD activity and major fimbriae (containing FimA) are necessary for P. gingivalis to activate Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2). TLR2 is an important component of the innate immune system and plays a predominant role in the recognition of P. gingivalis by host cells. Here, we extend those findings to show that P. gingivalis strains deficient for PPAD and fimbriae induced almost identical transcriptional profiles in infected primary human gingival fibroblasts (PHGFs), but these differed substantially from the transcriptome elicited by the wild‐type ATCC 33277 strain. Apparently, PPAD‐modified fimbriae trigger the host cell response to P. gingivalis, as confirmed by showing that the proinflammatory host cell response mediated by TLR2 is dependent on PPAD activity and the presence of fimbriae, with type I fimbriae as the most potent TLR2 activators. We also found that PPAD‐modified accessory fimbrial subunits (FimC, FimD, and FimE) alone or in combination are TLR2 ligands in a reporter cell line. Although FimA polymerization to form the fimbrial shaft was not required for TLR2 activation, the secretion and proteolytic maturation of FimA were necessary for signaling by accessory Fim proteins. This was supported by showing that the proinflammatory activation of PHGFs is dependent on PPAD and accessory fimbrial subunits. We conclude that accessory fimbrial subunits are modified by PPAD and stimulate the response to P. gingivalis infection in a TLR2‐dependent manner.
Parental awareness of the implications of myopia and strategies to control its progression: A survey‐based study
Authors: Ortiz‐Peregrina Sonia , Solano‐Molina Salvador , Martino Francesco , Castro‐Torres José J. , Jiménez José R.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Myopia has emerged as a significant public health concern. Effective methods have now been developed to delay its onset and progression. However, this information may not be reaching parents, and they are key players in terms of implementing the necessary preventive measures. This study investigated parental awareness of myopia, its implications and the strategies available for controlling it.

Methods

A self‐administered online survey was distributed to parents of children 6–16 years of age. To be eligible to respond, their child had to be myopic or at risk of developing myopia due to family history.

Results

A total of 330 parents completed the survey, of which 321 were included for analysis. Sixty‐seven percent of respondents had at least one myopic son/daughter, and most were between −1.00 and −1.75 D. Among parents of myopic children, 20.9% thought that their child's myopia progressed moderately. Sixty‐seven percent of parents had a significant level of concern about the progression of the myopia and felt that it was caused mainly by the use of electronic devices and genetics. A generalised linear model showed that parental concern was significantly predicted by the perception of evolution (p < 0.001) and the number of known health‐related consequences (p < 0.001). Almost 40% of parents were unaware of the existence of myopia control strategies. Relatives and eye care practitioners are the main sources of information. The most well‐known myopia control strategy was myopia control soft contact lenses (29.2%), although the option that most parents would opt for was spectacles with peripheral defocus lenses (47.1%). The selection of a contact‐lens‐based myopia control method correlated significantly with the age of the children (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Society in general and parents in particular need more information about myopia, its consequences and the options available for its control. Eye care practitioners play an important role in this issue.
Incidence of and Risk Factors for Screw Loosening after Iliosacral Screw Fixation for Posterior Pelvic Ring Injury
Authors: Zhou Wei , Chen Jianan , Pei Xuan , Liu Peizhao , Wang Guodong , Jiang Xiang , Liu Ximing
Published: June 2023

Purposes

Screw loosening is a common complication of iliosacral screw fixation, with subsequent loss of stability and fracture re‐displacement. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for screw loosening after iliosacral screw fixation for posterior pelvic ring injury.

Methods

A total of 135 patients with posterior pelvic ring injuries who were treated with iliosacral screw fixation in our department between July 2015 and April 2021 were selected for this retrospective analysis. The possible risk factors for screw loosening were investigated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses of patient demographics and trauma‐related and iatrogenic variables, including age, sex, body mass index, Osteoporosis Self‐Assessment Tool for Asians (OSTA) index, mechanism of injury, Young–Burgess classification, site of injury, type of injury, type of screw, mode of fixation, numbers of guidewire adjustments, accuracy of screw position, and quality of fracture reduction.

Results

The incidence of screw loosening was 15.6% (n = 21). The mean duration for screw loosening was 3.2 ± 1.5 months after operation. Univariate analysis results showed that the Young–Burgess classification, type of injury, site of injury, type of screw, mode of fixation, and OSTA index might be related to screw loosening (p < 0.05). According to the multivariate logistic regression, vertical shear injuries (Odds ratios [OR] 9.80, 95% Confidence intervals [CI] [1.96–73.28], p = 0.008), type of injury (OR 0.25, 95% CI [0.13–0.79], p = 0.027), common screws (OR 6.94, 95% CI [1.53–31.40], p = 0.012), screws insertion only at the level of the first sacral segment (S1) (OR 8.79, 95% CI [1.18–65.46], p = 0.034), injury site located in the medial sacral foramina (OR 6.28, 95% CI [1.16–34.06], p = 0.033), and lower OSTA index [OR 0.41, 95% CI [0.24–0.71], p = 0.001] were significantly related to screw loosening.

Conclusions

Vertical shear injuries, sacral fractures, injury site located in the medial sacral foramina, and lower OSTA index are significantly associated with the postoperative occurrence of screw loosening. Transiliac–transsacral screw fixation and screws insertion both at the level of the S1 and second sacral segment can prevent screw loosening.
Coexisting Kienböck's and Preiser's Disease of the Wrist: Experience with Proximal Row Carpectomy with Dorsal Capsular Interposition Technique
Authors: Oh Seungbae , Park Hyun Woo , Kang Soo‐Hwan , Lim Dohyung , Park Il‐Jung
Published: June 2023

Background

Idiopathic avascular necrosis of the lunate is known as Kienböck's disease and that of the scaphoid is known as Preiser's disease. Because the prevalence of coexisting Kienböck's and Preiser's diseases is very low, standardized stages of disease and treatments are not established.

Case Presentation

We report coexisting avascular necrosis of the scaphoid and lunate in a 68‐year‐old woman with no history of steroids or other risk factors. We treated her with proximal row carpectomy with capsular interposition technique. A distal‐based dorsal capsular flap was prepared and repaired the palmar capsule. At the last follow‐up, she had no pain and had gained improved range of wrist motion. There was no arthritic change at the newly formed radiocapitate joint.

Conclusions

In the case of collapsed lunate and scaphoid with avascular necrosis, the proximal row carpectomy procedure has an advantage. Proximal row carpectomy with dorsal capsular interposition can be performed when the lunate or scaphoid cannot be saved. Arthritic changes of the capitate head and distal radius lunate facet can be covered with the dorsal capsule.
The role of online symptom questionnaires to support the diagnosis of cow's milk allergy in children for healthcare professionals – A Delphi consensus study
Authors: Meyer Rosan , Vandenplas Yvan , Reese Imke , Vieira Mario C. , Ortiz‐Piedrahita Catalina , Walsh Joanna , Nowak‐Wegrzyn Anna , Chebar Lozinsky Adriana , Fox Adam , Chakravarti Vijay , Netting Merryn , Lange Lars , Venter Carina
Published: June 2023

Background

Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common food allergies world‐wide. The emergence of online CMA symptom questionnaires, aimed at parents and/or healthcare professionals (HCP), may raise awareness about the possible diagnosis of CMA, but also increases the risk for overdiagnosis leading to unnecessary dietary restriction impacting on growth and nutrition. This publication sets out to establish the availability of these CMA symptom questionnaires and critically assesses the development and validity.

Methods

Thirteen HCP working in the field of CMA, from different countries, were recruited to participate. A combination of a Pubmed and CINAHL literature and online review using the Google search engine in English language was used. Symptoms in the questionnaires were assessed, using the European Academy for Allergy and Clinical Immunology guidelines for food allergy. Following the assessment of both the questionnaires and literature, the authors followed the modified Delphi approach to generate consensus statements.

Results

Six hundred and fifty‐one publications were identified, of which 29 were suitable for inclusion, with 26 being associated with the Cow's Milk‐Related Symptoms Score. The online search yielded 10 available questionnaires: 7/10 were sponsored by formula milk companies and 7/10 were aimed at parents and three at HCP. Following the assessment of data, 19 statements were generated in two rounds of anonymous voting reaching 100% agreement.

Conclusions

Online CMA questionnaires, available to parents and HCP's, are varied in symptoms, and most were not validated. The overarching consensus generated from authors is that these questionnaires should not be used without the involvement of HCP.
Successful heart transplant in a child with congenital core myopathy and delayed‐onset restrictive cardiomyopathy due to recessive mutations in the titin (TTN) gene
Authors: Wacker Julie , Di Bernardo Stefano , Lobrinus Johannes Alexander , Jungbluth Heinz , Gautel Mathias , Beghetti Maurice , Fluss Joel
Published: June 2023

Background

Mutations in the TTN gene, encoding the muscle filament titin, are a major cause of inherited dilated cardiomyopathy. Early‐onset skeletal muscle disorders due to recessive TTN mutations have recently been described, sometimes associated with cardiomyopathies.

Case Description

We report the case of a boy with congenital core myopathy due to compound heterozygosity for TTN variants. He presented in infancy with rapidly evolving restrictive cardiomyopathy, requiring heart transplantation at the age of 5 years with favorable long‐term cardiac and neuromuscular outcome.

Conclusion

Heart transplantation may have a role in selected patients with TTN‐related congenital myopathy with disproportionally severe cardiac presentation compared to skeletal and respiratory muscle involvement.
From noise to knowledge: Improving evidentiary standards for program efficacy to better inform public policy and management decisions
Authors: Newcomer Kathryn E. , Hall Jeremy L. , Pandey Sanjay K. , Reginal Travis , White Ben
Published: June 2023

Current approaches employed by U.S.‐based clearinghouses to rate the efficacy of interventions to address social problems typically do not result in sufficient information to help practitioners. Current standards of evidence employed across the United States apply a positivist notion of validity with quantitative research criteria that discourage answering importanthowandwhyquestions, explicitly privilege quantitative/RCT evidence, offer few contextual insights, and rarely discuss disparities in outcomes across participants differing by race, gender, and ethnicity. We offer a set of standards of evidence to assess qualitative and mixed methods studies, as well as RCTs and quasi‐experimental designs, and probe the extent to which the studies address context and equity. We applied our proposed new standards of evidence to all intervention studies rated as the highest quality by the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education from 2017 to 2021 to demonstrate the usefulness of our standards.
Evidence of ontogenetic partitioning of restored coastal habitat by a generalist sportfish
Authors: Loch Jennifer M. H. , Cook Geoffrey S.
Published: June 2023

Coastal and estuarine habitats that provide crucial nursery areas for many economically and ecologically important fish species are in decline. Restoration of benthic habitats can improve fish populations, biomass, and feeding opportunities, but there is limited research on how restoration impacts growth and survival with ontogeny. To address this knowledge gap, here we examine the biometrics (size, biomass, and body condition), recruitment, size structure, and trophic shifts of a sportfish (mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus) at restored oyster reefs and stabilized living shorelines to better understand how fish use restored habitats as they grow. Biomass and body condition of L. griseus juveniles and subadults, and post‐settlement recruitment, at restored/stabilized sites was similar, and in some cases greater than natural sites, correlating with benthic habitat, reef location, and lunar phase at oyster reefs. Living shorelines exhibited greater recruitment potential, while oyster reefs supported more juveniles and subadults, as evidenced by differences in fish size and biomass between habitats. Dietary overlap implies subadult L. griseus likely foraged across habitats more than juveniles, while there was greater diet similarity within habitats. Furthermore, ontogenetic shifts also occurred within oyster reef habitats, highlighting the importance of quality habitat to support various sportfish life stages, which can be achieved through restoration. These findings suggest life history attributes can be indicators of habitat restoration success, and specifically provide actionable science to guide the development of more effective strategies for restoring inshore nursery habitats and thus augment production of offshore reef fisheries.
The formation of schwertmannite colloids and natural remediation of toxic elements from Shojin River, Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Chikanda Frances , Tum Sereyroith , Matsui Tatsuya , Norota Susumu , Otake Tsubasa , Sato Tsutomu
Published: June 2023

Passive treatment systems are a sustainable solution to mine drainage remediation, however, clarity lacks in the detailed understanding of the geochemical processes that govern the remediation processes. A study was carried out at Shojin River in Southwest Hokkaido, Japan, which has an acidic pH and is high in Fe, to represent the principal processes that occur in mine drainages of similar characteristics. At Shojin, Fe and S were mined from the Shojingawa mine, after which, wastewater contaminated by toxic elements such as Fe, As and Pb continue to flow from the underground. This wastewater flows through industrial and fishing areas, hence ensuring that the water meets environmental standards is important. In particular, the role of colloidal materials in transporting the toxic elements was investigated by analyzing the distribution of the elements (Fe, As and Pb) in the drainage as the dissolved and colloidal fractions, obtained from micro‐, and ultrafiltration respectively. Iron, particularly schwertmannite colloid formation was observed in the Shojin River system. Itwas present in the dissolved fraction in the wastewater like As, but after mixing with the uncontaminated river water, Fe in the colloid fraction gradually increased toward the downstream. Arsenic trends are similar to those of iron, indicating efficient sequestration by the schwertmannite colloids. Lead is dominantly in the dissolved fraction throughout the drainage and is comparatively less sequestered due to competitive adsorption with As and its pH dependence to be efficiently adsorbed. A detailed observation of the concentration trends suggests that pH 3.1 may efficiently allow colloid formation and subsequently, toxic element sequestration. The behavior of Fe colloids in Shojin River was compared to those of a circum‐neutral drainage system (Ainai mine drainage). The formation of the colloids in the acidic system was limited by the pH range, while colloids formed faster and more abundantly in the circumneutral system. The acidic and circum‐neutral systems are abundant in schwertmannite and ferrihydrite colloids respectively. The colloids in both systems were transported after their formation, however, the colloids in the Shojin (acidic) system were transported further than those of the circumneutral system. Aggregation is observed in both systems which results in a deposition of the colloid aggregates and hence an efficient removal of Fe and As, and minimally, Pb from the mine drainages.
Epistemic uncertainty in catastrophe models—A base level examination
Authors: Born Patricia , Dumm Randy , Johnson Mark E.
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we evaluate sources of variation in the output from catastrophe models with emphasis on the epistemic uncertainty in modeled expected losses. Using building data from the 34 buildings that comprised the California Northridge campus at the time of the Northridge earthquake, we explore the sensitivity of estimated average annual losses obtained from a cat model to the quality of model input. Namely, we consider how changes in four key model assumptions—building locations, building height, construction type, and the event catalog—affect cat model loss estimates. We find that accurate information on some input variables is critical (e.g., all steel construction) and the interaction between input variables should not be discounted. Our results have important implications for insurer decisions that are informed by the output of catastrophe models—product pricing, portfolio diversification and underwriting decisions, negotiations and discussions with regulators and similar activities with capital market participants. The financial impact of improving data quality and targeting data related to key model inputs for that insurer when at scale is not trivial. As such, this paper provides an impetus for establishing and improving benchmarks for model inputs.
Victor Pelevin and Eurasianist Geopolitics
Authors: Filimonova Tatiana
Published: June 2023

The first decades of Victor Pelevin’s writing coincided with the burst in popularity of neo‐Eurasianist and neo‐imperialist ideas. This paper traces the various forms that Pelevin’s treatment of civilizational and geopolitically focused ideologies has taken over the course of his career. His preoccupation with these ideas ranges from inconspicuous reflection of the Eurasian phenomenon to Eurasianism’s intensifying critique, and, eventually, to a more comprehensive engagement with concepts of classical geopolitics. If early on Pelevin’s portrayal of neo‐imperialists and their ideas has been largely satirical (Empire V, 2006), in the 2010s his texts began to demonstrate a deeper entanglement in civilizational thought and expression of a geopolitical worldview. “Operation ‘Burning Bush’” (2010), S.N.U.F.F. (2012), and Batman Apollo (2013), while maintaining a satirical take on aspects of the neo‐imperialist worldview, reveal the author’s internalized perception of the world as a stage for the clash of civilizations, and Pelevin’s seemingly growing conservatism. Ultimately, as postmodernist tendencies become common in the political sphere, Pelevin again blends the esoteric and the political by bringing Eurasianist noospherism into “The Art of Light Touches” (2019), lending a metaphysical angle to the antagonism between Russia and the West, and demonstrating how fiction can penetrate public discourse and vice versa.
Do tax subsidies for retirement saving affect total private saving? New evidence on middle‐income workers*
Authors: Christensen Camilla Skovbo , Ellegaard Bastian Emil
Published: June 2023

We exploit exogenous variation from a pension reform in Denmark to estimate the effect of tax subsidies on total private saving. We present new evidence on individuals in the middle of the income distribution and show that a reduction in tax subsidies for retirement saving reduces total private saving. The reform changed the tax incentives for saving in the pension scheme that holds the highest tax advantage for middle‐income workers in Denmark. We find that for each unit of reduced saving in this pension scheme, only 64 percent is substituted to other types of saving.
The moderation effect of mentalization in the relationship between impulsiveness and aggressive behavior
Authors: Parada‐Fernández Pamela , Herrero‐Fernández David , Rodríguez‐Arcos Irene
Published: June 2023

Aggressive behavior is a growing problem across many contexts. Thus, searching for its predictors is important. The aim of the current study was to analyze the moderator effect of mentalization in the relationship between impulsiveness and both verbal and physical aggressive behavior, using a sample of 583 participants gathered from the general Spanish population (MAge = 34.60,SDAge = 12.99). In our sample, 182 were male and 401 were female. The results showed significant bivariate relationships among aggression, impulsiveness, and mentalization. Moderation structural equation modeling (MSEM) showed a significant moderation effect, so whereas the value of mentalization is not relevant in cases of people with low impulsiveness, high mentalization abilities allow those people with high impulsiveness to behave less aggressively than people with high impulsiveness and low mentalization abilities. Practical implications and limitations of the study are discussed.
Emerging modes of digitalisation in the delivery of welfare‐to‐work: Implications for street‐level discretion
Authors: Ball Sarah , McGann Michael , Nguyen Phuc , Considine Mark
Published: June 2023

Countries are increasingly looking to ‘digitalise’ how public services are delivered, with welfare‐to‐work and public employment services being key sites of reform. It is hoped that digitalisation can achieve efficient, effective, and targeted services for those in need and there is now a growing body of research on both the opportunities and pitfalls associated with this transition to digital welfare states. However, as a concept, ‘digitalisation’ remains ambiguously defined, hindering understanding of the distinct ways that discrete technological innovations are reshaping citizens' access to social protection and the role of street‐level discretion in welfare administration. Drawing on interviews with expert informants from three countries pioneering digital reforms, this study aims to better understand what digitalisation entails for the delivery of activation. We identify three discrete modes of ‘digitalisation’ in welfare‐to‐work programmes: virtual engagement (remote activation), transactional automation (self‐activation), and digital triaging (targeted activation). Far from digitalisation heralding the automation and curtailment of frontline discretion, the different modes reshape frontline delivery and citizens' access to social protection in specific ways.
Whatever happened to the Child Trust Fund? The abandonment of universal savings for UK children
Authors: McKay S. , Tian L. , Lymer A.
Published: June 2023

Child development accounts (CDAs) provide subsidised savings accounts for children to help meet life course needs. While now largely forgotten, the Child Trust Fund was an innovative savings scheme for UK children that sought to generate a capital sum when they turned 18. The first children to receive these funds reached this point in late 2020 so it is timely to review the impact of this national scheme, which by 2022 had £10 bn saved in it. We consider how far the Child Trust Fund led to higher levels of savings for those children who were eligible for it and whether there is any evidence it created a savings habit in young people and their parents. We use six waves of longitudinal ONS Wealth and Assets Survey data. While we find a small effect on savings, with children from better‐off families benefiting the most, there is little evidence of a meaningful effect on savings habits. Nonetheless, the policy's impact on generating even small amounts of savings could be important, especially as most children in the UK have no savings. The study offers policy recommendations to support children's savings in the UK, based on the significant example of asset‐based welfare policy that the CTF provides.
Rank two bundles on Pn$ {\mathbf {P}}^{n}$ with isolated cohomology
Authors: Malaspina F. , Rao A. P.
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this paper is to study minimal monads associated to a rank two vector bundle on . In particular, we study situations where has for , except for one pair of values . We show that on , if , then must be decomposable. More generally, we show that for , there is no indecomposable bundle for which all intermediate cohomology modules except for are zero.
Effects of Incremental Changes to Frame Mass on Manual Wheelchair Propulsion Cost
Authors: Misch Jacob , Sprigle Stephen
Published: June 2023

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of small, incremental additions to wheelchair frame mass (0 kg, +2 kg, and +4 kg) on the mechanical propulsion characteristics in both straight and curvilinear maneuvers. A robotic propulsion system was used to propel a manual wheelchair over a smooth tiled surface following rectilinear (“Straight”) and curvilinear (“Slalom”) trajectories. Three unique loading conditions were tested. Propulsion costs and system rolling resistance estimations were empirically collected using the robotic wheelchair tester. Propulsion cost values were equivalent across all loading conditions over the Slalom trajectory. In the Straight trajectory, adding 2 kg on the axle had equivalent propulsion cost to the unloaded configuration. Adding 4 kg on axle was comparable, but not equivalent, to the unloaded configuration with small (≤4.1%) increases in propulsion cost. This study demonstrates that small (0–4 kg) changes to the frame mass have no meaningful impacts on the propulsion characteristics of the manual wheelchair system. Differences in propulsion cost and rolling resistance were detectable but contextually insignificant.
Well Test Analysis for a Well in Gas Storage Reservoirs With the Formation Containing High Salinity Water
Authors: Ren Zhongxin , Wang Haifeng , Wang Duocai , He Hui , Yuan Hongfei , Zhu Ziheng , Lin Jia'en
Published: June 2023

The production capacity of the gas wells is seriously affected by salt deposition during the injection and production process for underground gas storage with high salt content, so it is necessary to predict the production performance through well test technology. However, the existing well test analysis methods cannot be reliably used to interpret the well test data affected by salt deposition phase change and high-speed non-Darcy flow during the injection and production process. Therefore, this paper first determines the relationship between salt deposition and temperature and pressure through flash calculation of phase equilibrium of saltwater and hydrocarbon system, then establishes a porosity and permeability model considering the effect of salt deposition, and further establishes a high-speed injection-production well test analysis model considering the effect of salt deposition in combination with Forchheimer’s percolation law. Finally, the model is solved by numerical method, and the dynamic changes of reservoir pressure and salt deposition are simulated and calculated. The results show that the higher the salinity of formation water is, the greater the risk of salt deposition in the reservoir is, and the permeability of the reservoir will significantly decrease after salt deposition occurs; the non-Darcy flow effect will aggravate the risk of salt deposition in the reservoir. The research results provide a theoretical method for the evaluation of reservoir parameters and production performance prediction of salt gas storage reservoirs.
On the low-frequency acoustic center
Authors: Bellows Samuel D. , Leishman Timothy W.
Published: June 2023

Acousticians typically consider the acoustic center of a source to be the point from which sound waves appear to diverge spherically. Many applications require the center's accurate determination, but its deeper significance and means of assessment have often remained ambiguous. This work revisits the acoustic center and shows how a low-frequency sound radiator with omnidirectional far-field directivity has a center defined by its dipole-to-monopole moment ratio. This definition yields conclusive results for several theoretical sources and highlights the limitations of characterizing the acoustic center only in terms of an equivalent point source.
Profiling Hormonal Contraceptive Use and Perceived Impact on Training and Performance in a Global Sample of Women Rugby Players
Authors: Brown Natalie , Roldan-Reoyo Olga , Williams Genevieve K.R. , Stodter Anna , Moore Izzy S. , Mackintosh Kelly A. , McNarry Melitta A. , Williams Elisabeth M.P.
Published: June 2023

Purpose: The potential impact of hormonal contraceptives (HCs) on player health and performance in women’s rugby union (rugby) is not well understood, despite rugby’s growing popularity worldwide. This study investigated the prevalence of HC use and reported associations with training and performance in a global sample of women rugby players. Method: A globally distributed online survey, seeking to explore experiences in women’s rugby, was completed by 1596 current or former adult women 7s or 15s rugby players (mean age 27 [6] y; 7 [5] y playing experience) from 62 countries. The survey included a section of questions about reported HC use, including the type, reason for use, symptoms, and experiences relating to rugby training and performance. Results: A total of 606 (38%) participants from 33 of the 62 (53%) countries reported using HCs, with the combined oral contraceptive pill reported as the most frequently used (44%). Almost half of participants using HCs (43%) tracked HC-related symptoms. Over 10% reported altered rugby performance due to HC-related symptoms, 22% required medication to manage symptoms, and 11% used HCs to control or stop their menstrual periods for rugby training and performance. Conclusions: The current study highlights the prevalence of HC use in women’s rugby, identifying practices that may negatively affect performance, health, and well-being. Thus, there is an urgent need to better understand the motivations for such practices and knowledge of potential side effects among women rugby players across all levels and countries.
Association between Triglyceride-Glucose Index and carotid plaque in Japanese population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Jiuling , Ye Min , Wang Yuanwei
Published: June 2023

Objective

Previous studies linking Triglyceride Glucose (TyG) Index to carotid plaque have yielded inconsistent results. Moreover, related studies on the population of Japan are rare. This study aims to provide further results.

Design

A hospital-based cross-sectional study.

Setting

The Shin Takeo Hospital.

Participants

We assessed 1904 Japanese participants (988 men and 916 women) whose mean age was 57±11.9 years, and those participants underwent health check-ups at Shinbuf Hospital at Shin Takeo Hospital from 1 April 2016 to 31 October 2017.

Methodology

Carotid plaque, triglyceride and fasting glucose and other relevant indicators were collected. We used ultrasonography to evaluate carotid plaque. A multivariable logistic regression model and generalised additive model were used to evaluate the association between the TyG Index and carotid plaque. Subgroup and interaction analyses were validated for the consistency of these correlations.

Results

Following the adjustment of traditional carotid plaque risk factors, the non-linear relationship between the TyG Index and carotid plaque was investigated. Using a two-piecewise regression model, we calculated the inflection point to be 9.06. The OR and 95% CIs for the inflection points on the left and right sides were 1.70 (1.27 to 2.29) and 0.88 (0.52 to 1.47), respectively. According to the variables tested, the interactions between the TyG Index and all subgroup factors were analysed and significant interactions were not observed.

Conclusion

In individuals who underwent a comprehensive check-up in Japan, the relationship between the TyG Index and carotid plaque is non-linear. When the TyG Index is less than 9.06, it is associated with carotid plaque.
Patterns in the provision of government-subsidised hormonal postpartum contraception in Queensland, Australia between 2012 and 2018: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Carrandi Alayna , Bull Claudia , Hu Yanan , Grzeskowiak Luke E , Teede Helena , Black Kirsten , Callander Emily
Published: June 2023

Background

Short birth intervals and unintended pregnancy are associated with poorer maternal and infant outcomes. There is a risk of pregnancy during the immediate postpartum period unless contraception is initiated. This retrospective cohort study aimed to capture the current patterns of hormonal contraceptive provision within 12 months postpartum in a high-income country.

Methods

We used a linked administrative dataset comprising all women who gave birth in Queensland, Australia between 1 July 2012 and 30 June 2018 (n=339 265 pregnancies). We described our cohort by whether they were provided with government-subsidised hormonal contraception within 12 months postpartum. The associations between hormonal postpartum contraceptive provision and demographic and clinical characteristics were examined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression and presented in terms of crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

A majority of women (60.2%) were not provided with government-subsidised hormonal postpartum contraception within 12 months postpartum. Women who were younger (<25 years), were overweight or obese, smoked, were born in Australia, were non-Indigenous, gave birth in a public hospital, or were in the lowest socioeconomic status group were more likely to be provided with postpartum contraception after adjusting for other covariates, compared with their counterparts.

Conclusions

Strategies to increase the provision and uptake of contraception in the immediate postpartum period are needed to prevent short birth intervals and unintended pregnancy and ensure women’s fertility intentions are enacted. Ongoing research is needed to examine the factors influencing women’s access to contraceptive services and, further, the types of contraception provided.
Could diabetes prevention programmes result in the widening of sociodemographic inequalities in type 2 diabetes? Comparison of survey and administrative data for England
Authors: Chatzi Georgia , Whittaker William , Chandola Tarani , Mason Thomas , Soiland-Reyes Claudia , Sutton Matt , Bower Peter
Published: June 2023

Background

The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (DPP) in England is a behavioural intervention for preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among people with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia (NDH). How this programme affects inequalities by age, sex, limiting illnesses or disability, ethnicity or deprivation is not known.

Methods

We used multinomial and binary logistic regression models to compare whether the population with NDH at different stages of the programme are representative of the population with NDH: stages include (1) prevalence of NDH (using survey data from UK Household Longitudinal Study (n=794) and Health Survey for England (n=1383)); (2) identification in primary care and offer of programme (using administrative data from the National Diabetes Audit (n=1 267 350)) and (3) programme participation (using programme provider records (n=98 024)).

Results

Predicted probabilities drawn from the regressions with demographics as each outcome and dataset identifier as predictors showed that younger adults (aged under 40) (4% of the population with NDH (95% CI 2.4% to 6.5%)) and older adults (aged 80 and above) (12% (95% CI 9.5% to 14.2%)) were slightly under-represented among programme participants (2% (95% CI 1.8% to 2.2%) and 8% (95% CI 7.8% to 8.2%) of programme participants, respectively). People living in deprived areas were under-represented in eight sessions (14% (95% CI 13.7% to 14.4%) vs 20% (95% CI 16.4% to 23.6%) in the general population). Ethnic minorities were over-represented among offers (35% (95% CI 35.1% to 35.6%) vs 13% (95% CI 9.1% to 16.4%) in general population), though the proportion dropped at the programme completion stage (19% (95% CI 18.5% to 19.5%)).

Conclusion

The DPP has the potential to reduce ethnic inequalities, but may widen socioeconomic, age and limiting illness or disability-related inequalities in T2DM. While ethnic minority groups are over-represented at the identification and offer stages, efforts are required to support completion of the programme. Programme providers should target under-represented groups to ensure equitable access and narrow inequalities in T2DM.
Endovascular thrombectomy beyond 24 hours from last known well: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Rodriguez-Calienes Aaron , Galecio-Castillo Milagros , Vivanco-Suarez Juan , Mohamed Ghada A , Toth Gabor , Sarraj Amrou , Pujara Deep , Chowdhury AJ A , Farooqui Mudassir , Ghannam Malik , Samaniego Edgar A , Jovin Tudor G , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago
Published: June 2023

Background

Different studies have demonstrated the benefit of endovascular treatment (EVT) up to 24 hours after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) onset. Recent cohort observational studies suggest that patients with large vessel occlusion AIS may benefit from EVT beyond 24 hours from the last known well (LKW) when adequately selected. We aimed to examine the safety and efficacy of EVT beyond 24 hours from LKW using a meta-analysis of all the literature available.

Methods

A systematic search from inception to April 2023 was conducted for studies including AIS patients with EVT beyond 24 hours from LKW in Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. Outcomes of interest included favorable functional outcome (90-day modified Rankin scale (mRS) 0–2), successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2b-3), symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), and 90-day mortality. Data were pooled using a random-effects model.

Results

Twelve studies with 894 patients were included. The rate of favorable functional outcome was 40% (95% CI 31% to 49%; I2=76%). The rate of successful reperfusion was 83% (95% CI 80% to 85%; I2=0%). The sICH rate was 7% (95% CI 5% to 9%; I2=0%) and the 90-day mortality rate was 28% (95% CI 24% to 33%; I2=0%). There was no significant difference in favorable outcomes (OR=0.69; 95% CI 0.41 to 1.14) and 90-day mortality (OR=1.35; 95% CI 0.90 to 2.00) among patients who underwent EVT <24 hours versus >24 hours.

Conclusions

EVT beyond 24 hours from LKW may achieve favorable clinical outcomes and high reperfusion rates, with acceptable intracranial hemorrhage rates in selected patients. Considering the current certainty of the evidence and heterogenous individual study results, larger prospective trials are warranted.