bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health Risk, Insurance, and Optimal Progressive Income Taxation
Authors: Jung Juergen , Tran Chung 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
We study the optimal progressivity of personal income taxes in a general equilibrium overlapping generations model where individuals are exposed to idiosyncratic shocks to labor productivity and health status over the lifecycle. Our results—based on a calibration to the US economy—indicate that both, the presence of health risk and the available insurance institutions, have a strong effect on the optimal level of tax progressivity. Given the fragmented and non-universal health insurance system in the US, a welfare maximizing income tax system is substantially more progressive than the current US income tax. The higher progressivity provides additional redistribution and social insurance, especially for unhealthy low income individuals who have limited access to health insurance. When exposure to health risk is removed or reduced by introducing more comprehensive health insurance systems, we observe large decreases in the optimal level of income tax progressivity, and the optimal tax system resembles findings from the previous literature. These findings highlight the importance of accounting for the unique characteristics of health risk and the design of the health insurance system when characterizing optimal income taxes.
3D acoustoelastic FD modeling of elastic wave propagation in prestressed solid media
Authors: Yang Haidi , Fu Li-Yun , Li Hongyang , Du Qizhen , Zheng Haochen 
Published: February 2023

AbstractSeismic exploration of deep oil/gas reservoirs involves the propagation of seismic waves in high-pressure media. Traditional elastic wave equations are not suitable for describing such media. The theory of acoustoelasticity establishes the dynamic equation of wave propagating in prestressed media through constitutive relation using third-order elastic constants. Many studies have been carried out on numerical simulations for acoustoelastic waves, but are mainly limited to 2D cases. A standard staggered-grid (SSG) finite-difference (FD) approach and the perfectly matched layer (PML) absorbing boundary are combined to solve 3D first-order velocity-stress equations of acoustoelasticity to simulate wave propagating in 3D prestressed solid medium. Our numerical results are partially validated by plane-wave analytical solution through the comparison of calculated and theoretical P-/S-wave velocities as a function of confining prestress. We perform numerical simulations of acoustoelastic waves under confining, uniaxial and pure-shear prestressed conditions. The results show the stress-induced velocity anisotropy in acoustoelastic media, which is closely related to the direction of prestresses. Comparisons to seismic simulations based on the theory of elasticity illustrate the limitation of conventional elastic simulations for prestressed media. Numerical simulations prove the significant effect of prestressed conditions on seismic responses.
The Transformation of International Organizations—Specialization, New Initiatives, and Working Methods—Some Observations on the Work of UNCITRAL Working Group III
Authors: Giorgetti Chiara 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACT
International organizations are essential actors in the international legal system and play key roles in all aspects of international law, from its creation to its enforcement and implementation. As their work becomes progressively more significant and specialized, international organizations have also embarked on many new initiatives and have adopted new working methods. An interesting example of this development is the effort of United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Working Group III (WGIII) to reform Investor–State Dispute Settlement (ISDS), a unique international dispute settlement mechanism that permits a foreign investor to bring a claim against a State on issues related to international investment law. At a time of declining international codification, UNCITRAL WGIII’s plan to reform ISDS stands out as remarkably ambitious. It is also responsive to identified vacuums and needs and is likely to lead, at least partially, to a degree of reform of ISDS. In this short contribution, I first introduce the codification of international economic law issues as distinct from other kinds of codification. I then introduce UNCITRAL and explore the work of UNCITRAL WGIII more specifically. In particular, I explain and assess the ISDS reform process as an example of an ongoing transformation of the work of international organizations and a new initiative on which they embarked using a specific methodology of selecting issues, developing draft texts, and serving as a place for drafting negotiations.
TCF-1 negatively regulates the suppressive ability of canonical and noncanonical Tregs
Authors: Mammadli Mahinbanu , Suo Liye , Sen Jyoti Misra , Karimi Mobin 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Regulatory T cells are suppressive immune cells used in various clinical and therapeutic applications. Canonical regulatory T cells express CD4, FOXP3, and CD25, which are considered definitive markers of their regulatory T-cell status when expressed together. However, a subset of noncanonical regulatory T cells expressing only CD4 and FOXP3 have recently been described in some infection contexts.
Using a unique mouse model for the first time demonstrated that the TCF-1 regulation of regulatory T-cell suppressive function is not limited to the thymus during development. Our data showed that TCF-1 also regulated regulatory T cells’ suppressive ability in secondary organs and graft-vs-host disease target organs as well as upregulating noncanonical regulatory T cells. Our data demonstrated that TCF-1 regulates the suppressive function of regulatory T cells through critical molecules like GITR and PD-1, specifically by means of noncanonical regulatory T cells. Our in vitro approaches show that TCF-1 regulates the regulatory T-cell effector-phenotype and the molecules critical for regulatory T-cell migration to the site of inflammation.
Using in vivo models, we show that both canonical and noncanonical regulatory T cells from TCF-1 cKO mice have a superior suppressive function, as shown by their ability to control conventional T-cell proliferation, avert acute graft-vs-host disease, and limit tissue damage. Thus, for the first time, we provide evidence that TCF-1 negatively regulates the suppressive ability of canonical and noncanonical regulatory T cells. These findings provide evidence that TCF-1 is a novel target for developing strategies to treat alloimmune disorders.
Racial disparities in diagnostic evaluation of uterine cancer among Medicaid beneficiaries
Authors: Xu Xiao , Chen Ling , Nunez-Smith Marcella , Clark Mitchell , Wright Jason D 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Background
To inform reasons contributing to Black-White disparity in early diagnosis of uterine cancer, we compared the quality of diagnostic evaluation received by Black vs White patients with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) ultimately diagnosed with uterine cancer.

Methods
Using 2008-2019 MarketScan Multi-State Medicaid Database, we identified Black (n = 858) and White (n = 1749) patients with uterine cancer presenting with AUB. Quality of diagnostic evaluation was measured by delayed diagnosis (&gt;1 year after AUB reporting), not receiving guideline-recommended diagnostic procedures, delayed time to first diagnostic procedure (&gt;2 months after AUB reporting), number of diagnostic procedures received, and number of evaluation and management visits for AUB. The association between race and quality indicators was examined by multivariable regressions adjusting for patient characteristics.

Results
Black patients were more likely than White patients to experience delayed diagnosis (11.3% vs 8.3%, P = .01; adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27 to 2.29) or to not receive guideline-recommended diagnostic procedures (10.1% vs 5.0%, P &lt; .001; adjusted OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.40 to 2.68). Even when they did receive recommended diagnostic procedures, Black patients were more likely than White patients to experience delay in time to the first diagnostic procedure (adjusted OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.09 to 1.97). In addition, Black patients underwent more evaluation and management visits for AUB before getting diagnosed compared with White patients (adjusted mean ratio = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.04 to 1.23).

Conclusions
Black and White patients with uterine cancer differed in the quality of diagnostic evaluation received. Improving equity in this area may help reduce Black-White disparity in stage at diagnosis.
Associations between antidiabetic medication use and breast cancer survival outcomes among medicare beneficiaries
Authors: Fahim Shahariar Mohammed , Qian Jingjing , Hsu Chiu-Hsieh , Zeng Peng , Lin Fang-Ju , McDaniel Cassidi C , Chou Chiahung 
Published: February 2023

AbstractObjectiveThis study examined the associations between mortality (all-cause and breast cancer-specific) and different antidiabetic medication use before breast cancer diagnosis.MethodsThis study used a longitudinal, retrospective cohort design. Linked Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare databases from 2007 to 2013 were used to identify female beneficiaries who had continuous Medicare enrollment, a new breast cancer diagnosis between 2008 and 2013, and exposure to the antidiabetic medication. Different classes of antidiabetic medications from one year before their breast cancer diagnosis were considered as users while all other non-users were excluded. Both all-cause mortality and breast cancer-specific mortality were treated as outcomes. Cox proportional hazards models for all-cause mortality and sub-distribution hazards models for breast cancer-specific mortality were employed to estimate both unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for risks of survival outcomes, controlling for severity of diabetes and other covariates.Key findingsA total of 1715 women with breast cancer used antidiabetic medications one year before their breast cancer diagnosis. Compared to metformin, women using insulin, sulfonylurea and combination treatments before their breast cancer diagnosis had a higher risk for all-cause mortality (adjusted Hazard Ratio, aHR: 1.64, 95% CI 1.29, 2.07; aHR: 1.35, 95% CI 1.04, 1.75 and aHR: 1.44, 95% CI 1.14, 1.83, respectively). Women with advanced-stage breast cancer and higher levels of diabetes severity were more likely to get all-cause mortality (all P &lt; 0.05). Women with combination treatments had a statistically higher risk of breast cancer-specific mortality (aHR: 1.52, 95% CI 1.05, 2.19) than metformin users.ConclusionsAmong women with breast cancer, mortality risk is associated with pre-diagnosis exposure to different types of antidiabetic medications.
Presbyters as Priests and Clerics: Terminology in the Letters of Innocent I
Authors: Dunn Geoffrey D 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
In the letters of Innocent I (402–17), presbyters are both priests (sacerdotes) and clerics (clerici), but usually only one of these dimensions is mentioned at a time. Presbyters shared priesthood with bishops, but only with regard to certain functions and responsibilities, like presiding over some of the sacraments. At other times it was their subservience to their bishops that saw them identified as clerics. An accurate picture comes from reading Innocent’s letters in their totality, rather than from any particular passage in isolation. The elasticity of terms is a reflection of a theology of ministry still in the early stages of its development. This is seen particularly in relation to marriage as an eligibility criterion and sexual continence and children as a cause for dismissal; these were priestly requirements that Innocent applied to everyone in official positions of authority and service, whether presbyters or not. This realization contributes to a better understanding of presbyters in late antiquity.
H i filaments as potential compass needles? Comparing the magnetic field structure of the Small Magellanic Cloud to the orientation of GASKAP-H i filaments
Authors: Ma Y K , McClure-Griffiths N M , Clark S E , Gibson S J , van Loon J Th , Soler J D , Putman M E , Dickey J M , Lee M -Y , Jameson K E , Uscanga L , Dempsey J , Dénes H , Lynn C , Pingel N M 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACT
High-spatial-resolution H i observations have led to the realization that the nearby (within few hundreds of parsecs) Galactic atomic filamentary structures are aligned with the ambient magnetic field. Enabled by the high-quality data from the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) radio telescope for the Galactic ASKAP H i survey, we investigate the potential magnetic alignment of the $\gtrsim\!{10}\, {\rm pc}$-scale H i filaments in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC). Using the Rolling Hough Transform technique that automatically identifies filamentary structures, combined with our newly devised ray-tracing algorithm that compares the H i and starlight polarization data, we find that the H i filaments in the north-eastern end of the SMC main body (‘Bar’ region) and the transition area between the main body and the tidal feature (‘Wing’ region) appear preferentially aligned with the magnetic field traced by starlight polarization. Meanwhile, the remaining SMC volume lacks starlight polarization data of sufficient quality to draw any conclusions. This suggests for the first time that filamentary H i structures can be magnetically aligned across a large spatial volume ($\gtrsim\!{\rm kpc}$) outside of the Milky Way. In addition, we generate maps of the preferred orientation of H i filaments throughout the entire SMC, revealing the highly complex gaseous structures of the galaxy likely shaped by a combination of the intrinsic internal gas dynamics, tidal interactions, and star-formation feedback processes. These maps can further be compared with future measurements of the magnetic structures in other regions of the SMC.
Indirect measurements of gas velocities in galaxy clusters: effects of ellipticity and cluster dynamic state
Authors: Zhuravleva Irina , Chen Mandy C , Churazov Eugene , Schekochihin Alexander A , Zhang Congyao , Nagai Daisuke 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACT
While awaiting direct velocity measurements of gas motions in the hot intracluster medium, we rely on indirect probes, including gas perturbations in galaxy clusters. Using a sample of ∼80 clusters in different dynamic states from Omega500 cosmological simulations, we examine scaling relations between the fluctuation amplitudes of gas density, δρ/ρ, pressure, δP/P, X-ray surface brightness, Sunyaev–Zel’dovich (SZ) y-parameter, and the characteristic Mach number of gas motions, M1d. In relaxed clusters, accounting for halo ellipticities reduces δρ/ρ or δP/P by a factor of up to 2 within r500c. We confirm a strong linear correlation between δρ/ρ (or δP/P) and M1d in relaxed clusters, with the proportionality coefficient η ≈ 1. For unrelaxed clusters, the correlation is less strong and has a larger η ≈ 1.3 ± 0.5 (1.5 ± 0.5) for δρ/ρ (δP/P). Examination of the M1d − δρ/ρ relation shows that it is almost linear for relaxed clusters, while for the unrelaxed ones, it is closer to $\delta \rho /\rho \propto M_{\rm 1d}^2$. In agreement with previous studies, we observe a strong correlation of M1d with radius. Correcting for these correlations leaves a residual scatter in M1d of ∼4(7) per cent for relaxed (perturbed) clusters. Hydrostatic mass bias correlates with M1d as strongly as with δρ/ρ in relaxed clusters. The residual scatters after correcting for derived trends is ∼6−7 per cent. These predictions can be verified with existing X-ray and SZ observations of galaxy clusters combined with forthcoming velocity measurements with X-ray microcalorimeters.
Similar properties between gamma-ray emission of 3C 454.3 and solar GeV flares
Authors: Peng Fang-Kun , Hou Shu-Jin , Zhang Hai-Ming , Xue Rui , Shu Xin-Wen 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACTBased on the survey data observed by Fermi-Large Area Telescope (LAT), we elaborate the statistical characteristics of gamma-ray flares from 3C 454.3 and solar GeV flares among flare parameters, such as isotropic energy (Eγ), peak luminosity (LP), and duration time (TDuration). We find two significant correlations as: $T_{\rm Duration} \propto E_{\gamma }^{0.31\pm 0.03}$ and $L_{\rm P} \propto E_{\gamma }^{0.61\pm 0.03}$ for 3C 454.3. The exponents are in a better agreement those of the Sun from the first Fermi-LAT solar flare catalogue, namely $T_{\rm Duration,\odot } \propto E_{\gamma ,\odot }^{0.38\pm 0.08}$ and $L_{\rm P,\odot } \propto E_{\gamma ,\odot }^{0.81\pm 0.08}$. The relationship of TDuration–Eγ and LP–Eγ could be interpreted naturally as due to magnetic dissipation through reconnection. On top of that the frequency distributions of isotropic energy, peak luminosity, and duration time of gamma-ray emission of 3C 454.3 show power-law forms, and the waiting time distribution can be described by a non-stationary Poisson process. These distribution behaviours are comparable to those of the Sun, Sagittarius A*, and M87, and follow the prediction of a self-organized criticality model. All statistical properties suggest that similar to the physical process accounting for solar GeV flares and X-ray flares in supermassive black hole systems, magnetic reconnection cloud govern the energy-release, and particle acceleration process for gamma-ray flares of 3C 454.3.
Axisymmetric viscous overstability in fully self-gravitating systems. Conditions for the onset of overstable oscillations
Authors: Mondino-Llermanos Annabella E , Salo Heikki 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACT
We examine the onset of viscous overstability in dense self-gravitating particle rings. This oscillatory instability offers a plausible explanation for the periodic radial density variations seen at several locations of Saturn’s B and inner-A ring. So far, the theoretical understanding of overstable ring systems relies mainly on analytical results based on approximate treatments of ring self-gravity which omit the emergence of self-gravity wakes (small-scale gravitational instabilities). Therefore, the interplay between the two mechanisms, self-gravity and overstability, is still not well understood. Here, we address numerically the factors that determine the onset of overstability in self-gravitating rings. We confirm that weak self-gravity promotes overstability whereas strong self-gravity, with prominent wake structure, weakens the overstable pattern. This strong gravity regime corresponds to optical depths beyond a threshold value. In systems where overstable oscillations and wakes co-exist, we detect a strong anticorrelation between the strength of wakes and overstable oscillations. It is this interaction that eventually leads to the suppression of overstability, with strong transient wake structure preventing the phase synchronization between density and velocity oscillations required to maintain a coherent overstable pattern. Finally, we derive a composite criterion for the onset of overstability valid even in the regime of strong gravity wakes, framed in terms of collective properties of the system: the central-plane filling factor and the ratio of gravitational and collisional viscosities. In the limit where gravity wakes are omitted, our new criterion agrees with that found by the kinetic theory analysis of linear stability.
Genomic Basis of Adaptation to a Novel Precipitation Regime
Authors: Elfarargi Ahmed F , Gilbault Elodie , Döring Nina , Neto Célia , Fulgione Andrea , Weber Andreas P M , Loudet Olivier , Hancock Angela M 
Published: February 2023

AbstractEnergy production and metabolism are intimately linked to ecological and environmental constraints across the tree of life. In plants, which depend on sunlight to produce energy, the link between primary metabolism and the environment is especially strong. By governing CO2 uptake for photosynthesis and transpiration, leaf pores, or stomata, couple energy metabolism to the environment and determine productivity and water-use efficiency (WUE). Although evolution is known to tune physiological traits to the local environment, we lack knowledge of the specific links between molecular and evolutionary mechanisms that shape this process in nature. Here, we investigate the evolution of stomatal conductance and WUE in an Arabidopsis population that colonized an island with a montane cloud scrubland ecosystem characterized by seasonal drought and fog-based precipitation. We find that stomatal conductance increases and WUE decreases in the colonizing population relative to its closest outgroup population from temperate North Africa. Genome-wide association mapping reveals a polygenic basis of trait variation, with a substantial contribution from a nonsynonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism in MAP KINASE 12 (MPK12 G53R), which explains 35% of the phenotypic variance in WUE in the island population. We reconstruct the spatially explicit evolutionary history of MPK12 53R on the island and find that this allele increased in frequency in the population due to positive selection as Arabidopsis expanded into the harsher regions of the island. Overall, these findings show how adaptation shaped quantitative eco-physiological traits in a new precipitation regime defined by low rainfall and high humidity.
Influence of CYP2A6 Genetic Variation, Nicotine Dependence Severity, and Treatment on Smoking Cessation Success
Authors: Chenoweth Meghan J , Lerman Caryn , Knight Jo , Tyndale Rachel F 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Genetic variation in Cytochrome P450 2A6 (CYP2A6), the major nicotine metabolizing enzyme, is associated with nicotine dependence and smoking cessation. Nicotine dependence severity also predicts smoking cessation. Our goals were to determine how CYP2A6 variation and nicotine dependence alter smoking cessation, and whether dependence could refine CYP2A6-based treatment recommendations.

Aims and Methods
Adult smokers treated for 12 weeks with placebo, nicotine patch, or varenicline (NCT01314001) were grouped as CYP2A6 normal (n = 567) or slow (n = 432) nicotine metabolizers based on a CYP2A6 weighted genetic risk score. Fagerström test for nicotine dependence scores were measured at baseline and biochemically verified smoking cessation was assessed at end of treatment.

Results
Dependence neither mediated nor moderated an association between CYP2A6 variation and smoking cessation overall, within any treatment arm, or after stratifying by ancestry (n = 591 European, n = 408 African ancestry) or sex (n = 444 women, n = 555 men). In within-treatment analyses, the mediation effect odds ratio (OR) ranged from 0.95 to 1.00 and the bias-corrected 95% confidence interval contained 1. Moderation (i.e. interaction) effect ORs ranged from 0.88 to 1.61 (p = .397–.828). For CYP2A6 normal metabolizers, quit rates on varenicline were similar for those with high (41.1%) and low (43.4%) dependence, while quit rates were lower for those with high versus low dependence on both patch (16.5 vs. 29.7%) and placebo (8.9 vs. 18.5%). CYP2A6 slow metabolizers with high versus low dependence had lower quit rates in all three treatment arms.

Conclusions
Although nicotine dependence severity neither mediated nor moderated CYP2A6 associations with smoking cessation, incorporating information on dependence may optimize the choice of smoking cessation treatment aid in CYP2A6 normal and slow metabolizers.

Implications
Variation in CYP2A6 and nicotine dependence severity alter smoking cessation success. Our findings suggest that while nicotine dependence severity is unlikely to mediate or moderate CYP2A6 associations with cessation, incorporating patient information on both CYP2A6 and nicotine dependence severity may lead to improved smoking cessation strategies.