bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
537 Exploring disease-specific funding for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the associations between funding, research productivity, and health disparities
Authors: Oke Oluwadamilola , Sege Robert
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: * To analyze and compare disease support (funding, research productivity, drug development) and burden between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which particularly affects Black women, and similar conditions that affect other groups of Americans. * To address the discrepancy of prevalence estimates of SLE in America. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: This cross-sectional study examined publicly available data on disease funding metrics and research productivity indicators. We utilized the NIH Report database to calculate the total NIH funding and career development awards for SLE from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2023 (estimated). We reviewed Form 990-T tax returns of SLE organizations to calculate private funding. We examined US-based interventional trials related to SLE on ClinicalTrials.gov between 2008 and 2024, using the terms SLE and lupus. We assessed FDA drug approvals for SLE from 2008 to 2024. We reviewed publicly available SLE disease characteristics such as prevalence, incidence, demographics, costs, and mortality rates. We repeated these methods for conditions like SLE but with different patient demographics. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We will formulate SLE support based on its avaialble federal and private funding, clinical trials, and drug approvals. We will determine the ratio of SLE support to disease burden and compare it to other conditions that affect different demographics in the US. There is currently a discrepancy in the range of prevalence of SLE in the US (178,362 to 1.5 million), so we will work with specialists to provide a better understanding of the actual prevalence. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: SLE is a chronic disorder that is associated with hospitalizations, organ failure, and premature mortality. It has established disparities in incidence, treatment, and outcomes along gender, racial, and socioeconomic lines. Our study highlights the need for policy changes within research funding to address disparities and improve outcomes.
545 Factors that impact the success of community-engaged research: perspectives from experienced researchers and community partners
Authors: Mele Zoe , Mook Anne , Cross Jeni , Hamm-Alvarez Sarah , Haye Kayla de la
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Involving community partners in translational research improves impact. Yet, community-engaged research is challenging, and teams vary in their success. This study builds the evidence of key barriers and facilitators to effective community-engaged team science by drawing on the perspectives of seasoned researchers and community partners. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We conducted 3 focus groups with academic researchers (n=9) and 2 focus groups with community research partners (n=8). All participants were adults from the Southern California area, and had experience working on research teams that included academics and community partners. The focus group guide included questions about the participant’s experience with community-engaged research, including the value of these partnerships, examples of success and challenges, and opportunities for improvement. Transcriptions of the focus group recordings were analyzed to identify key themes and insights, and to explore similarities and differences between academic and community participant perspectives. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Both researchers and community partners saw the potential value of participating in community-engaged research. However, they identified challenges to address, including: 1) Community partners should be invited to participate in early stages of the research process as equal partners to help frame the objectives. 2) Community partner’s knowledge should be valued through the use of their ideas and input, and providing monetary compensation for their time. 3) Academic researchers should aim to build long-term meaningful relationships with the community and build cultural competency (language, culture, and trust). 4) Community partners should be closely involved with the interpretation of results to confirm accuracy and identify valuable insights, and these contributions should be acknowledged. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Community partners being undervalued is a central challenge of community-engaged research teams. Greater adoption of best practices in team science could empower community partners and increase the value of this research. Structural barriers related to research funding and academic promotion should align to support these efforts.
548 Metformin normalizes impaired renal and cardiac function in a rat model of transient undernutrition
Authors: Stanic Branka , de Souza Aline M.A , Ji Hong , Korolowicz Kyle , Sandberg Kathryn , Ecelbarger Carolyn M.
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: In the U.S., over 4 million people including children experience transient periods of undernutrition annually. Cardio-metabolic and renal diseases are more prevalent in this population. We are investigating therapeutic strategies to reverse the long-term risk of these diseases in a rat model of transient undernutrition followed by refeeding. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Thirty six female Fischer rats (3-months of age) were initially divided into 2 groups. Half were fed regular chow (CT) while the other half were severely food restricted (sFR) by 60% from 0-2 weeks (wks) followed by refeeding from 2-14 wks (sFR-Refed). These 2 groups were then subdivided and treated ± metformin (Met) from wk 7 to wk 12 (n=9/group). High precision ultrasound was conducted on live rats to assess heart and kidney function immediately after the sFR period ended (wk 2) and at the end of the study (wk 14). At the conclusion of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed and the histology of the kidney and heart tissues were analyzed in hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections. The protein to DNA ratio was also calculated in homogenates from these tissues. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: In sFR-Refed rats, cardiac output (CO), heart rate (HR) and renal artery blood flow (RBF) were decreased by 11 ± 1.5%#, 7.0 ± 6.0% and 22 ± 0.6%#, respectively, compared to control (CT) rats; #p<0.05. Mean glomerular diameter was reduced in the kidneys of sFR-refed rats compared to CT and this effect was attenuated by metformin treatment [(µm): CT, 406 ± 31; sFR-Refed, 383 ± 11, p<0.06; CT+Met, 393 ± 18; sFR-Refed+Met, 407 ± 18*]. Furthermore, the mean cardiomyocyte thickness was reduced in sFR-Refed rats compared to controls while metformin treatment prevented this effect [(µm): CT, 16.4 ± 3.6; sFR-Refed, 11.5 ± 2.3#; CT+Met, 16.4 ± 3.6; sFR-Refed+Met, 15.9 ± 3.2*]. #p<0.05 vs. CT, same treatment; *p<0.05 vs. Met, same diet; two-way ANOVA. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: These findings have promising implications for metformin use to mitigate long-term impairments in heart and kidney structure and function in individuals who have experienced bouts of undernutrition earlier in life for either voluntarily (e.g., very low calorie dieting) or involuntary (e.g., very low food security) reasons.
565 Empowering Community Organizations with the Team Science Community Toolkit
Authors: Hartstein Madison L. , Sanders Sheila , Jordan Angela E. , Glenn Joanne , Butler Kareem , Freelain Ontisar , Guzman Arielle , Henley Candace , Hughes TaLana , Torres Héctor , Williams Kimberly M. , Bechteler Stephanie Schmitz , Patel Megha A. , Moskowitz David A. , Mazzetta Rana K. , Risser Heather J. , Spring Bonnie
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: To introduce the new Team Science Community Toolkit, co-created by community and academic partners, and showcase its potential to empower Community Organizations (COs) in achieving equity in community-engaged research (CER). METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: In response to the challenges faced by COs in CER collaborations, qualitative interviews were conducted with CO staff from historically marginalized communities. These interviews informed the development of the Team Science Community Toolkit, a collaborative effort involving a Community Advisory Board (CAB) and Team Science experts from Northwestern University. The toolkit, designed using a community-based participatory research approach, incorporates the Science of Team Science and User-Centered Design principles. Integrated into the NIH-sponsored COALESCE website, it includes templates, checklists, and interactive tools, along with a real-world simulation, to support COs in all stages of the research process. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Focus groups and usability testing involving external community experts validated the toolkit’s content and usability. Participants expressed enthusiasm and a sense of empowerment, indicating that the toolkit allows them to actively shape research processes and infuse their specific voices and needs into their partnerships. The toolkit is designed to support breaking down barriers like jargon and cultural adaptability to improve accessibility and open conversation. The impact of this Team Science focused toolkit is under evaluation. This presentation will showcase the toolkit, detail its collaborative development, and explore potential applications, ultimately offering a path to more equitable and valuable community-based research. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: By providing COs with the resources and knowledge to participate as equal partners in research collaborations, it enhances self-advocacy, transparency, and equity. The toolkit has the potential to utilize Team Science to foster productive communication in community-academic research partnerships.
566 Formative Findings from a Dissemination and Implementation (D&I) Study of TeamMAPPS, an Evidence-Based Team Science Curriculum Designed for CTSA Hubs
Authors: Molldrem Stephen , Lyons Elizabeth J. , Farroni Jeffrey S. , Wooten Kevin , Luft Heidi
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: We are using ethnographic methods and Dissemination and Implementation (D&I) frameworks to study barriers and facilitators to implementing ‘TeamMAPPS: Team Methods to Advance Processes and Performance in Science.’ TeamMAPPS is an evidence-based Team Science curriculum deployed as five online modules and being implemented across CTSA hubs. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: For this pre-implementation study, we used the Implementation Mapping framework to understand likely barriers and facilitators, with the aim of designing implementation strategies and long-term outcome measures. Data included field notes from a two-day train-the-trainer, one visit to a key implementing site, and 27 interviews. Participants were four TeamMAPPS conceptualizers, four module designers, and 15 implementers from seven implementing sites, each with a CTSA hub (four were interviewed twice). We coded transcripts using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to identify contextual barriers and facilitators to D&I, the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) D&I outcomes framework, and target competencies of TeamMAPPS. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Priority D&I outcomes that emerged were adoption, reach, and effectiveness. Potential barriers/facilitators to “adoption” included institutional willingness to incentivize scientists to utilize TeamMAPPS, support for Team Science at CTSAs, and systems of rewards for scientists to undergo trainings. Anticipated barriers/facilitators for “reach” were closely tied to adoption, such as institutions’ ability to persuade or require scientists to take trainings. Other issues relevant to reach included the time it takes to time to complete TeamMAPPS and potentially fraught intra-team dynamics arising if modules are implemented as a whole-team intervention. Anticipated barriers/facilitators for “effectiveness” included having adequate tools to assess actual impact. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: TeamMAPPS has the potential to accelerate advances in translational sciences across the CTSA consortium. As this D&I study proceeds we will continue Implementation Mapping and use the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) to develop bundles of implementer-informed strategies to the effectively deliver TeamMAPPS among CTSAs.
45 Evaluation of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Guidelines and Outcomes by Treatment Site in South Africa
Authors: Rhea Charles H. , Chihota Violet , Oladimeji Matthew , Rebeiro Africa Peter F. , Amorim Gustavo , von Knorring Nina , Omar Shaheed V. , Ismail Farzana , Churchyard Gavin , van der Heijden Yuri
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: DR-TB care in South Africa includes decentralized treatment with shorter, all-oral regimens. Treatment guidelines direct regular clinical and laboratory evaluation to assess patient improvement. We therefore measured sputum collection frequency and follow-up time to assess fidelity to these guidelines in Gauteng Province, South Africa. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We included Rifampicin-resistant (RR) sputum specimens from the South African National Health Laboratory Service, which provides pathology services to 80% of the population, submitted between August 2022-September 2023. Patient data were obtained from a DR-TB registry and additional sputum specimen data were collected from follow-up laboratory worksheets. Follow-up spanned from first sputum collection date (baseline) to patient outcome date (e.g., completion, lost) or study closure date (if still on treatment). Monthly sputum submission rate was measured for those with ≥1 additional sputum submitted. We compared patient data by treatment site: at the specialized hospital vs. any other site, using Wilcoxon ranksum and χ2 tests. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Baseline RR-TB specimens were available for 142 patients, of whom 28 (20%) had specimens submitted from the specialized hospital. Patients at the specialized hospital were older (median age 41 vs. 35.5 years, p=0.03), had higher baseline fluoroquinolone resistance (10% vs. 1%, p=0.01), and longer follow-up (median 5.2 vs. 3.5 months, p=0.01) compared to patients elsewhere. Further, 43 (30%) patients had ≥1 additional sputum submitted during follow-up. Among these, monthly sputum collection rates did not differ by site (0.3 vs. 0.3 sputum per month, p=0.89). We anticipate that increased sputum frequency will be associated with successful TB treatment outcomes based on preliminary findings. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: These findings highlight ongoing challenges with routine laboratory follow-up according to DR-TB guidelines across treatment sites in South Africa. Future research is needed to determine reasons for low sputum collection rates, such as low patient adherence, variation in practice of healthcare workers, loss to follow-up, and clinical challenges.
46 Cross-Disciplinary Education in Biostatistics and Epidemiology in Program Managers for CTSA BERD Cores
Authors: Robbins Sarah Jane K. , Aaron James , Slade Emily
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The overall goals of this project are: (1) to demonstrate the utility of staff with cross-disciplinary skills in biostatistics and epidemiology as program managers for CTSA BERD Cores, and (2) examine streamlined processes in project triaging, consultations, and data extractions for CTSA service requests when individuals are in this role. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Biostatistics and epidemiology are partnered disciplines incorporated in a variety of research areas, especially in human health sciences and health care. For interdisciplinary teams, including individuals trained in both specialties results in efficient research collaborations. When these individuals are program managers for research navigation, processes become more effective and expedited for project timelines and workflows across the CTSA. Examples of this integration are described in vignettes from project triaging, statistical consultations, and data extractions from CTSA service requests. Process comparisons of previous and current workflows are presented to show the advantages of utilizing this type of program manager within these areas of BERD. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: This project defines three areas of integration for a program manager with cross-disciplinary training in biostatistics and epidemiology: (1) project triaging to statistical teams, (2) study design and analysis consultations, and (3) data extractions. Each of these areas demonstrates prior processes that once would require multiple steps in CTSA service requests (including time, resources, and personnel) and identified common issues (slow response to requests, data re-extractions, and challenges providing statistical support) that are now avoided with a manager with cross-training in biostatistics and epidemiology methods. The advantages and disadvantages of integrating these individuals are also described. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: BERD Cores seeking improvements to research navigation processes can gain efficiency by incorporating program managers with cross-disciplinary training in biostatistics and epidemiology. BERD Cores may also use this as a case study for translational science with innovation to longstanding challenges in CTSA research workflows.
50 Why are Black and Mexican American children more vulnerable than White children to upper respiratory viral infection?
Authors: Bhavnani Darlene , Bhavnani D. , Dunphy P. , Rathouz Paul , Matsui E.C.
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: There is an excess risk of upper respiratory infection (URI) among Black and Mexican-American children in the US. Factors that underpin these disparities are largely unknown. We evaluated the extent to which socioeconomic status (SES), serum cotinine, obesity, and household size explained the association between race/ethnicity and URI. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We studied children, 6-17 years of age, who identified as Black, Mexican-American, or White in the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (2007-2012). URI was defined as a self-reported cough, cold, phlegm, runny nose, or other respiratory illness (excluding hay fever and allergies) in the past 7 days. The proportion of the association between race/ethnicity and URI explained by SES, serum cotinine, obesity, and household size was estimated as the average causal mediation effect (i.e., the indirect effect of race/ethnicity via the mediator) divided by the total effect of race/ethnicity. The average causal mediation effect was derived from survey weighted logistic regression models adjusted for age and sex. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Black children were nearly 40% and Mexican American children were ~60% more likely to report a URI than those who identified as White (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.06-1.77 and OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.21-2.13, respectively). Lower SES explained ~25% of the association between Black and Mexican American identity and URI (percent mediated 24.7; 95% CI, 23.0-26.6 and 26.1; 95% CI, 24.2-28.2, respectively). Obesity explained ~7% of the association between Black and Mexican-American identity and URI (percent mediated, 7.6; 95% CI, 7.3-8.0 and percent mediated, 6.7; 95% CI, 6.4-6.9, respectively). Nicotine exposure explained 8% of the association between Black identity and URI (percent mediated, 7.9; 95% CI, 5.6-10.1). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Lower SES explained a quarter of the association between race/ethnicity and URI. Low SES is a broad concept that may work through different mechanisms to lead to disparities in URI by race/ethnicity. Future research is needed to better understand these mechanisms and to identify modifiable aspects that can serve as targets for intervention.
93 Investigating the minimal requirements for startup procurement by healthcare institutions in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Bhatti Zoya Aziz , Ferenbok Joseph , Choi Derek , Bhatti Zoya , Ferenbok Jospeh , Marcon Edyta , Bird Marissa , Smyth Juli , Ghoshal Bibaswan
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The primarygoal is to understand the challenges and barriers associated with the procurement of innovative technologies.Specifically, our research will answer the following question: what are the minimal requirements for a startup’s solution to beprocuredby anOntariohealthcare institution? METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Participants will include procurement professionals at startups, healthcare institutions, and procurement facilitating agencies. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted in order to understand different procurement pathways and the possible procurement related gaps or barriers that startups face. Through qualitative ethnographic methods, participant interviews will characterize existing relationships and examine the rationale behind startup procurement decision-making. Data collection will include recordings, verbatim transcripts, and researcher field notes. Through inductive qualitative analysis, the data will be examined to build an intervention to assist in startup procurement. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Our investigation will yield insight into expectations between hospital procurement requirements and startup procurement. The qualitative analysis will identify targets for engagement, and appropriate actors that can bridge gaps. Our results will identify pathways for procurement and the minimal procurement requirements to aid startup procurement planning. Our research will support innovators by delivering an intervention that will enable easier implementation of market ready solutions in a Canadian context. In line with principles from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, this research can be used towards enhancing efficiency, speed of translation, and innovation. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: We will contextualize the needs of start-ups and empower them to understand their procurement ecosystem. Facilitating better navigation of the procurement space allows for innovators to present solutions that healthcare organizations can adopt, resulting in improved clinical and patient outcomes.
95 Maternal Epidemiology of Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries in California: 1996-2012
Authors: Manske Mary Claire , Wilson Machelle D. , Wise Barton L. , Melnikow Joy , Hedriana Herman L. , James Michelle A. , Tancredi Daniel J.
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: To evaluate the incidence of brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) and its associations with maternal demographic factors. Additionally, we sought to determine whether longitudinal changes in BPBI incidence differed by maternal demographics. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of over 8 million maternal-infant pairs using California’s Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development Linked Birth Files from 1991-2012. Descriptive statistics were used to determine BPBI incidence and the prevalence of maternal demographic factors (race, ethnicity, age). Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine associations of year, maternal race, ethnicity, and age with BPBI. Excess population level risk associated with these characteristics was determined by calculating population attributable fractions. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The incidence of BPBI between 1991-2012 was 1.28 per 1000 live births, with peak incidence of 1.84 per 1000 in 1998 and low of 0.9 per 1000 in 2008. Incidence varied by demographic group, with infants of Black (1.78 per 1000) and Hispanic (1.34 per 1000) mothers having the highest incidences. Controlling for relevant covariates, infants of Black (AOR=1.88, 95% CI 1.70, 2.08), Hispanic (AOR=1.25, 95% CI 1.18, 1.32) and advanced-age mothers (AOR=1.16, 95% CI 1.09, 1.25) were at increased risk. Disparities in risk experienced by Black, Hispanic, and advanced-age mothers contributed to a 5%, 10%, and 2% excess risk at the population level, respectively. Longitudinal trends in incidence did not vary among demographic groups. Population-level changes in maternal demographics did not explain changes in incidence over time. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Although BPBI incidence has decreased in California, demographic disparities exist. Infants of Black, Hispanic, and advanced-age mothers are at increased BPBI risk compared to White, Non-Hispanic, and younger mothers.
Congregation leader and member discussions in a church-based family strengthening, mental health promotion, and HIV prevention trial: Intervention mechanisms in a randomized trial in rural Kenya
Authors: Rasmussen Justin M. , Johnson Savannah L. , Ochieng Yvonne , Jaguga Florence , Green Eric , Puffer Eve
Published: April 2024

Collaboration with African religious congregations can promote psychosocial well-being with greater accessibility. Effective collaboration requires studying congregations as unique intervention contexts. This study explored how an intervention in western Kenya fit within and altered congregational discussion patterns. We conducted a cluster-randomized trial of a church-based intervention to improve family relationships, mental health and sexual health. For each intervention topic covered, we describe baseline and post-intervention changes in church leaders’ beliefs and communication as well as discussion frequency between leaders and members and among members. Mixed-effects logistic regression assessed pre-post change in member-reported discussion frequency. At baseline, members and leaders reported already discussing family, parenting, and emotions frequently and sexuality and finances less frequently. Leaders generally felt they should discuss all topics but were less comfortable and knowledgeable about sexuality and finances than other topics. After the intervention, leader comfort and knowledge increased and discussion frequency increased for nearly all topics, especially those discussed less initially. Good fit between the desires and activities of church members and leaders suggests the potential for further collaboration, especially on mental health and family well-being. Increased discussion of sensitive topics underscores the potential of community-level interventions to affect social norms.
Question of the Delimitation of the Continental Shelf Between Nicaragua and Colombia Beyond 200 Nautical Miles from the Nicaraguan Coast (Nicar. v. Colom.) (I.C.J.)
Authors: Pichel Christine
Published: April 2024

On July 13, 2023, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered its judgment in the case concerning Question of the Delimitation of the Continental Shelf Between Nicaragua and Colombia Beyond 200 Nautical Miles from the Nicaraguan Coast (Nicaragua v. Colombia) (2023 Judgment). This is the first decision addressing the question of the delimitation of the continental shelf, between states with opposite coasts, in a situation where one state asserts a continental shelf extending beyond 200 nautical miles (extended continental shelf) within the 200 miles from the baselines of another state.
Buoyancy oscillations
Authors: Voisin Bruno
Published: April 2024

The oscillations of buoyant bodies in stratified fluids are deduced from the variations of their added mass. Three configurations are considered: a body displaced from its neutral level then released; a Cartesian diver set into oscillation by a modulation of the hydrostatic pressure, then released; and a body attached to a pendulum to which an impulse is applied. The first configuration is related to the dynamics of Lagrangian floats in the ocean. Two particular bodies are considered: an elliptic cylinder of horizontal axis, typical of two-dimensional bodies; and a spheroid of vertical axis, typical of three-dimensional bodies. The ultimate motion of the body consists of oscillations at the buoyancy frequency with an amplitude decaying algebraically with time. Before that, the resonant response of the system is observed, either aperiodic exponential decay when the system has no intrinsic dynamics, or exponentially damped oscillation otherwise. Comparison with available measurements demonstrates the need to include viscous dissipation in the analysis. At high Stokes number, dissipation comes from the Basset–Boussinesq memory force and is affected negligibly by the stratification; at low Stokes number, dissipation comes from Stokes resistance and exhibits a significant effect of the stratification.
Self-similarity in over-tripped turbulent boundary-layer flows
Authors: Tang Zhanqi , Jiang Nan
Published: April 2024

The scaling universality of structure functions is studied for artificially thickened turbulent boundary-layer flows in over-tripped impacts by using hot-wire measurement datasets. The self-similarity behaviours in the inner and outer regions are examined from the viewpoint of different flow mechanisms. In the inner region, the relative ratios between structure functions for the energy-containing range of scales exhibit universality behaviour, in accordance with Townsend's attached eddy hypothesis. This universality of the energy-containing range of scales extends further away from the wall by increasing the tripping intensity. On the other hand, the impact of the external intermittency on the self-similarity of small-scale turbulence is examined through the intermittent zone in over-tripped conditions. Towards the boundary-layer edge, the structure functions exhibit a growing departure from self-similarity and analytical prediction, and it is demonstrated that the departure is primarily due to external intermittency. Moreover, based on the conditional statistics concentrated in the turbulent regimes, it is revealed that the small scales in the turbulence regime are homogenized in a self-similar behaviour, which is independent of the current tripping conditions.
Settling and collision of spheroidal particles with an offset mass centre in a quiescent fluid
Authors: Jiang Xinyu , Xu Chunxiao , Zhao Lihao
Published: April 2024

Gravitational sedimentation and the collision of particles play key roles in various natural and engineering processes. In practice, particles are often non-spherical in shape with non-uniform mass distribution. In this study we investigate how the mass eccentricity influences the settling and gravitational collision of non-spherical particles in a quiescent fluid. Firstly, we theoretically analyse the effect of mass centre offset on the settling motion of a single spheroid under the low-Reynolds-number assumption. We find that the competition of fluid-inertia torque and gravitational torque determines the terminal settling mode of the spheroid. As the mass centre offset increases from zero to a critical value, the orientation of a settling spheroid undergoes a transition from the broad-side-on to narrow-side-on alignment. With an intermediate mass centre offset, the settling spheroid prefers an oblique orientation with a horizontal drift. Secondly, we investigate the gravitational collision rate of settling spheroids. With the change of particle orientation, the collision kernel exhibits a non-monotonic variation with a maximum when particles settle with an intermediate oblique orientation. Therefore, adjusting the mass centre offset to alter particle orientation can indirectly affect the collision rate of settling spheroidal particles. In summary, our findings reveal the significance of the mass eccentricity on particle dynamics in fluid flows, and suggest a potential approach for manipulating the settling motion and collision rate of non-spherical particles by adjusting their mass centre position.
NEW PERSPECTIVES ON OLD MATTERS: A REVIEW OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND CHRONOMETRIC DATA FROM ABRIGO DO SOL (MATO GROSSO, BRAZIL)
Authors: Gilson Simon-Pierre , Bueno Lucas
Published: April 2024

Based on the study of the primary documentation related to the excavations carried out by Eurico Miller in the 1970s at Abrigo do Sol, Mato Grosso (Brazil), we propose a new reading of the stratigraphic and chronological information obtained from this rock shelter. Despite the apparent incongruity in the chrono-stratigraphic distribution of published dates, a detailed examination of the stratigraphy and field notes allowed us to identify a chronometric sequence with regular distribution between the Middle Holocene and the Late Pleistocene periods for the Abrigo do Sol site. We present here the original documents related to radiocarbon dating and their analysis. We finally show the implications of this study for understanding this site and the discussions related to the ancient settlements of the Amazon forest.
IMPROVING IONPLUS MICADAS PERFORMANCE WITH RECESSED GRAPHITE
Authors: Broek Taylor A B , Roberts Mark L
Published: April 2024

Cathodes with recessed sample surfaces have several benefits in cesium sputter ion sources, including higher output, more efficient use of sample material, and improved focusing of the extracted ion beam. However, the Ionplus MICADAS uses cathodes with a graphite surface that is essentially flush with the sample holder. To evaluate the performance of recessed graphite with the MICADAS and determine the optimal surface depth, we tested four different depths, including the standard (flush) pressing method, 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, and 1.5 mm. We found that recessed depths of 1.0 and 1.5 mm resulted in 20% higher ion beam current compared to the standard method under the same source conditions. The results are consistent with the beam produced from the recessed targets being more narrowly focused with a lower emittance, resulting in better transmission through the accelerator. Small graphite samples (200 µg C) with recessed surfaces produced higher currents for longer, leading to a 2–3× increase in sample ionization efficiency. Additionally, there was some evidence that isotopic ratio measurements of recessed samples were more stable over time. Overall, samples recessed to 1 mm depth offered numerous advantages over the standard pressing method and we have subsequently started pressing all MICADAS graphite using this approach.
Wagner’s ‘Bridal Chorus’ from Lohengrin and its Use as a Wedding March
Authors: RANGE MATTHIAS
Published: April 2024

The ‘Bridal Chorus’ of Wagner’s 1850 opera Lohengrin is one of the most recognizable pieces of music in the world. This article explores how it became so inextricably associated with wedding ceremonies – real ones, or on stage and in film. Furthered by its use at several British royal weddings the music was especially popular at wedding ceremonies in Britain and the USA. Notwithstanding that the chorus was usually performed in an instrumental arrangement, its attractiveness as wedding music was strengthened by various new English texts, its popular title of ‘Here comes the Bride’ deriving from a 1915 silent film. On a different level, this study contextualizes and evaluates the long-lasting criticism of the use of Wagner’s ‘Bridal Chorus’ at wedding ceremonies. Proportional to the decline in its actual use, this criticism has now mostly gone; yet, the ‘Bridal Chorus’ remains as the archetypical music to represent the arrival of the bride.
Which Information Do Politicians Pay Attention To? Evidence from a Field Experiment and Interviews
Authors: Senninger Roman , Seeberg Henrik B.
Published: April 2024

Politicians are exposed to a constant flow of information about societal problems. However, they have limited resources and need to prioritize. So, which information should they pay attention to? Previous research identifies four types of information that may matter: public concern about a problem, problem attention by rival parties, news stories about problems, and statistical problem indicators. We are the first to contrast the four types of information through a field experiment with more than 6,000 candidates and multiple elite interviews in Denmark. The candidates received an email invitation to access a specially tailored report that randomly highlighted one of the four types of information. Statistical indicators and public opinion were accessed the most (26.9 per cent and 26.5 per cent of candidates in the two conditions). Our results provide new and important evidence about the types of information politicians consider when addressing societal problems.
Geology, fluid inclusions and C−O−S−Pb isotopic compositions of the Chahmileh Pb-Zn deposit, Central Iran: Implications for ore genesis
Authors: Mehrabi Behzad , Chaghaneh Nafiseh , Tale Fazel Ebrahim , Corfu Fernando
Published: April 2024

The Chahmileh Pb–Zn deposit, located northwest of the Central Iran Zone, is a sediment-hosted Pb–Zn deposit in the ‘Yazd-Anarak Metallogenic Belt’. It is hosted in Middle Triassic carbonate rocks and is mainly controlled by NW-trending faults. The main ore minerals are galena and sphalerite with minor chalcopyrite, pyrite, and quartz, dolomite, along with minor calcite and baryte as gangue minerals. Cerussite, hemimorphite, wulfenite, mimetite, smithsonite, malachite and iron oxy-hydroxides are the main non-sulphide ore minerals. The main styles of mineralization are vein-veinlet, breccia, disseminated and replacement in association with silicification and dolomitization. Microthermometry of fluid inclusions in dolomite and quartz indicates that the ore precipitated from a warm to hot basin-derived saline fluid. Dolomite samples have δ13CVPDB and δ18OVSMOW values of −0.99 to +1.99‰ and +20.74 to +25.48‰, respectively, and are plotted in the marine carbonate rocks field. These isotopic values suggest that CO2 in the hydrothermal fluids mainly originated from marine carbonate rock. The δ34S values range from +6.3 to +8.2‰ for galena, +5.9 to +6.2‰ for sphalerite, +1.4 to +3.4‰ for chalcopyrite and +15.0 to +17.4‰ for bayite are compatible with a predominant thermochemical sulphate reduction process, and with sulphur sourced from Triassic seawater. Galena samples have a homogeneous Pb isotopic composition that is indicative of a continental crustal reservoir as the main source of lead and probably for the other ore metals. Based on geology, mineralogy, texture and fluid characteristics, the Chahmileh deposit is classified as a carbonate-hosted Mississippi Valley-type deposit.
People Like Us? How Mass Preferences Are Shaped by Economic Inequality and Racial Diversity
Authors: Wager Emily
Published: April 2024

The US has experienced runaway economic inequality since the 1970s, yet there is no strong public support for government efforts that serve to narrow the growing disparities between citizens. Why? I point to the role of rising racial diversity. I argue Americans believe in conditional equality, where they support equalizing policies as long as they perceive the beneficiaries as people like themselves. However, as the country grows more diverse, citizens are less likely to perceive those around them as people like themselves. Using time-series cross-sectional data of the American states, I demonstrate that as racial diversity increases, the likelihood the public will respond to increasing inequality by supporting bigger government declines. This study provides evidence for the mechanism usually implied but rarely tested by studies of diversity and policy: mass preferences.
Experimental Insights Into Fault Reactivation and Stability of Carrara Marble Across the Brittle–Ductile Transition
Authors: Niu Lu , Zhou Yongsheng , Shao Tongbin , Wang Lei , Xu Xiwei , Rybacki Erik
Published: April 2024

Little is known about the impact of pressure (P) and temperature (T) on faulting behavior and the transition to fault locking under high P–T conditions. Using a Paterson gas‐medium apparatus, triaxial compression experiments were conducted on Carrara marble (CM) samples containing a saw‐cut interface at ∼40° to the vertical axis at a constant axial strain rate of ∼1 × 10−5 s−1, P = 30–150 MPa and T = 20–600°C. Depending on the P–T conditions, we observed the complete spectrum of deformation behavior, including macroscopic (shear) failure, stable sliding, unstable stick‐slip, and bulk deformation with locked faults. Macroscopic failure and stable sliding were limited to P < 100 MPa and T = 20°C. In contrast, at P ≥ 100 MPa or T ≥ 500°C, faults were locked, and samples with bulk deformation experienced strain hardening at strains ≤8.8%. At T = 100–400°C and P ≤ 100 MPa, we observed unstable stick‐slip behavior, where both fault reactivation stress and subsequent stress drop increased with increasing pressure and temperature, associated with increasing matrix deformation and less fault slip. Microstructures indicate a mixture of microcracking, twinning and dislocation activity (e.g., kinking and undulatory extinction) that depends on P–T conditions and peak stress. The transition from slip to lock‐up with increasing pressure and temperature is induced by an enhanced contribution of crystal plastic deformation. Our results show that fault reactivation and stability in CM are significantly influenced by P–T conditions, probably limiting the nucleation of earthquakes to a depth of a few kilometers in calcite‐dominated faults.
Response of Onshore Oceanic Heat Supply to Yearly Changes in the Amundsen Sea Icescape (Antarctica)
Authors: St‐Laurent P. , Stammerjohn S. E. , Maksym T.
Published: April 2024

The heat transfer between the warm oceanic water and the floating portion of the Antarctic ice sheet (the ice shelves) occurs in a dynamic environment with year‐to‐year changes in the distribution of icebergs and fast‐ice (the “icescape”). Dramatic events such as the collapse of glacier tongues are apparent in satellite images but oceanographic observations are insufficient to capture the synoptic impact of such events on the supply of oceanic heat to ice shelves. This study uses a 3D numerical model and semi‐idealized experiments to examine whether the current high melting rates of ice shelves in the Amundsen Sea could be mitigated by certain icescape configurations. Specifically, the experiments quantify the impacts on oceanic heat supply of presence/absence of the Thwaites Glacier Tongue, Bear Ridge Iceberg Chain, tabular iceberg B22, and fast‐ice cover seaward of Pine Island Ice Shelf (PIS). The experiments reveal that future changes in the coastal icescape are unlikely to reverse the high ice shelf melting rates of the Amundsen Sea, and that icescape changes between 2011 and 2022 actually enhanced them slightly. Ice shelves such as Crosson and Thwaites are found to have multiple viable sources of oceanic heat whose relative importance may shift following icescape reconfigurations but the overall heat supply remains high. Similarly, the formation of a fast‐ice cover seaward of PIS slows down the cavity circulation (by 7%) but does not reduce its heat supply.
A Comparison of Auroral Oval Proxies With the Boundaries of the Auroral Electrojets
Authors: Walker Simon James , Laundal Karl Magnus , Reistad Jone Peter , Ohma Anders , Hatch Spencer Mark , Chisham Gareth , Decotte Margot
Published: April 2024

The boundaries of the auroral oval and auroral electrojets are an important source of information for understanding the coupling between the solar wind and the near‐earth plasma environment. Of these two types of boundaries the auroral electrojet boundaries have received comparatively little attention, and even less attention has been given to the connection between the two. Here we introduce a technique for estimating the electrojet boundaries, and other properties such as total current and peak current, from 1‐D latitudinal profiles of the eastward component of equivalent current sheet density. We apply this technique to a preexisting database of such currents along the 105° magnetic meridian, estimated using ground‐based magnetometers, producing a total of 11 years of 1‐min resolution electrojet boundaries during the period 2000–2020. Using statistics and conjunction events we compare our electrojet boundary data set with an existing electrojet boundary data set, based on Swarm satellite measurements, and auroral oval proxies based on particle precipitation and field‐aligned currents. This allows us to validate our data set and investigate the feasibility of an auroral oval proxy based on electrojet boundaries. Through this investigation we find the proton precipitation auroral oval is a closer match with the electrojet boundaries. However, the bimodal nature of the electrojet boundaries as we approach the noon and midnight discontinuities makes an average electrojet oval poorly defined. With this and the direct comparisons differing from the statistics, defining the proton auroral oval from electrojet boundaries across all local and universal times is challenging.
Deterioration Models and Service Life Prediction of Vertical Assets of Urban Water Systems
Authors: Cabral M. , Loureiro D. , Amado C. , Covas D.
Published: April 2024

This study proposes a methodology for developing deterioration models and predicting the service lives of vertical assets of urban water systems (i.e., water storage tanks and pumping stations) using regression analysis. The main factors contributing to the deterioration of these assets are analyzed. Simple and multiple linear regression models of average and maximum deterioration are calculated for 22 water storage tanks and 17 wastewater pumping stations. Data on a set of four water storage tanks are used to validate the developed deterioration models. Service life prediction is carried out using the developed models and considering two maximum deterioration levels: the maximum recommended and admissible deterioration levels. Two water storage tanks are further studied to illustrate and discuss the effect of maintenance and rehabilitation interventions on asset service life by comparing the asset deterioration before and after the interventions. Results include simple linear regression models of average and maximum deterioration indices as a function of asset age and multiple linear regression models that incorporate other physical, operational and environmental factors. The results show that simple linear regression models of asset deterioration show a better predictive power than multiple regression models. Despite the higher data variability of multiple regression models, these models allow to include the random process of asset deterioration, through the calculation of the standard deviation. This study also shows that periodic interventions are a preferable maintenance and rehabilitation strategy over major sporadic rehabilitation interventions since it allows to maintain assets in good condition and to extend their service life almost indefinitely.
Benefit of Multivariate Model Calibration for Different Climatic Regions
Authors: Pool S. , Fowler K. , Peel M.
Published: April 2024

Hydrological models are traditionally calibrated against observed discharge. However, for a given model, similar performance for discharge simulation can be achieved through a variety of parameter combinations, some of which produce unrealistic simulations of non‐discharge variables. Thus, considering non‐discharge variables in calibration can help to reduce equifinality and give more realistic simulations. Few studies considered non‐discharge variables in calibration and evaluation and across a large sample of catchments. In this study, we calibrate the lumped SIMHYD model with several combinations of different hydrological variables such as discharge, actual evapotranspiration, soil wetness, and total water storage. The various calibration scenarios are conducted across 550 catchments in Australia spanning arid, tropical and temperate regions. We show that the performance of the discharge‐calibrated model for actual evapotranspiration, soil wetness, and total water storage is strongly related to the co‐seasonality of discharge and the respective variable. Considering actual evapotranspiration, soil wetness, or total water storage in addition to discharge in calibration improves the simulation of the added variable on average by 53%, 58%, and 41%, respectively, which comes at the expense of decrease in discharge performance by 5%. Cross‐benefits, that is, the improved simulation of a variable by considering another variable in calibration, mainly occurs between actual evapotranspiration and total water storage and are most pronounced in humid catchments with highly seasonal soil wetness. We also find that when using all four variables in model calibration, the trade‐off in model performance between discharge and the other variables gets more pronounced with increasing catchment wetness.
Fiber-Optic Networks Could Reveal the Moon’s Inner Structure
Authors: Cutts Elise
Published: April 2024

Distributed acoustic sensing offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional seismic arrays, and building such a network on the Moon might be possible.