bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of fetal lower urinary tract obstruction based on timing of oligohydramnios onset
Authors: Munoz Jessian L. , Tounsi Sarah , Buskmiller Cara , Cortes Magdalena Sanz , Donepudi Roopali V. , Belfort Michael A. , Nassr Ahmed A.
Published: December 2023

Objective

Fetal Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction (LUTO) is associated with oligohydramnios and significant fetal morbidity, resulting in poor lung development and perinatal death. However, oligohydramnios may develop at different gestational periods, and the impact of timing on fetal outcomes remains unknown. Our objective was to characterize the impact onset of oligohydramnios had on prenatal outcomes.

Methods

This study is a retrospective cohort study of all patients with a prenatal diagnosis of LUTO at our tertiary referral center from 2014 to 2023. All patients underwent detailed ultrasonography and interdisciplinary counseling and were subsequently delivered at our institution. Data were obtained from electronic medical records and complete extraction was required for final inclusion.

Results

During the study time period, 93 patients met inclusion criteria of which 68 (73.1%) developed oligohydramnios during their pregnancy. 63 (93%) of these pregnancies resulted in livebirths with 28 (41.1%) perinatal deaths. Onset of oligohydramnios was earlier in pregnancies with perinatal death (23 vs. 28 weeks, p = 0.004) and associated with pulmonary hypoplasia.

Conclusions

Our data show the impact of oligohydramnios timing in pregnancy on pulmonary hypoplasia and ultimately perinatal death. This allows for detailed patient counseling on the impact oligohydramnios may have on pregnancies by the gestational age of onset.
Physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic modeling of prominent oral contraceptive agents and applications in drug–drug interactions
Authors: Lewis Gareth J. , Ahire Deepak , Taskar Kunal S.
Published: December 2023

Considerable interest remains across the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory landscape in capabilities to model oral contraceptives (OCs), whether combined (COCs) with ethinyl estradiol (EE) or progestin‐only pill. Acceptance of COC drug–drug interaction (DDI) assessment using physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) is often limited to the estrogen component (EE), requiring further verification, with extrapolation from EE to progestins discouraged. There is a paucity of published progestin component PBPK models to support the regulatory DDI guidance for industry to evaluate a new chemical entity's (NCE's) DDI potential with COCs. Guidance recommends a clinical interaction study to be considered if an investigational drug is a weak or moderate inducer, or a moderate/strong inhibitor, of CYP3A4. Therefore, availability of validated OC PBPK models within one software platform, will be useful in predicting the DDI potential with NCEs earlier in the clinical development. Thus, this work was focused on developing and validating PBPK models for progestins, DNG, DRSP, LNG, and NET, within Simcyp, and assessing the DDI potential with known CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) and inducers (e.g., rifampicin) with published clinical data. In addition, this work demonstrated confidence in the Simcyp EE model for regulatory and clinical applications by extensive verification in 70+ clinical PK and CYP3A4 interaction studies. The results provide greater capability to prospectively model clinical CYP3A4 DDI with COCs using Simcyp PBPK to interrogate the regulatory decision‐tree to contextualize the potential interaction by known perpetrators and NCEs, enabling model‐informed decision making, clinical study designs, and delivering potential alternative COC options for women of childbearing potential.
Design and evaluation of a wearable vascular interventional surgical robot system
Authors: Yu Haoyang , Wang Hongbo , Rong Yu , Fang Junyu , Niu Jianye
Published: December 2023

Background

Remote‐controlled robotic vascular interventional surgery can reduce radiation exposure to interventional physicians and improve safety. However, inconvenient operation and lack of force feedback limit its application.

Materials and Methods

A new wearable robotic system for vascular interventional surgery is designed, which is more flexible in operation. It ensures the safety of surgery through haptic force feedback. The system was evaluated by human vascular models and animal experiments.

Results

The average static error of the system is 0.048 mm when the axial motion is 250 mm and 1.259° when the rotational motion is 400°. The average error of the force feedback is 0.021 N. The results of vascular model experiments and animal experiments demonstrate the feasibility and safety of the system.

Conclusions

The proposed robotic system can assist physicians in remotely delivering standard catheters or guidewires. The system is more flexible and uses haptic force feedback to ensure surgical safety.
Metal Organic Vapor Phase Epitaxy in a Transmission Electron Microscope
Authors: Widemann Maximilian , Krug David , Maßmeyer Oliver , Gruber Felix , Beyer Andreas , Volz Kerstin
Published: December 2023

In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations of the metal–organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) growth promise to enhance the understanding of this complex process. However, a new experimental approach is required, capable of live imaging at the atomic scale and simultaneously reflecting this method's elevated pressures. To this end, a closed gas cell in situ TEM setup is used as a micrometer‐scaled MOVPE reactor to grow GaP using tertiary butyl phosphine (TBP) and trimethyl gallium (TMGa). To prove the MOVPE reactor ability of the in situ TEM holder, the thermal decomposition of TBP and TMGa is shown to proceed similarly to conventional reactor setups. Decomposition temperatures align with susceptor temperatures in MOVPE machines. Formed products and their temperature decomposition curves are comparable to previous investigations performed in conventional reactors, even though the setups significantly differ. The obtained results are exploited to grow GaP nanostructures via the MOVPE growth process inside the TEM. To prepare a substrate surface for GaP growth, which is highly challenging, Au‐catalyzed vapor‐liquid‐solid‐grown GaP nanowires are grown in the reactor cell. Subsequently, the nanowire's sidewalls serve as MOVPE substrates. These results lay the foundation for crystal growth observation under MOVPE conditions in a TEM.
Establishment of reliable relative price predictions for high‐strength steel members
Authors: Saufnay Loris , Demonceau Jean‐François
Published: December 2023

In recent years, significant production improvements have been observed in the field of steel structures allowing for a constant increase in the yield strength and consequently for a reduction in the weight of structures. However, considering the required production techniques for high‐strength steels, which are sometimes more demanding in terms of energy as well as more demanding in terms of alloy content, the manufacturing cost generally increases with the yield strength. Accordingly, designers and engineers are sometimes reluctant to consider higher steel grades as they do not know in which cases their use presents an economic benefit. Evaluating reliable relative prices for higher grades is seen as a necessity to realise a prospective study and prove their economic benefit but, looking to the literature, only a few publications address this topic. Thus, this article aims to establish relative price‐strength relationships for different section typologies to help practitioners in choosing cost‐effective steel grades for their applications. These investigations are based on previously available producer price lists to establish relative price intervals for existing and future emerging steel grades. The results of this article demonstrate the base price dependency and the key features which govern the relative prices and thus the economic benefit of such grades.
FERPA and coaches
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: December 2023

A college registrar recently posted on a professional discussion listserv that he had just found out a staff member had added a coach and the athletic director as academic advisors to student‐athletes in the college's student information system. The registrar was concerned that this meant that these two individuals would have “constant access” to the student‐athletes’ records which included updates on their current classes, grades, and ACT scores, plus most of the information the college had collected about the students from the time they submitted their college applications. So, the registrar wanted to know whether other colleges allowed similar access for their coaches and athletics departments.
Jenna Gonzalez: Providing accessible housing on campus
Authors: Allarakhia Hawa
Published: December 2023

At the University of Florida, students with disabilities can reside in Cypress Hall, a dorm designed in accordance with universal design principles. Jenna Gonzalez, Director of the Disability Resource Center at UF, discusses the accommodations and modifications available to these students who choose to live on campus.
Supergravities and branes from Hilbert-Poincaré series
Authors: Cremonini C. A. , Grassi P. A. , Noris R. , Ravera L.
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The Molien-Weyl integral formula and the Hilbert-Poincaré series have proven to be powerful mathematical tools in relation to gauge theories, allowing to count the number of gauge invariant operators. In this paper we show that these methods can also be employed to construct Free Differential Algebras and, therefore, reproduce the associated pure supergravity spectrum and nonperturbative objects. Indeed, given a set of fields, the Hilbert-Poincaré series allows to compute all possible invariants and consequently derive the cohomology structure.
The reductive Borel–Serre compactification as a model for unstable algebraic K-theory
Authors: Clausen Dustin , Jansen Mikala Ørsnes
Published: December 2023

Let A be an associative ring and M a finitely generated projective A-module. We introduce a category $${\text {RBS}}(M)$$

RBS
(
M
)

and prove several theorems which show that its geometric realisation functions as a well-behaved unstable algebraic K-theory space. These categories $${\text {RBS}}(M)$$

RBS
(
M
)

naturally arise as generalisations of the exit path $$\infty $$
∞
-category of the reductive Borel–Serre compactification of a locally symmetric space, and one of our main techniques is to find purely categorical analogues of some familiar structures in these compactifications.
The effect of teriparatide on patients with atypical femur fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Salamah Hazem Mohamed , Abualkhair Khaled Alsayed , Kamal Sara K. , Mohamed Hazem A. , Alkheder Ahmad , Farho Mohamad Ali , Mistry Dillan , Elbardesy Hany
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are one of the most often used drugs to lower fracture risk in osteoporosis patients; nonetheless, BPs have been linked to atypical femoral fracture (AFF). Teriparatide (TPTD) is a parathyroid hormone analogue and anabolic drug that may accelerate fracture repair. TPTD has been considered as a possible treatment for AFF, particularly those caused by BP use. We evaluate the effect of TPTD on AFF in this systematic review and meta-analysis.

Materials and methods

A thorough search of: Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane was conducted on August 2, 2023. Trials evaluating the effect of TPTD on the incidence of: complete bone healing, non-union, early and delayed bone union, progression of incomplete AFF to complete AFF, and time to bone union were included. Using Review Manager (RevMan) version 5.4, the risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated for dichotomous and continuous outcomes, respectively. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of studies.

Results

Eight studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in our analysis. TPTD significantly increased the incidence of early bone union (RR = 1.45, 95% CI [1.13, 1.87], P = 0.004) and time to bone union (MD = −1.56, 95% CI [−2.86, −0.26], P = 0.02) compared to the control group. No significant differences were observed in terms of complete bone healing (RR = 1.09, 95% CI [0.99, 1.13], P = 0.12), non-union (RR = 0.48, 95% CI [0.22, 1.04], P = 0.06), and progression of incomplete AFF to complete AFF (RR = 0.27, 95% CI [0.04, 1.97], P = 0.19).

Conclusions

TPTD is an effective therapy for enhancing and hastening healing following AFF, particularly in postoperative settings. Future large randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm or dispute the results.
Ammonium nanochelators in conjunction with arginine-specific enzymes in amperometric biosensors for arginine assay
Authors: Stasyuk Nataliya , Gayda Galina , Nogala Wojciech , Holdynski Marcin , Demkiv Olha , Fayura Lyubov , Sibirny Andriy , Gonchar Mykhailo
Published: December 2023

Amino acid L-arginine (Arg), usually presented in food products and biological liquids, can serve both as a useful indicator of food quality and an important biomarker in medicine. The biosensors based on Arg-selective enzymes are the most promising devices for Arg assay. In this research, three types of amperometric biosensors have been fabricated. They exploit arginine oxidase (ArgO), recombinant arginase I (ARG)/urease, and arginine deiminase (ADI) coupled with the ammonium-chelating redox-active nanoparticles. Cadmium-copper nanoparticles (nCdCu) as the most effective nanochelators were used for the development of ammonium chemosensors and enzyme-coupled Arg biosensors. The fabricated enzyme/nCdCu-containing bioelectrodes show wide linear ranges (up to 200 µM), satisfactory storage stabilities (14 days), and high sensitivities (A⋅M−1⋅m−2) to Arg: 1650, 1700, and 4500 for ADI-, ArgO- and ARG/urease-based sensors, respectively. All biosensors have been exploited to estimate Arg content in commercial juices. The obtained data correlate well with the values obtained by the reference method. A hypothetic scheme for mechanism of action of ammonium nanochelators in electron transfer reaction on the arginine-sensing electrodes has been proposed.

Graphical abstract
Gambling as Work: A Study of German Poker Players
Authors: Weidner Linus
Published: December 2023

The study addresses the question whether professional gamblers can be considered an occupational group from a sociological perspective. It combines survey data on poker players from the German state North Rhine-Westphalia with sociological theory in order to explain the oxymoron of professional gambling. The descriptive analysis of the survey data is supplemented by ego-centric network data of the poker players to analyze whether hobby and professional players maintain different forms of social relationships. Even when semiprofessionals and professional players are grouped together for the purpose of comparative analysis, they fulfill the criteria of occupational groups according to Salaman’s major work on the topic. The study points to the fact that more research on occupational groups outside of the common fields is needed and bridges the gap between the literature on serious leisure and sociological research on professions and professionalization.
Emerging trends of carbon emissions and foreign direct investment: accounting for ecological footprints, renewable energy, globalization, and technological innovations in BRICS
Authors: Kayani Umar Nawaz , Nasim Ismat , Aysan Ahmet Faruk , Bashir Farrukh , Iqbal Umer
Published: December 2023

This paper investigates the intricate interplay between carbon emissions and foreign direct investment within the context of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) for the period spanning 2000 to 2022. In our comprehensive analysis, we incorporate ecological footprint, renewable energy, globalization, and technological innovations as exogenous variables. Employing a system of simultaneous equations across the BRICS panel, we aim to fully elucidate the proposed relationships. Our empirical findings underscore the following key insights: foreign direct investment, technological innovations, and the adoption of renewable energy sources significantly contribute to the mitigation of carbon emissions in these selected nations. However, it is essential to note that ecological footprints exhibit a positive association with carbon emissions, raising concerns on two fronts: escalating environmental degradation and increased land pressure, both of which contribute to rising ecological footprints in BRICS countries. Additionally, our analysis reveals that foreign direct investment is influenced by its capacity to reduce carbon emissions and bolster renewable energy adoption, while globalization amplifies investment trends within the BRICS nations. To address the environmental repercussions of mining activities, it is imperative to implement stringent control and regulation measures, given their potential adverse impacts, including soil pollution, acid mine drainage, erosion, biodiversity loss, excessive water resource consumption, and wastewater disposal challenges. Nevertheless, proactive steps such as recycling mining waste, adopting environmentally friendly mining equipment, combatting illegal mining, and enhancing overall mining sustainability offer promising avenues to mitigate the environmental footprint of mining operations.
New isoindolinone derivatives isolated from the fruiting bodies of the basidiomycete Hericium coralloides
Authors: Sum Winnie Chemutai , Gonkhom Didsanutda , Ibrahim Mahmoud A. A. , Stadler Marc , Ebada Sherif S.
Published: December 2023

Preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) purification of the ethyl acetate extract derived from dried basidiomes of the European mushroom Hericium coralloides led to the identification of two previously undescribed isoindolinone derivatives named corallocins D and E (1-2). The structures of the compounds were elucidated based on HR-ESI-MS (high-resolution electron spray ionization mass spectrometry), interpretation of 1D and 2D NMR spectra, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) experiments, and comparisons with published and theoretical data. The metabolites were tested for their cytotoxic and antimicrobial effects in vitro where weak to moderate biological effects were observed against HeLa cells (KB 3.1), Mucor hiemalis and Bacillus subtilis.
How to Use Costs in Value-Based Healthcare: Learning from Real-life Examples
Authors: van der Poort Esmée K. J. , Kidanemariam Martha , Moriates Christopher , Rakers Margot M. , Tsevat Joel , Schroijen Marielle , Atsma Douwe E. , van den Akker-van Marle M. Elske , Bos Willem Jan W. , van den Hout Wilbert B.
Published: December 2023

Background

Healthcare organizations measure costs for business operations but do not routinely incorporate costs in decision-making on the value of care.

Aim

Provide guidance on how to use costs in value-based healthcare (VBHC) delivery at different levels of the healthcare system.

Setting and Participants

Integrated practice units (IPUs) for diabetes mellitus (DM) and for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) at the Leiden University Medical Center and a collaboration of seven breast cancer IPUs of the Santeon group, all in the Netherlands.

Program Description and Evaluation

VBHC aims to optimize care delivery to the patient by understanding how costs relate to outcomes. At the level of shared decision-making between patient and clinician, yearly check-up consultations for DM type I were analyzed for patient-relevant costs. In benchmarking among providers, quantities of cost drivers for breast cancer care were assessed in scorecards. In continuous learning, cost-effectiveness analysis was compared with radar chart analysis to assess the value of telemonitoring in outpatient follow-up.

Discussion

Costs vary among providers in healthcare, but also between provider and patient. The joint analysis of outcomes and costs using appropriate methods helps identify and optimize the aspects of care that drive desired outcomes and value.
Smooth numbers and the Dickman ρ function
Authors: Gorodetsky Ofir
Published: December 2023

We establish an asymptotic formula for ψ(x, y) whose shape is xρ(log x/ log y) times correction factors. These factors take into account the contributions of zeta zeros and prime powers and the formula can be regarded as an (approximate) explicit formula for ψ(x, y). With this formula at hand we prove oscillation results for ψ(x, y), which resolve a question of Hildebrand on the range of validity of ψ(x, y) ≍ xρ(log x/ log y). We also address a question of Pomerance on the range of validity of ψ(x, y) ≥ xρ(log x/ log y).

Along the way we improve classical estimates for ψ(x, y) and, on the Riemann Hypothesis, uncover an unexpected phase transition of ψ(x, y)at y = (log x)3/2+o(1).
Local systems with quasi-unipotent monodromy at infinity are dense
Authors: Esnault Hélène , Kerz Moritz
Published: December 2023

We show that complex local systems with quasi-unipotent monodromy at infinity over a normal complex variety are Zariski dense in their moduli.
Appetite and its Regulation: Are there Palatable Interventions for Heart Failure?
Authors: Lee Matthew M. Y. , Lean Michael E. J. , Sattar Naveed , Petrie Mark C.
Published: December 2023

Purpose of Review

Obesity is a major driver of heart failure (HF) incidence, and aggravates its pathophysiology. We summarized key reported and ongoing randomized clinical trials of appetite regulation and/or dietary energy restriction in individuals with HF.

Recent Findings

Weight loss can be achieved by structured supervised diet programs with behavioural change, medications, or surgery. The new glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists alone or in combination with other agents (e.g., glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon receptor agonists or amylin analogues) potently and sustainably reduce appetite, and, taken together with dietary advice, can produce substantial, life-changing, weight loss approaching that achieved by surgery. To date, data from the STEP-HFpEF trial show meaningful improvements in health status (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire).

Effective weight management could relieve several drivers of HF, to complement the existing treatments for HF with both reduced and preserved ejection fraction. Further trials of weight loss interventions will provide more definitive evidence to understand their effects on clinical events in patients with HF.
Tei Index and its Relation to Outcome of Critically Ill Children on Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Fadel Fatina I. , Badr Ahmed M. , Abdelkareem Marwa M. , Samir Mohammad , Abdallah Mohammad , Atia Fatma Mohammad , Ramadan Yasmin M.
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To evaluate echocardiographic parameters, especially the Tei index as a predictor of outcome in critically ill children on continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).

Methods

This cohort study included all critically ill patients admitted at the Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and underwent CRRT. Functional echocardiography and Pediatric Risk of Mortality Index (PRISM) III were used to evaluate the participants. Both the Tei index and the Vasoactive inotropic score (VIS) were estimated.

Results

The study included 35 patients with an age range of 6 mo to 14 y. The Tei indexes, VIS, and PRISM III were reported as predictors of mortality with a sensitivity of 88%, 83%, and 94% and a specificity of 73%, 79%, and 89% respectively. In survivors, the mean Tei index score, median VIS, and mean PRISM values were 0.44 ± 0.1, 3.8 (0–40), and 12.06 ± 3.35, respectively. However, in non-survivors, the mean Tei index, median VIS, and mean PRISM score were 0.59 ± 0.16, 0.60 (0–342.5), and 22.94 ± 8.93, respectively.

Conclusions

The Tei index could be used as a predictor for poor outcomes in children receiving CRRT. It is correlated to the PRISM score and VIS.
Feature-based search space characterisation for data-driven adaptive operator selection
Authors: Aydin Mehmet Emin , Durgut Rafet , Rakib Abdur , Ihshaish Hisham
Published: December 2023

Combinatorial optimisation problems are known as unpredictable and challenging due to their nature and complexity. One way to reduce the unpredictability of such problems is to identify features and the characteristics that can be utilised to guide the search using domain-knowledge and act accordingly. Many problem solving algorithms use multiple complementary operators in patterns to handle such unpredictable cases. A well-characterised search space may help to evaluate the problem states better and select/apply a neighbourhood operator to generate more productive new problem states that allow for a smoother path to the final/optimum solutions. This applies to the algorithms that use multiple operators to solve problems. However, the remaining challenge is determining how to select an operator in an optimal way from the set of operators while taking the search space conditions into consideration. Recent research shows the success of adaptive operator selection to address this problem. However, efficiency and scalability issues persist in this regard. In addition, selecting the most representative features remains crucial in addressing problem complexity and inducing commonality for transferring experience across domains. This paper investigates if a problem can be represented by a number of features identified by landscape analysis, and whether an adaptive operator selection scheme can be constructed using Machine Learning (ML) techniques to address the efficiency and scalability problem. The proposed method determines the optimal categorisation by analysing the predictivity of a set of features using the most well-known supervised ML techniques. The identified set of features is then used to construct an adaptive operator selection scheme. The findings of the experiments demonstrate that supervised ML algorithms are highly effective when building adaptable operator selectors.
Determination of regions prone to sand production and the linkage to fluid flow rates by integrating rock strength parameters and microphotographs in the southern onshore basin, India
Authors: Kukshal Ankita , Sharma Ravi , Kalita Hirak Jyoti , Yeshwantth G. M. , Jamwal Varun Dev , Lal Hari
Published: December 2023

One of the main challenges for healthy hydrocarbon yields from the production wells is the sand production, and its control assumes significant importance for successful production operations. The prime objective remains to control the sand production without compromising on the fluid flow rates. Sand production is conventionally associated with diverse heterogeneous formations, especially poorly consolidated formations. Scrutinizing fluid flow rates at different orientations of perforations is a valuable analysis in controlling the sand production. This study was conducted to examine the case of sand production in a few development wells from Malleshwaram field of the Krishna Godavari (KG) basin in south India and provide alternatives to arrest this sand production. The influence of oriented perforations on fluid flow rates to minimize sanding tendencies was examined. Sand grain diameter was estimated using the distribution plots of the grain sizes obtained from the photomicrographs, and the average value of the grain size was estimated around 100 μm. The fluid flow model was simulated for actual scenario in the hydrocarbon bearing Nandigama formation using finite element modeling (FEM). Sanding tendencies in these formations were studied at varying depletion rates. Critical draw down pressure (CDDP), which is a function of both critical bottom hole pressure and reservoir pore pressure, for well 1 and well 2 is estimated as 4650 Psi and 3400 Psi, respectively, at 0% depletion. CDDP was used to estimate the onset of sanding, and the flow rate for horizontal perforation was calculated as 0.024548 $${\mathrm{m}}^{3}$$

m

3

/sec. Strength parameters, namely the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and cohesion, were also investigated in all the wells to decipher the formation strength and a possible linkage to sanding. These results present a completely fresh analysis of the sanding potential and the related parameters responsible for it in these formations. Fluid flow rates for the producing reservoir are studied at different set of oriented and sized perforations. It was observed that a hiked flow rate in horizontal perforations maintains the production in a safe and no-sanding zone. This study provides vital information and a workflow for similar heterogeneous complex formations for designing the well completions, augmenting economic production and reinforcing future reservoir management.
'Everyone would freak out, like they’ve never seen a boy before’: young people’s experiences of single-sex secondary schooling in NSW
Authors: Gannon Susanne
Published: December 2023

Although gender expansive views are increasingly evident amongst young people, segregation according to binary notions of gender underpins the organisational structures of single-sex secondary schools. While claims of educational benefits are common, particularly for girls, gender is difficult to disentangle from socioeconomic advantage and other factors. Evidence suggests that such schools contribute to homogenised and limiting notions of gender. While some schools are moving towards desegregation in response to parental demand, little is known from the perspectives of young people in non-elite schools who have experienced segregated schooling. This paper turns to the accounts of 14 recent school leavers in NSW to consider the underpinning logics of segregated schooling, including the imbrication and erasure of socioeconomic dis/advantage, cultural, social, and locational factors that complicate claims about segregated schooling. Affective intensities of single-sex schooling are traced through micronarratives that touch on relations with peers, teachers, school spaces and practices, learning experiences, and their implications for gendered subjectivities and gender justice. Their accounts suggest that student experiences of segregated schooling are ambivalent and do not support claims of educational advantage and that configurations of single-sex schooling may be anachronistic for these times.
Accelerating and enhancing the generation of socioeconomic data to inform forced displacement policy and response
Authors: Brock Patrick Michael , Mugera Harriet Kasidi
Published: December 2023

There are now an estimated 114 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, some 88% of whom are in low- and middle-income countries. For governments and international organizations to design effective policies and responses, they require comparable and accessible socioeconomic data on those affected by forced displacement, including host communities. Such data is required to understand needs, as well as interactions between complex drivers of displacement and barriers to durable solutions. However, high-quality data of this kind takes time to collect and is costly. Can the ever-increasing volume of open data and evolving innovative techniques accelerate and enhance its generation? Are there applications of alternative data sources, advanced statistics, and machine-learning that could be adapted for forced displacement settings, considering their specific legal and ethical dimensions? As a catalytic bridge between the World Bank and UNHCR, the Joint Data Center on Forced Displacement convened a workshop to answer these questions. This paper summarizes the emergent messages from the workshop and recommendations for future areas of focus and ways forward for the community of practice on socioeconomic data on forced displacement. Three recommended areas of future focus are: enhancing and optimizing household survey sampling approaches; estimating forced displacement socioeconomic indicators from alternative data sources; and amplifying data accessibility and discoverability. Three key features of the recommended approach are: strong complementarity with the existing data-collection-to-use-pipeline; data responsibility built-in and tailored to forced displacement contexts; and iterative assessment of operational relevance to ensure continuous focus on improving outcomes for those affected by forced displacement.
Velocity and temperature scalings leading to compressible laws of the wall
Authors: Huang P.G. , Coleman G.N. , Spalart P.R. , Yang X.I.A.
Published: December 2023

We exploit the similarity between the mean momentum equation and the mean energy equation and derive transformations for mean temperature profiles in compressible wall-bounded flows. In contrast to prior studies that rely on the strong Reynolds analogy and the presumed similarity between the instantaneous and mean velocity and temperature signals, the discussion in this paper involves the Farve-averaged equations only. We establish that the compressible momentum and energy equations can be made identical to their incompressible counterparts under appropriate normalizations and coordinate transformations. Two types of transformations are explored for illustration purposes: Van Driest (VD)-type transformations and semi-local-type or Trettel–Larsson (TL)-type transformations. In our derivations, it becomes clear that VD-type velocity and temperature transformations hold exclusively within the logarithmic layer. On the other hand, TL-type transformations extend their applicability to incorporate wall-damping effects, at least in principle. Each type of transformation serves its distinct purpose and has its applicable range. However, it is noteworthy that while VD-type transformations can be assessed using measurements obtained from laboratory experiments, TL-type transformations necessitate viscosity and density information typically accessible only through numerical simulations. Finally, we justify the omission of the turbulent kinetic energy transfer term, a term that is unclosed, in the energy equation. This omission leads to closed-form temperature transformations that are valid for both adiabatic and isothermal walls.
Capillary-lubrication force exerted on a two-dimensional particle moving towards a thin fluid film
Authors: Jha Aditya , Amarouchene Yacine , Salez Thomas
Published: December 2023

A rigid object moving in a viscous fluid and in close proximity to an elastic wall experiences self-generated elastohydrodynamic interactions. This has been the subject of intense research activity, with recent and growing attention given to the particular case of elastomeric and gel-like substrates. Here, we address the situation where the elastic wall is replaced by a capillary surface. Specifically, we analyse the lubrication flow generated by the prescribed normal motion of a rigid infinite cylinder near the deformable interface separating two immiscible and incompressible viscous fluids. Using a combination of analytical and numerical treatments, we compute the emergent capillary-lubrication force at leading order in capillary compliance, and characterize its dependencies with the interfacial tension, viscosities of the fluids, and length scales of the problem. Interestingly, we identify two main contributions: (i) a velocity-dependent adhesive-like force; (ii) an acceleration-dependant inertia-like force. Our results may have implications for the mobility of colloids near complex interfaces and for the motility of confined microbiological entities.
Energy and dissipation spectra of waves propagating in the inner surf zone
Authors: Bonneton Philippe
Published: December 2023

The spectral behaviour of random sawtooth waves propagating in the inner surf zone is investigated in this study. We show that the elevation energy spectrum exhibits a universal shape with an

$\omega ^{-2}$

tendency in the inertial subrange and an exponential decay in the diffusive subrange (

$\omega$

being the angular frequency). A theoretical spectrum is derived based on the similarities between sawtooth waves in the inner surf zone and Burgers wave solutions. Very good agreement is shown between this theoretical spectrum and laboratory experiments covering a large range of incident random wave conditions. Additionally, an equation describing the universal shape of the dissipation spectrum is derived. It highlights that the dissipation spectrum is nearly constant in the inertial subrange, consistent with prior laboratory observations. The findings presented in this study can be useful to improve broken wave dissipation parametrizations in stochastic spectral wave models.
ESPIONAGE LAW IN THE UK AND AUSTRALIA: BALANCING EFFECTIVENESS AND APPROPRIATENESS
Authors: Kendall Sarah
Published: December 2023

This article engages in a comparative analysis of espionage law in the UK and Australia to determine whether the laws in each country are effective and appropriate. It finds that, while the espionage laws in both countries are largely capable of effectively addressing modern espionage, this has come at the expense of appropriateness – specifically, aspects of the laws in both jurisdictions are complex, uncertain and overly broad, and defences and other safeguards for legitimate conduct have limitations. The article argues that, while the effectiveness of espionage (and other national security) laws is an important consideration, this must be balanced with appropriateness to ensure that core rule of law values and legal principles are not undermined.
Amygdala-related electrical fingerprint is modulated with neurofeedback training and correlates with deep-brain activation: proof-of-concept in borderline personality disorder
Authors: Zopfs Malte , Jindrová Miroslava , Gurevitch Guy , Keynan Jackob N. , Hendler Talma , Baumeister Sarah , Aggensteiner Pascal-M. , Cornelisse Sven , Brandeis Daniel , Schmahl Christian , Paret Christian
Published: December 2023

Background

The modulation of brain circuits of emotion is a promising pathway to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD). Precise and scalable approaches have yet to be established. Two studies investigating the amygdala-related electrical fingerprint (Amyg-EFP) in BPD are presented: one study addressing the deep-brain correlates of Amyg-EFP, and a second study investigating neurofeedback (NF) as a means to improve brain self-regulation.

Methods

Study 1 combined electroencephalography (EEG) and simultaneous functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the replicability of Amyg-EFP-related brain activation found in the reference dataset (N = 24 healthy subjects, 8 female; re-analysis of published data) in the replication dataset (N = 16 female individuals with BPD). In the replication dataset, we additionally explored how the Amyg-EFP would map to neural circuits defined by the research domain criteria. Study 2 investigated a 10-session Amyg-EFP NF training in parallel to a 12-weeks residential dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) program. Fifteen patients with BPD completed the training, N = 15 matched patients served as DBT-only controls.

Results

Study 1 replicated previous findings and showed significant amygdala blood oxygenation level dependent activation in a whole-brain regression analysis with the Amyg-EFP. Neurocircuitry activation (negative affect, salience, and cognitive control) was correlated with the Amyg-EFP signal. Study 2 showed Amyg-EFP modulation with NF training, but patients received reversed feedback for technical reasons, which limited interpretation of results.

Conclusions

Recorded via scalp EEG, the Amyg-EFP picks up brain activation of high relevance for emotion. Administering Amyg-EFP NF in addition to standardized BPD treatment was shown to be feasible. Clinical utility remains to be investigated.
58 Hippocampal Subregions Predict Executive Function Across the Adult Lifespan
Authors: Salling Zachary N , Szymkowicz Sarah M , Dotson Vonetta M
Published: December 2023

Objective:

Executive function is known to decline in later life, largely attributed to structural and functional changes in the prefrontal cortex. However, other regions of the brain are integral to executive functioning, including the hippocampus. The hippocampus plays a large role in memory but its intricate connections to limbic regions including the prefrontal cortex likely underlies associations between the hippocampus and executive functions. Due to the hippocampus’ complex structure, hippocampal subregions may be differentially associated with executive function, but this possibility remains largely unexplored. Therefore, we examined the association between volume of the hippocampus and its subregions with executive function to understand these relationships across the adult lifespan.

Participants and Methods:

The study included 32 healthy, community-dwelling participants (age range = 18-81, mean age = 51.06 ± 20.98, 91% white, 72% female) who received a 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and completed a cognitive battery. We calculated an executive composite based on Trail Making Test Part B and the interference score from the Stroop Color and Word Test. Freesurfer (version 5.3) as used to quantify total hippocampal volume and subfield volumes for CA1, CA2-3, CA4-dentate gyrus, subiculum, and presubiculum. We conducted mixed-effects regression analyses with total hippocampal and subfield volume, age group (young, middle-aged, and older), and their interaction predicting the executive function composite, controlling for total intracranial volume.

Results:

Larger hippocampal subregion volumes in CA1 (p = 0.03), the subiculum (p = 0.01), and the CA4-dentate gyrus (p = 0.04) predicted better executive function. Total hippocampal volume and the presubiculum were not significantly associated with the executive function composite. The age group interaction was not significant for any of the models. Follow-up analyses by hemisphere showed that the effects were right lateralized in CA1and CA4-dentate gyrus, and bilateral in the subiculum.

Conclusions:

These data support the literature demonstrating the involvement of the hippocampus in executive function and demonstrates variation across hippocampal subfields. The lack of significant age interactions suggests these relationships may not differ across the lifespan, although this finding would need to be replicated in larger samples. These findings support previous literature showing CA4-dentate gyrus’ association with neurogenesis may facilitate better executive function by increasing connection strength among CA1, CA2-3, and the frontal cortex. This study contributes to our understanding of how specific hippocampal subregions relate to executive function, which has both clinical and research implications.
9 The Relationship Between Depressive Mood and Mini Mental Status Examination Scores in Individuals with Heart Failure
Authors: Pezeshkian Melody D , Connors Eric J , Hauson Alexander O , Sarkissians Sharis , Meis Benjamin
Published: December 2023

Objective:

Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to support a flow of blood that meets the body’s needs, ultimately resulting in decreased oxygenation throughout the body— including the brain. Results of previous research suggest that individuals with heart failure exhibit both localized and diffuse neuropsychological deficits. The aims of this study are to meta-analytically examine a) the performance of participants with heart-failure and healthy controls on the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), a neuropsychological test of general cognition, and b) the role of depressive mood as a potential moderator of performance on the MMSE in these participants.

Participants and Methods:

Two researchers independently searched eight databases for articles that examined the neuropsychological functioning of patients with heart failure.

Inclusion criteria identified studies that had a heart failure group with a comparable control group and reported on neuropsychological assessment for both groups. Studies were excluded if a heart failure group had any other type of major organ failure or if the comparison was between different classes of heart failure rather than between a heart failure group and healthy controls.

Results:

A meta-analysis using a random-effects model revealed a statistically significant and large effect size estimate (g= 0.727, p <.001) CI [.331, 1.123]. The heterogeneity was found to be statistically significant and in the large range, I2 = 83.027%, tau2 = .155, p < .001. A meta-regression analyzing the relationship between depressive mood and MMSE effect size estimates was statistically significant, Q residual = 8.715, df = 3, p = .03.

Conclusions:

This study is the first to examine the relationship between depressive mood and general cognitive status (as measured by the MMSE) in participants with heart failure. The strong relationship between cognitive status and heart failure, and the role of depression in explaining a statistically significant portion of the heterogeneity in the relationship seen in primary studies, highlights the importance of accurately assessing depression when studying the effect of heart failure on cognition. Further research needs to examine the impact of depression on quality of life in patients with heart failure as potentially mediated by difficulties in cognition.
TheEscribanoof Babel: Power, Exile, and Enslavement in the Venezuelan Llanos During the War of Independence (1806–1833)
Authors: Vergara Sierra Ana Joanna
Published: December 2023

This article traces the professional life of Rafael Almarza, the last royal escribano (notary) of Mérida in the captaincy of Venezuela, and his role in undermining monarchical authority among the enslaved community displaced in the plains region (Los Llanos) during the war of independence in 1814-18. Despite their status as minor officials within the Spanish imperial bureaucracy, notaries, through the records they made, helped to establish legally binding truths underlying everyday actions, making them influential agents of colonial rule in the community they served, particularly among those seeking notarial documents to obtain freedom. During the battles for independence, escribanos like Almarza facilitated the transition of sovereignty and created documents that fomented the independence cause among enslaved individuals during the years of total war. By examining the manumission documents found in the notarial book Almarza kept during exile, the author of this article shows the importance of enslaved people in granting legitimacy to the emerging leadership of José Antonio Páez and the Republican project. At the same time, this study aims to provide a new look at manumission during the early stages of nation-building and the involvement of underrepresented groups in this process.
Komponentendes Zehnerübergangs
Authors: Schöfl Martin , Winkler Kurt , Weber Christoph , Kaufmann Liane
Published: December 2023

Zusammenfassung: Hintergrund: Ein Meilenstein in der Rechenentwicklung der zweiten Klasse Grundschule ist das Verständnis und Beherrschen des Zehnerübergangs. Der aktuelle Beitrag untersucht den Einfluss des arithmetischen Faktenwissens und des konzeptuellen arithmetischen Wissens auf die Beherrschung des Zehnerübergangs. Methode: An 158 Klassen oberösterreichischer Grundschulen (N = 2416 Kindern) wurden ab Mitte der ersten Klasse zu vier Testzeitpunkten arithmetische Kurztests durchgeführt. Die zeitverzögerten Zusammenhänge der einzelnen Komponenten untereinander und die Performanz beim Zehnerübergang in der zweiten Schulstufe wurden auf Basis unterschiedlicher Varianten des Cross-Lagged Panel Models (CLP-Modell) untersucht. Ergebnisse: Die Resultate des klassischen CLP-Modells zeigen einen positiven Zusammenhang zwischen den dem Faktenabruf und konzeptuellem Wissen der ersten Klasse sowie dem Zehnerübergang in der zweiten Klasse. Für das konzeptuelle Wissen können keine signifikanten Effekte auf den Zehnerübergang gezeigt werden. Unter Hinzunahme von (latenten) konfundierenden Variablen in das CLP-Modell sind die Effekte des Faktenabrufs auf den Zehnerübergang und/oder das konzeptuelle Wissen nicht mehr signifikant. Diskussion: Die Ergebnisse geben Anstoß für wichtige, aber empirisch noch weitgehend unbeantwortete Fragen zum kausalen Zusammenhang zwischen spezifischen arithmetischen Komponenten (Faktenabruf und konzeptuelles arithmetisches Wissen) einerseits und dem Zehnerübergang andererseits.