bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and functional properties of rice bran globulin‐chitooligosaccharide‐quercetin‐resveratrol covalent complex
Authors: Zhang Fengjiao , Liu Jinguang , Uyanga Victoria Anthony , Tang Caiyun , Qu Yanan , Qin Xu , Chen Yilun , Liu Yuqian
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

As the major protein (approximately 36%) in rice bran, globulin exhibits excellent foaming and emulsifying properties, endowing its useful application as a foaming and emulsifying agent in the food industry. However, the low water solubility restricts its commercial potential in industrial applications. The present study aimed to improve this protein's processing and functional properties.

RESULTS

A novel covalent complex was fabricated by a combination of the Maillard reaction and alkaline oxidation using rice bran globulin (RBG), chitooligosaccharide (C), quercetin (Que) and resveratrol (Res). The Maillard reaction improved the solubility, emulsifying and foaming properties of RBG. The resultant glycosylated protein was covalently bonded with quercetin and resveratrol to form a (RBG‐C)‐Que‐Res complex. (RBG‐C)‐Que‐Res exhibited higher thermal stability and antioxidant ability than the native protein, binary globulin‐chitooligosaccharide or ternary globulin‐chitooligosaccharide‐polyphenol (only containing quercetin or resveratrol) conjugates. (RBG‐C)‐Que‐Res exerted better cytoprotection against the generation of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species in HepG2 cells, which was associated with increased activities of antioxidative enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) through upregulated genes SOD1, CAT, GPX1 (i.e. gene for glutathione peroxidase‐1), GCLM (i.e. gene for glutamate cysteine ligase modifier subunit), SLC1A11 (i.e. gene for solute carrier family 7, member 11) and SRXN1 (i.e. gene for sulfiredoxin‐1). The anti‐apoptotic effect of (RBG‐C)‐Que‐Res was confirmed by the downregulation of caspase‐3 and p53 and the upregulation of B‐cell lymphoma‐2 gene expression.

CONCLUSION

The present study highlights the potential of (RBG‐C)‐Que‐Res conjugates as functional ingredients in healthy foods. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Histological analysis of nucleus pulposus tissue from patients with lumbar disc herniation after condoliase administration
Authors: Minamisawa Yuka , Shirogane Taiichi , Watanabe Ippei , Dezawa Akira
Published: April 2024

Background

Condoliase is an enzyme used as a treatment for lumbar disc herniation (LDH). This enzyme degrades chondroitin sulfate (CS) in the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc (IVD). However, there are cases in which symptoms do not improve, despite condoliase administration. This study reports histological analysis of lumbar disc tissue of LDH patients who underwent surgery because condoliase had no therapeutic effect.

Methods

Between March 2019 and August 2019, 12 LDH patients who underwent full endoscopic spine surgery (FESS) discectomy at the Dezawa Akira PED Clinic were the subjects of the study. There are two study groups: six cases underwent FESS after condoliase administration, while six underwent FESS without condoliase administration. The average duration from drug administration to surgery was 152 days. Herniated disc removed at surgery was evaluated by histological staining including immunohistochemistry by anti‐CS antibodies.

Results

Multiple large clusters (40–120 μm in diameter) were observed in the nucleus pulposus of those who received condoliase, but no clusters were observed in those who did not. The lumbar disc tissues, including the nucleus pulposus of recipients, were stained with anti‐CS antibodies that recognize the CS unsaturated disaccharide, but non‐administration tissue was not stained. These findings suggest that the enzyme acted on the nucleus pulposus, even in cases where symptoms were not improved by condoliase administration. Furthermore, there was no histological difference between stained images of the extracellular matrix in those who did or did not receive condoliase, suggesting that condoliase acted specifically on CS in the nucleus pulposus.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that CS in the nucleus pulposus was degraded in patients in whom condoliase did not have a therapeutic effect. Moreover, condoliase acts in human IVD without causing necrosis of chondrocytes and surrounding tissues.
Comparison of Left Ventricular Stroke Volume in 2nd‐ and 3rd‐Trimester Fetuses Measured by the Product of VTI and Aortic Annular Area With That Assessed by Simpson's Single‐Plane Rule Using the STE Technique
Authors: Serafin Krzysztof , Nocun Agnieszka A. , Zawisza Katarzyna , Dudzik Magdalena M. , Wiechec Marcin T.
Published: April 2024

Objectives

The aim of the study was to compare left ventricle stroke volume in healthy, eutrophic fetuses in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters evaluated using the velocity time integral and aortic annulus area with left ventricular stroke volume measured using Simpson's single‐plane rule and to determine the discrepancy equation.

Methods

The study included 354 fetuses. In each fetus, during the same examination, simultaneous assessment of stroke volume was performed by pulsed‐wave Doppler using the product of the velocity time integral and aortic annulus area and by the fetalHQ® software using Simpson's single‐plane rule. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the “product‐derived” stroke volume and stroke volume using fetalHQ® software values in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters separately. The agreement between the two methods were verified using Bland–Altman analysis. A linear regression model was used to obtain the discrepancy equation.

Results

In the 2nd trimester, the mean percentage difference between both the techniques showed that the stroke volume values determined using pulsed‐wave Doppler were, on average, 88% higher than the stroke volume values determined using fetalHQ®. The upper limit of agreement between the compared techniques was approximately 146% and the lower limit of agreement was equal to 29.6%. In the 3rd trimester, the results indicated that the stroke volume values determined using pulsed‐wave Doppler were, on average, 76% higher than the stroke volume values determined using fetalHQ®. The upper limit of agreement between the compared techniques was approximately 129% and the lower limit of agreement was 23%. Based on the results of the linear regression models, discrepancy formulas of the stroke volume values were obtained. The equations to calculate the predicted mean and standard deviations were used to compute the reference intervals for the mean, 5th and 95th centiles.

Conclusion

The calculation of left ventricular stroke volume using pulsed Doppler has higher result in relation to stroke volume determined using Simpson's rule significantly. The aortic annulus area showed a higher correlation regarding stroke volume than the velocity time integral in both the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Stroke volume increased with the increase in aortic annulus area, whereas the velocity time integral remained relatively constant. The retrospective analysis of the collected material enabled the determination of the discrepancy equation.
Sociodemographic and Healthcare System Barriers to PAP Alternatives for Adult OSA: A Scoping Review
Authors: Singh Amritpal , Bhat Amrita , Saroya Jasmeet , Chang Jolie , Durr Megan L.
Published: April 2024

Objective

To investigate sociodemographic and healthcare system barriers to access and utilization of alternative treatments to positive airway pressure (PAP) in the management of adult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched from 2003 to 2023 for English‐language studies containing original data on sociodemographic and healthcare system barriers to PAP‐alternative treatments for adult OSA.

Review Methods

Studies were assessed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) guidelines. Title and abstract screening, full‐text review, and data collection were conducted by two investigators independently.

Results

Out of 1,615 studies screened, 13 studies met inclusion criteria and reported on a total of 1,206,115 patients who received PAP alternative treatments, including surgery (n = 9 studies), and oral appliances (OAs) (n = 3 studies). The chance of receiving a PAP‐alternative treatment such as surgery was greater among patients aged 39 years or younger, had body mass index below 30 kg/m2, fewer comorbidities, private insurance, and a higher occupational and income status. The decision of individuals to receive PAP alternative treatments was influenced by increased patient education from providers, as well as improvements in daytime sleepiness and partner perception of snoring and apnea.

Conclusion

Cumulative evidence suggests that several sociodemographic and healthcare system factors are associated with decreased use of PAP alternatives when PAP therapy fails. Investigation of interventions to eliminate these potential barriers may improve access and treatment outcomes. Laryngoscope, 134:3903–3909, 2024
Peptoid‐Cross‐Linked Hydrogel Stiffness Modulates Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Immunoregulatory Potential in the Presence of Interferon‐Gamma
Authors: Castilla‐Casadiego David A. , Morton Logan D. , Loh Darren H. , Pineda‐Hernandez Aldaly , Chavda Ajay P. , Garcia Francis , Rosales Adrianne M.
Published: April 2024

Human mesenchymal stromal cell (hMSC) manufacturing requires the production of large numbers of therapeutically potent cells. Licensing with soluble cytokines improves hMSC therapeutic potency by enhancing secretion of immunoactive factors but typically decreases proliferative ability. Soft hydrogels, however, have shown promise for boosting immunomodulatory potential, which may compensate for decreased proliferation. Here, hydrogels are cross‐linked with peptoids of different secondary structures to generate substrates of various bulk stiffnesses but fixed network connectivity. Secretions of interleukin 6, monocyte chemoattractive protein‐1, macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor are shown to depend on hydrogel stiffness in the presence of interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) supplementation, with soft substrates further improving secretion. The immunological function of these secreted cytokines is then investigated via coculture of hMSCs seeded on hydrogels with primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the presence and absence of IFN‐γ. Cocultures with hMSCs seeded on softer hydrogels show decreased PBMC proliferation with IFN‐γ. To probe possible signaling pathways, immunofluorescent studies probe the nuclear factor kappa B pathway and demonstrate that IFN‐γ supplementation and softer hydrogel mechanics lead to higher activation of this pathway. Overall, these studies may allow for production of more efficacious therapeutic hMSCs in the presence of IFN‐γ.
Reconfigurable Cellulose Acetate‐Based Thermosets Cross‐Linked with Diboronic Acid
Authors: Fu Yangkang , Wang Hao , Xu Mengli , Wen Peng , Zheng Han , Xie Jiao , Chen Mao
Published: April 2024

Cellulose acetate (CA) has found broad applications for many years. However, the development of mechanically strengthened CA materials without losing the processibility in solution remains quite difficult. In this work, novel CA thermosets are reported that can be readily constructed by employing alkyl diboronic acid as a crosslinking agent, which has allowed convenient reconfiguration of CA networks without demanding catalysts or harsh processing conditions. Various properties including thermal stability, creeping resistance, rheological and mechanical strength have been successfully improved by using small amounts (1–5 wt%) of diboronic acid. The dynamic cross‐linked network based on boron chemistry has facilitated solution processing during three times of recycling. Control experiments have shown that alkyl diboronic acid can deliver superior mechanical strength to CA as compared to aryl diboronic acid or single‐arm alkyl boronic acid. Based on the importance of CA materials, this work should be attractive to the design of reprocessible CA thermosets with high performance.
Polylactic‐Acid Having MoS2 Particles for Reversible Bilayer Actuators
Authors: Nolasco Cristobal , Flores Loreto , Palza Humberto
Published: April 2024

Polylactic acid (PLA) composites having 1 wt% of MoS2 particles are prepared by solvent (SM) and melt mixing (MM) methods and their main thermal and mechanical properties are characterized. Coated films from SM samples and 3D‐printed filaments from MM samples are tested as active layers in reversible bilayer actuators using a paper sheet as a passive layer. The thermal properties depend on the method used to prepare the composites with MM samples presenting a cold crystallization and a glass transition during the first and second heating and SM samples displaying a standard melt process during the first heating and a small cold crystallization and a glass transition during second heating. Regarding the stiffness, MoS2 increases this property confirming its reinforcement effect. Both kinds of bilayers show reversible actuation under heating either by putting the actuator on a hot plate or by remotely irradiating the sample with near‐infrared light (NIR). Under NIR, the 3D printed composites present a much higher actuation. The higher remote actuation in composited bilayers is explained by the NIR light absorption of the MoS2 photoactive particles. This actuator can be used for the design of a smart façade or blind that closes under NIR stimulus.
Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Nonwoven Recycled Cotton/PET Fiber‐Reinforced Polyester Hybrid Composites
Authors: Dev Barshan , Rahman Md Ashikur , Tazrin Tasnima , Islam Md Shahinul , Datta Anirban , Rahman Md Zillur
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the mechanical properties of nonwoven hybrid composites made from recycled cotton/polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with various fiber weight percentages (100/0, 0/100, 75/25, 60/40, 50/70, 60/40, and 25/75). The multilayered nonwoven carded webs are manufactured by the carding machine, while the manual lay‐up technique is used to fabricate nonwoven‐reinforced composites. Their tensile, flexural, and impact properties and microstructure are then examined. It is found that the tensile modulus and strength increase with the increase in cotton, while the impact strength improves with the increase in PET. The composite of 75% cotton/25% PET offers 92.13% and 67.87% higher tensile modulus and strength than the composite of 25% cotton/75% PET; however, the composite of 25% cotton/75% PET shows 83.09% and 36.22% higher flexural modulus and strength, and 187% more impact strength, respectively, than the composite of 75% cotton/25% PET. The outcome of this study indicates that nonwoven composites with higher contents of recycled cotton can potentially be applied in building and construction sectors where substantial tensile strength is necessary, while composites with comparatively higher contents of recycled PET may be used for various potential applications (e.g., helmets, surfboards, and automotive interiors) where significant flexural and impact strengths are required.
Artiruno: A free‐software tool for multi‐criteria decision‐making with verbal decision analysis
Authors: Arfer Kodi B.
Published: April 2024

Verbal decision analysis (VDA) is a family of methods for multi‐criteria decision analysis that require no numerical judgements from the agent. Although many such methods have been developed, they share the potential issue of asking the agent many more questions than necessary, particularly under multilevel approaches. Furthermore, whether VDA improves decisions, compared to no intervention, has yet to be investigated empirically. I introduce a new VDA method, Artiruno, with a freely licensed implementation in Python. Artiruno makes inferences mid‐interview so as to require minimal input from the agent, while using a multilevel scheme that allows it to ask complex questions when necessary. Inferences are facilitated by an axiom allowing comparisons to be partitioned across groups of criteria. Artiruno's performance in a variety of simple and complex scenarios can be verified with automated software tests. For an empirical test, I conducted an experiment in which 107 people from an Internet subject pool considered an important decision they faced in their own lives, and were randomly assigned to use Artiruno or to receive no intervention. These subjects proved mostly able to use Artiruno, and they found it helpful, but Artiruno seemed to have little influence on their decisions or outcomes.
Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion and risk of stroke, hospitalized bleeding and death in Medicare beneficiaries
Authors: Wang Wendy , Chen Lin Yee , Walker Rob F. , Alonso Alvaro , Norby Faye L. , Lakshminarayan Kamakshi , Lutsey Pamela L.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), a nonpharmacologic option (e.g., percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion [LAAO]) is needed for patients with oral anticoagulant (OAC) contraindications. Among beneficiaries in the Medicare fee‐for‐service coverage 20% sample databases (2015–18) who had AF and an elevated CHA2DS2‐VASc score, we assessed the association between percutaneous LAAO versus OAC use and risk of stroke, hospitalized bleeding, and death.

Methods

Patients undergoing percutaneous LAAO were matched to up to five OAC users by sex, age, date of enrollment, index date, CHA2DS2‐VASc score, and HAS‐BLED score. Overall, 17 156 patients with AF (2905 with percutaneous LAAO) were matched (average ± SD 78 ± 6 years, 44% female). Cox proportional hazards model were used.

Results

Median follow‐up was 10.3 months. After multivariable adjustments, no significant difference for risk of stroke or death was noted when patients with percutaneous LAAO were compared with OAC users (HRs [95% CIs]: 1.14 [0.86–1.52], 0.98 [0.86–1.10]). There was a 2.94‐fold (95% CI: 2.50–3.45) increased risk for hospitalized bleeding for percutaneous LAAO compared with OAC use. Among patients 65 to <78 years old, those undergoing percutaneous LAAO had higher risk of stroke compared with OAC users. No association was present in those ≥78 years.

Conclusion

In this analysis of real‐world AF patients, percutaneous LAAO versus OAC use was associated with similar risk of death, nonsignificantly elevated risk of stroke, and an elevated risk of bleeding in the post‐procedural period. Overall, these results support results of randomized trials that percutaneous LAAO may be an alternative to OAC use for patients with contraindications.
Drivers and Barriers Influencing Consumers' Intention to Purchase Cosmetics With Refillable Packaging
Authors: Kazançoğlu İpek , Köse Şirin Gizem , Arslan Aygül
Published: April 2024

In recent years, conscious consumers have become an important segment of the market. In the cosmetics industry, green products are also at the forefront. The refillable packaging is a significant step in this direction. The aim of this study is to identify the drivers and barriers that affect the intention to purchase cosmetics with refillable packaging. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 20 Generation Z women. Content analysis was used to identify themes, categories and subcategories in the transcripts. According to the results, the categories that drive consumers to purchase cosmetic products with refillable packaging include peer influence, marketing communication, social media, perceived benefits, brand reputation, environmental consciousness and knowledge, anticipated positive emotions, product availability and variety. The barriers identified include lack of awareness and knowledge, high prices, influencer effect, low perceived consumer effectiveness, consumers' concerns about greenwashing, product quality and status concerns, health concerns and operational barriers. These results provide a comprehensive understanding of consumers' intentions to purchase refillable packaging.
Acute kidney injury after robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Chandramohan Deepak , Konda Raghunandan , Pujari Ashwini , Avula Sreekant , Palleti Sujith Kumar , Jena Nihar , Naik Roopa , Bali Atul
Published: April 2024

Background

We investigated the rates of acute kidney injury (AKI) post robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP).

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted to identify studies that reported the rates of AKI post‐RALP. A random effects model was used, and the pooled rates of AKI were calculated.

Results

We identified 10 studies with 60,937 patients to be included. The mean age was 65.1 years. The mean anaesthesia time was 234.3 min (95% CI: 177.8–290.9). The mean operation time was 212.2 min (95% CI: 188.7–235.6). The mean estimated blood loss was 314.1 mL (95% CI: 153–475.3). The mean intraoperative IV fluids administered were 1985 mL (95% CI: 1516.3–2453.7). The pooled rate of AKI post RALP was 7.2% (95% CI 19–23.9).

Conclusions

The rates of AKI after RALP are significant. Further studies are needed to detect the risk factors for AKI and to determine the rates of chronic kidney disease post‐RALP.
Mesoporous Nitrogen‐Doped Holey Reduced Graphene Oxide: Preparation, Purification, and Application for Metal‐Free Electrochemical Sensing of Dopamine
Authors: Mikhraliieva Albina , Lima Adriano R. S. , Jost Cristiane L. , Nazarkovsky Michael , Xing Yutao , Zaitsev Volodymyr
Published: April 2024

Holey graphenic nanomaterials with porosity within the basal plane attract significant interest. It is observed that the perforation of graphene can enhance the specific surface area of the nanosheet, ensuring effective wetting and penetration of electrolytes to the electrode surface, facilitating rapid charge transfer, and boosting the electrocatalytic efficacy of the transducers. This study reports the first example of nitrogen‐doped holey reduced graphene oxide with a mesoporous morphology of the graphene basal plane (N‐MHG). It is shown that N‐MHG can be synthesized through a one‐step hydrothermal treatment of GO using NH3 and H2O2. A straightforward procedure for the purification of N‐MHG has also been developed. AFM, TEM, and Raman analyses have revealed that N‐MHG possesses a highly mesoporous network structure with a pore size ranging from 10 to 50 nm. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy data have indicated a partial reduction of the graphene oxide sheets during the etching process but also show a 3–5 times higher content of C═O and O–C═O fragments compared to rGO. This could account for the remarkable stability of the N‐MHG aqueous suspension. An electrochemical sensor for dopamine analysis is assembled on a glassy carbon electrode with N‐MHG/Nafion membrane and characterized by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
Impact of competence on agile effort estimation in academic setting
Authors: Fürst Luka , Hovelja Tomaž , Poženel Marko , Vavpotič Damjan
Published: April 2024

Effort estimation is an important activity in agile software development. The goal of the presented study was to determine the influence of individual competence on software development effort estimation. In particular, we measured both the accuracy of effort estimation and the duration of the estimation process itself, both for three different estimation methods. The subjects of our study were teams of students of a graduate‐level software engineering course at the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Computer and Information Science. Based on the grades that individual students attained in their undergraduate study, we classified each team as “high‐competence” or “low‐competence” and additionally as “heterogeneous” or “homogeneous” (the criterion here being the variance of the members' average grades). We found out that there was no significant difference in effort estimation accuracy neither between high‐competence and low‐competence teams nor between heterogeneous and homogeneous teams, regardless of which estimation method was used. However, high‐competence teams spent significantly less time on effort estimation than low‐competence ones. Likewise, for two of the employed estimation methods, heterogeneous teams completed effort estimation in a significantly shorter time than homogeneous teams. These results might benefit both academic and professional community.
Stakeholders self‐organization and adaptive governance in social enterprises: Membership representation, worker control and client orientation
Authors: Tortia Ermanno C.
Published: April 2024

The article uses elements of complexity theory, social systems theory, and new institutionalism to analyse stakeholder self‐organization in Italian non‐profit social enterprises. Organizational development goes through an evolutionary process of trial and error, in which stakeholder self‐organization produces governance rules and routines to achieve adaptation and resilience in a changing socioeconomic environment. Survey data regarding social cooperatives, which are prevalent in Italy as a form of social enterprise, display how diverse stakeholders engage in self‐organization and self‐positioning within key governance bodies of membership and board of directors. The results demonstrate that in the absence of investor ownership, producers, especially paid staff but also volunteer workers, assume the main responsibility for decision‐making and control. Client orientation, the production of economic and social value in favour of customers and users, is achieved in a context of high relational intensity through participation in the co‐production and co‐creation of services, as well as the pooling of non‐commercial resources and favourable price discrimination, less through participation in decision‐making and control. This emerging evolutionary pattern can support the development of new organizational and business models for social enterprises.
Variability of coal mine overburden incorporated concrete and its effect on the seismic safety of reinforced concrete building
Authors: Jena Biswajit , Zade Nikhil P. , Sarkar Pradip
Published: April 2024

Improved utilization of coal mine overburden material (CMOB)‐incorporated concrete in the construction sector can contribute to developing a more sustainable built environment if the results of proven research on the behavior of structures constructed of CMOB‐incorporated concrete are applied. Even though there have only been a few studies on CMOB‐incorporated concrete, no research has been done on how this type of concrete can be used in structures. In particular, researchers have not paid much attention to the fact that the strength properties of CMOB‐incorporated concrete tend to be very variable, even though this variability is needed for a wide range of structural applications (such as limit state design formulation, reliability‐based structural analysis, etc.). For the first time, this research provides quantitative estimates of the variability in compressive‐, flexural‐, and splitting tensile strengths of cured concrete using varying amounts of a CMOB sample as fine aggregate. Taking into account the suggested distribution model, the research also provides a reliability‐based seismic risk assessment of a standard CMOB‐incorporated framed building. The failure probability and dispersion in the drift demand were found to be the same for the frames modeled with CMOB and standard concrete (natural sand); the results demonstrate that CMOB samples can be safely used for earthquake‐resistant constructions.
Study on shear behavior and acoustic emission characteristics of precast concrete segmental cover beams with large key teeth
Authors: Tian Ye , Liu Duo , Chen Xudong , Luan Jinjin , Zhang Jiandong
Published: April 2024

The mechanical characteristics of segmental joints are pivotal in defining the comprehensive stress behavior of prefabricated assembled cover beams. In this research, direct shear tests were conducted on dry key‐tooth joints, and acoustic emission technology was employed for monitoring purposes. The shear failure mechanism was explored under a range of influential parameters. Building upon these observations, the study delved into the mechanical response of joints within segmental cover girders subjected to concurrent bending and shear forces. Specimen K‐3‐3 exhibited a higher shear carrying capacity compared to other specimens, indicating that the shear resistance of dry joints proportionally increases with the height of the specimen and the strength of the concrete. The carrying capacity of Specimen K‐4 was marginally lower than that of Specimens K‐3‐1 and K‐3‐2, suggesting that increasing the number of keys does not significantly impact the shear resistance of dry joints. Notably, Specimen K‐3 demonstrated exceptional shear carrying capacity, exhibiting minimal relative slip during failure, and streamlined the casting process. Consequently, these dry joints featuring large key teeth are deemed more appropriate for use as shear connectors in precast concrete segmental cover beams. Crack patterns in large key tooth precast concrete segmental cover beams propagate along the joints. A damage evolution model for the specimens, based on spatial b‐values and T‐values, visually depicts the damage extent in large key tooth precast concrete segmental cover beams. This model demonstrates excellent agreement with experimental results and provides a solid foundation for theoretical research and practical applications of large key tooth precast concrete segmental cover beams.
Effect of olive waste ash on the properties of high‐strength geopolymer concrete
Authors: Zeyad Abdullah M. , Bayagoob Khaled H. , Amin Mohamed , Tayeh Bassam A. , Mostafa Sahar A. , Agwa Ibrahim Saad
Published: April 2024

This study examines the effect of incorporating olive waste ash (OWA) into high‐strength geopolymer concrete (HSGC) by partially replacing fly ash (FA) and/or granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) in the presence of rice husk ash (RHA). A total of 18 different mixtures were prepared and divided into three groups: (1) Utilizing OWA as a partial replacement for FA at a weight ratio of 10%–50%. (2) Incorporating OWA as a partial substitute for GBFS, with a weight ratio of 10%–50%. (3) Incorporate OWA as a partial substitute for FA and GBFS, with a recommended weight ratio of 10%–50%. The slump flow test was used to analyze the fresh properties of the HSGC. The hardening properties were examined by measuring the compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity. Furthermore, an analysis was conducted on the water absorbency, sulfate attack, and chloride penetration depth. A scanning electron microscope was used for the microstructural analysis. The inclusion of OWA in HSGC mixtures resulted in a significant enhancement of the compressive strength. Specifically, adding 20% OWA to FA increased the compressive strength by 8.9% at 28 days. Similarly, 30% OWA for GGBS and 30% OWA for GGBS + FA led to compressive strength improvements of 20% and 17.8%, respectively. OWA application resulted in an enhanced microstructure density of the HSGC samples. The ideal substitution ratio varied between 20% and 30% based on weight.
Ketamine induces insomnia‐like symptom of zebrafish at environmentally relevant concentrations by mediating GABAergic synapse
Authors: Guo Tingting , He Yuhang , Mao Shengqiang , Yang Ying , Xie Hongguan , Zhang Sifan , Dai Shuiping
Published: April 2024

Although the stimulative effects on the normal behaviors of fish posed by ketamine (KET) were well‐studied, the adverse effects on the behavioral functions induced by KET at nighttime were unknown. Here, we used zebrafish larvae as a model exposed to KET (10, 50, 100, and 250 ng/L) at environmental levels for 21 days. The behavioral functions at nighttime, morphological changes during exposure stage, and alterations on the associated genes transcriptional levels of fish were determined. The difficultly initiating sleep was found in the fish exposed to KET, while the sleep duration of the animals was at the normal levels in exposure groups. The significant suppressions of the developmentally relevant genes, including bmp2, bmp4, and pth2ra were consistent with the developmental abnormalities of fish found in exposure groups. Moreover, the expression of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor increased and melatonin (MTN) receptor decreased while the levels of GABA and MTN remained unchanged after exposure, by gene expression analysis and molecular docking. In addition, the transcriptional expression of apoptotic genes, including tp53, aifm1, and casp6, was significantly upregulated by KET. After a 7‐day recovery, the insomnia‐like behaviors (shorter sleep duration) were observed in zebrafish from the 250 ng/L‐KET group. Accordingly, the adverse outcome pathway framework of KET was constructed by prognostic assessment of zebrafish larvae. This study suggested that the adverse outcomes of KET on the sleep health of organisms at environmentally relevant concentrations should be concerned.
Building Mental Models of Writers: Writing Aloud in Writing Instruction
Authors: Pratt Sharon M. , Hodges Tracey S.
Published: April 2024

The act of writing involves decision‐making that can be challenging for elementary students as they choose ideas, organization structures, and audiences for whom to share their messages. Teachers can support students in their decision‐making through providing explicit explanation of the metacognitive decision‐making that occurs at each stage of the writing process, using various strategies and skills that writers employ in their craft. To help teachers facilitate these processes, we present the DECIDE Framework to support teachers in demystifying writers' decision‐making through strategically planning write‐aloud lessons that include metacognitive elements and gradual release of responsibility. This framework supports teachers in making decision‐making concrete for students through the use of scripting, scaffolding, and reflecting tools.
Evaluation of haematological parameters in haemolytic anaemia caused by tick‐borne pathogens in grazing cattle
Authors: Kim Youngjun , Ku Ji‐Young , Jung Youngwoo , Lim Young‐Hwan , Ji Min‐Jeong , Park Yu‐Jin , Cho Hyung‐Chul , Choi Kyoung‐Seong , Park Jinho
Published: April 2024

Background

No tick‐borne pathogens (TBPs) causing haemolytic anaemia in cattle have been reported, except Theileria orientalis and complete blood count (CBC) profile is the only haematological parameter to determine the severity of regenerative haemolytic anaemia.

Objectives

To identify the causative agents of TBP‐induced haemolytic anaemia and determine haematological parameters that indicate haemolytic anaemia in grazing cattle.

Methods

Eighty‐two Korean indigenous cattle (Hanwoo) were divided into two groups: grazing (n = 67) and indoor (n = 15) groups. CBC and serum biochemistry were performed. PCR was conducted using whole blood‐extracted DNA to investigate the prevalence of TBPs.

Results

TBP‐induced haemolytic anaemia was observed in the grazing group. In grazing cattle, co‐infection (43.3%, 29/67) was most frequently detected, followed by T. orientalis (37.6%, 25/67) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum infections (1.5%, 1/67). In indoor cattle, only co‐infection (20%, 3/15) was identified. Grazing cattle exhibited regenerative haemolytic anaemia with marked monocytosis, mild neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. According to grazing frequency, the 1st‐time grazing group had more severe anaemia than the 2nd‐time grazing group. Elevations in indirect bilirubin and L‐lactate due to haemolytic anaemia were identified, and correlations with the respective markers were determined in co‐infected grazing cattle.

Conclusions

Quantitative evaluation of haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, and reticulocytes (markers of regenerative haemolytic anaemia in cattle) was performed for the first time. Our results show that, in addition to T. orientalis, A. phagocytophilum is strongly associated with anaemia. The correlation between haemolytic anaemia severity and haematological parameters (indirect bilirubin, reticulocytes, and L‐lactate) was confirmed.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Transition Metal Pnictogenide Compounds.
Authors: Dollberg Kevin , Moritz Jan , Mészáros Katalin , Jakobi Celina , Richter Roman‐Malte , Weigend Florian , von Hänisch Carsten
Published: April 2024

A series of transition metal‐pnictogenide compounds were prepared starting from [(Dipp2NacNac)MCl] (M=Cr, Mn, Fe, Zn) (Dipp2NacNac=HC{C(Me)N(Dipp)}2) and [M'E(SiMe3)2] (M'=Li, K; E=P, As, Sb) as well as [Li(Et2O)nPH2] and [Li(tmeda)AsH2]. In the course of these investigations we were able to characterize all permutations for compounds of the composition [(Dipp2NacNac)ZnE(SiMe3)2] (E=P, As, Sb) and [(Dipp2NacNac)ZnEH2] (E=P, As). Moreover, the synthesis of selected compounds of type [(Dipp2NacNac)ME(SiMe3)2] for M=Cr, Mn, Fe and E=P−Sb are described. As part of our efforts, we established a number of bonding motifs that are underexplored in the literature to date. All isolated compounds, were examined by NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, Elemental analysis and X‐Ray structure analysis. DFT calculations on the chromium compounds were performed to investigate the binding situation between chromium and the group 15 element in more detail.
Venous blood gas and lactate values in adult giraffe trained for voluntary jugular phlebotomy
Authors: Cole Jordan Elias , Dadone Liza , Rao Sangeeta , Bapodra‐Villaverde Priya , Schilz Amy , Johnston Matthew
Published: April 2024

Blood gas analyses have previously been performed for giraffe under anesthesia and with physical restraint in a chute; however, reference values for giraffe that are trained to participate in venipuncture without chemical or physical restraint have not previously been described. Using a point‐of‐care blood gas and lactate analyzer and 20 giraffe trained for voluntary phlebotomy, values were determined for venous blood gasses and plasma lactate concentration. Ninety‐five percent confidence in the mean values for venous pH (7.34–7.46), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2; 28.5–37.8 mmHg), partial pressure of oxygen (PO2; 56–102 mmHg), bicarbonate (HCO3−; 18.9–21.0 mmol/L), base excess (BE; −6.0 to −3.6 mmol/L), total carbon dioxide (TCO2; 19.9–22.0 mmol/L), and lactate (0.32–0.56 mmol/L) were calculated. This is the first report on venous blood gas analysis values for giraffe without chemical or physical restraint. These data will provide a reference for clinical interpretation of venous blood gas and lactate values in giraffe and demonstrate some of the potential diagnostic benefits to training giraffe and other zoo species for voluntary medical procedures.
Formally Verifying an Efficient Sorter
Authors: Beckert Bernhard , Sanders Peter , Ulbrich Mattias , Wiesler Julian , Witt Sascha
Published: April 2024

In this experience report, we present the complete formal verification of a Java implementation of inplace superscalar sample sort (
"Image missing") using the KeY program verification system. As
"Image missing" is one of the fastest general purpose sorting algorithms, this is an important step towards a collection of basic toolbox components that are both provably correct and highly efficient. At the same time, it is an important case study of how careful, highly efficient implementations of complicated algorithms can be formally verified directly. We provide an analysis of which features of the KeY system and its verification calculus are instrumental in enabling algorithm verification without any compromise on algorithm efficiency.
A State-of-the-Art Karp-Miller Algorithm Certified in Coq
Authors: Hilaire Thibault , Ilcinkas David , Leroux Jérôme
Published: April 2024

Petri nets constitute a well-studied model to verify and study concurrent systems, among others, and computing the coverability set is one of the most fundamental problems about Petri nets. Using the proof assistant Coq, we certified the correctness and termination of the MinCov algorithm by Finkel, Haddad, and Khmelnitsky (FOSSACS 2020). This algorithm is the most recent algorithm in the literature that computes the minimal basis of the coverability set, a problem known to be prone to subtle bugs. Apart from the intrinsic interest of a computer-checked proof, our certification provides new insights on the MinCov algorithm. In particular, we introduce as an intermediate algorithm a small-step variant of MinCov of independent interest.
Speculative SAT Modulo SAT
Authors: Hari Govind V. K. , Garcia-Contreras Isabel , Shoham Sharon , Gurfinkel Arie
Published: April 2024

State-of-the-art model-checking algorithms like IC3/PDR are based on uni-directional modular SAT solving for finding and/or blocking counterexamples. Modular SAT-solvers divide a SAT-query into multiple sub-queries, each solved by a separate SAT-solver (called a module), and propagate information (lemmas, proof obligations, blocked clauses, etc.) between modules. While modular solving is key to IC3/PDR, it is obviously not as effective as monolithic solving, especially when individual sub-queries are harder to solve than the combined query. This is partially addressed in SAT modulo SAT (SMS) by propagating unit literals back and forth between the modules and using information from one module to simplify the sub-query in another module as soon as possible (i.e., before the satisfiability of any sub-query is established). However, bi-directionality of SMS is limited because of the strict order between decisions and propagation – only one module is allowed to make decisions, until its sub-query is SAT. In this paper, we propose a generalization of SMS, called specSMS, that speculates decisions between modules. This makes it bi-directional – decisions are made in multiple modules, and learned clauses are exchanged in both directions. We further extend DRUP proofs and interpolation, these are useful in model checking, to specSMS. We have implemented specSMS in Z3 and empirically validate it on a series of benchmarks that are provably hard for SMS.
Knor: reactive synthesis using Oink
Authors: van Dijk Tom , van Abbema Feije , Tomov Naum
Published: April 2024

We present an innovative approach to the reactive synthesis of parity automaton specifications, which plays a pivotal role in the synthesis of linear temporal logic. We find that our method efficiently solves the SYNTCOMP synthesis competition benchmarks for parity automata from LTL specifications, solving all 288 models in under a minute. We therefore direct our attention to optimizing the circuit size and propose several methods to reduce the size of the constructed circuits: (1) leveraging different parity game solvers, (2) applying bisimulation minimisation to the winning strategy, (3) using alternative encodings from the strategy to an and-inverter graph, (4) integrating post-processing with the ABC tool. We implement these methods in the Knor tool, which has secured us multiple victories in the PGAME track of the SYNTCOMP competition.
On Dependent Variables in Reactive Synthesis
Authors: Akshay S. , Basa Eliyahu , Chakraborty Supratik , Fried Dror
Published: April 2024

Given a Linear Temporal Logic (LTL) formula over input and output variables, reactive synthesis requires us to design a deterministic Mealy machine that gives the values of outputs at every time step for every sequence of inputs, such that the LTL formula is satisfied. In this paper, we investigate the notion of dependent variables in the context of reactive synthesis. Inspired by successful pre-processing techniques in Boolean functional synthesis, we define dependent variables in reactive synthesis as output variables that are uniquely assigned, given an assignment to all other variables and the history so far. We describe an automata-based approach for finding a set of dependent variables. Using this, we show that dependent variables are surprisingly common in reactive synthesis benchmarks. Next, we develop a novel synthesis framework that exploits dependent variables to construct an overall synthesis solution. By implementing this framework using the widely used library , we show that reactive synthesis that exploits dependent variables can solve some problems beyond the reach of existing techniques. Furthermore, we observe that among benchmarks with dependent variables, if the count of non-dependent variables is low ($$\le 3$$≤3in our experiments), our method outperforms state-of-the-art tools for synthesis.
Daily ranging and den usage patterns structure the spatiotemporal properties of social encounters in spotted hyenas
Authors: Strauss Eli D. , Jensen Frants H. , Gersick Andrew S. , Thomas Mara , Holekamp Kay E. , Strandburg-Peshkin Ariana
Published: April 2024

Fission–fusion dynamics describe the tendency for members of some animal societies to associate in subgroups that change size and structure fluidly over time. These dynamics shape social complexity and social structure, but are difficult to study because they unfold simultaneously over large spatial scales. Here we use simultaneous, fine-scale GPS data from spotted hyenas to examine fission–fusion dynamics through a dyadic analysis of merge-split events between pairs of individuals. We introduce a species-agnostic framework for identifying merge-split events and discretizing them into three phases (merging, together, and splitting), enabling analysis of each phase as well as the connections among phases. Applying this framework to the hyena data, we examine the temporal and spatial properties of merges and splits between dyads and test the extent to which social encounters are driven by key locations. Specifically, we focus on communal dens—shelters for juvenile hyenas where classical observational studies often report large aggregations of adults. We find that overall, 62% of merges occurred at communal dens, supporting the idea that dens facilitate meet-ups and subsequent social behavior. Social encounters most commonly involved close approaches within a few meters between hyenas, while co-travel together occurred in only 11% of events. Comparison to permutation-based reference models suggests that independent movement decisions structure broad-scale patterns of social encounters but do not explain the fine-scale dynamics of interactions that unfold during these encounters. We reflect on how physical features such as dens can become social hotspots, causing social and spatial processes to become fundamentally intertwined.
A family of condorcet domains that are single-peaked on a circle
Authors: Slinko Arkadii
Published: April 2024

Fishburn’s alternating scheme domains occupy a special place in the theory of Condorcet domains. Karpov (2023) generalised these domains and made an interesting observation proving that all of them are single-peaked on a circle. However, an important point that all generalised Fishburn domains are maximal Condorcet domain remained unproved. We fill this gap and suggest a new combinatorial interpretation of generalised Fishburn’s domains which provide a constructive proof of single-peakedness of these domains on a circle. We show that classical single-peaked domains and single-dipped domains as well as Fishburn’s alternating scheme domains belong to this family of domains while single-crossing domains do not.