bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fast Approximations of Quantifier Elimination
Authors: Garcia-Contreras Isabel , Govind V. K. Hari , Shoham Sharon , Gurfinkel Arie 
Published: July 2023

AbstractQuantifier elimination (qelim) is used in many automated reasoning tasks including program synthesis, exist-forall solving, quantified SMT, Model Checking, and solving Constrained Horn Clauses (CHCs). Exact qelim is computationally expensive. Hence, it is often approximated. For example, Z3 uses “light” pre-processing to reduce the number of quantified variables. CHC-solver Spacer uses model-based projection (MBP) to under-approximate qelim relative to a given model, and over-approximations of qelim can be used as abstractions.In this paper, we present the QEL framework for fast approximations of qelim. QEL provides a uniform interface for both quantifier reduction and model-based projection. QEL builds on the egraph data structure – the core of the EUF decision procedure in SMT – by casting quantifier reduction as a problem of choosing ground (i.e., variable-free) representatives for equivalence classes. We have used QEL to implement MBP for the theories of Arrays and Algebraic Data Types (ADTs). We integrated QEL and our new MBP in Z3 and evaluated it within several tasks that rely on quantifier approximations, outperforming state-of-the-art.
Partial Quantifier Elimination and Property Generation
Authors: Goldberg Eugene 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe study partial quantifier elimination (PQE) for propositional CNF formulas with existential quantifiers. PQE is a generalization of quantifier elimination where one can limit the set of clauses taken out of the scope of quantifiers to a small subset of clauses. The appeal of PQE is that many verification problems (e.g., equivalence checking and model checking) can be solved in terms of PQE and the latter can be dramatically simpler than full quantifier elimination. We show that PQE can be used for property generation that one can view as a generalization of testing. The objective here is to produce anunwantedproperty of a design implementation, thus exposing a bug. We introduce two PQE solvers called$$ EG \text {-} PQE $$and$$ EG \text {-} PQE ^+$$.$$ EG \text {-} PQE $$is a very simple SAT-based algorithm.$$ EG \text {-} PQE ^+$$is more sophisticated and robust than$$ EG \text {-} PQE $$. We use these PQE solvers to find an unwanted property (namely, an unwanted invariant) of a buggy FIFO buffer. We also apply them to invariant generation for sequential circuits from a HWMCC benchmark set. Finally, we use these solvers to generate properties of a combinational circuit that mimic symbolic simulation.
Satisfiability Modulo Finite Fields
Authors: Ozdemir Alex , Kremer Gereon , Tinelli Cesare , Barrett Clark 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe study satisfiability modulo the theory of finite fields and give a decision procedure for this theory. We implement our procedure for prime fields inside the cvc5 SMT solver. Using this theory, we construct SMT queries that encode translation validation for various zero knowledge proof compilers applied to Boolean computations. We evaluate our procedure on these benchmarks. Our experiments show that our implementation is superior to previous approaches (which encode field arithmetic using integers or bit-vectors).
Common Values of Padovan and Perrin Sequences
Authors: Bravo Eric Fernando 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe integer sequence defined by$$P_{n+3}=P_{n+1}+P_{n}$$Pn+3=Pn+1+Pnwith initial conditions$$P_{0}=P_{1}=P_{2}=1$$P0=P1=P2=1is known as the Padovan sequence$$(P_{n})_{n\in \mathbb {Z}}$$(Pn)n∈Z. The Perrin sequence$$(R_{m})_{m\in \mathbb {Z}}$$(Rm)m∈Zsatisfies the same recurrence equation as the Padovan sequence but with starting values$$R_{0}=3$$R0=3,$$R_{1}=0$$R1=0, and$$R_{2}=2$$R2=2. In this note, we solve the Diophantine equation$$P_{n}=\pm R_{m}$$Pn=±Rmwith$$(n,m)\in \mathbb {Z}^{2}$$(n,m)∈Z2.
Sociality reduces the probability of eradication success of arthropod pests
Authors: Howse M. W. F. , Haywood J. , Lester P. J. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractSocial insects are successful and globally significant invaders. Compared to ongoing suppression, eradication is seen as an ideal solution and cost effective in the long term. The success of eradication attempts is not guaranteed and identifying key factors that could influence the success of such management programs would be beneficial. In this study, 239 eradication attempts were compiled and analysed to identify why eradication attempts fail, with a focus on how eusociality of the target species impacts eradication success. All else remaining constant, the odds of successful eradication were 79% lower when targeting social species compared to non-social insects. Eradication success was shown to increase when comparing more recent attempts to earlier ones but was found to decrease as the duration of the attempt went on. Eradication attempts that occurred on islands, and those that targeted species with a broader host range, were also associated with increased success. A review of cited reasons for eradication failure highlighted the importance of employing effective control treatments, management, and monitoring systems, as well as garnering adequate social and political support. This study indicates how social insects are particularly challenging to eradicate; it also notes the importance of considering both logistical and biological aspects of any eradication, before initiating eradication attempts.
Marriage and divorce: the role of unemployment insurance
Authors: Schulz Bastian , Siuda Fabian 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis paper examines how changes in household-level risk sharing affect the marriage market. We use as our laboratory a German unemployment insurance (UI) reform that tightened means-testing based on the partner’s income. The reduced generosity of UI increased the demand for household-level risk sharing, which lowered the attractiveness of individuals exposed to unemployment risk. Because unemployment risk correlates with non-German nationality, our main finding is that the UI reform led to a decrease in intermarriage. The 2004 expansion of the European Union had a comparable effect on intermarriage for the affected nationalities. Both reforms increased marital stability, which is consistent with better selection by couples.
Screening bisphenols in complex samples via a planar Arxula adeninivorans bioluminescence bioassay
Authors: Jaber Max , Jähne Martin , Oberle Michaela , Morlock Gertrud E. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe Arxula yeast bisphenol screen (A-YBS) utilizes the bioluminescent Arxula adeninivorans yeast–based reporter cells for tailored analysis of bisphenols, one of the major endocrine-disrupting compound groups. For the first time, this bioreporter has been applied on the high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) adsorbent surface to develop a respective planar bioluminescence bioassay (pA-YBS). The goal was to combine the advantages of HPTLC with a more selective bioassay detection for bisphenols. The performance of this pA-YBS bioluminescence bioassay was demonstrated by calculating the half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of bisphenols compared to references. The EC50 ranged from 267 pg/band for bisphenol Z and 322 pg/band for bisphenol A (BPA) to > 1 ng/band for other bisphenols (BPC, BPE, BPF, and BPS) and references (17β-estradiol and 17α-ethinylestradiol). The EC50 value of BPA was three times more sensitive in signal detection than that of 17β-estradiol. The visual or videodensitometric limit of detection of BPA was about 200 pg/zone. The higher signal intensity and sensitivity for BPA confirmed the tailored bioassay selectivity compared to the existing estrogen screen bioassay. It worked on different types of HPTLC silica gel plates. This HPTLC–UV/Vis/FLD–pA-YBS bioluminescence bioassay method was used to analyze complex mixtures such as six tin can migrates, five thermal papers, and eleven botanicals. The detected estrogenic compound zones in the tin can migrates were successfully verified via the duplex planar yeast antagonist estrogen screen (pYAES) bioassay. The two bisphenols A and S were identified in one out of five thermal papers and confirmed with high-resolution mass spectrometry. No bisphenols were detected in the botanicals investigated via the pA-YBS bioluminescence bioassay. However, the botanicals proved to contain phytoestrogens as detected via the pYAES bioassay, which confirmed the tailored bioassay selectivity. This HPTLC–UV/Vis/FLD–pA-YBS bioluminescence bioassay is suited for cost-efficient analysis of BPA in complex samples, with no need for sterile conditions due to the fast workflow.
Views from ‘crabworld’: the spatial distribution of light in a tropical mudflat
Authors: Zeil Jochen 
Published: July 2023

AbstractNatural scene analysis has been extensively used to understand how the invariant structure of the visual environment may have shaped biological image processing strategies. This paper deals with four crucial, but hitherto largely neglected aspects of natural scenes: (1) the viewpoint of specific animals; (2) the fact that image statistics are not independent of the position within the visual field; (3) the influence of the direction of illumination on luminance, spectral and polarization contrast in a scene; and (4) the biologically relevant information content of natural scenes. To address these issues, I recorded the spatial distribution of light in a tropical mudflat with a spectrographic imager equipped with a polarizing filter in an attempt to describe quantitatively the visual environment of fiddler crabs. The environment viewed by the crabs has a distinct structure. Depending on the position of the sun, the luminance, the spectral composition, and the polarization characteristics of horizontal light distribution are not uniform. This is true for both skylight and for reflections from the mudflat surface. The high-contrast feature of the line of horizon dominates the vertical distribution of light and is a discontinuity in terms of luminance, spectral distribution and of image statistics. On a clear day, skylight intensity increases towards the horizon due to multiple scattering, and its spectral composition increasingly resembles that of sunlight. Sky-substratum contrast is highest at short wavelengths. I discuss the consequences of this extreme example of the topography of vision for extracting biologically relevant information from natural scenes.
Observing the fragmentation of two expanding bullet types and a full metal-jacketed bullet with computed tomography—a forensic ballistics case study
Authors: Oura Petteri , Niinimäki Jaakko , Brix Mikael , Lammentausta Eveliina , Liimatainen Timo , Junno Alina , Junno Juho-Antti 
Published: July 2023

AbstractComputed tomography (CT) may have a crucial role in the forensic documentation and analysis of firearm injuries. The aim of this forensic ballistics case study was to explore whether two types of expanding bullets and a full metal-jacketed bullet could be differentiated by inspecting bullet fragments and fragmentation pattern in CT. Three types of .30 caliber bullets (full metal-jacketed Norma Jaktmatch, expanding full-copper Norma Ecostrike, and expanding soft-point Norma Oryx) were test fired from a distance of 5 m to blocks of 10% ballistic gelatine. CT scans of the blocks were obtained with clinical equipment and metal artifact reduction. Radiopaque fragments were identified and fragmentation parameters were obtained from the scans (total number of fragments, maximum diameter of the largest fragment, distance between entrance and the closest fragment, length of the fragment cloud, and maximum diameters of the fragment cloud). The fragmentation patterns were additionally visualized by means of 3D reconstruction. In CT, the bullet types differed in several fragmentation parameters. While the expanding full-copper bullet Ecostrike left behind only a single fragment near the end of the bullet channel, the soft-point Oryx had hundreds of fragments deposited throughout the channel. For both expanding bullets Ecostrike and Oryx, the fragments were clearly smaller than those left behind by the full metal-jacketed Jaktmatch. This was surprising as the full metal-jacketed bullet was expected to remain intact. The fragment cloud of Jaktmatch had similar mediolateral and superoinferior diameters to that of Oryx; however, fragments were deposited in the second half of the gelatine block, and not throughout the block. This case study provides a basis and potential methodology for further experiments. The findings are expected to benefit forensic practitioners with limited background information on gunshot injury cases, for example, those that involve several potential firearms or atypical gunshot wounds. The findings may prove beneficial for both human and wildlife forensics.
The implementation of a home-based isometric wall squat intervention using ratings of perceived exertion to select and control exercise intensity: a pilot study in normotensive and pre-hypertensive adults
Authors: Lea John W. D. , O’Driscoll Jamie M. , Wiles Jonathan D. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Isometric exercise (IE) and isometric wall squat (IWS) training have been shown to be effective methods of reducing arterial blood pressure. However, most IE interventions require methodologies and equipment that could present a barrier to participation. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effectiveness of an accessible RPE prescribed IWS intervention.

Methods
Thirty normotensive and pre-hypertensive adults were randomly assigned to a control group or one of two 4-week home-based IWS intervention groups: the first group conducted IWS exercise where intensity was prescribed and monitored using RPE (RPE-EX), whilst the other used a previously validated HR prescription method (HR-EX). Resting and ambulatory heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were measured pre- and post-intervention.

Results
Minimum clinically important differences (MCID; − 5 mmHg) in SBP and/or DBP were shown in 100% of intervention participants. Statistically significant reductions were shown in resting seated BP (RPE-EX: SBP: − 9 ± 6, DBP: − 6 ± 4, MAP: − 6 ± 3 mmHg; HR-EX: SBP: − 14 ± 6, DBP: − 6 ± 4, MAP: − 8 ± 4 mmHg), supine BP (RPE-EX: SBP: − 8 (− 5), DBP: − 8 (− 7), MAP: − 8 (− 4) mmHg; HR-EX: SBP: − 5 (− 4), MAP − 5 (− 4) mmHg), and ambulatory SBP (RPE-EX: − 8 ± 6 mmHg; HR-EX: − 10 ± 4 mmHg) following the interventions. There were no statistically significant differences between intervention groups in the magnitude of BP reduction.

Conclusion
RPE prescribed IWS exercise can provide an effective and more accessible method for reducing BP at home, providing reductions comparable to the current HR-based prescription method.
Impact of patent ductus arteriosus on non-invasive assessments of lung fluids in very preterm infants during the transitional period
Authors: Martini Silvia , Gatelli Italo Francesco , Vitelli Ottavio , Vitali Francesca , De Rienzo Francesca , Parladori Roberta , Corvaglia Luigi , Martinelli Stefano 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis prospective observational study aimed to evaluate whether lung fluids, assessed by lung ultrasonography and transthoracic electrical bioimpedance (TEB), may be influenced by the presence of a haemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) in very preterm infants during the transitional period. Infants < 32 weeks of gestational age (GA) admitted to the neonatal intensive care units of IRCCS AOU Bologna and Niguarda Metropolitan Hospital of Milan (Italy) underwent a daily assessment of a lung ultrasound score (LUS) and of a TEB-derived index of thoracic fluid contents (TFC) during the first 72 h after birth. Echocardiographic scans were simultaneously performed to evaluate the concomitant ductal status (hsPDA vs. restrictive or closed duct). The correlation between LUS, TFC, and the ductal status was tested using generalized estimating equations. Forty-six infants (median GA: 29 [interquartile range, IQR: 27–31] weeks; median birth weight: 1099 [IQR: 880–1406] g) were included. At each daily evaluation, the presence of a hsPDA was associated with significantly higher LUS and TFC compared with a restrictive or closed ductus (p < 0.01 for all comparisons). These results were confirmed significant even after adjustment for GA and for the ongoing modality of respiratory support. Conclusion: Even during the first 72 h of life, the presence of a hsPDA determines a significant increase in pulmonary fluids which can be non-invasively detected and monitored over time using lung ultrasonography and TEB.

What is Known:• Lung ultrasonography provides a non-invasive assessment of lung fluids and is widely used in neonatal settings.• In preterm infants, the persistence of a haemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) over the first weeks can negatively affect pulmonary outcomes.

What is New:• The presence of aan hsPDA is associated with increased lung fluids since early postnatal phases.• Lung ultrasonography and transthoracic electrical bioimpedance can effectively monitor lung fluid clearance in preterm infants with a hsPDA during the transitional period, with potential clinical implications.
Construction and validation of a prognostic nomogram for predicting cancer-specific survival in patients with intermediate and advanced colon cancer after receiving surgery and chemotherapy
Authors: Shi Yiheng , Wu Xiaoting , Qu Wanxi , Tian Jiahao , Pang Xunlei , Fan Haohan , Fei Sujuan , Miao Bei 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Existing predictive models often focus solely on overall survival (OS), neglecting the bias that other causes of death might introduce into survival rate predictions. To date, there is no strict predictive model established for cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with intermediate and advanced colon cancer after receiving surgery and chemotherapy.

Methods
We extracted the data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database on patients with stage-III and -IV colon cancer treated with surgery and chemotherapy between 2010 and 2015. The cancer-specific survival (CSS) was assessed using a competitive risk model, and the associated risk factors were identified via univariate and multivariate analyses. A nomogram predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year CSS was constructed. The c-index, area under the curve (AUC), and calibration curve were adopted to assess the predictive performance of the model. Additionally, the model was externally validated.

Results
A total of 18 risk factors were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses for constructing the nomogram. The AUC values of the nomogram for the 1-, 3-, and 5-year CSS prediction were 0.831, 0.842, and 0.848 in the training set; 0.842, 0.853, and 0.849 in the internal validation set; and 0.815, 0.823, and 0.839 in the external validation set. The C-index were 0.826 (se: 0.001), 0.836 (se: 0.002) and 0.763 (se: 0.013), respectively. Moreover, the calibration curve showed great calibration.

Conclusion
The model we have constructed is of great accuracy and reliability, and can help physicians develop treatment and follow-up strategies that are beneficial to the survival of the patients.
Barriers to and facilitators of physical activity in adults living with and beyond cancer, with special emphasis on head and neck cancer: a systematic review of qualitative and mixed methods studies
Authors: Doughty Hannah C. , Hill Ruaraidh A. , Riley Andrew , Midgley Adrian W. , Patterson Joanne M. , Boddy Lynne M. , Rogers Simon N. , Maden Michelle , Williams Nefyn H. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPurposePhysical activity can improve health outcomes for cancer patients; however, only 30% of patients are physically active. This review explored barriers to and facilitators of physical activity promotion and participation in patients living with and beyond cancer. Secondary aims were to (1) explore similarities and differences in barriers and facilitators experienced in head and neck cancer versus other cancers, and (2) identify how many studies considered the influence of socioeconomic characteristics on physical activity behaviour.MethodsCINAHL Plus, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus and Cochrane (CDSR) were searched for qualitative and mixed methods evidence. Quality assessment was conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and a Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Tool. Thematic synthesis and frequency of reporting were conducted, and results were structured using the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behaviour model and Theoretical Domains Framework.ResultsThirty qualitative and six mixed methods studies were included. Socioeconomic characteristics were not frequently assessed across the included studies. Barriers included side effects and comorbidities (physical capability;skills) and lack of knowledge (psychological capability;knowledge). Having a dry mouth or throat and choking concerns were reported in head and neck cancer, but not across other cancers. Facilitators included improving education (psychological capability;knowledge) on the benefits and safety of physical activity.ConclusionEducating patients and healthcare professionals on the benefits and safety of physical activity may facilitate promotion, uptakeand adherence. Head and neck cancer patients experienced barriers not cited across other cancers, and research exploring physical activity promotion in this patient group is required to improve physical activity engagement.
$$\Gamma $$-convergence and stochastic homogenisation of singularly-perturbed elliptic functionals
Authors: Bach Annika , Marziani Roberta , Zeppieri Caterina Ida 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe study the limit behaviour of singularly-perturbed elliptic functionals of the form$$\begin{aligned} {\mathscr {F}}_k(u,v)=\int _A v^2\,f_k(x,\nabla u)\, \textrm{d}x+\frac{1}{\varepsilon _k}\int _A g_k(x,v,\varepsilon _k\nabla v)\, \textrm{d}x, \end{aligned}$$Fk(u,v)=∫Av2fk(x,∇u)dx+1εk∫Agk(x,v,εk∇v)dx,whereuis a vector-valued Sobolev function,$$v \in [0,1]$$v∈[0,1]a phase-field variable, and$$\varepsilon _k>0$$εk>0a singular-perturbation parameter; i.e.,$$\varepsilon _k \rightarrow 0$$εk→0, as$$k\rightarrow +\infty $$k→+∞. Under mild assumptions on the integrands$$f_k$$fkand$$g_k$$gk, we show that if$$f_k$$fkgrows superlinearly in the gradient-variable, then the functionals$${\mathscr {F}}_k$$Fk$$\Gamma $$Γ-converge (up to subsequences) to abrittleenergy-functional; i.e., to a free-discontinuity functional whose surface integrand doesnotdepend on the jump-amplitude ofu. This result is achieved by providing explicit asymptotic formulas for the bulk and surface integrands which show, in particular, that volume and surface term in$${\mathscr {F}}_k$$Fkdecouplein the limit. The abstract$$\Gamma $$Γ-convergence analysis is complemented by a stochastic homogenisation result forstationary randomintegrands.