Identical Design Research Articles

Response-independent outcome presentations dissociate stimulus and value based choice

A stimulus that predicts the delivery of a specific food outcome can bias performance towards instrumental actions that earn that same outcome in a phenomenon known as specific Pavlovian-instrumental transfer (PIT). The precise mechanism by which the specific instrumental action is selected under these circumstances has remained elusive. The present set of experiments explored whether treatments that undermine the response-outcome (R-O) association also affect the expression of specific PIT. Consistent with previous work, in Experiment 1 we showed that specific PIT remains intact after an instrumental degradation treatment that attempted to undermine R-O associations. However, we additionally demonstrated that outcome-devaluation sensitivity also persisted after degradation, suggesting that R-O associations were impervious to the degradation treatment, and precluding any conclusions about the necessity of R-O associations for specific PIT expression. Nevertheless, given the two-lever two-outcome design of this experiment it is possible that R-O associations were indeed undermined by degradation and that the devaluation effect was driven by distinct, incidental Pavlovian lever-outcome associations. To nullify the obscuring effects of these incidental Pavlovian associations, we used a bidirectional lever for instrumental conditioning that could be pushed to the left or the right for distinct outcomes. In Experiment 2 we demonstrated that specific PIT could be observed on this bidirectional manipulandum whether the subjects were hungry or sated, consistent with the literature. The critical third Experiment used an identical design to Experiment 1 except that the two instrumental responses were made on the single bidirectional manipulanda. Here, specific PIT was intact after instrumental degradation and, crucially, we saw no evidence of outcome devaluation sensitivity in these same subjects, suggesting that the R-O associations were weakened or undermined by this treatment. We conclude that the expression of specific PIT is resistant to treatments that undermine R-O associations and disrupt value based choice, and discuss how these findings contribute to our understanding of the associative framework supporting behavioral control.

Preliminary Results of the Study of Kuraily-Asar Necropolis

The article deals with the introduction into scientific discourse new data on the burial structures of the Dzhetyasar culture of Eastern Aral Sea region. In 2023, archaeological work was carried out on the necropolis of one of the Dzhetyasar monuments – the Kuraily-asar fortified settlement. The research was carried out by the “Aral Sea detachment” of the Margulan Institute of Archeology an under the leadership of A. Ongarruly and A.A. Tazhekeyev. The four underground burial sites were uncovered, as a result of the excavations. All the mounds have an identical design and burial rite. The mounds are surrounded by a moat with an entrance on the north and south sides, in the center of which there is a burial pit. Burials: three of them were women, and one was a child, were located on the dorsal surface and the head was oriented to the north. The anthropological characteristics of the burials show that the ontological constitution of post cranium is generally characterized by a morphological variant of the addition allocated to the Dzhetyasar population. The burial inventory included ceramic vessels and spindle whorl, buckles, a mirror and an amulet, the analysis of which allowed these mounds to be attributed to the Dzhetyasar II stage and dated to the II-IV centuries AD.

Optimasi Pemasaran UMKM di Dusun Kalirase, Trimulyo, Sleman

Dusun Kalirase is a region within Trimulyo Village, Sleman District, where the majority of residents are engaged in agriculture and plantations. Additionally, there exist several Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) - UMKM in Indonesian language - with significant potential, having yet to be optimally managed, particularly in terms of marketing. This community service initiative aims to address several major challenges faced by MSMEs in Dusun Kalirase, such as a lack of knowledge about digital marketing, non-strategic business locations, and insufficient promotional resources. Through the "Dusun Kalirase MSME Marketing Socialization: Gleaming and Accessible" program, the team conducted a series of activities, categorized in community development, including brand identity creation and design, digital marketing support via social media, and adding MSME locations to Google Maps. The results indicate increased brand awareness, product appeal, and market reach for MSMEs in Dusun Kalirase. This program successfully helped MSMEs gain greater recognition within the local community and boost product sales.

Research on the Visual Identity Design of Fruit Brands in Fengxian District, Shanghai

Research on the Visual Identity Design of Fruit Brands in Fengxian District, Shanghai

Neoclassical realism(s) vis-à-vis other theories of foreign policy: taking the indistinguishability problem seriously

Neoclassical realism (NCR)’s opponents have considered it an incoherent and indistinctive approach because of its interest in addressing ideational and institutional factors. Specifically, they have denounced NCR’s fuzzily established internal and external conceptual boundaries, corresponding to central dimensions of this approach’s ‘indistinguishability’ problem. Even though NCR has responded in a sophisticated manner to its critics, such a response still falls short of advancing some subtle strategies to forge NCR’s theoretical identity and research design. To fill this gap, I distinguish several neoclassical realist theories (Types I, II, IIA, IIB and III) to clarify NCR works’ common ground and the several options available to the analyst to cope with the indistinguishability problem’s internal dimension. Furthermore, I compare neoclassical realist theories with organizational, bureaucratic, realist, liberal and constructivist approaches to foreign policy to discuss the indistinguishability problem’s external dimension. Dealing with this dimension entails acknowledging that neoclassical realist theories provide a top-down, as compared to a bottom-up approach to explain foreign policy as a policy rather than a process. It also provides a thorough explanation rather than a parsimonious account aimed at distinguishing independent and intervening variables. With different intensities, neoclassical realist theories embrace specific, refined logics of consequentialism rather than appropriateness to explain distinct state preferences rather than assuming power maximization or security seeking as pre-fixed state goals.

Glucocorticoid treatment increases cholesterol availability during critical illness: effect on adrenal and muscle function

BackgroundHypocholesterolemia hallmarks critical illness though the underlying pathophysiology is incompletely understood. As low circulating cholesterol levels could partly be due to an increased conversion to cortisol/corticosterone, we hypothesized that glucocorticoid treatment, via reduced de novo adrenal cortisol/corticosterone synthesis, might improve cholesterol availability and as such affect adrenal gland and skeletal muscle function.MethodsIn a matched set of prolonged critically ill patients (n = 324) included in the EPaNIC RCT, a secondary analysis was performed to assess the association between glucocorticoid treatment and plasma cholesterol from ICU admission to day five. Next, in a mouse model of cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis, septic mice were randomized to receive either hydrocortisone (1.2 mg/day) (n = 17) or placebo (n = 15) for 5 days, as compared with healthy mice (n = 18). Plasma corticosterone, cholesterol, and adrenocortical and myofiber cholesterol were quantified. Adrenal structure and steroidogenic capacity were evaluated. Muscle force and markers of atrophy, fibrosis and regeneration were quantified. In a consecutive mouse study with identical design (n = 24), whole body composition was assessed by EchoMRI to investigate impact on lean mass, fat mass, total and free water.ResultsIn human patients, glucocorticoid treatment was associated with higher plasma HDL- and LDL-cholesterol from respectively ICU day two and day three, up to day five (P < 0.05). Plasma corticosterone was no longer elevated in hydrocortisone-treated septic mice compared to placebo, whereas the sepsis-induced reduction in plasma HDL- and LDL-cholesterol and in adrenocortical cholesterol was attenuated (P < 0.05), but without improving the adrenocortical ACTH-induced CORT response and with increased adrenocortical inflammation and apoptosis (P < 0.05). Total body mass was further decreased in hydrocortisone-treated septic mice (P < 0.01) compared to placebo, with no additional effect on muscle mass, force or myofiber size. The sepsis-induced rise in markers of muscle atrophy and fibrosis was unaffected by hydrocortisone treatment, whereas markers of muscle regeneration were suppressed compared to placebo (P < 0.05). An increased loss of lean body mass and total and free water was observed in hydrocortisone-treated septic mice compared to placebo (P < 0.05).ConclusionsGlucocorticoid treatment partially attenuated critical illness-induced hypocholesterolemia, but at a cost of impaired adrenal function, suppressed muscle regeneration and exacerbated loss of body mass.Graphical abstract

Numerical Analysis and Design of a High‐Frequency Surface Acoustic Wave Transducer: Influence of Piezoelectric Substrates and IDTs Configurations

ABSTRACTThe development of SAW transducers requires a series of steps ranging from material selection and geometry design to the selection of fabrication techniques for their characterization and validation process. Here, we use the finite element method (FEM) to present a methodology and a detailed analysis of the design of SAW transducers in a delay line configuration. First, we simulate single‐finger and double‐finger configurations with different geometries and designs of IDTs on two piezoelectric substrates, LiNbO in 64 YX and LiNbO 128 YX orientation, to compare the simulation results with the analytical delta model and thereby validate the simulation process, presenting Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values ranging from 10.79 dB to 16.42 dB. With the above, we performed a comparative analysis to determine the influence of piezoelectric material and IDT configuration by studying a specific transducer design made to operate at a resonance frequency of 97.02 MHz. We compared identical designs on 128 YX and 64 YX orientations of LiNbO with single and double‐finger configurations and added the comparison with the SPUDT configuration. We observed the best results for the single‐finger IDT configuration in 128 YX LiNbO orientation compared to the other variants through its insertion loss level of −7.29 dB, its average sidelobe level of −18.63 dB, and its average transition band slope for the main lobe of 15.09 dB/MHz. The results guide new researchers or students in expanding the use of numerical tools in designing SAW transducers and SAW devices.

노들섬 연상 키워드 분석을 통한 아이덴티티 통합 디자인 전략 - AI 생성형 이미지를 중심으로

As part of place branding research, this study aims to identify the experience of Nodlesum, a complex cultural space, to define its unique identity and propose a brand identity design direction using AI-generated images. First, we analyzed online data to derive keywords related to Nodlesum. In addition, we conducted a visitor perception survey to derive associated experience keywords and associated image keywords. Based on the keywords, we used AI-generated images to refine the brand visual identity and character design, and then derived a utilization strategy centered on merchandise. The significance of the final result is as follows. First, we defined the unique identity of Noddle Island based on user perceptions and prepared a prototype of the brand identity and practical results. Second, it provided a conceptual shift in place branding with an integrated approach to visitor perception and place brand identity design. Third, we prepared a brand identity strategy system that can be applied to idle spaces or public spaces that have difficulties in establishing a clear communication system. Fourth, by utilizing AI-generated images in the design process, we confirmed the potential of AI as a collaborator in the creative realm and a means of expanding thinking. This study is significant in that it is a design attempt to expand the perspective of place brand identity design and explore more practical and diverse ways of utilizing AI.

A Study on the Brand Identity Design of Eco-friendly Packaging -Focusing on Dairy Product Brands in China and Korea-

A Study on the Brand Identity Design of Eco-friendly Packaging -Focusing on Dairy Product Brands in China and Korea-

Online reviews: A literature review and roadmap for future research

This paper reviews and synthesizes existing research on online reviews, addresses the knowledge gaps, and proposes directions for future research. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, we delve into the stages of the online review process (creation, engagement, impact, and insight) and discuss how they are affected by behavioral biases, review formats, reviewer identity, managerial interventions, and platform design. We discuss the benefits of online reviews—from boosting sales to impacting firms’ reputations and reducing information asymmetries—and the flaws that can compromise their reliability and helpfulness, including promotional reviews, behavioral biases, and context effects. Finally, we identify research gaps in the literature and propose a roadmap for future research. As technology advances and consumer needs evolve, the complexity of online reviews must be further explored to unleash novel insights, guide decisions, and better shape the future landscape of digital platforms.

An Improvement of Hand Press Machine by Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) Methodology

This research consists of the analysis of hand press machine selected using the Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) method. DFMA is a method that combines both Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) techniques. It has the purpose to make improvements on the existing product by implementing DFMA to reduce number of components, time, and cost. The combination of hand press machine and a die cutting tool has been an effective tool to produce and replicate identical designs in the shortest time. The main objective of this research is to develop a Hand Press Machine that exhibits superior design efficiency and reduced manufacturing costs compared to the original design. To achieve this, the chosen existing model, the WUTA Pro Leather Cutting Machine, was remodelled using SolidWorks 2022 software. The original design of the Hand Press Machine had a design efficiency of 25.89%. However, the improved design achieved a significantly higher design efficiency of 36.56%, representing an increase of 10.67%. To attain this improvement, four modifications were implemented. One notable achievement in the improved design was a reduction in the total number of parts. The original design comprised 52 parts, whereas the improved design successfully reduced this to 34 parts, resulting in a reduction of 18 parts. The cost analysis, based on total absorption cost, revealed that the manufacturing cost of the original design was estimated at $362.01 for 18 manufactured parts. In contrast, the improved design was able to achieve a cost reduction, with an estimated manufacturing cost of around $339.16 for 16 manufactured parts. This indicates a cost reduction of $22.85 between the two models.

Health Technology Assessment of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Circuit with and without Phosphorylcholine Coating: A Retrospective Study on Safety and Efficiency in Cardiac Surgery.

Phosphorylcholine has emerged as a potential adjunctive agent in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuits. Phosphorylcholine serves as a coating for the CPB circuit, potentially enhancing biocompatibility and reducing thrombotic events. However, its impact on specific patient populations and procedural outcomes remains underexplored. In this retrospective study, we analyzed data from 60 patients who underwent cardiac surgery with CPB, comprising 20 cases each of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), mitral valve repair, and aortic valve replacement. The patient cohort was divided into two groups-30 patients whose CPB circuits were coated with phosphorylcholine (phosphorylcholine-coated group) and 30 patients who did not receive phosphorylcholine supplementation or circuit coating. Both groups underwent surgery with identical CPB circuit designs. We assessed the absence of adverse events, safety, and efficacy parameters, including blood loss, clotting, and the structural integrity of the CPB circuit. Additionally, we measured changes in mean albumin levels (g/dL), mean platelet counts (×109/L), and antithrombin III (ATIII) levels before and after CPB. The retrospective analysis revealed an absence of adverse events in both groups. In the phosphorylcholine-coated group compared to the non-phosphorylcholine-coated group, there was a notable difference in the delta change in mean albumin levels (0.87 ± 0.1 vs. 1.65 ± 0.2 g/dL, p-value 0.021), mean platelet counts (42.251 ± 0.121 vs. 54.21 ± 0.194 × 109/L, p-value 0.049), and ATIII levels (16.85 ± 0.2 vs. 31.21 ± 0.3 p-value 0.017). There was a notable reduction in the perioperative consumption of human complex units after CPB (3 vs. 12, p-value 0.019). Both groups, phosphorylcholine and non-phosphorylcholine, demonstrated the absence of adverse events and that the systems are safe for iatrogenic complication. Our findings suggest that the use of phosphorylcholine coating on the CPB circuit, in the absence of supplementary phosphorylcholine, in cardiac surgery is associated with favorable changes in mean albumin levels, mean platelet counts, and ATIII levels. Further research is warranted to elucidate the full extent of phosphorylcholine's impact on patient outcomes and CPB circuit performance.

The effect of adding layers of date stones on the profitability of brackish water solar desalination process

Lately, there has been a pronounced and alarming up tick in the global demand for fresh water, resulting in a limited availability of this precious resource. Solar desalination emerges as a promising solution, particularly for supplying the sparsely populated desert regions in the southern regions of Algeria, where plentiful solar energy and subterranean brackish water resources are present.The current paper seeks to optimize the performance of traditional solar stills and elevate the quality of distilled water by incorporating layers of blackened date stones as an additional heat storage medium. Date stones, typically discarded post-date consumption, undergo a process of washing and blackening before being introduced in two forms (stone and powder). They are then uniformly distributed across the horizontal surface of solar still’s absorber.Three solar stills of identical design featuring glass sides were designed, manufactured, and subjected to testing to compare their productivity with that of a control unit. Experimental trials conducted at Ouargla University reveal significant enhancements the inclusion of a single layer of date stones (approximately 2.210 kg/ (m2 of absorber area)) leads to a remarkable 45.66 % increase in yield. Conversely, an equivalent amount (≈ 504 g) of date stones in powder form results in a 29.42 % improvement in yield. Notably, the distillate quality is substantially enhanced in both cases contrasted with the conventional setup.

Skeletal effects of sleeve gastrectomy, by sex and menopausal status and in comparison to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has deleterious effects on bone mass, microarchitecture, and strength. Data are lacking on the skeletal effects of sleeve gastrectomy (SG), now the most commonly performed bariatric surgical procedure. We examined changes in bone turnover, areal and volumetric bone mineral density (aBMD, vBMD), and appendicular bone microarchitecture and estimated strength after SG. We compared the results to those previously reported after RYGB, hypothesizing lesser effects after SG than RYGB. Prospective observational cohort study of 54 adults with obesity undergoing SG at an academic center. Skeletal characterization with biochemical markers of bone turnover, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), quantitative computed tomography (QCT), and high-resolution peripheral QCT (HR-pQCT) was performed preoperatively and 6- and 12-months postoperatively. Over 12 months, mean percentage weight loss was 28.8%. Bone turnover marker levels increased, and total hip aBMD decreased -8.0% (95% CI -9.1%, -6.7%, p<0.01). Spinal aBMD and vBMD declines were larger in postmenopausal women than men. Tibial and radial trabecular and cortical microstructure worsened, as did tibial estimated strength, particularly in postmenopausal women. When compared to data from a RYGB cohort with identical design and measurements, some SG biochemical, vBMD, and radial microstructural parameters were smaller, while other changes were not. Bone mass, microstructure, and strength decrease after SG. Some skeletal parameters change less after SG than after RYGB, while for others, we find no evidence for smaller effects after SG. Postmenopausal women may be at highest risk of skeletal consequences after SG.

Contribution of the microbiome to differential drug efficacy and clinical trial outcomes between the US and Japan.

3086 Background: The gut microbiome is a source of patient variation that influences the efficacy of anticancer drugs (Spanogiannopoulos et al., 2022) . The microbiome also varies at a population level (Pasolli et al., 2019) .There is a limited understanding of the impact of this variation. We show for the first time that differences in drug-microbiome interactions may translate to differential clinical trial outcomes. For extensive-stage, small cell lung cancer (SCLC), irinotecan-cisplatin is a first-line treatment in Japan, based on data from Japan Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG) 9511 (Noda et al., 2002) demonstrating superior efficacy to etoposide-cisplatin (RR 87% vs 68%; PFS 12.8 vs 9.4 months). Despite employing an identical study design, the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) 0124 (Lara et al., 2009) failed to confirm this benefit for a US population. The reasons for this discrepancy are unclear. Methods: Microbiome analysis was performed using BioCorteX’s industry-leading knowledge graph and integrated proprietary engines v20231108_220940. 56,171 stool microbiome samples from the US adult population and 3,558 stool samples from the Japanese adult population were included. A database built on existing literature was used to identify proteins produced by organisms in these samples. These microbial-derived proteins were analysed for sequence similarity to human proteins that interact with irinotecan, etoposide and cisplatin. Interactions were ranked by the abundance of microbial genera producing a given protein. This was normalised by interaction prevalence to produce a clinical impact metric denoted the “Numbers Needed to Interact” (NNI). Results: Our results show that the NNI for irinotecan is almost 5 times lower in the US (US: 6.2; Japan: 30.9). By contrast, the NNI for both cisplatin and etoposide (US: 2.3; Japan: 1.7) is similar between countries. A pooled analysis of anticancer drugs shows that a negative Spearman’s rank correlation can be derived for NNI vs trial failure rate (ρ=-0.86, p&lt;0.01). Analysis of the drug-microbiome interactions for irinotecan revealed 8 distinct, microbial-derived proteins with significant homology to proteins encoding human topoisomerases, including TOP1. All 8 of these molecular mimics were enriched in the US population. Only a single protein was found in Japanese stool samples. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this work represents the first demonstration that drug-microbiome interactions may contribute to the efficacy of anticancer drugs, as well as to differential trial outcomes between countries. Proteins produced by the microbiome that functionally mimic host proteins may interfere with the pharmacodynamics of cancer therapeutics, including irinotecan. This interaction is found 5 times more frequently in US stool samples than Japanese samples and may contribute to the observed differences in outcomes in JCOG9511 and SWOG0124.

Creating digital branding and a visual identity for Edupark Cocoa Bigaran

The Bigaran Cocoa Edupark business combines aspects of education and tourism with a focus on the chocolate industry. However, the Bigaran Cacao Edupark tour which was just pioneered in 2022 does not yet have a visual identity and is not widely known by the wider community. This community service activity aims to improve partners' skills related to the program related to digital branding of tourism and designing the visual identity of Bigaran Cocoa Edupark. This program is carried out with a participatory method which is focused on 1) training on tourism digital branding, and 2) designing the visual identity of Bigaran Cocoa Edupark. The implementation of activities is starting with observation, socialization, visual identity design, digital branding training and assistance, as well as monitoring and evaluation. The result of this program is the establishment of Instagram and Tiktok social media accounts accompanied by a time schedule content for 1 year as a promotional media. In addition, 1 set of graphic standard manual visual identity of Bigaran Cocoa Edupark consisting of logo, packaging and business card was also created along with the grant of chocolate molding goods.

Effect of Avenciguat on Albuminuria in Patients with CKD: Two Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials.

Avenciguat is a novel, potent soluble guanylate cyclase activator in development for CKD. Two trials investigated avenciguat in diabetic (NCT04750577) and non-diabetic (NCT04736628) CKD. A prespecified pooled analysis of two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of identical design. Adults with CKD (eGFR ≥20 and <90 mL/min/1.73 m 2 , urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio [UACR] ≥200 and <3500 mg/g) were randomized to 20 weeks of placebo or avenciguat 1, 2, or 3 mg three times daily (TID; adjunctive to angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker. Primary endpoint: change from baseline in UACR in 10-hour urine at week 20, analyzed per protocol. Secondary endpoint: UACR change from baseline in first morning void urine at week 20. Safety was monitored throughout. Overall 500 patients (mean age 62 years [SD 13]; mean eGFR 44 mL/min/1.73 m 2 [SD 18] and median 10-hour UACR 719 [interquartile range 379-1285] mg/g ) received placebo (n=122) or avenciguat 1 mg (n=125), 2 mg (n=126), or 3 mg (n=127) TID. All 243 patients in study one and 27/261 patients in study two had diabetes. Avenciguat 1, 2, and 3 mg TID reduced UACR in 10-hour and first morning void urine versus placebo throughout the treatment period. At week 20, placebo-corrected geometric mean changes (95% confidence interval) from baseline in UACR in 10-hour urine with avenciguat 1, 2, and 3 mg TID were -15.5% (-26.4, -3.0), -13.2% (-24.6, -0.1), and -21.5% (-31.7, -9.8), respectively, analyzed per protocol. Corresponding changes in first morning void urine were -19.4% (-30.0, -7.3), -15.5% (-26.9, -2.5), and -23.4% (-33.5, -11.8), respectively. Avenciguat was well tolerated, overall frequency of adverse events was low and similar to placebo. The number of patients who discontinued study drug due to adverse events with avenciguat 1, 2, and 3 mg TID were 5 (4%), 11 (9%), and 11 (9%), respectively, compared with 4 (3%) in the placebo group. Avenciguat lowered albuminuria, and was well tolerated in patients with CKD.

#313 Enhanced urinary phosphorous reduction: comparative study of oxylanthanum carbonate and tenapanor in rat

Abstract Background and Aims End-stage renal disease (ESRD) affects &amp;gt;7 M people worldwide and ∼70% of patients with ESRD have hyperphosphatemia. Oxylanthanum carbonate (OLC) is a novel nanotechnology product that combines lanthanum, which has the highest binding capacity vs other phosphate (P) binders, with a smaller pill size that is swallowed with water vs chewed. Tenapanor is a sodium hydrogen exchanger inhibitor used to reduce serum P in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis. A previous study conducted by King et al found that when administered together, tenapanor and sevelamer decreased urinary p excretion significantly more than either tenapanor or sevelamer alone across all sevelamer dose levels. Employing an identical study design and dosing regimen, the objective of our study was to evaluate the effects of tenapanor and OLC on P excretion. Method In our study, we utilized the study design and dosage regimen from King et al involving sevelamer and tenapanor. 64 male Sprague Dawley rats were fed standard chow 1 week prior to study start. On study day −1, animals were randomized into 3 study groups (n = 8): 1) vehicle, 2) tenapanor 0.15 mg/kg, 3) Vehicle + OLC 0.75%, 4) Vehicle + OLC 1.5%, 5) Vehicle + OLC 3%, 6) tenapanor 0.15 mg/kg + OLC 0.75%, 7) tenapanor 0.15 mg/kg + OLC 1.5%, and 8) tenapanor 0.15 mg/kg + OLC 3%. Vehicle and tenapanor were dosed PO twice/day whereas OLC was incorporated into the diets. 24-hour urine samples were collected using metabolic cages on day 9, 10, and 11 for urinary P measurements. Results Compared to vehicle alone (group 1), P reduction of tenapanor (group 2) was 8.5 mg/day (not significant), while P reduction of OLC (group 5) was 25.3 mg/day (significant). OLC had 16.8 mg/day more P reduction than tenapanor (Fig. 1). Conclusion OLC demonstrated 3x more effective urine P reduction vs tenapanor. Subsequent analyses will focus on examining the combination of tenapanor and OLC. Combining OLC and tenapanor utilizes 2 different mechanisms of action to manage P levels while having a low pill burden, which may lead to synergistic effects to be investigated in future studies.

Uncertainty quantification and global sensitivity analysis of bearing capacity of push-out specimen considering randomness in bond-slip behaviour

As an artificial composite material, the uncertainty in mechanical property of concrete significantly impacts the bond-slip behaviour of the shaped steel concrete structure. To investigate the effect of the uncertainty of concrete mechanical properties on the bearing capacity of push-out specimens, based on the data of a small number of push-out test with identical design parameters, the improved Bootstrap method is utilized to execute sample augmentation for the bond stress-slip curves, and the stochastic bond slip constitutive model is established after considering five parameters (K1, …, K5) in the deterministic bond-slip model as random variables. Simultaneously, considering the randomness in elastic modulus of concrete (Ec), uncertainty quantification (UQ) of the bearing capacities of the push-out specimens is conducted using the arbitrary polynomial chaos (aPC) method. Subsequently, the global sensitivity analysis of the ultimate and residual bearing capacities is accomplished through the aPC surrogate model. The results indicate that the probability distribution types of the parameters in the stochastic bond-slip constitutive model can be arbitrary when considering the randomness of concrete material, and the aPC method with at least a third-order expansion is recommended to execute UQ for the push-out test due to the strong nonlinearty between the bearing capacities and the random parameters. The ultimate bearing capacity is primarily affected by the parameter K2, followed by K4, K3, and K5. Whereas the residual bearing capacity is predominantly influenced by the parameter K4, followed by K5, the remaining parameters exhibit negligible influence. In contrast, K1 and Ec have the greatest influence on equivalent plastic strain of the concrete near the loading end of the push-out specimen.

Signal-to-noise ratio versus field strength for small surface coils.

The increasing signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is the main reason to use ultrahigh field MRI. Here, we investigate the dependence of the SNR on the magnetic field strength, especially for small animal applications, where small surface coils are used and coil noise cannot be ignored. Measurements were performed at five field strengths from 3 to 14.1 T, using 2.2-cm surface coils with an identical coil design for transmit and receive on two water samples with and without salt. SNR was measured in a series of spoiled gradient echo images with varying flip angle and corrected for saturation based on a series of flip angle and T1 measurements. Furthermore, the noise figure of the receive chain was determined and eliminated to remove instrument dependence. Finally, the coil sensitivity was determined based on the principle of reciprocity to obtain a measure for ultimate SNR. Before coil sensitivity correction, the SNR increase in nonconductive samples is highly supralinear with B0 1.6-2.7, depending on distance to the coil, while in the conductive sample, the growth is smaller, being around linear close to the surface coil and increasing up to a B0 2.0 dependence when moving away from the coil. After sensitivity correction, the SNR increase is independent of loading with B0 2.1. This study confirms the supralinear increase of SNR with increasing field strengths. Compared with most human measurements with larger coil sizes, smaller surface coils, as mainly used in animal studies, have a higher contribution of coil noise and thus a different behavior of SNR at high fields.