bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The end of the mythical giant catfish
Authors: Boulêtreau Stéphanie , Santoul Frédéric
Published: December 2016

The European catfish Silurus glanis is the largest freshwater fish (excluding anadromous species) in Europe. Its measurements raise many concerns about its potential impact on recipient ecosystems and fish communities and also feed many rumors and fantasies. It is largely accepted that the largest individual ever caught was 5 m long and weighed 306 kg. This information has been reported in the scientific literature for at least a century and is now reported in numerous specialized Web sites. In this manuscript, we test the hypothesis that such a huge European catfish specimen, and other specimens of similar size, have never existed. We demonstrate inconsistency between the reported record body dimensions and the normal species length: weight ratio established from growth curves in several European sites. We examined the original picture of the record specimen and concluded this record specimen is likely misidentification of a sturgeon. At the present time, the accurate largest individual of Silurus glanis was caught in the Rhône River in Southern France and measured 2.73 m and weighed 130 kg. Although still a very impressive megafish, it is nevertheless much smaller than this mythical European catfish.
Dynamic N‐occupancy models: estimating demographic rates and local abundance from detection‐nondetection data
Authors: Rossman Sam , Yackulic Charles B. , Saunders Sarah P. , Reid Janice , Davis Ray , Zipkin Elise F.
Published: December 2016

Occupancy modeling is a widely used analytical technique for assessing species distributions and range dynamics. However, occupancy analyses frequently ignore variation in abundance of occupied sites, even though site abundances affect many of the parameters being estimated (e.g., extinction, colonization, detection probability). We introduce a new model (“dynamic N‐occupancy”) capable of providing accurate estimates of local abundance, population gains (reproduction/immigration), and apparent survival probabilities while accounting for imperfect detection using only detection/nondetection data. Our model utilizes heterogeneity in detection based on variations in site abundances to estimate latent demographic rates via a dynamic N‐mixture modeling framework. We validate our model using simulations across a wide range of values and examine the data requirements, including the number of years and survey sites needed, for unbiased and precise estimation of parameters. We apply our model to estimate spatiotemporal heterogeneity in abundances of barred owls (Strix varia) within a recently invaded region in Oregon (USA). Estimates of apparent survival and population gains are consistent with those from a nearby radio‐tracking study and elucidate how barred owl abundances have increased dramatically over time. The dynamic N‐occupancy model greatly improves inferences on individual‐level population processes from occupancy data by explicitly modeling the latent population structure.
Dietary β‐sitosterol is more potent in reducing plasma cholesterol than sesamin in hypercholesterolemia hamsters
Authors: Lei Lin , Zhu Hanyue , Zhang Chengnan , Wang Xiaobo , Ma Ka Ying , Wang Lijun , Zhao Yimin , Chen Zhen‐Yu
Published: December 2016

Plant sterols have become very popular as a health supplement while sesamin is a promising natural compound in management of hypercholesterolemia. The present study was to compare the cholesterol‐lowering potency of sesamin with that of β‐sitosterol in hypercholesterolemia hamsters. Thirty‐four hamsters were divided into four groups fed one of four diets namely non‐cholesterol diet (NCD), 0.2% cholesterol diet (HCD) or one of two experimental diets containing 0.2% cholesterol with addition of 0.2% sesamin (Se) and 0.2% β‐sitosterol (Si), respectively, for 9 weeks. Plasma total cholesterol (TC) in hamsters given the NCD, HCD, Se and Si diets was 174.7, 340.3, 308.6, and 272.7 mg/dL, respectively, indicating dietary β‐sitosterol had a stronger cholesterol‐lowering activity than sesamin. β‐Sitosterol was more effective in decreasing liver cholesterol and increasing the excretion of total fecal sterols compared with sesamin. The in vitro study demonstrated that β‐sitosterol could displace cholesterol from micelle solutions more than sesamin. It was therefore concluded that dietary β‐sitoserol is a better cholesterol‐lowering supplement than sesamin at least in this hamster model.

Practical applications: Both sesamin and β‐sitosterol are used as health supplements in management of hypercholesterolemia. The present study compared the potency of sesamin in reducing plasma cholesterol compared with that of β‐sitosterol. Results found that β‐sitosterol exhibited a higher plasma‐cholesterol lowering activity than sesamin and thus is a more potent hypocholesterolemia supplement.

β‐Sitosterol is more effective in reducing plasma cholesterol by displacing cholesterol from micelles than sesamin.
On the “When” of Social Experiments: The Tension Between Program Refinement and Abandonment
Authors: Epstein Diana , Klerman Jacob Alex
Published: December 2016

Modern program evaluation theory posits a rigorous impact evaluation tollgate. Programs are developed and tested via rigorous impact evaluation (often, but not exclusively, random assignment). Programs that pass this tollgate proceed to broader rollout. Results from implementing this theory are disappointing. Few programs pass the tollgate, raising the question: What now? Refine the program or abandon it? Epstein and Klerman () posit that piloting and verifying the intermediate steps of the logic model can screen out programs unlikely to pass the rigorous impact evaluation tollgate. Again, that proposal raises the question: How should we proceed when a program fails to satisfy its own logic model? Refine the program or abandon it? The chapter presents several perspectives on this question and compares them against the Social Innovation Fund's experience with one of its grantees.
On the “Why” of Social Experiments: Some Lessons on Overcoming Barriers from 45 Years of Social Experiments
Authors: Rolston Howard
Published: December 2016

Nearly a half century has passed since August 1968 when the first families were enrolled in the New Jersey Income Maintenance Experiment, the first large‐scale social policy evaluation to use random assignment. Over that time, the field of social policy experiments has expanded greatly with particularly fast growth occurring since the turn of the 21st century. This dramatic growth has several dimensions, including both the volume of experiments and the numbers of areas of social policy involved. This chapter focuses on the evolving contexts in which social policy experiments have taken place, with attention to how they have overcome obstacles to their use.
Photobiology in protected horticulture
Authors: Davis Phillip A. , Burns Claire
Published: December 2016

The introduction of high power LED lighting systems for horticulture has stimulated substantial interest from both the research community and the protected horticulture industry. LED lighting systems have the potential to reduce electrical energy consumption compared to conventional high pressure sodium lights and their energy efficiency continues to improve. In addition to the potential of LEDs to reduce carbon footprints and reduce running costs, LED lighting also provides considerable opportunities to exploit the wealth of photobiological knowledge to produce horticultural benefits. The narrow emission spectra of LEDs allows lighting systems to be tightly designed to stimulate specific plant photoreceptors, allowing plants to be manipulated to produce desirable characteristics. Lighting systems can be designed to maximize growth, control morphology, and optimize flavor and pigmentation. This review outlines how the light spectrum influences photosynthesis and how plant photoreceptors sense light and control growth. The review then discusses the ways in which this knowledge is being implemented in commercial horticulture to improve factors such as yield, flavor, color, plant growth, and flowering as well as pest and pathogen management and control. Research in this area is moving rapidly as the LED systems improve and increase in efficiency and as the range of novel horticultural applications expands.
Contingent Faculty as Nonideal Workers
Authors: Kezar Adrianna , Bernstein‐Sierra Samantha
Published: December 2016

This chapter explores how contingent faculty address the issue of work and family and demonstrates the importance of understanding the diversity of contingent faculty experiences and of underemployment rather than notions of the ideal worker to explain their work lives.
Ideal for Whom? A Cultural Analysis of Ideal Worker Norms in Higher Education and Student Affairs Graduate Programs
Authors: Sallee Margaret W.
Published: December 2016

This chapter explores the consequences of ideal worker norms for graduate student‐parents in higher education and student affairs programs. Using Schein's (2004) levels of culture as a conceptual lens, this chapter considers the ways that programmatic structures and interactions with faculty and peers reflect and reproduce a culture across graduate programs that privileges the norm of the always‐working and engaged student, thereby creating barriers to full participation for students with children.
RESIDENTIAL DISTANCE TO PUBLIC HOUSING AND ITS DIFFERENTIAL INFLUENCE ON INFANT MORTALITY ACROSS RACE
Authors: Archer Phillip W. , Munn Meaghan S. , Masho Saba W.
Published: December 2016

Infant mortality is a major problem in the United States. Understanding the relationship between geographic variation and birth outcomes is important to develop and implement targeted interventions. This study examined the relationship between contextual residential distance to public housing and infant mortality. All singleton births (N = 30,554) and infant deaths (N = 361) occurring between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 2007 in Richmond, VA were analyzed. Maternal race, education, smoking during pregnancy, method of payment, gestational age, and sex of the infant were significantly associated with infant mortality. African Americans were 1.6 times as likely to reside 1 to 2 miles or less closer to public housing (p<.0001) than European Americans. Residential contextual variables play a role in poor birth outcomes, and public health professionals should be aware of this association when developing interventions.
CONTENT AND UNIFORMITY OF STEREOTYPES AND META‐STEREOTYPES OF HOMELESS PEOPLE IN MADRID (SPAIN)
Authors: Vázquez José Juan , Panadero Sonia , Zúñiga Claudia
Published: December 2016

This study analyses the content and the uniformity of meta‐stereotypes among homelessness people, and the stereotypes that domiciled people have of homeless people. The research took place in Madrid (Spain), based on data provided by a representative sample of homeless people (n = 188) and a sample of people at no risk of becoming homeless (n = 180). Results show that stereotypes of homeless people and homeless people's meta‐stereotypes predominantly have negative or indulgent content, with very little positive content, and have a high degree of uniformity, with hardly any differences in terms of basic socio‐demographic variables. The meta‐stereotypes of homeless people are more uniform, and are more negative and less indulgent than the stereotypes that domiciled people have established regarding homeless people.
Reducing the incidence of hospital‐associated venous thromboembolism within a network of academic hospitals: Findings from five University of California medical centers
Authors: Jenkins Ian H. , White Richard H. , Amin Alpesh N. , Afsarmanesh Nasim , Auerbach Andrew D. , Khanna Raman , Maynard Gregory A.
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

Almost 700 patients suffered from hospital‐associated venous thromboembolism (HA‐VTE) across 5 University of California hospitals in calendar year 2011.

OBJECTIVE

Optimize venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis (VTEP) in adult medical/surgical inpatients and reduce HA‐VTE by at least 20% within 3 years.

DESIGN

Prospective, unblinded, open‐intervention study with historical controls.

SETTING

Five independent but cooperating academic hospitals.

PATIENTS

All adult medical and surgical inpatients with stays ≥3 days. The baseline year was 2011, 2012 to 2014 were intervention years, and year 2014 was the mature comparison period.

VTEP adequacy was assessed with structured chart review of 45 patients per month at each site via random selection beginning partway through the study. HA‐VTE was identified by discharge coding, capturing patients readmitted within 30 days of prior VTE‐free admit and VTE occurring during index admission. Cases were stratified medical versus surgical and cancer or noncancer.

INTERVENTIONS

Interventions included structured order sets with “3‐bucket” risk‐assessment, measure‐vention, techniques to improve reliable administration of VTEP, and education.

RESULTS

Adequate prophylaxis reached 89% by early 2014. The rate of HA‐VTE fell from 0.90% in 2011 to 0.69% in 2014 (24% relative risk [RR] reduction; RR: 0.76, 95% confidence interval: 0.68‐0.852), equivalent to averting 81 pulmonary emboli and 89 deep venous thrombi. VTE rates were highest in cancer and surgical patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospital systems can reduce HA‐VTE by implementing a bundle of active interventions including structured VTEP orders with embedded risk assessment and measure‐vention. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:S22–S28. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
Preventing hospital‐acquired venous thromboembolism: Improving patient safety with interdisciplinary teamwork, quality improvement analytics, and data transparency
Authors: Schleyer Anneliese M. , Robinson Ellen , Dumitru Roxana , Taylor Mark , Hayes Kimberly , Pergamit Ronald , Beingessner Daphne M. , Zaros Mark C. , Cuschieri Joseph
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

Hospital‐acquired venous thromboembolism (HA‐VTE) is a potentially preventable cause of morbidity and mortality. Despite high rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in accordance with an institutional guideline, VTE remains the most common hospital‐acquired condition in our institution.

OBJECTIVE

To improve the safety of all hospitalized patients, examine current VTE prevention practices, identify opportunities for improvement, and decrease rates of HA‐VTE.

DESIGN

Pre/post assessment.

SETTING/PATIENTS

Urban academic tertiary referral center, level 1 trauma center, safety net hospital; all patients.

INTERVENTION

We formed a multidisciplinary VTE task force to review all HA‐VTE events, assess prevention practices relative to evidence‐based institutional guidelines, and identify improvement opportunities. The task force developed an electronic tool to facilitate efficient VTE event review and designed decision‐support and reporting tools, now integrated into the electronic health record, to bring optimal VTE prevention practices to the point of care. Performance is shared transparently across the institution.

MEASUREMENTS

Harborview benchmarks process and outcome performance, including patient safety indicators and core measures, against hospitals nationally using Hospital Compare and Vizient data.

RESULTS

Our program has resulted in >90% guideline‐adherent VTE prevention and zero preventable HA‐VTEs. Initiatives have resulted in a 15% decrease in HA‐VTE and a 21% reduction in postoperative VTE.

CONCLUSIONS

Keys to success include the multidisciplinary approach, clinical roles of task force members, senior leadership support, and use of quality improvement analytics for retrospective review, prospective reporting, and performance transparency. Ongoing task force collaboration with frontline providers is critical to sustained improvements. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:S38–S43. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
High‐Throughput Step Emulsification for the Production of Functional Materials Using a Glass Microfluidic Device
Authors: Ofner Alessandro , Moore David G. , Rühs Patrick A. , Schwendimann Pascal , Eggersdorfer Maximilian , Amstad Esther , Weitz David A. , Studart André R.
Published: December 2016

High‐volume production of monodisperse droplets is of importance for industrial applications due to increased emulsion stability, precise control over droplet volumes, and the formation of periodic arranged structures. So far, parallelized microfluidic devices are limited by either their complicated channel geometry or by their chemically or thermally unstable embedding material. This study shows a scalable microfluidic step emulsification chip that enables production of monodisperse emulsions at a throughput of up to 25 mL h−1 in a glass device with 364 linearly parallelized droplet makers. The chemical and thermal stability of such a glass device allows for the preparation of a broad variety of functional particles and microdroplets by using any desired solvent together with nanoparticles, polymers, and hydrogels. Moreover, the microfluidic device can be stringently cleaned for nearly unlimited use and permits the alternating production of oil‐in‐water and water‐in‐oil emulsions. The combined high throughput, chemical and thermal stability offered by our device enables production of monodisperse functional materials for large‐scale applications.

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Improving the formability of linear flow split profiles by laser annealing
Authors: Niehuesbernd J. , Monnerjahn V. , Bruder E. , Groche P. , Müller C.
Published: December 2016

The effect of laser annealing on the mechanical properties of severely deformed low alloy steel is discussed. Two different sets of annealing parameters were used to achieve improvements in formability. The resulting microstructures, tensile properties and hardness distributions are reviewed. Annealing at temperatures around 700 °C with very high heating and cooling rates leads to recrystallization at the surface and moderate grain growth in subsequent layers. The improvement in ductility is proven to be sufficient to prevent cracking during bending operations.
Influences of social issues on type 1 diabetes self‐management: are we doing enough?
Authors: Akhter Kalsoom , Turnbull Triece , Simmons David
Published: December 2016

Much of the literature on the causes and management of diabetes focuses on biomedical and lifestyle factors, with little attention given to the role of social issues in diabetes management. This study aimed to explore the influence of social issues on type 1 diabetes management from the perspectives of people with diabetes and of health care professionals (HCPs), and to identify strategies to enhance the clinic services.

Semi‐structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with eight people with type 1 diabetes and with 15 HCPs. Recruitment was through the patients’ HCPs for this service evaluation project.

Findings highlighted the importance of considering the influence of social issues on diabetes management. The dominant themes that emerged from the thematic analysis were: housing situations, divorce, stress, literacy issues, social stigma and financial issues. HCPs suggested ways to improve services by: putting informational boards (e.g. related to benefit services) in the waiting area; providing a peer support platform (to discuss and gain support related to social issues); having a service directory (to refer people to the social services); working at multi‐settings (to understand the effect of social issues); and having open clinics at weekends (to support those who are unable to get time off during the week). People with diabetes suggested that bringing in a welfare officer and providing information about benefits could improve the clinic services.

In conclusion, including a systematic assessment of social parameters in health care records might improve the ability of clinicians and the health system to tackle social issues early. This is likely to improve self‐management and biophysical outcomes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons.
The Relationship between Right–wing Attitudes and Cognitive Style: A Comparison of Self–report and Behavioural Measures of Rigidity and Intolerance of Ambiguity
Authors: Van Hiel Alain , Onraet Emma , Crowson Howard M , Roets Arne
Published: December 2016

Two recent meta–analytic studies addressing the relationship between cognitive style and right–wing attitudes yielded some discrepancies. We argue that these discrepancies can be accounted for when one considers the types of cognitive style measures included in those analyses. One of these analyses primarily relied on self–report measures, whereas the other relied on behavioural measures of cognitive style. Based on a new meta–analysis of 103 samples (total N = 12 714) focussing on behavioural and self–report measures of rigidity and intolerance of ambiguity, we confirmed the hypothesis that self–report scales yield stronger relationships with right–wing attitudes than behavioural measures. We point out potential conceptual and validity issues with both types of cognitive style measures and call for cautiousness when interpreting the magnitude of their relationships with ideology. Copyright © 2016 European Association of Personality Psychology
Using Personality Item Characteristics to Predict Single–Item Internal Reliability, Retest Reliability, and Self–Other Agreement
Authors: De Vries Reinout E. , Realo Anu , Allik Jüri
Published: December 2016

The use of reliability estimates is increasingly scrutinized as scholars become more aware that test–retest stability and self–other agreement provide a better approximation of the theoretical and practical usefulness of an instrument than its internal reliability. In this study, we investigate item characteristics that potentially impact single–item internal reliability, retest reliability, and self–other agreement. Across two large samples (N = 6690 and N = 4396), two countries (Estonia and The Netherlands), and two personality inventories (the NEO PI–3 and the HEXACO–PI–R), results show that (i) item variance is a strong predictor of self–other agreement and retest reliability but not of single–item internal reliability; (ii) item variance mediates the relations between evaluativeness and self–other agreement; and (iii) self–other agreement is predicted by observability and item domain. On the whole, weak relations between item length, negations, and item position (indicating effects of questionnaire length) on the one hand, and single–item internal reliability, retest reliability, and self–other agreement on the other, were observed. In order to increase the predictive validity of personality scales, our findings suggest that during the construction of questionnaire items, researchers are advised to pay close attention especially to item variance, but also to evaluativeness and observability. Copyright © 2016 European Association of Personality Psychology
Comparison of targeted proteomics approaches for detecting and quantifying proteins derived from human cancer tissues
Authors: Faktor Jakub , Sucha Rita , Paralova Vendula , Liu Yansheng , Bouchal Pavel
Published: December 2016

Targeted mass spectrometry‐based proteomics approaches enable the simultaneous and reproducible quantification of multiple protein analytes across numerous conditions in biology and clinical studies. These approaches involve e.g. selected reaction monitoring (SRM) typically conducted on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, its high‐resolution variant named pseudo‐SRM (p‐SRM), carried out in a quadrupole coupled with an TOF analyzer (qTOF), and “sequential window acquisition of all theoretical spectra” (SWATH). Here we compared these methods in terms of signal‐to‐noise ratio (S/N), coefficient of variance (CV), fold change (FC), limit of detection and quantitation (LOD, LOQ). We have shown the highest S/N for p‐SRM mode, followed by SRM and SWATH, demonstrating a trade‐off between sensitivity and level of multiplexing for SRM, p‐SRM, and SWATH. SRM was more sensitive than p‐SRM based on determining their LOD and LOQ. Although SWATH has the worst S/N, it enables peptide multiplexing with post‐acquisition definition of the targets, leading to better proteome coverage. FC between breast tumors of different clinical‐pathological characteristics were highly correlated (R2>0.97) across three methods and consistent with the previous study on 96 tumor tissues. Our technical note presented here, therefore, confirmed that outputs of all the three methods were biologically relevant and highly applicable to cancer research.
Information needs of the Chinese community affected by cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Lim Bee Teng , Butow Phyllis , Mills Jill , Miller Annie , Goldstein David
Published: December 2016

Objective

The information needs of patients and carers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including from the Chinese community, are not well understood, and there has been no previous synthesis of the literature. We conducted a systematic review of the information needs of the Chinese community affected by cancer.

Methods

Database, reference list, and author searches were conducted to identify studies reporting information needs of the Chinese community affected by cancer. Data synthesis was undertaken to define categories of information needs.

Results

Initial searches yielded 2558 articles. Out of the 40 full‐text articles reviewed, 26 met all the eligibility criteria. Cancer‐specific, treatment, and prognosis information were the most frequently reported information needs across the cancer care continuum. Similarly, this information was the most commonly reported information needs across different health systems, migration statuses, and Chinese cultural values. Though less frequent, information needs related to interpersonal/social, financial/legal, and body image/sexuality were also raised. Thirteen studies quantified the prevalence of unmet needs, and the most frequently reported unmet needs were related to health system and information, followed by psychological, patient care and support, physical daily living, and sexuality needs. Language and cultural factors were identified in all studies involving Chinese migrants living in English‐speaking countries.

Conclusions

Failing to meet the information needs of the Chinese community members affected by cancer increases the risk for poor cancer outcomes. Potential interventions such as translated resources, bilingual advocates, an online information portal, and communication aids can be helpful in addressing the unmet needs for this community.
Sacubitril/valsartan for chronic heart failure: its future potential
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: December 2016

Sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto), a combined neprilysin inhibitor/angiotensin II‐receptor antagonist for the treatment of chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, was launched in the UK in January. The phase 3 clinical trial PARADIGM‐HF established its efficacy in chronic heart failure but what is its future place in therapy, according to the latest guidelines and research?
Group IV Semiconductors Materials Research: Growth, Characterization and Applications to Electronics and Spintronics
Authors: Kissinger Gudrun , Pizzini Sergio , Miglio Leo , Yamada‐Kaneta Hiroshi , Yang Deren
Published: December 2016

This volume is a collection of papers presented at Symposium K “Group IV Semiconductors Materials Research: Growth, Characterization and Applications to Electronics and Spintronics” at the E‐MRS Spring Meeting 2016 held from May 02–06 in Lille, France. During preparation of our symposium we were facing the sad situation that Prof. Jan Vanhellemont, one of the organizers, prematurely died. Jan Vanhellemont was an outstanding materials researcher and the organizers decided, in agreement with the E‐MRS conference chairs, to dedicate Symposium K in memoriam to him. A brief overview of his scientific career, covering more than 35 years in semiconductor materials science, is given in the beginning of this volume.

The major challenges for fundamental research and technological development are no more confined to bulk silicon and silicon devices only, but to a variety of silicon‐based structures, such as Si–Ge alloys, nanostructured and nanocomposite materials, thin and thick films, and heteroepitaxial layers on patterned silicon substrates. Their performances are still driven by defect engineering procedures, novel growth techniques, and advanced diagnostics tools. Point defects and extended defects remain in the center of interest for both electronic and photovoltaic applications, where in some cases their engineering represents a unique option for new functionalities, such as the case of spintronic devices. A special session on spintronics was supported by the Fondazione Cariplo (Milano, Italy).

The symposium provided a successful forum for scientists from research institutions and industry from all over the world to discuss recent results and new developments in materials research on group IV elements. In total 80 oral and 43 poster presentations made this symposium a fruitful expert meeting.
Substitution of Critical Raw Materials: Synthesis, Characterization and Processing of New Advanced Materials in Optoelectronic and Magnetic Devices
Authors: Ricci Pier Carlo
Published: December 2016

This proceedings volume, published in phys. status solidi contains the research presented at the 2016 Spring European Materials Research Society Meeting in Lille, France, in the framework of the symposium E “Substitution of critical raw materials: synthesis, characterization and processing of new advanced materials in optoelectronic and magnetic devices”.

The symposium, organized by the EIP commitment RESET, received 110 abstracts with 61 oral pre¬sentations from 26 different countries and represented one of the first scientific conferences on the theme of Critical Raw Materials in Europe.

Raw materials are fundamental in most technological applications, however, the global increase demand and the geopolitical concentration of some of them, raised concerns about securing reliable access to raw material resources. In 2010 and, successively, in 2014 the EU commission created a list “Critical Raw Materials” on the prevision of the supply disruption foresees in the next 10 years and the economic and technological importance.

Research is needed to improve the fundamental understanding of the development of new material solutions with a reduced or completely eliminated critical content, while maintaining or enhancing the performance of the materials, components and products.

The design of the alternative compounds, the control of growth processes coupled with accurate characterization are mandatory for the further development of new CRM free devices.

Among the different applications the research projects presented at the symposium were mainly focussed on modern lighting devices, transparent conductive layers, permanent magnetic materials and catalytic converters, providing an interdisciplinary platform on alternatives to CRM.

We thank all invited and contributed participants for the high scientific level of presentation and, more in general, for the success of the symposium.
Clostridium difficile infection in cystic fibrosis: an uncommon but life‐threatening complication
Authors: Piccolo Francesco , Tai Anna Sze , Ee Hooi , Mulrennan Siobhain , Bell Scott , Ryan Gerard
Published: December 2016

Adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) have significant rates of asymptomatic Clostridium difficile carriage and are frequently exposed to risk factors for C. difficile infection (CDI). Despite this, the rate of reported CDI in CF is low. We describe three cases of near fatal CDI in adults with CF and review the literature regarding presentation, management, and recurrence prevention. Early recognition is important as the clinical presentation may be atypical and the illness can be severe and even life‐threatening. Management can be complicated by respiratory and nutritional failure. CF‐related gastrointestinal dysfunction may alter the typical host–pathogen interaction between patient and C. difficile, potentially explaining the low rates of CDI and atypical presentation.
Case Study and Retrospective: Aerobic Fixed Film Biological Treatment Process for 1,4‐Dioxane at the Lowry Landfill Superfund Site
Authors: Cordone Leslie , Carlson Chris , Plaehn William , Shangraw Timothy , Wilmoth David
Published: December 2016

An aerobic fixed film biological treatment system has been successfully treating recovered groundwater/landfill leachate containing 1,4‐dioxane, tetrahydrofuran (THF), and other constituents since 2003. The most likely mode of 1,4‐dioxane biotransformation is via a cometabolic pathway in the presence of THF. Pilot studies conducted during the process development phase established a design basis process loading factor of 0.6 g 1,4‐dioxane and THF (as chemical oxygen demand [COD])/g total solids per day and proved the efficacy of the process. Full‐scale design includes the use of three parallel moving bed bioreactors with effluent recycle capability. Removal efficiencies in excess of 98 percent have been documented for 1,4‐dioxane. Evolving operational challenges are associated with recent trends in 1,4‐dioxane pretreatment discharge limitations in combination with ongoing process optimization and increased influent flow rate conditions associated with seasonal precipitation patterns. ©2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How family influence, socioemotional wealth, and competitive conditions shape new technology adoption
Authors: Souder David , Zaheer Akbar , Sapienza Harry , Ranucci Rebecca
Published: December 2016

Research summary: In family businesses, investment decisions often involve both socioemotional wealth and economic considerations. Focusing on new technology adoption, we argue that multiple dimensions of socioemotional wealth contribute to complex effects within different types of family firms—depending on the level of family control—as well as in contrast to non‐family firms. Results based on cable TV operators from 1983 to 1987 confirm that family ownership correlates negatively with technology adoption, especially when family owners hold a minority rather than majority position. We also show contingencies based on performance improvements and competitive threats. Our arguments contribute new insights about the tensions between economic and socioemotional factors within minority family ownership that are absent from non‐family firms and more pronounced than in majority family firms.

Managerial summary: We find evidence of greater reluctance toward new technology adoption among firms with minority family influence than majority family influence. This suggests that goals related to socioemotional wealth only partly explain the cautious decision‐making observed in family firms, with further caution arising from conflicting priorities between family and non‐family owners. Recent performance improvements help offset the reluctance to adopt new technology, albeit to a lesser degree among firms with minority family ownership. High levels of competitive threats also offset the reduction in new technology adoption, and contrary to expectations, to a greater extent among minority family firms. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Untersuchungen über die Schmelzgleichgewichte im System Eisen‐Silicium
Authors: Schürmann Eberhard , Hensgen Ulrich
Published: December 2016

Bisherige Kenntnisse über das System Eisen‐Silicium. Bestimmung einiger Phasengleichgewichte mit Hilfe der Thermischen Analyse, der Differential‐Thermoanalyse und isothermen Halteversuchen.
Projektierungs‐ und Konstruktionssystematik als Voraussetzung für das rechnerunterstützte Projektieren sowie Konstruieren komplexer technischer Systeme
Authors: Baumann Hans G. , Looschelders Karl‐Heinz
Published: December 2016

Hierarchische Einteilung und Gliederung technischer Systeme. Komplexität und Kompliziertheit. Feuerverzinkungslinien als Beispiel komplexer technischer Systeme. Erzeugnisgliederung einer Feuerverzinkungslinie. Systematisches Projektieren und Konstruieren.
Bestimmung des NOx‐Gehaltes in der Abluft
Authors: Roth Rudolf
Published: December 2016

Kurze Übersicht über die bekannten Meßverfahren. Problemstellung. Beschreibung eines neuen Probenahmeverfahrens. Erörterung der Reproduzierbarkeit des Verfahrens, der möglichen Fehlerquellen sowie der Genauigkeit. Vergleich der Vor‐ und Nachteile des Verfahrens mit den bekannten Verfahren.
Ultraschall‐Grobblechprüfung mit flächengetreuer Rekonstruktion der Fehlerbilder als Grundlage einer automatischen Qualitätsbewertung
Authors: Barbian Otto Alfred , Hullin Christian
Published: December 2016

Automatische Prüfung von Grobblechen mit Ultraschall. Auswertung der Prüfdaten mittels EDV. Simulation der Datenerfassung im Labormaßstab. Datenreduktion in mehreren Schritten. Maßstabgetreue Fehlerbildrekonstruktion als Grundlage der Qualitätsbewertung.
Macrosegregation in continuously cast steel slabs: preliminary theoretical investigation on the effect of steady state bulging
Authors: Miyazawa Kenichi , Schwerdtfeger Klaus
Published: December 2016

Model for computation of macrosegregation in slabs due to bulging. Assumptions involved. Simplification for the case of no bulging. Introduction of a modified stream function for the mushy zone. Computation of macrosegregation profiles for various conditions.
Herstellung von Präzisionsrohren mit besonders engen Toleranzen
Authors: Gebhardt Jürgen , Funke Paul
Published: December 2016

Konstruktion eines hydraulisch verstellbaren Ziehwerkzeuges zur genauen Durchmesserkalibrierung von Rohren. Umformtechnische Randbedingungen. Möglicher Bereich der Durchmesserreduktion in theoretischer Vorbetrachtung und praktischen Versuchen.
Zum Einfluß von Temperatur und Dehngeschwindigkeit auf die Festigkeits‐ und Dehnungskennwerte von Baustählen mit unterschiedlicher Festigkeit
Authors: Krabiell Armin , Dahl Winfried
Published: December 2016

Untersuchungen an vier ferritisch perlitischen Stählen unterschiedlicher chemischer Zusammensetzung und Korngröße sowie einem bainitischen Stahl mit Streckgrenzenwerten zwischen 200 N/mm2 und 630 N/mm2. Ermittlung von Zugfestigkeit, Streckgrenzenverhältnis, Verfestigungsexponent, Lüders‐, Gleichmaß‐ und Bruchdehnung sowie Brucheinschnürung in Abhängigkeit von Temperatur und Dehngeschwindigkeit. Hinweise auf Spaltbruch oder plastische Instabilität bei hohen Dehngeschwindigkeiten. Ermittlung des Übergangs von isothermischen zu adiabatischen Versuchsbedingungen.
Temperaturregelung von Wärmebehandlungsöfen
Authors: Bitterl Michael , Klug Peter
Published: December 2016

Konzept für eine Temperaturregelung von Laboratoriumsöfen mit dem Schwergewicht einer hohen Genauigkeit und möglichst universellen Anwendbarkeit. Kriterien für die Auswahl der Regler und Thermoelemente sowie konstruktive Ausführung der Anlage. Darstellung der Möglichkeiten der Anlage anhand eines betriebsbezogenen Beispiels.
Einfluß der Schrottvorwärmung mit Erdgas und Sauerstoff im Konverter auf den Sauerstoffumsatz des LD‐Verfahrens
Authors: Schürmann Eberhard , Metzing Jochen , Ullrich Wolfgang , Winterfeld Fritz
Published: December 2016

Stand der Erkenntnisse und Ziel der eigenen Versuche. Anlagenbeschreibung und Betriebsbeobachtungen. Untersuchung der Schlackenbildung während der Schrottvorwärmung. Änderungen der Roheisenzusammensetzung durch Reaktionen mit den Vorwärmschlacken. Betrachtungen zur Sauerstoffbilanz.
Die Werkstoffbeanspruchung im quergepreßten Seildraht – Hochfester Stahldraht für Seile und Bündel in der Bautechnik
Authors: Dillmann Ulrich , Gabriel Knut
Published: December 2016

An einem Runddraht mit 4 mm Dmr. der fünften Lage eines vollverschlossenen Spiralseiles mit 80 mm Dmr. Ermittlung der mechanischen Beanspruchungen, die sich aus ruhenden und wechselnden Lasten auf einen Runddraht im Drahtverband eines Spiralseiles ergeben. Für die zulässige Gebrauchslast quantitative Bestimmung der Größe und des Verlaufs der Spannungen im Draht als Folge der Vorbehandlung, der Verseilung und seiner Lagerungsbedingungen im Seil. Errechnung von Vergleichsspannungen als Maßt ür die Größe der Werkstoffanstrengung im Draht. Die Länge der Reibwege von benachbarten Drähten für den Wechsellastanteil.
Kinetics of dense magnetite formation during oxidation of wüstite and reduction of hematite in CO/CO2 gas mixtures
Authors: Dieckmann Rüdiger , Schmalzried Hermann , Mason Thomas Oliver
Published: December 2016

Thermogravimetric study of the wüstite oxidation. Influence of the cation diffusion in magnetite and of the oxygen transfer at the phase boundary magnetite/gas on the wüstite oxidation and on the hematite reduction. Linear and parabolic growth of dense magnetite.
Fractographic studies of stress corrosion cracking behaviour of AISI 4340 steel in 0.5 N NaCI solution near its lower temper martensite embrittlement range
Authors: Tewari Vinay Kumar , Winand Réne
Published: December 2016

Based on the data of the literature for intercrystalline stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and hydrogen embrittlement of the high‐strength steel AISI 4340, determination of the so far unknown effects of tempering treatment around the low temper‐martensite embrittlement range (between 175 and 285°C) on the fracture appearance. Variation of the stress intensity and applied potentials in 0.5 N NaCI solution. Discussion on obtained fractographs for a better understanding of the SCC mechanism.
Zu den Anwendungsgrenzen elastisch‐plastischer Versagenskonzepte bei schweißbaren Baustählen
Authors: Aurich Dietmar
Published: December 2016

Elastisch‐plastische Bruchmechanik, plastischer Kollaps, GrenztemperaturenTgyundTi. Initiierung stabiler Anrisse. Akzeptanz riß(kerb)bezogener Versagenskonzepte im Ingenieurwesen. Bedeutung des plastischen Spannungskonzentrationsfaktors. Wirksamer plastischer Spannungskonzentrationsfaktor bei rißartigen Fehlern. Größeneinfluß. Zugversuch und Kerbschlagversuch für die Qualitätssicherung hinsichtlich des Rißinitiierungsverhaltens.
Zyklisches Kriechen des Vergütungsstahles 42 CrMo4 unter mittelspannungs‐behafteter Zug‐Druck‐Wechselbeanspruchung bei Raumtemperatur
Authors: Eifler Dietmar , Macherauch Eckard
Published: December 2016

Kraftkontrollierte Zug‐Druck‐Wechselversuche an vergütetem Stahl 42 CrMo4. Ermittlung von Wechselverformungs‐ und Mitteldehnungskurven bei unterschiedlichen Kombinationen von Mittelspannung und Spannungsamplitude unter Raumtemperaturbedingungen. Konsequenzen für übliche Dauerfestigkeitsschaubilder.
Die elektrische Leitfähigkeit FeO‐haltiger CaO‐Al2O3‐SiO2‐Schlacken mit Basizitäten ≤ 1,5 bei 1450 bis 1650 °C
Authors: Hoster Thomas , Pötschke Jürgen
Published: December 2016

Aufbau und Erprobung der Meßeinrichtung. Versuchsdurchführung und Beschreibung der Ergebnisse durch empirische Gleichungen. Überprüfung an technischen Elektroschlacken. Hinweis auf die Berechnung des FeO‐Gehaltes aus der gemessenen Leitfähigkeit. Diskussion.
Erfahrungen mit der lonenchromatographie in einem Laboratorium der Eisen‐ und Stahlindustrie
Authors: Geister Hans , Runge Ernst‐Armin
Published: December 2016

Beschreibung des Prinzips der lonenchromatographie und der Arbeitsweise eines lonenchromatographen. Mitteilung der Erfahrungen anhand von Anionenanalysen, die aus dem routinemäßig durchgeführten Programm der Wasseranalysen ausgewählt wurden.
A local analysis of solidification in horizontal continuous casting
Authors: Schneider Wilhelm
Published: December 2016

Quasi‐steady solidification near origin of strand. Analytical solution of heat diffusion equation in solid subject to boundary conditions at solidification front and at mould. Stability of solutions. Two‐phase region (mushy‐zone) in alloy casting.
The role of rare earth elements in controlling sulfide morphology and transverse impact properties of steels
Authors: Daizhong Li , Zeyu Wang , Liefu Zhang , Xinshi Wang , Zhanghua Fan
Published: December 2016

Addition of mischmetal into ingot mould and melting bath in steelworks or laboratory. Identification of type, shape, distribution, and size of the inclusions. Inspection of transverse impact values in relation to other factors.
Schedule pass planning with dialogic computer program for reversing hot strip rolls
Authors: Szerényi Imre
Published: December 2016

Algorithms and calculations of a dialogic computer program for the planning of the schedule pass of reversing hot strip rolls. The input data and output tables of the computer program. Fields of application and developing possibilities.
Untersuchung der wirkenden Kräfte beim Entstehen und Ablösen von Einzelblasen mit einem Simulationsmodell
Authors: Turkan Saffet , Lange Klaus W.
Published: December 2016

Verwendung eines früher entwickelten mathematischen Modells zur Simulierung der Vorgänge bei der Entstehung von Einzelblasen in Flüssigkeiten und Stahl. Berechnung der wirkenden Kräfte und ihrer Anteile.
A new model predicting phosphorus equilibrium and its applications
Authors: Guo Diançai
Published: December 2016

In this model, equations determining the ferric content of basic slags and a new definition of the activity aFeO in slag are proposed. The application of this model gives a more precise prediction of phosphorus equilibrium, permits to evaluate the influence of both slag composition and temperature on dephosphorization, to show the optimal slag composition for dephosphorization. This model also permits to examine the possibility of dephosphorization at lower temperatures.
Grundlagen zum Lufteintragen durch fallende Gießstrahlen
Authors: Göklü Sinasi M. , Lange Klaus W.
Published: December 2016

Verschlechterung des oxidischen Reinheitsgrades des Stahls beim offenen Gießen durch Einwaschen von Luft. Entstehung der Strahlturbulenz und der Strahlstörungen als Ursache des Lufteinwaschens. Zusammenhang zwischen der Oberflächenrauhigkeit des Strahls und der Bildung von Turbulenzflecken (Spot) und Turbulenzballen (Wirbel). Einfluß der Düsengeometrie auf die Turbulenzentstehung und auf das Lufteinwaschen.
Anwendungsbeispiele für ein Massenspektrometer mit gaschromatographischer Vortrennung
Authors: Sommer Dieter , Ohls Knut , Koch Karl Heinz
Published: December 2016

Massenspektrometrie nach gaschromatographischer Vortrennung als leistungsstarke Methode im Rahmen der organischen Analytik eines Eisenhüttenlaboratoriums. Beschreibung der Gerätekonfiguration und der Verfahren zur Spektrenauswertung. Die Anwendungsbeispiele betreffen die Untersuchung von Kaltreinigern, Walzölen, Aminen und aromatischen Kohlenwasserstoffen.
Some comments on the Bauschinger effect and explanation of the deformation anisotropy
Authors: Sitzer Michael R. , Troost Alex
Published: December 2016

The simple phenomenological model of the plasticity theory taking into account the damage influence on the material properties during plastic deformation is proposed. Dependence of deformation anisotropy and Bauschinger effect upon the material damage is discussed.
Temperature and thermal stresses in work rolls during the hot rolling of strip
Authors: Troeder Christoph , Spielvogel Andreas , Xu Jin‐Wu
Published: December 2016

In this paper the solution of the unsteady, three‐dimensional heat transfer in work rolls was derived by using Bessel functions and the δ‐function and expressed by an infinite series. In this manner other problems of heat transfer in solid cylinders and hollow cylinders can also be calculated.

The temperature profile of the work roll due to the distribution of the temperature in the axial direction can cause unregular pressure distribution between work roll and backup roll and can influence the quality of strip. Therefore, the thermal crowns must be considered at various moments during rolling. The thermal crown can be determined by using the FE‐Method or others.

The reason for the fire‐cracking in the roll surface can be determined as the thermal shock load in the contact zone, in which the sharp compressive stresses lead to local plastic deformation. The local plastic deformations are followed by residual deformations. Therefore, residual tensile stresses occur in the cooling zone. On each revolution, the surface undergoes plastic strain in compression and in tension. The result is thermal fatigue. The fine network of cracks in the roll surface can result in a sharp stress concentration which is dangerous for the rolls loaded with a bending moment. The maximum tensile stresses due to the temperature distribution occur in the roll core, which usually do not lead to damages of the rolls.