bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) to Delineate Subsurface Structures at Siloam Hot Spring in the Soutpansberg Basin, South Africa
Authors: Nyabeze Peter K. , Gwavava Oswald , Sekiba Matome
Published: November 2018

Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) was used to delineate subsurface structures at Siloam hot spring in the Soutpansberg Basin of South Africa. The spring water was reported to be hottest in South Africa. Groundwater with temperature ranging between 63.3 °C and 67.5°C was observed flowing from the spring. Relatively wet areas were noted to the south and north of the spring. Electrical resistivity arrays with Dipole-dipole and Wenner-Schlumberger configurations were used. Current injection and potential dipole separations of 5 m and 10 m were applied across the spring. Inversion results for arrays with the shorter dipole separation of 5 m had better resolution. Resistivity sections were generated from inversion of ERT data. The resistivity values for the low and high resistive zones were ρa < 10 and ρa > 70 Ωm respectively. Sub-horizontal resistivity zones were obtained from the inversion of Wenner-Schlumberger array survey data. High resistivity zones associated with dykes or sills were delineated on Dipole-dipole derived depth sections. Near vertical structures associated with water bearing faults or fractures were delineated at the Siloam hot spring.
2018/26 Unilateral changes to employment terms and conditions treated as redundancy in employment law (PL)
Authors: Swiatkowski Andrzej Marian
Published: November 2018

2018/26 Unilateral changes to employment terms and conditions treated as redundancy in employment law (PL)

In 2017, the ECJ delivered its judgment in the Socha case (C-149/16). This judgment, about the Collective Redundancy Directive (98/59/EC), highlights the contradictions between the Directive and Polish law and demonstrates some of consequences such a judgment can lead to.
2018/28 The right to equal pay for temporary agency workers includes travel time allowances (NO)
Authors: Tafjord Normannseth Kajsa Louise , Evju Stein
Published: November 2018

2018/28 The right to equal pay for temporary agency workers includes travel time allowances (NO)

Directive 2008/104/EC (Temporary Agency Work Directive) is implemented by means of the Norwegian Working Environment Act and provides for equal pay between regular workers and temporary agency workers. The Supreme Court has held that, in domestic law, the concept of ‘pay’ includes allowances for travel time and therefore a temporary agency worker was entitled to the same allowance as his permanent colleagues.
2018/29 Continued application of church labour law for secular employer after transfer of undertakings by means of a dynamic referral clause (GE)
Authors: Traber Othmar K.
Published: November 2018

2018/29 Continued application of church labour law for secular employer after transfer of undertakings by means of a dynamic referral clause (GE)

In the aftermath of the ECJ’s ruling in the Asklepios case (C-680/15), the German Federal Employment Court (Bundesarbeitsgericht, hereinafter: BAG) held a dynamic referral clause valid following a transfer.
2018/32 When is travelling time working time? (NO)
Authors: Hotvedt Marianne Jenum , Engan Anne-Beth
Published: November 2018

2018/32 When is travelling time working time? (NO)

The Norwegian Supreme Court concludes that time spent on a journey ordered by the employer, to and from a place other than the employee’s fixed or habitual place of work, should be considered working time within the meaning of the statutory provisions implementing the Working Time Directive (2003/88/EC). This ruling takes into account the Advisory Opinion of the EFTA Court.
2018/33 Availability periods: working hours or rest periods? (PO)
Authors: Joana Dora
Published: November 2018

2018/33 Availability periods: working hours or rest periods? (PO)

The Oporto Court of Appeal held that the employee’s availability 24 hours per day, 6 days per week, breaches the employee’s right to rest. However, such breach does not qualify the availability periods as overtime. The Court also found that the continuous use of a GPS system breached the employee’s right to privacy.
Polishing of Black and White CVD Grown Polycrystalline Diamond Coatings
Authors: Roy Snigdha , Balla Vamsi K. , Mallik Awadesh K. , Ralchenko Victor G. , Bolshakov Andrey P. , Ashkinazi Eugene E.
Published: November 2018

Microwave plasma CVD growth can produce black and white varieties of polycrystalline diamond (PCD), depending on their as-grown purity. These two types of PCDs have been polished by mechanical and chemo-mechanical polishing respectively. It has been observed that initial roughness of 2.21μm for white PCD can be brought down to 175 nm after 70 hours of combined polishing, whereas, 85 hours of combined polishing could bring down the high initial roughness of 11.2μm for black PCD down to 546 nm at the end. Although, the material that was removed during polishing was higher for the black variety of PCD but it had lower polishing rate of 4nm/hr than white PCD (13nm/hr) during chemo-mechanical polishing. Such differential polishing rate was due to harder top polished surface of the black diamond than the white diamond. The nanoindentation study on the polished PCD surfaces revealed that the black PCD has a final nanohardness of 32.58±1 GPa whereas the white variety PCD had a polished surface nanohardness of 28.5±2 GPa. More conversion of diamond surface into harder amorphous sp3 than softer graphite during polishing action may have resulted such slow rate of anisotropic polishing for black diamond than white diamond.
L’actionnariat salarié favorise-t-il la diffusion d’information aux salariés et leur participation aux décisions stratégiques ? Une question de gouvernance d’entreprise
Authors: GUERY Loris , STEVENOT Anne
Published: November 2018

La France est le pays européen qui compte le plus d’actionnaires salariés. Si la littérature sur l’actionnariat salarié s’intéresse essentiellement à ses déterminants ou à ses enjeux sur les attitudes et les comportements des salariés et sur la performance des entreprises, peu de recherches empiriques étudient ses effets sur la gouvernance des entreprises en dépit de l’intérêt théorique que cela représente. Cet article analyse les effets de l’actionnariat salarié sur la diffusion d’information aux salariés et leur participation aux décisions stratégiques selon une méthode d’appariement par les scores de propension, à partir d’un échantillon d’entreprises françaises cotées et non cotées.
L’influence de la culture nationale sur les politiques socialement responsables des entreprises
Authors: Girerd-Potin Isabelle , Jimenez-Garcès Sonia , Louvet Pascal
Published: November 2018

Le comportement socialement responsable (SR) d’une entreprise est conditionné par le contexte institutionnel du pays, qui résulte de la culture nationale et se reflète partiellement dans le système légal. Notre étude est menée sur 23 pays et confronte notes sociales de l’agence Vigeo Eiris avec mesures du comportement culturel de Hofstede. Les entreprises des pays individualistes et féminins sont plus soucieuses de leurs parties prenantes directes non financières; celles des pays à grande distance hiérarchique et fort contrôle de l’incertitude se préoccupent davantage de leur engagement sociétal; les pays tolérants face à l’incertitude exigent une bonne gouvernance financière.
Los estudios del exilio republicano de 1939 a revisión: una mirada personal
Authors: De Hoyos Puente Jorge
Published: November 2018

Este artículo presenta la evolución historiográfica de los estudios sobre el exilio republicano de 1939. Se analizan los cambios temáticos derivados de los avances de la agenda de investigación y las aportaciones de otras historiografías que han permitido su desarrollo a lo largo de las décadas.
Art i política en temps de canvis. Entre el flux de la protesta antifranquista i el reflux de la institucionalització monàrquica
Authors: Selles Rigat Narcís
Published: November 2018

L’article contempla algunes de les contribucions més rellevants que es van fer a la lluita antifranquista des de l’àmbit artístic en la societat catalana, especialment durant els darrers anys de la dictadura. S’hi tracta de les interrelacions que es van donar entre les pràctiques artístiques, les ideologies estètiques i les dinàmiques sociopolítiques. També s’hi recullen les transformacions internes que va experimentar el camp de l’art durant el període transicional, les quals van venir condicionades tant pel procés de canvi polític com per les noves dominants culturals del capitalisme a escala global.
¿Vías paralelas? Anticatalanismo valenciano y antivasquismo navarro durante la Transición
Authors: Zabaltza Xabier
Published: November 2018

Durante la Transición se organizaron como movimientos de masas el regionalismo valenciano y el provincialismo navarro, que han combinado la defensa a ultranza de la unidad de España con un marcado discurso anticatalanista y antivasquista. Con una perspectiva comparada, este artículo estudia ambos fenómenos, tratando de encontrar una explicación histórica. Para ello analiza en Valencia y en Navarra las situaciones sociolingüísticas, la correlación de fuerzas, los modos de reconocimiento del autogobierno por la Constitución, el papel de la prensa y el impacto de la violencia de motivación política.
La idea de España del centro y la derecha española durante la Transición en el País Vasco: una lectura de la foralidad
Authors: Landaberea Eider
Published: November 2018

Las dificultades para articular un discurso rotundo y compartido sobre la definición de la identidad nacional y el modelo de vertebración territorial de la nueva España democrática caracterizaron al proceso de Transición. El País Vasco no fue ajeno a este debate. La existencia de un sistema de partidos políticos peculiar, que cuenta con varias líneas de fractura, como la clásica entre izquierda y derecha, a la que se añade la línea de tensión entre partidos nacionalistas/abertzales y estatalistas/españolistas, no hace sino multiplicar las opciones de definición identitaria. En este artículo nos centraremos en la idea que de España articularon UCD (Unión de Centro Democrático) y AP (Alianza Popular) en el País Vasco durante el proceso constituyente.
Book Review: Cambó i la CHADE: empresa i política a la primera meitat del segle xx. Borja de Riquer. 2016. Cambó en Argentina. Negocios y corrupción política. Barcelona: Edhasa, 574 p.
Authors: Castells Antoni
Published: November 2018

Review: Borja de Riquer. 2016. Cambó en Argentina. Negocios y corrupción política. Barcelona: Edhasa, 574 p.
El regionalismo leonesista conservador
entre 1975 y 1980. La búsqueda de una nueva
legitimación política
Authors: Martínez Pérez David
Published: November 2018

El regionalismo leonesista se configuró desde el espectro conservador a inicios del siglo xx. Sin embargo, la eclosión autonómica que tuvo lugar en la Transición se mostró con la aparición del leonesismo de izquierdas del Grupo Autonómico Leonés. Al mismo tiempo, la UCD se mantuvo en la indefinición, y Alianza Popular encontró en el regionalismo una nueva forma de legitimarse, frente a su continuidad con el franquismo. Entre 1979 y 1980 existió la posibilidad de la autonomía, pero el cambio de posición de la UCD y el PSOE en relación con el asunto facilitó la unión a Castilla y León.
La conexión anticomunista sino-española: Chiang Kai-shek y Franco (1953–1973)
Authors: Del Río Morillas Miguel Ángel
Published: November 2018

Las relaciones diplomáticas entre el régimen de Franco y la China nacionalista de Chiang Kai-shek, establecidas oficialmente entre 1953 y 1973, son un fiel producto de los avatares de la Guerra Fría. El anticomunismo furibundo de sendos regímenes de extrema derecha desempeñaría un papel determinante para que ambos llegaran a canalizar, bajo la mirada complaciente de Estados Unidos, contactos de camaradería ideológica en campos tan variados como el militar, el político, el económico o el cultural. Sería a partir de la realpolitik establecida con el reconocimiento oficial de la República Popular de China por parte de la ONU en 1971 y la visita de Nixon a la China Popular en 1972, cuando la conexión anticomunista sino-española llegaría definitivamente a su fin con la ruptura oficial de relaciones diplomáticas en 1973.
Book Review: Enzo Traverso. 2016. Mélancolie de gauche. La force d’une tradition cachée (xixe–xxie siècle). París: Éditions la Découverte. 226 p.
Authors: Font Agulló Jordi
Published: November 2018

Review: Enzo Traverso. 2016. Mélancolie de gauche. La forcé d’une tradition cachée (XIXe-XXIe siècle). Paris: Éditions la Découverte, 226 p.
Eclipse CDT code analysis and unit testing
Authors: D'Souza Shaun C.
Published: November 2018

In this paper we look at the Eclipse IDE and its support for CDT (C/C++ Development Tools). Eclipse is an open source IDE and supports a variety of programming languages including plugin functionality. Eclipse supports the standard GNU environment for compiling, building and debugging applications. The CDT is a plugin which enables development of C/C++ applications in eclipse. It enables functionality including code browsing, syntax highlighting and code completion. We verify a 50X improvement in LOC automation for Fake class .cpp / .h and class test .cpp code generation.
“Religion of Images”?
Authors: Greene Eric M.
Published: November 2018

This paper explores how image worship was conceptualized and represented by Chinese authors during the first four centuries of Buddhist presence in China (to roughly 500 CE). Previous scholarship has argued that image worship was initially seen in China as a distinctively Buddhist practice, so much so that Buddhism was even known to the Chinese as the “Religion of Images” (xiangjiao 像教). By examining the history of the interpretation of this term, the evolution of stories about sacred images, and the presentation (or lack thereof) of image worship in debates about the compatibility of Buddhism with Chinese culture, I will argue that image worship was first seen as a distinctly Buddhist or non-Chinese practice only in the late fifth century. Ironically, image worship came to be seen or represented as “foreign” only long after it had already become part of most forms of Chinese religion.
Statistical Evaluation of Medical Diagnostic Tests
Authors: de Carvalho Vanda Inácio , Rodríguez‐Álvarez María Xosé
Published: November 2018

This article reviews the main concepts associated with the statistical evaluation of medical diagnostic tests. Measures of diagnostic test performance for binary tests, such as sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values, are reviewed, and extensions to the case of continuous‐outcome tests are discussed. In particular, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the most popular tool for evaluating the accuracy of continuous tests, and its summary indices are fully detailed. It has been recently acknowledged that several factors (e.g., different test settings and subject‐specific characteristics, such as age and/or gender) can affect the test's accuracy beyond disease status. This article also motivates and discusses the importance of accounting for such external information when evaluating the performance of a test, through information‐specific accuracy measures.
Complete Spatial Randomness
Authors: Dixon Philip M.
Published: November 2018

Complete spatial randomness (CSR) is the colloquial phrase used to describe a spatial homogeneous Poisson process. It has a long history as benchmark in the study of spatial patterns of events. I describe the history of CSR, focusing on ecological applications, and statistical methods to evaluate CSR.
Bayesian Product Partition Models
Authors: Quintana Fernando A. , Loschi Rosangela H. , Page Garritt L.
Published: November 2018

Product partition models are a class of probability distributions whose support is the set of all possible partitions of a finite collection of experimental units. For Bayesian inference, this class of distributions can be used as a prior distribution on partitions whose prominent feature is its product form. We review how this class of probability distributions can be employed in modeling from a Bayesian perspective. Both exchangeable and nonexchangeable models are considered as well as a number of extensions that facilitate incorporating covariate dependence in the prior.
Compositional Tables
Authors: Fačevicová Kamila , Hron Karel
Published: November 2018

The relative structure of observations is frequently of primary interest in practice. This goal is usually reached by methods of (vector) compositional data analysis. On the other hand, in the case when the relative structure is formed with respect to two factors instead of just one, it is advisable to adopt more general concept based on the theory of compositional tables analysis. Compositional tables can be considered as a two‐factor generalization of vector compositional data and also as a continuous counterpart to contingency tables. Accordingly, their cells, containing in general positive real numbers rather than just counts, carry relative information about relationships between two factors. Similarly, as in the case of vector compositional data, also compositional tables need to be expressed in orthonormal coordinates, which allow the further processing using standard statistical tools. The aim of this contribution is to present the main aspects of compositional tables analysis and describe its differences from the vector case.
Bayes Spaces
Authors: Menafoglio Alessandra , Hron Karel
Published: November 2018

Bayes spaces are mathematical spaces whose elements are σ‐finite positive measures, identified with their densities w.r.t. a reference measure, when these exist. In Bayes spaces, statistical analysis of multivariate and functional compositional data (e.g., discrete or continuous probability density functions) can be performed. The geometrical structure of Bayes spaces formalizes the foundational idea that log ratios among components provide the relevant information in a compositional analysis. This article describes the basic definitions and concepts upon which Bayes spaces are built, and illustrates three classes of methodologies that have been developed in this setting for the analysis of functional compositional data.
Advances in Compositional Data Analysis
Authors: Hron Karel
Published: November 2018

Compositional data are multivariate observations carrying relative information. Their specific properties are captured by the so‐called Aitchison geometry with the Euclidean vector space structure. Accordingly, it is possible to construct real orthonormal coordinate systems, where most of the popular multivariate statistical methods can be performed. The main point in the construction of coordinates is their interpretation. It should reflect the fact that the relevant information in compositional data is contained in the log‐ratios between compositional parts. The article summarizes recent advances in compositional data analysis concerning the definition of compositional data, their geometrical properties, and their possible coordinate representations with emphasis to orthonormal coordinates, being most reliable for further statistical processing. Finally, an outline for multivariate statistical analysis of compositional data in orthonormal coordinates is provided.
Matérn, Bertil
Authors: Guttorp Peter , Lindgren Georg
Published: November 2018

Bertil Matérn (1917–2007) was a Swedish forester and mathematical statistician. His most important contribution was his dissertation Spatial Variation, which contains much of the mathematical foundation of spatial statistics.
Safety, pharmacodynamics, and potential benefit of omaveloxolone in Friedreich ataxia
Authors: Lynch David R. , Farmer Jennifer , Hauser Lauren , Blair Ian A. , Wang Qing Qing , Mesaros Clementina , Snyder Nathaniel , Boesch Sylvia , Chin Melanie , Delatycki Martin B. , Giunti Paola , Goldsberry Angela , Hoyle Chad , McBride Michael G. , Nachbauer Wolfgang , O'Grady Megan , Perlman Susan , Subramony S. H. , Wilmot George R. , Zesiewicz Theresa , Meyer Colin
Published: November 2018

Objective

Previous studies have demonstrated that suppression of Nrf2 in Friedreich ataxia tissues contributes to excess oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and reduced ATP production. Omaveloxolone, an Nrf2 activator and NF‐kB suppressor, targets dysfunctional inflammatory, metabolic, and bioenergetic pathways. The dose‐ranging portion of this Phase 2 study assessed the safety, pharmacodynamics, and potential benefit of omaveloxolone in Friedreich ataxia patients (NCT02255435).

Methods

Sixty‐nine Friedreich ataxia patients were randomized 3:1 to either omaveloxolone or placebo administered once daily for 12 weeks. Patients were randomized in cohorts of eight patients, at dose levels of 2.5–300 mg/day.

Results

Omaveloxolone was well tolerated, and adverse events were generally mild. Optimal pharmacodynamic changes (noted by changes in ferritin and GGT) were observed at doses of 80 and 160 mg/day. No significant changes were observed in the primary outcome, peak work load in maximal exercise testing (0.9 ± 2.9 W, placebo corrected). At the 160 mg/day dose, omaveloxolone improved the secondary outcome of the mFARS by 3.8 points versus baseline (P = 0.0001) and by 2.3 points versus placebo (P = 0.06). Omaveloxolone produced greater improvements in mFARS in patients that did not have musculoskeletal foot deformity (pes cavus). In patients without this foot deformity, omaveloxolone improved mFARS by 6.0 points from baseline (P < 0.0001) and by 4.4 points versus placebo (P = 0.01) at the 160 mg/day.

Interpretation

Treatment of Friedreich ataxia patients with omaveloxolone at the optimal dose level of 160 mg/day appears to improve neurological function. Therefore, omaveloxolone treatment is being examined in greater detail at 150 mg/day for Friedreich ataxia.
Management of Crystallization Kinetics for Efficient and Stable Low‐Dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper (LDRP) Lead‐Free Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Qiu Jian , Xia Yingdong , Chen Yonghua , Huang Wei
Published: November 2018

Low‐dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper (LDRP) lead‐free perovskite has great potential due to its improved stability and oriented crystal growth, which is mainly attributed to the effective control of crystallization kinetics. However, the crystallization kinetics of LDRP lead‐free perovskite films are highly limited by Lewis theory. Here, the management of the crystallization kinetics of LDRP tin (Sn) perovskite films jointly controlled by Lewis adducts and the ion exchange process using a mixture of polar aprotic solvent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ion liquid solvent methylammonium acetate (MAAc) (the process named as “L‐I”) is demonstrated. Homogeneous nucleated LDRP Sn perovskite films with average grain size close to 9 µm are achieved. Both low electron and hole defect density with a magnitude of 1016, high carrier mobility, and excellent electrical performance are obtained. As a result, the LDRP Sn perovskite solar cell (PSC) with power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.03% is achieved using a simple one‐step method without antisolvents, which is one of the best LDRP Sn PSCs. Most importantly, the PSC exhibits excellent stability with no degradation in PCE after 94 d in a nitrogen atmosphere owing to the high‐quality film and the inhibition of the oxidation of Sn2+.
In Situ Investigation of Interrelationships Between Morphology and Biomechanics of Endothelial and Glial Cells and their Nuclei
Authors: Rosso Gonzalo , Liashkovich Ivan , Shahin Victor
Published: November 2018

Morphology and biomechanics of cells and nuclei are interlinked with one another and play key roles in fundamental physiological processes. While powerful approaches are available for performing separate morphological and biomechanical investigations on cells and nuclei, simultaneous investigations in situ are challenging. Here, an appropriate approach is presented based on the simultaneous combination of atomic force microscopy and confocal microscopy in situ. Two cell types with entirely different morphologies, physiological roles, and biomechanical environments are investigated: vascular endothelial cells (ECs) with dense cytoskeletal actin, and nervous system glial cells (Schwann cells (SCs)) with dense vimentin network. Results reveal that ECs and their nuclei show high pliability and tend to undergo deformation only at compression sites. SCs, in contrast, show greater ability to resist mechanical deformation. Likewise, SC nuclei are harder to deform than EC nuclei, despite that SC nuclei have significantly lower amounts of lamins A/C, which reportedly scale with nuclear stiffness. The morphology–biomechanics interrelationships in SCs, ECs, and their nuclei may be a key factor in ensuring their physiological functions. In adult SCs, mechanosensitivity is presumably traded for mechanical strength to protect the neurons they encase, whereas ECs maintain mechanosensitivity to ensure specific local physiological response to mechanical stimuli.
Cure kinetics of bismaleimides as basis for polyimide‐like inks for PolyJet™‐3D‐printing
Authors: Wagner Annika , Gouzman Irina , Atar Nurit , Grossman Eitan , Pokrass Mariana , Fuchsbauer Anita , Schranzhofer Leo , Paulik Christian
Published: November 2018

Since polyimides are well known for their excellent chemical and thermal stability and outstanding mechanical properties there is increasing interest in developing polyimide‐based inks to produce additively manufactured parts with properties superior to those of currently available materials. Usage of bismaleimides (BMI) as precursors allows polyimides to be fabricated via PolyJet™ printing (Stratasys Ltd., Rehovot, Israel). Characterization of the curing kinetics is a central part of process development, as fast curing initiated by UV light is desired. Here, a comprehensive study of thermal and UV curing of BMI oligomers with various molecular weights and chemical structures is presented. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy serves as a tool for determining the curing degree. Furthermore, an estimation of the activation energy for thermal curing is performed. UV curing of the selected BMIs leads to highly crosslinked, thermoset polymers with excellent chemical resistance and thermal stability which are of great interest for PolyJet™ 3D printing. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Applied Polymer Science published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47244.
Enhancement of basic properties of polysaccharide‐based composites with organic and inorganic fillers: A review
Authors: Abdul Khalil H. P. S. , Chong E. W. N. , Owolabi F. A. T. , Asniza M. , Tye Y. Y. , Rizal S. , Nurul Fazita M. R. , Mohamad Haafiz M. K. , Nurmiati Z. , Paridah M. T.
Published: November 2018

The global shift towards biodegradable composite has made polysaccharides a green alternative to synthetic polymers owing to their biocompatibility, sustainability, and ecofriendly biomaterials. Despite the limitations in their applications, many studies have validated the effectiveness of using organic or inorganic fillers to ameliorate their mechanical and barrier properties. However, the understanding of how polysaccharides matrix is enhanced by fillers is still inexplicit. Hence, it is imperative to review the effects of using inorganic and organic fillers in some prominent polysaccharides in terms of mechanical and water barrier properties while taking into account the function of filler morphology, size and loading. Although it is intricate to indicate the best filler used for each of the polysaccharides matrices, this review served as a “food for thought” on the established works of enhanced‐matrix filler combinations aimed at improving the mechanical and barrier properties of biodegradable films based on neutral or negatively charged polysaccharides‐based composite films for potential application in food packaging, agriculture, biomedicine and constructions sector. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47251.
Nozzle flow behavior of aluminum/polycarbonate composites in the material extrusion printing process
Authors: Zhang Xinzhou , Chen Lan , Kowalski Caleb , Mulholland Tom , Osswald Tim A.
Published: November 2018

This article investigates the effects of nozzle diameter, resin viscosity, and filler size and volume content on the melt flow properties and clogging of composites in the material extrusion additive manufacturing process. The flow behavior was systematically characterized by a custom nozzle flow test (NOFT) device, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results indicated that the viscosity of the material, the particle size, and the diameter of the nozzle were important factors for clogging. TGA results showed deviations from the designed filler volume fraction, which could be due to the buildup of filler material in the nozzle and subsequent partial clogging. SEM observations showed that particle agglomeration tended to be more prevalent in strands with high filler volume content. The agglomeration could be seen near the edge of the strand. A model for the clogging formation in NOFT was summarized into four stages: particle deposition on the wall of the nozzle, creation of dendrites, particle agglomeration, and particle clogging, which explained the clogging mechanism in the NOFT. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47252.
Effects of the degree of crosslinking and test rate on the tensile properties of a crosslinked polyacrylic pressure‐sensitive adhesive and vulcanized rubber
Authors: Kashihara Yusuke , Okada Shun , Urahama Yoshiaki , Hikasa Shigeki , Makuta Satoshi , Fujiwara Kazuko , Fujii Syuji , Nakamura Yoshinobu
Published: November 2018

The effects of the tensile test rate on the properties of a pressure‐sensitive adhesive (PSA) and of vulcanized rubber were ascertained and compared, using a poly(n‐butyl acrylate‐acrylic acid) random copolymer with varying degrees of crosslinking as the PSA. The 100% modulus of the PSA was found to increase along with the crosslinking degree and with faster tensile test rates. In contrast, the 100% modulus of the vulcanized rubber did not exhibit any test rate dependence. To assess this effect, the molecular weights between chemical and physical crosslinking points were determined via equilibrium swelling, dynamic mechanical analysis, and tensile tests. The proportion of physical crosslinking points was found to be far larger in the crosslinked PSA. Because these entanglement points can readily disentangle in response to slow deformation, variations in the test rate only affected the PSA. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47272.
Supervised versus autonomous exercise training in breast cancer patients: A multicenter randomized clinical trial
Authors: Westphal Theresa , Rinnerthaler Gabriel , Gampenrieder Simon Peter , Niebauer Josef , Thaler Josef , Pfob Michael , Fuchs David , Riedmann Marina , Mayr Barbara , Reich Bernhard , Melchardt Thomas , Mlineritsch Brigitte , Pleyer Lisa , Greil Richard
Published: November 2018

Background

There is a well‐known correlation between obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and breast cancer incidence and outcome. The Arbeitsgemeinschaft Medikamentöse Tumortherapie (AGMT) exercise study was a multicenter, randomized clinical trial and assessed the feasibility and efficacy of physical training in 50 breast cancer patients undergoing aromatase inhibitor treatment.

Methods

Postmenopausal, estrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer patients under aromatase inhibitor treatment were randomized 1:1 to counseling and unsupervised training for 48 weeks (unsupervised arm) or counseling and a sequential training (supervised arm) with a supervised phase (24 weeks) followed by unsupervised physical training (further 24 weeks). Primary endpoint was the individual maximum power output on a cycle ergometer after 24 weeks of exercise. A key secondary endpoint was the feasibility of achieving 12 METh/week (metabolic equivalent of task hours per week).

Results

Twenty‐three patients (92%) in the unsupervised arm and 19 patients (76%) in the supervised arm with early‐stage breast cancer completed the study. After 24 weeks, the supervised arm achieved a significantly higher maximum output in watt (mean 132 ±  standard deviation [SD] 34; 95% confidence interval [CI] 117‐147) compared to baseline (107 ± 25; 95%CI 97‐117; P = 0.012) with a numerically higher output than the unsupervised arm (week 24 115 ± 25; 95%CI 105‐125; P = 0.059). Significantly higher METh/week was reported in the supervised arm compared to the unsupervised arm during the whole study period (week 1‐24 unsupervised: 18.3 (7.6‐58.3); supervised: 28.5 (6.7‐40.1); P = 0.043; week 25‐48; P = 0.041)).

Conclusion

This trial indicates that patients in an exercise program achieve higher fitness levels during supervised than unsupervised training.
Clinically silent indolent T‐cell leukemia
Authors: Janot Clément , Feriel Joffrey , Borie Claire , Lefevre Edouard , Bennaceur‐Griscelli Annelise , Turhan Ali G. , Aumont Cédric
Published: November 2018

Key Clinical Message

The clinically silent, symptom‐free T‐cell prolymphocytic leukemia case that we report here confirms the major interest of the analysis of the blood smear as usual care of any emergent lymphocytosis. It also brings out the issue of the monitoring and follow‐up of this uncommon presentation.
Massive thymic hyperplasia in a 15‐month‐old boy: Case report and literature review
Authors: Tadiotto Elisa , Clemente Maria , Pecoraro Luca , Piacentini Giorgio , Degani Daniela , Pietrobelli Angelo
Published: November 2018

Key Clinical Message

A surgical approach is the choice in young infants with MTH, who are furthest from the time of physiological involution of the thymus, and when the thymus achieves the largest relative size, a surgical approach is the choice. Steroid therapy has been shown to be ineffective (4, 9, 16, 18‐20). No surgical complications have been reported, and the outcome is excellent. Recurrence has been seen in only one case.
TheUSBiosimilar Market: Stunted Growth and Possible Reforms
Authors: Sarpatwari Ameet , Barenie Rachel , Curfman Gregory , Darrow Jonathan J. , Kesselheim Aaron S.
Published: November 2018

In 2010, Congress created an abbreviated application pathway for biosimilars, versions of approved biologics made by different manufacturers. However, as of November 1, 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved only 13 biosimilars under this pathway, of which just 6 were available for patients to use. We review the history ofUSregulation of biologics and identify manufacturing, regulatory, and marketing issues that have limited biosimilar market entry and uptake, concluding with recommendations for reform.
Human Cardiac Organoids for Disease Modeling
Authors: Nugraha Bramasta , Buono Michele F. , von Boehmer Lisa , Hoerstrup Simon P. , Emmert Maximilian Y.
Published: November 2018

Human cardiac drug discovery and disease modeling face challenges in recapitulating cellular complexity and animal‐to‐human translation due to the limitations of conventional 2D cell culture and animal models. The development of human cardiac organoid technologies could help in stimulating and maintaining differentiated cell functions for extended periods of time. By closely mimicking in vivo organ functions in vitro they could thereby help in overcoming the obstacles mentioned above. Through the construction of human cardiac organoids from pluripotent stem cell–derived cells, derived from patients with specific known genotypes and phenotypes, more complex and robust in vitro tools have recently become available for disease modeling. In this review, we will describe the relevance and importance of evolving organoid platforms in disease biology. We further provide examples of cardiac organoid platforms, which may lead the way toward future personalized medicine and drug discovery.
Low structural complexity of nonnative grassland habitat exposes prey to higher predation
Authors: Norbury Grant , van Overmeire Wouter
Published: November 2018

The structural complexity of vegetation can have profound effects on the hunting efficiency of predators, thereby affecting their intake rate of prey. While studies have shown that vegetation complexity can play an important role in managing unwanted impacts of predators, it is less clear how structural complexity of invasive vegetation affects the vulnerability of terrestrial prey. Short nonnative pasture species bred for agricultural production, for example, are highly invasive and pervade grassland ecosystems worldwide. They generally have low structural complexity compared with taller native vegetation they often displace. We conducted controlled experiments to test whether nonnative pastures expose fauna to greater predation risk. Survival of invertebrates (tethered locusts) subject to predation by invasive mammalian insectivores (European hedgehogs) in nonnative pasture (0.10 per 24 h; 95% CI, 0.08–0.13) was less than one‐half that in structurally complex native perennial tussock (bunch) grass (0.24; 95% binomial CI, 0.18–0.31). A significant positive relationship was apparent between structural complexity (grass dry stem density) surrounding each locust and their survival. In a second experiment, survival of locusts placed solely in tussock increased with decreasing locust density in tussock, presumably reflecting fewer resource‐rich patches on which predators could focus. These results demonstrate that invasion by structurally simple nonnative vegetation exposes prey to greater risk of predation. This is concerning from a global nature conservation perspective given that conversion of nearly one‐half of the world's temperate grasslands to agriculture includes a range of invasive, structurally simple, nonnative, plant species. Minimizing invasion and maintaining and restoring complex habitat structure may be a useful conservation option for reducing unwanted predation.
Consequences of shade management on the taxonomic patterns and functional diversity of termites (Blattodea: Termitidae) in cocoa agroforestry systems
Authors: Felicitas Ambele C. , Hervé Bisseleua D. B. , Ekesi Sunday , Akutse Komivi S. , Djuideu Christian T. C. L. , Meupia Marie J. , Babalola Olubukola O.
Published: November 2018

Termites have gained importance as major pests in cocoa agroforests. Proper identification of termite species and knowledge on their functional diversity are the first steps in developing environmentally compatible management strategies. We tested the hypothesis that patterns of termite species richness in different cocoa agroforests is related to responses by termite functional groups to changes in shade management. We compared termite assemblages under five cocoa agroforestry systems in Cameroon to assess the impact of shade on termite taxonomic and functional group diversity. Sampling was done using a modified standardized transect method. Two 30 × 30 m quadrates each divided into three transects were laid in four farms at each site. Termites sampled were identified and grouped according to habitats, functional groups, and feeding habits. Sixty‐nine termite species in 33 genera and five subfamilies under two families were sampled. Termitidae was the most dominant family and Rhinotermitidae the least dominant with few species. Termite species richness decreased significantly from the heavy shaded cocoa agroforests (44 species) to the full sun (11 species). Functional group pattern differed significantly in all the cocoa agroforests and within each agroforestry system and dominated by wood and litter feeder species. Many species belonging to this group were responsible to most damages on cocoa trees. Both the richness of termite pests and marketable yield followed a quadratic curve and were found to be lowest and highest in plots with shade cover above 40%. The simulated optimal shade levels for low termite infestations and marketable yield overlapped between 45% and 65% indicating that cocoa agroforestry systems with around 55% shade cover may be optimal to balance termite infestations and marketable yield. Shade maintenance in cocoa agroforests is valuable in reducing termite pest species and conserving soil feeding termites which provide beneficial ecosystem services.
Prevalence of underlying gastrointestinal malignancies in iron‐deficient heart failure
Authors: Martens Pieter , Minten Lennert , Dupont Matthias , Mullens Wilfried
Published: November 2018

Aims

Anaemia and iron deficiency (ferritin level < 100 or 100–300 μg/L with transferrin saturation < 20%) are prevalent in heart failure. Mechanistically, iron deficiency is linked to poor intestinal uptake, increased intestinal loss, and chronic inflammation. However, the prevalence of underlying gastrointestinal malignancies is not established in iron‐deficient heart failure with or without anaemia.

Methods and results

Patients followed up in a single‐centre, heart failure database with baseline registration of haemoglobin and iron status were retrospectively evaluated. The proportion of patients undergoing upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy between inclusion and censoring was determined. Afterwards, the prevalence of biopsy that confirmed intestinal malignancies in relation to baseline iron and haemoglobin status was determined. Anaemia was defined as a haemoglobin level <12 g/dL, and iron deficiency according to the aforementioned criteria. Of the 1197 patients in the database, 699 (59%) patients underwent full endoscopic workup over a mean follow‐up of 50 ± 27 months. A total of 50 intestinal malignancies were identified (n = 42, 84%, in iron‐deficient vs. n = 8, 16%, non‐iron‐deficient patients; P < 0.001). The prevalence of intestinal malignancies was non‐statistically different in iron‐deficient patients with anaemia (n = 12/129, 9.3%) or without anaemia (n = 30/287, 10.5%; P = 0.551). The prevalence was much lower in patients without iron deficiency with anaemia (n = 5/83, 6%) or without anaemia (n = 3/200, 1.5%). In patients with iron deficiency but without anaemia (a group in which the role of endoscopic workup is less established), ferritin levels carried an inverse diagnostic capacity in detecting patients with an underlying malignancy (area under the curve = 0.741, P < 0.001). A ferritin level < 56 μg/L had the best acuity, detecting malignancies with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 71%.

Conclusions

Endoscopic evaluation is warranted in heart failure patients with iron‐deficient anaemia given the high prevalence of underlying intestinal malignancies, as advised by gastroenterology guidelines. However, additional research is needed assessing the best approach to patients with iron deficiency without anaemia, given the high occurrence of intestinal malignancies in these patients. A lower ferritin level could potentially help stratify the need for an endoscopic workup in these patients.
Unraveling the Complexity of Milk Fat Globules to Tailor Bioinspired Emulsions Providing Health Benefits: The Key Role Played by the Biological Membrane
Authors: Lopez Christelle , Cauty Chantal , Guyomarc'h Fanny
Published: November 2018

Many food products are oil in water (O/W) emulsions. Milk has the specificity to be a natural O/W emulsion secreted by the lactating cells. The milk fat globules are recognized as being efficient conveyors of energy in the form of triacylglycerols and of bioactive molecules, specifically provided by the biological membrane, the MFGM, which is the interface with the gastrointestinal tract. However, the MFGM is altered in many processed dairy products and is currently absent from standard infant milk formulas. The objectives of this invited article are to evaluate whether the specific composition and structure of the MFGM and milk polar lipid assemblies, associated with their nutritional and health benefits, could be used to tailor functional emulsions bioinspired by the MFGM‐coated milk fat globules. Recent knowledge about the structure of the MFGM revealing the heterogeneous distribution of proteins and the formation of ordered lipid domains rich in milk sphingomyelin and cholesterol is presented. The impacts of the unique composition and biophysical properties of milk polar lipids on the structure and potential functions of the MFGM are highlighted. Facing the evidence of both the functional and health benefits provided by the MFGM, the preparation of MFGM‐enriched ingredients from dairy products has recently attracted wide attention. The utilization of MFGM components to tailor the surface of processed lipid droplets in food emulsions and to develop new products providing health benefits is discussed.

The biological membrane surrounding milk fat globules, the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), is of special interest for its functional and health benefits. However, the MFGM is altered in many processed dairy products and is currently absent from standard infant milk formulas, in which the processed lipid droplets are coated by milk proteins. The preparation of MFGM‐enriched ingredients from dairy products is possible at the industrial scale. The utilization of MFGM components to tailor the surface of processed lipid droplets in food emulsions will permit the development of new products providing health benefits.
Multi‐objective performance optimization of irreversible molten carbonate fuel cell–Stirling heat engine–reverse osmosis and thermodynamic assessment with ecological objective approach
Authors: Ahmadi Mohammad H. , Sameti Mohammad , Pourkiaei Seyed M. , Ming Tingzhen , Pourfayaz Fathollah , Chamkha Ali J. , Oztop Hakan F. , Jokar Mohammad Ali
Published: November 2018

This paper aims to investigate a hybrid cycle consisting of a molten carbonate fuel cell (FC) and a Stirling engine which, by connecting to a seawater reverse osmosis desalination unit, provides fresh water. First, a parametric evaluation is performed to study the effect of some key parameters, including the current density and the working temperature of the FC and the thermal conductance between the working substance and the heat reservoirs in the Stirling engine, on the objective functions. The objective functions include the energy efficiency, the exergy destruction rate density, the fresh water production rate, and the ecological function density. After investigating each double combination of these objective functions, two scenarios are defined in quest to concurrently optimize three functions together. The first scenario aims to optimize the energy efficiency, the exergy destruction rate density, and the fresh water production rate; and the second scenario attempts to optimize the energy efficiency, the fresh water production rate, and the ecological function density. A multi‐objective evolutionary algorithm joined with the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA‐II) approach is employed to obtain Pareto fronts in each case scenario. In order to ascertain final solutions between Pareto fronts, three fast and robust decision‐making methods are employed including TOPSIS, LINMAP, and Fuzzy. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to critically analyze the performance of the system.