bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-situ formed, ultrafine Al-Si composite
materials: ductility
Authors: Guba P. , Gesing A. , Sokolowski J. , Conle A. , Sobiesiak A. , Das S. , Kasprzak M.
Published: August 2019

Purpose: The work objective includes optimization of the casting production and heat
treatment processes that will simultaneously maximize the combination of strength,
hardness, and ductility for hypereutectic Al-Si compositions with Si volume fractions of
as much as 25 vol.%. In addition, such an in-situ formed composite alloy will attain a
unique combination of low production cost, high potential recycled content, and functional
characteristics suitable for mission critical aerospace and vehicular applications.
Design/methodology/approach: The unique High Pressure Die Casting Universal
Metallurgical Simulator and Analyser (HPDC UMSA) was used for melting, cyclic melt treatment,
and solidification of the hypereutectic Al-Si-X (A390). The produced as-cast structures contained
colonies of nano-diameter Si whiskers and other morphologies, and absence of primary silicon
particles. Heat treated structures rendered nano and ultrafine metal matrix composites.
Findings: New developed as-cast Al-Si materials containing nano-diameter Si whiskers,
without primary silicon particles required ultra short time heat treatment to result in nano and
ultrafine metal matrix composite, rendering their hardness, strength and wear resistance,
and the same time retaining toughness and ductility.
Research limitations/implications: The cast samples were produced in laboratory
conditions and potential tensile strength was estimated from empirical correlation with
micro-hardness measurements. In the future, the comprehensive mechanical properties
need to be tested.
Practical implications: These ultrafine Si, Al-MMCs can be net-shape formed by
modified HPDC technology or consolidated from spray-atomized alloy powder.
Originality/value: Optimization of the entire production process for the hypereutectic Al-Si
alloy compositions achieved a uniform distribution of ~ 25 vol.% of ultrafine Si particles
in ductile FCC-Al matrix further reinforced by age hardening with nano-scale spinodal
GP-zones. The associated mechanical property and ductility improvements will open a
wide range of critical lightweighting components in transportation: aerospace, terrestrial
vehicle and marine to the optimized hypereutectic Al-Si alloys. Presently, these components
do not use the commercial HPDC A390 alloys due to their limited ductility and strength.
Proposed new technology will allow conversion of various cast airspace alloys with ultrahigh
mechanical properties to the automotive applications.
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty –
advantages and disadvantages used
bone cement of PMMA
Authors: Choryłek P.
Published: August 2019

Purpose: This paper is a review of literature where the analyses of the commonly used
bone cements were carried out especially: methods of manufacturing, surgical techniques,
mechanical properties, biocompatibility studies as well as possibility of improvement some
properties by using additives.
Design/methodology/approach: The aim of this publication is the analysis of the
state of knowledge and treatment methods on compression fractures, approximation of
the specifics of compression fractures, presentation of minimally invasive percutaneous
surgical techniques, description of features of the most common used bone cement on
matrix Poly(methyl methacrylate) – (PMMA) and presentation cement parameters which
affect potential postoperative complications.
Findings: In considering to review of actual state of knowledge there is a need to find the
additives which allow: to reduce the polymerization temperature, improve the biocompatibility
as well as mechanical properties. During the studies it was found that the additive which can
meet the requirements is glassy carbon in form of powder.
Practical implications: Discussion allows to prepare samples during practical work with
new kind additives in composite with bone cement as matrix.
Originality/value: The original in this discussion is the possibility to improve fundamental
properties of the selected bone cements by using different than commonly used additives.
Day care center as a space for inclusion interactions. Assumptions, areas, good practices
Authors: Lewko Agnieszka
Published: August 2019

The article discusses issues related to the impact on social inclusion, implemented as part of the activities of the day care center for children and youth. The article is a description of the assumptions of the inclusion process in the light of the theoretical assumptions and those arising from the author’s pedagogical practice. The article contains an outline of the inclusion areas and selected examples of projects incorporated as part of the activities of the day care center for active inclusion.
Chosen mathematics concepts and their understanding by students of early school education ‒ the concept of measure and measurement
Authors: Żądło-Treder Joanna
Published: August 2019

The early school education stage is a particularly important period, in which the child has possibility to confront colloquial and formal knowledge. An important area of such confrontation is the so-called practical information and skills, including the concept of measure and measuring ability. At the elementary level the child passes from colloquial knowledge of measurement to formal knowledge and starts to understand the interrelationships between various measures. One of the basic threats in shaping the concept of measure in children is too early formalization of knowledge.
The article presents the results of the pilot studies regarding the understanding by 7‒9 year old children the sense of measuring continuous magnitudes such as: length, volume, mass, time, temperature and surface area.
On the basis of the results, it was found that the most difficulties for children is to measure mass, volume and surface area. Basically, the studied group does not understand the importance of balance on the beam balance, so they cannot determine the result of mass measurement. Based on the observation it was noticed that children mostly associate the measuring activity with length and special tools. They are not aware that we can measure with any chosen units and that we can measure different continuous magnitudes.
Europarechtliche Grenzen der Tätigkeit von Normungsorganisationen
Authors: Masuhr Maya Sofie
Published: August 2019

In this book, the author examines how EU fundamental freedoms and EU competition law apply to the setting of standards in standardisation organisations. Standards exist for almost every area of life. Although they are legally non-binding, complying with them may be de facto binding due to their legal and economic effects. Individuals involved in standardisation processes therefore have the power to decide which products are in line with applicable standards and which are not, which products consumers will buy due to their conformity to standards and which products authorities and courts are likely to regard as safe. This study shows that this power is limited by EU competition law and fundamental freedoms regardless of the legal form of the organisations in question. Standards that restrict competition or fundamental freedoms must be proportionate and justified on a case-by-case basis.
Anatomie du discours de lancement
Authors: Luneau Marie-Pier , Mailhot Virginie
Published: August 2019

Entre 1950 et 1970, les lancements de livres sont fréquents aux Éditions Fides. À chaque événement, le père Paul-Aimé Martin, fondateur de la maison, ne manque pas de prendre la parole. Éditeur aguerri, grand érudit et fin publiciste, le père Martin manifeste une énonciation éditoriale particulière à travers ses allocutions de lancement. Censé s’effacer devant l’auteur, de quoi parle exactement l’éditeur à ce moment où il chante les louanges de telle nouveauté? Cet article vise à jeter les prémisses d’une réflexion sur un type particulier de « discours » d’éditeur, soit l’allocution prononcée lors de lancements. Au-delà d’une certaine part de flagornerie consubstantielle à ce type d’énoncé, comment l’éditeur parvient-il à mettre en valeur son propre catalogue? Il s’agit d’observer quelles stratégies discursives déploie l’éditeur dans ce type d’énoncé, et quels rapports de force le sous-tendent.
Les éditeurs d’Afrique francophone sur l’échiquier du « glocal » (1980-2019)
Authors: Thierry Raphaël
Published: August 2019

Entre les langues, les marchés et les labels, l’édition africaine représente un objet constant de discours. Celle-ci interroge en permanence notre regard sur le livre et notre relation à l’offre éditoriale internationale. Le temps est désormais révolu où le discours quasi unique concernant l’édition en Afrique portait sur la prétendue « famine du livre » continentale liée à la crise économique des années 1980. Depuis trois décennies, les marchés du livre n’ont fait que croître sur le continent, diversifiant leur production à travers une circulation des livres et de l’information éditoriale toujours plus intensives et transnationales. L’édition africaine demeure toutefois bien souvent présentée à travers les difficultés rencontrées par ses agents plutôt que, précisément, leur capacité d’agentivité (« Agency »). Indiscutable, historiquement établi, le livre africain se fait pourtant le miroir de la globalisation éditoriale et de ses flux économiques. Les enjeux économiques qui y ont cours reflètent alors les inégalités, les alternatives – les marges, aussi – d’un monde du livre toujours davantage concentré. L’édition africaine participe de même à un double questionnement : en Afrique, elle doit défendre sa légitimité économique et intellectuelle en fonction de contextes sociopolitiques évolutifs et de marchés éducatifs en situation d’extraversion; à l’international, elle doit se positionner vis-à-vis de l’édition non africaine de littérature et de non-fiction qui concentre la majorité de la production intellectuelle africaine dans le monde. En étudiant les discours sur le livre africain, discours d’éditeurs africains et évolution du marché international du livre africain francophone depuis les années 1980, cette réflexion se propose d’interroger la relation entre l’industrie du livre en Afrique et le phénomène de mondialisation du livre, afin de mettre au jour un tissu permanent d’échanges, de tensions et d’influences, faisant du marché du livre africain un espace « glocal », s’il en est.
André Schiffrin et Éric Hazan, emblèmes d’une radicale indépendance
Authors: Lefort-Favreau Julien
Published: August 2019

Cet article examine le discours élaboré par l’éditeur André Schiffrin durant les années 2000. Nous observerons la transformation d’un discours éditorial : les textes de Schiffrin, de mémoires autobiographiques, acquièrent une portée politique, au point même de devenir manifestes de l’édition indépendante. Le discours de réception qui se cristallise autour des propos de Schiffrin éclaire par ailleurs un second discours, celui de son propre éditeur, Éric Hazan, le fondateur de La Fabrique. À partir de l’analyse croisée des positions objectives de Schiffrin dans le champ et de leur parole respective, nous proposerons une définition de la notion d’indépendance éditoriale. C’est le portrait d’un écosystème éditorial en mutation que nous brossons, en soulignant l’importance des discours d’éditeurs dans la politisation de leur métier au tournant du millénaire. Ultimement, nous mettrons au jour le rôle de ces discours dans la mise en place d’une guerre de position qui vise à fissurer une hégémonie culturelle.
Eli Lotar and Jacques-André Boiffard aboard the Exir Dallen
Authors: Ryan Caitlin E.
Published: August 2019

Cet article se penche sur une série de photographies prises par Eli Lotar lors d’un voyage avec son collègue photographe Jacques-André Boiffard à bord de l’Exir Dallen, un voilier appartenant à un ingénieur industriel nommé Fernando de Cárdenas. Rejoignant le groupe de Cárdenas alors que le navire se dirigeait de l’Espagne vers l’Afrique du Nord en 1933 et 1934, les photographes documentèrent les populations pauvres vivant le long des côtes des deux continents. À cette époque, Lotar et Boiffard s’étaient engagés dans la politique communiste et participaient aux activités de l’Association des écrivains et artistes révolutionnaires (AEAR). En analysant ces photos en relation à la critique de l’AEAR de l’intervention franco-espagnole au Maroc, je soutiens que la série Exir Dallen était une tentative pour mobiliser la photographie au service de politiques anticoloniales et antifascistes. Ce faisant, je remets en cause un récit commun en histoire de l’art qui met les deux photographes presque exclusivement en rapport avec le surréalisme.
Flexiseguridad o del paradigma del welfare al workfare en el actual contexto poscrisis español
Authors: Baldoví Purificación
Published: August 2019

Actualmente, la economía española es más productiva y, sin embargo, no ha recuperado las tasas de empleo antes de la crisis, por lo que el principal reto es reducir el desempleo y el empleo temporal, crear empleos de calidad, estables y productivos, que ayuden a reducir la desigualdad y reanudar el camino de convergencia con las economías más avanzadas. El modelo de flexiseguridad define como una estrategia de modernización del mercado de trabajo a través de dos vías convergentes: flexibilidad (tanto empresarial como laboral, para responder a las necesidades de ambos) y seguridad (para los trabajadores, que deben poder desarrollar su carrera, sus habilidades y recibir apoyo de los sistemas de seguridad social durante períodos de inactividad). Sin embargo, este modelo de flexiguridad danesa no puede aplicarse directamente a cada Estado miembro o región de la Unión Europea, sino adaptarse a cada contexto con una combinación adecuada de instrumentos que respondan, en nuestra región, al debate entre diferentes sensibilidades sociales y políticas. Se busca la especialización flexible y no la flexibilidad precarizante.
ViSiElse: An innovative visualization R package to ensure behavioral raw data reliability and transparency
Authors: Garnier Elodie Marie , Fouret Nastasia , Descoins Médéric
Published: August 2019

Background. In recent years, the scientific community encouraged the use of raw data graphs to improve the reliability and transparency of the results presented in papers. However, methods to visualize raw data are limited to one variable per graph and/or only small samples. In behavioral science as in many other fields, multiple variables need to be plotted together to allow insights of the behavior or the process observations. In this paper, we present ViSiElse, an R-package offering a new approach in raw data visualization.

Methods. ViSiElse was developed with the open-source software R to provide a solution for the complete visualization of the raw time data.

Results. ViSiElse grants a global overview of a process by combining the visualization of multiple actions timestamps for all participants in a single graph. Individuals and/or group behavior can easily be assessed. Supplementary features allow users to further inspect their data by adding statistical indicators and/or time constraints. ViSiElse provides a global visualization of actions acquired from timestamps in any quantifiable observations.
Lean healthcare integrated with discrete event simulation and design of experiments: an emergency department expansion
Authors: Gabriel Gustavo Teodoro , Campos Afonso Teberga , Magacho Aline de Lima , Segismondi Lucas Cavallieri , Vilela Flávio Fraga , de Queiroz Jose Antonio , Montevechi José Arnaldo Barra
Published: August 2019

Background. Discrete Event Simulation (DES) and Lean Healthcare are management tools that are efficient and assist in the quality and efficiency of health services. In this sense, the purpose of the study is to use lean principles jointly with DES to plan the expansion of a Canadian emergency department and to the demand that comes from small closed care centers.

Methods. For this, we used simulation and modeling method. We simulated the emergency department in FlexSim Healthcare® software and, with the Design of Experiments (DoE), we defined the optimal number of locations and resources for each shift.

Results. The results show that the ED cannot meet expected demand in the current state. Only 17.2% of the patients were completed treated, and the Length of Stay (LOS), on average, was 2213.7, with a confidence interval of (2131.8 - 2295.6) minutes. However, after changing decision variables, the number of treated patients increased to 95.7% (approximately 600%). Average LOS decreased to 461.2, with a confidence interval of (453.7 - 468.7) minutes, about 79.0%. In addition, the study shows that emergency department staff are balanced, according to Lean principles.
Below the canopy: global trends in forest vertebrate populations and their drivers
Authors: Green Elizabeth J. , McRae Louise , Freeman Robin , Harfoot Mike B.J. , Hill Samantha L.L. , Baldwin-Cantello William , Simonson William D.
Published: August 2019

Global forest assessments use forest area as a proxy indicator of biodiversity status, which may mask below-canopy pressures driving forest biodiversity loss and ‘empty forest’ syndrome. The status of forest biodiversity is important not only for species conservation but also because species loss can have consequences for forest health and carbon storage. We aimed to develop a global indicator of forest specialist vertebrate populations to improve assessments of forest biodiversity status. For this purpose we used the Living Planet Index methodology, developing a weighted composite Forest Specialist Index for the period 1970-2014. We then investigated potential drivers of forest vertebrate population change, including tree cover change, to determine whether forest area is a good proxy for forest biodiversity. The effects of satellite-derived tree cover trends and other pressures on the average rate of change of forest vertebrate populations were analysed. We reviewed the literature to gain more context-specific information relating to drivers of forest specialist population change. On average, forest vertebrate populations declined by 53% between 1970 and 2014. We found little evidence of a consistent global effect of tree cover change on forest vertebrate populations but a significant negative effect of exploitation threat on forest specialists. However, time-series cross-correlation analyses showed some forest specialist populations are closely aligned to tree cover change. The literature review identified several drivers of population change that cannot be detected remotely and may cause populations to change independently of tree cover. Forest vertebrate populations have more than halved since the 1970s. In conclusion, we found that forest area is a poor proxy of forest biodiversity status. For forest biodiversity to recover, we must monitor and manage all threats to vertebrates, including those below the canopy.
Parasites opt for the best of both worlds
Authors: Decaestecker Ellen , Bulteel Lore
Published: August 2019

The fungal parasite Podosphaera plantaginis employs both sexual and asexual reproduction to increase its chances of infecting the plant Plantago lanceolata.
Complexity of human walking: the attractor complexity index is sensitive to gait synchronization with visual and auditory cues
Authors: Terrier Philippe
Published: August 2019

Background

During steady walking, gait parameters fluctuate from one stride to another with complex fractal patterns and long-range statistical persistence. When a metronome is used to pace the gait (sensorimotor synchronization), long-range persistence is replaced by stochastic oscillations (anti-persistence). Fractal patterns present in gait fluctuations are most often analyzed using detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA). This method requires the use of a discrete times series, such as intervals between consecutive heel strikes, as an input. Recently, a new nonlinear method, the attractor complexity index (ACI), has been shown to respond to complexity changes like DFA, while being computed from continuous signals without preliminary discretization. Its use would facilitate complexity analysis from a larger variety of gait measures, such as body accelerations. The aim of this study was to further compare DFA and ACI in a treadmill experiment that induced complexity changes through sensorimotor synchronization.

Methods

Thirty-six healthy adults walked 30 min on an instrumented treadmill under three conditions: no cueing, auditory cueing (metronome walking), and visual cueing (stepping stones). The center-of-pressure trajectory was discretized into time series of gait parameters, after which a complexity index (scaling exponent alpha) was computed via DFA. Continuous pressure position signals were used to compute the ACI. Correlations between ACI and DFA were then analyzed. The predictive ability of DFA and ACI to differentiate between cueing and no-cueing conditions was assessed using regularized logistic regressions and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC).

Results

DFA and ACI were both significantly different among the cueing conditions. DFA and ACI were correlated (Pearson’s r = 0.86). Logistic regressions showed that DFA and ACI could differentiate between cueing/no cueing conditions with a high degree of confidence (AUC = 1.00 and 0.97, respectively).

Conclusion

Both DFA and ACI responded similarly to changes in cueing conditions and had comparable predictive power. This support the assumption that ACI could be used instead of DFA to assess the long-range complexity of continuous gait signals. However, future studies are needed to investigate the theoretical relationship between DFA and ACI.
Retracted: Down‐regulation of long noncoding RNA PVT1 inhibits esophageal carcinoma cell migration and invasion and promotes cell apoptosis via microRNA‐145‐mediated inhibition of FSCN1
Authors: Shen Si‐Ning , Li Ke , Liu Ying , Yang Cheng‐Liang , He Chun‐Yu , Wang Hao‐Rang
Published: August 2019

Accumulating evidence has established that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) is a tumor regulator in many cancers. Here, we aimed to investigate the possible function of lncRNA PVT1 in esophageal carcinoma (EC) via targeting of microRNA‐145 (miR‐145). Initially, microarray‐based gene expression profiling of EC was employed to identify differentially expressed genes. Moreover, the expression of lncRNA PVT1 was examined and the cell line presenting with the highest level of lncRNA PVT1 expression was selected for subsequent experiments. We then proceeded to examine interaction among lncRNA PVT1, FSCN1, and miR‐145. The effect of lncRNA PVT1 on viability, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and tumorigenesis of transfected cells was examined with gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function experiments. We observed that lncRNA PVT1 was robustly induced in EC. lncRNA PVT1 could bind to miR‐145 and regulate its expression, and FSCN1 is a target gene of miR‐145. Overexpression of miR‐145 or silencing of lncRNA PVT1 was revealed to suppress cell viability, migration, and invasion abilities, while also stimulating cell apoptosis. Furthermore, our in vivo results showed that overexpression of miR‐145 or silencing of lncRNA PVT1 resulted in decreased tumor growth in nude mice. In conclusion, our research reveals that down‐regulation of lncRNA PVT1 could potentially promote expression of miR‐145 to repress cell migration and invasion, and promote cell apoptosis through the inhibition of FSCN1. This highlights the potential of lncRNA PVT1 as a therapeutic target for EC treatment.
A Site‐Specific Charge Carrier Control in Monolithic Integrated Amorphous Oxide Semiconductors and Circuits with Locally Induced Optical‐Doping Process
Authors: Kim Kyung‐Tae , Jeon Seong‐Pil , Lee Woobin , Jo Jeong‐Wan , Heo Jae Sang , Kim Insoo , Kim Yong‐Hoon , Park Sung Kyu
Published: August 2019

Amorphous oxide semiconductor (AOS) thin film transistors (TFTs) have found cutting‐edge applications in sensor technologies. To reduce manufacturing costs, sensors, analog front end, and digital signal processing circuits need to be integrated on the identical substrate. Unlike traditional silicon‐based devices, optimizations for locally controllable electrical parameters of the AOSs have rarely been investigated. Here, photoactivated combustion reduction is utilized as doping motivation for solution‐processed amorphous indium–gallium–zinc oxide (a‐IGZO) to tune their electrical performance. By controlling parameters of a‐IGZO TFTs, which can be partly doped with covering the desired area of the identical substrate, it is possible to match the particular threshold voltage for various circuits. For circuit optimization, automatic integrated circuit modeling spice is carried out to find the best match of the complementary metal–oxide semiconductor circuits. Finally, the site‐specific performance of switching TFTs, amplifiers, and ring oscillators implemented with low‐temperature solution‐processed a‐IGZO and p‐type single‐walled carbon nanotube TFTs is demonstrated. The optical‐doped a‐IGZO TFTs exhibiting a saturation mobility of >9.15 cm2 V−1 s−1 with a locally tunable threshold voltage of −5 – 1.5 V are realized, enabling monolithic integration of functional devices. The resultant circuits demonstrate excellent amplification of 24 dB and an oscillation frequency of 12 kHz for 7‐stage ring oscillators.
Manganese‐Catalysed C−H Activation: A Regioselective C−H Alkenylation of Indoles and other (hetero)aromatics with 4‐Hydroxy‐2‐Alkynoates Leading to Concomitant Lactonization
Authors: Kumar Anil , Muniraj Nachimuthu , Prabhu Kandikere Ramaiah
Published: August 2019

A manganese‐catalyzed C−H bond alkenylation of indoles at C2‐position with 4‐hydroxy‐2‐alkynoates leading to concomitant lactonization under removable directing group strategy has been disclosed. This lactonization strategy exhibits regioselectivity, a broad substrate scope, and a good functional group tolerance furnishing the products in low to high yields. The regioselectivity is guided by the electronic effect of the ester group as well as the steric bulk at the C4‐position of the 4‐hydroxy‐2‐alkynoates. After the reaction, the directing group has been readily removed to obtain N−H free indole.

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Wood‐Derived Nanofibrillated Cellulose Hydrogel Filters for Fast and Efficient Separation of Nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Yushu , Wang Jialiang , Ling Shengjie , Liang Haiwei , Dai Ming , Bai Lulu , Li Qing , Fan Zhuangjun , Lee Sang‐Young , Yu Haipeng , Liu Shouxin , Wang Qingwen , Liu Yixing , Li Jian , Sun Tianmeng , Chen Wenshuai
Published: August 2019

Fast water permeable filters with an efficient rejection ratio are desirable for nanoparticle separation and water/air purification. Ultrathin nanoporous filters are effective because of their features, including narrow and tunable pore size distributions capable of handling a high solvent flux. However, it remains challenging to develop antifouling filters that maintain a stable flux with high rejection efficiency over long‐term filtration of nanoparticle solutions. Here, a facile and low‐cost approach is reported to fabricate biocompatible hydrogel filters with interconnected nanofiber network structures through the use of high aspect ratio, wood‐derived nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC). The super‐hydrophilia and high porosity of these materials endow the NFC hydrogel filters (NFC‐HFs) with high solvent permeance. Nanofibrous networks and interconnected nanoporous structures of NFC‐HFs promote efficient rejection and precise size‐selective separation of nanoparticles. Specifically, small and irregular nanopores of NFC‐HFs fail to match the size of relatively large nanoparticles, which ensures a relatively stable flux of the NFC‐HFs over the whole filtration process, even under continuous filtration of highly concentrated nanoparticle solutions.
Technoeconomic Mixed Integer Nonlinear Programming (MINLP) optimization for design of Liquid‐Liquid Extraction (LLE) cascades in continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing of atropine
Authors: Diab Samir , Gerogiorgis Dimitrios I.
Published: August 2019

Continuous Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (CPM) offers operational and economic benefits over the currently dominant methods implemented by industry. The demonstrated continuous flow synthesis of atropine facilitates modeling and optimization of its upstream continuous manufacturing. This study implements MINLP optimization of a continuous Liquid‐Liquid Extraction (LLE) flowsheet superstructure for total cost minimization of an upstream atropine CPM plant. The steady‐state process model considers reactor design from regressed kinetic parameters including investigation of maximum allowable PFR reactor dimensions to maximize the benefits of API flow synthesis. Continuous LLE modeling considers solute partitioning between phases, UNIFAC‐modeled liquid–liquid equilibria and mass transfer correlations for LLE design. Optimal LLE design configurations from the considered superstructure require fresh solvent added to the first vessel in co‐current flow in addition to the countercurrent flow in the cascade. Optimization results indicate toluene as the best solvent choice, with total costs of 3.944 × 106 GBP for a plant capacity of 103 kg API year−1.
Non‐coalescence behavior of neutral droplets suspended in oil under a direct current electric field
Authors: Huang Xin , He Limin , Luo Xiaoming , Yin Haoran , Yang Donghai
Published: August 2019

The excessive electric field gives rise to droplet non‐coalescence and droplet chains in the electric dehydrator, which severely deteriorates oil–water separation efficiency and even leads to short circuit. To reveal the underlying mechanism of droplet non‐coalescence, dynamic behavior of two neutral droplets in silicone oil under a direct current electric field is investigated by using high‐speed photography. The experimental results show that there exists a critical electric field strength above which two droplets will bounce off after the contact. The critical electric field strength of droplet non‐coalescence is affected by the initial separation distance between droplets, the radius of droplet, and the surfactant concentration. Whether the non‐coalescence behavior occurs in the electric field is determined by the competition of electric force and capillary force, which dominates the evolution of tiny connection channel.
SOS1 mutations in Noonan syndrome: Cardiomyopathies and not only congenital heart defects! Report of six patients including two novel variants and literature review
Authors: Baban Anwar , Olivini Nicole , Lepri Francesca Romana , Calì Federica , Mucciolo Mafalda , Digilio Maria C. , Calcagni Giulio , di Mambro Corrado , Dallapiccola Bruno , Adorisio Rachele , Novelli Antonio , Drago Fabrizio
Published: August 2019

Noonan syndrome (NS) is caused by mutations in more than 10 genes, mainly PTPN11, SOS1, RAF1, and RIT1. Congenital heart defects and cardiomyopathy (CMP) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in NS. Although hypertrophic CMP has “classically” been reported in association to RAF1, RIT1, and PTPN11 variants, SOS1 appears to be poorly related to CMP. Patients with NS attending our Center from January 2013 to June 2018 were eligible for inclusion if they carried SOS1 variants and presented with—or developed—CMP. Literature review describing the co‐existence of SOS1 mutation and CMP was also performed. We identified six patients with SOS1 variants and CMP (male to female ratio 2:1) including two novel variants. CMP spectrum encompassed: (a) dilated CMP, (b) nonobstructive hypertrophic CMPs, and (c) obstructive hypertrophic CMPs. Survival is 100%. Literature review included 16 SOS1 mutated in CMP. CMP, mainly hypertrophic, has been often reported in association to RAF1, RIT1, and PTPN11 variants. Differently from previous reports, due to the frequent association of SOS1 variants and CMP in our single center experience, we suggest potential underestimated proportion of SOS1 in pediatric CMPs.
Gene ontology analysis of arthrogryposis (multiple congenital contractures)
Authors: Kiefer Jeff , Hall Judith G.
Published: August 2019

In 2016, we published an article applying Gene Ontology Analysis to the genes that had been reported to be associated with arthrogryposis (multiple congenital contractures) (Hall & Kiefer, 2016). At that time, 320 genes had been reported to have mutations associated with arthrogryposis. All were associated with decreased fetal movement. These 320 genes were analyzed by biological process and cellular component categories, and yielded 22 distinct groupings. Since that time, another 82 additional genes have been reported, now totaling 402 genes, which when mutated, are associated with arthrogryposis (arthrogryposis multiplex congenita). So, we decided to update the analysis in order to stimulate further research and possible treatment. Now, 29 groupings can be identified, but only 19 groups have more than one gene.
Individual, social, and environmental factors affecting salivary and fecal cortisol levels in captive pied tamarins (Saguinus bicolor)
Authors: Price Eluned , Coleman Rob , Ahsmann Judith , Glendewar Gale , Hunt Jenna , Smith Tessa , Wormell Dominic
Published: August 2019

Pied tamarins (Saguinus bicolor) are endangered New World primates, and in captivity appear to be very susceptible to stress. We measured cortisol in 214 saliva samples from 36 tamarins and in 227 fecal samples from 27 tamarins, and investigated the effects of age, sex, pregnancy, rearing history, social status, weight, group composition, and enclosure type using generalized linear mixed models. There was no effect of age on either fecal or salivary cortisol levels. Female pied tamarins in late pregnancy had higher fecal cortisol levels than those in early pregnancy, or nonpregnant females, but there was no effect of pregnancy on salivary cortisol. Females had higher salivary cortisol levels than males, but there was no effect of rearing history. However, for fecal cortisol, there was an interaction between sex and rearing history. Hand‐reared tamarins overall had higher fecal cortisol levels, but while male parent‐reared tamarins had higher levels than females who were parent‐reared, the reverse was true for hand‐reared individuals. There was a trend towards lower fecal cortisol levels in subordinate individuals, but no effect of status on salivary cortisol. Fecal but not salivary cortisol levels declined with increasing weight. We found little effect of group composition on cortisol levels in either saliva or feces, suggesting that as long as tamarins are housed socially, the nature of the group is of less importance. However, animals in off‐show enclosures had higher salivary and fecal cortisol levels than individuals housed on‐show. We suggest that large on‐show enclosures with permanent access to off‐exhibit areas may compensate for the effects of visitor disturbance, and a larger number of tamarins of the same species housed close together may explain the higher cortisol levels found in tamarins living in off‐show accommodation, but further research is needed.
Visible Light Induced Rhodium(I)‐Catalyzed C−H Borylation
Authors: Thongpaen Jompol , Manguin Romane , Dorcet Vincent , Vives Thomas , Duhayon Carine , Mauduit Marc , Baslé Olivier
Published: August 2019

An efficient visible light induced rhodium(I)‐catalyzed regioselective borylation of aromatic C−H bonds is reported. The photocatalytic system is based on a single NHC−RhIcomplex capable of both harvesting visible light and enabling the bond breaking/forming at room temperature. The chelating nature of the NHC‐carboxylate ligand was critical to ensure the stability of the RhIcomplex and to provide excellent photocatalytic activities. Experimental mechanistic studies evidenced a photooxidativeorthoC−H bond addition upon irradiation with blue LEDs, leading to a cyclometalated RhIII‐hydride intermediate.
Why Do Five Ga+ Cations Form a Ligand‐Stabilized [Ga5]5+ Pentagon and How Does a 5:1 Salt Pack in the Solid State?
Authors: Glootz Kim , Himmel Daniel , Kratzert Daniel , Butschke Burkhard , Scherer Harald , Krossing Ingo
Published: August 2019

The reaction of the Ga+ source [Ga(PhF)2]+[Al(ORF)4]− with the neutral σ‐donor ligand dmap (4‐Me2N‐C6H4N) produces the unexpectedly large and fivefold positively charged cluster cation salt [Ga5(dmap)10]5+([Al(ORF)4]−)5. It includes a regular and planar Ga5 pentagon with strong metal–metal bonding. Additionally, the compound represents the first salt in which an ionic 1:5 packing is realized. We discuss the nature of this structure which results from the conversion of the non‐bonding 4s2 lone‐pair orbitals into fully Ga‐Ga‐bonding orbitals and the solid‐state arrangement of the ions constituting the lattice as an almost orthohexagonal AX5 lattice, possibly the aristotype of any 5:1 salt.
Strain‐Promoted 1,3‐Dithiolium‐4‐olates–Alkyne Cycloaddition
Authors: Kumar Ramar Arun , Pattanayak Manas R. , Yen‐Pon Expédite , Eliyan Jijy , Porte Karine , Bernard Sabrina , Riomet Margaux , Thuéry Pierre , Audisio Davide , Taran Frédéric
Published: August 2019

Reported here is the reactivity of mesoionic 1,3‐dithiolium‐4‐olates towards strained alkynes, leading to thiophene cycloaddition products. In the process, the potential of these dipoles towards orthogonal reaction with azides, allowing efficient double ligation reactions, was discovered. A versatile process to access benzo[c]thiophenes, in an unprecedented divergent fashion, was developed and provides a new entry to unconventional polyaromatic thiophenes.
Preferred Formation of Minority Concomitant Polymorphs in 2D Self‐Assembly under Lateral Nanoconfinement
Authors: Seibel Johannes , Amabilino David B. , De Feyter Steven
Published: August 2019

Control over polymorph formation in the crystallization of organic molecules remains a huge scientific challenge. Now, preferential formation is presented of one polymorph, formed by chiral molecules, in controlled two‐dimensional (2D) nanoconfinement conditions at a liquid–solid interface. So‐called nanocorrals to control concomitant polymorph formation were created in situ via a nanoshaving protocol at the interface between 1‐phenyloctane and covalently modified highly‐oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG). The preferentially formed polymorphs, which were less stable in the large‐scale monolayers, could be selected simply by varying the orientation of the square nanocorrals with respect to the HOPG lattice.
Synthesis of photo‐crosslinked hybrid fluoropolymer and its application as releasing coating for silicone pressure‐sensitive adhesives
Authors: Wang Yu , Bai Yongping , Yue Lipeng , Zheng Xiaoqiang
Published: August 2019

In this study, a novel photo‐crosslinked polymer composite was made from NCO‐terminated fluoropolymers by the incorporation of functionalized graphene through thein situpolymerization method. This polymer composite can be photoinduced to form a network under UV radiation without photoinitiators, displaying an excellent transmittance (T% > 90% at 550 nm), a high thermostability with a glass transition temperature (Tg< −15 °C), and a 10% weight loss temperature (410 °C). With UV radiation, the hybrid coating exhibited a controlled releasing force between 100 and 500 g/25 mm for silicone PSAs, which was an important breakthrough in the heavy‐releasing industry. Their aging releasing performance and residual adhesion force were satisfactory. More importantly, antistatic agents are not needed any more before the coating of this novel releasing agent. In addition, the coating possessed good hydrophobicity with a contact angle of 110° and great resistance to solvents. These metrics indicate that incorporating functionalized graphene as curable points into composites can greatly improve the performance of fluoropolymer properties. The obtained polymers have potential applications in the releasing and protective industry. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 48322.
Gestational exposure to nicotine and/or benzo[a]pyrene causes long‐lasting neurobehavioral consequences
Authors: Hawkey Andrew , Junaid Shaqif , Yao Leah , Spiera Zachary , White Hannah , Cauley Marty , Levin Edward D.
Published: August 2019

Tobacco smoke is a complex mixture that includes thousands of compounds. Previously, we have found that gestational exposure to the complex mixture of tobacco smoke extract caused long‐term neurobehavioral impairments. In this study, we examined the interaction of two of the most biologically active, nicotine and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). Developmental effects were determined in Sprague–Dawley rats prenatally exposed to low doses of BaP and nicotine (0.03 mg/kg/day of BaP and 2 mg/kg/day of nicotine) via maternal osmotic minipumps throughout gestation. Behavioral function was assessed in the offspring via a battery of tests through adolescence into adulthood. There were sex‐selective effects in four of the behavioral tests. In the elevated plus maze, there was a significant interaction of BaP and sex, where BaP‐treated males showed a trend for increased activity. In the novelty suppressed feeding test, there were significant sex selective effects in males such that the normal sex difference in the behavior in this test was eliminated. Male offspring with prenatal exposure to either nicotine or BaP showed significant reductions in fear response. In the Figure‐8 locomotor activity test, BAP‐exposed male offspring were significantly hyperactive. This also eliminated the sex difference typically seen in this test. This effect persisted into adulthood. In the attention task, males exposed to nicotine during gestation showed a significant percent hit impairment. BaP reversed this effect. No significant effects were seen with percent correct rejection. These data show that both nicotine and BaP cause persisting sex‐selective behavioral effects that persist into adulthood.
Validation of discrete time‐to‐event prediction models in the presence of competing risks
Authors: Heyard Rachel , Timsit Jean‐François , Held Leonhard ,   COMBACTE‐MAGNET consortium
Published: August 2019

Clinical prediction models play a key role in risk stratification, therapy assignment and many other fields of medical decision making. Before they can enter clinical practice, their usefulness has to be demonstrated using systematic validation. Methods to assess their predictive performance have been proposed for continuous, binary, and time‐to‐event outcomes, but the literature on validation methods for discrete time‐to‐event models with competing risks is sparse. The present paper tries to fill this gap and proposes new methodology to quantify discrimination, calibration, and prediction error (PE) for discrete time‐to‐event outcomes in the presence of competing risks. In our case study, the goal was to predict the risk of ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP) attributed to Pseudomonas aeruginosa in intensive care units (ICUs). Competing events are extubation, death, and VAP due to other bacteria. The aim of this application is to validate complex prediction models developed in previous work on more recently available validation data.
A new approach to ion exchange chromatography with conductivity detection for adulterants investigation in dietary supplements
Authors: Dal Molin Thaís Ramos , da Silveira Géssica Domingos , Leal Gabriela Camera , Müller Larissa Sabo , Muratt Diana Tomazi , de Carvalho Leandro Machado , Viana Carine
Published: August 2019

The extent of adulteration of dietary supplements has significantly increased in recent years. This situation worries health authorities and requires auxiliary analytical tools for the investigation of illegal substances purposely added. Ion exchange chromatography with conductivity detection is a consolidated analytical technique for the determination of inorganic compounds in various matrices. This technique has been applied to the pharmaceutical characterization of mainly impurities and degradation products. This work presents a new approach to ion exchange chromatography as a screening method to investigate the presence of amfepramone, femproporex, sibutramine, bisacodyl and amiloride in dietary supplements advertised for weight loss. The method was optimized and validated using a Metrosep C4 100/4.0 cation exchange column. The mobile phase consisted of 1.8 mm HNO3 containing 2% acetonitrile (v/v), with a flow rate of 0.9 ml min−1, and nonsuppressed conductivity detection was applied. The limits of detection and quantification varied from 1.01 to 3.62 mg L−1 and from 1.48 to 8.72 mg L−1, respectively. The proposed method was successful applied to 78 solid dietary supplement samples, in two of which adulterations were found. Moreover, ion exchange chromatography with conductivity detection could be easily used for quality control without prior complex sample pre‐treatment.
How words impact on pain
Authors: Ritter Alexander , Franz Marcel , Miltner Wolfgang H. R. , Weiss Thomas
Published: August 2019

Introduction

The wording used before and during painful medical procedures might significantly affect the painfulness and discomfort of the procedures. Two theories might account for these effects: the motivational priming theory (Lang, 1995, American Psychologist, 50, 372) and the theory of neural networks (Hebb, 1949, The organization of behavior. New York, NY: Wiley; Pulvermuller, 1999, Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 22, 253; Pulvermüller and Fadiga, 2010, Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 11, 351).

Methods

Using fMRI, we investigated how negative, pain‐related, and neutral words that preceded the application of noxious stimuli as priming stimuli affect the cortical processing and pain ratings of following noxious stimuli.

Results

Here, we show that both theories are applicable: Stronger pain and stronger activation were observed in several brain areas in response to noxious stimuli preceded by both, negative and pain‐related words, respectively, as compared to preceding neutral words, thus supporting motivational priming theory. Furthermore, pain ratings and activation in somatosensory cortices, primary motor cortex, premotor cortex, thalamus, putamen, and precuneus were even stronger for preceding pain‐related than for negative words supporting the theory of neural networks.

Conclusion

Our results explain the influence of wording on pain perception and might have important consequences for clinical work.