bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refusing care as a legal pathway to medical assistance in dying
Authors: Downie Jocelyn , Bowes Matthew J
Published: July 2019

Can a competent individual refuse care in order to make their natural death reasonably foreseeable in order to qualify for medical assistance in dying (MAiD)? Consider a competent patient with left-side paralysis following a right brain stroke who is not expected to die for many years; normally his cause of death would not be predictable. However, he refuses regular turning, so his physician can predict that pressure ulcers will develop, leading to infection for which he will refuse treatment and consequently die. Is he now eligible for MAiD? Consider a competent patient with spinal stenosis (a non-fatal condition) who refuses food (but not liquids in order not to lose capacity from dehydration). Consequently, her physician can predict death from starvation. Is she now eligible for MAiD? Answering these questions requires that we answer three sub-questions: 1) do competent patients have the right to refuse care?; 2) do healthcare providers have a duty to respect such refusals?; and 3) are deaths resulting from refusals of care natural for the purposes of determining whether a patient is eligible for MAiD? If a competent patient has the right to refuse some particular care, and healthcare providers have a duty to respect that refusal, and if the death that would result from the refusal of that care is natural, then that refusal of care is a legal pathway to MAiD. However, if the competent patient does not have the right to refuse some particular care, or if healthcare providers do not have a duty to respect that refusal, or if the death that would result from the refusal of that care is not natural, then that refusal of care is not a legal pathway to MAiD. In this paper, we explore this complex legal terrain with the most profound of ethical implications – access to MAiD.
In Our Own Words: A Qualitative Exploration of Complex Patient-Provider Interactions in an LGBTQ Population
Authors: Malik Saba , Master Zubin , Parker Wendy , DeCoster Barry , Campo-Engelstein Lisa
Published: July 2019

While sexual and gender minorities are at increased risk for poor health outcomes, there is limited data regarding patient-provider interactions. In this study, we explored the perspectives of LGBTQ patients and their encounters with physicians in order to improve our understanding of patient-physician experiences. Using purposive selection of self-identified LGBTQ patients, we performed fourteen in-depth semi-structured interviews on topics of sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as their perceived role in the patient-provider relationship. Coding using a modified grounded theory approach was performed to generate themes. We identified three major themes that demonstrate the complexity of LGBTQ patient experiences. The first, Lacking trust, identifies mistrust and loss of the physician-patient relationship resulting from physicians’ poor or judgmental communication, or from physicians making assumptions about gender, using incorrect pronouns, and not recognizing heterogeneity within the transgender community. A second theme, Being vulnerable, describes the challenges and fears related to comfort of patients with disclosing their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. A final theme, Navigating discrimination, outlines racial or ethnic discrimination which creates an additional burden on top of illness and stigmatized identity. Our results reveal the complex needs of individuals with multiple stigmatized identities when developing relationships with providers. By using an intersectional perspective that appreciates the plurality of patients’ identities, providers can help to improve their relationships with LGBTQ patients. Incorporating intersectional training for medical students and residents could greatly benefit both LGBTQ patients and their physicians.
Internet, Big data y nuevas tecnologías: repercusiones y respuestas del ordenamiento jurídico | Internet, Big data and new tecnologies: implications and responses from the legal system
Authors: Sancho López Marina
Published: July 2019

Resumen: Cada uno de los movimientos que se suceden en la red genera información que se digitaliza en código binario y se almacena masivamente. La arbitrariedad con la que operan las grandes corporaciones del Big data así como la opacidad de los algoritmos empleados por la inteligencia artificial han dado origen a nuevas formas de vulneración de derechos, dónde la intimidad y el honor han resultado los primeros damnificados. Este escenario requiere un replanteamiento de conceptos jurídicos como estado o vida privada que han cobrado nuevos significados y demandan construcciones jurídicas capaces de reforzar el control sobre nuestros derechos más fundamentales.
Abstract: Each of the movements that occur in the network generates information that is digitized in binary code and it is stored massively. The arbitrariness with which the Big Data corporations operate as well as the opacity of the algorithms used by artificial intelligence have given rise to new forms of violation of rights, where intimacy and honour have been the first victims. This scenario requires a rethinking of legal concepts such as state or private life that have taken a new meanings and, therefore, they demand legal constructions capable of reinforcing control over our most fundamental rights.
Derechos humanos y empresas transnacionales: las debilidades del tercer pilar derivadas de las normas de promoción de inversiones. El caso Chevron como paradigma de la necesidad del Binding Treaty | Human rights and transnational corporations: the weaknesses of the third pillar caused by investment promotion agreements. The Chevron case as a paradigm of the need for a Binding Treaty
Authors: Guamán Adoración
Published: July 2019

RESUMEN. El texto se centra en la necesidad de desarrollar normas internacionales vinculantes que aseguren el respeto por parte de las empresas transnacionales respecto de los derechos humanos, que pongan fin a la impunidad de estos actores económicos, así como para garantizar el acceso a la justicia para las víctimas y la reparación de las violaciones. Al analizar el caso de Chevron, el texto refleja que, si bien existen diferentes iniciativas a nivel internacional destinadas a alentar a las empresas transnacionales a comportarse de manera respetuosa con los derechos humanos, estas iniciativas siguen siendo insuficientes, ya sea por su falta de obligatoriedad o por su carácter parcial, dado que siguen dependiendo de la voluntad de estos actores económicos transnacionales. El caso Chevron y los laudos recaídos a lo largo del proceso arbitral de la empresa contra la República del Ecuador, muestran una paradoja alarmante: ciertos derechos, como el acceso a la justicia, diseñados para proteger los derechos humanos en su conjunto se están utilizando para salvaguardar los beneficios de determinadas empresas trasnacionales. Este caso, junto con muchos otros crímenes corporativos, apoya la idea de que el proceso de la Resolución 26/9, el llamado Binding Treaty, es actualmente el único que puede garantizar el acceso a la justicia y los recursos para las víctimas.
 
ABSTRACT. The text is focus on the need to develop internationally binding standards on transnational corporations and human rights in order to bring their impunity to an end, as well as ensuring access to justice for the victims and the reparation of the consequences. By analysing the Chevron case, the text reflects that although there are different initiatives at international level aimed at encouraging transnational companies to behave respectfully, these initiatives continue to be insufficient, either because of their lack of obligation or because of their partial nature, dependent on the voluntariness of these transnational economic actors. The Chevron case and the arbitration awards adopted during the arbitration proceedings against the Republic of Ecuador show an alarming paradox: certain rights, such as access to justice, designed to protect human rights as a whole, are being used to full effect to safeguard the profits of economic entities. This case, together with many other crimes, supports the idea that the process of Resolution 26/9, the so called Binding Treaty, is currently the only one potentially capable of ensuring the access to justice and remedies to victims.
El trabajo decente en la era digital: colectivos más vulnerables | Decent work in the digital era: most vulnerable groups
Authors: Lenzi Olga
Published: July 2019

Resumen:El debate entorno a los efectos laborales de la digitalización sigue abierto. La incesante evolución de las innovaciones tecnológicas preocupa a la sociedad por los efectos que podría tener en la organización de la producción, las relaciones de trabajo y, sobre todo, en determinados colectivos, especialmente vulnerables. Si bien todavía se desconocen el alcance y las consecuencias que la revolución tecnológica podría tener en el empleo, cabe plantearse hasta qué punto este nuevo escenario puede contribuir en el cumplimiento del 8º Objetivo de Desarrollo Sostenible de Naciones Unidas: el trabajo decente y el crecimiento económico.
 
Summary:The debate concerning the impact of digitalization upon employment remains open. The constant evolution of technological innovations concerns society due to the effects that it may have on the organisation of the production, labor relations and, primarily, on especially vulnerable groups. Even though the dimension and consequences of the technological revolution upon employment remain yet unknown, this raises the question about whether this new scenario may contribute in the fulfillment of the 8th Sustainable Development Goal of the United Nations: decent work and economic growth.
La democracia y los derechos universales frente al auge del populismo | Democracy and universal rights against the rise of populism
Authors: Dion Stéphane
Published: July 2019

La democracia y los derechos universales frente al auge del populismo
Discurso inaugural en el Congreso Internacional por el 70º Aniversario de la Declaración Universal de Derechos Humanos Instituto de Derechos Humanos de la Universidad de Valencia. Del 10 al 12 de diciembre de 2018, Valencia, España
Democracy and universal rights against the rise of populism
Opening speech at the International Congress for the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Human Rights Institute of the University of Valencia. From December 10 to 12, 2018, Valencia, Spain
Palabras previas. Actas Congreso 70 aniversario DUDH en CEFD | Foreword. Conference Proceedings Congress 70th anniversary DUDH in CEFD
Authors: De Lucas Martín Javier
Published: July 2019

Palabras previas. Actas Congreso 70 aniversario DUDH en CEFD  
Foreword. Conference Proceedings Congress 70th anniversary DUDH in CEFD
Bacillus spp.: potent microfactories of bacterial IAA
Authors: Wagi Shabana , Ahmed Ambreen
Published: July 2019

Background

Auxin production by bacteria is one of the most important direct mechanisms utilized by plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) for the betterment of plants naturally because auxin is a plant friendly secondary metabolite synthesized naturally by bacteria, and hence improves the growth of associated plants. So, the current study focuses on bacterial synthesis of Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) for plant growth improvement.

Methods

In the current study, the PGPB were selected on the basis of their auxin production potential and their growth promoting attributes were evaluated. Indole-3-acetic acid producing potential of two selected bacterial isolates was observed by varying different growth conditions i.e., media composition, carbon sources (glucose, sucrose and lactose) and different concentrations of precursor. Influence of various physiological factors (temperature and incubation time period) on IAA production potential was also evaluated.

Results

Both the bacterial strains Bacillus cereus (So3II) and B. subtilis (Mt3b) showed variable potential for the production of bacterial IAA under different set of growth and environmental conditions. Hence, the IAA production potential of the bacterial isolates can be enhanced by affecting optimum growth conditions for bacterial isolates and can be used for the optimal production of bacterial IAA and its utilization for plant growth improvement can lead to better yield in an eco-friendly manner.
Growth and development of soybean under changing light environments in relay intercropping system
Authors: Raza Muhammad Ali , Feng Ling Yang , Iqbal Nasir , Ahmed Mukhtar , Chen Yuan Kai , Khalid Muhammad Hayder Bin , Mohi Ud Din Atta , Khan Ahsin , Ijaz Waqas , Hussain Anwaar , Jamil Muhammad Atif , Naeem Muhammd , Bhutto Sadam Hussain , Ansar Muhammad , Yang Feng , Yang Wenyu
Published: July 2019

Background

Maize-soybean relay-intercropping (MSR) is a famous system of crop production in developing countries. However, maize shading under this system directly affects the light quality and intensity of soybean canopy. This is a challenging scenario in which to implement the MSR system, in terms of varieties selection, planting pattern, and crop management since the duration of crop resource utilization clearly differs.

Methods

Therefore, this experiment aimed to elucidate the effect of leaf excising treatments from maize top to fully clarify the needs and balance of light quality and intensity of intercrop-soybean under MSR in field conditions. The effects of different leaf excising treatments (T0, no removal of leaves; T2, removal of two topmost leaves; T4, removal of four topmost leaves; T6, removal of six topmost leaves from maize plants were applied at first-trifoliate stage (V1) of soybean) on photosynthetically active radiation transmittance (PART), red to far-red ratio (R:FR), morphological and photosynthetic characteristics and total biomass production at second-trifoliate stage (V2), fifth-trifoliate stage (V5), and flowering-stage (R1) of soybean were investigated through field experiments for 2-years under MSR.

Results

As compared to T0, treatment T6 increased the PART and R:FR ratio at soybean canopy by 77% and 37% (V2), 70% and 34% (V5), and 41% and 36% (R1), respectively. This improved light environment in T6 considerably enhanced the leaf area index, SPAD values and photosynthetic rate of soybean plants by 66%, 25% and 49% at R1, respectively than T0. Similarly, relative to control, T6 also increased the stem diameter (by 29%) but decreased the plant height (by 23%) which in turn significantly increased stem breaking strength (by 87%) by reducing the lodging rate (by 59%) of soybean plants. Overall, under T6, relay-cropped soybean produced 78% of sole soybean seed-yield, and relay-cropped maize produced 81% of sole maize seed-yield. Our findings implied that by maintaining the optimum level of PART (from 60% to 80%) and R:FR ratio (0.9 to 1.1), we can improve morphological and photosynthetic characteristics of soybean plants in MSR. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the light environment when considering the sustainability of MSR via appropriate planting pattern selection.
Epidemiological analysis of respiratory and intestinal infectious diseases in three counties of Sichuan: the baseline survey of Disaster Mitigation Demonstration Area in western China
Authors: Xue Zhiqiang , Yang Zhenbo , Sun Hui , Ren Jinghuan , Sun Mengzi , Li Jiagen , Zhang Anning , Zheng Pingping , Pan Pan , Dou Jing , Shen Li , Chen Yang , Li Kexin , Feng Tianyu , Lv Yaogai , Bi Chunli , Jin Lina , Wang Zhe , Yao Yan
Published: July 2019

Background

Natural disasters can indirectly induce epidemics of infectious diseases through air and water pollution, accelerated pathogen reproduction, and population migration. This study aimed to explore the epidemiological characteristics of the main infectious diseases in Sichuan, a province with a high frequency of natural disasters.

Methods

Data were collected from the local Centers for Disease Control infectious disease reports from Lu, Shifang and Yuexi counties from 2011 to 2015 and from the baseline survey of the Disaster Mitigation Demonstration Area in Western China in 2016. Principal component regression was used to explore the main influencing factors of respiratory infectious diseases (RIDs).

Results

The incidence rates of RIDs and intestinal infectious diseases (IIDs) in 2015 were 78.99/100,000, 125.53/100,000, 190.32/100,000 and 51.70/100,000, 206.00/100,000, 69.16/100,000 in Lu, Shifang and Yuexi respectively. The incidence rates of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) was the highest among RIDs in the three counties. The main IIDs in Lu and Shifang were hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) and other infectious diarrhea; however, the main IIDs in Yuexi was bacillary dysentery. The proportions of illiterate and ethnic minorities and per capita disposable income were the top three influencing factors of RIDs.

Conclusions

TB was the key point of RIDs prevention among the three counties. The key preventable IIDs in Lu and Shifang were HFMD and other infectious diarrhea, and bacillary dysentery was the major IIDs in Yuexi. The incidence rates of RIDs was associated with the population composition, the economy and personal hygiene habits.
Prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction and Awareness of Its Treatment in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Abu S. , Atim T. , Ripiye N. R.
Published: July 2019

Introduction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most common male sexual dysfunction all over the World. It is underestimated in developing countries including Nigeria because it is assumed not to be a life threatening condition which is associated with stigmatization and poor health seeking behavior. The Prevalence rate of ED among specific age groups has not been reported in most available local studies. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence rates of ED and the severity of ED among different age groups and patients’ awareness of its treatment.

Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional hospital based survey among men aged 18 years and above seen in the outpatient clinics of University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria. Self reported erectile dysfunction was obtained using proforma. The prevalence and severity of ED was obtained using International Index of Erectile Function-5 Questionnaire (IIEF-5).

Results: A total of 378 subjects were recruited for this study with age range of 18-76 years. The prevalence of ED in this study using IIEF-5 was 66.4%. The prevalence of ED was noted to increase with increasing age as ED was more prevalent (59%) among men aged 60-79 year. ED was least common among the young subjects (15.7%) and the most severe ED found among the elderly There was a positive correlation between age and ED (rho =0.306). There was statistically significance association between ED and co-morbidities with hypertension accounting for 22.5% and diabetes 16.7%. The percentage of subjects aware of treatment for ED was 39.4% and 20.4% of the subjects had sought help from doctors. Only about a quarter (26.5%) of the subjects had their sexual challenges discussed with the doctor.

Conclusion: ED is a common medical and social problem in our environment though still shrouded in secrecy. ED is more prevalent and severe among age 60-79 years. Awareness of treatment seeking behavior and the ability of the attending physicians to discuss with men about their sexual health remains quite poor in our environment.
A single‐center SCN8A‐related epilepsy cohort: clinical, genetic, and physiologic characterization
Authors: Zaman Tariq , Abou Tayoun Ahmad , Goldberg Ethan M.
Published: July 2019

Objective

Pathogenic variants in SCN8A, encoding the voltage‐gated sodium (Na+) channel α subunit Nav1.6, is a known cause of epilepsy. Here, we describe clinical and genetic features of all patients with SCN8A epilepsy evaluated at a single‐tertiary care center, with biophysical data on identified Nav1.6 variants and pharmacological response to selected Na+ channel blockers.

Methods

SCN8A variants were identified via an exome‐based panel of epilepsy‐associated genes for next generation sequencing (NGS), or via exome sequencing. Biophysical characterization was performed using voltage‐clamp recordings of ionic currents in heterologous cells.

Results

We observed a range in age of onset and severity of epilepsy and associated developmental delay/intellectual disability. Na+ channel blockers were highly or partially effective in most patients. Nav1.6 variants exhibited one or more biophysical defects largely consistent with gain of channel function. We found that clinical severity was correlated with the presence of multiple observed biophysical defects and the extent to which pathological Na+ channel activity could be normalized pharmacologically. For variants not previously reported, functional studies enhanced the evidence of pathogenicity.

Interpretation

We present a comprehensive single‐center dataset for SCN8A epilepsy that includes clinical, genetic, electrophysiologic, and pharmacologic data. We confirm a spectrum of severity and a variety of biophysical defects of Nav1.6 variants consistent with gain of channel function. Na+ channel blockers in the treatment of SCN8A epilepsy may correlate with the effect of such agents on pathological Na+ current observed in heterologous systems.
Two‐Step Nitriding Behavior of Pure Iron with a Nanostructured Surface Layer
Authors: Sun Jian , Mei Liangyu , Li Yi , Lei Yiyuan , Du Xiaodong , Wu Yucheng
Published: July 2019

A two‐step gas nitriding treatment (280 °C for 2 h plus 550 °C for 6 h) is designed for pure iron with a nanostructured surface layer induced by surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT). The microstructure and surface properties of the SMAT sample after two‐step nitriding treatment are investigated in comparison with those of the SMAT sample after single‐step nitriding treatment (550 °C for 6 h). Experimental results show that a much thicker compound layer (up to 25 μm in thickness) is generated on the surface of the SMAT sample after two‐step nitriding treatment, in which the mean grain size of the Fe2‐3N phase is below 25 nm. The enhanced nitriding kinetic may be attributed to the formation of a large number of Fe(N) solid solutions and a small amount of dispersed Fe2‐3N particles on the SMAT sample after first low‐temperature nitriding, which enhances the thermal stability of nanostructured iron grains. Due to the enhanced nitriding kinetic and refined nitride structure, the SMAT sample after two‐step nitriding treatment displays higher surface hardness and improved wear resistance relative to its single‐step nitrided counterpart.
Graphene‐Assisted Preparation of In Situ TiC–TiB2/Al Composite Inoculant for Al–Si Alloy
Authors: Li Chongchao , Cui Chunxiang , Wang Xin , Zhao Lichen , Liu Shuiqing , Cui Sen , Han Binghao , Xia Yuhang
Published: July 2019

An in situ TiC–TiB2/Al composite inoculant is prepared by melt spinning the sintered mixture of Al powder, Ti powder, B4C particles, and graphene nanoplates (GNPs). To increase the degree of dispersion of the particles, the GNPs are coated on the surface of the B4C particles by high‐energy ball milling before sintering. The as‐spun inoculant ribbons are added to the melt of a typical Al–Si alloy to verify its effect of refining the grains on aluminum alloys. It is found that the columnar grains of the as‐cast Al–Si alloy sample are refined to finely approximate equiaxed grains, with an addition level of 0.6 wt% of the inoculant ribbons. The mechanical properties of the as‐inoculated Al–Si alloys also improve significantly, and show a remarkable strengthening and toughening effect. It can be attributed to the grain refinement and the dispersion strengthening by the introduction of TiC and TiB2 particles in the Al matrix. The results show that the newly developed composite inoculant ribbons using GNPs can significantly meliorate the overall mechanical performance of typical Al–Si alloys.
Shear‐Driven Direct‐Write Printing of Room‐Temperature Gallium‐Based Liquid Metal Alloys
Authors: Cook Alexander , Parekh Dishit P. , Ladd Collin , Kotwal Gargee , Panich Lazar , Durstock Michael , Dickey Michael D. , Tabor Christopher E.
Published: July 2019

Gallium‐based metal alloys have high electrical conductivity in the liquid state at room temperature. These liquid metal conductors inspire unique electronic applications such as reconfigurable circuits and stretchable components with extremely high strain tolerance. Previously, liquid metals have been successfully patterned via direct‐writing, yielding metallically conductive features on‐demand at room temperature that do not require post‐processing, down to a resolution of ≈10 μm. While most direct‐write processes extrude materials from a nozzle via pressure or volumetric displacement, liquid metal is instead printed here by a shear‐driven mechanism that occurs when the oxide‐coated meniscus of the metal adheres to the printing substrate and is “pulled” from the nozzle at pressures that are well‐below that needed to extrude the metal in the absence of shear. Herein, the key operating parameters that enable shear‐driven printing of liquid metals including dispensing pressure, choice of substrate, print height, the surrounding environmental conditions, and the speed and acceleration of the print head are elucidated. A guide to the best practices as well as limitations for implementing shear‐driven printing of liquid metals at room temperature is provided in these studies.
Thermal Stability Enhancement in Epitaxial Alpha Tin Films by Strain Engineering
Authors: Song Huanhuan , Yao Jinshan , Ding Yuanfeng , Gu Yu , Deng Yu , Lu Ming-Hui , Lu Hong , Chen Yan-Feng
Published: July 2019

Exploring new topological materials with large topological nontrivial bandgaps and simple composition is attractive for both theoretical investigation and experimental realization. Recently, alpha tin (α‐Sn) has been predicted to be such a candidate, and it can be tuned to be either a topological insulator or a Dirac semimetal by applying appropriate strain. However, freestanding α‐Sn is only stable below 13.2 °C. Herein, a series of high‐quality α‐Sn films with different thicknesses are successfully grown on InSb substrates by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Confirmed by both X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and reciprocal space mapping (RSM), all the films remain fully strained up to 400 nm, proving the strain effect from the substrate. Remarkably, the single‐crystalline α phase can persist up to 170 °C for the 20 nm thick sample. The critical temperature where the α phase disappears decreases as the film thickness increases, showing that the thermal stabilization can be engineered by varying the α‐Sn thickness. A plastic flow model considering work hardening is introduced to explain this dependence, assuming that the strain relaxation and the phase transition occur successively. This enhanced thermal stability is prerequisite for aforementioned room‐temperature characterization and practical application of this material system.
Filter Coatings Based on Combination of Nanomaterials for Steel Melt Filtration
Authors: Storti Enrico , Jankovský Ondřej , Sedmidubský David , Dudczig Steffen , Aneziris Christos G.
Published: July 2019

Carbon‐bonded alumina foam filters are coated using special slurries based on graphene oxide (GO), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and alumina nanosheets. The aim of such filters is to reduce the concentration of nonmetallic inclusions in the steel melt prior to casting into the molds. To assess the purification efficiency of the coated filters, a steel casting simulator is used. After immersion for a short time into steel melts with artificially generated alumina impurities, the filters are analyzed by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the population of remaining inclusions in the treated steel is investigated by the means of a special scanning electron microscope. The results show that, compared with a reference melt where no filter is used, the nanocoated filters cause inclusion growth and the formation of new silicate inclusions. The best purification efficiency, regarding only alumina inclusions, is given by the GO–C sample, whereas the combination of GO with alumina nanosheets or CNTs deliver worse performance.
Liquid‐Metal‐Enhanced Wire Mesh as a Stiffness Variable Material for Making Soft Robotics
Authors: Yuan Bo , Zhao Chenjia , Sun Xuyang , Liu Jing
Published: July 2019

Stiffness variable materials are of great interests to many fields, especially in soft robotics. However, most materials require external voltage or high temperature to trigger the stiffness regulation process, which limits their applications in many situations, such as underwater. Herein, an easy‐operating low‐melting‐point‐metal enhancer is proposed, which can discretionarily regulate the stiffness of copper (Cu) wire mesh and greatly improve the performances of the target network‐organized material. The mechanical property is improved through swift stiffness variations in a large scale, from completely soft to high hardness. Over the experiments, such liquid‐metal enhancer can also work as a “glue,” meaning it can glue several individual meshes together in arbitrary shapes just by organizing them in proper positions. The bonding force produced by the enhancer permits a four‐layer mesh combination (0.8 mm thickness) to successfully afford a load of 2 kg. In addition, the electrical resistance of the copper wire mesh decreases 10% after treated by the enhancer. Based on the results, the grabber and support structure are designed and built by the enhanced meshes and achieving the designed function. This study opens up a brand new method for fast fabrication of reconfigurable modular soft robotics that can tolerate large external forces.
The Creep Behavior of Additively Manufactured Inconel 625
Authors: Son Kwang‐Tae , Kassner Michael E. , Lee Kee Ahn
Published: July 2019

Creep tests of additively manufactured (AM) Inconel 625, both hot isostatically pressed (HIPed) and non‐HIPed, are performed at various stresses between 65 and 658 MPa at 650–800 °C. The creep behavior of AM samples are compared with that of (conventional) wrought alloys. Tests are performed over a 24 h period for initial heat‐treated samples and also after heat exposure at the service temperature of 650 °C for 6 months. The 6 month tests consist of a time‐temperature profile similar to Inconel 625 service conditions in jet engines. It is found that the creep strength of AM 625 has equal or superior creep strength at 650–800 °C compared with the wrought alloy, even after 6 months exposure to the test temperature. The HIPed AM alloys has significantly superior ductility over the non‐HIPed AM Inconel 625, as expected. However, the ductility of the HIPed AM Inconel 625 is still substantially lower than the wrought alloy, particularly at the longer exposure times to the test temperatures. The explanation for the dramatic loss of ductility is not clearly identified, but sulfur segregation to grain boundaries and relatively higher oxygen content leading to oxide embrittlement are the possibilities.
Laser‐Induced Forward Transfer of High Viscous, Non‐Newtonian Silver Nanoparticle Inks: Jet Dynamics and Temporal Evolution of the Printed Droplet Study
Authors: Theodorakos Ioannis , Kalaitzis Agamemnon , Makrygianni Marina , Hatziapostolou Antonios , Kabla Ayala , Melamed Semyon , de la Vega Fernando , Zergioti Ioanna
Published: July 2019

Current technological trends in the field of microelectronics highlight the requirement to use cost‐effective techniques for precise deposition of highly resolved features. Laser‐induced forward transfer (LIFT) meets these requirements and is already applied for direct printing of electronic components. However, to improve the process' reproducibility and printing resolution, further research has to be conducted, regarding the rheological characteristics of the printable fluids and their jetting dynamics. Herein, a high‐speed imaging setup is used to investigate the liquid jet's propagation during the printing process. Different Ag nanoparticle inks are studied and compared, over a wide range of viscosities and two different values of surface tension. The main focus of this investigation is the influence of the ink's rheological properties, both on the jet propagation and on the spatial and temporal evolution of the printed droplet during the wetting phase on three different receiver substrates (glass, SU‐8, and gate dielectric). The results indicate that both the surface tension and the wetting properties of the receiver determine the shape of the printed droplet, whereas the inks' viscosity and laser fluence determine the printed volume.
Geometrically Enabled Soft Electroactuators via Laser Cutting
Authors: Yan Bingxi , Ma Chunping , Zhao Yinghao , Hu Nan , Guo Liang
Published: July 2019

Recent advances in soft electroactuators (EAs) have inspired diverse novel artificial muscles and dexterous robots. Despite a rapidly expanding library of electroactive materials, precise and repeatable structuring remains a challenge. Existing EAs often involve post‐synthesis hand‐assembling of supportive components such as hingers, linkages, adhesives, and coatings to fulfill demanding functions. Following a different enabling strategy, herein, a straightforward laser‐patterning approach to directly embed functional 2D structures into electroactive polypyrrole (PPy) films is presented, thereby transforming their typical bending actuation into various demanding action modes including squeezing, gripping, flapping, and lifting in an electrolyte solution analog to body fluids in vivo. Such geometrically enabled movements prove controllable and modulable and are dictated primarily by the embedded patterns rather than materials or specific fabrication approach. The integrity of our soft EAs not only avoids laborious assembling and device fatigues but also further enables systematic structural design and geometrical fine‐tuning of deformations through fast mechanical simulation. This design strategy suggests broad opportunities in pattern‐augmented capabilities for next‐generation EAs and soft robotics.
Characterizing Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Al–Zn Alloys Processed by High‐Pressure Torsion
Authors: Chinh Nguyen Q. , Szommer Péter , Gubicza Jenő , El-Tahawy Moustafa , Bobruk Elena V. , Murashkin Maxim Yu. , Valiev Ruslan Z.
Published: July 2019

Herein, the characterization of microstructures and mechanical properties of Al–Zn alloys ultrafine‐grained (UFG) by using high pressure torsion (HPT) is surveyed. Emphasis is placed on the decomposition of the solid solution structures due to the HPT process, leading to unique mechanical and plastic properties of the UFG alloys. The decomposed microstructures, the grain boundaries wetted by Zn‐rich layers, as well as the softening, grain boundary sliding (GBS) with usually high strain rate sensitivity and super‐ductility of the HPT‐processed samples are described and discussed. Furthermore, the innovation potential of intensive GBS at room temperature is briefly considered.
Processing of Dilute Mg–Zn–Mn–Ca Alloy/Nb Multilayers by Accumulative Roll Bonding
Authors: Leu Brandon , Savage Daniel J. , Wang Jiaxiang , Alam Md Ershadul , Mara Nathan A. , Kumar M. Arul , Carpenter John S. , Vogel Sven C. , Knezevic Marko , Decker Ray , Beyerlein Irene J.
Published: July 2019

Recent advancements in the severe plastic deformation process called accumulative roll bonding (ARB) can help to address the long‐standing need for manufacturing lightweight, high‐strength Mg sheet materials. However, the fabrication of Mg alloy‐based laminates via ARB remains a challenge due to the intrinsically poor formability of Mg. Herein, it is shown that Mg‐based composite laminates with refined layers can be fabricated via several room‐temperature ARB cycles with appropriate intermediate annealing and alloy selection. The final laminates made here consist of equal volume fractions of a dilute Mg–Zn–Mn–Ca alloy phase and a pure Nb phase with fine 150 μm layer thicknesses. Deformation texture evolution in both phases within the composite is analyzed via neutron diffraction measurements taken at different stages in the process. The analysis suggests that the annealing step recrystallizes the Mg‐alloy phase. It is also shown that for both phases, the stabilized deformation textures within the composite correspond to the classic stable textures of the individual constituents. Polycrystal texture modeling implies that {10–12} <‐1011> extension twinning developed in the Mg alloy during rolling.
Engineering On‐Demand Magnetic Core–Shell Composite Wound Dressing Matrices via Electrohydrodynamic Micro‐Scale Printing
Authors: Wang Baolin , Chen Xing , Ahmad Zeeshan , Huang Jie , Chang Ming-Wei
Published: July 2019

Herein, electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing is utilized to produce well‐ordered, dual‐drug loaded‐magnetic core–shell matrices with high resolution. Coaxial EHD printing is used to load anesthetic lidocaine hydrochloride (LH) and antibiotic tetracycline hydrochloride (TH) in polycaprolactone (PCL) shell formulation and poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) core formulation, respectively. It is found that when the concentration of PEO is 5% w/w, the fibers exhibit optimum morphology, which is applied in the fabrication of two drug‐loaded core–shell fibers. In addition, adding iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) and varying the concentration of TH within the PCL shell layer influence mechanical properties, release behaviors, and cell behaviors of coaxial EHD printing matrices. The addition of Fe3O4 NPs and increasing TH amount in the fibers enhance the mechanical properties of the matrices. Results show rapid release of LH located in the PEO core fibers, while TH loaded in the shell PCL fibers is released sustainably from the coaxial printing matrices. In addition, the sustainable release period for PCL shell layer can be adjusted using Fe3O4 NPs under auxiliary magnetic field. The coaxial drug‐loaded matrices also have good bioactivity, indicating the potential of the printed fibers in wound dressings.
Rh(III)‐Catalyzed Ring‐Opening Addition of Azabenzonorbornadienes with Cyclic N‐Sulfonyl Ketimines via C−H Bond Activation
Authors: Zhang Xuexin , Gao Yang , Chen Jingchao , Fan Ruifeng , Shi Guangrui , He Zhenxiu , Fan Baomin
Published: July 2019

The rhodium(III)‐catalyzed ring‐opening addition of the cyclic N‐sulfonyl ketimines with azabenzonorbornadienes via C−H activation was developed. The reactions afforded the corresponding 2‐aryldihydronaphthalenes derivatives in good yield (up to 98%) under redox‐neutral conditions.

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Innovation in GMOs, technological gap, demand lag, and trade
Authors: Oliveira Paulo Ricardo S. , Silveira Jose Maria F. J. da , Bullock David S.
Published: July 2019

The nexus of innovation and trade is commonly analyzed in terms of technological gaps and market‐share gains for innovating countries. However, this relationship may not hold under certain circumstances – as in the case of genetically modified organisms. Based on a firm heterogeneity model, this study investigates the role of technological gaps and demand lags in the case of international trade in goods after the emergence of a ‘highly‐scrutinized’ or ‘distrusted’ technology. The demand lag may be understood as the difference between techniques employed by producers in exporting countries and levels of acceptance or compatibility in destination markets. Likewise, a technological gap is the difference between techniques employed by late‐movers and those used by leading countries. By means of a gravity equation, we empirically estimate these effects based on the bilateral trade of soybeans between 1995 and 2012. Results indicate that both technological gaps and demand lags reduce trade by similar magnitudes. Thus, producing countries should carefully weigh the negative effects of falling behind and of approving varieties not approved for importation in destination markets. [EconLit citations: F12, F51, O33]
Association of occupational stress with waking, diurnal, and bedtime cortisol response in police officers
Authors: Allison Penelope , Mnatsakanova Anna , Fekedulegn Desta B. , Violanti John M. , Charles Luenda E. , Hartley Tara A. , Andrew Michael E. , Miller Diane B.
Published: July 2019

Objective

Police officers have higher rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality than the U.S. general population. Officers are exposed to conventional and unexpected workplace stressors. The hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis plays a major role responding to stressor exposure by releasing cortisol. Prolonged release or excessive levels may result in disease. Our study investigated cross‐sectional associations between self‐reported work stress and various salivary cortisol parameters.

Methods

A total of 285 police officers (76.5% male) from the Buffalo Cardio‐Metabolic Occupational Police Stress (BCOPS) Study (2004‐2009) completed the Spielberger Police Stress Survey, reporting frequency and severity of work events during the past month and year to calculate stress indices. Officers provided saliva samples to measure levels of cortisol secretion. Linear regression assessed associations between stress indices and various cortisol parameters, adjusted for age, gender, race/ethnicity, abdominal height, and smoking status.

Results

Significant positive associations were observed between stress indices (overall stress, physical danger stress, and past‐month lack of support) and diurnal cortisol (AUCg: total area under the curve). Administrative, overall, and physical danger stress in the past year were significantly associated with the diurnal slope. Overall, administrative, and physical danger stress were significantly associated with bedtime levels. There were no significant associations between the stress indices and the awakening cortisol parameters.

Conclusions

Higher stress ratings were related to blunted diurnal decline in cortisol, suggesting conventional and unexpected police stressors may result in HPA axis dysfunction. Future studies investigating possible associations between elevated cortisol and subclinical CVD are needed.
Visible‐Light‐Induced Tandem Cyclization of Alkynoates and Phenylacetylenes to Naphtho[2,1‐c]coumarins
Authors: Wang Zhihui , Wang Lei , Wang Zhiming , Li Pinhua
Published: July 2019

An efficient visible‐light‐induced tandem cyclization of alkynoates and phenylacetylenes to naphtho[2,1‐c]coumarins was developed. The reaction could be carried out at room temperature under an air atmosphere in one pot. Preliminary mechanistic investigations indicated that the present reaction is involved in a free‐radical process.
para‐Toluenesulfonic Acid‐Catalyzed, Ultrasound‐Promoted, One‐Pot, Three‐Component Coupling of Aldehydes, β‐Dicarbonyls/Amides, and Electron‐Rich Arenes
Authors: Paul Dipankar , Borah Apurba , Khatua Snehadrinarayan , Nath Chatterjee Paresh
Published: July 2019

An ultrasound‐promoted, metal‐free method for the three‐component coupling of aldehydes, β‐dicarbonyls/amides, and electron‐rich arenes is reported here. The versatility of the method is established by employing varieties of functionally diverse components for coupling. In lieu of expensive, toxic, or specifically designed catalysts, the method presented here employs commercially available, inexpensive and non‐toxic para‐tolouensulfonic acid monohydrate (pTSA) as an efficient catalyst. An insight into the mechanistic pathway of the three‐component coupling reaction is also provided by isolating the intermediate and subsequently converting it to the final product. The flexibility of choosing the components in the method described here allows one‐pot access to a variety of relevant organic motifs.
Phenothiazine Scope: Steric Strain Induced Planarization and Excimer Formation
Authors: Chen Deng‐Gao , Chen Yi , Wu Cheng‐Ham , Chen Yi‐An , Chen Meng‐Chi , Lin Jia‐An , Huang Chun‐Ying , Su Jianhua , Tian He , Chou Pi‐Tai
Published: July 2019

Phenothiazine derivatives based on the 10‐phenyl‐10H‐phenothiazine (NAS) chromophore, namely 7‐phenyl‐7H‐benzo[c]phenothiazine (NAS‐1) and 12‐phenyl‐12H‐benzo[a]phenothiazine (NAS‐2), were designed and synthesized. NAS‐1 and NAS‐2 are constitutional isomers with different steric strains imposed on the phenothiazine core moiety. In solution, the more‐strained NAS‐2 possesses a bent structure and undergoes photoinduced structural planarization (PISP). In the crystal, despite the absence of PISP, bent NAS‐2 exhibits prominent excimer emission as well as emission mechanochromism, which is not observed in the planar‐like NAS and NAS‐1. This unconventional observation results from the bent core structure facilitating π–π stacking of the peripheral naphthalene moieties. Two‐photon‐coupled depth‐dependent emission shows spectral differences between the surface and kernel of the NAS‐2 crystal, and is believed to be a general phenomenon, at least in part, for materials exhibiting emission mechanochromism.
Dynamics of Synthetic Membraneless Organelles in Microfluidic Droplets
Authors: Linsenmeier Miriam , Kopp Marie R. G. , Grigolato Fulvio , Emmanoulidis Leonidas , Liu Dany , Zürcher Dominik , Hondele Maria , Weis Karsten , Capasso Palmiero Umberto , Arosio Paolo
Published: July 2019

Cells can form membraneless organelles by liquid–liquid phase separation. As these organelles are highly dynamic, it is crucial to understand the kinetics of these phase transitions. Here, we use droplet‐based microfluidics to mix reagents by chaotic advection and observe nucleation, growth, and coarsening in volumes comparable to cells (pL) and on timescales of seconds. We apply this platform to analyze the dynamics of synthetic organelles formed by the DEAD‐box ATPase Dhh1 and RNA, which are associated with the formation of processing bodies in yeast. We show that the timescale of phase separation decreases linearly as the volume of the compartment increases. Moreover, the synthetic organelles coarsen into one single droplet via gravity‐induced coalescence, which can be arrested by introducing a hydrogel matrix that mimics the cytoskeleton. This approach is an attractive platform to investigate the dynamics of compartmentalization in artificial cells.