Modeling the Porosity Evolution of a Powder under Uniaxial Compression

The purpose of this work is to present a new model describing the evolution of powder porosity versus applied pressure during uniaxial compression. This model is based on quasi‐chemical treatments and population balances. It is generally admitted that compression is composed of four steps: a first reorganization of the initial particles, a fragmentation of some initial particles, a second rearrangement of the initial and secondary particle mixture and a plastic deformation stage. So the model is constructed around these four steps. Experimental results on eighteen different powders show a fair agreement with theoretical results and material physical constant values. The use of this model can allow classifying the reorganization, fragmentation and plastic deformation abilities of the products and it will be useful in order to optimize the elaboration process.     

Sacubitril/Valsartan Improves Diastolic Function But Not Skeletal Muscle Function in a Rat Model of HFpEF

The angiotensin receptor/neprilysin inhibitor Sacubitril/Valsartan (Sac/Val) has been shown to be beneficial in patients suffering from heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, the impact of Sac/Val in patients presenting with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is not yet clearly resolved. The present study aimed to reveal the influence of the drug on the functionality of the myocardium, the skeletal muscle, and the vasculature in a rat model of HFpEF. Female obese ZSF-1 rats received Sac/Val as a daily oral gavage for 12 weeks. Left ventricle (LV) function was assessed every four weeks using echocardiography. Prior to organ removal, invasive hemodynamic measurements were performed in both ventricles. Vascular function of the carotid artery and skeletal muscle function were monitored. Sac/Val treatment reduced E/é ratios, left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and myocardial stiffness as well as myocardial fibrosis and heart weight compared to the obese control group. Sac/Val slightly improved endothelial function in the carotid artery but had no impact on skeletal muscle function. Our results demonstrate striking effects of Sac/Val on the myocardial structure and function in a rat model of HFpEF. While vasodilation was slightly improved, functionality of the skeletal muscle remained unaffected.     

SPE's 48th Automotive Innovation Awards Celebrates Achievements in Auto Plastics

At the 48^th annual Automotive Innovation Awards Gala on Nov. 7, SPE's Automotive Division of Troy, Mich. honored 11 category winners, one of which also won the Grand Award as the Year's Most Innovative use of Plastics among 70 or so nominations in the 2018 SPE Automotive Innovation Awards Competition. They also presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Rose Ryntz, vice president of global advanced development and material engineering at International Automotive Components Group (IAC) of Southfield, Mich. Formal prizes were awarded in the categories of additive manufacturing, body exterior, body interior, chassis/hardware, environmental, hall of fame, materials, powertrain, process/assembly/enabling technologies, and safety (see sidebar). The nominations this reporter and judge felt were most innovative follow.     

Social support as coping assistance.

Proposes that it may be useful to reconceptualize social support as coping assistance. If the same coping strategies used by individuals in response to stress are those that are applied to distressed persons as assistance, models of coping and support can be integrated. To illustrate the utility of such an integration, coping strategies and support strategies are derived from a more general theory of stress-buffering processes. A variety of supportive strategies not previously identified by researchers are derived, such as situational reinterpretations, deliberate distraction, drug therapy, and mutual role-playing. Predictions regarding efficacious and nonefficacious types of support are made, and empathic understanding (based on sociocultural and situational similarities between a distressed person and a helper) is identified as a crucial condition for coping assistance to be sought, accepted, and found effective. (64 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)