Search

The era of collaboration between the Centro di Sonologia Computazionale (CSC) and the Venice Biennale in the early 1980s marked a real breakthrough in the development of technological art and computer music. Thanks to this collaboration, computer music, which in those years was confined to research laboratories with auditions for insiders, entered the global contemporary music scene. This interview by Sergio Canazza, current director of CSC, with two leading figures of that endeavor aims to bear witness to that creative turning point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors detail a survey of macromoths carried out from 2015 to 2020 in the area of Torrion Quartara of the municipality of Novara (Piedmont, NW Italy). The site still retains many of the original vegetation characteristics of Po Valley, a factor which enabled the survival of numerous species linked to humid and subhumid environments that are greatly threatened nowadays by extensive farming, urban developments, and global warming, thus highlighting the need to carefully preserve the environmental integrity of such rare lowland remnant of primeval habitats once widespread in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advent of digital technologies, the computer has become a generalized tool for music production. Music can be seen as a creative form of human–human communication via a computer, and therefore, research on human–computer and computer–human interfaces is very important. This paper, for the Sensors Special Issue on 800 Years of Research at Padova University, presents a review of the research in the field of music technologies at Padova University by the Centro di Sonologia Computazionale (CSC), focusing on scientific, technological and musical aspects of interaction between musician and computer and between computer and audience. We discuss input devices for detecting information from gestures or audio signals and rendering systems for audience and user engagement. Moreover, we discuss a multilevel conceptual framework, which allows multimodal expressive content processing and coordination, which is important in art and music. Several paradigmatic musical works that stated new lines of both musical and scientific research are then presented in detail. The preservation of this heritage presents problems very different from those posed by traditional artworks. CSC is actively engaged in proposing new paradigms for the preservation of digital art. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the needs of music production and multimedia art, sound synthesis algorithms are needed which are versatile, responsive to user's expectations, and having high audio quality. It is useful to organize our intuitive sound abstracts into models. A computational model can be used for representing and generating a whole class of sounds, depending on the internal structure of the model and on the choice of control parameters. We will review some of the most important computational models that are being used for sound synthesis in musical production from the viewpoint of the model structure. Moreover, the Centro di Sonologia Computazionale of Padova University has done research on synthesis models for a long time and the main achievements in both the scientific and musical fields will be presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organosilicon reagents are invaluable tools in the hands of the modern chemist that allow accomplishing a number of synthetically useful transformations. While some are standard reactions, others are more complex transformations, such as the Brook rearrangement and its variants. This carbon‐to‐oxygen silyl migration represents a privileged method to generate transient carbanionic species well suited to undergo functionalization upon electrophilic substitution in the presence of an electrophile. This minireview focuses on recent advances in C(sp2)−Si bond functionalization through intramolecular activation by alkoxides. The key elements of reactivity will be highlighted in the introduction to allow the proper understanding of the migration process. Then, an overview of the reactivity of substrates incorporating the C(sp2)−Si motif and their synthetic applications will be provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Il testo si occupa delle elaborazioni del suono nel dominio del tempo discreto, considerando una fase di segmentazione, una successiva di analisi, ed una strategia di ricomposizione del segnale temporale al fine di ottenere trasformazioni sull'audio risintetizzato. I vari algoritmi sono presentati illustrando le tecniche analogiche storiche oltre a sviluppi e implementazioni mediante le tecniche dell'audio digitale. Sono altresì citati brani antologici dove compositori e musicisti utilizzano tali elaborazioni, contribuendo ad illustrare l'evoluzione delle tecniche della musica elettronica e dell'elaborazione sonora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterosubstituted aminoallenes underwent smooth ruthenium-catalyzed intramolecular exo-hydroamination reactions yielding the corresponding five-, six-, or seven-membered 1,3-diaza- or 1,3-oxaza-heterocyclic structures. This procedure is a valuable and less expensive alternative to the already known transition metal-catalyzed hydroamination reactions of aminoallenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Behcet''s disease (BD) may complicate with arterial and venous thrombosis. The purpose of this work is to evaluate in an Italian group of BD patients with thrombotic events a large panel of inherited and acquired thrombophilic factors. Methods: Thirty BD patients, of which nine with previously arterial or venous thrombosis and 21 without, underwent the following investigations: plasma antithrombin activity, protein C activity, free protein S level, sensitivity to APC, total plasma homocysteine concentration, serum folate level, determination of anti-phospholipid antibodies, serum Lp(a) levels, tests for gene polymorphisms of factor V Leiden, prothrombin and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genes. Tests for the gene polymorphisms were also performed in a group of healthy control subjects. Results: All the six patients with arterial or deep venous thrombosis showed thrombophilic conditions such as protein C or protein S deficiency (one case each), hyperhomocysteinemia (two cases), positivity of anti-phospholipid antibodies associated with APC resistance or hyperhomocysteinemia (one case each). Among three subjects with superficial thrombophlebitis only one showed a mild hyperhomocysteinemia. No differences were found between BD patients and control subjects concerning polymorphisms of the genes considered. Among BD patients the Factor V H1299R mutation showed a weak association with venous thrombosis (P =0.048). Conclusion: In BD patients different concomitant significant thrombophilic risk factors may contribute to the development of thrombotic events. Patients affected by vasculo-Behcet should be evaluated for the presence of coexisting major thrombophilic conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Résumé: Contexte: La maladie de Behçet (MB) peut se compliquer de thrombose artérielle et veineuse. L’objectif de ce travail a été d’évaluer dans un groupe de patients italiens atteints de MB avec évènements thrombotiques, un large panel de facteurs thrombophiliques héréditaires et acquis. Méthodes: Trente patients atteints de MB, parmi lesquels neuf avaient des antécédents de thrombose artérielle ou veineuse et 21 n’en avaient pas, ont eu les examens suivants : activité antithrombine plasmatique, activité de la protéine C, taux de la protéine S libre, sensibilité à la protéine C activée (APC), concentration en homocystéine totale plasmatique, taux de folates sériques, présence d’anticorps antiphospholipides, taux sériques de Lp(a), recherche de polymorphismes pour les gènes du facteur V Leiden, de la prothrombine et de la méthylène tétrahydrofolate réductase. La recherche de polymorphismes génétiques a également été réalisée dans le groupe de patients sains. Résultats: Les six patients qui avaient des antécédents de thrombose artérielle ou veineuse profonde avaient des facteurs thrombophiliques, tels qu’un déficit en protéine C ou S (un cas chaque), une hyperhomocystéinémie (deux cas), la présence d’anticorps antiphospholipides associée à une résistance à l’APC ou à une hyperhomocystéinémie (un cas chaque). Parmi les trois sujets qui ont eu des antécédents de thrombophlébite superficielle, seul un avait une hyperhomocystéinémie modérée. Aucune différence n’a été trouvée entre les patients atteints de MB et les sujets témoins pour les polymorphismes des gènes évalués. Parmi les patients atteints de MB, la mutation H1299R du facteur V était faiblement associée à la thrombose veineuse (p : 0,048). Conclusion: Chez les patients atteints de MB, la présence concomitante de différents facteurs de risque thrombophiliques pourrait contribuer au développement d’évènements thrombotiques. Les patients atteints de vasculo-Behçet devraient être évalués pour la présence de facteurs coexistents majeurs de thrombophilie. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The verification/validation of laboratory test results is one of the most critical aspects of the total testing process, which may produce conflicts between competencies and duties at the point of professional crossroads. This process has centered for decades on the human component, with positive effects as well as potential adverse consequences (postanalytical errors). Manual validation of data is a time-consuming activity, is inherently subjective and arbitrary, and requires the constant presence of postgraduate physicians or biologists within the laboratory with adverse economical and organizational impacts. To overcome these inherent limitations, we have developed and implemented in our stat department an automatic system for verification, validation and delivery of laboratory results. Methods: The procedure is based on automatic validation of test results by an expert system, coupled with remote wireless connection, which allows the laboratory professional “on call” to access, visualize, analyze, validate and deliver alert values (suspect, erroneous or critical) using a small laptop. This system also provides five phases where preanalytical and analytical errors can be identified and handled. Results and conclusions: Six months following implementation of this innovative system, which can be customized to facilitate a wide variety of laboratory workflow models, the reporting efficiency of our stat laboratory has greatly improved, reducing manual data entry, and increasing the timeliness and utility of test results. Clin Chem Lab Med 2009;47:1355–60. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technology-mediated music access is more and more becoming an interactive process, involving non-linguistic communication and action-based modalities. A better understanding of the musical experience and how this experience can be described is a crucial issue to render more effective and natural the interaction with musical contents. This paper aims at verifying if and how non-linguistic descriptors can be related to musical stimuli and their expressive cues. We designed four experiments using two sets of musical stimuli (simple and complex) and two sets of non-linguistic descriptors (acoustic and haptic), that we called attractors. In particular, the haptic attractors simulate the mechanic concepts of friction, elasticity and inertia (FEI). The results showed that subjects are able to relate musical stimuli with both acoustic and haptic attractors, even if the FEI metaphor seems to be more suitable for describing expressive cues in simple musical excerpts, where the expressive content is mainly related to performance cues, than in complex musical stimuli, where musical structure is more relevant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a general introduction for the theme of this special issue. It attempts to give a definition of the Sound and Music Computing research field stemming from its methodologies, aims and approaches. A brief account of the disciplines involved along with their academic organization follows, along with a short description of the areas of application involved. Since Sound and Music Computing has recently enjoyed a deep world-wide reflection upon its own goals, visions and perspectives which has resulted in several roadmapping exercises, the last part of this article provides a summary of these exercises by introducing them in the context in which they were created. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a survey of the research work carried out within the framework of the European Union-IST project MEGA (Multisensory Expressive Gesture Applications. November 2000-October 2003; www.megaproject.org). First, the article introduces a layered conceptual framework for analysis and synthesis of expressive gesture. Such a framework represents the main methodological foundation upon which the MEGA project built its own research. A brief overview of the achievements of research in expressive gesture analysis and synthesis is then provided: these are the outcomes of some experiments that were carried out in order to investigate specific aspects of expressive gestural communication. The work resulted in the design and development of a collection of software libraries integrated in the MEGA System Environment (MEGASE) based on the EyesWeb open platform (www.eyesweb.org). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expression is an important aspect of music performance. It is the added value of a performance, and is part of the reason that music is interesting to listen to and sounds alive. Moreover, understanding and modelling expressive content communication is important in many engineering applications. In human musical performance, acoustical or perceptual changes in sound are organized in a complex way by the performer in order to communicate musical content to the listener. The same piece of music can be performed trying to convey a specific interpretation of the score by adding mutable expressive intentions. The analysis of these systematic deviations has led to the formulation of several models that try to describe their structures, with the aim of explaining where, how and why a performer modifies, sometime in an unconscious way, what is indicated by the notation of the score. Modelling paradigms and problems are reviewed and issues for future research efforts are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In studies of music performance, rule systems have been used to model the expressive deviations introduced by musicians. In this work we present a methodology for the estimation of the rule parameters to reproduce a given human performance as closely as possible. To achieve best fit, a least square algorithm was used. The estimation can be carried out on different time scales to improve the fit when the performer method has been tested on different pieces, recorded both in a controlled experiment, and also in ecological settings. results confirm this methodology, and allow an objective comparison of parameter sets already studied in literature. The model can also be used to compare different rule systems, both from a numerical point of view, and also by listening the synthesized performances obtained using the estimated values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expressiveness is not an extravagance: instead, expressiveness plays a critical role in rational decision-making, in perception, in human interaction, in human emotions and in human intelligence. These facts, combined with the development of new informatics systems able to recognize and understand different kings of signals, open new areas for research. A new model is suggested for computer understanding of sensory expressive intentions of a human performer and both theoretical and practical applications are described for human-computer interaction, perceptual information retrieval, creative arts and entertainment. Recent studies demonstrated that by opportunely modifying systematic deviations introduced by the musician it is possible to convey different sensitive contents, such as expressive intentions and/or emotions. We present an abstract space, that can be used as a user interface. It represents, at an abstract level, the expressive content and the interaction between the performer and an expressive synthesizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addresses the problem of optimal estimation of parameters starting from a given human performance to produce, through the KTH rule system, a synthetic performance that is as similar as possible to the human one. Estimation procedure; Information on performance space; Results.

A new aza analogue of epiisopicropodophyllin (the C-3 epimer of podophyllotoxin) has been synthesized exploiting two original strategic steps. Rings A/B and E are entered at an early stage via a cationic benzhydrylation process. A palladium-catalyzed pseudo-domino (Pd-PDOM) intramolecular process generates rings C/D in a single synthetic operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the realm of electronic music institutes, CSC's activity goes backto digital prehistory and marks the birth of computer music production inItaly. This article briefly summarizes an historical overview of the centre showingtechnological advances and diverse musical works. Section 2 presents the statusof preservation following a scheme which goes from general projects (cataloguing,re-recording), passing through the description of some material realised atthe centre (musical pieces, software for performance) and finally describesspecific research or projects in audio, software and instrument preservationand/or restoration. Section 3 is a consideration of the role of the CSC inthe history of electronic music centres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palladium‐catalyzed conditions for diazidation or acetoxy/hydroxylation of N‐allyl sulfonamides by using Pd(OAc)2 as the catalyst combined with Mn(OAc)3 ⋅ 2H2O have been developed. The 1,2‐diazidation reaction of the carbon‐carbon double bond occurs in mild conditions (i. e. NaN3 as azide source in THF at room temperature), whereas the 1,2‐acetoxy/hydroxylation requires an excess of Mn(OAc)3 ⋅ 2H2O. The well‐known ability of this reagent to act through single‐electron transfer (SET) makes plausible a radical mechanism involving high valent palladium complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Methods Results Conclusion This observational study conducted across seven emergency care units compares the efficacy of four D‐dimer detection methods, namely HemosIL D‐dimer HS (HS), HemosIL D‐dimer HS‐500 (HS‐500), VIDAS D‐dimer (VIDAS), and HemosIL AcuStar D‐dimer (ACUSTAR). The primary focus is on patients with a clinical suspicion of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).A total of 149 samples were collected from patients with suspected DVT or PE. The confirmation of DVT/PE was based on calf ultrasound or computed tomography‐Angiography. Direct comparisons were made between the different detection methods, considering both their analytical performance and clinical utility. Additionally, the impact of an age‐adjusted cut‐off on the diagnostic accuracy of each method was assessed.The results revealed comparable negative predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity across the methods, with a notable exception of increased specificity for HS compared with HS‐500 (50.8% vs. 41.5%, p = 0.03). Further analysis incorporating an age‐adjusted cut‐off demonstrated a significant improvement in specificity for HS. When using the age‐adjusted cut‐off, HS exhibited a substantial increase in specificity compared with HS‐500 (63.1% vs. 49.2%, p = 0.004) and demonstrated significantly higher specificity compared with VIDAS (63.1% vs. 53.8%, p = 0.04).The study emphasizes the nonuniversal effect of an age‐adjusted cut‐off and discusses the potential necessity for different cut‐off values, particularly in the case of HS‐500. These findings contribute to the understanding of D‐dimer detection methods in the context of DVT and PE, providing insights into their relative performances and the potential optimization through age‐adjusted cut‐offs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Front Cover: C(sp2)-Si Bond Functionalization through Intramolecular Activation by Alkoxides (Eur. J. Org. Keywords: Anion Relay Chemistry; Brook rearrangement; Hiyama cross-coupling; Silyl migration; Synthetic methods EN Anion Relay Chemistry Brook rearrangement Hiyama cross-coupling Silyl migration Synthetic methods 1035 1035 1 02/24/21 20210219 NES 210219 B The Front Cover b shows the two possible tracks that trains can follow at a fork. The C(sp2)-Si bond cleavage can be either "endocyclic" (Brook rearrangement, right tracks) or "exocyclic"(left tracks). [Extracted from the article]

Examines the palladium-catalyzed allylic alkylations via titanated nucleophiles. Novel early-late heterobimetallic system; Endogenous deprotonation of the nucleophile; Isolation of the target allylated product; Coordination of the titanium complex on the basic site of the nucleophile; Acetate anion-mediated deprotonation of the Ti-coordinated nucleophile.

Proposes an extension of the classic wave digital filter (WDF) principles that would extend the class of nonlinear elements that can be modeled in the wave digital domain. Discussion on the issue of local discretization; Basic concepts of the WDF theory; Conclusions.

Focuses on a study which described an analysis of how the performance of a score differs when musicians are requested to play with differing expression. Analysis of the acoustic parameters; Discussion of control through synthesis; Interpretation of findings; Conclusions.

Argues that the frequency spectrum of the stationary part of instrument sounds are coded within the nervous system into a small number of parameters. Importance of sound perception in music research; Basis for models capable of filtering sounds; Discussion on the artificial cochlea.

Focuses on a study which defined an experimental framework for the development of algorithmically defined timbre spaces. Models in acoustic analysis of timbre; Information on the mel-frequency cepstral coefficients; Details on the physical timbre space construction; Experimental results.

A preface for the special issue of the 2007 "Journal of New Music Research," is presented.

Introduction: Pediatric tubes are increasingly used for drawing blood for hemostasis testing. This study has investigated the potential impact of low volume citrate tubes on results of first‐line hemostasis testing. Methods: The study population comprised 34 patients on warfarin therapy and 17 ostensibly healthy volunteers. Blood was collected into five different evacuated blood tubes from each subject. On right arm, blood was drawn directly into two standard evacuated blood tubes (3‐mL Vacuette and 2‐mL Vacutest) and one evacuated low volume blood tube (1‐mL Vacuette) by straight needle venipuncture. On left arm, blood was drawn using a 5‐mL syringe and then transferred within two nonevacuated microtubes (0.5 mL MiniCollect and 0.5 mL Micro Test). Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and fibrinogen were assayed on ACL TOP 700. Results: Spearman's correlation of PT, APTT, and fibrinogen values obtained using different tubes was always satisfactory (ie, ≥0.93). A statistically significant bias was frequently found by comparing values obtained in different tubes. Nevertheless, the minimum quality specifications for bias were exceeded only by comparing data of Vacuette 1 mL with those of all other blood tubes for PT, by comparing data of Micro Test 0.5 mL with those of all other blood tubes for APTT, and by comparing data of Micro Test 0.5‐mL blood tubes with those of Vacuette 3 mL and Vacuette 1. Conclusion: First‐line hemostasis testing using low volume citrate tubes may display differences sometimes exceeding the minimum quality specifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significance of cross dehydrogenative couplings has increased considerably in recent years. This article revisits the [3+2] C−C/N−C, C−C/O−C and C−C/C−C annulation strategy, recently reported by our group, according to a Pd(II) catalyzed dehydrogenative variant. Our original report relied on Pd(0) catalysis, using α,β‐unsaturated‐γ‐oxy carbonyls as bis‐electrophiles and resonance‐stabilized acetamides or 3‐oxoglutarates as C/N and O/C or C/C bis‐nucleophiles, respectively. In this more modern and straightforward Pd(II)‐catalyzed dehydrogenative approach, β,γ‐unsaturated carbonyl derivatives replace α,β‐unsaturated‐γ‐oxy carbonyls as bis‐electrophiles. Our study includes experimental optimization and showcases the synthetic versatility in the formation of diverse heterocyclic structures, such as bicyclic lactams, furo‐cycloalkanones and bicycloalkane‐diones. Furthermore, a mechanism is proposed to elucidate the underlying processes involved in these reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to article "Molecular Mechanisms of Corticosteroid Resistance," by Ian M. Adcock and Peter J. Barnes in the August 2008 issue.

The title reaction goes through an intramolecular exo-hydroamination to afford five, six, or seven-membered 1,3-diaza- or 1,3-oxaza-heterocycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the intermolecular reactions of palladium(0)-catalyzed allylic alkylations under neutral conditions. Observation upon the addition of methyl nitroacetate to cinnamyl acetate; Information on the results after the addition of sulfonyl nitromethane to cinnamyl acetate.

Two previously unknown protocols for Pd‐catalyzed allylic C−H sulfonylation of terminal alkenes have been developed. While the former consists of a direct Pd(II)‐catalyzed oxidative C−H allylic sulfonylation in the presence of sulfinate anions, the latter involves a sequential one‐pot Pd(II)‐catalyzed C−H allylic acetoxylation followed by a Pd(0)‐catalyzed sulfonylation. The scope of both protocols was studied on 25 examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Review: 246 refs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient, direct nucleophilic allylic substitution of α-, β- and γ-substituted alcohols with enamines, using the Pd(OAc) 2/ PPh 3 catalyst system and ZnBr 2 as a promoter in CH 2 Cl 2 at reflux, is reported. The reaction course was dependent on the steric hindrance at the α- or γ-positions with respect to the functionalized α-carbon, selectively affording in moderate to good yields, α- or γ-homoallyl ketones, the so-called “linear” and “branched” products, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Can a computer play a music score, e.g. via a Disklavier, in a way that cannot be distinguished from a human performance of the same music? One hundred and seventy-two participants with a wide range of music playing backgrounds rated sound recordings of 7 performances of piano music by Kuhlau, one played by a human, and six generated by algorithms, including a ‘mechanical’ and an ‘unmusical’ rendering. Participants rated the extent to which each performance was by a human and explained their answers. The mechanical performance had the lowest mean rating, but the human performance was rated as statistically identical to the other stimuli. There were no differences between ratings made by classical piano experts and lay listeners, but despite this, the musicians were more confident with their ratings. Qualitative analysis revealed five broad themes that contribute to judging whether a piece appears to be human. The themes were labelled (in descending order of frequency) intuitive, expressive, imperfections, halo (global preference) and empathy. This paper presents new evidence systematically demonstrating that algorithm generated performances of piano music can be indistinguishable from human performances, suggesting some parallels with the 1990s victory of the Deep Blue computer of the world champion (human) chess player. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An isolated C H bond in a molecule has a very low reactivity owing to the large kinetic barrier associated to the C H bond cleavage and the apolar nature of this bond. For this reason, the selective reactivity of such a non-functional group is under active study since several decades and is still regarded as the Holy Grail in chemistry. Metal-catalyzed C H activation/functionalization chemistry allows the step-economical and original construction of C C as well as C O and C N bonds starting from hydrocarbons (or hydrocarbon fragments) without the need of prior non catalytic oxidation steps. Furthermore, it can be of utmost importance in the domain of multistep syntheses, and also in transformations of societal significance such as the conversion of methane into methanol. This tutorial review addresses to students and researchers who would like to become acquainted with this fascinating topic. After a brief historical introduction, the main mechanistic fundaments of metal-catalyzed C H activation are exposed. Then, a selection of seminal advances and conceptual breakthroughs are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Furfural and related compounds are building blocks of industrial interest, obtained from raw biomass. Their use as precursors of basic and fine chemicals has gained increasing attention as a green alternative to petroleum‐derived compounds. Several works have reported the functionalization of furfurals to obtain a wider range of chemicals, opening up new synthetic possibilities and applications, ranging from biofuels to pharmaceuticals. Among these works, processes based on C−H activation are the most attractive ones for their atom economy and the possibility to use non‐activated substrates. This minireview summarizes the reported methods of direct C−H functionalization of furfurals without prior modification of the redox state of the aldehyde function. In particular, the transition metal catalyzed functionalization of each bond of the heteroaromatic nucleus of these molecules is systematically discussed, as well as examples of C−H transformations of the aldehyde function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective product formation in the Pd-catalyzed cyclization of unsaturated amide and carboxylic acid derivatives is an intriguing and challenging task. We recently discovered that the oxidative intramolecular Pd(II)-catalyzed amination or oxylation of unsaturated N-sulfonyl carbamates, N-sulfonyl carboxamides and carboxylic acids takes place through the involvement of cyclic (usually, 5- or 6-membered) aminopalladated (A mPIs) or oxypalladated (O xPI) intermediates. Such cyclic intermediates can undergo a variety of transformations such as distocyclic β-H elimination, oxidative acetoxylation or intramolecular carbopalladation, depending upon the substrate and/or the reaction conditions. In the absence of appropriate reaction pathways, the cyclic nucleopalladated intermediates (N uPIs) simply engage in an inconsequential equilibrium with the initial substrate and other transformations occur such as allylic C-H activation or, in the particular case of allyl carbamates, [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient and mildS-allylation of thiols with cyclic Baylis–Hillman acetates with no need of a transition-metal-catalyst or an expensive additive is described. Allyl sulfides are prepared in good to excellent yields (60–97%) and a single regioisomer was observed in all cases.\absfigure{gsrp809453ab01} [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research into music generation and into emulating human musical competence has attracted much attention in the field of computer science. In general, the results of academic research should be verified by assessing ‘objective effectiveness’, which is often represented by a ‘recognition ratio’. Although ‘objective effectiveness’ is also a requirement for research in music generation, it is meaningless unless subjective requisites are also satisfied. However, it is not easy for researchers to execute subjective evaluations within their individual endeavours. To address this difficulty within the research area of computer systems for generating expressive music performances, the Performance Rendering Contest (Rencon) was created. This is an international competition in which entrants present computer systems and the performances generated are graded, and has been held in conjunction with related international conferences. This paper presents an overview of Rencon history, highlighting the evaluative motivation of each contest. In addition, we discuss the possibilities of a new scientific research field in which future Rencons may play a role. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In recent years the evolution of digital technologies for the coding ofaudio signals has lead to new perspectives in the field of preservation andfruition of audio archives, even though new models for digital audio archiveshave not been yet developed. The most important international archives makeuse today of digital databases, and an increasing number of digital supports(DAT, CD-A, DVD-A). At the same time, in the field of musical philology, restorededitions of electroacustic operas have never been released: these would leadto scientific problems never addressed so far, about methodologies and algorithms. We aim at applying restoration algorithms to recordings of electronic music;this repertoire has some peculiar problems: it requires a philological analysisof the piece, as many of the synthesized sounds have acoustic properties incommon with noise, both impulsive and white. This work presents the results of an experiment aimed to evaluate the qualityof different audio restoration algorithms based on different methods, basedboth time and frequency domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a perceptual test to evaluate the qualityof different audio restoration algorithms based on Short Time Spectral Attenuationmethod and on Kalman filter. The protocol by International Communication Union(ITU.R P.800) was used. A set of audio stimuli played with different instruments(i.e., different bandwidths, transients, and timbre) was selected and differentimpulsive and broadband noises were added. Commercial software and proprietaryalgorithms were used to restore the corrupted stimuli. Twelve subjects wereasked to compare the restored and the noise free recordings. Statistical multivariateanalysis was performed and accurate characterization of the restoration techniquesused was achieved. In order to correlate perceptual results with acousticcharacteristics of the different stimuli, a time-frequency analysis was performed.These results permitted to relate the esthetic judgement categories used bylisteners with the main features of the restoration techniques used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new C(sp3)􀀀 H functionalization reaction consisting of the oxidative α-allylation of allyl-and benzyl-methyl ethers has been developed. The C􀀀 C coupling could be carried out under mild conditions thanks to the use of cheap and green oxoammonium salts. The scope of the reaction was studied over 27 examples, considering the nature of the substituents on the two coupling partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new efficient ZnBr2-mediated annulative domino reaction between enamines and cyclic Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) alcohols is disclosed. The process involves a tandem sequence (intermolecular conjugate addition of enamines to MBH alcohols and intramolecular nucleophilic addition of the hydroxyl moiety to the transiently generated iminium ion), affording the corresponding N , O -ketals diastereoselectively in good yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Murai reaction is a ruthenium‐catalyzed transformation leading to alkylated arenes through the C−C bond formation between an alkene and an arene bearing a directing group. Discovered in the nineties, this useful C−H activation based coupling has been the object of intense study since its discovery. After having studied the Murai reaction on 2‐formylfurans of biomass derivation, we describe here the carbonylative version applied to 2‐formylfurans, 2‐formylpyrrols and 2‐formylthiophenes. This acylation reaction takes place regioselectively at C3 position of the heterocyclopentadienes thanks to the installation of removable imine directing groups. The transformation can be achieved by treating the two reaction partners with a catalytic amount of Ru3(CO)12, in toluene at 120–150 °C, after CO bubbling, at atmospheric pressure. DFT computations of the full catalytic cycle help in deciphering the mechanism of this transformation, and to rationalize the different behaviors depending on the nature of imine directing groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annulative η3‐allylpalladium chemistry has been a longstanding trending research topic since the 80's. Nowadays, this research area is still providing challenges to the catalysis community leading to the development original and brand‐new transformations. Several reaction partners have been used as precursors for η3‐allylpalladium species, namely allyl diacetates, allyl monoacetates, 3‐acetoxy‐2‐trimethylsilylmethyl‐1‐propene (ASMP), alkylidene cyclopropanes (ACPs), vinyl cyclopropanes (VCPs), vinyl aziridines, and vinyl epoxides. This minireview is intended to show the recent developments in the field of annulative η3‐allylpalladium chemistry with emphasis on new reactivity, enantioselective transformations as well as potential applications in total synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to verify whether blood drawn into six different commercial coagulation tubes generated comparable results of thrombin generation. Methods: Blood was sequentially collected from 20 healthy subjects into different brand and draw volume 3.2% sodium citrate tubes (4.3 mL Sarstedt, 3.0 mL Greiner, 2.7 mL Becton Dickinson, 2.0 mL Kima, 1.8 mL Sarstedt and 1.0 mL Greiner). Thrombin generation was measured in plasma with the fully-automated ST Genesia analyzer using the weakest trigger (STG-BleedScreen). Results: Different values of lag time (LT), time to reach thrombin peak (TP), thrombin peak height (PH) and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) were commonly found in different tubes. Thrombin generation was the lowest in 4.3 mL Sarstedt tubes and the highest in 1.0 mL Greiner tubes. Other tubes displayed intermediate values. In multiple comparisons, LT was significantly different in 6/15 cases (40%), whilst PH, TP and ETP were significantly different in 14/15 (93%), 13/15 (87%) and 13/15 (87%) cases. The mean percent bias of LX PH, TP and ETP ranged between -6% and +1%, -27% and +116%, -22% and +8%, and between -18% and +65%. The intra-assay imprecision of LT, PH, TP and ETP was exceeded in 0/15 (0%), 13/15 (87%), 6/15 (40%) and 13/15 (87%) comparisons. The correlation of LT PH, TP and ETP values in different tubes ranged between 0.718-0.971, 0.570-0.966, 0.725-0.977 and 0.101-0.904. Conclusions: Blood collection for thrombin generation assays requires local standardization using identical tubes for brand and draw volume, and reference ranges calculated according to type of tubes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]