Abstract: An article of sports apparel such as an outsole for a shoe may be formed based on a computational traction profile. The computational traction profile is built based on received sensor data, such as that obtained by a frustrated total internal reflection (“FTIR”) system having a surface on which an individual may perform a movement. The sensor data is obtained while a different article of sports apparel of the same type is worn by the person during an activity. The sensor data may be used to alter a visual outsole pattern, traction features such as projections or recesses, for example. One or more of the position, height, cross-sectional shape, and the like of the respective projections and recesses may be varied along the surface of the outsole in response to the computational traction profile.

Abstract: A widely applicable process for the manufacture of carotenoids by a Wittig reaction comprises carrying out the Wittig reaction in a polar reaction medium in a manner such that neither the reactants nor the thus-manufactured carotenoid are significantly dissolved in the reaction medium. An especially suitable reaction medium is a polar, toxicologically harmless solvent which remains monophasic on the addition of water in an amount up to about 30 vol. % and which permits the triarylphosphine oxide which is formed to dissolve well. Lower alcohols and acetone, as sole solvents or as mixtures with one another and/or with water, are especially suitable as the polar reaction medium. This process permits the use of much more concentrated reaction mixtures, simplifies the regeneration of the solvent and generally the reaction procedure, and avoids toxicologically objectionable solvents such as halogenated hydrocarbons.