bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autopercepción del nivel de desarrollo de la competencia de aprender a aprender en el contexto universitario: propuesta de un instrumento de evaluación
Authors: Muñoz San Roque Isabel , Martín-Alonso José Francisco , Prieto-Navarro Leonor , Uros-Sanz Belén
Published: May 2016

Este trabajo se enmarca en el Proyecto de Investigación de la Universidad Pontificia Comillas denominado EDUCOMPET. El artículo presenta el proceso de diseño y de validación de una escala para medir la autopercepción del nivel de desarrollo de la competencia de aprender a aprender en estudiantes universitarios. La integración de las competencias clave a nivel europeo requiere de una fundamentación teórica sólida que sustente la adecuación de los instrumentos para su medida. En este trabajo se propone una estructura del constructo desde la perspectiva de la autorregulación. La estructura se centra en tres dimensiones: gestión del aprendizaje, autoevaluación del proceso de aprendizaje y autoconocimiento como aprendiz. Se ha aplicado el instrumento a una muestra de 458 estudiantes universitarios. Se realizaron análisis exploratorios y confirmatorios para validar el modelo teórico del que se partía y se obtuvo una fiabilidad e índices de ajuste adecuados para justificar la validez del instrumento.
Transferencia del sistema de FP dual a España
Authors: Echeverría Samanes Benito
Published: May 2016

La presión ejercida por diversos organismos comunitarios a favor de la formación profesional dual es patente en España, donde está regulado su desarrollo desde finales de 2012. Transcurrido un trienio, se analiza el proceso de implantación, a través de una investigación-acción, realizada en seis estados de la UE y financiada por el CEDEFOP. El artículo sintetiza las valoraciones de más de 40 expertos españoles, que alertan sobre las dificultades existentes, reflejan las deficiencias observadas y aportan pautas de actuación para un correcto establecimiento de este sistema formativo en todas las CCAAs del estado español.
Learning in cultures of social interaction
Authors: Daniels Harry
Published: May 2016

Este artículo aborda las formas en que las culturas de las instituciones y los patrones de interacción social ejercen un efecto formativo en el qué y cómo del aprendizaje. El modo en que se regulan las relaciones sociales de las instituciones tienen consecuencias cognitivas y afectivas para aquellos que viven y trabajan dentro de las mismas. El actual estado del arte en las ciencias sociales se esfuerza por proporcionar una conexión teórica entre formas específicas,o modalidades, de regulación institucional y de la consciencia. Los intentos que se han llevado a cabo para hacerlo tienden a la incapacidad de generar análisis y descripciones de formaciones institucionales que sean predictivos de consecuencias para los individuos. Al mismo tiempo, la política social tiende a no comprometerse con las consecuencias personales de las diferentes formas de regulación institucional. Se discutirá un enfoque con el fin de establecer conexiones entre los principios de la regulación de las instituciones, las prácticas discursivas y de la formación de la consciencia. Este enfoque se basa en el trabajo del sociólogo británico, Basil Bernstein y el teórico social ruso Lev Vygotsky.
Aperçu de la pratique de la science ouverte dans les universités francophones au Québec
Authors: Emond Nancy
Published: May 2016

Participer à l’avènement de sociétés du savoir fait désormais partie des missions que se donnent plusieurs institutions scientifiques dans le monde. Pour ce faire, l’une des nouvelles tendances qui se dessinent est celle de la pratique de la science ouverte, à savoir une science collaborative, participative, voire interdisciplinaire. Cette pratique s’effectue par divers moyens : recherche axée sur les besoins des communautés, partenariats avec des acteurs des sphères publique et privée, diffusion et accessibilité gratuite aux connaissances scientifiques et interconnexion entre des chercheuses et chercheurs de différentes universités et disciplines. Comment le Québec s’inscrit-il dans ce nouveau mouvement ? Cet article a pour objectif de dresser un portrait de la situation qui prévaut au Québec dans huit universités francophones et d’amorcer une réflexion sur les forces et les faiblesses du système scientifique universitaire québécois dans sa participation à l’émergence de sociétés du savoir.
Un poids décisif? L’influence du Québec sur les interventions militaires canadiennes
Authors: Massie Justin , Haglund David G.
Published: May 2016

Parmi les débats les plus persistants dans l’étude de la politique étrangère et de sécurité du Canada se trouve l’influence du Québec sur son élaboration et son exécution. Certains estiment que la minorité nationale francophone jouit d’une influence disproportionnée, alors que d’autres jugent plutôt que les valeurs et les intérêts du Québec sont marginalisés. Qu’en est-il exactement ? Cet article offre une analyse contrefactuelle de la question en s’attardant plus spécifiquement à la participation militaire canadienne aux coalitions d’États volontaires dirigées par les États-Unis. Nous examinons deux études de cas qui ont largement dominé les relations canado-américaines contemporaines, c’est-à-dire la guerre en Afghanistan et l’invasion anglo-américaine de l’Irak. Il ressort de notre analyse que, si le Québec peut se vanter de sa spécificité en matière de sécurité internationale, il est loin d’être avéré qu’une fédération canadienne sans le Québec aurait adopté des positions fondamentalement différentes de celles qui furent adoptées.
La parole des évêques du Québec et du Canada dans l’espace public : Vatican II comme moment d’apprentissage
Authors: Routhier Gilles
Published: May 2016

Cet article repose sur une interprétation fondamentale de Vatican II : ce Concile, dont l’un des défis consistait à renouveler le rapport de l’Église au monde moderne, a été, pour l’Église catholique, un moment d’apprentissage d’une nouvelle forme de discours dans un monde pluraliste. La question se pose immédiatement : est-ce qu’un tel apprentissage a été assimilé par les évêques du Québec et du Canada. Leurs interventions, entre les années 1958 et 2008, sur les projets de lois relatifs aux questions se rapportant à la famille (divorce, contraception, avortement, unions civiles, etc.) et sur l’école et la formation chrétienne des enfants reflètent-elles cet apprentissage réalisé au cours du Concile ? Peut-on identifier des évolutions au cours de ces cinquante ans qui nous séparent de l’annonce du Concile et définir des périodes à l’intérieur de cet espace temporel ? Cet article fournit un cadre général à une observation plus fine de cette évolution de la parole épiscopale au Canada.
Les évêques dans la communauté politique : pour une éthique de la parole publique
Authors: Jobin Guy
Published: May 2016

L’objet de cet article est l’identification de quelques linéaments d’une éthique de la parole croyante dans l’espace public des sociétés démocratiques. Cette éthique sera élaborée à partir de la notion de style, notion qui résulte de récentes recherches sur l’herméneutique du concile Vatican II. Nous proposons une démarche en trois parties sur un objet bien précis, soit la parole des évêques catholiques proposée dans le cadre de débats moraux. Le premier temps de notre démarche sera consacré à la réflexion d’André Naud sur l’éthique de la parole épiscopale. Cette réflexion tardive dans la production théologique de Naud n’a pas été, à notre connaissance, l’objet d’une étude approfondie. Sans prétendre offrir une analyse complète et définitive de ce travail, mais tout en soulignant son caractère pionnier, nous en cernerons les limites pour notre réflexion. Le deuxième temps de la démarche montrera la pertinence du paradigme éthique de la responsabilité pour réfléchir à l’éthique de la parole épiscopale dans l’espace public. Enfin, penser l’éthique de la parole publique des croyants en l’inscrivant dans le paradigme de la responsabilité est un geste théologique, certes, mais il s’appuie sur une pratique, soit celle de la prise de parole à Vatican II. Plus précisément, c’est dans la Constitution pastorale Gaudium et Spes qu’une « pratique » de la responsabilité s’est manifestée. Cette pratique est en fait une pragmatique que nous mettrons en lumière, dans la troisième partie de l’article, par une analyse rhétorique de l’énonciation qui a prévalu dans la rédaction de la Constitution pastorale.
Consécration et sécularité dans le concile Vatican II
Authors: Álvarez Alonso Fermina
Published: May 2016

Contrairement à ce qui avait été reconnu précédemment, on a été frappé du surprenant silence et du manque de réception théologico-juridique des instituts séculiers durant le concile Vatican II. Beaucoup de membres de ces instituts s’attendaient à ce que le concile Vatican II accorde une attention particulière aux nouvelles formes de vie consacrée, en précise la nature, l’action, indique le lieu qui leur convienne dans le corps organique de l’Église et, enfin, exprime un jugement positif à leur égard. Mais, en fin de compte, ils ne furent mentionnés que brièvement au no 11 de Perfectae Caritatis et dans le Décret Ad Gentes. Un excursus historique présente les instituts séculiers depuis leur reconnaissance juridique initiale en 1947, à travers la Constitution apostolique Provida Mater Ecclesia, et met en évidence, en particulier, la contribution apportée par quelques religieux clarétains comme Tabera et Larraona, qui travaillèrent à l’approbation de cette réalité. En suivant la trace des instituts séculiers durant les travaux du concile Vatican II jusqu’à l’étape préparatoire, on a retrouvé quelques interventions qui mettaient en relief leur nouveauté et leur apport pour l’Église. Les instituts séculiers, bien qu’impliqués dans les discussions sur les religieux, seraient davantage à inclure dans l’environnement laïc ; en fait, les caractéristiques de sécularité, de mission et d’état de perfection lié aux conseils évangéliques, sont le patrimoine commun de tous les chrétiens du fait de leur consécration baptismale. Ainsi, à travers une diversité multiforme de formes juridiques, aux dons et charismes élargis dans l’Église, les laïcs rendent possible le prolongement de l’Incarnation.
Sobre la correcta interpretació dels fonemes vocàlics de l’alguerès: un estudi acústic
Authors: Ballone Francesc
Published: May 2016

Resum: En els treballs de dialectologia catalana són sovent presents errors en la interpretació dels fonemes vocàlics del català de l’Alguer, i especialment dels fonemes mitjans /e, ?, ?, o/. L’objectiu principal d’aquest estudi és d’avaluar instrumentalment el rol que la distribució al·lofònica de les vocals tòniques en l’espai vocàlic pot jugar en augmentar el risc de no interpretar correctament els fonemes algueresos per part de locutors d’altres àrees dialectals del domini lingüístic català.Les dades obtingudes indiquen que és suposable una correlació entre diferències acústiquesdialectals i errades interpretacions dels fonemes vocàlics de l’alguerès per part d’estudiosos catalanoparlants no algueresos. Per exemple, una certa tendència a interpretar les vocals mitjanes obertes de l’alguerès com a mitjanes tancades pot ésser atribuïda (entre d’altres possibles factors) a la llur realització perceptiblement més alta respecte a les corresponents en quasi totes les altres varietats considerades.Paraules clau: alguerès, català, vocals, fonètica segmental, fonologia, escala Bark.
Carles Soldevila ironista: «Valentina»
Authors: Simbor Roig Vicent
Published: May 2016

Resum: El present article té com a objectiu estudiar la importància de la ironia en Carles Soldevila mitjançant l’anàlisi de la novel·la Valentina, publicada l’any 1933. En primer lloc, hom descriu el concepte d’ironia que tenia l’autor i, després, hom passa a comprovar la utilització del recurs en la novel·la esmentada, mitjançant els apartats segu?ents: la ironia del narrador, la ironia de situació, la ironia verbal, la ironia gestual i la ironia hipertextual o paròdia. La ironia del narrador i la ironia verbal hi apareixen com les més decisives: la primera ens permet veure el joc de distanciament irònic del narrador envers els personatges; la segona mostra la gran bateria de recursos retòrics emprada tant pel narrador com pels personatges.Paraules clau: ironia, paròdia, narratologia, història de la novel·la, Carles Soldevila.
Francesc Massip Bonet (ed.), «Repensar el sombrío Medioevo / Those Dark Ages Revisited. Nuevas perspectivas para el estudio de la cultura medieval y de la temprana Edad Moderna», Kassel, Edition Reichenberger, 2014, 245 pp.
Authors: Karilla Hiroco
Published: May 2016

Reseña sobre el libro de Francesc Massip Bonet (ed.), Repensar el sombrío Medioevo / Those Dark Ages Revisited. Nuevas perspectivas para el estudio de la cultura medieval y de la temprana Edad Moderna, Kassel, Edition Reichenberger, 2014, 245 pp.
Maria Conca & Josep Guia (2014), «La fraseologia. Principis, mètode i aplicacions», Alzira, Bromera/IIFV, 216 pp., ISBN: 9788490262818.
Authors: Timofeeva Timofeev Larissa
Published: May 2016

Ressenya sobre el llibre de Maria Conca & Josep Guia (2014), La fraseologia. Principis, mètode i aplicacions, Alzira, Bromera/IIFV, 216 pp., ISBN: 9788490262818.
Cell type specificity of neurovascular coupling in cerebral cortex
Authors: Uhlirova Hana , Kılıç Kıvılcım , Tian Peifang , Thunemann Martin , Desjardins Michèle , Saisan Payam A , Sakadžić Sava , Ness Torbjørn V , Mateo Celine , Cheng Qun , Weldy Kimberly L , Razoux Florence , Vandenberghe Matthieu , Cremonesi Jonathan A , Ferri Christopher GL , Nizar Krystal , Sridhar Vishnu B , Steed Tyler C , Abashin Maxim , Fainman Yeshaiahu , Masliah Eliezer , Djurovic Srdjan , Andreassen Ole A , Silva Gabriel A , Boas David A , Kleinfeld David , Buxton Richard B , Einevoll Gaute T , Dale Anders M , Devor Anna
Published: May 2016

Identification of the cellular players and molecular messengers that communicate neuronal activity to the vasculature driving cerebral hemodynamics is important for (1) the basic understanding of cerebrovascular regulation and (2) interpretation of functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) signals. Using a combination of optogenetic stimulation and 2-photon imaging in mice, we demonstrate that selective activation of cortical excitation and inhibition elicits distinct vascular responses and identify the vasoconstrictive mechanism as Neuropeptide Y (NPY) acting on Y1 receptors. The latter implies that task-related negative Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOLD) fMRI signals in the cerebral cortex under normal physiological conditions may be mainly driven by the NPY-positive inhibitory neurons. Further, the NPY-Y1 pathway may offer a potential therapeutic target in cerebrovascular disease.
Evaluation of disorder introduced by electrolyte gating through transport measurements in graphene
Authors: Browning Andrew , Kumada Norio , Sekine Yoshiaki , Irie Hiroshi , Muraki Koji , Yamamoto Hideki
Published: May 2016

We evaluate the degree of disorder in electrolyte-gating devices through transport measurements in graphene. By comparing the mobility in ion- and standard metal-gated devices, we show that the deposition of the ionic liquid introduces charged impurities that limit the mobility in graphene to 3 × 103 cm2 V−1 s−1. At higher temperatures (>50 K), phonons in the ionic liquid further reduce the mobility, making its upper limit 2 × 103 cm2 V−1 s−1 at room temperature. Since the degree of disorder is independent of the base material, these results are valuable for understanding disorder effects in general devices using electrolyte gating.
A series of experiments on humour perception and memorization – a case of humour associations and remembering humorous stories
Authors: Stoyanova Stanislava
Published: May 2016

Four experiments with 48 participants were conducted to study humour perception and memorization. A computerized method (FVW) from Vienna Test System was used (Kessler, Pietrzyk & Puhr, 2003), as well as humour associations, the recall of three funny stories, a short text evoking admiration and respect. The research was focused on what was associated with the word “humour” and on the types of the best remembered stories. The results indicated that the participants remembered better concrete rather than abstract stimuli, as well as meaningful rather than meaningless stimuli. The participants remembered well short verbal stimuli. They associated humour mainly with positive meaning, positive emotions (joy, happiness, amusement, satisfaction). The participants remembered better and non-intentionally the verbal stories heard by them that they estimated as the funniest compared to the stories estimated by them as less funny or the sentences provoking other positive emotions (admiration and respect). The funniest estimated stories were relevant to their personal experience, no matter if they contained puns or not. The estimated least funny story also contained puns, but contradicted some social norms related to the appropriate behaviour at the workplace.
CO2 non‐LTE limb emissions in Mars' atmosphere as observed by OMEGA/Mars Express
Authors: Piccialli A. , López‐Valverde M. A. , Määttänen A. , González‐Galindo F. , Audouard J. , Altieri F. , Forget F. , Drossart P. , Gondet B. , Bibring J. P.
Published: May 2016

We report on daytime limb observations of Mars upper atmosphere acquired by the OMEGA instrument on board the European spacecraft Mars Express. The strong emission observed at 4.3 μm is interpreted as due to CO2 fluorescence of solar radiation and is detected at a tangent altitude in between 60 and 110 km. The main value of OMEGA observations is that they provide simultaneously spectral information and good spatial sampling of the CO2 emission. In this study we analyzed 98 dayside limb observations spanning over more than 3 Martian years, with a very good latitudinal and longitudinal coverage. Thanks to the precise altitude sounding capabilities of OMEGA, we extracted vertical profiles of the non‐local thermodynamic equilibrium (non‐LTE) emission at each wavelength and we studied their dependence on several geophysical parameters, such as the solar illumination and the tangent altitude. The dependence of the non‐LTE emission on solar zenith angle and altitude follows a similar behavior to that predicted by the non‐LTE model. According to our non‐LTE model, the tangent altitude of the peak of the CO2 emission varies with the thermal structure, but the pressure level where the peak of the emission is found remains constant at ∼0.03 ± 0.01 Pa, . This non‐LTE model prediction has been corroborated by comparing SPICAM and OMEGA observations. We have shown that the seasonal variations of the altitude of constant pressure levels in SPICAM stellar occultation retrievals correlate well with the variations of the OMEGA peak emission altitudes, although the exact pressure level cannot be defined with the spectroscopy for the investigation of the characteristics of the atmosphere of Venus (SPICAM) nighttime data. Thus, observed changes in the altitude of the peak emission provide us information on the altitude of the 0.03 Pa pressure level. Since the pressure at a given altitude is dictated by the thermal structure below, the tangent altitude of the peak emission represents then an important piece of information of the atmosphere, of great value for validating general circulation models. We thus compared the altitude of OMEGA peak emission with the altitude of the 0.03 Pa level predicted by the Laboratoire de météorologie dynamique (LMD)‐Mars global circulation model and found that the peak emission altitudes from OMEGA present a much larger variability than the tangent altitude of the 0.03 Pa level predicted by the general circulation model. This variability could be possibly due to unresolved atmospheric waves. Further studies using this strong CO2 limb emission data are proposed.
Increased rates of large‐magnitude explosive eruptions in Japan in the late Neogene and Quaternary
Authors: Mahony S. H. , Sparks R. S. J. , Wallace L. M. , Engwell S. L. , Scourse E. M. , Barnard N. H. , Kandlbauer J. , Brown S. K.
Published: May 2016

Tephra layers in marine sediment cores from scientific ocean drilling largely record high‐magnitude silicic explosive eruptions in the Japan arc for up to the last 20 million years. Analysis of the thickness variation with distance of 180 tephra layers from a global data set suggests that the majority of the visible tephra layers used in this study are the products of caldera‐forming eruptions with magnitude (M) > 6, considering their distances at the respective drilling sites to their likely volcanic sources. Frequency of visible tephra layers in cores indicates a marked increase in rates of large magnitude explosive eruptions at ∼8 Ma, 6–4 Ma, and further increase after ∼2 Ma. These changes are attributed to major changes in tectonic plate interactions. Lower rates of large magnitude explosive volcanism in the Miocene are related to a strike‐slip‐dominated boundary (and temporary cessation or deceleration of subduction) between the Philippine Sea Plate and southwest Japan, combined with the possibility that much of the arc in northern Japan was submerged beneath sea level partly due to previous tectonic extension of northern Honshu related to formation of the Sea of Japan. Changes in plate motions and subduction dynamics during the ∼8 Ma to present period led to (1) increased arc‐normal subduction in southwest Japan (and resumption of arc volcanism) and (2) shift from extension to compression of the upper plate in northeast Japan, leading to uplift, crustal thickening and favorable conditions for accumulation of the large volumes of silicic magma needed for explosive caldera‐forming eruptions.
Morphology and possible origins of near‐range oblique HF backscatter at high and midlatitudes
Authors: Ponomarenko Pavlo, V. , Iserhienrhien Blessing , St.‐Maurice Jean‐Pierre
Published: May 2016

High‐frequency radars (HF, ∼10–20 MHz) forming the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) regularly observe returns from very close ranges of ≤300–400 km (near‐range echoes, NREs). These echoes are conventionally attributed to backscatter from meteor trails, but other sources of NRE have been invoked, including polar mesospheric summer echoes (PMSE), and non‐field‐aligned E region irregularities leading to high‐aspect ionospheric returns. In order to relate NRE to a particular mechanism, it is essential to establish beforehand their spatiotemporal trends with respect to season, local time, and latitude. Systematic information of this kind is generally lacking from the literature, so we attempt to fill the gap by performing a statistical analysis of such echoes observed by five radars covering midlatitudes to polar latitudes over all seasons and local times. We detected two major echo populations which were observed at each radar site: (i) a nightside‐early morning returns representing the well‐known meteor backscatter and (ii) a midsummer population centered near the local noon. At high latitudes the summer daytime echoes are usually interpreted as PMSE, but the observed population extends to much lower latitudes and is centered well above the conventional PMSE height range. We hypothesize that this population could be related to neutral turbulence in the lower E region. In addition, there was a pronounced evening population restricted to the auroral region which we provisionally attribute to irregularities generated by the precipitating energetic particles and strong electric fields.
Transesterification Reactions Catalyzed by a Recyclable Heterogeneous Zinc/Imidazole Catalyst
Authors: Nakatake Daiki , Yazaki Ryo , Matsushima Yoshimasa , Ohshima Takashi
Published: May 2016

We report the development of a universal and recyclable heterogeneous zinc/imidazole catalyst. The catalyst is recoverable through simple filtration and can be reused at least five times, retaining its catalytic activity. Leached zinc species were not responsible for the observed catalysis based on the hot filtration test and ICP‐MS analysis. The heterogeneous zinc catalyst also promotes chemoselective transesterification over amidation.

magnified image
Inorganic Nanocarriers Overcoming Multidrug Resistance for Cancer Theranostics
Authors: Lin Gan , Mi Peng , Chu Chengchao , Zhang Jun , Liu Gang
Published: May 2016

Cancer multidrug resistance (MDR) could lead to therapeutic failure of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and has become one of the main obstacles to successful cancer treatment. Some advanced drug delivery platforms, such as inorganic nanocarriers, demonstrate a high potential for cancer theranostic to overcome the cancer‐specific limitation of conventional low‐molecular‐weight anticancer agents and imaging probes. Specifically, it could achieve synergetic therapeutic effects, demonstrating stronger killing effects to MDR cancer cells by combining the inorganic nanocarriers with other treatment manners, such as RNA interference and thermal therapy. Moreover, the inorganic nanocarriers could provide imaging functions to help monitor treatment responses, e.g., drug resistance and therapeutic effects, as well as analyze the mechanism of MDR by molecular imaging modalities. In this review, the mechanisms involved in cancer MDR and recent advances of applying inorganic nanocarriers for MDR cancer imaging and therapy are summarized. The inorganic nanocarriers may circumvent cancer MDR for effective therapy and provide a way to track the therapeutic processes for real‐time molecular imaging, demonstrating high performance in studying the interaction of nanocarriers and MDR cancer cells/tissues in laboratory study and further shedding light on elaborate design of nanocarriers that could overcome MDR for clinical translation.
A Floating Sheet for Efficient Photocatalytic Water Splitting
Authors: Lin Zhaoyong , Li Jiling , Zheng Zhaoqiang , Li Lihua , Yu Lili , Wang Chengxin , Yang Guowei
Published: May 2016

Solar photocatalytic water splitting has been a promising way to provide clean hydrogen energy. There are two weaknesses in the typical photocatalytic process in which photocatalysts are generally dispersing in water under stir. One is the inadequate utilization of light energy and the other one is the cumbersome operation in the recycling procedure. This study demonstrates an efficient solar photocatalytic water splitting using a floating sheet with a novel WSe2 cocatalyst. The sheet is fabricated by laser‐depositing WSe2 film on a carbon foam (CF) substrate and drop‐casting of the synthesized nanodiamond‐embedded Cu2O (NEC) photocatalysts. This is a new‐type artificial photocatalytic system that overcomes the above‐mentioned weaknesses of a powder‐dispersing system. The WSe2 cocatalyst acts as an electron sink to promote electron–hole separation, resulting in the further improvement of photocatalytic performance. This floating NEC/WSe2/CF structure achieves efficient water splitting upon simulated solar irradiation with an increased H2 evolution rate, which is 13.2 times that of the powder‐dispersing system. This study offers a strategy for the design of new‐type photocatalytic system and discovery of alternative noble metal‐free cocatalysts.
Increasing selectivity of the hydroformylation in a miniplant: Catalyst, solvent, and olefin recycle in two loops
Authors: Dreimann J. M. , Warmeling H. , Weimann J. N. , Künnemann K. , Behr A. , Vorholt A. J.
Published: May 2016

The application of thermomorphic solvent systems offers the combination of homogeneous catalysis in a single phase and catalyst recovery via phase separation. To increase economic feasibility the minimization of waste streams and side reactions is desired. For this, a continuous process for the hydroformylation of 1‐dodecene in the solvent system DMF/n‐decane is shown. While the Rh/Biphephos catalyst is recycled in DMF in a first loop, the n‐decane and remaining olefins are separated from the product via distillation to form the second loop. In this process the need for additional solvent supply and the isomerization reaction of 1‐dodecene is reduced significantly. The reaction toward internal olefins decreases from initially 15 to 3%. The stable hydroformylation process with a yield of the linear hydroformylation product of 55% and l/b‐ratio of 95/5 is shown for 120 h. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 4377–4383, 2016
Multi‐scenario robust online optimization and control of fed‐batch systems via dynamic model‐based scenario selection
Authors: Rossi Francesco , Reklaitis Gintaras , Manenti Flavio , Buzzi‐Ferraris Guido
Published: May 2016

The manuscript proposes a novel robust methodology for the model‐based online optimization/optimal control of fed‐batch systems, which consists of two different interacting layers executed asynchronously. The first iteratively computes robust control actions online via multi‐scenario stochastic optimization while the second iteratively re‐estimates the optimal scenario map after every single/every certain number of control action/actions. The novelty of the approach is twofold: (I) the scenario map is optimally computed/updated based on probabilistic information on the process model uncertainty as well as the sensitivity of the controlled system to the uncertain parameters; and (II) the scenario set is dynamically re‐estimated, thus accounting for the effect of disturbances and changes in the operating conditions of the target process. The proposed approach is applied to a fed‐batch Williams‐Otto process and compared to an existing multi‐scenario optimization/control algorithm as well as a non‐robust optimization/control strategy to draw conclusions about which method is more effective. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 3264–3284, 2016
Tailored synthesis of macroporous Pt/WO3 photocatalyst with nanoaggregates via flame assisted spray pyrolysis
Authors: Arutanti Osi , Arif Aditya Farhan , Balgis Ratna , Ogi Takashi , Okuyama Kikuo , Iskandar Ferry
Published: May 2016

High‐surface‐area macroporous WO3 particles with deposited Pt (Pt/WO3) were successfully synthesized for the first time, using flame‐assisted spray pyrolysis. Nanoparticle aggregates‐like structures (nanoaggregates) were formed, although a salt precursor was used for the synthesis. The macroporous structure was tailored by changing the mass ratio of the polystyrene template to ammonium tungstate pentahydrate. The cavities between the nanoaggregates formed mesopores, which increased the surface area. The presence of meso‐ and macro‐pores in the synthesized Pt/WO3 particles improved their photocatalytic activities in visible‐light‐induced photodegradation of rhodamine B. The combination of a high surface area and the presence of an in situ‐deposited Pt cocatalyst gave a high photodecomposition rate, approximately 9.6 times higher than that achieved with dense WO3 particles. This research provides a promising strategy for synthesizing submicron particles with high surface areas at a high production rate, and is suitable for industrial applications. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 3864–3873, 2016
Clinical and radiographic delineation of Bent Bone Dysplasia‐FGFR2 type or Bent Bone Dysplasia with Distinctive Clavicles and Angel‐shaped Phalanges
Authors: Krakow Deborah , Cohn Daniel H. , Wilcox William R. , Noh Grace J. , Raffel Leslie J. , Sarukhanov Anna , Ivanova Margarita H. , Danielpour Moise , Grange Dorothy K. , Elliott Alison M. , Bernstein Jonathan A. , Rimoin David L. , Merrill Amy E. , Lachman Ralph S.
Published: May 2016

Bent Bone Dysplasia‐FGFR2 type is a relatively recently described bent bone phenotype with diagnostic clinical, radiographic, and molecular characteristics. Here we report on 11 individuals, including the original four patients plus seven new individuals with three longer‐term survivors. The prenatal phenotype included stillbirth, bending of the femora, and a high incidence of polyhydramnios, prematurity, and perinatal death in three of 11 patients in the series. The survivors presented with characteristic radiographic findings that were observed among those with lethality, including bent bones, distinctive (moustache‐shaped) small clavicles, angel‐shaped metacarpals and phalanges, poor mineralization of the calvarium, and craniosynostosis. Craniofacial abnormalities, hirsutism, hepatic abnormalities, and genitourinary abnormalities were noted as well. Longer‐term survivors all needed ventilator support. Heterozygosity for mutations in the gene that encodes Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 (FGFR2) was identified in the nine individuals with available DNA. Description of these patients expands the prenatal and postnatal findings of Bent Bone Dysplasia–FGFR2 type and adds to the phenotypic spectrum among all FGFR2 disorders. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Of Poisons and Antidotes in Polypropylene Catalysis
Authors: Yu Yue , Busico Vincenzo , Budzelaar Peter H. M. , Vittoria Antonio , Cipullo Roberta
Published: May 2016

Quenched‐flow studies of MgCl2‐supported Ziegler–Natta catalysts were combined for the first time with 13C NMR fingerprinting of the nascent polymer and conclusively proved that, depending on the catalyst formulation, propene polymerization can be slowed down significantly by the occurrence of the few regiodefects (2,1 monomer insertions), changing active sites into dormant sites. Catalysts modified with ethylbenzoate show little dormancy. The more industrially relevant phthalate based catalysts, instead, are highly dormant and require the presence of H2 to counteract the deleterious effect of this self‐poisoning on productivity and stereoselectivity.
Elucidation of the Covalent and Tertiary Structures of Biologically Active Ts3 Toxin
Authors: Dang Bobo , Kubota Tomoya , Mandal Kalyaneswar , Correa Ana M. , Bezanilla Francisco , Kent Stephen B. H.
Published: May 2016

Ts3 is an alpha scorpion toxin from the venom of the Brazilian scorpion Tityus serrulatus. Ts3 binds to the domain IV voltage sensor of voltage‐gated sodium channels (Nav) and slows down their fast inactivation. The covalent structure of the Ts3 toxin is uncertain, and the structure of the folded protein molecule is unknown. Herein, we report the total chemical synthesis of four candidate Ts3 toxin protein molecules and the results of structure–activity studies that enabled us to establish the covalent structure of biologically active Ts3 toxin. We also report the synthesis of the mirror image form of the Ts3 protein molecule, and the use of racemic protein crystallography to determine the folded (tertiary) structure of biologically active Ts3 toxin by X‐ray diffraction.
A Highly Efficient Sandwich‐Like Symmetrical Dual‐Phase Oxygen‐Transporting Membrane Reactor for Hydrogen Production by Water Splitting
Authors: Fang Wei , Steinbach Frank , Cao Zhongwei , Zhu Xuefeng , Feldhoff Armin
Published: May 2016

Water splitting coupled with partial oxidation of methane (POM) using an oxygen‐transporting membrane (OTM) would be a potentially ideal way to produce high‐purity hydrogen as well as syngas. Over the past decades, substantial efforts have been devoted to the development of supported membranes with appropriate configurations to achieve considerable performance improvements. Herein, we describe the design of a novel symmetrical membrane reactor with a sandwich‐like structure, whereby a largescale production (>10 mL min−1 cm−2) of hydrogen and syngas can be obtained simultaneously on opposite sides of the OTM. Furthermore, this special membrane reactor could regenerate the coke‐deactivated catalyst in situ by water steam in a single unit. These results represent an important first step in the development of membrane separation technologies for the integration of multiple chemical processes.
Improvement of mechanical characteristics of glycidyl azide polymer binder system by addition of flexible polyether
Authors: Deng Jingke , Li Guoping , Xia Min , Lan Yuanfei , Luo Yunjun
Published: May 2016

Two kinds of flexible chain polymer, poly(ethylene oxide‐co‐tetrahydrofuran) (P(EO‐co‐THF)) and polyalkylene oxide (PAO), were chosen to improve the mechanical properties of the network of glycidyl azide polymer (GAP)–based elastomers. The mechanical properties of the GAP binder system at 25 and −40 °C can be improved effectively. The effects of P(EO‐co‐THF) and PAO on the network parameters, hydrogen bonding effect, and crystallization property were studied to determine the enhancement mechanism. Based on the results, it can be concluded that for copolyurethane elastomers prepared with PAO content less than 15 wt % and P(EO‐co‐THF), the mechanical properties were enhanced by the reduction of bulk side groups in GAP, which improved the chemical crosslinking density, hydrogen bonding effect in elastomers, and the motility of the molecular chains, while for elastomers prepared with more than 15 wt % PAO, the crystallization of the PAO segments played a major role in the improvement of mechanical properties. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43840.
Preparation of poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐butyl methacrylate) nanoparticles and their reinforcing effect on natural rubber
Authors: Liu Jin , Tian Xiaohui , Sun Jinyu , Yuan Yizhong
Published: May 2016

Poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐butyl methacrylate) [P(MMA‐co‐BMA)] nanoparticles were synthesized via emulsion polymerization, and incorporated into natural rubber (NR) by latex compounding. Monodispersed, core‐shell P(MMA‐co‐BMA)/casein nanoparticles (abbreviated as PMBMA‐CA) were produced with casein (CA) as surfactant. The chemical structure of P(MMA‐co‐BMA) copolymers were confirmed by 1H‐NMR and FTIR analyses. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated the core–shell structure of PMBMA‐CA, and PMBMA‐CA homogenously distributed around NR particles, indicating the interaction between PMBMA‐CA and NR. As a result, the tensile strength and modulus of NR/PMBMA‐CA films were significantly enhanced. The tensile strength was increased by 100% with 10% copolymer addition, when the molar ratio of MMA:BMA was 8:2. In addition, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy results presented that the NR/PMBMA‐CA films exhibited smooth surfaces with low roughness, and PMBMA‐CA was compatible with NR. FTIR‐ATR analyses also suggested fewer PMBMA‐CA nanoparticles migrated out of NR. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43843.
Antibacterial polycaprolactone electrospun fiber mats prepared by soluble eggshell membrane protein–assisted adsorption of silver nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Huan‐Huan , Li Qiang , Liang Xiao , Xiong Xi , Yu Jian , Guo Zhao‐Xia
Published: May 2016

Antibacterial polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun fiber mats were prepared by coelectrospinning PCL with soluble eggshell membrane protein (SEP) in 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐2‐propanol (HFIP), followed by adsorption of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) through hydrogen‐bonding interaction between the amide groups of SEP and the carboxylic acid groups capped on the surfaces of Ag NPs. The PCL/SEP fiber mat was characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, indicating the presence of some SEP on the fiber surface. The adsorption of Ag NPs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and quantitatively characterized by thermogravimetric analysis. The pH value of the silver sol used for adsorption is very important in view of the amount and dispersion state of Ag NPs adsorbed on the fibers. The Ag NP–decorated PCL/SEP fiber mats prepared at pH 3–5 exhibit strong antibacterial activity against both gram‐negative Escherichia coli and gram‐positive Bacillus subtilis. Antibacterial PCL fiber mats were also obtained similarly with the assistance of collagen (another protein) instead of SEP, showing that protein‐assisted adsorption of Ag NPs is a versatile method to prepare antibacterial electrospun fiber mats. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43850.
Effects of poloxamer 407‐induced hyperlipidemia on hepatic multidrug resistance protein 2 (Mrp2/Abcc2) and the pharmacokinetics of mycophenolic acid in rats
Authors: Kwon Mi Hye , Yoon Ji Na , Baek Yu Jin , Kim Yu Chul , Cho Yong Yeon , Kang Hee Eun
Published: May 2016

Hepatic multidrug resistance‐associated protein 2 (Mrp2) is responsible for the majority of the biliary elimination of endogenous and exogenous substances, therefore it is important to evaluate possible functional changes in Mrp2 activity under conditions of hyperlipidemia (HL). Thus, the present study assessed the protein expression and transporting activity of hepatic Mrp2 based on the in vivo biliary excretion of phenolsulfonphthalein (PSP) as a model anionic substrate for Mrp2 in poloxamer 407‐induced hyperlipidemic rats (HL rats) and compared these values with those for control rats. The pharmacokinetics of mycophenolic acid (MPA) and mycophenolic acid‐7‐O‐glucuronide (MPAG) were evaluated after the intravenous (5 mg/kg) and oral (10 mg/kg) administration of MPA to control and HL rats. In HL rats, the protein expression of hepatic Mrp2 and its biliary transporting activity exhibited significant reductions (by 24.3% and 24.6%, respectively) in the absence of a change in bile flow rate. Unexpectedly, HL and control rats showed comparable biliary excretion rates of MPAG due to the counter effects of the reduced expression and activity of Mrp2 and a 484% increase in the free fraction of MPAG in HL rats. The estimated biliary clearance value of free MPAG in HL rats was considerably slower (by 77.1%) than that in control rats. Although significant pharmacokinetic changes in total MPA and MPAG levels were not observed in HL rats, there was a marked increase in free MPA and MPAG levels. Clinically relevant pharmacokinetic changes in subjects with HL that are related to MRP2 could not be ruled out. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Spreading of Alternatives: Is it the Perceived Choice or Actual Choice that Changes our Preference?
Authors: Luo Jiayi , Yu Rongjun
Published: May 2016

After making a difficult choice, the preference rating of a chosen alternative tends to increase, and the rating of the rejected one tends to decrease. Such a change of preference is called spreading of alternatives. It is unclear whether it is the choice itself, or the choice one believes one has made that leads to preference change. Using a facial attractiveness task, we addressed this question by setting up an experiment to measure how the actual choice and perceived choice changed the preference. In the current study, participants first rated the attractiveness of female faces, and then made a choice between two faces that they had rated the same, after which, they re‐rated the female faces. Notably, in the re‐rating session, participants were given either veridical, false, or no feedback about their prior choice. This way, we were able to measure the functions of actual choice and perceived choice in rating changes. Results showed that both actual action and perceived action exert significant influence in shaping preference. The veridical feedback enhanced the spreading of alternatives effect whereas the false feedback weakened this effect, indicating that preference can be modulated by explicit manipulation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dielectric polarization transients in biological tissue moving in a static magnetic field
Authors: Jokela Kari , Laakso Ilkka
Published: May 2016

Movement of a body in a static magnetic field gives rise to the Lorentz force that induces in the medium both electric currents and dielectric polarization. It is usually assumed that the conductivity of biological tissues is sufficiently high in order to neglect dielectric phenomenon arising from non‐equilibrium of polarization charges. However, the permittivity of biological tissues is extremely high and the relaxation time of free charges is relatively low. In this study, we examined the effect of dielectric polarization on the electric field (EF) induced by human movements in a strong magnetic field (MF). Analytic equations for brain and bone equivalent spheres translating and rotating in a uniform MF were derived from Maxwell equations. Several examples were computed by using Fast Fourier Transform to examine transient dielectric effects in a time domain. The results showed that dielectric polarization transients do arise, but in the case of homogeneous medium, they are vanishingly small. In contrast, the local dielectric transients are not vanishingly small in heterogeneous medium. However, due to limited acceleration and deceleration of normal human movements, the transients are relatively small, at maximum a few dozen percent of the EF induced by the change of the magnetic flux. Taking into account the high uncertainty in numerical simulation, the dielectric transients can be neglected in the case of biological materials but not in the case of many non‐biological materials of low conductivity. Bioelectromagnetics. 37:409–422, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acylase‐containing polyurethane coatings with anti‐biofilm activity
Authors: Grover Navdeep , Plaks Joseph G. , Summers Samantha R. , Chado Garrett R. , Schurr Michael J. , Kaar Joel L.
Published: May 2016

Due to the prevalence of biofilm‐related infections, which are mediated by bacterial quorum sensing, there is a critical need for materials and coatings that resist biofilm formation. We have developed novel anti‐biofilm coatings that disrupt quorum sensing in surface‐associated bacteria via the immobilization of acylase in polyurethane films. Specifically, acylase from Aspergillus melleus was covalently immobilized in biomedical grade polyurethane coatings via multipoint covalent immobilization. Coatings containing acylase were enzymatically active and catalyzed the hydrolysis of the quorum sensing (QS) molecules N‐butyryl‐L‐homoserine lactone (C4‐LHL), N‐hexanoyl‐L‐homoserine lactone (C6‐LHL), and N‐(3‐oxododecanoyl)‐L‐homoserine lactone (3‐oxo‐C12‐LHL). In biofilm inhibition assays, immobilization of acylase led to an approximately 60% reduction in biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145 and PAO1. Inhibition of biofilm formation was consistent with a reduction in the secretion of pyocyanin, indicating the disruption of quorum sensing as the mechanism of the coating activity. Scanning electron microscopy further showed that acylase‐containing coatings contained far fewer bacterial cells than control coatings that lacked acylase. Moreover, acylase‐containing coatings retained 90% activity when stored dry at 37°C for 7 days and were more stable than the free enzyme in physiological conditions, including artificial urine. Ultimately, such coatings hold considerable promise for the clinical management of catheter‐related infections as well as the prevention of infections in orthopedic applications (i.e., on hip and knee prostheses) and on contact lenses. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 2535–2543. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microfluidics‐based 3D cell culture models: Utility in novel drug discovery and delivery research
Authors: Gupta Nilesh , Liu Jeffrey R. , Patel Brijeshkumar , Solomon Deepak E. , Vaidya Bhuvaneshwar , Gupta Vivek
Published: May 2016

The implementation of microfluidic devices within life sciences has furthered the possibilities of both academic and industrial applications such as rapid genome sequencing, predictive drug studies, and single cell manipulation. In contrast to the preferred two‐dimensional cell‐based screening, three‐dimensional (3D) systems have more in vivo relevance as well as ability to perform as a predictive tool for the success or failure of a drug screening campaign. 3D cell culture has shown an adaptive response to the recent advancements in microfluidic technologies which has allowed better control over spheroid sizes and subsequent drug screening studies. In this review, we highlight the most significant developments in the field of microfluidic 3D culture over the past half‐decade with a special focus on their benefits and challenges down the lane. With the newer technologies emerging, implementation of microfluidic 3D culture systems into the drug discovery pipeline is right around the bend.