bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapeamento Sistemático sobre Metodologias e Ferramentas de apoio para o Ensino de Programação
Authors: Blatt Lucas , Becker Valdecir , Ferreira Alexandre
Published: November 2017

Um grande desafio em cursos de graduação em Ciências da Computação é o ensino de programação. Vários métodos e ferramentas têm sido propostos para facilitar e maximizar a capacidade do aluno em aprender. No entanto, os alunos acabam enfrentando obstáculos que acabam dificultando o processo de ensino aprendizagem. Este trabalho apresenta um mapeamento sistemático da literatura brasileira sobre as metodologias e ferramentas utilizadas no ensino de programação. Os resultados mostram uma grande evolução de pesquisas na área e a educação básica, oferecendo alicerce para cursos superiores de computação, com o maior número de pesquisas e uma tendência em usar aplicações gamificadas.
O Uso da Tecnologia de Informação e Comunicação - TIC na Formação Inicial de Professores de uma Instituição de Ensino Superior no Município de Itaituba/Pará
Authors: Santos Gilson , Maffezzolli Ana Paula , Galvão Angel
Published: November 2017

O presente trabalho visa verificar se a formação inicial de professores, realizada numa instituição de ensino superior da cidade de Itaituba no estado do Pará, prepara os graduandos para a utilização de Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação no processo de ensino e aprendizagem. A partir da aplicação de questionários aos alunos concluintes dos cursos de Letras e Pedagogia, constataram-se diversas dificuldades relacionadas ao uso das TIC?s. Os resultados da pesquisa indicam que educar nos estabelecimentos de ensino da Amazônia, requer muita determinação e capacidade para superar obstáculos, porque são grandes os desafios que precisam ser superados para se ter uma educação de qualidade nessa região.
HAJED - TDAH: Heurísticas para Avaliação de Jogos Educacionais Digitais para Pessoas com TDAH
Authors: Silva Laura F. , Costa Diego , Inocêncio Ana Carolina
Published: November 2017

Os jogos criados para pessoas com Transtorno de Déficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade (TDAH) tem se tornado assunto para pesquisas em áreas como Educação, Neurociência, Engenharia de Software, dentre outras. Na Educação, esses jogos são denominados Jogos Educacionais Digitais (JEDs). E como os demais tipos de softwares, esses jogos também necessitam de uma avaliação de qualidade. No entanto, faltam ferramentas apropriadas para auxiliar no processo de avaliação de JEDs para pessoas com TDAH. A proposta para esta questão, apresentada por este trabalho foi utilizar a técnica de inspeção de usabilidade de softwares, mas que pode ser utilizada para avaliar jogos, intitulada como Avaliação Heurística.
Appers pedagógicos e atratores visuais: haverá uma inteligência conectiva em construção?
Authors: Boll Cintia , Lopes Ricardo C. , Luchini Nádila
Published: November 2017

O presente trabalho trata de uma análise transgeracional de aplicativos pedagógicos criados por licenciandos na plataforma brasileira nomeada de Fábrica de Aplicativos. Analisaremos a presença de atratores (CANEVACCI, 2008) no que denominaremos como Apps da terceira geração sob o enfoque de uma inteligência coletiva (LÉVY, 2010) a partir de sete versões de Apps, listados ao longo do estudo. Assim, em um primeiro momento, definiremos o conceito de atrator para, em um segundo momento, analisar o ambiente empírico. É possível crer que uma inteligência conectiva – que emerge destes aplicativos pedagógicos – contribua para significar os processos educativos em tempos de cultura digital.
Software livre como ferramenta no processo do ensino aprendizado: uma experiência com turmas do EJA
Authors: Ribeiro Gabriela , Reis Julilma , Franco Rodrigo , Felix Maria José , Guedes Albertina Marília A. , Nogueira Ubirajara S.
Published: November 2017

É notório que estamos vivenciando um período histórico onde ainda são realizadas em sala de aula, atividades embasadas no modelo tradicional de ensino em detrimento do modelo inovador executado a partir do uso de instrumentos tecnológicos. Com o grande avanço tecnológico, essas novas tecnologias devem ser aplicadas ao ambiente escolar, não só como um método de inovação, mas, como também, um novo método de ensino-aprendizagem. Tendo em vista os conceitos citados acima e visando um novo método de ensino-aprendizagem com uso da tecnologia, o objetivo deste artigo é aplicar softwares do Linux Educacional no auxílio na aprendizagem nas disciplinas de língua portuguesa e matemática em turmas do EJA (Educação de Jovens e Adultos) em uma escola de ensino público.
Planejamento de um Arcabouço Avaliativo para a Identificação do Perfil Evasivo do Discente: Estudo de Caso IFPB Virtual
Authors: Morais Alana
Published: November 2017

O presente artigo apresenta um arcabouço avaliativo para apoiar o docente no combate à evasão discente em cursos online. Para isto, este estudo fez um mapeamento das métricas comportamentais do aluno relevantes no mapeamento da evasão e adotou uma arquitetura fuzzy para lidar com a incerteza associada a este fenômeno. O arcabouço apresentado foi definido de acordo com a arquitetura dos cursos online do (blind review). Como resultados iniciais pode-se destacar a proposição de um arcabouço multidimensional de acordo com o cenário do estudo de caso.
Braindance
Authors: Penrod Joshua M. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: November 2017

Neuromarketing is the use of imaging technology to ascertain information about brain states during the viewing of advertising and products. It is an area of increasing interest for the purposes of both neuroscience brain research and marketing. At present, there remains significant disagreement about value of knowledge claims made by neuromarketing and its efficacy in both understanding and predicting consumer behavior. This paper outlines an approach to epistemic conception of neuromarketing by applying and broadening the categories of technological knowledge produced by Walter Vincenti and Marc de Vries. Categories of technological knowledge capture several important elements of epistemology and knowledge generation, though more work in areas such as business judgment and knowledge translation remains to be done. The framework provided herein presents new epistemological considerations for the analysis of marketing practice related consumer behavior and brain activity.
Mobile acoustic transects miss rare bat species: implications of survey method and spatio-temporal sampling for monitoring bats
Authors: Braun de Torrez Elizabeth C. , Wallrichs Megan A. , Ober Holly K. , McCleery Robert A.
Published: November 2017

Due to increasing threats facing bats, long-term monitoring protocols are needed to inform conservation strategies. Effective monitoring should be easily repeatable while capturing spatio-temporal variation. Mobile acoustic driving transect surveys (‘mobile transects’) have been touted as a robust, cost-effective method to monitor bats; however, it is not clear how well mobile transects represent dynamic bat communities, especially when used as the sole survey approach. To assist biologists who must select a single survey method due to resource limitations, we assessed the effectiveness of three acoustic survey methods at detecting species richness in a vast protected area (Everglades National Park): (1) mobile transects, (2) stationary surveys that were strategically located by sources of open water and (3) stationary surveys that were replicated spatially across the landscape. We found that mobile transects underrepresented bat species richness compared to stationary surveys across all major vegetation communities and in two distinct seasons (dry/cool and wet/warm). Most critically, mobile transects failed to detect three rare bat species, one of which is federally endangered. Spatially replicated stationary surveys did not estimate higher species richness than strategically located stationary surveys, but increased the rate at which species were detected in one vegetation community. The survey strategy that detected maximum species richness and the highest mean nightly species richness with minimal effort was a strategically located stationary detector in each of two major vegetation communities during the wet/warm season.
The response of soil microbial communities to variation in annual precipitation depends on soil nutritional status in an oligotrophic desert
Authors: Montiel-González Cristina , Tapia-Torres Yunuen , Souza Valeria , García-Oliva Felipe
Published: November 2017

Background

Soil microbial communities (SMC) play a central role in the structure and function of desert ecosystems. However, the high variability of annual precipitation could results in the alteration of SMC and related biological processes depending on soil water potential. The nature of the physiological adjustments made by SMC in order to obtain energy and nutrients remains unclear under different soil resource availabilities in desert ecosystems. In order to examine this dynamic, the present study examined the effects of variation in annual precipitation on physiological adjustments by the SMC across two vegetation-soil systems of different soil organic matter input in an oligotrophic desert ecosystem.

Methods

We collected soil samples in the Cuatro Ciénegas Basin (Mexico) under two vegetation covers: rosetophylous scrub (RS) and grassland (G), that differ in terms of quantity and quality of organic matter. Collections were conducted during the years 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, over which a noticeable variation in the annual precipitation occurred. The ecoenzymatic activity involved in the decomposition of organic matter, and the concentration of dissolved, available and microbial biomass nutrients, were determined and compared between sites and years.

Results

In 2011, we observed differences in bacterial taxonomic composition between the two vegetation covers. The lowest values of dissolved, available and microbial nutrients in both cover types were found in 2012. The G soil showed higher values of dissolved and available nutrients in the wet years. Significant positive correlations were detected between precipitation and the ratios Cmic:Nmic and Cmic:Pmic in the RS soil and Cmic:Pmic and Nmic:Pmic in the G soil. The slopes of the regression with Cmic and Nmic were higher in the G soil and lower in the RS soil. Moreover, the SMC under each vegetation cover were co-limited by different nutrients and responded to the sum of water stress and nutrient limitation.

Discussion

Soil community within both sites (RS and G) may be vulnerable to drought. However, the community of the site with lower resources (RS) is well adapted to acquire P resources by ecoenzyme upregulation during years with adequate precipitation, suggesting that this community is resilient after drought occurs. Under the Global Climate Change scenarios for desert ecosystems that predict reduced annual precipitation and an increased intensity and frequency of torrential rains and drought events, the soil microbial communities of both sites could be vulnerable to drought through C and P co-limitation and reallocation of resources to physiological acclimatization strategies in order to survive.
Preoperative cervical sagittal alignment parameters and their impacts on myelopathy in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a retrospective study
Authors: Yuan Wei , Zhu Yue , Zhu Haitao , Cui Cui , Pei Lei , Huang Zhuxi
Published: November 2017

Background

Cervical sagittal alignment plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), but there are limited studies on the cervical sagittal parameters in CSM patients and their correlations with myelopathy. The aim of this study is to investigate the correlations among the preoperative cervical sagittal alignment parameters and their correlations with the development of myelopathy in patients with CSM.

Methods

We retrospectively collected 212 patients with CSM who underwent surgical interventions. Gender, age, modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score (mJOA), cervical lordosis (CL), C2–C7 sagittal vertical axis (C2–C7 SVA), T1 slope (T1S), neck tilt (NT) and thoracic inlet angle (TIA) were collected before operation. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability were calculated for all measurements (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC). Data were analyzed with Pearson and Spearman correlation tests and multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

A total of 212 patients with CSM were included in this study (male: 136, female: 76) with an average age of 54.5 ± 10.1 years old. Intraobserver and interobserver reliability for all included radiographic parameters presented good to excellent agreement (ICC > 0.7). No significant differences in demographic and radiological parameters have been observed between males and females (P > 0.05). We found statistically significant correlations among the following parameters: age with CL (r = 0.135, P = 0.049), age with T1S (r = 0.222, P = 0.001), CL with T1S (r = 0.291, P < 0.001), CL with C2-C7 SVA (r =  − 0.395, P < 0.001), mJOA with age (r =  − 0.274, P < 0.001), mJOA with C2–C7 SVA (r =  − 0.219, P < 0.001) and mJOA with T1S(r =  − 0.171, p = 0.013). Linear regression analysis showed that C2–C7 SVA was the predictor of CL (adjusted R2 = 0.152, P < 0.001) and multiple linear regression showed that age combined with C2–C7 SVA was a sensitive predictor of mJOA (adjusted R2 = 0.106, P < 0.001).

Discussion

There were significant correlations among certain preoperative cervical sagittal parameters in CSM patients. CL was the only predictor of C2–C7 SVA. Age combined with C2–C7 SVA could predict the severity of myelopathy.
Production of Juveniles of the mullet Mugil liza Valenciennes, 1836, by controlled reproduction in Cuba
Authors: Alvarez-Lajonchere L , Hernández-Molejón OG , Pérez-Sánchez L
Published: November 2017

Induced spawning and larval rearing experiments were carried out with the mullet Mugil liza Valenciennes at the end of the 1987/1988 natural spawning season at Tunas de Zaza, in which the juvenile stage of a  mugilid species was reached for the first time in Cuba. All examined females had atretic oocytes. From the selected 18, four (22.2%) died during the hormone treatment and from the 14 that finished it, natural spawning or artificial fertilization was obtained from seven of them (50%). Best spawning results were obtained with 60-90 mg/kg of mullet pituitary in 3-4 partial doses (24 h interval). The eggs of one female with the highest fertilization rate (60%) were incubated at 24ºC, obtaining 90% survival of the fertilized eggs at hatching. The rearing experiments demonstrated that larvae were ready for exogenous feeding at day 3-4 and that the postlarval stage ended 40 days after hatching; also, that tarpaulin tanks were not adequate, that a strong aeration at the centre is beneficial and that the use of an intermediate food organism between rotifers and Artemia should improve the results. At the end of the rearing cycle (49 days), 220 juveniles were harvested in one of the four treatments used (0.20% survival). The difficulties faced and possible technique improvements for increasing survival are discussed.
Sensitivity of Induced Seismic Sequences to Rate‐and‐State Frictional Processes
Authors: Kroll Kayla A. , Richards‐Dinger Keith B. , Dieterich James H.
Published: November 2017

It is well established that subsurface injection of fluids increases pore fluid pressures that may lead to shear failure along a preexisting fault surface. Concern among oil and gas, geothermal, and carbon storage operators has risen dramatically over the past decade due to the increase in the number and magnitude of induced earthquakes. Efforts to mitigate the risk associated with injection‐induced earthquakes include modeling of the interaction between fluids and earthquake faults. Here we investigate this relationship with simulations that couple a geomechanical reservoir model and RSQSim, a physics‐based earthquake simulator. RSQSim employs rate‐ and state‐dependent friction (RSF) that enables the investigation of the time‐dependent nature of earthquake sequences. We explore the effect of two RSF parameters and normal stress on the spatiotemporal characteristics of injection‐induced seismicity. We perform >200 simulations to systematically investigate the effect of these model components on the evolution of induced seismicity sequences and compare the spatiotemporal characteristics of our synthetic catalogs to observations of induced earthquakes. We find that the RSF parameters control the ability of seismicity to migrate away from the injection well, the total number and maximum magnitude of induced events. Additionally, the RSF parameters control the occurrence/absence of premonitory events. Lastly, we find that earthquake stress drops can be modulated by the normal stress and/or the RSF parameters. Insight gained from this study can aid in further development of models that address best practice protocols for injection operations, site‐specific models of injection‐induced earthquakes, and probabilistic hazard and risk assessments.
Frictional Properties of Simulated Fault Gouges from the Seismogenic Groningen Gas Field Under In Situ P–T ‐Chemical Conditions
Authors: Hunfeld L. B. , Niemeijer A. R. , Spiers C. J.
Published: November 2017

We investigated the frictional properties of simulated fault gouges derived from the main lithologies present in the seismogenic Groningen gas field (NE Netherlands), employing in situ P–T conditions and varying pore fluid salinity. Direct shear experiments were performed on gouges prepared from the Carboniferous shale/siltstone substrate, the Upper Rotliegend Slochteren sandstone reservoir, the overlying Ten Boer claystone, and the Basal Zechstein anhydrite–carbonate caprock, at 100°C, 40 MPa effective normal stress, and sliding velocities of 0.1–10 μm/s. As pore fluids, we used pure water, 0.5–6.2 M NaCl solutions, and a 6.9 M mixed chloride brine mimicking the formation fluid. Our results show a marked mechanical stratigraphy, with a maximum friction coefficient (μ) of ~0.66 for the Basal Zechstein, a minimum of ~0.37 for the Ten Boer claystone, ~0.6 for the reservoir sandstone, and ~0.5 for the Carboniferous. Mixed gouges showed intermediate μ values. Pore fluid salinity had no effect on frictional strength. Most gouges showed velocity‐strengthening behavior, with little systematic effect of pore fluid salinity or sliding velocity on (a–b). However, Basal Zechstein gouge showed velocity weakening at low salinities and/or sliding velocities, as did 50:50 mixtures with sandstone gouge, tested with the 6.9 M reservoir brine. From a rate and state friction viewpoint, our results imply that faults incorporating Basal Zechstein anhydrite–carbonate material at the top of the reservoir are the most prone to accelerating slip, that is, have the highest seismogenic potential. The results are equally relevant to other Rotliegend fields in the Netherlands and N. Sea region and to similar sequences globally.
The Impact of Late Holocene Land Use Change, Climate Variability, and Sea Level Rise on Carbon Storage in Tidal Freshwater Wetlands on the Southeastern United States Coastal Plain
Authors: Jones Miriam C. , Bernhardt Christopher E. , Krauss Ken W. , Noe Gregory B.
Published: November 2017

This study examines Holocene impacts of changes in climate, land use, and sea level rise (SLR) on sediment accretion, carbon accumulation rates (CAR), and vegetation along a transect of tidal freshwater forested wetlands (TFFW) to oligohaline marsh along the Waccamaw River, South Carolina (four sites) and along the Savannah River, Georgia (four sites). We use pollen, plant macrofossils, accretion, and CAR from cores, spanning the last 1,500–6,000 years to test the hypothesis that TFFW have remained stable throughout the late Holocene and that marshes transitioned from TFFW during elevated SLR during the Medieval Climate Anomaly, with further transformation resulting from colonial land use change. Results show low and stable accretion and CAR through much of the Holocene, despite moderate changes associated with Holocene paleoclimate. In all records, the largest observed change occurred within the last ~400 years, driven by colonial land clearance, shifting terrigenous sediment into riparian wetlands, resulting in order‐of‐magnitude increases in accretion and C accumulation. The oligohaline marshes transitioned from TFFW ~300–500 years ago, coincident with colonial land clearance. Postcolonial decreases in CAR and accretion occur because of watershed reforestation over the last century. All sites show evidence of recent (decades to century) swamp forest decline due to increasing salinity and tidal inundation from SLR. This study suggests that allochthonous sediment input during colonialization helped maintain TFFW but that current SLR rates are too high for TFFW to persist, although higher accretion rates in oligohaline marshes increase the resilience of tidal wetlands as they transition from TFFW to marsh.
Haploinsufficiency
Authors: Read Andrew P
Published: November 2017

Diploid organisms such as humans have two copies of each autosomal gene. Loss of both copies often has serious consequences – but what happens if just one copy is lost? For some genes, it matters; for others, it does not. Haploinsufficiency describes the situation where having only a single functioning copy of a gene is not enough for normal function, so that loss‐of‐function mutations cause a dominant phenotype. The reasons why some genes, but not others, show haploinsufficiency are interesting. In a few cases, the gene product is required in such large amounts that a single gene copy cannot satisfy the need. But more often, the reason is that the gene product interacts with something else in the cell in a way that requires the correct relative amounts of the interacting partners: a ligand interacting with its receptor or a transcription factor interacting with its target sequence, for example.

Key Concepts

DNA sequence variants in a protein‐coding gene may cause monogenic conditions either by causing a loss of function of the gene product or by causing a gain of function.

Conditions caused by a gain of function are normally dominant (a single copy of the variant gene is sufficient to cause the condition). Usually, they are caused by a very limited set of variants.

Conditions caused by a loss of function usually show extensive allelic heterogeneity.

Loss‐of‐function conditions may be either dominant or recessive, depending whether the 50% overall level of function in a heterozygote is sufficient for a normal phenotype. Haploinsufficiency describes the situation where a 50% level of function is not sufficient. In these cases, loss‐of‐function mutations cause a dominant condition.

Haploinsufficiency is sometimes caused due to inability of a single functional copy of a gene to produce a sufficient quantity of an abundant protein, but more often, it is because the gene product is interacting with something else in the cell, and the correct relative amounts are important. Examples would include interaction of a ligand with its receptor or a transcription factor with its target sequence.

Haploinsufficiency may be suspected when databases of genome sequences of healthy individuals show a significant deficiency of heterozygous loss‐of‐function mutations in a particular gene.
Genetics of Human Personality
Authors: Wiebe Annika W , Luciano Michelle
Published: November 2017

Personality traits are stable character dispositions that are influenced by both genes and the environment. The most common genetic investigations have been of a five‐factor personality taxonomy that includes the traits of openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism. Twin and family studies confirm that around half of the variance in these traits is due to genes, with evidence of additive and nonadditive genetic influences. The remaining variance is due to unique environmental experiences, that is, they are unshared by family members. Molecular genetic studies have not found any genes of large effect influencing human personality, but progress is being made in identifying numerous genes each with small individual effect. Increasing genetic insight allows the development of evolutionary theories of personality.

Key Concepts

A dominant personality theory includes five independent domains ‐ openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism ‐ each varying along a continuum from low to high.

Twin and family studies have found that around 40–50% of variation in the Big Five personality traits are influenced by genes.

Nonadditive genetic influences on personality are significant and are likely to be due to epistasis rather than genetic dominance.

The unique, or nonshared, environment of individuals (and not their shared environment, e.g. with family members) influences their personality.

Individual genes with large effect do not influence personality, rather gene effects explaining less than 0.5% of variance have been supported.

The heritability of personality as estimated by common genetic variants is much lower than family study estimates, indicating the potential importance of rare and structural genetic variants.
Macroporous SiOC Ceramics with Dense Struts by Positive Sponge Replication Technique
Authors: Choudhary Abhisek , Pratihar Swadesh K. , Agrawal Ashish K. , Behera Shantanu K.
Published: November 2017

Highly porous SiOC ceramics (≥90% open porosity) containing dense struts have been prepared following positive sponge replication technique using silsesquioxane based preceramic polymer. The morphological features including cell size, cell window size, and strut size of the macroporous SiOC ceramics have been analyzed using electron microscopy. Subtle variation in the crosslinking condition of the preceramic polymer infiltrated polyurethane template enables the formation of hollow as well as dense struts, which has a profound influence on compressive strength of the macroporous bodies. Synchrotron radiation micro computed tomography is used to construct the three dimensional images of the macroporous ceramics that indicate isotropy of the pores and excellent interconnectivity.
Preventing Obstructions of Nanosized Drug Delivery Systems by the Extracellular Matrix
Authors: Tomasetti Luise , Breunig Miriam
Published: November 2017

Although nanosized drug delivery systems are promising tools for the treatment of severe diseases, the extracellular matrix (ECM) constitutes a major obstacle that endangers therapeutic success. Mobility of diffusing species is restricted not only by small pore size (down to as low as 3 nm) but also by electrostatic interactions with the network. This article evaluates commonly used in vitro models of ECM, analytical methods, and particle types with respect to their similarity to native conditions in the target tissue. In this cross‐study evaluation, results from a wide variety of mobility studies are analyzed to discern general principles of particle–ECM interactions. For instance, cross‐linked networks and a negative network charge are essential to reliably recapitulate key features of the native ECM. Commonly used ECM mimics comprised of one or two components can lead to mobility calculations which have low fidelity to in vivo results. In addition, analytical methods must be tailored to the properties of both the matrix and the diffusing species to deliver accurate results. Finally, nanoparticles must be sufficiently small to penetrate the matrix pores (ideally Rd/p < 0.5; d = particle diameter, p = pore size) and carry a neutral surface charge to avoid obstructions. Larger (Rd/p >> 1) or positively charged particles are trapped.
Toward 5 V Lithium‐Ion Battery: Exploring the Limit of Charge Cut‐off Voltage of Li‐Rich Layered Oxide Cathode and High‐Voltage Interfacial Processes
Authors: Pham Hieu Quang , Hwang Eui‐Hyung , Kwon Young‐Gil , Song Seung‐Wan
Published: November 2017

Increasing the capacity of Li‐rich layered oxide (LMNC) cathode material for high‐energy density lithium‐ion batteries relies on the increase of charge cut‐off voltage toward 5 V, under the utilization of anodically stable electrolyte component. The utilization of di‐(2,2,2 trifluoroethyl)carbonate (DFDEC)‐containing electrolyte permits significant improvement of anodic stability, cathode–electrolyte interface, and cycling stability of LMNC cathode, with respect to conventional electrolyte. In the present study, the limit of anodic stability of DFDEC under charging to 5.5 V versus Li is explored, and the interfacial processes of DFDEC‐derived surface protection mechanism are investigated, utilizing charge cut‐off voltage‐dependent surface and structural analyses. The oxidative decomposition of DFDEC is found to begin at 4.7 V, producing metal fluorides and CF‐containing organic compounds as the earliest surface species, passivating the cathode surface and reducing metal dissolution, structural transformation, and cathode degradation. The tolerable limit of charge cut‐off voltage of a model electrolyte of 0.1 m LiPF6/DFDEC is determined to be 5.0 V, to which the cathode outperforms conventional electrolyte, delivering discharge capacities of 261–225 mAhg−1 with the capacity retention of 86% at the 50th cycle. The data give an insight into the principles of electrolyte design and high‐voltage cathode–electrolyte interfacial stabilization toward advanced 5 V lithium‐ion batteries.
Gold Nanorods with Silica Shell and PAMAM Dendrimers for Efficient Photothermal Therapy and Low Toxic Codelivery of Anticancer Drug and siRNA
Authors: Zhang Qianyu , Wang Li , Jiang Yajun , Gao Wei , Wang Yinsong , Yang Xiaoying , Yang Xinlin , Liu Zunfeng
Published: November 2017

The multifunctional nanocomposites with grafting polyamidoamine dendrimers up to third generation (G3) are grown onto the surface of mesoporous silica‐coated gold nanorods (AuNRs@SiO2) via a divergent technique. The resultant AuNRs@SiO2‐G3 nanocomposites with uniform size and excellent stability not only enable their utilization as targeted contrast agents for photothermal cancer therapy but also serve as scaffolds for the intracellular delivery of anticancer drug and small interfering RNA (siRNA) to enhance the efficiency of cancer therapy. The controlled doxorubicin (DOX) release from AuNRs@SiO2‐G3 nanocomposites is significantly improved under lower pH condition and near‐infrared laser irradiation. The Bcl‐2‐targeted siRNA is transfected into tumor cells and induces knockdown of the protein expression, which is confirmed by western blot assays. Furthermore, the complementary effect of chemo‐ and gene therapy to MCF‐7 cells for improved photothermal therapy is demonstrated by MTT assay. The DOX and siRNA coloaded AuNRs@SiO2‐G3 nanocomposites show much lower cytotoxicity compared to the DOX, resulting in low toxicity to normal tissues. The multifunctional nanocomposites have potential application as nanoplatforms to integrate the photothermal‐chemo‐gene tumor therapy with high efficiency.
Turning the Old Adjuvant from Gel to Nanoparticles to Amplify CD8+ T Cell Responses
Authors: Jiang Hao , Wang Qin , Li Lin , Zeng Qin , Li Hanmei , Gong Tao , Zhang Zhirong , Sun Xun
Published: November 2017

Due to its safety and efficacy, aluminum hydroxide is used as an immune adjuvant in human vaccines for over 80 years. Being a Th2 stimulator, the classical gel‐like adjuvant, however, fails to generate CD8+ T cell responses, which are important for cancer vaccines. Here, aluminum hydroxide is turned from gel into nano‐sized vaccine carriers AlO(OH)‐polymer nanoparticles (APNs) to promote their lymphatic migration. After actively uptaken via scavenger receptor‐A by antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) resident in lymph nodes (LNs), APNs destabilize lysosomes resulting in efficient cytosolic delivery and cross‐presentation of antigens. It is demonstrated that administration of APNs loaded with ovalbumin (OVA) and CpG led to the codelivery of both cargos into APCs in LNs, leading to their activation and subsequent adaptive immunity. A prime‐boost strategy with low doses of OVA (1.5 µg) and CpG (0.45 µg) induces potent CD8+ T cell responses and dramatically prolongs the survival of B16‐OVA tumor‐bearing mice. More impressively, when using B16F10 lysates instead of OVA as antigen, substantial antitumor effects on B16F10 tumor model are observed by using APN‐CpG. These results suggest the great potential of APNs as vaccine carriers that activate CD8+ T cell responses and the bright prospect of aluminum adjuvant in a nanoparticle formulation.
Uniform Pomegranate‐Like Nanoclusters Organized by Ultrafine Transition Metal Oxide@Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Subunits with Enhanced Lithium Storage Properties
Authors: Liu Bingqiu , Zhang Qi , Jin Zhanshuang , Zhang Lingyu , Li Lu , Gao Zhigang , Wang Chungang , Xie Haiming , Su Zhongmin
Published: November 2017

Uniform pomegranate‐like nanoclusters (NCs) organized by ultrafine transition metal oxide@nitrogen‐doped carbon (TMO@N–C) subunits (diameter ≈ 4 nm) are prepared on a large scale for the first time through a facile, novel, and one‐pot approach. Taking pomegranate‐like Fe3O4@N–C NCs as an example, this unique structure provides short Li+/electron diffusion pathways for electrochemical reactions, structural stability during cycling, and high electrical conductivity, leading to superior electrochemical performance. The resulting pomegranate‐like Fe3O4@N–C NCs possess a high specific capacity (1204.3 mA h g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 over 100 cycles), a stable cycle life (1063.0 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1, 98.4% retention after 1000 cycles), and excellent rate capacities (606.0 mA h g−1 at 10 A g−1, 92.0% retention; 417.1 mA h g−1 at 20 A g−1, 91.7% retention after 1000 cycles).
Electrochemiluminescence Bioassays with a Water‐Soluble Luminol Derivative Can Outperform Fluorescence Assays
Authors: Mayer Michael , Takegami Shigehiko , Neumeier Michael , Rink Simone , Jacobi von Wangelin Axel , Schulte Silja , Vollmer Moritz , Griesbeck Axel G. , Duerkop Axel , Baeumner Antje J.
Published: November 2017

The most efficient and commonly used electrochemiluminescence (ECL) emitters are luminol, [Ru(bpy)3]2+, and derivatives thereof. Luminol stands out due to its low excitation potential, but applications are limited by its insolubility under physiological conditions. The water‐soluble m‐carboxy luminol was synthesized in 15 % yield and exhibited high solubility under physiological conditions and afforded a four‐fold ECL signal increase (vs. luminol). Entrapment in DNA‐tagged liposomes enabled a DNA assay with a detection limit of 3.2 pmol L−1, which is 150 times lower than the corresponding fluorescence approach. This remarkable sensitivity gain and the low excitation potential establish m‐carboxy luminol as a superior ECL probe with direct relevance to chemiluminescence and enzymatic bioanalytical approaches.
Copper–birhodanine complex immobilized on Fe3O4 nanoparticles: DFT studies and heterogeneous catalytic applications in the synthesis of propargylamines in aqueous medium
Authors: Rezaei Manuchehr , Azizi Khaled , Amani Kamal
Published: November 2017

Heterogeneous magnetic nanocatalyst, Fe3O4@SiO2–Ligand–Cu (II) MNPs, reveals high catalytic performance within the synthesis of propargylamines using the multicomponent coupling reaction of aldehydes, phenylacetylene and secondary amines in water as a solvent. The substantial feature of this organic–inorganic hybrid magnetic nanocatalyst is the capability of straightforward separation of the reaction mixture by an external magnet which was retrieved ten times without significant loss of catalytic activity. This methodology has other advantages such as subordination to the principles of green chemistry and avoiding the use of expensive and harmful organic solvents. To study the stability and actual structure of birhodanine derivative–copper (II) complex, DFT calculations were also performed.
Application of a dispersive micro‐solid‐phase extraction method for pre‐concentration and ultra‐trace determination of cadmium ions in water and biological samples
Authors: Behbahani Mohammad , Veisi Ali , Omidi Fariborz , Noghrehabadi Aminreza , Esrafili Ali , Ebrahimi Mohammad Hossein
Published: November 2017

A method for the trace determination of cadmium ions in water, human urine and human blood serum samples using ultrasonic‐assisted dispersive micro‐solid‐phase extraction (UA‐D‐μSPE) was developed. Silica‐coated magnetic nanoparticles were coated with polythiophene, and the resulting sorbent was characterized using thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and X‐ray diffraction. Following UA‐D‐μSPE, cadmium ions were quantified using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. A Box–Behnken design was used for optimization of important sorption and desorption parameters in UA‐D‐μSPE: in the sorption step, pH of solution, sorption amount and sonication time for sorption; in the desorption step, concentration of eluent, volume of eluent and sonication time. The optimum conditions for the method were: pH of solution, 7.5; sonication time for sorption, 3 min; sorption amount, 35 mg; type and concentration of eluent, HCl and 1.1 mol l−1; volume of eluent, 360 μl; sonication time for desorption, 110 s. Under the optimized conditions the limit of detection and relative standard deviation for the detection of cadmium ions by UA‐D‐μSPE were found to be 0.8 ng l−1 and <6%, respectively.
Novel ultrasonic‐assisted deep eutectic solvent‐based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for determination of vanadium in food samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry: A multivariate study
Authors: Zounr Rizwan Ali , Tuzen Mustafa , Khuhawar Muhammad Yar
Published: November 2017

A green, efficient, simple and sensitive pre‐concentration method has been developed for the determination of vanadium(V) in foodstuffs using deep eutectic solvent–ultrasonic‐assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction. In the developed procedure, the extraction of vanadium(V) was achieved using 2‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxybenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone as a chelating agent, choline chloride–phenol as extracting solvent and tetrahydrofuran as dispersive solvent. Vanadium(V) concentration was measured using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Various analytical parameters including pH, type and molar ratio of deep eutectic solvent, ultrasonication time and amount of ligand were studied. A multivariate study was carried out for optimization of the variables. The pre‐concentration factor was calculated as 50. Under optimal conditions, limit of detection, limit of quantification and relative standard deviation were calculated as 0.025 μg l−1, 0.175 μg l−1 and 3.4%, respectively. The accuracy of the procedure was confirmed using certified reference materials and standard addition method. The obtained results confirm adequate recoveries for vanadium(V) (>96%). This technique was fruitfully applied for determination of vanadium in foodstuffs.
The investigation of Ag decorated double‐wall hollow TiO2 spheres as photocatalyst
Authors: Zhang Chao , Zhou Yuming , Zhang Yiwei , Zhao Shuo , Fang Jiasheng , Sheng Xiaoli
Published: November 2017

In this paper, a novel TiO2 nanosheets assembled double‐wall hollow sphere (DHS)has been prepared successfully via hydrothermal treatment of SiO2@TiO2 with the assistant of CTAB.The prepared samples are characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron spin resonance (ESR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), etc.Results show that redeposited silica species play a key role in the formation of the double‐wall structure. The as‐synthesized DHS nanostructure exhibits a large surface area (417.6 m2 g‐1) and excellent mechanical strength. Furthermore, after decoration of Ag and calcination treatment, the double‐shelled TiO2/Ag heterostructures show an enhanced photocatalytic performance in the degradation of RhB under UV or visible light irradiations for the following reasons: the surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag, strong interaction between Ag and TiO2 nanosheets, large surface area, excellent adsorption capacityand unique double‐wall structure. On the basis of the experimental results, a possible mechanism for pollutantdegradation under visual light irradiation has been proposed.
Role of surface chemistry and morphology in the reactive adsorption of metal ions on acid modified dry bean pods (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) organic polymers
Authors: Raulino Giselle Santiago Cabral , Silva Leila Soares da , Vidal Carla Bastos , de Sousa Almeida Edmilson , de Quadros Melo Diego , Nascimento Ronaldo Ferreira do
Published: November 2017

The present study aimed at verifying the acid surface modification of dry bean pods subjected to alkaline pretreatment using tannic acid, poly(acrylic acid), and poly(acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) and evaluate their performances as adsorbents in the metal ions removal. Factorial design was used as a tool to study the variables that affects the modification processes. The results showed that there was an increase in the adsorption capacity after acidic changes, mainly for the tannic acid, achieving 45% increasing of removal of all metal ions. The variable pH had negative significant effect in the modification with tannic acid. When the modifying agent was the poly(acrylic acid), the variable initial concentration presented a positive significant effect. That means more poly(acrylic acid) was immobilized in the surface of the bean pod, resulting in higher capacity of adsorption. Temperature was significant variable in the modification with poly(acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid), resulting in a strongly negative effect. Analyses of material characterization showed that soluble lipid fraction was removed after the alkaline treatment. Although no morphological changes were observed, there was an improving in the availability of the adsorbents sites after chemical modification. Further, the material exhibited thermal stability up to about 300 °C. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45879.
Fabrication of flexible transparent electrodes using PEDOT:PSS and application to resistive touch screen panels
Authors: Mochizuki Takeo , Takigami Yuki , Kondo Takahiro , Okuzaki Hidenori
Published: November 2017

The flexible transparent electrodes were fabricated by line patterning of conductive inks consisting of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly(4‐styrenesulfonic acid) (PEDOT:PSS) water dispersion, ethylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol, and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films. The values of sheet resistance (Rs), total light transmittance, haze, figure‐of‐merit, and pencil hardness of the PEDOT:PSS‐TEOS/PET film were found to be 301 Ω/sq., 85.0%, 2.4%, 41, and 2H, respectively. Furthermore, a resistive touch screen panel was fabricated using the PEDOT:PSS‐TEOS/PET film as the top electrode. It was found that the drawing on the resistive touch screen panel was successfully displayed on the PC screen with good in‐plane uniformity and maximum linearity of 0.8%. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45972.
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure—Universal Health Coverage to Strengthen Health Security
Authors: Clark Geoff , O'Dwyer Michael , Chapman Ysanne , Rolfe Benjamin
Published: November 2017

The Sustainable Development Goal 3 targets aim to ensure that individuals achieve universal health coverage and that the capacity of countries, to identify early warnings, implement risk reduction plans and to respond and manage national and global health risks including emerging infectious diseases outbreaks is strengthened. Funding for the achievement of these outcomes can be erratic and weak healthcare systems do not cope well with the vagaries of fluctuating economies. Universal health coverage is achievable with formulated social health insurance programs that ensure consistent and predictable financial flows. This article deliberates the situation in the Asia Pacific region considering how funding the elimination of infectious diseases (specifically malaria) can facilitate a strengthening of weak health systems, which in turn will build economic potency and health security in the region.
Brief Report: Drugs Implicated in Systemic Autoimmunity Modulate Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation
Authors: Irizarry‐Caro Jorge A. , Carmona‐Rivera Carmelo , Schwartz Daniella M. , Khaznadar Sami S. , Kaplan Mariana J. , Grayson Peter C.
Published: November 2017

Objective

Aberrant neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation has been implicated as a mechanism to induce autoreactivity in individuals at risk of autoimmune diseases. The objective of this study was to assess whether medications implicated in cases of drug‐induced autoimmunity (hydralazine and procainamide) and medications less commonly associated with drug‐induced autoimmunity (minocycline and clozapine) induce NET formation and/or prevent NET degradation.

Methods

Human neutrophils were incubated with the drugs of interest and resultant NET formation was quantified by fluorescent microscopy. The ability of these drugs to interfere with NET degradation by serum nuclei was assessed. Pathways of drug‐induced NET formation were studied with pharmacologic inhibitors of reactive oxygen species (ROS), peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs), and muscarinic receptors, and by assessment of intracellular calcium levels by flow cytometry. To determine if NET protein cargo varies by drug stimulus and/or neutrophil source, proteomic analysis of NET lysates induced by specific medications was compared using neutrophils from healthy donors and from patients with autoimmune diseases.

Results

Hydralazine and procainamide significantly induced NET formation while minocycline and clozapine did not. None of the medications significantly impaired NET degradation. NETosis induced by these drugs required NADPH oxidase and PAD4 activation. Procainamide triggered NETs via muscarinic receptor engagement on neutrophils, while hydralazine modulated calcium release from intracellular stores. Differences in protein cargo, particularly histone content, were observed in NETs induced by hydralazine and procainamide.

Conclusion

Medications commonly implicated in drug‐induced autoimmunity trigger NET formation displaying distinct protein cargo, via common and specific pathways. NETosis may play a role in the pathogenesis of drug‐induced autoimmunity.
In Vitro, In Silico Elucidation of Antiurease Activity, Kinetic Mechanism and COX‐2 Inhibitory Efficacy of Coagulansin A of Withania coagulans
Authors: Phull Abdul Rehman , Hassan Mubshir , Abbas Qamar , Raza Hussain , Haq Ihsan ul , Seo Sung Yum , Kim Song Ja
Published: November 2017

Urease enzyme plays a crucial role in the survival of Helicobacter pylori that contributes to different diseases, including peptic ulcer (gastric and duodenal ulcers). Coagulansin A is the steroidal lactone (withanolide) found in plants of solanaceae family such Withania coagulans. The current study was carried out to examine the in vitro urease, COX‐2 inhibitory activity and effect on type II collagen expression of coagulansin A. Moreover, we investigated cytotoxic effects on rabbit articular chondrocytes through MTT assay. COX‐2 and type II collagen expressions were determined through a Western blot method. Molecular docking and simulation studies of urease (PDBID 4H9M) and COX‐2 (PDBID 5F1A) proteins were also performed as an in silico approach. Results showed that COX‐2 expression was decreased dose dependably, significantly higher expression of type II collagen was observed at higher doses. In the current study, coagulansin A was found as non‐toxic, and showed notable urease inhibitory activity in non‐competitive manner with IC50 23.14 μm in comparison to reference drug thiourea 17.81 μm. Significant decrease in COX‐2 expression (40%) and increase in type II collagen (20%) were observed as compared to control. In silico results unveiled the strong binding affinities of coagulansin A with both of these urease and COX‐2 proteins. Therefore, herein we proposed the significant antiurease potential of this compound that could be used in treating different diseases such as ulcers. Moreover, detailed in vivo studies and molecular mechanism based studies are suggested.