bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EQ_Robô: Uma tecnologia digital para a demonstração prática de equações em aulas de Matemática
Authors: Penido Édilus , Miranda Marcio , Silva Carlos Eduardo Paulino , Jesus Ângelo , Paula Suelen
Published: November 2018

Este artigo propõe uma tecnologia digital de informação e comunicação (TDIC) na educação, denominada EQ_Robô, que pode ser utilizada para a demonstração prática de equações em aulas de Matemática, sendo o seu objetivo facilitar a aprendizagem dos conceitos pelos alunos por meio de uma metodologia de ensino mais situada e lúdica do que as abordagens tradicionais. O projeto é aberto e de baixo custo, sendo que a sua premissa é que os alunos estabeleçam a lógica de controle dos movimentos de um robô através de uma equação aritmética, comandando então o sistema a partir dos sinais enviados por sensores ultrassônicos.
Letramentos digitais na formação de professores de inglês
Authors: Araújo Marcus
Published: November 2018

Este artigo tem por objetivo investigar o fomento de práticas de letramentos digitais de dezoito alunos-professores a partir de uma disciplina curricular acadêmica do curso de Letras-Inglês. Com relação à metodologia, esta pesquisa se caracteriza como um estudo de caso e utiliza como instrumentos de pesquisa três questionários, uma entrevista, relatos reflexivos, autoavaliação e notas de campo do pesquisador. Os resultados apontam que uma disciplina curricular acadêmica específica sobre tecnologias tem papel relevante no curso de Letras-Inglês, pois promoveu o letramento digital dos participantes por meio da familiarização crítica e reflexiva de diversas interfaces tecnológicas digitais para propósitos educacionais, que eram desconhecidas por eles no início da disciplina.
Objeto de Aprendizagem para formação de professores de uma rede de escolas brasileiras
Authors: Azevedo Luciana , Sousa Lorena , Gomes Apuena
Published: November 2018

Este artigo trata do processo de desenvolvimento de um Objeto de Aprendizagem (OA) destinado à formação de professores de uma rede de escolas brasileira para o uso das Tecnologias Digital da Informação e Comunicação (TDIC) no processo de ensino e aprendizagem. A plataforma disponibilizará indicações de aplicativos, softwares, compartilhamento e elaboração de planos de aula, tendo como base a concepção interacionista/construtivista e behaviorista. A construção do OA está centrada na metodologia Addie de Filatro (2008) e pretende-se que esse objeto contribua de forma positiva na formação dos professores, fazendo com que eles apliquem novas ferramentas de TDIC em suas metodologias de ensino.
Jogos Educativos no Ensino de Matemática: Qual a Melhor Abordagem?
Authors: Santana Sivaldo , Santos Wilk Oliveira dos
Published: November 2018

Apesar do crescente interesse da comunidade acadêmica no uso de recursos digitais para potencializar os processos de ensino e de aprendizagem, a dimensão tecnológica de forma efetiva no Ensino Fundamental ainda é desafio a ser superado. Neste sentido, este artigo tem por objetivo relatar a experiência do uso de um jogo em duas versões: (i) digital (disponível na web); e (ii) tradicional (sem o uso de recursos digitais) para uma amostra formada por 34 estudantes da Educação Básica, visando analisar as interações dos estudantes na resolução de problemas lógicos matemáticos de maneira comparativa entre as duas versões. Para isso, foi utilizada uma abordagem qualitativa com ênfase na observação participante como técnica de coleta de dados. Observou-se que o uso do jogo na versão digital, bem como na versão tradicional contribuiu positivamente para o desenvolvimento do raciocínio lógico matemático dos estudantes.
Prototipação de Aplicativos como Método de Aprendizagem na Informática em Saúde: Um Relato de Experiência
Authors: Santos Lidiany , Neves Danilo , Filho Hélio C. de Moura , Menezes Fabrício , Silva Luis Felipe S. da
Published: November 2018

A informática vem assumindo um papel relevante no campo da saúde, evidenciando a necessidade de profissionais capacitados para o uso de tecnologias digitais. Este trabalho apresenta um relato de experiência sobre o ensino da Informática Aplicada à Saúde. Adotou-se uma metodologia ativa e a prototipação de aplicativos móveis foi utilizada como método de aprendizagem. Resultados positivos indicam que a experiência pode ser continuada e melhorada após um estudo mais aprofundado. A metodologia adotada e os resultados alcançados estão descritos neste trabalho, a fim de contribuir para a replicação e melhoria da experiência.
Uma Análise com Foco Quantitativo sobre o Uso da Robótica Educacional no Ensino da Física
Authors: Lopes Almir Rogério da Silva , Cruz Ellen , Siebra Clauirton
Published: November 2018

Várias escolas estão utilizando a Robótica Educacional (RE) como uma estratégia para estender os recursos pedagógicos das aulas tradicionais. Enquanto alguns estudos de caso mostram as vantagens qualitativas desta estratégia, a literatura não discute seus efeitos práticos nas notas dos estudantes. Este trabalho avalia três grupos de estudantes do ensino médio, os quais utilizam diferentes recursos educacionais ao longo das aulas de Física. Os resultados mostram que o grupo auxiliado por práticas com robôs reais apresenta uma maior eficiência quando as notas de todos os estudantes são comparadas. Em adição, outras características, tais como o desenvolvimento do senso de colaboração, foram também observadas durante os experimentos.
Have an Ion on It: The Life‐Cycle of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus Viewed by Helium‐Ion Microscopy
Authors: Said Nedal , Chatzinotas Antonis , Schmidt Matthias
Published: November 2018

Helium‐ion microscopy (HIM) has so far rarely been employed to image microbial interactions. Here, the visualization of the life‐cycle of the bacterial predator Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus HD100 with Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas putida, respectively, as prey is presented. The predator is brought in contact with prey and samples are taken at selected times. The system is monitored by phase‐contrast microscopy and HIM. For HIM imaging, a sample preparation protocol is established that preserves the structure of Bdellovibrio, prey, and bdelloplasts. The micrographs show the attachment of the predator to its prey, the evolution of bdelloplasts, their lysis, and the release of predator progeny. The combination of HIM with two more approaches allows for investigating predator–prey interactions from different angles: First, phase‐contrast micrographs provide quantitative information for the numbers of predator, prey, and bdelloplasts. Second, a numerical model solving the retarded differential equations that describe the system's time‐evolution is developed and fits the experimentally determined cell numbers. In conclusion, the high resolution, the large depth of focus, and surface sensitivity of HIM hold promise to expand future studies on so far neglected ecological interactions within the microbial food web, in particular in samples with pronounced topography such as bacterial biofilms.
Probing and Controlling Intragrain Crystallinity for Improved Low Temperature–Processed Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Du Tian , Burgess Claire H. , Lin Chieh‐Ting , Eisner Flurin , Kim Jinhyun , Xu Shengda , Kang Hongkyu , Durrant James R. , McLachlan Martyn A.
Published: November 2018

Here, previously unobserved nanoscale defects residing within individual grains of solution‐processed methylammonium lead tri‐iodide (CH3NH3PbI3, MAPI) thin films are identified. Using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), the defects inherently associated with the established solution‐processing methodology are identified, and a facile processing modification to eliminate these defects is introduced. Specifically, defect elimination is achieved by coannealing the as‐deposited MAPI layer with the electron transport layer (phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl, PCBM) resulting in devices that significantly outperform devices prepared using the established methodology—with power conversion efficiencies increasing from 13.6% to 17.4%. The use of transmission electron microscopy allows the correlation of performance enhancements to improved intragrain crystallinity and shows that highly coherent crystallographic orientation results within individual grains when processing is modified. Detailed optoelectronic characterization reveals that the improved intragrain crystallinity drives an improvement of charge collection and a reduction of PEDOT:PSS/perovskite interfacial recombination. The study suggests that the microstructural defects in MAPI, owing to a lack of structural coherence throughout the thickness of thin film, are a significant cause of interfacial recombination.
Versatile Hydrogel Ensembles with Macroscopic Multidimensions
Authors: Li Qing , Zhang Ya‐Wen , Wang Cai‐Feng , Weitz David A. , Chen Su
Published: November 2018

Methods allowing construction of macroscopic programmed materials in a flexible and efficient fashion are highly desirable. However, the existing approaches are far removed from such materials. A new self‐healing‐driven assembly (SHDA) strategy to fabricate various programmed materials by using uniform gel beads (microsize of 212 µm or millimeter size of 4 mm) as building blocks is described here. In virtue of hydrogen bonds and host–guest interactions between gel beads, a series of linear, planar, and 3D beaded assemblies are fabricated via SHDA in microfluidic channels in a continuous and controlled manner. From the perspective of practical applications, the use of gel assemblies is exploited for tissue engineering with controlled cells coculture, as well as light conversion materials toward white‐light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs). The SHDA strategy developed in this study gives a new insight into the facile and rapid fabrication of various programmed materials toward biological tissue and optoelectronic device.
Advanced Technologies for High‐Energy Aluminum–Air Batteries
Authors: Ryu Jaechan , Park Minjoon , Cho Jaephil
Published: November 2018

Aluminum–air batteries are considered as next‐generation batteries owing to their high energy density with the abundant reserves, low cost, and lightweight of aluminum. However, there are several hurdles to be overcome, such as the sluggish rate of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the air electrode, precipitation of aluminum hydroxides and oxides at the anode, and severe hydrogen evolution problems at the interface of the anode and the electrolyte. Here, recent advances in silver metal and metal–nitrogen–carbon‐based ORR electrocatalysts, aluminum anodes, electrolytes, and the requirements of future research directions are mainly summarized.
Good agricultural practices, farm performance, and input usage by smallholders: Empirical evidence from Nepal
Authors: Bairagi Subir , Mishra Ashok K. , Giri Anil
Published: November 2018

This study examines the impact of good agricultural practices (GAP) on the farm income and fertilizer usage of smallholders in Nepal. Using qualitative variables, we first construct a GAP‐index, a measure of the intensity of GAP adoption. The findings show that a GAP‐index constructed through principal component analysis performs better than a GAP‐index constructed with Markowitz’s portfolio method. Results reveal a positive and significant relationship between the GAP‐index and farm income and a negative and significant relationship between the GAP‐index and fertilizer usage. Public and private partnerships that incentivize the adoption of GAP can help increase the income of and reduce fertilizer usage by smallholders.
Recommendations for the assessment and management of measurable residual disease in adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A consensus of North American experts
Authors: Short Nicholas J. , Jabbour Elias , Albitar Maher , de Lima Marcos , Gore Lia , Jorgensen Jeffrey , Logan Aaron C. , Park Jae , Ravandi Farhad , Shah Bijal , Radich Jerald , Kantarjian Hagop
Published: November 2018

Measurable residual disease (MRD) that persists after initial therapy is a powerful predictor of relapse and survival in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, the optimal use of this information to influence therapeutic decisions is controversial. Herein, we comprehensively review the role of MRD assessment in adults with ALL, including methods to quantify residual leukemia cells during remission, prognostic impact of MRD across ALL subtypes, and available therapeutic approaches to eradicate MRD. This review presents consensus statements and provides an evidence‐based framework for practicing hematologists and oncologists to use MRD information to make rational treatment decisions in adult patients with ALL.
Validation of a patient‐reported outcomes symptom measure for patients with nontransfusion‐dependent thalassemia (NTDT‐PRO©)
Authors: Taher Ali , Cappellini Maria Domenica , Viprakasit Vip , Sutcharitchan Pranee , Mahmoud Dalia , Laadem Abderrahmane , Khan Anzalee , Gwaltney Chad , Harding Gale , Attie Kenneth , Zhang Xiaosha , Zou Jun , Pariseau Joseph , Henry Hu X. , Kattamis Antonis
Published: November 2018

This study demonstrates the quantitative characteristics of the first patient‐reported outcome (PRO) tool developed for patients with nontransfusion‐dependent β‐thalassemia (NTDT), the NTDT‐PRO©. A multicenter validation study was performed over 24 weeks, involving 48 patients from Italy, Lebanon, Greece, and Thailand. Most patients were female (68.8%), with a median age of 34.5 years (range, 18‐52); 66.7% were diagnosed with β‐thalassemia intermedia, and median time since diagnosis was 22 years (range, 0‐43). The NTDT‐PRO comprises 6 items across 2 domains (Tiredness/Weakness and Shortness of Breath [SoB]), and was valid and reliable, with good consistency. At baseline, most patients reported symptoms as present via the NTDT‐PRO, and were highly compliant, ≥90% completing the NTDT‐PRO tool. In a pairwise correlation analysis, all items were positively correlated. Correlations between NTDT‐PRO and existing tools—36‐Item Short Form Health Survey version 2 (SF‐36v2) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Anemia (FACT‐An)—were assessed at weeks 1, 3, and 12; robust correlations were seen between SoB and SF‐36v2‐Vitality (rs = −0.53), and between SoB and Fact‐An‐Fatigue Experience (rs = −0.66) at week 1. Internal consistency was high for both Tiredness/Weakness (Cronbach alpha, 0.91) and SoB (Spearman‐Brown coefficient, 0.78); intraclass correlation coefficients were high (Tiredness/Weakness, 0.88 and 0.97; SoB, 0.92 and 0.98), demonstrating stability. Further studies are required to fully support the validity of this tool, this study demonstrated the usefulness of the NTDT‐PRO in the clinical setting and for longitudinal clinical research, particularly in trials where patient health‐related quality of life is expected to change.
Synthetic Approaches toward Vitamin B12 Conjugates
Authors: Wierzba Aleksandra J. , Hassan Sidra , Gryko Dorota
Published: November 2018

The ability to conjugate functional molecules to vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an important strategy for the construction of hybrid molecules with various applications in medicinal chemistry, diagnostics, and biological sciences. Cobalamin, as an exogenous compound, reaches mammalian cells via a system of transport proteins and therefore the position of conjugation must be selected in such a way that the recognition process is not disturbed. The complex structure of vitamin B12 provides many routes for the synthesis of conjugates containing cargos appended at different sites, however, only the e‐propionamide chain, β‐axial position and R5′‐OH are found to meet the aforementioned criteria. Over the years, a number of synthetic approaches leading to cobalamin conjugates have been developed and, herein, we summarize those leading to conjugates with a cargo tethered at the central cobalt ion, macrocyclic core, ribonucleotide moiety, or a combination thereof.
Rapid Mapping of Protein Interactions Using Tag‐Transfer Photocrosslinkers
Authors: Horne Jim E. , Walko Martin , Calabrese Antonio N. , Levenstein Mark A. , Brockwell David J. , Kapur Nikil , Wilson Andrew J. , Radford Sheena E.
Published: November 2018

Analysing protein complexes by chemical crosslinking‐mass spectrometry (XL‐MS) is limited by the side‐chain reactivities and sizes of available crosslinkers, their slow reaction rates, and difficulties in crosslink enrichment, especially for rare, transient or dynamic complexes. Here we describe two new XL reagents that incorporate a methanethiosulfonate (MTS) group to label a reactive cysteine introduced into the bait protein, and a residue‐unbiased diazirine‐based photoactivatable XL group to trap its interacting partner(s). Reductive removal of the bait transfers a thiol‐containing fragment of the crosslinking reagent onto the target that can be alkylated and located by MS sequencing and exploited for enrichment, enabling the detection of low abundance crosslinks. Using these reagents and a bespoke UV LED irradiation platform, we show that maximum crosslinking yield is achieved within 10 seconds. The utility of this “tag and transfer” approach is demonstrated using a well‐defined peptide/protein regulatory interaction (BID80‐102/MCL‐1), and the dynamic interaction interface of a chaperone/substrate complex (Skp/OmpA).
Intramolecular Consecutive Dehydro‐Diels–Alder Reaction for the Catalytic and Enantioselective Construction of Axial Chirality
Authors: Shibata Takanori , Sekine Ayato , Mitake Akihito , Kanyiva Kyalo Stephen
Published: November 2018

Consecutive thermal and metal‐catalyzed dehydro‐Diels–Alder (DDA) reactions of sulfur‐tethered tetraynes, possessing a 1,3‐diyne moiety, proceeded efficiently, and axial chirality was achieved for the resulting dibenzothiophenyl moieties. Chiral‐rhodium catalysis realized a highly enantioselective synthesis, and transformations into bis(benzocarbazole) derivatives were also achieved.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Quadruple Domino Reactions: Asymmetric Synthesis of Cyclopenta[c]chromenones
Authors: Liu Qiang , Chen Xiang‐Yu , Puttreddy Rakesh , Rissanen Kari , Enders Dieter
Published: November 2018

An N‐heterocyclic carbene catalyzed domino sequence via α,β‐unsaturated acyl azolium intermediates has been developed. This strategy provides a convenient enantioselective route to functionalized tricyclic coumarin derivatives and cyclopentanes. DFT studies and control experiments were performed to gain better insight into the reaction mechanism.
Templating and Catalyzing [2+2] Photocycloaddition in Solution Using a Dynamic G‐Quadruplex
Authors: Sutyak Keith B. , Lee Wes , Zavalij Peter V. , Gutierrez Osvaldo , Davis Jeffery T.
Published: November 2018

We describe a templating/covalent capture strategy that enables photochemical formation of 8 cyclobutanes in one noncovalent assembly. This process was characterized by experiment and quantum mechanical/molecular mechanics (ONIOM) calculations. Thus, KI and 16 units of 5′‐cinnamate guanosine form a G‐quadruplex where C=C π bonds in neighboring G4‐quartets are separated by 3.3 Å, enabling [2+2] photocycloaddition in solution. This reaction is high‐yielding (>90 %), regio‐ and diastereoselective. Since all components are in dynamic equilibrium this photocycloaddition is catalytic in K+.
A Local‐Desymmetrization‐Based Divergent Synthesis of Quinine and Quinidine
Authors: Lee Jaehoo , Chen David Y.‐K.
Published: November 2018

Herein we report a novel synthetic entry to the legendary quinuclidine natural products quinine and quinidine. The developed strategy is based on the use of a symmetrical and nonstereogenic precursor to access quinine and quinidine through a “local‐desymmetrization” approach, in stark contrast conceptually to the preparation of stereodefined disubstituted piperidines (or their acyclic precursors) as featured in all past syntheses. The developed strategy also provided quinine and quinidine derivatives that could not be readily obtained through previous total syntheses or by modification of the naturally occurring substances.
A Noble‐Metal‐Free Heterogeneous Photosensitizer‐Relay Catalyst Triad That Catalyzes Water Oxidation under Visible Light
Authors: Ulusoy Ghobadi T. Gamze , Akhuseyin Yildiz Elif , Buyuktemiz Muhammed , Sadigh Akbari Sina , Topkaya Derya , İsci Ümit , Dede Yavuz , Yaglioglu H. Gul , Karadas Ferdi
Published: November 2018

An entirely earth‐abundant chromophore‐relay water oxidation catalyst triad system, which is robust and efficient at neutral pH, is presented. The synthesis involves the coordination of a porphyrin derivative to a bridging Fe(CN)5 group, which is then reacted with Co ions to prepare a covalently linked chromophore–Prussian blue analogue assembly. Light‐driven water oxidation studies in the presence of an electron scavenger indicate that the triad is active and it maintains a steady activity for at least three hours. Transient absorption experiments and computational studies reveal that the Fe(CN)5 group is more than a linker as it takes part in electron‐transfer and co‐operates with porphyrin in the charge separation process.
Fein‐Tuning der Porengröße in versteiften ZIF‐8_Cm‐Gerüsten durch eine Mixed‐Linker‐Strategie für verbesserte permeative CO2/CH4‐Trennung
Authors: Hou Qianqian , Wu Ying , Zhou Sheng , Wei Yanying , Caro Jürgen , Wang Haihui
Published: November 2018

ZIF‐8‐Membranen könnten nach dem Prinzip des Größenausschlusses zur CO2/CH4‐Trennung eingesetzt werden. Wenn die ZIF‐8‐Schicht jedoch – wie üblich – solvothermal abgeschieden wird, zeigt sie aufgrund der Linker‐Mobilität nur eine geringe Trennselektivität. Wir können ≈500 nm dünne Hybrid‐ZIF‐7x‐8‐Membranen mit unterdrückter Linker‐Mobilität und verengter Apertur durch eine schnelle gesteuerte Elektro‐Synthese (fast current‐driven synthesis=FCDS) innerhalb von 20 Minuten herstellen. Das in situ anliegende elektrische Feld während der FCDS führt zur Bildung von versteiftem ZIF‐8_Cm als Grundgerüst. Gleichzeitig wird die Mixed‐Linker‐Strategie angewendet, um die Porengröße weiter zu verengen. Die ZIF‐722‐8‐Membran zeigt ein deutlich geschärftes Molekularsieben für CO2/CH4 mit einem Trennfaktor von über 25, der um eine Größenordnung über dem der unmodifizierten ZIF‐8‐Membran liegt. Darüber hinaus zeigt die Membran auch eine verbesserte Trennleistung für H2/CH4 und CO2/N2 mit Trennfaktoren von 71 bzw. 20. Nach 180 h mit zyklischem Temperaturwechsel bleibt die ausgezeichnete Trennleistung erhalten.
Intermolecular C(sp3)−H Amination Promoted by Internal Oxidants: Synthesis of Trifluoroacetylated Hydrazones
Authors: Zhu Chuanle , Zeng Hao , Chen Fulin , Yang Zhiyi , Cai Yingying , Jiang Huanfeng
Published: November 2018

An intermolecular C(sp3)−H amination reaction is reported that is promoted by internal oxidants and occurs via a C=N bond formation step. This intermolecular C(sp3)−H amination reaction of trifluoromethyl ketones and aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates affords various valuable trifluoroacetylated hydrazones in high yields with excellent E/Z selectivities. The salient features of this reaction type is that it is free of metal, catalyst, directing groups, and azides, and that it can be carried out under mild conditions, is operationally simple and efficient, gram‐scalable, and it tolerates various functional groups. Remarkably, an ectoparasites‐controlling agent was smoothly synthesized on a gram scale using our method. Aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates served as the aminating reagents as well as an internal oxidant.
Predictability of European winter 2016/2017
Authors: Dunstone Nick , Scaife Adam A. , MacLachlan Craig , Knight Jeff , Ineson Sarah , Smith Doug , Thornton Hazel , Gordon Margaret , McLean Peter , Palin Erika , Hardiman Steven , Walker Brent
Published: November 2018

Winter 2016/2017 was one of the driest on record for central Europe and the United Kingdom. This was the result of blocked atmospheric circulation with high pressure centred over North‐West Europe dominating the winter mean circulation pattern. Using large ensembles of simulated winters, we find that the observed winter 2016/2017 circulation was very similar in pattern and strength to the circulation associated with the top 10% of driest Central European winters. Here, we explore whether seasonal forecasts were able to predict this circulation pattern. Despite the fact that the observed circulation anomaly did not project on to the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), we find that forecasts starting in November did predict a high‐pressure anomaly over North‐Western Europe. We use two independent data sets, and methods, to probe the drivers of this circulation pattern. We find evidence for a Rossby Wave propagating out of the tropical Atlantic where there were anomalous local rainfall anomalies. This case study is another example of real‐time seasonal forecast skill for Europe and provides evidence for predictability beyond the NAO pattern.
Population‐based surveillance of congenital heart defects among adolescents and adults: surveillance methodology
Authors: Glidewell Jill , Book Wendy , Raskind‐Hood Cheryl , Hogue Carol , Dunn Julie E. , Gurvitz Michelle , Ozonoff Al , McGarry Claire , Van Zutphen Alissa , Lui George , Downing Karrie , Riehle‐Colarusso Tiffany
Published: November 2018

Background

Improved treatment of congenital heart defects (CHDs) has increased survival of persons with CHDs; however, no U.S. population‐based systems exist to assess prevalence, healthcare utilization, or longer‐term outcomes among adolescents and adults with CHDs.

Methods

Novel approaches identified individuals aged 11–64 years who received healthcare with ICD‐9‐CM codes for CHDs at three sites: Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia (EU), Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MA), New York State Department of Health (NY) between January 1, 2008 (2009 for MA) and December 31, 2010. Case‐finding sources included outpatient clinics; Medicaid and other claims data; and hospital inpatient, outpatient, and emergency visit data. Supplemental information came from state vital records (EU, MA), and birth defects registries (EU, NY). Demographics and diagnostic and procedural codes were linked, de‐duplicated, and shared in a de‐identified dataset. Cases were categorized into one of five mutually exclusive CHD severity groups; non‐cardiac comorbidity codes were grouped into broad categories.

Results

73,112 individuals with CHD codes in healthcare encounters were identified. Primary data source type varied: clinics (EU, NY for adolescents), claims (MA), hospital (NY for adults). There was a high rate of missing data for some variables and data varied in format and quality. Some diagnostic codes had poor specificity for CHD ascertainment.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first population‐based, multi‐site CHD surveillance among adolescents and adults in the U.S. Identification of people living with CHDs through healthcare encounters using multiple data sources was feasible, though data quality varied and linkage/de‐duplication was labor‐intensive.
Sex differences in national rates of repair of emergency abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Aber A , Tong T S , Chilcott J , Thokala P , Maheswaran R , Thomas S M , Nawaz S , Walters S , Michaels J
Published: November 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the sex differences in both the rate and type of repair for emergency abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in England.

Methods

Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data sets from April 2002 to February 2015 were obtained. Clinical and administrative codes were used to identify patients who underwent primary emergency definitive repair of ruptured or intact AAA, and patients with a diagnosis of AAA who died in hospital without repair. These three groups included all patients with a primary AAA who presented as an emergency. Sex differences between repair rates and type of surgery (endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) versus open repair) over time were examined.

Results

In total, 15 717 patients (83·3 per cent men) received emergency surgical intervention for ruptured AAA and 10 276 (81·2 per cent men) for intact AAA; 12 767 (62·0 per cent men) died in hospital without attempted repair. The unadjusted odds ratio for no repair in women versus men was 2·88 (95 per cent c.i. 2·75 to 3·02). Women undergoing repair of ruptured AAA were older and had a higher in-hospital mortality rate (50·0 versus 41·0 per cent for open repair; 30·9 versus 23·5 per cent for EVAR). After adjustment for age, deprivation and co-morbidities, the odds ratio for no repair in women versus men was 1·34 (1·28 to 1·40). The in-hospital mortality rate after emergency repair of an intact AAA was also higher among women.

Conclusion

Women who present as an emergency with an AAA are less likely to undergo repair than men. Although some of this can be explained by differences in age and co-morbidities, the differences persist after case-mix adjustment.
A low‐cost, free‐software platform with hard real‐time performance for control engineering education
Authors: González‐Vargas Andrés M. , Serna‐Ramirez Juan M. , Fory‐Aguirre Carlos , Ojeda‐Misses Alejandro , Cardona‐Ordoñez John M. , Tombé‐Andrade Jimmy , Soria‐López Alberto
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we present a novel portable servomechanism control platform for educational purposes. The platform main features are: low cost, reliable and robust hardware, high‐speed USB interface, free open source software (FOSS), graphical interface modeling (via Scilab/XCos) and hard real‐time performance based on the Real‐Time Application Interface for Linux (RTAI). The platform is easy to interface with any computer and can be carried home by students, opening many new possibilities for practical assignments in control courses. We include application examples and student feedback regarding their experience during various workshops in which the system was demonstrated.
Recent Advances in Artificially Sulfated Polysaccharides for Applications in Cell Growth and Differentiation, Drug Delivery, and Tissue Engineering
Authors: Zeng Kui , Groth Thomas , Zhang Kai
Published: November 2018

Artificially sulfated polysaccharides, as the mimetics of native heparin and heparan sulfate, are important bioactive compounds, since they show great potential for tuning crucial biological activities within living organisms. Herein, we summarize progress in the development of artificially sulfated polysaccharides, such as cellulose sulfate, chitosan sulfate, and other sulfated polysaccharides, with a particular focus on the fields of biomedical and bioengineering applications in the past ten years. Their effects on cell growth and differentiation, but also as building blocks for drug carriers and medical implants, are emphasized.
Diterpene Synthase‐Catalyzed Biosynthesis of Distinct Clerodane Stereoisomers
Authors: Pelot Kyle A. , Hagelthorn David M. , Hong Young J. , Tantillo Dean J. , Zerbe Philipp
Published: November 2018

The diterpene synthase clerodienyl diphosphate synthase 1 (PvCPS1) from the crop plant switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) stereoselectively converts (E,E,E)‐geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) into the clerodane natural product, cis‐trans‐clerodienyl diphosphate (CLPP, 1). Structure‐guided point mutations of PvCPS1 redirected product stereoselectivity toward the formation of a rare cis‐clerodane diastereomer, cis‐cis‐CLPP (2). Additionally, an alternative cis‐clerodane diastereomer, (5S,8S,9R,10R)‐13Z‐CLPP (3), was produced when treating PvCPS1 and select variants thereof with the cis‐prenyl substrate (Z,Z,Z)‐nerylneryl diphosphate (NNPP). These results support the hypothesis that substrate configuration and minor active‐site alterations impact precatalysis substrate folding in the stereoselective biosynthesis of clerodane diterpenoid scaffolds, and can be employed to provide enzymatic access to a broader range of bioactive clerodane natural products.
Minimizing radiographic contrast administration during coronary angiography using a novel contrast reduction system: A multicenter observational study of the DyeVert™ plus contrast reduction system
Authors: Gurm Hitinder S. , Mavromatis Kreton , Bertolet Barry , Kereiakes Dean J. , Amin Amit P. , Shah Atman P. , Hanzel George S. , Rao Siddhartha , Thomas Joseph L. , Kumar Gautam
Published: November 2018

Objective

To evaluate contrast media (CM) volume (CMV) saved using the DyeVert™ Plus Contrast Reduction System (DyeVert Plus System, Osprey Medical) in patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiogram (CAG) and/or percutaneous coronary interventional (PCI) procedures performed with manual injections.

Background

Current guidelines advocate for monitoring and minimization of the total volume of CM in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing invasive cardiac procedures. The DyeVert Plus System is an FDA cleared device designed to reduce CMV delivered during angiography and permit real‐time CMV monitoring.

Methods

We performed a multicenter, single‐arm, observational study. Eligible subjects were ≥ 18 years old with baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 20–60 mL/min/1.73 m2. The primary endpoint was % CMV saved over the total procedure. A secondary objective was to evaluate adverse events (AEs) related to DyeVert Plus System or to CM use.

Results

A total of 114 subjects were enrolled at eight centers. Mean age was 72 ± 9 years, 72% were male, and mean body mass index was 29 ± 5. Baseline eGFR was 43 ± 11 mL/min/1.73 m2. CAG‐only was performed in 65% of cases. One hundred and five subjects were evaluable for the primary endpoint. Mean CMV attempted was 112 ± 85 mL (range 22–681) and mean CMV delivered was 67 ± 51 mL (range 12–403), resulting in an overall CMV savings of 40.1 ± 8.8% (95% CI 38.4, 41.8; P < 0.0001) per procedure. Image quality was maintained in all but one case where the system was turned off for one injection. No DyeVert Plus System‐related AEs were reported. Acute kidney injury (AKI; defined as serum creatinine rise of >0.3 mg/dL from baseline) was reported in 11 cases with seven occurring in subjects with baseline eGFR < 30 and three AKI events were attributed to CM. AKI rates increased as CMV/eGFR ratios increased.

Conclusions

These data suggest DyeVert Plus System use in CKD patients undergoing CAG and/or PCI results in clinically meaningful CMV savings while maintaining image quality.
Molecular QTAIM Topology Is Sensitive to Relativistic Corrections
Authors: Anderson James S. M. , Rodríguez Juan I. , Ayers Paul W. , Trujillo‐González Daniel E. , Götz Andreas W. , Autschbach Jochen , Castillo‐Alvarado Fray L. , Yamashita Koichi
Published: November 2018

The topology of the molecular electron density of benzene dithiol gold cluster complex Au4−S−C6H4−S′−Au′4changed when relativistic corrections were made and the structure was close to a minimum of the Born–Oppenheimer energy surface. Specifically, new bond paths between hydrogen atoms on the benzene ring and gold atoms appeared, indicating that there is a favorable interaction between these atoms at the relativistic level. This is consistent with the observation that gold becomes a better electron acceptor when relativistic corrections are applied. In addition to relativistic effects, here, we establish the sensitivity of molecular topology to basis sets and convergence thresholds for geometry optimization.
Morphology Driven by Molecular Structure of Thiazole‐Based Polymers for Use in Field‐Effect Transistors and Solar Cells
Authors: Hong Jisu , Wang Canjie , Cha Hyojung , Kim Hyung Nam , Kim Yebyeol , Park Chan Eon , An Tae Kyu , Kwon Soon‐Ki , Kim Yun‐Hi
Published: November 2018

The effects of the molecular structure of thiazole‐based polymers on the active layer morphologies and performances of electronic and photovoltaic devices were studied. Thus, thiazole‐based conjugated polymers with a novel thiazole‐vinylene‐thiazole (TzVTz) structure were designed and synthesized. The TzVTz structure was introduced to extend the π conjugation and coplanarity of the polymer chains. By combining alkylthienyl‐substituted benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (BDT) or dithieno[2,3‐d:2′,3′‐d′]benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (DTBDT) electron‐donating units and a TzVTz electron‐accepting unit, enhanced intermolecular interactions and charge transport were obtained in the novel polymers BDT‐TzVTz and DTBDT‐TzVTz. With a view to using the polymers in transistor and photovoltaic applications, the molecular self‐assembly in and their nanoscale morphologies of the active layers were controlled by thermal annealing to enhance the molecular packing and by introducing a diphenyl ether solvent additive to improve the miscibility between polymer donors and [6,6]phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) acceptors, respectively. The morphological characterization of the photoactive layers showed that a higher degree of π‐electron delocalization and more favorable molecular packing in DTBDT‐TzVTz compared with in BDT‐TzVTz leads to distinctly higher performances in transistor and photovoltaic devices. The superior performance of a photovoltaic device incorporating DTBDT‐TzVTz was achieved through the superior miscibility of DTBDT‐TzVTz with PC71BM and the improved crystallinity of DTBDT‐TzVTz in the nanofibrillar structure.
Light‐Controlled Chemoenzymatic Immobilization of Proteins towards Engineering of Bioactive Papers
Authors: Hilberg Valentina , Avrutina Olga , Ebenig Aileen , Yanakieva Desislava , Meckel Tobias , Biesalski Markus , Kolmar Harald
Published: November 2018

Efficient and reliable methods for the generation of bioactive papers are of growing interest in relation to point‐of‐care testing devices that do not require extensive analytical equipment. Herein, we report the immobilization of functional proteins on paper fibers using a modular chemoenzymatic approach. The synthetic strategy relies on a combination of highly efficient spatially controllable photo‐triggered cycloaddition followed by site‐specific sortase A‐catalyzed transamidation. This site‐directed and regiospecific method has allowed unidirectional and covalent immobilization of several proteins displaying different functional properties, with ramifications for application in paper‐based diagnostics.
Agglomeration Technology at the ACHEMA 2018
Authors: Lohmeier Laura , Schaldach Katja , Fehse Franz , Schröder Hans‐Werner
Published: November 2018

Auf der ACHEMA 2018 waren erneut zahlreiche Firmen vertreten, die im Bereich der Agglomerationstechnik tätig sind. Die Einsatzgebiete der vorgestellten Technologien reichten dabei von der Aufbauagglomeration über die Extrusion bis zur Pressagglomeration für mineralische, nachwachsende und biogene Rohstoffe sowie die pharmazeutische, chemische und Nahrungsmittelindustrie. Der Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die aktuellen Trends, wie Innovationen in der Messtechnik, Zusammenführung von Prozessschritten und Erweiterungen bestehender Apparate für neue Anwendungsbereiche.
Enhanced CO selectivity for reverse water‐gas shift reaction using Ti4O7‐doped SrCe0.9Y0.1O3‐δ hollow fibre membrane reactor
Authors: Zhuang Shujuan , Han Ning , Wang Tongtong , Meng Xiuxia , Meng Bo , Li Ying , Sunarso Jaka , Liu Shaomin
Published: November 2018

Reverse water‐gas shift reaction (RWGS) is important in the CO2 utilization cycle to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) to carbon monoxide (CO). In this work, the RWGS performance is evaluated by utilizing Ti4O7‐doped SrCe0.9Y0.1O3‐δ (SCY‐b) hollow fibre membrane reactor where H2 permeates through the SCY‐b proton conducting membrane and reacts with CO2 feed gas. Upon increasing the temperature from 750 to 950 °C, the CO yield increased from a negligible value to 14.82 %, when the sweep gas flow rate was 50 mL min−1 H2‐He (50:50 vol. ratio) and the feed gas flow rate was 100 mL min−1 CO2‐N2 (5:95 vol. ratio). The CO yield increase with the temperature increase reflects the enhanced H2 permeation flux through the SCY‐b membrane at higher temperatures. Higher CO2 concentration in the feed gas led to lower CO yield due to the higher amount of remaining CO2 in the outlet stream. The deposition of porous SCY or SCY‐b surface layer onto the hollow fibre outer circumference surface also increased H2 flux through the fibre relative to the non‐deposited one. Thermogravimetric and CO2‐temperature programmed desorption results further reveal that SCY‐b adsorbed CO2 at temperature above 500 °C due to the reaction between CO2 and SCY‐b material. Despite the formation of SrCO3 during RWGS, the SCY‐b hollow fibre membrane reactor still displayed a stable CO yield of around 14 % throughout the 6‐day continuous membrane reactor test.
Results of an early access treatment protocol of daratumumab in United States patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Chari Ajai , Lonial Sagar , Mark Tomer M. , Krishnan Amrita Y. , Stockerl‐Goldstein Keith E. , Usmani Saad Z. , Londhe Anil , Etheredge Delores , Fleming Sarah , Liu Baolian , Ukropec Jon , Lin Thomas S. , Jagannath Sundar , Nooka Ajay K.
Published: November 2018

Background

Daratumumab is a human CD38‐directed monoclonal antibody indicated for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (MM).

Methods

A multicenter, open‐label treatment protocol provided early access to daratumumab for patients who had progressive MM after they received ≥3 prior lines of therapy that included a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent or if they were refractory to both a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent. Patients received daratumumab 16 mg/kg weekly for 8 weeks, every other week for 16 weeks, and monthly until they developed disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or 60 days after the drug gained US approval. Treatment‐emergent grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, and AEs of special interest were collected.

Results

Three hundred forty‐eight patients were enrolled at 39 US sites between June and December 2015. Patients received study therapy for a median of 1.9 months (range, 0.03‐6.0 months). Fifty‐two percent of patients transitioned to commercially‐available daratumumab and 37% discontinued because of progressive disease. Grade ≥3 AEs occurred in 50% of patients, including thrombocytopenia (15%) and anemia (14%). Serious AEs occurred in 35% of patients (12% were drug‐related), including infections (11%). Infusion reactions occurred in 56%, 2%, and 2% of patients during the first, second, and all subsequent infusions, respectively; respiratory symptoms (cough, dyspnea, throat irritation, nasal congestion) were common. The infusion reaction rate for the first infusion was 38% in 50 patients at 2 sites who received montelukast as premedication for their first infusion and 59% in patients who did not receive montelukast.

Conclusions

The current findings are consistent with previously reported trials and confirm the safety profile of daratumumab in heavily pretreated US patients who have relapsed or refractory MM. Cancer 2018;124:000‐000.
A study of axitinib, a VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in children and adolescents with recurrent or refractory solid tumors: A Children’s Oncology Group phase 1 and pilot consortium trial (ADVL1315)
Authors: Geller James I. , Fox Elizabeth , Turpin Brian K. , Goldstein Stuart L. , Liu Xiaowei , Minard Charles G. , Kudgus Rachel A. , Reid Joel M. , Berg Stacey L. , Weigel Brenda J.
Published: November 2018

Background

Axitinib is an oral small molecule that inhibits receptor tyrosine kinases vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1 to 3. A phase 1 and pharmacokinetic (PK) trial evaluating axitinib was conducted in children with refractory solid tumors.

Methods

Axitinib was administered orally twice daily in continuous 28‐day cycles. Dose levels (2.4 mg/m2/dose and 3.2 mg/m2/dose) were evaluated using a rolling 6 design. Serial PKs (cycle 1, days 1 and 8) and exploratory biomarkers were analyzed.

Results

A total of 19 patients were enrolled; 1 patient was ineligible due to inadequate time having elapsed from prior therapy. The median age of the patients was 13.5 years (range, 5‐17 years). Two of 5 patients who were treated at dose level 2 experienced dose‐limiting toxicities (palmar‐plantar erythryodysesthesia syndrome in 1 patient and intratumoral hemorrhage in 1 patient). Frequent (>20%) grade 1 to 2 toxicities during cycle 1 included anemia, anorexia, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, and hypertension. Nonhematological toxicities of grade ≥3 in subsequent cycles included hypertension and elevated serum lipase. PK analysis demonstrated variability in axitinib exposure, the median time to peak plasma concentration was 2 hours, and the half‐life ranged from 0.7 to 5.2 hours. Exposure and dose were not found to be significantly associated with hypertension. Five patients achieved stable disease for ≥6 cycles as their best response, including patients with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (1 patient), Ewing sarcoma (1 patient), hepatocellular carcinoma (1 patient), and osteosarcoma (2 patients). One patient with alveolar soft part sarcoma achieved a partial response. Kidney injury biomarkers were found to be elevated at baseline; no trends were identified.

Conclusions

In children with refractory solid tumors, the maximum tolerated and recommended dose of axitinib appears to be 2.4 mg/m2/dose, which provides PK exposures similar to those of adults.
Digital image analysis supports a nuclear‐to‐cytoplasmic ratio cutoff value below 0.7 for positive for high‐grade urothelial carcinoma and suspicious for high‐grade urothelial carcinoma in urine cytology specimens
Authors: McIntire Patrick J. , Snow Justin T. , Elsoukkary Sarah S. , Soong Lauren , Sweeney Jacob , Robinson Brian D. , Siddiqui Momin T.
Published: November 2018

Background

Urinary cytology is sensitive and specific for diagnosing and screening high‐grade urothelial carcinomas (HGUC). The Paris System (TPS) for urinary cytology was introduced in 2016 to standardize reporting. According to TPS diagnostic categories of HGUC and suspicious for HGUC (SHGUC), the average nuclear‐to‐cytoplasm (N:C) ratio of atypical cells should be ≥0.7. The objective of the current study was to measure the N:C ratio of urine cytology specimens with HGUC and SHGUC diagnoses and biopsy‐proven HGUC follow‐up.

Methods

A cohort of 64 cases (HGUC, 49 cases; SHGUC, 15 cases) from 57 patients was constructed. Urine cytology slides were scanned into whole‐slide digital images. The nuclear and cytoplasmic areas were enumerated by digital image analysis (DIA), and the N:C ratios were measured.

Results

In total, 640 cells were analyzed by DIA (HGUC, 490 cells; SHGUC, 150 cells). For HGUC and SHGUC, the average N:C ratios were 0.57 and 0.53, respectively. The maximum average N:C ratio was 0.73 for HGUC and 0.68 for SHGUC. HGUC had higher average N:C ratio (P < .001), higher average nuclear area (P < .001), higher average maximum N:C ratio (P = .005), and higher average maximum nuclear area (P = .006) compared with SHGUC.

Conclusions

The N:C ratios for the HGUC (0.57) and SHGUC (0.53) categories are lower than those previously suggested in TPS. The authors advocate reducing the N:C ratio below the current threshold of 0.7.