bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empleo de herramientas metacognitivas para realizar el proyecto final de licenciatura en la Escuela de Ingeniería ESIME-Culhuacán, del Instituto Politécnico Nacional de México
Authors: Mendioroz Lacambra Ana María
Published: February 2017

Se valora la eficacia de la V heurística de Gowin y el Mapa Conceptual, para visibilizar el proceso de construcción de conocimiento en tareas investigativas; concretamente para guiar la investigación,
concebirla como proceso donde converge la epistemología de la ciencia y la metodología, y para facilitar la comunicación de resultados. Se enmarca en un proyecto de investigación en la Escuela de Ingeniería ESIME, del Instituto Politécnico Nacional de México, con el alumnado del proyecto
de titulación de Ingeniería en Computación. Se basa en que son herramientas que desarrollan estrategias metacognitivas, para realizar tareas de investigación. La metodología de corte cualitativo, según el modelo de investigación-acción, facilita la recopilación de datos mediante un
cuestionario que permite evidenciar las creencias del alumnado sobre la investigación, los problemas surgidos durante la misma, el concepto sobre la construcción del conocimiento y la valoración personal sobre las dos herramientas, a nivel de elaboración y en cuanto a su empleo. Para recuperar evidencias, se diseña, a modo de ejemplificación, una plantilla que los
estudiantes adaptan a sus necesidades. El análisis de los datos con una orientación cualitativa, permite en la línea de estudios anteriores, poner de manifiesto la efectividad de estas herramientas para realizar tareas investigativas, ya que facilitan la integración de los marcos teóricos y metodológicos, orientan el proceso, su planificación, monitorización y la evaluación de
los procedimientos. Ayudan a visibilizar el proceso de construcción de conocimiento favoreciendo la metacognición, e incrementan la seguridad del alumnado, contribuyendo además a mejorar la comunicación de los resultados.
Las actividades de aprendizaje y su contribución en el desarrollo competencial en investigación educativa: el caso del grado de Pedagogía de la UB
Authors: Reguant Álvarez Mercedes , Torrado Fonseca Mercedes
Published: February 2017

Este trabajo parte de la premisa que la formación universitaria en el nuevo marco del EEES sólo es posible a partir del trabajo coordinado de las diferentes asignaturas. Desde esta perspectiva se ha llevado a cabo una investigación que pretende conocer ¿qué actividades de aprendizaje
se están llevando a cabo en el conjunto de asignaturas del itinerario de formación en investigación educativa?, ¿qué nivel de logro pretenden?, ¿los estudiantes las perciben útiles para la adquisición de las competencias? El estudio, de carácter descriptivo, se realiza en el grado de Pedagogía de la UB y se sitúa en cuarto curso, permitiendo, de esta manera, obtener una visión longitudinal de la formación desde la visión contrastada del profesorado y alumnado. Participan los 17 profesores que imparten docencia en el área y una muestra de 177 estudiantes (68% de la población). Se utilizan estrategias de recogida de información cualitativas (instrumento de respuesta abierta y grupos de discusión) y cuantitativa (cuestionario
de valoración). Los resultados presentan una secuencia lógica de actividades de aprendizaje en coherencia con el desarrollo competencial. Las actividades de aprendizaje que más impactan y se perciben como más útiles en el desarrollo de las competencias son las que potencian
habilidades de pensamientos de mayor complejidad.
Propuesta de actividades para fomentar la educación para la paz en la enseñanza superior
Authors: Martínez Lirola María
Published: February 2017

La enseñanza universitaria debe fomentar la formación integral del alumnado por medio de una formación basada en la adquisición de distintos tipos de competencias. En este artículo se presenta una propuesta de actividades cooperativas enmarcadas en un enfoque pedagógico
centrado en la educación para la paz en una asignatura de lengua inglesa en el Grado en Estudios Ingleses. Se explicará cómo dichas actividades contribuyen a desarrollar algunos de los principios de la educación para la paz en la enseñanza superior. Además, se pondrán de manifiesto las principales competencias sociales que el alumnado adquiere con las
actividades seleccionadas, entre las que destacan la comunicación, la cooperación o la escucha activa. Es decir, se trata de actividades que potencian la educación emocional y las relaciones interpersonales. Proponemos la realización de actividades cooperativas que potencian
la paz como ejemplo para trabajar temas sociales en la enseñanza universitaria de modo que el alumnado mejore su capacidad crítica al reflexionar sobre temas como la pobreza, la guerra, la globalización, el género, los derechos humanos o el racismo.
La construcción de la introducción y la conclusión del género “ponencia” en el marco de un taller de escritura académica
Authors: Álvarez Álvarez Manuela , Velasco Luzuriaga Erlantz , Boillos Pereira Mari Mar
Published: February 2017

Este trabajo se centra en el estudio de las secciones introducción y conclusiones de una ponencia producida por estudiantes de doctorado españoles en el contexto de un taller de escritura académica. Su objetivo es analizar la construcción retórica de ambas secciones, a través del modelo teórico Swalesiano basado en el análisis de movimientos, pasos y subpasos. En el
caso de las introducciones se toma la propuesta de Carbonell-Olivares, Gil-Salom y Soler-Monreal (2009), mientras que para la sección de conclusiones se emplea el modelo de Yag y Alison (2003). Los resultados de esta investigación en el caso de las introducciones refrendan los datos de otros estudios donde los movimientos 1 (M1) y 3 (M3) se consolidan como  movimientos obligatorios en trabajos de escritores españoles; pero, además, se revela
que el establecimiento de la temática tiene un mayor despliegue informativo que la presentación de la propia investigación lo que indica una menor atención del escritor a la originalidad e importancia de su trabajo. En el caso de las conclusiones se observa una mayor integración al modelo prototípico de los tres movimientos establecidos para dicha sección (M1-M2-M3) y se manifiesta una importante conciencia del escritor por el despliegue de información relativa al  resumen y valoración de los resultados (M1 y M2).
La coordinación docente en la universidad: análisis de la situación actual
Authors: Bolarín Martínez María José
Published: February 2017

Actualmente, en nuestro sistema educativo universitario, se plantea un cambio causado por la implementación del nuevo modelo educativo europeo. Para responder a la lógica de la reforma planteada por el Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior, se hace necesaria una adaptación de los órganos de gobierno, Administración educativa, directivos de los diversos niveles de
las universidades, profesorado, estudiantes, personal no docente, la comunidad educativa, en general. Este modelo nos reta, entre otros aspectos, a pasar desde la actual cultura organizativa universitaria caracterizada por el individualismo, en algunos casos el aislamiento profesional y
la competitividad, hacia una nueva cultura compartida y asumir nuevas formas de organización del trabajo que requieren la acción conjunta de todos los implicados. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo poner de manifiesto la importancia de la coordinación como uno de los elementos claves en
el cual se articulan las nuevas titulaciones para su buen funcionamiento, al amparo de Bolonia y analizar la situación actual en la universidad española.
Diseño de una plantilla electrónica de evaluación de sedes web científicas para la creación de recursos de enseñanza-aprendizaje (alemán-inglés-español)
Authors: Seghiri Miriam
Published: February 2017

A día de hoy las herramientas de procesamiento de lenguaje natural (PLN) para la creación automática o semiautomática de herramientas de enseñanza-aprendizaje se basan, en su práctica totalidad, en corpus de textos descargados de la red Internet. Tal es el caso de la plataforma de
enseñanza-aprendizaje trilingüe (alemán-inglés-español) para personal científico y sanitario  desarrollada en el proyecto europeo TELL-ME. A la hora de realizar búsquedas en la red con objeto de compilar un corpus, será imprescindible asegurar la fiabilidad de la muestra compilada
para garantizar, a su vez, la calidad de los recursos que se implementen a partir de ella. Para ello es necesario la selección de unos parámetros e indicadores claros que tengan en cuenta las necesidades informativas del usuario (según el grado de especialidad), el tiempo del que se disponga para realizar dicho análisis así como el volumen de datos objeto de análisis. Una
vez seleccionados, se puede proceder a la implementación de una plantilla electrónica para la evaluación de sedes web científicas en línea a partir de la cual se compilará el corpus para la creación de recursos de enseñanza-aprendizaje.
Una investigación histórica sobre las causas estructurales de la crisis identitaria de la Educación Básica (desde 1945 a 1990)
Authors: Domínguez Rodríguez José
Published: February 2017

En una investigación empírica llegué a la siguiente conclusión: la coexistencia en los sistemas educativos unificados de dos series de paradigmas educativos y didácticos sectoriales antagónicos es la causa estructural de la crisis identitaria permanente de la educación básica. Esta síntesis de mi investigación histórica pretende responder a la siguiente pregunta: “¿Cuándo, por qué y cómo penetraron y se consolidaron en los sistemas educativos unificados esas dos series de paradigmas
sectoriales antagónicos?”. Para responder, presento algunos proyectos de unificación de los sistemas educativos duales desde 1945 a 1990.
¿Amantes de Dios, de la patria y de la familia? Escuela rural e identidad nacional en el País Vasco durante la Restauración
Authors: Delgado Ander
Published: February 2017

Este artículo analiza las características de la escuela primaria pública en el medio rural vasco en el tránsito del siglo XIX y XX. Se pretende aportar nuevos elementos al debate sobre el papel del sistema educativo en la formación de la identidad nacional. A partir de un acercamiento
interdisciplinar que integra aportaciones del campo de la historia con contribuciones realizadas desde la psicología social y la didáctica de las ciencias sociales, se analizan las prácticas educativas, los materiales utilizados y las características del alumnado de estos centros escolares. A partir de dicho análisis se limita la efectividad de la labor nacionalizadora realizada en estos centros escolares y se destaca al contexto social y cultural del alumnado como el factor clave para comprender la decantación de esta población por una identidad nacional española o vasca en
aquellos años.
La literatura como recurso formativo del príncipe: evolución a lo largo de la Baja Edad Media
Authors: González Criado Eduardo
Published: February 2017

El presente artículo repasa la literatura medieval destinada a la formación de los príncipes avanzando para ello por la tradición historiográfica. Así, la necesidad de formar a un gobernante asesorado por unos consejeros en la misión de salvación de su pueblo sufrió un gran cambio durante los siglos XII-XIV: a) un primer momento centrado en definir las virtudes del
“buen rey” en el Liber Iudicum del siglo VII español; b) un marcado carácter oriental venido de Al-Andalus, con un maestro filósofo como preceptor en los exempla morales de finales del XI y principios del XII; c) unión de herencia hispánica e influencias orientales y occidentales propia
del siglo XIII, donde el dominio occidental queda evidenciado de la mano de Egidio Romano y su De regimine principum. Es así como se alcanza el género de “espejos de príncipes” como compendio de tradiciones promovido por Alfonso X, quien con su famoso Especulo, Libro de las Siete Partidas y su definitivo Setenario da cabida al Secretum Secretorum aristotélico en la imagen ejemplarizante de su padre Fernando III.
Hegemonía cultural del tener frente al ser: expresiones mediáticas y educativas
Authors: Riádigos Mosquera Carlos
Published: February 2017

En sistemas de organización social basados en la acumulación de capital, las diferentes expresiones culturales que surgen dentro de ellos se ven influenciadas por ésta, de forma que lo que se investiga, piensa, cree y educa es mediado por parámetros basados en el lucro. Así, algunos ejes clave sobre los cuales el ser humano articula su pensamiento y acción
están en creciente proceso de mutación, progresivamente consolidados sobre un esquema de ideas que en este texto será relacionado con la cultura hegemónica del tener, con potencial vertebrador y que se impone sobre otra basada en el ser, lo que aquí es relacionado con necesidades
y expresiones humanas existenciales que van más allá de la acumulación material. A través de la discusión teórica, el objetivo perseguido es repensar cómo mecanismos de aculturación tan importantes como los medios de comunicación o la educación influyen y son influidos por  paradigmas de pensamiento profundamente arraigados y relacionados con la propiedad como
elemento constituyente, para imaginar la reconstrucción de otros enfocados en necesidades humanas más amplias y relacionadas con aspectos inmateriales y sociales.
Uso pedagógico de la pizarra digital interactiva en la enseñanza y el aprendizaje. Un estudio de caso
Authors: Rodríguez-Izquierdo Rosa M. , González-Pérez Alicia
Published: February 2017

Las pizarras digitales interactivas (PDI) se han extendido en las escuelas españolas gracias a las políticas implantadas a través del Programa Escuela 2.0. Este estudio presenta los resultados sobre la forma en que las pizarras digitales interactivas son integradas en las prácticas pedagógicas de los profesores. El diseño es de corte cualitativo basado en estudios de casos de cuatro aulas andaluzas, dos de primaria y dos de secundaria. Para la recogida de datos se utilizó la entrevista y la observación del aula de manera complementaria. Los resultados revelan que el profesorado incorpora fácilmente la PDI en el aula, lo que les lleva a utilizar gran variedad de recursos
educativos online. Sin embargo, se constata que el profesorado fundamentalmente usa la PDI para presentar contenido y generalmente son ellos los que controlan dicha herramienta. Se plantean preguntas sobre si esta tecnología transforma los enfoques pedagógicos de enseñanza.
Análisis y valoración del modelo inclusivo en los sistemas de apoyo de centros de infantil y primaria
Authors: Nadal Morant María José , Grau Rubio Claudia , Peirats Chacón José
Published: February 2017

En esta investigación se analiza el funcionamiento y la organización de los sistemas de apoyo utilizados en centros de Educación Infantil y Primaria de la Comunidad Valenciana. Planteamos hasta qué punto los sistemas de apoyo en estos centros contribuyen a mejorar la organización
de un sistema inclusivo que resulte accesible para todos. En el estudio de casos han participado 24 profesionales pertenecientes a cuatro centros que tienen diferentes modalidades de escolarización. Para la recogida de información, se han manejado instrumentos cualitativos como son la entrevista, la observación y el análisis documental. Según los datos obtenidos, los sistemas de apoyo no se ajustan de forma integral a enfoques inclusivos. Se refleja, en el análisis efectuado, una aproximación en algunos elementos relacionados con su organización. Por otra parte, existen otros elementos que todavía se consideran alejados de posiciones inclusivas, entre ellos: el tipo de alumnado que recibe apoyo educativo, el lugar o espacio donde los alumnos lo reciben o el modo de agrupamiento que se establece. Como conclusión, a pesar de que se observa un cierto avance en el modelo de apoyo, todavía existe una concepción tradicional centrada en el alumnado.
Blood transcriptome based biomarkers for human circadian phase
Authors: Laing Emma E , Möller-Levet Carla S , Poh Norman , Santhi Nayantara , Archer Simon N , Dijk Derk-Jan
Published: February 2017

Diagnosis and treatment of circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders both require assessment of circadian phase of the brain’s circadian pacemaker. The gold-standard univariate method is based on collection of a 24-hr time series of plasma melatonin, a suprachiasmatic nucleus-driven pineal hormone. We developed and validated a multivariate whole-blood mRNA-based predictor of melatonin phase which requires few samples. Transcriptome data were collected under normal, sleep-deprivation and abnormal sleep-timing conditions to assess robustness of the predictor. Partial least square regression (PLSR), applied to the transcriptome, identified a set of 100 biomarkers primarily related to glucocorticoid signaling and immune function. Validation showed that PLSR-based predictors outperform published blood-derived circadian phase predictors. When given one sample as input, the R2 of predicted vs observed phase was 0.74, whereas for two samples taken 12 hr apart, R2 was 0.90. This blood transcriptome-based model enables assessment of circadian phase from a few samples.
Youth Voice in Nigerian School-based Management Committees
Authors: Bako Umar Bashiru , Eric Krauss Steven , Abu Samah Asnarulkhadi , Abdul Hamid Jamaliah
Published: February 2017

In Nigeria, School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) aim to provide an opportunity for all stakeholders, particularly the vulnerable groups in the school’s host communities such as young people and women to partake in school governance. Research on the experiences of youth voice in the committees is scant, however, as much of the existing literature on SBMCs focuses on program outcomes. Using qualitative research interviews, observations, and document analysis, this study addressed this gap by exploring how youth participate and express themselves in two SBMCs in Niger State, Nigeria. The findings, which were derived from 19 youth and adult participants, were drawn from SBMC members out of which 12 were youth between the ages 13 and 25, while 7 were adults aged 40 and above. The participants revealed that youth committee members expressed their voice in the committees through participating in a number of committee activities. Specifically, the youth participated in decision-making during meetings, aided in the construction of committee projects, undertook administrative/managerial functions and monitored the committee’s projects. They also participated in revenue generation, planning, school visits and supervision, advocacy, and sensitization campaigns.
Exploring Twitter communication dynamics with evolving community analysis
Authors: Konstantinidis Konstantinos , Papadopoulos Symeon , Kompatsiaris Yiannis
Published: February 2017

Online Social Networks (OSNs) have been widely adopted as a means of news dissemination, event reporting, opinion expression and discussion. As a result, news and events are being constantly reported and discussed online through OSNs such as Twitter. However, the variety and scale of all the information renders manual analysis extremely cumbersome, and therefore creating a storyline for an event or news story is an effort-intensive task. The main challenge pertains to the magnitude of data to be analyzed. To this end, we propose a framework for ranking the resulting communities and their metadata on the basis of structural, contextual and evolutionary characteristics such as community centrality, textual entropy, persistence and stability. We apply the proposed framework on three Twitter datasets and demonstrate that the analysis that followed enables the extraction of new insights with respect to influential user accounts, topics of discussion and emerging trends. These insights could primarily assist the work of social and political analysis scientists and the work of journalists in their own story telling, but also highlight the limitations of existing analysis methods and pose new research questions. To our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the ranking of dynamic communities. In addition, our findings suggest future work regarding the determination of the general context of the communities based on structure and evolutionary behavior alone.
Assessing Violence and Injury Surveillance in the Caribbean
Authors: Andall-Brereton GM , Mueller WA
Published: February 2017

Objective: To determine the status of existing violence and injury prevention (VIP) efforts and surveillance systems in the Caribbean.
Methods: The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) undertook a survey to gather evidence of VIP in 24 CARPHA member states. The survey was administered to national epidemiologists and non-communicable disease focal points in October 2015 using an online tool, ‘Survey Monkey’. Questions were asked about the availability in each country of VIP representative surveys, policies, action plans, laws, victim support services, and surveillance systems.
Results: Nineteen (79%) countries completed the VIP survey. Only three (16%) countries indicated having conducted a nationally representative survey. Twelve (63%) had not developed a national policy, and 14 (74%) had not implemented an action plan on VIP. Each country reported the existence of VIP laws and offered victim support services, though average law enforcement ranged from 40% to 79%. Nine (47%) countries indicated using an injury registry, and 15 (79%) reported collecting injury data using in-patient records, mainly from public hospitals. All 19 countries confirmed that records of reported violent incidents were maintained by the police. Unique identifiers were generally lacking in registries and data collected by the police. Only four (44%) countries with registries, 10 (67%) countries with in-patient injury data, and 12 (63%) countries with police records indicated that the data were shared with other organizations.
Conclusion: Each country reported some level of injury surveillance system. However, such systems should be harmonized to produce more complete baseline data. The use of unique identifiers is required to reduce duplication and effectively link surveillance systems available in countries.
Optimizing multiple reliable forward contracts for reservoir allocation using multitime scale streamflow forecasts
Authors: Lu Mengqian , Lall Upmanu , Robertson Andrew W. , Cook Edward
Published: February 2017

Streamflow forecasts at multiple time scales provide a new opportunity for reservoir management to address competing objectives. Market instruments such as forward contracts with specified reliability are considered as a tool that may help address the perceived risk associated with the use of such forecasts in lieu of traditional operation and allocation strategies. A water allocation process that enables multiple contracts for water supply and hydropower production with different durations, while maintaining a prescribed level of flood risk reduction, is presented. The allocation process is supported by an optimization model that considers multitime scale ensemble forecasts of monthly streamflow and flood volume over the upcoming season and year, the desired reliability and pricing of proposed contracts for hydropower and water supply. It solves for the size of contracts at each reliability level that can be allocated for each future period, while meeting target end of period reservoir storage with a prescribed reliability. The contracts may be insurable, given that their reliability is verified through retrospective modeling. The process can allow reservoir operators to overcome their concerns as to the appropriate skill of probabilistic forecasts, while providing water users with short‐term and long‐term guarantees as to how much water or energy they may be allocated. An application of the optimization model to the Bhakra Dam, India, provides an illustration of the process. The issues of forecast skill and contract performance are examined. A field engagement of the idea is useful to develop a real‐world perspective and needs a suitable institutional environment.
Recent Progress in High‐Efficiency Blue‐Light‐Emitting Materials for Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Im Yirang , Byun Seong Yong , Kim Ji Han , Lee Dong Ryun , Oh Chan Seok , Yook Kyoung Soo , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: February 2017

Organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) are increasingly used in displays replacing traditional flat panel displays; e.g., liquid crystal displays. Especially, the paradigm shifts in displays from rigid to flexible types accelerated the market change from liquid crystal displays to OLEDs. However, some critical issues must be resolved for expansion of OLED use, of which blue device performance is one of the most important. Therefore, recent OLED material development has focused on the design, synthesis and application of high‐efficiency and long‐life blue emitters. Well‐known blue fluorescent emitters have been modified to improve their efficiency and lifetime, and blue phosphorescent emitters are being investigated to overcome the lifetime issue. Recently, thermally activated delayed fluorescent emitters have received attention due to the potential of high‐efficiency and long‐living emitters. Therefore, it is timely to review the recent progress and future prospects of high‐efficiency blue emitters. In this feature article, we summarize recent developments in blue fluorescent, phosphorescent and thermally activated delayed fluorescent emitters, and suggest key issues for each emitter and future development strategies.
Hierarchically Arranged Helical Fiber Actuators Derived from Commercial Cloth
Authors: Gong Jiang , Lin Huijuan , Dunlop John W. C. , Yuan Jiayin
Published: February 2017

The first hygroscopically tunable cloth actuator is realized via impregnation of a commercial cloth template by a three dimensionally (3D) nanoporous polymer/carbon nanotube hybrid network. The nanoporous hybrid guarantees diffusion of water into the cloth actuator and amplifies the deformation scale. The cloth actuators are mechanically stable with high tensile strength. Because the commercial cotton cloth is inexpensive, such actuators capable of complex motions can be produced in a large size and scale for a wide variety of utilities (e.g. electric generators and “smart” materials).
Dynamic Covalent Polymer Networks: from Old Chemistry to Modern Day Innovations
Authors: Zou Weike , Dong Jiante , Luo Yingwu , Zhao Qian , Xie Tao
Published: February 2017

Dynamic covalent polymer networks have long been recognized. With the initial focus on the unintended impact of dynamic covalent linkages on the viscoelasticity of commercial rubbers, efforts in modern times have transitioned into designing dynamic covalent polymer networks with unique adaptive properties. Whereas self‐healing and thermoset reprocessing have been the primary motivations for studying dynamic covalent polymer networks, the recent discovery of the vitrimeric rheological behavior and solid‐state plasticity for this type of material have opened up new opportunities in material innovations. This, coupled with the revelation of the dynamic characteristics of commercially relevant polymer building blocks such as esters and urethanes, suggests a promising future for this class of materials.
Photonic Devices Out of Equilibrium: Transient Memory, Signal Propagation, and Sensing
Authors: Heuser Thomas , Merindol Rémi , Loescher Sebastian , Klaus Aileen , Walther Andreas
Published: February 2017

Soft photonic materials are important for sensors, displays, or energy management and have become switchable under static equilibrium conditions by integration of responsive polymer features. The next step is to equip such materials with the ability for autonomously dynamic and self‐regulating behavior, which would advance their functionality and application possibilities to new levels. Here, this study shows the system integration of a nonlinear, biocatalytic pH‐feedback system with a pH‐responsive block copolymer photonic gel, and demonstrates autonomous transient memories, remotely controlled signal propagation, and sensing. This study utilizes an enzymatic switch to program the lifetime of the reflective state of a photonic gel, and induces propagation of pH‐waves extinguishable by illumination with UV‐light. The described combination of nonlinear chemistry and responsive photonic gels opens pathways toward out‐of‐equilibrium photonic devices with active and autonomous behavior useful for sensing, computation, and communication.
A Tailorable In Situ Light‐Activated Biodegradable Vascular Scaffold
Authors: Albaghdadi Mazen S. , Yang Jian , Brown Jessica H. , Mansukhani Neel A. , Ameer Guillermo A. , Kibbe Melina R.
Published: February 2017

Biodegradable vascular scaffolds (BVS) are novel treatments for obstructive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease developed to overcome the limitations of traditional metallic drug‐eluting stents. The mechanical properties of bioabsorbable polymers used for the production of novel BVS are a key consideration for the clinical translation of this emerging technology. Herein, the authors describe the engineering of an in situ light‐activated vascular scaffold (ILVS) comprised of a biodegradable citric acid‐based elastomeric polymer, referred to as methacrylated polydiol citrate (mPDC) and a diazeniumdiolate chitosan nitric oxide donor (chitoNO). In vitro studies demonstrate that the mechanical properties of the ILVS can be tailored to meet or exceed those of commercially available self‐expanding bare metal stents (BMS). The radial compression strength of the ILVS is higher than that of a BMS despite undergoing degradation at physiologic conditions for 7 months. ILVS containing chitoNO provides sustained supraphysiologic levels of NO release. Finally, ILVS is successfully cast in porcine arteries ex vivo using a custom designed triple balloon catheter, demonstrating translational potential. In conclusion, these data demonstrate the ability of an ILVS to provide tunable mechanical properties and drug‐delivery capabilities for the vasculature and thereby support mPDC as a promising material for the development of novel BVS platforms.
Optical Activity of Chiral Nanoscrolls
Authors: Baimuratov Anvar S. , Gun'ko Yurii K. , Shalkovskiy Alexey G. , Baranov Alexander V. , Fedorov Anatoly V. , Rukhlenko Ivan D.
Published: February 2017

A first quantum‐mechanical theory of chiral semiconductor nanoscrolls is presented. The theory allows one to analytically calculate the rotatory strengths and dissymmetry factors of optical transitions inside monodisperse ensembles of randomly oriented nanoscrolls, as well as to model the circular dichroism spectra of the ensembles. The theory predicts strong optical activity of semiconductor nanoscrolls upon both intraband and interband transitions, which makes them useful for various biochemical, biophysical, and nanophotonics applications. Specifically, the rotatory strengths of intraband and interband transitions were shown to reach values as high as 10−35 erg cm3, which is three to four orders of magnitude larger than the typical rotatory strengths of small chiral molecules.
Intramolecular Carbonylative C–H Functionalization of 1,2,3‐ Triazoles for the Synthesis of Triazolo[1,5‐a]indolones
Authors: Veryser Cedrick , Steurs Gert , Van Meervelt Luc , De Borggraeve Wim M.
Published: February 2017

This study presents a synthesis of 4H‐[1,2,3]triazolo[1,5‐a]indol‐4‐ones. The key step in the synthesis of this new heterocyclic scaffold is an intramolecular cyclization via an unprecedented carbonylative C–H functionalization of 1‐(2‐bromoaryl)‐1,2,3‐triazoles. Isotopic labelling of the carbonyl carbon atom is possible using near stoichiometric amounts of 13CO. Additionally, an alternative pathway via carbonylative Sonogashira coupling followed by a two‐step, one‐pot azidation/cycloaddition is also investigated, giving rise to the same scaffold.

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Green Solid Ionic Liquid Crystalline Electrolyte Membranes with Anisotropic Channels for Efficient Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Sasi Renjith , Chandrasekhar Bongu , Kalaiselvi Nallathamby , Devaki Sudha J.
Published: February 2017

A biobased ionic liquid crystal derived solid polymer electrolyte (BILC‐SPE) membrane, consisting of polymeric backbone, lithium salt, and cardanol derived ionic liquid crystals along with conventional plasticizer is fabricated using a facile and simple strategy. The in‐house prepared solid polymer electrolyte membrane within optimum concentration of individual counterparts has been deployed as electrolyte cum separator in lithium‐ion cells in combination with oxide and phosphate family cathodes individually to demonstrate its suitability and compatibility for energy storage applications. With carefully chosen 3‐(4‐(3‐pentadecylphenoxy) butyl)‐1‐methylimidazole‐3‐ium hexafluorophosphate as the ionic liquid crystal counterpart, the membrane exhibits high conductivity along with high porosity, wettability, and Li‐ion transport number owing to the presence of anisotropic channels that aid the facile transport kinetics desired for the cell performance. Promising results obtained regarding compatibility of cell components, excellent specific capacity, appreciable Coulombic efficiency, and cycling stability of the lithium‐ion cell investigated with BILC‐SPE developed from the low‐cost industrial waste not only revolutionize the performance of energy storage devices but also render a platform to create cleaner environment.
A novel fiber‐reinforced silicone rubber composite with Al particles for enhanced dielectric and thermal properties
Authors: Sui Xuezhen , Zhou Wenying , Dong Lina , Wang Zijun , Liu Xiangrong , Zhou Anning , Cai Jiangtao , Chen Qingguo
Published: February 2017

Aluminum (Al) reinforced silicone rubber (SR) composites were prepared, and the effects of the content, particle size, shape, and surface modification of Al particles on the dielectric properties and thermal conductivity of the Al/SRwere investigated. Dielectric permittivity, dissipation factor and thermal conductivity of the Al/SRincrease with increasing the filler content. The dissipation factors still remain at a low level at high filler content because of the insulating alumina shell on the surface of core Al. Decrease in particle size and surface modification of Al can increase the dielectric permittivity and thermal conductivity of the Al/SRcomposites. Compared with spherical Al/SR, the flaky Al/SRcomposites present higher dielectric permittivity and thermal conductivity. Dielectric permittivity and thermal conductivity of the Al/carbon fiber (CF)/SRcomposites reach 72.1 and 2.01 W/m K at 75 wt% of the total filler content, respectively, suggesting that the ternary composites has potential applications in electromechanical actuators because of their high dielectric permittivity and thermal conductivity but low dissipation factor, and good elasticity.
Copper‐Catalyzed Multicomponent Amination/Alkynylative Cycloisomerization Cascade: Facile Access to Ferrocene‐Containing Indolizine Derivatives
Authors: Wu Xinxing , Li Xiaojie , Yang Chunyan , Li Baoguo , Chen Shufeng
Published: February 2017

An efficient synthesis of ferrocene‐containing indolizine derivatives via a copper‐catalyzed one‐pot three‐component domino amination/alkynylative cyclization is reported. This transformation proceeds through a copper‐catalyzed coupling of ferrocenylacetylenes with iminiums followed by 5‐endo‐dig cyclization leading to ferrocenyl‐substituted indolizine derivatives in good yields.
Language functional MRI and direct cortical stimulation in epilepsy preoperative planning
Authors: Austermuehle Alison , Cocjin John , Reynolds Richard , Agrawal Shubhi , Sepeta Leigh , Gaillard William D. , Zaghloul Kareem A. , Inati Sara , Theodore William H.
Published: February 2017

Objective

Presurgical language assessment can help minimize damage to eloquent cortex during resective epilepsy surgery. Two methods for presurgical language mapping are functional MRI (fMRI) and direct cortical stimulation (DCS) of implanted subdural electrodes. We compared fMRI results to DCS to help optimize noninvasive language localization and assess its validity.

Methods

We studied 19 patients referred for presurgical evaluation of drug‐resistant epilepsy. Patients completed four language tasks during preoperative fMRI. After subdural electrode implantation, we used DCS to localize language areas. For each stimulation site, we determined whether language positive electrode pairs intersected with significant fMRI activity clusters for language tasks.

Results

Sensitivity and specificity depended on electrode region of interest radii and statistical thresholding. For patients with at least one language positive stimulation site, an auditory description decision task provided the best trade‐off between sensitivity and specificity. For patients with no language positive stimulation sites, fMRI was a dependable method of excluding eloquent language processing.

Interpretation

Language fMRI is an effective tool for determining language lateralization before electrode implantation and is especially useful for excluding unexpected critical language areas. It can help guide subdural electrode implantation and narrow the search for eloquent cortical areas by DCS. Ann Neurol 2017;81:526–537
4,5‐Dimethyl‐2‐Iodoxybenzenesulfonic Acid Catalyzed Site‐Selective Oxidation of 2‐Substituted Phenols to 1,2‐Quinols
Authors: Uyanik Muhammet , Mutsuga Tatsuya , Ishihara Kazuaki
Published: February 2017

A site‐selective hydroxylative dearomatization of 2‐substituted phenols to either 1,2‐benzoquinols or their cyclodimers, catalyzed by 4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐iodoxybenzenesulfonic acid with Oxone, has been developed. Natural products such as biscarvacrol and lacinilene C methyl ether could be synthesized efficiently under mild reaction conditions. Furthermore, both the reaction rate and site selectivity could be further improved by the introduction of a trialkylsilylmethyl substituent at the 2‐position of phenols. The corresponding 1,2‐quinols could be transformed into various useful structural motifs by [4+2] cycloaddition cascade reactions.
Optimum conventional extraction conditions for phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity of Helicteres hirsuta Lour.
Authors: Pham Hong Ngoc Thuy , Vuong Quan Van , Bowyer Michael C. , Scarlett Christopher J.
Published: February 2017

Helicteres hirsuta Lour. (H. hirsuta L.) has been used as a traditional medicine for treatment of various ailments such as malaria and diabetes in Southeast Asian countries. This study aimed to optimize the conventional extraction conditions for obtaining the highest levels of phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities within H. hirsuta L. using response surface methodology. The Box–Behnken design was employed to evaluate the effects of extraction time, temperature, and the sample‐to‐solvent ratio on bioactive compound yield and antioxidant capacity of H. hirsuta L. The results indicated that the sample‐to‐solvent ratio had the strongest impact on bioactive compounds and antioxidant power of H. hirsuta L. and revealed the optimum extraction conditions to include temperature of 60 °C, time of 35 min at the sample‐to‐solvent ratio of 1 : 100 g/mL using 40% (v/v) methanol as the solvent. Under these conditions, the highest levels of total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were 16.87 mg GAE/g and 17.55 mg CE/g, respectively, significantly higher than the values obtained using water as the solvent. When preparing powered crude extract from H. hirsuta L., the ratio of 3 : 100 (g/mL) was suggested for the saving of 67% of solvent volume and energy required for solvent removal, as similar total phenolic content and total flavonoid content yield (86–87%) as well as antioxidant activities were obtained in comparison with the ratio of 1 : 100 (g/mL). © 2017 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of water‐soluble poly(vinyl alcohol)‐based composites with improved thermal behavior for potential three‐dimensional printing application
Authors: Ni Fei , Wang Guangchun , Zhao Haibin
Published: February 2017

Water‐soluble support materials are essential for fabrication of three‐dimensional printing component, in particular of fused deposition modeling (FDM) process. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was considered as a potential ideal candidate used in rapid prototyping technology, while its properties and process‐ability need to be improved for the wide application. This article attempts to use urea/caprolatam (UC) as modification additive for tuning the thermal and mechanical properties of PVA. PVA‐based films with different content of additives were prepared by solution casting method. The results showed that with the increase of UC, PVA films showed decreased crystallinity and melting temperature, while the initial degradation temperature and melt index were increased. The corporation of UC decreased the melting temperature to 173.04 °C and PVA composite with 4.5% crystallinity was fabricated. Due to the formation of hydrogen bonding between UC and the hydroxyl group of PVA, the tensile strength and modulus of PVA were slightly decreased, while strain‐at‐break was significantly enhanced, as high as 470.24%, indicating UC behaved as good plasticizing effect. The microstructure examination via scanning electron microscopy showed that when the content of UC was less than 30% in the composites, homogeneous phase could be observed, indicating good compatibility between these two components. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44966.
Application of time–stress superposition to viscoelastic behavior of polyamide 6,6 fiber and its “true” elastic modulus
Authors: Wang Bing , Fancey Kevin S.
Published: February 2017

The viscoelastic behavior of semi‐crystalline polyamide 6,6 fiber is exploited in viscoelastically prestressed polymeric matrix composites. To understand better the underlying prestress mechanisms, strain–time performance of the fiber material is investigated in this work, under high creep stress values (330–665 MPa). A latch‐based Weibull model enables prediction of the “true” elastic modulus through instantaneous deformation from the creep‐recovery data, giving 4.6 ± 0.4 GPa. The fiber shows approximate linear viscoelastic characteristics, so that the time–stress superposition principle (TSSP) can be implemented, with a linear relationship between the stress shift factor and applied stress. The resulting master creep curve enables creep behavior at 330 MPa to be predicted over a large timescale, thus creep at 590 MPa for 24 h would be equivalent to a 330 MPa creep stress for ∼5200 years. Similarly, the TSSP is applied to the resulting recovery data, to obtain a master recovery curve. This is equivalent to load removal in the master creep curve, in which the yarns would have been subjected to 330 MPa creep stress for ∼4.56 × 107 h. Since our work involves high stress values, the findings may be of interest to those involved with long‐term load‐bearing applications using polyamide materials. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44971.
Systematic Study of Functionalizable, Non‐Biofouling Agarose Films with Protein and Cellular Patterns on Glass Slides
Authors: Han Gyeongyeop , Hong Daehwa , Lee Bong Soo , Ha EunRae , Park Ji Hun , Choi Insung S. , Kang Sung Min , Lee Jungkyu K.
Published: February 2017

Herein we demonstrate a systematic investigation of chemically functionalizable, non‐biofouling agarose films over large‐area glass surfaces. Agarose films, prepared with various concentrations of aqueous agarose, were activated by using periodate oxidation to generate aldehyde groups at the termini of the agarose chains. The non‐biofouling efficacy and binding capabilities of the activated films were evaluated by using protein and cellular patterning, performed by using a microarrayer, microcontact printing, and micromolding in capillaries. Characterization by using a fluorescence slide scanner and a scanning‐probe microscope revealed that the pore sizes of the agarose films played an important role in achieving desirable film performance; the 0.2 wt % agarose film exhibited the optimum efficacy in this work.
Evidence of gene–gene interactions between MTHFD1 and MTHFR in relation to anterior encephalocele susceptibility in Northeast India
Authors: Dutta Hemonta Kr , Borbora Debasish , Baruah Mauchumi , Narain Kanwar
Published: February 2017

Background

Anterior encephalocele (AE) is a rare congenital anomaly of the central nervous system which is thought to be associated with genetic defects in folate metabolism.

Methods

This case–control study investigated the interactions of methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 1 (MTHFD1)‐1958G>A (rs2236225) and the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) ‐ 677C>T (rs1801133) and 1298A>C (rs1801131) polymorphisms with the risk of AE in the Northeast Indian population. A total of 40 AE cases and 80 controls were investigated using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism technique.

Results

MTHFR 1298CC was significantly associated with AE risk (odds ratio [OR] 4.21; p = 0.01). The MTHFR haplotypes 677C‐1298C/677T‐1298A (OR, 2.50) and 677T‐1298C (OR, 2.86) conferred risk in a progressive manner (χ2 = 9.82; p < 0.01). MTHFD1 1958G>A was not associated with disease susceptibility. Children with the rs2236225 GA and the rs1801131 CC genotypes were at an increased risk as compared to the reference genotype of rs2236225 GG and rs1801131 AA (OR, 14.4; p = 0.02). Children with the rs2236225 GG and rs1801133 CT genotypes were also at an elevated risk (OR, 4.76; p = 0.01). The MTHFD1 polymorphism together with the MTHFR haplotypes elevated risk in a progressive manner (χ2 = 6.29; p = 0.01).

Conclusion

The data support our hypothesis of gene–gene interaction between MTHFD1 and MTHFR and the risk of AE. Together with the MTHFR haplotypes, MTHFD1 elevates risk in a progressive manner. The minor allelic frequencies of the MTHFD1 1958G>A and MTHFR 1298A>C in our populations were similar to those reported from Southeast Asian population, suggesting a possible explanation for the prevalence of this malformation in these regions. Birth Defects Research 109:432–444, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Targeting the SASP to combat ageing: Mitochondria as possible intracellular allies?
Authors: Birch Jodie , Passos João F.
Published: February 2017

Anti‐senescence therapies, such as drugs that specifically kill senescent cells, to stave off ageing are currently under investigation. While these interventions show promise, their potential pitfalls are discussed herein. We have shown that the mitochondria are essential for development of senescence and many of the associated phenotypes, including the often detrimental senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Here, we disentangle many ways in which the mitochondria may influence senescence and development of the SASP and focus on possible pathways that could be exploited for future generation of anti‐senescence therapies with a clear aim; to specifically eliminate the problematic features of senescent cells, while maintaining their beneficial characteristics.