bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the 2006 and 2015 Turkish Education Program in Secondary School Curriculum in Turkey in Terms of Critical Thinking
Authors: Aytan Talat
Published: March 2016

The objective of this study is to evaluate the primary school second stage Turkish Education Curriculum effectuated in 2006 and the secondary school Turkish Education Curriculum effectuated in 2015 comparatively in terms of critical thinking. Of qualitative research designs, document analysis approach and content analysis were adopted for the study. The elements of aforementioned curriculums such as teaching approach, overall objectives, basic approach, basic skills, basic language skills, achievements, elements and methods were analyzed in terms of critical thinking. Both Turkish Education Curriculums have taken critical thinking as a basic skill, and have included critical thinking in the sections of overall objectives, basic approach and vision. On the other hand, 2006 Turkish curriculum is richer in methodological basis in terms of giving basic language skills, while 2015 Turkish curriculum is richer in terms of achievements.
THE TRANSPARENCY TROPE: DECONSTRUCTING ENGLISH ACADEMIC DISCOURSE
Authors: Bennett Karen
Published: March 2016

English Academic Discourse has always presented itself as a neutral vehicle of objective fact. Through the use of clearly defi ned terms and straightforward syntax, and the studied avoidance of forms of overt manipulation of the reader, it claims to offer a transparent window onto some pre-existing external reality. Today, however, most linguists agree that objectivity is a linguistic construct, achieved by the systematic use of grammatical forms such as nominalizations and the passive voice which mask human agency. Similarly, it is now generally understood that even the most positivistic science texts contain a certain amount of rhetorical manoeuvring designed to convince the reader of the truth value and utility of the claims made. This paper draws upon a range of linguistic, historical and philosophical sources to question this discourse’s status as the hegemonic vehicle of knowledge in the modern world.
Travelling Huts and Invading Spaceships: Marianne Heske, Tiril Schrøder, and Norwegian Romantic Landscapes
Authors: Åsebø Sigrun
Published: March 2016

The article discusses the art of the contemporary artists Marianne Heske and Tiril Schrøder, their quotations of romantic landscape, and the way this has been defined in art history. Most readings of Heske and Schrøder place them firmly in a contemporary context. By exploring the reference often made between the two artists and the concept of ‘landscape’ in art history, the article highlights how many readings, despite insisting on deconstruction in Heske and Schrøder’s art, still situate their art firmly in a narrative where landscape figures as a genre, where meaning is inherent, and where the artist serves as the visionary mind that sets the whole play off. Through a close reading of Prosjekt Gjerdeløa [Project Gjerdeløa] in relation to ideas of nationality and site as fixed, and to romantic constructions of the painter/scientist as a masculine structure, the article concludes that Heske and Schrøder’s art can be characterized as deconstructive and hybrid spaces. By inscribing meaning and value to hybrid space, their art represents a ‘view from elsewhere’ (de Lauretis), a view that can open doors to new conceptualisations of identity and the body.
Designing Public Radio in Canada
Authors: Windover Michael
Published: March 2016

Cet article examine une station de transmission de la Société Radio-Canada qui a ouvert ses portes à Watrous, en Saskatchewan, en 1939. Le bâtiment est vite devenu un phare de modernité, correspondant ainsi à la présence visuelle des postes de radio dans les maisons ou publicités. Notre étude met en lumière les différents registres matériels et spatiaux du système de radiocommunication — de l’espace intime de la maison à l’architecture institutionnelle. Notre analyse de la conception du bâtiment révèle ses liens avec le paysage (réel et représenté) ainsi qu’avec les notions complexes de lieu (matériel et immatériel). Nous soutenons que les études de design offrent une façon unique et significative d’aborder l’histoire des médias, dans laquelle ces derniers sont conceptualisés en termes de matérialité et comme éléments constituants de la société.
Drawing Out Illustration History in Canada
Authors: Grove Jaleen
Published: March 2016

Cette historiographie critique documente la réception des illustrateurs canadiens anglophones par l’histoire de l’art, la cultural theory, la politique culturelle et les collections institutionnelles, de la fin du dix-neuvième siècle au présent. Nous montrons que la préservation de la culture visuelle canadienne a été biaisée en faveur d’un agenda culturel nationaliste qui a mis à l’écart la majorité de la culture visuelle populaire illustrée et qui, par ailleurs, a négligé l’héritage culturel états-unien en faveur des liens avec la Grande-Bretagne. En outre, à cause du manque d’espace pour des archives et des expositions, d’importantes collections d’illustration attendent urgemment un foyer, et les archives existantes sont incapables de gérer les fonds existants. Avec une méthodologie guidée par la pratique, nous proposons un centre de recherche idéal pour l’histoire graphique canadienne qui serait opéré sur un modèle d’affaires autarcique.
Screening Instruments for the Early Detection of Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Kim Sonya , Zemon Vance , Rath Joseph F. , Picone MaryAnn , Gromisch Elizabeth S. , Glubo Heather , Smith-Wexler Lucia , Foley Frederick W.
Published: March 2016

Background: Cognitive impairments are common in individuals with MS and adversely affect functioning. Early detection of cognitive impairment, therefore, would enable earlier, and possibly more effective, treatment. We sought to compare self-reports with a short neuropsychological test as possible screening tools for cognitive impairment.

Methods: One hundred patients with MS were tested with the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis; z scores were used to derive the Cognitive Index (CI). Receiver operator characteristic curve analyses were performed, with criteria for impairment set at −1.5 and −2.0 SD below the mean. Scores from two self-reports (the Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Screening Questionnaire–Patient Version and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function–Adult Version [BRIEF-A]) and a neuropsychological test (the Symbol Digit Modalities Test [SDMT]) were entered as test variables. Exploratory regression analyses were conducted with 1) CI and self-reports and 2) CI and the Problem-Solving Inventory (PSI).

Results: Classification accuracy was high or moderately high for SDMT when the criterion was −2.0 or −1.5 SD, respectively, but low for the self-reports. Hierarchical linear regression showed that the SDMT alone was the best predictor of cognitive impairment; adding the self-reports did not improve the model. Exploratory analyses indicated that certain self-reports (BRIEF-A, PSI) provided some explanatory power in separate models.

Conclusions: The SDMT is a more accurate screening tool for cognitive impairment; however, self-reports provide additional information and may complement objective testing. Results suggest that screening for cognitive impairment may require a multidimensional approach.
Analyzing the proximity to cover in a landscape of fear: a new approach applied to fine-scale habitat use by rabbits facing feral cat predation on Kerguelen archipelago
Authors: Blanchard Pierrick , Lauzeral Christine , Chamaillé-Jammes Simon , Yoccoz Nigel G. , Pontier Dominique
Published: March 2016

Although proximity to cover has been routinely considered as an explanatory variable in studies investigating prey behavioral adjustments to predation pressure, the way it shapes risk perception still remains equivocal. This paradox arises from both the ambivalent nature of cover as potentially both obstructive and protective, making its impact on risk perception complex and context-dependent, and from the choice of the proxy used to measure proximity to cover in the field, which leads to an incomplete picture of the landscape of fear experienced by the prey. Here, we study a simple predator-prey-habitat system, i.e., rabbitsOryctolagus cuniculusfacing feral catFelis catuspredation on Kerguelen archipelago. We assess how cover shapes risk perception in prey and develop an easily implementable field method to improve the estimation of proximity to cover. In contrast to protocols considering the “distance to nearest cover”, we focus on the overall “area to cover”. We show that fine-scale habitat use by rabbits is clearly related to our measure, in accordance with our hypothesis of higher risk in patches with smaller area to cover in this predator-prey-habitat system. In contrast, classical measures of proximity to cover are not retained in the best predictive models of habitat use. The use of this new approach, together with a more in-depth consideration of contrasting properties of cover, could help to better understand the role of this complex yet decisive parameter for predator-prey ecology.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of papilla and skin in the sea cucumber,Apostichopus japonicus
Authors: Zhou Xiaoxu , Cui Jun , Liu Shikai , Kong Derong , Sun He , Gu Chenlei , Wang Hongdi , Qiu Xuemei , Chang Yaqing , Liu Zhanjiang , Wang Xiuli
Published: March 2016

Papilla and skin are two important organs of the sea cucumber. Both tissues have ectodermic origin, but they are morphologically and functionally very different. In the present study, we performed comparative transcriptome analysis of the papilla and skin from the sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) in order to identify and characterize gene expression profiles by using RNA-Seq technology. We generated 30.6 and 36.4 million clean reads from the papilla and skin and de novo assembled in 156,501 transcripts. The Gene Ontology (GO) analysis indicated that cell part, metabolic process and catalytic activity were the most abundant GO category in cell component, biological process and molecular funcation, respectively. Comparative transcriptome analysis between the papilla and skin allowed the identification of 1,059 differentially expressed genes, of which 739 genes were expressed at higher levels in papilla, while 320 were expressed at higher levels in skin. In addition, 236 differentially expressed unigenes were not annotated with any database, 160 of which were apparently expressed at higher levels in papilla, 76 were expressed at higher levels in skin. We identified a total of 288 papilla-specific genes, 171 skin-specific genes and 600 co-expressed genes. Also, 40 genes in papilla-specific were not annotated with any database, 2 in skin-specific. Development-related genes were also enriched, such asfibroblast growth factor,transforming growth factor-β,collagen-α2andIntegrin-α2, which may be related to the formation of the papilla and skin in sea cucumber. Further pathway analysis identified ten KEGG pathways that were differently enriched between the papilla and skin. The findings on expression profiles between two key organs of the sea cucumber should be valuable to reveal molecular mechanisms involved in the development of organs that are related but with morphological differences in the sea cucumber.
D‐AKAP1a is a signal‐anchored protein in the mitochondrial outer membrane
Authors: Jun Yong‐Woo , Park Heeju , Lee You‐Kyung , Kaang Bong‐Kiun , Lee Jin‐A , Jang Deok‐Jin
Published: March 2016

Dual A‐kinase anchoring protein 1a (D‐AKAP1a, AKAP1) regulates cAMP signaling in mitochondria. However, it is not clear how D‐AKAP1a is associated with mitochondria. In this study, we show that D‐AKAP1a is a transmembrane protein in the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM). We revealed that the N‐terminus of D‐AKAP1a is exposed to the intermembrane space of mitochondria and that its C‐terminus is located on the cytoplasmic side of the MOM. Moderate hydrophobicity and the positively charged flanking residues of the transmembrane domain of D‐AKAP1a were important for targeting. Taken together, D‐AKAP1a can be classified as a signal‐anchored protein in the MOM. Our topological study provides valuable information about the molecular and cellular mechanisms of mitochondrial targeting of AKAP1.
Dual nuclease activity of a Cas2 protein in CRISPR–Cas subtype I‐B of Leptospira interrogans
Authors: Dixit Bhuvan , Ghosh Karukriti Kaushik , Fernandes Gary , Kumar Pankaj , Gogoi Prerana , Kumar Manish
Published: March 2016

Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni strain Fiocruz L1–130 carries a set of cas genes associated with CRISPR–Cas subtype I‐B. Herein, we report for the first time active transcription of a set of cas genes (cas1 to cas8) of L. interrogans where cas4, cas1, cas2 and cas6, cas3, cas8, cas7, cas5 are clustered together in two independent operons. As an initial step toward comprehensive understanding of CRISPR–Cas system in spirochete, the biochemical study of one of the core Leptospira Cas2 proteins (Lep_Cas2) showed nuclease activity on both DNA and RNA in a nonspecific manner. Additionally, unlike other known Cas2 proteins, Lep_Cas2 showed metal‐independent RNase activity and preferential activity on RNA over DNA. These results provide insight for understanding Cas2 diversity existing in the prokaryotic adaptive immune system.
Emergence of heat extremes attributable to anthropogenic influences
Authors: King Andrew D. , Black Mitchell T. , Min Seung‐Ki , Fischer Erich M. , Mitchell Daniel M. , Harrington Luke J. , Perkins‐Kirkpatrick Sarah E.
Published: March 2016

Climate scientists have demonstrated that a substantial fraction of the probability of numerous recent extreme events may be attributed to human‐induced climate change. However, it is likely that for temperature extremes occurring over previous decades a fraction of their probability was attributable to anthropogenic influences. We identify the first record‐breaking warm summers and years for which a discernible contribution can be attributed to human influence. We find a significant human contribution to the probability of record‐breaking global temperature events as early as the 1930s. Since then, all the last 16 record‐breaking hot years globally had an anthropogenic contribution to their probability of occurrence. Aerosol‐induced cooling delays the timing of a significant human contribution to record‐breaking events in some regions. Without human‐induced climate change recent hot summers and years would be very unlikely to have occurred.
Stochastic secular trends in sea level rise
Authors: Ocaña Victor , Zorita Eduardo , Heimbach Patrick
Published: March 2016

Global mean sea level (GMSL) has been rising since (at least) the nineteenth century and the rate of rise may be increasing. Several studies that attempt to explain the long‐term trend of GMSL during the instrumental record share the common assumption that this trend is deterministic in nature and different from natural variations. Here we show that the trend can alternatively be explained, at least in part, as being caused by random variations within the coupled ocean‐atmosphere‐cryosphere system, and hence not having a deterministic origin. These random trends, which add to externally forced changes (e.g., through anthropogenic climate change), are a consequence of the integrated character of GMSL, which is the cumulative addition of temporal contributions that exhibit random character, and whose integration results in GMSL variations with persistence on decadal‐centennial time scales. The generation of trends by integration of random stationary noise (i.e., even in a constant climate) is a robust and fundamental feature of stochastically forced systems with memory. The integrated character of GMSL results in an intrinsic difficulty in distinguishing internal from externally forced trends.
Observations of wave dispersion and attenuation in landfast ice
Authors: Sutherland Graig , Rabault Jean
Published: March 2016

Observations of wave propagation in landfast ice were obtained in Tempelfjorden, Svalbard during March 2015. Wave motion was measured near the ice edge using inertial motion units and consisted of a combination of swell from the North Atlantic and wind‐generated waves. The waves were observed to be unidirectional in the ice with comparable magnitudes in the vertical and horizontal displacements. The dispersion relation was calculated from the measured phase difference between two adjacent sensors separated by a distance of approximately 60 m. Deviations from the gravity wave dispersion relation were observed during the growth phase of the waves and were consistent with the presence of flexural waves. This period of wave growth was accompanied by significant wave attenuation in the high frequency portion of the wave spectrum which persisted for 3–5 h.
Evolution of wind‐driven flows in the Yellow Sea during winter
Authors: Tak Yong‐Jin , Cho Yang‐Ki , Seo Gwang‐Ho , Choi Byoung‐Ju
Published: March 2016

To examine the evolution of the wind‐driven flows in the Yellow Sea (YS) during winter, ocean circulation was simulated using a three‐dimensional ocean model with realistic topography and atmospheric forcing. The simulated sea surface temperature, ocean currents, and path of the Yellow Sea Warm Current (YSWC) agreed with observations. Southward currents along the Korean coast and the Chinese coast in winter were also effectively identified. Spectra of the daily mean winds and the YSWC velocities in the subsurface layer had dominant peaks at 12 and 20 day periods. Time‐lagged correlation analysis suggested that the downwind flow in the surface layer reacts concurrently to the northwesterly wind in winter whereas the subsurface layer responds with a delay. One day after the wind burst, an upwind current in the subsurface layer appeared in the center of the trough, whereas the downwind flow in the surface layer decreased significantly. Two days later, the upwind flow in the subsurface layer shifted to the west of the trough while the downwind flow along the Korean coast strengthened. These flow responses to the wind variations resulted in a clockwise circulation in the YS during winter.
Zapatistas
Authors: Dinerstein Ana
Published: March 2016

The Zapatistas are an armed revolutionary movement that represents the voice of indigenous people of Chiapas, Southeast Mexico. The “Zapatistas” came to light on January 1, 1994, when the Zapatista National Liberation Army (EZLN) occupied several counties of Chiapas, an economic strategic area where abundant natural resources (biodiversity, oil, waterfalls) coexist with extreme poverty and social exclusion. The entrance of the Mexican state to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) demanded a reform of Article 27 of the National Constitution – which would facilitate the opening up of indigenous lands (ejidos) to large agrobusiness. On January 1, 1994, the first day of NAFTA, the Chiapas peasants, represented by the EZLN ski‐masked leaders, exclaimed “Enough is enough!” (Ya basta!), declaring war on the Mexican state and characterizing globalization as “a war against humanity.”
United Nations
Authors: Boulden Jane
Published: March 2016

The United Nations (UN) is an international organization that was created in 1945 at the end of World War II. At the time of its creation there were 51 member states; today there are 193. Only states may be members of the UN although nongovernmental organizations, civil society organizations, and other bodies (such as the Vatican or the Palestinian Liberation Organization, for example) may be granted observer status and participate in various meetings.
Child labor
Authors: Cigno Alessandro
Published: March 2016

The common perception of child labor is that children work because their family is very poor. This approach clashes with evidence that children work even when family income is well above subsistence level, but it has been shown that the effect decreases as income increases. In countries with per‐capita GDP below 1,000 dollars a year, a 1 percent increase in per‐capita GDP is associated with a 10 percent reduction in child labor. For countries with per‐capita GDP between 1,000 and 4,000 dollars, the effects are less than 5 percent. For those with per‐capita GDP above 4,000 dollars, the reduction is less than 4 percent. For higher income countries, the reduction in child labor is about 2 percent. Therefore, the association between child labor and per‐capita GDP loses importance as the latter becomes larger. If we want to explain child labor in countries other than those with less than 1,000 dollars of GDP per capita, we must then look for different mechanisms.
Novel Heterostructure of CdSe Nanobridge on ZnO Nanorods: Cd‐Carboxyl‐RGO‐Assisted Synthesis and Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Efficiency
Authors: Zhang Zhuo , Choi Mingi , Baek Minki , Yong Kijung
Published: March 2016

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen generation is a green and effective strategy for addressing energy crises. In this study, a CdSe heteronanobridge (HNB) structure is fabricated as PEC photoanode via a hydrothermal method. The “pier” is built using ZnO nanorods (NRs) decorated with CdSe nanoparticles (NPs), and the “bridge” is constructed using CdSe nanowire covered by an reduced graphene oxide (RGO) layer and cross‐linked with ZnO NRs. The formation of the CdSe NBs is ascribed to the passivation of the CdSe nonpolar surface with an RGO layer by the formation of Cd‐carboxyl‐RGO bond in alkaline solution, which directs the preferential growth of CdSe along c‐axis. Additionally, despite etching the functionalized RGO with HAuCl4 solution, CdSe NBs decorated with Au NPs are also synthesized as another heteronanostructure. This study demonstrates that the photoconversion of the CdSe hetero‐NBs can be enhanced via the type II cascade band alignment of CdSe and ZnO and efficient charge transfer through net‐like bridge structures. Moreover, the Cd‐carboxyl‐RGO layer and Au NPs can improve the electron lifetime of the CdSe NBs by suppressing electron–hole recombination. Overall, CdSe hetero‐NBs with increased PEC efficiency represent a promising photoanode material, and the synthesis route can be used to build highly networked heteronanostructures of other materials.
Self‐Rolling of Oxide Nanomembranes and Resonance Coupling in Tubular Optical Microcavity
Authors: Lin Xianyun , Fang Yangfu , Zhu Lingjia , Zhang Jing , Huang Gaoshan , Wang Jiao , Mei Yongfeng
Published: March 2016

Nanomembrane self‐rolling offers the manufacture flexibility of 3D architectures for various applications in photonics, robotics, electronics, etc. Rolled‐up oxide microtubes fabricated by both wet chemical etching and dry‐releasing methods enable a broad range tuning of diameters (from 1 to 15 μm) and therefore same to their optical whispering gallery modes (WGMs). Their thin walls (several tens of nanometers) of such tubular optical microcavities provide strongly on‐resonance coupling of attached dye emitters to optical modes, which leads to a cavity enhancement for Raman scattering without importing noble metal. Rolled‐up thin‐walled oxide tubular microcavity delivers a new optical component for light coupling and may imply interesting applications in the interaction between light and matter.
Controllable Fabrication of Nanostructured Graphene Towards Electronics
Authors: Zeng Mengqi , Xiao Yao , Liu Jinxin , Lu Wenjing , Fu Lei
Published: March 2016

Due to graphene's exceptional electronic properties, strong efforts are being made to push forward its nanoelectronic applications. However, the gapless band structure of truly 2D graphene makes it unsuitable for direct use in graphene‐based field‐effect transistors (FETs), which is one of the most widely discussed graphene applications in electronics. Therefore, in order to accomplish graphene's applications in semiconducting nanoelectronics, it is necessary to produce nanostructured graphene with sufficiently narrow characteristic width, thus introducing further confinement and opening a reasonably large band gap. In this article, the theoretical predictions of nanostructured graphene's various properties are briefly introduced, and then the recent progress in preparation methods are reviewed to make an objective appraisal in terms of narrow enough width and crystallographically determined edges based on the theoretical and experimental investigations of physical properties. Newly emerging nanostructured graphene arrays are also introduced, which are essential for the integration of devices. In addition, electronic devices based on graphene nanostructures or heterostructures, such as FETs and sensors, are also reviewed, including device construction and performance. This article is aimed at summarizing the most practical and efficient method oriented at a specific target and promoting the fundamental research and industrial applications of nanostructured graphene.
Grignard Reactions in Cyclopentyl Methyl Ether
Authors: Kobayashi Shoji , Shibukawa Keisuke , Miyaguchi Yuta , Masuyama Araki
Published: March 2016

We undertook a systematic study of Grignard reactions using cyclopentyl methyl ether (CPME) as a reaction solvent. Diisobutylaluminum hydride was found to be the most appropriate activator of magnesium and a number of Grignard reagents could be prepared as homogeneous or heterogeneous solutions in CPME. The CPME used in the Grignard reaction was efficiently recycled without affecting the reaction yield of the second experiment. GC–MS analysis of the recovered solvent revealed that CPME was stable under the Grignard conditions. Some of the Grignard reagents in CPME were stable for at least several months and therefore these solutions could replace existing commercial reagents. Tramadol hydrochloride, an analgesic that is used worldwide, and tamoxifen, an anti‐estrogenic drug for estrogen‐receptor‐positive breast cancer were synthesized using Grignard reactions in CPME.
A Metal–Organic Framework with a Pore Size/Shape Suitable for Strong Binding and Close Packing of Methane
Authors: Lin Jiao‐Min , He Chun‐Ting , Liu Yan , Liao Pei‐Qin , Zhou Dong‐Dong , Zhang Jie‐Peng , Chen Xiao‐Ming
Published: March 2016

Much effort has been devoted to develop new porous structures for methane storage. We report a new porous coordination framework showing exceptional methane uptakes (e.g. 263 v/v at 298 K and 65 bar) and adsorption enthalpies (21.6 kJ mol−1) as high as current record holders functionalized by open metal sites. Computational simulations demonstrated that the hierarchical pore structure consisting of single‐wall nanocages has suitable sizes/shapes and organic binding sites to enforce not only strong host–methane and methane–methane interactions but also dense packing of methane molecules.
Catalytic Hypervalent Iodine Promoters Lead to Styrene Dimerization and the Formation of Tri‐ and Tetrasubstituted Cyclobutanes
Authors: Colomer Ignacio , Coura Barcelos Rosimeire , Donohoe Timothy J.
Published: March 2016

Reported herein is that the use of catalytic quantities of hypervalent iodine reagents (phenyliodine diacetate or Dess–Martin periodinane) allows the rapid and stereoselective formation of cyclobutanes under very mild reaction conditions. The presence of a fluorinated solvent is essential for the success of these reactions which form unsymmetrical tri‐ and tetrasubstituted cyclobutanes through a heterodimerization process involving two different alkenes.
Eye Histology and Ganglion Cell Topography of Northern Elephant Seals (Mirounga angustirostris)
Authors: Smodlaka Hrvoje , Khamas Wael A. , Palmer Lauren , Lui Bryan , Borovac Josip A. , Cohn Brian A. , Schmitz Lars
Published: March 2016

Northern elephant seals are one of the deepest diving marine mammals. As northern elephant seals often reach the bathypelagic zone, it is usually assumed that their eyes possess evolutionary adaptations that provide better ability to see in dim or scotopic environments. The purpose of this study was to carefully describe anatomical and histological traits of the eye that may improve light sensitivity. Northern elephant seals have large, somewhat elliptical eyes, with equatorial and anteroposterior diameters of 5.03 and 4.4 cm, respectively. The cornea is large in diameter and the lens is completely spherical. The iris has pronounced constrictor and dilator muscles, whereas the ciliary muscle is notably less developed. The tapetum lucidum is more prominent than in other pinnipeds, making up about 63% of retinal thickness in the posterior aspect of the globe. Within the retina, the pigmented epithelium lacks pigment except for the region close to the ora serrata. Parts of the photoreceptor and outer nuclear layers are folded. Although the photoreceptor layer is composed predominantly of rods, cone photoreceptors were also observed. Cells within the retinal ganglion cell layer are arranged in a single level. Ganglion cells reach their maximum density (∼1,300 cells per mm2) dorsal to the optic disc, whereas the periphery of the retina is sparsely populated (<100 cells per mm2). All above mentioned features are consistent with the predicted evolutionary adaptations to the photic environment of the bathypelagic zone. Anat Rec, 299:798–805, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estimation of economic impacts of cellulosic biofuel production: a comparative analysis of three biofuel pathways
Authors: Zhang Yimin , Goldberg Marshall , Tan Eric , Meyer Pimphan Aye
Published: March 2016

The development of a cellulosic biofuel industry utilizing domestic biomass resources is expected to create opportunities for economic growth resulting from the construction and operation of new biorefineries. We applied an economic input‐output model to estimate potential economic impacts, particularly gross job growth, resulting from the construction and operation of biorefineries using three different technology pathways: (i) cellulosic ethanol via biochemical conversion in Iowa, (ii) renewable diesel blendstock via biological conversion in Georgia, and (iii) renewable diesel and gasoline blendstock via fast pyrolysis in Mississippi. Combining direct, indirect (revenue‐ and supply‐chain‐related), and induced effects, capital investment associated with the construction of a biorefinery processing 2000 dry metric tons of biomass per day (DMT/day) could yield between 5960 and 8470 full‐time equivalent (FTE) jobs during the construction period, depending on the biofuel pathways. Fast pyrolysis biorefineries produce the most jobs on a project level thanks to the highest capital requirement among the three pathways. Normalized on the scale of $1 million of capital investment, the fast pyrolysis biorefineries are estimated to yield slighter higher numbers of jobs (12.1 jobs) than the renewable diesel (11.8 jobs) and the cellulosic ethanol (11.6 jobs) biorefineries. While operating biorefineries is not labor‐intensive, the annual operation of a 2000 DMT/day biorefinery could support between 720 and 970 jobs when the direct, indirect, and induced effects are considered. The major factor, which results in the variations among the three pathways, is the type of biomass feedstock used for biofuels. Unlike construction jobs, these operation‐related jobs are necessary over the entire life of the biorefineries. Our results show that indirect effects stimulated by the operation of biorefineries are the primary contributor to job growth. The agriculture/forest, services, and trade industries are the primary sectors that will benefit from the ongoing operation of biorefineries. Copyright © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Synthesis and Cell Death Mechanism of a Militarin Derivative
Authors: Chen Fei , Yoon Deok Hyo , Reddy Dinneswara , Han Changwoo , Choi Sunga , Cho Jae Youl , Sung Gi‐Ho , Hwang Ki‐Chul , Kim Tae Woong , Park Haeil
Published: March 2016

Militarin, a novel anticancer substance from a caterpillar‐grown traditional insect‐flower (Cordyceps militaris), was previously isolated and characterized as an ether compound of 4‐tert‐octylphenol and a nonaethylene glycol. Among militarin analogs with different numbers of ethylene glycol substructure, the analog with four ethylene glycol substructure (M4EG) exhibited potent anticancer activities. A facile and scalable synthetic pathway of the M4EG was developed and the mechanism of cell death by the M4EG against lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line (A549) was explored. The results of this study showed that apoptosis of M4EG toward A549 cells is mediated by a caspase‐dependent death‐signaling pathway.
Production of xylitol by a Coniochaeta ligniaria strain tolerant of inhibitors and defective in growth on xylose
Authors: Nichols Nancy N. , Saha Badal C.
Published: March 2016

In conversion of biomass to fuels or chemicals, inhibitory compounds arising from physical–chemical pretreatment of the feedstock can interfere with fermentation of the sugars to product. Fungal strain Coniochaeta ligniaria NRRL30616 metabolizes the furan aldehydes furfural and 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural, as well as a number of aromatic and aliphatic acids and aldehydes. Use of NRRL30616 to condition biomass sugars by metabolizing the inhibitors improves their fermentability. Wild‐type C. ligniaria has the ability to grow on xylose as sole source of carbon and energy, with no accumulation of xylitol. Mutants of C. ligniaria unable to grow on xylose were constructed. Xylose reductase and xylitol dehydrogenase activities were reduced by approximately two thirds in mutant C8100. The mutant retained ability to metabolize inhibitors in biomass hydrolysates. Although C. ligniaria C8100 did not grow on xylose, the strain converted a portion of xylose to xylitol, producing 0.59 g xylitol/g xylose in rich medium and 0.48 g xylitol/g xylose in corn stover dilute acid hydrolysate. 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2016 © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 32:606–612, 2016
Construction of a Graphene/Au‐Nanoparticles/Cucurbit[7]uril‐Based Sensor for Pb2+ Sensing
Authors: Shi Xinhao , Gu Wei , Zhang Cuiling , Zhao Longyun , Li Li , Peng Weidong , Xian Yuezhong
Published: March 2016

The development of highly sensitive and selective methods for the detection of lead ion (Pb2+) is of great scientific importance. In this work, we develop a new surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)‐based sensor for the selective trace measurement of Pb2+. The SERS‐based sensor is assembled from gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and graphene using cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) as a precise molecular glue and a local SERS reporter. Upon the addition of Pb2+, CB[7] forms stronger complexes with Pb2+ and desorbs from AuNPs, resulting in a sensitive “turn‐off” of SERS signals. This SERS‐based assay shows a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.3 nm and a linear detection range from 1 nm to 0.3 μm for Pb2+. The feasibility of the assay is further demonstrated by probing Pb2+ in real water samples. This SERS‐based analytical method is highly sensitive and selective, and therefore holds promising applications in environmental analysis.
Inhibition of para‐Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase by Analogues of the Herbicide Nitisinone As a Strategy to Decrease Homogentisic Acid Levels, the Causative Agent of Alkaptonuria
Authors: Laschi Marcella , Bernardini Giulia , Dreassi Elena , Millucci Lia , Geminiani Michela , Braconi Daniela , Marzocchi Barbara , Botta Maurizio , Manetti Fabrizio , Santucci Annalisa
Published: March 2016

Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a rare multisystem metabolic disease caused by deficient activity of homogentisate 1,2‐dioxygenase (HGD), which leads to the accumulation of homogentisic acid (HGA). Currently, there is no treatment for AKU. The sole drug with some beneficial effects is the herbicide nitisinone (1), an inhibitor of p‐hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (4‐HPPD). 1 has been used as a life‐saving drug in infants with type I tyrosinemia despite severe side effects due to the buildup of tyrosine. Four clinical trials of nitisinone to treat AKU have shown that 1 consistently decreases HGA levels, but also caused the accumulation of tyrosine in blood serum. Moreover, the human preclinical toxicological data for 1 are incomplete. In this work, we performed pharmacodynamics and toxicological evaluations of 1, providing the first report of LD50 values in human cells. Intracellular tyrosinemia was also evaluated. Three additional 4‐HPPD inhibitors with a more favorable profile than that of 1 in terms of IC50, LD50, and tyrosine accumulation were also identified among commercially available compounds. These may be promising starting points for the development of new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of AKU.
Redox Polypharmacology as an Emerging Strategy to Combat Malarial Parasites
Authors: Sidorov Pavel , Desta Israel , Chessé Matthieu , Horvath Dragos , Marcou Gilles , Varnek Alexandre , Davioud‐Charvet Elisabeth , Elhabiri Mourad
Published: March 2016

3‐Benzylmenadiones are potent antimalarial agents that are thought to act through their 3‐benzoylmenadione metabolites as redox cyclers of two essential targets: the NADPH‐dependent glutathione reductases (GRs) of Plasmodium‐parasitized erythrocytes and methemoglobin. Their physicochemical properties were characterized in a coupled assay using both targets and modeled with QSPR predictive tools built in house. The substitution pattern of the west/east aromatic parts that controls the oxidant character of the electrophore was highlighted and accurately predicted by QSPR models. The effects centered on the benz(o)yl chain, induced by drug bioactivation, markedly influenced the oxidant character of the reduced species through a large anodic shift of the redox potentials that correlated with the redox cycling of both targets in the coupled assay. Our approach demonstrates that the antimalarial activity of 3‐benz(o)ylmenadiones results from a subtle interplay between bioactivation, fine‐tuned redox properties, and interactions with crucial targets of P. falciparum. Plasmodione and its analogues give emphasis to redox polypharmacology, which constitutes an innovative approach to antimalarial therapy.
Albumin Nanoparticles for Brain Delivery: A Comparison of Chemical versus Thermal Methods and in vivo Behavior
Authors: Bergonzi Maria C. , Guccione Clizia , Grossi Cristina , Piazzini Vieri , Torracchi Andrea , Luccarini Ilaria , Casamenti Fiorella , Bilia Anna R.
Published: March 2016

Human serum albumin nanoparticles (NPs) have gained considerable attention owing to their high loading capacity for various drugs and the fact that they are well tolerated. The aim of this work was to investigate two different methods to produce NPs without the use of organic solvents and to obtain useful drug‐delivery systems to cross the blood–brain barrier. NPs were obtained by coacervation, using both chemical and thermal cross‐linking processes. They were developed and optimized to target brain tissues after parenteral administration in healthy rats. Furthermore, their distribution, cellular uptake, and fate were investigated in vivo after intracerebral injection in healthy rats. The toxicity of the developed carriers was estimated by behavioral tests. All NPs were chemically and physically characterized by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array and fluorimetric detectors. Their distribution and fate in the brain were evaluated by fluorescence microscopy. NPs were observed to be located in different brain tissues depending on the mode of injection, and did not induce an inflammatory response. Behavioral tests demonstrated no locomotor, explorative, or cognitive function impairment induced by the NPs.
Extracellular matrix protein expression is brain region dependent
Authors: Dauth Stephanie , Grevesse Thomas , Pantazopoulos Harry , Campbell Patrick H. , Maoz Ben M. , Berretta Sabina , Parker Kevin Kit
Published: March 2016

In the brain, extracellular matrix (ECM) components form networks that contribute to structural and functional diversity. Maladaptive remodeling of ECM networks has been reported in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, suggesting that the brain microenvironment is a dynamic structure. A lack of quantitative information about ECM distribution in the brain hinders an understanding of region‐specific ECM functions and the role of ECM in health and disease. We hypothesized that each ECM protein as well as specific ECM structures, such as perineuronal nets (PNNs) and interstitial matrix, are differentially distributed throughout the brain, contributing to the unique structure and function in the various regions of the brain. To test our hypothesis, we quantitatively analyzed the distribution, colocalization, and protein expression of aggrecan, brevican, and tenascin‐R throughout the rat brain utilizing immunohistochemistry and mass spectrometry analysis and assessed the effect of aggrecan, brevican, and/or tenascin‐R on neurite outgrowth in vitro. We focused on aggrecan, brevican, and tenascin‐R as they are especially expressed in the mature brain, and have established roles in brain development, plasticity, and neurite outgrowth. The results revealed a differentiated distribution of all three proteins throughout the brain and indicated that their presence significantly reduces neurite outgrowth in a 3D in vitro environment. These results underline the importance of a unique and complex ECM distribution for brain physiology and suggest that encoding the distribution of distinct ECM proteins throughout the brain will aid in understanding their function in physiology and in turn assist in identifying their role in disease. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:1309–1336, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Glycemic Effect and Safety of a Systemic, Partial Glucokinase Activator, PF‐04937319, in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Inadequately Controlled on Metformin—A Randomized, Crossover, Active‐Controlled Study
Authors: Denney William S. , Denham Douglas S. , Riggs Michael R. , Amin Neeta B.
Published: March 2016

Glucokinase enhances glucose conversion to glucose‐6‐phosphate, causing glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells and increased hepatic glucose uptake. PF‐04937319 is a partial glucokinase activator designed to maintain efficacy with reduced hypoglycemia risk. In this randomized, double‐blind, double‐dummy, 3‐period crossover phase 1b study, patients aged 18–70 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus and on metformin received once‐daily PF‐04937319 (300 mg), split‐dose PF‐04937319 (150+100 mg; breakfast+lunch), or sitagliptin (100 mg once daily). The primary end point was day 14 weighted mean daily glucose (WMDG) change from period‐specific baseline. Secondary end points included change from baseline in fasting plasma glucose, premeal C‐peptide and insulin, and safety, including hypoglycemia frequency. Mean decrease from baseline in observed WMDG (mg/dL) was greater for PF‐04937319 (split‐dose, −31.24; once daily, −31.33) versus sitagliptin (−19.24). Using the integrated glucose red‐cell HbA1c model, the observed WMDG effect with both PF‐04937319 dosing regimens was projected to yield a clinically superior effect on mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c; split‐dose, −0.88%; once daily, −0.94%) compared with sitagliptin (−0.63%). There was no difference in premeal C‐peptide or insulin levels, and although the effect on WMDG with both PF‐04937319 regimens was similar, the split‐dose regimen appeared to offer some advantage in safety and tolerability.
Catalytic Isomerization of Biomass‐Derived Aldoses: A Review
Authors: Delidovich Irina , Palkovits Regina
Published: March 2016

Selected aldohexoses (d‐glucose, d‐mannose, and d‐galactose) and aldopentoses (d‐xylose, l‐arabinose, and d‐ribose) are readily available components of biopolymers. Isomerization reactions of these substances are very attractive as carbon‐efficient processes to broaden the portfolio of abundant monosaccharides. This review focuses on the chemocatalytic isomerization of aldoses into the corresponding ketoses as well as epimerization of aldoses at C2. Recent advances in the fields of catalysis by bases and Lewis acids are considered. The emphasis is laid on newly uncovered catalytic systems and mechanisms of carbohydrate transformations.
Thymus medulla under construction: Time and space oddities
Authors: Alves Nuno L. , Ribeiro Ana R.
Published: March 2016

The development of effective T‐cell‐based immunotherapies to treat infection, cancer, and autoimmunity should incorporate the ground rules that control differentiation of T cells in the thymus. Within the thymus, thymic epithelial cells (TECs) provide microenvironments supportive of the generation and selection of T cells that are responsive to pathogen‐derived antigens, and yet tolerant to self‐determinants. Defects in TEC differentiation cause syndromes that range from immunodeficiency to autoimmunity, which makes the study of TECs of fundamental and clinical importance to comprehend how immunity and tolerance are balanced. Critical to tolerance induction are medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs), which purge autoreactive T cells, or redirect them to a regulatory T‐cell lineage. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, studies by Baik et al. and Mayer et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2016. 46: XXXX‐XXXX and 46: XXXX‐XXXX]) document novel spatial–temporal singularities in the lineage specification and maintenance of mTECs. While Baik et al. define a developmental checkpoint during mTEC specification in the embryo, Mayer et al. reveal that the generation and maintenance of the adult mTEC compartment is temporally controlled in vivo. The two reports described new developmentally related, but temporally distinct principles that underlie the homeostasis of the thymic medulla across life.
Synthesis of Cu2O@Ag Polyhedral Core–Shell Nanoparticles by a Thermal Decomposition Approach for Catalytic Applications
Authors: Kandula Syam , Jeevanandam Pethaiyan
Published: March 2016

Cu2O@Ag polyhedral core–shell nanoparticles with different morphologies (rhombicuboctahedral, cuboctahedral, truncated octahedral, and octahedral) have been successfully synthesized by a thermal decomposition approach. The Cu2O@Ag polyhedral core–shell nanoparticles were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, electron microscopy, surface‐area analysis, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The XRD results confirm the presence of Cu2O and silver in the Cu2O@Ag samples. Electron microscopy studies prove the formation of a shell of silver nanoparticles on the polyhedral Cu2O microcrystals. The diffuse reflectance spectra of the Cu2O@Ag polyhedral core–shell nanoparticles show band‐gap absorption owing to Cu2O as well as surface plasmon resonance owing to silver nanoparticles. The catalytic activities of the Cu2O@Ag polyhedral core–shell nanoparticles were explored for the reductions of 4‐nitrophenol and methylene blue in aqueous solutions. The Cu2O@Ag core–shell nanoparticles with octahedral morphology show higher catalytic activity than the other Cu2O@Ag samples. The core–shell nanoparticles show a higher turnover frequency (TOF) and activity parameter (kact) for 4‐nitrophenol reduction and a higher apparent rate constant (kapp) for methylene blue reduction compared to the previously reported values. The reusability of the Cu2O@Ag polyhedral core–shell nanoparticles was also tested, and they show stability for up to five cycles without loss of efficiency.