bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active Learning in the Flipped English Language Arts Classroom
Authors: Moran Clarice , Young Carl A.
Published: April 2015

This mixed-methods research study examines the engagement of high school students in a flipped English Language Arts (ELA) classroom. The students were enrolled in two sections of an Advanced Placement English Language Arts and Composition (AP Lang) course and were in the 11th grade. Forty-nine participants answered questions on a validated survey, and 8 participants took part in 2 focus groups. In addition, a researcher observed the flipped classroom and took field notes. Quantitative survey data was analyzed through STATA statistics software, and qualitative data was transcribed and coded. The results of the data analysis indicate that students had mixed feelings about the flipped method and its implementation in an ELA classroom. Survey data indicates general support for the method's principles but revealed mixed attitudes toward it as a method of instruction, especially in terms of it as a strategy for addressing all instruction in the ELA classroom. Qualitative data indicates that some students felt more engaged by the flipped method, while others did not. The results of the research indicate that the flipped method might be effective, in part, in an ELA classroom, but not as a sole means of instruction.
A Flipped Classroom Design for Preservice Teacher Training in Assessment
Authors: Nizet Isabelle , Meyer Florian
Published: April 2015

This chapter presents a strategy for designing a flipped classroom model (Khan, 2011) for the training of future teachers in a university context. This model was designed by a group of university professors with complementary expertise in didactics, learning assessment, and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for education. This chapter describes their collective procedure, as well as the chosen design. The approach is based on an instructional systems design method called Méthode d'Ingénierie des Systèmes d'Apprentissage (MISA) (Paquette, 2004). The authors use this framework to describe the different stages of the design process while paying particular attention to the challenges posed by a hybrid model of training in higher education.
Designing Quality Blended Courses
Authors: Grincewicz Amy M.
Published: April 2015

Over the last few years, a growing number of courses have been incorporating online elements into traditional face-to-face instruction. This movement has led to the emergence of a blended teaching and learning approach, which, in turn, has increased the need to discuss the educational benefits and underlying challenges of this type of instructional delivery. When developing a blended course, a number of important principles should be kept in mind to ensure the effectiveness of the course. Effective blended design takes into consideration the differences between face-to-face and online learning and incorporates different learning and teaching strategies. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss designing a quality blended course. This chapter discusses designing activities to encourage interaction, motivation, and engagement within a blended course that can be used in the online components. In addition, how to structure a blended course and benefits of working with a development team are discussed.
Blending in the Humanities
Authors: Klocke Astrid , Hedegard Danielle
Published: April 2015

Does technology de-place opportunities for meaningful engagement? Is the reduction of face-to-face time in a blended course a loss to students? And if so, what students are most affected by this shift? Can a blended course only work in disciplines that rely on teaching “facts” or can the recent emergence of digital humanities serve as a framework and provide disciplinary-specific insights for the use of teaching technology in the humanities? This chapter explores the use of learning technology and blended design in an introductory humanities course. Further, the chapter presents a blended course model, assessment data, and ideas for contextual reflection about how change in higher education paradigms is affecting the humanities in order to address them in a cooperative, non-disruptive way. Finally, the unique context, assumptions, and causes for resistance to change in the humanities with regard to technology and blended pedagogy are discussed. This chapter is intended to help readers anticipate and address particular disciplinary perceptions of blended learning.
Managing and Planning Technology Usage and Integration in Teacher Education Programs in an Emergent Nation
Authors: Ololube Nwachukwu Prince
Published: April 2015

This chapter explores the impact of the changing context of Information Technologies (ITs) and Information Systems (ISs) on Teacher Education (TE). ITs and ISs have influenced educational philosophy and classroom practices all over the world. Significant technological innovations over the last three decades have altered the environment in which educators operate and profoundly changed the experience of both formal and informal education. The impact and pervasiveness of ITs and ISs have forced traditional Colleges of Education and University Faculties of Education into a period of transition and transformation. Colleges and Faculties of Education have, for example, become sites of branding and rebranding. The policy makers associated with these programs reflexively look to market-based solutions without first giving serious thought to the challenges preventing the effective integration and use of ITs and ISs in TE, particularly in developing economies. Using a theory-based method of analysis, this chapter gathers and analyzes contemporary views and ideas on education and technology. This chapter finds that the impact of ITs and ISs on TE programs in Nigeria has shortchanged these programs. As a result, education consumers and stakeholders are dissatisfied with the slow integration and use of ITs and ISs in government-owned institutions of higher education in general and in TE programs in particular.
Prioritization of Design Requirements for Quality Engineering Education
Authors: Venkatasubbaiah K. , Shekhar N. Chandra , Kandukuri Narayana Rao
Published: April 2015

The educational institutions must strive to impart quality education and have to create greater satisfaction in their customer group. Quality Function Deployment (QFD) which is a customer driven tool in implementing Total Quality Management (TQM) helps to accomplish this task. One of the phases in QFD methodology is known as House of Quality (HoQ), which is concerned with translating the voice of customer into design requirements by stakeholders. Design requirements will determine how the customer needs are to be fulfilled. This paper presents an integrated methodology (HoQ-ANP) to translate Voices of Customer (VoC) or customer needs (CNs) into design requirements (DRs) and to determine the importance weights of DRs by considering the complex dependency relationships between and within Customer needs and DRs for total quality in engineering education. In order to deal with the vagueness, uncertainty and diversity in dependency relationships fuzzy set theory and group decision-making technique are used to determine the priority structure of CNs, inner dependence among Customer Needs (CNs), Inner dependence among DRs and inter-relationship between CNs & DRs. Prioritization of design requirements for quality engineering education is determined through a case study by employing HoQ-ANP methodology.
The Integration of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy and Project-Based Learning in a Blended Environment
Authors: Bullock Daniel Kelvin
Published: April 2015

The use of blended learning environments is rapidly expanding in education. This chapter examines a teacher's enactment of the New Tech Network educational model, which utilizes a blended learning environment, and the teaching strategies she used to engage students and gauge student achievement. Detailed teacher interviews, classroom observations, and analyses of student assignments were the sources of data for the study. The findings centered on the integration of culturally relevant pedagogy and authentic instruction within this learning environment and the implications of this integration. Recommendations for future research include a more expansive study of the use of blended learning in social studies and different means of integrating culturally relevant pedagogy and authentic instruction into blended learning.
Academics' Perceptions of Using Technology with Face-to-Face Teaching
Authors: Torrisi-Steele Geraldine
Published: April 2015

Many academics are using technology in their teaching, and universities are strongly involved in the provision of support to help academics make the most effective use of the technology. How academics perceive technology for teaching partly filters their response to the provided support. It is therefore useful to explore academics' perceptions of the use of technology in teaching. The study (N=53) reported on in this chapter provides insights into academic perceptions of teaching with technology by addressing the questions: (1) Which teaching tools (both face-to-face teaching and digital) are most popular? (2) For what purpose are the tools being used? (3) Do academics intend to extend their current use of technology with face-to-face teaching for the purposes of implementing learning strategies? and (4) Which feasibility conditions do academics perceive to be important to the realization of their intended use of technology ? The results of the study show that, for the academics in the study, face-to-face teaching is perceived as the preferred tool, especially for learning purposes such as helping students to understand concepts. The use of technology by the academics was limited to the simpler digital tools, and these were used mostly for non-learning-related purposes such as communication. However, the academics expressed the intent to increase their use of technology for improving learning in the future, and perceived feasibility conditions such as professional and technical support, teaching facilities, and especially time to be important to the realization of their intentions.
Artful Learning
Authors: Lawrence Randee Lipson
Published: April 2015

This chapter begins with a critique of traditional models of curriculum development as overly rigid, fragmented, and disconnected from the true nature of the learner. Holistic learning is described as engaging the mind, body, heart, and spirit of the learner in relationship to the learning environment. Holistic learning is earth-centered, participatory, and inclusive of the cultural context of the learners. These various learning domains and their relationship to curriculum are discussed, including the application of learning from indigenous communities. Several examples of arts-based and creative learning activities are offered along with holistic ways of developing learning objectives and assessing learning.
E-Learning
Authors: de Beer Marie , Mason Roger B.
Published: April 2015

This paper investigates a method for increasing the involvement of marketing fourth year learners in academic research, by encouraging greater participation in, and commitment to, their research project in the Applied Marketing IV subject. It is assumed that greater involvement will result in a greater pass rate. The main reasons for this lack of interest were found to be a sense of incompetence and a lack of resources which were the main objectives of a research project. These objectives were addressed by using learner centered methodologies with the research method Action Research. This research method with the slow resolution of problems was used together with a teaching methodology whose objectives supported the resolution of the learners' inadequacies. Formative assessment was used at the start of the measuring of the learners' progress and was found useful with its quick and positive feedback in supporting the learners' confidence. An eClassroom was structured for the implementation of the Applied Marketing IV course. It was designed in such a way that it facilitated the learners' use of the more commonly used devices such as surfing the web, email and Internet over and above the chosen course material. Although it was not possible to complete the main intervention of the project it was possible to use the participants' experiences in the navigation of the course material in the eClassroom, to further develop future follow-up courses.
Hierarchical Linear Model: Thinking Outside the Traditional Repeated-Measures Analysis-of-Variance Box
Authors: Lininger Monica , Spybrook Jessaca , Cheatham Christopher C.
Published: April 2015

Longitudinal designs are common in the field of athletic training. For example, in the Journal of Athletic Training from 2005 through 2010, authors of 52 of the 218 original research articles used longitudinal designs. In 50 of the 52 studies, a repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. A possible alternative to this approach is the hierarchical linear model, which has been readily accepted in other medical fields. In this short report, we demonstrate the use of the hierarchical linear model for analyzing data from a longitudinal study in athletic training. We discuss the relevant hypotheses, model assumptions, analysis procedures, and output from the HLM 7.0 software. We also examine the advantages and disadvantages of using the hierarchical linear model with repeated measures and repeated-measures analysis of variance for longitudinal data.
Discerning urban spiritualities: Tahrir Square, Occupy Wall Street and the idols of global market capitalism
Authors: Du Toit Calvyn C.
Published: April 2015

Discernment might be said to be a process of searching for meaning in the light of an (un) articulated Absolute. This search takes place in the tension between the private and public spheres of life, mostly mitigated by a community. Intermediate communities, such as churches or social movements, construct symbolic spirituality systems for its adherers to search for meaning in the light of an (un)articulated Absolute. The urban events of Occupy Wall Street and Tahrir Square also step into the tension between the public and private spheres of life, creating a (temporary) symbolic spirituality system for its adherers. These events were attempts to construct alternatives to the meta-narrative of global market capitalism. As events attempting to symbolise an urban spirituality, Tahrir Square and Occupy Wall Street dissipated rapidly, effecting rather little change at the heart of global market capitalism. This article theorises a possible reason for these urban spiritualities� dissipation, namely an overlap with global market capitalism�s idols of instant gratification and technology.Interdisciplinary Implications: Viewing Occupy Walls Street and Tahrir Square as symbolic systems of spirituality further strengthens theological urban discourse whilst adding weight to viewing mass movements as spiritualities attempting discernment.
Overview of the shape and shaping of the Book of Psalms: The current state of scholarship
Authors: Wendland Ernst R.
Published: April 2015

No abstract available
Clinical Significance of Late Enhancement and Regional Wall Remodeling Assessed by ST Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Larsen Terje H. , Stugaard Marie , Rotevatn Svein , Nygård Ottar , Nordrehaug Jan Erik
Published: April 2015

Background

Clinical follow-up studies comparing left ventricular (LV) function and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) by high-field 3T cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) are of general interest due to the increased use of 3T scanners. In this study, the occurrence of LGE and LV regional wall remodeling (RWR) was assessed by 3T CMR in patients undergoing coronary angiography for suspected stable coronary artery disease (CAD).

Materials and Methods

Analysis of myocardial viability by LGE was performed at the segmental level. LVRWR was identified by a significant reduction (≥50%) of the wall thickness. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were registered during a median follow-up time of 58 (45-62) months.

Results

Of the 87 patients (59 ± 9 years; 13 women) enrolled, nonviable myocardium was detected in 35 (40%) and significant CAD in 69 (79%). Nonviable myocardium was correlated to angiographic significant stenosis or occlusion. LVRWR was significantly related to a higher number of nonviable segments compared to those without LVRWR: ie, 6.0 ± 3.2 segments versus 2.6 ± 1.3; P < 0.001. In the nonviable group, LVEF was significantly reduced ( P < 0.001) compared to the viable group: ie, 50 ± 16% versus 61 ± 8%, and LVEF was significantly correlated to the number of nonviable segments ( r = −0.66, P < 0.001). The number of nonviable segments by LGE was significantly associated with MACE by an odds ratio of 1.25 (95% CI, 1.05-1.49; P = 0.013).

Conclusion

The presence of nonviable myocardium as detected by LGE at 3T CMR is associated with angiographically significant CAD, and is associated with the development of LVRWR and reduced LVEF. Assessing the extent of nonviable myocardium by both LGE and LVRWR at the segmental level may therefore contribute to individualized risk stratification and treatment strategies.
Locoregional Prostate Cancer Treatment Pattern Variation in Independent Cancer Centers: Policy Effect, Patient Preference, or Physician Incentive?
Authors: Camarata Andrew S. , Nickleach Dana C. , Jani Ashesh B. , Rossi Peter J.
Published: April 2015

Surveillance, Epidemiologic, and End Results (SEER) registry data abstracted from a priority 2 or higher reporting source from 2006 to 2008 were used to compare treatment patterns in 45–64-year old men diagnosed with locoregional prostate cancer (LRPC) across states with or without radiation therapy-directed certificate of need (CON) laws and across independent cancer centers (ICCs) compared to large multi-specialty groups (LMSGs). Adjusted treatment percentages for the five most common LRPC treatments (surgery, external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), combination brachytherapy with EBRT, brachytherapy, and observation) were compared using cross-sectional logistic regression between CON-unregulated and -regulated states and between LMSGs and ICCs. LRPC EBRT rates were no different across CON regions, but are increased in ICCs compared to LMSGs (37.00% vs. 13.23%, P < 0.001). Variation in LRPC treatment patterns by reporting source merits further scrutiny under the Affordable Care Act of 2010, considering the intent of incentivized accountable care organizations (ACOs) established by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (PPACA) and the implications of early descriptions of these new healthcare provider organizations on prostate cancer treatment patterns.
Rezensionen
Authors: Schneebeli H. R. , Kolpakov A.
Published: April 2015

Rezensionen zu:
A. Ostermann, G. Wanner:
Geometry by Its History
. 437 Seiten, 64 e. Springer Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, 2012; ISBN 978-3-642-29162-3,
von H.R. Schneebeli;
und zu:
H. Walser:
Fibonacci, Zahlen und Figuren
. 98 Seiten, EUR 14.50. Edition am Gutenbergplatz, EAGLE 060, 2012; ISBN 978-3-937219-60-8,
von H.R. Schneebeli;
und zu:
J. Matoušek:
Thirty-three Minatures. Mathematical and Algorithmic Applications of Linear Algebra
. 182 Seiten, $ 25.–. Student Mathematical Library vol. 53, AMS, Rhode Island, 2010; ISBN 978-0-8218-4977-4,
von A. Kolpakov.
What is the limit of stratospheric sulfur climate engineering?
Authors: Niemeier U. , Timmreck C.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The injection of sulfur dioxide (SO2) into the stratosphere to form an artificial stratospheric aerosol layer is considered as an option for solar radiation management. The related reduction in radiative forcing depends upon the amount injected of sulfur dioxide but aerosol model studies indicate a decrease in forcing efficiency with increasing injection magnitude. None of these studies, however, consider injection strengths greater than 10 Tg(S) yr-1. This would be necessary to counteract the strong anthropogenic forcing expected if "business as usual" emission conditions continue throughout this century. To understand the effects of the injection of larger amounts of SO2 we have calculated the effects of SO2 injections up to 100 Tg(S) yr-1. We estimate the reliability of our results through consideration of various injection strategies, and from comparison with results obtained from other models. Our calculations show that the efficiency of the aerosol layer, expressed as the relationship between sulfate aerosol forcing and injection strength, decays exponentially. This result implies that the solar radiation management strategy required to keep temperatures constant at that anticipated for 2020, whilst maintaining "business as usual" conditions, would require atmospheric injections of the order of 45 Tg(S) yr-1 which amounts to 6 times that emitted from of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption each year.
Characterization of particulate organic matter in the Lena River delta and adjacent nearshore zone, NE Siberia – Part 2: Lignin-derived phenol compositions
Authors: Winterfeld M. , Goñi M. A. , Just J. , Hefter J. , Mollenhauer G.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The Lena River in central Siberia is one of the major pathways translocating terrestrial organic matter (OM) from its vast catchment area to the coastal zone of the Laptev Sea and the Arctic Ocean. The permafrost soils of its far south-stretching catchment, which store huge amounts of OM, will most likely respond differently to climate warming and remobilize previously frozen OM with distinct properties specific for the source vegetation and soil. To characterize the material discharged by the Lena River, we analyzed the lignin phenol composition in total suspended matter (TSM) from surface water collected in spring and summer, surface sediments from Buor Khaya Bay along with soils from the Lena Delta's first (Holocene) and third terraces (Pleistocene ice complex), and plant samples. Our results show that lignin-derived cinnamyl : vanillyl (C / V) and syringyl : vanillyl (S / V) ratios are > 0.14 and 0.25, respectively, in TSM and surface sediments, whereas in delta soils they are > 0.16 and > 0.51, respectively. These lignin compositions are consistent with significant inputs of organic matter from non-woody angiosperm sources mixed with organic matter derived from woody gymnosperm sources. We applied a simple linear mixing model based on the C / V and S / V ratios, and the results indicate the organic matter in delta TSM samples and Buor Khaya Bay surface sediments contain comparable contributions from gymnosperm material, which is primarily derived from the taiga forests south of the delta, and angiosperm material typical for tundra vegetation. Considering the small catchment area covered by tundra (~ 12%), the input is substantial and tundra-derived OM input is likely to increase in a warming Arctic. The similar and high acid to aldehyde ratios of vanillyl and syringyl (Ad / AlV, S) in Lena Delta summer TSM (> 0.7 and > 0.5, respectively) and Buor Khaya Bay surface sediments (> 1.0 and > 0.9, respectively) suggest that the OM is highly degraded and Lena River summer TSM could be a possible source of the surface sediments. The Ad / AlV, S ratios of the first and third delta terraces were generally lower (mean ratios > 0.4 and > 0.4, respectively) than summer TSM and surface sediments. This implies that TSM contains additional contributions from a more degraded OM source (southern catchment and/or finer more degraded particle size). Alternatively, OM degradation on land after permafrost thawing and subaqueously during transport and sedimentation could be considerable. Despite the high natural heterogeneity of OM stored in delta soils and exported by the Lena River, the catchment-characteristic vegetation is reflected by the lignin biomarker composition. Climate-warming-related changes in the Lena River catchment may be detectable in changing lignin biomarker composition and diagenetic alteration.
Impacts of storm chronology on the morphological changes of the Formby beach and dune system, UK
Authors: Dissanayake P. , Brown J. , Karunarathna H.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Impacts of storm chronology within a storm cluster on beach/dune erosion are investigated by applying the state-of-the-art numerical model XBeach to the Sefton coast, northwest England. Six temporal storm clusters of different storm chronologies were formulated using three storms observed during the 2013/14 winter. The storm power values of these three events nearly halve from the first to second event and from the second to third event. Cross-shore profile evolution was simulated in response to the tide, surge and wave forcing during these storms. The model was first calibrated against the available post-storm survey profiles. Cumulative impacts of beach/dune erosion during each storm cluster were simulated by using the post-storm profile of an event as the pre-storm profile for each subsequent event. For the largest event the water levels caused noticeable retreat of the dune toe due to the high water elevation. For the other events the greatest evolution occurs over the bar formations (erosion) and within the corresponding troughs (deposition) of the upper beach profile. The sequence of events impacting the size of this ridge-runnel feature is important as it consequently changes the resilience of the system to the most extreme event that causes dune retreat. The highest erosion during each single storm event was always observed when that storm initialised the storm cluster. The most severe storm always resulted in the most erosion during each cluster, no matter when it occurred within the chronology, although the erosion volume due to this storm was reduced when it was not the primary event. The greatest cumulative cluster erosion occurred with increasing storm severity; however, the variability in cumulative cluster impact over a beach/dune cross-section due to storm chronology is minimal. Initial storm impact can act to enhance or reduce the system resilience to subsequent impact, but overall the cumulative impact is controlled by the magnitude and number of the storms. This model application provides inter-survey information about morphological response to repeated storm impact. This will inform local managers of the potential beach response and dune vulnerability to variable storm configurations.
Insights into mammalian biology from the wild house mouse Mus musculus
Authors: Phifer-Rixey Megan , Nachman Michael W
Published: April 2015

The house mouse, Mus musculus, was established in the early 1900s as one of the first genetic model organisms owing to its short generation time, comparatively large litters, ease of husbandry, and visible phenotypic variants. For these reasons and because they are mammals, house mice are well suited to serve as models for human phenotypes and disease. House mice in the wild consist of at least three distinct subspecies and harbor extensive genetic and phenotypic variation both within and between these subspecies. Wild mice have been used to study a wide range of biological processes, including immunity, cancer, male sterility, adaptive evolution, and non-Mendelian inheritance. Despite the extensive variation that exists among wild mice, classical laboratory strains are derived from a limited set of founders and thus contain only a small subset of this variation. Continued efforts to study wild house mice and to create new inbred strains from wild populations have the potential to strengthen house mice as a model system.
Management of Postoperative Gastrointestinal Leakage With Autologous Stromal Vascular Fraction
Authors: Aldaqal Saleh M. , Khayat Meiaad F. , Bokhary Rana Y. , Wakka Mazen M. , Merdad Adnan A. , Merdad Leena A.
Published: April 2015

To assess the efficacy of using autologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF) to promote healing of controlled fistula tracts in the management of postoperative upper gastrointestinal leakage. This is an experimental study conducted on 10 experimental rabbits. Animal models were divided into the SVF group which received an autologous SVF and the control group which did not receive the implantation. Surgery was performed on both groups to induce a gastric leak and create a controlled fistula tract between the leakage site in the stomach and the skin. After 2 weeks, surgery was performed on the SVF group to harvest, process and then implant the autologous SVF in the fistula tract. Animal models were followed up and their fistula tracts were evaluated for healing by gross and microscopic examination of the fistula tracts before the SVF implantation and at 24 hours, 1 week, 2 weeks and 3 weeks after implantation. The control group revealed no closure of fistula tracts by the 3rd week after implantation and there were no signs of inflammation or drainage. On the other hand, the SVF group showed signs of healing process with progressive closure of the fistula tract to about 95% by the 3rd week after implantation. The use of autologous SVF implantation to promote the healing of controlled fistula tracts seems to be a novel, safe and effective method in the management of postoperative upper gastrointestinal leakage. It could prevent reoperation and reduce hospital stay, morbidity and mortality. These results are promising and provide support for further clinical studies.
Coexpression of COX-2 and iNOS in Angiogenesis of Superficial Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Kumagai Youichi , Sobajima Jun , Higashi Morihiro , Ishiguro Toru , Fukuchi Minoru , Ishibashi Keiichiro , Mochiki Erito , Yakabi Koji , Kawano Tatsuyuki , Tamaru Jun-ichi , Ishida Hideyuki
Published: April 2015

Using immunohistochemical staining, the present study was conducted to examine whether cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) affect angiogenesis in early-stage esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We also analyzed the correlation between these two factors. Cyclooxygenase 2, iNOS, and angiogenesis in early-stage ESCC are unclear. Using 10 samples of normal squamous epithelium, 7 samples of low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN), and 45 samples of superficial esophageal cancer, we observed the expression of COX-2 and iNOS. We then investigated the COX-2 and iNOS immunoreactivity scores and the correlation between COX-2 or iNOS scores and microvessel density (MVD) using CD34 or CD105. The intensity of COX-2 or iNOS expression differed significantly according to histological type (P < 0.001). The scores of COX-2 and iNOS were lowest for normal squamous epithelium, followed in ascending order by LGIN, carcinoma in situ and tumor invading the lamina propria mucosae (M1-M2 cancer); and tumor invading the muscularis mucosa (M3) or deeper cancer. The differences were significant (P < 0.001). Cancers classified M1-M2 (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively); M3; or deeper cancer (P < 0.01) had significantly higher COX-2 and iNOS scores than normal squamous epithelium. There was a significant correlation between COX-2 and iNOS scores (P < 0.001, rs = 0.51). Correlations between COX-2 score and CD34-positive MVD or CD105-positive MVD were significant (rs = 0.53, P < 0.001; rs = 0.62, P < 0.001, respectively). Inducible nitric oxide synthase score was also significantly correlated with CD34 MVD and CD105 MVD (rs = 0.45, P < 0.001; rs = 0.60, P < 0.001, respectively). Chemoprevention of COX-2 or iNOS activity may blunt the development of ESCC from precancerous lesions.
Abbot Ice Shelf, structure of the Amundsen Sea continental margin and the southern boundary of the Bellingshausen Plate seaward of West Antarctica
Authors: Cochran James R. , Tinto Kirsty J. , Bell Robin E.
Published: April 2015

Inversion of NASA Operation IceBridge airborne gravity over the Abbot Ice Shelf in West Antarctica for subice bathymetry defines an extensional terrain made up of east‐west trending rift basins formed during the early stages of Antarctica/Zealandia rifting. Extension is minor, as rifting jumped north of Thurston Island early in the rifting process. The Amundsen Sea Embayment continental shelf west of the rifted terrain is underlain by a deeper, more extensive sedimentary basin also formed during rifting between Antarctica and Zealandia. A well‐defined boundary zone separates the mildly extended Abbot extensional terrain from the deeper Amundsen Embayment shelf basin. The shelf basin has an extension factor, β, of 1.5–1.7 with 80–100 km of extension occurring across an area now 250 km wide. Following this extension, rifting centered north of the present shelf edge and proceeded to continental rupture. Since then, the Amundsen Embayment continental shelf appears to have been tectonically quiescent and shaped by subsidence, sedimentation, and the advance and retreat of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. The Bellingshausen Plate was located seaward of the Amundsen Sea margin prior to incorporation into the Antarctic Plate at about 62 Ma. During the latter part of its independent existence, Bellingshausen plate motion had a clockwise rotational component relative to Antarctica producing convergence across the north‐south trending Bellingshausen Gravity Anomaly structure at 94°W and compressive deformation on the continental slope between 94°W and 102°W. Farther west, the relative motion was extensional along an east‐west trending zone occupied by the Marie Byrd Seamounts.
Asymmetric ionospheric outflow observed at the dayside magnetopause
Authors: Lee S. H. , Zhang H. , Zong Q.‐G. , Wang Y. , Otto A. , Rème H. , Glassmeier K.‐H.
Published: April 2015

An important source of the terrestrial magnetospheric plasma is the Earth's ionospheric outflows from the high‐latitude regions of both hemispheres. The ionospheric ion outflows have rarely been observed at the dayside magnetopause. We report Cluster observations of the ionospheric ion outflows observed at the dayside magnetopause. The low‐energy (up to 1.5 keV) electrons are detected with bidirectional pitch angle distributions indicating that the magnetic field lines are closed. The unidirectional cold ions (< 200 eV) are observed in the magnetosphere by both C1 and C3. The pitch angle distributions (0∘–75∘) of the cold ions (< 1 keV) at the dayside magnetopause indicate that these cold ions are the ionospheric outflows coming only from the Southern Hemisphere. The cold ions (< 200 eV) fluxes are modulated by the ULF wave electric field. Two different species (possibly H+ and He+) are observed in the magnetosphere. Our results suggest that the ionospheric outflows can directly reach the dayside magnetopause region and may participate in the reconnection process.
Protein Synthesis Initiation in Eukaryotes:IRES‐mediated Internal Initiation
Authors: Svitkin Yuri V , Siddiqui Nadeem , Sonenberg Nahum
Published: April 2015

The major mechanism of translation initiation in eukaryotes involves recognition of the cap structure at the 5′ end of the mRNA by the cap‐binding protein eIF4E. Internal ribosome entry sites (IRES) are specialised RNA sequences that are capable of recruiting ribosomes to an internal position of an mRNA in a cap‐independent manner. Many viruses have evolved this alternative pathway to initiate translation. Viral IRESs bind ribosomes by several mechanisms that require different sets of canonical initiation factors. In addition, IRES activity is modulated by IRES trans‐acting factors (ITAFs). Some cellular mRNAs are suggested to contain IRESs, as they function in cells under stress and other conditions when cap‐dependent initiation is inhibited. However, solid evidence for internal ribosome entry onto many of these mRNAs is lacking.

Key Concepts

In eukaryotes, the majority of mRNAs are translated by a 5′ end‐dependent mechanism, in which the mRNA 5′ cap structure recruits the translation machinery.

Specific RNA elements, termed internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs), can direct ribosomes to internal positions of mRNAs to initiate translation.

IRESs in viral RNA genomes differ significantly with respect to their structure and initiation factor requirements.

In addition to some canonical initiation factors, IRES‐mediated translation may require ITAFs (IREStrans‐acting factors).

Many cellular mRNAs are suggested to possess IRESs, as they remain active under a number of pathophysiological stress conditions when cap‐dependent translation is inhibited.

The authenticity of some cellular IRESs remains controversial as being not confirmed in recently developed stringent tests for IRES activity.
Enzyme Classification and Nomenclature
Authors: McDonald Andrew G , Boyce Sinead , Tipton Keith F
Published: April 2015

The variety of different names that had been used for the same enzyme and the fact that some different enzymes were known by the same name necessitated the development of a rational system for their classification and nomenclature. The International Union of Biochemistry devised a system of classification that allows the unambiguous identification of enzymes in terms of the reactions they catalyse. This relies on a numerical system (the EC number) to class enzymes in groups according to the types of reaction catalysed and systematic naming that describes the chemical reaction involved. This is now in widespread use and the official list of enzymes classified can be found atExplorEnz – The Enzyme Database(http://www.enzyme‐database.org).

Key Concepts

Many enzymes have several alternative names and the same name has sometimes been used for different enzymes. This necessitates the use of an unambiguous naming system.

Enzymes are classified in the IUBMBEnzyme Listaccording to the reactions they catalyse.

The EC number is a unique identifier for each enzyme classified according to this system.

Each enzyme has a short entry in theEnzyme Listdescribing what it catalyses and some other key details.

Commonly used enzyme names may contain ambiguities and anAccepted nameis provided to avoid this.

AGlossaryis provided to relate compound names used by biochemists to those used by chemists.

Systematic namesdescribe the catalysed reaction in more detail but can be cumbersome.

There are now over 5500 classified enzymes and the list is being continuously expanded and updated.

The official list is available athttp://www.enzyme‐database.org/ – where searches by old names, or EC number are possible.
Regeneration: Growth Factors in Limb Regeneration
Authors: Beck Caroline W
Published: April 2015

The remarkable phenomenon of limb regeneration in vertebrates is limited to some, but not all, amphibians. Despite this, it is widely believed that the ancestor of all vertebrates was capable of limb regeneration, suggesting that this ability could be reawakened in humans. Research into limb regeneration has benefited from the use of two complementary model systems. The urodele amphibians (newts and salamanders) can regenerate perfect limbs even as adults, initiating a programme of wound healing, blastema formation and redevelopment. Urodeles can be used to investigate how common wound‐healing processes can subsequently activate a regeneration programme. Anuran amphibians (frogs and toads), on the other hand, progressively lose the ability to regenerate as they progress through their life cycle, and can be used in gain of function experiments to test potential regeneration factors. Using both of these models, growth factor signalling pathways have been identified as being involved in regulating all stages of the limb regeneration process.

Key Concepts

Regeneration of the limb is perfect in urodeles (newts and salamanders), declines with age in frogs and is absent in mammals.

Urodele regeneration is divided into three distinct phases, wound healing, blastema formation and redevelopment.

Mechanisms unique to regeneration are likely to be involved in the transition from phase I to phase II.

Growth factors are important in regulating all three phases of limb regeneration.

Amphibians are good models for studying the role of growth factors in limb regeneration, as both loss and gain of function experiments can be performed.
Platelets and Their Disorders
Authors: Catani Maria Valeria , Gasperi Valeria , Savini Isabella , Del Principe Domenico
Published: April 2015

Platelets play a key role in haemostasis, inflammation and cancer biology. They show specific structural elements, including invaginations of the plasma membrane, a network of residual smooth endoplasmic reticulum, a highly specialized cytoskeleton maintaining the discoid structure of platelets and several kinds of organelles. Stimulation occurs by adhesion of platelets to sub‐endothelial matrix proteins, through the action of specific adhesion‐signalling receptors; soluble agonists (including ADP, thrombin, thromboxane A2) act as amplifiers of activation. A series of reactions (collectively forming the ‘outside‐in signalling’) triggers platelet spreading, granule secretion, aggregation and clot retraction. Defects in these complex signalling networks determine inherited or acquired platelet disorders, mainly characterized by altered haemostasis. Nowadays, genomic and post‐genomic techniques allow better identification and classification of platelet‐related diseases.

Key Concepts

Platelets are anucleated cells playing a crucial role in haemostasis and thrombosis, as well as in innate immunity, angiogenesis and cancer promotion.

Platelet activation is a complex signalling network encompassing the response to multiple agonists and acting via interactions among several molecules (including integrins, G‐protein‐coupled receptors, protein kinases and phospholipases).

Ultrastructural studies and omics approaches are ideal ways to investigate platelet sub‐cellular compartments and signalling pathways, playing a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of several pathologies.

The recent identification of specific sub‐network defects in inherited platelet disorders will lead to understanding of the correlation between signal transduction pathways and cell functions.

The identification of specific sub‐network defects in inherited platelet disorders will allow better classification of platelet‐related diseases.
L
uria,
S
alvador
E
Authors: Grignolio Andrea
Published: April 2015

Italian‐born American physician Salvador E. Luria (1912–1991) was one of the founding fathers of bacterial genetics and molecular biology. Trained at the laboratory of the distinguished histologist Giuseppe Levi at the University of Turin and then in Rome with the school of physics Enrico Fermi, Luria was forced by the racial laws to emigrate to the United States. In 1943, together with the émigré German physicist Max Delbrück, he elaborated the ‘fluctuation test’ showing that the adaptive mechanisms of bacteria to virus (bacteriophages) attacks were attributable to the Darwinian principle of natural selection. For these pioneering research, and for founding the ‘phage group’, a sort of Mecca of the first molecular biologists, he obtained in 1969 the Nobel Prize for medicine. Politically engaged, Luria conduced in open contrast with American governments various battles for civil rights and pacifism.
History of Antimalarial Agents
Authors: van Schalkwyk Donelly A.
Published: April 2015

Malaria, a disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, continues to claim hundreds of thousands of lives every year. Infusions of Cinchona bark provided the first effective cure for malaria in the early 1600s and were used widely for centuries. Quinine, isolated from the Cinchona bark in 1820, was to become the first identified antimalarial drug. Attempts to synthesise quinine chemically were unsuccessful but new synthetic antimalarials based on structural elements of quinine were pioneered by German chemists in the early twentieth century. From these compounds, chloroquine was to become one of the most successful antimalarial agents until drug resistance rendered it, and other subsequent antimalarials, ineffective. Several antimalarials have been developed in response to the growing resistance, the most important of which are the plant‐derived artemisinin derivatives, discovered in China in the 1970s. Current antimalarial therapy recommends combinations of drugs over single‐agent therapy to slow drug resistance.

Key Concepts

Malaria, a potentially lethal disease, is caused by parasites of the genus
Plasmodium
.

Malarial infection affects hundreds of millions of individuals annually, chiefly within tropical regions of the world.

From the seventeenth century, infusions of Cinchona bark were the only effective antimalarial treatment until its active component, quinine, was isolated in 1820.

The first synthetic antimalarials originated from German drug discovery programmes in the 1920s and 1930s.

The quinoline nucleus found in quinine became an important structural element of many synthetic antimalarials.

Resistance to antimalarials continues to be a serious problem and drove much of the drug discovery in the twentieth century.

Antimalarial combination therapies have replaced single‐agent monotherapy in order to slow the development of drug resistance.

Many antimalarials recommended for treatment today were first developed in China.

Two of the most important antimalarials, quinine and artemisinin, are extracted from natural products (plants).

Without a suitable vaccine, drugs remain important in treating malaria.
Cell Cycle Control: The Restriction Point
Authors: Aguda Baltazar D
Published: April 2015

The current understanding of the mechanism and kinetics of the G1 checkpoint called the restriction point (R‐point) in mammalian cells is discussed. The core mechanism involves a network of interactions among transcription factors (Myc and E2F) and cyclin‐dependendent kinases (CcnD/Cdk4,6 and CcnE/Cdk2). This network contains many positive feedback loops that generate a bistable switch in E2F activity which is similar to a toggle switch and explains the transition from growth‐factor‐dependent to growth‐factor‐independent transition of cell cycle progression at the R‐point.

Key Concepts

The restriction point (R‐point) marks the transition from growth‐factor‐dependent to growth‐factor‐independent cell cycle progression.

The R‐point has been experimentally demonstrated to be governed by a bistable switch involving the transcription factor E2F.

A bistable switch is similar to a toggle switch that no longer requires the initial switching stimulus once it is flipped on.

The network of gene and molecular interactions that generate the R‐point switch includes several positive feedback loops among transcription factors, kinases and phosphatases.
TheMERTKSignalling Pathway in Cancer
Authors: Hill Amanda A , Carrico Jacqueline , DeRyckere Deborah , Graham Douglas K
Published: April 2015

MERTK is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is aberrantly expressed in a number of cancers and is a member of the TAM family of RTKs, along with TYRO3 and AXL. Recent studies have elucidated a role for MERTK in a variety of oncogenic processes including cancer cell growth, proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, survival and transcriptional regulation. In addition, MERTK also functions to suppress anti‐tumour immunity. These functions are mediated by MERTK signalling through classical oncogenic pathways such as MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT and JAK/STAT. Transcription factors, such as NF‐κB, as well as a number of apoptotic proteins have also been identified as key downstream signalling molecules. Multiple therapies that specifically target MERTK are in development. Clinical application of translational agents targeting MERTK has the potential to enhance outcomes for patients with a variety of types of cancer.

Key Concepts

MERTK is a member of the TAM family (Tyro‐3, Axl and MerTK) of receptor tyrosine kinases.

MERTK is activated by ligand‐induced dimerisation and subsequent auto‐phosphorylation of the kinase domain.

MERTK regulates known oncogenic and pro‐survival signalling pathways, including MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT, NF‐κB and other transcription factors, and numerous apoptotic proteins.

The outcome of physiologic MERTK signalling depends on which ligand stimulates the receptor and the function of MERTK in that cell type.

MERTK is aberrantly expressed in many solid tumours and haematological malignancies.

MERTK plays roles in cancer cell survival, proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis and transcriptional regulation.

MERTK plays a role in immune modulation of cancer cells.

Specific inhibition of MERTK is a promising therapeutic strategy.