bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating, Cell-Free Micro-RNA Profiles Reflect Discordant Development of Dementia in Monozygotic Twins
Authors: Mengel-From Jonas , Rønne Mette E. , Carlsen Anting L. , Skogstrand Kristin , Larsen Lisbeth A. , Tan Qihua , Christiansen Lene , Christensen Kaare , Heegaard Niels H.H.
Published: April 2018

We aim to examine if circulating micro-RNA and cytokine levels associate with dementia diagnosis and cognitive scores. To test our hypothesis, we use plasma donated from 48 monozygotic twin pairs in 1997 and 46 micro-RNAs and 10 cytokines were quantified using microfluidic RT-qPCR and multiplex solid-phase immunoassays, respectively. Micro-RNA and cytokine profiling were examined for associations with dementia diagnoses in a longitudinal registry study or with cognitive scores at baseline. Thirty-six micro-RNAs and all cytokines were detected consistently. Micro-RNA profiles associate with diagnoses and cognitive scores at statistically significant levels while cytokine only showed trends pointing at chronic inflammation in twins having or developing dementia. The most notable findings were decreased miR-106a and miR-210, and increased miR-106b expression in twins with a dementia diagnosis. This pioneering evaluation of micro-RNA and cytokine and dementia diagnosis suggests micro-RNA targets in vasculogenesis, lipoprotein transport, and amyloid precursor protein genes.
Extending the phenotypic spectrum of Sengers syndrome: Congenital lactic acidosis with synthetic liver dysfunction
Authors: Beck David B. , Cusmano-Ozog Kristina , Andescavage Nickie , Leon Eyby
Published: April 2018

Sengers syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive mitochondrial disease characterized by lactic acidosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and bilateral cataracts. We present here a case of neonatal demise, within the first day of life, who initially presented with severe lactic acidosis, with evidence of both chorioamnionitis and cardiogenic shock. Initial metabolic labs demonstrated a severe lactic acidosis prompting genetic testing which revealed a homozygous pathogenic variant for Sengers syndrome in AGK, c.979A >  T; p.K327*. In addition to the canonical features of Sengers syndrome, our patient is the first reported case with liver dysfunction extending the phenotypic spectrum both in terms of severity and complications. This case also highlights the importance of maintaining a broad differential for congenital lactic acidosis.
When Rett syndrome is due to genes other than MECP2
Authors: Percy Alan K. , Lane Jane , Annese Fran , Warren Hannah , Skinner Steven A. , Neul Jeffrey L.
Published: April 2018

Two individuals meeting diagnostic criteria for Rett syndrome (RTT) but lacking a mutation in MECP2, the gene predominantly associated with this disorder, were provided additional genetic testing. This testing revealed pathogenic mutations in a gene not previously associated with RTT, CTNNB1, mutations in which lead to an autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental disorder affecting cell signaling and transcription factors as well as a likely pathogenic mutation in the WDR45 gene, which is associated with developmental delay in early childhood and progressive neurodegeneration in adolescence or adulthood related to iron accumulation in the globus pallidus and substantia nigra. These two individuals are described in relation to previous reports linking multiple other genes with RTT failing to show an MECP2 mutation. These individuals underscore the need to pursue additional molecular testing in RTT when a mutation in MECP2 is not detected.
Cerebro-facio-thoracic dysplasia (Pascual-Castroviejo syndrome): Identification of a novel mutation, use of facial recognition analysis, and review of the literature
Authors: Tender Jennifer A.F. , Ferreira Carlos R.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND:

Cerebro-facio-thoracic dysplasia (CFTD) is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder characterized by facial dysmorphism, cognitive impairment and distinct skeletal anomalies and has been linked to the TMCO1 defect syndrome.

OBJECTIVE:

To describe two siblings with features consistent with CFTD with a novel homozygous p.Arg114* pathogenic variant in the TMCO1 gene.

METHODS:

We conducted a literature review and summarized the clinical features and laboratory results of two siblings with a novel pathogenic variant in the TMCO1 gene. Facial recognition analysis was utilized to assess the specificity of facial traits.

CONCLUSION:

The novel homozygous p.Arg114* pathogenic variant in the TMCO1 gene is responsible for the clinical features of CFTD in two siblings. Facial recognition analysis allows unambiguous distinction of this syndrome against controls.
Clinico-demographic Characteristics of Pregnant Women with Diabetes Mellitus attended at a Referral Diabetic Care Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Nahar Shamsun , Khatun Kashefa , Khanum Tahamina , Akther Md Masum , Chowdhury TA , Mohiuddin AS
Published: April 2018

Background: The clinical and demographic profiles of pregnant women with diabetes mellitus are very important consideration during management.Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to see the clinico-demographic characteristics of pregnant women with diabetes mellitus attended at a referral diabetic care hospital in Bangladesh.Methodology: This cross sectional study was carried out in inpatient Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and in outpatients Department of Radiology and Imaging of Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation for Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM) at Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period of April 2005 to March 2007 for a period of two (02) years. Pregnant women diagnosed as diabetes mellitus or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) selected for caesarean section or induction of labour, gestational age 236 weeks having 23700 gm by clinical method were included in this study. All the clinical relevant data and demographic characteristics were recorded. Result: A total number of 69 pregnant women with diagnosed DM or GDM were recruited for this study. The mean (+SD) age of the patients was 30.8±5.1 years ranged from 20 to 40 years. 60.9% patients were from middle socioeconomic class, 30.4% from low and 8.7% from high class. 58.0% had DM and 42.0% had GDM. The mean (1SD) gestational age of the patients was 37.511.5 weeks range from 36 to 41 weeks. Conclusion: In conclusion majority of the pregnant women are in the middle age group with the middle income group.Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research 2017;4(2):36-39
Evaluation of the genetic variability and genetic advance for salt tolerance in rice genotypes
Authors: Huda MM , Ferdausi A , Hassan L , Hossain MA
Published: April 2018

Soil salinity is considered as one of the greatest threats for rice production. Genetic variability analysis of morphological traits related to salt injury is mandatory, which could be helpful in the development of an appropriate breeding program for the selection of salt tolerant rice genotypes from the existing germplasm towards developing new salt tolerant rice varieties. Therefore, the present study has been aimed to evaluate the genetic variability parameters for fourteen morphological traits in thirty local and high yielding rice genotypes using hydroponic culture. Among the rice genotypes under study, Boilam, Nonabokri, Gunshi, Motabamonkhir showed the best performance regarding the morphological traits under different saline conditions (6 dSm -1 and 10 dS m-1). The PCV values were greater than the GCV values for all studied traits indicating the greater environmental influence on the traits. The highest percentage of GCV and PCV were observed in root dry weight, while the lowest were exhibited in main axis diameter. To assist the breeding program, along with variability, estimation of heritability and genetic advance has also been done. High heritability ranging from 80.24% to 94.66% was found among the traits. The genetic advance was highest for survival rate and the lowest was in root dry weight. Eventually, the results indicated the presence of high genetic variability, along with high heritability and genetic advance among genotypes and studied traits, which could provide further insight towards selection of parents for the development of salt tolerant rice varieties.Progressive Agriculture 28 (4): 262-270, 2017
Effect of number of seedlings hill-1 on the yield and yield contributing characters of short duration Aman rice cultivars
Authors: Islam T , Salam MA
Published: April 2018

The experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh during the period from July to October 2016 to study the effect of age of seedling on the yield and yield contributing characters of short duration Aman rice cultivars. The study consisted two factor A: Variety- three- i)    BINA dhan7 (V1),   (ii) BRRI dhan56 (V2) and (iii)  BRRI dhan62 (V3); and factor B: Number of seedlings hill-1- (i)   Single seedling  hill-1 (S1), (ii)  Two seedlings  hill-1 (S2) and (iii) Three seedlings  hill-1 (S3). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The highest grain yield was obtained from the cultivar BINA dhan7 which was statistically identical with BRRI dhan56 and this was the consequences of higher number of total and effective tillers hiil-1 and highest number of grains panicle-1. Grain yield was not significantly affected by the number of seedlings hill-1 but numerically the highest grain yield was recorded from single seedling hill-1. From the interaction it is observed that grain yield was not significantly affected by the interaction of cultivar and number of seedlings hill-1. But numerically the highest grain yield was recorded from the interaction of BRRI dhan56 × single seedling hill-1. From the economic analysis it is observed that the highest BCR (1.64) was recorded from single seedling hill-1 in BRRI dhan56 which was close to single seedling hill-1 in BINA dhan7 and the lowest BCR (103) was obtained from two seedlings hill-1 in BRRI dhan62. From the results of the study it may be concluded that BRRI dhan56 with single seedling hill-1 might be cultivated in AEZ-9 for obtaining higher yield and higher economic return in Aman season.Progressive Agriculture 28 (4): 279-286, 2017
Synthesis, Crystal Structures, Optical Properties and Theoretical Calculations of Two Metal Chalcogenides Ba2AlSbS5 and Ba2GaBiSe5
Authors: Wu Xiaowen , Gu Xiaofeng , Pan Hui , Hu Yi , Wu Kui
Published: April 2018

Two quaternary metal chalcogenides, Ba2AlSbS5 and Ba2GaBiSe5, were successfully synthesized by solid-state reaction in sealed silica tubes. Both of them crystallize in the same orthorhombic space group Pnma, but they appear with obviously different construction features. For example, Ba2AlSbS5 exhibits [SbS3]3− units and zero-dimensional (0D) [AlSbS5]4− clusters, which is different from those ([BiSe6]3− units and 1D ∞[GaBiSe5]4− chains) of Ba2GaBiSe5. We also systematically investigated the entire series of Ba2MIIIMIII’Q5 (MIII = Al, Ga, In; MIII’ = As, Sb, Bi; Q = S, Se, Te) compounds, and the results showed that the interconnection of MIIIQ4 and MIII’Qn (n = 3, 5, 6) units can form three different structural types, including 0D [MIIIMIII’Q5] clusters, single [MIII’Q3] chains and isolated [MIIIQ4] units, or [MIIIQ3]n and [MIII’Q3]n double chains, which may be induced by the flexible coordination and on-link modes of MIII’ atoms. Spectral investigation shows that their bandgaps are about 2.57 eV for Ba2AlSbS5 and 2.14 eV for Ba2GaBiSe5. Theoretical calculation was also used to analyze their structure-property relationships, and the results indicate that the title compounds exhibit larger birefringences (Δn > 0.10), thus having potential as the IR birefringent materials.
Relation between Self-Organization and Wear Mechanisms of Diamond Films
Authors: Podgursky Vitali , Bogatov Andrei , Yashin Maxim , Sobolev Sergey , Gershman Iosif S.
Published: April 2018

The study deals with tribological properties of diamond films that were tested under reciprocal sliding conditions against Si3N4 balls. Adhesive and abrasive wear are explained in terms of nonequilibrium thermodynamic model of friction and wear. Surface roughness alteration and film deformation induce instabilities in the tribological system, therefore self-organization can occur. Instabilities can lead to an increase of the real contact area between the ball and film, resulting in the seizure between the sliding counterparts (degenerative case of self-organization). However, the material cannot withstand the stress and collapses due to high friction forces, thus this regime of sliding corresponds to the adhesive wear. In contrast, a decrease of the real contact area leads to the decrease of the coefficient of friction (constructive self-organization). However, it results in a contact pressure increase on the top of asperities within the contact zone, followed by material collapse, i.e., abrasive wear. Mentioned wear mechanisms should be distinguished from the self-lubricating properties of diamond due to the formation of a carbonaceous layer.
Towards Experiments to Test Violation of the Original Bell Inequality
Authors: Khrennikov Andrei , Basieva Irina
Published: April 2018

The aim of this paper is to attract the attention of experimenters to the original Bell (OB) inequality that was shadowed by the common consideration of the Clauser–Horne–Shimony–Holt (CHSH) inequality. There are two reasons to test the OB inequality and not the CHSH inequality. First of all, the OB inequality is a straightforward consequence to the Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen (EPR) argumentation. In addition, only this inequality is directly related to the EPR–Bohr debate. The second distinguishing feature of the OB inequality was emphasized by Itamar Pitowsky. He pointed out that the OB inequality provides a higher degree of violations of classicality than the CHSH inequality. For the CHSH inequality, the fraction of the quantum (Tsirelson) bound Q CHSH = 2 2 to the classical bound C CHSH = 2 , i.e., F CHSH = Q CHSH C CHSH = 2 is less than the fraction of the quantum bound for the OB inequality Q OB = 3 2 to the classical bound C OB = 1 , i.e., F OB = Q OB C OB = 3 2 . Thus, by violating the OB inequality, it is possible to approach a higher degree of deviation from classicality. The main problem is that the OB inequality is derived under the assumption of perfect (anti-) correlations. However, the last few years have been characterized by the amazing development of quantum technologies. Nowadays, there exist sources producing, with very high probability, the pairs of photons in the singlet state. Moreover, the efficiency of photon detectors was improved tremendously. In any event, one can start by proceeding with the fair sampling assumption. Another possibility is to use the scheme of the Hensen et al. experiment for entangled electrons. Here, the detection efficiency is very high.
Cross Mean Annual Runoff Pseudo-Elasticity of Entropy for Quaternary Catchments of the Upper Vaal Catchment in South Africa
Authors: Ilunga Masengo
Published: April 2018

This study focuses preliminarily on the intra-tertiary catchment (TC) assessment of cross MAR pseudo-elasticity of entropy, which determines the impact of changes in MAR for a quaternary catchment (QC) on the entropy of another (other) QC(s). The TCs of the Upper Vaal catchment were used preliminarily for this assessment and surface water resources (WR) of South Africa of 1990 (WR90), of 2005 (WR2005) and of 2012 (WR2012) data sets were used. The TCs are grouped into three secondary catchments, i.e., downstream of Vaal Dam, upstrream of Vaal dam and Wilge. It is revealed that, there are linkages in terms of mean annual runoff (MAR) between QCs; which could be complements (negative cross elasticity) or substitutes (positive cross elasticity). It is shown that cross MAR pseudo-elasticity can be translated into correlation strength between QC pairs; i.e., high cross elasticity (low catchment resilience) and low cross elasticity (high catchment resilience). Implicitly, catchment resilience is shown to be associated with the risk of vulnerability (or sustainability level) of water resources, in terms of MAR, which is generally low (or high). Besides, for each TC, the dominance (of complements or substitutes) and the global highest cross MAR elasticity are determined. The overall average cross MAR elasticity of QCs for each TC was shown to be in the zone of tolerable entropy, hence the zone of functioning resilience. This could assure that water resources remained fairly sustainable in TCs that form the secondary catchments of the Upper Vaal. Cross MAR pseudo-elasticity concept could be further extended to an intra-secondary catchment assessment.
TRSWA-BP Neural Network for Dynamic Wind Power Forecasting Based on Entropy Evaluation
Authors: Wang Shuangxin , Zhao Xin , Li Meng , Wang Hong
Published: April 2018

The performance evaluation of wind power forecasting under commercially operating circumstances is critical to a wide range of decision-making situations, yet difficult because of its stochastic nature. This paper firstly introduces a novel TRSWA-BP neural network, of which learning process is based on an efficiency tabu, real-coded, small-world optimization algorithm (TRSWA). In order to deal with the strong volatility and stochastic behavior of the wind power sequence, three forecasting models of the TRSWA-BP are presented, which are combined with EMD (empirical mode decomposition), PSR (phase space reconstruction), and EMD-based PSR. The error sequences of the above methods are then proved to have non-Gaussian properties, and a novel criterion of normalized Renyi’s quadratic entropy (NRQE) is proposed, which can evaluate their dynamic predicted accuracy. Finally, illustrative predictions of the next 1, 4, 6, and 24 h time-scales are examined by historical wind power data, under different evaluations. From the results, we can observe that not only do the proposed models effectively revise the error due to the fluctuation and multi-fractal property of wind power, but also that the NRQE can reserve its feasible assessment upon the stochastic predicted error.
A High-Voltage “Sen” Transformer: Configuration, Principles, and Applications
Authors: Chen Baichao , Fei Wenli , Tian Cuihua , Yang Lingang , Gu Jianwei
Published: April 2018

As is well known, the high installation and operational costs of the unified power flow controller (UPFC) restrict its widespread applications in power grid. An economical “Sen” transformer (ST) that is composed of a three-phase four-winding transformer and three sets of tap changers provides similar power flow control functionality as the UPFC. Unfortunately, the ST is not suitable for high-voltage systems because of its high-voltage insulation requirement on all secondary windings and tap changers. To overcome this problem, a high-voltage “Sen” transformer that consists of a three-phase two-winding transformer and two sets of tap changers is proposed in this paper. In high-voltage power system applications, the high-voltage “Sen” transformer (HVST) offers several advantages over the ST, such as fewer windings, fewer tap changers, bigger phase-shift range, and larger power flow control region. This paper focuses on the configuration, principles, and applications of the HVST. The contrastive simulation results in a two-area test system and an IEEE 39 bus system prove the validity and advantages of the proposed HVST. Moreover, a 10 kV HVST device and a corresponding experiment platform are developed to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the HVST. The HVST can provide a flexible voltage and power flow control.
From Problems to Potentials—The Urban Energy Transition of Gruž, Dubrovnik
Authors: Van den Dobbelsteen Andy , Martin Craig , Keeffe Greg , Pulselli Riccardo , Vandevyvere Han
Published: April 2018

In the challenge for a sustainable society, carbon-neutrality is a critical objective for all cities in the coming decades. In the EU City-zen project, academic partners collaborate to develop an urban energy transition methodology, which supports cities in making the energy transition to sustainable lifestyles and carbon neutrality. As part of the project, so-called Roadshows are organised in cities that wish to take the first step toward zero-energy living. Each Roadshow is methodologically composed to allow sustainability experts from across Europe to co-create designs, strategies and timelines with local stakeholders in order to reach this vital goal. Following a precursory investigative student workshop (the SWAT Studio), Dubrovnik was the third city to host the Roadshow in November 2016. During these events the characteristics of Dubrovnik, and the district of Gruž in particular, were systematically analysed, leading to useful insights into the current problems and potentials of the city. In close collaboration with local stakeholders, the team proposed a series of interventions, validated by the calculation of carbon emission, to help make Gruž, and in its wake the whole city of Dubrovnik, net zero energy and zero carbon. The vision presented to the inhabitants and its key city decision makers encompassed a path towards an attainable sustainable future. The strategies and solutions proposed for the Dubrovnik district of Gruž were able to reduce the current carbon sequestration compensation of 1200 hectares of forestland to only 67 hectares, an area achievable by urban reforestation projects. This paper presents the City-zen methodology of urban energy transition and that of the City-zen Roadshow, the analysis of the city of Dubrovnik, proposed interventions and the carbon impact, as calculated by means of the carbon accounting method discussed in the paper.
Analysis of Manufacturing-Induced Defects and Structural Deformations in Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Computed Tomography
Authors: Wu Yi , Saxena Saurabh , Xing Yinjiao , Wang Youren , Li Chuan , Yung Winco , Pecht Michael
Published: April 2018

Premature battery drain, swelling and fires/explosions in lithium-ion batteries have caused wide-scale customer concerns, product recalls, and huge financial losses in a wide range of products including smartphones, laptops, e-cigarettes, hoverboards, cars, and commercial aircraft. Most of these problems are caused by defects which are difficult to detect using conventional nondestructive electrical methods and disassembly-based destructive analysis. This paper develops an effective computed tomography (CT)-based nondestructive approach to assess battery quality and identify manufacturing-induced defects and structural deformations in batteries. Several unique case studies from commercial e-cigarette and smartphone applications are presented to show where CT analysis methods work.
Experimental and Numerical Simulation of the Heat Transfer Enhancement on the Twin Impingement Jet Mechanism
Authors: Faris Abdullah Mahir , Zulkifli Rozli , Harun Zambri , Abdullah Shahrir , Wan Ghopa Wan
Published: April 2018

This article presents a study which sought to enhance heat transfer by employing a twin jet impingement mechanism (TJIM) and investigating the impact of the distance between the nozzles and plate on the Nusselt number (Nu) and heat transfer coefficient. This investigation was additionally based on the measurements of the heat flux temperature micro foil sensor and IR thermal imaging. A computational study of the cooling heated plate, through simulating the electronic components by the TJIM, was investigated using the RNG k-ε turbulence model. The jet-plate position was changed at the different jet-to-plate distances S = 1, 6, and 11 cm, Reynolds number = 17,000. The main flow structure, the static pressure, local and average Nus and heat transfer coefficient, were also examined. The findings have yielded new information about TJIM, and represent a new contribution about the flow and heat transfer characteristics of TJIM, and means of improving the rate of heat transfer in the passive heat transfer technique. The results of the various positions of the TJIM determined that the first model is, in fact, the best model for the heat transfer coefficient and the highest Nu, when S = 1 cm and H = 1 cm. Furthermore, the irregular distribution of the local Nu and the local heat transfer coefficient (h) on the impinged surface are due to the increase or decrease in the turbulence of flow on the measured surface.
The Crystal Structure of the R280K Mutant of Human p53 Explains the Loss of DNA Binding
Authors: Gomes Ana , Trovão Filipa , Andrade Pinheiro Benedita , Freire Filipe , Gomes Sara , Oliveira Carla , Domingues Lucília , Romão Maria , Saraiva Lucília , Carvalho Ana
Published: April 2018

The p53 tumor suppressor is widely found to be mutated in human cancer. This protein is regarded as a molecular hub regulating different cell responses, namely cell death. Compelling data have demonstrated that the impairment of p53 activity correlates with tumor development and maintenance. For these reasons, the reactivation of p53 function is regarded as a promising strategy to halt cancer. In the present work, the recombinant mutant p53R280K DNA binding domain (DBD) was produced for the first time, and its crystal structure was determined in the absence of DNA to a resolution of 2.0 Å. The solved structure contains four molecules in the asymmetric unit, four zinc(II) ions, and 336 water molecules. The structure was compared with the wild-type p53 DBD structure, isolated and in complex with DNA. These comparisons contributed to a deeper understanding of the mutant p53R280K structure, as well as the loss of DNA binding related to halted transcriptional activity. The structural information derived may also contribute to the rational design of mutant p53 reactivating molecules with potential application in cancer treatment.
Spherical α-MnO2 Supported on N-KB as Efficient Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction in Al–Air Battery
Authors: Chen Kui , Wang Mei , Li Guangli , He Quanguo , Liu Jun , Li Fuzhi
Published: April 2018

Traditional noble metal platinum (Pt) is regarded as a bifunctional oxygen catalyst due to its highly catalytic efficiency, but its commercial availability and application is often restricted by high cost. Herein, a cheap and effective catalyst mixed with α-MnO2 and nitrogen-doped Ketjenblack (N-KB) (denoted as MnO2-SM150-0.5) is examined as a potential electrocatalyst in oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) and oxygen evolution reactions (OER). This α-MnO2 is prepared by redox reaction between K2S2O8 and MnSO4 in acid conditions with a facile hydrothermal process (named the SM method). As a result, MnO2-SM150-0.5 exhibits a good catalytic performance for ORR in alkaline solution, and this result is comparable to a Pt/C catalyst. Moreover, this catalyst also shows superior durability and methanol tolerance compared with a Pt/C catalyst. It also displays a discharge voltage (~1.28 V) at a discharge density of 50 mA cm−2 in homemade Al–air batteries that is higher than commercial 20% Pt/C (~1.19 V). The superior electrocatalytic performance of MnO2-SM150-0.5 could be attributed to its higher Mn3+/Mn4+ ratio and the synergistic effect between MnO2 and the nitrogen-doped KB. This study provides a novel strategy for the preparation of an MnO2-based composite electrocatalyst.
Terpenoids from the Soft Coral Sinularia sp. Collected in Yongxing Island
Authors: Qin Guo-Fei , Tang Xu-Li , Sun Yan-Ting , Luo Xiang-Chao , Zhang Jing , Van Ofwegen Leen , Sung Ping-Jyun , Li Ping-Lin , Li Guo-Qiang
Published: April 2018

Three new sesquiterpenoids (sinuketal (1), sinulins A and B (2 and 3)) and two new cembranoids (sinulins C and D (4 and 5)), as well as eight known sesquiterpenoids (6–13) and eight known cembranoids (14–21), were isolated from the Xisha soft coral Sinularia sp. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis. Compound 1 possesses an unprecedented isopropyl-branched bicyclo [6.3.0] undecane carbon skeleton with unique endoperoxide moiety, and a plausible biosynthetic pathway of it was postulated. According to the reported biological properties of endoperoxide, the antimalarial, cytotoxic, antiviral, and target inhibitory activities of 1 were tested. Compound 1 showed mild in vitro antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7, weak cytotoxic activities toward Jurkat, MDA-MB-231, and U2OS cell lines, inhibitory effects against influenza A viruses H1N1 and PR8, as well as mild target inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase. The other compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicities against HeLa, HCT-116, and A549 tumor cell lines and target inhibitory activities against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). Compound 20 exhibited cytotoxicities against HeLa and HCT-116, and compounds 5, 11, and 15 showed mild target inhibitory activities against PTP1B.
Religious Activities and Suicide Prevention: A Gender Specific Analysis
Authors: Stack Steven
Published: April 2018

The present analysis contributes to the existing literature on religion and suicide in three interrelated ways: (1) providing an analysis of suicide completions whereas most research is based on non-lethal levels of suicidality; (2) assessing the relationship with concrete individual level data on completed suicides instead of aggregated data marked by the ecological fallacy issue; and (3) providing gender specific analyses to determine if the relationship is gendered. METHODS. Data come from the U.S. Public Health Service, National Mortality Followback Survey. They refer to 16,795 deaths including 1385 suicides. Significant others of the deceased were interviewed to measure all variables. The dependent variable is a binary variable where 1 = death by suicide and 0 = all other causes. The central independent variable is an index of religious activities. Controls are included for five categories of confounders (1) psychiatric morbidity; (2) help-seeking behavior; (3) Opportunity factors such as firearms; (4) social integration; and (5) demographics. RESULTS. Multivariate logistic regression analysis determined that controlling for 16 predictors of suicide, a one unit increase in religious activities reduced the odds of a suicide death by 17% for males and by 15% for females. The difference in coefficients is not significant (Z = 0.51). Other significant predictors of suicide deaths included suicide ideation (OR = 8.87, males, OR = 11.48, females) and firearm availability (OR = 4.21, males, OR = 2.83, females). DISCUSSION. Religious activities were found to lower suicide risk equally for both men and women. Further work is needed to assess pathways, including suicide ideation, between religious activities and lowered suicide risk. This is the first U.S. based study to test for a gendered association between religion and suicide at the individual level of analysis.
Research on a Visual Electronic Nose System Based on Spatial Heterodyne Spectrometer
Authors: Zhang Wenli , Tian Fengchun , Song An , Hu Youwen
Published: April 2018

Light absorption gas sensing technology has the characteristics of massive parallelism, cross-sensitivity and extensive responsiveness, which make it suitable for the sensing task of an electronic nose (e-nose). With the performance of hyperspectral resolution, spatial heterodyne spectrometer (SHS) can present absorption spectra of the gas in the form of a two dimensional (2D) interferogram which facilitates the analysis of gases with mature image processing techniques. Therefore, a visual e-nose system based on SHS was proposed. Firstly, a theoretical model of the visual e-nose system was constructed and its visual maps were obtained by an experiment. Then the local binary pattern (LBP) and Gray-Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) were used for feature extraction. Finally, classification algorithms based on distance similarity (Correlation coefficient (CC); Euclidean distance to centroids (EDC)) were chosen to carry on pattern recognition analysis to verify the feasibility of the visual e-nose system.
Identification and Prediction of Latent Classes of Hikers Based on Specialization and Place Attachment
Authors: Song Hwasung , Graefe Alan R. , Kim Kyungmin , Park Chanyul
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this study is to extend previous research by combining the specialization and place attachment concepts. Applying a latent profile analysis (LPA) to data from hikers on the Olle Trail of Jeju Island in South Korea (N = 428), we classified hikers who share similar profiles based on multiple dimensions of specialization and place attachment, and examined correlates of the derived typologies for drawing managerial implications. We also explored associations between these typologies and outcome variables of hikers. LPA identified three subgroups: “novice” (38%), “affection-driven” (40%), and “expert” (22%). The findings indicated that these groups differed in their past experience and socio-demographic characteristics, such that the “affection-driven” and “expert” groups have more experience in the setting than the “novice” group. These typologies also showed significant associations with hikers’ satisfaction and revisit intention; thus, “novice” hikers tended to be less satisfied with their hiking and the setting. Furthermore, the “novice” group reported lower intention to revisit the setting. Our findings reveal that LPA can be a useful tool for identifying subgroups of individuals who have engaged in particular sets of strategies by incorporating multiple activity-place dimensions.
Sustainable Corporate Social Media Marketing Based on Message Structural Features: Firm Size Plays a Significant Role as a Moderator
Authors: Kang Moon Young , Park Byungho
Published: April 2018

Social media has been receiving attention as a cost-effective tool to build corporate brand image and to enrich customer relationships. This phenomenon calls for more attention to developing a model that measures the impact of structural features, used in corporate social media messages. Based on communication science, this study proposes a model to measure the impact of three essential message structural features (interactivity, formality, and immediacy) in corporate social media on customers’ purchase intentions, mediated by brand attitude and corporate trust. Especially, social media platforms are believed to provide a good marketing platform for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by providing access to huge audiences at a very low cost. The findings from this study based on a structural equation model suggest that brand attitude and corporate trust have larger impacts on purchase intention for SMEs than large firms. This implies that SMEs with little to no presence in the market should pay more attention to building corporate trust and brand attitude for their sustainable growth.
An Assessment of Direct Dissolved Inorganic Carbon Injection to the Coastal Region: A Model Result
Authors: Huang Wei-Jen , Kao Kai-Jung , Liu Li-Lian , Liao Chi-Wen , Han Yin-Lung
Published: April 2018

The amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere has increased in the past 60 years and the technology of carbon capture and storage (CCS) has recently been extensively studied. One of the strategies of CCS is to directly inject a high dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentration (or high partial pressure of carbon dioxide, pCO2) solution into the ocean. However, the carbonate dynamics and air-sea gas exchange are usually neglected in a CCS strategy. This study assesses the effect of a DIC-solution injection by using a simple two end-member model to simulate the variation of pH, DIC, total alkalinity (TA) and pCO2 between the river and sea mixing process for the Danshuei River estuary and Hoping River in Taiwan. We observed that the DIC-solution injection can contribute to ocean acidification and can also lead the pCO2 value to change from being undersaturated to oversaturated (with respect to the atmospheric CO2 level). Our model result also showed that the maximum Revelle factors (Δ[CO2]/[CO2])/(Δ[DIC]/[DIC]) among varied pH values (6–9) and DIC concentrations (0.5–3.5 mmol kg−1) were between pH 8.3 and 8.5 in fresh water and were between 7.3 and 7.5 in waters with a salinity of 35, reflecting the changing efficiency of dissolving CO2 gas into the DIC solution and the varying stability of this desired DIC solution. Finally, we suggest this uncoupled Revelle factor between fresh and salty water should be considered in the (anthropogenic) carbonate chemical weathering on a decade to century scale.
Teaching Business Communication in the American University
Authors: Gieselman Robert D.
Published: April 2018

Dans cet article, que l'on pourrait intituler en français "L'enseignement de l'anglais des affaires en université aux États-Unis", Robert D. Gieselman, directeur du département d'anglais de la division des techniques d'expression et de communication appliquées au monde des affaires et de la technique, décrit comment sont enseignées ces techniques aux États-Unis au niveau universitaire. Il articule son exposé selon le plan suivants : - Courses and students : les cours et les étudiants - Scope and objectives : domaine d'application et objectifs - Course contents : contenu du cours - Who teaches the course ? : qui fait le cours ? - Instructional approaches : méthodes pédagogiques - Evaluating student papers : l'évaluation des devoirs d'étudiant - The futur of Business Communication Instructions le futur de l'enseignement de l'anglais des affaires. Le professeur Gieselman souligne qu'il prend cet enseignement dispensé à l'Université d'Illinois comme modèle, et rappelle que ce programme d'études a servi de prototype à des centaines d'autres à travers les États-Unis. Les préoccupations pédagogiques des enseignants des départements tertiaires des IUT — Techniques de Commercialisation, Gestion des Entreprises et des Administrations, Informatique, entre autres — paraissant proches de celles décrites par le professeur Gieselman, cet aperçu du système éducatif américain ne devrait pas manquer de susciter de fructueuses comparaisons, sur le papier tout d'abord, puis, pourquoi pas ? sur le terrain ensuite, à Urbana, puisque, en effet, notre collègue américain nous invite à aller lui rendre visite dans son université. Enfin cet article constitue un excellent document de référence dans l'optique du thème de réflexion de notre VIème Congrès annuel : "L'enseignement des langues vivantes dans l'enseignement technologique supérieur court dans les pays autres que la France".
E.A.0. : implications pédagogiques d'une étude du discours de l'anglais de la mécanique
Authors: Faure Monique , Faure Pierre
Published: April 2018

Cet article a pour point de départ une étude syntaxique quantitative et comparative des constituants du discours de 1'anglais de la mécanique, effectuée avec l'aide de l'ordinateur et en utilisant la méthode Janine Gallais-Hamonno. L'échantillon comporte 5 textes, 4 sont extraits de manuels de vulgarisation automobile et le 5ème d'une encyclopédie de la mécanique. Les textes ont d'abord été saisis, puis il a été procédé l'identification des éléments du "discours pédagogique" et du "discours scientifique". Après classification par catégories syntaxiques, un tableau synoptique nous a permis de comparer les divers textes. Cette technique comparative et contrastive présente un double intérêt pédagogique : critère de sélection des textes ; capacité à extraire les éléments pertinents d'un texte.
Composition d'un journal à partir de dépêches de l'Associated Press
Authors: Leray Yvette
Published: April 2018

This article describes how it was decided in the Computer Science department of the ÏUT of Villetaneuse to ask the students to write a newspaper during the "Journées bloquées d'anglais", i.e. six hours of English courses a day. After explaining how this type of information was chosen and how the ASSOCIATED PRESS graphs were obtained, it describes the different stages of the making of the newspapers: how the students scanned the news, sorted them out, chose different tasks, wrote the articles and composed the newspapers. An evaluation of this experiment led to the conclusion that students had been very motivated by this new type of material and that the groups could be reorganized in order to improve even further the use of the mass of information available in the AP graphs. Future pedagogical applications of these documents are only suggested here and left to the reader' s imagination for an eventual workshop at the "Echanges Pédagogiques" Conference in May. The article is illustrated with several AP graphs and the front page of four students' newspapers.
Les unités de mesure dans la presse britannique et américaine
Authors: Teytaud Jean-Paul
Published: April 2018

The change from one system of weights and measures to a new one is a far-reaching cultural revolution. The laws can "be made into a crisp picture easily enough (although Britain and the U.S., with their love of tradition and freedom, not to mention economic reasons, have favored deliberation and gradual adjustments). But what about the submerged part of the iceberg — the deeper, creaking evolution in people's minds and habits ? How can that be measured ? This article seeks an answer through a scrutiny of the press, in its twin roles as mirror of manners and teacher of the public. The approach used can be applied in the classroom, to a variety of subjects, to open students' eyes to some of the realities of languages and civilizations — including their own. Beside a glimpse of the scope and pace of the evolution, and of the ground still to be covered, it reveals variations from one milieu or branch to another, and some of the traps that await the reader or translator.
Étude d'un cas de diversification d'activité : En Italie, la Colgate-Palmolive se lance dans le secteur alimentaire
Authors: Vallée Mireille
Published: April 2018

Mireille Vallée rend compte d'une expérience pédagogique qu'elle mène à l'I.U.T de Nice avec ses étudiants en Italien. Il s'agit d'une série de jeux de rôles sur des situations décidées par les étudiants eux-mêmes, à partir d'un article tiré d'un journal offrant des informations pratiques aux commerçants de Milan. L'usage du magnétoscope permet critiques et commentaires par les étudiants tour à tour acteurs et spectateurs.
La grammaire à l'IUT
Authors: Zemb Jean-Marie
Published: April 2018

L'apprentissage d'une langue étrangère peut concourir d'une manière particulière à la formation d'esprit des étudiants des IUT dans la mesure où un système linguistique se présente comme une 'technique' à la fois rationnelle et empirique qui associe, dans des applications très variées, des macrosystèmes simples et souples et des microsystèmes opaques et fermés, mais incontournables. Les structures grammaticales fournissent à cet égard une occasion privilégiée d'initiation à la 'systémique'. En outre, une attention renouvelée apportée à la grammaire pourrait favoriser la mémorisation et l'élaboration de manuels modulaires plus proches des langues de spécialité. Enfin, un tel rééquilibrage de l'enseignement des langues vivantes semble promettre un traitement lapsologique moins lassant et plus efficace.
"Un système de contrôle (peut-être) original..."
Authors: Gauthier Michel
Published: April 2018

Le département d'information et communication de l'IUT de Paris a donné comme objectif pédagogique à une équipe de trois professeurs de langue l'obtention, par tous leurs étudiants, du niveau conversationnel, au plus tard à la fin de la seconde année. Pour atteindre cet objectif, ont été mis en place : d'une part, une structure pédagogique qui fait alterner les enseignants devant les différents groupes, d'autre part, un système de contrôles exclusivement oraux. Ces contrôles tiennent compte du comportement pédagogique de chaque apprenant, mais aussi de sa faculté de mémorisation et d'adaptation a une situation interlocutoire et communicative. Les matériels traditionnels (textes, images ...) font partie des contrôles effectués, comme dans les classes habituelles.
Lire, écouter et parler grâce à l'ordinateur : de la recherche à la pratique
Authors: Narcy-Combes Jean-Paul
Published: April 2018

Les recherches en EAO menées à l'Université de Technologie de Compiègne sont les conséquences de travaux en Méthodologie de l'Apprentissage. Un modèle d'apprentissage en trois phases est proposé

Phase 1 : travail d'identification et de construction

Phase 2 : production expérimentale

Phase 3 affinement de la production

Il est préférable que les tâches de phase 1 soient individualisées, il est aussi possible de concevoir que certaines tâches de phase 2 le soient également.

C'est dans ce but que des exercices en lecture, compréhension et expression orales ont été mis en place. Pour les deux dernières compétences, l'ordinateur pilote un magnétophone.

Des compromis entre la théorie et les pratiques ont été nécessaires pour tenir compte des contraintes techniques qu'imposait le matériel.
La publicité informatique dans "The Economist"
Authors: Cremet Françoise
Published: April 2018

Le présent article étudie la publicité pour matériels informatiques parue dans le magazine "The Economist". Après une brève présentation du journal, on y trouvera une analyse détaillée d'un certain nombre de publicités ainsi qu'une description du lectorat. À la question de savoir si les annonces-presse décrites sont efficaces, l'auteur répond par l'affirmative en se fondant sur l'adéquation entre le support et la cible.
L'utilisation d'émissions étrangères dans le premier cycle de l'enseignement supérieur et ses limites pédagogiques
Authors: Keysers Ralph
Published: April 2018

Après avoir rappelé la variété des documents authentiques dont peut aujourd'hui disposer l'enseignant de langue vivante étrangère, supports écrits ou enregistrements radiophoniques , l'auteur met l'accent sur la richesse d'utilisation d'un des média du futur : l'enregistrement-vidéo d'émissions télévisées venant de l'étranger. Au delà du simple document de civilisation, un tel enregistrement peut servir de base à des exercices d'interprétation simultanée ou de traduction écrite. S'appuyant sur des exemples précis, en langue allemande, l'auteur constate que la qualité du style est pour les élèves non spécialistes un "rattrapage" au manque de vocabulaire spécialisé. Il souligne que le recours au dictionnaire ne résoud que partiellement les problèmes. En fait, l'introduction d 'enregistrements d'émissions télévisées étrangères dans l'enseignement devrait permettre d'aider les étudiants à se familiariser avec les réalités socioculturelles et les entraîner à mieux appréhender la langue orale dans son contexte, à mieux approcher le réel sans "lunettes teintées". L'auteur conclut son article par une liste de quatre objectifs pédagogiques à atteindre et suggère un stage de sensibilisation pour apprendre aux étudiants à "disséquer" des émissions et à élaborer des conversations en langue étrangère.
Les grammaires : du traité théorique au manuel pédagogique, de l'ouvrage de référence au recueil d'exercices
Authors: Ogée Frédéric , Boucher Paul
Published: April 2018

FRE: Grammaire théorique et pédagogique, didactique de l'anglais, linguistique appliquée, traduction.
Interculturel : au-delà du miroir
Authors: Lebigot-Brace Suzette
Published: April 2018

Le processus de l'apprentissage d'une deuxième culture est examiné dans le but de proposer des consignes pour mieux adapter l'enseignement des langues aux besoins des jeunes sur le point d'aborder un monde du travail où les influences pluriculturelles sont inévitables. Une sensibilisation à ce processus permet à l'élève d'établir l'équilibre entre sécurité et audace l'encourageant à s'engager dans une perspective d'innovation sans que les mécanismes de défense ne bloquent le processus d'apprentissage.