bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of television advertisements upon food consumption of students
Televizyon reklamlarının öğrencilerin besin tüketimi üzerine etkisi
Authors: Özpulat Funda
Published: December 2017

This descriptive study was planned for the purpose of examining the effect of television advertisements upon food consumption of secondary and high school students. The study was conducted with voluntary students (n=411) between 12.04.2016-30.05.2016 and no sample was selected in the study. It was determined that students who participated in the study were aged 11-17 and had an arithmetical average of 14.45±1.70.  As a result of the study, it was determined that the state of students to immediately buy and consume foods and beverages appearing on television advertisements changed according to schools. Besides, it was observed that the state of students to get impressed by food advertisements changed according to their gender, female students were influenced by food advertisements at a higher rate and there was no statistically significant relationship between gender and the state of getting impressed by beverage advertisements. As well as training to be provided to these age groups; consciousness and awareness to be raised in them will directly affect their present and future lives.Extended English abstract is in the end of Full Text PDF (TURKISH) file. ÖzetBu çalışma, ortaokul ve lise öğrencilerinin beslenme durumunu ve televizyon reklamlarının besin tüketimleri üzerine etkisini saptamak amacıyla planlanmış tanımlayıcı türde bir araştırmadır. 12.04.2016-30.05.2016 tarihleri arasında yürütülen araştırmada örneklem seçimine gidilmemiş, araştırmaya gönüllü olarak katılmayı kabul eden öğrencilerle (n=411) çalışma yürütülmüştür.   Araştırmaya katılan öğrencilerin yaşları 11 ile 17 arasında değişmekte, aritmetik ortalamasının 14.45±1.70 olduğu görülmektedir. Araştırma sonunda, okullara göre öğrencilerin televizyon reklamlarındaki yiyecek ve içecekleri hemen alıp tüketme durumunun değiştiği saptanmıştır. Ayrıca, öğrencilerin cinsiyetine göre yiyecek reklamlarını etkili bulma durumunun değiştiği, kız öğrencilerin yiyecek reklamlarından daha fazla etkilendiği, cinsiyetle içecek reklamını etkili bulma durumu arasında ise istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir ilişki bulunmadığı görülmüştür. Bu yaş gruplarına verilecek eğitim, kazandırılacak bilinç ve farkındalık, öğrencilerin şimdiki ve gelecekteki yaşamlarını doğrudan etkileyecektir.
Fourier ptychography for high space-bandwidth product microscopy
Authors: Bian Liheng , Suo Jinli , Dai Qionghai , Chen Feng
Published: December 2017

Fourier ptychography is a novel imaging technique with high space-bandwidth product (SBP) on the scale of gigapixel, and has been successfully applied for high-resolution and large field-of-view (FOV) microscopy, termed Fourier ptychographic microscopy (FPM). FPM utilizes a low-numerical-aperture objective lens to capture multiple large FOV but low-resolution images under angularly varying illumination, and uses phase-retrieval algorithms to reconstruct the sample’s high-resolution amplitude and phase information. FPM is advantageous over conventional high SBP microscopy techniques in many aspects, including no mechanical scanning, computational acquisition of both amplitude and phase, extended depth of focus, long working distance, and high compatibility with current microscopes. In this paper, we review FPM with its principles, multiple techniques to improve its performance, and its various applications and extensions.
Vortex assisted-supramolecular solvent based microextraction coupled with spectrophotometric determination of triclosan in environmental water samples
Authors: Mpupa Anele , Mashile Geaneth P. , Nomngongo Philiswa N.
Published: December 2017

A simple, fast and environmental friendly vortex assisted-supramolecular solvent based microextraction (VA-SSME) method was developed for the preconcetration of triclosan in wastewater prior to UV spectrophotometric determination. To achieve maximum sensitivity and accuracy for the target analyte, the experimental parameters affecting the VA-SSME procedure were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Under optimised conditions, the correlation coefficient (R2) and recoveries were 0.9994 and 100.31-118.5%, respectively. The intra-day (repeatability) and inter-day (reproducibility) precisions expressed in terms of relative standard deviation (RSD) were 2-4% and 5.2%, respectively. The preconcentration factor and limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were found to be 90, 0.28 μg L−1and 0.92 μg L−1, respectively. The developed VA-SSME/UV method was applied for the determination of triclosan in real samples collected over a period of three months. The analytical results obtained showed that triclosan was frequently detected in influent wastewater samples but was not detected in effluent samples.
Evaluation of temporary seasonal variation of heavy metals and their potential ecological risk in Nzhelele River, South Africa
Authors: Edokpayi Joshua N. , Odiyo John O. , Popoola Elizabeth O. , Msagati Titus A.M.
Published: December 2017

Surface water is often used as alternative source of drinking water in many regions of the world where the potable water supply is erratic or not present. The concentration of heavy metals was assessed using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). The impact of temporary seasonal variation on the contamination level was also assessed. Contamination factor (CF) and Hakanson’s potential ecological risk (Erand RI) indices were used to evaluate the toxicity levels of the metals in the sediments of the river. Higher concentrations of Fe, Mn, Pb, Cu and Zn were determined in the dry season in the river water whereas in the sediments higher levels were recorded for Al, Fe, Cd, Cr, Cu and Zn in the wet season. The average CF values for all the metals showed a low contamination level in the sediment, except for Cu and Cd which had moderate and considerable contamination levels, respectively. Similarly, Cu showed a moderate ecological risk level (Er= 62.90) only in March 2014, for other months Cu and the other metals investigated had Ervalues < 40 which implies low ecological risk. The mean relative abundance of heavy metals in the sediments follows the trend Al>Fe>Mn>u>Zn>Cr>Pb>Cd.
Investigation on Two Compounds of O,O’-dithiophosphate Derivatives as Corrosion Inhibitors for Q235 Steel in Hydrochloric Acid Solution
Authors: Lai Chuan , Guo Xiaogang , Wei Jian , Xie Bin , Zou Like , Li Xiaolong , Chen Zongxin , Wang Changmao
Published: December 2017

In this work, the O,O’-dithiophosphate derivatives of S-4-methylbenzyl-O,O’-di(phenyl) dithiophosphate (Inhi-Ph) and S-4-methyl benzyl-O,O’-di(4-bromophenyl) dithiophosphate (Inhi-BrPh) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR,1H,13C and31P NMR. Meanwhile, the corrosion inhibition of Q235 steel in HCl solution by synthesized inhibitors was evaluated by weight loss and electrochemical measurements. Measurement results indicate that the two inhibitors of Inhi-Ph and Inhi-BrPh are mixed-type inhibitor, the inhibition efficiency increase with inhibitor concentration increasing, decrease with HCl concentration and temperature increasing. The adsorption of Inhi-Ph and Inhi-BrPh on Q235 steel surface obeys Langmuir isotherm, which belongs to chemical adsorption.
Adaptive Test Selection for Factorization-based Surrogate Fitness in Genetic Programming
Authors: Krawiec Krzysztof , Liskowski Paweł
Published: December 2017

Genetic programming (GP) is a variant of evolutionary algorithm where the entities undergoing simulated evolution are computer programs. A fitness function in GP is usually based on a set of tests, each of which defines the desired output a correct program should return for an exemplary input. The outcomes of interactions between programs and tests in GP can be represented as an interaction matrix, with rows corresponding to programs in the current population and columns corresponding to tests. In previous work, we proposed SFIMX, a method that performs only a fraction of interactions and employs non-negative matrix factorization to estimate the outcomes of remaining ones, shortening GP’s runtime. In this paper, we build upon that work and propose three extensions of SFIMX, in which the subset of tests drawn to perform interactions is selected with respect to test difficulty. The conducted experiment indicates that the proposed extensions surpass the original SFIMX on a suite of discrete GP benchmarks.
Real-time PCR and high-resolution melt analysis methods for detection of pathogenic species of Brucella
Authors: Masjedian Jazi Faramarz , Mirnejad Reza , Piranfar Vahhab , Amir Mozafari Noor , Zahraei Salehi Taghi , Khormali Mahmoud , Sedighi Mansour , Irajian Gholam Reza
Published: December 2017

Background:

It is of great importance to quickly and accurately detect Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis from clinical and non-clinical samples because of their high prevalence and high risk in causing brucellosis, a life-threating infectious disease affecting both humans and animals.

Methods:

The current study describes a new method for the detection of brucellosis in clinical samples using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and high-resolution melt (HRM) curve analysis. This study was conducted on 70 human and 55 animal isolates with more than 1/80 serum antibody titers. Additionally, the accuracy and specificity of the methods were compared.

Results:

The mean range [cycles threshold±standard deviation (CT±SD)] for the amplified samples was 15.39–25.15 by real-time PCR. The melting peak range (°C) ±SD for B. abortus and B. melitensis was 90.10±0.4 and 89.70±0.4, respectively, and 10 was reported on peak height.

Conclusions:

The results of HRM analysis can be used for species differentiation and bacterial genotyping according to nucleotide polymorphism. This molecular method could help in diagnosing Brucella quickly and precisely. Quick recognition of Brucella species could decrease its prevalence among humans and animals and mitigate economic loss.
VEGF overexpression predicts poor survival in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Choi Sae Byeol , Han Hyung Joon , Kim Wan Bae , Song Tae Jin , Choi Sang Yong
Published: December 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical (including VEGF, Akt, HSP70, and HSP20 expression) factors that affect the overall and disease-free survival of HCC patients following surgical resection.

Methods

234 patients with HCC following surgical resection were enrolled. Clinicopathological and survival data were analyzed, and immunohistochemical staining was performed on tissue microarray sections using the anti-VEGF, anti-Akt, anti-HSP70, and anti-HSP27 antibodies.

Results

The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 86.5 and 81.54%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that VEGF expression (P = 0.017, HR = 2.573) and T stage (P < 0.001, HR = 4.953) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the expression of Akt, HSP70, and HSP27 did not affect the overall survival rate. The 3- and 5-year disease-free survival rates were 58.2 and 49.4%, respectively. Compared to the VEGF(−)/(+) group, the VEGF(++)/(+++) group demonstrated significantly higher proportion of patients with AFP levels > 400 ng/mL, capsule invasion, and microvascular invasion.

Conclusion

VEGF overexpression was associated with capsule invasion, microvascular invasion, and a poor overall survival rate.
The Indifferent, the Good Samaritan, the Brave and the Agent in Allais Paradox situation – or How Endowment Effect Influences Our Decision in Case of Allais Paradox?
Authors: Kolnhofer-Derecskei Anita
Published: December 2017

Background and purpose:Mainstream economic models do not take ownership into consideration. Only after the findings of behavioural economists was endowment effect widely observed. Endowment effect means that goods that one owns are valued higher than other goods not held in endowment. At the same time the principal-agent literature is concerned with how the principal (such as employer) can motivate his agent (say the employee), to act in the principal’s interests and also for their holdings. The main problem is that acting in somebody’s else’s interests can influence our values as well. Moreover, the principal as owner suffers from endowment effect. Both situations can be treated as a risky decision. Risk confuses our rationality in a predictable way.

Design/Methodology/Approach:Due to this it was observed how foreign students from various cultural backgrounds decided (n=186 answers) in a risky financial situation by focusing on Allais’ classic gambles. I also presented their preferences over certain and uncertain outcomes regarding the owner of the final win; i.e. how they choose for themselves or on behalf of one of their best friends. One famous experiment - which tested the descriptive validity of the axioms’ expected utility theory - was Allais. Allais handled probabilities and outcomes in high hypothetical payoff financial gamble situations; he found that when offering two similar options, the common consequences will not be removed by the actors. I was interested in what happens when the actors take risks on behalf of others. It was used between-subjects technique on an extended multicultural sample. Regarding the two different topics, three hypotheses were tested (1); based on Allais paradox (2); observed ownerships (3); the comparison of two phenomena.

Results:The results show that the subjects responded differently when they needed to decide about their own properties rather when their friends’ properties were concerned. When a sure safe outcome was offered to the subjects, they took more risk on behalf of their friends rather than own. Moreover, the subjects do not take into consideration that the same attributes must be ignored, so Allais paradox was verified.

Conclusion:The goal of this paper is then twofold. First, it was established a conceptual link between Allais-type behaviour and ownership problem. Second, Allais axiom was used to characterize different roles. Knowing predictable patterns of seemingly irrational heuristics in human behaviour can improve economic theory. At the same time, this knowledge helps us to avoid irrational decisions.
“Affectionate” diminutive expletives from the religious name Jezu(s)! in Polish
Authors: Lockyer Dorota
Published: December 2017

The paper provides a corpus-driven analysis of the emotive meanings and pragmatic functions of Polish ‘affectionate’ expletives from
Acquisition of adjectives in a bilingual setting: A developmental profile of Turkish–Danish bilinguals
Authors: Özcan F. Hülya
Published: December 2017

Acquisition of adjectives by bilingual Turkish children have been touched upon by
Use of communication strategies in an interactional context: The interlocutor influence
Authors: Rosas-Maldonado Maritza
Published: December 2017

Despite the vast body of research on communication strategies (CSs) and the way L2 learners manage to get their message across via these mechanisms, there is little research on Spanish as L2 in an interactional context and between different types of dyads. This is why this study attempts to examine a possible relationship between Spanish L2 learners’ use of communication strategies and the type of interactant (learner and native speaker). For this, twenty-four face-to-face interactions of two types of dyads carrying out two tasks were analysed by drawing on
In defense of linguists’ introspections. A view from a generativist’s perspective
Authors: Tajsner Przemysław
Published: December 2017

There is a widespread criticism of the use of linguists’ introspective judgments as data in syntactic generative research. The critics point to a few major inadequacies of this type of data. First of all, data from introspections are claimed to be unreliable and heavily biased, but also simply irrelevant by not representing real utterances produced in real situations. In view of some critics such inadequacies disqualify linguists’ judgments as legitimate data, other authors concede that they remain a viable source of data but should always be cross-checked by other types of evidence which typically include: corpus data, experimental syntax data, and empirical evidence provided by neuro- and psycholinguistic experimentation.

The aims of the paper are: (i) to raise a point in defense of the validity and practical non-substitutability of introspective data in generative research, (ii) to assess the practical utility of the new types of evidence for generativists’ needs. The way to achieve these goals will be by analyzing how a specific research problem (
Study on the effect of organic fertilizers on soil organic matter and enzyme activities of soil in forest nursery
Authors: Piaszczyk Wojciech , Błoñska Ewa , Lasota Jarosław
Published: December 2017

The aim of the study was to assess the effects of organic fertilization on selected chemical properties of the soil and the activity of dehydrogenase and β-glucosidase in the soil of forest nursery. The main goal was to evaluate the role of organic fertilizers in carbon storage in the forest nursery soil. Sample plots were located in northern Poland in the Polanów Forest District on a forest nursery. Soil samples were collected from horizon 0–20 cm for laboratory analyzes. In soil samples pH, soil texture, and organic carbon, nitrogen, base cation contents, dehydrogenase activity and β-glucosidase activity were determined. The obtained results were used to evaluate the carbon storage. The results confirm the beneficial effect of the applied organic fertilizer on chemical properties of the soils under study and their biological activity. The applied organic fertilizers had an impact on increased accumulation of soil organic matter. In the soils investigated, there was an increase in the activity of such enzymes as dehydrogenases and β-glucosidase.
A Parametric Investigation of Wake Loss Reduction by using Serrated Trailing Edge in a High-speed Compressor Cascade
Authors: Liu Huaping , Yu Yongchuan , Yu Feipeng , Zhang Dongfei , Chen Huanlong
Published: December 2017

The influence of the serration with different widths, angles and spanwise locations on the wake of a high-speed compressor cascade is parametrically investigated by numerical simulation. The effect mechanisms of the serration on the cascade performance are discussed in detail and the potential at the off-design points is also validated. The results show that the momentum inputted by the serration jet and the fluid exchange induced by the dominant jet vortex could reenergize the low energy corner region and weaken the trailing edge shedding vortex. With the upstream shift of the serration valley, the loss reduction and pressure rise are enhanced due to the strengthened jet and counter-rotating vortex pair, whereas the flow turning is reduced by the decreased camber angle and the enhanced jet deflection. The serration at the blade height corresponding to the core of the low energy fluid could perform better for the loss reduction, whereas the serration close to the endwall could obtain higher pressure rise. For the optimal serration located at 12.5 % blade height with a width of 5 mm and an angle of 45 °, the loss is reduced by 8.9 % and the pressure rise is increased by 2.2 %, with the flow turning slightly reduced by 0.93 °
Morphological Constraints on Cerebellar Granule Cell Combinatorial Diversity
Authors: Gilmer Jesse I. , Person Abigail L.
Published: December 2017

Combinatorial expansion by the cerebellar granule cell layer (GCL) is fundamental to theories of cerebellar contributions to motor control and learning. Granule cells (GrCs) sample approximately four mossy fiber inputs and are thought to form a combinatorial code useful for pattern separation and learning. We constructed a spatially realistic model of the cerebellar GCL and examined how GCL architecture contributes to GrC combinatorial diversity. We found that GrC combinatorial diversity saturates quickly as mossy fiber input diversity increases, and that this saturation is in part a consequence of short dendrites, which limit access to diverse inputs and favor dense sampling of local inputs. This local sampling also produced GrCs that were combinatorially redundant, even when input diversity was extremely high. In addition, we found that mossy fiber clustering, which is a common anatomical pattern, also led to increased redundancy of GrC input combinations. We related this redundancy to hypothesized roles of temporal expansion of GrC information encoding in service of learned timing, and we show that GCL architecture produces GrC populations that support both temporal and combinatorial expansion. Finally, we used novel anatomical measurements from mice of either sex to inform modeling of sparse and filopodia-bearing mossy fibers, finding that these circuit features uniquely contribute to enhancing GrC diversification and redundancy. Our results complement information theoretic studies of granule layer structure and provide insight into the contributions of granule layer anatomical features to afferent mixing.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTCerebellar granule cells are among the simplest neurons, with tiny somata and, on average, just four dendrites. These characteristics, along with their dense organization, inspired influential theoretical work on the granule cell layer as a combinatorial expander, where each granule cell represents a unique combination of inputs. Despite the centrality of these theories to cerebellar physiology, the degree of expansion supported by anatomically realistic patterns of inputs is unknown. Using modeling and anatomy, we show that realistic input patterns constrain combinatorial diversity by producing redundant combinations, which nevertheless could support temporal diversification of like combinations, suitable for learned timing. Our study suggests a neural substrate for producing high levels of both combinatorial and temporal diversity in the granule cell layer.
Conditional Deletion ofRic-8bin Olfactory Sensory Neurons Leads to Olfactory Impairment
Authors: Machado Cleiton F. , Nagai Maíra H. , Lyra Cassandra S. , Reis-Silva Thiago M. , Xavier André Machado , Glezer Isaias , Felicio Luciano F. , Malnic Bettina
Published: December 2017

The olfactory system can discriminate a vast number of odorants. This ability derives from the existence of a large family of odorant receptors expressed in the cilia of the olfactory sensory neurons. Odorant receptors signal through the olfactory-specific G-protein subunit, Gαolf. Ric-8b, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, interacts with Gαolf and can amplify odorant receptor signal transductionin vitro. To explore the function of Ric-8bin vivo, we generated a tissue specific knock-out mouse by crossing OMP-Cre transgenic mice to Ric-8b floxed mice. We found that olfactory-specific Ric-8b knock-out mice of mixed sex do not express the Gαolf protein in the olfactory epithelium. We also found that in these mice, the mature olfactory sensory neuron layer is reduced, and that olfactory sensory neurons show increased rate of cell death compared with wild-type mice. Finally, behavioral tests showed that the olfactory-specific Ric-8b knock-out mice show an impaired sense of smell, even though their motivation and mobility behaviors remain normal.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTRic-8b is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) expressed in the olfactory epithelium and in the striatum. Ric-8b interacts with the olfactory Gαolf subunit, and can amplify odorant signaling through odorant receptorsin vitro. However, the functional significance of this GEF in the olfactory neuronsin vivoremains unknown. We report that deletion of Ric-8b in olfactory sensory neurons prevents stable expression of Gαolf. In addition, we demonstrate that olfactory neurons lacking Ric-8b (and consequently Gαolf) are more susceptible to cell death. Ric-8b conditional knock-out mice display impaired olfactory guided behavior. Our results reveal that Ric-8b is essential for olfactory function, and suggest that it may also be essential for Gαolf-dependent functions in the brain.
Graded Elevation of c-Jun in Schwann CellsIn Vivo: Gene Dosage Determines Effects on Development, Remyelination, Tumorigenesis, and Hypomyelination
Authors: Fazal Shaline V. , Gomez-Sanchez Jose A. , Wagstaff Laura J. , Musner Nicolo , Otto Georg , Janz Martin , Mirsky Rhona , Jessen Kristján R.
Published: December 2017

Schwann cell c-Jun is implicated in adaptive and maladaptive functions in peripheral nerves. In injured nerves, this transcription factor promotes the repair Schwann cell phenotype and regeneration and promotes Schwann-cell-mediated neurotrophic support in models of peripheral neuropathies. However, c-Jun is associated with tumor formation in some systems, potentially suppresses myelin genes, and has been implicated in demyelinating neuropathies. To clarify these issues and to determine how c-Jun levels determine its function, we have generated c-Jun OE/+ and c-Jun OE/OE mice with graded expression of c-Jun in Schwann cells and examined these lines during development, in adulthood, and after injury using RNA sequencing analysis, quantitative electron microscopic morphometry, Western blotting, and functional tests. Schwann cells are remarkably tolerant of elevated c-Jun because the nerves of c-Jun OE/+ mice, in which c-Jun is elevated ∼6-fold, are normal with the exception of modestly reduced myelin thickness. The stronger elevation of c-Jun in c-Jun OE/OE mice is, however, sufficient to induce significant hypomyelination pathology, implicating c-Jun as a potential player in demyelinating neuropathies. The tumor suppressor P19ARFis strongly activated in the nerves of these mice and, even in aged c-Jun OE/OE mice, there is no evidence of tumors. This is consistent with the fact that tumors do not form in injured nerves, although they contain proliferating Schwann cells with strikingly elevated c-Jun. Furthermore, in crushed nerves of c-Jun OE/+ mice, where c-Jun levels are overexpressed sufficiently to accelerate axonal regeneration, myelination and function are restored after injury.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn injured and diseased nerves, the transcription factor c-Jun in Schwann cells is elevated and variously implicated in controlling beneficial or adverse functions, including trophic Schwann cell support for neurons, promotion of regeneration, tumorigenesis, and suppression of myelination. To analyze the functions of c-Jun, we have used transgenic mice with graded elevation of Schwann cell c-Jun. We show that high c-Jun elevation is a potential pathogenic mechanism because it inhibits myelination. Conversely, we did not find a link between c-Jun elevation and tumorigenesis. Modest c-Jun elevation, which is beneficial for regeneration, is well tolerated during Schwann cell development and in the adult and is compatible with restoration of myelination and nerve function after injury.
Interlayer Repulsion of Retinal Ganglion Cell Mosaics Regulates Spatial Organization of Functional Maps in the Visual Cortex
Authors: Jang Jaeson , Paik Se-Bum
Published: December 2017

In higher mammals, orientation tuning of neurons is organized into a quasi-periodic pattern in the primary visual cortex. Our previous model studies suggested that the topography of cortical orientation maps may originate from moiré interference of ON and OFF retinal ganglion cell (RGC) mosaics, but did not account for how the consistent spatial period of maps could be achieved. Here we address this issue with two crucial findings on the development of RGC mosaics: first, homotypic local repulsion between RGCs can develop a long-range hexagonal periodicity. Second, heterotypic interaction restrains the alignment of ON and OFF mosaics, and generates a periodic interference pattern map with consistent spatial frequency. To validate our model, we quantitatively analyzed the RGC mosaics in cat data, and confirmed that the observed retinal mosaics showed evidence of heterotypic interactions, contrary to the previous view that ON and OFF mosaics are developed independently.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOrientation map is one of the most studied functional maps in the brain, but it has remained unanswered how the consistent spatial periodicity of maps could be developed. In the current study, we address this issue with our developmental model for the retinal origin of orientation map. We showed that local repulsive interactions between retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) can develop a hexagonal periodicity in the RGC mosaics and restrict the alignment between ON and OFF mosaics, so that they generate a periodic pattern with consistent spatial frequency for both the RGC mosaics and the cortical orientation maps. Our results demonstrate that the organization of functional maps in visual cortex, including its structural consistency, may be constrained by a retinal blueprint.
Growth ofCaenorhabditis elegansin Defined Media Is Dependent on Presence of Particulate Matter
Authors: Flavel Matthew R , Mechler Adam , Shahmiri Mahdi , Mathews Elizabeth R , Franks Ashley E , Chen Weisan , Zanker Damien , Xian Bo , Gao Shan , Luo Jing , Tegegne Surafel , Doneski Christian , Jois Markandeya
Published: December 2017

Caenorhabditis elegans are typically cultured in a monoxenic medium consisting of live bacteria. However, this introduces a secondary organism to experiments, and restricts the manipulation of the nutritional environment. Due to the intricate link between genes and environment, greater control and understanding of nutritional factors are required to push the C. elegans field into new areas. For decades, attempts to develop a chemically defined, axenic medium as an alternative for culturing C. elegans have been made. However, the mechanism by which the filter feeder C. elegans obtains nutrients from these liquid media is not known. Using a fluorescence-activated cell sorting based approach, we demonstrate growth in all past axenic C. elegans media to be dependent on the presence of previously unknown particles. This particle requirement of C. elegans led to development of liposome-based, nanoparticle culturing that allows full control of nutrients delivered to C. elegans.
Zinc Detoxification: A Functional Genomics and Transcriptomics Analysis in Drosophila melanogaster Cultured Cells
Authors: Mohr Stephanie E , Rudd Kirstin , Hu Yanhui , Song Wei Roc , Gilly Quentin , Buckner Michael , Housden Benjamin E , Kelley Colleen , Zirin Jonathan , Tao Rong , Amador Gabriel , Sierzputowska Katarzyna , Comjean Aram , Perrimon Norbert
Published: December 2017

Cells require some metals, such as zinc and manganese, but excess levels of these metals can be toxic. As a result, cells have evolved complex mechanisms for maintaining metal homeostasis and surviving metal intoxication. Here, we present the results of a large-scale functional genomic screen in Drosophila cultured cells for modifiers of zinc chloride toxicity, together with transcriptomics data for wild-type or genetically zinc-sensitized cells challenged with mild zinc chloride supplementation. Altogether, we identified 47 genes for which knockdown conferred sensitivity or resistance to toxic zinc or manganese chloride treatment, and >1800 putative zinc-responsive genes. Analysis of the ‘omics data points to the relevance of ion transporters, glutathione (GSH)-related factors, and conserved disease-associated genes in zinc detoxification. Specific genes identified in the zinc screen include orthologs of human disease-associated genes CTNS, PTPRN (also known as IA-2), and ATP13A2 (also known as PARK9). We show that knockdown of red dog mine (rdog; CG11897), a candidate zinc detoxification gene encoding an ABCC-type transporter family protein related to yeast cadmium factor (YCF1), confers sensitivity to zinc intoxication in cultured cells, and that rdog is transcriptionally upregulated in response to zinc stress. As there are many links between the biology of zinc and other metals and human health, the ‘omics data sets presented here provide a resource that will allow researchers to explore metal biology in the context of diverse health-relevant processes.
Communicating and Interacting
Authors: Hoven Debra
Published: December 2017

The sites of learning and teaching using CALL are shifting from CD-based, LAN-based, or stand-alone programs to the Internet. As this change occurs, pedagogical approaches to using CALL are also shifting to forms which better exploit the communication, collaboration, and negotiation aspects of the Internet. Numerous teachers and designers have created multimedia applications to help learners understand and make meaning from not just the aural and written language of the target culture, but also some of the visual, social, and cultural nuances. Previous studies of the use of visual and multimedia in language learning have shown promising results. However with a major shift to the Internet as the site for learning, we need to re-evaluate what constitutes communication and interactivity in this new context, particularly with the introduction of newer technologies such as webcams as well as more 'traditional' media such as video, audio, and still images. This paper discusses the characteristics common to CALL and CMC implementations, some of the distinguishing features of each, and aspects of the teaching and learning contexts in which we find each being used. Conclusions are drawn that in order to make the most from the use of these new sites of media interaction in language learning, we need to develop flexible and adaptive learning environments which can incorporate more traditional forms of instructional CALL as well as the newer communication, collaboration and exploration forms.
Grammar, Writing, and Technology
Authors: Hegelheimer Volker , Fisher David
Published: December 2017

English language learners are frequently unable to benefit from the prevailing process-writing approaches due to a lack of grammar and vocabulary knowledge relevant to academic writing. This paper describes how the need for explicit grammar instruction as part of preparing students to write can be addressed by using a collection of learner texts and transforming that collection into an online grammar resource for intermediate nonnative speakers (NNS) of English. Drawing on research in grammar and writing, the use of learner texts, and online interactivity, we outline the development and the prototype of the Internet Writing Resource for the Innovative Teaching of English (iWRITE). We discuss how the judicious use of advanced technology (e.g., XML) facilitated the implementation of iWRITE, an example of one possible approach to embodying aspects of second language acquisition (SLA) theory while taking advantage of the Web's potential for interactivity.
Effects of CALL Versus Traditional L1 Glosses on L2 Reading Comprehension
Authors: Taylor Alan
Published: December 2017

Meta-analytic research of experiments conducted on the effects of native-language (L1) glosses on second-language (L2) reading comprehension have revealed a significant difference between groups of studies with traditional and computer-assisted L1 glosses. This means that learners provided with L1 glosses comprehend significantly more text--through the medium of a computer--than learners with traditional, paper-based L1 glossing aids. The average weighted effect size of studies with computer-assisted L1 glosses is large (g = 1.09) and differs significantly (p < .001) when compared to studies with traditional L1 glosses (g = .39). This article explores factors explaining how and when computer-assisted L1 glosses can be effective in L2 reading comprehension.
Negotiation Model in Asynchronous Computer-mediated Communication (CMC)
Authors: Kitade Keiko
Published: December 2017

Based on recent studies, computer-mediated communication (CMC) has been considered a tool to aid in language learning on account of its distinctive interactional features. However, most studies have referred to synchronous CMC and neglected to investigate how asynchronous CMC contributes to language learning. Asynchronous CMC possesses features distinguishable from synchronous CMC (e.g., more accurate, complex, formal, and longer utterances than those in synchronous interactions). The discourse structure in such interactions should be different from that in synchronous interactions, and it is necessary to investigate how such features can facilitate second language acquisition. This study investigates task-based email interactions among 24 native speakers non native speaker (NS-NNS) dyads with respect to the negotiation structure and strategies followed in asynchronous CMC. The findings underscore the potential of syntactic development, the necessity of instruction in effective feedback strategies, and the distinguishable negotiation structure of asynchronous CMC.
Monitoring Bilingualism
Authors: Schwienhorst Klaus , Borgia Alexandre
Published: December 2017

Tandem learning is the collaborative learning partnership of two language learners with complementary language combinations, for example an Irish student learning German and a German student learning English. One of the major principles in tandem learning, apart from reciprocity and learner autonomy, is balanced bilingualism. While learners may find it relatively easy to control their bilingualism in email exchanges, it is not so easy to do so in synchronous text-based exchanges in object-oriented multi-user domains (MOOs), where measurements of bilingualism are often crude and inaccurate. The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, we wanted to develop and test a computerized tool, the Bilingual Tandem Analyser, that automatically analyzes and provides feedback on the languages that are used during a "live" exchange. Second, we wanted to implement the tool in a bilingual exchange between German and Irish students to see whether the balance in bilingualism improved. Our results show that the Bilingual Tandem Analyser is quick, reliable, and highly accurate for the four languages tested. When implementing the tool, we noticed that there is a noticeable improvement towards more balanced exchanges but that more work is needed on the pedagogical implementation.
Maximizing Vocabulary Development by Systematically Using a Depth of Lexical Processing Taxonomy, CALL Resources, and Effective Strategies
Authors: Loucky John
Published: December 2017

How can one better use modern CALL resources to help language learners to build up a larger target language (TL) vocabulary quickly? A major need that quickly becomes apparent at the intersection of the fields of second language vocabulary acquisition (SLVA) and computer-assisted language learning (CALL) is the lack of sufficient research with respect to their most advantageous integration for language learning. The depth of lexical processing taxonomy presented here seeks to integrate the research studies that exist into a clear and effective approach that uses insights and innovations of both fields to create a user-friendly system for more rapid vocabulary acquisition and activation. Because of the proliferation of language-learning programs and websites, it becomes important to help define which most essential vocabulary and reading strategies should be included in those programs and websites. When designing programs and websites, the three major parameters of subjective enjoyment, objective effectiveness, and technological efficiency should all be considered. This article compares various studies to suggest how many of the features and functions of CALL tools can be used at the most appropriate stages of lexical processing and acquisition to make vocabulary learning smoother, quicker, and more effective. It helps to fill a noticeable gap by providing a clear, step-by-step taxonomy of 40 vocabulary learning strategies (VLSs), simplified into an eight-fold scale of major cognitive phases for ease of instruction and use in classes. These strategies are channeled through a logical depth of lexical processing (DLP) scale, which can help promote both learners' receptive and productive vocabulary development, whether using traditional text-based or CALL-enhanced methods. The ultimate goal is to find practical ways to use a research-based DLP scale and VLS taxonomy to improve the teaching and monitoring of essential phases of vocabulary learning, either in traditional classes or in CALL learning environments.
Pedagogy-driven Design for Online Language Teaching and Learning
Authors: Colpaert Jozef
Published: December 2017

This article discusses some pedagogical implications of a research project carried out at the University of Antwerp between 1996 and 2004. Its objective was to explore the boundaries of a pedagogy-driven approach in research-based research-oriented CALL system design. The starting point was the observation of a serious decrease in linguistic-didactic functionalities and in overall interactivity of online language learning programs compared to applications developed earlier on CD-ROM. The resulting research question was the following: which software tools, components, and protocols are most efficient for designing, developing, and implementing online interactive language courseware? Besides deliverables in terms of design models, object models, architectures, and frameworks, this project also yielded relevant pedagogical conclusions for online language pedagogy, the role of the teacher, and pre-service and in-service training. These conclusions should be read as provisional suggestions which can lead to new working hypotheses in the field of online language learning and teaching.
Facilitating the Learning Process
Authors: Polisca Elena
Published: December 2017

This study describes the use and assesses the benefits of a virtual learning environment (VLE)-enhanced independent language learning program (ILLP), based on the WebCT platform, for three groups of first- and second-year Italian students. It considers the positive outcomes of the program for the students' learning abilities. These outcomes suggest that the program's online element helps improve the quality of students' independent work, as well as their learning motivation: not only do students seem to develop better language skills, they also acquire and develop precious transferable skills. Similar success has been identified with a pilot VLE scheme used to support prescribed homework activities for first-year students. Findings suggest that VLE-supported group work produces better results than individual, non-VLE-enhanced work. So the VLE has come to assume an irreplaceable pedagogic role within the language courses, producing significantly more positive results than a traditional classroom-based approach.
Hybrid Courses and Their Impact on Student and Classroom Performance
Authors: Scida Emily , Saury Rachel
Published: December 2017

The University of Virginia's (UVA) Department of Spanish, Italian and Portuguese created two new hybrid courses for elementary Spanish which supplement 3 hours a week of class time with 2 hours of mandatory, web-based practice activities to respond to a need to make better use of personnel resources at the university. This article reports on the results of a pilot project comparing the impact of the hybrid course model versus the traditional classroom model on student grades. We also conducted two surveys of students and Teaching Assistants about the perceived impact of web-based grammar and vocabulary drills on in-class activities and student performance. The studies described here, albeit small, support the findings of more extensive surveys of hybrid language courses. We posit that the computer can be well used in hybrid language courses at the level of routinized, lower level skills of cognition while supporting higher level functions, such as communication and writing.
Blended-learning Pedagogical Model for Teaching and Learning EFL Successfully Through an Online Interactive Multimedia Environment
Authors: Bañados Emerita
Published: December 2017

Faced with the need to teach English to a large number of students, the Universidad de Concepción, Chile, has created an innovative Communicative English Program using ICT, which is made up of four modules covered in four academic terms. The English program aims to develop integrated linguistic skills with a focus on learning for authentic communication. The program has been implemented in a blended-learning (b-learning) pedagogical model that includes: (a) learners' work with UdeC English Online, software conceived as the backbone of the entire Communicative English Program, (b) online monitoring, (c) face-to-face EFL teacher-led classes, and (d) conversation classes with native speakers of English. The online software is an interactive multimedia environment which houses all the materials and ICT tools that learners need in one central web platform. Some of the core concepts underlying its design are multimodal L2 input exposure, enhanced input, learner-fit content delivery, interaction (human-computer, human-human, and intrapersonal) through computer supported collaborative and individual learning tasks, as well as a more human-like dimension for positive and corrective feedback. This paper describes the elements of the b-learning model, issues about its implementation, and results obtained in the piloting of its first module.
Coordination and Teacher Development in an Online Learning Environment
Authors: Ernest Pauline , Hopkins Joseph
Published: December 2017

This paper shares some of the experiences in online coordination and teacher development which have emerged in the English Language Department at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya. The advantages and disadvantages of coordination in an asynchronous computer-mediated environment form the backdrop to those issues which we consider to be vital, both for the success of online language courses and in the training and support of online instructors. Among the issues discussed are the course coordinators' role in developing awareness of the specific needs of the online learner, encouraging teacher reflection and the construction of knowledge on new pedagogical approaches inherent in online learning, and promoting a sense of community among online teachers. Specific examples of coordinating activities developed within the English Department will be examined, such as face-to-face meetings, training of new teachers, reference documents for teachers, coordinators' feedback on teachers' work in the classroom, and online discussions of pedagogical issues. These all play their part in helping educators to deliver online courses "to learn from the experience of others and to encourage and evaluate educational innovation" (Gooley & Lockwood, 2001, p. 12).
Becoming a Webhead
Authors: Almeida d'Eça Teresa , Gonzáles Dafne
Published: December 2017

Becoming a Webhead (BaW) is a 6-week free teacher development online workshop, one of the TESOL Electronic Village Online (EVOnline) sessions offered annually as preconvention activities for members and nonmembers of TESOL. The main goal of BaW is to introduce language teachers around the world to different web communication tools and explore the best ways of using them in their teaching practices in a friendly and collaborative atmosphere. In this paper, we will describe the syllabus, materials, participants, and success stories of this Webheads workshop.