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Research purposes and design: This study aimed to compare the effects of different explicit approaches used in modeling-based instruction on students' understanding of scientific models and modeling (USMM). In Study 1, a self-study approach was compared to a preliminary explicit approach. In Study 2, preliminary explicit approach and embedded explicit approach were compared. Methods: For the data analysis, t tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used to compare students' USMM under the conditions of using different explicit approaches. Findings: Results showed that in the first study, no statistically significant difference was found between self-study approach and the preliminary explicit approach in any of the USMM subscales. In the second study, students who learned with the embedded explicit approach had better understandings in all subscales of USMM, but not in the changing nature of scientific models (CNM) subscale, than those who learned with the preliminary explicit approach. Through qualitative analysis of the data, categories and examples of the teacher's embedded epistemic guidance were illustrated. Suggestions for future professional development and research instrument design are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is crucial to understand and meet the multi-dimensional affective image needs of users for product form in a user demand-oriented product development model. Multi-objective evolutionary algorithms based on decomposition will be introduced into the field of kansei engineering to carry out research on product form optimisation design based on multi-objective evolutionary algorithms. A constrained multi-objective discrete optimisation model was established using the kansei engineering prediction model constructed through machine learning techniques as the objective function, and a reference vector guided evolutionary algorithm was used to solve it. The superiority of this method was verified by comparing it with other commonly used solving methods in this field. Combining entropy weight method and TOPSIS, select the optimisation design scheme that best meets the multi-dimensional affective needs of users from the obtained pareto set. Taking the train as an example, the proposed method was explained. The results indicate that the optimisation scheme obtained by this method can achieve the improvement and optimisation of product form in multiple affective dimensions. Meanwhile, a comparative study on the applicability of multi-objective evolutionary algorithms in the form optimisation problem of different affective dimensions is carried out to provide reference and suggestions for subsequent product design research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies utilizing the discrepancy model of the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-4 (MPAI-4) have commonly used the cognitive and physical domains to estimate self-awareness. This study included other aspects of self-awareness such as awareness of one's social and emotional status and daily functioning to explore their effects on caregiver burden for ABI survivors. We studied 64 patient-caregiver pairs up to 29 years post-discharge from a holistic, milieu-oriented outpatient neurorehabilitation program. Discrepancy scores between ABI survivors' and caregivers' reports on the MPAI-4 subscales (i.e. Abilities, Adjustment, and Participation) and Total Score were used to determine self-awareness. Caregiver burden was measured using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Exploratory linear regression analyses revealed that caregiver burden derived from the ZBI was predicted by the discrepancy scores generated from the Abilities (p < 0.0001), Adjustment (p < 0.01), Participation subscales (p = 0.01), and Total Score (p < 0.001), respectively. Among the exploratory models generated, the Total Score model had the highest predictive value (R2 =.33) for caregiver burden. Measures of self-awareness should be comprehensive by considering diverse components of self-awareness. Increasing ABI survivors' self-awareness in different domains has the potential to effectively alleviate caregiver burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While research has shown that students’ epistemic beliefs can be a strong predictor of their academic performance, cognitive abilities, or self-efficacy, studies of this topic in computer education are rare. The purpose of this study was twofold. First, it aimed to validate a newly developed questionnaire for measuring students’ epistemic beliefs about computer programming at middle school level. Second, the study aimed to understand how students’ epistemic beliefs predict their computational thinking disposition and computer programming self-efficacy. A total of 406 middle school students completed a survey consisting of three research instruments: the Computer Programming Epistemic Belief Inventory (CPEBI), the Computational Thinking Scale (CTS), and the Computer Programming Self-Efficacy Scale (CPSES). The results indicated that the epistemic belief of “uncertainty” was a significant and positive predictor of the “abstraction” and “generalization” dimensions of computational thinking dispositions. In addition, the belief of “complexity” was an antecedent to three dimensions of computational thinking, namely, “algorithmic thinking,” “evaluation,” and “generalization.” Only the “evaluation” dimension of CT disposition had significant and positive relationships with “programming self-efficacy.” The roles of “uncertainty” and “complexity” of computer programming epistemic beliefs are discussed. Implications and suggestions for future computer programming education, especially for young students, are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the important criteria of the emergency planning (EP) exemption for nuclear power plant (NPP) decommissioning is a minimum of 10 h available before any spent nuclear fuel (SNF) cladding temperature reaches 900°C after a complete loss of the spent fuel pool (SFP) water inventory with no heat loss (adiabatic). This study used the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code to analyze the cladding heatup time of the SFP for a boiling water reactor. First, the developed CFD local model of the SFP was compared with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC's) report on SFP heatup calculations, NSIR-2015-001. The CFD results were similar to the theoretical calculations and MELCOR results for cases with and without racks. The results also indicated that racks can significantly delay the heatup time. This study also performed sensitivity studies to identify the effects of fuel burnup, hottest assembly, and fuel loading configurations. After validation of the CFD local model against MELCOR, a whole-pool CFD model of the Chinshan SFP was developed and successfully applied to analysis for the EP exemption of the Chinshan NPP. The results predicted using the whole-pool CFD model of the Chinshan SFP agreed well with the MELCOR results. Additionally, the required 900°C heatup times were calculated based on the actual decay heat of each cycle and fuel loading at the Chinshan SFP. The required 900°C heatup times were 19.1, 54, and 64.6 h for the Chinshan SFP at 1, 5, and 10 years after shutdown, respectively. The actual fuel loading and decay heat of the Chinshan SFP met the requirements for the EP exemption after 1 year of shutdown. The main purpose of this study is to demonstrate that the CFD code can be used as a tool to calculate SFP fuel assembly heatup times for the EP exemption. The advantage of using the CFD code instead of MELCOR is that the whole-pool SFP model can be developed based on the actual decay heat of each cycle and fuel loading and to determine more realistic fuel assembly heatup time for the EP exemption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Via applying the mixed-ligand approach, a new Zn(II)-bearing coordination polymer (CP) with the chemical formula of {Zn2(ptp)2(tad)2·H2O}n (ptp = 2,6'-(pyridin-4-yl)-4,2':4',4''-terpyridine, H2tda = 2,5-thiophene dicarboxylic acid) with a threefold interpenetrating 3D framework was successfully synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. The local anesthesia activity of compound was evaluated via hot plate analgesic experiment, and the results indicated that the numbers of mice lift up was obviously reduced under the compound exposure. In addition to this, the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay study was performed to measure the content of acetylcholine in local. The data suggested that the local acetylcholine content was significantly reduced by the compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We are currently far from being able to make an accurate and timely prediction of earthquakes, that can tell us even roughly Where will it occur? When will it occur? What will its magnitude be? And at what depth will it occur? However, this information would be incredibly valuable to avoid loss of lives, damage to constructions, and a great economic loss. In this paper we propose a using recurrent neural networks (RNN) which have proven to be very efficient in time series analysis and based on the Gated recurrent unit (GRU) cell which is simple but powerful. This architecture achieves to solve these questions seconds before the earthquake and is applied to the seismicity of Italy from 1995 to 2018, considering the events with magnitude larger or equal to 1.5 and with a depth smaller than 60 km. Although a lot of work still needs to be done so that it can be applied in the real world as a prevention method, our results indicate that we are on the right track. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many cases robots are directly in touch with humans, this interaction is necessary to design control systems that take into account a human-machine relation. Particularly important is the case when humans share the control with a robot. So, in order to validate control schemes, it is necessary to test them in an environment where the human-machine interaction exists, what could be even dangerous for humans. We present a model of human useful to test controllers, and propose a scheme for humanin-the-loop under shared control. We test the model and the scheme in a lower limb prosthesis that implies naturally a human-machine interaction. Apart from this research, we propose an efficient and low-cost controller for the prosthesis, based on a sensory exoextension and a neuro-decoder consisting of a multilayer perceptrons. The results show the effectiveness of human model to emulate the human interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new alkaloids (1-4) and one known alkaloid were isolated from the stems of Picrasma quassioides. The structures of these isolated compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses, a combination of computer-assisted structure elucidation software (ACD/Structure Elucidator) and gauge-including atomic orbital (GIAO) calculation of 1 D NMR data. All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 and Hep3B cells. However, they did not show obvious inhibitory activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeMethodsResultsConclusionUveitis is a common, sight-threatening inflammatory ocular disease and is the main cause of blindness, which is caused by autoimmune response, infection, and injury. The contribution of 14-3-3ζ in uveitis remains obscure. This study aims to investigate the role of 14-3-3ζ in regulating ferroptosis in retinal inflammation and its contribution to uveitis.A lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced uveitis mouse model and BV-2 cell line were used to examine the effect of LPS stimulation on the expression of 14-3-3ζ and ferroptosis in microglia. The expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) was also analyzed to understand its role in promoting microglial ferroptosis.We found that LPS stimulation increased the expression of 14-3-3ζ and promoted ferroptosis in microglia. Additionally, 14-3-3ζ was found to promote microglial ferroptosis by stabilizing the expression of HO-1. These findings suggest that the 14-3-3ζ/HO-1 axis plays a crucial role in promoting microglial ferroptosis in retinal inflammation.The study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying uveitis and highlights the potential of the 14-3-3ζ/HO-1 axis as a therapeutic target for the disease. Further research in this area could lead to the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies for uveitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of the advantages of the steel fiber reinforced concrete pavement structure, which includes high strength, high stiffness, and high stability, a large number of steel fiber concrete pavements will be used for highway construction in China. As a result, numerous cracks develop, which significantly reduces the life of the road; therefore, the study of the jointing problem is vital. As concrete research on the influence of the load transfer capacity and service life of prefabricated steel fiber reinforced concrete joints on the structural design and use function of the whole and pavement panels, the paper proposes two joint forms, tongue-and-groove and overlap. Using experiments and software, the stress and reflection of prefabricated road panels of the two joint forms are analyzed for different axial loads. The analysis reveals that the maximum tensile stress, shear stress, and deflection of the precast panels of both joint forms increase linearly as the axle load of the vehicle increases, while the service life decreases relatively. The load transfer capacity is independent of the axle load magnitude, and the load transfer capacity difference between the two types of joints is minimal and excellent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibroblast growth-factor receptor (FGFR) is a potential target for cancer therapy. We designed three novel series of FGFR1 inhibitors bearing indazole, benzothiazole, and 1H-1,2,4-triazole scaffold via fragment-based virtual screening. All the newly synthesised compounds were evaluated in vitro for their inhibitory activities against FGFR1. Compound 9d bearing an indazole scaffold was first identified as a hit compound, with excellent kinase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 15.0 nM) and modest anti-proliferative activity (IC50 = 785.8 nM). Through two rounds of optimisation, the indazole derivative 9 u stood out as the most potent FGFR1 inhibitors with the best enzyme inhibitory activity (IC50 = 3.3 nM) and cellular activity (IC50 = 468.2 nM). Moreover, 9 u also exhibited good kinase selectivity. In addition, molecular docking study was performed to investigate the binding mode between target compounds and FGFR1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Whether a relationship between fish consumption and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) risk exists is an open issue. We carried out a meta-analysis to explore this association according to the published observational studies. Methods: We performed a search of databases in MEDLINE and EMBASE to identify relevant studies. We derived meta-analytic estimates using random-effects models, and assessed between-study heterogeneity using the Cochran's Q and I2 statistics. Results: We identified a total of seven case–control and two prospective cohort studies, including 7696 subjects with NHL. The summary relative risks (SRRs) estimated for NHL were 0.80 (95% confidence intervals (CIs): 0.68–0.94) for those in the highest fish consumption category compared with those in the lowest consumption category. There was evidence of significant heterogeneity across studies (Q = 26.72, Pheterogeneity = 0.002, I2 = 66.3%). Stratified analysis by study design indicated that a significant risk association between fish consumption and NHL was observed in case–control studies, but not in cohort studies. Based on the dose–response meta-analysis, the SRRs of NHL were 0.85 (95% CIs: 0.71–1.01) for three servings increased per week of fish consumed with evidence of significant heterogeneity (Pheterogeneity = 0.007, I2 = 63.9%). Conclusions: Findings from our meta-analysis indicate that consumption of fish may be not related to NHL risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To facilitate the cell-based experiment for pulsed electromagnetic field biological effect study, a novel TEM-cell-integrated CO2 incubator was developed. The integrated experimental system could simultaneously meet the requirement of standard cell culture condition and the various Transient Electromagnetic Field (TEF) exposure, which made it possible to study the relationship between different electromagnetic pulse exposure and the cellular responses in a reliable way. During the research, a comparison experiment was carried out to evaluate the necessity of the integrated incubator system: firstly, two different types of cell lines, which are the human prostate cancer cell line (PC3) and the pancreatic β cell line (MIN6) were chosen and exposed in the TEM-cell which located in the open area and the integrated system, respectively, with the same EFT radiation conditions; then, the cells' viability, the cellular ROS level and the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were detected, respectively. The results showed that in the same parameter of the EFT radiation, the processes of the cells had a significant difference and even opposite in the incubator and open area, and all the results could be reproducible. The phenomenon indicated the stability of the TEM-cell-integrated CO2 incubator, and also demonstrated the necessity to strictly control the cell culture condition when carrying out the precise mechanism study of the TEF bioresponse at the cellular levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A selective recovery process for cobalt from the cathode materials of Li-ion batteries is demonstrated in this report. First, acid leaching was applied to dissolve the metals from the lithium-metal oxides. It was found out that with the assistance of probe type ultrasonication, manganese could be simultaneously separated by precipitation. This phenomenon would reduce the difficulty for later separation. Next, water-in-oil microemulsion extraction was applied for direct extraction of cobalt from the other metals. The cobalt extraction yield was 98% and purity was 96%. Moreover, the microemulsion system could be reused for 100 times without losing its extraction ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the number of breast cancer survivors increases, these patients with sexual problems also increase. For breast cancer survivors, sexual problems are a common and painful experience. Although breast cancer survivors often encounter sexual problems, Taiwanese women are culturally conservative and patients rarely discuss sex problems with clinicians. In this study, we used qualitative methods to better understand the changes in sexual life and related care strategies for breast cancer survivors. Twenty interviews were conducted on clinical patients enrolled in hospitals that received breast cancer treatment. The data were analysed by performing a constant comparative analysis. Three themes emerged: the causes of changes in sexual life, internal response strategies and external response strategies. Ten subthemes were identified. Changes in sexual life in patients with breast cancer in this study included changes related to body image, influence of friends and family, age, genital problems, and illegal love of a partner. Breast cancer survivors can tolerate and regulate sexual life changes by adopting internal and external response strategies. Medical staff must be sensitive and must understand strategies for dealing with sexual life changes that may occur during cancer adjustment and how these strategies can help women's well-being in the rest of their lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stigma (tip of the pistil) of medlar is wet and covered with stigmatic exudate at anthesis. The exudate contains many vesicles with abundant calcium precipitates. After deposition on the stigma, the pollen grain undergoes hydration, displaying signs of calcium ion (Ca2+) transfer from the exudate vesicles into the pollen grains. Calcium precipitates in the pollen cytoplasm are concentrated into small vacuoles that fuse to form large vacuoles, which provide turgor pressure to push the cytoplasm to the apical region of the growing pollen tube. Many calcium precipitates are present in the stylar transmitting tract, which displays a calcium gradient: fewer precipitates are localised in the distal (upper) transmitting tissue below the stigma, and more precipitates are present in the transmitting tract at the style base. The emporal and spatial distribution of calcium in the stigma and style of medlar suggests that it satisfies the demand for calcium in vivo and played some functional significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technological facilities and services have become attractive features in hotel selection. However, limited research has been conducted on how technological innovation attributes are perceived by hotel tourists. This paper aims to highlight and categorize the technological innovation attributes of hotels based on the Kano model. Empirical testing shows four technological innovation factors: Internet and app usage, smartphone usage as a room key and for payment, E-housekeeping, and the use of electronic self-service systems. Findings provide practical implications for hotel operators planning to introduce technologies into their hotels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The systematic review was used to evaluate the relationship between fundamental movement skills (FMS) and physical activity (PA) in preschoolers. PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang databases were searched for terms related to preschoolers' FMS and PA from the establishment to July, 2022. 21 cross-sectional studies and 5 longitudinal studies with 6561 preschoolers were included. There was a significant positive association between FMS and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (r = 0.25, 95%CI 0.22∼0.27) and total physical activity(TPA) (r = 0.23, 95%CI 0.19∼0.27). The locomotor and object control skills were significant positive association with both MVPA and TPA. There is a significant positive association between FMS and MVPA as well as between FMS and TPA, indicating the movement proficiency is associated with increased PA and vice versa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapidly developing technologies have increased the prevalence of innovation content dramatically. LINE is one of the famous social networks in Taiwan. Many innovations have improved people satisfaction and willing to use, but these studies have mostly targeted intention to use technologies, however, are rare thinking of people satisfaction as a mediator during the promotion in LINE, such as stickers. Therefore, there is a need to understand what people intention to propagate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of diffusion theory, playfulness and fashion, and satisfaction on people willingness to propagate the members in LINE. After gathering 235 on online questionnaire survey, Amos was applied to evaluate the proposed model and hypotheses. The analytical results presented that satisfaction has mediating effect and playfulness and fashion have moderating effects. Implications of these findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scutellarin (1) possesses protective effects against neuronal injury, while 6-O-methyl-scutellarein (3), as the main metabolite of scutellarin in vivo, has not been reported about its protective effects previously. The present study mainly investigated whether the neural injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion would be influenced by different doses of 6-O-methyl-scutellarein (3). The results of behavioral, neurological, and histological examinations indicated that 6-O-methyl-scutellarein (3) could improve neuronal injury, and exhibit significant difference among the various doses. More importantly, 6-O-methyl-scutellarein (3) had better protective effects than scutellarin in rat cerebral ischemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particle size is a vital characterization for silicon nitride nanoparticle as its scale determines its application area. Particle size prediction for synthesis of silicon nitride nanoparticle by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is much needed. In this study, a model is proposed for particle growth during silicon nitride nanoparticle synthesis by CVD in order to predict particle size. Comparison between modeling and experimental results validated the model. The modeling results showed that lower pressure in the condensation room would be an effective way of obtaining silicon nitride nanoparticles with smaller particle size. An expression is established to reveal the relation between the mean particle diameter of silicon nitride nanoparticle and pressure in the condensation room based on the modeling. The modeling method is capable of predicting the mean particle size of ultrafine silicon nitride powder to within 3.6% accuracy. Corresponding manufacturing thermal parameters are recommended for silicon nitride nanoparticle production with different mean particle sizes. Modeling and analysis in this article may provide theoretical guidance for production of silicon nitride nanoparticle by CVD. © 2017 American Association for Aerosol Research [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, which is complex and progressive; it has not only threatened the health of elderly people, but also burdened the whole social medical and health system. The available therapy for AD is limited and the efficacy remains unsatisfactory. In view of the prevalence and expected increase in the incidence of AD, the design and development of efficacious and safe anti-AD agents has become a hotspot in the field of pharmaceutical research. Due to the multifactorial etiology of AD, the multitarget-directed ligands (MTDLs) approach is promising in search for new drugs for AD. Tacrine, which is the first acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, has been selected as the ideal active fragment because of its simple structure, clear activity, and its superiority in the structural modification, thus it could be introduced into the overall molecular skeletons of the multi-target-directed anti-AD agents. In this review, we have summarized the recent advances (2012 to the present) in the chemical modification of tacrine, which could provide the reference for the further study of novel multi-target-directed tacrine derivatives to treat AD. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study investigated the relationships among college students’ epistemic beliefs in biology (EBB), conceptions of learning biology (COLB), and strategies of learning biology (SLB). EBB includes four dimensions, namely ‘multiple-source,’ ‘uncertainty,’ ‘development,’ and ‘justification.’ COLB is further divided into ‘constructivist’ and ‘reproductive’ conceptions, while SLB represents deep strategies and surface learning strategies. Questionnaire responses were gathered from 303 college students. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling showed acceptable model fits. Mediation testing further revealed two paths with complete mediation. In sum, students’ epistemic beliefs of ‘uncertainty’ and ‘justification’ in biology were statistically significant in explaining the constructivist and reproductive COLB, respectively; and ‘uncertainty’ was statistically significant in explaining the deep SLB as well. The results of mediation testing further revealed that ‘uncertainty’ predicted surface strategies through the mediation of ‘reproductive’ conceptions; and the relationship between ‘justification’ and deep strategies was mediated by ‘constructivist’ COLB. This study provides evidence for the essential roles some epistemic beliefs play in predicting students’ learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores how sexual orgasm is conceptualized in 27 languages and proposes an ideal cognitive model for sexual desire. Specifically, the study has identified that the conceptual metaphors, conceptual metonymies, and related concepts manifested in the terms and announcements for orgasm can be categorized into orgasm as a physiological response, orgasm as a psychological state, and orgasm as an ideal goal. We also observed that languages tend to conceptualize orgasm as a physiological response in the terms for orgasm; whereas more languages are inclined to conceptualize orgasm as an ideal goal in the announcements for orgasm. Depending on whether the focus is on the physiological, psychological, and ideal aspects during sex, native speakers of their various languages may conceptualize orgasm with the conceptual metaphorsORGASM IS A PEAK, ORGASM IS FIRE, ORGASM IS DEATH, ORGASM IS A DESTINATION, andORGASM IS THE RELEASE OF FORCE/SUBSTANCE IN A CONTAINER; conceptual metonymies (i.e.,EXCITEMENT FOR ORGASM, SWELLING FOR ORGASM, and HEAT FOR ORGASM); and related concepts (i.e.,(FEELING OF) SATISFACTIONand(FEELING OF) PLEASURE). In proposing the ideal cognitive model for sexual desire, the study also suggests that sexual desire is an emotion closely related to love and happiness. The intertwining relationship between the three emotions implies that the experience and satisfaction of sexual desire may be important for maintaining the physiological and psychological wellbeing of an individual as well as the development of healthy and loving sexual/romantic relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Structural changes in capsanthin in the presence of exogenous reactive oxygen species such as, H2O2, and ·OH were analyzed by UV-visible spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry, which were used to explore the fading reaction mechanism of capsanthin. The results showed that reactive oxygen species could induce a blue shift in the maximum UV-visible absorption peak, as well as breakage of conjugated double bonds in capsanthin. Due to the direct oxidation or addition reactions in the presence of reactive oxygen species, the double bonds and carbonyl groups in capsanthin reacted with reactive oxygen species, generating alcohols such as C13H22O2, C15H24O2, and C10H18O in the presence of, C13H22O3, and C10H18O2in the presence of H2O2and C14H30O4and C10H18O2in the presence of ·OH. The rest of the products were small molecule compounds. These results suggested that reactive oxygen species could destroy the conjugated double bonds in capsanthin, which resulted in the color fading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a multimodal fusion model to account for the cognitive mechanisms involving 56 political cartoons (multimodal corpus) with regard to U.S. beef import issues as reported in two dominant Taiwanese newspapers, theLiberty TimesandUnited Daily News. Specifically, this study claims that multimodal fusion model evolves from two metonymic-metaphoric networks, i.e., related metonymic network and diversified metaphoric network, and combines the conceptual, visual, and verbal modes. Our analysis demonstrates that multimodal fusion is a significant and recurrent representation technique in the genre of political cartoon and has the cognitive function of encapsulating the abstract complex political debates efficiently with irony and humorous effect. Furthermore, our analysis shows the important role of metonymy and demonstrates how metonymies and metaphors are interwoven in the process of multimodal fusion, which underlies the metaphorical mappings of conceptual scenarios related to“POLITICS IS GAME”and“POLITICS IS WAR.”Finally, this study shows that although the critical messages and distinct stances of political cartoons in two newspapers both emerge through multimodal fusion, they are highlighted and contrasted through prominent visual features and verbal context shown in the cartoons. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The purpose of this research is to mine high-value family travelers for CRM systems of online airlines and travel agencies. This research uses the data mining technologies to analyze the online travel market, which consists of clustering, decision tree, and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) procedure with a proposed model. In the research, the market of online air travel (ticket or package) shoppers is divided into six markets. The markets can be ranked via AHP procedure. The study also applies the C5·0 decision tree algorithm on the discovered ranked markets, transactional variables, and socioeconomic variables to create four useful classification rules. The discovered rules can be employed in web-based customer relationship management (CRM) marketing systems for airlines and online air travel agencies for enhancing the travelers' growth rates and customer values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper gives recent advances made in simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) in the last decade. It summarizes the main contributions, insights, limitations, and solutions of the most popular SLAMs. Some important approaches that cannot be included in the above classifications are also discussed, such as pedestrian SLAM, SLAM with enriched maps, multi-robot SLAM, active SLAM, and SLAM in dynamic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vendors and agencies rely on showgirls to promote their products or services. However, customers’ time and money available, cost savings, and increasing utilitarian motivation are their basic concerns. The model extended the expectancy confirmation theory (ECT) constructs (cost saving, utilitarian motivation, time available, money available, and impulsive purchase) to investigate customer impulsive purchases of products promoted by showgirls in exhibits. The study successfully found the precursors of impulsive purchase products promoted by showgirls in the exhibits with 445 data with Amos 18.0. Beyond the current impulsive purchase issue, the reasons for customers’ purchase without thinking include, in descending order: interaction with showgirls, promotions, the desire of purchase, and sensation seeking. Practical implications are presented, along with suggestions for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this study, several developed models have been adopted to investigate deterioration induced by chloride ingress by considering uncertainty in order to estimate the initiation and rate of corrosion. Besides, the structural capacity and serviceability of RC buildings, i.e. the shear capacity, bending strength and width of cracking or spalling of columns and beams with corroded reinforcing bars, were also calculated using simple formulas developed from previous experiments. Based on the information of annual spalling/cracking and failure probabilities, the deterioration risk of an RC building attacked by chloride can be evaluated using the concept of reliability of a series system. In order to find the optimal maintenance plan, probabilistic effect assessment models for repair/retrofit strategies (five repair/retrofit strategies were selected) that consider the recurrence of deterioration in repaired areas and the deterioration proceeding in unrepaired areas were developed in this research. These models reflect the effects of the maintenance strategies on the failure and spalling probability directly and can be used to estimate the life-cycle performance and cost of RC buildings. Finally, on the basis of the minimal life-cycle cost, the optimal life-cycle maintenance strategy can also be identified by using the genetic algorithm; case studies were used to discuss the applicability of this system. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Despite the fact that some educational researchers believe that laboratory courses promote outcomes in cognitive and affective domains in science learning, others have argued that laboratory courses are costly in relation to their value. Moreover, effective measurement of student learning in the laboratory is an area requiring further investigation. The present study set out to examine learning outcomes by measuring students' academic performance and their skill in writing research proposals and investigated students' views about laboratory courses through interviews. Comparisons were made between students taking lectures only (control group) and students enrolled in both lecture and laboratory courses (experimental group). A total of 78 undergraduate students participated in the study. Stepwise discriminant analysis, analysis of covariance, and multidimensional scaling were used to analyse the data. Results showed that students in the experimental group did not perform as well as students in the control group in examination questions that required rote memorisation but they performed better than their counterparts in classification of species and in essay writing. In addition, in terms of research study design, proposals written by students in the experimental group were not only of higher quality but also more consistent in quality than those written by students in the control group. Implications for curriculum design and future research are described with respect to the innovative measurements and analytical methods we used to evaluate laboratory learning outcomes, the role of laboratory courses in biology teaching, and students' learning styles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is a common lymphoma entity in adults but is rare in children. As opposed to adult cases, pediatric FL is characterized by a high-grade histology, low-stage disease, a lower frequency of both bcl-2 protein expression and BCL2 gene rearrangement, and a more favorable prognosis. During the authors' previous study of pediatric Burkitt lymphoma, they identified 3 cases of pediatric FL. Here the authors present the first series of pediatric FL from Taiwan. The patients were 2 boys and 1 girl, aged from 7 to 14. The presentation sites were cervical lymph node in 2 and tonsil in 1. All cases showed large neoplastic nodules comprising sheets of centroblasts, corresponding to grade 3b FL. Two of the 3 tumors weakly expressed bcl-2 protein. Fluorescence in situ hybridization for IGH, BCL2, BCL6, CCND1, and MYC loci showed that the only chromosomal translocation was rearranged IGH in 1 case. Two patients were at stage I, and 1 at stage III. All were treated with combination chemotherapy and achieved long-term complete remission. Literature review including the current cases showed that 45%% cases of pediatric FL expressed bcl-2 protein and 9%% cases carried BCL2 gene rearrangement, suggesting an alternate molecular pathogenesis of pediatric FL as compared to their adult counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 65-year-old Taiwanese lady with a tender nodule on her left leg. Pathological examination revealed a diffuse lymphocytic infiltration in the lower dermis and subcutis with focal fat necrosis and sparing of the epidermis. The article discusses the classification of cutaneous lymphoma wherein no classification scheme was accepted. It speculates that the inflammatory reaction after biopsy could have reactivated the immune system leading to tumor regression.

Internet-based science learning has been advocated by many science educators for more than a decade. This review examines relevant research on this topic. Sixty-five papers are included in the review. The review consists of the following two major categories: (1) the role of demographics and learners' characteristics in Internet-based science learning, such as demographic background, prior knowledge, and self-efficacy; and (2) the learning outcomes derived from Internet-based science learning, such as attitude, motivation, conceptual understanding, and conceptual change. Some important conclusions are drawn from the review. For example, Internet-based science learning is equally favorable, or in some cases more so, to learning for female students compared to male students. The learner's control is essential for enhancing students' attitudes and motivation toward learning in Internet-based science learning environments. Nevertheless, appropriate guidance from teachers, moderators, or the Internet-based learning environment itself is still quite crucial in Internet-based science learning. Recommendations for future research related to the effects of Internet-based science learning on students' metacognitive reflections, epistemological development, and worldviews are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitrectomy is a common procedure for treating ocular-related diseases. The surgery involves removing the vitreous humor from the center of the eye, and vitreous substitutes are needed to replace the vitreous humor after vitrectomy. In the present study, we developed a colorless, transparent and injectable hydrogel with appropriate refractive index as a vitreous substitute. The hydrogel is formed by oxidated hyaluronic acid (oxi-HA) cross-linked with adipic acid dihydrazide (ADH). Hyaluronic acid (HA) was oxidized by sodium periodate to create aldehyde functional groups, which could be cross-linked by ADH. The refractive index of this hydrogel ranged between 1.3420 and 1.3442, which is quite similar to human vitreous humor (1.3345). The degradation tests demonstrated that the hydrogel could maintain the gel matrix over 35 days, depending on the ADH concentration. In addition, the cytotoxicity was evaluated on retina pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells cultivated following the ISO standard (tests for in vitro cytotoxicity), and the hydrogel was found to be non-toxic. In a preliminary animal study, the oxi-HA/ADH hydrogel was injected into the vitreous cavity of rabbit eyes. The evaluations of slit-lamp observation, intraocular pressure, cornea thickness and histological examination showed no significant abnormal biological reactions for 3 weeks. This study suggests that the injectable oxi-HA/ADH hydrogel should be a potential vitreous substitute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces an approach to identify unknown nonlinear systems by fuzzy rules and support vector machines (SVMs). Structure identification is realised by an on-line SVM technique, the fuzzy rules are generated automatically. Time-varying learning rates are applied for updating the membership functions of the fuzzy rules. Finally, the upper bounds of the modelling errors are proven. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lanthanide complexes [Ln2(INO)2(SO4)2(H2O)4] · H2O 1 · Ln (Ln = Ce, Pr, and Nd; INO = isonicotinate N-oxide) were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. The compounds are isostructural and crystallized in monoclinic space group C2/c. Ln(III) is nine-coordinate in a mono-capped square antiprism coordination environment. Ln(III) ions are linked by [image omitted], N-oxide groups and carboxylates from INO to give an inorganic chain. These chains are connected by INO ligands into a 2-D layer. These layers are joined through hydrogen bonding interactions into a 3-D crystal structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A postural tremor appears whenever someone attempts to maintain a steady position against gravity. We examined the postural tremor that occurred while air pistol shooters were taking aim so as to compare the coordinative control of the shooters and to identify the features critical to successful shooting. Ten elite and ten pre-elite athletes participated in pistol shooting at 10 m, and the postural tremors in the pistol and upper limb were recorded with lightweight accelerometers. Exploratory analysis showed that the elite shooters had smaller tremor amplitudes than the pre-elite shooters in the pistol and distal arm segments. Compared with the pre-elite shooters, the elite shooters had a smaller tremor amplitude in the lateral direction relative to that in the vertical direction, together with weaker tremor coupling in the lateral direction and stronger vertical coupling of the pistol-hand complex. The resulting shot performance was inversely related to the amplitude of the tremor and to the 8-12 Hz spectral peak of the lateral tremor in the pistol-hand complex. We conclude that the postural tremors of air pistol shooters are associated with the skill of the shooters, and that the elite shooters could optimize the control of the pistol-hand complex, which strongly determined success in shooting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two-part model and Heckman's sample selection model are often used in economic studies which involve analyzing the demand for limited variables. This study proposed a simultaneous equation model (SEM) and used the expectation-maximization algorithm to obtain the maximum likelihood estimate. We then constructed a simulation to compare the performance of estimates of price elasticity using SEM with those estimates from the two-part model and the sample selection model. The simulation shows that the estimates of price elasticity by SEM are more precise than those by the sample selection model and the two-part model when the model includes limited independent variables. Finally, we analyzed a real example of cigarette consumption as an application. We found an increase in cigarette price associated with a decrease in both the propensity to consume cigarettes and the amount actually consumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper attempts to delineate the intersection of the Buddhist understanding of mind and cognitive linguistics by exploring conceptual metaphors at both micro and macro levels of the Heart Sutra, a pivotal Buddhist text. Taking a key Buddhist concept, EMPTINESS, to mean transcending the self, Buddhism may be misunderstood as promoting a view of the human mind as disembodied. Micro-level linguistic analysis, however, reveals a paradox between the central message of non-attachment to the body or to the sensations and the pervasiveness of lexical metaphors in the text involving sensori-motor experiences. Investigations of the overarching metaphors and oxymora at the macro-level, such as "FORM IS EMPTY" and "EMPTINESS IS FORM" suggest that Buddhism in fact bears some striking similarities to cognitive philosophy in its recognition of embodiment and categorization as key aspects of mind, whose figurative nature becomes comprehensible through EMPTINESS as a reflection of the dependent nature of all phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the ultrasonic degradation of polypropylene (PP) melt was conducted in a specially designed reactor. Dynamic stress rheometer and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) were used to study the degradation behavior of PP melt. Thermal properties of ultrasonically treated PP were further discussed. The results showed the decrease of complex viscosity, zero shear viscosity, representative relaxation time, viscoelastic moduli as well as cross-over modulus, but an increase of cross-over frequency with introduction of ultrasonic irradiation, due to reduction of weight average molecular weight and increase of molecular weight distribution index of the polymer. The ultrasonic chain scissions of PP melt mainly occurred at the initial 3 min of irradiation and subsequently tended to terminate under our experimental conditions. In addition, the crystallization temperature and melting temperature of PP together got decreased in the presence of ultrasonic irradiation due to the occurrence of lower molecular weight components and some chemical irregularities in PP chain, along with the slight increase of crystallinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A postural tremor appears whenever someone attempts to maintain a steady position against gravity. We examined the postural tremor that occurred while air pistol shooters were taking aim so as to compare the coordinative control of the shooters and to identify the features critical to successful shooting. Ten elite and ten pre-elite athletes participated in pistol shooting at 10 m, and the postural tremors in the pistol and upper limb were recorded with lightweight accelerometers. Exploratory analysis showed that the elite shooters had smaller tremor amplitudes than the pre-elite shooters in the pistol and distal arm segments. Compared with the pre-elite shooters, the elite shooters had a smaller tremor amplitude in the lateral direction relative to that in the vertical direction, together with weaker tremor coupling in the lateral direction and stronger vertical coupling of the pistol-hand complex. The resulting shot performance was inversely related to the amplitude of the tremor and to the 8-12 Hz spectral peak of the lateral tremor in the pistol-hand complex. We conclude that the postural tremors of air pistol shooters are associated with the skill of the shooters, and that the elite shooters could optimize the control of the pistol-hand complex, which strongly determined success in shooting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection of the nervous system by Cryptococcus neoformans most often causes meningitis and meningoencephalitis. While there have been several cases of cerebral cryptoccal granuloma published in the literature, the isolated occurrence of intramedullary cryptococcal granuloma is very rare. We present an immunocompetent patient with such a lesion of the conus medullaris. The patient's clinical symptoms mimicked an intramedullary spinal cord tumor. The diagnosis was made by histopathology, rather than by image or laboratory examinations. The case was successfully managed with surgical removal of the lesion and postoperative anti-fungal treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored language shift and accommodation among bilingual Mandarin and Tai-gi (also called Hokkien, Holo, Tai-gu, Taiwan Min, Taiwanese) families in Taiwan. From the 1940s until the 1980s the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) on Taiwan promoted Mandarin Chinese. Recent years have witnessed a shift in policy: since 2001 elementary schools throughout Taiwan offered mother-tongue education as a way to preserve and maintain Taiwan's mother tongues. This paper is based upon interviews with 58 parents who lived in both urban and rural locations and whose children were enrolled in mother-tongue classes. Interview responses were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative analysis found significant language shift occurring from Tai-gi to Mandarin among parents and children, and a faster shift in urban versus rural environments. Qualitative analysis examined the perceived processes and meanings of language shift. Many parents spoke of accommodation as affecting language shift: they spoke Tai-gi to elders, mixed Tai-gi and Mandarin to peers, and Mandarin to children. Most parents perceived Tai-gi as more intimate than Mandarin and the source of tradition, while Mandarin was the language of public discourse. The perceived link between language and identity varied across location as most rural parents linked Tai-gi with a Taiwanese identity while urban parents did not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A linear parameter-varying model (LPVM) is developed for nonlinear dynamic systems using a radial basis function (RBF) neural network. The training of the LPVM is formulated as the least-squares problem and the recursive orthogonal least-squares algorithm is applied. Model adaptation is also developed with a localized forgetting method for on-line weight updating. The LPVM-based model predictive control (MPC) is developed and the convexity of the optimization is preserved. The developed LPVM is applied to a laboratory-scaled chemical reactor rig. The real data modelling and on-line control implementation are presented. Decentralized proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control is also designed and implemented for the reactor for comparison. The superiority of the tracking performance by the LPVM-based MPC over that by PID control is clearly demonstrated. The performance using the fixed LPVM is also improved by using the adaptive model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One new eremophilane sesquiterpene periconianone L (1), together with four known guaiane-type sesquiterpenes 4,10,11-trihydroxyguaiane (2), (−)-guai-1(10)-ene-4α,11-diolhydroxymecuration (3), guaidiol A (4), and epi-guaidiol A (5) were isolated from the endophytic fungus Periconia sp. F-31. The structure of the new compound was established by spectroscopic methods, including UV, IR, HRESIMS, and extensive NMR techniques. Compound 3 was isolated as natural product for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the impacts of statin treatment on the risk of benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) progression in hyperlipidemia patients.Methods: Newly diagnosed hyperlipidemia patients (n = 7961), identified from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, were divided into four statin cohorts (statin use >365 days, n = 1604; statin use 181-365 days, n = 813; statin use 91-180 days, n = 739; and statin use 31-90 days, n = 713) and one control cohort (cohort that used no statins, n = 4092). Study endpoint was occurrence of BPE progression (BPE diagnosis plus receiving BPE-related medications or surgery). Relative risks of BPE progression in the statin cohorts compared to the control cohort were analyzed.Results: Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses demonstrated that BPE progression risk in the cohort used statins for >365 days was significantly lower than the control cohort (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.70, 95% confidence interval: 0.58 ∼ 0.85, p < .001). However, BPE progression risks of the other three statin cohorts did not significantly differ from the control cohort. Trend analysis revealed that the effects of statin treatment on decreasing BPE progression risk were significantly related to statin treatment duration (p = .001).Conclusions: Hyperlipidemia patients with long-term statin treatment (more than 365 days) are associated with a reduced risk of BPE progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]