Hasil untuk "Analysis"

Li Ji, Huayong Zhang, Huayong Zhang et al.

Warming is a key factor influencing the function of the structure and function of phytoplankton communities. However, the impacts of temperature on phytoplankton resource use efficiency (RUE) in mountain rivers remain poorly understood. Here, the spatiotemporal patterns of phytoplankton community structure (biomass, community composition, and diversity), function (RUE), and the main environmental factors in a high-latitude mountainous stream were investigated to assess how temperature affects the phytoplankton RUE. The results showed that phytoplankton species richness, biomass, and RUE all increased with rising temperature, with species richness significantly higher. There was a shift in the phytoplankton community from dominated by Cyanophyta at lower temperatures to dominated by Cryptophyta at higher temperatures. Phytoplankton RUE was significantly positively correlated to species richness, but no significant relationship was observed between RUE and Pielou’s evenness. Furthermore, redundancy analysis and Mantel tests revealed that water temperature, nutrient (TP, and NH4+-N) and physicochemical variable (flow velocity, and dissolved oxygen) explained 40.40% of the overall variation in phytoplankton RUE. Phytoplankton RUE exhibited stronger responses to environmental variables than phytoplankton biomass or diversity. The results highlighted that temperature directly affected phytoplankton community composition and enhanced RUE by altering environmental conditions and biodiversity. Temperature plays a crucial role in shaping the structure and function of phytoplankton communities in rivers. Our results contribute to the deep understanding of the mechanisms by which temperature influences RUE providing a basis for the sustainable management and conservation of aquatic ecosystems and watersheds.

Laurenz De Cock, Erika D’haenens, Lies Vantomme et al.

Abstract RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) has become key to complementing exome and genome sequencing for variant interpretation. We present a minimally invasive RNA-seq protocol using short-term cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with and without cycloheximide treatment, enabling detection of transcripts subject to nonsense-mediated decay. While broadly applicable, this protocol is particularly suited for neurodevelopmental disorders, as up to 80% of the genes in our intellectual disability and epilepsy gene panel are expressed in PBMCs. Applied to 46 affected individuals and 15 parents, RNA-seq revealed splicing defects in six of nine individuals with splice variants, allowing reclassification of seven variants. Targeted cDNA analysis confirmed aberrant splicing in four individuals but missed intron retention in two. Global analyses (FRASER, OUTRIDER, and monoallelic expression) supported findings but did not yield new diagnoses. We propose a flowchart integrating RNA-seq into diagnostic workflows. Overall, our protocol is easily implementable, captures complex splicing events, and enhances variant classification.

Panuluh Albertus Hariwangsa, Morozumi Takuya

We study the hierarchy between MT , vL, and vR, the relevant energy scales of the Minimal Universal Seesaw Model (MUSM), where the two lightest quark families remain massless at tree level. We also predict the heavy top quark mass, mt′ . We do some numerical analysis using recent experimental data. Our numerical analysis demonstrates that MT is sensitive to the values of the Yukawa couplings. The heavy top quark mass (mt′ ) is predicted to be within the range from 1.4 TeV to 7.2 TeV for vR = 10 TeV.

S Srinidhi, Sujithraj Stephen, Karthiga Mohankumar et al.

Although there is easy accessibility of infection control measures and recommendation regarding the PPE, most of the dentists failed to practice appropriate infection control measures. The aim of the current survey was conducted to assess the knowledge, perception, and attitude regarding the role of PPE among the dental care professionals in COVID-19. This is cross-sectional web-based questionnaire survey conducted among dental care professionals in Tamil Nadu. The self-administered questions related to the PPE infection control measures were collected from 500 subjects. The statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS (V 22.0). The frequency distribution was computed. This survey revealed that all the 500 (100%) respondents had awareness about the role of PPE in COVID-19 pandemic. Among the 500 study subjects, 93.2% had well-known knowledge about PPE, 60.4% of dentist strictly adheres to the use of PPE in routine dental practice, 80.2% of dentist mentioned PPE is safe and effective against spread of infection, and 93.4% of dentist had awareness about donning and doffing. Conclusion: From the beginning of this COVID-19, information provided by the health organization like CDC and WHO regarding the role of PPE had positive impact among the dental care professionals.

Shuhei Yoshida, Haruki Matsumoto, Jumpei Temmoku et al.

Temporal arteritis (TA) is a large-vessel vasculitis mostly seen in older patients. Amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis secondary to a chronic inflammation induces multiple organ dysfunctions, including a dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract. Herein, we present a case of TA complicated by AA amyloidosis that was resistant to oral and intravenous steroids. An 80-year-old man with a history of new-onset headache, jaw claudication, and distended temporal arteries was referred to our department. On admission, the patient presented with tenderness and a subcutaneous temporal nodule in both temple arteries. Ultrasonography of the nodule revealed an anechoic perivascular halo surrounding the right temporal artery. Following the diagnosis of TA, high-dose prednisolone therapy was initiated. However, the patient presented with recurrent abdominal pain and refractory diarrhea. Due to the unclear origin of refractory diarrhea, an extensive workup, including biopsy of the duodenal mucosa, was performed. Endoscopy revealed chronic inflammation in the duodenum. Immunohistochemical analysis of duodenal mucosal biopsy samples revealed AA amyloid deposition resulting in the diagnosis of AA amyloidosis. After tocilizumab (TCZ) administration, refractory diarrhea reduced; however, the patient died of intestinal perforation 1 month after the start of TCZ administration. Gastrointestinal involvement was the main clinical manifestation of AA amyloidosis in the present case. This case highlights the importance of bowel biopsy screening for amyloid deposition in patients with unexplained gastrointestinal tract symptoms, even in a recent onset of large-vessel vasculitis. In the present case, the carriage of the SAA1.3 allele likely contributed to the rare association of AA amyloidosis with TA.

Gizaw Hailiye Teferi, Maru Meseret Tadele, Getaye Tizazu et al.

<h4>Background</h4>High penetration of smartphones and ownership among the young generation increased the utilization of mobile health applications for health management among university students more than ever. Compared to other health service provision mechanisms mobile health service has higher advantages in promoting a healthy lifestyle since it is not limited to time and space. Even though there are numerous studies conducted in the area of mobile health utilization, this phenomenon is not well studied among university students in Ethiopia, Hence this study aims to determine the level of mobile health applications utilization among health science students.<h4>Method</h4>A cross-sectional study was carried out at Debre Markos University from April 05 to June 25, 2022 among health science students. For this study, 423 students were recruited from health Science College using a systematic sampling method. The data was gathered using a self-administered questionnaire. Using SPSS version 26 software descriptive analysis, bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were performed. A P-value of .05 at a 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. The questionnaire's validity was determined by expert opinion, and by calculating its reliability using cronbach alpha (α = .78).<h4>Result</h4>This study revealed that more than half 59% (144/244) of the study participants have installed and utilized 1-3 health-related apps. Among the students who have mobile health applications 38.6% utilize mobile health application several times a day while only 2.1% utilized rarely. Usage history shows that 40% of the study participants utilized the applications for a year, while 15.4% of the students utilized them for more than 2 years. Easiness of applications (AOR = 4.8, 95%CI: [2.1-11.2]), skill AOR = 4.2, 95%CI: [3.8-12]) and trust (AOR = 2.8, 95%CI: [1.6-4.8]) were among the factors that were associated with mobile health applications utilization. Students were asked about the barriers that limit the use mobile health applications and self-reported barriers includes Lack of knowledge and awareness of application benefits, and Lack of adequate time to use applications.<h4>Conclusion</h4>The study shows that mobile health applications utilization is moderate relative to previous studies. Mobile health application developers for the young generation should consider healthy lifestyle related applications like fitness and weight loss apps.

Danang Dwi Cahyadi, Tomoko Warita, Nanami Irie et al.

ABSTRACTNormalization is a crucial step in gene expression analysis to avoid misinterpretation. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the expression of 10 candidate housekeeping genes in non-differentiated (ND) and differentiated (DI) 3T3-L1 cells on days 5 and 10. We used geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, RefFinder, and the ∆Ct method to evaluate expression stability. The findings revealed that (1) the expression levels of the reference genes changed over time, even in non-differentiating cells, and (2) peptidylprolyl isomerase A (Ppia) and TATA box-binding protein (Tbp) were stable reference genes for 10 days in both undifferentiated and differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. Notably, the expression of known reference genes in non-differentiating cells was altered throughout the experiment.

Glyn A. Collinson, Heli Hietala, Ferdinand Plaschke et al.

Abstract Shocklets and short large‐amplitude magnetic structures (SLAMS) are steepened magnetic fluctuations commonly found in Earth's upstream foreshock. Here we present Venus Express observations from the 26th of February 2009 establishing their existence in the steady‐state foreshock of Venus, building on a past study which found SLAMS during a substantial disturbance of the induced magnetosphere. The Venusian structures were comparable to those reported near Earth. The 2 Shocklets had magnetic compression ratios of 1.23 and 1.34 with linear polarization in the spacecraft frame. The 3 SLAMS had ratios between 3.22 and 4.03, two of which with elliptical polarization in the spacecraft frame. Statistical analysis suggests SLAMS coincide with unusually high solar wind Alfvén mach‐number at Venus (12.5, this event). Thus, while we establish Shocklets and SLAMS can form in the stable Venusian foreshock, they may be rarer than at Earth. We estimate a lower limit of their occurrence rate of ≳14%.

Vinicius C. Iamonti, Gerson F. Souza, Antonio A. M. Castro et al.

Limited information is available regarding the role of anaerobic metabolism capacity on GOLD 1 and 2 COPD patients during upper limb exercise. We aimed to compare the upper limb anaerobic power capacity, blood lactate concentration, cardiovascular and respiratory responses, in male COPD patients versus healthy subjects during the 30-s Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT). The rate of fatigue and time constant of the power output decay (τ, tau) were also calculated and a regression analysis model was built to assess the predictors of τ in these patients. Twenty-four male COPD patients (post-bronchodilator FEV1 73.2 ± 15.3% of predicted) and 17 healthy subjects (FEV1 103.5 ± 10.1% of predicted) underwent the WAnT. Measurements were performed at rest, at the end of the WAnT, and during 3′ and 5′ of recovery time. Peak power (p = 0.04), low power (p = 0.002), and mean power output (p = 0.008) were significantly lower in COPD patients than in healthy subjects. Power output decreased exponentially in both groups, but at a significantly faster rate (p = 0.007) in COPD patients. The time constant of power decay was associated with resistance (in ohms) and fat-free mass (r2 = 0.604, adjusted r2 = 0.555, and p = 0.002). Blood lactate concentration was significantly higher in healthy subjects at the end of the test, as well as during 3′ and 5′ of recovery time (p < 0.01). Compared with healthy subjects, COPD patients with GOLD 1 and 2 presented lower upper limb anaerobic capacity and a faster rate of power output decrease during a maximal intensity exercise. Also, the WAnT proved to be a valid tool to measure the upper limb anaerobic capacity in these patients.

M. P. Kalynychenko

The relevance of the study is that a comparative analysis of the conditions of readiness for neo-industrialization of economic systems (states, regions, industrial complexes, industrial enterprises), taking into account the totality of obstacles and risks, makes it possible to establish competitive advantages and weaknesses of objects, strategic and operational directions, effective tools for achieving goals in a new technological order. The aim of the study is to carry out a comparative analysis of the conditions for the readiness of the industry in Russia and Ukraine for neo-industrialization based on digitalization. The methodological basis of the research is made up of general and general scientific methods of cognition, as well as the concrete historical method, the comparative historical method, the method of the unity of the historical and the logical, the method of comparative analysis, etc. Considering that Russia and Ukraine had equal starting conditions for the beginning of neo-industrialization after the collapse of the USSR, and in the post-Soviet period there were a number of general tendencies in de-industrialization, then the modern experience of Russia should be considered as a standard for a number of post-Soviet countries. The article presents the main results of a comparative analysis of obstacles (institutional, technological, socio-economic) to neo-industrialization in Russia and Ukraine. It has been substantiated that synergistic and multiplier effects from neo-industrialization can be obtained through complex solutions in the spheres of institutions, technologies and economics. The study also presents a classification of risks (by levels of formation: global, supra-organizational, including sectoral, organizational; by areas: social, environmental, cyber-physical, etc.) of neo-industrialization and assessed them. It has been established that against the background of the continuing «active» processes of de-industrialization in the Ukrainian industry, the Russian industry has a much higher degree of readiness for neo-industrialization, including due to the digitalization of the manufacturing industry. The process of de-industrialization in Ukraine can be stopped only with economic integration with Russia. Having a sufficiently high scientific and educational potential, states should transform it as actively as possible into fundamental innovations: technological, institutional, managerial, product innovations. The practical significance of the obtained research results lies in the fact that the developed scientific and methodological approaches allow assessing the level of readiness of economic systems for neo-industrialization and comparative analysis with the standard, diagnosing competitive advantages and weaknesses, which should be further taken into account when justifying and implementing strategic and operational decisions. In subsequent publications, the results will be presented, reflecting the developed applied directions and proposed measures to accelerate the neoindustrialization of the two countries, taking into account the spatial and industrial, technological, institutional, organizational and managerial, financial and economic and quantitative (economic and mathematical modeling of the «digital factor» of production) aspects.

Alekhya Kanaparthi, Divya Dukkireddy, Hema Gopalaiah et al.

Background: Coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) is a public health emergency of international concern. The dental professionals are considered to be at high risk, as most of the treatments may lead to the spread of infection due to direct proximity with saliva, blood and aerosols generation. Aim: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the awareness, regarding COVID19 pandemic among dental practioners in state of Telangana. Materials and methodology: A self-administered, structured, pilot-tested close-ended 20 point questionnaire,was distributed among the dental practioners in Telangana state. A total of 385 participants completed the questionnaire. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS 22.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) for data analysis. Results: Among 385 participants a total of 115 (29.9%) exhibited high level of knowledge while 167 (43.4%) demonstrated moderate knowledge and 103 (26.8%) demonstrated low level of knowledge. Mean knowledge score was 12.46 ± 2.47, minimum and maximum scores were 5 and 15 respectively among the dental practioners (DPs). Conclusion: All the respondents seem to have adequate knowledge regarding COVID19 and adoption of control measures to prevent the spread of COVID19. However, some deficiencies were noted. The, dentists, must be well informed of the recommended practices.Initiatives for attending webinars, continuing dental education programs on COVID19, have to be undertaken to keep them selves updated and be prepared with extra precautionary measures to be taken.

Giulia Angeloni, Piernicola Masella, Lorenzo Guerrini et al.

(1) Background: Recently, a new espresso extraction method, <i>Caffè Firenze,</i> has been developed, which uses gas at operating pressures of 20 bar to obtain abundant, persistent foam. The experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of using six gases (air, argon, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon/nitrogen mix, and nitrous oxide) on the foam and liquid coffee. (2) Methods: Foam volume, persistence, sugar retention time, color, and rheological properties were measured. Volatile organic compounds were also evaluated. Analyses were also carried out on the liquid coffee to determine caffeine and chlorogenic acid concentrations. (3) Results: The analysis of variance revealed significant differences between the gases for all parameters. Multivariate analysis identified three groups of gases: the first comprised air, N₂, and Ar; the second CO₂ and N₂O; and the third comprised samples extracted with CO₂/N₂ mix. (4) Conclusions: The choice of gas significantly influences the drink’s chemical-physical characteristics and is fundamental for product diversification.

Naoufal Lakhssassi, Sarbottam Piya, Dounya Knizia et al.

Resistance to soybean cyst nematodes (SCN) in “Peking-type” resistance is bigenic, requiring <i>Rhg4-a</i> and <i>rhg1-a</i>. <i>Rhg4-a</i> encodes a serine hydroxymethyltransferase (GmSHMT08) and <i>rhg1-a</i> encodes a soluble NSF attachment protein (GmSNAP18). Recently, it has been shown that a pathogenesis-related protein, GmPR08-Bet VI, potentiates the interaction between GmSHMT08 and GmSNAP18. Mutational analysis using spontaneously occurring and ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)-induced mutations was carried out to increase our knowledge of the interacting GmSHMT08/GmSNAP18/GmPR08-Bet VI multi-protein complex. Mutations affecting the GmSHMT08 protein structure (dimerization and tetramerization) and interaction sites with GmSNAP18 and GmPR08-Bet VI proteins were found to impact the multi-protein complex. Interestingly, mutations affecting the PLP/THF substrate binding and catalysis did not affect the multi-protein complex, although they resulted in increased susceptibility to SCN. Most importantly, GmSHMT08 and GmSNAP18 from PI88788 were shown to interact within the cell, being potentiated in the presence of GmPR08-Bet VI. In addition, we have shown the presence of incompatibility between the GmSNAP18 (<i>rhg1-b</i>) of PI88788 and GmSHMT08 (<i>Rhg4-a</i>) from Peking. Components of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathway were shown to be induced in the SCN incompatible reaction and were mapped to QTLs for resistance to SCN using different mapping populations.

Widjaja Martokusumo, Heru W Poerbo, Joko Sarwono et al.

According to UNESCO Convention 1972, cultural heritage consists of tangible and intangible heritage. Soundscape has been considered as a part of the intangible heritage, and it refers to the perceptual quality. In the realm of built environment, perceptual qualities become important concerns, since cultural heritage cannot be described and appreciated using mono-sensorial analysis fundamentally based on vision. As perceptual construct, soundscape has been considered as a new approach in understanding the formation and design of sensitive urban environment. It is argued that perceptual quality, besides visual aesthetics, geographic, psychological and socio-cultural aspects, must be part of the considerations in architecture and urban design. Bandung is well-known for its urban heritage, and as former well-designed colonial town, the historic buildings and areas have morphologically constituted the structure of the inner city. However, the modernization and globalization have led to inevitable transformations, including the destruction of historic places and fabric/district of cultural significance. With the latest urban dynamics, urban environment has also experienced an inescapable process of “sound globalization”, which led to the losing of specific sound-marks in the respective area. This paper is based upon an ongoing research project on strategy for conservation of historic urban areas using soundscape approach. Methodologically, through sound walks, surveys and interviews, several notions relating to urban spatial and formal quality have been collected, assessed and interpreted. The result stands for the understanding of perceptual aspects and quality of urban space in historic urban areas that may contribute to the heritage conservation strategy.

G Halabi, N A Chuiko, V E Dvornikov et al.

Purpose: to evaluate the use of indicators of dispersion mapping for the long-term prediction of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The study included data of 217 people with using short recordings in dynamics throughout the year (winter, spring, summer and autumn). The 1 st group consists of 64 patients with hypertension, the 2 nd group - 44 patients with coronary heart disease, the 3rd - 30 patients with cardiomyopathy and in the 4 th group of 28 patients with coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus. The control group consisted of 51 healthy individuals (18 men and 33 women) ranging in age from 29 to 53 years. Cardiac output was higher in the group of survivors (54,6 ± 0,5%) compared with the group with unfavorable outcome (33,8 ± 2,2%). The average values of all the indicators of dispersion mapping were higher in the group of death with the exception of heart rate index/IMM, indicating more severe violations. Noteworthy increase in 2 times the rate of alterative T wave at tT1 (Tbig) and T2 (Tmax) points. The sensitivity and specificity of the prediction of fatal outcome during 3 years of observation for record IMM > 25% was 54% and 61%.

Michael Kainose Mhlolo, Marc Schafer

This article reports on regularities observed in learners' preconceptions of reflective symmetry. Literature suggests that the very existence of such regularities indicates a gap between what learners know and what they need to know. Such a gap inhibits further understanding and application, and hence needed to be investigated. A total of 235 Grade 11 learners, from 13 high schools that participate in the First Rand Foundation-funded Mathematics Education project in the Eastern Cape, responded to a task on reflective symmetry. Our framework for analysing the responses was based on the taxonomy of structure of the observed learning outcome. The results indicated that 85% of learner responses reflect a motion understanding of reflections, where learners considered geometric figures as physical motions on top of the plane. While this understanding is useful in some cases, it is not an essential aspect of mapping understanding, which is critical for application in function notations and other analytical geometry contexts. We suggest that if this gap is to be closed, learners need to construct these reflections physically so that they may think of reflections beyond motion.

Negahnaz Moghaddam, Rupert Langer, Steffen Ross et al.

The single Hochdorf burial was found in 1887 during construction work in the Canton of Lucerne, Switzerland. It dates from between 320 and 250 BC. The calvarium, the left half of the pelvis and the left femur were preserved. The finding shows an unusual bony alteration of the skull. The aim of this study was to obtain a differential diagnosis and to examine the skull using various methods. Sex and age were determined anthropologically. Radiological examinations were performed with plain X-ray imaging and a multislice computed tomography (CT) scanner. For histological analysis, samples of the lesion were taken. The pathological processing included staining after fixation, decalcification, and paraffin embedding. Hard-cut sections were also prepared. The individual was female. The age at death was between 30 and 50 years. There is an intensely calcified bone proliferation at the right side of the os frontalis. Plain X-ray and CT imaging showed a large sclerotic lesion in the area of the right temple with a partly bulging appearance. The inner boundary of the lesion shows multi-edged irregularities. There is a diffuse thickening of the right side. In the left skull vault, there is a mix of sclerotic areas and areas which appear to be normal with a clear differentiation between tabula interna, diploë and tabula externa. Histology showed mature organised bone tissue. Radiological and histological findings favour a benign condition. Differential diagnoses comprise osteomas which may occur, for example, in the setting of hereditary adenomatous polyposis coli related to Gardner syndrome.

Nuria Hernández Sellés, Pablo César Muñoz Carril

<p class="REDUTEXTORESUMEN">El trabajo colaborativo se presenta como estrat&eacute;gico en las propuestas que emergen del EEES, donde se evidencia su potencial para el aprendizaje de contenidos espec&iacute;ficos, as&iacute; como para el desarrollo de competencias transversales. Este estudio trata de analizar los resultados del trabajo colaborativo en el caso del M&aacute;ster en Gesti&oacute;n de Proyectos en Cooperaci&oacute;n Internacional, contextualizado en el Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle. Trata de relacionar las propuestas de redacci&oacute;n de acuerdos grupales y mediaci&oacute;n del tutor de seguimiento con el desarrollo de competencias transversales de trabajo en equipo. La finalidad es ajustar un dise&ntilde;o de trabajo colaborativo que alcance los objetivos de aprendizaje que se persiguen: mejora del aprendizaje individual en contacto con el grupo, desarrollo de competencias transversales de trabajo en equipo y creaci&oacute;n de v&iacute;nculos en la comunidad virtual.</p> <p class="REDUTEXTORESUMEN">La investigaci&oacute;n triangula los resultados de un cuestionario realizado ad hoc, entrevistas con los alumnos del programa y un foro de discusi&oacute;n. El an&aacute;lisis de los datos recabados muestra que los alumnos perciben que el trabajo colaborativo ha mejorado su proceso de aprendizaje y les ha ayudado a desarrollar competencias de trabajo en equipo. Tanto la redacci&oacute;n de acuerdos grupales como la labor de mediaci&oacute;n de la tutora parecen incidir de forma significativa en este resultado.</p><p class="REDUTEXTORESUMEN">&nbsp;</p><p class="REDUTEXTORESUMEN"><strong>ABSTRACT</strong></p><p class="REDUTITULOINGLES"><strong>Collaborative work in e-learning environments and development of generic skills of teamwork: International Cooperation Project Management Master case, CSEU La Salle.</strong></p><p class="REDUTEXTORESUMEN">Collaborative work is presented as strategic in the proposals emerging from the EEES, where its enormous potential for learning specific content and to develop transferable skills are evidenced. This study aims to analyze the results of collaborative work in the case of Masters in Project Management in International Cooperation., contextualized in the Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle. It intends to relate the proposals of drafting of agreements and mediation of the tutor to the development of generic skills related to the ability to work in teams. The aim is to adjust a collaborative work design that reaches the learning objectives intended: improvement of individual learning in contact with the group, development of skills related to the ability to work in teams and engagement with the virtual community.</p> <p class="REDUTEXTORESUMEN">The research triangulates the results of a questionnaire built ad hoc, interviews with students in the program and a discussion forum. The analysis of the data collected shows that students feel that collaborative work has improved the learning process and helped them to develop teamwork skills. Both agreements drafting and the mediation of the tutor seem to have a significant impact on this result.<strong><em>&nbsp;</em></strong></p>

Mohammad H Dezfulian, Danielle M Soulliere, Rajdeep K Dhaliwal et al.

The Arabidopsis thaliana genome encodes several families of polypeptides that are known or predicted to participate in the formation of the SCF-class of E3-ubiquitin ligase complexes. One such gene family encodes the Skp1-like class of polypeptide subunits, where 21 genes have been identified and are known to be expressed in Arabidopsis. Phylogenetic analysis based on deduced polypeptide sequence organizes the family of ASK proteins into 7 clades. The complexity of the ASK gene family, together with the close structural similarity among its members raises the prospect of significant functional redundancy among select paralogs. We have assessed the potential for functional redundancy within the ASK gene family by analyzing an expanded set of criteria that define redundancy with higher resolution. The criteria used include quantitative expression of locus-specific transcripts using qRT-PCR, assessment of the sub-cellular localization of individual ASK:YFP auto-fluorescent fusion proteins expressed in vivo as well as the in planta assessment of individual ASK-F-Box protein interactions using bimolecular fluorescent complementation techniques in combination with confocal imagery in live cells. The results indicate significant functional divergence of steady state transcript abundance and protein-protein interaction specificity involving ASK proteins in a pattern that is poorly predicted by sequence-based phylogeny. The information emerging from this and related studies will prove important for defining the functional intersection of expression, localization and gene product interaction that better predicts the formation of discrete SCF complexes, as a prelude to investigating their molecular mode of action.

Vu Duy Quang, Ngo Van Hien

In this paper, we present a method, which is based on hybrid automata and Real-Time Unified Modeling Language (UML) to analyze and design the control parts of mechatronic systems with input or output events and signals in order to effectively gather their structure and behaviour. We introduce step-by-step analysis and design activities of a controlled mechatronic system such as the specification of its hybrid automaton and realization hypotheses, the identification of object collaborations of this system, the identification of main control capsules, their ports and communication protocols, with their static and dynamic links. These activities are conducted by specializing the iterative life cycle of system development. Then, we indicate important hypotheses, which allow all the identified capsules of this system to make their evolutions. We apply this method to develop an Electro-Hydraulic Governor (EHG) system, which allows the frequency of an electro-hydraulic station to be stabilized.