Combining extensive reading while listening (ERWL) with cooperative learning

In this teaching-oriented project, we propose an extensive reading while listening (ERWL) program in which cooperative learning (CL) tasks are also implemented. We believe that by implementing ERWL combined with CL tasks, teachers can invite their learners to improve all four language skills while simultaneously enhancing their motivation for ERWL. We will first explain the benefits of ERWL and CL for second language (L2) learners and then the rationale for combining these two learning methods. Next, we will present CL tasks designed for students to improve all four language skills while doing ERWL

Combining extensive reading while listening (ERWL) with cooperative learning

In this teaching-oriented project, we propose an extensive reading while listening (ERWL) program in which cooperative learning (CL) tasks are also implemented. We believe that by implementing ERWL combined with CL tasks, teachers can invite their learners to improve all four language skills while simultaneously enhancing their motivation for ERWL. We will first explain the benefits of ERWL and CL for second language (L2) learners and then the rationale for combining these two learning methods. Next, we will present CL tasks designed for students to improve all four language skills while doing ERWL

Whole-genome resequencing shows numerous genes with nonsynonymous SNPs in the Japanese native cattle Kuchinoshima-Ushi

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Because the Japanese native cattle <it>Kuchinoshima-Ushi </it>have been isolated in a small island and their lineage has been intensely protected, it has been assumed to date that numerous and valuable genomic variations are conserved in this cattle breed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In this study, we evaluated genetic features of this breed, including single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) information, by whole-genome sequencing using a Genome Analyzer II. A total of 64.2 Gb of sequence was generated, of which 86% of the obtained reads were successfully mapped to the reference sequence (Btau 4.0) with BWA. On an average, 93% of the genome was covered by the reads and the number of mapped reads corresponded to 15.8-fold coverage across the covered region. From these data, we identified 6.3 million SNPs, of which more than 5.5 million (87%) were found to be new. Out of the SNPs annotated in the bovine sequence assembly, 20,432 were found in protein-coding regions containing 11,713 nonsynonymous SNPs in 4,643 genes. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis using sequence data from 10 genes (more than 10 kbp) showed that <it>Kuchinoshima-Ushi </it>is clearly distinct from European domestic breeds of cattle.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>These results provide a framework for further genetic studies in the <it>Kuchinoshima-Ushi </it>population and research on functions of SNP-containing genes, which would aid in understanding the molecular basis underlying phenotypic variation of economically important traits in cattle and in improving intrinsic defects in domestic cattle breeds.</p

Phylogenetic Relationships of Mitochondrial DNA Cytochrome b Gene in East Asian Ducks

The ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domestica) were domesticated from Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos). While the ducks bred in Japan and European countries are supposed to originate from the ducks in China and Southeast Asian countries, respectively, the molecular phylogeny of these ducks has not been studied. We herein showed the phylogenetic relationship from the nucleotide sequences within the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene of 18 breed ducks. In this phylogenetic relationship, Japanese and Chinese ducks were found to belong to the same clade distinct from the clade containing European and Southeast Asian ducks. This finding demonstrates the heretofore supposed fact that domesticated ducks in China and Southeast Asian countries have been distributed to Japan and European countries, respectively. In addition, this phylogenetic tree revealed that the genetic constitution of Southeast Asian ducks is distinctly different from that of Northeast Asian ducks

Development of high absorption, high durability coatings for solar receivers in CSP plants

In concentrated solar power systems (CSP), solar receivers need to have high light absorption and high durability at elevated temperatures. In this study, we preset high absorption, high durability coatings for solar receivers in CSP plants. Black pigments and TiO2 porous structure were created to enhance optical properties, while the coating film was formed with 3 layers (base layer, absorption layer and top coating) to enhance durability. It is shown that this coating is stable at 850°C after 100 hours of aging, while keeping a solar-weighted absorptance value of 96-97%. This is higher absorptance and higher durability than conventional coatings used for CSP.This research was founded by New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) under the New Energy Venture Business Technology Innovation Program (grant P10020)