Language Change and Value Orientations in Chinese Culture

We contend in this paper that language shapes as well as reflects social reality, thought patterns, and value/belief systems of a culture. We substantiate our claim by closely examining Chinese family value orientations and their relationships with language expressions. The linguistic features and cultural implications of the value orientations are explicated. We further investigate the impact of changes in the use of language on the social reality and thought patterns of Chinese culture. We conclude that language and culture are intertwined. The interplay between language and culture creates infinite discursive possibilities and multi-dimensional and ever changing human experiences. [China Media Research. 2011; 7(3): 56-63

Optimal Power Control Model of Direct Driven PMSG

AbstractIn order to analyze the performances of direct driven PMSG, an optimal power control model which includes maximum power extraction control model under low wind speed and pitch angle control model under high wind speed is established. The concept of the model is analyzed in a 1.5 MW direct drive variable speed permanent magnet synchronous generator (D-PMSG) WECS with back-to-back IGBT frequency converter. Vector control of the generator side rectifier is realized in the grid voltage vector reference frame. Confirmation of models and control schemes is demonstrated by using the EMTDC/PSCAD environment

Efficient and convenient synthesis of symmetrical carboxylic anhydrides from carboxylic acids with sulfated zirconia by phase transfer catalysis

An efficient and convenient procedure for the synthesis of symmetrical carboxylic anhydrides from carboxylic acids with sulfated zirconia by PEG-1000 phase transfer catalysis has been developed. The reactions proceeded under mild and solvent-free conditions to provide the carboxylic anhydrides in good to excellent yields. The product can be isolated by a simple extraction with organic solvent, and the catalyst system can be recycled or reused without any significant loss of catalytic activity.KEY WORDS: Carboxylic anhydrides, Carboxylic acids, SO42-/ZrO2, Phase transfer catalysis Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2011, 25(2), 255-262

Expression of hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen-sulfide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, and their mechanisms of action in amniotic tissues

Purpose: To investigate the expressions of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ - lyase (CSE) and cyclooxygenase - 2 (COX - 2) and their relationships with premature delivery in amniotic tissues.Methods: Parturients were divided into three groups: 40 preterm-labor parturients (PTL group), 28 term-labor parturients (TL group), and 28 term non-labor parturients (TNL group). Changes in expressions of CBS, CSE and COX-2 were determined by Western blot (WB) in amniotic tissues of parturients in the three groups. The expression of COX - 2 was determined after the amniotic tissues of parturients in the TNL group were cultured in vitro and processed by exogenous hydrogen-sulfide (H2S).Results: The expression level of COX - 2 was significantly lower in the TNL group, when compared with the PTL and TL groups (p < 0.05). The  expression of CBS was increased in the order PTL > TL > TNL, with TNL group having the highest level, and there were significant differences in CBS expressions among the three groups (p < 0.05).Conclusion: These results suggest that when the expressions of CBS and CSE are down-regulated, the decreased H2S synthesis promotes the overexpression of COX - 2 by NF - kB signaling pathway, causing increased prostaglandin synthesis which results in premature delivery.Keywords: Cystathionine β - synthase, Cystathionine γ - lyase,  Cyclooxygenase - 2; Amniotic tissues; Preterm labo