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Online learning environments presently accumulate large amounts of log data. Analysis of learning behaviors from these log data is expected to benefit instructors and learners. This study was intended to identify effective measures from e-book materials used at Kyushu University and to employ these measures for analyzing learning behavioral patterns. In an evaluation, students were grouped into four clusters using k-means clustering, and their learning behavioral patterns were analyzed. We examined whether the learning behavioral patterns exhibited relations with the learning outcomes. The results reveal that the learning behavior of "backtrack" style reading exerts a significant positive influence on learning effectiveness, which can aid students to learn more efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines potential designs in the usage of synchronous computer-mediated communication (SCMC) for communicative language learning in learner-centered communication. In this study, we compared four types of SCMC: text-based chat with and without interlocutors' image, video conferencing, and audio conferencing, each supporting of the use of formulaic expressions concerning communication strategies. We investigated the effect of each type of SCMC on four features of language learning: perceived consciousness of social presence; perceived consciousness of language learning in communication; productive performance; and consciousness of learning objectives. The results showed that the interlocutor's image has a main effect for social presence as well as on some aspects of productive performance, and that the use of voice has a significant effect on perceived consciousness of language learning in communication, productive performance and consciousness of learning objectives. In addition, an interaction effect was confirmed on perceived consciousness of social presence and productive performance. It can be said that social presence aids second language communication in learner-centered communication; however, it can inhibit consciousness of learning context and learning objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

D-type cyclins play a pivotal role in G -S progression of the cell cycle, and their expression is frequently deregulated in cancer. Cyclin D1 has a half-life of only ~30 min as a result of its ubiquitylation and proteasomal degradation, with various F-box proteins, including Fbxo4, Fbxw8, Skp2, and Fbxo31, having been found to contribute to its ubiquitylation. We have now generated Fbxo4-deficient mice and found no abnormalities in these animals. Cyclin D1 accumulation was thus not observed in Fbxo4-/- mouse tissues. The half-life of cyclin D1 in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) prepared from Fbxo4-/-, Fbxw8-/-, and Fbxo4-/-; Fbxw8-/- mice also did not differ from that in wild-type MEFs. Additional depletion of Skp2 and Fbxo31 in Fbxo4-/-; Fbxw8-/- MEFs by RNA interference did not affect cyclin D1 stability. Although Fbxo31 depletion in MEFs increased cyclin D1 abundance, this effect appeared attributable to upregulation of cyclin D1 mRNA. Furthermore, abrogation of the function of the Skp1-Cul1-F-box protein (SCF) complex or the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) complexes did not alter the half-life of cyclin D1, whereas cyclin D1 degradation was dependent largely on proteasome activity. Our genetic analyses thus do not support a role for any of the four F-box proteins examined in cyclin D1 degradation during normal cell cycle progression. They suggest the existence of other ubiquitin ligases that target cyclin D1 for proteolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]