bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating Student’s Needs for English Language as Foundations for Syllabus Design
Authors: Zela Elsa 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Efforts to integrate into the European Union and a rapid economic growth in Albania have led to the growing prevalence of English language, which has become the leading foreign language for communication between experts not only at the international but also national level, as various business documents, contracts, reports, etc., have been widely used by graduates in the field of economics in their daily work. Thus, English language teaching in universities should reflect these changes that are taking place extensively in Albanian society. New syllabuses should put more emphasis on the new skills that current students of economics need to be integrated into the labour market. Through semistructured questionnaires administered to 420 students of the first year studying Business English at the Faculty of Economics and Agribussines, Agricultural University of Tirana, this study aims at identifying their needs for language and communication for future use either for employment or further education purposes. Program design and course development of Business English needs to respond to future student needs for future employment or study purposes. In general, needs analysis plays a key role and is the first step in the process of drafting each subject in the English Language for Specific Purposes, a course characterized by the student centered approach. The results of this study will serve as input to be taken into account for the design of the Business English course at the Faculty of Economics at AUT. The analysis of the research data has provided teachers insights into business English teaching related issues and an essential input in BE syllabus design.
The Equity Effects of Property Tax Caps: Evidence from Florida
Authors: Beal Mary , Borg Mary O. , Stranahan Harriet 
Published: June 2018

AbstractOver the last decade Florida property owners have saved billions of dollars in taxes due to a 1995 assessment cap initiative which reduced homeowner’s tax burdens. Florida is not alone in passing assessment caps, 20 other states have passed similar property tax reductions. Proponents of Florida’s initiative said the measure would protect the elderly, many of whom live on fixed incomes in retirement, from property tax inflation. This research examines the vertical and horizontal equity effects of assessment caps. Using data from a large MSA in Florida, the results provide new evidence on which groups of homeowners are more likely to benefit from these types of initiatives.
Preparedness of companies for digital transformation and creating a competitive advantage in the age of Industry 4.0
Authors: Adamik Anna , Nowicki Michał 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
One of the biggest challenges that organizations are facing today is finding the proper way to shape competitive advantages in the age of Industry 4.0. This digital revolution forces companies to face specific challenges. The main purpose of this paper is to identify key requirements for the creation of a competitive advantage in the age of Industry 4.0 [CA. 4.0] The second purpose is to evaluate the level of organizations' preparedness for Digital Transformation [DX]. Studies based on a literature review describe requirements for organizations functioning in the age of Industry 4.0, especially in the area of DX and exploitation of Virtualization [V&DX].
The Influence of Adolescence on Parents’ Perspectives of Testing and Discussing Inherited Cancer Predisposition
Authors: Schultz Corinna L , Alderfer Melissa A. , Lindell Robert B. , McClain Zachary , Zelley Kristin , Nichols Kim E. , Ford Carol A. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractLi‐Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a highly penetrant cancer predisposition syndrome that may present with a first cancer before or during adolescence/young adulthood. Families offered LFS genetic testing for their children can inform our understanding of how the unique developmental context of adolescence influences parental perspectives about genetic testing and discussions of cancer risk. In this study, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 46 parents of children at risk for LFS to capture those perspectives. Analysis utilized summary descriptive statistics and inductive qualitative content coding. Most parents (33/46; 72%) expressed beliefs that adolescence influences the importance of LFS testing and/or discussions about genetic risk. Twenty‐six parents related this influence to cognitive, physical, and social changes occurring during adolescence. Aspects of adolescence perceived as promoting LFS testing/discussion included developmental appropriateness, risks of cancer in adolescence, need for medical screening decisions, influence on behaviors, transition to adult health care, and reproductive risks. Aspects of adolescence perceived as complicating LFS testing/discussions included potential negative emotional impact, misunderstanding, added burden, and negative impact on self‐image or future planning. Parents recognize the complex influence that adolescence has on LFS testing and conversations surrounding results. Further research is needed to understand the actual impact of genetic testing on young people, and how to best support parents and adolescents within the broader context of heritable diseases.
Macrophages in patients with recurrent endometrial polyps could exacerbate Th17 responses
Authors: Zhu Yali , Liu Zhihong , Du Miaomiao , Yi Lisha , Gong Guifang , Tang Xiang 
Published: June 2018

SummaryEndometrial polyps (EPs) are outgrowths in the endometrium with unknown etiology. The fact that EPs can often recur after surgical removal suggests that EPs are not induced by random events but by continuous or recurrent processes in patients. We previously demonstrated that the risk of EP development was positively associated with overactive Th17 responses. However, the requirements of Th17 upregulation are yet unclear. Here, we recruited 26 women with symptomatic EP and 24 without EP, and peripheral mononuclear cells were harvested for the examination of circulating immunity. Compared to controls without EP, the patients with symptomatic EP presented significantly elevated levels of monocyte activation. The circulating monocytes from patients secreted higher levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐23 directly ex vivo and with LPS stimulation. In memory CD4+ T cells, monocytes were not required for IL‐17 expression, but the presence of activated monocytes significantly increased the secretion of IL‐17. In naive CD4+ T cells, activated monocytes were required for significant IL‐17 secretion and RORC transcription. Interestingly, the monocytes from EP individuals were significantly more potent in promoting Th17 differentiation from naive CD4+ T cells than the monocytes from controls. Furthermore, we showed that monocyte‐mediated Th17 differentiation required the secretion of TNF, IL‐1β and IL‐6. Together, this study demonstrated activated monocytes supported Th17 inflammation in patients with EP.
Effects of type I interferons in malaria
Authors: Sebina Ismail , Haque Ashraful 
Published: June 2018

SummaryType I interferons (IFNs) are a family of cytokines with a wide range of biological activities including anti‐viral and immune‐regulatory functions. Here, we focus on the protozoan parasitic disease malaria, and examine the effects of type I IFN‐signalling during Plasmodium infection of humans and experimental mice. Since the 1960s, there have been many studies in this area, but a simple explanation for the role of type I IFN has not emerged. Although epidemiological data are consistent with roles for type I IFN in influencing malaria disease severity, functional proof of this remains sparse in humans. Several different rodent‐infective Plasmodium species have been employed in in vivo studies of parasite‐sensing, experimental cerebral malaria, lethal malaria, liver‐stage infection, and adaptive T‐cell and B‐cell immunity. A range of different outcomes in these studies suggests a delicately balanced, multi‐faceted and highly complex role for type I IFN‐signalling in malaria. This is perhaps unsurprising given the multiple parasite‐sensing pathways that can trigger type I IFN production, the multiple isoforms of IFN‐α/β that can be produced by both immune and non‐immune cells, the differential effects of acute versus chronic type I IFN production, the role of low level ‘tonic’ type I IFN‐signalling, and that signalling can occur via homodimeric IFNAR1 or heterodimeric IFNAR1/2 receptors. Nevertheless, the data indicate that type I IFN‐signalling controls parasite numbers during liver‐stage infection, and depending on host–parasite genetics, can be either detrimental or beneficial to the host during blood‐stage infection. Furthermore, type I IFN can promote cytotoxic T lymphocyte immune pathology and hinder CD4+ T helper cell‐dependent immunity during blood‐stage infection. Hence, type I IFN‐signalling plays highly context‐dependent roles in malaria, which can be beneficial or detrimental to the host.
Influence of suturing technique on wound healing and patient morbidity after connective tissue harvesting. A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Maino Giovanni N. E. , Valles Cristina , Santos Antonio , Pascual Andres , Esquinas Cristina , Nart José 
Published: June 2018

AbstractObjectivesThe aims of this randomized clinical trial were to investigate the influence of the suturing technique and the thickness of the pre‐ and postoperative palatal and flap mucosa on the early healing of the palate after harvesting a connective tissue graft. Furthermore, patient pain perception was evaluated.Material and methodsA subepithelial connective tissue graft was obtained from the palate with a single horizontal incision technique. Patients were randomly assigned to continuous interlocking suture group or criss‐cross suture group. The thickness of the palatal mucosa and residual palatal flap was measured; however, these variables were not randomized. One week postoperatively, the donor site wound healing was recorded by the modified rate of early healing index (EHI). Patient's pain perception was assessed by a visual analogue scale.ResultsThirty‐six patients were evaluated. No statistically significant differences were found between suturing technique and wound healing (p = 0.215). Statistically significant differences were found between postoperative flap thickness and EHI at 1, 3 and 6 mm from the incision line (p < 0.001). Negative correlations reaching statistical significance were found between the number of days of discomfort and residual flap thickness measured at 1, 3 and 6 mm.ConclusionsNo association between the suture technique and the EHI was observed. Moreover, postoperative palatal flap thickness was associated with early wound healing of the donor site. Finally, the greater the postoperative palatal flap thickness, the less intensity of the pain perceived by patients.
A novel PTCH1 mutation underlies nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate in a Han Chinese family
Authors: Zhao Huaxiang , Zhong Wenjie , Leng Chuntao , Zhang Jieni , Zhang Mengqi , Huang Wenbin , Zhang Yunfan , Li Weiran , Jia Peizeng , Lin Jiuxiang , Maimaitili Gulibaha , Chen Feng 
Published: June 2018

AbstractObjectivesCleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) is the most common craniofacial congenital disease, and it has a complex aetiology. This study aimed to identify the causative gene mutation of a Han Chinese family with CL/P.Subjects and MethodsWhole exome sequencing was conducted on the proband and her mother, who exhibited the same phenotype. A Mendelian dominant inheritance model, allele frequency, mutation regions, functional prediction and literature review were used to screen and filter the variants. The candidate was validated by Sanger sequencing. Conservation analysis and homology modelling were conducted.ResultsA heterozygous missense mutation c.1175C>T in the PTCH1 gene predicting p.Ala392Val was identified. This variant has not been reported and was predicted to be deleterious. Sanger sequencing verified the variant and the dominant inheritance model in the family. The missense alteration affects an amino acid that is evolutionarily conserved in the first extracellular loop of the PTCH1 protein. The local structure of the mutant protein was significantly altered according to homology modelling.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that c.1175C>T in PTCH1 (NM_000264) may be the causative mutation of this pedigree. Our results add to the evidence that PTCH1 variants play a role in the pathogenesis of orofacial clefts.
„Leben mit einer Dünndruckausgabe?“
Authors: Amslinger Tobias 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe article deals with the edition of the collected works of Max Frisch, published in 1976 by the German Suhrkamp Verlag (Gesammelte Werke in zeitlicher Folge). Frisch was afraid of becoming a “classic” and therefore tried to portray his work as the writing of a contemporary. Nevertheless, Max Frisch took his place among the classical authors of the 20th century. A glance into the archive dissolves the stability of the work unit and shows Frisch's writing as being in a process of constant change.
Microwave irradiation and catalysis in organophosphorus reactions
Authors: Keglevich György , Kiss Nóra Zsuzsa , Henyecz Réka , Mucsi Zoltán 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
The usual advantage of microwave (MW) assistance is making organic reactions faster and more efficient. In this article we present reaction types from organophosphorus chemistry, when MW-assisted transformations (e.g. the direct esterification and alkylating esterification of phosphinic acids) may be promoted by suitable catalysts, or vice versa, when a catalytic reaction is enhanced by MW irradiation (e.g. the Arbuzov reaction of aryl halides), and when catalysts may be omitted or simplified under MW irradiation as shown by the alkylation of active methylene containing P=O substrates/the Kabachnik–Fields reaction/deoxygenation of phosphine oxides, and the Hirao reaction, respectively.
A CHECKLIST OF FREE-LIVING MARINE NEMATODES AT DIFFERENT ECOSYSTEM IN NORTHERN STRAITS OF MALACCA, MALAYSIA
Authors: Samad Shakila , Mohammad Mahadi , Salleh Sazlina , Darif Aqilah 
Published: June 2018

Nematodes present in all substrates and sediment types with an enormous number of species. The studies on free-living marine nematodes are still limited in Malaysia. The present study provides general information on genus checklist of free-living marine nematodes in the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia in a different ecosystem which are intertidal zones of estuarine, sandy beach and mangrove ecosystems. Samples were randomly collected at three stations in each ecosystem. A total of 34 genera (22 families and ten suborders) were recorded in three ecosystems. Each ecosystem had common genera which also commonly found worldwide. Viscosia genus was observed in all three ecosystems. The nematode genera of Estuary and mangrove ecosystems had greater similarities than those in the sandy beach.
Toxic Effects and Depuration on the Antioxidant and Neurotransmitter Responses after Dietary Lead Exposure in Starry Flounder
Authors: Park Hee-Ju , Hwang In-Ki , Kim Kyeong-Wook , Kim Jun-Hwan , Kang Ju-Chan 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Starry Flounder Platichthys stellatus were exposed to dietary lead (Pb) at concentrations of 0, 30, 60, 120, and 240 mg/kg for 4 weeks. Recover period was conducted for 2 weeks after the exposure. Exposure to Pb concentrations over 60 mg/kg induced significant changes in the antioxidant responses in the liver, kidney, and gill and continued even after the depuration period in the liver (over 120 mg/kg for superoxide dismutase [SOD] activity) and kidney (at 240 mg/kg for glutathione [GSH] levels). Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in liver, kidney, and gill were increased by dietary Pb exposure, and recovery was observed in all groups during the recovery period. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was significantly inhibited in the brain and muscle of flounder at Pb exposure over 120 mg/kg, and no restoration was observed after the depuration period. Lysozyme activity in the plasma was significantly increased at Pb exposures greater than 60 mg kg but was restored after the depuration period. The results of this study indicate that dietary Pb exposure induces toxic effects on antioxidant responses, neurotransmitter, and immune responses of Starry Flounder.
Chemical Composition and Activity of Essential Oils of Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A.DC. Cultivated in Tunisia and Its Anatomical Features
Authors: Souilem Fedia , El Ayeb Asma , Djlassi Brahim , Ayari Olfa , Chiboub Wiem , Arbi Faten , Ascrizzi Roberta , Flamini Guido , Harzallah‐Skhiri Fethia 
Published: June 2018

This is the first study investigating the chemical composition of essential oils (EOs) isolated from different tissues of Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A.DC., their antimicrobial activity and the anatomical characters of the aerial organs and the fruits. The main EO components were pentadecanal and tetradecan‐1‐ol (31.9 and 16.5% in fresh leaf EO, respectively), (E)‐nerolidol and caryophyllene oxide (27.3 and 15.0% in fruit EO, respectively), linalool and hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (30.9 and 24.9% in stem EO, respectively), benzyl benzoate (24.3% in flower EO). The fruit EO was more active against Candida albicans (MIC = 0.46 mg/mL) compared to the reference antibiotic (17.66 mg/mL). Furthermore, at this concentration it inhibited all the Gram‐positive bacteria. Concerning the anatomical features, it is noteworthy to mention the presence of a large cluster of calcium oxalate crystals inside some parenchymatous cells. Large ducts corresponding to non articulated laticifers were identified in the cortex of leaf, stem and fruit pericarp. The laticifers categories and their distribution are taxonomically important to discriminate this species from others acclimated in different countries. Considering the obtained results, EOs of C. macrocarpa can be a good source of antimicrobial compounds, contributing to solve the problem of microbial resistance to antibiotics.
Juniperus phoenicea var. turbinata (Guss.) Parl. Leaf Essential Oil Variability in the Balkans
Authors: Rajčević Nemanja F. , Labus Marina G. , Dodoš Tanja Z. , Novaković Jelica J. , Marin Petar D. 
Published: June 2018

In the present work, the leaf essential oil from 97 individuals of Juniperus phoenicea var. turbinata (Guss.) Parl. from the Balkan Peninsula was analyzed. The essential oil was dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons (45.5 – 71.8%), of which α‐pinene was the most abundant in almost all of the samples (38.2 – 55.8%). Several other monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes were also present in relatively high abundances in samples such as myrcene, δ‐3‐carene, β‐phellandrene, α‐terpinyl acetate, (E)‐caryophyllene and germacrene D. Multivariate statistical analysis suggested the existence of three possible chemotypes based on the abundance of the four components. Even though the intrapopulation variability was high, discriminant analysis (DA) was able to separate populations. DA showed high separation between western and eastern populations but also grouped geographically closer populations along the west Balkan shoreline. The potential influence of the climate on the composition of the essential oil was also studied.
Lipopolysaccharide induced the proliferation of mouse lung fibroblasts by suppressing FoxO3a/p27 pathway
Authors: Gu Nannan , Xing Shunpeng , Chen Sihan , Zhou Yuxi , Jiang Tao , Jiao Yingfu , Gao Yuan , Yu Weifeng , He Zhengyu , Wen Daxiang 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAberrant aggregation and activation of lung fibroblasts is a key process in pulmonary fibrosis, but the underlying mechanism remains enigmatic. Forkhead Box O3a (FoxO3a) is considered to be an important transcription factor that could regulate both cell cycle and cell viability. To investigate the role of FoxO3a on LPS‐induced lung fibroblast proliferation, we transfected FoxO3a‐SiRNA or FoxO3a‐OE lentivirus into cultured mouse lung fibroblasts to knockdown or overexpress FoxO3a and pretreated mouse lung fibroblasts with gefitinib to enhance FoxO3a activity. The proliferation of lung fibroblasts was evaluated by CCK8 assay, the expression of FoxO3a, phosphorylated FoxO3a (p‐FoxO3a) and p27 were measured by Western blot. We found that the proliferation of mouse lung fibroblasts mediated by LPS is accompanied by the inactivation of FoxO3a. The knockdown of FoxO3a could further decreased the expression of p27 mediated by LPS, while the overexpression of FoxO3a significantly increased the expression of p27 and suppressed LPS‐induced lung fibroblast proliferation. Upon treating fibroblasts with gefitinib, the phosphorylation of FoxO3a was reduced and FoxO3a translocated into the nucleus, the expression of p27 was significantly increased and the proliferation of lung fibroblasts mediated by LPS could also be inhibited effectively. The results indicate that overexpression and reduced phosphatase activity of FoxO3a inhibit LPS‐induced lung fibroblast proliferation through the activation of FoxO3a/p27 signaling pathways. Thus, to enhance FoxO3a activity could be a potential therapeutic target for LPS‐induced pulmonary fibrosis.
Changes of spin axis and rate of the asteroid (99942) Apophis during the 2029 close encounter with Earth: A constrained model
Authors: Souchay J. , Lhotka C. , Heron G. , Hervé Y. , Puente V. , Folgueira Lopez M. 
Published: June 2018

Context. The dramatic event of the 2029 close encounter between the Earth and the asteroid Apophis on April 13 2029 at a minimum distance of 38 400 km constitutes an opportunity to make investigations about the modeling of the rotational changes of the asteroid during the event.
Aims. In this paper we deepen a previous study of the rotational changes of Apophis caused by gravitational effects during the close encounter, using important constraints on initial conditions brought by new recent observational data. We also evaluate the effects of the triaxial form of the asteroid on the motion of its axis of rotation in space, as well as the modifications of the spin rate due to tidal deformation.
Methods. First we used more drastic constraints for the physical and geometrical parameters of Apophis, deduced from recent observational campaigns. Second we evaluated the disturbing potential due to the Earth depending not only on the asteroid flattening, but also on the component due to its triaxiality, to deduce the equations of motion and investigate the displacement of the spin axis. Third we estimated what should be the zonal deformation of the asteroid due to the tide exerted by the Earth during the close encounter and we measured the consequences on variations of the spin rate.
Results. We show that the variations of obliquity and precession in longitude of Apophis during the 2029 close encounter can reach very large values, at the level of of respectiveley 1–10° and 10–40° depending on geometrical parameters. On the contrary, effects on the spin rate should be relatively small, leading to variations of the sidereal angle of rotation not exceeding 30 s.
Conclusions. The tribute of this paper is to give a constrained model of the important rotational variations of Apophis during its 2029 close encounter with the Earth.