bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Innovative assessment of aviation English in a virtual world: Windows into cognitive and metacognitive strategies
Authors: Park Moonyoung 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAviation English proficiency is a core competency in the global air traffic controller profession. There is, however, growing concern about the current ineffective paper-based assessment methods and the severe lack of interactive online testing for such a critical profession, one that should be ideally assessed in an authentic task and situation (Alderson, 2010; Douglas, 2013). The tests, which lack validity and authenticity, cannot capture how knowledge of aviation English communication and strategic competence are used through valid means and, therefore, inevitably fail to predict how test takers actually perform in the target language use situations (Douglas, 2000). In the present study, the researcher examines the potential use of verbal report data produced by test takers interacting in a virtual testing environment. The research seeks to answer two specific questions: (a) What types of strategies are used in the virtual aviation English task performance? and (b) How can the assessed strategies be interpreted in relation to test takers’ performance? The analysis of the test takers’ verbal reports from stimulated recalls indicates that various cognitive, metacognitive, and communication strategies were used while performing the Virtual Interactive Tasks for Aviation English Assessment, and that there is a positive relationship between the total number of cognitive and metacognitive strategies adopted and the test scores. The findings suggest that the use of an immersive interface and simulated tasks in a virtual world could provide language learners with more authentic opportunities to perform the target tasks and promote strategic, as well as linguistic, competence.
Managing multimodal data in virtual world research for language learning
Authors: Palomeque Cristina , Pujolà Joan-Tomàs 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe study of multimodality in communication has attracted the attention of researchers studying online multimodal environments such as virtual worlds. Specifically, 3D virtual worlds have especially attracted the interest of educators and academics due to the multiplicity of verbal channels, which are often comprised of text and voice channels, as well as their 3D graphical interface, allowing for the study of non-verbal modes. This study offers a multilayered transcription method called the Multi-Modal MUVE Method or 3M Method (Palomeque, 2016; Pujolà & Palomeque, 2010) to account for the different modes present in the 3D virtual world of Second Life. This method works at two levels: the macro and the micro level. The macro level is a bird’s-eye view representation of the whole session as it fits into one page. This enables the researcher to grasp the essence of the class and to identify interesting sequences for analysis. The micro level consists of three transcripts to account for the different communication modes as well as the interface activity that occurs in the virtual world of Second Life. This paper will review the challenges when dealing with multimodal analysis in virtual worlds and how the multimodal data were analyzed and interpreted by using a multilayered multimodal method of analysis (3M transcription). Examples will be provided in the study to show how different modes of communication were used by participants in the virtual world of Second Life to create meaning or to avoid communication breakdowns.
Expanding the breadth of Medicare: learning from Australia
Authors: Duckett Stephen 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe design of Australia’s Medicare programme was based on the Canadian scheme, adapted somewhat to take account of differences in the constitutional division of powers in the two countries and differences in history. The key elements are very similar: access to hospital services without charge being the core similarity, universal coverage for necessary medical services, albeit with a variable co-payment in Australia, the other. But there are significant differences between the two countries in health programmes – whether or not they are labelled as ‘Medicare’. This paper discusses four areas where Canada could potentially learn from Australia in a positive way. First, Australia has had a national Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for almost 70 years. Second, there have been hesitant extensions to Australia’s Medicare to address the increasing prevalence of people with chronic conditions – extensions which include some payments for allied health professionals, ‘care coordination’ payments, and exploration of ‘health care homes’. Third, Australia has a much more extensive system of support for older people to live in their homes or to move into supported residential care. Fourth, Australia has gone further in driving efficiency in the hospital sector than has Canada. Finally, the paper examines aspects of the Australian health care system that Canada should avoid, including the very high level of out-of-pocket costs, and the role of private acute inpatient provision.
Suppression of the activity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi by the soil microbiota
Authors: Svenningsen Nanna B , Watts-Williams Stephanie J , Joner Erik J , Battini Fabio , Efthymiou Aikaterini , Cruz-Paredes Carla , Nybroe Ole , Jakobsen Iver 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonise roots of most plants; their extra-radical mycelium (ERM) extends into the soil and acquires nutrients for the plant. The ERM coexists with soil microbial communities and it is unresolved whether these communities stimulate or suppress the ERM activity. This work studied the prevalence of suppressed ERM activity and identified main components behind the suppression. ERM activity was determined by quantifying ERM-mediated P uptake from radioisotope-labelled unsterile soil into plants, and compared to soil physicochemical characteristics and soil microbiome composition. ERM activity varied considerably and was greatly suppressed in 4 of 21 soils. Suppression was mitigated by soil pasteurisation and had a dominating biotic component. AMF-suppressive soils had high abundances of Acidobacteria, and other bacterial taxa being putative fungal antagonists. Suppression was also associated with low soil pH, but this effect was likely indirect, as the relative abundance of, e.g., Acidobacteria decreased after liming. Suppression could not be transferred by adding small amounts of suppressive soil to conducive soil, and thus appeared to involve the common action of several taxa. The presence of AMF antagonists resembles the phenomenon of disease-suppressive soils and implies that ecosystem services of AMF will depend strongly on the specific soil microbiome.
The cytomegalovirus protein US31 induces inflammation through mono-macrophages in systemic lupus erythematosus by promoting NF-κB2 activation
Authors: Guo Gangqiang , Ye Sisi , Xie Shangdan , Ye Lele , Lin Cong , Yang Min , Shi Xinyu , Wang Fangyan , Li Baoqing , Li Ming , Chen Chaosheng , Zhang Lifang , Zhang Huidi , Xue Xiangyang 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIt has been hypothesized that human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection, especially in monocyte and CD34 (+) myeloid cells, acts as a important regulator of immune system to promote inflammation in multiple autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to elucidate the HCMV gene expression profiles in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of SLE patients and demonstrate the effect and mechanism of viral gene associated with SLE in mono-macrophages functions. Using two RNA-Seq techniques in combination with RT-PCR, 11 viral genes mainly associated with latent HCMV infection were identified in the PBMCs of SLE patients. Among these viral genes, US31 with previously unknown function was highly expressed in the PBMCs of SLE patients compared to healthy controls. Analysis of function indicated that US31 expression could induce inflammation in monocyte and macrophage and stimulate macrophage differentiation toward an M1 macrophage phenotype. Screening via protein chips in combination with bioinformatic analysis and consequent detection of mono-macrophages function indicates that the direct interaction between US31 and NF-κB2 contributed the NF-kB2 activation. Consequent analysis indicated US31 directly interacted with NF-κB2, contribute to the polyubiquitination of the phosphorylated p100 and consequent activation of NF-κB2. Taken together, our data uncovered a previously unknown role of the HCMV protein US31 in inducing NF-κB-mediated mono-macrophage inflammation in the pathogenesis and development of SLE. Our findings provide a foundation for the continued investigation of novel therapeutic targets for SLE patients.
Differential effects of reticulophagy and mitophagy on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Pang Lijun , Liu Kai , Liu Daojie , Lv Fudong , Zang Yunjin , Xie Fang , Yin Jiming , Shi Ying , Wang Yanjun , Chen Dexi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAutophagy affects the pathological progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, the precise role of autophagy in NAFLD remains unclear. In this study, we want to identify the role of autophagy including reticulophagy and mitophagy in NAFLD pathogenesis. When HepG2 cells were treated with 400 μM oleic acid (OA), increased reticulophagy was induced 8 h after treatment, which correlated with an anti-apoptotic response as shown by the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, an increase in BCL-2 expression, and the downregulation of OA-induced lipotoxicity. When treated with OA for 24 h, DRAM expression-dependent mitophagy resulted in increased apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Inhibition of reticulophagy aggravated and increased lipotoxicity-induced apoptosis 8 h after treatment; however, the inhibition of mitophagy decreased hepatocyte apoptosis after 24 h of OA treatment. Results from the analysis of patient liver samples showed that autophagic flux increased in patients with mild or severe NAFL. PI3K/AKT phosphorylation was observed only in samples from patients with low-grade steatosis, whereas DRAM expression was increased in samples from patients with high-grade steatosis. Together, our results demonstrate that reticulophagy and mitophagy are independent, sequential events that influence NAFLD progression, which opens new avenues for investigating new therapeutics in NAFLD.
Induced neural stem cell-derived astrocytes modulate complement activation and mediate neuroprotection following closed head injury
Authors: Gao Mou , Dong Qin , Lu Yingzhou , Yao Hui , Zou Mingming , Yang Yang , Zhu Jianwei , Yang Zhijun , Xu Minhui , Xu Ruxiang 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe complement system is a crucial component of immunity, and its activation has critical roles in neuroinflammatory response and cellular damage following closed head injury (CHI). We previously demonstrated that systemically injected induced neural stem cells (iNSCs) could modulate complement activation to ameliorate neuronal apoptosis in mouse CHI models. However, it remains unknown whether iNSC derivatives can regulate complement activation. In the present study, after CHI mouse serum treatment, we found dramatic decreases in the cellular viabilities of differentiated iNSCs. Interestingly, following CHI mouse serum treatment, the death of astrocytes derived from iNSCs which were pre-treated with CHI mouse serum was significantly decreased. Meanwhile, the deposition of C3 (C3d) and C5b-9 in these astrocytes was substantially reduced. Remarkably, we detected increased expression of complement receptor type 1-related protein y (Crry) in these astrocytes. Moreover, these astrocytes could reduce the numbers of apoptotic neurons via Crry expression post-CHI mouse serum treatment. Additionally, intracerebral-transplanted iNSCs, pre-treated with CHI mouse serum, significantly increased the levels of Crry expression in astrocytes to reduce the accumulation of C3d and C9 and the death of neurons in the brains of CHI mice. In summary, iNSCs receiving CHI mouse serum pre-treatment could enhance the expression of Crry in iNSC-derived astrocytes to modulate complement activation and mediate neuroprotection following CHI.
Type IX secretion system PorM and gliding machinery GldM form arches spanning the periplasmic space
Authors: Leone Philippe , Roche Jennifer , Vincent Maxence S. , Tran Quang Hieu , Desmyter Aline , Cascales Eric , Kellenberger Christine , Cambillau Christian , Roussel Alain 
Published: January 2018

AbstractType IX secretion system (T9SS), exclusively present in the Bacteroidetes phylum, has been studied mainly in Flavobacterium johnsoniae and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Among the 18 genes, essential for T9SS function, a group of four, porK-N (P. gingivalis) or gldK-N (F. johnsoniae) belongs to a co-transcribed operon that expresses the T9SS core membrane complex. The central component of this complex, PorM (or GldM), is anchored in the inner membrane by a trans-membrane helix and interacts through the outer membrane PorK-N complex. There is a complete lack of available atomic structures for any component of T9SS, including the PorKLMN complex. Here we report the crystal structure of the GldM and PorM periplasmic domains. Dimeric GldM and PorM, each contain four domains of ~180-Å length that span most of the periplasmic space. These and previously reported results allow us to propose a model of the T9SS core membrane complex as well as its functional behavior.
HTLV-1 Tax plugs and freezes UPF1 helicase leading to nonsense-mediated mRNA decay inhibition
Authors: Fiorini Francesca , Robin Jean-Philippe , Kanaan Joanne , Borowiak Malgorzata , Croquette Vincent , Le Hir Hervé , Jalinot Pierre , Mocquet Vincent 
Published: January 2018

AbstractUp-Frameshift Suppressor 1 Homolog (UPF1) is a key factor for nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), a cellular process that can actively degrade mRNAs. Here, we study NMD inhibition during infection by human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-1) and characterise the influence of the retroviral Tax factor on UPF1 activity. Tax interacts with the central helicase core domain of UPF1 and might plug the RNA channel of UPF1, reducing its affinity for nucleic acids. Furthermore, using a single-molecule approach, we show that the sequential interaction of Tax with a RNA-bound UPF1 freezes UPF1: this latter is less sensitive to the presence of ATP and shows translocation defects, highlighting the importance of this feature for NMD. These mechanistic insights reveal how HTLV-1 hijacks the central component of NMD to ensure expression of its own genome.
The genetic prehistory of the Baltic Sea region
Authors: Mittnik Alissa , Wang Chuan-Chao , Pfrengle Saskia , Daubaras Mantas , Zariņa Gunita , Hallgren Fredrik , Allmäe Raili , Khartanovich Valery , Moiseyev Vyacheslav , Tõrv Mari , Furtwängler Anja , Andrades Valtueña Aida , Feldman Michal , Economou Christos , Oinonen Markku , Vasks Andrejs , Balanovska Elena , Reich David , Jankauskas Rimantas , Haak Wolfgang , Schiffels Stephan , Krause Johannes 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWhile the series of events that shaped the transition between foraging societies and food producers are well described for Central and Southern Europe, genetic evidence from Northern Europe surrounding the Baltic Sea is still sparse. Here, we report genome-wide DNA data from 38 ancient North Europeans ranging from ~9500 to 2200 years before present. Our analysis provides genetic evidence that hunter-gatherers settled Scandinavia via two routes. We reveal that the first Scandinavian farmers derive their ancestry from Anatolia 1000 years earlier than previously demonstrated. The range of Mesolithic Western hunter-gatherers extended to the east of the Baltic Sea, where these populations persisted without gene-flow from Central European farmers during the Early and Middle Neolithic. The arrival of steppe pastoralists in the Late Neolithic introduced a major shift in economy and mediated the spread of a new ancestry associated with the Corded Ware Complex in Northern Europe.
A clean and membrane-free chlor-alkali process with decoupled Cl2 and H2/NaOH production
Authors: Hou Mengyan , Chen Long , Guo Zhaowei , Dong Xiaoli , Wang Yonggang , Xia Yongyao 
Published: January 2018

AbstractExisting chlor-alkali processes generally use asbestos, mercury or fluorine-containing ion-exchange membranes to separate the simultaneous chlorine production on the anode and hydrogen production on the cathode, and form sodium hydroxide in the electrolyte. Here, using the Na+de-intercalation/intercalation of a Na0.44MnO2electrode as a redox mediator, we decouple the chlor-alkali process into two independent steps: a H2production step with the NaOH formation in the electrolyte and a Cl2production step. The first step involves a cathodic H2evolution reaction (H2O → H2) and an anodic Na+de-intercalation reaction (Na0.44MnO2 → Na0.44−xMnO2), during which NaOH is produced in the electrolyte solution. The second step depends on a cathodic Na+intercalation reaction (Na0.44−xMnO2 → Na0.44MnO2) and an anodic Cl2production (Cl → Cl2). The cycle of the two steps provides a membrane-free process, which is potentially a promising direction for developing clean chlor-alkali technology.
Gimap5-dependent inactivation of GSK3β is required for CD4+ T cell homeostasis and prevention of immune pathology
Authors: Patterson Andrew R. , Endale Mehari , Lampe Kristin , Aksoylar Halil I. , Flagg Aron , Woodgett Jim R. , Hildeman David , Jordan Michael B. , Singh Harinder , Kucuk Zeynep , Bleesing Jack , Hoebe Kasper 
Published: January 2018

AbstractGTPase of immunity-associated protein 5 (Gimap5) is linked with lymphocyte survival, autoimmunity, and colitis, but its mechanisms of action are unclear. Here, we show that Gimap5 is essential for the inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) following T cell activation. In the absence of Gimap5, constitutive GSK3β activity constrains c-Myc induction and NFATc1 nuclear import, thereby limiting productive CD4+T cell proliferation. Additionally, Gimap5 facilitates Ser389 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of GSK3β, thereby limiting DNA damage in CD4+T cells. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition and genetic targeting of GSK3β can override Gimap5 deficiency in CD4+T cells and ameliorates immunopathology in mice. Finally, we show that a human patient with aGIMAP5loss-of-function mutation has lymphopenia and impaired T cell proliferation in vitro that can be rescued with GSK3 inhibitors. Given that the expression of Gimap5 is lymphocyte-restricted, we propose that its control of GSK3β is an important checkpoint in lymphocyte proliferation.
Population-Wide Genetic Risk Prediction of Complex Diseases: A Pilot Feasibility Study in Macau Population for Precision Public Healthcare Planning
Authors: Tsui Nancy B. Y. , Cheng Gregory , Chung Teresa , Lam Christopher W. K. , Yee Anita , Chung Peter K. C. , Kwan Tsz-Ki , Ko Elaine , He Daihai , Wong Wing-Tak , Lau Johnson Y. N. , Lau Lok Ting , Fok Manson 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe genetic bases of many common diseases have been identified through genome-wide association studies in the past decade. However, the application of this approach on public healthcare planning has not been well established. Using Macau with population of around 650,000 as a basis, we conducted a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility of population genomic research and its potential on public health decisions. By performing genome-wide SNP genotyping of over a thousand Macau individuals, we evaluated the population genetic risk profiles of 47 non-communicable diseases and traits, as well as two traits associated with influenza infection. We found that for most of the diseases, the genetic risks of Macau population were different from those of Caucasian, but with similar profile with mainland Chinese. We also identified a panel of diseases that Macau population may have a high or elevated genetic risks. This pilot study showed that (1) population genomic study is feasible in Asian regions like Macau; (2) Macau may have different profile of population-based genetic risks than Caucasians, (3) the different prevalence of genetic risk profile indicates the importance of Asian-specific studies for Asian populations; and (4) the results generated may have an impact for going forward healthcare planning.
On the tunneling time of ultracold atoms through a system of two mazer cavities
Authors: Badshah Fazal , Ge Guo-Qin , Irfan Muhammad , Qamar Sajid , Qamar Shahid 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe study the resonant tunneling of ultraslow atoms through a system of high quality microwave cavities. We find that the phase tunneling time across the two coupled cavities exhibits more frequent resonances as compared to the single cavity interaction. The increased resonances are instrumental in the display of an alternate sub and superclassical character of the tunneling time along the momentum axis with increasing energies of the incident slow atoms. Here, the intercavity separation appears as an additional controlling parameter of the system that provides an efficient control of the superclassical behavior of the phase tunneling time. Further, we find that the phase time characteristics through two cavity system has the combined features of the tunneling through a double barrier and a double well arrangements.
A novel human induced pluripotent stem cell blood-brain barrier model: Applicability to study antibody-triggered receptor-mediated transcytosis
Authors: Ribecco-Lutkiewicz Maria , Sodja Caroline , Haukenfrers Julie , Haqqani Arsalan S. , Ly Dao , Zachar Peter , Baumann Ewa , Ball Marguerite , Huang Jez , Rukhlova Marina , Martina Marzia , Liu Qing , Stanimirovic Danica , Jezierski Anna , Bani-Yaghoub Mahmud 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe have developed a renewable, scalable and transgene free human blood-brain barrier model, composed of brain endothelial cells (BECs), generated from human amniotic fluid derived induced pluripotent stem cells (AF-iPSC), which can also give rise to syngeneic neural cells of the neurovascular unit. These AF-iPSC-derived BECs (i-BEC) exhibited high transendothelial electrical resistance (up to 1500 Ω cm2) inducible by astrocyte-derived molecular cues and retinoic acid treatment, polarized expression of functional efflux transporters and receptor mediated transcytosis triggered by antibodies against specific receptors. In vitro human BBB models enable pre-clinical screening of central nervous system (CNS)-targeting drugs and are of particular importance for assessing species-specific/selective transport mechanisms. This i-BEC human BBB model discriminates species-selective antibody- mediated transcytosis mechanisms, is predictive of in vivo CNS exposure of rodent cross-reactive antibodies and can be implemented into pre-clinical CNS drug discovery and development processes.