bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of Grief Education in Accredited Counseling Programs: Recommendations for Counselor Education
Authors: Hill Jane E. , Cicchetti Richard J. , Jackson Shelley A. , Szirony Gary
Published: May 2020

As grief can be considered a critical life event, unresolved grief can interfere with quality of life, affecting lifestyle, behavior, emotional strength, and cognitive function. Unresolved grief can even result in suicidal ideation. Counselors can and often do work with grief issues in clients and can promote positive outcomes for grieving clients by addressing personal loss and helping clients process grief related issues. This study was based on an analysis of students within counseling programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs based on earlier research conducted by one of the authors. Self-perception of competency in counseling clients who are having grief-related issues from loss was assessed using the Grief Counseling Competency Scale. By analyzing results of the Grief Counseling Competency Scale, participants showed a need for further training in grief counseling skills and theory. Results and implications of the quantitative analysis as well as suggestions for further study are discussed.
Trajectories of University of Ibadan Undergraduates’ Exposure to Cyber Pornography
Authors: Adebayo Haleemah B , Ojedokun Usman A.
Published: May 2020

Cyber pornography is fast gaining ground in the Nigerian cyber environment with undergraduate students among its major consumers. Against this background, this study investigated the trajectories of University of Ibadan undergraduates’ exposure to cyber pornography. Containment theory was used as a theoretical framework. Data were collected from 250 respondents through surveys and in-depth interviews. Respondents’ selection was achieved through a multistage sampling technique. Findings revealed that browsing for academic materials (37.0%) and Internet surfing (35.0%) were the major online activities predisposing respondents to cyber pornography. The majority of the respondents (78.3%) identified sex videos and nude pictures as the most commonly encountered cyber pornographic materials. Increased sexual urge was the major effect that most of the respondents (39%) attributed to cyber pornography. Undergraduate students need to be constantly counseled by relevant stakeholders on the danger and negative consequences associated with cyber pornography.
The Role of Prenatal Care and Systematic HIV Testing in Preventing Perinatal Transmission in Tanzania, 2011-2012
Authors: Bianda Nkembi Lydie , Tschida Patrick A , Margaritis Vasileios
Published: May 2020

In 2012, the prevalence of HIV infection among Tanzanian women was 6.3%, and 18% of Tanzanian children were born infected with HIV. The purpose of this study was to determine the importance of prenatal care attendance on comprehensive knowledge of HIV mother-to-child transmission (MTCT), HIV testing and counseling, and awareness of HIV testing coverage services in Tanzania. The study population was Tanzanian women of childbearing. Guided by the health belief model, this cross-sectional survey design used secondary data from the 2011–2012 Tanzania Demographic Health Survey. Factors of interest were comprehensive knowledge of HIV MTCT, HIV testing and counseling, and awareness of HIV testing coverage services; the outcome was prenatal care visit (PNCV) attendance. Findings showed that 69% of women had their first PNCV in the second trimester, meaning fewer than four visits. Multinomial logistic regression modeling assessed the association between factors of interest and outcome. Findings denoted that the factors of interest after controlling for married versus never married, maternal age, and wealth were associated with PNCV. These findings have positive social change implications by informing efforts to identify at-risk pregnant women through systematic HIV testing and counseling for early medical intervention and encourage them to start their PNCVs as scheduled.
Neighborhood-Level Predictors of Obesity Among African American Children in California
Authors: Onyeka Uche
Published: May 2020

The increased prevalence of childhood obesity is a major public health concern nationally and globally. Childhood obesity is primarily caused by the imbalance between caloric intake and caloric expenditure; however, its increase over the past decades may be due to environmental and behavioral factors. The purpose of the current study was to examine if any relationships existed between childhood obesity, level of physical activity, and neighborhood-level risk factors. This study used the California Health Interview Survey 2009–2014 data sets for African American children aged 5–11 years (n = 1,049). The dependent variable was body mass index (BMI) while the predictors included physical activity, neighborhood, walkability, support, safety, and the presence of parks. Potential confounds were gender and parental education level. Chi-square tests were used to evaluate the associations between BMI and age, educational attainment, neighborhood walkability, physical activity, built environment, neighborhood support, and neighborhood safety. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between BMI and physical activity; parental educational level; presence of parks, playground, or open spaces; neighborhood walkability; neighborhood safety; neighborhood support; and gender while adjusting for other known risk factors. Low physical activity levels were a significant risk factor for increased obesity. No associations were discovered between childhood obesity and neighborhood safety; parental educational level; presence of parks, playgrounds, or open spaces; neighborhood walkability; neighborhood safety; neighborhood support; and gender. This study reinforces the relationship between environmental policy and physical activity.
Assessing the Relational Nature of Child Physical Abuse and Neglect Among 12-Year-Old Girls
Authors: Dale Corrine Ann
Published: May 2020

Child maltreatment is a historical and current problem in the United States. Children are exposed to physical abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse in alarming numbers. In 2014, state agencies found an estimated 702,000 victims of child maltreatment. With two thirds of this group representing child neglect victims, research studies and effective interventions are needed for this group in particular. This study examined the relational nature of child neglect versus child physical abuse. The sample population consisted of 68 girls aged 12 years old at the Midwest site of the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect research project. The secondary analysis was completed with descriptive, correlational, and multiple regression analyses. The results of the analysis revealed the mother–child relationship was significantly related to the presence of neglect and was significantly related to the presence of physical abuse. Peer relationships were not found to be significantly related to the presence of neglect or physical abuse. In the multiple-regression analysis, child neglect versus child physical abuse was more predictive of a negative mother–child relationship. Of note, the outcomes of the study lead to a better understanding of the need for relational interventions in treating victims of child abuse and neglect, as well as the relational nature of abuse and neglect demand interventions that focus on the victim and the caregiver/perpetrator. Such interventions can only result in socially and emotionally connected individuals, improving the functioning of the adolescent and the future adult.
Locus of Control and Health Promotion for Marginalized Populations
Authors: Stephenson-Hunter Cara , Dardeck Kathryn L
Published: May 2020

Socioeconomic health disparities in the United States have remained largely unchanged for decades. This remains the case even for preventable illness and disease. Current health behavior theories and interventions rely on the perception of control over one’s fate to achieve desired behavior. In low-income and other marginalized populations, however, hopelessness and the perception of having limited control may make interventions less effective. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the role of the locus of control (LOC) as defined by the degree to which one believes outcomes are determined by external forces such as chance or authority figures as an adaptive response to poverty. Using cross-sectional survey methodology, 136 U.S. adult participants were recruited through snowball sampling to anonymously complete measures of the Multidimensional Locus of Control, the Health Promoting Lifestyles II, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, and a demographic questionnaire. Hierarchical regression and bivariate analyses were used to test the hypotheses. Study results found that chance LOC mediated the relationship between socioeconomics and health lifestyles, while it was as associated with less healthy lifestyle choices than external authority figures (powerful others). Internal LOC was not found to provide any psychological protection from anxiety and depression for low socioeconomic populations. Recommendations included the need for additional studies to understand the role of LOC as it relates to health beliefs, behavior, and psychological well-being of marginalized populations.
Social Media Utilization for Policing and Crime Prevention in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Peters Sunmisola Eniola , Ojedokun Usman Adekunle
Published: May 2020

The benefits embedded in the use of social media for policing and law enforcement are increasingly becoming recognized globally. Despite the growing popularity of social media in Nigeria, empirical information on the disposition of police personnel toward their adoption for policing and crime investigation are generally scarce. Therefore, this study investigated the use of social media for policing and crime prevention among 122 police officers serving at the headquarters of the Lagos State Police Command. The research design was descriptive and cross-sectional. Survey questionnaire and key informant interview methods were employed for data collection. Results indicated that respondents were generally positively disposed toward the adoption of social media for policing and crime prevention (c2 =13.68; p > .05). Although social media platforms were being used for different police duties, 47.0% of the respondents identified intelligence gathering as the major purpose for which they were being used. The majority of the officers (77.2%) claimed that they had not been exposed to any form of training regarding social media usage for policing. It is pertinent for the Nigeria Police Force to professionally train its officers on the use of social media platforms for policing and law enforcement.
Health Behaviors in the Service Sector: Substance Use Among Restaurant Employees
Authors: Shigihara Amanda Michiko
Published: May 2020

Restaurant workers in the United States exhibit high levels of alcohol and drug use. However, there is a scant amount of qualitative research uncovering how and why restaurant employees use and abuse legal and illegal substances. Examining restaurant workers’ self-reported risky health behaviors is important for improving employee and occupational quality of life. The purpose of this article is to investigate the health behaviors of restaurant workers and pathways to such outcomes. Specifically, this article explores the question of what social conditions and processes within restaurants relate to employee adverse health behaviors. Drawing on qualitative data collected between 2009 and 2014, this article focuses on a case study of restaurant employees, detailing their substance use and the ways in which they discuss and talk about taking health risks. An analysis of 52 in-depth, semistructured interviews with restaurant workers broadens the theoretical explanation for deviant health behaviors in the service sector. Results indicate that workplace characteristics—such as occupational socialization, norms and values, job stress and coping mechanisms, social networks and friendships, and personnel policies—permit and encourage substance use and risky health behaviors. Research implications include underscoring service industry adverse health behaviors and recommendations for positive social change in terms of personal, social, and job-related well-being.
Student Teachers and Mental Health: A Qualitative Study on Students’ Experiences Living With a Mental Health Condition
Authors: Kratt Diane , Houdyshell Michael
Published: May 2020

Reports of college students living with mental health conditions are common, and the understanding of their connection to academic success is increasing. University campuses strive to meet the psychological needs of their students with a variety of institutionalized practices. However, a question can be raised about how much individual faculty members and colleges know about their specific students’ mental health needs and whether there are ways to assist those students at that level. This is a case study on a group of 17 student teachers in the College of Education at a university in the Southern United States who self-reported that they were living with symptoms of a mental health condition. Through individual interviews, the researchers asked student teachers to describe their symptoms and explain their perceptions of how they alleviate the symptoms to manage their life as a college student. Results of the study were reported thematically and categorized as (a) an increase in negative thoughts and behaviors, (b) absence of positive traits and abilities, and (c) self-identified coping strategies and external support. Discussion and recommendations regarding the findings are included.
Different Caregiver, Different Collaboration
Authors: Rønn-Smidt Helle , Shim Janet K , Fitzsimmons Amber , Larsen Kristian , Pallesen Hanne
Published: May 2020

The quality of the collaboration between health professionals and caregivers is of great significance to outcome and recovery. Severe brain injuries after a stroke can leave patients unable to communicate their needs and wishes with health professionals, in which case the role of the caregiver(s) becomes even more important. This position is highly differentiated, and there are substantial variations in how caregivers participate in the collaboration. Using the Bourdieusian concept of cultural health capital, we aimed to develop a broader understanding of the role played by the patient’s caregiver and how inequality is produced in the encounter with professionals. This qualitative study was conducted from 2014 to 2018. We observed the meetings and interactions between caregivers and health professionals during patients’ neurorehabilitation after a stroke, and we interviewed caregivers and health professionals on their experiences during this period. Constructing three different caregiver types—the proactive, the persistent, and the deferential—we discovered different ways of interacting and different attitudes related to cultural health capital, which provided the caregiver with more or fewer opportunities to participate in a dialogue and negotiation on behalf of the patient.
The Social, Economic, and Public Health Consequences of Global Population Aging: Implications for Social Work Practice and Public Policy
Authors: Kaplan Mitchell A. , Inguanzo Marian M.
Published: May 2020

Human populations around the world are growing older at the most astounding rate in the history of humanity. Advances in technology are enabling health care providers to deliver the latest innovations in treatment and prevention services to a broader spectrum of adult populations across the lifespan making longevity increasingly more commonplace rather than the exception to the rule in most of the industrialized world. This article provides an overview of the key social, economic, and public health costs and consequences that aging populations will exact upon international communities in the years ahead. It also examines the most significant social challenges that global societies will face regarding their ability to develop and implement social policies and service programs that can effectively respond to the changing needs of their adult citizens who are growing older.
The Influence of Educational Attainment on Teenage Pregnancy in Low-Income Countries: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Mohr Rebekah , Carbajal Jose , Sharma Bonita B.
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study is to review the association between education and teenage pregnancy in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Teenage pregnancy deters women from achieving educational goals and from maximizing their human capital. This study was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Nine out of 4,980 articles scanned met the inclusion criteria for analysis, from 2008 to 2018. The results show reaching higher levels of education deters from teenage pregnancy in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Therefore, social work policies and programs should target access to education and school retention as a deterrence to teenage pregnancy.
Using Simulated Instruction to Prepare Students to Engage in Culturally Competent Practice
Authors: Colvin Alex D. , Saleh Mahasin , Ricks Nila , Rosa-Davila Emarely
Published: May 2020

Developing and training students to understand issues of diversity, including the development of a culturally competent social work identity, has long been a challenge for schools of social work. Nevertheless, preparing students to engage with diverse populations is paramount. Simulated learning is an effective pedagogy to enhance and broaden students’ understanding in regard to engaging with diverse populations. This article examines the use of human simulation instruction activities to prepare students to engage in culturally competent practice. More specifically, in this article, the constructs of the cultural competence practice model of Campinha–Bacote (2002) will be examined for practical application in social work education.
Congenital dysfibrinogenemia as a rare cause
of recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Lebowa Weronika , Kenig Jakub , Zdziarska Joanna
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Gastrointestinal bleeding is a common disease that surgeons encounter in everyday clinical practice. It is most often easy to diagnose and treat. However, rare causes of bleeding can lead to delayed diagnosis and ineffective treatment. Dysfibrinogenemia is a qualitative fibrinogen disorder in which functional fibrinogen level is reduced with normal antigenic level.
 Case report: Herein we present the case of a 59-year-old female with recurrent gastrointestinal bleeds, that turned out to be an unusual manifestation of congenital dysfibrinogenemia. Detailed imaging and endoscopic diagnostics revealed portal hypertension with a non-bleeding 1-cm gastrointestinal stromal tumor and multiple angiodysplastic lesions in close proximity.
The effect of insemination methods on in vitro maturation outcomes
Authors: Pongsuthirak Pallop
Published: May 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of conventional insemination (in vitro fertilization [IVF]) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) on the fertilization, developmental competence, implantation potential, and clinical pregnancy rate of embryos derived from in vitro matured oocytes of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Methods: A prospective study was carried out among 38 PCOS patients who had undergone in vitro maturation (IVM) treatment. In total, 828 immature oocytes were collected from 42 cycles and randomly assigned for insemination by IVF (416 oocytes) or ICSI (412 oocytes). After fertilization, the embryos were cultured until the blastocyst stage and single embryos were transferred after endometrial preparation and under ultrasound guidance.Results: No significant differences were found in the maturation rate (78.1% vs. 72.6% for IVF and ICSI insemination, respectively; p= 0.076), fertilization rate (59.4% vs. 66.9% for IVF and ICSI insemination, respectively; p= 0.063), or the formation of good-quality blastocysts (40.9% vs. 46.5% for IVF and ICSI insemination, respectively; p= 0.314). Implantation and clinical pregnancy also did not show significant differences.Conclusion: There was a comparable yield of in vitro matured oocytes derived from PCOS patients in terms of fertilization, blastocyst formation, implantation rate, and clinical pregnancy between IVF and ICSI insemination. These findings provide valuable insights for choosing assisted reproductive treatment in women with PCOS, as IVM offers promising outcomes and is less invasive and less costly.
Changes of Granite Rapakivi under the Biofouling Influence
Authors: Yu. Vlasov Dmitry , G. Panova Elena , S. Zelenskaya Marina , A. Rodina Oksana , D. Vlasov Alexey , V. Sazanova Katerina
Published: May 2020

Interdisciplinary study of granite rapakivi biofouling in the natural and anthropogenic environment (St. Petersburg, Vyborg, Southern Finland) was carried out. The biodiversity of microorganisms (cyanobacteria, micromycetes, and organotrophic bacteria) and various types of biofilms are characterized. The influence of external factors on the changes of cyanobacterial biofilms is shown. The features of biofilms localization on the granite surface in an urban environment and in natural outcrops are studied. Differences in the biofilms metabolites composition at the granite quarries and monuments of St. Petersburg are shown. The behavior of chemical elements during the bioweathering of granite is estimated. The role of biofilms in the accumulation of chemical elements on the surface of granite is established. The dynamics of chemical elements leaching from granite may depend on the type of biofilm developing on granite.
The Immersive Power of Augmented Reality
Authors: Kiryakova Gabriela
Published: May 2020

Augmented reality is one of the technologies that have received great attention and interest in recent years. In a world where the boundaries between the real and the virtual are blurring, this immersive technology enriches and complements the reality with digital content and allows people to gain a complete and real sense of the objects around them. Currently, the applications of augmented reality go beyond the domains of games and entertainment and are aimed at taking the full advantage of the technology in areas such as medicine, architecture, business, tourism, education and more. The current paper presents the essence of technology and types of augmented reality systems. The basic approaches for creating augmented reality applications are discussed. Specific examples of the application of the technology in the field of education are given-an augmented book and augmented reality educational projects, whose purpose is to make learning an interesting, immersive, engaging and motivating process.
The Turkish Soma Coal Mining Disaster
Authors: Atay Erhan , Ilhan Habibe , Bayraktaroglu Serkan ,   Neilson Journals Publishing
Published: May 2020

On May 13, 2014, a fire due to the combustion of accumulated methane gas in the Soma Eynez Mine in Turkey killed 301 miners. This case chronicles the events on the day of the accident and investigates the factors leading up to it. It depicts the chaos and confusion resulting from missing emergency protocol, inadequate responses of major stakeholders such as safety experts in the mine, company executives, and the political leadership at the ministry and prime ministry levels. It shows how the interplay of a culture of leniency towards mining safety, insufficient mining policies and even less effective inspections coupled with nepotism and the local population’s desperation for work, all led to serious neglect in a major mine resulting in needless deaths. The Soma Eynez Mine disaster highlights how corporate greed fed into breaches of mining protocol and ethical conduct, eventually leading to the bankruptcy of a mining conglomerate and the imprisonment of 14 men.
Death Drugs - A Compounding Pharmacist’s Dilemma
Authors: Ensign Prescott C. , Fast Jonathan ,   Neilson Journals Publishing
Published: May 2020

Dr. Garrett Johnson received a call from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice asking if he would be interested in filling prescriptions for pentobarbital. Suddenly he faced a controversial issue - providing a drug used for the lethal injection of convicted criminals. Apparently big pharma was discontinuing the manufacture and sale of drugs used for human executions - primarily due to mounting pressure from death penalty activists and shareholders, legal appeals by inmates, media reports of botched lethal injections, etc. Texas saw the solution by using small local compounding pharmacies that were less visible to the public. Should Garrett fill this lucrative order knowing how the State would use the drugs? The case presents the ethical and strategic issues that Garrett faces - having just graduated and started his own compounding pharmacy - in making this decision.
Taylor’s Dilemma
Authors: Morris Jan Taylor , Porter Jason ,   Neilson Journals Publishing
Published: May 2020

This instructional case explores ethical and leadership issues within the context of public accounting. The case examines one senior manager in a public accounting firm who failed to receive an anticipated promotion to partner and the resulting discussions and actions that follow. The primary objectives of the case are (1) to increase students’ awareness of select ethical issues commonly faced by auditors as they attempt to serve the public trust, their clients, and their firms, and (2) to consider their own value system in relation to the issues identified in this case. The secondary learning objectives are to (1) increase students’ knowledge of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct / IESBA Code of Ethics, (2) encourage consideration of the impact of ethical and unethical behaviors by auditors on others within the profession, and (3) illustrate how leadership within an organization influences the behaviors of others.
Determining the Environmental Sustainability Content of Finance and Accounting Textbooks
Authors: Butchey Deanne ,   Neilson Journals Publishing
Published: May 2020

Corporations play a historic role in generating wealth but sometimes have a contentious impact on the environment and society as a whole. In recent years, corporations have become more sensitive to social issues and stakeholder concerns, and are collectively striving to become better corporate citizens (in some cases, compelled to do so by multiple stakeholders or government regulations). Business schools must prepare their graduates for success within these organizations by ensuring they are exposed to the best practices for implementing corporate sustainability initiatives and for measuring the social and financial impacts of these activities. This article provides implications for curriculum by examining recent editions of Corporate Finance/Financial Management and Financial and Managerial Accounting textbooks commonly used by undergraduate students in North America to see how much space is devoted to these topics. The study finds that Cost/Managerial Accounting textbooks have the highest coverage (frequencies) related to sustainability and environmental topics.
Survey of the fruits and endocarps of Icacinaceae (Lamiids, Icacinales)
Authors: Del Rio Cédric , Stull Gregory W. , De Franceschi Dario
Published: May 2020

Icacinaceae Miers are a well-described family. However, the family lacks a comprehensive guide to endocarp morphology, which would be an important tool for interpreting the family’s extensive fossil record of endocarp remains. In this survey, we describe fruits and endocarps of 88 species of Icacinaceae s. str., four of Icacinaceae s. lat. (now Metteniusaceae) and one of Oncothecaceae. We investigated the value of the endocarp in species recognition. In addition, we generated an Xper3 database with an associated e-key to increase the availability of raw data and the understanding of the characters used. This study documents great diversity in epicarp hairs, mesocarp thickness, endocarp ornamentation, tubercle shape (if present), endocarp structure and thickness, and the locule lining. Some morphological features appear diagnostic for individual genera. In particular, the genus Iodes Blume, which is very common in the fossil record, is the only clade with the three following characters: papillae on the inner locule lining, ridged ornamentation on the endocarp surface, and a vascular bundle embedded within the endocarp wall. Finally, we discuss issues related to the preservation of fruit material in herbarium collections.
Savremeno naoružanje i vojna oprema za broj 2-2020
Authors: Vučković Dragan
Published: May 2020

Poljska tenkovska flota;
Japanski nevidljivi lovac.
Single-cell transcriptome reveals the novel role of T-bet in suppressing the immature NK gene signature
Authors: Yang Chao , Siebert Jason R , Burns Robert , Zheng Yongwei , Mei Ao , Bonacci Benedetta , Wang Demin , Urrutia Raul A , Riese Matthew J , Rao Sridhar , Carlson Karen-Sue , Thakar Monica S , Malarkannan Subramaniam
Published: May 2020

The transcriptional activation and repression during NK cell ontology are poorly understood. Here, using single-cell RNA-sequencing, we reveal a novel role for T-bet in suppressing the immature gene signature during murine NK cell development. Based on transcriptome, we identified five distinct NK cell clusters and define their relative developmental maturity in the bone marrow. Transcriptome-based machine-learning classifiers revealed that half of the mTORC2-deficient NK cells belongs to the least mature NK cluster. Mechanistically, loss of mTORC2 results in an increased expression of signature genes representing immature NK cells. Since mTORC2 regulates the expression of T-bet through AktS473-FoxO1 axis, we further characterized the T-bet-deficient NK cells and found an augmented immature transcriptomic signature. Moreover, deletion of Foxo1 restores the expression of T-bet and corrects the abnormal expression of immature NK genes. Collectively, our study reveals a novel role for mTORC2-AktS473-FoxO1-T-bet axis in suppressing the transcriptional signature of immature NK cells.
Reconstitution reveals two paths of force transmission through the kinetochore
Authors: Hamilton Grace E , Helgeson Luke A , Noland Cameron L , Asbury Charles L , Dimitrova Yoana N , Davis Trisha N
Published: May 2020

Partitioning duplicated chromosomes equally between daughter cells is a microtubule-mediated process essential to eukaryotic life. A multi-protein machine, the kinetochore, drives chromosome segregation by coupling the chromosomes to dynamic microtubule tips, even as the tips grow and shrink through the gain and loss of subunits. The kinetochore must harness, transmit, and sense mitotic forces, as a lack of tension signals incorrect chromosome-microtubule attachment and precipitates error correction mechanisms. But though the field has arrived at a ‘parts list’ of dozens of kinetochore proteins organized into subcomplexes, the path of force transmission through these components has remained unclear. Here we report reconstitution of functional Saccharomyces cerevisiae kinetochore assemblies from recombinantly expressed proteins. The reconstituted kinetochores are capable of self-assembling in vitro, coupling centromeric nucleosomes to dynamic microtubules, and withstanding mitotically relevant forces. They reveal two distinct pathways of force transmission and Ndc80c recruitment.
Inter-domain dynamics drive cholesterol transport by NPC1 and NPC1L1 proteins
Authors: Saha Piyali , Shumate Justin L , Caldwell Jenna G , Elghobashi-Meinhardt Nadia , Lu Albert , Zhang Lichao , Olsson Niclas E , Elias Joshua E , Pfeffer Suzanne R
Published: May 2020

Transport of LDL-derived cholesterol from lysosomes into the cytoplasm requires NPC1 protein; NPC1L1 mediates uptake of dietary cholesterol. We introduced single disulfide bonds into NPC1 and NPC1L1 to explore the importance of inter-domain dynamics in cholesterol transport. Using a sensitive method to monitor lysosomal cholesterol efflux, we found that NPC1’s N-terminal domain need not release from the rest of the protein for efficient cholesterol export. Either introducing single disulfide bonds to constrain lumenal/extracellular domains or shortening a cytoplasmic loop abolishes transport activity by both NPC1 and NPC1L1. The widely prescribed cholesterol uptake inhibitor, ezetimibe, blocks NPC1L1; we show that residues that lie at the interface between NPC1L1's three extracellular domains comprise the drug’s binding site. These data support a model in which cholesterol passes through the cores of NPC1/NPC1L1 proteins; concerted movement of various domains is needed for transfer and ezetimibe blocks transport by binding to multiple domains simultaneously.
An interaction mechanism for the maintenance of fission–fusion dynamics under different individual densities
Authors: Bierbach David , Krause Stefan , Romanczuk Pawel , Lukas Juliane , Arias-Rodriguez Lenin , Krause Jens
Published: May 2020

Animals often show high consistency in their social organisation despite facing changing environmental conditions. Especially in shoaling fish, fission–fusion dynamics that describe for which periods individuals are solitary or social have been found to remain unaltered even when density changed. This compensatory ability is assumed to be an adaptation towards constant predation pressure, but the mechanism through which individuals can actively compensate for density changes is yet unknown. The aim of the current study is to identify behavioural patterns that enable this active compensation. We compared the fission–fusion dynamics of two populations of the live-bearing Atlantic molly (Poecilia mexicana) that live in adjacent habitats with very different predator regimes: cave mollies that inhabit a low-predation environment inside a sulfidic cave with a low density of predatory water bugs (Belostomasp.), and mollies that live directly outside the cave (henceforth called “surface” mollies) in a high-predation environment. We analysed their fission–fusion dynamics under two different fish densities of 12 and 6 fish per 0.36 m2. As expected, surface mollies spent more time being social than cave mollies, and this difference in social time was a result of surface mollies being less likely to discontinue social contact (once they had a social partner) and being more likely to resume social contact (once alone) than cave mollies. Interestingly, surface mollies were also less likely to switch among social partners than cave mollies. A random walk simulation predicted each population to show reduced social encounters in the low density treatment. While cave mollies largely followed this prediction, surface mollies maintained their interaction probabilities even at low density. Surface mollies achieved this by a reduction in the size of a convex polygon formed by the group as density decreased. This may allow them to largely maintain their fission–fusion dynamics while still being able to visit large parts of the available area as a group. A slight reduction (21%) in the area visited at low densities was also observed but insufficient to explain how the fish maintained their fission–fusion dynamics. Finally, we discuss potential movement rules that could account for the reduction of polygon size and test their performance.
Effects of rumen bypass melatonin feeding (RBMF) on milk quality and mastitis of Holstein cows
Authors: Yao Songyang , Wu Hao , Ma Hui , Fu Yao , Wei Wenjuan , Wang Tiankun , Guan Shengyu , Yang Hai , Li Xiubo , Guo Jiangpeng , Lu Yongqiang , Zhang Lu , He Changwang , Chang Yi , Liu Guoshi
Published: May 2020

Cow mastitis is a major problem frequently encountered by dairy farmers and it is manifested by the high number of somatic cells and the low quality of the milk. The conventional treatment for mastitis is use of antibiotics. In the current study, a new approach is applied to target this disorder: rumen bypass melatonin feeding (RBMF). The RBMF significantly reduced milk somatic cell count and improved milk nutritional values with the elevated protein, fat and dry matter levels. This approach also suppresses the stress and proinflammatory responses of the cows indicated by the reduced serum cortisol, TNF-α and IL-6 and increased IL-10 levels. Importantly, the beneficial effects of RBMF have lasted for several days after termination of the treatment. The effects of melatonin on the mastitis are probably attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of melatonin. Considering the none or low toxicity of melatonin to organisms and the no invasive nature of this approach, we recommend that RBMF could be used in large scale in the dairy farming to target the cow mastitis.
Characterization of macadamia oil (Macadamia integrifolia) obtained under different extraction conditions
Authors: Ribeiro Ana Paula Lima , Haddad Felipe Furtini , Tavares Talita de Sousa , Magalhães Kassiana Teixeira , Pimenta Carlos José , Nunes Cleiton Antônio
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate how the pretreatment of macadamia nuts, with oven or microwave, followed by oil extraction by mechanical press (screw or hydraulic) affect the yield and chemical characteristics of macadamia oil. The combination of the pretreatments and mechanical oil extractions was done as follows: oil extract only by screw press, only by hydraulic press, heating by microwave followed by screw press, heating in oven followed by screw press, heating by microwave followed by hydraulic press, and heating in oven followed by hydraulic press. To characterize the oils, the following analyzes were performed: yield, peroxide value, free acidity, iodine and saponification value, fatty acid composition and oxidative rancidity. The oils extracted by hydraulic press combined with microwave had the highest yield, the best oxidative stability and lowest peroxide value. The results suggest that the combination of microwaves and hydraulic press extract oils with quality superior to the other treatments studied.
Organic Ionic Plastic Crystals as Hole Transporting Layer for Stable and Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Sonigara Keval K. , Shao Zhipeng , Prasad Jyoti , Machhi Hiren K. , Cui Guanglei , Pang Shuping , Soni Saurabh S.
Published: May 2020

Organic ionic plastic crystals (OIPCs) are synthesized through a simple metal‐free, cost‐effective approach. The strategized synchronization of electron‐rich phenoxazine with benzimidazolium iodide (OIPC‐I) and bromide (OIPC‐Br) salts lead to enhanced hole mobility and conductivity of OIPCs which is suitable for an efficient alternative to conventional organic hole transporting materials (HTMs) for stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The fabricated PSCs with OIPC‐I as hole transporting layer yielded a power conversion efficiency of 15.0% and 18.1% without and with additive (Li salt) respectively, which are comparable with spiro‐OMeTAD based devices prepared under similar conditions. Furthermore, the PSCs with OIPCs show good stability compared to the spiro‐OMeTAD with or without additives. Here, first time benzimidazolium‐based OIPCs have been used as an alternative organic HTM for perovskite solar cells, which opens a window for the design of effective OIPCs for highly efficient PSCs with long‐term stability.
Rational Design of Mixed Electronic‐Ionic Conducting Ti‐Doping Li7La3Zr2O12 for Lithium Dendrites Suppression
Authors: Gao Jian , Zhu Jianxun , Li Xiaolei , Li Junpeng , Guo Xiangxin , Li Hong , Zhou Weidong
Published: May 2020

Garnet structured ceramic electrolyte Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) attracts much attention in solid‐state lithium batteries for its high ionic conductivity, wide electrochemical window, and lack of reducible element. However, the application of LLZO has been hindered by severe dendrite penetration. The theoretical investigations on the mechanisms of lithium dendrite evolution are carried out, aiming at quantifying the promotion effects of overpotential and the limitation counterpart of bulk modulus. Since dendrites preferentially propagate along connected defects, while intrinsic defects are difficult to be compeletely eliminated, manipulation of overpotential should be a more feasible way for dendrites suppression. The mixed electronic‐ionic conducting interphase, which in situ forms by introducing a Ti‐doping Li56La24Zr15TiO96 (T‐LLZO) interlayer between Li and LLZO, is suggested based on the proposed mechanisms, which effectively facilitates to alleviate the overpotential thus suppress the lithium dendrites theoretically. This strategy is verified experimentally by obviously improved stability of Li/Li symmetric cell using T‐LLZO ceramic pellet electrolyte.
Experimental study of diffusivity of hexane in bitumen‐saturated porous media under high temperature/pressure conditions
Authors: Huang Cunkui , Hawrelechko Craig , Donald James , Huang Haibo , Deng Xiaohui
Published: May 2020

Solvent mass transfer plays a key role in a thermal gravity drainage process involving solvent. The diffusion coefficients of solvent in such a process are not well studied. This article presents the effective diffusion coefficients of solvent in bitumen‐saturated sands under high temperature/pressure conditions measured using a CT scanning technique. Experimental results show that the effective diffusion coefficient of n‐hexane in bitumen‐saturated sands varied with the solvent concentration or with the viscosity of solvent–bitumen mixture (i.e., De ∝ c0.4 or De ∝ μm−0.46). The solvent concentration weighted diffusion coefficient of n‐hexane in the bitumen under the condition 160–170°C/1,900 kPa had an order of magnitude of about 10−5 cm2/s for solvent volume concentration less than 0.2. The penetration distance of n‐hexane in bitumen‐saturated sands depended on the nonlinearity of diffusion and had a value of −2 cm after 1‐day diffusion. The stronger the nonlinearity of diffusion, the shorter the penetration distance.
Experimental study and CFD numerical simulation of an innovative vapor splitter in dividing wall column
Authors: Li Chunli , Li Jingyu , Li Dongchuan , Ma Shuaiming , Li Hao
Published: May 2020

The vapor split ratio (RV) adjustment plays an important role on energy efficiency during dividing wall column (DWC) operation. In order to achieve active control of RV, this aticle presents an innovative vapor splitter driven by hydraulics. The vapor flows into main tower from prefractionation section through the rectangle hole located at the end of the partition. Vapor splitting is implemented by the change of flow resistance at the rectangular hole caused by adjusting the liquid level on the bottom plate. This design makes full use of the hydraulic properties in DWC, employing simpler construction with single tunable parameter. Numerical simulations and laboratory tests were both carried out to validate its performance in the DWC with a diameter of 600 mm. The results demonstrate that the desired RV can be handled effectively in the approximate range from 0.5 to 2, basically satisfying the industrial demand for the gas distribution.
Globally optimal synthesis of heat exchanger networks. Part I: Minimal networks
Authors: Chang Chenglin , Peccini Alice , Wang Yufei , Costa André L. H. , Bagajewicz Miguel J.
Published: May 2020

This article introduces the concept of minimal structure (MSTR) and presents an enumeration algorithm for the synthesis of heat exchanger networks based on MSTR. Minimal Structures refer to a class of heat exchanger networks featuring acyclic heat transfer networks without energy loops. The enumerations used are either exhaustive or smart with a stopping criterion. Without loss of generality we use the isothermal mixing Synheat model, that is, the method applies identically to other superstructures, with likely variations in the optimization models associated to each step. A conjecture is used to state that the algorithm renders solutions that are globally optimal. Literature examples are used to demonstrate the capabilities of the enumeration algorithm. Most of our solutions compare favorably with the best reported ones in literature, with exceptions where the reported solution is not minimal.
EoceneAraucariaSect.Eutactafrom Patagonia and floristic turnover during the initial isolation of South America
Authors: Rossetto‐Harris Gabriella , Wilf Peter , Escapa Ignacio H. , Andruchow‐Colombo Ana
Published: May 2020

Premise

Eocene floras of Patagonia document biotic response to the final separation of Gondwana. The conifer genusAraucaria, distributed worldwide during the Mesozoic, has a disjunct extant distribution between South America and Australasia. Fossils assigned to AustralasianAraucariaSect.Eutactausually are represented by isolated organs, making diagnosis difficult.Araucaria pichileufensisE.W. Berry, from the middle Eocene Río Pichileufú (RP) site in Argentine Patagonia, was originally placed in Sect.Eutactaand later reported from the early Eocene Laguna del Hunco (LH) locality. However, the relationship ofA. pichileufensisto Sect.Eutactaand the conspecificity of theAraucariamaterial among these Patagonian floras have not been tested using modern methods.

Methods

We review the type material ofA. pichileufensisalongside large (n= 192) new fossil collections ofAraucariafromLHandRP, including multi‐organ preservation of leafy branches, ovuliferous complexes, and pollen cones. We use a total evidence phylogenetic analysis to analyze relationships of the fossils to Sect.Eutacta.

Results

We describeAraucaria huncoensissp. nov. fromLHand improve the whole‐plant concept forAraucaria pichileufensisfromRP. The two species respectively resolve in the crown and stem of Sect.Eutacta.

Conclusions

Our results confirm the presence and indicate the survival of Sect.Eutactain South America during early Antarctic separation. The exceptionally complete fossils significantly predate several molecular age estimates for crownEutacta. The differentiation of twoAraucariaspecies demonstrates conifer turnover during climate change and initial South American isolation from the early to middle Eocene.
Highly Sensitive Triazole‐based Fluorimetric/Colorimetric Dual‐channel Fe3+ Probe
Authors: Zhang Yimeng , Feng Yuting , Guo Haoqing , Abdurahman Alim , Ai Xin , Zhang Zhaoxia , Zhang Ming
Published: May 2020

In this study, we reported two fluorescent triazole‐based molecules, NC‐TAZ and CC‐TAZ. Both possessed preferential detection of Fe3+ as a highly sensitive fluorimetric/colorimetric dual‐channel probe. As fluorimetric probe, the fluorescence quenched notably by adding Fe3+; as colorimetric probe, the obvious color change (colorless to yellow) could be observed during the detecting process. Moreover, the dual‐channel probe can exclude the interferences from other metal ions and various water samples. Owing to these outstanding merits, the probes could be used directly in the real water samples. Finally, the possible detection mechanism was studied and attributed to the formation of the complexes between NC‐TAZ/CC‐TAZ and Fe3+.