bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterizing science graduate teaching assistants’ instructional practices in reformed laboratories and tutorials
Authors: Wan Tong , Geraets Ashley A. , Doty Constance M. , Saitta Erin K. H. , Chini Jacquelyn J. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) often lead laboratory and tutorial sections in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), especially at large, research-intensive universities. GTAs’ performance as instructors can impact student learning experience as well as learning outcomes. In this study, we observed 11 chemistry GTAs and 11 physics GTAs in a research-intensive institution in the southeastern USA. We observed the GTAs over two consecutive semesters in one academic year, resulting in a total of 58 chemistry lab observations and 72 physics combined tutorial and lab observations. We used a classroom observation protocol adapted from the Laboratory Observation Protocol for Undergraduate STEM (LOPUS) to document both GTA and student behaviors. We applied cluster analysis separately to the chemistry lab observations and to the physics combined tutorial and lab observations. The goals of this study are to classify and characterize GTAs’ instructional styles in reformed introductory laboratories and tutorials, to explore the relationship between GTA instructional style and student behavior, and to explore the relationship between GTA instructional style and the nature of laboratory activity.

Results
We identified three instructional styles among chemistry GTAs and three different instructional styles among physics GTAs. The characteristics of GTA instructional styles we identified in our samples are different from those previously identified in a study of a traditional general chemistry laboratory. In contrast to the findings in the same prior study, we found a relationship between GTAs’ instructional styles and student behaviors: when GTAs use more interactive instructional styles, students appear to be more engaged. In addition, our results suggest that the nature of laboratory activities may influence GTAs’ use of instructional styles and student behaviors. Furthermore, we found that new GTAs appear to behave more interactively than experienced GTAs.

Conclusion
GTAs use a variety of instructional styles when teaching in the reformed laboratories and tutorials. Also, compared to traditional laboratory and tutorial sections, reformed sections appear to allow for more interaction between the nature of lab activities, GTA instructional styles, and student behaviors. This implies that high-quality teaching in reformed laboratories and tutorials may improve student learning experiences substantially, which could then lead to increased learning outcomes. Therefore, effective GTA professional development is particularly critical in reformed instructional environments.
Detection of the Oyashio and Kuroshio fronts under the projected climate change in the 21st century
Authors: Nishikawa Haruka , Nishikawa Shiro , Ishizaki Hiroshi , Wakamatsu Tsuyoshi , Ishikawa Yoichi 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe evaluate the Oyashio and Kuroshio fronts latitudinal transition under the projected climate change scenarios using eddy resolving regional ocean climate projection products from 1981 to 2100. The regional ocean climate projections are produced based on dynamical downscaling of four CMIP5 models and two RCP experiments RCP2.6 and RCP8.5. Two approaches of the fronts detection methods are compared. One is conventional approach based on subsurface specific isotherm and another is newly proposed approach based on the Oyashio and Kuroshio water temperature and salinity (TS) profiles that may change as the global warming progresses. It is found that the Oyashio TS profile rapidly shift to be high both in temperature and salinity in RCP8.5 cases while the Kuroshio TS profile shows small change toward the end of the twenty-first century in all cases. Northward shift of the Oyashio and Kuroshio fronts reaches 2° northward by the late twenty-first century in extreme case of RCP8.5 cases from the temperature-based definition. On the other hand, the northward shifts of fronts are less than 1° when we use the TS-based definition. The comparison of both fronts positions with the surface velocity distributions suggest that the TS-based definition captures transitions of the fronts better than the temperature-based definition.
Laparoscopic transhiatal surgery for an epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum derived from a jackhammer esophagus: a case report
Authors: Fujinaga Atsuro , Shibata Tomotaka , Etoh Tsuyoshi , Tada Kazuhiro , Suzuki Kosuke , Nishiki Kohei , Ogawa Katsuhiro , Kono Yohei , Hiratsuka Takahiro , Akagi Tomonori , Ueda Yoshitake , Toujigamori Manabu , Shiroshita Hidefumi , Shiraishi Norio , Inomata Masafumi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
An esophageal diverticulum is rare and is frequently associated with esophageal motility disorders. Jackhammer esophagus is also rare, is characterized by esophageal hypercontraction, and comprises 4.1% of esophageal motility disorders. Here, we report a case of a patient successfully treated by laparoscopic transhiatal surgery for an epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum derived from a jackhammer esophagus diagnosed with high-resolution manometry (HRM).

Case presentation
The patient was a 78-year-old man who presented to the hospital with dysphagia. A diverticulum was detected in the lower part of his esophagus by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. HRM was performed to investigate esophageal motility disorders. His integrated relaxation pressure was normal at 25.9 (< 26) mmHg, but his distal contractile integral (DCI) was very high at 21,464 (1500–13,000) mmHg s cm. Esophageal peristalsis was preserved. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed as having an epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum derived from a jackhammer esophagus for which laparoscopic transhiatal diverticulectomy and Heller-Dor procedure were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. His symptoms improved, and the level of DCI also returned to a normal level of 3867 mmHg s cm at 2 months after the operation.

Conclusion
Laparoscopic transhiatal diverticulectomy and esophagomyotomy can be useful procedures for an epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum derived from a jackhammer esophagus due to their lower invasiveness.
Impact of wind energy development on birds and bats: the case of Adama wind farm, Central Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfahunegny Weldemariam , Datiko Demeke , Wale Mengistu , Hailay Gebre Egziabeher , Hunduma Tadesse 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
In contrast to wind farm collision, birds and bats were understudied and their occurrence and function were poorly understood. Here, study on mortality of iconic bird and bat species were conducted on Adama I and II wind farms during wet (August 2018) and dry (March 2019) seasons.

Materials and methods
The methodology employed carcass searches using direct physical inspections, semi-structured interviews (n = 50), and focus group discussions of wind farm officials and farmers around Adama I and II wind farms. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, and chi-square test were employed to analyze the surveyed data.

Result
The result suggested 51 (78.43%) carcass of bird species comprising 11 families. Out of the 125 installed operational turbines, about 35 species of birds were found in 11 families; 27 unidentified molted carcasses of species of birds were significantly impacted with Adama I and II wind farms. In addition, 11 unidentified species of bat were observed as collision victims.

Conclusion
Wind farm establishment and expansion in areas with concentrations of the sensitive species had been avoided. To focus on conservation efforts, we illustrate how knowledge of the structural and environmental factors that influence bird and bat collision can be used to record fatalities in the broader landscape. In order to minimize the mortality rate of birds and bats from collision, a comprehensive environmental impact assessment should be undertaken as precautionary measures.
Testicular dysfunction induced by aluminum oxide nanoparticle administration in albino rats and the possible protective role of the pumpkin seed oil
Authors: Hamdi Hamida 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundEven though the widespread of nanoalumina and their benefits in all fields, its potential impacts on male reproductive system have limited information.ObjectiveThe present study was conducted to investigate the testicular dysfunction of nanoalumina and the protective role of pumpkin seed oil (PSO) against potential adverse impacts induced by alumina nanoparticles (Al2O3-NPs) in male rat.MethodologyAl2O3-NPs were administered to the rat orally at a dose of 70 mg/kg body weight once a day for 28 successive days, while pumpkin seed oil was administered to the rat orally at 4 mL/kg b w before administration of Al2O3-NPs, once a day for 28 successive days. After the administration period, sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and DNA damage, as biomarkers of reproductive toxic effects, were evaluated using sperm analysis and comet assays, and histopathological examination of testis was performed. In addition, level of the serum testosterone hormones were estimated, and the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers that take part in the reproductive pathologies such as catalase, glutathione, and malondialdehyde were estimated.ResultsThe present results revealed that Al2O3-NPs induced DNA damage in testicular cells, marked histopathological alterations, and caused a significant elevation in MDA in testicular tissue. There was a significant decline in GSH and CAT activities. Furthermore, there was a significant decline in serum testosterone level in the testicular tissue of Al2O3-NP-administered rats. In contrast, pumpkin seed oil co-administration alleviated DNA damage and improved the histopathological alterations in the testicular tissues. Moreover, pumpkin seed oil co-administration significantly reduced MDA and improved the antioxidant defenses in testicular tissue.ConclusionThe current study concluded that Al2O3-NPs caused testicular dysfunction by generating oxidative injury. Otherwise, PSO co-administration successfully attenuated the adverse impacts of Al2O3-NPs via suppression of oxidative stress and apoptosis as well as enhancement of the antioxidant defense system.
A case study of non-traditional treatments for the control of wheat stem rust disease
Authors: Omara Reda I. , Essa Tarek A. , Khalil Amal A. , Elsharkawy Mohsen M. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWheat stem rust causes by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici is a serious threat to wheat production all over the world. This study evaluated the efficacy of Bacillus subtilis, B. polymyxa and B. megaterium, Eugenol and leaf extract of Artemisia cina against the disease, and the involved mechanisms in disease resistance. B. subtilis and Eugenol treatments inhibited spore germination and increased incubation and latent periods than other treatments. Additionally, the lowest infection type, pustule length and pustule width, and receptivity (no. of pustules) were recorded in case of B. subtilis and Eugenol treatments compared with the check control. The best results in disease assessment were achieved by foliar spray application 24 h before and after inoculation. Abnormalities, lysis, collapse, and shrinking of urediniospores were recorded in treated leaves. The activities of antioxidant defense enzymes, i.e., catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), and polyphenoloxidase (PPO), were significantly increased in B. subtilis and Eugenol treatments. On the other hand, electrolyte leakage was decreased. The active compounds in B. subtilis were revealed by utilizing GC-MS analysis.
Effect of foliar application of boron trioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles on leaves chemical composition, yield and fruit quality of Olea europaea L. cv. Picual
Authors: Genaidy Esmail A. E. , Abd-Alhamid Nazmy , Hassan Hassan S. A. , Hassan Ahmed M. , Hagagg Laila F. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackground and objectiveOlive tree is one of the most important and a widely distributed tree grown in many arid and semi-arid areas of the world. The production of olive in these areas is generally low due to the poor soil fertility. Zinc is one of the essential micronutrients for plants, and its deficiency is common in many crops. Boron deficiency is also a common micronutrient problem in agriculture, which results in reducing of yield production and quality. Nanotechnology has emerged as one of the most innovative scientific field in agriculture. So the objective of this work is determine the appropriate concentration of nano-zinc and nano-boron to reach the best olive fruits yield and improve its chemical and morphological traits.Materials and methodsThe present investigation has been made during two successive seasons of 2017 and 2018 in a private orchard located at Ismailia governorate, Egypt, to study the effect of foliar application of boron nanoparticles at a rate of 10 and 20 ppm and zinc nanoparticles at a rate of 100 and 200 ppm on leaf chemical composition, yield, and fruit quality of Picual olive tree.ResultsThe application of boron and zinc nanoparticles in different concentration was able to effect on the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of Picual cultivar in the first and second seasons, respectively, compared with the control treatment leaves mineral content and pigments, fruit set percent, fruit drop percent, fruits yield, fruit physical, and chemical characteristics. Moreover, spraying Picual cultivar with nano-boron at 20 ppm + nano-zinc at 200 ppm (T8) is the best treatment in this study to obtain the maximum final fruit set which led to harvest the maximum fruits yield with the high seed oil percentage and low acidity in the first and second seasons, respectively.ConclusionIt could recommend that spraying Picual olive trees with nano-boron at 20 ppm + nano-zinc at 200 ppm is the best treatment in this study to obtain the maximum final fruit set which led to harvest the maximum fruits yield with the high seed oil percentage and low acidity.
Principles and mechanisms of asymmetric cell division
Authors: Sunchu Bharath , Cabernard Clemens 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT
Asymmetric cell division (ACD) is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism used by prokaryotes and eukaryotes alike to control cell fate and generate cell diversity. A detailed mechanistic understanding of ACD is therefore necessary to understand cell fate decisions in health and disease. ACD can be manifested in the biased segregation of macromolecules, the differential partitioning of cell organelles, or differences in sibling cell size or shape. These events are usually preceded by and influenced by symmetry breaking events and cell polarization. In this Review, we focus predominantly on cell intrinsic mechanisms and their contribution to cell polarization, ACD and binary cell fate decisions. We discuss examples of polarized systems and detail how polarization is established and, whenever possible, how it contributes to ACD. Established and emerging model organisms will be considered alike, illuminating both well-documented and underexplored forms of polarization and ACD.
Remote Home Monitoring of Older Surgical Cancer Patients: Perspective on Study Implementation and Feasibility
Authors: Jonker Leonie T. , Plas Matthijs , de Bock Geertruida H. , Buskens Erik , van Leeuwen Barbara L. , Lahr Maarten M. H. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Remote home monitoring might fill the perceived surveillance gap after hospital discharge. However, it is unclear whether older oncologic patients will be able to use the required new digital technologies. The study aimed to assess the feasibility of postoperative remote home monitoring for this population.

Methods
This observational cohort study recruited patients aged 65 years or older scheduled for oncologic surgery. The study patients used a mobile application and activity tracker preoperatively until 3 months postoperatively. A subset of the patients used additional devices (thermometer, blood pressure monitor, weight scale) and completed electronic health questionnaires 2 weeks after hospital discharge. Feasibility was assessed by the study completion rate, compliance in using components of the information technology system, acceptability [Net Promotor Score (NPS)] and usability [System Usability Scale (SUS)]. The NPS score varied from − 100 to + 100. An SUS higher than 68 was considered above average.

Results
Of 47 participants (mean age, 72 years; range, 65–85 years), 37 completed a follow-up assessment, yielding a completion rate of 79%. Compliance in using the activity tracker (n = 41) occurred a median of 81 days [interquartile range (IQR), 70–90 days] out of 90 post-discharge days. Compliance in measuring vital signs and completing health questionnaires varied from a median of 10.5 days (IQR, 4.5–14.0 days) to 12 days (IQR, 5–14 days) out of 14 days. The NPS was + 29.7%, and the mean SUS was 74.4 ± 19.3.

Conclusion
Older oncologic patients in the study considered postoperative home monitoring acceptable and usable. Once they consented to participate, the patients were compliant, and the completion rate was high.
Optimising Psychoeducation for Transient Ischaemic Attack and Minor Stroke Management (OPTIMISM): Protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kontou Eirini , Walker Marion , Thomas Shirley , Watkins Caroline , Griffiths Holly , Golding-Day Miriam , Richardson Carla , Sprigg Nikola 
Published: June 2020

Background: A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke are medical emergencies and often a warning sign of future strokes if remain untreated. Few studies have investigated the long-term psychosocial effects of TIA and minor stroke. Secondary prevention and medical management are often the primary focus with limited access offered for further psychosocial support. Psychoeducational interventions can provide education and advice to people with physical health conditions and, with suitable tailoring, could be appropriate for people after TIA and minor stroke. This study aims to develop a group psychoeducational intervention for people after TIA and minor stroke and to test whether it is acceptable and feasible. Methods: This mixed-methodology study involves two phases: Phase 1) A qualitative study to determine the content of a suitable intervention; Phase 2) A single-centre feasibility randomised controlled trial to evaluate the acceptability of this intervention. The overall study has ethical approval. Stroke survivors have been involved in designing and monitoring the trial. The aim is to recruit 30-40 participants from a Stroke/TIA Service, within 6 months following their diagnosis. Participants will be randomly allocated to either the usual care control group or the intervention group (psychoeducational programme). The programme will consist of six group sessions based on providing education, psychological and social support. The primary outcomes will relate to the feasibility aims of the study. Outcomes will be collected at 3 and 6 months to assess mood, quality of life, knowledge and satisfaction, and resource use. Discussion: There is a need to develop and evaluate effective interventions that enhance the education provided to people after TIA and minor stroke and to promote their psychosocial wellbeing. Findings will indicate the acceptability of the intervention and parameters needed to conduct a definitive trial. Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT02550392; registered on 15 September 2015; status: completed.
<p><strong><em>Stephanitis</em> (<em>Stephanitis</em>) <em>rhaphiolepidis</em> sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: </strong><br /><strong> Tingidae) from Japan: First representative of the genus feeding on the evergreen rosaceous plant</strong></p>
Authors: SOUMA JUN 
Published: June 2020

A new species of the lace bug subgenus Stephanitis Stål, 1873 s. str. (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae) is described under the name of S. (S.) rhaphiolepidis sp. nov. This new species has been found on the leaves of Rhaphiolepis indica (L.) Lindl. var. liukiuensis (Koidz.) Kitam. (Rosaceae) in the coastal evergreen broad-leaved scrub of Aguni Island, the Ryukyu Islands, Japan, and is the first representative of the genus feeding on the evergreen rosaceous plant. The host plant relationship and the deployment order of each of the hemelytral parts in the emergence are discussed for the new species. Stethoconus praefectus (Distant, 1909) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae) is recorded as the natural enemy for the new species. Photographs of living individuals for the new species are provided. Key words: lace bug, taxonomy, new species, biology, host plant, natural enemy, emergence
Low frequency noise-dark current correlations in HgCdTe infrared photodetectors
Authors: Zhu Liqi , Deng Zhuo , Huang Jian , Guo Huijun , Chen Lu , Lin Chun , Chen Baile 
Published: June 2020

In this paper, low frequency noise and dark current correlation is investigated as a function of reverse bias and temperature for short-wave infrared (SWIR), mid-wave infrared (MWIR), and long-wave infrared (LWIR) HgCdTe homo-junction photodetectors. Modelling of dark current-voltage characteristics shows that the detectors have ohmic-behavior under small reverse bias, thus enabling further analysis of 1/f noise-current dependences with the empirical square-law relation (S
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