bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the effectiveness of on‐road driving remediation following acquired brain injury: A wait‐list feasibility study with follow‐up
Authors: Bassingthwaighte Louise , Griffin Janelle , Fleming Jennifer , Gustafsson Louise
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Return to driving is an important goal for people recovering from acquired brain injury. Occupational therapy driving assessments aim to determine the impact of acquired brain injury on a person’s capacity to drive and may include on‐road driving rehabilitation. The primary objective of this project was to conduct a feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) of an on‐road driving remediation program for adults with acquired brain injury. Secondary objectives were to measure the effectiveness of the on‐road driving program and determine sample size required for a randomised controlled trial.

Methods

A wait‐list randomised controlled trial with blinded assessment and 6‐month follow‐up aimed to recruit 10 participants with acquired brain injury. Concealed methods randomly allocated participants to receive the on‐road driving rehabilitation program immediately (intervention group) or after 6 weeks (wait‐list group). The primary outcome measure of functional fitness to drive, was assessed pre‐ and post‐intervention, and at 6‐month follow‐up. Driving performance was measured by percentage of correct manoeuvres and driving instructor intervention.

Results

Eight participants (seven male; average age 46 years; six traumatic brain injury and two stroke) were recruited. The protocol was feasible. Results of the RCT suggest intervention effectiveness initially with two of the three interventions, and no wait‐list, participants achieving fitness to drive. This increased to five out of eight participants after the wait‐list group completed the intervention. While three participants retained this outcome at 6‐month follow‐up, universal deterioration in on‐road driving performance was evident for all participants at 6‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

The trial was feasible and findings suggest that on‐road driving remediation assists people with acquired brain injury to achieve functional fitness to drive but the skills may not be maintained 6 months later. A full RCT is warranted to further determine the effectiveness of on‐road driving remediation and capacity of participants to maintain the skills developed.
FgBUD14 is important for ascosporogenesis and involves both stage‐specific alternative splicing and RNA editing during sexual reproduction
Authors: Liang Jie , Fu Xianhui , Hao Chaofeng , Bian Zhuyun , Liu Huiquan , Xu Jin‐Rong , Wang Guanghui
Published: March 2021

In wheat head blight fungus Fusarium graminearum, A‐to‐I RNA editing occurs specifically during sexual reproduction. Among the genes with premature stop codons (PSCs) that require RNA editing to encode full‐length proteins, FgBUD14 also had alternative splicing events in perithecia. In this study, we characterized the functions of FgBUD14 and its post‐transcriptional modifications during sexual reproduction. The Fgbud14 deletion mutant was slightly reduced in growth, conidiation and virulence. Although deletion of FgBUD14 had no effect on perithecium morphology, the Fgbud14 mutant was defective in crozier formation and ascus development. The FgBud14‐GFP localized to the apex of ascogenous hyphae and croziers, which may be related to its functions during early sexual development. During vegetative growth and asexual reproduction, FgBud14‐GFP localized to hyphal tips and both ends of conidia. Furthermore, mutations blocking the splicing of intron 2 that has the PSC site had no effect on the function of FgBUD14 during sexual reproduction but caused a similar defect in growth with Fgbud14 mutant. Expression of the non‐editable FgBUD14Intron2‐TAA mutant allele also failed to complement the Fgbud14 mutant. Taken together, FgBUD14 plays important roles in ascus development, and both alternative splicing and RNA editing occur specifically to its transcripts during sexual reproduction in F. graminearum.
Exploring and Exploiting the Dynamics of Networks in Complex Applied Research Projects: A Reflection on Learning in Action
Authors: Coughlan Paul , Coghlan David , Rigg Clare , O'Leary Denise
Published: March 2021

Since 1984, the European Union (EU) has supported research and development activities covering almost all scientific disciplines through a series of multi‐annual Framework Programmes. The current programme is Horizon 2020. Common across the key indicators of research project performance have been actions by companies, including introduce and test innovations new to the company or the market. Initiatives to achieve these objectives require researchers to generate transdisciplinary knowledge in partnership with practitioners as co‐researchers. This paper reflects on the authors’ experience of engaging in five EU‐funded complex applied research projects over 20 years. The paper locates the process of the five projects in network action learning and Mode 2 knowledge production. It offers a theoretical framework expressed in three hypotheses to guide those who design and implement projects, those who approve and provide funding, and those who exploit and build upon the resulting research.
Self‐reported levels of occupational stress and wellness in forensic practitioners: Implications for the education and training of the forensic workforce
Authors: Goldstein Justin Z. , Alesbury Helen S.
Published: March 2021

While there is extensive research into wellness and mental health risks for police officers and other first responders, a smaller portion of research has considered how forensic practitioners are affected. This study surveyed 211 forensic practitioners from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences membership, the Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner, and the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner to assess current wellness perceptions within forensics. The 22‐question survey focused on (a) how the demands of daily casework affect self‐perceived burnout levels, (b) whether mental health issues are adequately addressed during the education and training of the forensic workforce, and (c) whether forensic professionals are getting the wellness support that they themselves feel that they need. Basic descriptive statistics, chi‐square (χ2) cross tabulations, and correlation analyses were constructed to assess relevant relationships within survey responses. Results indicate that forensic professionals report a high level of burnout and a lack of sufficient wellness resources in their current professional climate. While professionals feel fulfilled from their work, the majority of respondents (73.9%) felt that common mental health issues that exist in their profession were not adequately addressed during their workplace training, academic schooling, or professional certification. Despite the uniformly weak correlations observed between variables, chi‐square analyses reveal practically and statistically significant trends that warrant further investigation, particularly in the context of vicarious trauma. Overall, this study provides an important baseline for future wellness research to support the specialized needs of forensic scientists during their training and education.
Survey design optimization for monitoring wildlife communities in areas managed for federally endangered species
Authors: Pease B. S. , Pacifici K. , Collazo J. A.
Published: March 2021

In wildlife communities composed of federally endangered species, there are often several species of conservation concern that have not yet warranted federally mandated protection. These species often need continued monitoring to inform the direction of future management. While recovering endangered species is an important conservation goal, practitioners are challenged by balancing federally mandated protocols with actions that promote non‐listed priority species. Practitioners need an understanding of how focused, single‐species management actions may affect non‐listed priority species, but developing a monitoring protocol that can detect such effects with limited resources is a challenge. Here we use constrained optimization as a path to identifying a sampling scheme that overcomes these logistical challenges and then illustrate its potential in the Sandhills region of North Carolina, USA. Using empirical results from multi‐year avian community monitoring, we parameterized simulations to understand how varying the number of sampling locations and site visits affected the optimal monitoring protocol across three different avian community composition scenarios: a community with (1) 10 percent, (2) 25 percent, or (3) 50 percent non‐listed priority species. We found the greatest rate of change in precision of community‐level metrics, such as species richness, by increasing sampling replicates when surveying up to 50 sites. Importantly, this trend was apparent across all three community scenarios, indicating relatively predictable changes in uncertainty regardless of community composition. In contrast, increasing the sampling frequency did not consistently reduce uncertainty in species‐level parameters such as occupancy probability. Concerningly, we saw the greatest variation when communities were comprised of 50 percent non‐listed species suggesting increasingly complex monitoring protocols may be required if the number of non‐listed priority species continues to increase. Practitioners could consider reducing detection error of priority species through increasing sampling frequency, as this can strongly affect optimization study designs.
Immediate one‐piece zirconia implants with/without xenograft in the buccal gap: A 6‐month pre‐clinical study
Authors: Alves Daniel , Faria‐Almeida Ricardo , Azevedo Álvaro , Liñares Antonio , Muñoz Fernando , Blanco‐Carrion Juan
Published: March 2021

Objective

To histologically evaluate healing following grafting a xenogenous bone substitute in the buccal gap around the immediately placed one‐piece zirconia implant.

Materials and methods

The third and fourth premolars (PM3 and PM4) in both quadrants of the mandible of nine Mongrel Hound dogs were used for this experiment. They have been removed, and the recipient sites were prepared. The implants were placed in a lingual position in the socket. In one side of the jaw, the gap between the implant and the socket walls was grafted (test) while no grafting was performed in the contralateral side (control), randomly selected. After 6 months of healing, biopsies were obtained and prepared for histological analysis. Vertical and horizontal measures were recorded in buccal and lingual surface.

Results

The hard tissue was in a coronal position on the test side compared with the control side. The bone thickness around ZLA (zirconia large‐grit sandblasted and acid‐etched surface) level was larger on the test side. On the test side, the first bone–implant contact and bone crest, at the buccal aspect, were more coronal to ZLA in PM4 while in PM3 the same happened with the bone crest. The width of the buccal bone wall was larger in PM4 than in PM3 at the ZLA level and 1 mm apical to ZLA.

Conclusion

The placement of a xenograft in the gap between 1‐piece zirconia implant and the buccal wall in dogs modified the process of hard tissue healing, providing additional amount of hard tissue.
Linked colour imaging versus white‐light colonoscopy for the detection of flat colorectal lesions: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kudo Takahiro , Horiuchi Akira , Kyodo Reiko , Horiuchi Ichitaro , Arai Nobuyasu , Kajiyama Masashi , Tanaka Naoki
Published: March 2021

Aim

Linked colour imaging is an image‐enhanced endoscopy system that emphasizes the red portion of the mucosa's colour. Our aim was to compare the effectiveness of linked colour imaging with white‐light colonoscopy for the detection of flat‐type colorectal polyps.

Method

This was a single‐centre, randomized controlled trial. Enrolled patients were those aged ≥50 years undergoing cap‐assisted colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening. They were randomized in a 1:1 ratio for observation using linked colour imaging or white‐light colonoscopy. All colorectal polyps detected were removed or biopsied. The primary outcome was the number of flat‐type polyps per patient in patients in whom flat polyps were detected. Secondary outcomes included adenoma and polyp detection rates.

Results

There were 302 subjects randomized: 152 to linked colour imaging and 150 to white‐light colonoscopy. There were no differences in the clinical features between the two arms. The number of flat polyps detected per patient using linked colour imaging was approximately twice that with white light (2.9 ± 3.0 vs 1.2 ± 1.6, p = 0.045). Linked colour imaging also proved superior to white‐light colonoscopy in terms of adenoma and polyp detection rates [adenomas 66% (101/152) vs 49% (73/150), p = 0.0024; polyps 69% (105/152) vs 55% (82/150), p = 0.013]. The ratio of polyps detected in the right colon compared with those detected in the left colon was significantly greater using linked colour than white‐light imaging (168/64 vs 93/84; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Compared with white‐light colonoscopy, linked colour imaging improved adenoma and polyp detection rates, including detection of flat‐type colorectal polyps.
Deconstructing Dravet syndrome neurocognitive development: A scoping review
Authors: Bertuccelli Margherita , Verheyen Karen , Hallemans Ann , Sander Josemir W. , Ragona Francesca , Bisiacchi Patrizia , Masiero Stefano , Del Felice Alessandra
Published: March 2021

Dravet syndrome (DS) is a rare severe epilepsy syndrome associated with slowed psychomotor development and behavioral disorders from the second year onward in a previously seemingly normal child.

Among cognitive impairments, visuospatial, sensorimotor integration, and expressive language deficits are consistently reported. There have been independent hypotheses to deconstruct the typical cognitive development in DS (dorsal stream vulnerability, cerebellar‐like pattern, sensorimotor integration deficit), but an encompassing framework is still lacking. We performed a scoping review of existing evidence to map the current understanding of DS cognitive and behavioral developmental profiles and to summarize the evidence on suggested frameworks. We searched PubMed, Scopus, PsycInfo, and MEDLINE to identify reports focusing on cognitive deficits and/or behavioral abnormalities in DS published between 1978 and March 15, 2020. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) guidelines. Twenty‐one reports were selected and tabulated by three independent reviewers based on predefined data extraction and eligibility forms. Eighteen reports provided assessments of global intelligence quotients with variable degrees of cognitive impairment. Eleven reports analyzed single subitems contribution to global cognitive scores: these reports showed consistently larger impairment in performance scales compared to verbal ones. Studies assessing specific cognitive functions demonstrated deterioration of early visual processing, fine and gross motor abilities, visuomotor and auditory‐motor integration, spatial processing, visuo‐attentive abilities, executive functions, and expressive language. Behavioral abnormalities, reported from 14 studies, highlighted autistic‐like traits and attention and hyperactivity disorders, slightly improving with age. The cognitive profile in DS and some behavioral and motor abnormalities may be enclosed within a unified theoretical framework of the three main hypotheses advanced: a pervasive sensorimotor integration deficit, encompassing an occipito‐parietofrontal circuit (dorsal stream) dysfunction and a coexistent cerebellar deficit.
Regulation of Notch signaling by E3 ubiquitin ligases
Authors: Dutta Debdeep , Sharma Vartika , Mutsuddi Mousumi , Mukherjee Ashim
Published: March 2021

Notch signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway that is widely used for multiple cellular events during development. Activation of the Notch pathway occurs when the ligand from a neighboring cell binds to the Notch receptor and induces cleavage of the intracellular domain of Notch, which further translocates into the nucleus to activate its downstream genes. The involvement of the Notch pathway in diverse biological events is possible due to the complexity in its regulation. In order to maintain tight spatiotemporal regulation, the Notch receptor, as well as its ligand, undergoes a series of physical and biochemical modifications that, in turn, helps in proper maintenance and fine‐tuning of the signaling outcome. Ubiquitination is the post‐translational addition of a ubiquitin molecule to a substrate protein, and the process is regulated by E3 ubiquitin ligases. The present review describes the involvement of different E3 ubiquitin ligases that play an important role in the regulation and maintenance of proper Notch signaling and how perturbation in ubiquitination results in abnormal Notch signaling leading to a number of human diseases.
Multilingual, bilingual, and monolingual Arabic teachers’ development of learner self‐regulation and language awareness in the Emirates
Authors: Tang Fei , Calafato Raees
Published: March 2021

Multilingual learning and teaching have been receiving growing attention of late as many cities and states undergo significant demographic changes brought about by increasing levels of human migration. The onset of super‐diversity means that teachers often encounter students with very different language and cultural backgrounds in the classroom. This has created a new set of challenges and opportunities, especially concerning the teaching and learning of languages. As a result, research on language teaching and learning in super‐diverse contexts has acquired greater importance, yet the teaching of languages other than English (LOTE), specifically LOTE teacher beliefs and practices, has received comparatively little attention to date. To shed more light on teacher beliefs and practices as these concern the teaching of LOTEs to multilingual students, this study explored the extent to which 100 Arabic language teachers, working in UK‐curriculum secondary schools in the United Arab Emirates, used their students’ multilingualism as a resource during lessons and developed their self‐regulation and language awareness through specific activities. The findings regarding the participants’ efforts to develop their students’ self‐regulation and language awareness revealed an unexpected, negative correlation between their degree of multilingualism and their reported practices.
Seal body condition and atmospheric circulation patterns influence polar bear body condition, recruitment, and feeding ecology in the Chukchi Sea
Authors: Rode Karyn D. , Regehr Eric V. , Bromaghin Jeffrey F. , Wilson Ryan R. , St. Martin Michelle , Crawford Justin A. , Quakenbush Lori T.
Published: March 2021

Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are experiencing loss of sea ice habitats used to access their marine mammal prey. Simultaneously, ocean warming is changing ecosystems that support marine mammal populations. The interactive effects of sea ice and prey are not well understood yet may explain spatial–temporal variation in the response of polar bears to sea ice loss. Here, we examined the potential combined effects of sea ice, seal body condition, and atmospheric circulation patterns on the body condition, recruitment, diet, and feeding probability of 469 polar bears captured in the Chukchi Sea, 2008–2017. The body condition of ringed seals (Pusa hispida), the primary prey of females and subadults, was related to dietary proportions of ringed seal, feeding probability, and the body condition of females and cubs. In contrast, adult males consumed more bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) and exhibited better condition when bearded seal body condition was higher. The litter size, number of yearlings per adult female, and the condition of dependent young were higher following winters characterized by low Arctic Oscillation conditions, consistent with a growing number of studies. Body condition, recruitment, and feeding probability were either not associated or negatively associated with sea ice conditions, suggesting that, unlike some subpopulations, Chukchi Sea bears are not currently limited by sea ice availability. However, spring sea ice cover declined 2% per year during our study reaching levels not previously observed in the satellite record and resulting in the loss of polar bear hunting and seal pupping habitat. Our study suggests that the status of ice seal populations is likely an important factor that can either compound or mitigate the response of polar bears to sea ice loss over the short term. In the long term, neither polar bears nor their prey are likely robust to limitless loss of their sea ice habitat.
Impact of VSIG4 gene polymorphisms on susceptibility and functional status of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Antunes Andrade Fabiana , Goeldner Eibofner Isabela , Pieczarka Cristhine , van Tong Hoang , Sena Leia , Skare Thelma , Ramos da Rosa Utiyama Shirley , Jose de Messias‐Reason Iara , P Velavan Thirumalaisamy
Published: March 2021

The complement receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily (CRIg, encoded by the VSIG4 gene) is a macrophage receptor involved in the clearance of immune complexes and autologous cells. Our results suggest that the VSIG4 rs1044165T allele is a risk factor for severe functional status of rheumatoid arthritis in women, possibly by affecting VSIG4 gene expression.
Under the skin: Exploring 2‐month‐olds' thermal reactions in different social interactions with mother and stranger
Authors: Ioannou Stephanos , Morris Paul , Hassanain Hala , Baker Marc , Alkattan Faisal , Almakadma Abdul Hakim , Raddaoui Lama
Published: March 2021

Physiological adaptations to external stressors can reveal socio‐cognitive health in infancy. With the use of thermal imaging and behavioural analyses, the current study examined the arousal markers accompanying infants’ interactions with a familiar and an unfamiliar person. To address the current research question, the mother and a complete stranger interacted with 2 to 3 month‐old infants (N= 10, 2 boys)in three different conditions: Neutral, Play, and Compliment. Behavioral analyses showed that overall gaze was longer to the Stranger compared to the Mother independent of condition. Physiological findings showed that skin temperature was significantly higher with the stranger independent of condition. The regions of the face that passed the significance threshold included the maxillary area, the nose, and the forehead. Both behavioral and physiological findings emphasize the ability of the infant to distinguish between a familiar and an unfamiliar person. Most importantly, however thermal imaging has proven to be a promising tool in physiologically differentiating between variable social conditions in very young infants opening up a new experimental portal for identifying healthy physiological development.
A nonmonotone accelerated Levenberg–Marquardt method for the ‐eigenvalues of symmetric tensors
Authors: Cao Mingyuan , Yang Yueting , Hou Tianliang , Li Chaoqian
Published: March 2021

The eigenvalues of tensors become more and more important in the numerical multilinear algebra. In this paper, based on the nonmonotone technique, an accelerated Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) algorithm is presented for computing the ‐eigenvalues of symmetric tensors, in which an LM step and an accelerated LM step are computed at each iteration. We establish the global convergence of the proposed algorithm using properties of symmetric tensors and norms. Under the local error‐bound condition, the cubic convergence of the nonmonotone accelerated LM algorithm is derived. Numerical results show that this method is efficient.
Trabecular meshwork's collagen network formation is inhibited by non‐pigmented ciliary epithelium‐derived extracellular vesicles
Authors: Tabak Saray , Schreiber‐Avissar Sofia , Beit‐Yannai Elie
Published: March 2021

The present research aims to determine whether the application of non‐pigmented ciliary epithelium cells derived extracellular vesicles to human trabecular meshwork cells affects the formation and secretion of collagen type I to the extracellular matrix formation. Following the extraction of non‐pigmented ciliary epithelium derived extracellular vesicles by a precipitation method, their size and concentration were determined using tunable resistive pulse sensing technology. Extracellular vesicles were incubated with trabecular meshwork cells for 3 days. Morphological changes of collagen type I in the extracellular matrix of trabecular meshwork cells were visualized using confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. A Sirius Red assay was used to determine the total amount of collagen. Finally, collagen type I expression levels in the extracellular matrix of trabecular meshwork cells were quantified by cell western analysis. We found that non‐pigmented ciliary epithelium extracellular vesicles were very effective at preventing collagen fibres formation by the trabecular meshwork cells, and their secretion to the extracellular matrix was significantly reduced (P < .001). Morphological changes in the extracellular matrix of trabecular meshwork cells were observed. Our study indicates that non‐pigmented ciliary epithelium extracellular vesicles can be used to control collagen type I fibrillogenesis in trabecular meshwork cells. These fibrils net‐like structure is responsible for remodelling the extracellular matrix. Moreover, we suggest that targeting collagen type I fibril assembly may be a viable treatment for primary open‐angle glaucoma abnormal matrix deposition of the extracellular matrix.
Indebted by dispossession: The long‐term impacts of a Special Economic Zone on caste inequality in rural Telangana
Authors: Agarwal Samantha
Published: March 2021

This paper contributes to a growing scholarship examining the ways in which dispossession in neoliberal India is reinforcing and reconfiguring agrarian social hierarchies. Existing studies have focussed on the differential successes of villagers in Special Economic Zone (SEZ)‐generated real estate markets, incorporation of land losers into stratified labour markets and the caste‐based politics of dispossession. Few studies, however, have systematically explored the long‐term implications of state‐orchestrated dispossession on agrarian credit and debt relations. Based on long‐term fieldwork on a village partially expropriated for a SEZ in the South Indian state of Telangana, this study shows how dispossession has led to a sharp rise of over‐indebtedness within the land losing population. Dispossession deprived villagers of land and livestock; low compensation was inadequate to obtain replacement assets; and labour inside the SEZ was insufficient to ensure the reproduction of most households. The result was a cascading process of indebtedness for consumption smoothing that was generalized but the greatest among former untouchables (Scheduled Castes, SCs) and Lambadas (Scheduled Tribes, STs). Since dispossession precluded these historically marginalized groups from access to institutional credit, their reliance on largely upper caste moneylenders—whose land was spared expropriation—was deepened. Thus, I show how dispossession for neoliberal projects has reinforced this traditional caste‐based form of exploitation.
Encoding sound in the cochlea: from receptor potential to afferent discharge
Authors: Rutherford Mark A. , von Gersdorff Henrique , Goutman Juan D.
Published: March 2021

Ribbon‐class synapses in the ear achieve analog to digital transformation of a continuously graded membrane potential to all‐or‐none spikes. In mammals, several auditory nerve fibres (ANFs) carry information from each inner hair cell (IHC) to the brain in parallel. Heterogeneity of transmission among synapses contributes to the diversity of ANF sound‐response properties. In addition to the place code for sound frequency and the rate code for sound level, there is also a temporal code. In series with cochlear amplification and frequency tuning, neural representation of temporal cues over a broad range of sound levels enables auditory comprehension in noisy multi‐speaker settings. The IHC membrane time constant introduces a low‐pass filter that attenuates fluctuations of the receptor potential above 1–2 kHz. The ANF spike generator adds a high‐pass filter via its depolarization‐rate threshold that rejects slow changes in the postsynaptic potential and its phasic response property that ensures one spike per depolarization. Synaptic transmission involves several stochastic subcellular processes between IHC depolarization and ANF spike generation, introducing delay and jitter that limits the speed and precision of spike timing. ANFs spike at a preferred phase of periodic sounds in a process called phase‐locking that is limited to frequencies below a few kilohertz by both the IHC receptor potential and the jitter in synaptic transmission. During phase‐locking to periodic sounds of increasing intensity, faster and facilitated activation of synaptic transmission and spike generation may be offset by presynaptic depletion of synaptic vesicles, resulting in relatively small changes in response phase. Here we review encoding of spike‐timing at cochlear ribbon synapses.

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Fury Road: Medical Physics Education Using Film
Authors: Fagerstrom Jessica M. , Marshall Edward I. , Nyflot Matthew J. , Miller Jessica R.
Published: March 2021

As part of a public education outreach effort, an introduction to the health effects of ionizing radiation and the field of medical physics was developed by a clinical medical physicist. The presentation was delivered to a broad public audience in 2019 (prior to COVID-19 safety concerns) through a community outreach science literacy program that pairs popular films with educational material. The program is a collaboration between a local science center and a community movie theater, and includes content developed by a keynote guest scientist and the screening of a popular film. The film chosen for the medical physics curriculum was “Mad Max: Fury Road” (Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, CA), which takes place in a fictional post-apocalyptic environment with widespread radiation contamination. The lecture introduced the audience to concepts of ionizing radiation, DNA damage from radiation, risk models, historical significance, ionizing radiation in the film, and ionizing radiation in our world (including therapeutic medical applications). A panel of clinical medical physicists answered audience questions following the film screening. Event attendance was high, with ticketed and lecturer seats occupying 98% of the theater’s seating capacity. Informal feedback from audience members indicated attendees had an increased interest of the field of medical physics following the program. The described education and outreach format may be used by educators interested in similar opportunities in their own communities, and also may be adapted as an entertaining and accessible installment of a physics club, seminar, or colloquium event in more formal educational settings. The electronic lecture slides are available for download as supplementary materials.
NGSS Engineering Practices in Physics Instruction: Building a Night Light
Authors: Stuart Zahraa , Kelly Angela M. , Westerfeld David , Bugallo Mónica F.
Published: March 2021

Many physics teachers have experienced the challenges of implementing the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in their high school curricula. These standards, based upon the Framework for K-12 Science Education, were intended to shift science instruction towards an interdisciplinary focus on three-dimensional learning, phenomena anchored explorations, and developing solutions for technological problems. The present paper describes a collaboration between electrical and computer engineers and physics educators, whereby a physics unit was created to embed engineering practices in the design of a night light. Although the project also incorporates aspects of crosscutting concepts and disciplinary core ideas, we focused on engineering practices since more educational resources are needed that illustrate this aspect of NGSS-aligned teaching and learning. The unit was piloted with over 1500 high school students in an informal outreach program, as well as professional development workshops for 100 secondary science teachers, with the intent that teachers would incorporate this and other engineering projects in their physical science classrooms.
Cardiac Biomarkers Following Marathon Running: Is Running Time a Factor for Biomarker Change?
Authors: Traiperm Natthapon , Chaunchaiyakul Rungchai , Burtscher Martin , Gatterer Hannes
Published: March 2021

Purpose: Plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and cardiac troponin T levels show a transient increase after marathon running. The aim of this study was to investigate whether running duration influences the patterns of changes in cardiac biomarkers. Methods: Twenty participants with fast and slow finishing times were included in the study. Blood samples were taken before the marathon race, immediately after, and 24 hours after the race. Samples were analyzed for NT-proBNP and cardiac troponin T concentration. Furthermore, a complete blood cell count was performed. Results: After the marathon race, the fast and slow runners showed similar changes of NT-proBNP and cardiac troponin T (ie, a transient increase). Curve estimation regression analysis showed a curvilinear relationship (quadratic model) between running times and NT-proBNP increments immediately after the race, with less of an increase in the very fast and the very slow runners (r2 = .359, P = .023). NT-proBNP increments immediately after the race were correlated to the decline 24 hours after the marathon (r = −.612, P = .004). Conclusions: This study indicates that NT-proBNP release immediately after marathon running varies in a curvilinear fashion with running time. It is speculated that low NT-proBNP release is associated with training adaptation in most elite runners and the relatively low cardiac stress in the slowest (but experienced) runners. The combination of less adaptation and relatively large cardiac wall and metabolic stress may explain the highest NT-proBNP values in runners with average running times. In addition, NT-proBNP decrements 24 hours after the race depend primarily on the values reached after the marathon and not on running time.
Dimensionality Reduction for Countermovement Jump Metrics
Authors: James Lachlan P. , Suppiah Haresh , McGuigan Michael R. , Carey David L.
Published: March 2021

Purpose:Dozens of variables can be derived from the countermovement jump (CMJ). However, this does not guarantee an increase in useful information because many of the variables are highly correlated. Furthermore, practitioners should seek to find the simplest solution to performance testing and reporting challenges. The purpose of this investigation was to show how to apply dimensionality reduction to CMJ data with a view to offer practitioners solutions to aid applications in high-performance settings.Methods:The data were collected from 3 cohorts using 3 different devices. Dimensionality reduction was undertaken on the extracted variables by way of principal component analysis and maximum likelihood factor analysis.Results:Over 90% of the variance in each CMJ data set could be explained in 3 or 4 principal components. Similarly, 2 to 3 factors could successfully explain the CMJ.Conclusions:The application of dimensional reduction through principal component analysis and factor analysis allowed for the identification of key variables that strongly contributed to distinct aspects of jump performance. Practitioners and scientists can consider the information derived from these procedures in several ways to streamline the transfer of CMJ test information.
Two Distinct Conformations in 34 FliF Subunits Generate Three Different Symmetries within the Flagellar MS-Ring
Authors: Takekawa Norihiro , Kawamoto Akihiro , Sakuma Mayuko , Kato Takayuki , Kojima Seiji , Kinoshita Miki , Minamino Tohru , Namba Keiichi , Homma Michio , Imada Katsumi
Published: March 2021

The bacterial flagellum is a motility organelle formed by tens of thousands of protein molecules. At the earliest stage of flagellar assembly, a transmembrane protein, FliF, forms the MS-ring in the cytoplasmic membrane as the base for flagellar assembly.
Novel GLA T194A variant causes Fabry disease
Authors: Pestana Maria Nicole , Gomes da Silva Francisca , Durães José , Silva Gil
Published: March 2021

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked, systemic lysosomal deposition disease caused by alpha-galactosidase A (AGAL) enzyme deficiency deriving out of changes on theGLAgene. Though several mutations have been described, one must consider that even a specific mutation may present with variable clinical expression within the same family. Typically described as a disease that affects hemizygous men with no residual AGAL activity, we describe a novel FD mutation (first case ofGLAT194A variant worldwide) in a 49-year-old woman presenting with a classic phenotype of FD. The patient investigation highlighted a previously not described mutation in exon 4 of theGLAgene, as for the substitution of threonine for alanine. The same mutation was identified in her children, one of them presenting with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in early adulthood.
Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland successfully treated with surgical resection and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Chu Michael M H , Mirza Omar , Bishop Paul William , Pothula Vijay
Published: March 2021

A 57-year-old woman presented with a 3-month history of an enlarging thyroid mass causing breathlessness and dysphagia. Cross-sectional imaging showed a thyroid tumour infiltrating the trachea and abutting the oesophagus. She underwent panendoscopy, total thyroidectomy and planned tracheal resection, but due to intraoperative findings, a staged procedure was planned instead. Histological analysis revealed a poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) which was positive on paired box gene 8 (PAX8) immunostaining, suggesting a diagnosis of primary thyroid SCC. She subsequently underwent total laryngectomy and bilateral neck dissections followed by radiotherapy with concurrent cisplatin chemotherapy. The patient remains disease-free 22 months after treatment. Median overall survival is 10 months for macroscopically completely resected tumours. PAX8 immunostaining is a novel technique which helps with the diagnostic challenge of distinguishing between primary thyroid SCC and SCC metastatic to the thyroid from extrathyroidal sites. Complete surgical resection with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy may result in a favourable outcome despite conflicting reports in the literature.
Bilateral pneumothorax after acupuncture treatment
Authors: Nishie Miyuki , Masaki Katsunori , Kayama Yohei , Yoshino Tetsuhiro
Published: March 2021

A 31-year-old female physician was diagnosed with bilateral pneumothorax a day after her acupuncture treatment. Her body mass index was 16.9 and she did not have a prior history of respiratory disease or smoking. Acupuncture needles may easily reach the pleura around the end of the suprascapular angle of the levator scapulae muscle where the subcutaneous tissue is anatomically thin. In our patient, the thickness between the epidermis and the visceral pleura in this area was only 22 mm as confirmed by an ultrasound scan. Although she felt chest discomfort 30 min after the procedure, she assumed the symptom to be a reaction to the acupuncture. In light of our case, we advise practitioners to select appropriate acupuncture needles for patients based on the site of insertion and counsel them regarding the appearance of symptoms such as chest pain and dyspnoea immediately after the procedure.
Is being a 'left-behind' child associated with an increased risk of self-poisoning in adulthood? Findings from a case–control study in Sri Lanka
Authors: Knipe Duleeka , Moran Paul , Howe Laura D , Bandara Piumee , Wickramage Kolitha , Gunnell David , Rajapakse Thilini
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The long-term consequences of parental emigration on offspring self-harm risk is unknown.

Methods

We investigated the association between experiencing parental emigration in childhood with hospital presentations for self-poisoning in adulthood using a hospital case–control study. Cases were adult self-poisoning patients (≥18 year olds) admitted to the medical toxicology ward Teaching Hospital Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Sex and age frequency matched controls were recruited from the outpatient department or nearby specialist clinics at the same hospital. Details of parental emigration were collected using a pre-piloted questionnaire. The relationship between parental emigration and self-poisoning in adulthood was estimated using logistic regression models.

Results

298 cases, and 500 hospital controls were interviewed for the study. We estimate that one in five adults experienced parental emmigration as children (95% CI 17% to 24%). We find limited evidence that children from households with emigrating parents were more likely to experience adverse childhood experiences than those with non-emigrating parents. We found no statistical evidence of an increased risk of self-poisoning in adulthood in individuals who experienced parental emigration (maternal or paternal) during childhood. There was no statistical evidence that the impact differed by the sex of the participant.

Conclusion

Adults who experienced parental emigration as children were no more likely to self-poison than adults with non-emigrating parents. Further research using longitudinal data are needed to understand whether any adverse outcomes observed in 'left-behind' children are a consequence of parental emigration or due to factors associated but predate the emigration. Prospective data are also important to investigate whether there are any lasting effects on children who experience parental emigration.
Is health literacy associated with antibiotic use, knowledge and awareness of antimicrobial resistance among non-medical university students in Egypt? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Mostafa Aya , Abdelzaher Abdurrahman , Rashed Salma , AlKhawaga Salma I , Afifi Shadwa K , AbdelAlim Shaimaa , Mostafa Shaimaa A , Zidan Taha A
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Antibiotic resistance is a global public health concern, especially in developing countries, where antibiotic misuse is widespread. However, studies investigating relevant factors, particularly in youth, are limited. This study examined the levels of health literacy (HL) and their association with antibiotic use, knowledge of antibiotics and awareness of antibiotic resistance among university students in Egypt.

Design

A cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered questionnaires during 2018. The Health Literacy Survey (HLS-EU-Q16) and the WHO Antibiotic resistance: Multi-Country Public Awareness Survey were used. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were used to compare responses on use and knowledge of antibiotics, and awareness of antibiotic resistance between the three levels of students’ HL.

Setting

University, Cairo, Egypt.

Participants

508 non-medical university students.

Outcomes

Students’ HL scores were categorised into sufficient, problematic and inadequate. Students’ knowledge of antibiotics was categorised into good and poor. Students’ awareness of antibiotic resistance was categorised into high, average and poor.

Results

35.1% of students had sufficient HL. 79.7% of students had poor knowledge of antibiotics. 39.9% of students reported having used antibiotics in the past month without a prescription. 92.2% had limited awareness of antibiotic resistance and 30.6% of students heard about the term ‘antimicrobial resistance’. Background characteristics did not significantly differ by HL levels or knowledge scores, except for students’ year of study. Sufficient HL was independently associated with students’ high awareness of antibiotic resistance (adjusted OR=2.8; 95% CI: 1.3 to 5.9).

Conclusions

HL was insufficient in this sample of non-medical Egyptian university students. Across all levels of HL, knowledge of antibiotics and awareness of antibiotic resistance were limited, reflecting deficiency in relevant education programmes. Findings suggest that sufficient HL supports high awareness of antibiotic resistance. Incorporating HL and rational antibiotic use awareness raising programmes in university curricula is an urgent necessity to curb antibiotic resistance.
Role of Purinergic Signaling in Acupuncture Therapeutics
Authors: Lv Zhi-Ying , Yang Yong-Qing , Yin Lei-Miao
Published: March 2021

Acupuncture is a therapeutic treatment that is well recognized in many countries. However, the initiation mechanisms of acupuncture are not well understood. Purinergic signaling has been considered a key signaling pathway in acupuncture in recent years. Acupuncture-induced ATP is mainly produced by mast cells and fibroblasts, and ATP is gradually hydrolyzed into adenosine. ATP and adenosine further participate in the process of acupuncture information transmission to the nervous and immune systems through specific purine receptors. Acupuncture initiates analgesia via the down-regulation of the expression of P2 receptors or up-regulation of the expression of adenosine A1receptors on nerve fibers. ATP also promotes the proliferation of immune cells through P2 receptors and A3receptors, causing inflammation. In contrast, adenosine activates A2receptors, promotes the production and infiltration of immunosuppressive cells, and causes an anti-inflammatory response. In summary, we described the role of purinergic signaling as a general signaling pathway in the initiation of acupuncture and the influence of purinergic signaling on the neuroimmune network to lay the foundation for future systematic research on the mechanisms of acupuncture therapeutics.
Single-Machine Scheduling Problems with Variable Processing Times and Past-Sequence-Dependent Delivery Times
Authors: Wang Ji-Bo , Xue Jing , Cui Bo , Gao Ming
Published: March 2021

Scheduling problems with variable processing times and past-sequence-dependent delivery times are considered on a single-machine. The delivery times of jobs depend on their waiting times of processing. A job’s actual processing time depends on its position in a sequence, its starting time and its allocation of non-renewable resources. Under the linear resource consumption function, the goal (version) is to determine the optimal sequence and optimal resource allocation such that the sum of scheduling cost and total resource consumption cost is minimized. Under the convex resource consumption function, three versions of the scheduling cost and total resource consumption cost are discussed. We prove that these four versions can be solved in polynomial time, respectively. Some applications are also given by using the scheduling cost, which involve the makespan, total completion time, total absolute differences in completion times (TADC), and total absolute differences in waiting times (TADW).