bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wash or wipe? A comparative study of skin physiological changes between water washing and wiping after skin cleaning
Authors: Ogai K. , Matsumoto M. , Aoki M. , Ota R. , Hashimoto K. , Wada R. , Kobayashi M. , Sugama J.
Published: March 2017

Background/purpose

Presently, skin‐cleaning agents that claim to be removed by water or wiping alone are commercially available and have been used for the purpose of bed baths. However, there is a lack of knowledge on how water washing and wiping differently affect skin physiological functions or ceramide content. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of water washing and wiping on skin physiological functions and ceramide content.

Methods

Three kinds of the cleaning agents with different removal techniques (ie, water washing and wiping) were used in this study. Skin physiological functions (ie, transepidermal water loss, skin hydration, and skin pH) and skin ceramide content were measured before and after seven consecutive days of the application of each cleaning agent.

Results

No significant differences in skin physiological functions or ceramide content were observed between water washing and wiping.

Conclusion

Cleaning agents that claim to be removed by water washing or wiping do not affect skin physiological functions or ceramide content by either removal method.
Nitrogen uptake, nitrate leaching and root development in winter‐grown wheat and fodder radish
Authors: Munkholm L. J. , Hansen E. M. , Thomsen I. K. , Wahlström E. M. , Østergaard H. S.
Published: March 2017

Early seeding of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) has been proposed as a means to reduce N leaching as an alternative to growing cover crops like fodder radish (Raphanus sativus L.). The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of winter wheat, seeded early and normally, and of fodder radish on N dynamics and root growth. Field experiments were carried out on a humid temperate sandy loam soil. Aboveground biomass and soil inorganic N were determined in late autumn; N uptake and grain yield of winter wheat were measured at harvest. Nitrate leaching was estimated from soil water samples taken at 1 m depth. Root growth was measured late autumn using the core break and root washing methods. Winter wheat root growth dynamics were followed during the growing season using the minirhizotron method. The 2013–2014 results showed that early seeding of wheat improved autumn growth and N uptake and reduced N leaching during the winter compared with the normal seeding time. Early‐seeded wheat (WWearly) was, however, not as efficient as fodder radish at reducing N leaching. Proper establishment of WWearly was a prerequisite for benefiting from early seeding, as indicated by the 2012–2013 results. Early seeding improved root growth throughout the 2013–2014 growing season compared with normal seeding time, but had no significant effect on crop grain yield. Our results indicate the potential of using early seeding as a tool to limit drought susceptibility and increase nutrient uptake from the subsoil.
HLA‐A*24:374—A novel allele encoding the HLA‐A2403 specificity
Authors: Rowlands J. , Climer T. , Harvey C. , Williams L. , Darke C.
Published: March 2017

HLA‐A*24:374 differs from A*24:03:01:01 by 2 exon 3 bases resulting in a substitution of T163E.
The full length genomic sequence of a novel HLA‐A*24 allele, HLA‐A*24:353, identified in a patient with hepatitis B infection
Authors: Gao S.‐Q. , Xu Y.‐P. , He L.‐M. , Zhang H. , Yang A.‐L.
Published: March 2017

HLA‐A*24:353 differs from
HLA‐A*24:02:01 by an amino acid exchange glutamine to glutamate at position 316.
Full‐length sequence of HLA‐B*55:02:01:01, confirmed by cloning and sequencing
Authors: Li Z. , Zou H.‐Y.
Published: March 2017

Full‐length sequence of HLA‐B*55:02:01:01, confirmed by cloning and sequencing in a Chinese donor.
Mycoplasma hominis periaortic abscess following heart–lung transplantation
Authors: Hagiya Hideharu , Yoshida Hisao , Yamamoto Norihisa , Kimura Keigo , Ueda Akiko , Nishi Isao , Akeda Yukihiro , Tomono Kazunori
Published: March 2017

We report the first case of Mycoplasma hominis periaortic abscess after heart–lung transplantation. The absence of sternal wound infection delayed the diagnosis, but the patient successfully recovered with debridement surgeries and long‐term antibiotic therapy. Owing to the difficulty in detection and the intrinsic resistance to beta‐lactams, M. hominis infections are prone to being misdiagnosed and undertreated. M. hominis should be suspected in cases where conventional microbiological identification and treatment approaches fail.
Cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis in a hematopoietic stem cell transplant patient caused by Alternaria rosae: First case report
Authors: Liu Amy W. , Bateman Allen C. , Greenbaum Adam , Garvin Kanishka , Clarridge Jill , Grim Jonathan
Published: March 2017

Alternaria species have been reported as a rare cause of fungal infection in organ and stem cell transplant recipients, but to date, no reports have been published of infection in humans caused by Alternaria rosae. Here, we report cutaneous A. rosae infection in a 66‐year‐old farmer with a history of primary myelofibrosis who had undergone allogeneic unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Forty‐nine days post transplant, he presented with a nodule on the thumb with no findings suggestive of disseminated infection. Pathology, culture, and molecular speciation showed the nodule was caused by cutaneous A. rosae. He had been on voriconazole as antifungal prophylaxis, but was found to have a subtherapeutic voriconazole level. He was switched to posaconazole based on published in vitro data showing its superior efficacy in Alternaria treatment. Susceptibility testing showed that the A. rosae isolate was indeed susceptible to posaconazole. His cutaneous lesion remained stable, but he died from respiratory failure secondary to lobar pneumonia. At lung autopsy, A. rosae was not identified in the lungs. We believe this to be the first published report, to our knowledge, of A. rosae infection in humans.
Blood product utilization in human upper‐extremity transplantation: challenges, complications, considerations, and transfusion protocol conception
Authors: Raval Jay S. , Gorantla Vijay S. , Shores Jaimie T. , Lee W.P. Andrew , Planinsic Raymond M. , Rollins‐Raval Marian A. , Brandacher Gerald , King Karen E. , Losee Joseph E. , Kiss Joseph E.
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Upper‐extremity transplantation (UET) is a reality. Immunologic, functional, and graft survival outcomes have been encouraging. However, these complex reconstructions have unique considerations that pose distinct challenges. Transplant programs have reported morbidity and mortality due to significant intraoperative blood losses, but similar data are scant during other phases of recovery. We report experience from two centers on complete blood component demands and utilization with UET.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Inpatient medical records of UET recipients from intraoperative (time from initiation of transplant surgery to exit from the operative suite) and postoperative (exit from the operative suite to discharge from the hospital) phases were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Six patients received various UETs and mean (±SD) postoperative hospital stay was 46 (±14.4) days. Mean (±SD) intraoperative blood unit utilization was 14.8 (±10.2) red blood cells (RBCs), 10.5 (±11.8) plasma, 0.8 (±1.2) platelets (PLTs), and 0.3 (±0.8) cryoprecipitate units. Mean postoperative blood unit utilization was 9.3 (±10.4) RBCs, 5.3 (±6.7) plasma, 1.2 (±2.0) PLTs, and 0.7 (±1.6) cryoprecipitate units. Both intraoperative and postoperative blood utilization for unilateral versus bilateral transplant were different, but not significantly so. However, total inpatient blood use in bilateral transplants was significantly greater than in unilateral transplants.

CONCLUSION

Substantial blood loss may occur in UET and require transfusion of many blood components, primarily RBCs and plasma. We propose an UET transfusion protocol and suggest that centers preparing to perform these transplants should actively engage the transfusion medicine service to ensure availability and access to appropriate blood components for the entire hospitalizations of these unique patients.
Frequency of Trypanosoma cruzi parasitemia among infected blood donors with a potential association between parasite lineage and transfusion transmission
Authors: Leiby David A. , Nguyen Megan L. , Proctor Melanie C. , Townsend Rebecca L. , Stramer Susan L.
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Trypanosoma cruzi is endemic to the Americas where it demonstrates multiple lineages over a vast geographic range (i.e., United States to Argentina). These lineages possess divergent geographic and biologic characteristics, including variations in disease manifestations. Herein, we report the frequency of parasitemia among seropositive US blood donors and the potential association between parasite lineage and transfusion transmission.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Blood donors identified as T. cruzi seropositive during screening were enrolled in follow‐up studies, including hemoculture testing and a risk factor questionnaire. Positive hemocultures were expanded to obtain sufficient parasites for molecular lineage determination and analysis. Country of birth, obtained from the questionnaire, was used to predict parasite lineage in the absence of demonstrable parasitemia for infected donors.

RESULTS

Eighteen (6.8%) of 263 seropositive donors were hemoculture positive. Among the 17 hemocultures expanded for lineage determination, TcV was identified more frequently (n = 12), compared to TcI (n = 2), TcII (n = 1), and TcVI (n = 2). When presumptive parasite lineages were compared to hemoculture results, only two of 157 (1.3%) TcI versus 13 of 38 (34.2%) TcII/TcV/TcVI non‐US donors were parasitemic; three of 44 (6.8%) US donors were TcV or TcVI.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on lineage determination for donors with parasitemia; hemoculture positivity associated with presumptive parasite lineage; and implicated donors from US, Canadian, and Spanish transfusion cases, donors from Southern South America are significantly more likely to have parasitemia and transmit infection to blood recipients (TcII, TcV, or TcVI vs. TcI). Thus, parasite lineage may be associated with risk of transfusion‐transmitted T. cruzi.
Consideration of hydromorphology and sediment in the implementation of the EU water framework and floods directives: a comparative analysis of selected EU member states
Authors: Nones Michael , Gerstgraser Christoph , Wharton Geraldene
Published: March 2017

The EU Water Framework and Floods Directives represent important legislative instruments introduced in the water policy during the last two decades. Despite their holistic and complementary approaches, which should yield many benefits, the lack of importance given to the consideration of hydromorphology and sediments is a weakness. This will hinder the achievement of the Directives' goals, since hydrology and geomorphology of rivers and the character and dynamics of sediments are essential components of the aquatic habitat and ecosystem health. The entrainment, transport and deposition of sediments determine the interrelationships between river channel geometry and flow regime, which affect flood risk. The paper reports on the findings of a survey undertaken in 2015 as part of the HYTECH project, which questioned 20 EU Water Authorities about the importance they attached to hydromorphological quality elements and sediment transport during the implementation cycles of both Directives.
DIALECTICS OF POLITICS AND RELIGION IN INDONESIA
Authors: Eka Putra Okrisal , Jandra Mifedwil
Published: March 2017

This study describes the relationship between religion and social life with politics as one aspect. The issue is the imbalance that occurs when Muslims as majority in Indonesia is not the sole determinant of political life journey., Parti-Islam party representing the political aspirations of Muslims never be a winner in every election. At best, they can only act as a "disturbing" factor in the election of the president and vice president. The question is what happens to Muslims in Indonesia so that every democratic process as elections only be used by those who want to take power in this country. This research is qualitative descriptive. Data retrieved through documentation and interviews. Later, the data were analyzed with descriptive analysis. The unit of analysis in social institutions in this regard is the religious and political parties. Data search is through books, journals and writings of Islamic political thinkers. urthermore, interpretation of data and grouping of data is done in accordance with the type of problem and then analyzed through an explanation to determine the variables. This research can enrich 'the wealth of thought in politics and in the fight for the aspirations of Muslims in civic life as well as in the preparation of an appropriate strategy to no longer be deceived by their political opponents. Muslims understanding of strength, verses and hadith are always multi-interpretative power that spawned a variety of comprehension and crystallize into a solid group. Differences occur is difficult to put together in one political group. Primordial existence more prominent than thinking about the progress of Muslims in the life of state and society. Color portrait of Muslim politics, we look long dialectic between propaganda and politics of the New Order, which is a long fight between Muslims and the government's birth that cause antipathy to each policy. It's realizing the physical strain that produced casualties on both sides. Keywords: political relations, government, Muslims
THE ROLE OF RASTIKA’S GLASS PAINTING AS A UNIQUE ARTWORK IN SUPPORTING TOURISM IN CIREBON
Authors: Sugesti Ikariya , Susilawati Susilawati
Published: March 2017

The Cirebon glass painting is a traditional artwork which showed how several cultures such as Chinese, Islam, and Hindu combined as one. Rastika is a glass painting pioneer from Cirebon has shown how the object variation, background development, and calligraphy in his artwork. His glass painting serves the beauty of itself and he has reformed traditional themes in glass paintings. This is an art involving design, style, theme, and the pattern, that always growth, renewal, and friction, so that it produces a new and prim painting technique. A combination of rocks and clouds and that of a dragon, which are quite often found in Cirebon's glass paintings, are also evident in his creations. The color harmony suggests western nuances, which are obviously the outcome of his wide acquaintanceship with fine art academics. Rastika has produced lots of glass painting, producing the classic and modern classic theme and pattern. This research was conducted to introduce Rastika’s glass painting as a unique artwork and to find out the role of it to support the tourism part in Cirebon. Keywords: Rastika’s glass painting, artwork, culture, tourism
THE TEACHER’S ROLE IN OVERCOMING THE STUDENT’S DIFFICULTIES IN LEARNING READING (DYSLEXIA)
Authors: Afendi Arief Hidayat , Nur Jannah Widia , Charisma Dila
Published: March 2017

The goal of this study is to see how the teacher’s role in overcoming the fifth grade students’ difficulties in learning and reading at the SDN Jatiseeng Kidul Cirebon by applying reflective learning-based prophetic teaching. Reflective learning-based prophetic teaching is a teachers’ activity in facilitating the students using questions in order to help their students to reflect their learning in the form of good questions based on the way of learning to imitate the prophet procedures in teaching. The method of this study is case study with internal purposive sampling technique. The place of this study is SDN 2 Jatiseeng Kidul, Cirebon. The subject of this study is the fifth grade teacher and the objects are four students of the fifth grade students of SDN 2 Jatiseeng Kidul which get difficulties in learning reading (dyslexia). The collecting data procedures used in this study are observation, interview and documentation. The result of this study proves that the teacher’s role is very necessary and very helpful to motivate students wh o have difficulty in learning reading (dyslexia). Since the teachers apply reflective learning-based of prophetic teaching using story telling and discussion method, questioning or dialogue, seen the students motivated to participate in learning, thereby reducing the students’ difficulties in learning reading (dyslexia), moreover it can grow the character of respect each other, perseverance and cooperation. In addition, the teachers provide additional learning time out of the school with repeating the exercise in accordance with their reading difficulties.Keywords: The teachers’ role, dyslexia, reflective learning-based, prophetic teaching
MANAGERIAL INSPIRATION IN THE TRADITIONAL PESANTREN
Authors: Karim Abdul
Published: March 2017

This research deepens the concept of Henry Mintzberg who gives hard criticism that most managers can not be classified definitively into management functions. Thus allowing manager to play his/her managerial’s roles which consist of interpersonal, informational, and decisional. So, this study will synthesize interpersonal’s role of the managers. Meanwhile, an independent position of this research is the manager's inspiration to play his/her roles in decision making. The main objective of this research is leader’s inspiration through the process of meditation, mediation, and reflection of the main Kyais in Pesantren Bendakerep Cirebon Indonesia. This objective can be answered deeply only with qualitative’s kind of research through cultural approach. The data which is collected through interview, observation and documents analysis, after going through triangulation stage, will be analyzed through categorization, reduction, and interpretation. The findings show that the Kyai’s efforts of decision making is by obeying the ancestor inheritances both materialistic and imaterialistic, to dig the inspiration through meditation, mediation and reflection in the form of decisions. Keywords: Managerial roles, leadership inspiration, traditional pesantren
RELIGIOSITY OF CIREBONESE SOCIETY CULTURE IN THE ORAL TRADITION PEPUJIAN
Authors: Kamaluddin Muhammad
Published: March 2017

Cirebonese society and its culture grew and developed from a long history of the oldest Islamic Sultanate in West Java led by Sunan Gunung Jati. As the King of the Sultanate and at the same time called the Waliyullah, such a variety forms of tradition are held as the cultural expression of his citizen. One of it is the oral tradition pepujian. This tradition has been exist in the mid of the society until now. This research is conducted as a study of public religiosity. It is seen from the oral tradition pepujian is linked with the culture of the society. It is link with the ideaof semiotics theory of Claude Lévi-Strauss (1904) in anthropology studies using language approach. The methodology used is paradigm from the qualitative research. Through the linguistics anthropology framework, researcher involves in the community activities and being part of them. So it is eventually discovered that the oral tradition pepujian in the culture of Cirebonese speakers is a verse of poetry containing Islamic teachings about faith and worship. It is spoken in the form of song as an expression of their cultural religiosity. Keywords: Cirebonese society, culture, oral tradition, religiosity.RELIGIOSITY OF CIREBONESE SOCIETY CULTURE  IN THE ORAL TRADITION PEPUJIAN
Psychological Needs as the Predictor of Teachers' Perceived Stress Levels
Authors: Avci Ahmet , Bozgeyikli Hasan , Kesici Sahin
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between teachers' psychological needs and perceived stress levels. First of all, the differentiation status of teachers' psychological needs and perceived stress levels in terms of gender, type of institution and type of the school variables was examined. Then, the psychological need's level of predicting the perceived stress was tested. This research was carried out by descriptive survey design. For this purpose, Personal Information Form, Perceived stress level scale and Psychological needs scale were applied to 498 primary school teachers (317 female 63.7% and 181 male 36.3%). T test, F test and multiple linear regression analysis were applied in addition to descriptive statistics in the analysis of data. According to the results obtained from the research, it was found that the dominance needs of teachers working in private schools were significantly higher than the teachers working in public schools. It was determined that the psychological needs of teachers do not vary by gender, but the perceived stress levels of female teachers were significantly higher than male teachers. Besides, it was concluded that primary school teachers' need for relationship and secondary school teachers' need for autonomy were significantly higher compared to teachers working in other institutions. It was also determined that the needs for success, autonomy and dominance from among psychological needs significantly predicted the perceived stress. The results obtained from the research were interpreted and suggestions for further research were put forward.
Elliptic singularities on log symplectic manifolds and Feigin–Odesskii Poisson brackets
Authors: Pym Brent
Published: March 2017

A log symplectic manifold is a complex manifold equipped with a complex symplectic form that has simple poles on a hypersurface. The possible singularities of such a hypersurface are heavily constrained. We introduce the notion of an elliptic point of a log symplectic structure, which is a singular point at which a natural transversality condition involving the modular vector field is satisfied, and we prove a local normal form for such points that involves the simple elliptic surface singularities$\widetilde{E}_{6},\widetilde{E}_{7}$and$\widetilde{E}_{8}$. Our main application is to the classification of Poisson brackets on Fano fourfolds. For example, we show that Feigin and Odesskii’s Poisson structures of type$q_{5,1}$are the only log symplectic structures on projective four-space whose singular points are all elliptic.
A translational approach for NMDA receptor profiling as a vulnerability biomarker for depression and schizophrenia
Authors: Gunduz‐Bruce Handan , Kenney Joshua , Changlani Suravi , Peixoto Aldo , Gueorguieva Ralitza , Leone Cheryl , Stachenfeld Nina
Published: March 2017

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Can the change in plasma arginine vasopressin concentration (P[AVP]) in response to osmotic stimulation (POsm) serve as a biomarker for NMDA receptor signalling in schizophrenia and depression and thereby distinguish between these mental illnesses?

What is the main finding and its importance?

In response to hyperosmotic challenge, depressed subjects showed increased P[AVP] response compared with healthy control and schizophrenic subjects. However, schizophrenic subjects were not different from healthy control subjects in this small sample. The ‘P[AVP] response to POsm’ is a suitable biomarker to distinguish depressed versus schizophrenic patients when used with psychiatric screening. This is the first objective physiological measure for schizophrenia or depression.

Altered NMDA receptor activity and glutamate signalling might underlie the pathogenesis of both schizophrenia and depression in subgroups of patients. In schizophrenia, pharmacological modelling, post‐mortem and imaging data suggest reduced NMDA signalling. In contrast, recent clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy of the NMDA antagonist ketamine in severely depressed patients suggest increased NMDA receptor signalling. We conducted a proof‐of‐concept study to assess whether there is any in vivo evidence for an inverse association in depression and schizophrenia with respect to the NMDA receptor function. For this purpose, we used a translational approach, based on findings from animal studies that NMDA receptor is a key mediator of arginine vasopressin (AVP) release into the bloodstream. Using hypertonic saline to increase plasma osmolality (POsm) and thereby induce AVP release, as done in animal studies, we found that in depressed patients the NMDA receptor‐mediated AVP release induced by hypertonic saline infusion was significantly increased [0.24 (0.15) pg ml−1 mosmol−1, P < 0.05] compared with schizophrenia patients [0.07 (0.07) pg ml−1 mosmol−1]. Slopes for healthy control subjects were 0.11 (0.09) pg ml−1 mosmol−1 which was less than the depressed group. These findings are consistent with implicated NMDA receptor‐related abnormalities in depression and schizophrenia in subgroups of patients and provide the first in vivo evidence of this dichotomy.
General Relations of Indentations on Solids With Surface Tension
Authors: Long Jianmin , Ding Yue , Yuan Weike , Chen Wen , Wang Gangfeng
Published: March 2017

The conventional contact mechanics does not account for surface tension; however, it is important for micro- or nanosized contacts. In the present paper, the influences of surface tension on the indentations of an elastic half-space by a rigid sphere, cone, and flat-ended cylinder are investigated, and the corresponding singular integral equations are formulated. Due to the complicated structure of the integral kernel, it is difficult to obtain their analytical solutions. By using the Gauss–Chebyshev quadrature formula, the integral equations are solved numerically first. Then, for each indenter, the analytical solutions of two limit cases considering only the bulk elasticity or surface tension are presented. It is interesting to find that, through a simple combination of the solutions of two limit cases and fitting the direct numerical results, the dependence of load on contact radius or indent depth for general case can be given explicitly. The results incorporate the contribution of surface tension in contact mechanics and are helpful to understand contact phenomena at micro- and nanoscale.
Solution Region Synthesis Methodology of Spatial 5-SS Linkages for Six Given Positions
Authors: Han Jianyou , Cui Guangzhen
Published: March 2017

This paper presents a solution region synthesis methodology to perform the dimensional synthesis of spatial 5-spherical–spherical (SS) linkages for six specified positions of the end-effector. Dimensional synthesis equations for an SS link are formulated. After solving the synthesis equations, the curves of moving and fixed joints can be obtained, and they are called moving and fixed solution curves, respectively. Each point on the curves represents an SS link. Considering the limited range of joints at the first position, we can obtain the feasible solution curves. The link length curves can be obtained based on the feasible solution curves. We determine three SS links by selecting three points meeting the requirements on link length curves. Then, the solution region is built by sorting and adding feasible solution curves and projecting the feasible solution curves on the line. The feasible solution region can be obtained by eliminating defective linkages and linkages that fail to meet the other requirements from the solution region. The validity of the formulas and applicability of the proposed approach is illustrated by example.
Optimization of Planar Honing Process for Surface Finish of Machine Tool Sliding Guideways
Authors: Chang Kory , Soshi Masakazu
Published: March 2017

Sliding guideways are often used as the foundation for linear motion in computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools due to their high damping capabilities especially for heavy duty machining applications. However, the traditional manufacturing process with grinding is time-consuming, and the product’s sliding performance has not been optimized nor clearly understood. In order to increase productivity, a machining center based manufacturing method with cubic boron nitride (CBN) milling tools was introduced and tested by researchers. While greatly reducing manufacturing time and cost, a rougher milled surface, in comparison to traditional grinding, is a possible concern for the performance as well as the life of sliding guideways. In this study, a novel planar honing process was proposed as a postprocess of CBN milling to create a finish surface on hardened cast iron sliding guideways used for CNC machine tools. A design of experiment (DOE) was conducted to statistically understand significant factors in the machining process and their relationship with surface topography. Effective planar honing conditions were discovered and analyzed with three-dimensional (3D) and two-dimensional surface parameters.
Tie Goes to the Runner: The Physics and Psychology of a Close Play
Authors: Starling David J. , Starling Sarah J.
Published: March 2017

Since physics is often a service course for college students, it is important to incorporate everyday examples in the curriculum that inspire students of diverse backgrounds and interests. In this regard, baseball has been a workhorse for the physics classroom for a long time, taking the form of demonstrations and example problems. Here, we discuss how baseball can help bridge the physical and social sciences in an introductory physics course by analyzing a close play at first base.
God’s Thoughts: Practical Steps Toward a Theory of Everything
Authors: Lincoln Don
Published: March 2017

In 1922, Einstein was speaking to young Esther Salaman during a long walk; she was talking of her dreams and goals and he was sharing some of his thoughts. Among thoughts of travel, he described his core guiding intellectual principle when he said, “I want to know how God created this world [wie sich Gott die Welt beschaffen]. I’m not interested in this or that phenomenon, in the spectrum of this or that element. I want to know His thoughts; the rest are just details.”
Mobile Phone Radiation and Cancer
Authors: Plotz Thomas
Published: March 2017

A possible link between cancer and the usage of mobile phones has been widely discussed in the media in the last 10 years. It is no surprise that students keep asking their physics teacher for advice regarding the handling of mobile phones and mobile phone radiation. This article aims to help teachers include this interesting topic in the classroom. It provides basic information and summarizes the facts made available by 11 recent peer-reviewed studies. First some information about the physical facts and medical information on brain cancer are given. Then the different studies are presented. Last but not least, different possibilities to implement this topic in the high school classroom are given.
Analysis of an Unusual Mirror in a 16th-Century Painting: A Museum Exercise for Physics Students
Authors: Swaminathan Sudha , Lamelas Frank
Published: March 2017

Physics students at Worcester State University visit the Worcester Art Museum (WAM) at the end of a special 100-level course called Physics in Art. The students have studied geometrical optics, and they have been introduced to concepts in atomic physics. The purpose of the museum tour is to show how physics-based techniques can be used in a nontraditional lab setting. Other examples of the use of museum-based art in physics instruction include analyses of Pointillism and image resolution, and of reflections in soap bubbles in 17- and 18th-century paintings.
Connecting Time and Frequency in the RC Circuit
Authors: Moya A. A.
Published: March 2017

Charging and discharging processes of a capacitor through a resistor, as well as the concept of impedance in alternating current circuits, are topics covered in introductory physics courses. The experimental study of the charge and discharge of a capacitor through a resistor is a well-established lab exercise that is used to introduce concepts such as exponential increase or decrease and time constant. Determining the time constant of the RC circuit has important practical applications because, for example, it can be used to measure unknown values of resistance or capacitance. The transient experiment can be done by using a voltmeter and stopwatch, signal generator and oscilloscope, or even low-cost data acquisition systems such as Arduino. An equivalent topic when studying alternating current circuits arises from the characterization of the impedance of the series or parallel combination of the capacitor and the resistor as a function of frequency. Determining the time constant of the RC circuit by means of impedance measurements for different frequencies is a known experimental technique that can be done using not only LCR meters but also basic instrumentation in the physics lab such as a signal generator, frequency counter, and multimeter. However, lab exercises dealing with RC circuits in alternating current usually focus on their use as filters, and the potential applications in the field of the electrical characterization of material systems are ignored. In this work, we describe a simple exercise showing how the time constant of the RC circuit can easily be determined in the introductory physics lab by means of impedance measurements as a function of frequency. This exercise allows students to learn experimental techniques that find application to characterize the time constants of the charge transport processes in material systems. Moreover, comparison of the time constants obtained from transient and frequency analysis allows us to relate the time and frequency domains, which plays a central role in the advanced analysis of electric circuits, once the concept of Laplace transform has been introduced in order to simplify the problem of dealing with differential equations in the time domain by converting them into algebraic equations within the frequency domain.
A smartphone inertial balance
Authors: Barrera-Garrido Azael
Published: March 2017

In order to measure the mass of an object in the absence of gravity, one useful tool for many decades has been the inertial balance. One of the simplest forms of inertial balance is made by two mass holders or pans joined together with two stiff metal plates, which act as springs.
The relation between tongue shape and pitch in clarinet playing using ultrasound measurements
Authors: Lulich Steven M. , Charles Sherman , Lulich Benjamin
Published: March 2017

Tongue shapes during clarinet performances of chromatic scale, portamento and pitch bending exercises were imaged using an ultrasound machine while audio and video were recorded synchronously. Analysis of the data from four participants revealed that tongue position varies non-monotically with note frequency in the lowest register (up to ≈ 440 Hz) and then descends monotonically as note frequencies rise through the upper registers. The descent of the tongue results in an expansion of the vocal tract's posterior oral cavity, resulting in a vocal tract input impedance maximum tuned to high frequency. Portamento and pitch bending were found to involve a raising of the tongue and concomitant contraction of the posterior oral cavity. The degree of contraction was similar in both portamento and pitch bending, suggesting a common acoustic mechanism.
Reduction in Plantar Heel Pain and a Return to Sport After a Barefoot Running Intervention in a Female Triathlete With Plantar Fasciitis
Authors: Francis Peter , Oddy Cassie , Johnson Mark I.
Published: March 2017

In a 27-year-old female triathlete, magnetic resonance imaging revealed mild thickening and edema at the calcaneal insertion of the plantar fascia, in keeping with a degree of plantar fasciitis. After 6 weeks of conservative treatment failed to elicit a return to sport, the patient engaged in six sessions of barefoot running (15–30 min) on a soft grass surface, without further conservative treatment. After two sessions of barefoot running, the patient was asymptomatic before, during, and after running. This outcome was maintained at the 6-week follow-up period. This is the first case report to use barefoot running as a treatment strategy for chronic heel pain. Barefoot running has the potential to reduce the load on the plantar fascia and warrants further investigation using a case series.
Comparison of Thoracic and Lumbar Erector Spinae Muscle Activation Before and After a Golf Practice Session
Authors: Sorbie Graeme G. , Grace Fergal M. , Gu Yaodong , Baker Julien S. , Ugbolue Ukadike C.
Published: March 2017

Lower back pain is commonly associated with golfers. The study aimed: to determine whether thoracic- and lumbar-erector-spinae muscle display signs of muscular fatigue after completing a golf practice session, and to examine the effect of the completed practice session on club head speed, ball speed and absolute carry distance performance variables. Fourteen right-handed male golfers participated in the laboratory-based-study. Surface electromyography (EMG) data was collected from the lead and trail sides of the thoracic- and lumbar-erector-spinae muscle. Normalized root mean squared (RMS) EMG activation levels and performance variables for the golf swings were compared before and after the session. Fatigue was assessed using median frequency (MDF) and RMS during the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) performed before and after the session. No significant differences were observed in RMS thoracic- and lumbar-erector-spinae muscle activation levels during the five phases of the golf swing and performance variables before and after the session (p > .05). Significant changes were displayed in MDF and RMS when comparing the MVC performed before and after the session (p < .05). Fatigue was evident in the trail side of the erector-spinae muscle after the session.
Virtual Reality Training With Three-Dimensional Video Games Improves Postural Balance and Lower Extremity Strength in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Lee Yongwoo , Choi Wonjae , Lee Kyeongjin , Song Changho , Lee Seungwon
Published: March 2017

Avatar-based three-dimensional technology is a new approach to improve physical function in older adults. The aim of this study was to use three-dimensional video gaming technology in virtual reality training to improve postural balance and lower extremity strength in a population of community-dwelling older adults. The experimental group participated in the virtual reality training program for 60 min, twice a week, for 6 weeks. Both experimental and control groups were given three times for falls prevention education at the first, third, and fifth weeks. The experimental group showed significant improvements not only in static and dynamic postural balance but also lower extremity strength (p < .05). Furthermore, the experimental group was improved to overall parameters compared with the control group (p < .05). Therefore, three-dimensional video gaming technology might be beneficial for improving postural balance and lower extremity strength in community-dwelling older adults.
The Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence: Determining Content and Construct Validity for Brazilian Children
Authors: Valentini Nadia C. , Barnett Lisa M. , Bandeira Paulo Felipe Ribeiro , Nobre Glauber Carvalho , Zanella Larissa Wagner , Sartori Rodrigo Flores
Published: March 2017

The pictorial scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence (PMSC) was developed to assess young children’s perceptions of competence in fundamental motor skills (FMS) and in active play (AP). The objectives of the present study were to assess validity and reliability with Brazilian children. Nineteen health-related professionals and 331 children (4 to 8 years old) were enrolled in the study. Kappa concordance coefficient, intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), polychoric correlations, and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were used. The back-reverse translation prevents the bias of a single translation. Experts and professionals confirmed the clarity and pertinence of the items with high agreement scores (values > .90). Test-retest reliability results showed strong ICC (values > .90). The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient showed good internal consistency (α values from .70–.85). The CFA showed appropriate fit indexes for a three-factor model (i.e., six object control, six locomotion, and six AP items) and a two-factor model (i.e., 12 FMS and six AP items). However, the two-factor model showed superior indexes (χ2/df = 3.1; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = .06; Goodness-Of-Fit Index = .90; Comparative Fit Index = .91; Akaike Information Criterion = 485.8). The PMSC is a valid and reliable assessment to use in Brazil.
Validity and Reliability of the Spanish Version of the Test of Gross Motor Development–3
Authors: Estevan Isaac , Molina-García Javier , Queralt Ana , Álvarez Octavio , Castillo Isabel , Barnett Lisa
Published: March 2017

The Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD) is a process-oriented scale that provides qualitative information on children’s motor competence. The aim of the current study was to analyze the psychometric properties by examining the internal consistency and construct validity of the Spanish version of the TGMD-3. A sample of 178 typically developing children (47.5% girls) between the ages 3 and 11 years participated in this study. Reliability and the within-network psychometric properties of TGMD-3 were examined by using internal consistency and confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability indexes were excellent (> 0.89). A two-factor structure model was hypothesized and an alternative unifactorial model was also tested. Adequate fit indexes in both a two-factor model [ball skills seven items and locomotor skills six items (χ2 (64) = 139.200, p < .010, RMSEA = 0.073, SRMR = 0.050, NNFI = 0.964, CFI = 0.970)] and a one-factor model [(χ2 (65) = 157.666, p < .010, RMSEA = 0.084, SRMR = 0.055, NNFI = 0.956, CFI = 0.963)] were found. The Spanish version of the TGMD-3 is thus suitable for studying children’s actual motor competence level in terms of locomotor and ball skills and also in terms of fundamental movement skills.
Comparison Between Wrist-Worn and Waist-Worn Accelerometry
Authors: Loprinzi Paul D. , Smith Brandee
Published: March 2017

Objective:

To use the most recent ActiGraph model (GT9X) to compare counts per minute (CPM) estimates between wrist-worn and waist-worn attachment sites.

Methods:

Participants completed 2 conditions (laboratory [N = 13] and free-living conditions [N = 9]), in which during both of these conditions they wore 2 ActiGraph GT9X accelerometers on their nondominant wrist (side-by-side) and 2 ActiGraph GT9X accelerometers on their right hip in line with the midaxillary line (side-by-side). During the laboratory visit, participants completed 5 treadmill-based trials all lasting 5 min: walk at 3 mph, 3.5 mph, 4 mph, and a jog at 6 mph and 6.5 mph. During the free-living setting, participants wore the monitors for 8 hours. Paired t test, Pearson correlation and Bland-Altman analyses were employed to evaluate agreement of CPM between the attachment sites.

Results:

Across all intensity levels and setting (laboratory and free-living), CPM were statistically significantly and substantively different between waist- and wrist-mounted accelerometry.

Conclusion:

Attachment site drastically influences CPM. As such, extreme caution should be exercised when comparing CPM estimates among studies employing different attachment site methodologies, particularly waist versus wrist.
Minimum Accelerometer Wear Time in Infants: A Generalizability Study
Authors: Pitchford E. Andrew , Ketcheson Leah R. , Kwon Hyun-Jin , Ulrich Dale A.
Published: March 2017

Background:

Research measuring physical activity behaviors during infancy is critical for evaluation of early intervention efforts to reduce rapid weight gain. There is little known about the physical activity patterns of infants, due in part to limited evidence for measurement procedures. This study sought to determine the minimal number of days and hours of accelerometry needed to reliably measure daily physical activity in infants using Generalizability (G) theory.

Methods:

A total of 23 infants (14 female, 9 male) wore an accelerometer on the right ankle and right wrist for 7 days. Data were manually cleaned to remove activity counts not produced by the infant. G theory analyses were conducted on the average counts per epoch.

Results:

Reliable estimates were observed with at least 2 days (G & Φ = .910) and 12 hours (G = .806, Φ = .803) at the ankle, and with at least 3 days (G & Φ = .906) and 15 hours (G = .802, Φ = .800) at the wrist.

Conclusions:

These results provide some of the first guidelines for objective physical activity measurement during infancy. Accelerometer monitoring periods of at least 3 days including all daytime hours appear to be sufficient for reliable measurement.
Hip Musculoskeletal Conditions and Associated Factors That Influence Squat Performance: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cheatham Scott W. , Stull Kyle R. , Fantigrassi Mike , Montel Ian
Published: March 2017

Context: The squat is a fundamental movement for weightlifting and sports performance. Both unilateral and bilateral squats are also used to assess transitional and dynamic lower-extremity control. Common lower-extremity conditions can have an influence on squat performance. Of interest are the effects of hip musculoskeletal conditions and associated factors, such as hip muscle pain, fatigue, and tightness, on squat performance. Currently, there has been no appraisal of the evidence regarding the association of these conditions and associated factors on squat performance. Objective: This study evaluated the current evidence regarding common hip musculoskeletal conditions and associated factors, such as hip muscle pain, fatigue, and tightness, on squat performance. Evidence Acquisition: A systematic review was conducted according to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. A search of PubMed, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar® was conducted in October, 2016 using the following keywords alone and in combination: hip, joint, arthritis, pain, range of motion (ROM), fatigue, tightness, pathology, condition, muscle, intraarticular, extraarticular, femoroacetabular impingement, single leg, bilateral, squat, performance, and technique. The grading of studies was conducted using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Evidence Synthesis: The authors identified 35 citations, 15 of which met the inclusion criteria. The qualifying studies yielded a total of 542 subjects (160 men and 382 women; mean age = 29.3 (5.9) y) and measured performance with either the barbell squat, step down, bilateral, or single-leg squat. Femoroacetabular impingement and hip arthroscopy were the only hip conditions found that affected the squat. Associated factors, such as muscle pain, fatigue, and tightness, also influenced squat performance. Conclusion: This review found that common hip conditions and associated factors and their effects on squat performance to be underinvestigated. Future research should focus on the association between common hip conditions and squat performance.
I Will Use Declarative Self-Talk . . . or Will I? Replication, Extension, and Meta-Analyses
Authors: Van Raalte Judy L. , Cornelius Allen E. , Mullin Elizabeth M. , Brewer Britton W. , Van Dyke Erika D. , Johnson Alicia J. , Iwatsuki Takehiro
Published: March 2017

A series of studies was conducted by Senay et al. in 2010 to replicate and extend research indicating that self-posed questions have performance benefits. Studies 1–3 compared the effects of the self-posed interrogative question (“Will I?”) to declarative (“I will”) and control self-talk, and found no significant group differences in motivation, perceived exertion, or performance. In Studies 4–5, interrogative, declarative, and control self-talk primes were compared, and no outcome differences were found. In Study 6, the effects of self-talk on motivation, perceived exertion, and physical performance were assessed. The self-talk groups performed better and were more motivated than the control group, but declarative and interrogative groups did not differ from each other. Finally, meta-analyses of the six studies indicated no significant differences among conditions. These results highlight the value of replication and suggest that factors other than grammatical form of self-posed questions may drive the demonstrated relationships between self-talk and performance.