bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of morphological transition and hyphae extension in Candida spp. by occidiofungin
Authors: Kumpakha Rabina , Gordon Donna M.
Published: December 2021

Aims

To assess the efficacy of the antifungal, occidiofungin, against Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis morphological transformation.

Methods and Results

Susceptibility assays and morphological data were used to demonstrate that occidiofungin effectively targets C. albicans and C. tropicalis undergoing morphological transformation. Susceptibility assays found that cell sensitivity to occidiofungin varied with the media conditions used for morphological switching. Microscopy data showed that occidiofungin inhibited hyphae formation when added at the time of morphological induction and hyphal extension when added within the first hour following hyphae induction. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that occidiofungin addition prevented activation of Cek1p MAPK signalling.

Conclusions

The data indicated that the antimicrobial compound, occidiofungin, effectively targets hyphae elongation in Candida spp. and suggests the biological target of occidiofungin is necessary for the morphological changes associated with yeast-to-hyphae switching.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Findings from this study demonstrated that occidiofungin effectively targets the invasive growth of dimorphic Candida which suggests this compound may also inhibit the heterogenous population of cells present in a clinical setting. This presents occidiofungin as a promising candidate for the treatment of Candida associated infections.
A homeschool‐based cognitive behavioral program to improve adolescent mental health
Authors: Harper Amanda , Brewer Tracy L.
Published: December 2021

Problem

Anxiety and depression are prevalent in the adolescent population and can have significant consequences. Treatment recommendations are established but rates of utilization remain low, often due to a lack of access to mental health providers. Availability of mental health services in a school‐based setting may increase access, but homeschooled children do not have access to these services. Additionally, the COVID‐19 pandemic has increased the number of homeschooled children and compounded the problem of adolescent mental health disorders.

Methods

This pilot evidence‐based practice project aimed to increase access to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in adolescents. Eight students from a local homeschool cooperative participated in the Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment (COPE) program. A Friedman test was used to evaluate median differences on anxiety and depression screening instruments at baseline, program completion, and 1 month after the program. Students also completed an adapted COPE program evaluation.

Results

Median scores on screening instruments decreased from pre‐COPE to 1 month after, although results were not statistically significant. Students reported that the COPE program was helpful, and they learned new ways to deal with their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Conclusion

COPE is a feasible option to increase access to CBT in a homeschool setting.
Study of natural diversity in response to a key pathogenicity regulator of Ralstonia solanacearum reveals new susceptibility genes in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Demirjian Choghag , Razavi Narjes , Desaint Henri , Lonjon Fabien , Genin Stéphane , Roux Fabrice , Berthomé Richard , Vailleau Fabienne
Published: December 2021

Ralstonia solanacearum gram‐negative phytopathogenic bacterium exerts its virulence through a type III secretion system (T3SS) that translocates type III effectors (T3Es) directly into the host cells. T3E secretion is finely controlled at the posttranslational level by helper proteins, T3SS control proteins, and type III chaperones. The HpaP protein, one of the type III secretion substrate specificity switch (T3S4) proteins, was previously highlighted as a virulence factor on Arabidopsis thaliana Col‐0 accession. In this study, we set up a genome‐wide association analysis to explore the natural diversity of response to the hpaP mutant of two A. thaliana mapping populations: a worldwide collection and a local population. Quantitative genetic variation revealed different genetic architectures in both mapping populations, with a global delayed response to the hpaP mutant compared to the GMI1000 wild‐type strain. We have identified several quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with the hpaP mutant inoculation. The genes underlying these QTLs are involved in different and specific biological processes, some of which were demonstrated important for R. solanacearum virulence. We focused our study on four candidate genes, RKL1, IRE3, RACK1B, and PEX3, identified using the worldwide collection, and validated three of them as susceptibility factors. Our findings demonstrate that the study of the natural diversity of plant response to a R. solanacearum mutant in a key regulator of virulence is an original and powerful strategy to identify genes directly or indirectly targeted by the pathogen.
Perspectives of nurse preceptors on a web‐based clinical pedagogy program and clinical teaching: A descriptive qualitative study
Authors: Rodrigues Natalie Grace , Han Claudia Qin Yun , Devi Kamala M. , Chi Yuchen , Selvam Umadevi Panneer , Wee Fong Chi , Ang Emily Neo Kim , Chan Yah Shih , Wu Xi Vivien
Published: December 2021

Nurse preceptors are key stakeholders in providing quality clinical education. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of nurse preceptors on a web‐based clinical pedagogy program and clinical teaching. A descriptive qualitative design was adopted. The program was made accessible to the nurse preceptors who were assigned nursing students from July 2019 to June 2020. Upon completion of clinical teaching, a total of 19 nurse preceptors participated in four focus group discussions. The discussions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was conducted. Five themes, with 11 subthemes, emerged: (i) Undergoing the process of self‐awareness and development; (ii) Mastering newly acquired skills to refine own teaching approach; (iii) Implementing consistent evaluation and constructive feedback; (iv) Dual roles and responsibilities of preceptor; and (v) Benefits and barriers of the program. This study highlighted the knowledge and skills preceptors gained through the program which gave them newfound confidence and facilitated their clinical teaching and evaluation. As the shift towards online learning progresses, web‐based learning can be a useful platform for professional development of nurse preceptors.
Supporting residential aged care through aCommunityofPractice
Authors: Hullick Carolyn , Conway Jane , Barker Roslyn , Hewitt Jacqueline , Darcy Leigh , Attia John
Published: December 2021

Transfers to emergency departments and hospitalizations are common for older people living in residential aged care who experience acute deterioration. This paper shares reflections from 10 years of work across a region in New South Wales, Australia, to develop a new model of care in 141 residential aged care homes. The model successfully reduced emergency department transfers and admissions to hospital. Using an exemplar patient case, the paper describes the Aged Care Emergency Program and associated research outputs. An interprofessional, multiagency Community of Practice supported this work. The authors reflect on the successes and challenges of using a Community of Practice to implement the model of care. We conclude that the Community of Practice, with its iterative evaluation, facilitated change and provided a mechanism for interprofessional practice. Broader systemic change requires clarity in goals of care, shared decision‐making, working across sectors, and appropriate resource allocation.
In planta vs viral expression of HCPro affects its binding of nonplant 21–22 nucleotide small RNAs, but not its preference for 5′‐terminal adenines, or its effects on small RNA methylation
Authors: del Toro Francisco , Sun Hao , Robinson Carmen , Jiménez Álvaro , Covielles Eva , Higuera Tomás , Aguilar Emmanuel , Tenllado Francisco , Canto Tomás
Published: December 2021

Previous studies have found a correlation between the abilities of PVX vector‐expressed HCPro variants to bind small RNAs (sRNAs), and to suppress silencing. Moreover, HCPro preferred to bind viral sRNAs of 21–22 nucleotides (nt) containing 5′‐terminal adenines. This would require such viral sRNAs to have either different access to the suppressor than those of plant sequences, or different molecular properties.

To investigate this preference further, we have used suppressor‐competent or suppressor‐deficient HCPro variants, expressed from either T‐DNAs or potyvirus constructs. Then, the sRNAs generated in plants and associated with the purified HCPro variants were characterized.

Marked differences were observed in the ratios of sRNAs of plant vs nonplant origin that bound to suppressor‐competent HCPro, depending on the mode of its expression. Regardless of the means of expression, HCPro retained the same preference among the nonplant sRNAs of 21–22 nt for those with 5′‐terminal adenines. Relative methylation levels of individual sRNAs were assessed, and the nonplant sRNAs were found to be significantly less methylated in the presence of the suppressor.

Targeted binding of sRNAs based on size, 5′‐terminal sequence and origin, together with affecting their methylation, could explain how HCPro counteracts silencing.
The ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete Laccaria bicolor releases a GH28 polygalacturonase that plays a key role in symbiosis establishment
Authors: Zhang Feng , Labourel Aurore , Haon Mireille , Kemppainen Minna , Da Silva Machado Emilie , Brouilly Nicolas , Veneault‐Fourrey Claire , Kohler Annegret , Rosso Marie‐Noëlle , Pardo Alejandro , Henrissat Bernard , Berrin Jean‐Guy , Martin Francis
Published: December 2021

In ectomycorrhiza, root penetration and colonization of the intercellular space by symbiotic hyphae is thought to rely on the mechanical force that results from hyphal tip growth, enhanced by the activity of secreted cell‐wall‐degrading enzymes.

Here, we characterize the biochemical properties of the symbiosis‐induced polygalacturonase LbGH28A from the ectomycorrhizal fungus Laccaria bicolor. The transcriptional regulation of LbGH28A was measured by quantitative PCR (qPCR). The biological relevance of LbGH28A was confirmed by generating RNA interference (RNAi)‐silenced LbGH28A mutants. We localized the LbGH28A protein by immunofluorescence confocal and immunogold cytochemical microscopy in poplar ectomycorrhizal roots.

Quantitative PCR confirmed the induced expression of LbGH28A during ectomycorrhiza formation. Laccaria bicolor RNAi mutants have a lower ability to establish ectomycorrhiza, confirming the key role of this enzyme in symbiosis. The purified recombinant LbGH28A has its highest activity towards pectin and polygalacturonic acid. In situ localization of LbGH28A indicates that this endopolygalacturonase is located in both fungal and plant cell walls at the symbiotic hyphal front.

These findings suggest that the symbiosis‐induced pectinase LbGH28A is involved in the Hartig net formation and is an important determinant for successful symbiotic colonization.
The effects of human‐altered habitat spatial pattern on frugivory and seed dispersal: a global meta‐analysis
Authors: Cazetta Eliana , Fahrig Lenore
Published: December 2021

Seed dispersal by frugivorous animals is important for plant mobility, regeneration and persistence. Human‐caused landscape change is thought to disrupt seed dispersal, but evidence is scarce. We performed a comprehensive meta‐analysis on the effects of habitat spatial pattern on frugivory and seed dispersal. We found 233 effects from 71 studies. At a patch or local scale, altered habitat spatial pattern was measured as declining patch size, increasing patch isolation or habitat edge (versus interior). At a landscape scale it was measured as declining amount of habitat, increasing mean patch isolation, increasing number of patches or increasing habitat edge in the landscape. We found overall negative effects of altered habitat spatial pattern on: 1) the quantity of frugivory or seed dispersal, 2) the number of species involved in a plant–frugivore interaction and 3) seed dispersal distance. Moderator variable analysis was only possible for the first of these. It revealed negative responses of the quantity of frugivory or seed dispersal to habitat loss at both the local scale (declining patch size), and the landscape scale (declining habitat amount), but little evidence for a response to habitat edge at either scale. In addition, altered habitat spatial pattern reduced the quantity of frugivory or seed dispersal more strongly in temperate than tropical areas. Finally, the few‐recorded effects of landscape‐scale fragmentation per se (increasing patch density or edge density) on the quantity of frugivory or seed dispersal were mixed and weak. Our meta‐analysis reinforces the notion that habitat loss is a major threat to frugivory and seed dispersal by animals, and reveals an insufficiency of studies of the effects of habitat fragmentation per se. Thus, based on the current literature, we conclude that maintaining and increasing habitat amount is vital for maintaining seed dispersal by frugivorous animals.
Effect of Artificial Tiger Bone Powder (Jintiange Capsule®) on Vertebral Height Ratio, Cobb's Angle, Bone Mineral Density, and Visual Analog Score
Authors: Shu Long‐jun , Zhang Ji‐yuan
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To investigate the effect of Jintiange capsule on acute bone atrophy (vertebral height, Cobb's angle, bone mineral density, and visual analog score (VAS) in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture.

Methods

A total of 106 patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures were selected and randomly divided into study and control group. Vertebral height ratio (VHR), Cobb's angle, bone mineral density (BMD), and VAS analyses were performed as study indexes. The study was performed from January 2019 to December 2019 as a double‐blind, randomized, controlled trial and all the participants were blinded throughout the study. There were 24 males and 29 females in the study group, with 14 cases of thoracic fractures and 39 cases of lumbar fractures. The age was 61–75 years, with an average of 67.5 ± 2.7 years, and the course of disease was 1–9 days, with an average of 2.7 ± 0.5 days. There were 22 males and 31 females in the control group, with 17 cases of thoracic fractures and 36 cases of lumbar fractures. Patients in the control group received conventional postoperative treatment, while patients in the study group were treated with Jintiange capsule. The treatment continued for 3 months. The ages of the participants were from 60 to 70 years, while the average ages of both groups were 67 ± 2.8 years and the study recruited participants of both sexes.

Results

The clinical efficacy, vertebral imaging indexes before and after treatment, as well as pain and daily activity dysfunction scores were compared. The effect of the Jintiange capsule was followed for 3 months and both the groups were compared. The total effective score of the study group was significantly increased (90.6%) in contrast to the control group (67.9) and the P value was less than the 0.5. The vertebral height and bone mineral density of the study group was significantly improved compared to the control group (P < 0.034) using t‐test. However, the Cobb's angle of the study group was significantly (P < 0.047) lower than the control group using t‐test after the treatment. On the other hand, the VAS score and Oswestry score of the study group were significantly lower than control group at 1 month and 3 months after treatment (P < 0.05). There was no significance difference (all P > 0.05) in term of gender and ages in both the recruited groups.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that Jintiange capsule can significantly improve the clinical efficacy rate, vertebral height, Cobb's angle, and bone mineral density, pain relief, and daily activity function.
A new proteid salamander (Urodela, Proteidae) from the middle Miocene of Hambach (Germany) and implications for the evolution of the family
Authors: Macaluso Loredana , Villa Andrea , Mörs Thomas
Published: December 2021

Members of the urodele family Proteidae currently account for eight extant species within two genera and at least four extinct species within three genera. The clade has a clear disjunct geographical range, with the extinctParanecturusand the extantNecturusin North America and the extinctMioproteusand the extantProteusin Europe and Asia. A recent phylogenetic analysis supported a Eurasian clade including both fossil and living species found east of the Atlantic Ocean. However, the finding of a new proteid salamander, herein namedEuronecturus grogu, from the Miocene of western Germany sheds new light on the evolution of this family, challenging the idea of all Eurasian members of the group deriving from a single lineage separated from the North American ones at least prior to the Oligocene. This new proteid taxon is based on five isolated atlases found in late Orleanian (MN 5) sediments in Hambach 6C, and displays features that are unknown in any other proteid, such as the presence of secondary dorsal crests, small and posteriorly‐directed postzygapophyses, and (in at least some specimens) a wide and deep ventral fossa between the anterior cotyles. A phylogenetic analysis recovered the new taxon in an early‐branching position within Proteidae, sister to all other proteids but the late MaastrichtianParanecturus. It thus suggests the presence in Europe of a second proteid lineage, currently known only in the middle Miocene, that appears unrelated to theMioproteus–Proteusclade.
Acclimation of elk mating system following restoration to the Missouri Ozarks, U.S.A.
Authors: Pero Ellen M. , Chitwood M. Colter , Hildreth Aaron M. , Berkman Leah K. , Keller Barbara J. , Sumners Jason A. , Hansen Lonnie P. , Isabelle Jason L. , Eggert Lori S. , Titus Chelsea L. , Millspaugh Joshua J.
Published: December 2021

Biologists increasingly use translocation to restore animals to areas where they have been extirpated. However, we know little about how translocation decisions influence translocation‐mediated social dynamics. Breeding in polygynous ungulate mating systems is typically dominated by prime age males, but founding males within translocated ungulate populations often are comprised of only young individuals. We investigated the influence of releasing exclusively young‐aged males on mating system and male reproductive success during an elk (Cervus canadensis) restoration program in Missouri. From 2011 to 2013, we translocated and released 106 elk from Kentucky to Missouri, U.S.A. We collected tissue samples for DNA from all translocated elk and subsequently captured adults and calves in Missouri during 2014–2018 for paternity analysis. Initial levels of polygyny were low but increased and acclimated over the initial years following translocation, commensurate with advancing sire age structure and increasing population density. Sire age was positively associated with individual male reproductive success initially, but the effect of age decreased as polygyny acclimated and sire age structure became older and more variable. Polygyny levels in the reintroduced population were restored to expected values within 4 years of the last translocation event, demonstrating the acclimation of mating structure despite a translocation tactic favoring young‐aged males. Importantly, initial dampened polygyny may facilitate retention of genetic variation by maximizing the genetic contribution of more founding individuals; however, benefits to genetic variation retention should be considered against potential demographic consequences to calves sired by young males.
Zoonotic transmission of hepatitis E virus in a pig farmer from Argentina: A case report
Authors: Acosta Julián , Galimberti Alceo , Marziali Federico , Costaguta Alejandro , Bessone Fernando , Tanno Hugo , Gardiol Daniela , Reggiardo María Virginia , Cavatorta Ana Laura
Published: December 2021

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a public health concern due to its zoonotic transmission to human, being pigs a highly recognized reservoir. We previously demonstrated HEV genotype 3 infections in pig herds from the highest commercial active region from Argentina. Here, we present a case of acute symptomatic hepatitis E in an elderly man with occupational exposure to pigs who referred regular consumption of pork and sausages. HEV infection in this patient was demonstrated by serological methods, as well as by HEV RNA detection in serum and stool samples using the HEV/MS2 duplex RT‐qPCR, formerly optimized in our laboratory. We further detected HEV RNA in pig faeces from the patient´s farm. To confirm the potential role of swine in the transmission, we performed a phylogenetic analysis of all HEV RNA derived from both, the patient and the pig samples. A 303 nt region within the HEV 5 'ORF2 was amplified by nested RT‐PCR and subsequently sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the strains isolated from the farmer and from his pigs presented a nucleotide identity of 100%. These results support the zoonotic transmission of circulating HEV strains and confirm this epidemiological association for the first time in Argentina.
Quality of life and symptom experience measurement tools in adults with atrial fibrillation: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Risom Signe S. , Nørgaard Marianne W. , Streur Megan M.
Published: December 2021

Objective:

The objective of this scoping review is to identify and map measurement tools for evaluating disease-specific quality of life and symptoms in adults with atrial fibrillation. The review will also identify key concepts that differentiate quality of life from symptom experience.

Introduction:

Quality of life is a broad concept influenced by physical health, psychological state, degree of independence, and social/functional status. Symptoms of a chronic disease may influence quality of life through their effect on an individual's perception of physical health. Symptom experience is distinct from quality of life; however, the distinction is ill-defined, resulting in conceptual overlap in the measurement tools used to assess these concepts in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Inclusion criteria:

Included manuscripts will describe a scale, index, questionnaire, checklist, or other form of measurement tool designed to assess quality of life or symptom experience in adults with atrial fibrillation or supraventricular arrhythmia. Peer-reviewed research manuscripts and systematic reviews, gray literature, and conceptual/theoretical papers will be included.

Methods:

The review will follow the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Embase will be searched, as well as Google Scholar, MedNar, and OpenGrey. Articles will be considered if they are published in English, Danish, Swedish, or Norwegian, with no date limitation. The title and abstract of each article will be independently screened by two authors, followed by full-text review of remaining articles, according to the inclusion criteria. Data will be independently extracted by two authors using a data extraction tool.
Collision of a Happy Ball with an Unhappy Ball
Authors: Cross Rod
Published: December 2021

What happens when a perfectly elastic ball collides with a completely inelastic ball? It is shown that the outcome depends on the stiffness of each ball. A standard textbook problem in mechanics is to calculate the outcome of a head-on collision between two balls using conservation of momentum and kinetic energy. It is easily shown that the outcome depends on the relative mass of the balls and their initial speeds. In practice, there is always a net loss of kinetic energy during a collision, which can be expressed in terms of the coefficient of restitution (COR) for the collision. The COR is defined as the relative speed of the two balls after the collision divided by the relative speed before the collision. In a perfectly elastic collision the COR is unity. In a completely inelastic collision, the COR is zero.
Arons at Amherst
Authors: Greenslade Thomas B.
Published: December 2021

This article is about a famous physics course taken by thousands of students at Amherst College in the 1950s, designed and taught by its distinguished instructor, Arnold B. Arons. There are very few of us left who have taken the course. The youngest one would be, as the course was discontinued in 1968, about 72 years old!
Enriching Resource Rooms for Students with Learning Disabilities: A Case of Transparent, Semi-Transparent, and Non-Transparent Concepts
Authors: Nas Sibel Er , Akbulut Hava Ipek , Çalık Muammer
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study is to illustrate how to enrich resource rooms with specialized instructional materials for the concepts of “transparent,” “semi-transparent,” and “non-transparent.” Given the special situations of students with learning disabilities, the specialized instructional materials use their own avatars to ensure a sense of belonging for each student to the study. In addition, they have the opportunity to follow the QR-coded experimental videos repeatedly, after performing hands-on experiments. Thus, the specialized instructional materials not only help them understand the concepts of transparent, semi-transparent and non-transparent but also develop their social skills.
A Novel Method for Measurement of the Refractive Indices of Transparent Solid Media Using Laser Interferometry
Authors: Pal Arnab , Panchadhyayee Pradipta , Sahu Kriti R. , Syam Debapriyo
Published: December 2021

The refractive index is a number that governs how light changes its direction of propagation as it enters one material medium from another. This phenomenon is known as refraction and the angles of incidence and refraction of light, referred to the normal to the interface of the two media at the point of incidence, are related by Snell’s law. The refractive index (RI) depends on the color (or wavelength λ) of light. Tables of values of refractive indices for various media and wavelengths of light, with respect to vacuum, are readily available. The refractive index of a material can be measured by many methods, for example, by using a spectrometer in conjunction with a prism made of the experimental substance. An important class of methods of measuring RI involves the formation of interference patterns. Interferometric measurements are concerned with the study of separation between bright fringes (or dark fringes) resulting from the superposition of light waves, originating from a single source and propagating along paths of different optical lengths (refractive index multiplied by geometric path length). Researchers have exploited (nearly) monochromatic light from laser sources to enhance precision in measuring refractive index by applying interferometric techniques.
Investigation of the flux density of a solenoid using the magnetometer of smartphones
Authors: Kaps A. , Stallmach F.
Published: December 2021

In physics lessons at secondary school and experimental physics courses at universities, the magnetic field inside a current-carrying solenoid is considered quantitatively. The corresponding equations and theories are supported by measuring the magnetic flux density inside the solenoid with a Hall probe. It has already been shown that smartphones with their internal magnetometer are suitable for quantitative investigations of magnetic fields. E.g., Silva proposed to wind a small coil on a pen and investigate the dependence of the stray field on the number of windings. Ogawara et al. placed a smartphone inside a current loop and studied the dependence of the flux density on current I.
Real astronomy data for anyone: Explore NASA’s IRSA
Authors: Rebull L. M.
Published: December 2021

Many professional astronomy archives are open to the public; software tools are getting better all the time to not just access these data, but also work with them. The Infrared [IR] Science Archive (IRSA) is NASA’s home for long-wavelength data, both space- and ground-based. You can use this interface to pull data to create your own lessons, or turn students loose in the archive to discover features of our multi-wavelength universe.
Lab activities on temperature and thermodynamics
Authors: Lincoln James
Published: December 2021

In this article I introduce three lab activities, appropriate for a high school physics course, that are related to temperature and thermodynamics. The first of these is a graphing lab where a dual Fahrenheit-Celsius thermometer is used to create a best-fit trend line that serves to introduce this graphing skill. The second is an experiment to find the melting point of coconut oil, which is a convenient and widely available substance, with a phase change in a safe temperature range. The third is a safer alternative or follow-up to the classic “Burn a Peanut” lab, where I have students investigate how many calories are in a “heat pack” hand warmer. The labs are designed to be affordable, easy to set up, and work well as inquiry investigations.
Advocating for access
Authors: Girmscheid Melissa
Published: December 2021

In the United States, approximately 42% of all high school graduates have taken a physics course. In Arizona, the number is significantly lower, around 20%. This limits students’ options, keeping them from taking a class that is essential to not only those who pursue a scientific field in their post-secondary education but also those who pursue training in a technical field or trade. For years I approached this as a problem I could solve by talking to school counselors and principals, and through targeted student recruitment. I held large-scale projects like an annual spring cardboard boat race and fall “Punkin’ Chunkin’” catapult-building project. I worked myself to the bone to build my program, and still felt helpless against the tide of “integrated” science courses that eschewed physical science standards, and alternatives that were put in place to give students a way to avoid a physics course. The real problem is systemic, not one borne of lack of student interest or counselor education. We, as educators, can and should campaign for real change, whether it be through changes in our own classroom or structural change at the school or district level. As de facto physics education experts, we can advocate for and actively work towards lasting change that impacts the future of physics education.
The Optimum Power Load: A Simple and Powerful Tool for Testing and Training
Authors: Loturco Irineu , Dello Iacono Antonio , Nakamura Fábio Y. , Freitas Tomás T. , Boullosa Daniel , Valenzuela Pedro L. , Pereira Lucas A. , McGuigan Michael R.
Published: December 2021

Purpose:The optimal power load is defined as the load that maximizes power output in a given exercise. This load can be determined through the use of various instruments, under different testing protocols. Specifically, the “optimum power load” (OPL) is derived from the load–velocity relationship, using only bar force and bar velocity in the power computation. The OPL is easily assessed using a simple incremental testing protocol, based on relative percentages of body mass. To date, several studies have examined the associations between the OPL and different sport-specific measures, as well as its acute and chronic effects on athletic performance. The aim of this brief review is to present and summarize the current evidence regarding the OPL, highlighting the main lines of research on this topic and discussing the potential applications of this novel approach for testing and training.Conclusions:The validity and simplicity of OPL-based schemes provide strong support for their use as an alternative to more traditional strength–power training strategies. The OPL method can be effectively used by coaches and sport scientists in different sports and populations, with different purposes and configurations.
Interadministrator Reliability of a Modified Instrumented Push and Release Test of Reactive Balance
Authors: Morris Amanda , Fino Nora F. , Pelo Ryan , Kreter Nicholas , Cassidy Benjamin , Dibble Leland E. , Fino Peter C.
Published: December 2021

Context: Traditional assessments of reactive balance require sophisticated instrumentation to ensure objective, highly repeatable paradigms. This instrumentation is clinically impractical. The Push and Release test (P&R) is a well-validated clinical test that examines reactive balance, and the application of wearable inertial measurement units (IMU) enables sensitive and objective assessment of this clinically feasible test. The P&R relies on administrator experience and may be susceptible to interadministration reliability concerns. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the interadministrator reliability of objective outcomes from an instrumented, modified version of the P&R test. Design: Crossover interadministrator design. Methods: Twenty healthy adults (20–35 y) completed the P&R in 4 directions with 2 different administrators. Measures quantified using IMUs included step latency, step length, and time to stability. Lean angle (LA) at release was used as a measure of administration consistency. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) estimate was used to assess interadministrator reliability in each direction. To determine consistency of LA within and across administrators, we calculated the SDs for each rater by direction and the interadministrator reliability of LA using ICC. Results: Across individual directions, the ICC for agreement between raters ranged from .16 to .39 for step latency, from .52 to .62 for time to stability, and from .48 to .84 for step length. Summary metrics across all 4 directions produced higher ICC values. There was poor to moderate consistency in administration based on LA, but LA did not significantly affect any of the outcomes. Conclusion: The modified P&R yields moderate interadministrator reliability and high validity. Summary metrics over all 4 directions (the maximum step latency, the median time to stability, and the median step length) are likely more reliable than direction-specific scores. Variations in body size should also be considered when comparing populations.
Late Triassic successive amalgamation between the South China and North China blocks: Insights from structural analysis and magnetic fabrics study of the Bikou Terrane and its adjacent area, northwestern Yangtze block, central China
Authors: Xue Zhenhua , Lin Wei , Chu Yang , Wei Wei , Feng Zhentian , Zhang Junfeng
Published: December 2021

The Bikou Terrane, located at the conjunction of the Longmenshan fold-thrust belt and the west Qinling orogenic belt in centeral China, was involved in the Late Triassic collision between the South China and North China blocks. The Bikou Terrane has preserved crucial information on structural geometry and kinematics of Triassic tectonics, and is therefore of great importance for reconstructing the Paleo-Tethyan evolutionary history. However, multi-phase tectonic events of the Bikou Terrane are unsettled. This work presents detailed structural analysis based on both the field and laboratory works, which reveals three phases of deformation events in Bikou and its adjacent areas, including top-to-the-SW shearing related to SW-ward thrusting (DI) mainly to the north of the Bikou Terrane, top-to-the-NNW shearing related to NNW-ward thrusting (DII) in the Bikou Terrane, and strike-slip faulting (DIII) locally developed in the northern Bikou Terrane. Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) study and related structural analysis not only support the multiphase deformation but also reveal a gradual transition from the DII-related magnetic fabrics to the DIII-related magnetic fabrics in the Bikou Terrane. Integrating published geochronological data, it is constrained that DI occurred at ca. 237–225 Ma, DII occurred at ca. 224–219 Ma, and DIII possibly occurred during the Early Cretaceous. Based on regional tectonics, the DI event corresponds to the collision between the South Qinling block and the Bikou Terrane, and the DII event reflects the intracontinental amalgamation between the Bikou Terrane and the Yangtze block, which indicates a Late Triassic successive amalgamation from the North China block to the South China block. Intracontinental adjustment represented by the strike-slip (DIII event) occurred after the final amalgamation between the North China and South China blocks. By applying AMS on deciphering structural geometry and multi-phase deformation, our study suggests that AMS is a useful tool for structural analysis.
Cooling of the continental plate during flat-slab subduction
Authors: Liu Xiaowen , Currie Claire A. , Wagner Lara S.
Published: December 2021

Most flat-slab subduction regions are marked by an absence of arc volcanism, which is consistent with closure of the hot mantle wedge as the subducting plate flattens below the continent. Farther inland, low surface heat flow is observed, which is generally attributed to cooling of the continent by the underlying flat slab. However, modern flat slabs have only been in place for <20 Ma, and it is unclear whether there has been sufficient time for cooling to occur. We use numerical models to assess temporal variations in continental thermal structure during flat-slab subduction. Our models show that the flat slab leads to continental cooling on timescales of tens of millions of years. Cool slab temperatures must diffuse through the continental lithosphere, resulting in a delay between slab emplacement and surface cooling. Therefore, the timescales primarily depend on the flat-slab depth with shallower slabs resulting in shorter timescales. The magnitude of cooling increases for a shallow or long-lived flat slab, old subducting plate, and fast convergence rates. For regions with flat slabs at 45–70 km depth (e.g., Mexico and Peru), shallow continental cooling initiates 5–10 Ma after slab emplacement, and low surface heat flow in these regions is largely explained by the presence of the flat slab. However, for the Pampean region in Chile, with an ~100-km-deep slab, our models predict that conductive cooling has not yet affected the surface heat flow. The low heat flow observed requires additional processes such as advective cooling from the infiltration of fluids released through dehydration of the flat slab.
Geochronology of the Wrangell Arc: Spatial-temporal evolution of slab-edge magmatism along a flat-slab, subduction-transform transition, Alaska-Yukon
Authors: Trop Jeffrey M. , Benowitz Jeff A. , Kirby Carl S. , Brueseke Matthew E.
Published: December 2021

The Wrangell Arc in Alaska (USA) and adjacent volcanic fields in the Yukon provide a long-term record of interrelations between flat-slab subduction of the Yakutat microplate, strike-slip translation along the Denali–Totschunda–Duke River fault system, and magmatism focused within and proximal to a Cretaceous suture zone. Detrital zircon (DZ) U-Pb (n = 2640) and volcanic lithic (DARL) 40Ar/39Ar dates (n = 2771) from 30 modern river sediment samples document the spatial-temporal evolution of Wrangell Arc magmatism, which includes construction of some of the largest Quaternary volcanoes on Earth. Mismatches in DZ and DARL date distributions highlight the impact of variables such as mineral fertility and downstream mixing/dilution on resulting provenance signatures. Geochronologic data document the initiation of Wrangell Arc magmatism at ca. 30–17 Ma along both sides of the Totschunda fault on the north flank of the Wrangell–St. Elias Mountains in Alaska, followed by southeastward progression of magmatism at ca. 17–10 Ma along the Duke River fault in the Yukon. This spatial-temporal evolution is attributable to dextral translation along intra-arc, strike-slip faults and a change in the geometry of the subducting slab (slab curling/steepening). Magmatism then progressed generally westward outboard of the Totschunda and Duke River faults at ca. 13–6 Ma along the southern flank of the Wrangell–St. Elias Mountains in Alaska and then northwestward from ca. 6 Ma to present in the western Wrangell Mountains. The 13 Ma to present spatial-temporal evolution is consistent with dextral translation along intra-arc, strike-slip faults and previously documented changes in plate boundary conditions, which include an increase in plate convergence rate and angle at ca. 6 Ma. Voluminous magmatism is attributed to shallow subduction-related flux melting and slab edge melting that is driven by asthenospheric upwelling along the lateral edge of the Yakutat flat slab. Magmatism was persistently focused within or adjacent to a remnant suture zone, which indicates that upper plate crustal heterogeneities influenced arc magmatism. Rivers sampled also yield subordinate Paleozoic–Mesozoic DZ and DARL age populations that reflect earlier episodes of magmatism within underlying accreted terranes and match magmatic flare-ups documented along the Cordilleran margin.
Effect of chlorhexidine cleansing on healthcare-associated infections in neonates: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Jinyan , Mei Lingli , Chen Shuohui
Published: December 2021

Background

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) have a significant impact on neonatal morbidity, mortality and long-term prognosis, which have a high incidence in neonates. Many studies have shown that chlorhexidine cleansing is effective in reducing HAIs in adults, but the effect of chlorhexidine cleansing on HAIs in neonates remains controversial.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of chlorhexidine cleansing on HAIs in neonates. The protocol of this review has been registered with the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed on five medical literature databases, namely MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), published up until 3 March 2021. In the end, six studies were eligible for inclusion, including four randomised controlled trials and two quasi-experimental studies. Version 2 of the Cochrane tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised trials and the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for quasi-experimental studies were used for quality assessment. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) and their associated 95% CIs were calculated using the fixed effects model (I2 <50%) or the random effects model (I2 ≥50%).

Findings and conclusions

The results of the meta-analysis revealed that chlorhexidine cleansing had no significant effect on neonatal sepsis (RR: 0.49, 95% CI 0.18 to 1.38, p=0.18, I2=0%), but significantly reduced neonatal skin bacterial colonisation (RR: 0.61, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.90, p=0.01, I2=50%). In addition, this systematic review showed that chlorhexidine cleansing could significantly reduce central line-associated bloodstream infection in neonates based on large-sample studies. However, more studies are needed to determine the optimal concentration and frequency of chlorhexidine cleansing.

PROSPERO registration number CRD42021243858.
Guided self-determination intervention versus attention control for people with type 2 diabetes in outpatient clinics: a protocol for a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Mathiesen Anne Sophie , Zoffmann Vibeke , Skytte Tine Bruhn , Jakobsen Janus C , Gluud Christian , Lindschou Jane , Rasmussen Bodil , Marqvorsen Emilie , Thomsen Thordis , Rothmann Mette
Published: December 2021

Introduction

In the management of type 2 diabetes, autonomy-supporting interventions may be a prerequisite to achieving more long-term improvement. Preliminary evidence has shown that the guided self-determination (GSD) method might have an effect on haemoglobin A1c and diabetes distress in people with type 1 diabetes. Previous trials were at risk of uncertainty. Thus, the objective is to investigate the benefits and harms of a GSD intervention versus an attention control group intervention in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Methods and analysis

This trial protocol is guided by the The Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for International Trials Statement. We describe the protocol for a pragmatic randomised, dual-centre, parallel-group, superiority clinical trial testing a GSD intervention versus an attention control for people with type 2 diabetes in outpatient clinics. The participants (n=224) will be recruited from two diverse regions of Denmark. The experimental stepped-care intervention will consist of three to five GSD sessions lasting up to 1 hour with a trained GSD facilitator. The sessions will be conducted face to face, by video conference or over the telephone. The attention controls will receive three to five sessions lasting up to an hour with a communication-trained healthcare professional provided face to-face, by video conference, or over the telephone. Participants will be included if they have type 2 diabetes,>18 years old, are not pregnant. Participants will be assessed before randomisation, at 5-month, and 12-month follow-up, the latter being the primary. The primary outcome is diabetes distress. Secondary outcomes are quality of life, depressive symptoms and non-serious adverse events. Exploratory outcomes are haemoglobin A1c, motivation and serious adverse events. Data will be collected using REDCap and analysed using Stata V.16.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial will be conducted in compliance with the protocol, the Helsinki Declaration in its latest form, International Harmonisation of Good Clinical Practice guidelines and the applicable regulatory requirement(s). The trial has been approved by the Danish Data Protection Agency (P-2020-864). The Ethics Committee of the Capital Region of Denmark reviewed the trial protocol, but exempted the trial protocol from full review (H-20003638). The results of the trial will be presented at the outpatient clinics treating people with type 2 diabetes, at national and international conferences as well as to associations for people with diabetes and their relatives.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:NCT04601311.
Prevalence of myopia and high myopia, and the association with education: Shanghai Child and Adolescent Large-scale Eye Study (SCALE): a cross-sectional study
Authors: He Xiangui , Sankaridurg Padmaja , Xiong Shuyu , Li Wayne , Naduvilath Thomas , Lin Senlin , Weng Rebecca , Lv Minzhi , Ma Yingyan , Lu Lina , Wang Jingjing , Zhao Rong , Resnikoff Serge , Zhu Jianfeng , Zou Haidong , Xu Xun
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To report on: (a) overall myopia and high myopia prevalence, and (b) the impact of education on the spherical equivalent refractive error in children across Shanghai.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Across all 17 districts of Shanghai.

Participants

910 245 children aged 4–14 years from a school-based survey conducted between 2012 and 2013.

Main outcome measures

Data of children with non-cycloplegic autorefraction, visual acuity assessment and questionnaire were analysed (67%, n=6 06 476). Prevalence of myopia (≤−1.0 D) and high myopia (≤−5.0 D) was determined. We used a regression discontinuity design to determine the impact of school entry cut-off date (1 September) by comparing refractive errors at each age, for children born pre-September to post-1 September, and performed a multivariate analysis to explore risk factors associated with myopia. Data analysis was performed in 2017–2018.

Results

Prevalence rates of myopia and high myopia were 32.9% (95% CI: 32.8% to 33.1%) and 4.2% (95% CI: 4.1% to 4.2%), respectively. From 6 years of age onwards, children born pre-September were more myopic compared with those born post-1 September (ahead in school by 1 year, discontinuity at 6 years: −0.19 D (95% CI: −0.09 to −0.30 D); 14 years: −0.67 D (95% CI: −0.21 to −1.14 D)).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that myopia is associated with education, that is primarily focused on near-based activities. Efforts to reduce the burden should be directed to public awareness, reform of education and health systems.