Synthesis and properties of cholesteryl-functionalised poly(thiophene)s

Conducting polymers (CPs) show promise for future implantable electronics owing to the inherent softness, ionic and electronic conductivity, processibility and the capability to be functionalised. In particular, the use of biofunctionalised poly(thiophenes) at biointerfaces is advantageous as the CP can better interact with cells and proteins, as shown in vitro. Yet very little has been done with cholesteryl functionalisation. Cholesterol naturally intercalates the cell membrane to create highly ordered regions. In material systems, cholesterol can guide isotropic materials into anisotropic phases, which provides an opportunity to synthesise biocompatible polymers with improved molecular ordering that is desirable in bioelectronics. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to investigate the impact of modifying thiophene-based monomers with cholesterol with the intention of creating biocompatible and ordered poly(thiophene)s. This was achieved by exploring suitable monomer structures, addressing the right level of hydrophilicity of the synthesized polymers, and investigating different polymerisation methods

THE PET’S ‘PERFECT BOWL’: ENVIRONMENTAL AND WELFARE DISCOURSE IN ALTERNATIVE PET FOOD MOVEMENTS

Marketing ‘sustainable and humane’ super-premium dog kibble has emerged alongside alternative food movements (AFM). Unfortunately, super-premium pet-food comprised of ‘high-quality’ protein is at odds with sustainability and affect for particular animals. This study analyzed social and geographical (mis)representations of nonhumans in the pet-food commodity chain by tracing how knowledge and value is produced, and mapping the geography of Open Farm dog food. I assess these geographies and discourses and I identify the following: (1) sustainability claims focus on transportation and packaging, ignoring the significant environmental and social impacts of animal agriculture. (2) Images of farmed animals on packaging often do not reflect the conditions of the animals; (3) The organization of animals into hierarchies of ‘killability’ is not questioned, but rather reinforced; (4) This limited representation of the supply chain adds exchange value to Open Farm kibble. In disentangling the production of knowledge and claims to truth in alternative pet foods, I fill a gap in existing food and animal geographies research. While there is extensive research on AFM and animal agriculture, less work has been done around pets and pet-food, which have a significant environmental and social impacts. Finally, I suggest sustainable, humane alternatives to existing pet food systems

\u27Picture it\u27

Individuals who have autism, tend to have trouble fully communicating what it is that they truly need. Furthermore, there are many different varieties of communication technology out there today that are extremely beneficial; however, for some families, not affordable at all. Thus, we have researched the different ways to help a student with autism communicate but at an affordable rate. In the end we have decided on a low-tech picture exchange communication system as our form of intervention in helping an individual clearly express their needs and to better communicate in general. Our hypothesis for the study using the picture exchange communication system is that individuals who have autism that are non-verbal will be able to increase their excessive language skills with using this intervention. Upon research, we have found that the picture exchange communication system has helped increase the expressive language skills for individuals who have autism spectrum disorder. Our recommendation would be to use a low-tech form of this intervention, therefore, many people have the capability to work with this intervention, as it would be the cheapest option

Humane dog food? caring and killing in the certified humane dog food value chain

The marketing of dog food influences pet-owners to nurture the ‘carnivorous’ nature of the dog, keeping animal-based protein central to the industry. Alas, dog food has a significant impact on welfare. Consumers are aware of this impact, shifting the industry towards alternative pet food movements such as Open Farm, the first certified humane food. This article examines the material and discursive practices through which ‘humaneness’ is constituted as a quality within the humane pet food supply chain and how it reinforces embedded animal hierarchies. By reviewing the marketing and history of commercial dog food production, I show how ‘caring’ for the carnivorous dog lays the framework for killing. I use Open Farm's transparency tool to trace the value chain and compare it with the imagery, discursive claims, and material practices found within the Global Animal Partnership standards. I argue that instead of questioning animal-based protein, humane certification creates an alternative in which the pet owner could still ‘care’ for the wildness of their domesticated dog while simultaneously ‘caring’ for farmed animals. Thus, it reinforces the hierarchies of the industry. Additionally, the validity of the humane claims depends on the animals’ charisma and proximity to humans. In other words, marketing in the humane dog food supply chain creates animal–animal positionalities, in which the animals’ care or killability is mediated through the humans’ supply chain and marketing. However, as I show with interview data, the hierarchies are fragile and must be continuously reinforced, as animals can slip into different positions. Their proximity to humans alters their positionality and their killability

Evaluation of a Simulation-Based Interprofessional Educational Module on Adult Suctioning Using Action Research

AbstractBackground: Interprofessional collaboration in healthcare contributes to patientwell-being. The purpose of this action research study was to evaluate an innovative interprofessional simulation educational module for pre-licensure healthcare students on adult suctioning skills.Methods and Findings: Two suctioning scenarios were developed to provide multiprofessional groups of students the opportunity to collaborate in applying basicsuctioning skills within complex patient care situations. One group of nursing students (N= 23) and one group of physiotherapy students (N= 23) learned suctioning skills uniprofessionally in the usual programs of their respective schools. A third group of students (N= 45; 21 nursing, 24 physiotherapy) learned suctioning in the new, interprofessional simulation-based curriculum. Qualitative data were collected through direct observation of laboratory sessions, open-ended surveys, and focus groups. A thematic qualitative analysis was conducted, and four major themes emerged: instructors’ role expectations, prior student learning, student collaboration, and instructor communication. In addition, quantitative analysis of students’ readiness for interprofessional collaboration, confidence, and performance of suctioning skills revealed no significant differences between learners in the interprofessional labs and those in the uniprofessional labs.Conclusions: Development of the educational module using action research allowed for further development of a pedagogical approach to interprofessional education to increase its effectiveness

Guanine Nucleotide-binding Protein (Gα) Endocytosis by a Cascade of Ubiquitin Binding Domain Proteins Is Required for Sustained Morphogenesis and Proper Mating in Yeast

Heterotrimeric G proteins are well known to transmit signals from cell surface receptors to intracellular effector proteins. There is growing appreciation that G proteins are also present at endomembrane compartments, where they can potentially interact with a distinct set of signaling proteins. Here, we examine the cellular trafficking function of the G protein α subunit in yeast, Gpa1. Gpa1 contains a unique 109-amino acid insert within the α-helical domain that undergoes a variety of posttranslational modifications. Among these is monoubiquitination, catalyzed by the NEDD4 family ubiquitin ligase Rsp5. Using a newly optimized method for G protein purification together with biophysical measures of structure and function, we show that the ubiquitination domain does not influence enzyme activity. By screening a panel of 39 gene deletion mutants, each lacking a different ubiquitin binding domain protein, we identify seven that are necessary to deliver Gpa1 to the vacuole compartment including four proteins (Ede1, Bul1, Ddi1, and Rup1) previously not known to be involved in this process. Finally, we show that proper endocytosis of the G protein is needed for sustained cellular morphogenesis and mating in response to pheromone stimulation. We conclude that a cascade of ubiquitin-binding proteins serves to deliver the G protein to its final destination within the cell. In this instance and in contrast to the previously characterized visual system, endocytosis from the plasma membrane is needed for proper signal transduction rather than for signal desensitization

The Grizzly, April 5, 2012

String Ensemble Impresses Hope • Career Services Hosts Webinar • Ball at the Bellevue a Success, Continues to Draw Large Number of Student Participants • Sue Thomas Retires from Admissions Staff • Caitlin Callahan Interns as Veterinary Tech • Greek Week Approaches, MAA and Quiz Club Plan to Participate • UC Welcomes Teisa Brown to President\u27s Staff • Nothing to Hate About this Hamlet • Phillies to Continue Success Despite Worries • Senior Spotlight: Garrett Smith, Baseball • Bears Battle Through Wet Weekend • Player Spotlight: Jenni Weber, Softballhttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1857/thumbnail.jp

Implementing a junior high school-based programme to reduce sports injuries through neuromuscular training (iSPRINT):A cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT)

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a junior high school-based sports injury prevention programme to reduce injuries through neuromuscular training (NMT). Methods: This was a cluster randomised controlled trial. Students were recruited from 12 Calgary junior high schools (2014-2017). iSPRINT is a 15 min NMT warm-up including aerobic, agility, strength and balance exercises. Following a workshop, teachers delivered a 12-week iSPRINT NMT (six schools) or a standard-of-practice warm-up (six schools) in physical education classes. The definition of all recorded injuries included injuries that resulted in participants being unable to complete a sport and recreation (S&amp;R) session, lost time from sport and/or seek medical attention. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated based on multiple multilevel Poisson regression analyses (adjusting for sex (considering effect modification) and previous injury, offset by S&amp;R participation hours, and school-level and class-level random effects were examined) for intent-to-treat analyses. Results: 1067 students (aged 11-16) were recruited across 12 schools (6 intervention schools (22 classes), 6 control schools (27 classes); 53.7% female, 46.3% male). The iSPRINT programme was protective of all recorded S&amp;R injuries for girls (IRR=0.543, 95% CI 0.295 to 0.998), but not for boys (IRR=0.866, 95% CI 0.425 to 1.766). The iSPRINT programme was also protective of each of lower extremity injuries (IRR=0.357, 95% CI 0.159 to 0.799) and medical attention injuries (IRR=0.289, 95% CI 0.135 to 0.619) for girls, but not for boys (IRR=1.055, 95% CI 0.404 to 2.753 and IRR=0.639, 95% CI 0.266 to 1.532, respectively). Conclusion: The iSPRINT NMT warm-up was effective in preventing each of all recorded injuries, lower extremity injuries and medically treated S&amp;R injuries in female junior high school students. Trial registration number: NCT03312504</p

To clot or not to clot? Ad is the question - insights on mechanisms related to vaccine induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia

Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) has caused global concern. VITT is characterized by thrombosis and thrombocytopenia following COVID-19 vaccinations with the AstraZeneca ChAdOx1 nCov-19 and the Janssen Ad26.COV2.S vaccines. Patients present with thrombosis, severe thrombocytopenia developing 5 to 24 days following first dose of vaccine, with elevated D-dimer, and PF4 antibodies, signifying platelet activation. As of June 1, 2021, over 1.93 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses had been administered worldwide. Currently, 467 VITT cases (0.000024%) have been reported across the UK, Europe, Canada and Australia. Guidance on diagnosis and management of VITT has been reported but the pathogenic mechanism is yet to be fully elucidated. Here, we propose and discuss potential mechanisms in relation to adenovirus induction of VITT. We provide insights and clues into areas warranting investigation into the mechanistic basis of VITT, highlighting the unanswered questions. Further research is required to help solidify a pathogenic model for this condition

Interdisciplinary Approaches to the Medieval Warhorse

The warhorse is arguably the most characteristic animal of the English Middle Ages. But while the development and military uses of warhorses have been intensively studied by historians, the archaeological evidence is too often dispersed, overlooked or undervalued. Instead, we argue that to fully understand the cultural significance and functional role of the medieval warhorse, a systematic study of the full range of archaeological evidence for warhorses (and horses more generally) from medieval England is necessary. This requires engagement with material evidence at a wide variety of scales — from individual artefacts through to excavated assemblages and landscape-wide distributions — dating between the late Saxon and Tudor period (c. AD 800–1600). We present here a case study of our interdisciplinary engaged research design focusing upon an important English royal stud site at Odiham in Hampshire. This brings together several fields of study, including (zoo)archaeology, history, landscape survey, and material culture studies to produce new understandings about a beast that was an unmistakable symbol of social status and a decisive weapon on the battlefield