The Influence of Training Method on Tone Colour Discrimination

This research addresses the question of whether one of two training methods, identification by continuous adjustment (ICA) or identification by successive approximation (ISA), is more effective in training students using a technical ear training program (TETP). No known empirical studies have examined the effectiveness of either training method within frequency spectrum-based student-targeted TETPs. Preliminary work involved the development of appropriate tests of students’ tone colour discrimination ability in isolation, on tasks sufficiently different from those encountered in TETPs. The tests were then deployed in a pilot study within a pre/post-training scenario using two groups of audio engineering students, one of which undertook an ICA and the other an ISA version of a TETP. These preliminary results indicated the suitability of a test that featured pairwise comparisons of synthetic percussive timbres to show differences in performance between the two training groups. This test was subsequently administered repeatedly in a full-scale study at regular intervals throughout a web-based TETP, in addition to before and after training. Results of the full-scale study showed the individual differences scaling (INDSCAL)-derived stimulus spaces for both groups were similar prior to undertaking the TETP. The ISA group’s post-training results were almost identical to their pre-training results, whereas the ICA groups’ post-training results showed minor, but insignificant differences. Although the full-scale study found insignificant differences in performance between training groups, the preliminary results suggest that the deployment of a pre/post-training test is an effective measure of the training method’s influence on students if the test features a task that is significantly different from those trained on in the TETP

Optimizing future dark energy surveys for model selection goals

We demonstrate a methodology for optimizing the ability of future dark energy surveys to answer model selection questions, such as `Is acceleration due to a cosmological constant or a dynamical dark energy model?'. Model selection Figures of Merit are defined, exploiting the Bayes factor, and surveys optimized over their design parameter space via a Monte Carlo method. As a specific example we apply our methods to generic multi-fibre baryon acoustic oscillation spectroscopic surveys, comparable to that proposed for SuMIRe PFS, and present implementations based on the Savage-Dickey Density Ratio that are both accurate and practical for use in optimization. It is shown that whilst the optimal surveys using model selection agree with those found using the Dark Energy Task Force (DETF) Figure of Merit, they provide better informed flexibility of survey configuration and an absolute scale for performance; for example, we find survey configurations with close to optimal model selection performance despite their corresponding DETF Figure of Merit being at only 50% of its maximum. This Bayes factor approach allows us to interpret the survey configurations that will be good enough for the task at hand, vital especially when wanting to add extra science goals and in dealing with time restrictions or multiple probes within the same project.Comment: 12 pages, 16 figure

Precision Modulation of Neurodegenerative Disease-Related Gene Expression in Human iPSC-Derived Neurons

The ability to reprogram adult somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and the subsequent development of protocols for their differentiation into disease-relevant cell types have enabled in-depth molecular analyses of multiple disease states as hitherto impossible. Neurons differentiated from patient-specific iPSCs provide a means to recapitulate molecular phenotypes of neurodegenerative diseases in vitro. However, it remains challenging to conduct precise manipulations of gene expression in iPSC-derived neurons towards modeling complex human neurological diseases. The application of CRISPR/Cas9 to mammalian systems is revolutionizing the utilization of genome editing technologies in the study of molecular contributors to the pathogenesis of numerous diseases. Here, we demonstrate that CRISPRa and CRISPRi can be used to exert precise modulations of endogenous gene expression in fate-committed iPSC-derived neurons. This highlights CRISPRa/i as a major technical advancement in accessible tools for evaluating the specific contributions of critical neurodegenerative disease-related genes to neuropathogenesis

The professional development and career journey into musculoskeletal first contact physiotherapy: a telephone interview study

Background: Musculoskeletal (MSK) first contact physiotherapy (FCP) is being rolled out in the National Health Service, but limited research exists on career pathways into MSK FCP, or on pre-and-post-registration educational preparation for the knowledge and skills that are required for musculoskeletal first contact physiotherapy. Objectives: From the perspectives of existing MSK FCPs, the study sought to understand the pre-and-post-registration professional developmental journey into musculoskeletal first contact physiotherapy. Methods: Semistructured interviews over the telephone were conducted with a self-selected and snowball sample of 15 MSK FCPs from across Britain. Framework analysis was used to analyze the interview transcripts. Results: Four overarching themes were identified: (1) Decision to choose a career path as a MSK FCP; (2) Relevancy of pre-registration physiotherapy (PT) education for MSK FCP; (3) Relevancy of post-registration continuing professional development for MSK FCP, and; (4) Improving pre-registration PT education for the foundational knowledge and skills required to work in musculoskeletal first contact physiotherapy. Each overarching theme generated several subthemes. Conclusion: The research contributes to understanding the career pathway into the MSK FCP role and showed what relevant knowledge and skills were acquired for this role at pre-and-post registration levels. Findings will inform guidance for pre-registration PT curriculum development

Students Financial Circumstances: Barriers to learning?

The findings from a longitudinal study of the financial circumstances of University of Brighton undergraduate students has shown how the financial reality of being in higher education may affect different groups of students, and have consequences for academic achievement and learning. Moreover, the landscape of student fund- ing has changed dramatically over the last 30 years, with the introduction of student loans for living expenses in 1990, tuition fee loans in 1997, and the recent increase in tuition fees up to £ 9,000.00. Therefore, it is important as university educators to have some understanding of the financial challenges faced by our students if we are to help them to maximise their learning experience. This paper will use a series of case studies drawn from the research of the financial situation of University of Bright - on students, to illuminate how students manage the competing demands of full-time study and their financial circumstances. More specifically, the case studies reveal the reality of balancing paid employment and study; the varying financial support re - ceived by students; the impact of living expenses; and what students perceive to be a value for money university experience; and how these factors may reflect certain socio-demographic characteristics of the student cohort

The efficacy of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction combined with tibial tuberosity transfer in the treatment of patellofemoral instability

A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction combined with tibial tuberosity transfer (TTT) in the treatment of patellofemoral instability. Using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, a systematic search was carried out to identify and review the published literature pertinent to MFPL reconstruction combined with TTT. Relevant studies were critically appraised with narrative data synthesis. Studies that met the eligibility criteria were suitable for appraisal and consisted of case series and therapeutic series (levels IV & III). All studies had inherent variations in outcomes reporting and limited follow-up. Combined treatment offers restoration of normal anatomy, thus adding clinical value to the currently recommended anatomic approach to MPFL reconstruction. Nevertheless, the current body of evidence does not determine the threshold at which patellofemoral axis requires the need for adjunctive distal realignment as opposed to MPFL reconstruction alone. This review highlighted numerous recurring limitations in the conduct and presentation of the studies, which inadvertently mitigated the interpretation of their results. Future priority should be awarded to larger randomised controlled trials utilising validated patient reported outcome measures