Indexing In Memoriam Assignment

Curatorial note from Digital Pedagogy in the Humanities: The origin of humanities computing is usually dated to 1949, when Father Roberto Busa began working with IBM computers to produce a concordance to the works of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Hockey). Of course, concordances and indexes long predate electronic computers and, as Geoffrey Rockwell suggests, are premised upon hermeneutical assumptions of coherence and generative rule-bound procedures (Rockwell 211). The index is thus another example of “digital” or “hands-on” technology that expands beyond the electronic. Rachel Sagner Buurma’s assignment asks students to create an index to Tennyson’s In Memoriam or to use an existing index to create a new edition of the poem, foregrounding how informational technologies like the index create, constrain, or complicate the interpretation of literary works

Neutrophils promote CXCR3-dependent itch in the development of atopic dermatitis.

Chronic itch remains a highly prevalent disorder with limited treatment options. Most chronic itch diseases are thought to be driven by both the nervous and immune systems, but the fundamental molecular and cellular interactions that trigger the development of itch and the acute-to-chronic itch transition remain unknown. Here, we show that skin-infiltrating neutrophils are key initiators of itch in atopic dermatitis, the most prevalent chronic itch disorder. Neutrophil depletion significantly attenuated itch-evoked scratching in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis. Neutrophils were also required for several key hallmarks of chronic itch, including skin hyperinnervation, enhanced expression of itch signaling molecules, and upregulation of inflammatory cytokines, activity-induced genes, and markers of neuropathic itch. Finally, we demonstrate that neutrophils are required for induction of CXCL10, a ligand of the CXCR3 receptor that promotes itch via activation of sensory neurons, and we find that that CXCR3 antagonism attenuates chronic itch

Understanding the psychosocial impact of weight loss following bariatric surgery: a qualitative study

Abstract Background Bariatric surgery leads to changes in mental health, quality of life and social functioning, yet these outcomes differ among individuals. In this study, we explore patients’ psychosocial experiences following bariatric surgery and elucidate the individual-level factors that may drive variation in psychosocial outcomes. Methods Eleven semi-structured focus groups with Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative (MBSC) patients (n = 77). Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Data on participant demographic characteristics were abstracted from the MBSC clinical registry. Results Most focus group participants were female (89%), white (64%), and married (65%). We identified three major themes: (1) change in self-perception; (2) change in perception by others; and (3) change in relationships. Each theme includes 3 sub-themes, demonstrating a range of positive and negative psychosocial experiences. For example, weight loss led to increased self-confidence among many participants while others described a loss of self-identity. Some noted improved relationships with family or friends while others experienced worsening or even loss of relationships due to perceived jealousy. Conclusion Weight loss following bariatric surgery leads to complex changes in self-perception and inter-personal relationships, which may be proximal mediators of commonly assessed mental health outcomes such as depression. Individuals considering bariatric surgery may benefit from anticipatory guidance about these diverse experiences, and post-surgical longitudinal monitoring should include evaluation for adverse psychosocial events.https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/146725/1/40608_2018_Article_215.pd

“We’re, like, the Most Unhealthy People in the Country”: Employing an Equity Lens to Reduce Barriers to Healthy Food Access in Rural Appalachia

Introduction Obesity disproportionately affects rural communities, and Appalachia has some of the highest obesity rates in the nation. Successful policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) interventions to reduce obesity must reflect the circumstances of the population. We used a health equity lens to identify barriers and facilitators for healthy food access in Martin County, Kentucky, to design interventions responsive to social, cultural, and historical contexts. Methods We conducted 5 focus groups in Martin County, Kentucky, in fall 2019 to obtain perspectives on the local food system and gauge acceptability of PSE interventions. We used grounded theory to identify perceived barriers and facilitators for healthy eating. Results Thirty-four adults (27 women; median age, 46 years) participated in 5 groups. One prominent theme was declining interest in farming; many participants believed this decline was generational. One participant noted, “Most of my adult male relatives worked in the coal mines, and they worked 6 days a week. . . . My grandpa had the garden, but then my dad’s generation is the one quit gardening.” Another shared, “You would probably have to have someone to teach [gardening].” Instead of enhancing farmers markets, participants suggested building community capacity for home gardens to increase vegetable consumption. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate the importance of obtaining community input on the development of PSE interventions to mitigate inequities in obesity. Although farmers market interventions were deemed not feasible, other solutions to enhance access to produce were identified. Developers of community-responsive PSE interventions to improve healthy eating in rural, food-insecure locations should consider using an equity-oriented prevention framework to ensure acceptable interventions

Physical Activity Barriers and Assets in Rural Appalachian Kentucky: A Mixed-Methods Study

Obesity is an increasing public health concern in the U.S. and a contributor to chronic illness, with trends revealing a rise in adult obesity and chronic disease rates among the most vulnerable and disadvantaged populations, including those in rural communities. A mixed-methods approach was used to examine perspectives on perceived physical activity barriers, resources, and level of community support. Researchers utilized the socioecological model to examine the multiple domains that support physical activity in rural Appalachia. The present study focuses on baseline data, including a cohort survey to assess physical activity, health status, and barriers to physical activity, and five focus groups with elected community leaders, community residents, members, and key stakeholders to assess perspectives on physical activity barriers and resources within the county. The cohort survey sample (N = 152) reported a median of 6 barriers (range 0–13) to participating in at least 30 min of physical activity daily. The qualitative analysis yielded three overarching themes related to physical activity participation: lack of motivation, physical environment, and cultural barriers. This mixed-methods study revealed the challenges and perceptions among rural residents across the socioecological model when assessing physical inactivity. Findings can be used to tailor future interventions focused on expanding social support, designing infrastructure, and creating policies that promote physical activity

Using the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) model to analyse Teachers’ use of Information Communication Technology in Primary Physical Education

Background: During the past decade there has been a significant increase in the range and quantity of digital technologies available to use within classrooms (Casey, 2011; Casey, Goodyear and Armour, 2016; Gard, 2014; Livingstone, 2012; Lupton, 2015). This transformation has provided a plethora of options by which to embed Information Communication Technology (ICT) within teaching practice in Primary Physical Education (PPE). It has been recognised that using ICT is an important skill to develop amongst children (Livingstone, 2012), and can provide unique opportunities for developing high-quality reflection and feedback skills (Fabian and Maclean, 2014; Weir and Connor, 2009). There is a thriving debate within the education literature concerning how best to integrate technology to support learning and development (Casey et al., 2017; Livingstone, 2012). Purpose: Using the TPACK model to frame our analysis (Mishra and Koehler, 2006), the research aims were to; (i) identify how primary teachers used different forms of technology within their practice as physical educators, and (ii) to determine the barriers to successful inclusion of digital technology into PPE. Methods: Qualitative data were collected from both specialist (n=6) and non-specialist (n=3) PPE teachers in a range of different educational environments. In total, 9 teachers were interviewed from 8 different schools using a semi-structured approach. Data were analysed using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2021), with each member of the research team independently analysing the transcripts before agreeing on codes and subsequent themes. Findings: Key findings show that whilst there were many examples of the use of ICT within the primary curriculum in all schools, most teachers used limited digital technology within their teaching of PPE. Those who did include technology reported this as a replacement for a lack of Content Knowledge (CK) or Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK), to save time during teaching or assessment activities, or for the delivery of specific activities. Whilst many were aware of available mediums of digital technology, ever-present barriers such as a lack of technical knowledge (TK), limited confidence or time constraints were cited as reasons for its exclusion from lessons. Conclusions: Technology should be considered a key part of a teacher’s toolbox in contemporary education. However, we caution against the dangers of using this as an afterthought and instead urge practitioners to fully integrate this as a tool to support learning using the TPACK framework as a filter for decision-making. Greater emphasis on training in both initial teacher education and continuous professional development in schools is needed, thus allowing teachers to develop the knowledge and confidence to successfully integrate ICT into their PPE curriculum

Using Artificial Selection to Understand Orientation Behavior in Drosophila

Several studies suggest that the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster can use magnetic fields for orientation1-4; however, the responses to magnetic fields are not consistent across studies and experiments investigating the mechanism of magnetoreception rely on magnetic fields that are at least 10 times stronger than the magnetic field of the Earth5-6. We are attempting to determine whether Drosophila have the ability to detect Earth-strength magnetic fields by running flies through a progressive Y-maze and then selectively breeding the flies based on their choices in the maze. There are two main hypotheses about the mechanism of magnetoreception in animals. The first is based on the use of magnetite, which forms long chains and serves as a magnetic dipole and has been found in organisms such as bats7. The other hypothesis is based on a light-dependent magnetic response utilizing the cryptochromephotoreceptor8. While the predominant hypothesis is that fruit flies use cryptochrome to detect magnetic fields1-6, experimental results have shown that most invertebrates use magnetite or both magnetite and cryptochrome

Aerosol trace metal leaching and impacts on marine microorganisms

Metal dissolution from atmospheric aerosol deposition to the oceans is important in enhancing and inhibiting phytoplankton growth rates and modifying plankton community structure, thus impacting marine biogeochemistry. Here we review the current state of knowledge on the causes and effects of the leaching of multiple trace metals from natural and anthropogenic aerosols. Aerosol deposition is considered both on short timescales over which phytoplankton respond directly to aerosol metal inputs, as well as longer timescales over which biogeochemical cycles are affected by aerosols

Diminished Effort on a Progressive Ratio Task in Both Unipolar and Bipolar Depression

Background Amotivation, or decisional anhedonia, is a prominent and disabling feature of depression. However, this aspect of depression remains understudied, and no prior work has applied objective laboratory tests of motivation in both unipolar and bipolar depression. Methods We assessed motivation deficits using a Progressive Ratio Task (PRT) that indexes willingness to exert effort for monetary reward. The PRT was administered to 96 adults ages 18–60 including 25 participants with a current episode of unipolar depression, 28 with bipolar disorder (current episode depressed), and 43 controls without any Axis I psychiatric disorders. Results Depressed participants exhibited significantly lower motivation than control participants as objectively defined by progressive ratio breakpoints. Both the unipolar and bipolar groups were lower than controls but did not differ from each other. Limitations Medication use differed across groups, and we did not have a separate control task to measure psychomotor activity; however neither medication effects or psychomotor slowing are likely to explain our findings. Conclusions Our study fills an important gap in the literature by providing evidence that diminished effort on the PRT is present across depressed patients who experience either unipolar or bipolar depression. This adds to growing evidence for shared mechanisms of reward and motivation dysfunction, and highlights the importance of improving the assessment and treatment of motivation deficits across the mood disorders spectrum