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Item Evaporation-induced copper isotope fractionation: Insights from laser levitation experiments(Elsevier, 2021-04) Ni, Peng; Macris, Catherine A.; Darling, Emilee A.; Shahar, Anat; Health Sciences, School of Health and Human SciencesAs a transition metal that is moderately volatile at high temperatures, copper shows limited isotopic fractionation in terrestrial mantle-derived rocks but significant enrichment in its heavier isotope (up to 12.5‰ for 65Cu/63Cu) in objects that experienced volatile loss during formation, such as tektites, trinitite glasses, and lunar rocks. Previous efforts to model the Cu isotope fractionation trend from measurements of δ65Cu in tektites found that the trend cannot be explained by the theoretical isotope fractionation factor (α) for free evaporation of Cu, making it necessary to experimentally study Cu isotope fractionation under conditions similar to tektite formation. Here we present new experimental data of elemental (Na, K, Cu) and isotopic (Cu) fractionation during evaporation. Our experiments, conducted by laser-heating an aerodynamically levitated glass sphere to 1750, 2000, and 2150 °C, show rapid loss of Na, K, and Cu from the molten glass. In particular, > 99.99% of Cu was lost within 60 seconds. The evaporation induced loss of Cu is accompanied by progressive enrichment in its heavier isotope in the residue glass, with a maximum fractionation in δ65Cu of ∼18‰ relative to the synthesized initial sample. The empirical fractionation factor (α) calculated from our laser levitation data is 0.9960 ± 0.0002. Compared to similar experiments conducted for Zn, Cu appears to be significantly more volatile and show higher degrees of Cu isotope fractionation, consistent with observations in natural tektites. Comparing isotopic fractionation in a range of moderately volatile elements among laser levitation experiments, tektites, trinitites, and the bulk silicate Moon suggest that they experienced evaporation under various degrees of effective vapor saturation (∼74%, 93%, ∼99%, ∼99%), which depart significantly from free-evaporation (0%).Item Applying theory to overcome internal barriers for healthy behavior change in adults with intellectual disabilities(Sage, 2021-06) Oliver, Amy; Munk, Niki; Stanton-Nichols, Kathleen A; Health Sciences, School of Health and Human SciencesAdults with disabilities are 57% less physically active than individuals without disabilities and two times as likely to be obese. With obesity, adults with disabilities also face increased risk of comorbid disabilities stemming from obesity. The purpose of this theoretical case study was to identify key behavioral change theories which may be utilized to increase physical activity levels in adults with intellectual disabilities. The Self-Efficacy Theory and Self-Determination Theory both present constructs for understanding behavior change, and many of these constructs are interrelated which strongly suggests many behavioral change theories identify internal barriers for change. With theoretical case studies, these theories are examined within the context of adapted physical activity to depict how the Self-Efficacy Theory and Self-Determination Theory could be utilized to increase physical activity in individuals with intellectual disabilities.Item Medical decision making about long-term artificial nutrition after severe stroke: a case report(PubMed, 2021-07) Comer, Amber R.; Williams, Linda S.; Bartlett, Stephanie L.; D'Cruz, Lynn E.; Torke, Alexia M.; Health Sciences, School of Health and Human SciencesChoosing to use a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG tube) for long term artificial nutrition in the setting of inadequate oral intake after stroke is complex because the decision must be made in a relatively short amount of time and prognosis is often uncertain. This case study utilized interviews with attending and resident neurologists, and surrogate medical decision makers in order to examine how neurologists and surrogate medical decision makers approached the decision to either receive a PEG tube or pursue comfort measures after severe stroke in two patients. Although these two patients presented with similar clinical characteristics and faced similar medical decisions, different decisions regarding PEG tube placement were made. Major challenges included physicians who did not agree on prognosis and surrogates who did not agree on whether to place a PEG tube. These cases demonstrate the importance of the role of the surrogate medical decision maker and the necessity of physicians and surrogate medical decision makers approaching the complex decision of PEG tube placement after stroke together. Additionally, these cases highlight the differing views on what defines a good quality of life and show the vital importance of high-quality goals of care conversations about prognosis and quality of life when deciding whether to place a PEG tube after severe stroke.Item Cortical Representation and Excitability Increases for a Thenar Muscle Mediate Improvement in Short-Term Cellular Phone Text Messaging Ability(MDPI, 2021-03-23) Meek, Anthony W.; Perez, Joselyn; Poston, Brach; Riley, Zachary A.; Health Sciences, School of Health and Human SciencesCortical representations expand during skilled motor learning. We studied a unique model of motor learning with cellular phone texting, where the thumbs are used exclusively to interact with the device and the prominence of use can be seen where 3200 text messages are exchanged a month in the 18-24 age demographic. The purpose of the present study was to examine the motor cortex representation and input-output (IO) recruitment curves of the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) muscle of the thumb and the ADM muscle with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), relative to individuals' texting abilities and short-term texting practice. Eighteen individuals performed a functional texting task (FTT) where we scored their texting speed and accuracy. TMS was then used to examine the cortical volumes and areas of activity in the two muscles and IO curves were constructed to measure excitability. Subjects also performed a 10-min practice texting task, after which we repeated the cortical measures. There were no associations between the cortical measures and the FTT scores before practice. However, after practice the APB cortical map expanded and excitability increased, whereas the ADM map constricted. The increase in the active cortical areas in APB correlated with the improvement in the FTT score. Based on the homogenous group of subjects that were already good at texting, we conclude that the cortical representations and excitability for the thumb muscle were already enlarged and more receptive to changes with short-term practice, as noted by the increase in FTT performance after 10-min of practice.Item Massage for Combat Injuries in Veteran with Undisclosed PTSD: a Retrospective Case Report(Multimed, 2020-03-01) Rosenow, Mica; Munk, Niki; Health Sciences, School of Health and Human SciencesIntroduction: Massage has shown promise in reducing symptoms related to dissociation and anxiety that can exacerbate chronic pain and suffering. The combat wounded, veteran population is increasing and requires a multidisciplinary approach for comprehensive treatment. This case study examines massage therapy use to improve veteran combat injury rehabilitation and recovery experience through purposive, retrospective, and comprehensive SOAP note review. Methods: A 31-year-old White male received seven, 60-min, full body massages for combat related shoulder injury complications incurred approximately six years before presentation. The right shoulder sustained a broken humeral head and complete dislocation during a defensive maneuver in a life-threatening attack. This case study utilized data from three different assessments: goniometric measurements for shoulder range of motion, observation and documentation for environmental comfort behaviors, and client self-report for treatment goal attainment. Six weekly, full body, 60-min massages were completed sequentially. A follow-up 60-min treatment was completed at Week 8. Treatment to the injured area included focused trigger point therapy, myofascial release, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation to the neck, shoulder, and chest. Results: Total percent change for active flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal rotation, and external rotation were 12.5, 150, 40, 167, 14.3, and 0%, respectively. Total percent change for passive flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal rotation, and external rotation were 63.6, 350, 66.7, 450, 133, and 77.8%, respectively. Environmental comfort behaviors were reduced. Client treatment goals were attained. Conclusions: Massage therapy provided meaningful benefit to a combat injury for a veteran with PTSD.Item Impact of Working Conditions on Faculty Teaching: Analysis of Full-Time Tenure Track and Part Time Non-Tenure Track Faculty(FACET, 2021-10) Berlin, Kathryn; Brock, DoMonique; Health Sciences, School of Health and Human SciencesThe following exploration examined the impact of working conditions on faculty teaching for full-time faculty and non-tenure track faculty within an academic department at a large Midwestern university to determine whether employment status and working conditions potentially impacted student learning outcomes. Questions asked of participating faculty focused on factors related to, or influencing, teaching that may improve or hinder student learning. Factors such as available resources, interaction with department administrators and other faculty, job satisfaction, work-life integration, and mentorship were explored through written surveys and one-on-one interviews. Twelve faculty, out of a target population of 33, provided insight as to concerns or issues they felt impeded or supported teaching efforts. Although the exploration contained a small sample size, department administrators implemented changes to address faculty concerns to reduce “disconnects” and issues mentioned by faculty members. Primary changes occurred around part time faculty input on curriculum development and interactions with department administrators and full time faculty. While still ongoing, initial feedback is positive and indicates faculty are adapting to the changes. Further work is necessary to examine individual feelings of worth and value, as well as exploring actual student learning outcomes across courses.Item Can Relational Feed-Forward Enhance Students' Cognitive and Affective Responses to Assessment?(University of Calgary, 2021) Hill, Jennifer; Berlin, Kathy; Choate, Julia; Cravens-Brown, Lisa; McKendrick-Calder, Lisa; Smith, Susan; Health Sciences, School of Health and Human SciencesAssessment feedback should be an integral part of learning in higher education, but students can find this process emotionally and cognitively challenging. Instructors need to consider how to manage students' responses to feedback so that students feel capable of improving their work and maintaining their wellbeing. In this paper, we examine the role of instructor-student relational feed-forward, enacted as a dialogue relating to ongoing assessment, in dissipating student anxiety, enabling productive learning attitudes and behaviours, and supporting wellbeing. We undertook qualitative data collection within two undergraduate teaching units that were adopting a relational feed-forward intervention over the 2019-2020 academic year. Student responses were elicited via small group, semi-structured interviews and personal reflective diaries, and were analysed inductively using thematic analysis. The results demonstrate that relational feed-forward promotes many elements of student feedback literacy, such as appreciating the purpose and value of feedback, judging work against a rubric, exercising volition and agency to act, and managing affect. Students were keen for instructors to help them manage their emotions related to assessment, believing this would promote their wellbeing. We conclude by exploring academic strategies and pedagogies that position relational instructor feedforward as an act of care, and we summarize the key characteristics of emotionally resonant relational feed-forward meetings.Item Exploring the Emotional Responses of Undergraduate Students to Assessment Feedback: Implications for Instructors(University of Gloucestershire, 2021) Hill, Jennifer; Berlin, Kathy; Choate, Julia; Cravens-Brown, Lisa; McKendrick-Calder, Lisa; Smith, Susan; Health Sciences, School of Health and Human SciencesSummative assessments tend to be viewed as high stakes episodes by students, directly exposing their capabilities as learners. As such, receiving feedback is likely to evoke a variety of emotions that may interact with cognitive engagement and hence the ability to learn. Our research investigated the emotions experienced by undergraduate students in relation to assessment feedback, exploring if these emotions informed their learning attitudes and behaviours. Respondents were drawn from different years of study and subject/major. A qualitative approach was adopted, using small group semi-structured interviews and reflective diaries. Data were analysed thematically and they revealed that receiving feedback was inherently emotional for students, permeating their wider learning experience positively and negatively. Many students struggled to receive and act upon negative feedback, especially in early years, when it was often taken personally and linked to a sense of failure. Negative emotional responses tended to reduce students’ motivation, self-confidence, and self-esteem. Some students, especially in later years of study, demonstrated resilience and engagement in response to negative feedback. By contrast, positive feedback evoked intense but fleeting emotions. Positive feedback made students feel cared about, validating their self-worth and increasing their confidence, but it was not always motivational. The paper concludes with recommendations for instructors, highlighting a need to communicate feedback carefully and to develop student and staff feedback literacies.Item Subject factors influencing blood flow restriction in the arm at low cuff pressures(Wiley, 2022) Meek, Anthony W.; Heavrin, Adam M.; Mikesky, Alan E.; Segal, Neil A.; Riley, Zachary A.; Health Sciences, School of Health and Human SciencesBACKGROUND Limb circumference predicts the pressure needed for complete occlusion. However, that relationship is inconsistent at moderate pressures typical of effective blood flow restriction (BFR) training. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of subject factors on BFR at low restriction pressures in the arm. METHODS Fifty subjects had arm anthropometrics assessed by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), skin folds (sumSKF) and Gulick tape (GulCirc) at cuff level. Blood flow was measured with ultrasound at baseline and five restrictive pressures (20,30,40,50, and 60mmHg). Relationships between subject characteristics and BFR were assessed using Pearson correlations and hierarchical regression. RESULTS Blood flow decreased (p<0.05) at each incremental pressure. Regression models including muscle composition (%Muscle), pQCT circumference, and systolic blood pressure (SBP), were significant at all 5 pressures (R2 = 0.18 to 0.49). %Muscle explained the most variance at each pressure. Regression models including sumSKF, Gul circ, and SBP, were significant at 30–60mmHg (R2 = 0.28 to 0.49). SumSKF explained the most variance at each pressure. CONCLUSIONS At low pressures (20–60mmHg), there is considerable variability in the magnitude of BFR across individuals. Arm composition factors (muscle, fat) explained the greatest variance at each cuff pressure, and may be the most important consideration when using BFR protocols.Item Practice-Based Research Networks and Massage Therapy: a Scoping Review(Massage Therapy Foundation, 2020-12) Zabel, Samantha; Munk, Niki; Health Sciences, School of Health and Human SciencesBackground: Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) are means to connect practitioners with researchers and increase the body of rigorous research. PBRNs have been used in medicine for decades, but efforts to create PBRNs in massage therapy (MT) are limited. Purpose: Examine and describe the amount of and nature of MT-related publications derived from PBRN-supported endeavors. Publication selection: Databases: Scopus, CINAHL, PubMed, ClinicalKey, EMBASE, Google Scholar. Keywords: massage, massage therapy, practice-based research network, PBRN. Key items: publication year, operating PBRN, article type, study design, general theme, massage therapist involvement/MT application. Inclusion Criteria: studies conducted through a PBRN using MT/massage therapists as an investigated factor; articles/editorials focused on PBRN-related MT research. Results: Initial database search resulted in 444 records; 40 articles included in analysis from database search, PBRN website access, and PBRN staff contacts. Publication dates ranged from 2005 to 2019, with nearly all published since 2013. Nine PBRNs published 29 articles based on 20 studies and sub-studies as research papers (n=21) or poster/oral presentation abstracts (n=8), and articles discussing the need for PBRNs in MT (n=8). Most research studies were conducted as surveys (n=21), examining practice characteristics (n=9) and patient perspectives/utilization (n=7). Three articles discussing PBRNs in MT were not connected to any specific PBRN. Conclusion: The PBRN model holds promise to further the field of MT, but implementation needs significant development. Promoting the creation and growth of massage-specific PBRNs should be a focus of professional associations and research institutions to expand the body of scientific evidence supporting MT. While the United States has had the most PBRN-related research efforts, a sustainable implementation model is not evident as highlighted by inactivity from US-based PBRNs after initial productivity. An Australian PBRN may serve as a needed sustainability model for massage-related PBRNs in the US if their productivity trajectory continues.