Can Good Come From Bad? An Examination of Adversarial Growth in Division I NCAA Athletes

The purpose of this study was to examine adversarial growth in a sample of Division I NCAA athletes. Male and female athletes (n = 214) from three universities completed the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory from the perspective of an adversity experienced as a college athlete. The athletes reported positive change at low to moderate levels resulting from their most difficult adversity, and indicated the most improvement in personal strength. Female athletes reported greater spiritual growth, as well as more of a change in their ability to relate to others than their male counterparts. Of the three types of adversities analyzed (i.e., time demands, injury, and the mental and physical stress of sport), athletes who reported time demands as their most difficult adversity exhibited more appreciation for life than athletes who cited the mental and physical stress of sport. These findings are consistent with studies of growth in college student nonathletes (e.g., Anderson & Lopez-Baez, 2008; 2011), and support the notion that college is a pivotal time for personal development (Chickering & Reisser, 1993). Practitioners are advised to consider the potential for adversarial growth in the athletes with whom they work so that they may be able to recognize and facilitate the growth process

A New Mutual Information based Similarity Measure for Medical Image Registration

Medical image registration (IR) is the systematic process of aligning spate images, often involving different modalities with common reference framework, so complementary information can be combined and compared. This paper presents a new similarity measure which uses Expectation Maximization for Principal Component Analysis allied with mutual information (EMPCA-MI) for medical IR. The new measure has been analysed on multimodal, three band magnetic resonance images (MRI) T1, T2 and PD weighted, in the presence of both intensity non-uniformities (INU) and noise. Both quantitative and qualitative experimental results clearly demonstrate both improved robustness and lower computational complexity of the new EMPCA-MI paradigm compared with existing MI-based similarity measures, for various MRI test datasets

A preliminary experiment definition for video landmark acquisition and tracking

Six scientific objectives/experiments were derived which consisted of agriculture/forestry/range resources, land use, geology/mineral resources, water resources, marine resources and environmental surveys. Computer calculations were then made of the spectral radiance signature of each of 25 candidate targets as seen by a satellite sensor system. An imaging system capable of recognizing, acquiring and tracking specific generic type surface features was defined. A preliminary experiment definition and design of a video Landmark Acquisition and Tracking system is given. This device will search a 10-mile swath while orbiting the earth, looking for land/water interfaces such as coastlines and rivers

An investigation into the cause of the inner dark areas and outer lighter areas (ghosting) seen in dynamically-created two-dimensional bare footprints

Dynamic bare footprints differ from static bare footprints through the presence of additional, lighter markings around the rear of the heel print and apices of the toe print areas. These images can appropriately be described as inner dark and outer ghosting features. To date, the functional cause of both features has not been understood. To gain such an understanding could potentially allow the further development and use of these features in forensic identification. The aim of this project was to investigate the causes of the inner dark and outer ghosting features seen in dynamic bare footprints through an observational, practice-based action research approach within a gait laboratory. Volunteer male participants provided bare footprints on inkless paper taped to a Kistler force plate with video cameras situated either side. Ground reaction force data were collected as the footprints were formed and the event recorded using video cameras to allow these data to be correlated later. The findings suggest that the ghosting at the heel is the result of splaying of the fibro fatty pad, while that at the toes is the result of the distal ends of the toes coming into contact with the ground as the heel is lifted. Footprint, ground reaction force and video data comparisons showed that the inner dark area of the heel print corresponded with the main body of the heel contacting the ground. Outer ghosting corresponded with a backward splaying of the fat pad and the heel strike transient spike in vertical ground reaction force during increased loading. The inner dark area of the toes corresponded with a longer period of toe contact with the ground. Outer ghosting corresponded with the decreasing vertical ground reaction force and shorter contact time as the toes were leaving the ground towards the end of the contact phase of gait. Although the sample size was limited, these are new appreciations which could facilitate the use of the inner dark features in identification to provide additional points for comparison in cases involving dynamic bare footprints. Further work is now indicated to study these features in different populations and under varying conditions

Zoledronate upregulates MMP-9 and -13 in rat vascular smooth muscle cells by inducing oxidative stress

WOS: 000374502300001PubMed ID: 27143852Background: Bisphosphonates, including zoledronate, target osteoclasts and are widely used in the treatment of osteoporosis and other bone resorption diseases, despite side effects that include damaging the stomach epithelium. Beneficial and adverse effects on other organ systems, including the cardiovascular system, have also been described and could impact on the use of bisphosphonates as therapeutic agents. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are major constituents of the normal vascular wall and have a key role in intimal thickening and atherosclerosis, in part by secreting MMPs that remodel the extracellular matrix and cleave cell surface proteins or secreted mediators. In this study, we investigated the effects of zoledronate on MMP expression. Methods: Rat VSMCs were stimulated by PDGF (50 ng/mL) plus TNF-alpha (10 ng/mL) or left unstimulated for a further 24 hours in serum-free medium. In other series of experiments, cells were pre-treated either with SC-514 (50 mu M) or with apocynin (20 nM) for 2 hours, then zoledronate (100 mu M) was added into 2% fetal calf serum containing medium for 24 hours. Results and discussion: Using isolated rat VSMCs in culture, zoledronate (100 mu M) increased MMP-9 and -13 mRNA expressions but inhibited MMP-2 expression. MMP-9 and MMP-13 up-regulation was shown to depend on the NF-kappa B pathway; and this was activated by zoledronate. Furthermore, zoledronate elevated the levels of reactive oxygen species detected by either dichlorofluorescein in isolated VSMCs or lucigenin enhanced chemiluminescence in rat aortic rings in vitro. Apocynin, an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase, reversed NF-kappa B activation and MMP-9 and MMP-13 up-regulation by zoledronate. Conclusion: We conclude that zoledronate increases MMP-9 and MMP-13 expressions in rat VSMCs dependent upon stimulation of the NF-kappa B pathway by reactive oxygen species. Effects on MMP expression may contribute to the pharmacologic profile of bisphosphonates.British Heart FoundationBritish Heart Foundation [CH95/001]; British Heart FoundationBritish Heart Foundation [RG/09/006/27918]The authors would like to thank Dr Goksel Gokce, Ege University Faculty of Pharmacy and Dr Steve White, University of Bristol for valuable help and expertise on oxidative stress measurements. MZA would also like to thank Prof Levent Ustunes for kind help and encouragement. This study was supported by the British Heart Foundation grant CH95/001

Extending Comprehensive Maritime Awareness to Disconnected Vessels and Users

After the attacks of 9/11, increased security became a national priority that resulted in a focus on National Maritime Security. Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) is an initiative developed by the Coast Guard, in partnership with the U.S. Navy and other agencies to increase awareness in the maritime domain in support of maritime security [Morgan and Wimmer, 2005]. The purpose of MDA is to generate actionable intelligence obtained via the collection, fusion and dissemination of information from U.S. joint forces, U.S. government agencies, international coalition partners and commercial entities. This actionable intelligence is the cornerstone of successful counterterrorist and maritime law enforcement operations and is critical to Maritime Security [Morgan and Wimmer, 2005]. The U.S. Navy, as a partner in the development and creation of MDA, has tasked its subordinate commands to identify and define capabilities to support this program. One effort sponsored is the Comprehensive Maritime Awareness (CMA) Joint Capabilities Technology Demonstration (JCTD) [CMA Architecture Team, 2007]. This project supports the CMA JCTD efforts by proposing a deployable system to enable a disconnected vessel to connect to the CMA network. A disconnected user can be seen as a merchant ship, hospital ship or any vessel that is not currently connected to the CMA network. This project's proposed deployable system, as a subset to the CMA network, facilitates information sharing in support of humanitarian efforts worldwide.http://archive.org/details/extendingcompreh109456932N

The Connections Between Musculoskeletal Injury and Global Reaction

The peripheral effects of severe musculoskeletal injury are a well-studied phenomenon, but less well studied are the neural deficits. Past research has demonstrated that such severe injuries, specifically torn and reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), may increase cognitive burden due to lack of afferent feedback from damaged nerves. This has previously shown to lead to delayed voluntary reactions in the lower extremities, but global neural changes are currently unknown. The goal of the conducted research was to determine whether neuromuscular deficits due to ACL injury and reconstruction in one limb influences motor behavior on a global level. Simple reaction time, choice reaction time, and go-no-go (e.g., response inhibition) tests were performed in the upper limbs using a basic computer with keyboard task. These tests were designed to detect these deficits in individuals with and without ACL injury and reconstruction. Since our preliminary data is not currently powered to detect differences in outcomes (i.e., p-value; 0.05), below we present preliminary data was analyzed using Repeated Measures ANOVAs.Individuals that had a prior ACL injury and reconstruction (n=5) were compared to healthy controls (CON; n=14). Preliminary evidence illustrates that individuals with prior ACL injury and reconstruction had. No differences were observed simple reaction time, choice reaction time, or go-no-go.While additional research is needed to determine potential global impairment created by ACL injury, preliminary results demonstrate there may be no difference in group. Lack of significance leads to the potential that ACL injury is not caused by an inherent delay in global reactions, but ACL injury may induce limb specific delay and thereby increase incidence of re-injury upon return to sport. Yet, further analysis is necessary. Funding: Research was supported by Utah State University Office of Research Undergraduate Research and Creative Opportunity (K. Reel, 2021)

Utilization of Leadership Behaviors in Athletic Training According to Job Title

Context: The frequent practice of leadership within Athletic Training is critical to the profession\u27s growth. While there is some research into the importance of leadership behaviors in Athletic Training (AT), there is little in regards to the practice frequency (utilization) of leadership behaviors. Objective: To examine the frequency of use for leadership behaviors within AT and to make recommendations to AT educational programs. Methods & Procedures: Non-experimental, exploratory and descriptive research design. Intervention: The forty-nine item Leadership Utilization in Athletic Training Scale (LUATS) was developed based on important leadership behaviors described by Kutz (2010). Each behavior was rated on a five-point scale (1=never to 5=always). Participants: Ninety-nine Certified Athletic Trainers (n=63 women; 64%) responded to the survey. A majority of respondents (n=55, 55.6%) reported working in College/University setting. The most frequent job title reported was educators/clinician (n=37; 37%), followed by Head AT (n=33; 33%). Data Analysis: Internal consistency of the LUATS was measured using Chronbach’s alpha and item analysis. Descriptive statistics and central tendency were calculated using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) 22.0. Statistical significance was determined a priori at p≤0.05. Independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVAs with Sidak post-hoc analysis were used to measure the differences between respondents and groups. Results: Internal consistency of the LUATS was α=.96, item analysis for individual behaviors ranged from .961 to .963. The three most utilized leadership behaviors were credibility (M=4.8±.43), thrives on responsibility (M=4.67±.55), and critical thinking (M=4.59±.61). The three least utilized leadership behaviors were scholarship (M=3.32±1.24), socially responsible (M=3.72±1.02), and risk taker (M=3.84±0.89). Women utilized discipline more than men (M=4.25±.65, M=3.97±.72, p=.05). Courageous leadership (confidence) was utilized more frequently by those with 20 or more years of experience compared to those with 9 or less (F(3,92)=3.421, p=.021). Clinic-based athletic trainers reported uses excellent verbal communication more than college/university-based athletic trainers (F-(3,93)=3.399, p=.037). Educator/clinical AT’s reported using ethical behavior more than head athletic trainers (F(3,94)=3.159, p=.025); and intentional leadership, social responsibility, excellent written skills, scholarship, identification of leaders, risk taking, responsibility for actions, knowledgeable, and nurtures professional relationship more than staff athletic trainers(F(3,94)=2.791 to 4.906, p=.003 to .048); and courageous leadership more than head athletic trainers (F(3,94)=7.332, p=.002) and staff athletic trainers (F(3,94)=7.332, p=.001). Conclusions: Overall, leadership behaviors were reported to be practiced with similar frequency between work settings, years of experience, and sex. The most notable differences were between job title, with Educator/Clinical utilizing leadership behaviors more than Head and staff AT’s. These findings can be used to recommend non-clinical continuing education and professional preparation for specific AT roles and settings. Key Words: Leadership behaviors, certified athletic trainers, clinical practic

Longitudinal analysis of functional effort correction to assess lung damage after radiation therapy

This work examines the measured lung damages using different effort correction techniques. Functional effort correction method is examined with different parameters and marked over 3, 6, and 12 months post radiation therapy