Physical activity affects brain integrity in HIV+ individuals

Prior research has suggested benefits of aerobic physical activity (PA) on cognition and brain volumes in HIV uninfected (HIV−) individuals, however, few studies have explored the relationships between PA and brain integrity (cognition and structural brain volumes) in HIV-infected (HIV +) individuals. Seventy HIV + individuals underwent neuropsychological testing, structural neuroimaging, laboratory tests, and completed a PA questionnaire, recalling participation in walking, running, and jogging activities over the last year. A PA engagement score of weekly metabolic equivalent (MET) hr of activity was calculated using a compendium of PAs. HIV + individuals were classified as physically active (any energy expended above resting expenditure, n = 22) or sedentary (n = 48). Comparisons of neuropsychological performance, grouped by executive and motor domains, and brain volumes were completed between groups. Physically active and sedentary HIV + individuals had similar demographic and laboratory values, but the active group had higher education (14.0 vs. 12.6 years, p = .034). Physically active HIV + individuals performed better on executive (p = .040, unadjusted; p = .043, adjusted) but not motor function (p = .17). In addition, among the physically active group the amount of physical activity (METs) positively correlated with executive (Pearson’s r = 0.45, p = 0.035) but not motor (r = 0.21; p = .35) performance. In adjusted analyses the physically active HIV + individuals had larger putamen volumes (p = .019). A positive relationship exists between PA and brain integrity in HIV + individuals. Results from the present study emphasize the importance to conduct longitudinal interventional investigation to determine if PA improves brain integrity in HIV + individuals

Taxpayer\u27s Paradise in the Caribbean

A new industrial tax exemption statute became law in Puerto Rico on May 12, 1947. This island possession of the United States, located eight hours away from New York\u27s LaGuardia field is already free of all federal income taxation. In the past, this favorable factor in its competition with mainland communities has been offset to a large extent by a very heavy local income tax. But industrialists who operate under the new exemption will be free of both federal and insular income taxes, as well as property and other local taxes

Coyote Attacks on Humans, 1970-2015: Implications for Reducing the Risks

Beginning with the emerging pattern of urban and suburban coyotes (Canis latrans) attacking humans in southern California in the late 1970s, we analyzed information from reported attacks to better understand the factors contributing to changes in coyote behavior. We subsequently used updated data collected largely in urban and suburban environments in the United States and Canada during the past 30 years to develop strategies to reduce the risk of attacks. In the 1990s, increased incidents of coyote attacks were reported in states beyond California and in Canadian provinces. We documented 367 attacks on humans by coyotes from 1977 through 2015, of which 165 occurred in California. Of 348 total victims of coyote attack, 209 (60%) were adults, and 139 (40%) were children (age ≤10 years). Children (especially toddlers) are at greater risk of serious injury. The attacks exhibited seasonal patterns, with more occurring during the coyote breeding and pup-rearing season (March through August) than September through February. We reiterate management recommendations that, when enacted, have been demonstrated to effectively reduce risk of coyote attack in urban and suburban environments, and we note limitations of non-injurious hazing programs. We observed an apparent growing incidence of coyote attack on pets, an issue that we believe will drive coyote management policy at the local and state levels

Persistence of Problematic Sexual Behaviors in Children

The purpose of this study was to identify personal and family predictors and correlates of persistence of problematic sexual behaviors (PSB) in children. Participants were the families of 49 children (ages 4–11 years) referred by Child Protective Services in 4 administrative districts of Quebec. Caregivers completed interviews and questionnaires twice at a 1-year interval. Results showed that 43% of children persisted with PSB. When age was controlled, greater exposure to sexualized behaviors in the family proved both a correlate and a predictor of PSB persistence in children 12 months later.\ud Externalizing problems and somatic complaints emerged as correlates of PSB as well. Maltreatment subtypes did not predict PSB persistence

Romeo & Juliet

Using the timelessness of this classic, Baker has set the play in Miami in the 1930’s. She reasons that this setting will celebrate the power of the play, as well as enhance the youthful feel for the audience. Along with using a relatively more modern setting all the while maintaining the Shakespearean structure, the script contains slight adjustments in language to help the audience better understand the plot of the story.https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/theatre_productions/1025/thumbnail.jp

The Miracle Worker

Based on the true story of Helen Keller - blind, deaf, and mute since infancy - and her teacher Annie Sullivan - the half-blind Yankee schoolgirl - this unforgettable play has inspired and moved audiences since its first performance. When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life or in the life of another. — Helen Kellerhttps://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/theatre_productions/1012/thumbnail.jp

And Then There Were None

Adapted from Agatha Christie’s best-selling novel, the play tells the tale of a group of strangers, all with questionable pasts, isolated on an island off the coast of Devon. And Then There Were None will captivate you not only by the skillful twists and turns of a “Who done it?” but also by the suspense of “Who’s next?” This is Agatha Christie at her best!https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/theatre_productions/1000/thumbnail.jp

Men in a female-majority profession: perspectives of male trainees in clinical psychology

Concern has been expressed by clinical psychologists about the gender imbalance within the profession. The principle of a representative workforce for the population served, requires action to redress the imbalance. However, it is argued that a prerequisite to appropriate recruitment strategy is the understanding of how men and women choose psychology as a career. As part of this aim, the present study investigated the attraction of professional clinical psychology to male UK trainees. Eighty-eight completed sets of Q-sort ratings were analysed to identify patterns of incentives and disincentives within a series of statements about the profession. Narrative descriptions of the four factors derived from analysis of the data are given, and we suggest their arrangement into two contrasting pairs. Q-sort data are by design defined by positive and negative aspects, and our interpretations indicate a mixture of attraction within and between the factors. No simple conclusions were drawn from, or recommendations for recruitment implied by, the analysis, though direction for further research was forthcoming. Within the constraints of its limitations, we view the study as a small contribution towards an empirically-based understanding of factors influential in the recruitment of a more balanced gender ratio within the profession