Research Trends & Emerging Technologies for Genealogists

This study examines current research methods utilized by genealogists, and seeks to discover the impact of emerging tools and technologies on their information seeking needs and behaviors. When it became clear that there is a shortage of scholarly studies identifying the use of newer technologies (i.e. blogs, social media, and apps), an original survey for genealogists was created. Over four hundred genealogists were surveyed regarding their use of both traditional research methods (methods that have existed for many decades) and Internet/electronic resources, in order to demonstrate which new trends are emerging. The data from the survey might lessen the gap in current scholarly research. Technology is constantly changing, and the findings show which trends are currently being utilized the most by genealogists. The results indicate that genealogists are definitely using more technology to research their family trees. In fact, they adapt fairly quickly to new methods, relying heavily on technology and the Internet to conduct research and share information. Due to the ease of using technology, fewer and fewer genealogists rely on in-house visits to repositories to access original documents. The research concludes with a discussion on where the use of technology for genealogical research is headed, and what genealogists hope to accomplish by using new tools and technologies

Global Impacts Report 2017

Our fifth Global Impacts Report reflects on the progress of the MSC over the past 20 years, examines the sustainability performance of certified fisheries around the world and highlights areas of future interest

Susceptibility, diffusion and relaxation contrast in NMR microscopy at high resolution : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science in physics at Massey University

An integrated approach to the functional NMR imaging of plant tissue at moderately-high transverse resolution (23 µm) was undertaken. Attention was paid to all the possible commonly-known influences, such as sources of nuclear spin relaxation or of artefacts, relevant to the final image intensity of the different tissues. While it was not clear at the outset which influences might prove to be significant, two phenomena in particular, susceptibility inhomogeneity and correlated diffusion effects, were selected for detailed investigation using simple model systems constructed from small glass tubes and rods combined with aqueous solutions, before continuing on to more complex plant samples. Simulated images compared well with the experimental results in these studies. Preliminary images of a stem of an intact Stachys sylvatica L. plant showed that the apparent T₂ relaxation time is much less (an order of magnitude) than the T₁ relaxation time in all tissues. A range of diagnostic pulse sequences was then carried out on this and similar stems in order to reveal the signatures for different models of T₂ relaxation which might explain this fact (assuming that the water protons imaged fall within the extreme-narrowed region of Bloembergen, Purcell and Pound theory). It was found that measures were necessary to avoid the complicating factor of attenuation due to diffusion in the applied read gradient, specifically the use of Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) refocusing pulses. Susceptibility inhomogeneity seemed important in sensitive gradient echo images, but further experiments at different B₀ strengths revealed that it (and chemical shift exchange) does not contribute significantly to the spin echo image contrast. The Brownstein-Tarr model of relaxation at boundaries and surfaces (without local field offsets) was also considered as a possibility, but was ruled out for at least some of the tissues (those which display a CPMG pulse-spacing dependence). Another alternative explanation is short-range dipole interactions between water protons and protons of more slowly-moving molecules, which should be abundant in the particular cells which escape the other hypotheses, but it is difficult to confirm this within the scope of the pulse sequences used here. More progress might be possible with proper multicomponent T₂ analysis and improved knowledge of subcellular structure of our particular tissues

Interhemispheric modulation of corticomotor excitability following i-wave periodicity transcranial magnetic brain stimulation (iTMS)

AIMS: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has been recently demonstrated to have potential therapeutic benefits by promoting cortical plasticity through modulation of corticospinal excitability. We have previously shown in healthy adult subjects that paired-pulse TMS (1.5ms ISI) applied over Ml at 0.2Hz for 15min (known as iTMS), can raise corticospinal excitability for a period (~10min) that outlasts the intervention. Since interhemispheric changes in corticomotor excitability are considered to have fundamental importance in the control of voluntary movement, and recovery of motor function following unilateral damage, importance is placed on understanding the mechanisms involved. The aims of the current study were therefore to investigate if the raised corticomotor excitability following iTMS intervention over Ml will be paralleled by an increase in contralateral M1, and whether this may be brought about by a reduced transcallosal inhibition. Method; STUDY ONE: In eleven healthy adult volunteers (7 Male, 18-45yrs), the mean amplitude of the MEP was recorded (single pulse, 110% resting motor threshold, optimal site for first dorsal interosseous muscle on each hemisphere) pre and post 15 min of iTMS (left hemisphere, 100% of resting motor threshold). STUDY TWO: In six healthy adult volunteers (2 Male, 19-36yrs), Transcallosal Inhibition was investigated pre and post 15 minute iTMS, by delivering a conditioning pulse over the comparable site on the contralateral cortex at 110% resting motor threshold (RMT) between 9-13ms lSI. The effect of the conditioning stimulus on the test stimulus MEP amplitude was compared pre and post iTMS and was expressed as an index of lnterhemispheric Inhibition. Results: iTMS applied over the left M1 (Primary motor cortex) during study one, produced a post intervention increase in MEP amplitude for RFDI in the first post collection of 227%±34% SEM (

Genetic and Biochemical Analyses of the Flaviviridae Capsid Proteins

The small, enveloped viruses of the family Flaviviridae are etiological agents of numerous important human and agricultural diseases including hepatitis C, yellow fever, and bovine viral diarrhea. Efficient dissemination of these viruses is dependent on the production of infectious particles, thought to arise by budding of the capsid protein and associated genomic RNA through a host cell-derived lipid membrane outfitted with envelope glycoproteins. The process of virion morphogenesis is not well understood, but the presumed involvement of numerous viral and cellular components makes it an attractive target for novel therapeutic drug design. To investigate the early events of Flaviviridae particle assembly, we examined the properties of a major virion structural component, the viral capsid proteins. Biochemical analysis of the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) capsid protein revealed a remarkably flexible molecule, capable of binding RNA with low affinity and low specificity in vitro. The ability of BVDV capsid to functionally replace a nonspecific RNA condensing sequence in vivo suggests a mechanism for its role in virion assembly. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) propagation in tissue culture has very recently become possible, allowing the role of the capsid (core) protein in the authentic viral life cycle to be studied for the first time. We performed a comprehensive deletion and mutational analysis of the HCV core protein, confirming its importance for infectious virus production and identifying numerous residues essential for this activity. Interestingly, investigation of the virion building blocks converged on a group of nonstructural proteins that may engineer the assembly process. The infectivity of several defective HCV core mutants could be rescued by compensatory mutations in p7, NS2, and NS3, adding to accumulating evidence that these nonstructural proteins are important for virion morphogenesis. The functional determinants of an analogous BVDV protein, uncleaved NS2-3, in infectious virus production were examined. These studies of the Flaviviridae capsid proteins provide insights into the mechanisms of viral genome packaging and highlight the importance of nonstructural accessory factors in the initial steps of infectious particle assembly

Equity and diversity in institutional approaches student-staff partnership schemes in higher education

© 2019, © 2019 Society for Research into Higher Education. Student cohorts in higher education are rapidly diversifying. Approaches to student engagement in teaching and learning must evolve to meet the changing needs of these diverse groups of students equitably. Student–staff partnership is an approach to student engagement embracing the diverse experiences of both students and staff. Growing evidence shows significant positive outcomes for students and staff. Practice, however, is dominated by small scale initiatives, limiting opportunities for equitable engagement. In institutions where partnership has been scaled-up, little research has explored these institutional partnership schemes. Our research addresses this gap by exploring institutional approaches to partnership across 11 universities in the United Kingdom. Results provide important lessons for improving equity in access to partnership schemes and the need for broader conceptions of scaling up partnership

As Strong as the Granite

Vitality and Vision: Fontbonne at 75. Sister Jane Hassett\u27s essential history of Fontbonne was published to commemorate the college\u27s 75th anniversary. Includes a new comprehensive index compiled by Catherine Lucy (©2016).https://griffinshare.fontbonne.edu/uasc-books/1000/thumbnail.jp

Restoring Lost Anti-HER-2 Th1 Immunity in Breast Cancer: A Crucial Role for Th1 Cytokines in Therapy and Prevention

The ErbB/B2 (HER-2/neu) oncogene family plays a critical role in the development and metastatic spread of several tumor types including breast, ovarian and gastric cancer. In breast cancer, HER-2/neu is expressed in early disease development in a large percentage of DCIS lesions and its expression is associated with an increased risk of invasion and recurrence. Targeting HER-2 with antibodies such as trastuzumab or pertuzumab has improved survival, but patients with more extensive disease may develop resistance to therapy. Interestingly, response to HER-2 targeted therapies correlates with presence of immune response genes in the breast. Th1 cell production of the cytokines interferon gamma (IFNγ) and TNFα can enhance MHC class I expression, PD-L1 expression, augment apoptosis and tumor senescence, and enhances growth inhibition of many anti-breast cancer agents, including anti-estrogens and HER-2 targeted therapies. Recently, we have identified that a loss of anti-HER-2 CD4 Th1 in peripheral blood occurs during breast tumorigenesis and is dramatically diminished, even in Stage I breast cancers. The loss of anti-HER-2 Th1 response is specific and not readily reversed by standard therapies. In fact, this loss of anti-HER-2 Th1 response in peripheral blood correlates with lack of complete response to neoadjuvant therapy and diminished disease-free survival. This defect can be restored with HER-2 vaccinations in both DCIS and IBC. Correcting the anti-HER-2 Th1 response may have significant impact in improving response to HER-2 targeted therapies. Development of immune monitoring systems for anti-HER-2 Th1 to identify patients at risk for recurrence could be critical to improving outcomes, since the anti-HER-2 Th1 response can be restored by vaccination. Correction of the cellular immune response against HER-2 may prevent recurrence in high-risk patients with DCIS and IBC at risk of developing new or recurrent breast cancer.Fil: Nocera, Nadia F.. University of Pennsylvania; Estados UnidosFil: Lee, M. Catherine. H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center; Estados UnidosFil: De La Cruz, Lucy M.. University of Pennsylvania; Estados UnidosFil: Rosemblit, Cinthia. University of Pennsylvania; Estados UnidosFil: Czerniecki, Brian J.. H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center; Estados Unido

The ‘Partnership Identity’ in Higher Education: Moving From ‘Us’ and ‘Them’ to ‘We’ in Student-Staff Partnership

Student-staff partnerships in higher education re-frame the ways that students and staff work together as active collaborators in teaching and learning. Such a radical re-visioning of the relationships between students, staff, and the institutions within which they function is both potentially transformational and a significant challenge given the deeply entrenched identities, and attached norms, that form a part of the institutional culture. Explicit examination of the ways in which identity formation and navigation influences, and is influenced by, student-staff partnership is an important but under-explored area in the partnership literature. Drawing on structured reflective narratives focused on our own partnership experiences, we employ collaborative autoethnographic methods to explore this nexus through a social identity lens. Results highlight the need to move away from the labelling of dichotomous student/staff roles and identities in the context of partnership to a more nuanced conception that embraces the multiplicity of identity and diverse dimensions of meaning. We highlight the power of the normative conceptions that we attach to different identities, particularly where dissonance arises should those norms conflict. We discuss how this dissonance was particularly salient for us as we crossed the partnership threshold, only to find that the ethos underlying our new partnership identities contradicted the traditional hierarchical structure of the institutions within which we continued to function. Finally, we highlight the implications of these results for those engaging in student-staff partnerships in higher education and point the way toward potentially fruitful avenues of future research

Devolution and its effects on health workforce and commodities management - early implementation experiences in Kilifi County, Kenya.

BACKGROUND: Decentralisation is argued to promote community participation, accountability, technical efficiency, and equity in the management of resources, and has been a recurring theme in health system reforms for several decades. In 2010, Kenya passed a new constitution that introduced 47 semi-autonomous county governments, with substantial transfer of responsibility for health service delivery from the central government to these counties. Focusing on two key elements of the health system, Human Resources for Health (HRH) and Essential Medicines and Medical Supplies (EMMS) management, we analysed the early implementation experiences of this major governance reform at county level. METHODS: We employed a qualitative case study design, focusing on Kilifi County, and adapted the decision space framework developed by Bossert et al., to guide our inquiry and analysis. Data were collected through document reviews, key informant interviews, and participant and non-participant observations between December 2012 and December 2014. RESULTS: As with other county level functions, HRH and EMMS management functions were rapidly transferred to counties before appropriate county-level structures and adequate capacity to undertake these functions were in place. For HRH, this led to major disruptions in staff salary payments, political interference with HRH management functions and confusion over HRH management roles. There was also lack of clarity over specific roles and responsibilities at county and national government, and of key players at each level. Subsequently health worker strikes and mass resignations were witnessed. With EMMS, significant delays in procurement led to long stock-outs of essential drugs in health facilities. However, when the county finally managed to procure drugs, health facilities reported a better order fill-rate compared to the period prior to devolution. CONCLUSION: The devolved government system in Kenya has significantly increased county level decision-space for HRH and EMMS management functions. However, harnessing the full potential benefits of this increased autonomy requires targeted interventions to clarify the roles and responsibilities of different actors at all levels of the new system, and to build capacity of the counties to undertake certain specific HRH and EMMS management tasks. Capacity considerations should always be central when designing health sector decentralisation policies