Part I: Choreography Helen and Family Photo Part II: Movement and Story: An Exploration Through the Discourse of Dance

Artist Statement: My choreographic work is stimulated by a mental image that comes to me through research and observation of dance and other art forms. Once I have an image in my head then I realize the image by doing picture research. My image inspires a concept and characters that fit into the piece. I always plant my original image somewhere in the ending product of my dance. I choreograph by casting my dancers as characters. I use these characters to explore the essential relationships between people and the essential struggles we face as individuals. Creating personality based dances enables me to abstractly investigate theatrical situations. Sometimes I start rehearsal by having my dancers read a play out loud, as an easier way for them to grasp their character. Then I use text from the play to prompt movement phrases. Dance is an important outlet for me because I have been studying and exploring the art form since I was five years old. I believe that dance can express and convey any concept, realistic or abstract. A simple choreographic choice can make people think of many different things and can speak for itself. I choreograph to give the audience a chance to experience something different then their everyday lives and to allow them to engage their imagination

Interpretation for Serological Tests for Leptospirosis

Animal disease control and eradication programs are often based on serological diagnosis. The best example of such a program is that outlined for the control of brucellosis. Regulatory officials have established well-defined criteria for interpreting the results of the test and the subsequent management and disposal of affected animals

Understanding the history of a volcanic arc: linking geochemistry of Cenozoic volcanic cobbles from the Wrangell arc, Alaska, to upper plate and subducting slab tectonic processes

Master of ScienceDepartment of GeologyMatthew E. BruesekeThe Wrangell arc (WA) is a ~29 Ma magmatic belt, extending from south-central Alaska into the Yukon Territory, that lies above the edges and leading front of the Yakutat microplate, a buoyant oceanic plateau that is causing shallow subduction (11-16º) in the region. The WA occurs in a transition zone between “normal” Aleutian subduction to the west and dextral strike-slip tectonics to the east, accomplished by the Totschunda, Denali, and Duke River faults. This geologic setting offers a chance to study the interrelations between subduction, strike-slip motion, and slab-edge magmatic processes in a relatively well-exposed arc. We implemented a novel technique of applying geochemical and geochronologic analyses on volcanic cobbles collected from glacio-fluvial systems (rivers, streams, and glaciers) encircling/draining the WA. Our primary objective is to integrate our cobble datasets with the existing bedrock and detrital sand records to develop a comprehensive understanding of WA magmatism through time and space. Our secondary objective is to test the validity of this novel technique for reproducing what is documented from bedrock samples and its potential for utilization in other locations. This study provides new major element data from 215 samples and trace element data from 236 samples collected from 17 major rivers that drain from the modern western and central WA (this study excludes the eastern WA). This study also provides new age data from a total of 119 samples from 10 major rivers. New geochronology of modern detrital volcanic cobbles and sand/zircons reveal that the WA initiated at ~29 Ma and that magmatism migrated northwestward through time. Cobble ages and locations across the arc agree with the northwestward progression of magmatism previously identified by Richter et al. (1990). Forty-seven cobbles are dated <~1 Ma and only nine cobbles are dated 29 – ~20 Ma, whereas there are no cobbles from 17 – ~13 Ma. Geochemical data reveal similarities between our data and that of the <~5 Ma WA defined by Preece and Hart (2004): Trend 1 (transitional-tholeiitic), Trend 2a (calc-alkaline), Trend 2b (calc-alkaline, adakite-like). Therefore, we use the geochemical framework defined in Preece and Hart (2004) to contextualize spatio-temporal trends of magmatism and tectonic implications in the WA during its ~29 m.y. history. Trend 2a and 2b cobbles are spatially and temporally ubiquitous in the WA, indicating that subduction and partial slab melting have been the dominant tectonic processes throughout WA history. Trend 1 cobbles are not found in southwestern WA rivers and are temporally restricted to ~11 – ~6 Ma and <1 Ma, suggesting intra-arc extension has occurred in discrete periods during WA history. These conclusions are confirmed by the existing (Richter et al., 1990; Skulski et al., 1991; 1992; Preece and Hart, 2004; Trop et al., 2012) and new (Berkelhammer, 2017; Weber et al., 2017) bedrock records. Finally, this study shows that the sampled cobble lithologies largely reproduce the known bedrock record in geochemical, temporal, and spatial contexts, which suggests the novel methodology applied here can be used in other locations where field conditions limit access to bedrock

Acceptability of temporary suspension of visiting during norovirus outbreaks:investigating patient, visitor and public opinion

Background Noroviruses are a leading cause of outbreaks globally and the most common cause of service disruption due to ward closures. Temporary suspension of visiting (TSV) is increasingly a recommended public health measure to reduce exposure, transmission and impact during norovirus outbreaks; however, preventing patient–visitor contact may contravene the ethos of person-centred care, and public acceptability of this measure is not known. Aim To investigate the acceptability of TSV during norovirus outbreaks from the perspectives of patients, visitors and the wider public. Methods Cross-sectional survey of patients (N = 153), visitors (N = 175) and the public (N = 224) in three diverse areas in Scotland. Health Belief Model constructs were applied to understand ratings of acceptability of TSV during norovirus outbreaks, and to determine associations between these levels and various predictor variables. Findings The majority (84.6%) of respondents indicated that the possible benefits of TSV are greater than the possible disadvantages. Conversely, the majority (70%) of respondents disagreed that TSV ‘is wrong as it ignores people's rights to have contact with family and friends’. The majority (81.6%) of respondents agreed that TSV would be more acceptable if exceptions were made for seriously ill or dying patients. Correlational analysis demonstrated that overall acceptability was positively related to perceived severity (r = 0.65), identified benefits (r = 0.54) and implementing additional communication strategies (r = 0.60); acceptability was negatively related to potential barriers (r = −0.49). Conclusions There is greater service user and public support for the use of TSV than concerns around impinging upon patients' rights to have visitors. TSV should be considered as an acceptable infection control measure that could be implemented consistently during norovirus outbreaks

Recommendations for dealing with waste contaminated with Ebola virus: a Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points approach

Objective To assess, within communities experiencing Ebola virus outbreaks, the risks associated with the disposal of human waste and to generate recommendations for mitigating such risks. Methods A team with expertise in the Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points framework identified waste products from the care of individuals with Ebola virus disease and constructed, tested and confirmed flow diagrams showing the creation of such products. After listing potential hazards associated with each step in each flow diagram, the team conducted a hazard analysis, determined critical control points and made recommendations to mitigate the transmission risks at each control point. Findings The collection, transportation, cleaning and shared use of blood-soiled fomites and the shared use of latrines contaminated with blood or bloodied faeces appeared to be associated with particularly high levels of risk of Ebola virus transmission. More moderate levels of risk were associated with the collection and transportation of material contaminated with bodily fluids other than blood, shared use of latrines soiled with such fluids, the cleaning and shared use of fomites soiled with such fluids, and the contamination of the environment during the collection and transportation of blood-contaminated waste. Conclusion The risk of the waste-related transmission of Ebola virus could be reduced by the use of full personal protective equipment, appropriate hand hygiene and an appropriate disinfectant after careful cleaning. Use of the Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points framework could facilitate rapid responses to outbreaks of emerging infectious disease

Examining human paragonimiasis as a differential diagnosis to tuberculosis in The Gambia.

OBJECTIVE: Paragonimiasis is a foodborne trematode infection of the lungs caused by Paragonimus spp., presenting clinically with similar symptoms to active tuberculosis (TB). Worldwide, an estimated 20.7 million people are infected with paragonimiasis, but relatively little epidemiological data exists for Africa. Given a recently reported case, we sought to establish whether paragonimiasis should be considered as an important differential diagnosis for human TB in The Gambia, West Africa. RESULTS: We developed a novel PCR-based diagnostic test for Paragonimus species known to be found in West Africa, which we used to examine archived TB negative sputum samples from a cross-sectional study of volunteers with tuberculosis-like symptoms from communities in the Western coastal region of The Gambia. Based on a "zero patient" design for detection of rare diseases, 300 anonymised AFB smear negative sputum samples, randomly selected from 25 villages, were screened for active paragonimiasis by molecular detection of Paragonimus spp. DNA. No parasite DNA was found in any of the sputa of our patient group. Despite the recent case report, we found no evidence of active paragonimiasis infection masking as TB in the Western region of The Gambia

TREATMENT OF CHRONIC NONRESPONSIVE PATIENTS WITH A NONFORCE TECHNIQUE

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate how chronic pain patients respond to treatment with Bio-Energetic Synchronization Technique (BEST). Methods: Twenty-four adult patients with chronic pain-related conditions that failed to respond to previous chiropractic care were recruited. Subjects were given baseline assessments including pain Visual Analog Scale, Profile of Mood States, and the Global Well-being Scale. The 5-week treatment program consisted of an initial 3-day session with BEST therapy, followed by a single treatment session for the following 4 weeks. Patients were reevaluated at the end of the 3-day session and at weekly intervals throughout the course of care. At the end of week 5, patients were asked to assess their degree of satisfaction with the treatment. Results: Patients had 3 main categories of pain: headache (n = 8, mean duration 15 years), neck pain (n = 18, mean duration 11 years), and low back pain (n = 17, mean duration 10 years). Global Well-Being Scale scores significantly improved at the end of the 3-day session ( P N .05) but not subsequently. The Profile of Mood States reflected favorable changes in all areas. Significant improvement in vigor ( P N .003) and fatigue ( P N .006) existed at the end of 5 weeks ( P b .01). The reduction of pain was significant at both the end of the 3-day session and at follow-up ( P = .0003). A statistically significant decrease in depression ( P = .004) was noted after 3 days, and a substantial although not significant ( P = .06) decrease in depression existed at the end of 1 month. Eighty-two percent reported satisfaction with BEST (47% reported being bextremely satisfiedQ and 35% bsatisfiedQ). Conclusion: In this group of chronic pain patients, improvement in patient outcome measures was seen after 5 weeks of therapy. These patients also responded with a high degree of satisfaction with care. (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2005;28:259-264

Mechanisms for the formation of benzene in the atmosphere of Titan

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/95336/1/jgre1586.pd

Cyclical changes in seroprevalence of leptospirosis in California sea lions: endemic and epidemic disease in one host species?

BackgroundLeptospirosis is a zoonotic disease infecting a broad range of mammalian hosts, and is re-emerging globally. California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) have experienced recurrent outbreaks of leptospirosis since 1970, but it is unknown whether the pathogen persists in the sea lion population or is introduced repeatedly from external reservoirs.MethodsWe analyzed serum samples collected over an 11-year period from 1344 California sea lions that stranded alive on the California coast, using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for antibodies to Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona. We evaluated seroprevalence among yearlings as a measure of incidence in the population, and characterized antibody persistence times based on temporal changes in the distribution of titer scores. We conducted multinomial logistic regression to determine individual risk factors for seropositivity with high and low titers.ResultsThe serosurvey revealed cyclical patterns in seroprevalence to L. interrogans serovar Pomona, with 4-5 year periodicity and peak seroprevalence above 50%. Seroprevalence in yearling sea lions was an accurate index of exposure among all age classses, and indicated on-going exposure to leptospires in non-outbreak years. Analysis of titer decay rates showed that some individuals probably maintain high titers for more than a year following exposure.ConclusionThis study presents results of an unprecedented long-term serosurveillance program in marine mammals. Our results suggest that leptospirosis is endemic in California sea lions, but also causes periodic epidemics of acute disease. The findings call into question the classical dichotomy between maintenance hosts of leptospirosis, which experience chronic but largely asymptomatic infections, and accidental hosts, which suffer acute illness or death as a result of disease spillover from reservoir species

Reactogenicity and immunogenicity after a late second dose or a third dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 in the UK: a substudy of two randomised controlled trials (COV001 and COV002)

Background COVID-19 vaccine supply shortages are causing concerns about compromised immunity in some countries as the interval between the first and second dose becomes longer. Conversely, countries with no supply constraints are considering administering a third dose. We assessed the persistence of immunogenicity after a single dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222), immunity after an extended interval (44–45 weeks) between the first and second dose, and response to a third dose as a booster given 28–38 weeks after the second dose. Methods In this substudy, volunteers aged 18–55 years who were enrolled in the phase 1/2 (COV001) controlled trial in the UK and had received either a single dose or two doses of 5 × 1010 viral particles were invited back for vaccination. Here we report the reactogenicity and immunogenicity of a delayed second dose (44–45 weeks after first dose) or a third dose of the vaccine (28–38 weeks after second dose). Data from volunteers aged 18–55 years who were enrolled in either the phase 1/2 (COV001) or phase 2/3 (COV002), single-blinded, randomised controlled trials of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and who had previously received a single dose or two doses of 5 × 1010 viral particles are used for comparison purposes. COV001 is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04324606, and ISRCTN, 15281137, and COV002 is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04400838, and ISRCTN, 15281137, and both are continuing but not recruiting. Findings Between March 11 and 21, 2021, 90 participants were enrolled in the third-dose boost substudy, of whom 80 (89%) were assessable for reactogenicity, 75 (83%) were assessable for evaluation of antibodies, and 15 (17%) were assessable for T-cells responses. The two-dose cohort comprised 321 participants who had reactogenicity data (with prime-boost interval of 8–12 weeks: 267 [83%] of 321; 15–25 weeks: 24 [7%]; or 44–45 weeks: 30 [9%]) and 261 who had immunogenicity data (interval of 8–12 weeks: 115 [44%] of 261; 15–25 weeks: 116 [44%]; and 44–45 weeks: 30 [11%]). 480 participants from the single-dose cohort were assessable for immunogenicity up to 44–45 weeks after vaccination. Antibody titres after a single dose measured approximately 320 days after vaccination remained higher than the titres measured at baseline (geometric mean titre of 66·00 ELISA units [EUs; 95% CI 47·83–91·08] vs 1·75 EUs [1·60–1·93]). 32 participants received a late second dose of vaccine 44–45 weeks after the first dose, of whom 30 were included in immunogenicity and reactogenicity analyses. Antibody titres were higher 28 days after vaccination in those with a longer interval between first and second dose than for those with a short interval (median total IgG titre: 923 EUs [IQR 525–1764] with an 8–12 week interval; 1860 EUs [917–4934] with a 15–25 week interval; and 3738 EUs [1824–6625] with a 44–45 week interval). Among participants who received a third dose of vaccine, antibody titres (measured in 73 [81%] participants for whom samples were available) were significantly higher 28 days after a third dose (median total IgG titre: 3746 EUs [IQR 2047–6420]) than 28 days after a second dose (median 1792 EUs [IQR 899–4634]; Wilcoxon signed rank test p=0·0043). T-cell responses were also boosted after a third dose (median response increased from 200 spot forming units [SFUs] per million peripheral blood mononuclear cells [PBMCs; IQR 127–389] immediately before the third dose to 399 SFUs per milion PBMCs [314–662] by day 28 after the third dose; Wilcoxon signed rank test p=0·012). Reactogenicity after a late second dose or a third dose was lower than reactogenicity after a first dose. Interpretation An extended interval before the second dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 leads to increased antibody titres. A third dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 induces antibodies to a level that correlates with high efficacy after second dose and boosts T-cell responses. Funding UK Research and Innovation, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, National Institute for Health Research, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, National Institute for Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Innovation Fund for Medical Science, Thames Valley and South Midlands NIHR Clinical Research Network, AstraZeneca, and Wellcome