The influence of James in the Galatian churches prior to Paul's letter to the Galatians

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Boston Universit

The influence of James in the Galatian churches prior to Paul's letter to the Galatians

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Boston Universit

The influence of the Adonis cult upon Hosea

Thesis (M.A.)--Boston Universit

Virus-Host Co-evolution: Determining the Origin of Human Cytomegalovirus US27 and US28

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) are the largest family of cell surface proteins, found in organisms from yeast to humans. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widespread pathogen that is particularly skilled at evading immune detection and defense mechanisms, largely due to extensive co-evolution with its host’s immune system. One aspect of this co-evolution involves the acquisition of four virally encoded GPCR homologs: US27, US28, UL33 and UL78. In this research, phylogenetic analysis was used to investigate the origins of the US27 and US28 genes, which are adjacent in the viral genome. The results indicate that both US27 and US28 share the same common ancestor, human chemokine receptor CX3CR1, suggesting that a single human gene was captured and a viral gene duplication event occurred. While the evolutionary purpose of the gene duplication event remains unclear, experimental evidence indicates that each gene has evolved distinct, important functions during virus infection

The Effect of Response-Contingent Positive Stimulation of the Frequency of Intervals of Specified Fluent Verbal Behavior of Stutterers

Intervals of specified fluent verbal behavior of two stutterers received response-contingent positive stimulation in the form of an accumulating points system, Assessment was made o the effect of experimental manipulation on the frequency of fluent speech intervals as well as on the frequency of subject-identified stuttering behaviors observed during the experimental session. The results indicated significant change in fluent interval frequency in the spontaneous speech of one subject. Effect of the experimental contingency was not demonstrated in the oral reading of a second subject. Stuttering. behavior data indicated that an indirect effect of the positive stimulation can change the frequency of behavior not being contingently stimulated

The Art of Appropriation

This interactive event was held in the La Salle University Art Museum in the Renaissance Gallery on March 29, 2012. The presentation that is archived here includes many examples of the artistic appropriation of iconic images of the Vietnam War. This presentation explored the different methods of appropriation, including memes, and exploitation. This presentation served to complement the work of Jane Irish, whose paintings and ceramics appropriate images and text drawn from the Imaginative Representations of the Vietnam War Collection in La Salle University\u27s Connelly Library

Shape Memory Composite Hybrid Hinge

There are two conventional types of hinges for in-space deployment applications. The first type is mechanically deploying hinges. A typical mechanically deploying hinge is usually composed of several tens of components. It is complicated, heavy, and bulky. More components imply higher deployment failure probability. Due to the existence of relatively moving components among a mechanically deploying hinge, it unavoidably has microdynamic problems. The second type of conventional hinge relies on strain energy for deployment. A tape-spring hinge is a typical strain energy hinge. A fundamental problem of a strain energy hinge is that its deployment dynamic is uncontrollable. Usually, its deployment is associated with a large impact, which is unacceptable for many space applications. Some damping technologies have been experimented with to reduce the impact, but they increased the risks of an unsuccessful deployment. Coalescing strain energy components with shape memory composite (SMC) components to form a hybrid hinge is the solution. SMCs are well suited for deployable structures. A SMC is created from a high-performance fiber and a shape memory polymer resin. When the resin is heated to above its glass transition temperature, the composite becomes flexible and can be folded or packed. Once cooled to below the glass transition temperature, the composite remains in the packed state. When the structure is ready to be deployed, the SMC component is reheated to above the glass transition temperature, and it returns to its as-fabricated shape. A hybrid hinge is composed of two strain energy flanges (also called tape-springs) and one SMC tube. Two folding lines are placed on the SMC tube to avoid excessive strain on the SMC during folding. Two adapters are used to connect the hybrid hinge to its adjacent structural components. While the SMC tube is heated to above its glass transition temperature, a hybrid hinge can be folded and stays at folded status after the temperature is reduced to below its glass transition temperature. After the deployable structure is launched in space, the SMC tube is reheated and the hinge is unfolded to deploy the structure. Based on test results, the hybrid hinge can achieve higher than 99.999% shape recovery. The hybrid hinge inherits all of the good characteristics of a tape-spring hinge such as simplicity, light weight, high deployment reliability, and high deployment precision. Conversely, it eliminates the deployment impact that has significantly limited the applications of a tape-spring hinge. The deployment dynamics of a hybrid hinge are in a slow and controllable fashion. The SMC tube of a hybrid hinge is a multifunctional component. It serves as a deployment mechanism during the deployment process, and also serves as a structural component after the hinge is fully deployed, which makes a hybrid hinge much stronger and stiffer than a tape-spring hinge. Unlike a mechanically deploying hinge that uses relatively moving components, a hybrid hinge depends on material deformation for its packing and deployment. It naturally eliminates the microdynamic phenomenon

A Simulation Model Examining Boll Weevil Dispersal: Historical and Current Situations

A linear deterministic simulation model was developed to examine the historical rate of movement of the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman, across the southeastern United States. This manuscript addresses the hypotheses proposed during the initial invasion of the boll weevil that cotton production and prevailing winds were the primary factors regulating movement of this pest. A modification of the historical model was used to predict defensive strategies required to maintain boll weevil-free areas resulting from the current program effort

Pre- and intraoperative variables affecting early outcomes in elderly patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy

AbstractBackgroundConflicting data exist regarding the safety of pancreatic resections in elderly patients. In this study we compared early complication and mortality rates between patients younger and older than 80 years of age who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy using a validated national database.MethodsThe National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database for 2005–2009 was used for this retrospective analysis. The primary outcome measures for our analysis were 30-day postoperative mortality, major complication rate and overall complication rate.ResultsA total of 6293 patients who underwent PD for any cause were included in the analysis. Of these, 9.4% were aged ≥80 years. The incidence of 30-day mortality was significantly higher in patients aged ≥80 years (6.3%) than in those aged <80 years (2.7%). Older patients were also noted to have higher rates of overall complications and serious complications. On multivariate analysis, age, ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) classification, reduced functional status, history of dyspnoea, and need for intraoperative transfusion were risk factors associated with the occurrence of overall complications, serious complications and postoperative mortality.ConclusionsThis study shows that age among other factors is a determinant of postoperative morbidity and mortality following PD

Radiotherapy for Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Proximal Lower Extremity

Soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) is a histopathologically diverse group of tumors accounting for approximately 10,000 new malignancies in the US each year. The proximal lower extremity is the most common site for STS, accounting for approximately one-third of all cases. Coordinated multimodality management in the form of surgery and radiation is often critical to local control, limb preservation, and functional outcome. Based on a review of currently available Medline literature and professional experience, this paper provides an overview of the treatment of STS of the lower extremity with a particular focus on the modern role of radiotherapy