Reuniting Old Allies: A Case for Creative Composition

Since the split between creative writing and composition that largely occurred in the late 1920s, the two departments have wrestled with boundaries that have defined and challenged both courses. Despite the occasionally contentious relationship between creative writing and composition/rhetoric scholars, the two disciplines have served as strong allies in the past. Reuniting Old Allies argues that returning to such an alliance could provide a fruitful, blended approach to writing. This thesis traces the history of this schism from Aristotle to the modern English department, attempting to reconcile the two departments with a middle-ground approach called critical-creative composition that emphasizes the strong rhetorical strategies already present within creative writing, as well as the inherently creative nature of composition. It analyzes the textual, rhetorical, and creative strategies of each genre and demonstrates where such strategies could be implemented in a critical-creative curriculum, as well as a pedagogical outline to guide those interested in such implementation. This map includes an explication of overarching pedagogical strategies and goals, practical classroom exercises, theoretical backing for those exercises, and sample assignments

Prevention of radiotherapy-induced neurocognitive dysfunction in survivors of paediatric brain tumours: the potential role of modern imaging and radiotherapy techniques.

Neurocognitive dysfunction is the leading cause of reduced quality of life in long-term survivors of paediatric brain tumours. Radiotherapy is one of the main contributors to neurocognitive sequelae. Current approaches for prevention and reduction of neurocognitive dysfunction include avoidance of radiotherapy in young children and reduction of the radiotherapy dose and volume of brain irradiated. Substantial advances have been made in brain imaging, especially with functional imaging and fibre tracking with the use of diffusion tensor imaging. Radiotherapy techniques for photon therapy have also evolved, with widespread use of techniques such as image-guided radiotherapy, volumetric modulated arc therapy, helical tomotherapy, and adaptive radiotherapy. The number of proton beam and heavy ion therapy facilities is increasing worldwide and there is great enthusiasm for clinical use of advanced MRI-guided radiotherapy systems. Here, we review the potential role of modern imaging and innovative radiotherapy techniques in minimisation of neurocognitive sequelae in children with brain tumours, and discuss various strategies to integrate these advances to drive further research

Unconventional superconductivity in the nickel-chalcogenide superconductor, TlNi2_2Se2_2

We present the results of a study of the vortex lattice (VL) of the nickel chalcogenide superconductor TlNi2Se2, using small angle neutron scattering. This superconductor has the same crystal symmetry as the iron arsenide materials. Previous work points to it being a two-gap superconductor, with an unknown pairing mechanism. No structural transitions in the vortex lattice are seen in the phase diagram, arguing against d-wave gap symmetry. Empirical fits of the temperature-dependence of the form factor and penetration depth rule out a simple s-wave model, supporting the presence of nodes in the gap function. The variation of the VL opening angle with field is consistent with earlier reports of of multiple gaps

Pre-vaccine serotype composition within a lineage signposts its serotype replacement – a carriage study over 7 years following pneumococcal conjugate vaccine use in the UK

Serotype replacement has been reported in carriage and disease after pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) introductions in the UK and globally. We previously described concurrent expansion and decline of sequence types associated with serotype replacement over 5 years following PCV introductions in the UK. Here we use whole-genome sequencing to fully characterise the population structure of pneumococcal isolates collected over seven winters encompassing PCV7 and PCV13 introductions in the UK, investigating the importance of lineages in serotype replacement. We analysed 672 pneumococcal genomes from colonised children of 4 years old or less. The temporal prevalence of 20 lineages, defined by hierarchical Bayesian analysis of population structure (BAPS), was assessed in the context of serotype replacement. Multiple serotypes were detected in the primary winter of sampling within three vaccine-type (VT) lineages BAPS4, BAPS10 and BAPS11, in which serotype replacement were observed. In contrast, serotype replacement was not seen in the remaining three VT lineages (BAPS1, BAPS13 and BAPS14), that expressed a single serotype (6B, 6A and 3, respectively) in the primary winter. One lineage, BAPS1 serotype 6B was undetectable in the population towards the end of the study period. The dynamics of serotype replacement, in this UK population, was preceded by the presence or absence of multiple serotypes within VT lineages, in the pre-PCV population. This observation could help predict which non-vaccine types (NVTs) may be involved in replacement in future PCV introductions here and elsewhere. It could further indicate whether any antibiotic resistance associated with the lineages is likely to be affected by replacement.</p

Comparative Genomics of Carriage and Disease Isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotype 22F Reveals Lineage-Specific Divergence and Niche Adaptation

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of meningitis, sepsis, and pneumonia worldwide. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines have been part of the United Kingdom’s childhood immunization program since 2006 and have significantly reduced the incidence of disease due to vaccine efficacy in reducing carriage in the population. Here we isolated two clones of 22F (an emerging serotype of clinical concern, multilocus sequence types 433 and 698) and conducted comparative genomic analysis on four isolates, paired by Sequence Type (ST) with one of each pair being derived from carriage and the other disease (sepsis). The most compelling observation was of nonsynonymous mutations in pgdA, encoding peptidoglycan N-acetylglucosamine deacetylase A, which was found in the carriage isolates of both ST433 and 698. Deacetylation of pneumococcal peptidoglycan is known to enable resistance to lysozyme upon invasion. Althought no other clear genotypic signatures related to disease or carriage could be determined, additional intriguing comparisons between the two STs were possible. These include the presence of an intact prophage, in addition to numerous additional phage insertions, within the carriage isolate of ST433. Contrasting gene repertoires related to virulence and colonization, including bacteriocins, lantibiotics, and toxin-–antitoxin systems, were also observed

An accurate in vitro model of the E. coli envelope

Gram-negative bacteria are an increasingly serious source of antibiotic-resistant infections, partly owing to their characteristic protective envelope. This complex, 20 nm thick barrier includes a highly impermeable, asymmetric bilayer outer membrane (OM), which plays a pivotal role in resisting antibacterial chemotherapy. Nevertheless, the OM molecular structure and its dynamics are poorly understood because the structure is difficult to recreate or study in vitro. The successful formation and characterization of a fully asymmetric model envelope using Langmuir-Blodgett and Langmuir-Schaefer methods is now reported. Neutron reflectivity and isotopic labeling confirmed the expected structure and asymmetry and showed that experiments with antibacterial proteins reproduced published in vivo behavior. By closely recreating natural OM behavior, this model provides a much needed robust system for antibiotic development

Local alkylating chemotherapy applied immediately after 5-ALA guided resection of glioblastoma does not provide additional benefit.

Grade IV glioma is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumour. Gross total resection with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) guided surgery combined with local chemotherapy (carmustine wafers) is an attractive treatment strategy in these patients. No previous studies have examined the benefit carmustine wafers in a treatment programme of 5-ALA guided resection followed by a temozolomide-based chemoradiotherapy protocol. The objective of this study was to examine the benefit of carmustine wafers on survival in patients undergoing 5-ALA guided resection. A retrospective cohort study of 260 patients who underwent 5-ALA resection of confirmed WHO 2007 Grade IV glioma between July 2009 and December 2014. Survival curves were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method from surgery. The log-rank test was used to compare survival curves between groups. Cox regression was performed to identify variables predicting survival. A propensity score matched analysis was used to compare survival between patients who did and did not receive carmustine wafers while controlling for baseline characteristics. Propensity matched analysis showed no significant survival benefit of insertion of carmustine wafers over 5-ALA resection alone (HR 0.97 [0.68-1.26], p = 0.836). There was a trend to higher incidence of wound infection in those who received carmustine wafers (15.4 vs. 7.1%, p = 0.064). The Cox regression analysis showed that intraoperative residual fluorescent tumour and residual enhancing tumour on post-operative MRI were significantly predictive of reduced survival. Carmustine wafers have no added benefit following 5-ALA guided resection. Residual fluorescence and residual enhancing disease following resection have a negative impact on survival

The Vehicle, Fall 2006

Table of Contents Ferris WheelEmily Daviscover HerStephen Jefferiespage 1 UntitledBob Freyderpage 2 Writing at O\u27BrienWillie Joseph Morrispage 3 Blanks and HabitsRebecca M. Griffithpage 4 Soldier\u27s NightmareCraig A. Dennispage 5 UntitledLindsey Durbinpage 6 A Slow, Painless DeathJacob Fosterpage 7 ThoughtAmanda Yealepage 8 The SociopathBob Freyderpage 9 EasyRebecca M. Griffithpage 10 My PartnerDiedre Mapespage 11 BarriersSuzanne Krahnpage 12 The mind is a prisonJordan Hohespage 13 We Were Shirtless When Thousands DiedMitch Jamespage 14 ComplaintAmanda Yealepage 15 UntitledBob Freyderpage 16 MarkedAmanda Yealepage 17 She Wears Red Lipstick, He, Heartsick EyesRebecca M. Griffithpage 18 PrayerAmanda Yealepage 19 HomeDeej Rolewskipage 20 Your DreamDiedre Mapespage 21 Even Fingers Get LonelySuzanne Krahnpage 22 AggressivityMitch Jamespage 23 FallenMitch Jamespage 24 CollapseMario Podeschipage 36 The Italian CrisisAndy Masterspage 41 About the Authorshttps://thekeep.eiu.edu/vehicle/1084/thumbnail.jp

The Vehicle, Fall 2006

Table of Contents Ferris WheelEmily Daviscover HerStephen Jefferiespage 1 UntitledBob Freyderpage 2 Writing at O\u27BrienWillie Joseph Morrispage 3 Blanks and HabitsRebecca M. Griffithpage 4 Soldier\u27s NightmareCraig A. Dennispage 5 UntitledLindsey Durbinpage 6 A Slow, Painless DeathJacob Fosterpage 7 ThoughtAmanda Yealepage 8 The SociopathBob Freyderpage 9 EasyRebecca M. Griffithpage 10 My PartnerDiedre Mapespage 11 BarriersSuzanne Krahnpage 12 The mind is a prisonJordan Hohespage 13 We Were Shirtless When Thousands DiedMitch Jamespage 14 ComplaintAmanda Yealepage 15 UntitledBob Freyderpage 16 MarkedAmanda Yealepage 17 She Wears Red Lipstick, He, Heartsick EyesRebecca M. Griffithpage 18 PrayerAmanda Yealepage 19 HomeDeej Rolewskipage 20 Your DreamDiedre Mapespage 21 Even Fingers Get LonelySuzanne Krahnpage 22 AggressivityMitch Jamespage 23 FallenMitch Jamespage 24 CollapseMario Podeschipage 36 The Italian CrisisAndy Masterspage 41 About the Authorshttps://thekeep.eiu.edu/vehicle/1084/thumbnail.jp