573 research outputs found
Liam Rector, 14th Annual ODU Literary Festival
No full textLiam Rector is the author of The Sorrow of Architecture, a book of poems. He\u27s also the editor of The Day I Was Older: On the Poetry of Donald Hall. He has taught at Old Dominion University, George Mason, Goucher College, and Phillips Academy at Andover. In addition, he has administered literary programs at the Folger Academy of American Poets. Currently, Liam Rector is executive director of Associated Writing Programs, which has lately taken a leading role in defending the 1st amendment. Rector has been awarded both NEA and Guggenheim fellowships for poetry
Liam Rector, 12th Annual ODU Literary Festival
No full textLiam Rector is the author of a book of poetry, The Sorrow of Architecture, 1984, and editor of The Day I Was Older: On the Poetry of Donald Hall, 1989, and is currently working on a second book of poems, tentatively titled The Persistence of Virginia. He is executive director of the Associated Writing Programs, located at Old Dominion University
Queen longevity and fecundity affect conflict with workers over resource inheritance in a social insect
No full textResource inheritance is a major source of conflict in animal societies. However, the assumptions and predictions of models of conflict over resource inheritance have not been systematically tested within a single system. We developed an inclusive fitness model for annual eusocial Hymenoptera that predicts a zone of conflict in which future reproductive workers are selected to enforce nest inheritance before the queen is selected to cede the nest. We experimentally tested key elements of this model in the bumble bee Bombus terrestris. In colonies from which queens were sequentially removed, queen tenure was significantly negatively associated with worker male production, confirming that workers gain direct fitness by usurping the queen. In unmanipulated colonies, queen fecundity decreased significantly over the latter part of the colony cycle, confirming that workers' indirect fitness from maintaining queens declines over time. Finally, in an experiment simulating loss of queen fecundity by removal of queens' eggs, worker-to-queen aggression increased significantly and aggressive workers were significantly more likely to become egg-layers, consistent with workers monitoring queen fecundity to assess the net benefit of future reproduction. Overall, by upholding key assumptions and predictions of the model, our results provide novel empirical support for kin-selected conflict over resource inheritance
Data from: Queen longevity and fecundity affect conflict with workers over resource inheritance in a social insect
No full text1 - Experiment_(a)_dataExperiment (a): data2 - Experiment_(b)_frequency of egg-laying eventsExperiment (b): frequency of egg-laying events3 - Experiment_(b)_number of eggs laid per eventExperiment (b): number of eggs laid per event4 - Experiment_(c)_digitalfilmaggressionallsepExperiment (c): worker-to-queen aggression as a function of treatment5 - Experiment_(c)_queenactivityrateExperiment (c): queen activity rate6 - Experiment_(c)_anytimeperiodExperiment (c): worker-to-queen aggression as a function of worker reproductive status - any time period7 - Experiment_(c)_eggmanipulationperiodonlyExperiment (c): worker-to-queen aggression as a function of worker reproductive status - egg manipulation period only8 - Experiment_(c)_queeneggproductionExperiment (c): queen egg production,Resource inheritance is a major source of conflict in animal societies. However, the assumptions and predictions of models of conflict over resource inheritance have not been systematically tested within a single system. We developed an inclusive fitness model for annual eusocial Hymenoptera that predicts a zone of conflict in which future reproductive workers are selected to enforce nest inheritance before the queen is selected to cede the nest. We experimentally tested key elements of this model in the bumble bee Bombus terrestris. In colonies from which queens were sequentially removed, queen tenure was significantly negatively associated with worker male production, confirming that workers gain direct fitness by usurping the queen. In unmanipulated colonies, queen fecundity decreased significantly over the latter part of the colony cycle, confirming that workers' indirect fitness from maintaining queens declines over time. Finally, in an experiment simulating loss of queen fecundity by removal of queens' eggs, worker-to-queen aggression increased significantly and aggressive workers were significantly more likely to become egg-layers, consistent with workers monitoring queen fecundity to assess the net benefit of future reproduction. Overall, by upholding key assumptions and predictions of the model, our results provide novel empirical support for kin-selected conflict over resource inheritance.</span
Project Triton : A study into delivering targeted information to an individual based on implicit and explicit data.
No full textThe World Wide Web is frequently seen as a source of knowledge, however much of this remains undiscovered by its users. In recent times, recommender systems (e.g. Digg and Last.fm) have attempted to bridge this gap, alerting users to previously untapped knowledge. As more socially oriented services appear on the Web (e.g. Facebook and MySpace), it has never been easier to obtain information pertaining to an individual’s interests. At present, solutions for automated data recommendation tend to be highly topic specific (recommending only a certain topic such as news) and often only allow access to the system using monolithic interfaces. This report hopes to detail the stages from research to evaluation involved in creating an extensible framework, which will operate without the need for human intervention. The framework will feature several proof-of-concept plugins residing in a custom workflow, which target information that is useful to the user. Information will be retrieved automatically through plugins involved with data gathering (such as feed processing and page scraping), while users’ interests will be obtained implicitly (for example, using header information to derive location) or explicitly (taking advantage of Social Network APIs such as Facebook Connect). Finally, Third Parties will be able to integrate the framework into their own solutions using the customisable XML API (written in PHP), so that their products can provide custom user interfaces without style constraints
Design, fabrication and molecular modeling of protein subunits for use in a novel hydrogel:
No full textUse of bioinspired, genetically engineered proteins in tissue engineering scaffolds represents a new opportunity for engineering these constructs. However, the production and rational modification of new, artificial proteins is hindered by significant gaps in knowledge regarding expression of artificial gene constructs in E. coli and their molecular modeling. This thesis focuses on the production of a novel hydrogel scaffold composed of four self-assembling protein modules and their rational modification using Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. Two of the modules are based on the ABA triblock copolymer design. In this triblock, a hydrophilic, random coiled region is flanked by 28 amino-acid α−helical endblocks. The purpose of these endblocks is to function as virtual crosslinkers and support network formation. The length of the endblocks can be changed by the addition of two unlinked, fiber-forming peptides and thus potentially alter the gelation and melting points of the hydrogel. We evaluate the efficacy of production of these endblocks by two separate expression strategies in E. coli and demonstrate their ability to form hydrogels. Furthermore, we analyze the Gibbs free energy of formation of oligomeric intermediates that arise early on during fibrillogenesis from the unlinked peptides using the MM/PBSA module of Amber 9. Thermodynamic data demonstrates changes in the primary structure of these peptides affect the stability of the intermediate that seeds fiber formation. This analysis also suggests a shift in the fiber forming mechanism from monomer addition to protofibril addition. We offer how this data can be used to improve interhelical interactions between endblocks and unlinked peptides and how to develop coarse-grain models of fiber formation.Ph.D.Includes bibliographical referencesby Christopher Liam Gaugha
Author Reading: Mason Deaver
No full textAward-winning young adult author Mason Deaver is returning (virtually) to CWU to discuss their new book, The Ghosts We Keep.
This emotional, character-driven journey is about a nonbinary teenager grieving their first shattering loss and, moving forward, allowing that experience to be a guidepost for the relationships that are important to them...An unflinchingly honest story that doesn’t shy away from the complex emotions of grief but also offers a hopeful path forward for Liam and everyone else left behind in the wake of Ethan’s death. ~ Alaina Leary, Booklist
Brought to you by CWU Libraries and CWU Lion Rock Visiting Writers Series.https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/libraryevents/1248/thumbnail.jp
Survivorship and Improving Quality of Life in Men with Prostate Cancer
No full textContext Long-term survival following a diagnosis of cancer is improving in developed nations. However, living longer does not necessarily equate to living well. Objective To search systematically and synthesise narratively the evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of supportive interventions designed to improve prostate cancer (PCa)-specific quality of life (QoL). Evidence acquisition A systematic search of Medline and Embase was carried out from inception to July 2014 to identify interventions targeting PCa QoL outcomes. We did not include nonrandomised studies or trials of mixed cancer groups. In addition to database searches, citations from included papers were hand-searched for any potentially eligible trials. Evidence synthesis A total of 2654 PCa survivors from 20 eligible RCTs were identified from our database searches and reference checks. Disease-specific QoL was assessed most frequently by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate questionnaire. Included studies involved men across all stages of disease. Supportive interventions that featured individually tailored approaches and supportive interaction with dedicated staff produced the most convincing evidence of a benefit for PCa-specific QoL. Much of these data come from lifestyle interventions. Our review found little supportive evidence for simple literature provision (either in booklets or via online platforms) or cognitive behavioural approaches. Conclusions Physical and psychological health problems can have a serious negative impact on QoL in PCa survivors. Individually tailored supportive interventions such as exercise prescription/referral should be considered by multidisciplinary clinical teams where available. Cost-effectiveness data and an understanding of how to sustain benefits over the long term are important areas for future research. Patient summary This review of supportive interventions for improving quality of life in prostate cancer survivors found that supervised and individually tailored patient-centred interventions such as lifestyle programmes are of benefit
Compliant Architecture Regulatory Limits and the Materiality of Risk
No full text“Compliant Architecture” is a project that combines three strands: historical research into the emergence of building regulations; design research illustrating the limits they pose for practitioners; and teaching-led research exploring the architectural potential of these limits. In this paper, Liam Ross offers a digest of this project, conducted at the University of Edinburgh since 2009. Ross inverts the ubiquitous critique of regulation among architects, suggesting that the disciplinary challenge posed by regulation is not the limits it sets, but the freedoms it offers. Ross advocates an architectural practice that works with and through regulatory limits to dramatize, rather than negate, the inherent risk of building, since it is only through exposure to risk that we develop subjectivity. The author makes this argument through a detailed study of a specific regulation, British Standard 8213-1: 2004. Windows, doors and rooflights, accompanied by diagrammatic studies and speculative window designs. Several student projects supervised by Ross explore the design potential of additional regulations
Liam Fox. Rising Tides: Facing the Challenges of a New Era. Heron Books, 2013.
No full textA book normally reflects the world of thoughts of its author. Drop by drop, the author’s life—joy and sadness, anger and love, concerns and wishes—soak into the book. In fiction, the identity of the author is in invisible form, not systemic, or clearly visible in one image; instead it may be distributed among several characters. Even though the author’s identity is allocated a small space in literature, it plays the role of salt to a meal: just a small amount of it melts into the food, but without it, the food is flavorless. In non-fiction, such as history or philosophy, the author analyzes facts and openly states his/her attitude towards them. These types of works, in contrast to literature, reveal the identity of the author throughout the book. If a work is based on serious research, the author tries to downplay his/her identity, to write with objectivity and maintain the principle of seeing everyone through the lens of equality. He/she avoids polarized views of “them” and “us,” as well as sympathy and antipathy; he/she writes with empathy (or rather, tries to do so; after all, authors are also human). However, there is one more type of work or possible author approach. In this case, the author writes to “our own” and tries to explain certain points to them, help them understand what awaits “us” in the future, and to draw lessons and conclusions from historical and current events. Rising Tides by Liam Fox can be placed in this last category. The author uses the word “us” in its narrow sense to mean Great Britain and in its broad sense to include Western democracy
- …
