Building Jefferson\u27s future

2002 Annual report of Thomas Jefferson University

Teaching | learning | investigating | discovering | treating | healing

2001 Annual report of Thomas Jefferson University

Structure of myelin P2 protein from equine spinal cord

Equine P2 protein has been isolated from horse spinal cord and its structure determined to 2.1 Å. Since equine myelin is a viable alternative to bovine tissue for large-scale preparations, characterization of the proteins from equine spinal cord myelin has been initiated. There is an unusually high amount of P2 protein in equine CNS myelin compared with other species. The structure was determined by molecular replacement and subsequently refined to an R value of 0.187 (<sub>free</sub> = 0.233). The structure contains a molecule of the detergent LDAO and HEPES buffer in the binding cavity and is otherwise analogous to other cellular retinol-binding proteins

Environmental Liability for Deep Seabed Mining in the Area: An Urgent Case for a Robust Strict Liability Regime

This article will focus on liabilities for the Area and examine the question of liability for the various actors involved, including contractors/operators who carry out the exploitation of resources, sponsoring States, flag States, and the International Seabed Authority. It is necessary to analyze the current state of liability provisions, should environmental damage occur in the Area. The rapid pace of technological advancement and the unknown extent of environmental damage make a fulsome liability regime necessary. Unfortunately, as will be shown in this article, there are still extensive unknowns in the legal landscape. This article will investigate two areas of liability: the standard of liability (strict, negligence, and whether there is a potential for a due diligence defense, active act, or mens rea requirements) and the extent of liability (limited or unlimited damage claim potentials). The UNCLOS seems to provide for one type of liability for operators, but the subsequent legislation, as will be shown, seems to “water down” liabilities, making a detailed analysis required

Chasing the carrot: organizing part-time ontario college workers

This thesis explores issues of union renewal in the context of precarious work, and examines strategies and tactics for effective union organizing of precarious workers in the particular case of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union's (OPSEU) efforts to organize the Ontario part-time college workers. The question of how to successfully . organize precarious workers is explored by examining established organizing strategies and tactjcs and their effectiveness when organizing a group of precarious workers. In a political setting that is increasingly hostile to organized labour, this study examines the impact ofrights-based strategies on organizing, as well as a series of organizing tactics which include 1) engaging members as activists, 2) recruiting organizers whom irror the workplace, 3) evaluating change-oriented leadership in the union, and 4) cross- constituency organizing to build solidarity

Insecure attachment during infancy predicts greater amygdala volumes in early adulthood

Background The quality of the early environment is hypothesized to be an influence on morphological development in key neural areas related to affective responding, but direct evidence to support this possibility is limited. In a 22-year longitudinal study, we examined hippocampal and amygdala volumes in adulthood in relation to early infant attachment status, an important indicator of the quality of the early caregiving environment. Methods Participants (N = 59) were derived from a prospective longitudinal study of the impact of maternal postnatal depression on child development. Infant attachment status (24 Secure; 35 Insecure) was observed at 18 months of age, and MRI assessments were completed at 22 years. Results In line with hypotheses, insecure versus secure infant attachment status was associated with larger amygdala volumes in young adults, an effect that was not accounted for by maternal depression history. We did not find early infant attachment status to predict hippocampal volumes. Conclusions Common variations in the quality of early environment are associated with gross alterations in amygdala morphology in the adult brain. Further research is required to establish the neural changes that underpin the volumetric differences reported here, and any functional implications

Sign Language Translation Using Machine Learning and Computer Vision

Over the past several years there have been incredible advancements in machine learning and object detection. They’re now being used in everything from security systems to self-driving cars, to automated sorting facilities. One area that has had little benefit from the advancements in breaking down the communication barriers between the Deaf and those who are unable to understand sign language. This paper examines one attempt to start to address those barriers and how that attempt took an unexpected turn that looked deeper at the differences and challenges among various object detection algorithms, how computing power affects how fast and efficiently code can run, and how difficult it can be to work with people

Sustainable Seabed Mining and the Phase 1 Environmental Standards and Guidelines

The oceans are home to a rich diversity of plant and animal life and a source of food and marine resources that drive economies. Climate change and pollution are changing ocean dynamics and the ability to support life. Seabed mining in areas beyond national jurisdiction will add to the ocean\u27s stressors and could cause severe environmental damage. The International Seabed Authority (“ISA”) is mandated to manage access to and benefits from the seabed, its subsoil and mineral resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction (the “Area”). Although the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea sets out the legal framework for developing the Area and its resources, it does so in broad terms and leaves substantial gaps. These gaps include the scope of activities in the Area, the interrelationship of international obligations, the division of responsibilities between the ISA and sponsoring states, and the regulation of the mining system in situ. To partially fill these gaps, the ISA has drafted a set of “Phase 1” Standards and Guidelines under the Draft Regulations on Exploitation of Mineral Resources in the Area. This paper investigates and critiques five environmental Draft Standards from a precautionary and comparative law perspective. Phase 1 standards and guidelines should adopt a more rigorous interpretation of the precautionary principle. Additional recommendations include creating enhanced governance processes and incorporating an ecosystem-based framework for regional environmental assessments and management plans not present in Draft Standards. This research will assist academics, practitioners, governments, and the ISA with policies and strategies to enhance environmental and social protections from seabed mining