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Toward a sociology of loss and life
(SAGE Publications, 2025) Puri, Jyoti
This introduction to the special issue advances a sociology of loss and life, positioning death and mourning as both analytical and methodological tools for apprehending the social and interrogating its ontologies and epistemologies. The essays gathered here contribute to broader calls for critical, intersectional, transnational, and decolonial understandings of loss, situating death and mourning as inseparable from questions of power and its modalities, as well as from desires for social transformation—of damaged pasts and futures yet to be realized. Bereavement, bio-death, and mourning emerge not solely as sites of rupture, but as arenas of struggle, lived experience, and life-making. In this light, the social is constituted as much through loss as through life.
Sub-MeV electron precipitation driven by EMIC waves in plasmaspheric plumes at high L-shells
(2023-06-14) Qin, M; Li, Wen; Nishimura, Y; Huang, S; Ma, Q; Capannolo, L; Shen, X; Angelopoulos, V; Artemyev, A; Hanzelka, M; Gan, L
Electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves are known to be efficient for precipitating >1 MeV electrons from the magnetosphere into the upper atmosphere. Despite considerable evidence showing that EMIC‐driven electron precipitation can extend down to sub‐MeV energies, the precise physical mechanism driving sub‐MeV electron precipitation remains an active area of investigation. In this study, we present an electron precipitation event observed by ELFIN CubeSats on 11 January 2022, exclusively at sub‐MeV energy at L ∼ 8–10.5, where trapped MeV electrons were nearly absent. The THEMIS satellites observed conjugate H‐band and He‐band EMIC waves and hiss waves in plasmaspheric plumes near the magnetic equator. Quasi‐linear diffusion results demonstrate that the observed He‐band EMIC waves, with a high ratio of plasma to electron cyclotron frequency, can drive electron precipitation down to ∼400 keV. Our findings suggest that exclusive sub‐MeV precipitation (without concurrent MeV precipitation) can be associated with EMIC waves, especially in the plume region at high L shells.
Sub-MeV electron precipitation driven by EMIC waves in plasmaspheric plumes at high L shells
(2025-03-13) Qin, Murong; Li, Wen; Nishimura, Yukitoshi; Huang, Sheng; Hanzelka, M
Minor White: the silence of seeing. Teaching photography's visible language
(Boston University, 1990) Goodwin, Mary Christine
For three decades after World War II, Minor White held a
central position in the development of the modern American
photographic community, yet his instruction has gone largely
unexamined.
I reconstruct and analyze White's teaching practices,
using information from White's unpublished manuscripts,
student interviews, and published and unpublished
documentation. My methodology is biographical, with
emphasis on White's lessons and the support systems,
institutions, and publications which shaped White's social
context.
The biographical introduction of Chapter One asserts
that White's personal style of sequencing photographs
(incorporating aspects of poetry, music, and images)
becomes expanded in his teaching practice as a complete
synaesthetic experience.
In Chapter Two, I delineate the differences in White's
teaching methods, theoretical writings, and public profile
during three distinct periods: his California School of Fine
Arts period of 1946-1953, his Rochester Institute of
Technology period of 1956-1965, and his Massachusetts
Institute of Technology period of 1965-1976. I argue for a
development in White's teaching methods, from an "Art
Appreciation" model influenced by Meyer Schapiro, to a
"Balanced Triad" model using Previsualization influenced by
Zen and Gurdjieff, to the "Creative Audience" model
influenced by Gestalt Therapy.
I demonstrate that previsualization became a pivotal
concept in White's classes, allowing him to bond the
consideration of technical issues with the consideration of
expressive issues and eventually with limitless speculative
issues. Edward Weston, Ansel Adams, and originally, White,
used previsualization as a formal tool - envisioning the
print while still observing the scene or subject. White
moved his students beyond this orthodox use of photographic
previsualization - to observe the schemata level or gestaltformation
level of imaging through a graded series of
exercises. This art of contemplation, of seeing without a
camera, had its roots in traditional sacred arts and
contemporary reinforcement from modern conceptual art.
A third chapter analyzes the critical response to White
during his lifetime, noting controversy over his perceived
"mysticism." The problem of understanding the position of Minor
White, the teacher, in the development of the modern
photographic community gives focus and unity to the entire
dissertation.
Localization and activity of metalloendopeptidase EC 3.4.24.15 (THOP1)
(2003) Slot, Franchot
Thimet oligopeptidase 1, THOP1 (EC 3.4.24.15), is an 85kDa thiol-dependent
metalloendopeptidase implicated in a variety of neural processes and in the
neurodegeneration of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It has been postulated to play key roles in both neuropeptide production and degradation. Because of the potentially significant therapeutic applications of such a peptidase, a general characterization of the enzyme's localization and activity was undertaken. The distribution of THOP1 in rat and monkey brain, both regionally and at the cellular level was examined by immunohistochemical
techniques. THOP1 proteolytic activity was studied in rabbit, rat and monkey brain, as well as in cultured cell lines. Biochemical analyses indicate that the chromosomal localization of the THOP1 gene is at 19pl3.3, precluding strict genetic linkage to the AD risk factor, apolipoprotein E, on 19ql3.2. Various biochemical approaches showed that THOP1 is predominantly a cytosolic enzyme, which is also secreted. Contrary to reports in the literature, evidence is provided that the peptidase is not generally found in the
nuclear compartment. Full-length THOP1 was not found in nuclear extracts by western blot, although an immunoreactive band of 55kDa (p55) was observed. Nuclear extracts lack THOP1 activity, and p55 does not appear to be a degradation product of full-length THOP1. Stable and transient transfections with THOP1 cDNA do not lead to a change in
p55 levels in nuclei. Additionally, northern blot analysis failed to demonstrate an alternative start, stop, or splicing variant of THOP1 mRNA that would be consistent with the production of a 55kDa product. Therefore, we conclude that p55 is unrelated to THOP1 and that the binding of THOP1 antibodies is non-specific. The absence of THOP1 from the nucleus implies nuclear protein catabolism is significantly different from cytosolic protein catabolism. Our data show THOP1 to be a cytosolic and secreted
protein, encoded by a single mRNA species, transcribed from a region of chromosome 19pl3.3, giving rise to a single protein species. The characterization of THOP1 presented here may be important for future therapeutic intervention with the enzyme.
Race ethnicity and the political economy of national entrepreneural elites in Jamaica
(Boston University, 1977) Holzberg, Carol S.
This monograph is a study of social stratification and
the distribution of national politico-economic power in
Jamaica. It recognizes the existence of stratified social
groupings on the Island, but does not look at social stratiication from the perspective of the rural folk, the urban
wage laborer, the lumpenproletariat, or the masses. Instead,
the monograph focuses on those native born Jamaicans, who
wield influence in the political realm by virtue of their economic
activities as national entrepreneurial elites. It thus
examines who controls the largest corporations on the Island
(excluding sugar and bauxite), how this corporate control is
achieved, and how it is maintained and transferred.
Anthropological studies of the dominant economic section
(that is, the national entrepreneurial elite) are necessary
precisely because it is often the members of this section who
exercise influence over politico-administrative decision-making
of national, regional (Caribbean), multinational, and international significance. It is generally assumed that the
White population in Jamaica controls a disproportionate concentration
of corporate capital, while at the same time apportioning
for itself an abundant variety of the Island's
scarce material and social services. However, a more rigorous
examination of the racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds of
Jamaica's national entrepreneurial elite suggests that the
White population is not socially and culturally homogeneous.
Some White segments are more successful than others. A
study of Jamaican social stratification from a purely politico-
economic approach misses the significant input of cultural
factors in the allocation of individuals to hierarchically
distributed social positions in society and denies the
role that ethnicity may play in the differential success of
some segments over others.
The study which follows examines the relationship among
the variables of politico-economic power, history, race, and
ethnicity in an effort to demonstrate that concentration on
only one of these organizational modes limits the scope of
understanding Jamaican social structure in general and
Jamaican social stratification in particular. The relevant
questions become: 1) Who occupies positions of political and
economic dominance? 2) What are the strategies by which certain
population segments achieve and maintain their command?
3) To what extent is ethnicity a factor in the allocation of
persons to stratified positions in society? and 4) Given Jamaica's present politico-economic (institutional) framework,
what is the likelihood that major structural and distributional
changes will occur in the future?
Lived experiences of Navy Musicians adjusting to life in the armed forces
(2026) Grover, Kent C.; Nichols, Jeananne
The U.S. Department of Defense is the largest employer of musicians in the world (Burch, 2025; Gleason, 2015), and many college graduates with music education degrees are actively recruited into military bands (Jackson, 2023). When a person joins the United States Navy Fleet bands, they may experience a pull between identities (Bannister, 1995; Cartledge, 2009). Though they may understand themselves predominately as musicians, the U.S. Navy prioritizes their role as Sailors (Bannister, 1996; Garnett, 2014; U.S. Navy, 2018b; Welborn, 2015). The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of U.S. Navy Musicians as they adjust in their role from music students to a work role as armed forces musicians. Dawis (1980), in the Theory of Work Adjustment (TWA), explained that an optimal relationship between an individual and an occupation requires two conditions: 1) The individual's abilities satisfy the skills demanded by the occupation, and 2) the individual's needs are met by the occupation. According to Dawis et al. (1968), correspondence (the compatibility between an individual and their occupation) occurs when the individual’s and occupation’s needs are met, resulting in a positive work adjustment. Correspondence leads to job satisfaction, satisfactory job performance, and work tenure (Dawis et al., 1964). The negative results of a poor transition, or the failure to achieve positive work adjustment, may include dissatisfaction, unsatisfactory job performance, and job turnover (Dawis & Lofquist, 1981). Using Dawis’s theory as a framework, in order to establish correspondence, music graduates who enlist as U.S. Navy Musicians must expand their self-identity to encompass both musician and Sailor (Dawis et al., 1968; Dawis, 1980; Eggerth, 2008; U.S. Navy, 2018b). In order to better understand how being employed in a military band reshapes a musician’s identity and the critical role identity may play in establishing correspondence, I interviewed four participants purposefully selected based on rank and time in service, educational experience, military music experience, and naval experience. Utilizing principles of Mueller’s (2019) episodic narrative interview, I had four primary interactions with each participant including a brief introductory interview, an artifact collection assignment, a long interview, and an opportunity for the participants to review the transcripts. By interviewing high school and college music graduates who serve as musicians in the U.S. Navy, I collected stories and crafted narratives to better understand their experiences of adjusting to life in the armed forces, as well as the differences between civilian and military music education programs.
Addressing music performance anxiety in professional musicians, music students, and music educators through mindfulness, entrainment, and non-sleep deep-rest
(2026) Alario, Linda Rose; Koner, Karen
Music performance anxiety (MPA) is a prevalent and persistent challenge among musicians, characterized by heightened physiological arousal, maladaptive self-appraisal, performance-related anticipatory tension. Although researchers have demonstrated the effectiveness of using mindfulness, entrainment, and Non-Sleep Deep-Rest (NSDR) interventions in reducing performance-related anxiety, no studies to date have examined an integrative approach that combines the guided linguistic components found in mindfulness and NSDR with frequency- and rhythmic-based entrainment elements used in relaxation-based music. The present study explored the efficacy of a two-week entrainment-based meditation intervention designed to reduce MPA and improve physiological and psychological outcomes. Utilizing a mixed-methods design in which participants engaged in structured entrainment meditations incorporating rhythmic music, musical elements, and guided verbal cues emphasizing relaxed pacing, supportive language, and cognitive reframing. To examine changes in MPA across the intervention period, I administered quantitative self-report measures and collected qualitative reflections to capture participants’ lived experiences. I also conducted interviews with all participants to gain deeper insight into their experiences of the intervention. By the end of the two-week period, participants self-reported reduced anxiety, heightened focus, and increased relaxation. The qualitative findings suggest that participants attributed their improvements to both increased physiological relaxation and changes in cognitive patterns related to fear, self-doubt, and anticipatory stress, which are commonly correlated with MPA. Participants reported increased self-regulation, reduced hypervigilance, and more constructive performance-related self-dialogue. The findings of the present study suggest that entrainment-based meditations may assist in managing MPA by promoting autonomic regulation and facilitating cognitive restructuring. This study contributes to the growing literature on holistic strategies for MPA and highlights the potential of entrainment meditation protocols as accessible interventions in higher education and performance settings.
Algorithm design for confident assignment of glycopeptides using Target-Decoy Analysis and data-independent acquisition
(2026) Nalehua, Mary Rachel; Zaia, Joseph; Kon, Mark
Glycosylation is one of the most common post-translational modifications (PTMs) in eukaryotes. They play a key role in many biological pathways, including disease, cell-to-cell communication, and structural integrity. Glycans themselves are highly complex, consisting of a branching monosaccharide structure which may attach to multiple glycosylation sites across a protein. Methods for studying the glycoproteome rely on liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The recent proliferation of Data-Independent Acquisition (DIA) mass spectrometry has expanded our ability to identify glycopeptides by fragmenting an entire sample but drastically increases complexity in what was already a complex assignment space. The branching structure of glycans and overlaps in glycopeptide structures require specialized solutions beyond what currently exist for proteomics or small PTMs. Additionally, most algorithms rely on Target-Decoy Analysis (TDA) for error estimation, but while scoring has evolved, TDA has not evolved with it. There is a need for glycoproteomics solutions that are sensitive to the specific challenges of glycopeptide assignment, error calculation, and DIA acquisition.
In this work, I designed an algorithm to assign glycopeptides from DIA glycoproteomics data in a manner that is suitable for a variety of initial settings, including DIA window width. This algorithm builds on existing scoring methods and utilizes a glycan-permutation decoy method which improves the accuracy of our error estimation. I additionally analyze the effect of window width on our ability to assign DIA data for glycopeptides and recommend settings for DIA glycopeptide acquisitions. Finally, I evaluate three major assignment algorithms for their compliance with TDA assumptions and demonstrate that TDA struggles to correctly estimate error rates for glycoproteomics data.
Development of the adult-like larval stomach of
Lepidobatrachus laevis
(2022-04-08) Austiff, Jennifer K.; Hanken, James