Expansion Of Self Research Articles

LIFETIME MANAGEMENT OF AORTIC STENOSIS IN EXTREME SETTING

Abstract A 51–year–old male patient returned to our attention due to symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. Despite the severity of the aortic valve disease, he had been previously turned down from aortic valve replacement by us because of lack of symptoms and very unfavorable anatomy. Indeed he had been irradiated at the age of 3 due to Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and presented with porcelain aorta, small ascending aorta and aortic annulus. The patient returned to us with a 3–month history of progressive dyspnea (NYHA class IIa) and one episode of lipothymia during physical exercise. Physical examination, hematologic and biochemical investigations at admission were normal. Our trans–thoracic echocardiogram confirmed a trileaflet aortic valve (AV) that was severely stenotic and calcified with a mean gradient of 60 mmHg and an AV area of 0.5 cm2 (0.3 cm2/m2), in presence of good left ventricular systolic function with an ejection fraction (EF) of 60%. CT excluded coronary disease but, confirmed severe calcified aortic stenosis and porcelain aorta with small calcific sino–tubular junction and ascending aorta and protruding LVOT calcium. (Ascending aorta 19 mm; STJ 19 mm). The heart–team judged the patient not suitable for AVR and decided to perform a high–risk TAVI, leaving apical conduit as the last resort. From a technical standpoint, the LVOT calcium and the short and narrow STJ were high risk features for rupture with balloon expandable devices. On the other hand the short and narrow STJ with the narrow ascending aorta would represent a serious issue for the expansion of self–expanding devices and an even more troublesome feature for future coronary access and coronary occlusion in the setting of TAVI–in–TAVI down the road. Given the patient’s young age, a balloon expandable SAPIEN ultra 23 mm was chosen to be implanted with a two–step inflation to minimize the risk of STJ rupture. The prosthesis was partially expanded until anchoring was achieved on the aortic leaflets then, on continuous pacing, the balloon was rapidly collapsed, pushed down deeper under the STJ and fully inflated to achieve prosthesis’ inflow expansion. Intra–procedural and post–procedural course were uneventful and the patient was discharged home in 5th Day. Transthoracic echocardiogram at the dismission reveal a trans–aortic mean gradient of 18 mmhg, the absence of significant paravalvular leaks and a preserved ejection fraction. Pre–discharge CT scan confirmed feasibility of future TAVI–in–TAVI in case of need.

Faith in Images: A Visual Sociology of la Condesa, Mexico City

This video is the outcome of a study on religious diversity conductedfrom 2016-2018 in La Condesa, a Mexico City neighborhood. A visual argument is made through the images as a narrator explains the three dominant spiritualities this neighborhood: Catholicism, be it institutional, spiritual, or venerationof the saints; the expansion of self, the culture of self-improvement, and alternative therapies; and Eastern religious practices. This documentary sheds light on the transformations of a territory where the landscape of faith is pushing beyond traditional borders of what constitutes religion.

The role of past campus recreational sports participation in predicting students’ stress and competence during the COVID-19 pandemic

This pilot study predicted the association of pre-lockdown campus recreational sports (CRS) participation with post-secondary students’ stressors and perceived competence during the campus lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students with CRS membership at a Canadian university completed online questionnaires before and during the campus lockdown. Factor analysis showed that campus lockdowns added new stressors such as academic uncertainty, self-support struggles, and e-learning challenges to students’ academic life. Regression analysis also indicated that students who participated more frequently in recreational activities before the pandemic, experienced lower levels of pandemic-related stressors and reported higher levels of perceived competence to handle challenges and master their school workload during the lockdown. Results suggest that the impact of CRS activities on reducing levels of stress contribute to wellbeing above and beyond physical health benefits. Greater CRS participation cultivates personal strengths toward gaining lifelong skills and expansion of self to effectively manage negative life challenges.

Queer Spawn

<i>Queer Spawn</i>

Factor Structure and Reliability of the Advantages of Children Scale with Latino and Caucasian Male Emerging Adults

Based on the value of children theory, the purpose of this study was to develop and establish the factor structure and internal consistency reliability of the Advantages of Children Scale (ACS), a self-report measure of a modification of Hoffman and Hoffman’s value scheme of the psychological needs children meet for their parents. Data were collected from 685 emerging adult men identifying as Latino or Caucasian who were not parents. Results of the confirmatory factor analysis found a good fit for the six hypothesized subscales on the ACS: connectedness, expansion of self, family heritage, adult status and social identity, development of self, and family maintenance. We discuss potential applications of the measure in research and practice.

The impact of expanding the self on the ability to work at relational depth

Aim:Working at relational depth is considered to be one of the pillars of an effective intervention within person-centred approach. So far, the literature has been mainly focused on the description of the phenomenon. However, there has been little evidence explaining how the therapists can enhance their ability to work at depth. This paper seeks to add to a growing body of literature on the factors that can contribute to the development of the therapist’s ability to work at relational depth.Method and Analysis:The case study is based on a systematic analysis of the therapy sessions’ recordings, the client and supervision notes, and the researcher’s reflective diary. The analysis was aimed to track down the development process of relational depth. This was achieved by identifying critical incidents from the therapy sessions and matching these with the incidents from the therapist’s personal therapy and supervision.Findings:The findings from this case study suggest that the therapist’s ability to work at relational depth can be developed through the expansion of the therapist’s self. The more parts of the self the therapist is able to employ during a therapeutic encounter, the greater the potential they have of being able to work at relational depth with their clients.Discussion:The results point to the crucial role of the therapist’s growing self-awareness (expansion of self) and self-acceptance in the development of their ability to work at relational depth. The theory of configurations of self and accurate symbolisation is used to discuss these findings.

Circuit Modeling Technique for Electrically-Very-Small Devices Based on Laurent Series Expansion of Self-/Mutual Impedances

Circuit Modeling Technique for Electrically-Very-Small Devices Based on Laurent Series Expansion of Self-/Mutual Impedances

Nanoparticle based enrichment and expansion of self and neo-epitope specific CD8+ T cells in murine melanoma.

Abstract Neo-antigen T cell responses against tumors has created a new avenue to target and kill patients’ tumors while possibly decreasing autoimmune side effects. CD8+ Neo-antigen T cells have the potential benefit to be a source of T cells that are not limited by peripheral tolerance or deleted from the T cell repertoire by central tolerance. To understand the differences between self and neo-antigens T cell responses, the two types of T cell populations must be compared side-by-side by anti-tumor responses and phenotypic differences. Following another group (Castle; 2012) that identified mutated proteins from long sequences in murine melanoma our current work has identified the short peptide epitopes that can stimulate neo-antigen T cell responses. The candidate neo-epitopes were validated by peptide stabilization assays and in vitro T cell stimulations with nanoparticle artificial antigen presenting cells. 11 naïve neo-antigen T cells responses were identified out of a total of 19 possible candidate neo-antigens. Artificial antigen presenting cells were used to assess neo and self-antigen tumor specific responses in the naïve T cell repertoire and after tumor exposure to B16 murine melanoma. After exposure to tumor, neo-epitope T cell responses showed larger fold expansion as compared to a self-antigens expressed by the tumor cells. From this work, we deliver a proof of concept of a streamlined way to screen candidate neo-epitopes and identify rare endogenous T cell populations; and evaluate the benefit of T cell directed immunotherapies on different T cell populations.

Buddhism and decision making at individual, group and organizational levels

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how practical wisdom rooted in Buddhism can help modern managers make decisions in contemporary business organizations. Design/methodology/approach – The paper suggests a model explaining how individual level Buddhist beliefs in Dependent Origination are reflected in behavior of individual through mindfulness, compassion and expansion of self. The model also explores the consequences of above mentioned behavior in terms of individual, group and organizational level decision making, respectively. Findings – The paper develops propositions which demonstrate the possibility of applying the practical wisdom of Buddhism into the individual, group and organizational decision-making processes. The paper proposes an integrative model and suggests initiatives that can be taken in business organizations and business schools for applying the practical wisdom gleaned from the Buddhist traditions. Research limitations/implications – The paper brought the core concepts of Buddhism as the main point of application in the decision-making process in management. However, this approach is perhaps difficult to grasp for the readers who may not be as conversant with that tradition. Originality/value – Rich eastern traditions have remained underexplored in contemporary business literature. This paper examines the potential contributions from the Buddhist heritage in the crucial decision-making domain in management.

The Effect of Self-Esteem and Family Environment on the Dimensions of Spiritual Intelligence of the Pre-Service Teachers at the Secondary Stage

The objectives of the study were to study the differences between Low & High SelfEsteem and Non Congenial & Congenial Family Environment groups of Pre Service Teachers at the Secondary Stage on the dimensions of Spiritual Intelligence, and to study the double interaction effects of the variables of Self-Esteem and Family Environment on the dimensions of Spiritual Intelligence in respect of the Pre Service Teachers at the Secondary Stage. The results of ANOVA showed that Low and High Self-Esteem groups exhibited no significant differences on the variables of Transcendence, Interconnectedness, Expansion of Self, Extrasensory Perception and Existential Enquiry. In case of Family Environment groups- Non Congenial and Congenial, the differences were found significant on the variables of Transcendence and Interconnectedness in favour of Congenial Family Environment and no significant differences were found on the variables of Expansion of Self, Extrasensory Perception and Existential Enquiry. The double interaction effects of the variables of Self-Esteem and Family Environment were not significant on all the dimensions of Spiritual Intelligence.

Exploring Women's Perspectives of Overcoming Intimate Partner Violence: A Phenomenological Study

Research in occupational therapy with women overcoming Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) focuses primarily on role acquisition; however, a broader lens in which to understand recovery may support more client-centered practice. The purpose of this study was to explore and understand the perspectives of women overcoming Intimate Partner Violence. Six women, residents at a domestic violence shelter, volunteered to participate in this phenomenological study. Relationships, Starting Over, Spirituality, and Expansion of Self emerged as major themes with an overarching theme of Forward Movement as the women continued on their journey in recovery.

Approach motivation and the expansion of self in close relationships

The self‐expansion model posits that individuals are fundamentally motivated to expand their sense of self. It is proposed that approach—but not avoidance—motivation underlies self‐expansion and that approach‐motivated individuals should be especially interested in self‐expanding with a person who provides many novel resources, identities, and perspectives. In Studies 1, 2a, and 2b, correlational evidence that self‐expansion is associated with both relationship‐specific and global measures of approach motivation, but is unrelated to avoidance motivation, was found. In Study 3, experimental evidence that approach motivation increases sensitivity to self‐expansion opportunities, such that individuals high in approach motivation are especially attracted to targets who offer many expansion opportunities and unattracted to targets who offer few expansion opportunities was found. Taken together, these studies provide evidence that self‐expansion is rooted in approach motivation.

Home and Identity: In Memory of Iris Marion Young

Drawing on Iris Marion Young's essay, “House and Home: Feminist Variations on a Theme,” Weir argues for an alternative ideal of home that involves: (1) the risk of connection, and of sustaining relationship through conflict; (2) relational identities, constituted through both relations of power and relations of mutuality, love, and flourishing; (3) relational autonomy: freedom as the capacity to be in relationships one desires, and freedom as expansion of self in relationship; and (4) connection to past and future, through reinterpretive preservation and transformative identification.

Book Reviews

Book reviewed in this article:Availability, The Problem and the Gift, by Robert J. Wicks.Love and the Expansion of Self: Understanding Attraction and Satisfaction, by Arthur Aron and Elaine N. Aron.The Sermon On The Mount: Authentic Human Values, by Oscar Stephen Brooks.Dare We Develop A Human Science?, by George S. Howard, Notre Dame.Ethical Concerns in Psychotherapy and Their Legal Ramifications, by Andrew Thompson.Pastoral Companionship: Ministry with Seriously‐Ill Persons and Their Families, by Gerald J. Calhoun.Every Bush is Burning: A Spirituality for Our Times, by Joan Puls.Loneliness and Spiritual Growth, by Samuel M. Natale.

Love and the Expansion of Self: Understanding Attraction and Satisfaction

Love and the Expansion of Self: Understanding Attraction and Satisfaction

The Value of Grandchildren to Grandmothers

This study explored the values of grandchildren to 90 grandmothers; 30 providing child care, 30 living in the same city but not providing regular child care, and 30 living in different cities. For over four-fifths, grandchildren represented an expansion of self beyond their own lifetimes. For three-fifths, grandchildren filled a need for creativity, accomplisment, and competence. Overall, the grandchildren were highly valued for multiple personal and social reasons which differed significantly among the groups according to the geographical and social proximity of grandmothers and grandchildren. Those grandmothers in closest contact ranked each value dimension higher than those having less contact.

New Theoretical Value for the Lamb Shift

Calculations have been made for the leading orders of alpha ( alpha Z)/ sup 6//n/sup 2/( alpha Z) and alpha ( alpha Z)/sup 6//n( alpha Z). Theoretical and ex perimental values of the Lamb shift in Mc/sec for H, D, and He/sup +/ are tabulated. The method used in the calculation is the free-propagator expansion, the algebraic expansion of the bound electron propagator or Green's functions in powers of the Coulomb potential. A presenthtion is given of the calculated results for arbitrary bound states and in particular for the 1S, 2S, 2P/sub 1/2/, and 2P/sub 3/2/. Details of the calculations of the two new orders are to be published, with more general results of a mathematical nature concerning properties of the free-propagator expansion connected with an expansion of self- energy in orders of ( alpha Z). (B.O.G.)