Transmission Oscillator Ultrasonic Spectrometer (TOUS): A new research instrument

TOUS is capable for measuring very small changes in acoustic attenuation and phase velocity. Its high sensitivity to small changes in ultrasonic absorption results in part from operation under marginal conditions. In spite of high sensitivity, TOUS system is relatively simple, inexpensive, and compact

An unusual case of myopic shift post acquired brain injury

Background Ocular and visual problems are frequent consequences of an acquired brain injury (ABI). The literature suggests that many patients demonstrate a myopic shift in refractive error after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), a form of an ABI. Three reported courses are suggested. Most commonly the myopia resolves under cycloplegic conditions, secondly the shift is transient, and least commonly the myopia increases over time. This case report, although not due to a TBI, is an example of the least common subgroup. Case Report The patient, a 63 year-old male, presented with a history (15 months prior to initial evaluation) of an excised right frontal temporal lobe tumour. The history included dexamethasone 4mg QD pre- and post-surgery which caused blood glucose levels to fluctuate between 5.72-22.2 mmol/l; a stroke occured postsurgery causing hemiparesis on his left side; and shunt surgery to decrease swelling to the area of excision and the optic nerves. Medications included: Cartia, lisinopril, Toprol XL, prednisone, Reglan, and Temodar. The patient was receiving chemotherapy to treat remnants of the tumour. His last eye exam in 2004 indicated a refractive error of -2.50-1.25X080 in his right eye and -3.000.75X080 in his left eye with visual acuity of 6/7.5 in both the right and left eye. He presented to our clinic with an aided visual acuity of 8/100 (6/110) in both the right and left eye and a left homonymous hemianopsia on finger counting fields. Cycloplegic retinoscopy revealed -6.003.00X090 in his right eye and -6.002.00X090 in his left eye. Dilated fundus exam showed mild swelling of both optic nerves. The patient reported blood glucose levels of 103-140. At a one-month follow-up, his best corrected visual acuity at a distance improved to 6/60 in both the right and left eye through the new prescription. His cycloplegic retinoscopy did not show any change in myopia or astigmatism and the disk edema was resolved.  Conclusion This case illustrates an unusual presentation of myopic shift post ABI. The patient’s condition continued to deteriorate eventually taking his life. It remains unclear whether the myopia and astigmatism continued to increase or remained stable. Although, the cause of this change is not fully understood and needs further investigation, providing appropriate optical correction did improve the patient’s quality-of-life

Proposition 13, Property Transfers, and Real Estate Markets

Prepared, Fall, 1978, for the Commission on Government Reform, State of California with support from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Research Grant H-2944-G

Proposition 13, Property Transfers, and Real Estate Markets

Prepared, Fall, 1978, for the Commission on Government Reform, State of California with support from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Research Grant H-2944-G

Relationship between extensions and intensions in categorization: A match made in heaven?

The present study investigated the relationship between category extension and intension for 11 different semantic categories. It is often tacitly assumed that there is a (strong) extension–intension link. However, a recent study by Hampton and Passanisi (2016) examining the patterns of stable individual differences in concepts across participants called this hypothesis into question. To conceptually replicate their findings, two studies were conducted. We employed a category judgment task to measure category extensions, whereas a property generation (in Study 1) and property judgment task (Study 2) were used to measure intensions. Using their method, that is, correlating extension and intension similarity matrices, we found nonsignificant correlations in both studies, supporting their conclusion that similarity between individuals for extensional judgments does not map onto similarity between individuals for intensional judgments. However, multilevel logistic regression analyses showed that the properties a person generated (Study 1) or endorsed (Study 2) better predicted her own category judgments compared to other people’s category judgments. This result provides evidence in favor of a link between extension and intension at the subject level. The conflicting findings, resulting from two different approaches, and their theoretical repercussions are discussed

Guided Self-help Teletherapy for Behavioural Difficulties in Children with Epilepsy

Behavioural difficulties impact greatly upon quality of life for children with chronic illness and their families but are often not identified or adequately treated, possibly due to the separation of physical and mental health services. This case study describes the content and outcomes of guided self-help teletherapy for behavioural difficulties in a child with epilepsy and complex needs using an evidence-based behavioural parenting protocol delivered within a paediatric hospital setting. Behavioural difficulties and progress towards the family’s self-identified goals were monitored at each session. Validated measures of mental health and quality of life in children were completed before and after intervention and satisfaction was measured at the end of treatment. Measures demonstrated clear progress towards the family’s goals and reduction in weekly ratings of behavioural difficulties. This case demonstrates that a guided self-help teletherapy approach delivered from within the paediatric setting may be one way of meeting unmet need

Masonry macro-block analysis

The structural analysis involves the definition of the model and selection of the analysis type. The model should represent the stiffness, the mass and the loads of the structure. The structures can be represented using simplified models, such as the lumped mass models, and advanced models resorting the Finite Element Method (FEM) and Discrete Element Method (DEM). Depending on the characteristics of the structure, different types of analysis can be used such as limit analysis, linear and non-linear static analysis and linear and non-linear dynamic analysis. Unreinforced masonry structures present low tensile strength and the linear analyses seem to not be adequate for assessing their structural behaviour. On the other hand, the static and dynamic non-linear analyses are complex, since they involve large time computational requirements and advanced knowledge of the practitioner. The non-linear analysis requires advanced knowledge on the material properties, analysis tools and interpretation of results. The limit analysis with macro-blocks can be assumed as a more practical method in the estimation of maximum load capacity of structure. Furthermore, the limit analysis require a reduced number of parameters, which is an advantage for the assessment of ancient and historical masonry structures, due to the difficult in obtaining reliable data