C.O.V.E.R. (Clinician’s Opinions, Views, and Expectations concerning the radiology Report) study : a university hospital experience

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Finite Sample Inference Methods for Simultaneous Equations and Models with Unobserved and Generated Regressors

We propose finite sample tests and confidence sets for models with unobserved and generated regressors as well as various models estimated by instrumental variables method. We study two distinct approaches for various models considered by Pagan (1984). The first one is an instrument substitution method which generalizes an approach proposed by Anderson and Rubin (1949) and Fuller (1987) for different (although related) problems, while the second one is based on splitting the sample. The instrument substitution method uses the instruments directly, instead of generated regressors, in order to test hypotheses about the ``structural parameters'' of interest and build confidence sets. The second approach relies on ``generated regressors'', which allows a gain in degrees of freedom, and a sample-split technique. A distributional theory is obtained under the assumptions of Gaussian errors and strictly exogenous regressors. We show that the various tests and confidence sets proposed are (locally) ``asymptotically valid'' under much weaker assumptions. The properties of the tests proposed are examined in simulation experiments. In general, they outperform the usual asymptotic inference methods in terms of both reliability and power. Finally, the techniques suggested are applied to a model of Tobin's $q$ and to a model of academic performance.

To shift or not to shift: Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 and the plasminogen activators gate phase shifting in the mammalian circadian clock

Here, we present data supporting low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP- 1) and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) involvment in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the primary mammalian circadian pacemaker. Previous work using extracellular recordings of SCN neurons in ex vivo hypothalamic slices demonstrated that tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) gates glutamate-induced phase shifts via plasmin-dependent maturation of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and subsequent tropomysin receptor kinase B (TrkB) receptor activation. Here, we find first, that tPA knockout mice (tPA−/−; B6.129S2-Plattm1Mlg/J) exhibit minimal phase shifting deficits in vivo and in vitro, and that uPA compensates for the lack of tPA to enable phase shifts in these mice. Intriguingly, the data support tPA, but not uPA, acting via BDNF maturation, suggesting functional compensation achieved through differential mechanisms. Second, we find that LRP-1 also regulates SCN phase shifting. Inhibiting LRP-1 with receptor associated protein (RAP) or anti-LRP-1 antibody prevents glutamate-induced phase delays and advances in neuronal activity rhythms in vitro at ZT16 and ZT23, respectively. We then turned our attention to potential interactions between tPA and LRP-1, and through three lines of evidence demonstrate that tPA proteolytic activity is not necessary for LRP-1’s permissive effect on phase shifting: 1) RAP inhibits phase shifts in tPA-/- SCN, 2) inhibiting LRP-1 does not impact BDNF maturation, or 3) Trk receptor phosphorylation on Y680/681. Suprisingly, inhibiting LRP-1 with RAP changes N-Methyl_D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) phosphorylation patterns in the SCN in vitro, by decreasing phosphorylation on S1480 of NR2B subunits. Finally, we evaluated uPA and tPA expression and proteolytic activity across the circadian day, and LRP-1 expression and phosphorylation patterns. We find evidence of circadian rhythms in tPA expression but not proteolytic activity, no rhythms in uPA expression or proteolytic activity, and potential diurnal variations in αLRP-1 but not βLRP-1 subunits. Additionally, uPA activity and βLRP-1 expression exhibit changes that correlate with the time slices are maintained in vitro, suggesting that a response to slicing injury may occlude an accurate view of expression patterns in the SCN in vitro. Collectively, the data presented here implicate uPA and LRP-1 in the processes gating glutamate-induced phase shifts in the SCN

Study of the Structure-Property Relationships That Determine the Effects of Latexes and Starch Containing Latex Emulsions on the Performance of the Barrier Coatings (Sub-coat) for Paper

The history of carbonless paper dates back to the 1940s. Before this, a carbon copy sheet was needed between sheets of paper to be able to produce one or more copies simultaneously during writing. The pressure from a pen or typewriter would help deposit the ink of the carbon paper onto the blank sheet of paper under the original written sheet to create a “carbon copy.” This method did however, have its disadvantages. Not only did it produce a limited number of copies, but it was also a messy process. So came the creative process of using microencapsulated dyes to make carbonless paper (Burrell, 2003, pp. 451-456). In this process, microencapsulated dyes are coated onto the back of the original sheet so when pressure is applied to the top sheet, it causes the microcapsules to rupture and form an image on the receiver sheet below. Under this capsule coating is a barrier coat or sub-coat, which is applied to the back of the original written sheet. The coating limits the encapsulated dye from absorbing into the original written sheet and increases the dye transferring onto the copy receiver sheet. In the barrier coating, latexes are used. Different chemical properties within the latex will make the barrier coatings perform differently (Mumford, 2007). The goal of this research study was to test the structure-property relationships that determine the effects of commercial latexes and starch containing latex emulsions (SCEs) on the performance properties of the barrier coating (sub-coat) for paper. The testing of these property changes was performed on the thin film coating of varying pounds per ream on base stock 34lb Domtar paper. Six different latexes with mildly different chemical properties were tested. The rheological techniques used to evaluate the coating slurries include: water retention, viscosity, and pH testing. The performance measurement tests done on the basestock coated samples include: Oil resistance and absorption which were measured through K&N and Croda (Manders Red Drawdown) ink tests and also Sheffield porosity. In conclusion, Typewriter Intensity and Frictional Smudge testing was done to verify the performance results of the barrier coated and CB capsule coated sheets. Through the performance and verification tests, some general conclusions were determined. These include: an increase in coat weight showed an increase in transfer efficiency and a smaller particle size latex created a better film and more sealed base stock sheet. This was shown not only in the porosity values, but also in the ink absorption results. It was also determined that the acrylonitrile containing latexes performed better due to the creation of a softer more flow-able latex. It was determined that DMF 5501, a commercial latex from Styron containing styrene butadiene copolymer with a low level of carboxylic acid groups, a high level of acrylonitrile groups, Tg 15 ̊C, and a particle size of 135nm, had the best performance when targeting the lowest coat weight, at 2lbs per ream. The smaller particle size and presence of both carboxylic acid and acrylonitrile groups proved to aid in this performance. An increase in binder efficiency was shown through testing, it is believed that both of the chemical groups present helped by binding the CB capsule coating to a greater extent to the base stock sheet. The smaller particle size aided in this binding by creating a better flowing more pliable latex which created an evenly formed barrier coat film. The porosity values results determined that DMF 5501 formed a better film, creating a more sealed sheet, hence a showing lower porosity value. The K&N and Croda Ink intensity values also showed that DMF 5501 performed best by showing highest ink intensity values on each base stock sheet. The performance verification tests determined that at only 2 lbs per ream of applied coating, DMF 5501 performed within the required standards set by Appleton Paper Inc., and if chosen, this latex could be used within the current carbonless paper product

Predictors of Termination of Parental Rights Following Allegations of Child Maltreatment

Extant research has identified important risk factors for single and recurrent child maltreatment. Parental substance use, severe mental illness, and intimate partner violence (IPV) are among the risk factors significantly associated with child maltreatment. However, there is a paucity of research that examines whether empirically supported risk factors are significantly associated with psychologists’ assessments of parental fitness and courts’ decisions regarding reunification following allegations of child maltreatment. Thus, in an effort to elucidate the process through which reunification or termination of parental rights is achieved in cases of child maltreatment, the current study (1) examined the relative importance of different varieties of psychopathology in predicting outcomes; and history of IPV on evaluations of parental risk and fitness made by an assessing forensic psychologist, and the factors associated with courts’ decisions regarding the termination of parental rights. The sample consisted of a large sample of parents (n = 320) seeking reunification following allegations of child maltreatment. Results demonstrated that the prevalence of substance use disorders, IPV perpetration, and severe mental illness was significantly higher than in the general population. Results further indicated that drug diagnoses and severe mental illness were associated with psychologist-assessed higher parental unfitness. Finally, results indicated that parental substance use, severe mental illness, IPV, and the psychologist’s assessment of parental fitness were not significantly associated with the court’s termination of parental rights rulings. The clinical and research implications of the study’s findings are discussed

Clinical Supervisors\u27 Experience with Conflict with Music Therapy Interns

Clinical supervision is integral to student development during music therapy internship, yet fundamental characteristics of the supervisory relationship can become a source of conflict. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to construct the essence of music therapy clinical supervisors’ experience of conflict with their interns. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five music therapy clinical supervisors: three with more than five years of experience supervising interns and two with less than three years of experience. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed for themes. Different themes emerged based on supervisors’ level of experience, which informed my construction of the phenomenological essence. Supervisors’ early experiences with conflict were unexpected, caused uncertainty, and resulted in avoidant behavior. However, those with more than five years of experience described having a positive perception of disagreement, and stated that they addressed issues with their interns immediately, using dialogue to convey support and encouragement. Three themes also emerged across levels of experience: 1) challenges in balancing supervisory roles, 2) the experience of resolving conflict and 3) the experience of unresolved conflict. Implications for music therapy clinical supervisor training are discussed as are suggestions for future research

Transitional holiness in the twelfth century: the social and spiritual identity of Domina Christina of Markyate

This thesis reassesses the evidence for the English woman of spirit, Christina of Markyate, as a case-study for transitions in sanctity and spirituality during the twelfth century. It highlights the lack of appropriate vocabulary and models available in the 1130s and 1140s to make sense of the new manifestations of holiness that Christina embodies. By using three distinct but overlapping discourses to structure the study – social networks in religious life, sanctity and spirituality – it reflects on how the stakeholders in Christina’s texts negotiated their positions in relation to these discourses and throws light on a context of rapid discourse shift. The first section, ‘The Lady Christina: Texts and Contexts’, locates Christina, her texts, and her religious foundation at Markyate in their immediate and extended social networks. It shows that she had regional fame during her lifetime but that this was not sustained after her death. Her story is intimately tied up with the Abbey of St Albans, whose interest in their own domestic saints caused its revival in the later middle ages. Although charismatic in her own right, Christina was principally a successful institution builder and prioress, whose main concerns were domestic, rather than carving out a new kind of role for religious women in England. The second section, ‘Saint Christina: Sanctity and Learning’ addresses whether it is possible to consider Christina a saint, and what sanctity might involve when the traditional trappings of cult are missing. Christina fell between older and newer ideas about holiness, which resulted in the disrupted use of models to shape her story. Her saintly credentials were her virginity and visions, and in seeking to have these recorded Christina strategically performed and recast her external behaviour within recognisable modes of holiness. It is also possible to identify ways that Christina moved beyond existing constructions of identity and found a feminine voice in the performances of her ‘sartorial body’. The third section, ‘Ancilla Christi: Visions and Community’ looks in detail at Christina’s spirituality, using her visions to critique the separation of elite and popular modes of numinous encounter by taking her out of her primary social networks and identifying a comparative framework in contemporary trends in Western visionary culture. Visions flourish within particular domestic contexts and disciplines, and Christina enables us to glimpse a sub-culture of visionary experience in twelfth-century England, which rarely shows up in sources and is given little authority in the dominant narratives. The question of what ‘success’ might mean in these three discourses, forms a background theme to the investigation. It is used as a route into what was valued, what was normative, and what was recognisable, in the contemporary fields where Christina enjoyed networks and status, rather than as an objective measurement tool. A variety of sources and theoretical approaches are used to contextualise the fourteenth-century redactions of her vita in order to yield twelfth-century meanings. The main redaction, found in John of Tynemouth’s legendary of British saints, is a disrupted text full of hagiographic elements that can be opened up to multiple readings because of its historical situation and competing agendas. Overall this thesis concludes that Christina and many of the people with whom she came into contact recognised her visions as a mark of divine favour, and that in a climate where the primary category for receiving such distinction was sainthood, Christina was cast, not especially successfully, as a saint