Independent Partitions in Boolean Algebras

This dissertation introduces a generalization of the cardinal invariant independence for Boolean algebras, suggested by the proof of the Balcar-Franek Theorem. The objects of study are independent sets of partitions under this new notion of independence. Generalizations of several known results regarding large and small independence are formulated and proved, and counterexamples provided for others. Notably the Balcar-Franek theorem itself is generalized

The Theoretical Simulation Of Inas/Gainsb And Inasn/Gainsb Strained Layer Superlattice Band Gaps

A superlattice (SL) is a periodic structure of layers of two (or more) materials. They are typically only a few nanometers thick (individual layers), and were discovered in the early 20th century. There are three different types of division for the miniband structures of the SL, type I, type II and type III. Type I heterostructure SL is a heterostructure where the bottom of the conduction band and the top of the valence band are formed in the same semiconductor layer. In type II, the conduction and valence band are staggered in both real and reciprocal space, so that electrons and holes are confined in different spaces. These particular devices are to be used in infrared devices and have been known to be designed in focal plane arrays and other designs for this use. The particular assignment was to find the band gap using simulation through Optel ZB 2011 software that would provide an initial guess on the SL design parameters before the growth was carried out. There were major problems that had to be addressed while simulating certain factors that we looked for in our tested quantum well (QW) and SL systems in GaAs/GaAlAs, InAs/GaInSb, InAs/GaSb and InAsN/GaInSb. Finally a comparison of the simulated and experimental data indicates that the lack of room temperature simulation as well as the inability to incorporate interfacial layers of sub monolayer thicknesses are some of the major limitations of this software

Normal Values of Circulating IGF-I Bioactivity in the Healthy Population: Comparison with five widely used IGF-I immunoassays

Background: IGF-I immunoassays are primarily used to estimate IGF-I bioactivity. Recently, an IGFI specific Kinase Receptor Activation Assay (KIRA) has been developed as an alternative method. However, no normative values have been established for the IGF-I KIRA. Objective: To establish normative values for the IGF-I KIRA in healthy adults. Design: Cross-sectional study in healthy non-fasting blood donors. Study participants: 426 healthy individuals (310 M, 116 F; age range: 18 – 79 yrs) Main outcome Measures: IGF-I bioactivity determined by the KIRA. Results were compared with total IGF-I, measured by five different IGF-I immunoassays. Results: Mean (± SD) IGF-I bioactivity was 423 (± 131) pmol/L and decreased with age (β = -3.4 pmol/L/yr, p < 0.001). In subjects younger than 55 yrs mean IGF-I bioactivity was significantly higher in women than in men. Above this age this relationship was inverse, suggesting a drop in IGF-I bioactivity after menopause. This drop was not reflected in total IGF-I levels. IGF-I bioactivity was significantly related to total IGF-I (rs varied between 0.46 – 0.52; P-values < 0.001). Conclusions: We established age-specific normative values for the IGF-I KIRA. We observed a significant drop in IGF-I bioactivity in women between 50 and 60 years, which was not perceived by IGF-I immunoassays. The IGF-I KIRA, when compared to IGF-I immunoassays, theoretically has the advantage that it measures net effects of IGF-binding proteins on IGF-I receptor activation. However, it has to be proven whether information obtained by the IGF-I KIRA is clinically more relevant than measurements obtained by IGF-I immunoassays

The Impact of Telephonic Follow-Up Within 2 Business Days Postdischarge on 30-Day Readmissions for Patients With Heart Failure

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is a chronic condition associated with high rates of hospital readmissions. The prevalence and costs of HF are expected to rise dramatically by 2030 (Heidenreich,et al., 2013). OBJECTIVE: A 24-month, retrospective study was conducted using electronic medical record (EMR) chart review, seeking to identify if postdischarge follow-up phone calls decreased 30-day readmissions in individuals with HF. METHODS: The study included 705 adult participants who were admitted to the hospital for HF. Some received a postdischarge call within 2 business days of discharge, and some did not. RESULTS: Participants who received the postdischarge call were less likely to be readmitted (20.1%) than participants who did not receive a postdischarge call (28.8%; = .007). Participants who received the postdischarge call were more likely to have a follow-up visit within 14 days (70.1%) than participants who did not receive a postdischarge call (30.2%; \u3c .001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study may help to drive future transitional care strategies for individuals diagnosed with HF. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Nurse-led transitional care interventions offer potential solutions to ensure safe, effective hospital discharges

The GIFT program for major depression: Integrating group, individual, and family treatment

Traditional models of psychotherapy for depression have focused primarily on modification of a single area of functioning (e.g., cognition or behavior). The Group, Individual, and Family Treatment (GIFT) program is an integrative psychotherapy program designed to build on current cognitive and behavioral theory and technology, with modifications intended to create a more transportable and cost-effective version of existing group treatment. The authors describe the emotional fitness model of mental health that underlies the GIFT program. They then describe how GIFT structurally Integrates group, individual, and family-based Interventions. The authors explain how GIFT uses cognitive, behavioral, and acceptance-based strategies. They then present data from an open, uncontrolled trial. Thirteen of 20 (65%) patients initially presenting for treatment of major depression completed the GIFT program. Symptom reduction, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory-H, was comparable to other group treatments for depression (pretreatment-posttreatment effect size, d = 1.95). Copyright 2005 by the Educational Publishing Foundation