Simulating the Role of Stellar Rotation in the Spectroscopic Effects of Differential Limb Magnification

Finite-source effects of gravitationally microlensed stars have been well discussed in the literature, but the role that stellar rotation plays has been neglected. A differential magnification map applied to a differentially Doppler-shifted surface alters the profiles of absorption lines, compromising their ordinarily symmetric nature. Herein, we assess the degree to which this finite-source effect of differential limb magnification (DLM), in combination with stellar rotation, alters spectroscopically derived stellar properties. To achieve this, we simulated a grid of high-magnification microlensing events using synthetic spectra. Our analysis shows that rotation of the source generates differences in the measured equivalent widths of absorption lines supplementary to DLM alone, but only of the order of a few percent. Using the wings of H alpha from the same simulated data, we confirmed the result of Johnson et al. (2010) that DLM alters measurements of effective temperature by < 100 K for dwarf stars, while showing rotation to bear no additional effect.Comment: Accepted for publication in PASA, 7 pages, 5 figures, 1 tabl

Integrating Trust into the CyberCraft Initiative via the Trust Vectors Model

This research supports the hypothesis that the Trust Vector model can be modified to fit the CyberCraft Initiative, and that there are limits to the utility of historical data. This research proposed some modifications and expansions to the Trust Model Vector, and identified areas for future research

Convergent Validity of the Strength-Based Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale with Youth in a Residential Setting

Strength-based assessment has been identified as an appropriate approach to use in planning treatment and evaluating outcomes of youth in residential settings. In previous research the Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale-2, a standardized and norm-referenced strength-based measure, has demonstrated adequate reliability and validity with youth served in community and educational settings. The purpose of the present study was to examine the internal reliability and convergent validity of the BERS-2 by comparing the test to the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Symptoms and Functioning Severity Scale (SFSS). The results indicate that the scores from the BERS-2 are internally consistent and converge with other behavioral and emotional measures which, taken together, suggest that the BERS-2 could be acceptable for assessing the emotional and behavioral strengths of youth in residential settings. Study limitations and future research directions are identified

Convergent Validity of the Strength-Based Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale with Youth in a Residential Setting

Strength-based assessment has been identified as an appropriate approach to use in planning treatment and evaluating outcomes of youth in residential settings. In previous research the Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale-2, a standardized and norm-referenced strength-based measure, has demonstrated adequate reliability and validity with youth served in community and educational settings. The purpose of the present study was to examine the internal reliability and convergent validity of the BERS-2 by comparing the test to the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Symptoms and Functioning Severity Scale (SFSS). The results indicate that the scores from the BERS-2 are internally consistent and converge with other behavioral and emotional measures which, taken together, suggest that the BERS-2 could be acceptable for assessing the emotional and behavioral strengths of youth in residential settings. Study limitations and future research directions are identified

Pediatric Use of Complementary Therapies: Ethical and Policy Choices

Objective: Many pediatricians and parents are beginning to integrate use of complementary and alternative medical (CAM) therapies with conventional care. This article addresses ethical and policy issues involving parental choices of CAM therapies for their children. Methods: We conducted a literature search to assess existing law involving parental choice of CAM therapies for their children. We also selected a convenience sample of 18 states of varying sizes and geographic locations. In each state, we inquired within the Department of Health and Human Services whether staff were aware of (1) any internal policies concerning these issues or (2) any cases in the previous 5 years in which either (a) the state initiated proceedings against parents for using CAM therapies for their children or (b) the department received telephone calls or other information reporting abuse and neglect in this domain. We asked the American Academy of Pediatrics and the leading CAM professional organizations concerning any relevant, reported cases. Results: Of the 18 state Departments of Health and Human Services departments surveyed, 6 reported being aware of cases in the previous 5 years. Of 9 reported cases in these 6 states, 3 involved restrictive dietary practices (eg, limiting children variously to a watermelon or raw foods diet), 1 involved dietary supplements, 3 involved children with terminal cancer, and 2 involved religious practices rather than CAM per se. None of the professional organizations surveyed had initiated proceedings or received telephone calls regarding abuse or neglect concerning parental use of CAM therapies. Conclusions: Pediatric use of CAM therapies raises complex issues. Clinicians, hospitals, state agencies, courts, and professional organizations may benefit from a policy framework to help guide decision making

Assessment of the occlusion technique as a means for evaluating the distraction potential of driver support systems

Driver distraction is a safety-critical issue that has been bought to greater public attention with the recent developments of more advanced driver support systems (DSS), such as navigation and collision warning. Tasks performed with such systems have the potential to distract drivers significantly from the primary task of controlling their vehicle, and this may result in an accident. Designers of DSS need to be able to assess this distraction potential in the early stages of design. In this respect, the occlusion technique and its associated measures are claimed to be reliable indicators of potential visual distraction. In particular, it has been argued that the technique provides more information concerning the likely visual demand of a system than other economical methods based on static task time, such as the 15-second rule. To investigate these assertions, a study compared results from an occlusion assessment and a road-based assessment. Sixteen experienced drivers carried out a range of tasks using two alternative user-interfaces under three conditions: statically, with full vision, statically, with restricted vision (occlusion), and whilst driving on a dual carriageway road within the UK. It was found that occlusion measures provided more information regarding the prospective visual demand of a DSS than did static task times. In particular, the resumability ratio assessed how far a task can be progressed whilst in periods with vision and without vision. It is concluded that the technique offers advantages over other methods, but requires a robust prototype for use as part of a driver-centred design process

Regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell expression and function of matrix metalloproteinases is mediated by estrogen and progesterone exposure

ObjectivePostmenopausal women receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have been reported to have more adverse outcomes after vascular reconstructions, including increased intimal hyperplasia development and bypass graft failure. HRT may be affecting the pathway contributing to intimal hyperplasia. An important component of this pathway involves matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), implicated in vascular remodeling due to their ability to degrade components of the extracellular matrix. We hypothesize that estrogen (Est) and progesterone (Prog) upregulate the MMP pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) thereby increasing MMP activity and function.Methods and ResultsVSMCs were incubated with Est (5 ng/mL), Prog (50 ng/mL), Est + Prog combination (Est/Prog), and/or doxycycline (40 μg/mL; Doxy). Using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis we have previously shown membrane type 1-MMP (MT1-MMP) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels are significantly increased by Est. Here, Western blot analyses indicated MT1-MMP and MMP-2 protein levels, not tissue inhibitor of MMP-2 (TIMP-2), were increased in response to Est and Est/Prog (P < .05 vs control). In-gel zymography revealed that Est and Est/Prog resulted in increased MMP-2 activity (hormone groups, P < .05 vs control) with no significant difference among the hormone groups. VSMC migration was increased by 45 ± 14% in response to Est (P < .05 vs control), as measured using a modified Boyden chamber assay. Doxycycline significantly inhibited basal and Est/Prog-stimulated increases in MMP-2 activity (P < .05 vs control; P < .05 vs hormone groups), and partially blocked basal and hormonally stimulated migration (P < .05 vs control and Est).ConclusionEstrogen and progesterone affects the MMP pathway by increasing MMP-2 enzymatic activity, possibly via the upregulation of MT1-MMP expression without a corresponding increase in TIMP expression. This increased collagenase activity increases VSMC motility and their ability to migrate through a collagen type IV lattice. Est/Prog upregulation of MT1-MMP may contribute to the adverse effect of HRT on vascular interventions.Clinical RelevancePostmenopausal women receiving HRT have more adverse outcomes after vascular reconstructions, including intimal hyperplasia, restenosis, and decreased graft patency. MMPs play a major role in vascular remodeling due to their degradation of components of the basement membrane separating vascular cell layers. Specifically, MMP-2 has a strong affinity for collagen type IV degradation, and MT1-MMP is a transmembrane protein known to activate MMP-2 by proteolytic cleavage. Here we provide strong evidence for MT1-MMP's role in increased MMP-2 activity and increased cellular migration in VSMCs exposed to estrogen and progesterone. Manipulations of the MMP pathway specifically targeting MT1-MMP expression at the time of vascular interventions may improve outcomes in females receiving HRT