ADAPTIVE MODELS FOR NEXT GENERATION WIDE AREA NETWORKS

A software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) controller in a cloud service delivery architecture may encounter a number of challenges including, for example, timeouts, download or push failures, etc. To address challenges of these types techniques are presented herein that support a holistic solution. Aspects of the solution comprise, among other things, understanding a device’s ability to process configuration in a real-time network and staggering a configuration push based on, for example, a device’s ability to process and consume configurations. Aspects of the solution employ, for example, the use of bandwidth knowledge to force a centralized network management system control connection to come up on a specific wide area network (WAN) interface that has higher bandwidth availability, the collection of network characteristics to profile a device’s behavior for receiving different types of policies from a SD-WAN controller, the scheduling of SD-WAN customer premise equipment (CPE) devices for configuration delivery in an ordered fashion such that the devices that are chosen are the ones with the least WAN congestion, the profiling of device connectivity patterns to provide guaranteed service-level agreement (SLA) commitments for policy enforcement, the possible use of dummy templates for diagnostic purposes, etc

Past and Future Explanations for Depersonalization and Derealization Disorder: A Role for Predictive Coding

Depersonalization (DP) and derealization (DR) refer to states of dissociation in which one feels a sense of alienation in relation to one's self and environment, respectively. Whilst transient episodes often diminish without treatment, chronic experiences of DP and DR may last for years, with common treatments lacking a strong evidence base for their efficacy. We propose a theoretical explanation of DP and DR based on interoceptive predictive coding, and discuss how transient experiences of DP and DR may be induced in the non-clinical population using virtual reality. Further, we review the use of heartbeat evoked potentials in detecting the neural correlates of DP and DR allowing for an objective measure of these experiences in the non-clinical population. Finally, we discuss how the induction and detection of transient experiences of DP and DR in the non-clinical population could shed light on how the brain constructs one’s sense of self and reality

A preliminary study on the diagnosis of coral reef healthiness and establishment of coral replenishment technology

Abstract only.Field surveys for coral reef through line-intercept-transect (LIT) and temperature profiling using data-loggers were done at three layers of 5, 10, and 15 m depths in coral reef areas, Nogas Island, Anini-y, Antique, Philippines. Preliminary data based on the LIT survey showed that both coverages of substrates by any type of organism and by Scleractinia decreased in the deeper layers. For Scleractinia, Porites sp. occurred predominantly in all the depth layers with the occurrence decreasing with depth. Temperature fluctuation was largest in the 5 m depth layer, where effects of tidal level were also confirmed. While the average temperature decreased with depth, this did not differ beyond 1°C between 5 and 15 m layers during November 2012 to March 2013. Fragments of the Porites sp. and Acropora sp. were sampled and transferred to aquaria at the Tigbauan Main Station of SEAFDEC/AQD. Acropora sp. sampled from the deepest layer alone showed bleaching and thereafter, a part of the fragments regained the color. Experimental trials to clarify the effects of ocean acidification and warming on the health of the coral using the live fragments of Porites sp. showed decreasing trends in both photosynthetic rates and daily growth rates in acidic condition (pH = 7.6), while decrease of zooxanthellae density was observed under warmer conditions (31°C ) for one month. A new methodology for the determination of density of zooxanthellae was established using the fragments of Porites sp. In this study, the need for studies on several coral communities as well as further basic research on coral biology, particularly, responses to the changing environments are discussed for diagnosis of coral reef healthiness and establishment of effective coral replenishment technology

Mexican-American perspectives on participation in clinical trials: A qualitative study

AbstractClinical trials are essential to advancing knowledge to reduce disease morbidity and mortality; however, ethnic and racial minorities remain under-represented in those studies. We explored knowledge and perceptions of clinical trials among Mexican-Americans in Texas. We conducted focus groups (N = 128) stratified by gender, language preference, and geographical location. This paper presents four emergent, primary themes: 1) knowledge and understanding of clinical trials, 2) fears and concerns about participating, 3) perceived benefits of participating, and 4) incentives to participate. Results suggest that lack of knowledge and understanding of clinical trials leads to misunderstanding about research, including fears and lack of trust. Participants indicated that fears related to perceived experimentation, harm, immigration status, and lack of clinical trial opportunities within their communities were barriers to participation. On the other hand, free healthcare access, helping family members in the future, and monetary incentives could facilitate participation. We also found differences across themes by language, gender, and place of residence. Findings from our study could inform the development of interventions to enhance recruitment of Mexican-American participants into clinical trials

Active Living after Cancer: adaptation and Evaluation of a Community-Based Physical activity Program For Minority and Medically Underserved Breast Cancer Survivors

BACKGROUND: An expanding body of research documents the benefits of physical activity for cancer survivors\u27 physical functioning and quality of life, but few successful models provide community-based physical activity programs to cancer survivors. This report presents an evaluation of Active Living After Cancer, an evidence-based physical activity program for breast cancer survivors, adapted for community delivery to minority and medically underserved survivors. METHODS: Survivors were recruited from health care and community settings. The program consisted of 12 weekly group sessions providing training in cognitive and behavioral skills for behavior change, brief physical activity, and cancer survivorship-related content. At the baseline and follow-up, participants completed assessments of their physical activity, quality of life, and physical functioning (6-minute walk and 30-second sit-to-stand test). At follow-up, they also completed questionnaires to measure program content mastery and satisfaction. RESULTS: The outcome analysis included 127 participants. Physical activity and quality of life (mental and physical) improved from the baseline to follow-up (all P \u3c .01). Physical functioning improved, with increases in sit-to-stand repetitions (mean, 12.5 at the baseline vs 14.9 at the follow-up; P \u3c .01) and 6-minute walk distances (mean, 428 m at the baseline vs 470 m at the follow-up; P \u3c .01). CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the effectiveness of an evidence-based program adapted for community-based delivery to minority and medically underserved breast cancer survivors. The program could be delivered to improve outcomes in diverse survivor populations. LAY SUMMARY: Physical activity in breast cancer survivors is related to better quality of life and longer cancer-free survival. However, there are few community-based programs to help breast cancer survivors to become more physically active. The Active Living After Cancer program was adapted from an evidence-based program and delivered in community-based settings to minority and medically underserved breast cancer survivors. It consisted of 12 weekly group sessions in which participants learned skills to increase their physical activity. The program participants increased their physical activity and improved their mental and physical well-being and physical functioning

Diet, Weight Management, Physical activity and Ovarian & Breast Cancer Risk in Women With

INTRODUCTION: Women with pathogenic germline gene variants in METHODS: We searched Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, PubMed, and clinicaltrials.gov up to October 3, 2019. We identified 2775 records and included 21. RESULTS: There is limited evidence related to these factors and ovarian cancer risk. For breast cancer risk, evidence suggests higher diet quality, adulthood weight-loss of ≥10 pounds, and activity during adolescence and young-adulthood may be linked with decreased risk. Higher meat intake and higher daily energy intake may be linked with increased risk. CONCLUSIONS: There is not enough evidence to suggest tailored recommendations for dietary habits or weight management among women wit

Energy Balance Related Lifestyle Factors and Risk of Endometrial and Colorectal Cancer among individuals With Lynch Syndrome: a Systematic Review

Lifestyle factors related to energy balance, such as excess body weight, poor diet, and physical inactivity, are associated with risk of sporadic endometrial cancer (EC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). There are limited data on energy balance-related lifestyle factors and EC or CRC risk among individuals with lynch syndrome, who are at extraordinarily higher risk of developing EC or CRC. We conducted a systematic review of evidence related to weight status, weight change, dietary habits, and physical activity on EC and CRC risk among individuals with lynch syndrome. Findings are reported narratively. We searched Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, PubMed, and clinicaltrials.gov up to June 14th, 2018. In total, 1060 studies were identified and 16 were included. Three studies were related to EC and 13 to CRC. Overall, evidence suggests that weight status/weight change may not be associated with EC risk and multivitamin and folic-acid supplementation may be associated with decreased EC risk. Early-adulthood overweight/obese weight-status and adulthood weight-gain may be associated with increased CRC risk, whereas multivitamin supplementation, tea and high fruit intake, and physical activity may be associated with decreased CRC risk. Current evidence proposes that recommendations related to weight, some dietary habits, and physical activity recommended for the general public are also relevant to individuals with lynch syndrome. More research is needed, specifically prospective cohorts and randomized controlled trials, to determine if tailored recommendations are needed among individuals with lynch syndrome

Harnessing asymmetric N-heterocyclic carbene ligands to optimise SABRE hyperpolarisation

The catalytic signal amplification process has become widely used for the hyperpolarisation of small molecules to improve their magnetic resonance detectability. It harnesses the latent polarisation of parahydrogen, and involves the formation of labile metal complex that often contains an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand (e.g. [Ir(H)2(NHC)(pyridine)3]Cl), which act as a polarisation transfer catalyst. Unfortunately, if the target molecule is too bulky, binding to the catalyst is poor and the hyperpolarisation yield is therefore low. We illustrate here the behaviour of a series of asymmetric NHC containing catalysts towards 3,4- and 3,5-lutidine in order to show how catalyst design can be used to dramatically improve the outcome of this catalytic process for sterically encumbered ligands