The generalized recurrent set, explosions and Lyapunov functions

We consider explosions in the generalized recurrent set for homeomorphisms on a compact metric space. We provide multiple examples to show that such explosions can occur, in contrast to the case for the chain recurrent set. We give sufficient conditions to avoid explosions and discuss their necessity. Moreover, we explain the relations between explosions and cycles for the generalized recurrent set. In particular, for a compact topological manifold with dimension greater or equal $2$, we characterize explosion phenomena in terms of existence of cycles. We apply our results to give sufficient conditions for stability, under $\mathscr{C}^0$ perturbations, of the property of admitting a continuous Lyapunov function which is not a first integral

Discovery of statistical equivalence classes using computer algebra

Discrete statistical models supported on labelled event trees can be specified using so-called interpolating polynomials which are generalizations of generating functions. These admit a nested representation. A new algorithm exploits the primary decomposition of monomial ideals associated with an interpolating polynomial to quickly compute all nested representations of that polynomial. It hereby determines an important subclass of all trees representing the same statistical model. To illustrate this method we analyze the full polynomial equivalence class of a staged tree representing the best fitting model inferred from a real-world dataset.Comment: 26 pages, 9 figure

The generalized recurrent set, explosions and Lyapunov functions

We consider explosions in the generalized recurrent set for homeomorphisms on a compact metric space. We provide multiple examples to show that such explosions can occur, in contrast to the case for the chain recurrent set. We give sufficient conditions to avoid explosions and discuss their necessity. Moreover, we explain the relations between explosions and cycles for the generalized recurrent set. In particular, for a compact topological manifold with dimension greater or equal 2, we characterize explosion phenomena in terms of existence of cycles. We apply our results to give sufficient conditions for stability, under C 0 perturbations, of the property of admitting a continuous Lyapunov function which is not a first integral

Attitudes and practices of physicians and nurses regarding physical activity promotion in the Catalan primary health-care system

Background: In Catalonia a high percentage of the population remains inactive. General practices are an ideal setting to advise on physical activity (PA). However, there is a lack of evidence regarding practices, barriers and predictors of such promotion in the Catalan primary health-care system. This study set out to establish descriptive baseline data for PA promotion in Catalan general practices, and to explore the experiences of doctors/nurses in promoting PA in their day-to-day professional lives. Methods: A mixedmethod approach was adopted. A survey was conducted with 245 physicians/nurses (58% response rate). Subsequently, focus groups (n ¼ 5) and semi-structured interviews (n ¼ 7) were conducted with 18 physicians and 15 nurses. After coding for important themes, the final interpretation was confirmed by contributors. Results: Eighty-eight percent of physicians/nurses promoted PA at least infrequently. However, work conditions were perceived as unfavourable, with the main barriers being lack of (i) time, (ii) training and (iii) protocols. Qualitative data showed that PA promotion was opportunistic, focused on selected patients, used generalized messages and was highly dependent on personal interests. Regular promotion was encouraged by direct experiences of the benefits of regular exercising, knowing patients well, being supported by medical colleagues and creating links with other community institutions. PA promotion was especially hindered by seeing PA promotion as a secondary task, and patients ignoring recommendations. Conclusions: PA promotion in Catalonia remains to be integrated into practice consultations. Therefore, strategies should be developed within public health. Using a mixed-method approach provided a broader range of evidence than most studies, which rely on quantitative methods

Activating Transcription Factor 3 regulates in part the enhanced tumour cell cytotoxicity of the histone deacetylase inhibitor M344 and cisplatin in combination

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Activating Transcription Factor (ATF) 3 is a key regulator of the cellular integrated stress response whose expression has also been correlated with pro-apoptotic activities in tumour cell models. Combination treatments with chemotherapeutic drugs, such as cisplatin, and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been demonstrated to enhance tumour cell cytotoxicity. We recently demonstrated a role for ATF3 in regulating cisplatin-induced apoptosis and others have shown that HDAC inhibition can also induce cellular stress. In this study, we evaluated the role of ATF3 in regulating the co-operative cytotoxicity of cisplatin in combination with an HDAC inhibitor.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The HDAC inhibitor M344 induced ATF3 expression at the protein and mRNA level in a panel of human derived cancer cell lines as determined by Western blot and quantitative RT-PCR analyses. Combination treatment with M344 and cisplatin lead to increased induction of ATF3 compared with cisplatin alone. Utilizing the MTT cell viability assay, M344 treatments also enhanced the cytotoxic effects of cisplatin in these cancer cell lines. The mechanism of ATF3 induction by M344 was found to be independent of MAPKinase pathways and dependent on ATF4, a known regulator of ATF3 expression. ATF4 heterozygote (+/-) and knock out (-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) as well as chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were utilized in determining the mechanistic induction of ATF3 by M344. We also demonstrated that ATF3 regulates the enhanced cytotoxicity of M344 in combination with cisplatin as evidenced by attenuation of cytotoxicity in shRNAs targeting ATF3 expressing cells.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This study identifies the pro-apoptotic factor, ATF3 as a novel target of M344, as well as a mediator of the co-operative effects of cisplatin and M344 induced tumour cell cytotoxicity.</p

What is the differential diagnosis of chronic leg edema in primary care?

The differential diagnosis, in descending order, includes: elevated pulmonary artery pressure (often due to obstructive sleep apnea), congestive heart failure, idiopathic causes, venous insufficiency, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and proteinuria (>1 g daily) (strength of recommendation: B, based on a nonconsecutive diagnostic cohort study with good reference standards)

The Human as a System - Monitoring Spacecraft Net Habitable Volume throughout the Design Lifecycle

Spacecraft design has historically allocated specific volume and mass "not to exceed" requirements upon individual systems and their accompanying hardware (e.g., life support, avionics) early in their conceptual design in an effort to align the spacecraft with propulsion capabilities. If the spacecraft is too heavy or too wide for the launch stack - it does not get off the ground. This approach has predictably ended with the crew being allocated whatever open, pressurized volume remains. With the recent inauguration of a new human-rated spacecraft - NASA human factors personnel have found themselves in the unique position to redefine the human as a system from the very foundation of design. They seek to develop and monitor a "not to fall below" requirement for crew net habitable volume (NHV) - balanced against the "not to exceed" system volume requirements, with the spacecraft fitting the crew versus the crew having to fit inside the spacecraft

Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations: Father Joe\u27s Village

What started as a modest shelter for homeless families in downtown San Diego, has grown into Father Joe’s Villages (FJV), a multi-program, multi-dimensional approach to break the cycle of homelessness. Since 1982, Fr. Joe’s Villages’ vision and mission reflect the aim the organization is determined to achieve within the communities it serves: to ensure that all neighbors in need will have access to food, housing, career development, healthcare, and education that will promote independence, self-sufficiency and fulfillment of one’s potential. To address these needs, FJV provides short and long term transitional housing for homeless men, women and families, and offers a “Continuum of Care” to provide medical services, job development, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, parenting, budgeting, and educational support. Services are delivered through seven main programs located in San Diego County, Riverside County, and Mexico. This is a look at their internal controls.https://digital.sandiego.edu/npi-bpl-finance/1000/thumbnail.jp

San Diego Natural History Museum Strategic Planning Project

In January 2009, a team of students from the University of San Diego’s (USD) Nonprofit Leadership and Management conducted a pre-planning exercise to help prepare the San Diego Natural History Museum (SDNHM) for its 2012-2022 strategic plan. With an annual attendance last year of more than 600,000 visitors, the Museum is one of the largest cultural institutions in Balboa Park. The consulting team engaged in an extensive discovery process, including a review of the Museum’s current strategic plan1 and preliminary key informant interviews. The results of this discovery process pointed towards a number of themes from which, three key strategic questions were identified and pursued. The consulting team conducted a three-phase process including: review, discovery/analysis, and conclusions /recommendations.https://digital.sandiego.edu/npi-bpl-strategicplanning/1001/thumbnail.jp

Audit committee strength and auditors' risk assessments:The moderating role of CEO narcissism

This paper examines the impact of two elements of the client's control environment on auditor's assessment of the risk of material misstatement: audit committee strength and CEO narcissism, the latter of which is a component of management philosophy, operating style, and tone at the top. We predict and find that auditors' risk assessments are adequately responsive to both elements; however, importantly, a strong audit committee decreases perceived risk assessments only when the client has a CEO with less narcissistic characteristics. In other words, our findings suggest that the presence of narcissistic CEOs' attitudes weakens the perceived audit committee effectiveness, leading auditors to rely less on a strong audit committee. Our findings contribute to the auditing literature by exploring auditors' responses to the complex dynamics between management boards and those charged with governance. From a practical perspective, our results suggest that auditing standards and practice guidance should consider making such complexities and the role of management attitudes and styles even more explicit