Mean Field Behavior of Cluster Dynamics

The dynamic behavior of cluster algorithms is analyzed in the classical mean field limit. Rigorous analytical results below $T_c$ establish that the dynamic exponent has the value $z_{sw}=1$ for the Swendsen-Wang algorithm and $z_{uw}=0$ for the Wolff algorithm. An efficient Monte Carlo implementation is introduced, adapted for using these algorithms for fully connected graphs. Extensive simulations both above and below $T_c$ demonstrate scaling and evaluate the finite-size scaling function by means of a rather impressive collapse of the data.Comment: Revtex, 9 pages with 7 figure

Cluster Dynamics for Randomly Frustrated Systems with Finite Connectivity

In simulations of some infinite range spin glass systems with finite connectivity, it is found that for any resonable computational time, the saturatedenergy per spin that is achieved by a cluster algorithm is lowered in comparison to that achieved by Metropolis dynamics.The gap between the average energies obtained from these two dynamics is robust with respect to variations of the annealing schedule. For some probability distribution of the interactions the ground state energy is calculated analytically within the replica symmetry assumptionand is found to be saturated by a cluster algorithm.Comment: Revtex, 4 pages with 3 figure

Dynamical Scaling from Multi-Scale Measurements

We present a new measure of the Dynamical Critical behavior: the "Multi-scale Dynamical Exponent (MDE)"Comment: 9 pages,Latex, Request figures from [email protected]

Dynamic Critical Behavior of the Chayes-Machta Algorithm for the Random-Cluster Model. I. Two Dimensions

We study, via Monte Carlo simulation, the dynamic critical behavior of the Chayes-Machta dynamics for the Fortuin-Kasteleyn random-cluster model, which generalizes the Swendsen-Wang dynamics for the q-state Potts ferromagnet to non-integer q \ge 1. We consider spatial dimension d=2 and 1.25 \le q \le 4 in steps of 0.25, on lattices up to 1024^2, and obtain estimates for the dynamic critical exponent z_{CM}. We present evidence that when 1 \le q \lesssim 1.95 the Ossola-Sokal conjecture z_{CM} \ge \beta/\nu is violated, though we also present plausible fits compatible with this conjecture. We show that the Li-Sokal bound z_{CM} \ge \alpha/\nu is close to being sharp over the entire range 1 \le q \le 4, but is probably non-sharp by a power. As a byproduct of our work, we also obtain evidence concerning the corrections to scaling in static observables.Comment: LaTeX2e, 75 pages including 26 Postscript figure

Automatic mental processes, automatic actions and behaviours in game transfer phenomena: an empirical self-report study using online forum data

Previous studies have demonstrated that the playing of videogames can have both intended and unintended effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of videogames on players’ mental processes and behaviours in day-to-day settings. A total of 1,023 self-reports from 762 gamers collected from online videogame forums were classified, quantified, described and explained. The data include automatic thoughts, sensations and impulses, automatic mental replays of the game in real life, and voluntary/involuntary behaviours with videogame content. Many gamers reported that they had responded – at least sometimes – to real life stimuli as if they were still playing videogames. This included overreactions, avoidances, and involuntary movements of limbs. These experiences lasted relatively short periods of time but in a minority of players were recurrent. The gamers' experiences appeared to be enhanced by virtual embodiment, repetitive manipulation of game controls, and their gaming habits. However, similar phenomena may also occur when doing other non-gaming activities. The implications of these game transfer experiences are discussed

Ground states of two-dimensional ±\pmJ Edwards-Anderson spin glasses

We present an exact algorithm for finding all the ground states of the two-dimensional Edwards-Anderson $\pm J$ spin glass and characterize its performance. We investigate how the ground states change with increasing system size and and with increasing antiferromagnetic bond ratio $x$. We find that that some system properties have very large and strongly non-Gaussian variations between realizations.Comment: 15 pages, 21 figures, 2 tables, uses revtex4 macro

Strategies for Improving Learner Metacognition in Health Professional Education

Metacognition is an essential skill in critical thinking and self-regulated, lifelong learning. It is important for learners to have skills in metacognition because they are used to monitor and regulate reasoning, comprehension, and problem-solving, which are fundamental components/outcomes of pharmacy curricula. Instructors can help learners develop metacognitive skills within the classroom and experiential setting by carefully designing learning activities within courses and the curriculum. These skills are developed through intentional questioning, modeling techniques, and reflection. This article discusses key background literature on metacognition and identifies specific methods and strategies to develop learners’ metacognitive skills in both the classroom and experiential settings

“I would rather be told than not know” - A qualitative study exploring parental views on identifying the future risk of childhood overweight and obesity during infancy

BACKGROUND: Risk assessment tools provide an opportunity to prevent childhood overweight and obesity through early identification and intervention to influence infant feeding practices. Engaging parents of infants is paramount for success however; the literature suggests there is uncertainty surrounding the use of such tools with concerns about stigmatisation, labelling and expressions of parental guilt. This study explores parents' views on identifying future risk of childhood overweight and obesity during infancy and communicating risk to parents. METHODS: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 23 parents and inductive, interpretive and thematic analysis performed. RESULTS: Three main themes emerged from the data: 1) Identification of infant overweight and obesity risk. Parents were hesitant about health professionals identifying infant overweight as believed they would recognise this for themselves, in addition parents feared judgement from health professionals. Identification of future obesity risk during infancy was viewed positively however the use of a non-judgemental communication style was viewed as imperative. 2) Consequences of infant overweight. Parents expressed immediate anxieties about the impact of excess weight on infant ability to start walking. Parents were aware of the progressive nature of childhood obesity however, did not view overweight as a significant problem until the infant could walk as viewed this as a point when any excess weight would be lost due to increased energy expenditure. 3) Parental attributions of causality, responsibility, and control. Parents articulated a high level of personal responsibility for preventing and controlling overweight during infancy, which translated into self-blame. Parents attributed infant overweight to overfeeding however articulated a reluctance to modify infant feeding practices prior to weaning. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to explore the use of obesity risk tools in clinical practice, the findings suggest that identification, and communication of future overweight and obesity risk is acceptable to parents of infants. Despite this positive response, findings suggest that parents' acceptance to identification of risk and implementation of behaviour change is time specific. The apparent level of parental responsibility, fear of judgement and self-blame also highlights the importance of health professionals approach to personalised risk communication so feelings of self-blame are negated and stigmatisation avoided

Management of Gastroduodenal Artery Pseudoaneurysm Rupture With Duodenal Ulcer Complicated by Coil Migration.

Rupture of visceral artery aneurysms or visceral artery pseudoaneurysms is an unusual cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Although most visceral artery aneurysms and visceral artery pseudoaneurysms occur in the splenic artery or hepatic artery, they can rarely occur in the gastroduodenal artery. These are at high risk for rupture, with a 40%-70% mortality. We report a case of recurrent upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to gastroduodenal artery pseudoaneurysm despite endoscopic treatment and endovascular embolization complicated by coil migration into the duodenum

A computational approach to chemical etiologies of diabetes.

Computational meta-analysis can link environmental chemicals to genes and proteins involved in human diseases, thereby elucidating possible etiologies and pathogeneses of non-communicable diseases. We used an integrated computational systems biology approach to examine possible pathogenetic linkages in type 2 diabetes (T2D) through genome-wide associations, disease similarities, and published empirical evidence. Ten environmental chemicals were found to be potentially linked to T2D, the highest scores were observed for arsenic, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, hexachlorobenzene, and perfluorooctanoic acid. For these substances we integrated disease and pathway annotations on top of protein interactions to reveal possible pathogenetic pathways that deserve empirical testing. The approach is general and can address other public health concerns in addition to identifying diabetogenic chemicals, and offers thus promising guidance for future research in regard to the etiology and pathogenesis of complex diseases