Hamiltonian Structures for the Ostrovsky-Vakhnenko Equation

We obtain a bi-Hamiltonian formulation for the Ostrovsky-Vakhnenko equation using its higher order symmetry and a new transformation to the Caudrey-Dodd-Gibbon-Sawada-Kotera equation. Central to this derivation is the relation between Hamiltonian structures when dependent and independent variables are transformed.Comment: 13 page

Calculation of Effective Coulomb Interaction for Pr3+Pr^{3+}, U4+U^{4+}, and UPt3UPt_3

In this paper, the Slater integrals for a screened Coulomb interaction of the the Yukawa form are calculated and by fitting the Thomas-Fermi wavevector, good agreement is obtained with experiment for the multiplet spectra of $Pr^{3+}$ and $U^{4+}$ ions. Moreover, a predicted multiplet spectrum for the heavy fermion superconductor $UPt_3$ is shown with a calculated Coulomb U of 1.6 eV. These effective Coulomb interactions, which are quite simple to calculate, should be useful inputs to further many-body calculations in correlated electron metals.Comment: 8 pages, revtex, 3 uuencoded postscript figure

Humanitarian organizations' information practices : procedures and privacy concerns for serving the undocumented

Many humanitarian organizations in the United States work with the information of undocumented migrants to help them secure services that might otherwise be unattainable to them. Information and communication technologies can help their work, but can also significantly exacerbate the risks that undocumented individuals are facing, and expose them to security breakages, leaks, hacks, inadvertent disclosure, and courts requests. This study aims to provide a preliminary understanding of the information practices and systems that US humanitarian organizations employ to protect the privacy of the undocumented individuals they serve. To do so, we conducted interviews and an analysis of organizations' working documents within humanitarian organizations on the US West Coast, including advocacy groups and organizations with ties to higher education. Our outcomes show gaps between current legal standards, technology best practices, and the day‐to‐day functioning of the organizations. We contend the necessity of support to humanitarian organizations in further developing standards and training for digital privacy

Low density lipoprotein quality and discordance with apolipoprotein B in intensively controlled Type 1 diabetes: Any relationship with nutrition?

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is partly characterised by a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) being a commonly treated target, apolipoprotein B (Apo B) has been shown to be a superior predictor of CVD and discordance between these two markers may predispose patients to altered risk(1). The distribution of LDL-C also contributes to these risks, with LDL III & IV fractions possessing greater atherogenic potential(2). Few studies have investigated LDL-C quality and its discordance with Apo B in relation to the nutritional intake of patients with intensively controlled Type 1 diabetes. The aim of this study was to address this dearth of research. Following ethical approval and informed consent 28 patients (32 % male; 68 % female) (mean age 48 ± 15) were asked to complete a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), donate a sample of blood and allow the authors access to their medical records to determine HbA1c. The initial FFQ responses were processed using FETA software. The blood sample was analysed for LDL-C, constituent subfractions and Apo B. All data were interrogated using descriptive statistics. Dichotomous dependent variables pertaining to LDL-C and Apo B were compared using McNemar’s test and correlations between dietary variables were determined with Spearman’s rho test. Significant differences were shown between LDL-C categories when compared to Apo B (p = 0·039) and the majority of patients (46·4 %) presented LDL-C >2·0 mmol/L and Apo B >80 mg/dL (Fig. 1). Although not discordant, these findings still suggest an increased risk according to recommendations(3). Closer inspection of results revealed that individuals with raised LDL-C typically had an abundance of LDL I & II fractions which may somewhat reduce this risk (Fig. 2). Spearman’s correlation applied to the whole population produced no relationship between diet and LDL-C or Apo B; however, when focussing on the predominant ‘at risk’ cluster significant and strong relationships between LDL-C and total carbohydrate (R2 = 0·835; p = <0·001) and sucrose (R2 = 0·758; p = 0·003) were found. No hypoglycaemia data were collected and the authors tentatively speculate that these relationships may be a consequence of its treatment. In the light of the small sample size a further more comprehensive investigation with an appropriately powered sample would be beneficial

An investigation into the eating behaviours of adult patients with Type 1 diabetes using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy compared to those using multiple daily injections

Multiple daily injections (MDI) are an intensive method of administering an external source of basal and bolus insulin for patients with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). This therapy requires 4-5 injections per day, is regarded as an effective method of achieving glycaemic control and is commonly used. If HbA1c remains above 8.5% or if a patient is experiencing disabling hypoglycaemic episodes continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy may be recommended1. CSII provides flexible insulin administration via a small, electronic pump unit and has been associated with various benefits when compared to MDI, including increased glycaemic control, reduced occurrence of hypoglycaemia and improvements in the dawn phenomenon1,2. Furthermore, the flexible nature of CSII potentially allows patients to enjoy a liberalised diet compared to those using the relatively structured MDI regime2. There is a dearth of evidence focussing on the eating behaviours of these patients and research into this area would be useful to inform both treatment and the evaluation of risk. Following ethical approval and informed consent patients with T1D using either CSII or MDI from the Royal Liverpool Hospital were asked to complete an EPIC-Norfolk food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Responses were processed using FETA software and demographic data from participants’ medical records were added. All data were initially analysed using descriptive statistics. Any data not normally distributed were transformed logarithmically and t-tests and Mann-Whitney-U-tests were then carried out. The study population consisted of 60 patients (33.3% male, 66.7% female) with 40 using CSII and 20 using MDI and a mean age of 48±16 years. The majority of patients were overweight or obese (71.4% CSII, 57.1% MDI), however energy intake was below the reference nutrient intake (RNI) for both CSII and MDI groups. Patients using both CSII and MDI consumed protein above the RNI for males and females3. Despite this protein contributed towards 18.6% of the daily energy intake of patients using CSII and 19.0% of those using MDI. Total carbohydrate (CHO) consumption was below the RNI of 50%, however it should be noted that consumption of total sugars was above the RNI for males and females in both groups. This may be partly explained by the consumption of fruit which was also higher in those using CSII. Total fat and saturated fat consumption was marginally above the RNI’s. There were no statistically significant associations between any variables and the diets of the two populations appear largely homogenous, despite slight deviations of some nutrients from RNI’s. Further analysis of total energy, protein and CHO quality is warranted

Optoelectronic switching of addressable molecular crossbar junctions

This letter reports on the observation of optoelectronic switching in addressable molecular crossbar junctions fabricated using polymer stamp-printing method. The active medium in the junction is a molecular self-assembled monolayer softly sandwiched between gold electrodes. The molecular junctions are investigated through currentvoltage measurements at varied temperature (from 95 to 300 K) in high vacuum condition. The junctions show reversible optoelectronic switching with the highest on/off ratio of 3 orders of magnitude at 95 K. The switching behavior is independent of both optical wavelength and molecular structure, while it strongly depends on the temperature. Initial analysis indicates that the distinct binding nature of the molecule/electrode interfaces play a dominant role in the switching performance.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures,original manuscript to be submitte

The influence of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy vs. multiple daily injections upon the diet of those with Type 1 diabetes: A food diary investigation

There exist a number of therapeutic options for the management of Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Multiple daily injections (MDI) are one such treatment and involve 4-5 daily subcutaneous injections of insulin. This frequently used approach is widely regarded as an effective method of controlling glycaemia; however, if a patient continues to suffer disabling episodes of hypoglycaemia, or if HbA1c remains above 8.5% continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) may instead be recommended1. This therapy employs a small programmable pump device to facilitate the administration of insulin to the patient via a cannula. Various advantages of CSII have been documented compared to MDI, including improvements in glycaemic control and reduced incidence of both hypoglycaemia and the dawn phenomenon. An additional attribute, characterised by the flexible nature of the therapy, is that a liberalised diet may be enjoyed by patients, which in turn may infer potential nutrition and quality of life aberrations. This phenomenon is surprisingly under researched and further investigations to inform both treatment and risk would therefore be beneficial. Following ethical approval and informed consent patients with T1D using either CSII or MDI from the Royal Liverpool Hospital were asked to complete a 5 day weighed food diary. Dietplan 6 software was used to process the responses and demographic data from participants’ medical records were added to the dataset. All data were then interrogated using descriptive statistics and any non-normal data were transformed logarithmically before further enquiry with t-tests or analysed non-parametrically with Mann-Whitney-U-tests. The sample comprised of 20 patients (35% male, 65% female) with 11 using CSII and 9 using MDI. The patients’ mean age was 49±16 years and the majority were overweight or obese (72.7% CSII, 55.6% MDI). Nutrient Amount per day (CSII group) Amount per day (MDI group) % energy intake per day (CSII group) % energy intake per day (MDI group) Energy 1866.6 Kcal 2110.5 Kcal N/A N/A Protein 69.0 g/day 89.9 g/day 14.8 17.0 Total CHO 232.3 g/day 251.8 g/day 46.7 44.7 Total sugars 99.8 g/day 88.6 g/day 20.0 15.7 Total fat 73.5 g/day 80.1 g/day 35.4 34.2 Saturated fat 31.6 g/day 29.8 g/day 15.2 12.7 Table. Selected food diary results from patients using CSII and MDI compared to reference nutrient intakes. Results showed mean energy intake was below the reference nutrient intake (RNI) for the CSII group; potentially suggestive of underreporting (Table)3. Patients using both CSII and MDI consumed protein above the RNI; however, this macronutrient contributed towards 14.8% of the daily energy intake of patients using CSII and 17.0% of those using MDI3. Total carbohydrate (CHO) consumption was below the RNI of 50%; however, it should be noted that consumption of total sugars was above the RNI for males and females in both groups4. Previous research by the authors suggesting habitual fruit consumption, particularly in those using CSII, may explain this5. Total fat and saturated fat consumption was mostly synonymic with RNI’s. Although no statistically significant associations were seen between any of the variables and the diets of the two populations appeared largely homogenous it is reassuring that no detrimental changes occurred. Despite this further analysis of total energy, protein and CHO quality is warranted

Description of the inelastic collision of two solitary waves for the BBM equation

We prove that the collision of two solitary waves of the BBM equation is inelastic but almost elastic in the case where one solitary wave is small in the energy space. We show precise estimates of the nonzero residue due to the collision. Moreover, we give a precise description of the collision phenomenon (change of size of the solitary waves).Comment: submitted for publication. Corrected typo in Theorem 1.

Systematic review of economic evaluations and cost analyses of guideline implementation strategies

Objectives To appraise the quality of economic studies undertaken as part of evaluations of guideline implementation strategies; determine their resources use; and recommend methods to improve future studies. Methods Systematic review of economic studies undertaken alongside robust study designs of clinical guideline implementation strategies published (1966-1998). Studies assessed against the BMJ economic evaluations guidelines for each stage of the guideline process (guideline development, implementation and treatment). Results 235 studies were identified, 63 reported some information on cost. Only 3 studies provided evidence that their guideline was effective and efficient. 38 reported the treatment costs only, 12 implementation and treatment costs, 11 implementation costs alone, and two guideline development, implementation and treatment costs. No study gave reasonably complete information on costs. Conclusions Very few satisfactory economic evaluations of guideline implementation strategies have been performed. Current evaluations have numerous methodological defects and rarely consider all relevant costs and benefits. Future evaluations should focus on evaluating the implementation of evidence based guidelines. Keywords: Cost-effectiveness analysis, physician (or health care professional) behaviour, practice guidelines, quality improvement, systematic review.Peer reviewedAuthor versio

Do paranoid delusions exist on a continuum with subclinical paranoia? A multi-method taxometric study

Background There is widespread interest in whether psychosis exists on a continuum with healthy functioning. Previous research has implied that paranoia, a common symptom of psychosis, exists on a continuum but this has not been investigated using samples including both patients and non-patients and up-to-date taxometric methods. Aim To assess the latent structure of paranoia in a diverse sample using taxometric methods. Method We obtained data from 2836 participants, including the general population as well as at-risk mental state and psychotic patients using the P-scale of the Paranoia and Deservedness Scale. Data were analysed using three taxometric procedures, MAMBAC, MAXEIG and L-MODE (Ruscio, 2016), and two sets of paranoia indicators (subscales and selected items from the P scale), including and excluding the patient groups. Results Eleven of the twelve analyses supported a dimensional model. Using the full sample and subscales as indicators, the MAMBAC analysis was ambiguous. Overall, the findings converged on a dimensional latent structure. Conclusions A dimensional latent structure of paranoia implies that the processes involved in sub-clinical paranoia may be similar to those in clinical paranoia