Vapor-Liquid Equilibria for R-32 and R-410A Mixed With a Polyol Ester: Non-Ideality and Local Composition Modeling

Vapor-liquid equilibria (VLE) data were obtained over a wide range of mixture composition and saturation conditions for difluoromethane (R-32) mixed with a polyol ester oil (POE). These data were correlated using the following local composition models from the literature: Wilson, Heil, Wang and Chao, Tsuboka and Katayama, NRTL, and UNIQUAC. The results were used to evaluate the suitability of these models in predicting the saturation behavior of the R-32/POE mixture. The Heil model had the best performance, with a 2-a error of 4.81 % in predicted saturation pressure; UNIQUAC was the worst, with a 2-a pressure error of more than 12%. Using VLE results from the literature for pentafluoroethane (R-125) mixed with the same oil and model parameters for that mixture, and attempt was undertaken to make a priori predictions of the P-T-x behavior of a blend containing R-32, R-125 and the oil (R-410A/POE). Data were obtained for this blend, and the results indicate that the Heil model can make such predictions with a 2:' a pressure error of about 11 %.Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Project 5

What are the current challenges of managing cancer pain and could digital technologies help?

OBJECTIVES: Pain remains a problem for people with cancer despite effective treatments being available. We aimed to explore current pain management strategies used by patients, caregivers and professionals and to investigate opportunities for digital technologies to enhance cancer pain management. METHODS: A qualitative study comprising semistructured interviews and focus groups. Patients with cancer pain, their caregivers and health professionals from Northeast Scotland were recruited from a purposive sample of general practices. Professionals were recruited from regional networks. RESULTS: Fifty one participants took part in 33 interviews (eight patients alone, six patient/caregiver dyads and 19 professionals) and two focus groups (12 professionals). Living with cancer was hard work for patients and caregivers and comparable to a 'full-time job'. Patients had personal goals which involved controlling pain intensity and balancing this with analgesic use, side effects, overall symptom burden and social/physical activities.Digital technologies were embraced by most patients, and made living life with advanced cancer easier and richer (eg, video calls with family). Technology was underutilised for pain and symptom management. There were suggestions that technology could support self-monitoring and communicating problems to professionals, but patients and professionals were concerned about technological monitoring adding to the work of managing illness. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer pain management takes place in the context of multiple, sometimes competing personal goals. It is possible that technology could be used to help patients share individual symptom experiences and goals, thus enhancing tailored care. The challenge is for digital solutions to add value without adding undue burden

Non-Coexistence of Infinite Clusters in Two-Dimensional Dependent Site Percolation

This paper presents three results on dependent site percolation on the square lattice. First, there exists no positively associated probability measure on {0,1}^{Z^2} with the following properties: a) a single infinite 0cluster exists almost surely, b) at most one infinite 1*cluster exists almost surely, c) some probabilities regarding 1*clusters are bounded away from zero. Second, we show that coexistence of an infinite 1*cluster and an infinite 0cluster is almost surely impossible when the underlying probability measure is ergodic with respect to translations, positively associated, and satisfies the finite energy condition. The third result analyses the typical structure of infinite clusters of both types in the absence of positive association. Namely, under a slightly sharpened finite energy condition, the existence of infinitely many disjoint infinite self-avoiding 1*paths follows from the existence of an infinite 1*cluster. The same holds with respect to 0paths and 0clusters.Comment: 17 pages, 1 figur

The Percolation Signature of the Spin Glass Transition

Magnetic ordering at low temperature for Ising ferromagnets manifests itself within the associated Fortuin-Kasteleyn (FK) random cluster representation as the occurrence of a single positive density percolating network. In this paper we investigate the percolation signature for Ising spin glass ordering -- both in short-range (EA) and infinite-range (SK) models -- within a two-replica FK representation and also within the different Chayes-Machta-Redner two-replica graphical representation. Based on numerical studies of the $\pm J$ EA model in three dimensions and on rigorous results for the SK model, we conclude that the spin glass transition corresponds to the appearance of {\it two} percolating clusters of {\it unequal} densities.Comment: 13 pages, 6 figure

The use, quality and effectiveness of pelvic examination in primary care for the detection of gynaecological cancer : a systematic review

Background Urgent suspected cancer referral guidelines recommend that women with gynaecological cancer symptoms should have a pelvic examination (PE) prior to referral. We do not know to what extent GPs comply, their competency at PE, or if PE shortens the diagnostic interval. Objectives We conducted a systematic review of the use, quality and effectiveness of PE in primary care for women with suspected gynaecological cancer. Method PRISMA guidelines were followed. Three databases were searched using four terms: PE, primary care, competency and gynaecological cancer. Citation lists of all identified papers were screened independently for eligibility by two reviewers. Data extraction was performed in duplicate and independently. Paper quality was assessed using the relevant Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Emergent themes and contrasting issues were explored in a narrative ecological synthesis. Main Findings Twenty papers met the inclusion criteria. 52% or less of women with suspicious symptoms had a PE. No papers directly explored GPs’ competence at performing PE. Pre-referral PE was associated with reduced diagnostic delay and earlier stage diagnosis. Ecological synthesis demonstrated a complex interplay between patient and practitioner factors and the environment in which examination is performed. Presenting symptoms are commonly misattributed by patients and practitioners resulting in misdiagnosis and lack of PE. Conclusion We do not know if pre-referral PE leads to better outcomes for patients. PE is often not performed for women with gynaecological cancer symptoms, and evidence that it may result in earlier stage of diagnosis is weak. More research is needed

A Percolation-Theoretic Approach to Spin Glass Phase Transitions

The magnetically ordered, low temperature phase of Ising ferro- magnets is manifested within the associated Fortuin-Kasteleyn (FK) random cluster representation by the occurrence of a single positive density percolating cluster. In this paper, we review our recent work on the percolation signature for Ising spin glass ordering -- both in the short-range Edwards-Anderson (EA) and infinite-range Sherrington-Kirkpatrick (SK) models -- within a two-replica FK representation and also in the different Chayes-Machta-Redner two-replica graphical representation. Numerical studies of the $\pm J$ EA model in dimension three and rigorous results for the SK model are consistent in supporting the conclusion that the signature of spin-glass order in these models is the existence of a single percolating cluster of maximal density normally coexisting with a second percolating cluster of lower density.Comment: Based on lectures given at the 2007 Paris Summer School "Spin Glasses." 12 pages, 3 figure

Optimal designs for rational function regression

We consider optimal non-sequential designs for a large class of (linear and nonlinear) regression models involving polynomials and rational functions with heteroscedastic noise also given by a polynomial or rational weight function. The proposed method treats D-, E-, A-, and $\Phi_p$-optimal designs in a unified manner, and generates a polynomial whose zeros are the support points of the optimal approximate design, generalizing a number of previously known results of the same flavor. The method is based on a mathematical optimization model that can incorporate various criteria of optimality and can be solved efficiently by well established numerical optimization methods. In contrast to previous optimization-based methods proposed for similar design problems, it also has theoretical guarantee of its algorithmic efficiency; in fact, the running times of all numerical examples considered in the paper are negligible. The stability of the method is demonstrated in an example involving high degree polynomials. After discussing linear models, applications for finding locally optimal designs for nonlinear regression models involving rational functions are presented, then extensions to robust regression designs, and trigonometric regression are shown. As a corollary, an upper bound on the size of the support set of the minimally-supported optimal designs is also found. The method is of considerable practical importance, with the potential for instance to impact design software development. Further study of the optimality conditions of the main optimization model might also yield new theoretical insights.Comment: 25 pages. Previous version updated with more details in the theory and additional example

Transfer Matrices and Partition-Function Zeros for Antiferromagnetic Potts Models. V. Further Results for the Square-Lattice Chromatic Polynomial

We derive some new structural results for the transfer matrix of square-lattice Potts models with free and cylindrical boundary conditions. In particular, we obtain explicit closed-form expressions for the dominant (at large |q|) diagonal entry in the transfer matrix, for arbitrary widths m, as the solution of a special one-dimensional polymer model. We also obtain the large-q expansion of the bulk and surface (resp. corner) free energies for the zero-temperature antiferromagnet (= chromatic polynomial) through order q^{-47} (resp. q^{-46}). Finally, we compute chromatic roots for strips of widths 9 <= m <= 12 with free boundary conditions and locate roughly the limiting curves.Comment: 111 pages (LaTeX2e). Includes tex file, three sty files, and 19 Postscript figures. Also included are Mathematica files data_CYL.m and data_FREE.m. Many changes from version 1: new material on series expansions and their analysis, and several proofs of previously conjectured results. Final version to be published in J. Stat. Phy

Expansion and further delineation of the SETD5 phenotype leading to global developmental delay, variable dysmorphic features, and reduced penetrance

Diagnostic exome sequencing (DES) has aided delineation of the phenotypic spectrum of rare genetic etiologies of intellectual disability (ID). A SET domain containing 5 gene (SETD5) phenotype of ID and dysmorphic features has been previously described in relation to patients with 3p25.3 deletions and in a few individuals with de novo sequence alterations. Herein, we present additional patients with pathogenic SETD5 sequence alterations. The majority of patients in this cohort and previously reported have developmental delay, behavioral/psychiatric issues, and variable hand and skeletal abnormalities. We also present an apparently unaffected carrier mother of an affected individual and a carrier mother with normal intelligence and affected twin sons. We suggest that the phenotype of SETD5 is more complex and variable than previously presented. Therefore, many features and presentations need to be considered when evaluating a patient for SETD5 alterations through DES

An occupational therapy intervention for residents with stroke related disabilities in UK care homes (OTCH): cluster randomised controlled trial

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of an established programme of occupational therapy in maintaining functional activity and reducing further health risks from inactivity in care home residents living with stroke sequelae.Design: Pragmatic, parallel group, cluster randomised controlled trial.Setting: 228 care homes (>10 beds each), both with and without the provision of nursing care, local to 11 trial administrative centres across the United Kingdom.Participants: 1042 care home residents with a history of stroke or transient ischaemic attack, including those with language and cognitive impairments, not receiving end of life care. 114 homes (n=568 residents, 64% from homes providing nursing care) were allocated to the intervention arm and 114 homes (n=474 residents, 65% from homes providing nursing care) to standard care (control arm). Participating care homes were randomised between May 2010 and March 2012.Intervention: Targeted three month programme of occupational therapy, delivered by qualified occupational therapists and assistants, involving patient centred goal setting, education of care home staff, and adaptations to the environment.Main outcome measures: Primary outcome at the participant level: scores on the Barthel index of activities of daily living at three months post-randomisation. Secondary outcome measures at the participant level: Barthel index scores at six and 12 months post-randomisation, and scores on the Rivermead mobility index, geriatric depression scale-15, and EuroQol EQ-5D-3L questionnaire, at all time points.Results: 64% of the participants were women and 93% were white, with a mean age of 82.9 years. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups for all measures, personal characteristics, and diagnostic tests. Overall, 2538 occupational therapy visits were made to 498 participants in the intervention arm (mean 5.1 visits per participant). No adverse events attributable to the intervention were recorded. 162 (11%) died before the primary outcome time point, and 313 (30%) died over the 12 months of the trial. The primary outcome measure did not differ significantly between the treatment arms. The adjusted mean difference in Barthel index score at three months was 0.19 points higher in the intervention arm (95% confidence interval −0.33 to 0.70, P=0.48). Secondary outcome measures also showed no significant differences at all time points.Conclusions: This large phase III study provided no evidence of benefit for the provision of a routine occupational therapy service, including staff training, for care home residents living with stroke related disabilities. The established three month individualised course of occupational therapy targeting stroke related disabilities did not have an impact on measures of functional activity, mobility, mood, or health related quality of life, at all observational time points. Providing and targeting ameliorative care in this clinically complex population requires alternative strategies