Sequence effects in the categorization of tones varying in frequency

In contrast to exemplar and decision-bound categorization models, the memory and contrast models described here do not assume that long-term representations of stimulus magnitudes are available. Instead, stimuli are assumed to be categorized using only their differences from a few recent stimuli. To test this alternative, the authors examined sequential effects in a binary categorization of 10 tones varying in frequency. Stimuli up to 2 trials back in the sequence had a significant effect on the response to the current stimulus. The effects of previous stimuli interacted with one another. A memory and contrast model, according to which only ordinal information about the differences between the current stimulus and recent preceding stimuli is used, best accounted for these dat

Cloud condensation nuclei in western Colorado: observations and model predictions

2010 Summer.Includes bibliographical references (pages 220-236).Variations in the warm cloud‐active portion of atmospheric aerosols, or cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), have been shown to impact cloud droplet number concentration and subsequently cloud and precipitation processes. This issue carries special significance in western Colorado where a significant portion of the region’s water resources is supplied by precipitation from winter season, orographic clouds, which are particularly sensitive to variations in CCN. Temporal and spatial variations in CCN in western Colorado were investigated using a combination of observations and a new method for modeling CCN. As part of the Inhibition of Snowfall by Pollution Aerosols (ISPA‐III) field campaign, total particle and CCN number concentration were measured for a 24‐day period in Mesa Verde National Park, climatologically upwind of the San Juan Mountains. These data were combined with CCN observations from Storm Peak Lab (SPL) in northwestern Colorado and from the King Air platform, flying north to south along the Western Slope. Altogether, the sampled aerosols were characteristic of a rural continental environment and the cloud‐active portion varied slowly in time, and little in space. Estimates of the hygroscopicity parameter indicated consistently low aerosol hygroscopicity typical of organic aerosol species. The modeling approach included the addition of prognostic CCN to the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS). The RAMS droplet activation scheme was altered using parcel model simulations to include variations in aerosol hygroscopicity, represented by . Analysis of the parcel model output and a supplemental sensitivity study showed that model CCN will be sensitive to changes in aerosol hygroscopicity, but only for conditions of low supersaturation or small particle sizes. Aerosol number, size distribution median radius, and hygroscopicity (represented by the kappaparameter) in RAMS were constrained by nudging to forecasts of these quantities from the Weather Research and Forecasting with Chemistry (WRF/Chem) model. The new system was validated against observations from SPL and research flights along the Colorado Front Range, and used to test the sensitivity of CCN in western Colorado to various anthropogenic emissions of aerosols and aerosol precursor gases. Results showed complex interactions between gas and aerosol species that could lead to an increase in CCN even when some emissions are eliminated. Both observations and modeling suggest that, although several large anthropogenic aerosol sources are located within the study region, these sources have a minor impact on the local CCN population

A novel DSM philosophy for building integrated renewable systems

This paper presents an overview of a novel concept in IT network design and power control focused on matching building integrated renewable power generation with local demands. It describes how this is achieved through combination of energy demand reduction and dynamic utilisation of embedded energy storage in a robust, efficient and cost effective manner. A brief overview of the main features of the design is given in terms of its intended benefits as an integrated system. The load components and distribution topology are described for this experimental system within the limits set by the capacity, capabilities and desired function of the network. Power supply to the network is described as including a back-up source to the photovoltaic (PV) source to add functionality and stability with no requirements for undesirable exporting of excess PV generation. The necessary configuration of the renewable array integrating with the network is also highlighted with an example compatible solar module device. A trial of the technology and demand management control in a high profile office building is described. This trial in a live working environment is providing invaluable real world data to compare against modelling and network simulation results

Pumping of a Planetesimal Disc by a Rapidly Migrating Planet

We examine the effect of a rapidly migrating protoplanet on a ring of planetesimals. The eccentricities of the planetesimals are usually increased by $\Delta e \in (0.01, 0.1)$, with the exact increase being proportional to the protoplanet's mass, and inversely proportional to its migration rate. The eccentricity distribution is also substantially changed from a Rayleigh distribution. We discuss the possible implications for further planet formation, and suggest that the rapid passage of a protoplanet may not prevent the planetesimal disc from forming further planets.Comment: Five pages, two figures, accepted by MNRA

Alleviating unprecedented pressures faced by the General Practice workforce: a conceptual framework based on the extent to which Wessex GPs think that patients presenting with one condition could have been seen and appropriately managed by another healthcare professional [HCP]

1. Outline of the problem/contextThe number of patients who are finding it difficult to make a GP appointment has increased due to a lack of sufficient resourcing for general practice (i.e. shortage in workforce: GPs and nurses, decreased funding and increased costs) in a context of rapidly growing demand, brought about by the rising demographics, especially, but not exclusively, ageing population with long-term and complex conditions (RCGP 2015; Goodwin et al, 2011; Rosen and Parker, 2013; Deloitte, 2014; Baird et al, 2016).2. Assessment of problem and analysis of its cause/ literature reviewVarious solutions have been proposed to decrease the GP workload while also increasing the accessibility of primary care: promoting NHS Choice website (Nelson et al, 2010); improving health and self-management (Goodwin et al, 2011); collaboration between GP practices (Naylor et al, 2013); multi-specialty or multi-disciplinary new integrated models of care (Smith et al, 2013; NHS England 2015; Snow-Miller, 2015; Roland et al, 2015; Matheson, 2016b, 2016c); telephone consultations (Longman, 2012); emails (Atherton et al, 2012) and e-consultations (Adamson and Bachman, 2010; Madan 2014; Longman and Diggines, 2014).NHS Choice website was deemed in need of more marketing (Nelson et al, 2010). Multi-specialty or multi-disciplinary new integrated models of care have proven to be successful (Langridge, 2015; NHS England 2015; Liles, 2016a, 2016b; Matheson, 2016b, 2016c). Improving health initiatives (Goodwin et al, 2011; HSIC, 2015) and collaboration between GP practices (Naylor et al, 2013) have been slower to show progress. Although deemed convenient and useful, physicians have been slow to adopt secure patient messaging (Wallwiener et al, 2009). Limited evidence, variable results and shortcomings in data in relation to email has been such that it could not be adequately assessed (Atherton et al, 2012). Telephone-based consultation have shown conflicting evidence: from popular and successful (NHS England, 2015, p38) to ineffective and leading to increased workload (Campbell et al, 2014). Despite various claims (Adamson and Bachman 2010; Madan et al 2014; Longman and Diggines, 2015) of increased access for patient and decreased GP workload, evidence for online consultations has demonstrated a lack of significant benefit and low uptake (NHS England, 2015; Matheson, 2016d).3. Strategy for change/aims and objectivesTo try and identify ways of closing this gap between demand and supply by investigating, from the perspective of GPs, the extent to which HCPs could replace GPs re face-to-face consultations with patients who presented with one condition. 4. Measurement of improvement/methods/outcome measuresA survey questionnaire one side of A4 would be sent via a Wessex LMCs mailing to be completed discretely by hand by GPs ‘live’ during a consultation using 5-bar gate tallies to count the number patients presenting with one condition who could have been seen and appropriately managed by another Healthcare Professional [HCP] and to indicate which HCP (out of a choice of 4) could best do this with free text too for choice of HCP.5. Effects of changes/resultsA total of 212 questionnaires were received from a total of 23 practices spanning 9 Wessex CCGs that recorded 4,303 patient visits with 35% assessed as could have been seen and appropriately managed by another HCP: 18.5% could have been seen by an advanced nurse practitioner; 5.4% by an extended scope physiotherapist; 3.6% by a practice nurse; 3.1% by a MH nurse; 2.6% by a clinical pharmacist; and 1.7% by other HCPs or elsewhere. Of the 35% of consultations that could have been undertaken by an HCP: just over half (52.5%) could have been managed by advanced nurse practitioners; 15.5% by extended scope physiotherapists, 10.4% by practice nurses, 8.9% by MH nurses; 7.4% by clinical pharmacists and 5% by others/elsewhere. 6. Lessons learnt/discussion/strengths and limitations6.1. Strengths-First time that GPs have actually been asked to audit their practice ‘live’ to determine how many patients could have been seen and managed by another HCP and to identify which HCP could actually have done this-The sample represented 13.7% of GP practices in West Hampshire and 15% of GP practices in North Hampshire.-The survey enabled a dashboard to be built based on the results of the survey that can be populated by individual GP practices so visualise expanding the role of HCPs 6.2. Limitations-No respondents from Portsmouth CCG and Isle of Wight CCG.-The results entirely based on the conceptualisation by GPs of the ability of other HCPs to see patients presenting with one problem and to manage them appropriately for one -Does not take into account patients presenting with more than one problem -A very brief snapshot lacking in depth and does not take into account the interplay of complex factors. 7. Message for others/recommendations-The project could be replicated on a larger scale and supplemented by focus group with GPs or an additional electronic survey.-Involve patients and other HCPs in the design of interventions.<br/

Atrial fibrillation and survival in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND: Survival in colorectal cancer may correlate with the degree of systemic inflammatory response to the tumour. Atrial fibrillation may be regarded as an inflammatory complication. We aimed to determine if atrial fibrillation is a prognostic factor in colorectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective colorectal cancer patient database was cross-referenced with the hospital clinical-coding database to identify patients who had underwent colorectal cancer surgery and were in atrial fibrillation pre- or postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 175 patients underwent surgery for colorectal cancer over a two-year period. Of these, 13 patients had atrial fibrillation pre- or postoperatively. Atrial fibrillation correlated with worse two-year survival (p = 0.04; log-rank test). However, in a Cox regression analysis, atrial fibrillation was not significantly associated with survival. CONCLUSION: The presence or development of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer is associated with worse overall survival, however it was not found to be an independent factor in multivariate analysis

Digestion of Repair Sites in Rat Liver DNA by Endogenous Nucleases

The proportion of sheared rat liver DNA recovered from benzoylated DEAE-cellulose in the final stage following stepwise elution with NaCl and caffeine solutions was dependent upon the DNA isolation procedure. An increase in the proportion of DNA containing single stranded regions, consequent upon delay or addition of Mg2+ prior to phenol extraction, suggested nuclease mediated degradation. Administration of methyl methanesulphonate to rats resulted in a consistent proportional increase in the caffeine-eluted fraction. The results of caffeine gradient elution of control and alkylated DNA from benzoylated DEAE-cellulose were consistent with repair-associated single stranded regions being substrates for endogenous single strand-specific exonucleases

A framework for supporting rainwater harvesting in the UK

Numerous policy vehicles have been introduced in the UK promoting the use of rainwater harvesting (RWH). However, an 'implementation deficit' exists where legislation limits action by failing to provide adequate support mechanisms. This study uses an interdisciplinary approach to construct a framework to address the issue of overcoming this deficit. Evidence bases have identified six deficit categories, which confirm a lack of enabling of stakeholders. Outline recommendations, such as coordinated information provision and reconsideration of incentive schemes are made in relation to these categories to complete the framework for supporting RWH in the UK

Common insect pests and diseases on fruit trees in the home garden

Home gardeners frequently see insect pests and diseases affecting their fruit trees. Usually they would have seen them in previous seasons, so the pests or diseases look familiar. However, there are occasions, when an unusual pest (not native to Western Australia) can occur. These exotic pests are a concern for the farming community, as they could threaten the agricultural and horticultural industries and increase the price of production and the cost to the consumer. This bulletin describes the most common insect pests and diseases on fruit trees in home gardens.https://researchlibrary.agric.wa.gov.au/bulletins/1193/thumbnail.jp