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We study the nilpotent part N ′ of a pseudo-periodic automorphism h of a real oriented surface with boundary Σ. We associate a quadratic form Q defined on the first homology group (relative to the boundary) of the surface Σ. Using the twist formula and techniques from mapping class group theory, we prove that the form Q ̃ obtained after killing ker N is positive definite if all the screw numbers associated with certain orbits of annuli are positive. We also prove that the restriction of Q ̃ to the absolute homology group of Σ is even whenever the quotient of the Nielsen–Thurston graph under the action of the automorphism is a tree. The case of monodromy automorphisms of Milnor fibers Σ = F of germs of curves on normal surface singularities is discussed in detail, and the aforementioned results are specialized to such situation. This form Q is determined by the Seifert form but can be much more easily computed. Moreover, the form Q ̃ is computable in terms of the dual resolution or semistable reduction graph, as illustrated with several examples. Numerical invariants associated with Q ̃ are able to distinguish plane curve singularities with different topological types but same spectral pairs. Finally, we discuss a generic linear germ defined on a superisolated surface. In this case the plumbing graph is not a tree and the restriction of Q ̃ to the absolute monodromy of Σ = F is not even. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study examined the course and predictors of supportive care needs among Mexican breast cancer patients for different cancer treatment trajectories., Methods: Data from 172 (66.4% response rate) patients were considered in this observational longitudinal study. Participants were measured after diagnosis, neoadjuvant treatment, surgery, adjuvant treatment, and the first post-treatment follow-up visit. Psychological, Health System and Information, Physical and Daily Living, Patient Care and Support, Sexual, and Additional care needs were measured with the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS-SF34). Linear mixed models with maximum-likelihood estimation were computed., Results: The course of supportive care needs was similar across the different cancer treatment trajectories. Supportive care needs declined significantly from diagnosis to the first post-treatment follow-up visit. Health System and Information care needs were the highest needs over time. Depressive symptoms and time since diagnosis were the most consistent predictors of changes in course of supportive care needs of these patients., Conclusions: Health system and information care needs of Mexican breast cancer patients need to be addressed with priority because these needs are the least met. Furthermore, patients with high depressive symptoms at the start of the disease trajectory have greater needs for supportive care throughout the disease trajectory., (© 2018 The Authors. Psycho-Oncology Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)