280 research outputs found
PMD30 MODELLING OF PREVALENCE, COSTS AND OUTCOME OF ACID-RELATED DISORDERS USING CLAIMS DATA
POB4 USING CLAIMS DATA TO UNDERSTAND THE COSTS OF DIFFERENT HEALTH STATES FOR PATIENTS WITH CARDIOMETABOLIC RISK
Tracking the effects of rigidity percolation down to the liquid state: relaxational dynamics of binary chalcogen melts
4 pags. ; 4 figs.The stochastic dynamics of binary liquids with formula AxB1-x, x=0–0.4 is investigated by neutron spin-echo spectroscopy. These compositions comprise samples of varying chemical connectivity, ranging from twofold-coordinated liquid Se to higher average coordinated As2S3. The parameters giving the temperature dependence of the relaxation patterns show a quasilinear dependence on the average coordination number. The results thus extend the validity of the rigidity concept into the normal liquid state and emphasize the role played by the fine details of atomic bonding on the dynamics at 10 ps–1 ns scales.Work supported in part by Grant No. MAT2007-65711-C-4-01, MEC, Spain.Peer reviewe
PyMorph: Automated Galaxy Structural Parameter Estimation using Python
We present a new software pipeline -- PyMorph -- for automated estimation of
structural parameters of galaxies. Both parametric fits through a two
dimensional bulge disk decomposition as well as structural parameter
measurements like concentration, asymmetry etc. are supported. The pipeline is
designed to be easy to use yet flexible; individual software modules can be
replaced with ease. A find-and-fit mode is available so that all galaxies in a
image can be measured with a simple command. A parallel version of the Pymorph
pipeline runs on computer clusters and a Virtual Observatory compatible web
enabled interface is under development.Comment: 15 pages, 12 figures, 1 table, accepted for publication in MNRA
Disorder Effects in Superconducting Multiple Loop Quantum Interferometers
A theoretical study is presented on a number N of resistively shunted
Josephson junctions connected in parallel as a disordered 1D array by
superconducting wiring in such a manner that there are N-1 individual SQUID
loops with arbitrary shape formed.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figure
Classification of one-dimensional quasilattices into mutual local-derivability classes
One-dimensional quasilattices are classified into mutual local-derivability
(MLD) classes on the basis of geometrical and number-theoretical
considerations. Most quasilattices are ternary, and there exist an infinite
number of MLD classes. Every MLD class has a finite number of quasilattices
with inflation symmetries. We can choose one of them as the representative of
the MLD class, and other members are given as decorations of the
representative. Several MLD classes of particular importance are listed. The
symmetry-preserving decorations rules are investigated extensively.Comment: 42 pages, latex, 5 eps figures, Published in JPS
Non-equilibrium electronic transport and interaction in short metallic nanobridges
We have observed interaction effects in the differential conductance of
short, disordered metal bridges in a well-controlled non-equilibrium situation,
where the distribution function has a double Fermi step. A logarithmic scaling
law is found both for the temperature and for the voltage dependence of in
all samples. The absence of magnetic field dependence and the low
dimensionality of our samples allow us to distinguish between several possible
interaction effects, proposed recently in nanoscopic samples. The universal
scaling curve is explained quantitatively by the theory of electron-electron
interaction in diffusive metals, adapted to the present case, where the sample
size is smaller than the thermal diffusion length.Comment: Published version, 6 Pages, 6 postscript figures, 1 tabl
Cluster Performance reconsidered: Structure, Linkages and Paths in the German Biotechnology Industry, 1996-2003
This paper addresses the evolution of biotechnology clusters in Germany between 1996 and 2003, paying particular attention to their respective composition in terms of venture capital, basic science institutions and biotechnology firms. Drawing upon the significance of co-location of "money and ideas", the literature stressing the importance of a cluster's openness and external linkages, and the path dependency debate, the paper aims to analyse how certain cluster characteristics correspond with its overall performance. After identifying different cluster types, we investigate their internal and external interconnectivity in comparative manner and draw on changes in cluster composition. Our results indicate that the structure, i.e. to which group the cluster belongs, and the openness towards external knowledge flows deliver merely unsystematic indications with regard to a cluster's overall success. Its ability to change composition towards a more balanced ratio of science and capital over time, on the other hand, turns out as a key explanatory factor. Hence, the dynamic perspective proves effective illuminating cluster growth and performance, where our explorative findings provide a promising avenue for further evolutionary research
The Multiwavelength Survey by Yale-Chile (MUSYC): Deep Medium-Band optical imaging and high quality 32-band photometric redshifts in the ECDF-S
We present deep optical 18-medium-band photometry from the Subaru telescope
over the ~30' x 30' Extended Chandra Deep Field-South (ECDF-S), as part of the
Multiwavelength Survey by Yale-Chile (MUSYC). This field has a wealth of
ground- and space-based ancillary data, and contains the GOODS-South field and
the Hubble Ultra Deep Field. We combine the Subaru imaging with existing
UBVRIzJHK and Spitzer IRAC images to create a uniform catalog. Detecting
sources in the MUSYC BVR image we find ~40,000 galaxies with R_AB<25.3, the
median 5 sigma limit of the 18 medium bands. Photometric redshifts are
determined using the EAZY code and compared to ~2000 spectroscopic redshifts in
this field. The medium band filters provide very accurate redshifts for the
(bright) subset of galaxies with spectroscopic redshifts, particularly at 0.1 <
z 3.5. For 0.1 < z < 1.2, we find a 1 sigma scatter in \Delta
z/(1+z) of 0.007, similar to results obtained with a similar filter set in the
COSMOS field. As a demonstration of the data quality, we show that the red
sequence and blue cloud can be cleanly identified in rest-frame color-magnitude
diagrams at 0.1 < z < 1.2. We find that ~20% of the red-sequence-galaxies show
evidence of dust-emission at longer rest-frame wavelengths. The reduced images,
photometric catalog, and photometric redshifts are provided through the public
MUSYC website.Comment: 19 pages, 14 image
International challenges without borders: a descriptive study of family physicians' educational needs in the field of diabetes
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The optimal care of persons with diabetes by general practitioners and family physicians (GP/FP) is complex and requires multiple competencies. This is a fairly unrecognized key challenge in the healthcare systems. In some cases, local and national Continuous Professional Development (CPD) initiatives target these challenges; however there have been few international initiatives, possibly because challenges emerging from different studies have not been linked across national boundaries. In this context, the authors have compiled data about gaps and/or barriers inherent to GP/FP care of persons with type 2 diabetes from Austria, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Secondary analyzes of pre-existing studies were conducted to identify challenges in the care of patients with type 2 diabetes as faced by GPs/FPs. Two sources of data were reviewed: unpublished research data from collaborating organizations and articles from a literature search (in English and German). Articles retrieved were scanned by the research team for relevance to the study objectives and to extract existing gaps and barriers. The identified challenges were then categorized along three major axes: (1) phase of the continuum of care {from screening to management}; (2) learning domain {knowledge, skills, attitudes, behavior, context}; and (3) by country/region. Compilation and categorization were performed by qualitative researchers and discrepancies were resolved through discussion until concordance was achieved.</p> <p>Results and discussion</p> <p>Thirteen challenges faced by GPs/FPs in the care for patients with type 2 diabetes were common in at least 3 of the 4 targeted countries/regions. These issues were found across the entire continuum of care and included: pathophysiology of diabetes, diagnostic criteria, treatment targets assessment, drugs' modes of action, decision-making in therapies, treatment guidelines, insulin therapy, adherence, management of complications, lifestyle changes, team integration, bureaucracy and third-party payers. The issues reported were not restricted to the physicians' knowledge, but also related to their skills, attitudes, behaviours and context.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This study revealed challenges faced by GPs/FPs when caring for patients with diabetes, which were similar across international and health system borders. Common issues might be addressed more efficiently through international educational designs, adapted to each country's healthcare system, helping develop and maintain physicians' competencies.</p
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