Generalized software system for multiple small data-acquisition systems

Computer program system for failure analysis data acquisition systems with on-line programming capabilitie

Rescoring the NIH chronic prostatitis symptom index: nothing new.

The National Institutes of Health-chronic prostatitis symptom index (NIH-CPSI) is a commonly used 13-item questionnaire for the assessment of symptom severity in men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). For each item, score ranges are 0-1 (6 items), 0-3 (2 items), 0-5 (3 items), 0-6 (1 item) and 0-10 (1 item). This scoring system is straightforward, but items with wider score ranges are de facto weighted more, which could adversely affect the performance characteristics of the questionnaire. We rescored the NIH-CPSI so that equal weights were assigned to each item, and compared the performance of the standard and rescored questionnaires using the original validation dataset. Both the original and revised versions of the scoring algorithm discriminated similarly among groups of men with CP (n=151), benign prostatic hyperplasia (n=149) and controls (n=134). The internal consistency of the questionnaire was slightly better with the revised scoring, but values with the standard scoring were sufficiently high (Cronbach's >or=0.80). We conclude that although the rescored NIH-CPSI provides better face validity than the standard scoring algorithm, it requires additional calculation efforts and yields only marginal improvements in performance

What proportion of adult allergy referrals to secondary care could be dealt with in primary care by a GP with special interest?

Background: The concept of a General Practitioner with Special Interest (GPwSI) was first proposed in the 2000 National Health Service Plan, as a way of providing specialised treatment closer to the patient’s home and reducing hospital waiting times. Given the patchy and inadequate provision of allergy services in the UK the introduction of GPwSIs might reduce the pressure on existing specialist services. Objectives: This study assessed what proportion of referrals to a specialist allergy clinic could be managed in a GPwSI allergy service with a predefined range of facilities and expertise (accurate diagnosis and management of allergy; skin prick testing; provision of advice on allergen avoidance; ability to assess suitability for desensitisation). Methods: 100 consecutive GP referrals to a hospital allergy clinic were reviewed to determine whether patients could be seen in a community-based clinic led by a general practitioner with special interest (GPwSI) allergy. The documentation relating to each referral was independently assessed by three allergy specialists. The referrals were judged initially on the referral letter alone and then re-assessed with the benefit of information summarised in the clinic letter, to determine whether appropriate triage decisions could be made prospectively. The proportion of referrals suitable for a GPwSI was calculated and their referral characteristics identified. Results: 29 % referrals were judged unanimously appropriate for management by a GPwSI and an additional 30 % by 2 of the 3 reviewers. 18 % referrals were unsuitable for a GPwSI service because of the complexity of the presenting problem, patient co-morbidity or the need for specialist knowledge or facilities. Conclusions and clinical relevance: At least a quarter, and possibly half, of allergy referrals to our hospital-based service could be dealt with in a GPwSI clinic, thereby diversifying the patient pathway, allowing specialist services to focus on more complex cases and reducing the waiting time for first appointments

Recent Advances in Solar Cell Technology

The advances in solar cell efficiency, radiation tolerance, and cost over the last decade are reviewed. Potential performance of thin-film solar cells in space are discussed, and the cost and the historical trends in production capability of the photovoltaics industry are considered with respect to the requirements of space power systems. Concentrator cells with conversion efficiency over 30%, and nonconcentrating solar cells with efficiency over 25% are now available, and advanced radiation-tolerant cells and lightweight, thin-film arrays are both being developed. Nonsolar applications of solar cells, including thermophotovoltaics, alpha- and betavoltaics, and laser power receivers, are also discussed

BOOM!!! ...for Real!

Title from PDF of title page, viewed November 1, 2017Dissertation advisor: Chen YiVitaThesis (D.M.A.)--Conservatory of Music and Dance. University of Missouri--Kansas City, 2017BOOM!!! ...for Real! is a fifteen-minute chamber concerto for alto saxophone (doubling tenor) and mixed chamber ensemble. The paintings and techniques of three American expressionist painters—Cy Twombly, Franz Kline, and Jean-Michel Basquiat— influence the concerto. Three continuous movements connected by two cadenzas organize the composition. The movements portray and develop aspects of each painter's technique of improvisation and structure, while the cadenzas serve as transitions between movements. Twombly's use of loops and pseudo-script in the paintings Untitled (New York City), 1968 and the series Three Notes From Salalah and Camino Real influence the first movement and first cadenza. Three sections divide the movement, with each section representing a work or series. The movement explores linear gesture using a contrapuntal framework of temporally independent voices within a tutti texture, creating a dichotomy between independence and integration. The cadenza, scored for solo alto saxophone, continues the preoccupation with line by merging improvisation and gesture. It is a collection of melodic contours composed from tracing leaves gathered during an autumn hike. The through-composed second movement explores shifting textural opacity reflected in the work of Franz Kline. The manipulation of dissonances and orchestration color the initial wide-spaced octaves. Outbursts of agitated melodic activity accumulate to activate the foreground and create a sense of randomness. However, background strata such as pacing, rhythmic durations, and structure are controlled using proportional relationships. The dichotomy between melodic gesture and controlled background of the movement reflects Kline's methodology versus public perception of his work. The graffiti tags and paintings of Jean-Michel Basquiat inspire the second cadenza and the final movement and feature the tenor saxophone. Spoken text, noise, rhythmic momentum, and improvisation evoke the frenetic nature of Basquiat's work. The final movement develops the energy of the cadenza, by adding a constant juxtaposition and layering of fragmented and disparate musical material, comprised of noise, improvisation, text, and hints of vernacular music genres. Rapid changes of texture, orchestration, volume, and temporality shape the dramatic arc. The complete concerto unfolds with spontaneity of form, vivid color, and dramatic arc using the gestural and structural techniques of Twombly, Kline, and Basquiat.Instrumentation -- Performance notes -- Acknowledgments -- Boom!!! ...for Real