Port-a-caths in cancer patients

We report on 91 patients with cancer who underwent the insertion of 89 venous and 4 hepatic arterial, implanted vascular ports (port-a-caths) for periods of up to 33 months (total 1 525 patient-months). There were 1 fatal, 9 serious and 8 minor complications in 18 patients which are described and discussed. In this series, comlplications were more common in younger patients, and infection was rare.Port-a-caths are extremely useful for vascular access, and have a low complication rate. However, the occasional occurrence of serious and even fatal complications suggests that the decision to insert a device should be judiciously weighed

Utility of correlation techniques in gravity and magnetic interpretation

Internal correspondence uses Poisson's Theorem in a moving-window linear regression analysis between the anomalous first vertical derivative of gravity and total magnetic field reduced to the pole. The regression parameters provide critical information on source characteristics. The correlation coefficient indicates the strength of the relation between magnetics and gravity. Slope value gives delta j/delta sigma estimates of the anomalous source. The intercept furnishes information on anomaly interference. Cluster analysis consists of the classification of subsets of data into groups of similarity based on correlation of selected characteristics of the anomalies. Model studies are used to illustrate implementation and interpretation procedures of these methods, particularly internal correspondence. Analysis of the results of applying these methods to data from the midcontinent and a transcontinental profile shows they can be useful in identifying crustal provinces, providing information on horizontal and vertical variations of physical properties over province size zones, validating long wavelength anomalies, and isolating geomagnetic field removal problems

Utility of correlation techniques in gravity and magnetic interpretation

Two methods of quantitative combined analysis, internal correspondence and clustering, are presented. Model studies are used to illustrate implementation and interpretation procedures of these methods, particularly internal correspondence. Analysis of the results of applying these methods to data from the midcontinent and a transcontinental profile show they can be useful in identifying crustal provinces, providing information on horizontal and vertical variations of physical properties over province size zones, validating long wave-length anomalies, and isolating geomagnetic field removal problems. Thus, these techniques are useful in considering regional data acquired by satellites

The Impact Of Communication On The Accounting Firm/Client Relationship

This paper presents the results of a study designed to gather information on communication between an accounting firm and its clients.  We first provide descriptive information on clients’ perceptions regarding the frequency, method, and importance of communication with their accounting firm.  We then provide evidence on the relationship between effective communication and both client satisfaction and accounting firm/client conflict.  We find that that the use of effective communication techniques by an accounting firm is positively related to client satisfaction and negatively related to firm/client conflict.  The overall results of this study suggest that accounting firms can effectively use collaborative communication, which focuses on using communication to build better relationships between firms, to manage client relations

Service Quality In Accounting Firms: The Relationship Of Service Quality To Client Satisfaction And Firm/Client Conflict

This paper presents the results of a study using the marketing-based SERVQUAL scale to examine the relationship between service quality and both client satisfaction and firm/client conflict in an accounting firm setting.  Using a sample of 154 clients, we confirm that service quality is positively related to clients’ satisfaction with their accounting firm and negatively related to firm/client conflict.  We also examine the individual dimensions of service quality to provide insight into specific steps accounting firms can take both to increase client satisfaction and to decrease firm/client conflict

The Relationship Of Service Quality To Client Satisfaction In An Accounting Firm Setting

This paper presents the results of a study using the marketing-based SERVQUAL scale to examine the relationship between service quality and client satisfaction in an accounting firm setting.  Using a sample of 154 clients, we confirm that service quality is positively related in clients’ satisfaction with their accounting firm.  More importantly, we examine the individual dimensions of service quality to provide insight into specific steps accounting firms can take to increase client satisfaction

Mn-Intercalated MoSe2_2 under pressure: electronic structure and vibrational characterization of a dilute magnetic semiconductor

Intercalation offers a promising way to alter the physical properties of two-dimensional (2D) layered materials. Here we investigate the electronic and vibrational properties of 2D layered MoSe$_2$ intercalated with atomic manganese at ambient and high pressure up to 7 GPa by Raman scattering and electronic structure calculations. The behavior of optical phonons is studied experimentally with a diamond anvil cell and computationally through density functional theory calculations. Experiment and theory show excellent agreement in optical phonon behavior. The previously Raman inactive A$_{2u}$ mode is activated and enhanced with intercalation and pressure, and a new Raman mode appears upon decompression, indicating a possible onset of a localized structural transition, involving the bonding or trapping of intercalant in 2D layered materials. Density functional theory calculations reveal a shift of Fermi level into the conduction band and spin polarization in Mn$_x$MoSe$_2$ that increases at low Mn concentration and low pressure. Our results suggest that intercalation and pressurization of van der Waals materials may allow one to obtain dilute magnetic semiconductors with controllable properties, providing a viable route for the development of new materials for spintronic applications.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figure

Challenges in the comparative study of empathy and related phenomena in animals

The aim of this review is to discuss recent arguments and findings in the comparative study of empathy. Based on a multidisciplinary approach including psychology and ethology, we review the non-human animal literature concerning theoretical frameworks, methodology, and research outcomes. One specific objective is to highlight discrepancies between theory and empirical findings, and to discuss ambiguities present in current data and their interpretation. In particular, we focus on emotional contagion and its experimental investigation, and on consolation and targeted helping as measures for sympathy. Additionally, we address the feasibility of comparing across species with behavioural data alone. One main conclusion of our review is that animal research on empathy still faces the challenge of closing the gap between theoretical concepts and empirical evidence. To advance our knowledge, we propose to focus more on the emotional basis of empathy, rather than on possibly ambiguous behavioural indicators, and we provide suggestions to overcome the limitations of previous researchPeer reviewe