The Utility of Trouble: Maximizing the Value of Our Human Services Dollars

Outlines recommendations to standardize service delivery areas and consolidate area offices of the state's seven largest human services agencies, as well as to close antiquated institutions. Projects benefits such as improved accessibility and savings

Impfungen gegen Pneumokokken und Influenza: Wie groß ist die Evidenz?

Zusammenfassung: Durch Pneumokokken verursachte Infektionen und die Influenza können bei Kindern und älteren Personen sowie bei chronisch Kranken und Immunosupprimierten zu schweren, komplizierten Verläufen führen. Bei der alternden Bevölkerung in westlichen Ländern sind sie wichtige Ursachen für erhöhte Morbidität und Letalität. Weltweit unterstreicht die Antibiotikaresistenzentwicklung die Notwendigkeit der effektiven Impfung. Der 23-valente Polysaccharidimpfstoff gegen Pneumokokken wird kontrovers diskutiert. Neue Metaanalysen zeigten keine/wenig Wirksamkeit der Impfung in Bezug auf invasive Pneumokokkenerkrankungen oder Gesamtletalität. Jedoch dokumentierte eine neue Studie bei Pflegeheimbewohnern eine signifikante Reduktion von Pneumonie und Tod durch Pneumokokkenerkrankungen nach Impfungen. Der 7-valente Konjugatimpfstoff ist bei Kindern und bei Immunosupprimierten deutlich immunogener und effizienter und ist im schweizerischen Impfplan für Kinder integriert. In Deutschland wurde er bereits durch den 13-valenten Konjugatimpfstoff ersetzt. Influenzaimpfungen sind gut immunogen. Dies wird durch Adjuvanzien bei einer älteren Bevölkerung erhöht. Aufgrund der pandemischen Influenza H1N1 2009 wurden die Impfempfehlungen und die Zusammensetzung der Impfstoffe durch die WHO für den Herbst/Winter 2010/2011 entsprechend angepasst. Die Influenzaimpfung bietet zwar keinen guten Schutz gegen die Ansteckung, jedoch einen guten Schutz gegen Komplikationen der Influenz

Finite-Volume Energy Spectrum, Fractionalized Strings, and Low-Energy Effective Field Theory for the Quantum Dimer Model on the Square Lattice

We present detailed analytic calculations of finite-volume energy spectra, mean field theory, as well as a systematic low-energy effective field theory for the square lattice quantum dimer model. The analytic considerations explain why a string connecting two external static charges in the confining columnar phase fractionalizes into eight distinct strands with electric flux $\frac{1}{4}$. An emergent approximate spontaneously broken $SO(2)$ symmetry gives rise to a pseudo-Goldstone boson. Remarkably, this soft phonon-like excitation, which is massless at the Rokhsar-Kivelson (RK) point, exists far beyond this point. The Goldstone physics is captured by a systematic low-energy effective field theory. We determine its low-energy parameters by matching the analytic effective field theory with exact diagonalization results and Monte Carlo data. This confirms that the model exists in the columnar (and not in a plaquette or mixed) phase all the way to the RK point.Comment: 35 pages, 16 figure

Positive Effect of Increased AFLP Diversity Among Parental Plants on Yield of Polycross Progenies in Perennial Ryegrass (\u3cem\u3eLolium Perenne\u3c/em\u3e L.)

In outbreeding forage crops such as perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), genetic diversity among parental plants may greatly influence the success of a cultivar through mechanisms such as heterosis and inbreeding depression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers to select polycross parents with contrasting levels of genetic diversity and to analyse genetic diversity and agronomic performance of first and second generation synthetic progenies (Syn1, Syn2)

Genetic and Phenotypic Diversity of Swiss Red Clover Landraces

Mattenklee landraces are persistent and locally adapted Swiss red clover populations. About 100 populations are preserved and may represent a significant yet poorly characterised genetic resource for temperate regions. Genetic characterisation is important in order to improve cultivars, manage genetic resources and to maintain or restore biodiversity. The objectives of this study were to analyse genetic diversity, investigate potential ancestry and to elucidate the congruence of phenotypic and genetic structure of Mattenklee landraces

The facilitatory effect of duloxetine combined with pelvic floor muscle training on the excitability of urethral sphincter motor neurons

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Aim of this study was to investigate the excitability of sphincter motor neurons under the influence of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and duloxetine. Due to their mechanisms of action, there might be a synergistic effect of duloxetine and PFMT in regard to the facilitation of spinal reflexes controlling urethral sphincter contractions and hence continence. METHODS: In ten healthy female subjects, clitoral electric stimulation (CES) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) were used to determine individual motor thresholds for external urethral sphincter (EUS) contractions before and after PFMT, duloxetine, and PFMT + duloxetine. RESULTS: PFMT and duloxetine alone significantly decreased the motor thresholds for EUS contractions during CES and TMS. However, the combined treatment reduced the motor threshold for EUS contractions significantly stronger compared to PFMT or duloxetine alone. CONCLUSIONS: The results are suggestive for a synergistic facilitatory effect of PFMT and duloxetine on sphincter motor neuron activation