Cost-effective utilization of a private facility to perform outpatient surgery in public hospital waiting list patients.

Background: Public hospitals' long waiting lists make outpatient surgery in private facilities very attractive provided a standardized protocol is applied. The aim of this study was to assess this kind of innovative collaboration in abdominal surgery from a clinical and economical perspective. Methods: All consecutive patients operated on in an outpatient basis in a private facility by a public hospital abdominal surgeon and an assistant over a 5-year period (2004-2009) were included. Clinical assessment was carried out from patients' charts and satisfaction questionnaire, and economic assessment from the comparison between the surgeons' charges paid by the private facility and the surgeons' hospital salaries during the days devoted to surgery at the private facility. Results: Over the 5 years, 602 operative procedures were carried out during 190 operative days. All patients could be discharged the same day and only 1% of minor complications occurred. The patients' satisfaction was 98%. The balance between the surgeons' charges paid by the private facility and their hospital salary costs was positive by 25.8% for the senior surgeon and 12.6% for the assistant or, on average, 21.9% for both. Conclusion: Collaboration between an overloaded university hospital surgery department and a private surgical facility was successful, effective, safe, and cost-effective. It could be extended to other surgical specialities. Copyright (C) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel

Iowa Public Library Statistics, July 2007-June 2008

The 2007-2008 (FY08) edition of Iowa Public Library Statistics includes information on income, expenditures, collections, circulation, and other measures, including staff. Each section is arranged by size code, then alphabetically by city. The totals and percentiles for each size code grouping are given immediately following the alphabetical listings. Totals and medians for all reporting libraries are given at the end of each section. There are 543 libraries included in this publication; 522 submitted a report. The table of size codes (page 6) lists the libraries alphabetically. The following table lists the size code designations, the population range in each size code, the number of libraries reporting in each size code, and the total population of the reporting libraries in each sizecode. The total population served by the 543 libraries is 2,248,279. Population data is used to determine per capita figures throughout the publication.

Spatial analysis of corresponding fingerprint features from match and close non-match populations

The development of statistical models for forensic fingerprint identification purposes has been the subject of increasing research attention in recent years. This can be partly seen as a response to a number of commentators who claim that the scientific basis for fingerprint identification has not been adequately demonstrated. In addition, key forensic identification bodies such as ENFSI [1] and IAI [2] have recently endorsed and acknowledged the potential benefits of using statistical models as an important tool in support of the fingerprint identification process within the ACE-V framework. In this paper, we introduce a new Likelihood Ratio (LR) model based on Support Vector Machines (SVMs) trained with features discovered via morphometric and spatial analyses of corresponding minutiae configurations for both match and close non-match populations often found in AFIS candidate lists. Computed LR values are derived from a probabilistic framework based on SVMs that discover the intrinsic spatial differences of match and close non-match populations. Lastly, experimentation performed on a set of over 120,000 publicly available fingerprint images (mostly sourced from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) datasets) and a distortion set of approximately 40,000 images, is presented, illustrating that the proposed LR model is reliably guiding towards the right proposition in the identification assessment of match and close non-match populations. Results further indicate that the proposed model is a promising tool for fingerprint practitioners to use for analysing the spatial consistency of corresponding minutiae configurations.

Identification and quantification techniques in mass spectrometry-based proteomics

Résumé La protéomique basée sur la spectrométrie de masse est l'étude du proteome l'ensemble des protéines exprimées au sein d'une cellule, d'un tissu ou d'un organisme - par cette technique. Les protéines sont coupées à l'aide d'enzymes en plus petits morceaux -les peptides -, et, séparées par différentes techniques. Les différentes fractions contenant quelques centaines de peptides sont ensuite analysées dans un spectromètre de masse. La masse des peptides est enregistrée et chaque peptide est séquentiellement fragmenté pour en obtenir sa séquence. L'information de masse et séquence est ensuite comparée à une base de données de protéines afin d'identifier la protéine d'origine. Dans une première partie, la thèse décrit le développement de méthodes d'identification. Elle montre l'importance de l'enrichissement de protéines comme moyen d'accès à des protéines de moyenne à faible abondance dans le lait humain. Elle utilise des injections répétées pour augmenter la couverture en protéines et la confiance dans l'identification. L'impacte de nouvelle version de base de données sur la liste des protéines identifiées est aussi démontré. De plus, elle utilise avec succès la spectrométrie de masse comme alternative aux anticorps, pour valider la présence de 34 constructions de protéines pathogéniques du staphylocoque doré exprimées dans une souche de lactocoque. Dans une deuxième partie, la thèse décrit le développement de méthodes de quantification. Elle expose de nouvelles approches de marquage des terminus des protéines aux isotopes stables et décrit la première méthode de marquage des groupements carboxyliques au niveau protéine à l'aide de réactifs composé de carbone 13. De plus, une nouvelle méthode, appelée ANIBAL, marquant tous les groupements amines et carboxyliques au niveau de la protéine, est exposée. Summary Mass spectrometry-based proteomics is the study of the proteome -the set of all expressed proteins in a cell, tissue or organism -using mass spectrometry. Proteins are cut into smaller pieces - peptides - using proteolytic enzymes and separated using different separation techniques. The different fractions containing several hundreds of peptides are than analyzed by mass spectrometry. The mass of the peptides entering the instrument are recorded and each peptide is sequentially fragmented to obtain its amino acid sequence. Each peptide sequence with its corresponding mass is then searched against a protein database to identify the protein to which it belongs. This thesis presents new method developments in this field. In a first part, the thesis describes development of identification methods. It shows the importance of protein enrichment methods to gain access to medium-to-low abundant proteins in a human milk sample. It uses repeated injection to increase protein coverage and confidence in identification and demonstrates the impact of new database releases on protein identification lists. In addition, it successfully uses mass spectrometry as an alternative to antibody-based assays to validate the presence of 34 different recombinant constructs of Staphylococcus aureus pathogenic proteins expressed in a Lactococcus lactis strain. In a second part, development of quantification methods is described. It shows new stable isotope labeling approaches based on N- and C-terminus labeling of proteins and describes the first method of labeling of carboxylic groups at the protein level using 13C stable isotopes. In addition, a new quantitative approach called ANIBAL is explained that labels all amino and carboxylic groups at the protein level.

The Gene Ontology: enhancements for 2011.

The Gene Ontology (GO) (http://www.geneontology.org) is a community bioinformatics resource that represents gene product function through the use of structured, controlled vocabularies. The number of GO annotations of gene products has increased due to curation efforts among GO Consortium (GOC) groups, including focused literature-based annotation and ortholog-based functional inference. The GO ontologies continue to expand and improve as a result of targeted ontology development, including the introduction of computable logical definitions and development of new tools for the streamlined addition of terms to the ontology. The GOC continues to support its user community through the use of e-mail lists, social media and web-based resources.

Aplicación y asistente web para la gestión del catálogo de un fabricante de herramientas

Desarrollada dentro de la empresa fabricante de herramientas de corte Myfhe, S.A., esta aplicación web multilingüe cataloga el amplio programa de productos de este exportador mundial. Se presentan también una interfaz asistida (para usuarios noveles) así como otra interfaz manual (para usuarios expertos) que permiten generar el desglose de productos, el plano acotado de estos mismos ensamblados y otra información técnica una vez el usuario completa un sencillo cuestionario. De esta manera, se consigue automatizar – mejorando en tiempo y en calidad – una tarea que es imprescindible realizar siempre que se compran los productos de esta empresa y antes de la puesta en marcha de estos en el taller.

Iowa Trophy Deer Records, 1953-1991

This document lists trophy white-tail deer taken by "fair chase" in Iowa from 1953-1991. A deer qualifies as a trophy by the score of the conformation of its antlers and and by type of weapon that was used.

Estudio de la accesibilidad de los documentos cientificos en soporte digital

Resumen: El artículo analiza los problemas de accesibilidad que actualmente presentan los artículos científicos en soporte digital. El estudio se centra en los aspectos de facilidad de uso del contenido de los documentos digitales según la forma en que se publiquen, sin entrar en el estudio de los distintos sistemas de recuperación. Se analizan los dos formatos más utilizados para la publicación de artículos científicos en soporte digital: HTML y PDF, estudiando el desempeño lector en relación a la presencia de sumarios o de tablas internas o vinculadas. El estudio se ha realizado con dos colectivos: 30 sujetos ciegos, usuarios de Jaws, contactados gracias a la mediación de la Fundación ONCE, y 30 sujetos no ciegos, profesores del Departamento de Biblioteconomía y Documentación de la Universidad de Barcelona. El estudio muestra que la localización de los datos contenidos en tablas se ve facilitada en documentos HTML por la inclusión de un sumario que vincule con la tabla, así como la inclusión de tablas completas en el cuerpo del documento HTML facilita la actividad lectora por parte de los usuarios ciegos. A nivel metodológico la presente investigación aporta dos novedades relevantes respecto a la literatura existente en los estudios de usabilidad con ciegos: estudia la usabilidad del formato PDF y es un test de usabilidad cuantitativo; este último hecho dificulta su comparación con la mayoría de artículos publicados. Abstract: This paper analyses the problems of accessibility posed by scientific articles published in digital format, focusing on the ease of use of their content with respect to the form in which they are published (irrespective of the recovery system). The two most widely used formats for the publication of scientific articles in digital format, HTML and PDF, are analysed, examining reader performance in relation to the presence of contents lists or internal or linked tables. The study involved two groups: 30 blind subjects, all JAWS users, contacted through the ONCE Foundation, and 30 sighted subjects, lecturers in the Department of Librarianship and Documentation of the University of Barcelona. The results shows the location of data in tables is easier in HTML documents through the inclusion of a contents list linked to these tables. Further, the inclusion of complete tables in the body of HTML document facilitates the reading activity of blind users. At the methodological level, this work reports two novelties with respect to the existing literature on usability by blind people: it examines the usability of the PDF format, and discusses a quantitative usability test. The latter hinders comparison with the majority of published articles.

La revista Biblioteconomía (1944-1976) o com l'anàlisi del contingut i els llenguatges documentals interessaven als professionals de l'època

Analysis of information on the classification and indexing of the entire run of Biblioteconomía (1944-1976), the bulletin of the School of Librarians of Barcelona. Selection criteria included items directly related to the issue at hand, such as documental languages (classifications and subject heading lists) and subject catalogues (in both alphabetic and shelf order). Although the intention was to achieve a comprehensive analysis, priority was given to the importance and value of the information selected. Only those items considered to be significant within the chosen theme were chosen.

Tax Exempt Property Report, 2008

Iowa law requires each assessor in the state to value tax exempt property within his or her jurisdiction, and report such values to the Director of Revenue each year. The following report lists the 2009 actual valuations of tax exempt property for the following types of property: religious institutions, literary societies and educational institutions, low rent housing, associations of war veterans, charitable and benevolent societies, libraries and art galleries, dwelling unit property, homes for soldiers, and racetracks. Also presented in this report are comparative 2008 exempt property values.

Tax Exempt Property Report, 2009

Iowa law requires each assessor in the state to value tax exempt property within his or her jurisdiction, and report such values to the Director of Revenue each year. The following report lists the 2009 actual valuations of tax exempt property for the following types of property: religious institutions, literary societies and educational institutions, low rent housing, associations of war veterans, charitable and benevolent societies, libraries and art galleries, dwelling unit property, homes for soldiers, and racetracks. Also presented in this report are comparative 2008 exempt property values.

Tax Exempt Property Report, 2010

Iowa law requires each assessor in the state to value tax exempt property within his or her jurisdiction, and report such values to the Director of Revenue each year. The following report lists the 2009 actual valuations of tax exempt property for the following types of property: religious institutions, literary societies and educational institutions, low rent housing, associations of war veterans, charitable and benevolent societies, libraries and art galleries, dwelling unit property, homes for soldiers, and racetracks. Also presented in this report are comparative 2008 exempt property values.

List of Iowa Trophy Deer, Last Updated: January 2011

This document lists trophy white-tail deer taken by "fair chase", Last Updated: January 2011. A deer qualifies as a trophy by the score of the conformation of its antlers and and by type of weapon that was used.

Report of the Iowa Attorney General, 2003-2004.

Biennial report of the Attorney General of the state of Iowa. Lists the past Attorney General's of Iowa. Lists the personnel in the office and describes the functions of each division in 2003-2004. Includes summaries of opinions issued 2003-2004.

Report of the Iowa Attorney General, 2007-2008.

Biennial report of the Attorney General of the state of Iowa. Lists the past Attorney General's of Iowa. Lists personnel in the office and describes the function of each division in 2007-2008. Includes summaries of opinions issued 2007-2008.