Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Business Case for the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Tele-Intensive Care Units

Business and Health Administration Association Annual Conference 2014 Page 36 A tele-Intensive Care Unit (tele-ICU) is the use of telemedicine in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) setting, using technology to provide care to critically ill patients by off-site clinical resources. This literature review examined a large number of studies of the implementation of tele-ICU systems in hospitals. Generally, implementation of a teleICU system was associated with cost savings, shorter lengths of stay, and decreased mortality. Implementation of teleICUs is initially relatively expensive but result in cost savings and better clinical outcomes. Intensivists working these systems are used more effective providing better clinical outcomes for patients at lower costs for hospitals. _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Haemodialysis vascular access and fistula surveillance methods in The Netherlands.

INTRODUCTION As the mean age of haemodialysis patients is increasing, fewer patients will have suitable blood vessels for the creation of a Brescia-Cimino fistula and an increased use of graft implants is to be expected. METHODS To assess the change in vascular access and the use of surveillance techniques, all haemodialysis centres in The Netherlands received a questionnaire regarding the types of vascular accesses and surveillance techniques used in their department on 31 December, 1996. The results were related to a comparable study done in 1987, shown between brackets. RESULTS The response of the haemodialysis staff was 96%, of the vascular surgeons this was 91%. Sixty-two per cent (70%) of the patients had Brescia-Cimino fistulas, 21% (13%) Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft fistulas, 17% (17%) other vascular accesses. Scheduled surveillance for stenosis detection was done by recirculation measurements in 6%, venous pressure measurements in 31%, Duplex scanning in 11% and angiography in 11% of the centres. When access problems occurred, 79% of the physicians performed recirculation measurements, 38% venous pressure measurements, 79% Duplex scanning and 100% angiography. In 46% of the centres PTA was done occasionally, and in 46% routinely for the treatment of stenotic complications in arteriovenous fistulas. CONCLUSIONS The use of PTFE grafts and other types of vascular accesses has increased at the expense of BC fistulas. Recirculation and venous pressure measurements are primarily done when problems occur and not according to a standard surveillance schedule. For visualization of failing fistulas, 79% of the centres uses Duplex ultrasound analysis and 100% angiography. The popularity of PTA has increased from 46 to 92% of the centres.
A note on theory and practice in rhetorical criticism

Ihe subject of theory and practice mandates attention to the "problem of mediation," to the intersections between thought and action, idea and will, conception and execution. One cannot deal cohesively with the relationship between theory and practice without focusing on the psychological process of criticism, on the critic's own motives, means and ends, on his relationships with his characteristic perspectives on the one hand, and with the critical object on the other. Hence, these observations concerning theory and practice in rhetorical criticism must be concerned at least as much with critics as with criticism. ' It is commonsensical to hold that the character of a critique is shaped by its theoretical presuppositions. Virtually all the essays contiguous to this one demonstrate, in one way or another, how fateftil a theoretical commitment is to the activity of criticism. The burden in this essay, therefore, is not to document further that already well established connection. Instead, the intent is to explore a few of the implications attending two conceptions ofthe relationship between the practice of rhetorical criticism and riietoricat theory: a conception that fuses theory and practice, and a conception that divorces them. The linguist Kenneth Pike provided the textual basis of this exploration in an essay that was principally concerned with the descriptive reconstruction of obscure and remote language systems. ^ His account of two standpoints — the etic and emic — for the description of behavior has proved to have been suggestive in fields other than linguistics, and it may also have a certain limited utility in rhetorical criticism as well. Pike wrote that "The etic viewpoint studies behavior as from outside of a particular system, and as an essential initial approach to an alien system. The emic viewpoint results from studying behavior as from inside the system. "' It can be argued that there are perspectives on rhetorical criticisni that correspond rather exactly to the etic and emic approaches to the study of linguistic systems. These corresponding perspectives on criticism are, respectively, the theoretic or etic viewpoint, which ap^woaches a rhetorical transaction from outside of that transaction and interprets the transaction in ternis of a pre-existing theory; and the non-theoretic or nominalistic or emic viewpoint, which approaches a
The Independence of Credit Rating Agencies: How Business Models and Regulators Interact

The Independence of Credit Rating Agencies focuses on the institutional and regulatory dynamics of these agencies, asking whether their business models give them enough independence to make viable judgments without risking their own profitability. Few have closely examined the analytical methods of credit rating agencies, even though their decisions can move markets, open or close the doors to capital, and bring down governments. The 2008 financial crisis highlighted their importance and their shortcomings, especially when they misjudged the structured financial products that precipitated the collapse of Bear Stearns and other companies. This book examines the roles played by rating agencies during the financial crisis, illuminating the differences between U.S. and European rating markets, and also considers subjects such as the history of rating agencies and the roles played by smaller agencies to present a well-rounded portrait.Reports on one of the key causes of the 2008 financial crisis: agencies that failed to understand how to analyze financial productsDescribes inherent business model and pricing conflicts that compromise the independence of credit rating agenciesReveals how rating agencies large and small, regulatory bodies, and vested interests interact in setting fees and policies
Relay-Assisted Interference Channel: Degrees of Freedom

This paper investigates the degrees of freedom of the interference channel in the presence of a dedicated MIMO relay. The relay is used to manage the interference at the receivers. It is assumed that all nodes including the relay have channel state information only for their own links and that the relay has M (greater than or equal to K) antennas in a K-user network. We pose the question: What is the benefit of exploiting the direct links from the source to destinations compared to a simpler two-hop strategy. To answer this question, we first establish the degrees of freedom of the interference channel with a MIMO relay, showing that a K-pair network with a MIMO relay has K/2 degrees of freedom. Thus, appropriate signaling in a two-hop scenario captures the degrees of freedom without the need for the direct links. We then consider more sophisticated encoding strategies in search of other ways to exploit the direct links. Using a number of hybrid encoding strategies, we obtain non-asymptotic achievable sum-rates. We investigate the case where the relay (unlike other nodes) has access to abundant power, showing that when sources have power P and the relay is allowed power proportional to O(P^2), the full degrees of freedom K are available to the network.
Structural and functional properties of hemocyanin from Cyanagraea praedator, a deep‐sea hydrothermal vent crab

Cyanagraea praedator (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura) is an endemic species of the East Pacific Rise hydrothermal vents, living in the upper part of black smoker chimneys. Because we were seeking species that have made respiratory adaptations to the hydrothermal environment, we looked at Cyanograea hemocyanin (Hc) and determined its quaternary structure and the oxygen‐binding properties in relation to temperature, pH, and lactate. C. praedator Hc is composed of dodecamers and hexamers, with dodecamers formed by the perpendicular association of two hexamers. The composition of these polymers was determined by electrophoresis and, for the first time, by electrospray mass spectrometry. Dodecamers and hexamers are composed of six subunits common to the two forms, with molecular mass ranging from 75,008 Da to 75,534 Da. In addition, we found two dodecamer‐specific subunits, at 75,419 Da and 75,629 Da. The native hemocyanin possesses a high oxygen affinity (P50 varies between 4 and 10 Torr at pH 7.5, 15°C) and a large Bohr coefficient (Δ log P50/ΔpH ∼ −1.8). Oxygen affinity is not affected by lactate or, surprisingly, temperature between 5°C and 35°C (ΔH = 1.16 kJ/mol1 5–35°C). Dialysis of native hemolymph elicited a significant increase in Hc‐O2 affinity (ΔP50 = 2.5 Torr at pH 7.5), an effect opposite the usual trend observed for crustacean hemocyanins. In this article these functional properties are interpreted in relation to characteristics of the environment. Proteins 2001;45:351–359. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
βARK1 Inhibition Improves Survival in a Mouse Model of Heart Failure Induced by Myocardial Infarction

Heart failure (HF) is characterized by abnormalities in β-adrenergic receptor (βAR) signaling, including an increase in βAR kinase 1 (βARK1) levels and activity. Gene therapy using a peptide inhibitor of βARK1 (βARKct) in infarcted rabbit hearts has improved compromised cardiac function. To determine whether βARK1 inhibition improves survival in a mouse model of HF induced by myocardial infarction (MI), we studied wild-type (WT) and transgenic (TG) mice overexpressing βARKct following MI. There was no difference in infarct size. Survival of WT mice with MI was 25% at 26 weeks. In contrast, 92% of βARKct TG mice with MI survived (P = 0.01). βARKct TG mice with MI at 8 weeks showed significantly higher fractional shortening compared with WT mice with MI (25.1 ± 2.7% versus 14.2 ± 1.0%; P < 0.05). Moreover, the biochemical βAR abnormalities in WT mice with MI were prevented in βARKct TG mice with MI. In conclusion, βARK1 inhibition results in a marked increase in survival and improved cardiac function in a mouse model of HF induced by MI.
A Fast Form Approach to Measuring Technology Acceptance and Other Constructs

Nearly all prior studies on the technology acceptance model (TAM) have used Likert scales to measure the model's constructs, but the use of only this type of scale has two shortcomings. One is that such use prevents us from exposing the model's constructs to a robust test of their measure and relationships to each other, termed their nomological validity. The other is that such use leaves us unsure about whether or not we have selected an efficient way, in terms of survey completion time, to assess these constructs. Past researchers have used short form scales to address the issue of efficiency, but there are problems that may result from such efforts. In this study, we address both shortcomings by exploring the use of a semantic differential scale, which we refer to as a fast form, to assess the constructs of TAM. In this regard, we do three things. First, we describe how fast form as a scale may be developed. Second, we conduct a psychometric evaluation of the constructs that are measured by the fast form and examine their relationships. Third, we assess the efficiency of the fast form by comparing the time required to complete a survey with it to that which is required to complete a survey with Likert scales. Our results confirm that the constructs that are measured by the fast form are psychometrically equivalent to those that are measured by the Likert scales. The relationship among these constructs was unchanged, providing strong evidence for nomological validity. The fast form also yielded a 40 percent reduction in the survey completion time, proving its superior efficiency. We conclude with a description of the implications of these results for research and practice.
Towards a Business Process Management Governance Approach Using Process Model Templates and Flexibility

Organizations that include several organizational units with similar business processes often suffer, with time, from the proliferation of processes variant models that significantly deviate from the original (to be followed) one. Take, for instance, student enrolment processes on distinct faculties of the same university, or healthcare processes of a National Health Service across distinct health centers. This can lead to poor global (process) management, since measuring and improving processes can be difficult with too many variants of the same business process. Related works analyse the generalisation and flexibility aspects of process models and related variants, but do not deal with the overall process model lifecycle, especially for this kind of organizations. This paper introduces a novel approach for the Governance and continuous improvement of process models for this kind of organizations. The approach is based on the general Business Process Management (BPM) cycle for process models, proposing concrete techniques for the phases of evaluation, classification and analysis between real and concrete variant models from each organizational unit. It includes the use of similarity metrics and flexibility in business processes, and the main output is a continuously improved template process model. This template foresees a common process part (best practice-based) including process elements collected from the process model variants verified in organizational units, and a flexible part, referring to possible (controlled) deviations that can be tolerated by the organization's headquarters. This approach enhances overall business process management and associated resources by enforcing uniform (good) behavior across similar organizational units. We present the results of our approach applied to a real-world case study of home-healthcare related business process models.
Involvement of both extracellular signal‐regulated kinase and c‐jun N‐terminal kinase pathways in the 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate–induced upregulation of p21Cip1 in colon cancer cells

Protein kinase C (PKC), a family of serine‐threonine kinases, has been implicated in the regulation of colon tumorigenesis. However, the specific isoform of PKC involved in this process is not clear. In the present study, we found that treatment of the cultured human colon cancer cell line COLO‐205 with a PKC agonist, 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA), resulted in cell‐cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, decrease in cell number, PKCγ isoform translocation, and upregulation of p21Cip1 protein. Pretreatment of the cells with a PKC inhibitor, staurosporine, prevented the TPA‐induced upregulation of p21Cip1 protein. Based on the findings of the present study including that (a) both extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and c‐jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) were activated in the TPA‐treated COLO‐205 cells, (b) pretreatment with the mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor PD98059 but not with the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase inhibitor SB203580 blocked the TPA‐induced p21Cip1 in COLO‐205 cells, and (c) transient transfection of the COLO‐205 cells with dominant negative ERK or JNK plasmid significantly suppressed the TPA‐induced p21Cip1 protein induction, we conclude that both the ERK and JNK pathways are involved in the TPA‐induced upregulation of p21Cip1 protein in the COLO‐205 cells. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Relationship between Urine Osmolality and Specific Gravity

Background: In general, there is a good correlation between the specific gravity and osmolality of a urine sample. In certain clinical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, nephrotic syndrome, after the administration of intravenous radiocontrast material or saline diuresis, dependence upon specific gravity for determining the concentrating ability will result in over‐ or underestimation. Methods: We studied the relationship between specific gravity and osmolality in vitro with simulated urines of varying composition. Urine samples from patients with different clinical conditions were also analyzed. Results: The in vitro curves for sodium chloride, urea, creatinine, glucose, contrast dye, and albumin were plotted (specific gravity versus osmolality). We found a linear correlation between the specific gravity and osmolality of the 6 substances that were studied and for their combinations. The urine samples obtained from patients with different clinical conditions documented that reliance on specific gravity could over‐ or underestimate the urine osmolality. Conclusions: We concluded that in those clinical conditions, urine osmolality should always be determined and it should not be estimated based on specific gravity.
Choosing the Right Target: Relative Preferences for Resource Similarity and Complementarity in Acquisition Choice

Research summary: Corporate acquisition is a popular strategic option for firms seeking new resources. However, little research exists on the question of why one firm is chosen over another. We develop a model relating characteristics of similarity and complementarity between acquirers’ and target firms’ key resources, including their products and R&D pipelines, to the likelihood of the acquirers choosing a particular firm. We construct measures of similarity and complementarity between and across products and R&D pipelines, and test their effects using a novel application of the choice model. Findings reveal that acquirers view similarity and complementarity differently, based on the resource they are comparing. When making comparisons to their own R&D pipelines, acquirers prefer similarity over complementarity whereas when making comparisons to their product portfolios, they prefer complementarity over similarity.Managerial summary: Corporate acquisition is a popular way for firms to grow and obtain innovative resources. However, we know little about why acquirers choose one firm over another. We capture the influence of similarity and complementarity between acquirers’ and target firms’ products (current innovative value) and R&D pipelines (future innovative value) on whether a particular target firm is acquired. Insights from the pharmaceutical industry reveal that acquirers value similarity and complementarity in target firms differently, based on whether the comparison being made is with respect to their products or their R&D pipelines. Regarding their R&D pipelines, acquirers prefer that the target firm has similar, rather than complementary, resources. However, the opposite is true concerning their own products: acquirers prefer that the target firm has complementary, versus similar, resources.
Definitive establishment of airway control is critical for optimal outcome in lower cervical spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND Respiratory complications can undermine outcome from low cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) (C5-T1). Most devastating of these is catastrophic loss of airway control. This study sought to determine the incidence and effect of catastrophic airway loss (CLA) and to define the need for elective intubation with subsequent tracheostomy to prevent potentially fatal outcomes. METHODS A database of 54,838 consecutive patients treated in a level I trauma center between January 1988 and December 2004 was queried to identify patients with low cervical SCI, without traumatic brain injury. Patients were then stratified into complete or incomplete SCI groups, based on clinical assessment of their SCI. Mortality, age, injury severity, need for intubation, and tracheostomy were analyzed for each group using Fisher's exact test or Student's t test, as appropriate, accepting p < 0.05 as significant. RESULTS One hundred eighty-six patients met inclusion criteria. The majority of low cervical spinal cord injuries were complete (58%). Overall, 127 (68%) patients required intubation, 88 (69%) required tracheostomy, and 27 died (15% of study population). Between each group there were significant differences in age and Injury Severity Score, however, within each group there were no significant differences in either. Eleven CSCI patients were not intubated; four of whom were at family request. Six of the remaining seven patients encountered fatal catastrophic airway loss. One patient was discharged to rehabilitation. Patients with incomplete SCI required intubation less frequently (38%); however, 50% of those required tracheostomy for intractable pulmonary failure. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that regardless of severity of low cervical SCI, immediate, thorough evaluation for respiratory failure is necessary. Early intubation is mandatory for CSCI patients. For incomplete patients evidence of respiratory failure should prompt immediate airway intervention, half of whom will require tracheostomy.
Depression among patients with stroke

Ninety‐two stroke patients and 30 control patients participated in this study. Stroke patients showed a higher frequency of depression than controls. Stroke patients with the lesion in the right hemisphere were more depressed than patients with the lesion in the left hemisphere. No correlation was found between the degree of depression and the degree of impaired physical function, degree of aphasia or volume of lesion.
Intraday Trading Behavior Around Interim Earnings Announcements on the Helsinki Stock Exchange

The purpose of the study is to investigate whether and how an anticipated information event such as an interim earnings announcement affects intraday trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange, the HSE. The Finnish stock market, with its special characteristics, provides a suitable forum to study the robustness of previous findings produced in more developed stock markets (e.g. the US). The article finds evidence from the HSE that the widely documented U-shape pattern in trading activity - namely heavy trading in the beginning and at the end of the trading day and relatively light trading in the middle of the day - is affected by an anticipated information event (i.e. interim earnings announcement). Before the announcement day, trading is more concentrated at the close. This is consistent with investors' heterogeneous willingness to bear expected overnight risk, which is especially prevalent before an announcement. Moreover, a somewhat greater concentration of trading on the open is evident after the announcement day, indicating unexpected overnight information. The results of the paper further indicate that the change in the trading concentration pattern is associated with announcement-related factors, such as the range of analysts' earnings forecasts, the magnitude of unexpected earnings and firm size. This association is evident for the overall change in the trading pattern and to some extent during the transition between trading and non-trading regimes.