Examples of symmetric informationally complete positive operator valuedmeasures (SIC-POVMs) have been constructed in every dimension less than orequal to 67. However, it remains an open question whether they exist in allfinite dimensions. A SIC-POVM is usually thought of as a highly symmetricstructure in quantum state space. However, its elements can equally well beregarded as a basis for the Lie algebra gl(d,C). In this paper we examine theresulting structure constants, which are calculated from the traces of thetriple products of the SIC-POVM elements and which, it turns out, characterizethe SIC-POVM up to unitary equivalence. We show that the structure constantshave numerous remarkable properties. In particular we show that the existenceof a SIC-POVM in dimension d is equivalent to the existence of a certainstructure in the adjoint representation of gl(d,C). We hope that transformingthe problem in this way, from a question about quantum state space to aquestion about Lie algebras, may help to make the existence problem tractable.
A file review of patients presenting to the Emergency Department of St Vincent's Hospital with fractures sustained in a road crash was completed to describe patterns of orthopaedic injury, acute intervention and separation as well as the cost of care for adult road crash victims. One-hundred and eighty-seven patients were included. 65.8% were male; 48.1% were pedestrians. Differing patterns of injury corresponded to the role of the patient in the road crash (eg, pedestrian, driver of vehicle, etc). The mean length of stay was 8.8 days. 35.2% of patients were prescribed a different analgesic at discharge to that which they had received in the previous 24 hours. 35.8% had a documented discussion regarding insurance matters, usually with a social worker. 11.9% were discharged to inpatient rehabilitation. 56.2% had orthopaedic follow-up arranged at discharge, while 4.8% were discharged to an outpatient rehabilitation clinic. The mean overall cost was $13 336, with patients aged over 65 costing the most. The quality of acute care for fractures sustained in road crashes could be improved with evidence-based analgesia management, increased screening for psychiatric sequelae, enhanced assistance with insurance matters and vocational issues, and closer follow-up. Further research into the impact of these factors on long-term recovery is warranted.
Many countries are seeking ways to measure the safety and performance of their health systems. The ability to track improvement and monitor safety event rates at a population level is provided by routinely collected administrative data in conjunction with a set of well-developed indicators such as the patient safety indicators from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) in the United States of America. These indicators are currently in the International Classification of Diseases Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) whereas Australia has coded its data in ICD-10-Australian Modification (ICD-10-AM) since 1998. We describe the process recently undertaken to translate and revise the patient safety indicators (PSIs) so they can be of use with ICD-10-AM. The initial translation (electronic mapping, review and revision by expert coder, programming of codes and testing on data from 1996-1998 [ICD 9-CM] to 1998-2006 [ICD-10-AM, through 4 editions]) found that differences between ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-AM datasets presented some challenges. After this phase, which was faithful to AHRQ's case definitions, the indicators were refined for use with the condition onset flag, resulting in the AusPSIs.
Reliable techniques for screening large numbers of plants for root traits are still being developed, but include aeroponic, hydroponic and agar plate systems. Coupled with digital cameras and image analysis software, these systems permit the rapid measurement of root numbers, length and diameter in moderate (typically <1000) numbers of plants. Usually such systems are employed with relatively small seedlings, and information is recorded in 2D. Recent developments in X-ray microtomography have facilitated 3D non-invasive measurement of small root systems grown in solid media, allowing angular distributions to be obtained in addition to numbers and length. However, because of the time taken to scan samples, only a small number can be screened (typically <10 per day, not including analysis time of the large spatial datasets generated) and, depending on sample size, limited resolution may mean that fine roots remain unresolved. Although agar plates allow differences between lines and genotypes to be discerned in young seedlings, the rank order may not be the same when the same materials are grown in solid media. For example, root length of dwarfing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) lines grown on agar plates was increased by ~40% relative to wild-type and semi-dwarfing lines, but in a sandy loam soil under well watered conditions it was decreased by 24-33%. Such differences in ranking suggest that significant soil environment-genotype interactions are occurring. Developments in instruments and software mean that a combination of high-throughput simple screens and more in-depth examination of root-soil interactions is becoming viable.
AIMSelection processes for vocational training are common and are intended to predict future examination performance (predictive validity). Comparison of selection scores with measures of competence during training can provide supporting evidence that both the examination process and selection process are valid and reliable.METHODSelection interview scores for vocational training in general practice were compared to summative examination scores eight months into training between 2003 and 2006.RESULTSA moderately strong correlation (Spearman's rho = 0.5) was found between selection interview scores and summative examination scores.CONCLUSIONThe ability of a selection interview process to predict future performance in vocational training is highly dependent on careful design of both the assessment of performance and the selection process. The selection interview process of the RNZCGP compares well with international data.
Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is common, reported to affect 4-10% of the adult population. Recommendations for treatment of SCH are contentious, with protagonists even disagreeing over the rationale for medical intervention. How general practitioners (GPs) manage patients with elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and normal thyroid hormone results are unknown. This study aimed to explore how GPs think about diagnosing and managing SCH.METHODSA qualitative study using focus groups conducted between December 2007 and March 2008 to understand how GPs perceive SCH and their diagnostic and management process.FINDINGSThirteen GPs in three focus groups in Waikato, New Zealand participated. There is wide variability in how GPs perceive SCH and their knowledge of the disease. A patient-centred approach to diagnosis and management was commonly reported. Consideration of overt pathology and medicolegal issues also influenced perceptions of SCH, but lack of evidence regarding outcomes of treatment made such issues complex.CONCLUSIONSCH remains a complex entity because of ambiguity regarding symptoms, uncertainty regarding prognosis and variation in advice regarding treatment. This complexity is reflected in the disparate responses by GPs to the diagnosis and management of SCH.
Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) was first described in remote Indigenous populations in Australia over 20 years ago. The burden of staphylococcal disease, including S. aureus bacteraemia, disproportionately affects Indigenous populations and is likely related to socio-economic disadvantage. Factors such as domestic crowding, poor hygiene and high rates of scabies, skin sores and antibiotic use contribute to the transmission and emergence of CA-MRSA. Studies focusing on two clones, sequence type (ST) 93 and clonal complex (CC) 75, provide supportive evidence for the emergence of methicillin-resistance in Indigenous communities.