For pt.III see J. Math. Phys., vol.28, p.260 (1987). The one-dimensional inverse scattering problem is considered for lossy inhomogeneous media for the case in which the phase velocities at the two boundaries of the scatterer do not match that of the host medium. The model problem involves electromagnetic wave propagation in a medium of unknown thickness with spatially varying permittivity and con

OBJECTIVE.: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with chronic or episodic inflammation in several organ systems, related to the presence of circulating and tissue-deposited immune complexes (ICs) which stimulate leukocytes through FcγRs with subsequent inflammation. Treatment with EndoS, an IgG glycan hydrolyzing bacterial enzyme from Streptococcus pyogenes, has shown benefi

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine potential therapeutic effect of the two NO donors NCX 2057 (3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid) 4-(nitrooxy)butyl ester) and SNP (sodium nitroprusside) on the early allergic airway response in the peripheral lung. METHODS: The experiments were performed in guinea pig lung parenchyma (GPLP) derived from ovalbumin (OVA) sensitized guinea p

AIM: To study hemodynamic and blood oxygenation changes in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) under general (GA) or locoregional (LRA) anesthesia. METHODS: Prospective non-randomized study including 50 patients undergoing CEA (31 men, mean age 72 (range 50-84) years-old under GA (N.=23) or LRA (N.=27). Systemic blood pressure, ECG, venous oxygen saturation in the ipsilateral jugular

Lignans found in plant foods are converted by the intestinal microflora to enterolignans. The structure of enterolignans is similar to that of estrogens, which has inspired researchers to examine a potential protective association in relation to health outcomes. Numerous epidemiological studies have measured concentration of enterolignans, mainly enterolactone, in blood or urine as a biomarker of

Many modern cell phones have built-in sensors that may be used as a resource for physics education. Amusement rides offer examples of many different types of motion, where the acceleration leads to forces experienced throughout the body. A comoving 3D-accelerometer gives an electronic measurement of the varying forces acting on the rider, but a complete description of a motion also requires measur

The Malignancy in Haemophilia Workshop Group convened a consensus working group of haematologists and oncologists to review topics related to malignancy in haemophilia. The treatment of malignant disease in this population is increasingly relevant as both outcome and lifespan continue to improve. Although adequate guidance exists for control of spontaneous bleeding episodes and of haemostasis in g

The use of gadolinium-based contrast media in pregnant or lactating women has been discouraged at many radiology departments due to the lack of knowledge of the risks for the fetus and the unwillingness to expose neonates to unnecessary drugs. In the present review the current literature and present guidelines regarding the use of gadolinium-based contrast media have been reviewed to validate the

The distribution of organic matter (OM) in soil particle-size fractions is a key process in the dynamic and persistence of soil organic carbon. In order to study the distribution of organic amendments among the different soil particle-size fractions in a semi-arid, degraded soil (a sandy loam Haplic Regosol), a 9-month-incubation experiment was carried out after the application of composted organi

Prenalterol was given to twenty five patients with acute myocardial infarction. Thirteen patients (group B) had signs of cardiac decompensation while twelve (group A) had not. Ejection fraction was determined with 99mTc-labelled red blood cells before and after prenalterol (50 μg kg-1 body weight), intravenously. In group B this procedure was repeated after digitalization 2 days later. The ejectio

A mathematical model for predicting the temperature rise in transurethral laser-induced thermo-therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia was developed. In the model an optical line source emitting light from an Nd:YAG laser isotropically was placed in the urethra. Water cooling of the urethral epithelium was modelled using a two-tube system. The relationship between the difference in outlet and inl

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) technique is a dual-channel electrotherapy system designed specifically for the treatment of pharyngeal dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the outcome of NMES versus traditional swallowing therapy (TT) in stroke patients. Three European swallowing centers participated in this randomized trial. Twenty-five patients (16 men

AIMS: To study the prevalence of airway obstruction according to age, gender and smoking habits using spirometry, and to compare the results using different definitions, classifications and spirometric reference values in an elderly population. METHODS: A random sample of 2046 men and women in nine age cohorts (aged 60, 66, 72, 78, 81, 84, 87, 90 and 93 years) were drawn from the Swedish municipal

Objectives: To investigate the reliability, validity and responsiveness of a new Patient-Specific Leisure Scale (PSLS), constructed to identify goals and outcomes for individual patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods: Forty-nine patients with RA were used to evaluate test-retest reliability, and 100 consecutive RA patients were used for construct validity. Twenty-five RA patients, commenc

BACKGROUND: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) consists of recurrent major depressive episodes in the fall/winter with remissions in spring/summer. METHOD: A Medline search was conducted to identify studies relating to clinical management of SAD using the Medical Subject Heading, seasonal affective disorder, and key words, depress* and season*, focusing on studies published in the past 10 years. Th

Moraxella catarrhalis (M. catarrhalis) is a human-restricted commensal of the normal bacterial flora in the upper respiratory tract of children, and - during the previous two decades - has been recognised as a true human pathogen. M. catarrhalis is the third most common pathogen causing acute otitis media in children, which is the most common reason to visit a paediatrician during childhood. Acute