Hospital performance is frequently evaluated by analyzing differences between hospital averages in some quality indicators. The results are often expressed as quality charts of hospital variance (e.g., league tables, funnel plots). However, those analyses seldom consider patients heterogeneity around averages, which is of fundamental relevance for a correct evaluation. Therefore, we apply an innov

The spherical crystalline lenses in the eyes of many fish species are well-suited models for studies on how natural selection has influenced the evolution of the optical system. Many of these lenses exhibit multiple focal lengths when illuminated with monochromatic light. Similar multifocality is present in a majority of vertebrate eyes, and it is assumed to compensate for the defocusing effect of

(Recension av) Tiina Rosenberg; Bögarnas Zarah – diva, ikon, kult.

The importance of weather for tourism is now widely recognized. However, no research has so far addressed weather events from retrospective viewpoints, and, in particular, the role of “extreme” events in longer-term holiday memories. To better understand the character of ex post weather experiences and their importance in destination image perceptions and future travel planning behavior, this expl

Context: This review focuses on positive surgical margins (PSM) in radical prostatectomy (RP). Objective: To address the etiology, incidence, and oncologic impact of PSM and discuss technical points to help surgeons minimize their positive margin rate. An evidence-based approach to assist clinicians in counseling patients with a PSM is provided. Evidence acquisition: A literature search in English

We present a high-resolution and independently dated multiproxy lake sediment record from the paleolake at Les Echets in southeastern France that displays synchronous changes in independent limnic and terrestrial ecosystem proxies, in concert with millennial-scale climate oscillations during the last glacial period. Distinct lake-level fluctuations, low lake organic productivity, and open, treeles

Two (Ga,Mn)As samples having different magnetic anisotropy (one with in-plane easy axis and another one with out-of-plane easy axis) were studied by means of magnetotransport experiments. Anisotropy field B-A was determined for both samples as a function of temperature. For the sample having in-plane easy axis, an inversion of the direction of planar Hall effect hysteresis was observed upon increa

A numerical model that combines a random wave transformation and a wave-induced current model was developed in order to predict the wave and current fields around a detached breakwater. The wave field was determined using the EBED model, as reported by Mase in 2001, with a modified energy dissipation term. The surface roller associated with wave breaking was modeled based on a modification of the

Plasmon modes of the exact same individual gold nanoprisms are investigated through combined nanometer-resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) and cathodoluminescence (CL) measurements. We show that CL only probes the radiative modes, in contrast to EELS, which additionally reveals dark modes. The combination of both techniques on the same particles thus provides complementary informatio

The effects of a driver assistance system for keeping safe speed and safe distance (referred to as SASPENCE) on driver behaviour, reactions and acceptance were evaluated in a test carried out in 2006. Twenty test drivers, recruited by ads, drove two times (once with the system off and once with the system on) in real traffic conditions along a 50 km long test route containing urban and rural roads

Teachers in Social Studies can benefit from geographical perspectives in their teaching of Social Studies in elementary and high school. The aim is to connect geographical perspectives to various social processes and to integrate it in teaching of Social Studies. But how can the relevance of geographical perspectives in an education for teachers in Social Studies be motivated and to what benefits

The intermetallic compound AuSn is essential for the wetting of Au-rich AuSn solders. On the addition of In or Sb, pseudo-binary compounds AuSn1-x In (x) (x a parts per thousand currency sign 0.33) and AuSn1-y Sb (y) (y a parts per thousand currency sign 0.17) are formed. Both adopt the AuSn structure type (P6(3)/mmc, Z = 2). This single-crystal X-ray diffraction study reveals that there is an abs

We present a new high delay resolution method to detect ultra-wideband (UWB) scatterers when using frequency domain measurements. Our approach makes use of the impulse response envelope amplitudes and delays measured over a distance that is larger than the region of stationarity, and detects the 2D coordinates of the channel scatterers, assuming that only single-scattering (single-interaction) pro

The best valve substitute for aortic valve replacement (AVR) in terms of hemodynamic performance, durability, incidence of complications, and survival remains the subject of much debate. It has been suggested that valve performance is influenced by the potentially modifiable variable prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM). PPM has been reported to be detrimental for survival and symptom resolution main

A multi-channel analyzer was used to evaluate biogas potential of sugarcane bagasse (SCB). The Automatic Methane Potential Test System contained fifteen parallel reactors and the same number of gas flow meters attached to the acquisition system. The set of reactors - gas flow meters gave reproducible results during anaerobic digestion of chemically defined carbon source and the units were used to

C3 nephritic factors are autoantibodies that prolong the half-life or prevent regulation of the alternative pathway C3 convertase, resulting in uncontrolled complement activation. They are strongly associated with renal disease but their role in pathogenesis remains controversial. Here we optimized and compared a panel of assays to identify and interrogate nephritic factor activities. Of 101 patie

Background: Neuroblastoma are pediatric tumors of the sympathetic nervous system with a poor prognosis. Apoptosis is often deregulated in cancer cells, but only a few defects in apoptotic routes have been identified in neuroblastoma. Methods: Here we investigated genomic aberrations affecting genes of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in neuroblastoma. We analyzed DNA profiling data (CGH and SNP arr

Total knee replacement in severe osteoarthritis usually requires extensive soft tissue releases often associated with considerable bleeding. In a prospective, randomised trial we compared postoperative conventional suction drainage versus four hour clamping drainage in 60 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty for severe osteoarthritis. We compared blood loss, number of transfusions, postoper