We propose a way to estimate a parametric quantile function when the dependent variable, e.g. the survival time, is censored. We discuss one way to do this, transforming the problem of finding the p-quantile for the true, uncensored, survival times into a problem of finding the q-quantile for the observed, censored, times. The q-value involves the distribution of the censoring times, which is unkn

The aim of this research was to determine the load carrying capacity of curved glulam beams reinforced perpendicular to grain and subjected to climate induced internal stresses. The self-tapping screws used as reinforcement prevent the glulam to split along the grain causing failure perpendicular to grain. Different tests were performed; specimens seasoned in dry and moist climate, specimens expos

Fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) suffers from inherent ill-posedness due to the vast number of possible solutions to the reconstruction problem. To increase the robustness of such a problem one need prior information. We present here a method for rendering a priori information of the position of a fluorescent inclusion inside turbid media. The method utilizes solely two spectral bands withi

Purpose: To compare, absolute cerebral blood flow (CBF) estimates obtained by dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI (DSC-MRI) and Xe-133 SPECT. Materials and Methods: CBF was measured in 20 healthy volunteers using DSC-MRI at 3T and Xe-133 SPECT. DSC- MRI was accomplished by gradient-echo EPI and CBF was calculated using a time-shift-insenisitive deconvolution algorithm and regional arterial input f

BACKGROUND: Activated mast cells can produce and release a number of inflammatory mediators involved in the pathophysiology of acute conditions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of activated tissue mast cells in the pathogenesis of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome following acute pancreatitis (AP). METHODS: AP was induced by the intraductal infusion of 5 per cent sodium tau

The synthesis of multilayered magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for use as a support in solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) is described. Silanization of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles with 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate introduced polymerizable groups on the surface. Polymerization with allylamine, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, and trimethylolpropane ethoxylate (14/3 EO/OH) triacrylat

Infections and technical problems are the most frequent complications when using implantable central venous access devices in patients with haemophilia. There are two major experiences reported concerning infections in noninhibitor patients: one is approximately 0.2 infections per 1000 days and the other approximately 1.0 (0.7-1.6) per 1000 days. Infections are more frequent in inhibitor patients

BACKGROUND: Oral contraceptive use and reproductive factors may initiate long-term changes to the hormonal milieu and thereby, possibly influence colorectal cancer risk. METHODS: We examined the association of hormonal and reproductive factors with risk of colorectal cancer among 337 802 women in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition, of whom 1878 developed colorectal ca

Uridine phosphorylase (UP), a key enzyme in the pyrimidine salvage pathway catalyzes the reversible phosphorolysis of uridine or 2'-deoxyuridine to uracil and ribose 1-phosphate or 2'-deoxyribose 1-phosphate. This enzyme belongs to the nucleoside phosphorylase I superfamily whose members show diverse specificity for nucleoside substrates. Phylogenetic analysis shows Streptococcus pyogenes uridine

Background. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease where thickening of the skin can lead to reduced body function and limitations in activities. Severe forms can also affect and seriously damage inner organs. Patient-centred rehabilitation emphasises considerations of patients' background, experience and behavior which highlights the need to know if patient-reported outcome measures (PR

A Monte Carlo model of an Elekta Precise linear accelerator has been built and verified by measured data for a 6 and 10 MV photon beam running with and without a flattening filter in the beam line. In this study the flattening filter was replaced with a 6 mm thick copper plate, provided by the linac vendor, in order to stabilize the beam. Several studies have shown that removal of the filter impro

It is assumed that the Id helix-loop-helix (HLH) proteins act by associating with ubiquitously expressed basic HLH (bHLH) transcription factors, such as E47 and E2-2, which prevents these factors from forming functional hetero- or homodimeric DNA binding complexes. Several tissue-specific bHLH proteins, including HASH-1, dHAND, and HES-1, are important for development of the nervous system. Neurob

Polymer density functional theory is used to test the accuracy of the Derjaguin approximation in describing the interaction between two spherical colloidal particles immersed in a polymer solution. The density functional equations are solved numerically in a cylindrical geometry and thus a rigorous comparison is afforded, within the density functional framework. The density functional theory provi

The ubiquitin-proteasome system targets numerous cellular proteins for degradation. In addition, modifications by ubiquitin-like proteins as well as proteins containing ubiquitin-interacting and -associated motifs modulate many others. This tightly controlled process involves multiple specific and general enzymes of the system as well as many modifying and ancillary proteins. Thus, it is not surpr

Simultaneous videoradiography and solid-state manometry (videomanometry) was performed in 8 patients (4 women, 4 men; age range = 46-81 years, mean age = 70 years) with pharyngeal dysfunction. Five patients had severe pharyngeal dysfunction with frequent misdirected swallows. Three patients had moderate pharyngeal dysfunction with delayed initiation of pharyngeal swallow. Three different swallowin

The reason for the particularly increased risk for cardiovascular complications in diabetic women is still unclear. We have previously found decreased distensibility of elastic arteries in type I diabetic women, indicating increased cardiac load, not seen in type I diabetic men, which might be one contributing factor. Whether the effect of gender is different in muscular arteries in type I diabeti

Autonomic nervous function was evaluated by deep breathing [expiration/inspiration (E/I) ratio] and tilt table tests [acceleration (AI) and brake indices (BI)] in 19 patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) and in 56 age matched controls. The E/I-ratio and systolic blood pressure (at rest, 1, and 8 min after tilt) were found to be significantly reduced (p < 0.001, p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.0