Authentication codes that permit arbitration are codes that unconditionally protect against deceptions from the outsiders and additionally also protect against some forms of deceptions from the insiders. Simmons introduced this authentication model and he also showed a way of constructing such codes, called the Cartesian product construction. We present a general way of constructing such codes and

Waardenburg-Shah syndrome (Waardenburg syndrome type IV-WS4) is an auditory-pigmentary disorder that combines clinical features of pigmentary abnormalities of the skin, hair and irides, sensorineural hearing loss, and Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). Mutations in the endothelin-B receptor (EDNRB) gene on 13q22 have been found to cause this syndrome. Mutations in both alleles cause the full phenotype,

The aim was to describe what parents and staff think about child health care, to identify agreements and disagreements. A qualitative study was made with semi-structured interviews based on a phenomenographic approach. Sixty parents, 14 nurses and six doctors from southern Sweden were interviewed. Parents and staff emphasized two tasks as being of particular importance: support and check-ups. Ther

Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to present an update on the evidence-based effects of exercise in systemic lupus erythematosus and in primary Sjögren's syndrome. Recent findings: Physical capacity is reduced in both systemic lupus erythematosus and primary Sjögren's syndrome and fatigue is a dominating and disabling symptom in both conditions. The documentation on the effect of e

Objectives: The aim of this study was to establish wild-type MIC distributions of first-line drugs for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, as well as to explore the usefulness of such distributions when setting clinical breakpoints. Methods: We determined the MICs of rifampicin, isonlazid and ethambutol for M. tuberculosis using a Middlebrook 7H10 dilution method for 90 consecutive clinical isolates, 8 re

Poststernotomy mediastinitis, also commonly called deep sternal wound infection, is one of the most feared complications in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The overall incidence of poststernotomy mediastinitis is relatively low, between 1% and 3%, however, this complication is associated with a significant mortality, usually reported to vary between 10% and 25%. At the present time, there is

Mass transport in pervaporation of multi-component mixtures of homologous series of alcohols and esters through composite pervaporation membranes has been investigated. Pervaporation experiments were performed in a concentration range relevant for aroma recovery, using a membrane with an active layer of poly (octyl) methylsiloxane (POMS) caste on a porous polyetherimide (PEI) support. The fluxes,

BACKGROUND: Most cardioplegic solutions have been developed using the classic Langendorf heart perfusion model, which only allows a short experimental follow-up. Our aim was to investigate hearts after prolonged storage by using a physiologic model including prolonged perfusion with normal, fresh blood. METHODS: Sixteen hearts from 60-kg pigs were preserved with dextran-enriched (dextran-40, 35 g/

The implementation of the Biofuels Directive (2003/30/EC) in 25 member states is assessed here. Implementation problems are identified and analysed for the purpose of suggesting a way forward for biofuels policy in the European Union. Three main patterns are observed: effective implementation, formal compliance and weak implementation. Problems encountered in the policy process are both of a pract

The Tyrone Central Inlier is a metamorphic terrane of uncertain affinity situated outboard of the main Dalradian outcrop (south of the Fair Head-Clew Bay Line) and could represent sub-arc basement to part of the enigmatic Midland Valley Terrane. Using a combination of isotopic, structural and petrographic evidence, the tectonothermal evolution of the Tyrone Central Inlier was investigated. Sillima

Comparative analysis of expressed sequence tags is becoming an important tool in molecular ecology for comparing gene expression in organisms grown in certain environments. Additionally, expressed sequence tag database information can be used for the construction of DNA microarrays and for the detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms. For such applications, we present PHOREST, a web-based tool