In order to systematically and visually understand well-known but qualitative and complex relationships between synoptic fields and heavy rainfall events in Kyushu Islands, southwestern Japan, during the BAIU season, these synoptic fields were classified using the Self-Organizing Map (SOM), which can convert complex non-linear features into simple two-dimensional relationships. It was assumed that

alpha(1)-Microglobulin is a 26-kDa glycoprotein synthesized in the liver, secreted to the blood, and rapidly distributed to the extravascular compartment of all tissues. Recent results show that alpha(1)-microglobulin has heme-binding and heme-degrading properties and it has been suggested that the protein is involved in the defense against oxidation by heme and reactive oxygen species. In the pre

The visual content of out-of-body experiences (OBEs) has received little attention but a number of theories of OBEs include implicit predictions regarding the determinants of this phenomenological feature. Hypnagogic imagery and unusual sleep experiences, weak synaesthesia and preference for employing object and spatial visual imagic cognitive styles were psychometrically measured along with the i

Background: Legislation was passed in Sweden to stimulate the development of different housing solutions for persons suffering from severe mental illness. Among these solutions are small congregate residences built in the community to provide suitable housing and support for those not able or willing to live independently. Aims: The general aim of the present study was to compare the psychosocial

The optimal definition of the size, shape and location of gross tumour volume is one of the most important steps in the planning of radiation therapy, and necessitates a proper understanding of the procedure from both the oncologic radiologist and the radiation oncologist. This overview reports on the different terms and concepts that have been recommended in the ICRU Reports for this purpose; the

During oxygen evolution, the Mn cluster in Photosystem II cycles through five oxidation states, S0-S4. S0 and S2 are paramagnetic, and can be monitored by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Recently a new EPR signal from the S0 state was discovered [Åhrling et al. (1997) Biochemistry 36, 13148-13152, Messinger et al. (1997) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 119, 11349-11350]. Here, we present a well-resolved

This experimental study examines the influence of moisture variations on the load-bearing capacity of steeltimber dowel joints. The glulam specimens used to manufacture the joints were first exposed to controlled climate changes. After being stored in the climate chambers, holes were drilled and dowels were inserted. Then, the joints were loaded to failure. The main aim of this study was to invest

Background: In a pilot prospective consecutive series on 50 patients with recurrent breast cancer, results of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) are reported. The interval between primary operation and recurrence was 8 years (range 1-18 years). Only three patients had not undergone dissection of the axilla (ALND). Results: In 51% of patients scintigraphy disclosed sentinel nodes (SN). At operation

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have found an increased risk for both anxiety disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the adult relatives of children with ADHD in comparison with adult relatives of normal controls. Such findings may account for the high rates of comorbid anxiety found in children with ADHD, and they suggest a relationship between the two disorders. However, addit

Besides gamma rays from Cs-137 emanating from the Chernobyl accident, gamma rays from natural radionuclides are a dominant source of radiation exposure to the public. Since people spend much more time indoors than outdoors the radiation dose obtained inside dwellings contributes greatly to individual and collective doses. Dose rate measurements were made at 20 locations within the city of Goteborg

Water-soluble hemicelluloses were extracted from spruce chips by microwave heat fractionation. The chips were impregnated with water at different pH values. Screening of heat-fractionation conditions, i.e. impregnation medium, temperature and residence time was performed with the aim to extract O-acetyl-galactoglucomannan. The impregnation and heat fractionation conditions were evaluated on the ba

Purpose: This trial of the German High-Grade Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Study Group compares the use of high-dose therapy (HDT) as part of primary treatment with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) plus etoposide followed by involved-field (IF) radiotherapy in a randomized, multicenter, phase III study. Patients and Methods: Three hundred twelve patients with "aggressive"

A numerical model has been developed to simulate the transport of several ionic species across a saturated concrete or mortar sample. The chloride binding as well as the electrical coupling between the different ionic fluxes are included in the model by using the Nernst-Planck system of equations. This model highlights which parameters affect substantially chloride penetration into reinforced conc

Background: Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the major cause of cervical cancer. Use of HPV genotyping in cervical screening programs and for monitoring the effectiveness of HPV vaccination programs requires access to economical, high-throughput technology. Methods: We used the Sequenom MassARRAY platform to develop a high-throughput mass spectrometric (MS) method for detecting 14 specific oncogeni

Background: Repeat prescribing used in long-term pharmacotherapy is often associated with inadequate patient medication, including non-adherence. In this paper we explore patients' drug refill adherence with repeat prescriptions and relate refill data to patient age and gender, type of prescriber, type of prescribed drug, and reimbursement level. Methods: During one week of 2002, copies of 3636 re

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) was isolated from human faeces using a fetal rhesus monkey kidney cell line (Frhk-4). Infectious medium from passage 12 was used to inoculate a large (5000 cm2) microcarrier cell culture maintained in suspension. The microcarriers used were swollen, collagen-coated dextran beads on which it was easy to propagate Frhk-4 cells. Intra- and extra-cellular virus levels were assa

The decomposition of organic matter in a forest ecosystem is simulated by DECOMP, a process-based, semi-mechanistic model built on system dynamic principles. The model divides a litter into four different substrate quality classes with different decomposition rates which are differently influenced by temperature, soil moisture content, pH and aluminum concentration in the soil solution. The model