Shadow generation has been subject to serious investigation in computer graphics, and many clever algorithms have been suggested. However, previous algorithms cannot render high quality soft shadows onto arbitrary, animated objects in real time. Pursuing this goal, we present a new soft shadow algorithm that extends the standard shadow volume algorithm by replacing each shadow quadrilateral with a

The aim of this study was to analyze the MRI findings and assess the prevalence of different associated structural abnormalities in children with scoliosis and to determine if the age of onset is a possible indicator of intraspinal pathology. This is a retrospective analysis of 663 consecutive MR examinations (319 patients). Thirteen patients with known intraspinal tumors were excluded and a total

Arm lymphoedema and impaired shoulder mobility and muscle strength are well known side-effects to breast cancer treatment. The aim of this prospective study was to follow closely and describe the arm volume, range of motion of the shoulder and muscle strength of the shoulder and hand after breast cancer treatment in order to form a basis for further studies in the area including physiotherapy inte

Osteosarcopenia is the coexistence of low bone mass and sarcopenia. In older women, its prevalence is not well described, and it is unknown if sarcopenia is additive to low bone mass for fracture and mortality risk. The study investigated prevalence of osteosarcopenia and if osteosarcopenia is associated with higher fracture and mortality risk than low bone mass alone in older community-dwelling w

Understanding reactive flows is crucial for advancing energy production, combustion efficiency, and plasma- assisted chemical processes. These systems often involve short-lived radicals and transient phenomena that require high-resolution, non-intrusive diagnostic techniques for accurate characterization. This thesis focuses on the development of advanced non-linear laser-based imaging methods to

Wnt signaling increases hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal and is activated in both myeloid and lymphoid malignancies, indicating involvement in both normal and malignant hematopoiesis. We report here activated canonical Wnt signaling in the hematopoietic system through conditional expression of a stable form of beta-catenin. This enforced expression led to hematopoietic failure associated with

The electrochemistry of some copper-containing proteins and enzymes, viz. azurin, galactose oxidase, tyrosinase (catechol oxidase), and the "blue" multicopper oxidases (ascorbate oxidase, bilirubin oxidase, ceruloplasmin, laccase) is reviewed and discussed in conjunction with their basic biochemical and structural characteristics. It is shown that long-range electron transfer between these enzymes

Background: Prevention of arthropathy is a major goal of hemophilia treatment. While studies in adults have demonstrated an impact of prophylaxis on the incidence of joint bleeds and patients' well-being in terms of improved quality of life (QoL), it is unclear whether or not prophylaxis influences the outcome and well-being perception of children with hemophilia. Objective: This randomized contro

The study aimed to find out the problems connected with feet during work in cold loose housing barns in wintertime. 13 dairy farms and 20 workers were studied. Skin temperatures and subjective responses were collected, and at the end of a work period the subjects filled in a questionnaire about the workday. The foot skin temperatures were measured on dorsal foot and second toe. Most of the workers