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For model-based quantitative reconstructions of past vegetation cover on the scale of landscapes, pollen productivity estimates (PPEs) are key input parameters. In this study, we employed a random sampling strategy to collect moss polsters at 20 sites in Changbai Mountain, northeastern China. A detailed vegetation survey within 1000-m radius around each sampling point was carried out and digitized
Context. The rapid neutron-capture process, which created about half of the heaviest elements in the solar system, is believed to have been unique. Many recent studies have shown that this uniqueness is not true for the formation of lighter elements, in particular those in the atomic number range 38 < Z < 48. Among these, palladium (Pd) and especially silver (Ag) are expected to be key indicators
The exchange of persistent organic pollutants (POPS) between different compartments of a typical mature boreal forest was investigated. The study focused on fluxes of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) between the atmosphere, vegetation and soil, and within the soil to assess whether this type of forest acts as a final sink-or temporary repository for POPs. The study, at a Swedish site, suggested to
In this paper the design and demonstration of a 7 nm(3) h(-1) integrated steam reforming based hydrogen production unit using a Fischer-Tropsch diesel is reported. The system design is discussed in detail, including the fuel processor itself as well as the hydrogen purification and results from stand-alone operation of the combined unit operations is reported. Further, the results of an integratio
Factor I (FI) is a serine protease that inhibits the complement system by cleaving activated C3 and C4 complement proteins, in the presence of cofactors. Mutations in the gene coding for FI have been identified in complete FI deficient- and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) patients. The mutations were introduced in recombinantly expressed proteins, purified and analyzed in functional ass
Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse the occurrence of neonatal early onset group B streptococcal (EOGBS) disease relative to maternal body mass index (BMI). Method: A cohort of Swedish parturients with an early pregnancy BMI registered was investigated. Data were retrieved from population-based registers during 1997-2001, (n = 344 127, elective caesarean section excluded). Medical reco
The reduction of the (A root 5x root 5)R27 degrees surface oxide on Pd(100) and Pd75Ag25(100) surfaces by CO has been investigated by high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy in combination with kinetic analysis using the Avrami-Erofeev theory. For both surfaces we observed faster reduction with increasing temperature. Kinetic analysis indicates that the reduction process is phase boundary
Context: The insulin tolerance test ( ITT) is the current standard diagnostic test for the diagnosis of adult GH deficiency ( GHD), but alternative tests, such as the GHRH- arginine test, have been proposed. Objective: We investigated the sensitivity and specificity of the GHRH- arginine test using ITT as the gold standard in diagnosing GHD in a group of young adults treated with cranial irradiati
Background: Despite uniform operating techniques, lack of fusion still occurs after ankle arthrodesis. Differences in the biological healing potential may be a factor but the mechanical performance of the arthrodesis construct because of varying bone quality also may be important. Internal compression techniques are preferred because of higher union rates, shorter fusion times, and fewer complicat
We could determine the S-phase fraction (SPF) by flow cytometric DNA analysis of paraffin archival material in 160 of 260 patients with soft-tissue sarcoma of extremity and trunk wall. The prognostic value of SPF was compared with other clinicopathological factors. The median follow-up time was 16 (6-31) years. In a univariate analysis, deep tumour location, increasing tumour size and histological
The aetiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) remains unclear. The objective of the present study was to test the insulin, oestradiol and metabolic syndrome hypotheses as promoters of BPH. The design was a risk factor analysis of BPH in which the total prostate gland volume was related to endocrine and anthropometric factors. The participants studied were 184 representative men, aged 72-76 y
Objective: To evaluate if the calcium channel blocker diltiazem protects postoperatively renal function in cardiac surgical patients with preexisting mild-to-moderate renal dysfunction. Design: Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, clinical study. Setting: Cardiothoracic anesthesia department at a university hospital. Participants: Adult patients undergoing elective cardiac su
The adsorption of water and coadsorption with oxygen on Rh{111} under ultrahigh vacuum conditions was studied using synchrotron-based photoemission and photoabsorption spectroscopy. Water adsorbs intact on the clean surface at temperatures below 154 K. Irradiation with x-rays, however, induces fast dissociation and the formation of a mixed OH+H2O layer indicating that the partially dissociated lay
In structural engineering the system effect is known as the possibility of transversal collaboration among parallel load-bearing elements due to mechanical load sharing. The statistical system effect, related to the variation of strength within structural timber elements, is investigated in this paper. The system investigated is a roof truss of W-type. The strength variation within and between tim
The aim of this multicenter study was to investigate whether a computer-assisted diagnosis (CAD) system could improve performance and reduce interobserver variation in bone-scan interpretations of the presence or absence of bone metastases. Methods: The whole-body bone scans (anterior and posterior views) of 59 patients with breast or prostate cancer who had undergone scintigraphy for suspected bo
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to explore changes in mobility in terms of ambulation and transfer over 1 year in patients with early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD), and to compare mobility in EOAD with patients with other types of early-onset dementia (EOOD). METHOD: Forty-two patients with EOAD and 30 patients with EOOD were included. All patients were home-dwelling and had mild or moder
Background: The kidneys are regarded as one of the main dose-limiting organs in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumours with Lu-177-[DOTA(0), Tyr(3)]-octreotate (Lu-177-octreotate), despite the successful use of kidney uptake blocking agents such as lysine and arginine. To avoid renal toxicity but still give each patient as high amount of Lu-177-octreotate as possible, there is a need for methods/
Objective: To determine the interobserver agreement (IOA) of neonatal seizure detection using the gold standard of conventional, multichannel EEG. Methods: A cohort of full-term neonates at risk of acute encephalopathy was included in this prospective study. The EEG recordings of these neonates were independently reviewed for seizures by three international experts. The IOA was estimated using sta
Plasma fibrinogen concentration is important for coagulopathy assessment, and is most commonly measured using the Clauss method. Several factors, including device type and reagent, have been shown to affect results, The study objective was to evaluate performance and repeatability of the Clauss method and to assess differences between measurements performed during and after cardiopulmonary bypass
