The mechanism underlying ethanol-induced apoptosis in liver cells is not clear. Sphingomyelin (SM) metabolism is a novel signal transduction pathway that has an impact on apoptosis in many cell types. We investigated whether the SM pathway is involved in ethanol-induced apoptosis in the liver. Hep G2 cells were treated with ethanol followed by assaying apoptosis, sphingomyelinase (SMase) activity,

Currently, it is thought that inhalational anesthetics cause anesthesia by binding to ligand-gated ion channels. This is being investigated using four-alpha-helix bundles, small water-soluble analogues of the transmembrane domains of the "natural" receptor proteins. The study presented here specifically investigates how multiple alanine-to-valine substitutions (which each decrease the volume of th

The transparent corneal stroma contains a population of corneal fibroblasts termed keratocytes, which are interspersed between the collagen lamellae. Under normal conditions, the keratocytes are quiescent and transparent. However, after corneal injury the keratocytes become activated and transform into backscattering wound-healing fibroblasts resulting in corneal opacification. At present, the mos

Parallel to the rapid development of clinical MRI, MR spectroscopy (MRS) has, after starting as an analytical tool used in chemistry and physics, evolved to a noninvasive clinical examination. Most common neuroradiological diagnostic indications for MRS are functional inborn errors, neonatal hypoxia, ischaemia, metabolic diseases, white matter and degenerative diseases, epilepsy, inflammation, inf

One way to maintain confidence in vaccination programmes is to improve monitoring of immunisation safety. We studied active parental reporting of adverse events after a booster dose of diphtheria-tetanus toxoid (DT). 7193 children received the vaccine. Questionnaires were submitted by 84.2% of the parents, who reported reactions for 9.2% of the children. Four percent of events were classified as m

Using PCR, the complete mitochondrial genome was sequenced in three frillneck lizards (Chlamydosaurus kingii). The mitochondria spanned over 16,761 bp. As in other vertebrates, two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and 13 protein coding genes were identified. However, similar to some other squamate reptiles, two control regions (CRI and CRII) were identified, spanning 801 and 812 bp, respectively. Our res

Recent theory on sexual selection1–4 suggests that females in species without paternal care choose mates by their secondary sexual characters because these indicate genotypic quality which will be transmitted to the offspring. These ideas are not yet empiri-cally supported as data quantifying the relationship between female mate choice and female reproductive success are lacking. Only in one case,

We have previously shown that hyperhomocysteinaemia is common in elderly heart failure patients, and is associated with endothelial dysfunction, impaired vasodilatory capacity and a low-grade inflammation. In the present study we examined if supplementation with B6, B12 and folate could normalize the hyperhomocysteinaemia and if so, in turn, would improve the associated parameters. This was an ope

The literature on simulation models for multi-cylinder paper dryers is surveyed, 20 such models being reviewed. Models for intraweb heat and mass transfer are treated extensively, a separate chapter being devoted to them. In some of the models the specific physical transfer phenomena are modelled in detail, whereas in other models a more macroscopic approach is adopted. Normally the latter approac

Three types of oxygenase biocatalysts are treated in detail in this review: the non-haem iron alkene mono-oxygenases, the haem and vanadium haloperoxidases, and flavin-based Baeyer-Villiger mono-oxygenases. Other oxygenases are briefly included for comparison. Characteristics of the biocatalysts are presented, and the scope and limitations concerning their applicability for the selective introduct

We study agents situated in partially observable environments, who do not have the resources to create conformant plans. Instead, they create conditional plans which are partial, and learn from experience to choose the best of them for execution. Our agent employs an incomplete symbolic deduction system based on Active Logic and Situation Calculus for reasoning about actions and their consequences

A new, robust technique for preparing highly selective molecularly imprinted films (see Figure) is presented. Spin-coating is used to spread a pre-polymerization mixture on a substrate, which is subsequently cured with UV light. Important aspects of this technique include the use of a novel polymeric porogen dissolved in a low-volatility solvent to generate porous morphologies with enhanced bindin

Bark necrosis and resin flows in Norway spruce have increased in southern Sweden over the last few decades. Frost damage late in spring has been suggested as a possible cause, but other factors besides the climate may have contributed to the damage. The nutrient status influences the hardening processes and plants with poor nutritional conditions have an increased sensitivity to frost. In this stu

In a previous study we have shown that correction of peripheral refractive errors can improve the remaining vision of subjects with large central visual field loss. Measuring peripheral refractive errors with traditional methods is often difficult due to low visual acuity and large aberrations. Therefore a Hartmann-Shack sensor has been designed to measure peripheral wave front aberrations in subj

nterventional procedures in MRI can be performed preclinically using active or passive catheter-tracking methods. A novel passive nonproton technique is suggested that uses a catheter filled with a hyperpolarized C-13 contrast agent. A prototype three-lumen catheter was built with two closed lumens containing a flowing hyperpolarized C-13 contrast agent. Entire-length C-13 catheter projection visu

In some patients Escherichia coli strains establish significant bacteriuria without causing symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI). These asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU) strains have been shown to express fewer virulence factors than the uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) strains that cause severe, symptomatic UTI. Paradoxically, ABU strains carry many typical UPEC virulence genes, however, and the mo

Migratory birds use celestial and geomagnetic directional information to orient on their way between breeding and wintering areas. Cue-conflict experiments involving these two orientation cue systems have shown that directional information can be transferred from one system to the other by calibration. We designed experiments with four species of North American songbirds to: (1) examine whether th

Individuals (n = 18) in remission from acute leukemia or highly malignant lymphoma were asked to narrate their lived experience of falling ill, of being under treatment, and life following this event. The transcribed texts were analyzed from a phenomenological-hermeneutic perspective, expanded by their medical and social history as related in interviews. The analysis revealed 3 themes: (I) Believe