PURPOSE: Ventilation/perfusion tomography (V/PSPECT), with new interpretation criteria and newer tracers for ventilation imaging, has markedly improved the diagnostic yield in acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Here, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of perfusion SPECT (PSPECT) without ventilation imaging. METHODS: We studied 152 patients with clinically suspected PE who had been examined with b

The Japanese fauna of Manota comprises of 11 out of 14 Palaearctic species with a strong influence of Oriental elements in the southern subtropical parts of the country. The following five new species are described: M. curvistylus, M. kyushuensis, M. omotoensis, M. tripectinata, and M. yaeyamaensis. Three species are recorded for first time from Japan: M. bilobata Papp, 2004, M. epigrata Hippa, 20

Abstract Modal behavior of a GoughâStewart Platform (GSP) is sensitive to several variables related to its inertia, damping and stiffness as well as its complex 3-D geometry. To optimize its dynamical performance, due to the complications of this system, it is crucial to have the equations parametrically at the neutral configuration. However, in the literature, no complete parametric solution to t

In this paper, we use stochastic dynamic programming to model the choice of a municipality which has to design an optimal waste management program under uncertainty about the price of recyclables in the secondary market. The municipality can, by undertaking an irreversible investment, adopt a flexible program which integrates the existing landfill strategy with recycling, keeping the option to swi

As they fly or swim, many animals generate a wake of vortices with their flapping fins and wings that reveals the dynamics of their locomotion. Previous studies have shown that the dynamic interaction of vortices in the wake with fins and wings can increase propulsive force. Here, we explore whether the dynamics of the vortex interactions could affect the predictability of propulsive forces. We st

Salt-free ion-paired catanionic amphiphiles of the C-m(+) C-n(-) type, with a high solubility mismatch (n >> m or m >> n) display a remarkable phase behavior in water. A temperature-driven vesicle-to-micelle transition in the dilute side together with a coexistence of two lamellar phases oil the concentrated side is one of the peculiar effects that have been reported for the hexadecyltrimethylammo

The Chrysididae are a group of cleptoparasitic and parasitoid aculeate wasps with a large number of rare and endangered species. The taxonomy of this group has long been confusing due to the similarity of species and extensive intraspecific variation. We present for the first time a comprehensive dichotomous key for all 74 species found in the Nordic and Baltic countries. In addition to diagnostic

Nonadherence to adjuvant endocrine breast cancer treatment adversely affects disease-free and overall survival. Clinical predictors of nonadherence may allow for specific interventions to reduce nonadherence and improve survival. The aim was to investigate whether clinical characteristics predict nonadherence. Clinical characteristics and information on adherence were obtained from 417 patients wi

The structure of the lamellar phase of aqueous pentaethylene glycol mono-n-dodecyl ether (C12E5) surfactant at various temperatures and molar fractions is studied by using united atom molecular dynamics simulations and nuclear magnetic resonance measurements. Namely, the simulation model is used to interpret the magnitude and temperature dependence of experimental C-H order parameter profiles in t

In a monozygotic twin couple with mental retardation (MR), we identified a maternally inherited inversion and a paternally inherited translocation: 46,XY,inv(10)(p11.2q21.2)mat,t(9;18)(p22;q21.1) pat. The maternally inherited inv(10) was a benign variant without any apparent phenotypical implications. The translocation breakpoint at 9p was within a cluster of interferon a genes and the 18q21 break

In this paper we study the properties of molecular and supra molecular species in cereal beta-glucan solutions/dispersions by the utilization of asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation coupled to multi-angle light scattering and refractive index (AsFlFFF-MALS-RI) detectors. The samples were purified barley and oat beta-glucans which were dissolved in aqueous solution using either mild condition

Carrier frequency offset (CFO) synchronization is a crucial issue in the implementation of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. Since current technology tends to implement different standards in the same wireless device, a common frequency synchronization structure is desirable. Knowledge of the physical frame and performance and cost system requirements are needed to choose

To describe specific causes of death and evaluate whether bleeding events and infection contributed to mortality in all ticagrelor-treated and clopidogrel-treated patients with acute coronary syndromes.

Stretch of the vascular wall stimulates smooth muscle hypertrophy by activating the MAPK and Rho/Rho kinase (ROK) pathways. We investigated the role of calcium in this response. Stretch-stimulated expression of contractile and cytoskeletal proteins in mouse portal vein was inhibited at mRNA and protein levels by blockade of voltage-dependent Ca(2+) entry (VDCE). In contrast, blockade of store-oper

GPR30, or G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1), was recently introduced as a membrane estrogen receptor and a candidate cancer biomarker and therapeutic target. However, several questions surround the subcellular localization and signaling of this receptor. In native cells, including mouse myoblast C(2)C(12) cells, Madine-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells, and human ductal breas

Lung scintigraphy is primarily used to diagnose pulmonary embolism. Ventilation imaging is often performed using Tc-99m-DTPA or Technegas, an ultrafine dispersion of Tc-99m-labeled carbon. Despite the common use of these radioaerosols, they have not been compared in an intraindividual study, and not with ventilation-perfusion (V/P) SPECT. The aim of the present head-to-head study was to systematic

The transcription factor STAT3 is constitutively active in several malignancies including castration-resistant prostate cancer and has been identified as a promising therapeutic target. The fungal metabolite galiellalactone, a STAT3 signaling inhibitor, inhibits the growth, both in vitro and in vivo, of prostate cancer cells expressing active STAT3 and induces apoptosis of prostate cancer stem cel

This brief article shares a social transition attempt where a cultural exhibition was used to question the resources consumed in the name of cleanliness. Thirty-two pairs of unwashed jeans were installed at the National Gallery of Victoria with the aim of making people more aware of the hyper-clean social standards reproduced in everyday life, that consume energy, water and chemicals. This short s

Patients with type 2 diabetes are generally treated in primary care setting and as a final treatment step to obtain good glycaemic control, multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) are generally used. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of GLP-1 analogue liraglutide on glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with MDI with inadequate glycaemic control.

Objectives This systematic review aimed to identify published observational methods assessing biomechanical exposures in occupational settings and evaluate them with reference to the needs of different users. Methods We searched scientific databases and the internet for material from 1965 to September 2008. Methods were included if they were primarily based on the systematic observation of work, t