We present a review of some recent results on high-order-harmonic generation, aiming at optimizing the photon flux to allow for future applications in extreme-ultra-violet non-linear optics. We first present new schemes to control phase matching of high harmonics in gases, by using the effect of the spatially varying atomic phase displayed by the high harmonics. An enhancement by a factor of 50 is

It is well established that fibroblasts play a crucial role in pathophysiological extracellular matrix remodelling. The aim of this project is to elucidate their role in normal physiological remodelling. Specifically, the remodelling of the human cervix during pregnancy, resulting in an enabled passage of the child, is used as the model system. Fibroblast cultures were established from cervices of

We examined the effects of various leukotriene synthesis inhibitors on calcium signalling in HeLa cells, before and after transfection with BLT1. All of the inhibitors studied were found to reduce increases in intracellular calcium concentration induced by BLT1, but also by an ionophore or activation of various G-protein coupled receptors, regardless of BLT1 expression. In order to explore the mec

During the initial indolent chronic phase of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), the t(9;22)(q34;q11), resulting in the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph), is usually the sole cytogenetic anomaly, but as the disease progresses into the accelerated phase (AP), and eventually into aggressive blast crisis (BC), secondary aberrations, mainly unbalanced changes such as +8, i(17q), and +Ph, are frequent. To date,

Goodpasture disease is a prototype autoimmune disease characterized by the formation of autoantibodies against the heterotrimeric basement membrane collagen type IV, which causes a rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. The pathogenic antibody response is directed to the non-collagenous (NC1) domain of the alpha3 chain of type IV collagen (alpha3(IV)NC1), but not to the homologous region of the a

Two-dimensional SIDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis using post-run staining is widely used to measure the abundances of thousands of protein spots simultaneously. Usually, the protein abundances of two or more biological groups are compared using biological and technical replicates. After gel separation and staining, the spots are detected, spot volumes are quantified, and spots are matched across gels.

We have determined the hydrogen-bond geometry in liquid water from 0 to 80 °C by combining measurements of the proton magnetic shielding tensor with ab initio density functional calculations. The resulting moments of the distributions of hydrogen-bond length and angle are direct measures of thermal disorder in the hydrogen-bond network.These moments, and the distribution functions that can be reco

Autoionization rates of the 1s2s2p4P5/2 level are computed for He-, Li I, and Be II, using the golden-rule formalism in the multiconfiguration Hartree-Fock approximation. The main objective is to clarify ambiguities concerning the metastable 4P5/2 component in He-, whose lifetimes differ significantly in various works. The present calculations reveal a much shorter lifetime, 345 mus, than predicte

Complement is part of the innate immune defence and not only recognizes microbes but also unwanted host molecules to enhance phagocytosis and clearance. This process of opsonisation must be tightly regulated to prevent immunopathology. Endogenous ligands such as dying cells, extracellular matrix proteins, pentraxins, amyloid deposits, prions and DNA, all bind the complement activator C1q, but also

Stratospheric ozone depletion is most pronounced at high latitudes, and the concurring increased UV-B radiation might adversely affect plants from polar areas. However, vascular plants may protect themselves against UV-B radiation by UV-absorbing compounds located in the epidermis. In this 3-year study, epidermal UV-B (lambda(max) 314 nm) and UV-A (lambda(max) 366 nm) screening was assessed using

We investigated element accumulation in the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices. Fungal spores and mycelium growing in monoxenic cultures were analyzed. The elemental composition was quantified using particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) in combination with scanning transmission ion microscopy. In the spores, Ca and Fe were mainly associated with the spore wall; while P and K showed

The strain distribution along wood adhesive bonds was studied using a contact-free measurement system based on a white-light digital image correlation (DIC) technique. Two different specimen geometries and three different adhesives were investigated. The specimen geometries were according to the standards EN302-1 and ASTM D905. The adhesives tested were a phenolic resorcinol (PRF), a one-component

Background Cervical cancer and its obligate precursors, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2 and 3 (CIN2/3), and adenocarcinona in situ (AIS), are caused by oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV). In this combined analysis of four clinical trials we assessed the effect of prophylactic HPV vaccination on these diseases. Methods 20 583 women aged 16-26 years were randomised to receive quadrival

Swirling lean premixed flames are of practical relevance due to their potential for low nitric oxide (NOx) emissions. Unfortunately, these flames have various drawbacks. One critical attribute is the possibility for flashback of the reacting flow into the nozzle. Advanced numerical simulations should be able in the future to predict the transition from stable flames to flashback. For a better unde

Objective. To investigate whether sera or purified IgG from patients with polymyositis (PM) and patients with dermatomyositis (DM), with or without interstitial lung disease (ILD), can activate endothelial cells (ECs). Methods. Patients' sera were selected based on the presence or absence of anti-Jo-1, anti-SSA, or anti-U1 small nuclear RNP autoantibodies. The presence of autoantibodies was determ

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a novel antimuscarinic agent, Lu 25-109, a partial M1 receptor agonist, and M2/M3 receptor antagonist in human and pig detrusor to establish its affinity for muscarinic receptors in human detrusor and parotid gland and to compare the results with those obtained with oxybutynin. Effects on the detrusor were determined as regards the ability to in

Two patients with long-term (35 years) survival on hemodialysis are described. Kidney replacement therapy for these patients was initiated by a pioneer in hemodialysis, Nils Alwall, in 1968 and 1971, respectively. Kidney transplantation was attempted twice in both patients; however, the dialysis-free interval was less than 18 months in both patients. These patients represent two of the longest kno