A new chip design for handling and studying chromosomal DNA is described. Folding the nanochannels enables us to image an entire yeast chromosome in a single field of view. Together with existing mapping techniques our new design opens up the possibility of directly analyzing entire chromosomes in a single field of view using fluorescence microscopy. This would enable, for example, identification

Morphology represents a hitherto unexploited source of specificity in microfluidic particle separation and may serve as the basis for label-free particle fractionation. There is a wealth of morphological changes in blood cells due to a wide range of clinical conditions, diseases, medication and other factors. Also, blood-borne parasites differ in morphology from blood cells. We present the use of

In this study we report on the first direct observation of the real shape of the atomic force microscopy (AFM) tip using the AFM technique itself, utilizing a specially designed sample geometry. This is the first report of the so-called inverse AFM mode in which the tip is actually used as the sample and vice versa. We propose how this method can, with a very high accuracy, be used for studying ob

Previous studies have presented divergent estimates of the cost of illness of COPD due to differences in methodology. The objective of this study was to examine differences between register-based estimates versus population-based estimates on the burden of COPD. This study therefore examined differences in costs of COPD among physician-diagnosed and un-diagnosed subjects. During a one-year period,

This paper reports on a retrospective analysis of hospital-based healthcare costs associated with the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). During the second half of 2001, Simrishamn Hospital, Sweden, implemented a structured Disease Management Programme (DMP) for COPD and a total of 784 patients with COPD, enrolled in the DMP, were included in the analysis. The goal was to r

Using detailed Swedish matched employer–employee data, I show evidence of within-firm job polarization. Applying a decomposition framework, I find that both within-firm and between-firm components are important for overall job polarization. Results also indicate that the degree of routineness is the most important explanation for the observed within-firm pattern. Bringing the analysis down to the

IntroductionMembrane processes can be either used in direct competition with conventional separation processes or in combination with these to cover a wider separation range. The focus of this work is on the applications in an apple juice plant using membrane processes in combination with conventional separation processes, i.e. separators and evaporators.Traditional Apple Juice Plant The tradition

Heat transfer on the endwall upstream of the junction of the stator vane/rotor blade with the hub becomes very high due to the vortices generated as a result of an adverse pressure gradient. Control of this high heat transfer is very vital for safe operation of gas turbines. In the present experimental study, a pair of vortex generators is employed to reduce the high heat transfer on the endwall c

In this commentary, I will review the latest findings on the Bicoid (Bcd) morphogen in Drosophila, a paradigm for gradient formation taught to biology students for more than two decades. "Seeing is believing" also summarizes the erroneous steps that were needed to elucidate the mechanisms of gradient formation and the path of movement of Bcd. Initially proclaimed as a dogma in 1988 and later incor

Phytoestrogens may influence prostate cancer development. This study aimed to examine the association between prediagnostic circulating concentrations of isoflavones (genistein, daidzein, equol) and lignans (enterolactone and enterodiol) and the risk of prostate cancer. Individual participant data were available from seven prospective studies (two studies from Japan with 241 cases and 503 controls

Objectives: The first aim, was to compare participant compliance with postoperative voice rest advice in two groups. The second aim was to compare vocal function and recovery in the short-term, seven days post-surgery and in the long-term, 3–6 months post-surgery. Design: Preliminary randomized prospective blind clinical trial. Methods: Twenty patients scheduled for surgery for benign vocal fold l

The link between knowledge and firm growth has been a core topic in economics of innovation for a long time. However, despite strong theoretical arguments, empirical evidence remains inconclusive. One important reason for this conundrum may be the failure of standard indicators to capture firm innovation activities comprehensively. We contribute to overcoming this limitation by looking in the know

Megacephalosaurus eulerti is a large macropredatory plesiosaur representing one of the last members of the diverse pliosaurid clade Brachaucheninae. The taxon was established upon a nearly complete skull including the mandible and fragments of the postcranial skeleton originating from the lower middle Turonian (Upper Cretaceous) of Kansas, USA. Owing to its age, reasonable completeness and its sta

The pulp and paper industry is one of the most important industrial sectors worldwide and has a great potential to be the nucleus for the future bio-economy. Today’ pulp industry is mainly focusing on the production of cellulose fibres and electricity, while its future potential includes the production of bio-chemicals, bio-fuels and advanced materials. In order to fulfil their future role, pulp m

Background/Aims: The incidence of lectin allergic disease is increasing in recent decades, and definitive treatment is still lacking. Identification of B and T-cell epitopes of allergen will be useful in understanding the allergen antibody responses as well as aiding in the development of new diagnostics and therapy regimens for lectin poisoning. In the current study, we mainly addressed these que

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) has long served as a model for the evolution of adaptive genetic diversity in wild populations. Pathogen-mediated selection is thought to be a main driver of MHC diversity, but it remains elusive to what degree selection shapes MHC diversity in complex biogeographical scenarios where other evolutionary processes (e.g. genetic drift and introgression) may

Do pedagogical training courses for university teachers have desirable effects on the participants? We set out to answer this question by following a panel of 183 university teachers from Sweden’s six largest universities, who participated in pedagogical training courses. Our study reveals that the participants’ self-reported confidence in their role as teachers increased slightly, and their self-