Clinicians currently use simple cut-points, such as serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) >= 4 ng/ml, to decide whether to recommend further work-up for prostate cancer (PCa). As an alternative strategy, we evaluated multivariable models giving probabilities of a PCa diagnosis based on PSA and several circulating novel biomarkers. We measured total PSA, free PSA (fPSA), fPSA subfractions (single-c

This paper presents a computer-based decision support system for automated interpretation of diagnostic heart images (called WeAidU), which is made available via the Internet. The system is based on image processing techniques, artificial neural networks (ANNs) and large well-validated medical databases. We present results using artificial neural networks, and compare with two other classification

This paper proposes a new class of hybrid VLSI architectures for survivor path processing to be used in Viterbi decoders. The architecture combines the benefits of register exchange and trace-forward algorithms, that is, low memory requirement and latency versus implementation efficiency. Based on a structural comparison, it becomes evident that the architecture can be efficiently applied to codes

We report here, for the first time, the occurrence of the trilobite Odontopleura (Odontopleura) ovata Emmrich, 1839 from Scandinavia. The specimens came in light during a study of middle Silurian calcareous mudstone formed in offshore settings of the Baltic Basin (Grotlingbo-1 core, south-eastern Gotland). Intrabasinal correlation shows that the taxon had a brief mass occurrence during the latest

We studied the influence of shape and secondary, or intercellular, organization on the absorption and scattering properties of red blood cells to determine whether these properties are of any practical significance for optical evaluation of whole blood and its constituents. A series of measurements of transmittance and reflectance of light from bovine blood in a flow cuvette was conducted with a 6

The migratory orientation of sanderlings (Calidris alba) was investigated with cage experiments during the spring migration in southwest Iceland. Sanderlings were exposed to 90 degrees counterclockwise-shifted magnetic fields under both clear skies and natural overcast. Clear sky control tests resulted in a northerly mean direction, in agreement with predictions based on ringing recovery data and

Amyloidogenic proteins like cystatin C and prion proteins have been shown to form dimers by exchange of subdomains of the monomeric proteins. This process, called "three-dimensional domain swapping," has also been suggested to play a part in the generation of amyloid fibrils. One variant of cystatin C, L68Q cystatin C, is highly amyloidogenic, and persons carrying the corresponding gene suffer fro

BACKGROUND: In the last 15 y there has been a tremendous increase in the number of studies on pediatric obesity looking at epidemiology, health-related risks, etiology, methodology and treatment. During the early 1990s, the European Childhood Obesity Group (ECOG) was born as a group of scientists' expert in the field of pediatric obesity. ECOG this year celebrates the approach to early maturity wi

It was recently suggested that the error with respect to experimental data in nuclear mass calculations is due to the presence of chaotic motion. The theory was tested by analyzing the typical error size. A more sensitive quantity, the correlations of the mass error between neighboring nuclei, is studied here. The results provide further support to this physical interpretation.

Important constituents of extracellular matrix are collagen, fibronectin, hyaluronan, and various types of proteoglycans, such as versican, perlecan, decorin, and biglycan. Remodeling of extracellular matrix occurs continuously and is affected by various cytokines. The aim of this study was to investigate how interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), separately and

Total hip replacement (THR) is a common and costly procedure. The number of THR is expected to increase over the coming years. Two pathways of postoperative treatment were compared in a randomized study. Fifty patients from two hospitals were randomized into a study group (SG) of 27 patients receiving preoperative and postoperative education programs, as well as home visits from an outpatient team

Behaviour management problems (BMP) are common among children (4-12%) and the prevalence seems to be rising. Persistent antisocial behaviour often leads to poor long-term psychosocial adjustment. Structured parent-training programmes have proven to be the most effective way of treating BMP in young children. The Incredible Years Series (IYS), which is a manual-based programme, was introduced in Sw

Abstract is not available

The three basic paradigms of behaviour science, association, structure, and process, were used to anchor the simulation of new forms of social organization. These have been projected by means of a behaviour, a humanist, and a growth model. The Swedish model was also included as a possible point of reference. This article summarizes the results of two experiments, one on the assessment of quality o

The well-known side effects of antimuscarinic drugs have focused interest on other modalities of treatment of the overactive bladder. To effectively control bladder activity, identification of suitable targets for pharmacologic intervention is necessary. Such targets may be found in the central nervous system (CNS) or peripherally. Several CNS transmitters may modulate voiding, but few drugs with