Variable time-step methods, with general step-size control objectives, are developed within the framework of variational integrators. This is accomplished by introducing discrete transformations similar to Poincares time transformation. While gaining from adaptive time-steps, the resulting integrators preserve the structural advantages of variational integrators, i.e., they are symplectic and mome

Five protected analogues of beta-D-galctosyl-(5R)-5-hydroxy-L-lysine were prepared, in which the galactosyl moiety was modified by monodeoxygenation or inversion of stereochemistry at C-4. The building blocks were used in the solid-phase synthesis of a set of glycopeptides related to the peptide fragment CII256-273 from type II collagen. Evaluation of the glycopeptides revealed that T-cell hybrido

A new design of robust matrices for cell immobilization is described. Macroporous gels (MGs) with immobilized microbial cells were prepared at subzero temperatures and were formed inside a plastic core (so-called, protective housing). Due to the protective housing the macroporous gel particles with immobilized cells can be used in well-stirred bioreactors. High retained activity of yeast (77-92%)

Imaging of technical and biological objects using hard X-rays from a laser-produced plasma source is demonstrated. Magnification radiography and single-shot imaging of biological samples are feasible with the source, which utilised focused radiation from a short-pulse terawatt laser. Differential imaging with element specificity and a new projection geometry for X-ray radiography are proposed.

Background. Primary care doctors see patients from diverse cultural backgrounds and communication plays an important role in diagnosis and treatment. Communication problems can arise when patient and doctor do not share the same cultural background. Objective. The aim of this study was to examine how consultations with immigrant patients are understood by GPs and how GPs manage these consultation

Aqueous extract of Clinopodium vulgare L. showed strong antitumour activity when tested in vitro on A2058 (human metastatic melanoma), HEp-2 (epidermoid carcinoma, larynx, human) and L5178Y (mouse lymphoma) cell lines-6 h after treatment disintegration of the nuclei and cell lysis started. Applied at a concentration of 80 microg/ml it reduced the cell survival to 1.0, 5.6 and 6.6%, respectively. T

BACKGROUND: Questions have been asked about whether the process of obtaining informed consent from parents to clinical trials on neonates leads to valid consent. We undertook a study in nine European countries to assess this issue and to seek any practical improvements. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of 200 babies who had been asked for consent to neonatal trials a

Tissue-based diagnostics and research is incessantly evolving with the development of new molecular tools. It has long been realized that immunohistochemistry can add an important new level of information on top of morphology and that protein expression patterns in a cancer may yield crucial diagnostic and prognostic information. We have generated an immunohistochemistry-based map of protein expre

The detrusor smooth muscle is the main muscle component of the urinary bladder wall. Its ability to contract over a large length interval and to relax determines the bladder function during filling and micturition. These processes are regulated by several external nervous and hormonal control systems, and the detrusor contains multiple receptors and signaling pathways. Functional changes of the de

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) are a group of hematopoietic stem cell disorders characterized by ineffective hernatopoiesis and peripheral blood cytopenias. Lenalidomide has dramatic therapeutic effects in patients with low-risk MDS and a chromosome 5q31 deletion, resulting in complete cytogenetic remission in >60% of patients. The molecular basis of this remarkable drug response is unknown. To

We calculate the linear chirp rates of high-order harmonics in argon, generated by intense, 810 nm laser pulses, and explore the dependence of the chirp rate on harmonic order, driving laser intensity, and pulse duration. By using a time-frequency representation of the harmonic fields we can identify several different linear chirp contributions. to the plateau harmonics. Our results, which are bas

Background: Few studies have examined how physicians perceive guidelines, much less their perceptions of an Internet presentation of such guidelines. This study assessed physicians' acceptance ofan Internet-based guideline on the appropriateness of colonoscopy. Methods: Gastroenterologists participating in an international observational study consulted an Internet-based guideline for consecutive p

Preventing fractures in elderly people is a priority, especially as it has been predicted that in 20 years almost a quarter of people in Europe will be aged over 65. This article describes the factors contributing to fracture, interventions to prevent fracture, and the various treatments

Deficit sialylation of vascular endothelium, circulating cells and macromolecules has been associated with the development of atherosclerosis. On the other hand, an elevated serum level of sialic acid is a long-lasting marker of atherosclerosis and complications from atherosclerosis. One may speculate that the inverse associations with atherosclerosis risk are due to some common underlying cause.

BACKGROUND. Patients with the familial syndrome hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal carcinoma (HNPCC) exhibit air increased risk for several tumor types, of which the greatest lifetime risk is for colorectal and endometrial carcinoma. HNPCC is caused by a germline mutation in one of several identified mismatch repair (MMR) genes and typically presents with microsatellite instability (MSI) and frequ

Platelets contain growth factors that are believed to stimulate early fracture repair. Autologous platelets can be sequestered, concentrated, and mixed with thrombin to yield a so-called autologous growth factor gel, which might enhance bone repair or bone graft incorporation. The effect of this platelet concentrate on total tissue and bone ingrowth into porous coralline hydroxyapatite was studied