Using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods for statistical inference is often troublesome in practice, because performance of the algorithm may hugely depend on the observed data, and what works well for one dataset may fail miserably for another. In this article, for spatial generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs), we discuss problems with algorithms previously used, and we construct an algorithm wit

Empirical research on the knowledge dynamics of biotechnology demonstrates a dual local-global knowledge flow pattern. The sector is characterised by strong spatial concentration around nodes of excellence that are interconnected through a global network. This requires a specification of the notion of proximity as a facilitator of learning processes which emphasises its multifaceted configuration.

Background. Pain is still a significant problem for many patients with cancer, despite numerous, clear and concise guidelines for the treatment of cancer-related pain. The impact of pain cognition on patients' experiences of cancer-related pain remains relatively unexplored. Aim. The aim of this study was to describe how patients with cancer-related pain in palliative care perceive the management

Changes in the structure and chemistry of -lactoglobulin (-LG) play an important role in the processing and functionality of milk products. In model -LG systems, there is evidence that the aggregates of heated -LG are held together by a mixture of intermolecular non-covalent association and heat-induced non-native disulfide bonds. Although a number of non-native disulfide bonds have been identifie

Objectives: The conformation of tissue transglutaminase might influence the performance of immunoassays to detect autoantibodies from patients with celiac disease. The present study investigated how the exposure of tissue transglutaminase kept in a liquid phase and fixed to a solid support affected the binding of immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgG autoantibodies in children with untreated and treated ce

Aberrations in the GI-S transition have been observed in several malignancies, suggesting that cell cycle defects are linked to the activation of oncogenes and inactivation of suppressor genes involved in the transformation process. The frequency of GI/S aberrations in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has not been fully clarified. We have therefore analyzed the cyclin E content, using Western blot

The brain is the exclusive or almost exclusive site of formation of 24S-hydroxycholesterol and we have shown that the circulating level of 24S-hydroxycholesterol is dependent upon the relation between cerebral production and hepatic clearance. In the present work we determined plasma levels of 24S-hydroxycholesterol in patients with various neurological diseases. Eleven subjects with brain death o

High-spin states have been studied in 72,73Kr using 40Ca+40Ca and 36Ar+40Ca reactions at 160, 164 and 145 MeV respectively. The properties and configurations of the bands observed are interpreted with the aid of unpaired cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky/ cranked relativistic mean-field calculations and paired total routhian surface and cranked relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov calculations. In 73Kr the th

To investigate the immunological and virological factors that may lead to different patterns of disease progression characteristic of HIV-1-infected children, two HIV-1-infected siblings, a slow and a fast progressor, were followed prospectively before the onset of highly active antiretroviral therapy. Viral coreceptor usage, including the use of CCR5/CXCR4 chimeric receptors, macrophage tropism,

Although up to 30% of babies born with haemophilia do not have a family history of the disorder, the remaining 70% are born in families where haemophilia has been diagnosed. It has been estimated that for each male with haemophilia, there are five potential female carriers. Such women will benefit from knowledge of both their genetic (mutation present or not) and phenotype (level of plasma factor

Susceptibility to coeliae disease involves HLA and non-HLA-linked genes. The CTLA4/CD28 gene region encodes immune regulatory T-cell surface molecules and is a strong candidate as a susceptibility locus. We evaluated CTLA4/CD28 in coeliac disease by genetic linkage and association and combined Our findings with published studies through a meta-analysis. 116 multiplex families were genotyped across

P>Background and aim: Limb femoral arterial blood flow (LBF) is known to increase linearly with increasing workload under steady-state conditions, suggesting a close link between LBF and metabolic activity. We, however, hypothesized that sudden physiological and spontaneous changes in exercise rhythm, and consequently workload temporarily alter blood flow to the working muscle. LBF and its relatio

According to theory, a small diurnal bird living in a predictable environment should have the highest feeding effort as late as possible in the day in order to minimize the time it carries large and costly reserves. The feeding effort should also decline with increasing food availability. We tested both these ideas with the lesser spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos minor). For most of the year, this

Osteoporosis-related fractures constitute a major health concern not only in women but also in men. To study the predictive role of serum sex steroids for fracture risk in men, serum sex steroids were analyzed by the specific gas chromatography-mass-spectrometry technique at baseline in older men (n = 2639; mean, 75 yr of age) of the prospective population-based MrOS Sweden cohort. Fractures occur