BACKGROUND: Most cardioplegic solutions have been developed using the classic Langendorf heart perfusion model, which only allows a short experimental follow-up. Our aim was to investigate hearts after prolonged storage by using a physiologic model including prolonged perfusion with normal, fresh blood. METHODS: Sixteen hearts from 60-kg pigs were preserved with dextran-enriched (dextran-40, 35 g/

The implementation of the Biofuels Directive (2003/30/EC) in 25 member states is assessed here. Implementation problems are identified and analysed for the purpose of suggesting a way forward for biofuels policy in the European Union. Three main patterns are observed: effective implementation, formal compliance and weak implementation. Problems encountered in the policy process are both of a pract

The Tyrone Central Inlier is a metamorphic terrane of uncertain affinity situated outboard of the main Dalradian outcrop (south of the Fair Head-Clew Bay Line) and could represent sub-arc basement to part of the enigmatic Midland Valley Terrane. Using a combination of isotopic, structural and petrographic evidence, the tectonothermal evolution of the Tyrone Central Inlier was investigated. Sillima

Comparative analysis of expressed sequence tags is becoming an important tool in molecular ecology for comparing gene expression in organisms grown in certain environments. Additionally, expressed sequence tag database information can be used for the construction of DNA microarrays and for the detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms. For such applications, we present PHOREST, a web-based tool

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of the efficacy results from 3 placebo-controlled multicenter clinical trials of slow-release mesalamine (Pentasa) for the acute treatment of mild to moderate Crohn's disease. METHODS: Three trials fulfilled the selection criteria (double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized studies in adult patients treated with Pentasa

The autodetachment of 1s2s2p 4p0 in He- and nsnp 2 4P(e) in Be- (n = 2), Mg- (n = 3), and Ca- (n = 4) is calculated using an extension to continum processes of the multiconfiguration Hartree-Fock method. The main interest is to investigate the processes giving rise to long-lived, metastable states in negative ions. In He- and Be- our results agree with earlier experimental and theoretical ones, an

Adenovirus-based (Ad) vectors are used widely for experimental gene transfer to the CNS. Ad transduce many cell types including postmitotic neurons. However, their use for, CNS gene transfer is limited due to the host immune response elicited. Furthermore, the extensive distribution of the primary cellular receptor for Ad, the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR), allows adenoviral vectors

An effective solvent model with an explicit solvent representation is described. The modelled perturbation of the solute due to the discrete solvent molecules includes polarization and a non-electrostatic interaction. The latter depends on the overlap between the solute wave function and the solvent orbitals and approximately accounts for the restraint the Pauli principle puts on the space which t

Individual differences in animal behavior can be attributed to genetic as well as non-genetic influences. One mechanism by which the behavioral phenotype of an individual can be shaped is via transmission of maternal sex steroids. In this study, we examined the role of yolk testosterone (T) in controlling neophobia in 9-month-old, sexually mature zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Offspring hatc

The aim of the article is to put together four different studies and research perspectives. The four authors present their own studies about drug addicted mothers; fathers called into question by child welfare authorities; children in foster care; child welfare services. The four studies have a qualitative approach, interviewing parents and children in vulnerable positions and in contact with chil

Passivity arguments have long been used in the analysis of systems with friction. This paper proves a new set of integral quadratic constraints, which reduces the conservatism of such methods. The result is used to derive a quantitative bound on the amount of integrator leakage that is needed to remove stiction-induced oscillations in a servo system. Finally, an incremental version of the circle c

Assessing the timescales of recovery, by the use of dynamic models, will be used as input to the policy process to abate acidification. In this study the multilayer dynamic soil chemistry model SAFE was applied to 16 forest sites in Sweden, covering a sulfur deposition gradient of 1.2-11 kg S/ha/yr. Soil samples were collected at all sites and the pH and sulfate concentration dependent isotherm, u

We acclimated two species of sculpin, the freshwater prickly sculpin (Cottus asper) and the closely related marine Pacific staghorn sculpin (Leptocottus armatus) to freshwater (similar to 0 g/L), brackish water (15 g/L), and seawater (30 g/L) for at least 4 wk and examined the relationships between respiration, ion regulation, gill morphology, and freshwater tolerance. The prickly sculpin successf

The oxidation of free DHA has been investigated with respect to monohydroperoxides and polyhydroperoxides, which were analyzed with a novel HPLC method. The temperature and physical system, i.e., bulk and liposome, were varied. We have also studied the effects of antioxidants Such as alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and juice from sea buckthorn on DHA. The HPLC method, which was performed isocrati