This thesis consists of two parts which deal with different subjects. In the first part we study certain aspects of the representation theory of affine Kac-Moody Lie algebras and related structures. We notice that for any positive integer k, the set of (1,2)-specialized characters of the level k standard A11-modules is the same as the set of rescaled graded dimensions of the subspaces of the level

The hyperfine-structure splitting for the 4 and 52P1/2 states of sodium was measured using step-wise laser excitation combined with rf-resonance techniques. The magnetic dipole interaction constants were found to be a(42P1/2)=30.4(5) MHz and a(52P1/2) =13.3(2) MHz. The results are compared with a theoretical calculation, taking polarization effects into account.

Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) are important in many types of mesenchymal cell. Here we identify a new PDGF, PDGF-C, which binds to and activates the PDGF alpha-receptor. PDGF-C is activated by proteolysis and induces proliferation of fibroblasts when overexpressed in transgenic mice. In situ hybridization analysis in the murine embryonic kidney shows preferential expression of PDGF-C mes

A semiempirical method to characterize the pencil-beam dose kernel is presented. Results from measurements are described by mathematical models of the applicable physical processes. The measurements were made with 6 and 25 MV x-ray beams from a linear accelerator. Broad-beam notations were used consistently, and the pencil-beam quantities were obtained by differentiation. The results were compared

Objectives. The prevalence of obesity is increasing. Overweight and obese people have increased mortality compared with normal weight people. We investigated the effect of weight change on mortality. Design. Prospective population study. Setting. We utilized data from two large population-based health studies conducted in 1984-86 and 1995-97 respectively. Cox proportional hazards models were used

Typical bogs in boreal forest zone can be characterized by hummock and hollow micro-topography and sparsely vegetated surfaces, thus, are quite distinct from other types of wetlands. Micrometeorological measurements were carried out in central Sweden at two bogs in different summer seasons. The data analysis aimed at obtaining good estimates for the roughness length z(ou) and the kB(-1) factor. Th

Infrared spectra from 25 to 4000 cm(-1) have been recorded of water (H2O, D2O and (H2O)-O-18) matrix isolated in neon, argon, and krypton matrices. Intermolecular absorption bands of different isotopologues of the water trimer and tetramer have been assigned from concentration dependencies and diffusion behavior, using the well-known mid-infrared trimer and tetramer absorption bands as measures of

The pelvic nerve, carrying parasympathetic nerve fibres, distributes bilaterally in the rat urinary bladder. Preganglionic parasympathetic denervation (decentralization) on one side and postganglionic parasympathetic denervation on the other are followed by an initial decrease in acetylcholine forming capacity and in number of acetylcholinesterase positive nerves in the bladder. However, within a

BACKGROUND: Co-morbidity with substance use disorders negatively influences overall functioning in patients with psychosis. However, frequencies and courses of risky use of alcohol, drugs and cigarettes are rarely investigated in patients at psychosis units.The purpose of this study is to describe the use of alcohol, drugs and cigarettes in patients at a psychosis unit over a 1 1/2 year period aft

This article presents a new method for conjugate view activity quantification for 131I-labeled monoclonal antibody distribution. METHODS: The method is based on the combined use of images from 3 modalities: whole-body (WB) scintillation camera scanning, WB transmission scanning using 57Co, and CT. All images are coaligned using a recently developed program for the registration of WB images. Correc

The biologic evaluation in living rats of 68Ga-labeled oligonucleotides as imaging agents for PET is reported. Methods: 68Ga, a positron-emitting radionuclide (half-life, 68 min), along with a macrocyclic chelating agent, 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N',N'',N'''-tetraacetic acid (DOTA), was used for labeling of antisense oligonucleotides targeting activated human K-ras oncogene. The biologic p

The hydrophobic interaction between two methane molecules in salt-free and high salt-containing aqueous solutions and the structure in such solutions have been investigated using an atomistic model solved by Monte Carlo simulations. Monovalent salt representing NaCl and divalent salt with the same nonelectrostatic properties as the monovalent salt have been used to examine the influence of the val