The objective of this study was to show a method that combine non-invasive measurements of the relative diameter change, the radial and the longitudinal strain of the intima-media complex of arterial walls, respectively, to obtain total change in arterial wall volume for a segment of the common carotid artery. The method was evaluated in a limited trial in vivo, comprising five normotensive subjec

The gut microbiota (GM) modulates the hosts metabolism and immune system. Probiotic bacteria are defined as live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host and can alter the composition of the GM. Germ-free mice have increased bone mass associated with reduced bone resorption indicating that the GM also regulates bone mass. Ovariectomy (ovx) resu

Background: Respiratory gating is often used in 4D-flow acquisition to reduce motion artifacts. However, gating increases scan time. The aim of this study was to investigate if respiratory gating can be excluded from 4D flow acquisitions without affecting quantitative intracardiac parameters. Methods: Eight volunteers underwent CMR at 1.5 T with a 5-channel coil (5ch). Imaging included 2D flow mea

Background: Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) represents a noninvasive technology that allows visualization of the colon without requiring sedation and air insufflation. A second-generation colon capsule endoscopy system (PillCam Colon 2) (CCE-2) was developed to increase sensitivity for colorectal polyp detection compared with the first-generation system. Objective: To assess the feasibility, accurac

To develop highly efficient molecular photocatalysts for visible light-driven hydrogen production, a thorough understanding of the photophysical and chemical processes in the photocatalyst is of vital importance. In this context, in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopic (XAS) investigations show that the nature of the catalytically active metal center in a (N boolean AND N)MCl2 (M=Pd or Pt) coordina

Wing length is a key character for essential behaviours related to bird flight such as migration and foraging. In the present study, we initiate the search for the genes underlying wing length in birds by studying a long-distance migrant, the great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus). In this species wing length is an evolutionary interesting trait with pronounced latitudinal gradient and sex

Introduction. The information behaviour of a group of Swedish computer scientists has been studied over a period of twenty years (1987-2006). Method. Five computer scientists have been interviewed and answered individual questionnaires. Together with four colleagues they were also the subjects of a qualitative study twenty years ago. Analysis. Data from interviews in 1987-88 and 2006, questionnair

Time-resolved in situ, energy-dispersive X-ray absorption spectroscopy and mass spectrometry are used to correlate changes in the chemical state of alumina- and ceria-supported palladium nanoparticles with changes in activity and selectivity for methane oxidation. Specifically, modulation excitation spectroscopy experiments are carried out by periodically cycling between net-reducing and net-oxidi

Nowadays, 'investigation' is a very commonly advocated approach and consequently is becoming an umbrella concept. 'Investigation' includes many types of approaches on different system levels. Originating from transport accidents and crime scenes, 'investigation' ranges from genocide, natural disasters, via discrimination, health care to crime fighting, economic fraud and ethical questions in engin

Almost all boreal and temperate forest tree species live in symbiosis with ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF); the trees transfer carbon (C) to the fungi in exchange for nutrients and water. Several studies have shown that experimental application of inorganic nitrogen (N) represses production of EMF extramatrical mycelia (EMM), but studies along N deposition gradients are underrepresented. Other environ

Despite the fact that large welfare states are vulnerable to free-riding, the idea that universal welfare states lead to higher trust levels in the population has received some attention and support among political scientists recently. This paper argues that the opposite direction of causality is more plausible, i.e. that populations with higher trust levels are more prone to creating and successf

Uniform electroporation of the heterogeneous structure of spinach leaf cross section is a technological challenge that is addressed in this investigation. Three dimensional models were created with cells arranged in specific tissue types, considering a leaf with its air fraction and a leaf where the air fraction was replaced by a solution of known properties using vacuum impregnation. The models w

We have investigated the base-collector breakdown voltage of type I InGaAs/InP DHBTs, which is shown to be dominated by band-to-band tunneling in the base-collector grade. By optimizing the grade we obtain a 20% increase in the breakdown voltage compared with traditional grades.

Nanowire heterostructures define high-quality few-electron quantum dots for nanoelectronics, spintronics, and quantum information processing. We use a cooled scanning probe microscope (SPM) to image and control an InAs quantum dot in an InAs/InP nanowire using the tip as a movable gate. Images of dot conductance vs tip position at T=4.2 K show concentric rings as electrons are added, starting with

European white stork are long considered to diverge to eastern and western migration pools as a result of independent overwintering flyways. In relatively recent times, the western and northern distribution has been subject to dramatic population declines and country-specific extirpations. A number of independent reintroduction programs were started in the mid 1950s to bring storks back to histori

The public health impact of population-based mammography screening programs depends on high participation rates. Thus, monitoring participation rates, as well as understanding and considering the factors influencing attendance, is important. With the goal to acquire information on the appropriate level of intervention for increasing screening participation our study aimed to (1) examine whether, o