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The use of hyperbranched polymers (HBPs) as a processing aid for linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) was investigated. Various generation (or pseudo-generation) HBPs were used which had either 16 carbon atom alkanes or a mixture of 20/22 carbon atom alkanes on the end groups. In addition, the degree of end group substitution was studied. Blends of up to 10% HBP content were mixed via extrusion

Introduction: Previous bone density studies have generally shown bone resorption around both cemented and uncemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) stems. This is presumed to be due to stress shielding. Short stems have been introduced partly to preserve bone in the proximal femur by a more physiological loading of the bone. The purpose of this study was to evaluate bone remodeling around a short, f

As part of the IEA-SHC Task 41 'Solar Energy and Architecture' an international survey was carried out. This paper presents its results for Subtask B which especially focuses on methods and tools for solar design applied by architects. Building professionals, mainly architects, were contacted via email and asked to participate in a web-based questionnaire about their use of methods and tools for s

Selective breeding for desirable traits in strictly controlled populations has generated an extraordinary diversity in canine morphology and behaviour, but has also led to loss of genetic variation and random entrapment of disease alleles. As a consequence, specific diseases are now prevalent in certain breeds, but whether the recent breeding practice led to an overall increase in genetic load rem

Background and aim: Although recommended, the P-score used for assessing the pertinence / relevance of findings seen in small bowel (SB) capsule endoscopy (CE) is based on a low level of knowledge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of the most frequent SBCE findings through an illustrated script questionnaire. Materials and Methods: Sixteen types of SBCE findings were il

The past several decades have illustrated an enormous interest in noble metal nanoparticles for their superior catalytic activity, however, their industrial use is very restricted due to inefficient recovery leading to potential contamination of products and the environment. Immobilised nanoparticles illustrate promising results for scaling up processes, and can be successfully applied for various

Historical commons represent self-governed governance regimes that regulate the use and management of natural and man-made shared resources. Despite growing scientific interests, analyses of commons evolution and temporal dynamics are rare and drivers of change (birth, adaptation, dissolution) remain obscure. We apply an interdisciplinary approach and address these issues from an eco-evolutionary

Streptococcus pyogenes is a major human pathogen that causes a variety of diseases ranging from mild skin and throat infections to fatal septicemia. In severe invasive infections, S. pyogenes encounters and interacts with components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), including small leucine rich-proteoglycans (SLRPs). In this study, we report a novel antimicrobial role played by SLRPs biglycan, de

Plasma analysis by mass spectrometry-based proteomics remains a challenge due to its large dynamic range of 10 orders in magnitude. We created a methodology for protein identification known as Wise MS Transfer (WiMT). Melanoma plasma samples from biobank archives were directly analyzed using simple sample preparation. WiMT is based on MS1 features between several MS runs together with custom prote

During the COVID-19 emergency, cities around the world introduced measures to guarantee physical distancing that restricted access to urban parks and green areas, with potentially negative effects on citizens’ health and wellbeing. This study aims at providing insights to manage access to urban green space in physical distancing times, when the risk of crowding should be avoided. Using the city of

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes have proliferated across Europe and other parts of the world in recent years and have contributed to increasing material and energy recovery from waste streams. Currently, EPR schemes do not provide sufficient incentives for moving towards the higher levels of the waste hierarchy, e.g. by reducing the amounts of waste through incentivising the design

The reliable detection of neutrons in a harsh gamma-ray environment is an important aspect of establishing non-destructive methods for the characterization of spent nuclear fuel. In this study, we present results from extended in-situ monitoring of detector systems consisting of commercially available components: EJ-426, a 6Li-enriched solid-state scintillator material sensitive to thermal neutron

In nature, nothing is wasted, not even waste. Dung, composed of metabolic trash and leftovers of food, is a high-quality resource and the object of fierce competition. Over 800 dung beetle species (Scarabaeinae) compete in the South African dung habitat and more than 100 species can colonize a single dung pat. To coexist in the same space, using the same food, beetles divide the day between them.

Background: Non-beta-hemolytic streptococci (NBHS) are a common cause of infective endocarditis (IE). Echocardiography is used to diagnose IE, but it is not known which patients with NBHS bacteremia should undergo echocardiography.Method: Medical records of patients with NBHS bacteremia in southern Sweden from 2012-2014 were studied retrospectively. The patients were divided into two cohorts. In t

Background: Surgery and anesthesia have been linked to postoperative cognitive disturbance and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. It is not clear by which mechanisms this increased risk for cognitive disease is mediated. Further, amyloid β production has been suggested to depend on the sleep-wake cycle and neuronal activity. The aim of the present study was to examine if cerebrospinal fluid (C

This study looks at academics’ perceptions of, and attitudes to, educational technologies in the context of the intrinsic and extrinsic barriers to adoption which confront them. Academic and support staff at a university in the south of England were surveyed, in part, to establish the reasons given by staff for non-engagement with Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL). What emerged was a mismatch bet

Background It has been reported increased serum apoM levels seen in the patients suffered from obstructive sleep apnoea and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. In the present, we further examine the prevalence of apoM gene SNPs in COPD patients. And a new method base-quenched probe technique is established. Methods In the present study, we first used the Roche 454 GS Junior high-throughput seq