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C4b binding protein (C4BP) regulates the complement system. It also interacts with anticoagulant protein S and with serum amyloid P component. Human C4BP is composed of seven identical 70-kDa alpha-chains and one 45-kDa beta-chain. The binding site for C4b is located on the alpha-chain, whereas the beta-chain binds protein S. Nothing is known about the structure and function of bovine C4BP. No com
While Raman spectroscopy provides opportunities for simultaneous detection and quantitative analysis of multiple species, it also suffers from certain limitations, such as low signal strength, which often makes it unsuitable for the study of minor species. The present work employs a high-repetition-rate and high-power laser and re-introduces an amplification technique to improve the detection limi
Background: Liver disease in Cystic Fibrosis (CFLD) is an early complication of CF. Evidence of CFLD is often subclinical and screening is recommended. Screening includes a biochemical work-up and an ultrasound investigation. Non-invasive methods measuring liver stiffness such as shear wave elastography could be beneficial. This study describes the use of 2D Shear Wave Elastography (2D SWE) in scr
A search is presented for the production of a single top quark via left-handed flavour-changing neutral-current (FCNC) interactions of a top quark, a gluon and an up or charm quark. Two production processes are considered: u+ g→ t and c+ g→ t. The analysis is based on proton–proton collision data taken at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The data set correspond
Background: Inferior scapular notching is a complication unique to reverse shoulder arthroplasty. The most efficient technique to avoid inferior scapular notching has been reported to be lateralization of the glenoid offset. This study aims to compare radiological and functional outcomes of the DELTA Xtend® Reverse Shoulder System Lateralized Glenosphere Line Extension (intervention group) with th
Objective Ultrasound is a promising tool to foster much-needed improvement of skin assessment in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Our aim was to develop evidence and expert opinion-based recommendations to promote the standardisation and harmonisation of technical execution and reporting of skin ultrasound studies in SSc. Methods A multidisciplinary task force of 16 members from five European countries a
Many astrophysical observations indicate the existence Dark Matter, which is not predicted by the Standard Model (SM) of particle physics. Many theories beyond the Standard Model (BSM) predict new heavy particles called WIMPs (Weakly Interacting Massive Particles). One way to search for WIMP dark matter is through its pair-production in collider experiments. A possible signature, in this case, is
The risk assessment of pesticide residues in food is a key priority in the area of food safety. Most jurisdictions have implemented pre-marketing authorization processes, which are supported by prospective risk assessments. These prospective assessments estimate the expected residue levels in food combining results from residue trials, resembling the pesticide use patterns, with food con-sumption
Detecting changes in population trends depends on the accuracy of estimated mean population growth rates and thus the quality of input data. However, monitoring wildlife populations poses economic and logistic challenges especially in complex and remote habitats. Declines in wildlife populations can remain undetected for years unless effective monitoring techniques are developed, guiding appropria
Objectives: To assess the prevalence of reported and unreported incidental pulmonary embolism (iPE) in patients with cancer, and to evaluate an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm for automatic detection of iPE. Methods: Retrospective cohort study on patients with cancer with an elective CT study including the chest between 2018-07-01 and 2019-06-30. All study reports and images were reviewed t
We present a novel high-resolution inverse modelling system ("FLEXVAR") based on FLEXPARTCOSMO back trajectories driven by COSMO meteorological fields at 7 km×7 km resolution over the European COSMO-7 domain and the four-dimensional variational (4DVAR) data assimilation technique. FLEXVAR is coupled offline with the global inverse modelling system TM5-4DVAR to provide background mole fractions ("b
BACKGROUND: Updated National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry (NACB) Laboratory Medicine Practice Guidelines for the use of tumor markers in the clinic have been developed. METHODS: Published reports relevant to use of tumor markers for 5 cancer sites - testicular, prostate, colorectal, breast, and ovarian - were critically reviewed. RESULTS: For testicular cancer, α-fetoprotein, human chorionic g
The carnivorous pitcher plant Sarracenia purpurea is native to North America, but has been introduced into Europe, where it is now widespread. Understanding of how this species functions in its non-native range is limited. We measured pitcher morphology and prey capture by S. purpurea in its non-native range in Britain and Ireland. Pitchers were removed from different plants at each of six bogs co
Exploring the patterns of genetic structure in the context of geographical andphenotypic variation is important to understand the evolutionary processesinvolved in speciation. We investigated population and subspecies differentiationin the Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula, a high latitude wader thatbreeds in arctic and temperate zones from northeast Canada across Eurasia tothe Russian Far
Background: Cutaneous melanoma is steadily increasing worldwide. The new AJCC 8th edition was recently launched and introduced several changes in melanoma staging, particularly for stage III. We conducted a population-based registry study with the purpose to evaluate the impact and prognostic accuracy of the new classification in Sweden. Methods: Consecutive patients diagnosed with stage III melan
Background. The Clubfoot Assessment Protocol (CAP) was developed for follow-up of children treated for clubfoot. The objective of this study was to analyze reliability and validity of the six items used in the domain CAPMotion Quality using inexperienced assessors. Findings. Four raters (two paediatric orthopaedic surgeons, two senior physiotherapists) used the CAP scores to analyze, on two differ
Background: Block-sequential regularized expectation maximization (BSREM), commercially Q. Clear (GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI, USA), is a reconstruction algorithm that allows for a fully convergent iterative reconstruction leading to higher image contrast compared to conventional reconstruction algorithms, while also limiting noise. The noise penalization factor β controls the trade-off between n
The WORLD6 model is a fully integrated dynamic world systems model. It includes a biophysical global economic model, based on first principles of physics and thermodynamics, forcing it to be fully consistent with the underlying mass- and energy balances. The WORLD6 model first creates value from extraction of natural resources, input of human labour, the efficiency effect of mechanization and auto
Rivers have traditionally been viewed as negligible sources of iron (Fe) to marine waters, as most Fe gets lost during estuarine mixing. However, recent findings demonstrate that Fe from boreal rivers display a higher resistance towards salinity-induced aggregation, presumably due to stabilizing interactions with organic matter. Previous studies have shown that Fe (oxy)hydroxides are selectively r
Expression of mRNAs for neuropeptide Y (NPY) and its receptor subtypes Y1 (Y1-R), Y2 (Y2-R) and Y5 (Y5-R) was studied in adult rat brain using in situ hybridization after 40 rapidly recurring seizures induced with 5-min interval by hippocampal kindling stimulations. At 2-4 h post-seizure, NPY mRNA levels were markedly elevated in dentate granule cells, CA1 and CA3 pyramidal layers, amygdala and pi
