Filetype
Molecular engineering of ligand-binding proteins is commonly used for identification of variants that display novel specificities. Using this approach to introduce novel specificities into CBMs (carbohydrate-binding modules) has not been extensively explored. Here, we report the engineering of a CBM, CBM42 from the Rhodothermits marinus xylanase Xyn10A, and the identification of the X-2 variant. A
The clinical course in urinary bladder cancer is difficult or impossible to predict based on conventional disease parameters. It is a reasonable hypothesis that the genetic aberrations acquired by the tumor cells, being instrumental in bringing about the disease in the first place, may also hold the key to more reliable prognostication. However, though 200 transitional cell carcinomas (TCC), the m
Rhizotrons provide valuable information about plant root production, but measurements are usually made in units of root length per unit surface area of observation window surface. These measurement units are not easily comparable to above-ground plant growth. To address this deficiency, several techniques have been developed to convert rhizotron measurement units into root mass production per unit
The complement protein C4 exists as two isotypes, C4A and C4B, encoded by genes in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class III region. The serum concentrations of C4A4 were lower than those of C4B2 in serum from 19 individuals homozygous for type I C2 deficiency (p < 0.0002). These individuals all had the S042 complotype and most of them were homozygous for the haplotype HLA-B18,S042,DR2.
Background: Foetal inflammation is associated with an increased risk of brain damage in preterm infants whereas IGF-I is essential for cerebral development and exhibits anti-apoptotic properties. Aim: To assess levels of IGF-I and IGF binding proteins at very preterm birth and to evaluate their relationship with foetal pro-inflammation and cerebral damage. Methods: Levels of IGF-I, IGF binding pro
This article emphasizes the continuities rather than the discontinuities between war and peace, suggesting that warfare as well as the making of peace can be seen as parts of a continuous bargaining process. It presents an analytical framework for past-war bargaining proceeding from four challenges which affect the balance between cooperation and conflict: (1) the timing of war endings; (2) leader
In sunshine, the Vikings navigated on the open sea using sundials. According to a widespread hypothesis, when the Sun was occluded by fog or clouds the Vikings might have navigated by skylight polarization detected with an enigmatic birefringent crystal (sunstone). There are two atmospheric optical prerequisites for this alleged polarimetric Viking navigation under foggy/cloudy skies: (1) the degr
Peptidoglycan from Staphylococcus aureus mobilized CD66b in human neutrophils but did not upregulate surface activation markers in eosinophils. In addition, Toll-like receptor 2, implicated in the recognition of peptidoglycan, was detected on the surface of resting neutrophils but not on eosinophils. These findings suggest roles for neutrophils but not eosinophils in innate recognition of peptidog
A combination of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and Multiple-input-multiple-output(MIMO) systems appears to be a promising solution for the PHY layer of indoor multimedia transmission via wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs). Antenna selection is an excellent way of reducing the hardware costs of MIMO-OFDM systems while retaining high performance. This paper addresses two major
PURPOSE: To report clinical findings after accidental instillation into the eye of sap from Angel's trumpet (Datura suaveolens). METHODS: We report findings on seven patients who developed sudden onset of unilateral mydriasis. At least three of them also had ipsilateral cycloplegia and one developed transient tachycardia. RESULTS: The symptoms evolved after ocular exposure to sap from Angel's trum
Background: We have previously shown that there were great discrepancies between different agents regarding their glutathione stimulating potential and that agents with mainly oxidative effects did not increase concentrations of glutathione in human cell cultures, in contrast to other thiol reactive agents. In order to evaluate whether increased glutathione degradation might be one reason for thes
Before, during, and after cardiac intervention, there is occasionally a need for circulatory support because of hemodynamic deterioration. For this purpose, a new minimally invasive cardiac assist device has been developed, and an early prototype has been studied in a bench test and in three pigs. The pump is a catheter system with a distal motor driven propeller (0-15,000 rpm) surrounded by a cag
Many of the immigrant workers who came to Sweden from the sixties onwards, and their children, are stereotyped as ‘black skulls’. They are seen as silent, passive and mired in ‘traditional’ cultures, a stereotype that also pervades the trade union bureaucracies which are closely tied to the dominant Social Democratic Party. But interviews with activists in the FAI, a network of immigrant union act
World War I. The Battle of Verdun
Systematic calculations of atomic properties, using the Multiconfiguration and Configuration Interaction techniques, are discussed. Different quality criteria for atomic structure calculations are pointed out, and examples are given to illustrate these points. Among the properties discussed are oscillator strengths for resonance lines, magnetic dipole hyperfine structure constants, lifetimes of me
Prothrombin time (PT) is clinically important and is used to monitor oral anticoagulant therapy. To obtain PT results in international normalized ratio (INR), the current standardization procedure is complex and involves reference reagents. The PT of diluted plasma samples can be determined with a combined thromboplastin (the Owren-type procedure), but not necessarily with a plain thromboplastin (
