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We present a locus-specific protocol suitable for the investigation, from extracted DNA, into natural inter- and intra-specific genetic variation in a group of nine innate immune genes, all belonging to the β-defensin gene family. The products of these genes encode peptides with antimicrobial properties and form part of the innate immune system. The protocol amplifies the exon coding for the pepti

The occurrence of haemosporidians in biting midges of the genus Culicoides is examined in North-East Bulgaria in order to reveal their potential role for parasite transmission. A PCR-based technique amplifying part of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene of the parasite is applied on naturally infected biting midges. Totally, 640 parous individuals of four species and 95 blood-fed individuals of si

Light metal borohydrides are considered as promising materials for solid state hydrogen storage. Because of the high hydrogen content of 11.5 wt % and the rather low dehydrogenation enthalpy of 32 kJ mol(-1)H(2), Ca(BH4)(2) is considered to be one of the most interesting compounds in this class of materials. In the present work, the effect of selected TM-fluoride (TM = transition metal) additives

PURPOSE: Ventilation/perfusion tomography (V/PSPECT), with new interpretation criteria and newer tracers for ventilation imaging, has markedly improved the diagnostic yield in acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Here, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of perfusion SPECT (PSPECT) without ventilation imaging. METHODS: We studied 152 patients with clinically suspected PE who had been examined with b

The Japanese fauna of Manota comprises of 11 out of 14 Palaearctic species with a strong influence of Oriental elements in the southern subtropical parts of the country. The following five new species are described: M. curvistylus, M. kyushuensis, M. omotoensis, M. tripectinata, and M. yaeyamaensis. Three species are recorded for first time from Japan: M. bilobata Papp, 2004, M. epigrata Hippa, 20

Abstract Modal behavior of a GoughâStewart Platform (GSP) is sensitive to several variables related to its inertia, damping and stiffness as well as its complex 3-D geometry. To optimize its dynamical performance, due to the complications of this system, it is crucial to have the equations parametrically at the neutral configuration. However, in the literature, no complete parametric solution to t

In this paper, we use stochastic dynamic programming to model the choice of a municipality which has to design an optimal waste management program under uncertainty about the price of recyclables in the secondary market. The municipality can, by undertaking an irreversible investment, adopt a flexible program which integrates the existing landfill strategy with recycling, keeping the option to swi

As they fly or swim, many animals generate a wake of vortices with their flapping fins and wings that reveals the dynamics of their locomotion. Previous studies have shown that the dynamic interaction of vortices in the wake with fins and wings can increase propulsive force. Here, we explore whether the dynamics of the vortex interactions could affect the predictability of propulsive forces. We st

Salt-free ion-paired catanionic amphiphiles of the C-m(+) C-n(-) type, with a high solubility mismatch (n >> m or m >> n) display a remarkable phase behavior in water. A temperature-driven vesicle-to-micelle transition in the dilute side together with a coexistence of two lamellar phases oil the concentrated side is one of the peculiar effects that have been reported for the hexadecyltrimethylammo

The Chrysididae are a group of cleptoparasitic and parasitoid aculeate wasps with a large number of rare and endangered species. The taxonomy of this group has long been confusing due to the similarity of species and extensive intraspecific variation. We present for the first time a comprehensive dichotomous key for all 74 species found in the Nordic and Baltic countries. In addition to diagnostic

Nonadherence to adjuvant endocrine breast cancer treatment adversely affects disease-free and overall survival. Clinical predictors of nonadherence may allow for specific interventions to reduce nonadherence and improve survival. The aim was to investigate whether clinical characteristics predict nonadherence. Clinical characteristics and information on adherence were obtained from 417 patients wi

The structure of the lamellar phase of aqueous pentaethylene glycol mono-n-dodecyl ether (C12E5) surfactant at various temperatures and molar fractions is studied by using united atom molecular dynamics simulations and nuclear magnetic resonance measurements. Namely, the simulation model is used to interpret the magnitude and temperature dependence of experimental C-H order parameter profiles in t

In a monozygotic twin couple with mental retardation (MR), we identified a maternally inherited inversion and a paternally inherited translocation: 46,XY,inv(10)(p11.2q21.2)mat,t(9;18)(p22;q21.1) pat. The maternally inherited inv(10) was a benign variant without any apparent phenotypical implications. The translocation breakpoint at 9p was within a cluster of interferon a genes and the 18q21 break

In this paper we study the properties of molecular and supra molecular species in cereal beta-glucan solutions/dispersions by the utilization of asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation coupled to multi-angle light scattering and refractive index (AsFlFFF-MALS-RI) detectors. The samples were purified barley and oat beta-glucans which were dissolved in aqueous solution using either mild condition

Carrier frequency offset (CFO) synchronization is a crucial issue in the implementation of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. Since current technology tends to implement different standards in the same wireless device, a common frequency synchronization structure is desirable. Knowledge of the physical frame and performance and cost system requirements are needed to choose

To describe specific causes of death and evaluate whether bleeding events and infection contributed to mortality in all ticagrelor-treated and clopidogrel-treated patients with acute coronary syndromes.

Stretch of the vascular wall stimulates smooth muscle hypertrophy by activating the MAPK and Rho/Rho kinase (ROK) pathways. We investigated the role of calcium in this response. Stretch-stimulated expression of contractile and cytoskeletal proteins in mouse portal vein was inhibited at mRNA and protein levels by blockade of voltage-dependent Ca(2+) entry (VDCE). In contrast, blockade of store-oper

GPR30, or G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1), was recently introduced as a membrane estrogen receptor and a candidate cancer biomarker and therapeutic target. However, several questions surround the subcellular localization and signaling of this receptor. In native cells, including mouse myoblast C(2)C(12) cells, Madine-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells, and human ductal breas

Lung scintigraphy is primarily used to diagnose pulmonary embolism. Ventilation imaging is often performed using Tc-99m-DTPA or Technegas, an ultrafine dispersion of Tc-99m-labeled carbon. Despite the common use of these radioaerosols, they have not been compared in an intraindividual study, and not with ventilation-perfusion (V/P) SPECT. The aim of the present head-to-head study was to systematic