Objective: To examine whether C4d plasma levels correlate with treatment response and C4d kidney deposition in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with lupus nephritis (LN). Methods: C4d plasma levels were analyzed by a unique assay specifically detecting C4d arising from complement activation and C4 plasma levels were quantified with competitive ELISA. SLE patients with LN (71) and active SLE pati

We present a novel calibration method for multi-camera platforms, based on multi-linear constraints. The calibration method can recover the relative orientation between the different cameras on the platform, even when there are no corresponding feature points between the cameras, i.e. there are no overlaps between the cameras. It is shown that two translational motions in different directions are

Factorization algorithms for recovering structure and motion from an image stream have many advantages, but traditionally requires a set of well tracked feature points. This limits the usability since, correctly tracked feature points are not available in general. There is thus a need to make factorization algorithms deal successfully with incorrectly tracked feature points. We propose a new compu

The effect of avoided crossings on the spectral profiles of resonant X-ray Raman scattering was investigated. The theory was also applied to nitrogen molecule in the core-excited level to analyze the electron decay process. The dependence of internuclear distance on electron transition amplitude was considered important with respect to the breakdown process of the transition. The correlation betwe

We report the observation of the unusually weak decay of the N 1s→π* core-excited N2 molecule to the B 2Σu+ final state of N2+, which is only detectable in an experiment with high sensitivity. The resonant Auger spectra exhibit an unexpected dependence on the selected vibrational level of the intermediate state. Theoretical calculations show that the interference between direct and resonant photoe

General introduction This publication is the end product of the Invisible Girl project, an international, Swedish­based and multi­disciplinary research project in which the interplay of power relations, gender, and age was the primary object of study. The project was global in its scope and included researchers and artists from Australia, Canada, Croatia, The Czech Republic, Estonia, India, Israel

As humans interact in the world, they often orient one another's attention to objects through the use of spoken demonstrative expressions and head and/or hand movements to point to the objects. Although indicating behaviors have frequently been studied in lab settings, we know surprisingly little about how demonstratives and pointing are used to coordinate attention in large-scale space and in nat

Background: Many cancers are increased in immunosuppressed patients and evidence is accumulating that immune dysfunction may be a contributing risk factor for second primary cancers (SPCs). The aim of this study was to explore the potential influence of immune mechanisms in SPC. Methods: We used the Swedish Cancer Registry (1990-2015) to select 13 male and 14 female first primary cancers (FPCs) th

Microbe-mediated precipitation of Mn-oxides enriched in rare earth elements (REE) and other trace elements was discovered in tunnels leading to the main shaft of the Ytterby mine, Sweden. Defining the spatial distribution of microorganisms and elements in this ecosystem provide a better understanding of specific niches and parameters driving the emergence of these communities and associated minera

Background: In Scandinavia, there is a strong tradition for research and quality monitoring based on registry data. In Denmark, Norway and Sweden, 63 clinical registries collect data on disease characteristics, treatment and outcome of various cancer diagnoses and groups based on process-related and outcome-related variables. Aim: We describe the cancer-related clinical registries, compare organiz

This article draws on empirically derived illustrations of return to work and unemployment to critically explore how a narrow understanding of work pervades contemporary social policies and programmes. This is particularly relevant in economic and labour market transitions aligned with neoliberalism that individualise the social problem of unemployment and thus restrict occupational possibilities

Background: Diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle is a common condition. There are no generally accepted criteria for diagnosis or treatment of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle, which causes uncertainty for the patient and healthcare providers alike. Methods: The consensus document was created by a group of Swedish surgeons and based on a structured literature review and practical exper

This thesis addresses drinking water quality and microbiology in full-scale drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs). It examines how UV irradiation and slow sand filters (SSFs) alter the water bacteriome, and how the biofilm in the DWDS affects the drinking water quality.In addition, the effects of installing a combined ultra­filtration and coagulation treatment stage on the pipe biofilm com­m

This is the first book to provide a comprehensive account of cultural and heritage tourism in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and the many complexities that heritage sites and tourist attractions face. The MENA region has long been regarded as the cradle of Western and Arab civilisation and is the home of many of the world’s major religions. Because of this, the region is rich in he

The chapter outlines the main themes that emerge in discussing the futures of cultural heritage tourism in the MENA region. Six main themes are identified. The tensions between the social and economic dimensions of heritage are illustrated in the construction of heritage, especially for international and domestic tourists. These tensions are also to be found in the wat in which heritage is deliber

The Middle East and Sorth Africa (MENA) is a large, complex, and diverse region and is viewed as a huge centre of cultural and travel influence. Nevertheless, the region has been plagued by geopolitical tensions, political turmoil, instability, and conflict over the decades. The conflict-ridden and controversial image of the region in many tourism-generating markets has negatively affected the flo

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the ataxin-3 gene (ATXN3), is characterized by neuronal polyglutamine (polyQ) ATXN3 protein aggregates. Although there is no cure for SCA3, gene-silencing approaches to reduce toxic polyQ ATXN3 showed promise in preclinical models. However, a major limitation in translating putative treatments for this rare disease to the cl