We present results from two experiments that provide the first quantification of inter-particle force networks in stiff, 3D, opaque granular materials. Force vectors between all grains were determined using a mathematical optimization technique that seeks to satisfy grain equilibrium and strain measurements. Quantities needed in the optimization - the spatial location of the inter-particle contact

Diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) allows for assessment of diffusion influenced by microcellular structures. We analyzed DKI in suspected low-grade gliomas prior to histopathological diagnosis. The aim was to investigate if diffusion parameters in the perilesional normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) differed from contralesional white matter, and to investigate differences between glioma malignancy

The expression and role of CR3 (CD11b/CD18) and CR4 (CD11c/CD18) in B cells are not yet explored in contrast to myeloid cells, where these β2-integrin type receptors are known to participate in various cellular functions, including phagocytosis, adherence and migration. Here we aimed to reveal the expression and role of CR3 and CR4 in human B cells. In B cells of healthy donors CR3 and CR4 are sca

In many of the first treatment trials with tacrine, heterogeneity in treatment response was observed and discussed. One third of the patients were considered to be responders to treatment, one third unchanged and one third non-responders. Factors outlined as possible positive predictors of treatment were among others old age, well preserved frontal lobes, and presence of the APOE e4 allele. Unfort

Background: The preservatives methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) and MI are well-known contact sensitizers. Recently, an increase in the contact allergy frequency for MI 0.2% aqueous (aq) has been seen in many European countries paralleled with an increase in MCI/MI allergy. Many of the MI-allergic patients do not react to MCI/MI 0.01% or 0.02% because the concentration of

Overexpression of PARP1 exists in various cancers, including glioblastoma (GBM). Although PARP1 inhibition is a promising therapeutic target, no comprehensive study has addressed PARP1's expression characteristics and prognostic role regarding molecular heterogeneity in astrocytomas including GBM. Our aim was to evaluate PARP1's associations with survival, WHO grade, lineage specific markers, and

Treatment at last contact in 89 persons with severe depression who committed suicide was compared with treatment at a corresponding date in 89 matched persons who did not commit suicide. No difference in electroconvulsive therapy use or prescription of antidepressant medication could be shown between those who committed suicide and those who did not. Neither was there a difference in response to t

In this work, we extend the popular sparse iterative covariance-based estimator (SPICE) by generalizing the formulation to allow for different norm constraint on the signal and noise parameters in the covariance model. For any choice of norms, the resulting generalized SPICE method enjoys the same benefits as the regular SPICE method, including being hyperparameter free, although the choice of nor

Over the past three decades, a range of attempts have been made to raise the importance of science, technology and innovation on the policy agenda in Africa. This article explores four themes along which growth paths and patterns may be realized, namely regional and global integration, inclusive innovation, priorities and approaches to diversify African economies, and the role of the state. The ou

Background: The preservative methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) is a well-known contact sensitizer. Historically, there have been different opinions on the optimal patch test concentration of MCI/MI, and both 0.01% and 0.02% aqueous (aq.) have been proposed. In 2011, based on literature reviews, it was recommended that the concentration of 0.02% aq. should be used in the in

Lean body mass, consisting mostly of skeletal muscle, is important for healthy aging. We performed a genome-wide association study for whole body (20 cohorts of European ancestry with n = 38,292) and appendicular (arms and legs) lean body mass (n = 28,330) measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry or bioelectrical impedance analysis, adjusted for sex, age, height, and fat mass. Twenty-one si

Celiac disease is associated with the HLA-DR3-DQA1*05:01-DQB1*02:01 and DR4-DQA1*03:01-DQB1*03:02 haplotypes. In addition, there are currently over 40 non-HLA loci associated with celiac disease. This study extends previous analyses on different HLA haplotypes in celiac disease using next generation targeted sequencing. Included were 143 patients with celiac disease and 135 non-celiac disease cont

The ATLAS (one of two general purpose detectors at the LHC) Transition Radiation Tracker (TRT) is the outermost of the three tracking subsystems of the ATLAS Inner Detector. It is a large straw-based detector and contains about 350,000 electronics channels. The performance of the TRT as tracking and particularly particle identification detector strongly depends on stability of the operation parame