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We extend a thermodynamically consistent finite strain micro-sphere framework elaborated by Carol et al. towards the modelling of phase-transformations to allow for the simulation of polycrystalline solids such as, e.g., shape memory alloys and shape memory polymers undergoing large deformations. The considered phase-transformation mechanism is based on statistical physics and allows the considera

Purpose: To compare the patient-reported, clinical, and radiographic outcome of 2 methods of internal fixation in distal radius fractures. Methods: Fifty patients, mean age 56 years (range, 21-69 years) with primarily nonreducible or secondarily redisplaced distal radius fractures were randomized to open reduction internal fixation using volar locking plates (n = 25) or fragment-specific fixation

Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is currently the only approved vaccine against tuberculosis (TB). BCG mimics M. tuberculosis (Mtb) in its persistence in the body and is used as a benchmark to compare new vaccine candidates. BCG was originally designed for mucosal vaccination, but comprehensive knowledge about its interaction with epithelium is currently lacking. We used primary a

A sensitive and rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for simultaneous quantitation of free and IgA-complexed human protein HC was developed with monoclonal murine antibodies. The total amount of protein HC (free plus IgA-complexed) was measured by a competitive procedure while the protein HC-IgA complex was quantitated by a sandwich enzyme immunoassay. The amount of free protein HC was then obt

When selecting for monoclonal antibodies of a desired affinity, affinity chromatography can be a feasible alternative. This is of particular interest when low affinity monoclonal antibodies (dissociation constant (Kd) > 10(-4) M) are screened, as they are not easily recognised by traditional immunoassay procedures. In this study we have evaluated this approach by monitoring low affinity monoclonal

The ERBB2 gene encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase also known as HER2. The gene is amplified and overexpressed in one-fifth of breast carcinomas; patients with such tumors benefit from targeted treatment with trastuzumab or other drugs blocking the receptor. In addition, ERBB2 has been shown to be amplified and/or overexpressed in a variety of other malignancies. Notably, both alveolar and embryona

Autonomic computing systems adapt themselves thousands of times a second, to accomplish their goal despite changing environmental conditions and demands. The literature reports many decision mechanisms, but in most realizations a single one is applied. This paper compares some state-of-the-art decision making approaches, applied to a self-optimizing autonomic system that allocates resources to a s

ObjectivePediatric anxiety disorders can have a chronic course and are considered gateway disorders to adult psychopathology, but no consistent predictors of long-term outcome have been identified. A single latent symptom dimension that reflects features shared by all mental health disorders, the p factor, is thought to reflect mechanisms that cut across mental disorders. Whether p predicts outcom

Abstract in UndeterminedIn this paper we describe and reflect upon a novel methodology using attention cards to facilitate communication, concentration and creativity in a user requirement workshop with seniors. Previous research indicates that seniors tend to lose focus and start cross talking during workshops, which results in broad and shallow findings. However, our findings indicate that the u

Identifying optimal inspection and repair strategies for offshore jacket structures is a challenging task. We present an approach, which is based on recent developments in the field of risk-based operation and maintenance planning at the structural system level. The approach utilizes heuristics to define inspection and repair strategies at the system level and to reduce the search space of possibl

Over the last decade, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have been used for monitoring construction and operation of civil infrastructure, as well as industrial facilities and power plants. Their operational simplicity along with time-and-cost-related benefits have already rendered them attractive for structural surveying. Nevertheless, the field of UAV research currently lacks a targeted employment

A software prototype is developed for assessing and updating the reliability of single-cell prestressed concrete box girders subjected to chloride-induced reinforcement corrosion. The underlying system model consists of two integrated sub-models: a condition model for predicting the deterioration state of the box girder and a structural model for evaluating the overall system reliability. The cond

The dispersion scan (d-scan) technique has emerged as a simple-to-implement characterization method for ultrashort laser pulses. D-scan traces are intuitive to interpret and retrieval algorithms that are both fast and robust have been developed to obtain the spectral phase and the temporal pulse profile. Here, we shortly review the second harmonic generation d-scan technique, focusing predominantl

Spleen cells from WF rats immunized to allogeneic lymphoid cells or to syngeneic colon carcinomas and from unimmunized controls were separated by countercurrent distribution in aqueous two-phase systems. The cells were assayed for cytotoxicity to allogeneic fibroblasts or syngeneic colon carcinoma cells and to syngeneic fibroblasts in a 24-hr 51Cr-release assay. Cells from immunized rats which sel

Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-based therapies for inflammatory diseases rely mainly on the paracrine ability to modulate the activity of macrophages. Despite recent advances, there is scarce information regarding changes of the secretome content attributed to physiomimetic cultures and, especially, how secretome content influence on macrophage activity for therapy. hLMSCs from human donors were c