Search results for "matrix"
showing 10 items of 3205 documents
Metalloproteinases and Tissue Inhibitors in Generalized Myasthenia Gravis. A Preliminary Study
2022
Introduction: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) have recently been proposed as promising biomarkers in different immune-mediated disorders. We evaluated the plasma levels of MMP-9 and MMP-2 and their tissue inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in a patients’ cohort with generalized myasthenia gravis (MG). Methods: Plasma concentrations of MMP-9, MMP-2, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were evaluated in 14 patients with generalized MG and 13 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The severity of disease was assessed by the modified Osserman classification. Results: Compared to the healthy subjects, MG patients had increased plasma concentrations of MMP-9, but redu…
Phenomenology of non-standard neutrino interactions
2016
Today neutrino physics is in a privileged position within the fascinating field of particle physics. From the discovery of neutrino oscillations by Super-Kamiokande in 1998, the door to physics beyond the Standard Model (SM in what follows) has been opened. This fact implies that neutrinos have to be massive in opposition to the Standard Model assumption. However, this is not a surprise completely, but it was already hinted from theoretical and experimental observations in the two decades prior to the discovery of the oscillatory phenomenon, as neutrino masses included in unification models or the observed deficit of the atmospheric and solar neutrino fluxes. As a consequence of this new pa…
Vibrational Spectrum of HXeSH revisited : Combined computational and experimental study
2020
Vibrational spectrum of HXeSH embedded in low-temperature matrix is experimentally studied. To support the spectrum interpretation, anharmonic vibrational analysis is performed using different models and basis sets and the data is compared with previous experimental and theoretical analyses. Computations of overtones and combination modes allowed for new band assignments. The HXeSH molecule exhibits high anharmonicity similarly as other molecules from the noble-gas hydride family. Comparison of the employed computational methods shows once again that the modelling of the noble-gas compounds faces theoretical challenges to yield quantitatively reliable results. peerReviewed
Information Extraction from Binary Skill Assessment Data with Machine Learning
2021
Strength training exercises are essential for rehabilitation, improving our health as well as in sports. For optimal and safe training, educators and trainers in the industry should comprehend exercise form or technique. Currently, there is a lack of tools measuring in-depth skills of strength training experts. In this study, we investigate how data mining methods can be used to identify novel and useful skill patterns from a binary multiple choice questionnaire test designed to measure the knowledge level of strength training experts. A skill test assessing exercise technique expertise and comprehension was answered by 507 fitness professionals with varying backgrounds. A triangulated appr…
A Simple, High-Yield Method for Assessing Structural Novelity
2013
The structural dimension of music plays an important role in its affective appreciation. One particular aspect is related to the temporal succession of moments, each characterized by particular musical properties. One classical approach in computational modelling of this aspect is based on similarity matrix representations, where successive states are visualized by successive squares along the main diagonal, bearing some resemblance to checkerboards. One referential method estimates a so-called novelty curve, representing the probability along time of the presence of transitions between successive states, as well as their relative importance. Novelty is traditionally computed by comparing –…
A novel intrinsically disordered outer membrane lipoprotein ofAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitansbinds various cytokines and plays a role in biofil…
2017
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) do not have a well-defined and stable 3-dimensional fold. Some IDPs can function as either transient or permanent binders of other proteins and may interact with an array of ligands by adopting different conformations. A novel outer membrane lipoprotein, bacterial interleukin receptor I (BilRI) of the opportunistic oral pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans binds a key gatekeeper proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1b. Because the amino acid sequence of the novel lipoprotein resembles that of fibrinogen binder A of Haemophilus ducreyi, BilRI could have the potential to bind other proteins, such as host matrix proteins. However, from th…
UV filters: From sunscreens to human body and the environment
2007
Recognition of the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the skin has triggered development of organic chemicals (commonly referred as UV filters) that can absorb UV radiation and attenuate the negative effects of sunlight exposure. Depending on the properties and the intended degree of protection, a wide array of combinations is being marketed as delivering protection against most kinds of UV-induced skin damage. However, some UV filters have dermatological implications, so maximum applicable concentrations have been established. To monitor to what extent commercial products comply with the mandatory limits, several analytical methods have been used for their determination in co…
Application of Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy to Cultural Heritage: characterization and preservation of ancient paper artwork
2016
Within the cultural heritage the characterization and conservation of artworks based on paper represents a significant issue for both restorers and scientists. The paper deterioration is affected by the degree of hydrolytic and oxidative reactions which occur upon aging. Moreover, the durability of cellulose fibers depends on the intrinsic composition/structure of the paper as well as on the conservation conditions, such as temperature and humidity. The structural and dynamical characterization of the cellulose matrix and of the water confined within its pores is therefore of central interest. Our working hypothesis is that WATER DYNAMICS is one of the main determinants of paper degradation…
Comparative Analysis of Nuclear Matrix Elements of 0νβ+β+ Decay and Muon Capture in 106Cd
2021
Comparative analyses of the nuclear matrix elements (NMEs) related to the 0νβ+β+ decay of 106Cd to the ground state of 106Pd and the ordinary muon capture (OMC) in 106Cd are performed. This is the first time the OMC NMEs are studied for a nucleus decaying via positron-emitting/electron-capture modes of double beta decay. All the present calculations are based on the proton-neutron quasiparticle random-phase approximation with large no-core single-particle bases and realistic two-nucleon interactions. The effect of the particle-particle interaction parameter gpp of pnQRPA on the NMEs is discussed. In the case of the OMC, the effect of different bound-muon wave functions is studied. peerRevie…
Identification of various retention/release behaviours of odorant molecules in dairy and pectin gels: the role of structural features
2014
Reducing the fat content in food requires a reformulation by adding thickeners that may cause a different perception of aroma. Maintaining an adequate level of acceptability of these reformulated products for consumers requires a better understanding of the mechanisms that control the retention/release balance of odorant molecules in food matrices. [1]. Although pectins are commonly employed as thickeners [2], their effect on the retention of odorant molecules in nonhomogeneous products [3, 4] has been examined more frequently than their effect on the retention of odorant molecules in simple model gels [5]. The purpose of this study was to explore and compare the effects of pectin in differ…