| 1. |
- Möllerberg, Marie-Louise, et al.
(författare)
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Managing an altered social context—Patients experiences of staying away from home while undergoing proton beam therapy
- 2020
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Ingår i: Nursing Open. - : Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd. - 2054-1058. ; 7:4, s. 1157-1163
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim: To illuminate the experience of an altered social context for patients with primary brain tumours living away from home while undergoing proton beam therapy. Design: A descriptive, qualitative cross-sectional interview study. Methods: Nineteen patients were interviewed between December 2015–August 2016, either during (N = 7) or before and after (N = 12) their proton beam therapy. A hermeneutical analysis was performed. Results: Participants made adjustments to achieve control and well-being during the treatment period. The analysis also revealed two interrelated patterns that helped participants adjust: being part of the family from a distance and seeking affinity. Conclusion: It is important that patients receiving treatment far from home find a way to remain a part of their family and find affinity in the altered social context. Health professionals can prepare patients for the treatment period and can implement interventions to promote well-being for both patients and their relatives. © 2020 The Authors.
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| 2. |
- Stockfelt, Leo, 1981, et al.
(författare)
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A controlled chamber study of effects of exposure to diesel exhaust particles and noise on heart rate variability and endothelial function
- 2022
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Ingår i: Inhalation Toxicology. - : Taylor and Francis Ltd.. - 0895-8378 .- 1091-7691. ; 34:5-6, s. 159-170
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Adverse cardiovascular effects are associated with both diesel exhaust and road traffic noise, but these exposures are hard to disentangle epidemiologically. We used an experimental setup to evaluate the impact of diesel exhaust particles and traffic noise, alone and combined, on intermediary outcomes related to the autonomic nervous system and increased cardiovascular risk. Methods: In a controlled chamber 18 healthy adults were exposed to four scenarios in a randomized cross-over fashion. Each exposure scenario consisted of either filtered (clean) air or diesel engine exhaust (particle mass concentrations around 300 µg/m3), and either low (46 dB(A)) or high (75 dB(A)) levels of traffic noise for 3 h at rest. ECG was recorded for 10-min periods before and during each exposure type, and frequency-domain heart rate variability (HRV) computed. Endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness were assessed after each exposure using EndoPAT 2000. Results: Compared to control exposure, HRV in the high frequency band decreased during exposure to diesel exhaust, both alone and combined with noise, but not during noise exposure only. These differences were more pronounced in women. We observed no synergistic effects of combined exposure, and no significant differences between exposure scenarios for other HRV indices, endothelial function or arterial stiffness. Conclusion: Three-hour exposure to diesel exhaust, but not noise, was associated with decreased HRV in the high frequency band. This indicates activation of irritant receptor-mediated autonomic reflexes, a possible mechanism for the cardiovascular risks of diesel exposure. There was no effect on endothelial dysfunction or arterial stiffness after exposure. © 2022 The Author(s).
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| 3. |
- Bernin, Diana, 1979, et al.
(författare)
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Multi-scale characterization of pasta during cooking using microscopy and real-time magnetic resonance imaging
- 2014
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Ingår i: Food Research International. - : Elsevier BV. - 0963-9969 .- 1873-7145. ; 66, s. 132-139
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Macroscopic properties of pasta, such as the texture, are formed during cooking by a complex interplay of water and heat with the structuring agents starch and gluten. The impact of the starch-to-gluten ratio on microstructure and water distribution in pasta was analyzed by a multi-scale approach combining magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and light microscopy. The cooking process and thus the water distribution was monitored non-invasively using 1H MRI in real-time with a temporal resolution of 45s. Our MRI set-up allowed following the water ingress by imaging the reduction of the uncooked core. The water ingress rate was neither dependent on pasta composition nor on the presence of salt in the cooking media (0.7% NaCl). Starch-rich samples showed a more homogeneous water distribution in the gelatinized zone, which was mirrored in a more homogeneous microstructure. In contrast, gluten-rich samples showed both a heterogeneous water distribution and microstructure. Thus, the gluten content affected local water content in the gelatinized zone but not the water ingress. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.
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| 4. |
- Lindgren, Johan, et al.
(författare)
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Soft-tissue evidence for homeothermy and crypsis in a Jurassic ichthyosaur
- 2018
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Ingår i: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 564:7736
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Ichthyosaurs are extinct marine reptiles that display a notable external similarity to modern toothed whales. Here we show that this resemblance is more than skin deep. We apply a multidisciplinary experimental approach to characterize the cellular and molecular composition of integumental tissues in an exceptionally preserved specimen of the Early Jurassic ichthyosaur Stenopterygius. Our analyses recovered still-flexible remnants of the original scaleless skin, which comprises morphologically distinct epidermal and dermal layers. These are underlain by insulating blubber that would have augmented streamlining, buoyancy and homeothermy. Additionally, we identify endogenous proteinaceous and lipid constituents, together with keratinocytes and branched melanophores that contain eumelanin pigment. Distributional variation of melanophores across the body suggests countershading, possibly enhanced by physiological adjustments of colour to enable photoprotection, concealment and/or thermoregulation. Convergence of ichthyosaurs with extant marine amniotes thus extends to the ultrastructural and molecular levels, reflecting the omnipresent constraints of their shared adaptation to pelagic life.
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| 5. |
- Steglich, Thomas, 1983, et al.
(författare)
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Microstructure and water distribution of commercial pasta studied by microscopy and 3D magnetic resonance imaging
- 2014
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Ingår i: Food Research International. - : Elsevier BV. - 0963-9969 .- 1873-7145. ; 62, s. 644-652
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Manufacturing pasta is a rather well known process, but it is still challenging to tailor pasta products with new raw materials. In this study, we evaluated the effects of raw materials on the microstructure and water distribution in cooked pasta using H-1 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as bright field and polarized light microscopy. The MRI parameters initial intensity (I-0) and transverse dephasing time (T-2*) serve as indicators of the local water concentration and water-macromolecule interactions through chemical exchange, respectively. These parameters were mapped throughout the whole pasta volume with a spatial resolution of 78 mu m in all three dimensions. MRI was combined with light microscopy to link I-0 and T-2* to microstructure components such as fiber particles and the extent of starch gelatinization. Four commercial spaghetti samples were analyzed which were made of durum wheat flour, both plain and enriched with wheat fiber, as well as with wholegrain and soft wheat flour. Although all pasta samples showed similar macroscopic water absorption as measured by weight increase, the sample structures differed at the microscopic scale. Compared to durum wheat spaghetti, the presence of fiber particles decreased T-2*, while spaghetti enriched with soft wheat flour increased T-2*. In addition, light microscopy showed that large fiber particles partly acted as barriers against water migration and protected starch granules from swelling. Smaller wheat fiber particles did not affect local starch swelling. Thus, the combination of light microscopy and MRI is a powerful tool to study the microstructure and water distribution in pasta.
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| 6. |
- Bialik, Erik, et al.
(författare)
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Ionization of Cellobiose in Aqueous Alkali and the Mechanism of Cellulose Dissolution
- 2016
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Ingår i: The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters. - : American Chemical Society. - 1948-7185. ; 7:24, s. 5044-5048
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Cellulose, one of the most abundant renewable resources, is insoluble in most common solvents but dissolves in aqueous alkali under a narrow range of conditions. To elucidate the solubilization mechanism, we performed electrophoretic NMR on cellobiose, a subunit of cellulose, showing that cellobiose acts as an acid with two dissociation steps at pH 12 and 13.5. Chemical shift differences between cellobiose in NaOH and NaCl were estimated using 2D NMR and compared to DFT shift differences upon deprotonation. The dissociation steps are the deprotonation of the hemiacetal OH group and the deprotonation of one of four OH groups on the nonreducing anhydroglucose unit. MD simulations reveal that aggregation is suppressed upon charging cellulose chains in solution. Our findings strongly suggest that cellulose is to a large extent charged in concentrated aqueous alkali, a seemingly crucial factor for solubilization. This insight, overlooked in the current literature, is important for understanding cellulose dissolution and for synthesis of new sustainable materials.
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| 7. |
- Gerasimov, Jennifer Yevgenia, 1985-, et al.
(författare)
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Rational Materials Design for In Operando Electropolymerization of Evolvable Organic Electrochemical Transistors
- 2022
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Ingår i: Advanced Functional Materials. - : John Wiley and Sons Inc. - 1616-301X .- 1616-3028. ; 32
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Organic electrochemical transistors formed by in operando electropolymerization of the semiconducting channel are increasingly becoming recognized as a simple and effective implementation of synapses in neuromorphic hardware. However, very few studies have reported the requirements that must be met to ensure that the polymer spreads along the substrate to form a functional conducting channel. The nature of the interface between the substrate and various monomer precursors of conducting polymers through molecular dynamics simulations is investigated, showing that monomer adsorption to the substrate produces an increase in the effective monomer concentration at the surface. By evaluating combinatorial couples of monomers baring various sidechains with differently functionalized substrates, it is shown that the interactions between the substrate and the monomer precursor control the lateral growth of a polymer film along an inert substrate. This effect has implications for fabricating synaptic systems on inexpensive, flexible substrates. © 2022 The Authors.
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| 8. |
- Nielsen, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Nanomaterials in the European chemicals legislation-methodological challenges for registration and environmental safety assessment
- 2021
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Ingår i: Environmental Science: Nano. - : Royal Society of Chemistry. - 2051-8153 .- 2051-8161. ; 8:3, s. 731-747
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In the European Union the Annexes of its chemical legislation (REACH) were revised and now clarify the technical data requirements for nanomaterials (NMs). These new provisions, effective from January 1, 2020, introduce requirements for manufacturers, importers and downstream users regarding registration and safety assessment of NMs. This study aims to assess the availability and suitability of methods needed to comply with the new regulatory provisions on NMs for physico-chemical characterisation and environmental fate and effects. The scientific literature and relevant test guideline frameworks were reviewed to identify applicable methods. These were subsequently evaluated and categorised as either: 'internationally accepted test guideline or standard (TGS)', 'internationally accepted test guideline or standard under development (TGSUD)', 'established as standard methods in scientific literature (SCI)', 'other methods and/or more research needed (O)' or 'no method (N)'. We find that 80% of the information requirements and a bit more than 40% of the waiving criteria in the new REACH Annexes are supported by methods that are available as TGS, TGSUD or SCI. Most of the relevant methods in the scientific literature are included in recent OECD guidance documents or ECHA guidance. We recommend that a targeted effort is made to develop protocols and guidelines for methods to determine NM adsorption/desorption, degradation, exposure scenarios and ability to cross biological membranes. Here methods to fulfil the information requirements and waiving criteria are currently lacking. Furthermore, we recommend that increasing attention is directed towards regulatory reliability and relevance of the information that is submitted by the registrants.
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| 9. |
- Odnevall, Inger, 1965-, et al.
(författare)
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Characterization and Toxic Potency of Airborne Particles Formed upon Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment Waste Recycling : A Case Study
- 2023
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Ingår i: ACS ENVIRONMENTAL AU. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 2694-2518. ; 3:6, s. 370-382
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Manual dismantling, shredding, and mechanical grinding of waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) at recycling facilities inevitably lead to the accidental formation and release of both coarse and fine particle aerosols, primarily into the ambient air. Since diffuse emissions to air of such WEEE particles are not regulated, their dispersion from the recycling plants into the adjacent environment is possible. The aim of this interdisciplinary project was to collect and characterize airborne WEEE particles smaller than 1 mu m generated at a Nordic open waste recycling facility from a particle concentration, shape, and bulk and surface composition perspective. Since dispersed airborne particles eventually may reach rivers, lakes, and possibly oceans, the aim was also to assess whether such particles may pose any adverse effects on aquatic organisms. The results show that WEEE particles only exerted a weak tendency toward cytotoxic effects on fish gill cell lines, although the exposure resulted in ROS formation that may induce adverse effects. On the contrary, the WEEE particles were toxic toward the crustacean zooplankter Daphnia magna, showing strong effects on survival of the animals in a concentration-dependent way.
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| 10. |
- Eneqvist, Erica, et al.
(författare)
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Legitimacy in municipal experimental governance: questioning the public good in urban innovation practices
- 2022
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Ingår i: European Planning Studies. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0965-4313 .- 1469-5944. ; 30:8, s. 1596-1614
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Urban experiments, living labs and testbeds have emerged as influential approaches to governing cities around the world. Experimental governance allows stakeholders to trial possible futures and to embrace creativity and innovation in the pursuit of sustainability goals. Experiments are often conducted through triple helix partnerships that favour informal and distributed actions. This is a significant departure from traditional urban development processes that are informed by well-defined processes executed by public authorities to ensure the public good and are legitimated by citizens. In this paper, we investigate this tension between experimental governance and public sector legitimacy by focusing on experimental practices in two Swedish municipalities, Stockholm and Gothenburg. We gathered data through a desk-based study, participant observations and semi-structured interviews with municipal actors to investigate the input, throughput and output legitimacy of municipalities in experimental governance. The findings indicate that municipalities emphasise actions and results from experiments, while de-emphasising reflection and attention to democratic procedures and protection of the public good. The focus on legitimacy reveals the fragmented and instrumental practices of experimental governance and a deficit in organizational capacity with potential detrimental impacts on legitimacy.
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