| 1. |
- Branger, Erik, 1988-, et al.
(author)
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Comparison of prediction models for Cherenkov light emissions from nuclear fuel assemblies
- 2017
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In: Journal of Instrumentation. - 1748-0221. ; 12
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Digital Cherenkov Viewing Device (DCVD) is a tool used by nuclear safeguards inspectors to verify irradiated nuclear fuel assemblies in wet storage based on the Cherenkov light produced by the assembly. Verification that no rods have been substituted in the fuel, so-called partial-defect verification, is made by comparing the intensity measured with a DCVD with a predicted intensity, based on operator fuel declaration. The prediction model currently used by inspectors is based on simulations of Cherenkov light production in a BWR 8x8 geometry. This work investigates prediction models based on simulated Cherenkov light production in a BWR 8x8 and a PWR 17x17 assembly, as well as a simplified model based on a single rod in water. Cherenkov light caused by both fission product gamma and beta decays were considered.The simulations reveal that there are systematic differences between the models, most noticeably with respect to the fuel assembly cooling time. Consequently, a prediction model that is based on another fuel assembly configuration than the fuel type being measured, will result in systematic over or underestimation of short-cooled fuel as opposed to long-cooled fuel. While a simplified model may be accurate enough for fuel assemblies with fairly homogeneous cooling times, the prediction models may differ by up to 18 \,\% for more heterogeneous fuel. Accordingly, these investigations indicate that the currently used model may need to be exchanged with a set of more detailed, fuel-type specific models, in order minimize the model dependant systematic deviations.
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| 2. |
- Branger, Erik, 1988-, et al.
(author)
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Image analysis as a tool for improved use of the Digital Cherenkov Viewing Device for inspection of irradiated PWR fuel assemblies.
- 2014
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The Digital Cherenkov Viewing Device (DCVD) is a tool used to measure the Cherenkov light emitted from irradiated nuclear fuel assemblies stored in water pools. It has been approved by the IAEA for attended gross defect verification, as well as for partial defect verification, where a fraction of the fuel material has been diverted. In this report, we have investigated the current procedures for recording images with the DCVD, and have looked into ways to improve these procedures. Using three different image sets of PWR fuel assemblies, we have analysed what information and results can be obtained using image analysis techniques. We have investigated several error sources that distort the images, and have shown how these errors affect the images. We have also described some of the errors mathematically, and have discussed how these error sources may be compensated for, if the character and magnitude of the errors are known. Resulting from our investigations are a few suggestions on how to improve the procedures and consequently the quality of the images recorded with the DCVD as well as suggestions on how to improve the analysis of collected images. Specifically, a few improvements that should be looked into in the short term are:• Images should be recorded with the fuel assembly perfectly centered in the image, and preferably without any tilt of the DCVD relative to the fuel in order to obtain accurate measurements of the light intensity. Image analysis procedures that may aid the alignment are presented.• To compensate for the distorting effect of the water surface and possible turbulence in the water, several images with short exposure time should be captured rather than one image with long exposure time. Using image analysis procedures, it is possible to sum the images resulting in a final image with less distortions and improved quality.• A reference image should be used to estimate device-related distortions, so that these distortions are compensated for. Ideally, this procedure can also be used to calibrate individual pixels.• The background should be carefully taken into account in order to separate the background level from diffuse signal components, allowing for the background to be subtracted. Accordingly, each measurement campaign should be accompanied by at least one background measurement, recorded from a section in the storage pool where no fuel assemblies are present. Furthermore, the background level should be determined from a larger region in the image and not from one individual pixel, as is currently done.• A database of measurements should be set up, containing DCVD images, information about the applied DCVD settings and the conditions that the DCVD was used in. Any partial defect verification procedure at any time could then be tested against as much data as possible. Accordingly, a database can aid in evaluating and improving partial defect verification methods using DCVD image analysis.Based on the findings and discussions in this report, some long-term improvements are also suggested.
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| 3. |
- Branger, Erik, 1988-, et al.
(author)
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Improved DCVD assessments of irradiated nuclear fuel using image analysis techniques
- 2014
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The Digital Cherenkov Viewing Device (DCVD) is a tool for measuring the Cherenkov light intensity emitted from irradiated nuclear fuel in wet storage. It is currently used in nuclear facilities where authority inspectors perform attended gross defect verification to ensure the presence of irradiated fuel material, as well as partial defect verification to ensure that a fraction of the fuel material has not been diverted. In 2013, Uppsala University (UU), supported by the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority, initiated a PhD project aimed at gaining a better understanding of the underlying physics process of the Cherenkov light emission and its detection, in order to improve and enhance the capabilities of the DCVD. The scope of this research is broad and includes modelling, simulations and experiments. As a first step, expertise on image analysis was brought into the project with the purpose to identify image analysis related opportunities and challenges relevant to the DCVD. The investigations performed so far cover general aspects of image analysis as well as aspects specific for verification of PWR fuels, where the fuel geometry may be extra challenging. Resulting from the investigation are suggestions on how to improve the measurement procedure and consequently the image quality obtained with the DCVD. This presentation describes these results and expected outcomes of their implementation.
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| 4. |
- Branger, Erik, 1988-, et al.
(author)
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Investigating the Cherenkov light production due to cross-talk in closely stored nuclear fuel assemblies in wet storage
- 2018
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In: ESARDA Bulletin. - : European Commission Joint Research Centre. - 1977-5296. ; :57, s. 66-74
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The Digital Cherenkov Viewing Device (DCVD) is one of the tools available to a safeguards inspector performing verifications of irradiated nuclear fuel assemblies in wet storage. One of the main advantages of safeguards verification using Cherenkov light is that it can be performed without moving the fuel assemblies to an isolated measurement position, allowing for quick measurements. One disadvantage of this procedure is that irradiated nuclear fuel assemblies are often stored close to each other, and consequently gamma radiation from one assembly can enter a neighbouring assembly, and produce Cherenkov light in the neighbour. As a result, the measured Cherenkov light intensity of one assembly will include contributions from its neighbours, which may affect the safeguards conclusions drawn.In this paper, this so-called near-neighbour effect, is investigated and quantified through simulation. The simulations show that for two fuel assemblies with similar properties stored closely, the near-neighbour effect can cause a Cherenkov light intensity increase of up to 3% in a measurement. For one fuel assembly surrounded by identical neighbour assemblies, a total of up to 14% of the measured intensity may emanate from the neighbours. The relative contribution from the near-neighbour effect also depends on the fuel properties; for a long-cooled, low-burnup assembly, with low gamma and Cherenkov light emission, surrounded by short-cooled, high-burnup assemblies with high emission, the measured Cherenkov light intensity may be dominated by the contributions from its neighbours.When the DCVD is used for partial-defect verification, a 50% defect must be confidently detected. Previous studies have shown that a 50% defect will reduce the measured Cherenkov light intensity by 30% or more, and thus a threshold has been defined, where a ≥30% decrease in Cherenkov light indicates a partial defect. However, this work shows that the near-neighbour effect may also influence the measured intensity, calling either for a lowering of this threshold or for the intensity contributions from neighbouring assemblies to be corrected for. In this work, a method is proposed for assessing the near-neighbour effect based on declared fuel parameters, enabling the latter type of corrections.
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| 5. |
- Branger, Erik, 1988-, et al.
(author)
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On Cherenkov light production by irradiated nuclear fuel rods
- 2017
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In: Journal of Instrumentation. - 1748-0221. ; 12
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Safeguards verification of irradiated nuclear fuel assemblies in wet storage is frequently done by measuring the Cherenkov light in the surrounding water produced due to radioactive decays of fission products in the fuel. This paper accounts for the physical processes behind the Cherenkov light production caused by a single fuel rod in wet storage, and simulations are presented that investigate to what extent various properties of the rod affect the Cherenkov light production. The results show that the fuel properties has a noticeable effect on the Cherenkov light production, and thus that the prediction models for Cherenkov light production which are used in the safeguards verifications could potentially be improved by considering these properties.It is concluded that the dominating source of the Cherenkov light is gamma-ray interactions with electrons in the surrounding water. Electrons created from beta decay may also exit the fuel and produce Cherenkov light, and e.g. Y-90 was identified as a possible contributor to significant levels of the measurable Cherenkov light in long-cooled fuel. The results also show that the cylindrical, elongated fuel rod geometry results in a non-isotropic Cherenkov light production, and the light component parallel to the rod's axis exhibits a dependence on gamma-ray energy that differs from the total intensity, which is of importance since the typical safeguards measurement situation observes the vertical light component. It is also concluded that the radial distributions of the radiation sources in a fuel rod will affect the Cherenkov light production.
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| 6. |
- Branger, Erik, 1988-, et al.
(author)
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Towards unattended partial-defect verification of irradiated nuclear fuel assemblies using the DCVD
- 2014
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The Digital Cherenkov Viewing Device (DCVD) is a tool used by authority inspectors to verify irradiated nuclear fuel assemblies in wet storage by measuring the Cherenkov light emitted. The DCVD is approved by the IAEA for gross defect verification, and is one of the few inspection tools approved for partial defect verification.There is interest in adapting the DCVD to work in unattended mode, so that it can be used to verify large quantities of irradiated fuel assemblies prior to moving them to difficult-to-access storage locations. This work presents methods based on image analysis that can be used to reduce the effects of different types of distortions encountered when performing measurements with the DCVD. Implementing these methods will ensure that data of high quality is obtained. Verification prior to moving fuels to difficult-to-access storage may also require a dedicated measurement station to be built, and it is argued that by constructing these stations with the DCVD in mind, many distortions can be reduced or eliminated. Thus, by implementing safeguards-by-design, it is possible to ensure that the DCVD is used in near optimal conditions.
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| 7. |
- Leidermark, Erik, 1981, et al.
(author)
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Estimating the risk for secondary cancer following targeted alpha therapy with astatine-211 intraperitoneal radioimmunotherapy.
- 2022
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In: Journal of nuclear medicine : official publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine. - : Society of Nuclear Medicine. - 1535-5667. ; 64:1, s. 165-172
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Intraperitoneal 211At-based targeted alpha therapy (TAT) may hold most promise as an adjuvant therapy following surgery and chemotherapy in epithelial ovarian cancer to eradicate any remaining undetectable disease. This implies it will also be delivered to patients possibly already cured by the primary treatment. An estimate of long-term risks is therefore sought whether to justify the treatment. Methods: Baseline data for risk estimates of alpha-particle irradiation were collected from published studies on excess cancer induction and mortality for subjects exposed to either 224Ra treatments or Thorotrast contrast agent (25% ThO2 colloid, containing 232Th). Organ dosimetry for 224Ra and Thorotrast irradiation were taken from the literature. These organ-specific risks were then applied for our previously reported dosimetry for intraperitoneal (i.p.) 211At-TAT patients. Results: Risk could be estimated for 10 different organ or organ groups. The calculated excess relative risk per Gray (ERR/Gy) could be sorted into two groups. In the lower ERR/Gy group, up to approx. 5, were: Trachea, bronchus and lung 0.52 (CI 95% 0.21-0.82), Stomach 1.4 (CI 95% -5.0-7.9), Lymphoid and hematopoietic system 2.17 (CI 95% 1.7-2.7), Bone and articular cartilage 2.6 (CI 95% 2.0-3.3), Breast 3.45 (CI 95% -10-17) and Colon 4.5 (CI 95% -3.5-13). In the higher ERR/Gy group, ranging from approx. 10 to 15 were: Urinary bladder 10.1 (CI 95% 1.4-23), Liver 14.2 (CI 95% 13-16), Kidney 14.9 (CI 95% 3.9-26) and Lip, oral cavity and pharynx 15.20 (CI 95% 2.73-27.63). Applying a typical candidate patient (female, age 65 years) and correcting for reference population mortality rate, a total estimated excess mortality of an i.p. 211At-mAb treatment amounted to 1.13 per 100 treated. More than half of this excess originated from urinary bladder and kidney, 0.29 and 0.34 respectively. Depending on various adjustments in calculation and assumptions on competing risks excess mortality could range from 0.11 - 1.84 per 100 treated. Conclusion: Published epidemiological data on life-long detriment following alpha-particle irradiation and its dosimetry allowed calculations to estimate the risk for secondary cancer following 211At-based i.p. TAT. Measures to reduce dose to the urinary organs may further decrease the estimated relative low risk for secondary cancer from 211At-mAb based i.p. TAT.
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| 8. |
- Wu, Jun, et al.
(author)
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Low Trap Density in InAs/High-k Nanowire Gate Stacks with Optimized Growth and Doping Conditions
- 2016
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In: Nano Letters. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1530-6984 .- 1530-6992. ; 16:4, s. 2418-2425
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this paper, we correlate the growth of InAs nanowires with the detailed interface trap density (Dit) profile of the vertical wrap-gated InAs/high-k nanowire semiconductor-dielectric gate stack. We also perform the first detailed characterization and optimization of the influence of the in situ doping supplied during the nanowire epitaxial growth on the sequential transistor gate stack quality. Results show that the intrinsic nanowire channels have a significant reduction in Dit as compared to planar references. It is also found that introducing tetraethyltin (TESn) doping during nanowire growth severely degrades the Dit profile. By adopting a high temperature, low V/III ratio tailored growth scheme, the influence of doping is minimized. Finally, characterization using a unique frequency behavior of the nanowire capacitance-voltage (C-V) characteristics reveals a change of the dopant incorporation mechanism as the growth condition is changed.
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| 9. |
- Adams, Robin, et al.
(author)
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What is the word for 'Engineering' in Swedish : Swedish students conceptions of their discipline
- 2007
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Engineering education in Sweden – as in the rest of the world – is experiencing a decline in student interest. There are concerns about the ways in which students think about engineering education, why they join an academic programme in engineering, and why they persist in their studies. In this context the aims of the Nationellt ämnesdidaktiskt Centrum för Teknikutbildning i Studenternas Sammanhang project (CeTUSS) is to investigate the student experience and to identify and support a continuing network of interested researchers, as well as in building capacity for disciplinary pedagogic investigation. The Stepping Stones project brings together these interests in a multi-researcher, multi-institutional study that investigates how tudents and academic staff perceive engineering in Sweden and in Swedish education. The first results of that project are reported here. As this study is situated uniquely in Swedish education, it allows for exploration of “a Swedish perspective” on conceptions of engineering. The Stepping Stones project was based on a model of research capacity-building previously instantiated in the USA and Australia (Fincher & Tenenberg, 2006).
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| 10. |
- Albinsson, I., et al.
(author)
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Ion association effects and ionic conduction in polyalkalene modified polydimethylsiloxanes
- 1992
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In: Solid State Ionics. - : Elsevier. - 0167-2738 .- 1872-7689. ; 53-56:Part 2, s. 1044-1053
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Poly (ethylene oxide) and poly (propylene oxide) modified poly (dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) have been complexed with LiCF3SO3, NaCF3SO3 and KCF3SO3. In order to study ion association in these systems, the nondegenerate symmetric stretch (A1, SO3) Raman modes have been studied as a function of temperature at several different salt concentrations. Ionic conductivity has also been measured. For the poly (ethylene oxide) modified PDMS (PEO-PDMS), ether oxygen to metal ratios ranged from 12500:1 to 9:1. Changing the cation from Li+ to Na+ to K+ increases the conductivity of the complex. Plots of the molar conductivity versus salt concentration show that the characteristic shape and the region of increase in the molar conductivity is influenced most by the fraction of “free” ions which increases with increasing salt concentration. Charged triplets and contact ion-pairs are also present at the higher salt concentrations; the number of triplets increases with concentration and temperature. Non-VTF behaviour is observed. For the poly (propylene oxide) modified PDMS (PPO-PDMS) (with excess PPO), phase separation is observed when these triflate salts are complexed in. These solutions above and below the boundary layer have been studied by Raman spectroscopy revealing that the upper region is siloxane rich. The formation of the boundary layer is attributed to an increasing difference in surface tension between the PPO/salt/PPO-PDMS complexes and the separate PPO, PPO-PDMS components. The boundary layer moves up with increase in salt concentration. There is evidence of “free” ions, contact-ion pairs, triplets and aggregates. Values of conductivity of 2.2×10−6 and 1.6×10−5 S/cm are quoted for 293 K and 8 mol% LiCF3SO3 in respectively PPO-PDMS/PPO and PEO-PDMS/PEO. Both are better conductors than the corresponding 8 mol% PPG4000/LiCF3SO3 complex.
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| 11. |
- Allard, Christina, et al.
(author)
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Rasbiologiskt språkbruk i statens rättsprocess mot sameby : DN Debatt 2015-06-11
- 2015
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Other publication (pop. science, debate, etc.)abstract
- Statens hantering av forskningsresultat i rättsprocessen med Girjas sameby utgör ett hot mot Sverige som rättsstat och kunskapsnation. Åratal av svensk och internationell forskning underkänns och man använder ett språkbruk som skulle kunna vara hämtat från rasbiologins tid. Nu måste staten ta sitt ansvar och börja agera som en demokratisk rättsstat, skriver 59 forskare.
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Andersson, Håkan S., 1967-, et al.
(author)
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Alpha-nemertides - a novel family of nemertean peptide neurotoxins
- 2018
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- We recently discovered a novel family of neuroactive peptides in nemerteans, which we have named alpha-nemertides (1). One of these peptides, nemertide alpha-1, has been the subject of detailed studies with regard to structure and effects. The peptide exhibits exceptional potency against a number of arthropod species. Moreover, in vitro experiments suggest that alpha-1 acts primarily on voltage-gated sodium channels, and that this action is selective for arthropods by two orders of magnitude over vertebrate species. Using transcriptomic and proteomic approaches, we have identified 10 alpha-nemertides, but this number is likely to increase. These peptides alongside with a series of mutants are currently under evaluation by our group, with the goal to improve our understanding of structure-function relationships. In addition, we are considering potential practical uses of alpha-nemertides. In this talk, I will describe the current status of this research project.1. E. Jacobsson et al., Peptide ion channel toxins from the bootlace worm, the longest animal on Earth. Scientific reports 8, 4596 (2018).
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| 16. |
- Andersson, Håkan S., 1967-, et al.
(author)
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Discovery of novel ion-channel active peptide toxins in a North Sea Ribbon Worm
- 2016
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Ribbon worms (nemerteans) are marine predators, which capture their prey using a proboscis containing a mixture of toxins which brings on rapid paralysis [1]. In addition, their epidermis contains thick mucus of similar toxic constitution. One very potent toxin reported in ribbon worm mucus is tetrodotoxin (TTX). However, despite significant efforts, Strand et al. [2] were unable to detect any TTX, neither in the mucus of the ribbon worm Lineus longissimus, nor from Vibrio alginolyticus cultures isolated from and cultivated in the mucus. These observations challenged the notion of general presence of TTX in ribbon worm mucus, and prompted us to look for other toxins [3]. Using LC-MS analysis of mucus extracts, we identified three peptides present in significant amounts. The peptides were sequenced using a combination of MS/MS analysis and transcriptomics, and whereas one of them strongly resembles the only peptide toxin previously characterized from ribbon worms, Neurotoxin B-IV [4], the other two were found to represent a previously unknown class of peptide toxins. The most abundant of these was synthesized, and its 3D structure determined. Preliminary toxicity tests on shore crab (C. maenas) indicated toxicity (through paralysis) on par with that of TTX. Further analyses have indicated that its toxic effects are due to binding to voltage sensitive sodium channels. With L. longissimus as our primary target, we are now mapping the presence of peptide toxins in ribbon worms, with the objectives to establish routes for synthesis, and to characterize the biological activities and structures of these peptides. The number of peptides of this novel class is increasing, and synthesis and characterization is well underway. The striking potencies of these peptides make them potentially amenable as novel insecticidal or anthelmintic leads, pharmacological tools or in biotechnology applications. References1. Strand M, Sundberg P. Nationalnyckeln till Sveriges flora och fauna [DO-DP]. Stjärnmaskar-Slemmaskar: Sipuncula-Nemertea: Artdatabanken, SLU; 2010.2. Strand M, Hedstrom M, Seth H, McEvoy EG, Jacobsson E, Goransson U, Andersson HS, Sundberg P. The Bacterial (Vibrio alginolyticus) Production of Tetrodotoxin in the Ribbon Worm Lineus longissimus-Just a False Positive? Marine Drugs. 2016;14(4).3. Strand M, Andersson HS. Slemmaskens hemlighet. Forskning & Framsteg. 2016;(2):26-33.4. Blumenthal KM, Kem WR. Structure and action of heteronemertine polypeptide toxins. Primary structure of Cerebratulus lacteus toxin B-IV. The Journal of Biological Chemistry. 1976;251(19):6025-9.
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| 17. |
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
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| 21. |
- Andersson, Håkan S., 1967-, et al.
(author)
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The toxicity of ribbon worms: alpha-nemertides or tetrodotoxin, or both?
- 2016
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In: Planta Medica. - : Georg Thieme Verlag KG. - 0032-0943 .- 1439-0221. ; 82:Supplement 1
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The marine ribbon worms (nemerteans) are predators which capture their prey by everting a proboscis carrying a mixture of toxins which brings on rapid paralysis [1]. Moreover, ribbon worms have a thick layer of epidermal mucus of similar constitution. Tetrodotoxin (TTX) has been identified as one of these toxins [2]. The extreme toxicity of TTX (lethal by ingestion of 0.5-2 mg) is due to its ability to block voltage-gated sodium channels. Although several bacterial species (among these Vibrio sp.) have been linked to its synthesis, the biogenic origin and biosynthesis is unclear. One hypothesis is that TTX production occurs in a symbiotic relationship with its host, in this case the ribbon worm [3]. We have made significant effort to identify TTX in a setup for production through the cultivation of Vibrio alginolyticus in nutrient broth infused with mucus from the ribbon worm Lineus longissimus. Toxicity was demonstrated by fraction injections into shore crabs, but no TTX was found, and it could be shown conclusively that toxicity was unrelated to TTX and the Vibrio culture itself, and rather a constituent of the ribbon worm mucus [4]. The following studies led us to the discovery of a new class of peptides, the alpha-nemertides, in the mucus of the ribbon worms, which could be directly linked to the toxic effects. A literature review of the available evidence for TTX in ribbon worms show that the evidence in most cases are indirect, although notable exceptions exist. This points to the necessity to further investigate the presence and roles of TTX and alpha-nemertides in ribbon worms.
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| 22. |
- Andersson, Peter, 1981-, et al.
(author)
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Design and initial 1D radiography tests of the FANTOM mobile fast-neutron radiography and tomography system
- 2014
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In: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A. - : Elsevier BV. - 0168-9002 .- 1872-9576. ; 756, s. 82-93
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The FANTOM system is a tabletop sized fast-neutron radiography and tomography system newly developed at the Applied Nuclear Physics Division of Uppsala University. The main purpose of the system is to provide time-averaged steam-and-water distribution measurement capability inside the metallic structures of two-phase test loops for Light Water Reactor thermal-hydraulic studies using a portable fusion neutron generator. The FANTOM system provides a set of 1D neutron transmission data, which may be inserted into tomographic reconstruction algorithms to achieve a 2D mapping of the steam-and-water distribution. In this paper, the selected design of FANTOM is described and motivated. The detector concept is based on plastic scintillator elements, separated for spatial resolution. Analysis of pulse heights on an event-to-event basis is used for energy discrimination. Although the concept allows for close stacking of a large number of detector elements, this demonstrator is equipped with only three elements in the detector and one additional element for monitoring the yield from the neutron generator. The first measured projections on test objects of known configurations are presented. These were collected using a Sodern Genie 16 neutron generator with an isotropic yield of about 1E8 neutrons per second, and allowed for characterization of the instrument’s capabilities. At an energy threshold of 10 MeV, the detector offered a count rate of about 500 cps per detector element. The performance in terms of spatial resolution was validated by fitting a Gaussian Line Spread Function to the experimental data, a procedure that revealed a spatial unsharpness in good agreement with the predicted FWHM of 0.5 mm.
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| 23. |
- Andersson, Peter, 1981-, et al.
(author)
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Neutron tomography of axially symmetric objects using 14 MeV neutrons from a portable neutron generator
- 2014
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In: Review of Scientific Instruments. - : AIP Publishing. - 0034-6748 .- 1089-7623. ; 85:8, s. 085109-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In nuclear boiling water reactor cores, the distribution of water and steam (void) is essential for both safety and efficiency reasons. In order to enhance predictive capabilities, void distribution assessment is performed in two-phase test-loops under reactor-relevant conditions. This article proposes the novel technique of fast-neutron tomography using a portable deuterium-tritium neutron generator to determine the void distribution in these loops.Fast neutrons have the advantage of high transmission through the metallic structures and pipes typically concealing a thermal-hydraulic test loop, while still being fairly sensitive to the water/void content. However, commercially available fast-neutron generators also have the disadvantage of a relatively low yield and fast-neutron detection also suffers from relatively low detection efficiency. Fortunately, some loops are axially symmetric, a property which can be exploited to reduce the amount of data needed for tomographic measurement, thus limiting the interrogation time needed.In this article, three axially-symmetric test objects depicting a thermal-hydraulic test loop have been examined; steel pipes with outer diameter 24 mm, thickness 1.5 mm and with three different distributions of the plastic material POM inside the pipes. Data recorded with the FANTOM fast-neutron tomography instrument have been used to perform tomographic reconstructions to assess their radial material distribution. Here, a dedicated tomographic algorithm that exploits the symmetry of these objects has been applied, which is described in the paper.Results are demonstrated in 20 rixel (radial pixel) reconstructions of the interior constitution and 2D visualization of the pipe interior is demonstrated. The local POM attenuation coefficients in the rixels were measured with errors (RMS) of 0.025, 0.020 and 0.022 cm-1, solid POM attenuation coefficient. The accuracy and precision is high enough to provide a useful indication on the flow mode, and a visualization of the radial material distribution can be obtained. A benefit of this system is its potential to be mounted at any axial height of a two-phase test section without requirements for pre-fabricated entrances or windows. This could mean a significant increase in flexibility of the void distribution assessment capability at many existing two-phase test loops.
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| 24. |
- Andersson, Peter, 1981-, et al.
(author)
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Neutron Tomography Using Mobile Neutron Generators for Assessment of Void Distributions in Thermal Hydraulic Test Loops
- 2015
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Detailed knowledge of the lateral distribution of steam (void) and water in a nuclear fuel assembly is of great value for nuclear reactor operators and fuel manufacturers, with consequences for both reactor safety and economy of operation. Therefore, nuclear relevant two-phase flows are being studied at dedicated thermal-hydraulic test loop, using twophase flow systems ranging from simplified geometries such as heated circular pipes to full scale mock-ups of nuclear fuel assemblies. Neutron tomography (NT) has been suggested for assessment of the lateral distribution of steam and water in such test loops, motivated by a good ability of neutrons to penetrate the metallic structures of metal pipes and nuclear fuel rod mock-ups, as compared to e. g. conventional X-rays, while the liquid water simultaneously gives comparatively good contrast. However, these stationary test loops require the measurement setup to be mobile, which is often not the case for NT setups. Here, it is acknowledged that fast neutrons of 14 MeV from mobile neutron generators constitute a viable option for a mobile NT system. We present details of the development of neutron tomography for this purpose at the division of Applied Nuclear Physics at Uppsala University. Our concept contains a portable neutron generator, exploiting the fusion reaction of deuterium and tritium, and a detector with plastic scintillator elements designed to achieve adequate spatial and energy resolution, all mounted in a light-weight frame without collimators or bulky moderation to allow for a mobile instrument that can be moved about the stationary thermal hydraulic test sections. The detector system stores event-to-event pulse-height information to allow for discrimination based on the energy deposition in the scintillator elements. Experimental results from the tomographic assessment of axially symmetric test objects are shown, as well as simulation results from a scaled up version of the instrument for nonsymmetrical objects in quarter fuel-bundle size objects. In conclusion, the application of tomography on inch-wide vertical pipes has been experimentally demonstrated and simulation results indicate that tomography of the void distribution in nonsymmetrical vertical flows in quarter BWR fuel bundles is also feasible.
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| 25. |
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| 26. |
- Berg, Elisabeth Gräslund, et al.
(author)
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Praktiker som gör skillnad : Om den verb-inriktade metoden
- 2013
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In: Historisk Tidskrift. - 0345-469X .- 2002-4827. ; 133:3, s. 335-354
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This article discusses the so-called verb-oriented method and its role in the research project Gender and Work in early modern Sweden (GaW), which is based at Uppsala University. It provides a presentation of the GaW-database, which has been designed to allow analysis according to the verb-method. Finally, the article points out that this method can be combined with a number of different theoretical approaches as long as the focus is on practices. It is therefore compatible with the approaches of e.g., Judith Butler, Michel de Certeau, and Amartya Sen. Work is defined as "time-use with the purpose of making a living" and the article discusses why data on time-use, or actual work activities, are better suited for research into early modern Swedish working life than other types of data. It shows that activities are usually described in the sources by verb-phrases, and explains how and from what sources verb-phrases are collected and analyzed within the project. In order to allow for generalizations the verb-method presupposes large amounts of data. This is the rationale for the GaW-database, which at present includes around 5000 verb-phrases and 75000 data posts.
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| 27. |
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| 28. |
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| 29. |
- Björk, Jonas, et al.
(author)
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Skydda naturen nära oss
- 2007
-
In: Skånska dagbladet. - 1103-9973. ; , s. 5-5
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Journal article (pop. science, debate, etc.)
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| 30. |
- Björklund, Elisabet, et al.
(author)
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Quality control of flow cytometry data analysis for evaluation of minimal residual disease in bone marrow from acute leukemia patients during treatment.
- 2009
-
In: Journal of pediatric hematology/oncology : official journal of the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. - : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. - 1536-3678 .- 1077-4114. ; 31:6, s. 406-15
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Low levels of leukemia cells in the bone marrow, minimal residual disease (MRD), are considered to be a powerful indicator of treatment response in acute lymphatic leukemia (ALL). A Nordic quality assurance program, aimed on standardization of the flow cytometry MRD analysis, has been established before implementation of MRD at cutoff level 10 as one of stratifying parameters in next Nordic Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (NOPHO) treatment program for ALL. In 4 quality control (QC) rounds 15 laboratories determined the MRD levels in 48 follow-up samples from 12 ALL patients treated according to NOPHO 2000. Analysis procedures were standardized. For each QC round a compact disc containing data in list-mode files was sent out and results were submitted to a central laboratory. At cutoff level 10, which will be applied for clinical decisions, laboratories obtained a high concordance (91.6%). If cutoff level 10 was applied, the concordance would be lower (85.3%). The continuing standardization resulted in better concordance in QC3 and QC4 compared with QC1 and QC2. The concordance was higher in precursor B as compared with T-cell ALL. We conclude that after standardization, flow cytometry MRD detection can be reliably applied in international, multicenter treatment protocols.
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| 31. |
- Blomberg, Jeanette, et al.
(author)
-
Inhibition of cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein abolishes insensitivity to interferon-α in a resistant variant of the human U937 cell line
- 2011
-
In: Apoptosis (London). - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1360-8185 .- 1573-675X. ; 16:8, s. 783-794
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Type I interferons constitute a family of pleiotropic cytokines that have a key role in both adaptive and innate immunity. The interferon signalling pathways mediate transcriptional regulation of hundreds of genes, which result in mRNA degradation, decreased protein synthesis, cell cycle inhibition and induction of apoptosis. To elucidate regulatory networks important for interferon induced cell death, we generated interferon resistant U937 cells by selection in progressively increasing concentrations of interferon-α (IFN-α). The results show that IFN-α activates the death receptor signalling pathway and that IFN resistance was associated with cross-resistance to several death receptor ligands in a manner similar to previously described Fas resistant U937 cell lines. Increased expression of the long splice variant of the cellular FLICE-like inhibitor protein (cFLIP-L) was associated with the resistance to death receptor and IFN-α stimulation. Accordingly, inhibition of cFLIP-L expression with cycloheximide or through cFLIP short harpin RNA interference restored sensitivity to Fas and/or IFN-α. Thus, we now show that selection for interferon resistance can generate cells with increased expression of cFLIP, which protects the cells from both IFN-α and death receptor mediated apoptosis.
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| 32. |
- Blomberg, Jeanette, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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Reduced FAS transcription in clones of U937 cells that have acquired resistance to Fas-induced apoptosis
- 2009
-
In: The FEBS Journal. - : Wiley. - 1742-464X .- 1742-4658. ; 276:2, s. 497-508
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Susceptibility to cell death is a prerequisite for the elimination of tumour cells by cytotoxic immune cells, chemotherapy or irradiation. Activation of the death receptor Fas is critical for the regulation of immune cell homeostasis and efficient killing of tumour cells by apoptosis. To define the molecular changes that occur during selection for insensitivity to Fas-induced apoptosis, a resistant variant of the U937 cell line was established. Individual resistant clones were isolated and characterized. The most frequently observed defect in the resistant cells was reduced Fas expression, which correlated with decreased FAS transcription. Clones with such reduced Fas expression also displayed partial cross-resistance to tumour necrosis factor-alpha stimulation, but the mRNA expression of tumour necrosis factor receptors was not decreased. Reintroduction of Fas conferred susceptibility to Fas but not to tumour necrosis factor-alpha stimulation, suggesting that several alterations could be present in the clones. The reduced Fas expression could not be explained by mutations in the FAS coding sequence or promoter region, or by silencing through methylations. Protein kinase B and extracellular signal-regulated kinase, components of signalling pathways downstream of Ras, were shown to be activated in some of the resistant clones, but none of the three RAS genes was mutated, and experiments using chemical inhibitors could not establish that the activation of these proteins was the cause of Fas resistance as described in other systems. Taken together, the data illustrate that Fas resistance can be caused by reduced Fas expression, which is a result of an unidentified mode of regulation.
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| 33. |
- Bolinsson, Jessica, et al.
(author)
-
GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure nanowires studied by cathodoluminescence
- 2014
-
In: Nano Reseach. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1998-0124 .- 1998-0000. ; 7:4, s. 473-490
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this report we explore the structural and optical properties of GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure nanowires grown by metalorganic vapour phase epitaxy using gold seed-particles. The optical studies were done by low-temperature cathodoluminescence (CL) in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). We perform a systematic investigation of how the nanowire growth-temperature affects the total photon emission, and variations in the emission energy and intensity along the length of the nanowires. The morphology and crystal structures of the nanowires were investigated using SEM and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In order to correlate specific photon emission characteristics with variations in the nanowire crystal structure directly, TEM and spatially resolved CL measurements were performed on the same individual nanowires. We found that the main emission energy was located at around 1.48 eV, and that the emission intensity was greatly enhanced when increasing the GaAs nanowire core growth temperature. The data strongly suggests that this emission energy is related to rotational twins in the GaAs nanowire core. Our measurements also show that radial overgrowth by GaAs on the GaAs nanowire core can have a deteriorating effect on the optical quality of the nanowires. Finally, we conclude that an in situ pre-growth annealing step at a sufficiently high temperature significantly improves the optical quality of the nanowires.
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| 34. |
- Branger, Erik, 1988-, et al.
(author)
-
Experimental evaluation of models for predicting Cherenkov light intensities from short-cooled nuclear fuel assemblies
- 2018
-
In: Journal of Instrumentation. - 1748-0221. ; 13
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Digital Cherenkov Viewing Device (DCVD) is a tool used by nuclear safeguards inspectors to verify irradiated nuclear fuel assemblies in wet storage based on the recording of Cherenkov light produced by the assemblies. One type of verification involves comparing the measured light intensity from an assembly with a predicted intensity, based on assembly declarations. Crucial for such analyses is the performance of the prediction model used, and recently new modelling methods have been introduced to allow for enhanced prediction capabilities by taking the irradiation history into account, and by including the cross-talk radiation from neighbouring assemblies in the predictions.In this work, the performance of three models for Cherenkov-light intensity prediction is evaluated by applying them to a set of short-cooled PWR 17x17 assemblies for which experimental DCVD measurements and operator-declared irradiation data was available; (1) a two-parameter model, based on total burnup and cooling time, previously used by the safeguards inspectors, (2) a newly introduced gamma-spectrum-based model, which incorporates cycle-wise burnup histories, and (3) the latter gamma-spectrum-based model with the addition to account for contributions from neighbouring assemblies.The results show that the two gamma-spectrum-based models provide significantly higher precision for the measured inventory compared to the two-parameter model, lowering the standard deviation between relative measured and predicted intensities from 15.2% to 8.1% respectively 7.8%.The results show some systematic differences between assemblies of different designs (produced by different manufacturers) in spite of their similar PWR 17x17 geometries, and possible ways are discussed to address such differences, which may allow for even higher prediction capabilities. Still, it is concluded that the gamma-spectrum-based models enable confident verification of the fuel assembly inventory at the currently used detection limit for partial defects, being a 30% discrepancy between measured and predicted intensities, while some false detection occurs with the two-parameter model. The results also indicate that the gamma-spectrum-based prediction methods are accurate enough that the 30% discrepancy limit could potentially be lowered.
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| 35. |
- Branger, Erik, 1988-, et al.
(author)
-
Experimental study of background subtraction in Digital Cherenkov Viewing Device measurements
- 2018
-
In: Journal of Instrumentation. - 1748-0221. ; 13:8
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Digital Cherenkov Viewing Device (DCVD) is an imaging tool used by authority inspectors for partial defect verification of nuclear fuel assemblies in wet storage, i.e. to verify that part of an assembly has not been diverted. One of the currently adopted verification procedures is based on quantitative measurements of the assembly's Cherenkov light emissions, and comparisons to an expected intensity, calculated based on operator declarations. A background subtraction of the intensity data in the recorded images is necessary for accurate quantitative measurements. The currently used background subtraction is aimed at removing an electronics-induced image-wide offset, but it is argued here that the currently adopted procedure may be insufficient.It is recommended that a standard dark-frame subtraction should be used, to remove systematic pixel-wise background due to the electronics, replacing the currently used offset procedure. Experimental analyses show that a dark-frame subtraction would further enhance the accuracy and reliability of DCVD measurements. Furthermore, should ageing of the CCD chip result in larger systematic pixel-wise deviations over time, a dark-frame subtraction can ensure reliable measurements regardless of the age of the CCD chip. It can also help in eliminating any adverse effects of malfunctioning pixels. In addition to the background from electronic noise, ways to compensate for background from neighbouring fuel assemblies and ambient light are also discussed.
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| 36. |
- Branger, Erik, 1988-, et al.
(author)
-
Improved Cherenkov Light Prediction Model for Enhanced DCVD Performance
- 2018
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The Digital Cherenkov Viewing Device (DCVD) is an instrument used to verify irradiated nuclear fuel assemblies in wet storage based on the fuel’s Cherenkov light emissions. The DCVD is frequently used for partial defect verification, verifying that 50% or more of an assembly has not been diverted. The verification methodology is based on comparison of the measured Cherenkov light intensity to a predicted intensity, based on operator declarations.For the last five years, a dedicated PhD project at Uppsala University has been aiming at enhancing and improving the verification capabilities when using the DCVD. The project is now approaching its end, and this paper summarizes the comprehensive work performed regarding improving the prediction capabilities.A new prediction model has been developed, considering more fuel assembly details to ensure more accurate predictions. With the new model, the irradiation history of an assembly, the assembly design and the contributions from gamma and beta decays are taken into account. The model has also been extended to account for the radiation from neighbouring fuel assemblies, which can enter the assembly being measured and contribute to the measured Cherenkov light. The performance of the prediction model and the neighbour intensity prediction model has been validated against fuel measurements by the IAEA at a PWR facility with short-cooled fuel. The results show that the new model offers an improved prediction capability, allowing the fuel inventory to be verified with no fuel assemblies being identified as outliers requiring additional investigation. A simplified version of the prediction model will be implemented in the next DCVD software version, making it available to IAEA inspectors.This development of the DCVD capabilities are in line with the fourth theme of the IAEA safeguards symposium, “Shaping the future of safeguards implementation”, by resolving challenges related to the DCVD and by extending the capabilities of the instrument.
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| 37. |
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| 38. |
- Branger, Erik, 1988-, et al.
(author)
-
On the inclusion of light transport in prediction tools for Cherenkov light intensity assessment of irradiated nuclear fuel assemblies
- 2019
-
In: Journal of Instrumentation. - 1748-0221. ; 14
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Digital Cherenkov Viewing Device (DCVD) is a tool used to verify irradiated nuclear fuel assemblies in wet storage by imaging the Cherenkov light produced by the radiation emitted from the assemblies. It is frequently used for partial defect verification, verifying that part of an assembly has not been removed and/or replaced. In one of the verification procedures used, the detected total Cherenkov light intensities from a set of assemblies are compared to predicted intensities, which are calculated using operator declarations for the assemblies.This work presents a new, time-efficient method to simulate DCVD images of fuel assemblies, allowing for estimations of the Cherenkov light production, transport and detection. Qualitatively, good agreement between simulated and measured images is demonstrated. Quantitatively, it is shown that relative intensity predictions based on simulated images are within 0.5% of corresponding predictions based solely on the production of Cherenkov light, neglecting light transport and detection. Consequently, in most cases it is sufficient to use predictions based on produced Cherenkov light, neglecting transport and detection, thus substantially reducing the time needed for simulations.In a verification campaign, assemblies are grouped according to their type, and the relative measured and predicted intensities are compared in a group. By determining transparency factors, describing the fraction of Cherenkov light that is blocked by the top plate of an assembly, it is possible to adjust predictions based on the production of Cherenkov light to take the effect of the top plate into account. This procedure allows assemblies of the same type bit with different top plates to be compared with increased accuracy. The effect of using predictions adjusted with transparency factors were assessed experimentally on a set of Pressurized Water Reactor 17x17 assemblies having five different top plate designs. As a result of the adjustment, the agreement between measured and predicted relative intensities for the whole data set was enhanced, resulting in a reduction of an RMSE from 14.1% to 10.7%. It is expected that further enhancements may be achieved by introducing more detailed top-plate and spacer descriptions.
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| 39. |
- Brodin, Ola, et al.
(author)
-
Pharmacokinetics and Toxicity of Sodium Selenite in the Treatment of Patients with Carcinoma in a Phase I Clinical Trial: The SECAR Study
- 2015
-
In: Nutrients. - : MDPI. - 2072-6643. ; 7:6, s. 4978-4994
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Sodium selenite at high dose exerts antitumor effects and increases efficacy of cytostatic drugs in multiple preclinical malignancy models. We assessed the safety and efficacy of intravenous administered sodium selenite in cancer patients refractory to cytostatic drugs in a phase I trial. Patients received first line of chemotherapy following selenite treatment to investigate altered sensitivity to these drugs and preliminary assessment of any clinical benefits. Materials and Methods: Thirty-four patients with different therapy resistant tumors received iv sodium selenite daily for consecutive five days either for two weeks or four weeks. Each cohort consisted of at least three patients who received the same daily dose of selenite throughout the whole treatment. If 0/3 patients had dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), the study proceeded to the next dose-level. If 2/3 had DLT, the dose was considered too high and if 1/3 had DLT, three more patients were included. Dose-escalation continued until the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was reached. MTD was defined as the highest dose-level on which 0/3 or 1/6 patients experienced DLT. The primary endpoint was safety, dose-limiting toxic effects and the MTD of sodium selenite. The secondary endpoint was primary response evaluation. Results and Conclusion: MTD was defined as 10.2 mg/m(2), with a calculated median plasma half-life of 18.25 h. The maximum plasma concentration of selenium from a single dose of selenite increased in a nonlinear pattern. The most common adverse events were fatigue, nausea, and cramps in fingers and legs. DLTs were acute, of short duration and reversible. Biomarkers for organ functions indicated no major systemic toxicity. In conclusion, sodium selenite is safe and tolerable when administered up to 10.2 mg/m(2) under current protocol. Further development of the study is underway to determine if prolonged infusions might be a more effective treatment strategy.
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| 40. |
- Bäckman, Karin, et al.
(author)
-
Vårdens alltför svåra val? : kartläggning av prioriteringsarbete och analys av riksdagens principer och riktlinjer för prioriteringar i hälso- och sjukvården
- 2007
-
Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- PrioriteringsCentrum har på uppdrag av Socialstyrelsen genomfört en kartläggning av på vilket sätt hälso- och sjukvårdens huvudmän och andra centrala aktörer arbetar med prioriteringar och har utvärderat hur detta arbete överensstämmer med intentionerna i riksdagens beslut om prioriteringar. Vi har även analyserat innehållet i och tillämpningen av riksdagens riktlinjer för prioriteringar i hälso- och sjukvården. Det har skett genom en etisk analys och mot bakgrund av ett stort antal intervjuer i landsting och kommuner samt med representanter för statliga myndigheter och yrkesorganisationer och med ledning av vad som framkommit i tidigare uppföljningar. Vi föreslår i rapporten ett anta förändringar och förtydliganden av riktlinjerna.Vi kan konstatera att sättet att arbeta med prioriteringar i landsting och kommuner inte är helt olikt det som gällde när Prioriteringsdelegationen redovisade en motsvarande uppföljning år 2001. Fortfarande finns knappast några öppna beslut om fördelning och prioritering av resurser om man med öppenhet avser att beslutsfattaren medvetet överväger flera alternativ och att grunderna för besluten är kända för dem som önskar ta del av dem.I situationer då tillgängliga resurser inte befinner sig i paritet med önskvärda ambitioner får sjukvårdspersonalen ta det största ansvaret för att besluta om och genomföra ransonering av vården. Förutom på chefsnivå tycks dock sjukvårdpersonal fortfarande i liten utsträckning vara medveten om de etiska principer som enligt riksdagsbeslutet ska styra prioriteringar i vården. Få känner till den etiska plattformen med de tre etiska principerna. Lokala mallar eller styrdokument för prioriteringar är ovanliga. Det saknas nödvändiga förutsättningar för att tillämpa riksdagens prioriteringsbeslut och det finns inte heller några tydliga strategier för hur man vill skapa sådana förutsättningar inom landstingen.Den kommunala vård- och omsorgsverksamheten upplever sig fortfarande i ringa utsträckning berörd av den etiska plattformen och prioriteringsprinciperna. Någon gemensam prioritering mellan huvudmännen sker knappast alls.Medborgarna är i mycket liten utsträckning involverade i prioriteringsarbetet. Den ökade öppenheten gentemot brukare innebär oftast att viss information om prioriteringar sker genom traditionella kanaler som patientorganisationer, pensionärsråd och handikappråd och synpunkter inhämtas via allmänna patientenkäter medan klagomål hanteras genom patientnämnder.Vi har också funnit tydliga skillnader när det gäller hur arbetet med prioriteringar bedrivs idag jämfört med för sex år sedan. Genom Socialstyrelsen och Läkemedelsförmånsnämnden har staten tagit ledningen när det gäller att visa hur prioriteringar kan göras på ett systematiskt och öppet sätt. Detta arbete har resulterat i en tydlig metodutveckling. Idag finns det dessutom flera exempel på konkret utvecklingsarbete och samverkan mellan huvudmän kring det vidare begreppet kunskapsstyrd vård till vilket systematiska prioriteringar är starkt relaterat. Vi kan också notera olika initiativ till vertikala prioriteringar i verksamheten där det framförallt är läkarkåren som engagerat sig; men också enstaka försök med systematiska politiska prioriteringar. Det finns dessutom flera lovande utvecklingsprojekt rörande prioriteringar som initierats av och drivs av sjukvårdspersonal både lokalt och nationellt. Yrkesförbunden är också mer aktiva idag när det gäller att sprida kunskap om prioriteringar....
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| 41. |
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| 42. |
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| 43. |
- Engstrand, Thomas, et al.
(author)
-
Development of a bioactive implant for repair and potential healing of cranial defects
- 2014
-
In: Journal of Neurosurgery. - 0022-3085 .- 1933-0693. ; 120:1, s. 273-277
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The repair of complex craniofacial bone defects is challenging and a successful result is dependent on the size of the defect, quality of the soft tissue covering the defect, and choice of reconstruction method. The objective of this study was to develop a bioactive cranial implant that could provide a permanent reconstructive solution to the patient by stimulating bone healing of the defect. In this paper the authors report on the feasibility and clinical results of using such a newly developed device for the repair of a large traumatic and therapy-resistant cranial bone defect. The patient had undergone numerous attempts at repair, in which established methods had been tried without success. A mosaic-designed device was manufactured and implanted, comprising interconnected ceramic tiles with a defined calcium phosphate composition. The clinical outcome 30 months after surgery revealed a restored cranial vault without postoperative complications. Computed tomography demonstrated signs of bone ingrowth. Examination with combined 18F-fluoride PET and CT provided further evidence of bone healing of the cranial defect.
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| 44. |
- Engström, Henri, et al.
(author)
-
Mellanskarvens ekologi och effekter på fisk och fiske : Undersökning av fritidsfisket vid Gålö-Ornö, Stockholms skärgård, 1995-96 : Biologiska undersökningar vid Ringhals kraftverk 1988-1996 : Från sediment till fisk - en översiktlig studie av Vombsjönsekosystem 1994-95
- 1998
-
Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Mellanskarvens ekologi och effekter på fisk och fiskeMellanskarven är såväl en insjö- som havsfågel. Den häckar i grunda kustområden och insjöar i Syd- och Mellansverige samt sällsynt i norrlands kustland. Kärnområdet för beståndet av svenska mellanskarvar är södra Kalmarsund där skarven etablerade sig på nytt i slutet av 40-talet efter att ha varit fördriven som häckfågel i Sverige under nära 50 år. Fram till mitten på 80-talet var antalet skarvar i Sverige mycket lågt men populationen har under de därpå följande tio åren genomgått en mycket kraftig tillväxt. Denna kraftiga beståndstillväxt är gemensam för stora delar av Västeuropa, och har satts i samband med förbättrat fågelskydd samt förändringar i fiskbestånden vilken kan bero på ökad eutrofiering.Vad beträffar födan är skarven generalist och fångar de fiskarter som är vanligast förekommande och mest tillgängliga. Abborre och mört är de dominerande fiskarterna i sjöar och grunda kustområden och är också viktiga byten för skarven. I skärgårdsområden, under skarvarnas häckning, utgör även tånglake och strömming en stor andel av födan.Den urgamla konfliktsituationen mellan människa och skarv har sitt ursprung i konkurrens om en gemensam resurs samt fåglarnas påverkan på vegetationen på de öar där de häckar. Skarvens effekter på yrkesfisket kan indelas i direkta och indirekta effekter. Till direkta effekter hör skador på fisk samt förlust av fisk i redskap genom skarvpredation. Till indirekta effekter hör långsiktiga förändringar av fisksamhällena orsakat avskarvens fiskkonsumtion. Ett annat problem är att ett mycket stort antal skarvar drunknar i redskap.Bitskador på fisk av skarv i redskap förekommer lokalt i Sverige, och under vissa perioder. Av de platser där en dokumentation och kvantifiering av skador på fisk ägt rum (insjöar i Skåne och Östergötland, kustområden i norra Kalmarsund och delar av Vänern) är omfattningen av skador för närvarande förhållandevis liten. Endast i Vänern (vissa områden) och Roxen, Ög, kan stundom ett större antal fiskar vara så pass skadade att de blir osäljbara för yrkesfiskaren. Storskaliga förändringar av fiskpopulationer genom skarvpredation har i studier ej kunnat beläggas men teoretiska beräkningar av skarvarnas fiskuttag i närheten av stora kolonier antyder att fåglarna rimligen kan påverka fiskbeståndens storlek. Förändringar i fiskarnas beteende och därmed uppehållsort ärockså att vänta i närheten av stora skarvkolonier.En del yrkesfiskare uppfattar skarvens predation på ål som ett problem. Alen har ett högt kommersiellt värde och är en viktig inkomstkälla för ett antal yrkesfiskare i Syd och Mellansverige. Det är oklart hur mycket ål skarvarna konsumerar, men totalt sett är ålen av liten betydelse som föda för skarven. Ålinvandringen till svenska vatten har under senare decennier minskat utan fullgoda förklaringar. Med minskade åltätheter kan deti nte uteslutas att skarvpredation, och omfattande yrkesfiske av ål, ytterligare kan krympadet redan svaga ålbeståndet. Yrkesfisket efter ål i insjöar och i Östersjön är idag dessutom mer eller mindre helt beroende av stödutsättningar.Den kraftiga expansion av antalet skarvar som ägt rum under senare år har nu delvis avstannat. Orsaker kan vara populationsmättnad på grund av födokonkurrens, begränsande faktorer i övervintringskvarteren, brist på lämpliga boplatser samt mänsklig förföljelse vid skarvarnas häckningsplatser.
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| 45. |
- Engström, Jonas, et al.
(author)
-
Modulärt batteribytessystem för arbetsmaskiner – slutrapport
- 2024
-
Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Modular battery swap system for work machinesThe project has developed and demonstrated how a modular battery swap system can be used in electric work machines in various industries. The purpose of the project was to demonstrate innovative technology where battery swap technology enables battery-powered machines in agriculture and forestry. The project has completed the following:1. Designed and built a modular battery pack for work machines2. Designed and built an automatic battery swap station3. Completed a prototype for an autonomous electric agricultural machine4. Electrically converted a machine for forestryWe have succeeded in creating a working battery swap concept. The concept has been shown at several different demo events. The project has received a lot of positive publicity in the media. The project creates opportunities to run work machines in agriculture and forestry without the batteries needing to be unnecessarily large, heavy and expensive to carry with the machine in the field.Building electrified work machines is not a big deal. What is new in this project is that we demonstrate a battery replacement system for work machines - that works in real life!The project group has worked hard together for two years and achieved brilliant results that we are very pleased with. As expected, it took some time to agree on a concept for the common component battery pack, but once it was set, work took off.In the project, we have built seven battery packs, two electric work machines and a battery swap station including electrical system, control system and other adaptations. This would not have been possible without a dedicated and very talented project group!
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| 46. |
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| 47. |
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| 48. |
- Exarchou, Sofia, et al.
(author)
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Mortality in ankylosing spondylitis: results from a nationwide population-based study
- 2016
-
In: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. - : BMJ. - 0003-4967 .- 1468-2060. ; 75:8, s. 1466-1472
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives Information on mortality in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is scarce. Our study therefore aimed to assess: (1) mortality in AS versus the general population, and (2) predictors of death in the AS population. Methods Nationwide cohorts of patients with AS diagnosed at rheumatology or internal medicine outpatient clinics (n=8600) and age-matched, sex-matched and county-matched general population comparators (n=40 460) were identified from the National Patient Register and the census register, respectively. The follow-up period began on 1 January 2006 or at the first date of registered diagnosis thereafter and extended until death, emigration or 31 December 2012, whichever occurred first. Socioeconomic variables, AS-related clinical manifestations, joint surgery, comorbidities and medication were identified from other national registers. Cox regression models were used to determine mortality and predictors for death in the AS cohort. Results There were 496 deaths in the AS cohort and 1533 deaths in the control cohort resulting in an age-adjusted and sex-adjusted HR of 1.60 (95% CI 1.44 to 1.77), with increased mortality for men (age-adjusted HR=1.53, 95% CI 1.36 to 1.72) and women (ageadjusted HR=1.83, 95% CI 1.50 to 2.22). Within the AS cohort, statistically significant predictors for death were a lower level of education, general comorbidities (diabetes, infections, cardiovascular, pulmonary and malignant diseases) and previous hip replacement surgery. Conclusions Mortality was increased for male and female patients with AS. Predictors of death within the AS cohort included socioeconomic status, general comorbidities and hip replacement surgery.
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| 49. |
- Exarchou, Sofia, et al.
(author)
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The prevalence of clinically diagnosed ankylosing spondylitis and its clinical manifestations: a nationwide register study
- 2015
-
In: Arthritis Research & Therapy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1478-6354 .- 1478-6362. ; 17
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Prevalence estimates of ankylosing spondylitis vary considerably, and there are few nationwide estimates. The present study aimed to describe the national prevalence of clinically diagnosed ankylosing spondylitis in Sweden, stratified according to age, sex, geographical, and socio-economic factors, and according to subgroups with ankylosing spondylitis-related clinical manifestations and pharmacological treatment. Methods: All individuals diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis according to the World Health Organization International Classification of Disease codes, between 1967 and 2009, were identified from the National Patient Register. Data regarding disease manifestations, patient demographics, level of education, pharmacological treatment, and geographical region were retrieved from the National Patient Register and other national registers. Results: A total of 11,030 cases with an ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis (alive, living in Sweden, and 16 to 64 years old in December 2009) were identified in the National Patient Register, giving a point prevalence of 0.18% in 2009. The prevalence was higher in northern Sweden, and lower in those with a higher level of education. Men had a higher prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis (0.23% versus 0.14%, P < 0.001), a higher frequency of anterior uveitis (25.5% versus 20.0%, P < 0.001) and were more likely to receive tumor necrosis factor inhibitors than women (15.6% versus 11.8% in 2009, P < 0.001). Women were more likely than men to have peripheral arthritis (21.7% versus 15.3%, P < 0.001), psoriasis (8.0% versus 6.9%, P = 0.03), and treatment with oral corticosteroids (14.0% versus 10.4% in 2009, P < 0.001). Conclusion: This nationwide, register-based study demonstrated a prevalence of clinically diagnosed ankylosing spondylitis of 0.18%. It revealed phenotypical and treatment differences between the sexes, as well as geographical and socio-economic differences in disease prevalence.
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