| 1. |
- Asghar, Naveed, 1983-, et al.
(författare)
-
DNA launched suicidal flaviviruses as therapeutic vaccine candidates
- 2018
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Chronic liver disease, resulting from Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis D virus (HDV), or Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, contributes to a major health burden worldwide. The relativelyhigh cost of the HCV treatment brings concerns about the accessibility, especially in the developing countries. Hence, there exists a need for cost effect interventions with high efficiency. We aim to develop therapeutic vaccine candidates against HBV, HCV and HDV using DNA based subgenomic flavivirus replicons as a delivery system. Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), Langat virus (LGTV), West-Nile virus (WNV), or Kunjinvirus (KUNV) replicon with firefly luciferase geneas a reporter were expressed and characterized in cell culture studies. WNV and KUNV replicons showed significantly higher replication compared to their respective negative controls with unfunctional viral RNA dependent RNA polymerase. KUNV and WNV replicons were chosen for cloning the HCV or HB/DV vaccine candidate gene by replacing luciferasegene. Owing to the self-replicating trait of the flavivirus subgenomic replicons, Western blotting demonstrated that the antigen expression by KUNV and WNV replicons was several folds higher than the positive control. These results suggest that DNA based KUNV and WNV replicons may function as carriers for the hepatitis vaccine candidate genes, and these replicons are currently used for in vivostudies in animal models.
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| 2. |
- Asghar, Naveed, 1983-, et al.
(författare)
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Immunogenicity of DNA launched suicidal flavivirus replicons for protective vaccination against hepatitis viruses
- 2019
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Chronic liver disease, resulting from Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis D virus (HDV), or Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, contributes to a major health burden worldwide. Chronic infections with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be effectively cured by antivirals. However, as cured patients can be re-infected they lack protective immune responses. In addition, the relativelyhigh cost of the HCV treatment brings concerns about the accessibility, especially in the developing countries. Hence, there exists a need for cost effect vaccines with high efficiency to control and possibly eradicate Hepatitis viruses globally. The vaccine should induce either, or both, neutralizing antibodies and protective T cell responses. We therefore have developed DNA based flavivirus replicons as a potent delivery system that effectively prime HCV-specific T cell responses. We generated suicidal subgenomic DNA replicons of Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), Langat virus (LGTV), West-Nile virus (WNV), and Kunjinvirus (KUNV) expressing either a fusion protein between the HCV NS3/4A and a stork hepatitis B virus core or a vaccine candidate gene of HB/DV. Transfection experiments showed that the antigen expression by KUNV and WNV replicons was several folds higher than the antigen expression by standard DNA plasmid with CMV promoter. The immunogenicity of three suicidal flaviviral DNA replicons expressing HCV NS3/4A was tested in mice and compared to HCV NS3/4A expression by the standard DNA plasmid. The KUNV-HCV replicon was the best replicon-based immunogen with respect to priming of HCV NS3/4A-specific T cells as determined by ELISpot, dextramer staining, and polyfunctionality. Importantly, a mutant KUNV-HCV immunogen lacking replication failed to induce immune responses. Thus, the newly developed KUNV-based suicidal DNA launched replicon vaccine for HCV is a highly attractive candidate as a prophylactic vaccine against chronic hepatitis C. In addition, we are currently testing the immunogenicity of KUNV-HB/DV replicon in mice.
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
- Johansson, Göran, 1975, et al.
(författare)
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Parameter identification and modeling of large ratcheting strains in carbon steel
- 2006
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Ingår i: Computers and Structures. ; 84, s. 1002-1011
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this paper the parameter identification procedure of a materialmodel for large multiaxial ratcheting strains, as proposed inJohansson et al., (2005), Int J Plasticity 21, 955-980, is demonstrated.In particular, experimental data for uniaxial and biaxialratcheting of carbon steel are considered. The biaxialexperimental data are from Jiang and Sehitoglu, (1994), Int J Plasticity10, 579-608. The material parameters are identified by means ofoptimization algorithms, and a sensitivity analysis is performed.
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
- Johnson, Magnus S.C. 1969, et al.
(författare)
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Interaction of scavenger receptor class B type I with peroxisomal targeting receptor Pex5p.
- 2003
-
Ingår i: Biochemical and biophysical research communications. - 0006-291X. ; 312:4, s. 1325-34
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) is an HDL receptor that mediates selective HDL lipid uptake. Peroxisomes play an important role in lipid metabolism and peroxisomal targeting signal type 1 (PTS1)-containing proteins are translocated to peroxisomes by the peroxisomal targeting import receptor, Pex5p. We have previously identified a PTS1 motif in the intracellular domain of rat SR-BI. Here, we examine the possible interaction between Pex5p and SR-BI. Expression of a Flag-tagged intracellular domain of SR-BI resulted in translocation to the peroxisome as demonstrated by double labeling with anti-Flag IgG and anti-catalase IgG analyzed by confocal microscopy. Immunoprecipitation experiments with anti-SR-BI antibody showed that Pex5p co-precipitated with SR-BI. However, when an antibody against Pex5p was used for immunoprecipitation, only the 57kDa, non-glycosylated form, of SR-BI co-precipitated. We conclude that the PTS1 domain of SR-BI is functional and can mediate peroxisomal interaction via Pex5p, in vitro.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Alim, Abdul, 1983-, et al.
(författare)
-
Tick-borne encephalitis virus protein expression to develop novel subunit vaccines and diagnostic tools
- 2023
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and Langat virus (LGTV) are both members of Flavivirus genus within the Flaviviridae family. TBEV is the main pathogenic arbovirus circulating in Europe, Russia, and China. Flaviviruses are characterized by a positive sense single-stranded RNA genome and an enveloped icosahedral virion structure. Previously, it has been observed that flavivirus envelope (E) protein and non-structural protein 1 (NS1) both play a critical role in the pathology of flavivirus. Therefore, in this study, we aim to investigate flavivirus E and NS1 protein as a good target for the development of a subunit vaccine with further potential as a putative diagnostic tool to distinguish between TBEV infected from TBEV vaccinated individuals. Thus, we have generated 4 different successful constructs with TBEV (E and NS1) and LGTV (E and NS1) in the pET SUMO vector. Restriction digestion and sequencing analysis confirmed successful clones of interest and their right orientation. Next, the right clones were transformed in BL21 (DE3) one shoot chemically competent E. coli and induce the expression with 0.5 mM IPTG in culture medium following 0-4h, and 24h incubation period. Next, bacterial cell pellets were collected and used for SDSPAGE/Western blot analysis. We used the champion™ pET SUMO expression system which may produce high levels of soluble protein in bacteria. It employs a small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) fusion, belonging to the growing family of ubiquitin-related proteins, to enhance the solubility of expressed fusion proteins. We have stained with 6x-His tag antibody of interest (mouse monoclonal) for targeting both TBEV- E/NS1 and LGTV-E/NS1 proteins. Among them, the expression of TBEV-NS1 and LGTV-E proteins was verified and confirmed. Several attempts have also been made to obtain the TBEV-E and LGTV-NS1 protein in E. coli cells; however, these require further optimization with a suitable time and dose of IPTG induction. We have used the BL21(DE3) expression system, which could maximize the expression of soluble protein. After successful expression, the 13-kd SUMO moiety will be cleaved by the highly specific and active SUMO (ULP1) protease at the carboxyl terminal, producing a native protein. Furthermore, a protein purification assay (e-g., NI-NTA column/ÄKTA Protein Purification Systems) will be developed to obtain native recombinant protein. The purified proteins will be studied in combination with suitable adjuvants as putative TBE subunit vaccines. They will also be characterized with the potential to develop new tools for TBE diagnostics.
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| 10. |
- Andersson, Fredrik, 1974-, et al.
(författare)
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Female top management in family firms and non-family firms : Evidence from total population data
- 2018
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business. - : InderScience Publishers. - 1476-1297 .- 1741-8054. ; 35:3, s. 303-326
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We exploit information on ownership, management and kinship to study the representation of women in top management teams in Swedish family and non-family firms among domiciled limited liability firms over the years 2004 to 2010. The share of female top managers is analysed across listed and non-listed firms as well as across industries. We then estimate the likelihood that a woman is elected into the top management team in family and non-family firms using a probit regression model where we control for firm- A nd individual-level characteristics, including the gender distribution of the firm and kinship relations to existing board members and firm owners. We find that non-listed family firms are more likely to appoint female top managers, whereas we find no differences among listed firms. Moreover, we find that the gender composition and kinship structures of firms influence the appointment of female top managers.
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| 11. |
- Andersson, Fredrik, 1974-, et al.
(författare)
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The Characteristics and Performance of Family Firms : Exploiting information on ownership, governance and kinship using total population data
- 2017
-
Rapport (refereegranskat)abstract
- Family firms are often considered characteristically different from non-family firms, and the economic implications of these differences have generated significant academic debate. However, our understanding of family firms suffers from an inability to identify them in total population data, as this requires information on owners, their kinship and involvement in firm governance, which is rarely available. We present a method for identifying domiciled family firms using register data that offers greater accuracy than previous methods. We then apply it to data from Statistics Sweden concerning firm ownership, governance and kinship over the years 2004-2010. Next, we use Swedish data to estimate these firms’ economic contribution to total employment and gross domestic product (GDP) and compare them to private domiciled non-family firms in terms of their characteristics and economic performance. We find that the family firm is the prevalent organizational form, contributing to over one-third of all employment and GDP. Family firms are common across industries and sizes, ranging from the smallest producers to the largest multinational firms. However, their characteristics differ across sizes and legal forms, thereby indicating that the seemingly contradictory findings among previous studies on family firms may be due to unobserved heterogeneity. We furthermore find that they are smaller than private non-family firms in employment and sales and carry higher solidity, although they are more profitable. These differences diminish with firm size, however. We conclude that the term ‘family firm’ contains great diversity and call for increased attention to their heterogeneity.
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| 12. |
- Andersson, Fredrik, 1974-, et al.
(författare)
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The Characteristics of Family Firms : Exploiting Information on Ownership, Kinship and Governance Using Total Population Data
- 2018
-
Ingår i: Small Business Economics. - : Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers. - 0921-898X .- 1573-0913. ; 51:3, s. 539-556
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Family firms are often considered characteristically different from non-family firms. However, our understanding of family firms suffers from an inability to identify them in total population data; information is rarely available regarding owners, their kinship, and their involvement in firm governance. We present a method for identifying domiciled family firms using register data; this method offers greater accuracy than previous methods. We apply this method to Swedish data concerning firm ownership, governance, and kinship from 2004 to 2010. We find that the family firm is a significant organizational form, contributing over one third of all employment and gross domestic product (GDP). Family firms are common in most industries and range in size. Furthermore, we find that, compared to private non-family firms, family firms have fewer total assets, employment, and sales and carry higher solidity, although family firms are more profitable. These differences diminish with firm size. We conclude that the term “family firm” includes a large variety of firms, and we call for increased attention to their heterogeneity.
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| 13. |
- Andersson, Markus, 1981, et al.
(författare)
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Coordination of Imidazoles by Cu(II) and Zn(II) as Studied by NMR Relaxometry, EPR, far-FTIR Vibrational Spectroscopy and Ab Initio Calculations: Effect of Methyl Substitution
- 2010
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Ingår i: Journal of Physical Chemistry A. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1089-5639 .- 1520-5215. ; 114:50, s. 13146-13153
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Synthetic imidazole ligands are typically substituted at the N-1 ((1)-Im) position while natural imidazole ligands are substituted at the C-4 ((4)-Im) position. To outline the difference in coordination properties, the methyl-substituted imidazoles Me(4)-Im and Me(1)-Im were complexed with CuCl2 and ZnCl2 and investigated by NMR relaxometry, electron paramagnetic resonance, far-Fourier transform IR vibrational spectroscopy, and ab initio calculations. Me(4)-Im, Me(1)-Im, and Im in excess form the usual tetragonal D-4h [CuL4X2] complexes with CuCl2 whereas the methylated imidazoles form pseudotetrahedral C-2v, complexes instead of the usual octahedral O-h [ZnIm(6)](2+) complex. All imidazoles display a high degree of covalence in the M-L sigma- and pi-bonds and the pi-interaction strength affects the relative energies of complexation. Opportunities to tailor complexes by the chemical properties of the substituents are envisaged due to the role of the inductive and hyperconjugative effects, rather than position.
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| 14. |
- Andersson, Magnus, et al.
(författare)
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Structural Dynamics of Light-Driven Proton Pumps
- 2009
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Ingår i: Structure. - : Elsevier BV. - 0969-2126 .- 1878-4186. ; 17:9, s. 1265-1275
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Bacteriorhodopsin and proteorhodopsin are simple heptahelical proton pumps containing a retinal chromophore covalently bound to helix G via a protonated Schiff base. Following the absorption of a photon, all-trans retinal is isomerized to a 13-cis conformation, initiating a sequence of conformational changes driving vectorial proton transport. In this study we apply time-resolved wide-angle X-ray scattering to visualize in real time the helical motions associated with proton pumping by bacteriorhodopsin and proteorhodopsin. Our results establish that three conformational states are required to describe their photocycles. Significant motions of the cytoplasmic half of helix F and the extracellular half of helix C are observed prior to the primary proton transfer event, which increase in amplitude following proton transfer. These results both simplify the structural description to emerge from intermediate trapping studies of bacteriorhodopsin and reveal shared dynamical principles for proton pumping.
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| 15. |
- Asghar, Naveed, 1983-, et al.
(författare)
-
Design, rescue, and characterization of Langat virus infectious clone by next generation sequencing
- 2023
-
Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is one of the most important tick-transmitted diseases in Europe and Asia. TBE virus (TBEV) infections cause mild flu-like symptoms that may lead to severe neurological disorders. The incidence of TBE cases in Sweden has increase remarkably over the last decades. There is no specific antiviral treatment available against TBEV and vaccination remains the best protective measure. The currently available TBE vaccines require repeated injections for long-term immunity and vaccine failure can occur in some patients due to poor immunogenicity in the elderly. Live attenuated viral vaccines are known to provide long-term immunity with fewer doses whereas the commercial TBE vaccines are based on single surface protein of the virus. We aim to develop a modified live attenuated TBE vaccine based on Langat virus (LGTV). LGTV is a naturally attenuated strain of TBEV. We aim to weaken the virus further by introducing modifications within LGTV genome. In this study we have successfully designed and rescued infectious clones of LGTV using RNA and DNA based strategies. We passaged these infections clones in cell culture and performed next generation sequencing to study similarity of rescued viruses to the parental LGTV sequence and their stability in cell culture. Note: Visit my poster to discuss the results of next generation sequencing analysis and rescue strategies for LGTV infectious clones.
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Asghar, Naveed, 1983-, et al.
(författare)
-
Local landscape effects on population dynamics of Ixodes ricinus
- 2016
-
Ingår i: Geospatial health. - : Page Press Publications. - 1827-1987 .- 1970-7096. ; 11:3, s. 283-289
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Ixodes ricinus, a common tick in Europe, transmits severe tickborne pathogens (TBPs). In Sweden, both prevalence and incidence of tick-borne infections have increased during the last few decades, and a majority of the cases is reported from the area around Stockholm. Among ticks, transmission of TBPs involves co-feeding of susceptible larvae or nymphs with infected ticks on the same host. Seasonal synchrony of immature stages and total tick abundance are important factors for the probability of horizontal transmission of TBPs. We have studied the association between local landscape characteristics and population dynamics and the probability of co-occurrence of different life cycle stages of I. ricinus at different locations south of Stockholm, Sweden. We found significant spatiotemporal variation in tick activity patterns. Mean tick abundance varied with a tenfold difference among study sites. The probability of co-occurrence of larvae, nymphs and female adults was highest in June and decreased significantly with vegetation height. In addition, the amount of forest habitat and open water in the surrounding landscape of the study sites expressed significant negative effects on tick abundance and co-occurrence, indicating that environmental heterogeneity may increase the likelihood of good rodent habitats, which in turn, are suitable hosts for immature ticks.
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| 18. |
- Asghar, Naveed, 1983-, et al.
(författare)
-
Transient Expression of Flavivirus Structural Proteins in Nicotiana benthamiana
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Vaccines. - : MDPI. - 2076-393X. ; 10:10
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Flaviviruses are a threat to public health and can cause major disease outbreaks. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is caused by a flavivirus, and it is one of the most important causes of viral encephalitis in Europe and is on the rise in Sweden. As there is no antiviral treatment availa-ble, vaccination remains the best protective measure against TBE. Currently available TBE vaccines are based on formalin-inactivated virus produced in cell culture. These vaccines must be delivered by intramuscular injection, have a burdensome immunization schedule, and may exhibit vaccine failure in certain populations. This project aimed to develop an edible TBE vaccine to trigger a stronger immune response through oral delivery of viral antigens to mucosal surfaces. We demonstrated successful expression and post-translational processing of flavivirus structural pro-teins which then self-assembled to form virus-like particles in Nicotiana benthamiana. We performed oral toxicity tests in mice using various plant species as potential bioreactors and evaluated the immunogenicity of the resulting edible vaccine candidate. Mice immunized with the edible vaccine candidate did not survive challenge with TBE virus. Interestingly, immunization of female mice with a commercial TBE vaccine can protect their offspring against TBE virus infection.
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
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| 21. |
- Burm, Rani, et al.
(författare)
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Novel prime-boost immune-based therapy inhibiting both hepatitis B and D virus infections.
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Gut. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 0017-5749 .- 1468-3288. ; 72:6, s. 1186-1195
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Chronic HBV/HDV infections are a major cause of liver cancer. Current treatments can only rarely eliminate HBV and HDV. Our previously developed preS1-HDAg immunotherapy could induce neutralising antibodies to HBV in vivo and raise HBV/HDV-specific T-cells. Here, we further investigate if a heterologous prime-boost strategy can circumvent T-cell tolerance and preclude HDV superinfection in vivo.DESIGN: A DNA prime-protein boost strategy was evaluated for immunogenicity in mice and rabbits. Its ability to circumvent T-cell tolerance was assessed in immunocompetent hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-transgenic mice. Neutralisation of HBV and HDV was evaluated both in vitro and in immunodeficient human-liver chimeric mice upon adoptive transfer.RESULTS: The prime-boost strategy elicits robust HBV/HDV-specific T-cells and preS1-antibodies that can effectively prevent HBV and HDV (co-)infection in vitro and in vivo. In a mouse model representing the chronic HBsAg carrier state, active immunisation primes high levels of preS1-antibodies and HDAg-specific T-cells. Moreover, transfer of vaccine-induced antibodies completely protects HBV-infected human-liver chimeric mice from HDV superinfection.CONCLUSION: The herein described preS1-HDAg immunotherapy is shown to be immunogenic and vaccine-induced antibodies are highly effective at preventing HBV and HDV (super)infection both in vitro and in vivo. Our vaccine can complement current and future therapies for the control of chronic HBV and HDV infection.
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| 22. |
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| 23. |
- Elväng, Annelie, et al.
(författare)
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Sequencing of a Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus from Ixodes ricinus Reveals a Thermosensitive RNA Switch Significant for Virus Propagation in Ectothermic Arthropods
- 2011
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Ingår i: Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. - : Mary Ann Liebert Inc. - 1530-3667 .- 1557-7759. ; 11:6, s. 649-658
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a flavivirus with major impact on global health. The geographical TBEV distribution is expanding, thus making it pivotal to further characterize the natural virus populations. In this study, we completed the earlier partial sequencing of a TBEV pulled out of a pool of RNA extracted from 115 ticks collected on Torö in the Stockholm archipelago. The total RNA was sufficient for all sequencing of a TBEV genome (Torö-2003), without conventional enrichment procedures such as cell culturing or suckling mice amplification. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the genome of TBEV has been sequenced directly from an arthropod reservoir. The Torö-2003 sequence has been characterized and compared with other TBE viruses. In silico analyses of secondary RNA structures formed by the two untranslated regions revealed a temperature-sensitive structural shift between a closed replicative form and an open AUG accessible form, analogous to a recently described bacterial thermoswitch. Additionally, novel phylogenetic conserved structures were identified in the variable part of the 3′-untranslated region, and their sequence and structure similarity when compared with earlier identified structures suggests an enhancing function on virus replication and translation. We propose that the thermo-switch mechanism may explain the low TBEV prevalence often observed in environmentally sampled ticks. Finally, we were able to detect variations that help in the understanding of virus adaptations to varied environmental temperatures and mammalian hosts through a comparative approach that compares RNA folding dynamics between strains with different mammalian cell passage histories.
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| 24. |
- Garcia, Alejandro, et al.
(författare)
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Guaranteed periodic real-time communication over wormhole switched networks
- 2000
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Ingår i: Parallel and distributed computing systems. - Raleigh, NC : INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY COMPUTERS & THEIR APPLICATIONS (ISCA). - 188084334X ; , s. 632-639
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this paper, we investigate how to efficiently implement TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) on a wormhole switched network using a pure software solution in the end nodes. Transmission is conflict free on the time-slot level and hence deadlock free. On the sub- slot level, however, conflicts are possible when using early sending, a method we propose in order to reduce latency while still not hazarding the TDMA schedule. We propose a complete system to offer services for dynamic establishment of guaranteed periodic real-time virtual channels. Two different clock synchronization approaches for integration into the TDMA system are discussed. Implementation and experimental studies have been done on a cluster of PCs connected by a Myrinet network. Also, a case study with a radar signal processing application is presented to show the usability. A best-case reduction of the latency of up to 37 percent for 640 Byte messages by using early sending in Myrinet is shown in the case study. Source routed wormhole switching networks are assumed in the work but the results are applicable on some other categories of switched networks too.
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| 25. |
- Hamsten, C., et al.
(författare)
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Identification of galactose-α-1,3-galactose in the gastrointestinal tract of the tick Ixodes ricinus; possible relationship with red meat allergy
- 2013
-
Ingår i: Allergy. European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. - West Sussex, United Kingdom : Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Inc.. - 0105-4538 .- 1398-9995. ; 68:4, s. 549-552
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Patients with IgE antibodies against the carbohydrate epitope galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal) have reported severe allergic reactions after consumption of red meat. Investigations have revealed associations between IgE to α-Gal and tick bites. We provide the first direct evidence that α-Gal is present within ticks thus potentially explaining the relationship between tick exposure and sensitization to α-Gal, with development of red meat allergy as a secondary phenomena. Serum from Swedish patients with delayed severe reactions to red meat was included in the study. A dose-dependent inhibition of IgE responses to α-Gal by the tick Ixodes ricinus is demonstrated. Furthermore, using cryostat-cut sections of I. ricinus, we show that both a monoclonal and a polyclonal antibody against α-Gal stains the gastrointestinal tract of the tick. The same pattern is seen when staining with patient sera IgE positive to α-Gal. These results confirm that the α-Gal epitope is present in I. ricinus and imply host exposure to α-Gal during a tick bite. This provides further evidence that tick bites are associated with IgE responses to α-Gal and red meat allergy.
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| 26. |
- Johannesson, Louise, 1981-
(författare)
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Settling disputes at the World Trade Organization
- 2018
-
Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- This cumulative dissertation consists of five self-contained essays, all of which are closely focused around issues that concern the WTO dispute settlement mechanism (DSM). In Essay 1, we describe salient features of the DSM using a unique data set. We observe a spike in new disputes in 2012, which in turn led to an increasing number of panels and appeals. This put the WTO under a heavy workload and delays soon became an issue. In Essay 2, we show that the DSM often appoint institutional insiders to serve as judges. Although the DSM was reformed under the WTO, the judges are similar to those found in the GATT. Furthermore, there is an incentive structure in place that encourage the WTO Secretariat to assume a larger role in writing panel reports and for panelists to let them. Essay 3 examines the role of Special and Differential Treatment (SDT) provision Art. 8.10 of the Dispute Settlement Understanding (DSU) in helping developing countries win disputes against richer countries. We observe that developing countries lose more claims when this provision is applied. I formulate a model and show that this observation can be consistent with the presumed benefit of Art. 8.10. Essay 4 addresses the problem of delays by asking ourselves whether we can lessen the problem with a permanent panel. I study features such as the panelists’ experience and prior working relationships in explaining the time it takes to issue panel reports and efficiency in examining claims. We find that prior collaboration can decrease duration. Lastly, in Essay 5, we assess the impact on trade for members that are not involved in disputes. There is evidence of positive trade effects after a dispute for noncomplainants, but the effects are limited to disputes that did not escalate to adjudication. We found no external dispute effects for adjudicated disputes.
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| 27. |
- Johansson, Annica, 1969, et al.
(författare)
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Increased frequency of a new polymorphism in the cell division cycle 2 (cdc2) gene in patients with Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia.
- 2003
-
Ingår i: Neuroscience letters. - : Elsevier BV. - 0304-3940. ; 340:1, s. 69-73
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Recent studies show linkage between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and two loci on chromosome 10. The cell division cycle 2 (cdc2) gene is located close to one of the chromosome 10 markers, and is a candidate gene for AD since it is involved in the pathogenesis of AD. We sequenced coding exons and flanking intronic sequences and the promoter region on the cdc2 gene and found three new single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We analyzed 272 Caucasian AD cases, 160 controls and 70 cases with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) for these SNPs. Homozygosity for one of the SNPs (Ex6+7I/D) was more frequent in both AD and FTD cases than in controls. In the combined tauopathy (AD and FTD) group the odds ratio (OR) was 1.77 (95% CI 1.19-2.63) for the Ex6+7II genotype. Our findings suggest that the Ex6+7I allele is associated with tauopathies, both AD and FTD.
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| 28. |
- Johansson, Anders, 1974, et al.
(författare)
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Simulation of wheel-rail contact and damage in switches & crossings
- 2011
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Ingår i: Wear. - : Elsevier BV. - 0043-1648 .- 1873-2577. ; 271:1-2, s. 472-481
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A methodology for the simulation of degradation of rail profiles in switches & crossings (S&C) is presented. The methodology includes: simulation of dynamic vehicle-track interaction considering stochastic variations in input data (such as wheel profile, train speed and wheel-rail friction coefficient), simulation of wheel-rail contacts accounting for non-linear material properties and plasticity, and simulation of wear and plastic deformation in the rail during the life of the S&C component. The methodology is demonstrated by predicting the damage of a switch rail profile, manufactured from R260 steel, when exposed to freight traffic in the diverging route (facing move). In particular, the consequences of increasing the axle load from 25 tonnes to 30 tonnes are studied.
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| 29. |
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| 30. |
- Johansson, Göran, 1975, et al.
(författare)
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Computational modeling of inelastic large ratcheting strains
- 2005
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Plasticity. ; 21:5, s. 955-980
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A framework forphenomenological hyperelasto-plasticity with initial anisotropy,kinematic hardening as well as anisotropic damage is presented inMenzel et al. (2003a).In this contribution we exploit and extend this framework toinclude several back-stresses in order to capture the ratchettingresponse of polycrystalline metals subjected to cyclic stress withnon-zero mid-value. The evolution equations for kinematichardening resemble a linear combination of the multiple-Armstrong-Frederic and the Burlet-Cailletaudmodels, which are extended to the large strain setting. Thecapability of the model to capture various phenomenologicalcharacteristics, in particular multi-axial ratchetting, isillustrated by numerical examples. Comparisons with uni-axial andbi-axial experimental ratchetting results for carbon steel aregiven. Finally, the finite element analysis of a simplifiedrailway turnout component subjected to cyclic loading ispresented.
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| 31. |
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| 32. |
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| 33. |
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| 34. |
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| 35. |
- Johansson, Göran, 1975, et al.
(författare)
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On the modeling of evolving anisotropy and large strains in pearlitic steel
- 2006
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Ingår i: European Journal of Mechanics / A Solids. ; 25, s. 1041-1060
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A phenomenological model for deformation induced evolution of anisotropy at large strains in pearlitic steel is proposed. The modeled anisotropy is based on a homogenization of an ideal pearlitic microstructure. An areal affine type of reorientation is assumed for the individual grains. Furthermore, a yield criterion of the Hill type is proposed and motivated from the grain reorientation. In each pearlitic grain the cementite lamellas have a privileged direction. The symmetry group of each individual grain is therefore considered transversally isotropic. In a virgin material, the privileged directions of the different grains are randomly oriented, which allows for the interpretation that the material on the macroscopic length scale is initially isotropic. However, thecementite lamellas in the grains tend to align after large stretching or shearing deformation. The modeled evolution of anisotropy on the macroscopic length scale shows a saturation characteristics under large deformations.
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| 36. |
- Johansson, Göran, 1975, et al.
(författare)
-
On the modeling of large ratcheting strains with large time increments
- 2007
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Ingår i: Engineering Computations. - : Emerald. - 0264-4401. ; 24:3-4, s. 221-236
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose - This paper aims to speed up finite element analyses of structures with a highly nonlinear material response subjected to many loading cycles. Design/methodology/approach - An approach where large time increments are taken in an adaptive fashion is presented. The size of the large time increments typically spans several loading cycles and is based on Taylor series expansions of the response combined with error control. Findings - The suggested adaptive algorithm is simple compared with some well-known alternatives in the literature. It also has the inherent convergence property that it reduces to the classical time incrementation in the case where the estimated error is too large. Research limitations/implications - The algorithm is suitable for (restricted to) a special class of problems where the material response versus a representative time sequence are smooth curves. The simplicity of the method results in a robust algorithm. Originality/value - Similar algorithms have been presented earlier in the literature but the present work introduces some enhancements, e.g. accounting for general internal variables also in the error estimate. In addition, the present work considers a more complex constitutive model compared with earlier work within the research field.
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| 37. |
- Johansson, Helena, 1981, et al.
(författare)
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Low bone mineral density is associated with increased mortality in elderly men : MrOS Sweden
- 2011
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Ingår i: Osteoporosis International. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0937-941X .- 1433-2965. ; 22:5, s. 1411-1418
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We studied the nature of the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and the risk of death among elderly men. BMD was associated with mortality risk and was independent of adjustments for other co-morbidities. A piecewise linear function described the relationship more accurately than assuming the same gradient of risk over the whole range of BMD (p = 0.020). Low BMD was associated with a substantial excess risk of death, whilst a higher than average BMD had little impact on mortality. Previous studies have demonstrated an association between low BMD and an increased risk of death among men and women. The aim of the present study was to examine the pattern of the risk in men and its relation to co-morbidities. We studied the nature of the relationship between BMD and death among 3,014 elderly men drawn from the population and recruited to the MrOS study in Sweden. Baseline data included general health questionnaires, life style questionnaires and BMD measured using DXA. Men were followed for up to 6.5 years (average 4.5 years). Poisson regression was used to investigate the relationship between BMD, co-morbidities and the hazard function of death. During follow-up, 382 men died (all-cause mortality). Low BMD at all measured skeletal sites was associated with increased mortality. In multivariate analyses, the relationship between BMD and mortality was non-linear, and a piecewise linear function described the relationship more accurately than assuming the same gradient of risk over the whole range of BMD (p = 0.020). Low BMD is associated with a substantial excess risk of death compared to an average BMD, whereas a higher than average BMD has a more modest effect on mortality. These findings, if confirmed elsewhere, have implications for the constructing of probability-based fracture risk assessment tools.
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| 38. |
- Johansson, Helena, 1981, et al.
(författare)
-
Low serum vitamin D is associated with increased mortality in elderly men: MrOS Sweden
- 2012
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Ingår i: Osteoporosis International. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1433-2965 .- 0937-941X. ; 23:3, s. 991-999
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In elderly man, low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was associated with a substantial excess risk of death compared to 25(OH)D values greater than 50-70 nmol/l, but the association attenuated with time. The aim of the present study was to determine whether poor vitamin D status was associated with an increase in the risk of death in elderly men. We studied the relationship between serum 25(OH)D and the risk of death in 2,878 elderly men drawn from the population and recruited to the MrOS study in Sweden. Baseline data included general health and lifestyle measures and serum 25(OH)D measured by competitive RIA. Men were followed for up to 8.2 years (average 6.0 years). Mortality adjusted for comorbidities decreased by 5% for each SD increase in 25(OH)D overall (gradient of risk 1.05; 95% confidence interval 0.96-1.14). The predictive value of 25(OH)D for death was greatest below a threshold value of 50-70 nmol/l, was greatest at approximately 3 years after baseline and thereafter decreased with time. Low serum 25(OH)D is associated with a substantial excess risk of death compared to 25(OH)D values greater than 50-70 nmol/l, but the association attenuates with time. These findings, if causally related, have important implications for intervention in elderly men.
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| 39. |
- Johansson, Karl Magnus, 1966-, et al.
(författare)
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Centralizing Government Communication? Evidence from Finland and Sweden
- 2020
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Ingår i: Politics and Policy. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 1747-1346 .- 1555-5623. ; 48:6, s. 1138-1160
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- How governments manage their communication is one crucial indicator of the balance of power within the cabinet and inside the executive branch as a whole. Existing research offers few insights into the process by which governments come to choose one form of communication over another and about the factors driving centralization. This article addresses this gap through a comparison of two countries, Finland and Sweden, examining not only the organizational forms of government communication but also the causal mechanisms at work. Combining theoretical lessons from studies in political communication, political science, and public administration, it develops a centralization argument, focusing on the centripetal factors facilitating coordination and control. Drawing on over 40 interviews with journalists and political or media advisors in the two countries and on government documents, the article offers clear evidence of a trend toward centralization, particularly in Sweden. This trend should be understood as part of a broader process whereby prime ministers and their offices establish stronger control of the entire executive branch.
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| 40. |
- Johansson, Karl Magnus, 1966-, et al.
(författare)
-
Transnational Parties and Advocacy in European Integration
- 2024. - 1
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Bok (refereegranskat)abstract
- This book analyses the role of Europarties in the deepening of integration and the debates on the future of Europe. It is guided by three fundamental research questions: What strategies do Europarties utilize to advance their visions of Europe? What is the relative influence of the actors in the networks of the Europarties? How successful have the Europarties been in shaping the future of Europe? European integration cannot be understood without accounting for the impact of the Europarties. Theoretically, the book utilizes the concepts of advocacy and agenda-setting, identifying Europarties as transnational partisan actors operating at intergovernmental and supranational levels of EU decision-making. Europarties have consolidated their organizational structures, and more importantly, have over the decades built their own networks and coalitions that enable them to wield influence in ways rarely captured by previous studies. Empirically, the book investigates the networks and positions of the Europarties, constitutional reform processes, and the role of the Europarties and their EP political groups in the broader debates on the future of Europe.
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| 41. |
- Johansson, Magnus, 1970-, et al.
(författare)
-
Att mäta sårbarhet mot naturolyckor : Om sårbarhet som begrepp och indikatorer
- 2009
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Rapport (populärvet., debatt m.m.)abstract
- Att mäta sårbarhet mot risker och hot i vårt samhälle lyfts i olika sammanhang fram som allt viktigare för att uppnå en effektivare riskhantering och ett robustare samhälle. I klimat- och sårbarhetsutredningen (SOU 2007:60) slår man fast att risken för naturolyckor ökar på många håll och att det är nödvändigt att påbörja anpassningen så snart som möjligt. I det perspektivet är det nödvändigt att inledningsvis skapa en klar bild över hur sårbarheterna ser ut och var de finns. Rimligen bör man också fundera över vad sårbarhet mot naturolyckor ska omfatta och vilka mätetal som är intressanta att ta fram. Avsikten med den här kunskapsöversikten är att ge en orientering av sårbarhet som begrepp och utifrån det diskutera hur sårbarhetsindikatorer kankonstrueras
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| 42. |
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| 43. |
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| 44. |
- Johansson, Magnus, 1970-, et al.
(författare)
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Evaluating the range of perspectives on lessons-learning from the 2005 storm in Sweden
- 2009
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Lessons learning from systematic analyses of past natural disasters is of great importance for future risk reduction and vulnerability management. It is one crucial piece of a puzzle towards disaster resilient societies, together with e.g. models of future emerging climate-related risks, globalization or demographic changes. Systematic analyses of impact and management of past events have commonly been produced in many sectors, but the knowledge is seldom shared outside the own organization or produced for other actors. LPHC (low probability high consequences) disasters usually comprise most analytical activities, since they often are met with surprise and highlight the failure to integrate resilience into normal societal planning. During the last 50 years, several LPHC events in Sweden have functioned as alarm clocks and entailed major changes and improvements in government policies or legislations, safety management systems, risk assessments, response training, stakeholder communication, etc. Such an event occurred in January 2005 when Northern Europe was confronted with one of the most severe storms in modern history. Accidents that caused 24 fatalities occurred (17 in Sweden), several regions in UK and Germany were flooded and extensive areas of storm-felled forests left nearly one million households in Scandinavia without electricity. In Sweden the quantity of storm-felled trees was equivalent to the combined volume felled by other storms during the whole of the 20th century, which caused exceptional damage to forests, roads, railways and electricity and telecommunications networks, including cell-phones. Follow-ups and evaluations at local level, as regulated by law, together with government commissions to central authorities and interest from research communities, have resulted in an extensive production of documented lessons learning. The production of in total 24 reports, 7 scientific articles and 2 economic reports from business associations divides thematically quite equally within coping capacity and exposed and susceptible elements. Most attention allots crisis management and response issues (45 %). Only one attempt is made to present a holistic view of the event and it is not a law bounded initiative. Evaluations from other recent events, e.g. the flood 2000 in Arvika and the landslide at Munkedal 2006, show the same clear focus on crisis management and less or none consideration taken to environmental, social or socioeconomic consequences. It reflects the traditional political financial will to invest in a high level on response capacity on expense of preventive work
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| 45. |
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| 46. |
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| 47. |
- Johansson, Magnus, 1970-, et al.
(författare)
-
Learning lessons from natural disasters - sectorial or holistic perspectives?
- 2009
-
Ingår i: Geophysical research abstracts, Vol 11. Extended abstracts.
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Lessons learning from systematic analyses of past natural disasters is of great importance for future risk reduction and vulnerability management. It is one crucial piece of a puzzle towards disaster resilient societies, together with e.g. models of future emerging climate-related risks, globalization or demographic changes. Systematic analyses of impact and management of past events have commonly been produced in many sectors, but the knowledge is seldom shared outside the own organization or produced for other actors. To increase the availability of reports and documents, the Swedish Rescue Services Agency has created the Swedish Natural Hazards Information System, in accordance with a government commission from 2005. The system gathers accident reports, investigations and in-depth analyses, together with societal additional costs and mappings of consequences from central and local governments, NGOs and private actors. Evaluation of the collection reveals large differences in quality, systematic approach, depth and extent, clearly consistent with the lack of coherent harmonization of investigation and reporting approaches. Type of hazard, degree of impact and time elapsed since present are decisive for the collectedvolume. LPHC (low probability high consequences) disasters usually comprise most data and analytical activities, since they often are met with surprise and highlight the failure to integrate resilience into normal societal planning. During the last 50 years, several LPHC events in Sweden have functioned as alarm clocks and entailed major changes and improvements in government policies or legislations, safety management systems, risk assessments,response training, stakeholder communication, etc. Such an event occurred in January 2005 when Northern Europe was confronted with one of the most severe storms in modern history. Accidents that caused 24 fatalities occurred (17 in Sweden), several regions in UK and Germany were flooded and extensive areas of storm-felled forests left nearly one million households in Scandinavia without electricity. In Sweden the quantity of storm-felled trees was equivalent to the combined volume felled by other storms during the whole of the 20th century, which caused exceptional damage to forests, roads, railways and electricity and telecommunications networks, including cellphones. Follow-ups and evaluations at local level, as regulated by law, together with government commissions to central authorities and interest from research communities, have resulted in an extensive production of documented lessons learning. Our case study describes their thematic extent, identifies different perspectives in relation to their basis for analyses, emphasizes the complementary need of a holistic perspective and puts the Swedish systematic procedure into an international comparison
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| 48. |
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| 49. |
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| 50. |
- Johansson, Sven A.E., et al.
(författare)
-
CCBuilder: a software that produces synthetic microstructures of WC-Co cemented carbides
- 2019
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Refractory Metals and Hard Materials. - : Elsevier BV. - 0263-4368 .- 2213-3917. ; 78, s. 210-218
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this paper, the software CCBuilder and its methods to generate synthetic three-dimensional (3D) microstructures of WC-Co cemented carbides are presented. Generating synthetic microstructures is critical, as it enables accurate virtual testing where influences from microstructural parameters can be investigated in a systematic and controlled way. The model of the microstructure is based on a voxel description of the material volume and the WC grains are represented as truncated triangular prisms. The grains are inserted into the simulation domain and to obtain a realistic microstructure a combination of packing and a Monte Carlo Potts simulation is used. The orientations of all individual WC grains are known and it is shown that the microstructure is built up of two interpenetrating networks, the WC grains and the Co phase. Numerical studies are presented to show how input parameters to CCBuilder, such as grain size, grain shape, packing strategy, voxel density, system size, and Monte-Carlo steps affect the resulting simulated microstructure. The obtained microstructures are geometrically realistic and the contiguity of the carbide phase shows very good agreement with published experimental data.
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