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- Berner, G., et al.
(författare)
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LaAlO3/SrTiO3 oxide heterostructures studied by resonant inelastic x-ray scattering
- 2010
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Ingår i: Physical Review B. Condensed Matter and Materials Physics. - 1098-0121 .- 1550-235X. ; 82:24, s. 241405-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We report the application of resonant inelastic X-ray scattering to explore the nature of the single conducting interface in the oxide heterostructure LaAlO/sub 3//SrTiO/sub 3/. From the Ti 3d crystal-field excitations measured at the Ti L/sub 3/ resonance we not only derive information on the local geometry at the interface but are also able to follow the evolution of the sheet carrier density with the thickness of the LaAlO/sub 3/ overlayer. These findings confirm after calibration to previous hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements that the charge density from spectroscopy exceeds the one derived from Hall-effect measurements, indicating the coexistence of itinerant /i and/ localized Ti 3d electrons at the interface. On the other hand, we observe a saturation of the charge-carrier concentration above a LaAlO/sub 3/ thickness of 6 unit cells at ~1*10/sup 14/ cm/sup -2/, well below the canonical value for ideal electronic reconstruction.
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- Berner, J, et al.
(författare)
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Hypoxic ventilatory response in Tac1-/- neonatal mice following exposure to opioids
- 2012
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Ingår i: Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985). - : American Physiological Society. - 1522-1601 .- 8750-7587. ; 113:11, s. 1718-1726
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Morphine is the dominating analgetic drug used in neonates, but opioid-induced respiratory depression limits its therapeutic use. In this study, we examined acute morphine effects on respiration during intermittent hypoxia in newborn Tac1 gene knockout mice (Tac1−/−) lacking substance P and neurokinin A. In vivo, plethysmography revealed a blunted hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) in Tac1−/− mice. Morphine (10 mg/kg) depressed the HVR in wild-type animals through an effect on respiratory frequency, whereas it increased tidal volumes in Tac1−/− during hypoxia, resulting in increased minute ventilation. Apneas were reduced during the first hypoxic episode in both morphine-exposed groups, but were restored subsequently in Tac1−/− mice. Morphine did not affect ventilation or apnea prevalence during baseline conditions. In vitro, morphine (50 nM) had no impact on anoxic response of brain stem preparations of either strain. In contrast, it suppressed the inspiratory rhythm during normoxia and potentiated development of posthypoxic neuronal arrest, especially in Tac1−/−. Thus this phenotype has a higher sensitivity to the depressive effects of morphine on inspiratory rhythm generation, but morphine does not modify the reactivity to oxygen deprivation. In conclusion, although Tac1−/− mice are similar to wild-type animals during normoxia, they differed by displaying a reversed pattern with an improved HVR during intermittent hypoxia both in vivo and in vitro. These data suggest that opioids and the substance P-ergic system interact in the HVR, and that reducing the activity in the tachykinin system may alter the respiratory effects of opioid treatment in newborns.
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- Berner, Karin, et al.
(författare)
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Dose optimisation of double-contrast barium enema examinations.
- 2010
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Ingår i: Radiation protection dosimetry. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1742-3406 .- 0144-8420. ; 139:1-3, s. 388-392
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The purpose of the present work was to optimise the filtration and dose setting for double-contrast barium enema examinations using a Philips MultiDiagnost Eleva FD system. A phantom study was performed prior to a patient study. A CDRAD phantom was used in a study where copper and aluminium filtration, different detector doses and tube potentials were examined. The image quality was evaluated using the software CDRAD Analyser and the phantom dose was determined using the Monte Carlo-based software PCXMC. The original setting [100 % detector dose (660 nGy air kerma) and a total filtration of 3.5 mm Al, at 81 kVp] and two other settings identified by the phantom study (100 % detector dose and additional filtration of 1 mm Al and 0.2 mm Cu as well as 80 % detector dose and added filtration of 1 mm Al and 0.2 mm Cu) were included in the patient study. The patient study included 60 patients and up to 8 images from each patient. Six radiologists performed a visual grading characteristics study to evaluate the image quality. A four-step scale was used to judge the fulfillment of three image quality criteria. No overall statistical significant difference in image quality was found between the three settings (P > 0.05). The decrease in the effective dose for the settings in the patient study was 15 % when filtration was added and 34 % when both filtrations was added and detector dose was reduced. The study indicates that additional filtration of 1 mm Al and 0.2 mm Cu and a decrease in detector dose by 20 % from the original setting can be used in colon examinations with Philips MultiDiagnost Eleva FD to reduce the patient dose by 30 % without significantly affecting the image quality. For 20 exposures, this corresponds to a decrease in the effective dose from 1.6 to 1.1 mSv.
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- Friedrichs, A., et al.
(författare)
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Adaptation of Dutch Allocation Guideline for Patients after Alcohol Detoxification - Results of a Delphi Survey
- 2013
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Ingår i: SUCHTTHERAPIE. - : Georg Thieme Verlag KG. - 1439-9903 .- 1439-989X. ; 14:4, s. 148-154
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim of the study: In the Netherlands, guidelines for the allocation of patients with alcohol related disorders to different levels of care have been implemented and evaluated nationwide. These guidelines cannot be used in the German health care system without adaptation, but with modifications they may prove useful. Aim of this study was therefore to develop an adaptation of those allocation guidelines to the German system. Methods: Using the Delphi-technique, experts in substance use treatment discussed existing addiction treatment services and indication criteria relevant for allocation in 3 rounds. The results of this process were integrated by means of a concluding consensus conference. Results: The Dutch allocation guideline was adapted for treatment decisions following detoxification treatment of alcohol dependent patients. Conclusions: The consented guideline can support the allocation of patients with alcohol-related disorders. The guideline is currently evaluated in a randomized controlled trial.
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- Isfoss, Bjorn L., et al.
(författare)
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Stem cell marker-positive stellate cells and mast cells are reduced in benign-appearing bladder tissue in patients with urothelial carcinoma
- 2014
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Ingår i: Virchows Archiv. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0945-6317 .- 1432-2307. ; 464:4, s. 473-488
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Survival after invasive bladder cancer has improved less than that of other common non-skin cancers. In many types of malignancy, treatment failure has been attributed to therapy-resistant stem-like cancer cells. Our aim was therefore to determine identities of stem cell marker-positive cells in bladder cancer tissue and to investigate possible associations between these cells and different forms of bladder neoplasia. We investigated tissue from 52 patients with bladder neoplasia and 18 patients with benign bladder conditions, from a cohort that had been previously described with regard to diagnosis and outcome. The samples were analysed immunohistologically for the stem cell markers aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 A1 (ALDH1) and CD44, and markers of cell differentiation. The majority of stem cell marker-positive cells were located in connective tissue, and a smaller fraction in epithelial tissue. Stem cell marker-positive cells exhibiting possible stem cell characteristics included cells in deeper locations of benign and malignant epithelium, and sub-endothelial cells in patients with or without neoplasia. Stem cell marker-positive cells with non-stem cell character included stellate cells, mast cells, endothelial cells, foamy histiocytes, and neurons. Significantly, ALDH1+ stellate cells and ALDH1+ mast cells were reduced in number in stroma of benign-appearing mucosa of bladder cancer patients. The stem cell markers ALDH1 and CD44 label several types of differentiated cells in bladder tissue. ALDH1+ stellate cells and mast cells appear to be reduced in stroma of normal-appearing mucosa of bladder cancer patients, and may be part of a "field effect" in cancer-near areas.
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- Neidhardt, H., et al.
(författare)
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Influences of groundwater extraction on the distribution of dissolved As in shallow aquifers of West Bengal, India
- 2013
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Ingår i: Journal of Hazardous Materials. - : Elsevier BV. - 0304-3894 .- 1873-3336. ; 262, s. 941-950
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Here we report temporal changes of As concentrations in shallow groundwater of the Bengal Delta Plain (BDP). Observed fluctuations are primarily induced by seasonally occurring groundwater movement, but can also be connected to anthropogenic groundwater extraction. Between December 2009 and July 2010, pronounced variations in the groundwater hydrochemistry were recorded in groundwater samples of a shallow monitoring well tapping the aquifer in 22-25m depth, where Astot concentrations increased within weeks from 100 to 315μgL-1. These trends are attributed to a vertically shift of the hydrochemically stratified water column at the beginning of the monsoon season. This naturally occurring effect can be additionally superimposed by groundwater extraction, as demonstrated on a local scale by an in situ experiment simulating extensive groundwater withdrawal during the dry post-monsoon season. Results of this experiment suggest that groundwater extraction promoted an enduring change within the distribution of dissolved As in the local aquifer. Presented outcomes contribute to the discussion of anthropogenic pumping influences that endanger the limited and yet arsenic-free groundwater resources of the BDP.
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- Neidhardt, H., et al.
(författare)
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Organic carbon induced mobilization of iron and manganese in a West Bengal aquifer and the muted response of groundwater arsenic concentrations
- 2014
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Ingår i: Chemical Geology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0009-2541 .- 1872-6836. ; 367, s. 51-62
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The exact circumstances that cause the widespread enrichment of Mn and As in groundwater of the Bengal Delta Plain (BDP) and many other Asian delta areas still remain a matter of debate in the scientific community. We conducted an in situ field experiment in the central BDP region to investigate the influence of organic matter on the mobility of Fe, Mn and As in shallow aquifers. The groundwater at our study site was initially characterized by a circum-neutral pH, low concentrations of O2, NO3 - and SO4 2-, and increased Fe, Mn and As concentrations, reflecting reducing conditions in the aquifer. Since organic matter controls microbially mediated redox processes which are believed to result in the mobilization of Fe, Mn and As from Holocene aquifer sediments, an easily degradable carbon source (sucrose) was introduced into a shallow aquifer via four nested monitoring wells and distributed by circular pumping. Initial sucrose concentrations reached up to 2.55mM in the local groundwater and induced a strong increase in the activity of indigenous microbes that decomposed the sucrose within the following 14days stepwise into intermediate catabolic products (e.g., acetic acid), and finally to CO2/HCO3 -. The formation of organic acids was accompanied by a temporary decline in the pH and the redox potential, as well as an increase in the concentration of most major and trace elements in the groundwater by several times. While Mn concentrations rose up to 81.3μM (representing a 7.5 fold increase), Fe (on average 96.7% Fe(II)) concentrations reached a considerable transient maximum of 1390μM, which was 36 times higher than the initial baseline value. The most significant observation of this experiment is that the relative increments of dissolved As (on average 95.8% As(III)) reached between 19 and 49% only, which is in clear contrast to the pronounced mobilization of Fe, Mn and other trace elements. Changes in the groundwater composition during the experiment imply that the mobilization of Fe and Mn was primarily caused by a reductive dissolution of Mn-oxides and Fe-(oxyhydr)oxides, resulting from the stimulation of indigenous bacteria by the addition sucrose. In this context, the release of As can be attributed to the dissolution of Fe-(oxyhydr)oxides, which constitute the principal source of As in the aquifer sediments according to mineralogical and geochemical analyses. In contrast to the pronounced mobilization of Fe, the response of groundwater arsenic concentrations appeared to be muted, as indicated by subsequently declining As to Fe mol ratios that dropped one order in magnitude. The remarkable decoupling of As from Fe mobilization indicates that the aquifer sediments were apparently capable of compensating for the additional release of As. We attribute this As buffer potential to remaining Fe-minerals and potentially newly formed Fe(II)- and mixed Fe(II/III)-mineral phases, which were able to readily immobilize dissolved As. Sequential extraction results of the initial aquifer sediments further support this interpretation, revealing that up to 85% of the total As in the sediments was already present in adsorbed form, with Fe-minerals as principal hosts. Hence, the experimental data implies that a biogeochemically controlled environment of competing As release and retention arose after the addition of sucrose, where Fe-mineral phases played a key role in buffering the release of As. We further conclude that organic carbon limited aquifer systems in the BDP with increased As concentrations in groundwater may exhibit an unexpected buffer potential towards an additional As release, even when vast amounts of easily degradable organic carbon are introduced into the system.
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- Parkinson, Alan J., et al.
(författare)
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Climate change and infectious diseases in the Arctic : Establishment of a circumpolar working group
- 2014
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Ingår i: International Journal of Circumpolar Health. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1239-9736 .- 2242-3982. ; 73
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Arctic, even more so than other parts of the world, has warmed substantially over the past few decades. Temperature and humidity influence the rate of development, survival and reproduction of pathogens and thus the incidence and prevalence of many infectious diseases. Higher temperatures may also allow infected host species to survive winters in larger numbers, increase the population size and expand their habitat range. The impact of these changes on human disease in the Arctic has not been fully evaluated. There is concern that climate change may shift the geographic and temporal distribution of a range of infectious diseases. Many infectious diseases are climate sensitive, where their emergence in a region is dependent on climate-related ecological changes. Most are zoonotic diseases, and can be spread between humans and animals by arthropod vectors, water, soil, wild or domestic animals. Potentially climate-sensitive zoonotic pathogens of circumpolar concern include Brucella spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Trichinella spp., Clostridium botulinum, Francisella tularensis, Borrelia burgdorferi, Bacillus anthracis, Echinococcus spp., Leptospira spp., Giardia spp., Cryptosporida spp., Coxiella burnetti, rabies virus, West Nile virus, Hantaviruses, and tick-borne encephalitis viruses.
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