| 1. |
- Albrecht, Knut, et al.
(author)
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Immunohistochemical distribution of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) isoenzymes in the human vagina: : A potential forensic value?
- 2007
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In: Journal of forensic and legal medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 1752-928X. ; 14:5, s. 270-274
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives Phosphodiesterase (PDE) isoenzymes are key proteins involved in the maintenance of the normal function of various tissues of the human body including those of the male and female urogenital tract. More recently, PDEs and their main substrates, cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP, have also been assumed to play a crucial role in the control of the human vagina. In order to elucidate the potential significance of phosphodiesterases as marker proteins in female genital organs, it was the aim of the present study to evaluate by means of immunohistochemistry the distribution of cGMP- and cAMP-PDE isoenzymes in specimens of the human vagina. Methods Conventional immunohistochemical techniques (double antibody technique, laser fluorescence microscopy) were applied to sections of the human vaginal wall in order to evaluate the presence of the PDE isoenzymes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10. Results Immunoreactivities (IR) specific for PDE1 (cAMP/cGMP-PDE, Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent), PDE2 (cAMP-PDE, cGMP-dependent) and PDE5 (cGMP-PDE) were exclusively registered in the smooth musculature of vaginal arterial vessels, whereas no signals were detected in non-vascular tissue. IR indicating the expression of the cAMP-degrading PDE4 was mainly observed in the vaginal epithelium. Vaginal epithelial cells also presented immunosignals specific for PDE3 (cAMP-PDE, inhibited by cGMP) and PDE10 (dual substrate PDE), nevertheless, these stainings were less abundant than those related to the PDE4. IR for PDE10 was also registered in inflammatory cells located in the subepithelial region of the vaginal wall. Conclusion Our study revealed the presence of IR specific for PDE1, PDE2, PDE4, PDE5 and PDE10 in sections of the human vagina and demonstrated that these enzymes are not evenly distributed in the tissue. Especially, the prominent expression of the cyclic AMP-PDE4A in the vaginal epithelium may give hint to a potential significance of this isoenzyme as a forensic marker protein. The findings give a rationale to investigate further as to whether the immunohistochemical detection of PDE4 may represent a new forensic tool in order to identify human vaginal epithelial cells.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Berglin, Mattias, 1970, et al.
(author)
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Use of surface-sensitive methods for the study of adsorption and cross-linking of marine bioadhesives
- 2005
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In: Journal of Adhesion. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0021-8464 .- 1563-518X .- 1545-5823. ; 81:7-8, s. 805-822
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The establishment of the bond of sessile marine organisms such as barnacles, mussels, and algae in the marine environment starts with the secretion and the adsorption of the adhesive biopolymers to the substrate. Subsequently, this is followed by the formation of cohesive interactions with the next layer of adhesive biopolymers that are deposited/adsorbed on top of the first layer. These two fundamental processes for the adhesive plaque buildup have been subjected to several investigations in recent years using model molecules, especially Mefp-1 extracted from the blue mussel Mytilus edulis. With the introduction of optical surface-sensitive methods such as ellipsometry, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and infrared spectroscopy (IR), it has been possible to elucidate both the kinetics of adsorption and structure of the Mefp-1 film. In contrast to adsorption, the cohesive interactions or the cross-linking are not easily followed with these optical methods and new approaches and techniques are required. One such technique that has been useful is the quartz-crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), which has been used for cross-linking studies of a variety of biopolymers including bioadhesives from mussel and algae. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Inc.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
- Elfgren, Lennart, et al.
(author)
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Tillståndsbedömning av betongbroar
- 2006
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In: Bygg och Teknik. - 0281-658X .- 2002-8350. ; 98:7, s. 35-40
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Journal article (pop. science, debate, etc.)abstract
- En vanlig frågeställning för befintliga broar är deras tillstånd: Har bärförmågan minskat med tiden så att bron behöver repareras eller förstärkas? Eller, är det rentav så att man med bättre beräkningsmetoder kan visa att en bro idag klarar att bära en högre last än den som den ursprungligen dimensionerades för?
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Fredin, Kristofer, et al.
(author)
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Using a molten organic conducting material to infiltrate a nanoporous semiconductor film and its use in solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells
- 2009
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In: Synthetic metals. - : Elsevier BV. - 0379-6779 .- 1879-3290. ; 159:1-2, s. 166-170
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- We describe a method to fill thin films of nanoporous TiO2 with solid organic hole-conducting materials and demonstrate the procedure specifically for use in the preparation of dye-sensitized solar cells. Cross-sections of the films were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and it was observed that a hot molten organic material fills pores that are 10 mu m below the surface of the film. We characterized the incident photon to current conversion efficiency properties of the solid TiO2/organic dye/organic hole-conductor heterojunctions and the spectra show that the dye is still active after the melting process.
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Hedlund, Julia, 1975, et al.
(author)
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Change of Colloidal and Surface Properties of Mytilus edulis Foot Protein 1 in the Presence of an Oxidation (NaIO4) or a Complex-Binding (Cu2+) Agent
- 2009
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In: Biomacromolecules. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1525-7797 .- 1526-4602. ; 10:4, s. 845-849
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) was used to study the viscoelastic properties of the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, foot protein 1 (Mefp-1) adsorbed on modified hydrophobic gold surfaces. The change in viscoelasticity was studied after addition of Cu2+ and Mn2+, which theoretically could induce metal complex formation with 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) moieties. We also used NaIO4, a nonmetal oxidative agent known to induce di-DOPA formation. Reduction in viscoelasticity of adsorbed Mefp-1 followed the order of NaIO4 > Cu2+ > buffer control > Mn2+. We also studied the formation of molecular aggregates of Mefp-1 in solution with the use of dynamic light scattering (DLS). We found that addition of Cu2+, but not Mn2+, induced the formation of larger DLS-detectable aggregates. Minor aggregate formation was found with NaIO4. With the analytical resolution of small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), we could detect differences in the molecular structure between NaIO4- and Cu2+-treated Mefp-1 aggregates. We concluded from this study that Cu2+ could participate in intermolecular cross-linking of the Mefp-1 molecule via metal complex formation. Metal incorporation in the protein most likely increases the abrasion resistance of the Mefp-1 layer. NaIO4, on the other hand, resulted in mainly intramolecular formation of di-DOPA, but failed to induce larger intermolecular aggregation phenomena. The described methodological combination of surface sensitive methods, like QCM-D, and bulk sensitive methods, like DLS and SAXS, generates high resolution results and is an attractive platform to investigate intra- and intermolecular aspects of assembly and cross-linking of the Mefp proteins.
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| 13. |
- Hedlund, Maria, et al.
(author)
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Effects of water in the Surface Adsorption of Dye molecules at Nanostructured TiO2
- 2006
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In: 16th International Conference on Photochemical Conversion and Storage of Solar Energy (IPS-16).
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The dye-sensitized solar cell is a promising new alternative to conventional solar cells. However these molecular solar cells may suffer from long term stability problems. Some of these problems are believed to be linked to the presence of water. Recently, dyes possessing long hydrophobic chains have been introduced, as an effort to come to terms with problems related to water [1]. In this study the Ru-dyes N3, N719 and 520DN (an analog containing hydrophobic chains) bound to TiO2, have after being exposed to water, been investigated by photoelectron spectroscopy (PES). PES was used to understand on a molecular level, how the introduction of water influences the molecular and electronic structure of these dye sensitized surfaces.In general, the surface sensitized with 520DN does not give signs of any major changes after being subjected to water. The investigation therefore found that the hydrophobic chains in the dye surface with 520DN effectively protect the molecular structure of the surface. However the surfaces of N3 and N719 do show large changes after exposing the surface to water. More specifically, it has been found that the outermost molecular orbitals (HOMO), which are vital for the function of the solar cell, are affected by water by shifting towards higher binding energies.Also, changes in the thiocyanate group can be found in the N3 and N719 dyes after being exposed to water. Specifically, the sulphur S2p energy levels have a substantially larger amount of a second spin-orbit split peak after being exposed to water. The nitrogen N1s peak relating to the thiocyanate group also changes shape. Moreover, in the case of N719, the counter ion TBA+ is not present on the dye sensitized surface after being subjected to water.Finally, the amount of dye on the TiO2 surfaces is also important for the efficiency of the solar cell. It was found that the coverage of N3 and N719 dye decreases when exposed to water, but the coverage of the 520DN dye remains the same.
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Johansson, Erik M. J., et al.
(author)
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Electronic and Molecular Surface Structure of Ru(tcterpy)(NCS)3 and Ru(dcbpy)2(NCS)2 Adsorbed from Solution onto Nanostructured TiO2 : A Photoelectron Spectroscopy Study
- 2005
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In: Journal of Physical Chemistry B. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1520-6106 .- 1520-5207. ; 109:47, s. 22256-22263
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The element specificity of photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) has been used to compare the electronic and molecular structure of the dyes Ru(tcterpy)(NCS)3 (BD) and Ru(dcbpy)2(NCS)2adsorbed from solution onto nanostructured TiO2. Ru(dcbpy)2(NCS)2 was investigated in its acid (N3) and in its 2-fold deprotonated form (N719) having tetrabutylammonium (TBA+) as counterions. A comparison of the O1s spectra for the dyes indicates that the interactions through the carboxylate groups with the TiO2 surface are very similar for the dyes. However, we observe that some of the dye molecules also interact through the NCS groups when adsorbed at the TiO2 surface. Comparing the N719 and the N3 molecule, the fraction of NCS groups interacting through the sulfur atoms is smaller for N719 than for N3. We also note that the counterion TBA+ is coadsorbed with the N719 and BD molecules although the amount was smaller than expected from the molecular formulas. Comparing the valence levels for the dyes adsorbed on TiO2, the position of the highest occupied electronic energy level is similar for N3 and N719, while that for BD is lower by 0.25 eV relative to that of the other complexes.
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| 16. |
- Johansson, Erik M. J., et al.
(author)
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Frontier electronic structures of Ru(tcterpy)(NCS)3 and Ru(dcbpy)2(NCS)2 : A photoelectron spectroscopy study
- 2007
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In: Journal of Chemical Physics. - : AIP Publishing. - 0021-9606 .- 1089-7690. ; 126:24, s. 244303-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The frontier electronic structures of Ru(tcterpy)(NCS)(3) [black dye (BD)] and Ru(dcbpy)(2)(NCS)(2) (N719) have been investigated by photoelectron spectroscopy (PES), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and resonant photoelectron spectroscopy (RPES). N1s XAS has been used to probe the nitrogen contribution in the unoccupied density of states, and PES, together with RPES over the N1s edge, has been used to delineate the character of the occupied density of states. The experimental findings of the frontier electron structure are compared to calculations of the partial density of states for the nitrogens in the different ligands (NCS and terpyridine/bipyridine) and for Ru4d. The result indicates large similarities between the two complexes. Specifically, the valence level spectra show two well separated structures at low binding energy. The experimental results indicate that the outermost structure in the valence region largely has a Ru4d character but with a substantial character also from the NCS ligand. Interestingly, the second lowest structure also has a significant Ru4d character mixed into the structure otherwise dominated by NCS. Comparing the two complexes the BD valence structures lowest in binding energy contains a large contribution from the NCS ligands but almost no contribution from the terpyridine ligands, while for N719 also some contribution from the bipyridine ligands is mixed into the energy levels.
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| 17. |
- Johansson, Erik M. J., et al.
(author)
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Photovoltaic and Interfacial Properties of Heterojunctions Containing Dye-sensitized Dense TiO2 and Triarylamine derivatives
- 2007
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In: Chemistry of Materials. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0897-4756 .- 1520-5002. ; 19:8, s. 2071-2078
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A series of solid-state heterojunctions comprising a dense TiO2 film electrode as an electron conductor, a ruthenium polypyridine complex (Ru(dcbpy)2(NCS)2) as a light-absorbing dye, and different triarylamine derivatives as hole conductors were prepared, and their photovoltaic properties as well as the molecular and electronic interfacial structures were investigated. The photovoltaic properties were compared to systems containing the hole conductors dissolved in an organic solvent as well as to a system containing a liquid electrolyte containing the iodide/tri-iodide redox couple. Two of the solid-state heterojunctions showed conversion efficiencies close to those of the system containing the iodide/tri-iodide redox couple, while one system was clearly less efficient. To explain the differences in photovoltaic properties the electronic and molecular interfacial structures of the solid-state heterojunctions were investigated by photoelectron spectroscopy (PES). By valence level PES the electronic energy levels highest in energy for the dye and the hole conductors were mapped, and the differences in energy matching partly explain the trends in photovoltaic properties. Differences in the molecular surface structure of the heterojunctions were also observed from the N Is core level measurements. Specifically it was found that the smaller hole conductor, showing low photocurrent yield, is inserted into the dye layer.
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
- Jønler, Morten, et al.
(author)
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Quality of life in patients with skeletal metastases of prostate cancer and status prior to start of endocrine therapy : results from the Scandinavian Prostate Cancer Group Study 5.
- 2005
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Urology and Nephrology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0036-5599 .- 1651-2065. ; 39:1, s. 42-8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: Prostate cancer (PC) is a highly lethal neoplastic disease affecting the physical, mental and social well-being of patients, i.e. their quality of life (QOL). Patients suffering from metastatic PC are faced with serious decisions regarding treatment strategies. Therefore, QOL information has become a crucial element of decision making in this group of patients. The first objective of this study was to describe QOL in a group of patients diagnosed with metastatic PC and skeletal metastases. At the time of evaluation the patients had not received any treatment but were evaluated before entering a study of androgen-modulating therapy (the Scandinavian Prostate Cancer Group study 5). The second objective was to identify demographic and disease-related factors affecting QOL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 917 patients with metastatic PC were evaluated using a well-described and validated questionnaire [European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire-C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30)]. The characteristics of the PC were noted, and simultaneously patients were evaluated with respect to use of analgesics, pain and performance status using a scoring system. Biochemical tests were performed when patients entered the study. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to analyse the correlations between QOL scores, patient demographics and disease-related data. RESULTS: The patients reported QOL scores significantly lower than those in the background population. Pain and fatigue were pronounced, whereas dyspnoea, insomnia, loss of appetite, constipation and diarrhoea were less prominent. Patients with high tumour grades, high PSPA scores (the sum of the pain score, the performance status and the use of analgesics) and those using analgesics had significantly lower QOL scores than the other patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with metastatic PC have reduced QOL. Our findings are in line with those of other studies of QOL among patients with this disease as evaluated by means of the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Baseline data from studies like this provide important information when treatment modalities for PC are evaluated.
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
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| 23. |
- Olofsson, Ingvar, 1943, et al.
(author)
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Sustainable Bridges: Tillämpning av erfarenheter från ett EU-projekt, slutrapport
- 2008
-
Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The aim of the project was to systematically collect and analyse knowledge about the weaknesses and identified problems of the present European stock of railway bridges. The intention was to further analyse, develop and use this knowledge as a basis for improved design and construction methods of new bridges in Sweden, railway bridges as well asroad bridges.Basic background data is collected within the European project “Sustainable Bridges”, funded by the European Commission within its sixth framework programme, where the project members are actively participating in areas of strategic importance. Background data regarding the Swedish bridges is collected also through the recently launched Swedish bridge management system BaTMan, which is developed, owned and managed by the Swedish Road Administration and The Swedish Railway Authorities. The system is not a final system and some suggestions for improvement are presented.The results of the present project (enhanced methods for design and construction, improved detailing, proposals for amendments to standards etc) may be directly applied by contractors and design consultants and will be beneficial to the end users of the products, i.e. the owners of the bridges. The activities within “Sustainable Bridges” were started 1st of December 2003, with a superficial identification of “lack of knowledge”, as defined by the European railwayowners. A mapping of the European bridge demography was carried out and reported together with a specification of the most frequent problems of the existing bridges. Development work for enhanced assessment methods and improved methods for inspection and monitoring of the bridges followed. In the final phases of “Sustainable Bridges” the activities were concentrated on the identified problem areas and the degree of detailing was at the same time increased.The identified problem areas, as specified by the European railway owners, appear to be very similar to the needs of the Swedish bridge owners in spite of the fact that the studied bridges are geographically distributed over all Europe and its major climate zones. The same conclusion is valid for the defined improvement areas. The results achieved within “Sustainable Bridges” are therefore highly relevant for further development and application also to Swedish bridges and to the design and construction of new Swedish bridges.
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| 24. |
- Olofsson, Jan, et al.
(author)
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Overall Project Guide : Sustainable Bridges - Assessment for Future Traffic Demands and Longer Lives SB9.2
- 2007
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Reports (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This Overall Project Guide gives a general overview of the main outputs of the Integrated Research Project "Sustainable Bridges - Assessment for Future Traffic Demands and Longer Lives" founded by the European Commission within its 6th Framework Programme. It guides the bridge engineers, operators and managers through the number of technical guidelines and reports developed within the project, and it shows where to find relevant technical information for the specific activity related to operation, maintenance and management of existing railway bridges. Furthermore, it gives some guidance on the number of possible approaches and methods, presented in the project guidelines and reports that might be helpful in upgrading existing railway bridges for higher speeds and loads or that might help to extend their service life.
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| 25. |
- Robinson, David, 1968-, et al.
(author)
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PSA Kinetics Provide Improved Prediction of Survival in Metastatic Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer
- 2008
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In: Urology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0090-4295 .- 1527-9995. ; 72:4, s. 903-907
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: To assess the value of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) kinetics in predicting survival and relate this to the baseline variables in men with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). Methods: The data from 417 men with HRPC were included in a logistic regression model that included hemoglobin, PSA, alkaline phosphatase, Soloway score, and performance status pain analgesic score at baseline. The posttreatment variables included the PSA level halving time after the start of treatment, PSA level at nadir, interval to nadir, PSA velocity (PSAV), PSA doubling time after reaching a nadir, patient age, and treatment. These variables were added to the baseline model, forming new logistic regression models that were tested for net reclassification improvement. Results: The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for the baseline model was 0.67. Of all variables related to PSA kinetics, the PSAV was the best predictor. The addition of PSAV to the baseline model increased the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve to 0.81. Only a moderate increase in the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (0.83) was achieved by combining the baseline model in a multivariate model with PSAV, PSA doubling time, interval to nadir, and patient age at diagnosis of HRPC. Conclusions: The PSAV alone gave a better prediction of survival value than all other PSA kinetics variables. By combining PSAV with the variables available at baseline, a better ground for treatment decision-making in men with HRPC can be achieved.
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
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| 28. |
- Semerdzhiev, Y, et al.
(author)
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Cystometric and in vitro muscle studies of cystoplastic appendiceal segments in the rat
- 2006
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In: Neurourology and Urodynamics. - : John Wiley and Sons, Ltd. - 0733-2467 .- 1520-6777. ; 25:3, s. 259-267
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AIMS: The functional integration of the smooth muscle of enterocystoplasties into the detrusor muscle was investigated in an awake-rat cystometry model and in vitro.METHODS: The upper fourth of the bladder was removed, and a detubularized appendiceal segment (7 x 7 mm), with preserved vasculature, was incorporated into the bladder. After 1 or 3 months, a catheter was fixed to the top of the bladders. After a 3-day recovery, cystometries were performed. In separate experiments, agonist and nerve-induced responses were evaluated on isolated bladder strips.RESULTS: Cystometries revealed reduced basal pressure and micturition pressure in enterocystoplasty (ECP) bladders. Bladder capacity and micturition volume were increased. Threshold pressure (pressure immediately before micturition) was significantly lower at 1 month, but not at 3 months. Bladder compliance was significantly higher in the operated at 1 month but not at 3 months. Threshold tension did not differ between control and corresponding operated groups. Residual urine was significantly higher in the operated groups. ECP strips showed increased maximal contractions to nerve stimulation, to levels similar to those of detrusor strips. Maximal responses to carbachol increased to levels between those of intestine and detrusor. The inhibitory effect of scopolamine on nerve induced contractions increased to levels similar to those for detrusor. Purinergic activation had no effect on intestinal or ECP strips, but contracted detrusor muscle.CONCLUSIONS: The smooth muscle of the bowel segment in rat ECP bladders underwent a partial change in the response to nerve stimulation from that of intestine towards that of detrusor. The cystometry experiments suggested a partial functional integration of the ECP segment into the detrusor.
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