| 1. |
- Svensson, Bengt, et al.
(författare)
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Test - retest reliability of two instruments for measuring public attitudes towards persons with mental illness
- 2011
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Ingår i: BMC Psychiatry. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1471-244X. ; 11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Research has identified stigmatization as a major threat to successful treatment of individuals with mental illness. As a consequence several anti-stigma campaigns have been carried out. The results have been discouraging and the field suffers from lack of evidence about interventions that work. There are few reports on psychometric data for instruments used to assess stigma, which thus complicates research efforts. The aim of the present study was to investigate test-retest reliability of the Swedish versions of the questionnaires: FABI and "Changing Minds" and to examine the internal consistency of the two instruments.METHOD: Two instruments, fear and behavioural intentions (FABI) and "Changing Minds", used in earlier studies on public attitudes towards persons with mental illness were translated into Swedish and completed by 51 nursing students on two occasions, with an interval of three weeks. Test-retest reliability was calculated by using weighted kappa coefficient and internal consistency using the Cronbach's alpha coefficient.RESULTS: Both instruments attain at best moderate test-retest reliability. For the Changing Minds questionnaire almost one fifth (17.9%) of the items present poor test-retest reliability and the alpha coefficient for the subscales ranges between 0.19 - 0.46. All of the items in the FABI reach a fair or a moderate agreement between the test and retest, and the questionnaire displays a high internal consistency, alpha 0.80.CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for development of psychometrically tested instruments within this field of research.
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| 2. |
- Borgegard, Tomas, et al.
(författare)
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Alzheimers Disease: Presenilin 2-Sparing gamma-Secretase Inhibition Is a Tolerable A beta Peptide-Lowering Strategy
- 2012
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Ingår i: Journal of Neuroscience. - : Society for Neuroscience. - 0270-6474 .- 1529-2401. ; 32:48, s. 17297-17305
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- gamma-Secretase inhibition represents a major therapeutic strategy for lowering amyloid beta (A beta) peptide production in Alzheimers disease (AD). Progress toward clinical use of gamma-secretase inhibitors has, however, been hampered due to mechanism-based adverse events, primarily related to impairment of Notch signaling. The gamma-secretase inhibitor MRK-560 represents an exception as it is largely tolerable in vivo despite displaying only a small selectivity between A beta production and Notch signaling in vitro. In exploring the molecular basis for the observed tolerability, we show that MRK-560 displays a strong preference for the presenilin 1(PS1) over PS2 subclass of gamma-secretases and is tolerable in wild-type mice but causes dose-dependent Notch-related side effect in PS2-deficient mice at drug exposure levels resulting in a substantial decrease in brain A beta levels. This demonstrates that PS2 plays an important role in mediating essential Notch signaling in several peripheral organs during pharmacological inhibition of PS1 and provide preclinical in vivo proof of concept for PS2-sparing inhibition as a novel, tolerable and efficacious gamma-secretase targeting strategy for AD.
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| 3. |
- Borgegård, Tomas, et al.
(författare)
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Alzheimer's Disease : Presenilin 2-Sparing γ-Secretase Inhibition Is a Tolerable Aβ Peptide-Lowering Strategy
- 2012
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Ingår i: Journal of Neuroscience. - 0270-6474 .- 1529-2401. ; 32:48, s. 17297-17305
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- γ-Secretase inhibition represents a major therapeutic strategy for lowering amyloid β (Aβ) peptide production in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Progress toward clinical use of γ-secretase inhibitors has, however, been hampered due to mechanism-based adverse events, primarily related to impairment of Notch signaling. The γ-secretase inhibitor MRK-560 represents an exception as it is largely tolerable in vivo despite displaying only a small selectivity between Aβ production and Notch signaling in vitro. In exploring the molecular basis for the observed tolerability, we show that MRK-560 displays a strong preference for the presenilin 1 (PS1) over PS2 subclass of γ-secretases and is tolerable in wild-type mice but causes dose-dependent Notch-related side effect in PS2-deficient mice at drug exposure levels resulting in a substantial decrease in brain Aβ levels. This demonstrates that PS2 plays an important role in mediating essential Notch signaling in several peripheral organs during pharmacological inhibition of PS1 and provide preclinical in vivo proof of concept for PS2-sparing inhibition as a novel, tolerable and efficacious γ-secretase targeting strategy for AD.
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| 4. |
- Carlsson, Georg, et al.
(författare)
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Alternativa skötselmetoder för ängs- och betesmarker och användning av skördat växtmaterial
- 2014
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Ängs- och betesmarker utgör unika livsmiljöer och är mycket värdefulla för den biologiska mångfalden. I dagsläget är utmaningarna stora i Sverige för att kunna hävda ängs- och betesmarkerna med hög kvalitet, till stor del beroende på det minskande antalet betesdjur och minskat behov av fodermarker. Denna rapport sammanställer aktuell kunskap kring möjliga nya skötselmetoder för våra ängs- och betesmarker samt hur skördat material kan användas som en resurs i samhället. Sammanställningen bygger på vetenskaplig och populärvetenskaplig litteratur, författarnas erfarenheter inom området, samt information om pågående teknikutveckling och praktisk tillämpning. Utmaningarna för att utveckla hävden av ängs- och betesmarker består i huvudsak i att hitta rationella system, dels för hantering av betesdjur och dels för effektiv insamling och användning av biomassa. Vi har identifierat följande skötselmetoder och användningsområden som särskilt intressanta för vidare analyser: 1. Flexibel hävd genom till exempel extensivt bete, varierad hävd genom olika skötselmetoder olika år (hävdföljd), kombination av olika metoder genom till exempel maskinell skörd och bränning eller slåtter i kombination med bete. 2. Maskinanpassad hävd av skogsbeten och lövängar – kombinationen av ängsväxter och träd för såväl biologisk mångfald som kolinlagring och produktion av biomassa (både gräs och träd). 3. Småskalig och situationsanpassad teknik – slåtter och borttransport av biomassa från små och hinderrika fält genom en kombination av motormanuella och rationella lösningar. Detta kräver viss metodutveckling och logistik lämpad för avslagning, uppsamling och transport. 4. Samordning och utveckling av avsättning för biomassan för bioenergiändamål. Användning av ängsbiomassa som biogassubstrat har särskilt stor miljönytta och möjliggör effektivt resursutnyttjande genom att man både utvinner energi och en växtnäringsrik rötrest (biogödsel) samtidigt som markerna hävdas. Flera nya studier visar på små eller inga skillnader när slåtter genomförs med skärande eller klippande redskap (lie och knivslåtterbalk) jämfört med roterande redskap (rotorslåttermaskiner med vassa knivar eller röjsnöre). Denna kunskap öppnar upp för maskinell skötsel av slåtterängar som annars hotas av utebliven hävd.
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| 5. |
- Fahlström, Karl, et al.
(författare)
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Distortion Analysis in Laser Welding of Ultra High Strength Steel
- 2014
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Ingår i: Proceedings of the 6th International Swedish Production Symposium 2014. - 9789198097412 ; , s. 1-9
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Due to increased demands on reduced weight in automotive industries, the use of ultra high strength steels (UHSS) has increased. When laser welding UHSS sheets, heating and cooling of the material will cause geometrical distortions and may cause low joint quality. 700 mm long U-beam structures of 1 mm thick boron steel simulating structural pillars in body-in-white constructions have been welded along the flanges with different welding speeds to investigate distortions and weld quality. The results show that final distortions appear in the range of 0-8 mm. FE simulation methods have also been presented which generally predict the distribution of welding distortions.
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| 6. |
- Hedenas, Henrik, et al.
(författare)
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Changes Versus Homeostasis in Alpine and Sub-Alpine Vegetation Over Three Decades in the Sub-Arctic
- 2012
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Ingår i: Ambio. - : Springer Verlag (Germany). - 0044-7447 .- 1654-7209. ; 41, s. 187-196
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Plant species distributions are expected to shift and diversity is expected to decline as a result of global climate change, particularly in the Arctic where climate warming is amplified. We have recorded the changes in richness and abundance of vascular plants at Abisko, sub-Arctic Sweden, by re-sampling five studies consisting of seven datasets; one in the mountain birch forest and six at open sites. The oldest study was initiated in 1977–1979 and the latest in 1992. Total species number increased at all sites except for the birch forest site where richness decreased. We found no general pattern in how composition of vascular plants has changed over time. Three species, Calamagrostis lapponica, Carex vaginata and Salix reticulata, showed an overall increase in cover/frequency, while two Equisetum taxa decreased. Instead, we showed that the magnitude and direction of changes in species richness and composition differ among sites.
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| 7. |
- Hedenås, Henrik, et al.
(författare)
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Changes Versus Homeostasis in Alpine and Sub-Alpine Vegetation Over Three Decades in the Sub-Arctic
- 2012
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Ingår i: Ambio. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0044-7447 .- 1654-7209. ; 41:Suppl 3, s. 187-196
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Plant species distributions are expected to shift and diversity is expected to decline as a result of global climate change, particularly in the Arctic where climate warming is amplified. We have recorded the changes in richness and abundance of vascular plants at Abisko, sub-Arctic Sweden, by re-sampling five studies consisting of seven datasets; one in the mountain birch forest and six at open sites. The oldest study was initiated in 1977-1979 and the latest in 1992. Total species number increased at all sites except for the birch forest site where richness decreased. We found no general pattern in how composition of vascular plants has changed over time. Three species, Calamagrostis lapponica, Carex vaginata and Salix reticulata, showed an overall increase in cover/frequency, while two Equisetum taxa decreased. Instead, we showed that the magnitude and direction of changes in species richness and composition differ among sites.
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| 8. |
- Hillborg, Helene, 1968-
(författare)
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Erfarenheter av rehabiliteringsprocessen mot ett arbetsliv : brukarens och de professionellas perspektiv
- 2010
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Erfarenheter av rehabiliteringsprocessen mot ett arbetsliv - brukarens och de professionellas perspektiv. Örebro, Studies from the Swedish Institute of Disability Research No 34, 107 pp.The overall aim of this dissertation is to (1) describe and analyse perceived barriers and opportunities from the perspective of the individual receiving vocational rehabilitation services as a result of unemployment and psychiatric disability (2) describe and analyse perceived barriers and opportunities in services for unemployed people with psychiatric disabilities from the perspective of professionals working in the area of vocational rehabilitation and (3) utilize empowerment theory to explore and develop a deeper understanding of the experiences and perceptions described by these individuals and professionals. The data consists of open-ended interviews with service users and professionals’ working in the area of vocational rehabilitation. A content analysis together with an interpretive approach was used to analyse the data. The results revealed that support and the psychosocial work environment are important factors that influence the rehabilitation process for the individual. These factors can facilitate opportunities to develop skills in contacts with fellow employees, increase belief in one’s own abilities, and can contribute to the achievement of specified goals. These factors are also seen as supporting empowerment and active participation in the rehabilitation process. However, the results also revealed that the rehabilitation process is negatively effected by environmental factors to which the professionals and their organizations contributed. Barriers related to interagency collaboration contributed to barriers to a successful rehabilitation for the individual. The professionals were consistent in what they viewed as enabling factors in the rehabilitation process but the results also showed how difficult it was for the service system to create a rehabilitation context in line with their knowledge and experience.Keywords: Psychiatric disabilities, vocational rehabilitation, empowerment, interagency collaboration, support system.
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| 9. |
- Johansson, Peter, et al.
(författare)
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Determinants of global preceived health in community-dwelling elderly screened for heart failure and sleep-disordered breathing.
- 2010
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Ingår i: European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. - : Wolters Kluwer. - 1474-5151 .- 1873-1953 .- 0889-4655 .- 1550-5049. ; 25:5, s. 16-26
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The relationships between heart failure (HF), sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), insomnia, depressive symptoms, and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), as well as their relationship to Global Perceived Health (GPH) in an elderly community-dwelling population, have not been explored. Data from 331 community-dwelling elderly (71-87 years old) were collected by echocardiography, polygraphy, and specific questionnaires. Factor analyses and structural equation modeling were used to explore the relationships between HF, SDB, sleep, psychosocial factors, and GPH. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses derived a 5-factor model representing SDB, insomnia, systolic function, breathlessness/physical function, and psychosocial function. Structural equation modeling analyses were used to explore the relationships between the 5 factors and to GPH. Sleep-disordered breathing had a weak effect on systolic function, but no effects on any of the other factors or GPH were found. Psychosocial function and breathlessness/physical function directly affected GPH. Indirect effects on GPH, mediated by psychosocial function, were found for breathlessness/physical function and insomnia. Systolic function also had an indirect effect on GPH. The fact that SDB in the elderly has no obvious negative associations to sleep complaints or GPH does not exclude them from being adequately treated for SDB. However, the present study has shown that SDB, by means of self-rated sleep complaints and health-related quality of life, can be problematic to detect. Psychosocial function was the most important factor for perceived GPH as it had a direct effect, as well as mediated the factors breathlessness/physical function and insomnia effects, on GPH. This study indicates that interventions in clinical practice targeting psychosocial dysfunction, such as depressive symptoms, could help to improve GPH in the elderly with or without HF.
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| 10. |
- Johansson, Peter, et al.
(författare)
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Sickness behavior in community-dwelling elderly associations with impaired cardiac function and inflammation
- 2014
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Ingår i: Biological Research for Nursing. - : Sage Publications. - 1099-8004 .- 1552-4175. ; 16:1, s. 105-113
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Sickness behavior is a cluster of symptoms that occur as a response to an infection and alterations in the inflammatory response. Under normal circumstances, sickness behavior is fully reversible once the pathogen has been cleared. Aging and chronic illness such as heart failure are associated with enhanced inflammatory activity that lasts for a long duration and no longer represents an adaptive response. The aim of this study was to explore whether inflammation mediates the relationship between impaired cardiac function and a symptom cluster including anhedonia, fatigue, and sleepiness, which might represent sickness behavior in community-dwelling elders. Structural equation modeling (SEM) showed that the factor impaired cardiac function (i.e., N-terminal fragment of pro-brain natriuretic peptide, left ventricular ejection fraction, and the heart failure medications angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, angiotensin receptor blockade, β-blocker, and diuretics) was associated with both inflammation (i.e., C-reactive protein; β = .26) and the symptom cluster (β = .31). Inflammation had a significant direct, but smaller, association with the symptom cluster (β = .21). By this pathway, inflammation also mediated an indirect association between impaired cardiac function and the symptom cluster (β = .05). Including creatinine, blood glucose, ischemic heart disease, previous and current tumor, respiratory disease, age, and body mass index in the SEM model did not change these associations. Our results imply that some aspects of the symptom panorama in elderly individuals with impaired cardiac function or heart failure could represent sickness behavior.
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| 11. |
- Johansson, Peter, et al.
(författare)
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The Contribution of Heart Failure to Sleep Disturbances and Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults
- 2012
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Ingår i: Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology. - : SAGE Publications (UK and US). - 0891-9887 .- 1552-5708. ; 25:3, s. 179-187
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The aim of this study was to explore the associations between physical symptoms, sleep disturbances, and depressive symptoms in community-dwelling elderly individuals, comparing persons with and without heart failure (HF). Methods: A total of 613 older adults (mean age 78 years) underwent clinical and echocardiographic examinations. Questionnaires were used to evaluate sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms. A model was developed in those with HF (n = 107) and compared with those without HF (n = 506). Results: Cardiopulmonary symptoms (ie, dyspnea and nighttime palpitations) and pain had significant direct associations with sleep disturbances, which indirectly affected depressive symptoms. The model was essentially the same in those with and without HF except that the effect of sleep disturbances on depressive symptoms was stronger in those with HF (beta = 0.64 vs beta = 0.45, P = .006). Conclusion: In community-dwelling older adults, regardless of their diagnosis, physical symptoms had a direct effect on sleep disturbances and an indirect effect on depressive symptoms.
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
- Lundvik Gyllensten, Amanda, et al.
(författare)
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Attitudes in healthcare students towards mental illness : a pre- and post multicenter university program study
- 2011
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Ingår i: The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences & Practice. - : Nova Southeastern University. - 1540-580X. ; 9:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of naturalistic educational interventions on attitudes towards persons with mental illness. Methods: In a pre-post test design, 456 students in vocational University programmes to become nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and public health workers were studied after a course in mental illness, using questionnaires focusing on familiarity with mental illness and attitudes towards the mentally ill in general and towards schizophrenia in particular. Results: The results revealed a significant improvement for the total group in their being afraid of people with mental illness in general and being more positive towards having mentally ill people living in their neighbourhood. Differences between the student groups were found. Some educational features positively influencing stigmatizing attitudes were identified. Conclusion: Education has some effect on attitudes towards patients with mental illness, mostly on fear. To understand the effective educational ingredients for change, further research is needed.
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| 14. |
- Nilsson, Björn, 1965-, et al.
(författare)
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An active backscatter wake-up and tag identification extraction protocol for low cost and low power active RFID
- 2010
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Ingår i: Proceedings of 2010 IEEE International Conference on RFID-Technology and Applications, RFID-TA 2010. - Piscataway, NJ : IEEE Press. - 9781424466986 - 9781424467006 ; , s. 86-91
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this paper we present a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) protocol used to wake up and extract the ID of every tag (or a subset thereof) within reach of a reader in an active backscatter RFID system. We also study the effect on tag energy cost and read-out delay incurred when using the protocol, which is based on a frequency binary tree. Simulations show that, when using the 2.45 GHz ISM band, more than 1500 tags can be read per second.With a population of 1000 tags, the average read-out delay is 319 ms, and the expected lifetime of the RFID tags is estimated to be more than 2.5 years, even in a scenario when they are read out very often.
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| 15. |
- Nilsson, Emil, et al.
(författare)
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A low power-long range active RFID-system consisting of active RFID backscatter transponders
- 2010
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Ingår i: 2010 IEEE International Conference on RFID-Technology and Applications (RFID-TA). - Piscataway, N.J. : IEEE Press. - 9781424466986 ; , s. 26-30, s. 26-30
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this paper we present a novel active radio frequency identification system consisting of transponders with low complexity, low power consumption, and long system reading range. The transponder’s low complexity and small circuit integration area indicate that the production cost is comparable to the one of a passive tag. The hardware keystone is the transponder’s radio wake-up transceiver, which is a single oscillator with very low power consumption. The communication protocol, based on frequency signalling binary tree, contributes to the low complexity of the tag architecture. More than 1500 tags can be read per second. The average transponder ID read-out delay is 319 ms when there are 1000 transponders within reach of the interrogator. The calculated expected life time for a transponder is estimated to be almost three years.
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| 16. |
- Nygren, Ulla, et al.
(författare)
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Individual placement and support - a model to get employed for people with mental illness : the first Swedish report of outcomes
- 2011
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences. - : Wiley. - 0283-9318 .- 1471-6712. ; 25:3, s. 591-598
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Lack of participation in the open labour market is highly prevalent for people with a mental illness across countries, and the proportion of people who get some kind of sickness benefit because of mental illness is steadily growing in Europe. Vocational rehabilitation through individual placement and support (IPS) has been shown to be effective and is evidence-based for people with severe mental illness. In Sweden, the method is used but not scientifically evaluated. The aim was to investigate vocational and nonvocational outcomes at a 1-year follow-up and the relationships between these outcomes, at two different sites in the north of Sweden. The participants were 65 men and women, mostly younger than 30 years of age and with a mental illness. Occupational situation, psychiatric symptoms, self-esteem, quality of life and psychosocial functioning were assessed. The vocational outcome during 1 year was that 25% of the participants were employed, and 14% were in education. Most of the participants moved from unemployment to work practice for a prolonged time. Participants in employment, education or work practice at follow-up showed higher satisfaction with their occupational situation than those without regular activities outside home. Among the participants in work practice, improvements in psychiatric symptoms and global functioning were identified. This attempt is the first to evaluate supported employment according to the IPS model for persons with mental illness applied in the Swedish welfare system. There is a need for a longer follow-up period to evaluate whether interventions such as further education and work practice actually will lead to real work.
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| 17. |
- Nygren, Ulla, et al.
(författare)
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Predictors of vocational outcomes using Individual Placement and Support for people with mental illness
- 2013
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Ingår i: Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation. - Amsterdam, Netherlands : IOS Press. - 1875-9270 .- 1051-9815. ; 45:1, s. 31-39
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: People with disabilities find it harder to enter the labour market than people without disabilities and those with a mental illness are, in relation to people with other disabilities, employed at an essentially lower extent. Many are effectively helped by the vocational rehabilitation model Individual Placement and Support (IPS), but there are still many individuals left in undesired unemployment. This study investigates potential predictors of the vocational outcomes of a one-year follow up of IPS in the north of Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: The participants were 65 men and women, mostly younger than 30 years of age diagnosed with a mental illness (predominantly with a diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression). METHODS: Baseline data related to sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the client, the client's own perceptions of every day living and participation, self-esteem and quality of life, as well as the quantity of employment support, were investigated using analyses of logistic regression. RESULTS: Of three identified potential predictors, only psychiatric symptoms remained significant in the multivariate logistic regression analyses. A lower level of symptoms increased the odds with 5.5 for gaining employment during one year. CONCLUSIONS: Careful investigation of how psychiatric symptoms influence clients' occupational performance is of importance. By understanding essential aspects of the relationships between the clients' individual characteristics, the rehabilitation context and the vocational outcomes, more appropriate and effective interventions may be offered to the individual client.
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| 18. |
- Olsson, Urban, 1954, et al.
(författare)
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New insights into the intricate taxonomy and phylogeny of the Sylvia curruca complex
- 2013
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Ingår i: Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. - : Elsevier BV. - 1055-7903 .- 1095-9513. ; 67:1, s. 72-85
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We use the mitochondrial cytochrome b from 213 individuals and the three nuclear introns BRM 15, myoglobin 2 and ODC 6–7 from a smaller subsample to evaluate the taxonomy of the Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca (Aves, Passeriformes, Sylviidae) complex, which has long been controversial. We sequenced type material of the taxa althaea, blythi, margelanica and minula, and used topotypical material of caucasica, chuancheica, curruca and telengitica. The nuclear introns fail to resolve the complex, but cytochrome b recovers six major clades, revealing genetically identifiable populations corresponding to previously named taxa, and we propose that the names althaea, blythi, curruca, halimodendri, margelanica and minula, respectively, should be used for these. The margelanica clade is suggested to have a more extensive distribution than previously known, including both the taxon telengitica and a population in eastern Mongolia. The taxon minula is found to have a more restricted range than generally believed, only breeding in China. According to the mitochondrial gene tree, there is a basal dichotomy, with the taxa althaea, blythi, halimodendri and margelanica being part of one clade, well separated from a clade containing curruca and minula. Dating analysis suggests that a basal divergence separating curruca and minula from the other four taxa occurred between 4.2 and 7.2 mya; these two then diverged between 2.3 and 4.4 mya. The splits between the althaea, blythi, halimodendri and margelanica lineages is inferred to have occurred later, approximately between 1.0 and 2.5 mya (all 95% HPD). The nucleotide data suggest significant departure from demographic equilibrium in blythi (clade 1a), halimodendri (clade 2a) and minula, whereas tendencies are weaker for other clades. We propose that the names althaea, blythi, curruca, halimodendri, margelanica and minula should be used for the major clades. However, whether these are treated as subspecies or species is largely a matter of species definition and is not resolved by our data.
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| 19. |
- Olsson, Urban, 1954, et al.
(författare)
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The Lanius excubitor (Aves, Passeriformes) conundrum – Taxonomic dilemma when molecular and non-molecular data tell different stories.
- 2010
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Ingår i: Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. - : Elsevier BV. - 1055-7903 .- 1095-9513. ; 55:2, s. 347-357
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The phylogeny of 18 taxa in the Lanius excubitor complex, and the related species L. sphenocercus, L. ludovicianus and L. somalicus, was estimated based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and the non-coding D-loop (in total ∼1.3 kb). According to the mitochondrial gene tree, Lanius excubitor s.l. is non-monophyletic, with some of its subspecies being more closely related to L. sphenocercus, L. ludovicianus, and L. somalicus. Also the division of the L. excubitor complex into a northern (L. excubitor) and a southern (L. meridionalis) species, as has been proposed based on morphological and ecological similarity and geographical distributions, is not compatible with the mitochondrial tree. Overall, genetic divergences among the ingroup taxa are small, indicating a recent radiation. A tree based on the nuclear ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) introns 6–7 is unresolved with respect to the ingroup, but provides strong support for a clade containing the Lanius excubitor complex, L. sphenocercus, L. ludovicianus and L. somalicus. We discuss the incongruence between the current taxonomy and the mitochondrial gene tree, and conclude that based on the latter the Lanius excubitor complex may be treated as at least six species, L. borealis, L. elegans, L. excubitor, L. lahtora, L. meridionalis, and L. uncinatus, but that other taxonomic treatments are also possible. However, uncertainty regarding to which extent the mitochondrial gene tree reflects the species phylogeny prevents us from recommending taxonomic change without further investigation. This study highlights the possible danger of relying on a single molecular marker, such as mitochondrial DNA, in taxonomic revisions and phylogenetic inference
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| 20. |
- Parsapoor, Mahboobeh, 1978-, et al.
(författare)
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A Brain Emotional Learning-based Prediction Model for the Prediction of Geomagnetic Storms
- 2014
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Ingår i: Proceedings of the 2014 Federated Conference on Computer Science and Information Systems. - Los Alamitos, CA : IEEE Press. - 9788360810583 - 9788360810576 - 9788360810613 ; , s. 35-42
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper introduces a new type of brain emotional learning inspired models (BELIMs). The suggested model is utilized as a suitable model for predicting geomagnetic storms. The model is known as BELPM which is an acronym for Brain Emotional Learning-based Prediction Model. The structure of the suggested model consists of four main parts and mimics the corresponding regions of the neural structure underlying fear conditioning. The functions of these parts are implemented by assigning adaptive networks to the different parts. The learning algorithm of BELPM is based on the steepest descent (SD) and the least square estimator (LSE). In this paper, BELPM is employed to predict geomagnetic storms using the Disturbance Storm Time (Dst) index. To evaluate the performance of BELPM, the obtained results have been compared with the results of the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). © 2014 Polish Information Processing Society.
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| 21. |
- Parsapoor, Mahboobeh
(författare)
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Brain Emotional Learning-Inspired Models
- 2014
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- In this thesis the mammalian nervous system and mammalian brain have been used as inspiration to develop a computational intelligence model based on the neural structure of fear conditioning and to extend the structure of the previous proposed amygdala-orbitofrontal model. The proposed model can be seen as a framework for developing general computational intelligence based on the emotional system instead of traditional models on the rational system of the human brain. The suggested model can be considered a new data driven model and is referred to as the brain emotional learning-inspired model (BELIM). Structurally, a BELIM consists of four main parts to mimic those parts of the brain’s emotional system that are responsible for activating the fear response. In this thesis the model is initially investigated for prediction and classification. The performance has been evaluated using various benchmark data sets from prediction applications, e.g. sunspot numbers from solar activity prediction, auroral electroject (AE) index from geomagnetic storms prediction and Henon map, Lorenz time series. In most of these cases, the model was tested for both long-term and short-term prediction. The performance of BELIM has also been evaluated for classification, by classifying binary and multiclass benchmark data sets.
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| 22. |
- Parsapoor, Mahboobeh, 1978-, et al.
(författare)
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Neuro-fuzzy Models for Geomagnetic Storms Prediction : Using the Auroral Electrojet Index
- 2014
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Ingår i: 2014 10th International Conference on Natural Computation (ICNC). - Piscataway, NJ : IEEE Press. - 9781479951512 ; , s. 12-17
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study presents comparative results obtained from employing four different neuro-fuzzy models to predict geomagnetic storms. Two of these neuro-fuzzy models can be classified as Brain Emotional Learning Inspired Models (BELIMs). These two models are BELFIS (Brain Emotional Learning Based Fuzzy Inference System) and BELRFS (Brain Emotional Learning Recurrent Fuzzy System). The two other models are Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) and Locally Linear Model Tree (LoLiMoT) learning algorithm, two powerful neuro-fuzzy models to accurately predict a nonlinear system. These models are compared for their ability to predict geomagnetic storms using the AE index.
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| 23. |
- Svensson, Bengt, et al.
(författare)
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Health care students attitudes towards people with schizophrenia : a survey of eight university training programs
- 2014
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Ingår i: Open Journal of Psychiatry. - : Scientific Research Publishing. - 2161-7325 .- 2161-7333. ; 4:4
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Discrimination and stigmatization of people with mental illness are a global andcomplex phenomenon and there is evidence that negative attitudes and discrimination are alsoprevalent among health care staff and health care students. Methods: Attitudes towards peoplewith schizophrenia among 1101 students in eight different university programs providing trainingfor work in the health care and social sectors were explored, using a cross-sectional design.Results: In five of the eight training programs the majority of the students’ perceived people withschizophrenia as a danger to others. In several aspects police students were found to hold morenegative attitudes than students from other programs. Students with previous experiences ofwork in mental health services and students knowing a person with schizophrenia showed morepositive attitudes. Discussion: In order to decrease negative attitudes and prejudices towardspeople with schizophrenia among students, it is essential that the training includes personal contactwith people with experience of being mental illness.
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| 24. |
- Svensson, Lars, et al.
(författare)
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The identification and distribution of the enigmatic Large-billed Reed Warbler Acrocephalus orinus.
- 2010
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Ingår i: Ibis. - 0019-1019. ; 152:2, s. 323-334
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We re-evaluate the characteristics of the little-known Large-billed Reed Warbler Acrocephalus orinus based on plumage and biometrical comparisons of 10 newly discovered specimens of A. orinus with a large sample of Blyth’s Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum, the species most closely resembling A. orinus. Using specimens whose identity was verified by DNA analyses, we found that the most important criteria for identifying orinus are its long and comparatively broad bill, with typically uniformly dark upper mandible, and on average longer tarsi and claws with a thin and pointed hind claw. In contrast, previously suggested differences in wing formula, plumage colour and shape of flight-feathers are very minor, variable and seem of limited use for identification of orinus. Graphical analysis of hind claw length against bill to skull length should assist researchers in locating museum or live specimens of orinus that otherwise might be overlooked as dumetorum, and multivariate analysis unambiguously separates the two species based on our present dataset. A review of the scattered literature and specimen records suggests that the breeding distribution of orinus lies between southeastern Kazakhstan and northeastern Afghanistan, within the breeding range of dumetorum, but that orinus may well winter predominantly east of the main wintering range of dumetorum. Further evidence to support this assessment of the species’ breeding range was obtained in June 2009, with the discovery of a population in the Pamir Mountains of Afghanistan.
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| 25. |
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
- Vidovic, Karina, et al.
(författare)
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Wilms' tumor gene 1 protein represses the expression of the tumor suppressor interferon regulatory factor 8 in human hematopoietic progenitors and in leukemic cells.
- 2010
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Ingår i: Leukemia. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1476-5551 .- 0887-6924. ; 24:5, s. 992-1000
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Wilms' tumor gene 1 (WT1) is a transcription factor involved in developmental processes. In adult hematopoiesis, only a small portion of early progenitor cells express WT1, whereas most leukemias show persistently high levels, suggesting an oncogenic role. We have previously characterized oncogenic BCR/ABL1 tyrosine kinase signaling pathways for increased WT1 expression. In this study, we show that overexpression of BCR/ABL1 in CD34+ progenitor cells leads to reduced expression of interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8), in addition to increased WT1 expression. Interestingly, IRF8 is known as a tumor suppressor in some leukemias and we investigated whether WT1 might repress IRF8 expression. When analyzed in four leukemia mRNA expression data sets, WT1 and IRF8 were anticorrelated. Upon overexpression in CD34+ progenitors, as well as in U937 cells, WT1 strongly downregulated IRF8 expression. All four major WT1 splice variants induced repression, but not the zinc-finger-deleted WT1 mutant, indicating dependence on DNA binding. A reporter construct with the IRF8 promoter was repressed by WT1, dependent on a putative WT1-response element. Binding of WT1 to the IRF8 promoter was demonstrated by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Our results identify IRF8 as a direct target gene for WT1 and provide a possible mechanism for oncogenic effects of WT1 in leukemia.Leukemia advance online publication, 18 March 2010; doi:10.1038/leu.2010.33.
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| 28. |
- Waldau, Susanne, 1954-
(författare)
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Creating organisational capacity for priority setting in health care : using a bottom-up approach to implement a top-down policy decision
- 2010
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- In this thesis, priority setting to the form of the Swedish parliamental decision on priority setting, 1997, is considered an innovation for implementation in health care. The features of this innovation are investigated. The practical implications of implementation are identified by investigating the user organisation, ie, Swedish health care organisations and management systems. Also, a case of a three-stage process for macro-level priority setting that engaged the entire organisation in the Västerbotten County Council (VCC) is presented. This is done against a background of preceding implementation efforts in the VCC. Four specific research efforts and papers are presented. In Paper I, priority setting is operationalised into a multi-dimensional resource allocation task. On that basis, with the help of interviews (1998) and surveys (2002 and 2005) primarily of VCC health care managers, the impact of implementation is measured by prioritisation structures, processes and decisions. Survey response rates were low. Results were used as qualitative data, internally compared, and interpreted as: a) responses reflected mainly “early adopters’” opinions; b) priority setting is an ambiguous concept; c) indicating limited overall implementation; d) reinterpretation of the prioritisation task occurred over time among respondents; and, e) this group took increasingly personal responsibility as stakeholders in priority setting. Paper II reports a case study intervention of explicit, departmental level priority setting with the aim of improving cost-effectiveness in in vitro fertilization resource use and a rationing of services perceived legitimate by all stakeholders. The intervention combined priority setting and structured quality improvement techniques. Results were: a) improved operational efficiency of diagnostic procedures that allowed resources to be reallocated to treatment; and b) patients were prioritized and treatment resources were rationed based on evidence of treatment effect among subgroups. Evaluation showed that the procedure met stated criteria for legitimacy. In Paper III, a full-format test of the macro level prioritisation process is described and evaluated by participants with the help of surveys after each completed stage. Participants report the need for improvement of elements in the overall process and of procedural specifics. However, overall there was a strong commitment to the initiative and satisfaction with the process and the resulting decisions. In Paper IV, procedural specifics of the prioritisation process are evaluated. They are also compared to the Program Budgeting and Marginal Analysis (PBMA) framework when used for macro level purposes. Procedures provided intended results such as vertical and horizontal priority setting and a consistent process. However, economic targets were not fully achieved in any of the stages. Conclusions include that health care management systems are not prepared for priority setting and need profound restructuring and that the prioritisation process described in Papers III and IV was successful because: a) the process satisfied politicians’ directives; b) participants were satisfied with the procedures and perceived the subsequent reallocation decisions as legitimate; and, c) methods resulted in the intended outcome. Factors suggested as the basis of success include: long-term overall preparations; broad and deep participation; a readiness for change among participants; a stage for horizontal priority setting that added to the quality, feasibility and perceived validity of the knowledge base; a strong process leadership; and politicians determined to protect the process from opportunistic disturbances.
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