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- Eriksson, Jens, et al.
(författare)
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Characterization of motility and piliation in pathogenic Neisseria
- 2015
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Ingår i: BMC Microbiology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2180. ; 15
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The type IV pili (Tfp) of pathogenic Neisseria (i. e., N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis) are essential for twitching motility. Tfp retraction, which is dependent on the ATPase PilT, generates the forces that move bacteria over surfaces. Neisseria motility has mainly been studied in N. gonorrhoeae whereas the motility of N. meningitidis has not yet been characterized. Results: In this work, we analyzed bacterial motility and monitored Tfp retraction using live- cell imaging of freely moving bacteria. We observed that N. meningitidis moved over surfaces at an approximate speed of 1.6 mu m/s, whereas N. gonorrhoeae moved with a lower speed (1.0 mu/s). An alignment of the meningococcal and gonococcal pilT promoters revealed a conserved single base pair variation in the -10 promoter element that influence PilT expression. By tracking mutants with altered pilT expression or pilE sequence, we concluded that the difference in motility speed was independent of both. Live-cell imaging using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that N. gonorrhoeae more often moved with fewer visible retracting filaments when compared to N. meningitidis. Correspondingly, meningococci also displayed a higher level of piliation in transmission electron microscopy. Nevertheless, motile gonococci that had the same number of filaments as N. meningitidis still moved with a lower speed. Conclusions: These data reveal differences in both speed and piliation between the pathogenic Neisseria species during twitching motility, suggesting a difference in Tfp-dynamics.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Nilsson, Måns, et al.
(författare)
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Analytical framework and tool kit for SEA follow-up
- 2009
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Ingår i: Environmental impact assessment review. - : Elsevier BV. - 0195-9255 .- 1873-6432. ; 29:3, s. 186-199
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Most Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) research and applications have so far neglected the ex post stages of the process, also called SEA follow-up. Tool kits and methodological frameworks for engaging effectively with SEA follow-up have been conspicuously missing. In particular. little has so far been learned from the much more mature evaluation literature although many aspects are similar. This paper provides an analytical framework and tool kit for SEA follow-up. It is based on insights and tools developed within programme evaluation and environmental systems analysis. It is also grounded in empirical studies into real planning and programming practices at the regional level, but should have relevance for SEA processes at all levels. The purpose of the framework is to promote a learning-oriented and integrated use of SEA follow-up in strategic decision making. It helps to identify appropriate tools and their use in the process, and to systematise the use of available data and knowledge across the planning organization and process. It distinguishes three stages in follow-up: scoping, analysis and learning, identifies the key functions and demonstrates the informational linkages to the strategic decision-making process. The associated tool kit includes specific analytical and deliberative tools. Many of these are applicable also ex ante. but are then used in a predictive mode rather than on the basis of real data. The analytical element of the framework is organized on the basis of programme theory and "DPSIR" tools. The paper discusses three issues in the application of the framework: understanding the integration of organizations and knowledge; understanding planners' questions and analytical requirements; and understanding interests, incentives and reluctance to evaluate.
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| 4. |
- Wallgren, Oskar, et al.
(författare)
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Confronting SEA With Real Planning : The case of follow-up in regional plans and programmes in Sweden
- 2011
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Ingår i: Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management. - 1464-3332 .- 1757-5605. ; 13:2, s. 229-250
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper addresses the problem of "fit" between strategic environmental assessment (SEA) aims and procedures, and the planning context in which SEA is implemented. The paper approaches this problem from a bottom-up perspective, examining existing planning practices, routines and institutions in order to illuminate prospects and barriers for effective SEA implementation. Using empirical results from studies of regional growth programmes and infrastructure plans in Sweden, the study focuses on SEA follow-up and how it can be integrated in existing planning and programming processes. Environmental follow-up is found to be largely absent from existing planning processes. Analytical, organisational and institutional issues are identified as important explanations for the lack of follow-up. Based on this analysis, the paper offers suggestions on how SEA follow-up can become a more effective part of regional planning.
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