1. |
- Beal, Jacob, et al.
(author)
-
Robust estimation of bacterial cell count from optical density
- 2020
-
In: Communications Biology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2399-3642. ; 3:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Optical density (OD) is widely used to estimate the density of cells in liquid culture, but cannot be compared between instruments without a standardized calibration protocol and is challenging to relate to actual cell count. We address this with an interlaboratory study comparing three simple, low-cost, and highly accessible OD calibration protocols across 244 laboratories, applied to eight strains of constitutive GFP-expressing E. coli. Based on our results, we recommend calibrating OD to estimated cell count using serial dilution of silica microspheres, which produces highly precise calibration (95.5% of residuals <1.2-fold), is easily assessed for quality control, also assesses instrument effective linear range, and can be combined with fluorescence calibration to obtain units of Molecules of Equivalent Fluorescein (MEFL) per cell, allowing direct comparison and data fusion with flow cytometry measurements: in our study, fluorescence per cell measurements showed only a 1.07-fold mean difference between plate reader and flow cytometry data.
|
|
2. |
- Curtsdotter, Alva, et al.
(author)
-
Ecosystem function in predator-prey food webs : confronting dynamic models with empirical data
- 2019
-
In: Journal of Animal Ecology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0021-8790 .- 1365-2656. ; 88:2, s. 196-210
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Most ecosystem functions and related services involve species interactions across trophic levels, for example, pollination and biological pest control. Despite this, our understanding of ecosystem function in multitrophic communities is poor, and research has been limited to either manipulation in small communities or statistical descriptions in larger ones. Recent advances in food web ecology may allow us to overcome the trade-off between mechanistic insight and ecological realism. Molecular tools now simplify the detection of feeding interactions, and trait-based approaches allow the application of dynamic food web models to real ecosystems. We performed the first test of an allometric food web model's ability to replicate temporally nonaggregated abundance data from the field and to provide mechanistic insight into the function of predation. We aimed to reproduce and explore the drivers of the population dynamics of the aphid herbivore Rhopalosiphum padi observed in ten Swedish barley fields. We used a dynamic food web model, taking observed interactions and abundances of predators and alternative prey as input data, allowing us to examine the role of predation in aphid population control. The inverse problem methods were used for simultaneous model fit optimization and model parameterization. The model captured >70% of the variation in aphid abundance in five of ten fields, supporting the model-embodied hypothesis that body size can be an important determinant of predation in the arthropod community. We further demonstrate how in-depth model analysis can disentangle the likely drivers of function, such as the community's abundance and trait composition. Analysing the variability in model performance revealed knowledge gaps, such as the source of episodic aphid mortality, and general method development needs that, if addressed, would further increase model success and enable stronger inference about ecosystem function. The results demonstrate that confronting dynamic food web models with abundance data from the field is a viable approach to evaluate ecological theory and to aid our understanding of function in real ecosystems. However, to realize the full potential of food web models, in ecosystem function research and beyond, trait-based parameterization must be refined and extended to include more traits than body size. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Animal Ecology © 2018 British Ecological Society
|
|
3. |
- Eklund, Johan, 1991, et al.
(author)
-
The influence of silicon on the corrosion properties of FeCrAl model alloys in oxidizing environments at 600 °C
- 2018
-
In: Corrosion Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 0010-938X. ; 144, s. 266-276
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The present study investigates the influence of Si on the high temperature corrosion behaviour of FeCrAl model alloys in O2, O2+H2O and O2+H2O + KCl at 600 °C for up to 168 h. The investigation by SEM/EDX showed that all alloys displayed a protective behaviour in dry O2. In the more corrosive environments (O2+H2O and O2+H2O + KCl) the addition of Si affected the oxidation properties in two ways; Alloys containing Si resisted breakaway oxidation caused by Cr-evaporation (O2+H2O) and the thickness of the oxide formed after breakaway oxidation decreased with increasing amount of Si (O2+H2O + KCl).
|
|
4. |
- Ekman, Markus, 1995-, et al.
(author)
-
Applying sorting algorithms to sensory ranking tests – a proof of concept study
- 2020
-
In: Current Research in Food Science. - : Elsevier. - 2665-9271. ; 2, s. 41-44
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In a sensory or consumer setting, panelists are commonly asked to rank a set of stimuli, either by the panelist’s liking of the samples, or by the samples’ perceived intensity of a particular sensory note. Ranking is seen as a “simple” task for panelists, and thus is usually performed with minimal (or no) specific instructions given to panelists. Despite its common usage, seemingly little is known about the specific cognitive task that panelists are performing when ranking samples. It becomes quickly unruly to suggest a series of paired comparisons between samples, with 45 individual paired comparisons needed to rank 10 samples. Comparing a number of elements with regards to a scaled value is common in computer science, with a number of differing sorting algorithms used to sort an array of elements. We compared the efficacy of the most basic sorting algorithm, Bubble Sort (based on comparing each element to its neighbor, moving the higher to the right, and repeating), vs a more advanced algorithm, Merge Sort (based on dividing the array into sub arrays, sorting these sub arrays, and then combining), in a sensory ranking task of 6 ascending concentrations of sucrose (n=73 panelists). Results confirm that as seen in computer science, a Merge Sort procedure performs better than Bubble Sorting in sensory ranking tasks, although the perceived difficulty of the approach suggests panelists would benefit from a period of training. Lastly, through a series of video recorded one-on-one interviews, and an additional sensory ranking test (n=78), it seems that most panelists natively follow a similar procedure to Bubble Sorting, with correspondingly inferior results to those that may be obtained if a Merge Sorting procedure was applied. Results suggests that ranking may be improved if panelists were given a simple set of instructions on the Merge Sorting procedure.
|
|
5. |
|
|
6. |
- Andersson, Blanka, et al.
(author)
-
A novel mycobacterial growth inhibition assay employing live-cell imaging of virulent M. tuberculosis and monitoring of host cell viability
- 2020
-
In: Tuberculosis. - : CHURCHILL LIVINGSTONE. - 1472-9792 .- 1873-281X. ; 124
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Our aim was to develop a Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) growth inhibition assay (MGIA) as a summary estimate of host immune control of virulent Mtb. Mycobacterial growth inhibition (MGI) using previously frozen human PBMCs infected with H37Rv was assessed by live-cell imaging (Incucyte (c)) complemented by imaging flow cytometry analysis of phagocytosis. MGI measured as relative fluorescence units (RFU) was calibrated to time to positive culture (TTP) in BACTEC 960 MGIT. At a MOI (multiplicity of infection) of 5, there was a wide range of MGI of blood donors (1.1*10(6)-2.7*10(6) RFU, n = 14). Intra- and inter-assay variability were at most 17.5 and 20.7 CV%. Cell viability at day 5 was 57 and 62% monitored by the LDH and Draq7 assays respectively. There was a strong correlation between a readout for Mtb growth using CFU counts or TTP compared to RFU (r2 >= 0.96). Our MGIA enabling live-cell imaging and monitoring of cell viability was able to detect a wide range of Mtb growth inhibition by PBMCs and was calibrated to several readout options for bacterial growth. This MGIA may be valuable as a surrogate marker of host immunity in a personalized medicine approach.
|
|
7. |
- Andresen, Amanda K H, et al.
(author)
-
Radiographic features in 2D imaging as predictors for justified CBCT examinations of canine-induced root resorption.
- 2021
-
In: Dento-Maxillo-Facial Radiology. - : British Institute of Radiology. - 0250-832X .- 1476-542X. ; 51:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: This retrospective observational study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of two-dimensional radiographs on canine-induced root resorption (CIRR) in lateral incisors and identify predictors of CIRR in patients with impacted maxillary canines (IMC).METHODS: Ninety-nine patients aged 9-17 years, with 156 IMCs, were included in the study. All had CBCT-volumes and two-dimensional radiographs consisting of at least one panoramic radiograph. Two radiologists jointly viewed all cases twice. First, radiographic features related to the IMC and possible CIRR were recorded from two-dimensional radiographs. Then, CIRR was determined from CBCT and according to position and extension classified as mild, moderate and severe.RESULTS: CIRRs was detected in 80% of lateral incisors (mild: 45%; moderate: 44%; severe: 11%). The sensitivity was generally low at mild and moderate cut-offs (29 and 29%), and somewhat higher for severe (50%). Corresponding specificities were 48%, 63% and 68%. Canine cusp-tip superimposing the lateral incisor's middle third and root/crown ratio >1 was positively associated with mild CIRR, with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.8 and 6.7, respectively. In addition, the root development stage was positively associated with moderate/severe CIRR when the canine root was nearly or fully developed (OR = 3.1).CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic accuracy of two-dimensional radiographs was inadequate for detecting CIRR amongst patients referred for CBCT examinations. Based on our results, none of the suggested two-dimensional radiographic features could predict moderate/severe CIRR except for root development stage. IMC in a later stage of root development seems to be associated with a higher risk of moderate/severe CIRR.
|
|
8. |
- Arbring Sjöström, Theresia, et al.
(author)
-
Cross-Linked Polyelectrolyte for Improved Selectivity and Processability of lontronic Systems
- 2017
-
In: ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces. - : AMER CHEMICAL SOC. - 1944-8244 .- 1944-8252. ; 9:36, s. 30247-30252
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- On-demand local release of biomolecules enables fine-tuned stimulation for the next generation of neuromodulation therapies. Such chemical stimulation is achievable using iontronic devices based on microfabricated, highly selective ion exchange membranes (IEMs). Current limitations in processability and performance of thin film LEMs hamper future developments of this technology. Here we address this limitation by developing a cationic IEM with excellent processability and ionic selectivity: poly(4-styrenesulfonic acidco-maleic acid) (PSS-co-MA) cross-linked with polyethylene glycol (PEG). This enables new design opportunities and provides enhanced compatibility with in vitro cell studies. PSSA-co-MA/PEG is shown to out-perform the cation selectivity of the previously used iontronic material.
|
|
9. |
- Arbring Sjöström, Theresia, et al.
(author)
-
Miniaturized Ionic Polarization Diodes for Neurotransmitter Release at Synaptic Speeds
- 2020
-
In: Advanced Materials Technologies. - : WILEY. - 2365-709X. ; 5:3
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Current neural interfaces rely on electrical stimulation pulses to affect neural tissue. The development of a chemical delivery technology, which can stimulate neural tissue with the bodys own set of signaling molecules, would provide a new level of sophistication in neural interfaces. Such technology should ideally provide highly local chemical delivery points that operate at synaptic speed, something that is yet to be accomplished. Here, the development of a miniaturized ionic polarization diode that exhibits many of the desirable properties for a chemical neural interface technology is reported. The ionic diode shows proper diode rectification and the current switches from off to on in 50 mu s at physiologically relevant electrolyte concentrations. A device model is developed to explain the characteristics of the ionic diode in more detail. In combination with experimental data, the model predicts that the ionic polarization diode has a delivery delay of 5 ms to reach physiologically relevant neurotransmitter concentrations at subcellular spatial resolution. The model further predicts that delays of amp;lt;1 ms can be reached by further miniaturization of the diode geometry. Altogether, the results show that ionic polarization diodes are a promising building block for the next generation of chemical neural interfaces.
|
|
10. |
- Carrasco, Nathalie, et al.
(author)
-
Seasonal riverine inputs may affect diet and mercury bioaccumulation in Arctic coastal zooplankton
- 2024
-
In: Science of the Total Environment. - 0048-9697 .- 1879-1026. ; 906
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Climate change driven increases in permafrost thaw and terrestrial runoff are expected to facilitate the mobilization and transport of mercury (Hg) from catchment soils to coastal areas in the Arctic, potentially increasing Hg exposure of marine food webs. The main aim of this study was to determine the impacts of seasonal riverine inputs on land -ocean Hg transport, zooplankton diet and Hg bioaccumulation in an Arctic estuary (Adventfjorden, Svalbard). The Adventelva River was a source of dissolved and particulate Hg to Adventfjorden, especially in June and July during the river's main discharge period. Stable isotope and fatty acid analyses suggest that zooplankton diet varied seasonally with diatoms dominating during the spring phytoplankton bloom in May and with increasing contributions of dinoflagellates in the summer months. In addition, there was evidence of increased terrestrial carbon utilization by zooplankton in June and July, when terrestrial particles contributed substantially to the particulate organic matter pool. Total (TotHg) and methyl Hg (MeHg) concentrations in zooplankton increased from April to August related to increased exposure to riverine inputs, and to shifts in zooplankton diet and community structure. Longer and warmer summer seasons will probably increase riverine runoff and thus Hg exposure to Arctic zooplankton.
|
|