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- Bäckström, Caroline A., et al.
(author)
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"It's like a puzzle" : Pregnant women's perceptions of professional support in midwifery care
- 2016
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In: Women and Birth. - : Elsevier. - 1871-5192 .- 1878-1799. ; 29:6, s. e110-e118
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- ProblemPregnant women are not always satisfied with the professional support they receive during their midwifery care. More knowledge is needed to understand what professional support pregnant women need for childbirth and parenting.BackgroundChildbearing and the transition to becoming a parent is a sensitive period in one's life during which one should have the opportunity to receive professional support. Professional support does not always correspond to pregnant women's needs. To understand pregnant women's needs for professional support within midwifery care, it is crucial to further illuminate women's experiences of this support.AimTo explore pregnant women's perceptions of professional support in midwifery care.MethodsA qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Fifteen women were interviewed during gestational weeks 36–38. Data was analysed using phenomenography.FindingsThe women perceived professional support in midwifery care to be reassuring and emotional, to consist of reliable information, and to be mediated with pedagogical creativity. The professional support facilitated new social contacts, partner involvement and contributed to mental preparedness. The findings of the study were presented in six categories and the category Professional support contributes to mental preparedness was influenced by the five other categories.ConclusionPregnant women prepare for childbirth and parenting by using several different types of professional support in midwifery care: a strategy that could be described as piecing together a puzzle. When the women put the puzzle together, each type of professional support works as a valuable piece in the whole puzzle. Through this, professional support could contribute to women's mental preparedness for childbirth and parenting.
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4. |
- Domino, Steven E, et al.
(author)
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Cervical mucins carry alpha(1,2)fucosylated glycans that partly protect from experimental vaginal candidiasis.
- 2009
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In: Glycoconjugate journal. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1573-4986 .- 0282-0080. ; 26:9, s. 1125-34
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Cervical mucins are glycosylated proteins that form a protective cervical mucus. To understand the role of mucin glycans in Candida albicans infection, oligosaccharides from mouse cervical mucins were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Cervical mucins carry multiple alpha(1-2)fucosylated glycans, but alpha(1,2)fucosyltransferase Fut2-null mice are devoid of these epitopes. Epithelial cells in vaginal lavages from Fut2-null mice lacked Ulex europaeus agglutinin-1 (UEA-I) staining for alpha(1-2)fucosylated glycans. Hysterectomy to remove cervical mucus eliminated UEA-I and acid mucin staining in vaginal epithelial cells from wild type mice indicating the cervix as the source of UEA-I positive epithelial cells. To assess binding of alpha(1-2) fucosylated glycans on C. albicans infection, an in vitro adhesion assay was performed with vaginal epithelial cells from wild type and Fut2-null mice. Vaginal epithelial cells from Fut2-null mice were found to bind increased numbers of C. albicans compared to vaginal epithelial cells obtained from wild type mice. Hysterectomy lessened the difference between Fut2-null and wild type mice in binding of C. ablicans in vitro and susceptibility to experimental C. albicans vaginitis in vivo. We generated a recombinant fucosylated MUC1 glycanpolymer to test whether the relative protection of wild type mice compared to Fut2-null mice could be mimicked with exogenous mucin. While a small portion of the recombinant MUC1 epitopes displayed alpha(1-2)fucosylated glycans, the predominant epitopes were sialylated due to endogenous sialyltransferases in the cultured cells. Intravaginal instillation of recombinant MUC1 glycanpolymer partially reduced experimental yeast vaginitis suggesting that a large glycanpolymer, with different glycan epitopes, may affect fungal burden.
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5. |
- Edin, Benoni B, et al.
(author)
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Single unit retrieval in microneurography : a microprocessor-based device controlled by an operator.
- 1988
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In: Journal of Neuroscience Methods. - 0165-0270 .- 1872-678X. ; 24:2, s. 137-144
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A microprocessor-based device was constructed to retrieve single unit activity from nerve recordings contaminated by other units and EMG activity. The microneurographic signal is sampled at 10 kHz and an algorithm applied to identify impulses from a single nerve fibre. On line, a TTL pulse is delivered when an event, i.e. a provisional nerve impulse, is selected. The wave form and clock time of events are stored. Moreover, the latest selected event and the actual selection criteria are continuously displayed on a standard oscilloscope. Off line, the wave form and clock time of events as well as an instantaneous frequency plot can be displayed on the oscilloscope. The final selection of events is done with a combination of a second algorithm, which essentially is a wave form comparator, and a manual check. The device is controlled either by hardware, with knobs on the front panel, or by software through a data bus connected to a microcomputer. Clock times and wave forms of the events, which are stored in the microprocessor memory, may also be presented on the data bus for later off-line analysis and coordination with other related signals collected during the experiment, e.g. transducer and electromyography records, whether these were stored on analog or digital tape or computer disc. Compared to other available techniques, the device has a superior discriminative power when electromyographic artefacts are present.
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6. |
- Hudson, John A., et al.
(author)
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Characterising and modelling the excavation damaged zone in crystalline rock in the context of radioactive waste disposal
- 2009
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In: Environmental Geology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0943-0105 .- 1432-0495. ; 57:6, s. 1275-1297
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper describes current knowledge about the nature of and potential for thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical modelling of the excavation damaged zone (EDZ) around the excavations for an underground radioactive waste repository. In the first part of the paper, the disturbances associated with excavation are explained, together with reviews of Workshops that have been held on the subject. In the second part of the paper, the results of a DECOVALEX [DEmonstration of COupled models and their VALidation against EXperiment: research funded by an international consortium of radioactive waste regulators and implementers (http://www.decovalex.com)] research programme on modelling the EDZ are presented. Four research teams used four different models to simulate the complete stress-strain curve for Avro granite from the Swedish A"spo Hard Rock Laboratory. Subsequent research extended the work to computer simulation of the evolution of the repository using a 'wall-block model' and a 'near-field model'. This included assessing the evolution of stress, failure and permeability and time-dependent effects during repository evolution. As discussed, all the computer models are well suited to sensitivity studies for evaluating the influence of their respective supporting parameters on the complete stress-strain curve for rock and for modelling the EDZ.
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7. |
- Kocoska-Maras, L., et al.
(author)
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Cognitive function in association with sex hormones in postmenopausal women
- 2013
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In: Gynecological Endocrinology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0951-3590 .- 1473-0766. ; 29:1, s. 59-62
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Several studies have suggested gender differences in cognitive function, but data on the association between sex hormones and cognitive function are contradictory. The aim of our randomized double-blind study was to explore the possible relations between cognitive function and serum levels of sex hormones, oxytocin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) in postmenopausal women. Two-hundred healthy postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to receive estrogen, testosterone or placebo treatment for 1 month. The associations of spatial ability, verbal fluency and verbal memory with serum levels of estradiol, testosterone, estradiol/testosterone ratio, androstanediol, oxytocin and IGF-I were analyzed. Spatial ability showed a negative correlation with serum estradiol, estradiol/testosterone ratio, oxytocin levels and a positive association with androstanediol levels. Verbal fluency displayed a negative relationship with serum levels of testosterone, IGF-I and a positive with estradiol/testosterone ratio. Verbal memory displayed a positive correlation to androstanediol. Data suggest that not only absolute levels of sex hormones but also the balance between estrogen and testosterone and their metabolites may be important for cognitive function in women.
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8. |
- Lê, A D, et al.
(author)
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Neurobiological processes in alcohol addiction.
- 2001
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In: Alcoholism, clinical and experimental research. - 0145-6008. ; 25:5 Suppl ISBRA
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This article represents the proceedings of a symposium at the ISBRA Meeting in Yokohama, Japan. The chairs were A. D. Lê and K. Kiianmaa. The presentations were (1) Alcohol reward and aversion, by C. L. Cunningham; (2) The role of sensitization of neuronal mechanisms in ethanol self-administration, by J. A. Engel, M. Ericson, and B. Söderpalm; (3) Alcohol self-administration in dependent animals: Neurobiological mechanisms, by G. F. Koob, A. J. Roberts, and F. Weiss; (4) Stress and relapse to alcohol, by A. D. Lê; (5) Alcohol-preferring AA and alcohol-avoiding ANA rats differ in locomotor activation induced by repeated morphine injections, by P. Hyytiä, S. Janhunen, J. Mikkola, P. Bäckström, and K. Kiianmaa; and (6) Initial sensitivity and acute functional tolerance to the hypnotic effects of ethanol in mice genetically selected for mild and severe ethanol withdrawal convulsions, by I. Ponomarev and J. C. Crabbe.
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9. |
- Szwedo, Aleksandra A, et al.
(author)
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GBA and APOE impact cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease : A 10-year population-based study
- 2022
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In: Movement Disorders. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0885-3185 .- 1531-8257. ; 37:5, s. 1016-1027
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Common genetic variance in apolipoprotein E (APOE), β-glucocerebrosidase (GBA), microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT), and α-synuclein (SNCA) has been linked to cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease (PD), although studies have yielded mixed results.OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of genetic variants in APOE, GBA, MAPT, and SNCA on cognitive decline and risk of dementia in a pooled analysis of six longitudinal, non-selective, population-based cohorts of newly diagnosed PD patients.METHODS: 1002 PD patients, followed for up to 10 years (median 7.2 years), were genotyped for at least one of APOE-ε4, GBA mutations, MAPT H1/H2, or SNCA rs356219. We evaluated the effect of genotype on the rate of cognitive decline (Mini-Mental State Examanation, MMSE) using linear mixed models and the development of dementia (diagnosed using standardized criteria) using Cox regression; multiple comparisons were accounted for using Benjamini-Hochberg corrections.RESULTS: Carriers of APOE-ε4 (n = 281, 29.7%) and GBA mutations (n = 100, 10.3%) had faster cognitive decline and were at higher risk of progression to dementia (APOE-ε4, HR 3.57, P < 0.001; GBA mutations, HR 1.76, P = 0.001) than non-carriers. The risk of cognitive decline and dementia (HR 5.19, P < 0.001) was further increased in carriers of both risk genotypes (n = 23). No significant effects were observed for MAPT or SNCA rs356219.CONCLUSIONS: GBA and APOE genotyping could improve the prediction of cognitive decline in PD, which is important to inform the clinical trial selection and potentially to enable personalized treatment © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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10. |
- Thomas, Richard D., et al.
(author)
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The double electrostatic ion ring experiment : A unique cryogenic electrostatic storage ring for merged ion-beams studies
- 2011
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In: Review of Scientific Instruments. - : AIP Publishing. - 0034-6748 .- 1089-7623. ; 82:6, s. 065112-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We describe the design of a novel type of storage device currently under construction at Stockholm University, Sweden, using purely electrostatic focussing and deflection elements, in which ion beams of opposite charges are confined under extreme high vacuum cryogenic conditions in separate rings and merged over a common straight section. The construction of this double electrostatic ion ring experiment uniquely allows for studies of interactions between cations and anions at low and well-defined internal temperatures and centre-of-mass collision energies down to about 10 K and 10 meV, respectively. Position sensitive multi-hit detector systems have been extensively tested and proven to work in cryogenic environments and these will be used to measure correlations between reaction products in, for example, electron-transfer processes. The technical advantages of using purely electrostatic ion storage devices over magnetic ones are many, but the most relevant are: electrostatic elements which are more compact and easier to construct; remanent fields, hysteresis, and eddy-currents, which are of concern in magnetic devices, are no longer relevant; and electrical fields required to control the orbit of the ions are not only much easier to create and control than the corresponding magnetic fields, they also set no upper mass limit on the ions that can be stored. These technical differences are a boon to new areas of fundamental experimental research, not only in atomic and molecular physics but also in the boundaries of these fields with chemistry and biology. For examples, studies of interactions with internally cold molecular ions will be particular useful for applications in astrophysics, while studies of solvated ionic clusters will be of relevance to aeronomy and biology.
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11. |
- Abrashev, M. V., et al.
(author)
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Raman spectroscopy of CaMnO(3) : Mode assignment and relationship between Raman line intensities and structural distortions
- 2002
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In: Physical Review B Condensed Matter. - 0163-1829 .- 1095-3795. ; 65:18, s. 1-9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Polarized Raman spectra of oriented finely twinned CaMnO(3) thin films and nonpolarized Raman spectra of CaMnO(3) ceramics were studied at room temperature using several excitation laser wavelengths. The selection rules for the polarized Raman spectra, obtained from samples consisting of finely twinned orthorhombic domains, were calculated and the symmetry of all observed Raman lines was determined. The relationship between the intensity of the Raman lines and the distortions in the ABO(3) perovskites with GdFeO(3)-type structure is discussed. These distortions can be described as superposition of four simple basic distortions: two MnO(6) octahedral tilts, Jahn-Teller deformation of Mn(3+) O(6) octahedra, and shift of the A ions from their sites in the ideal perovskite. Twenty of the 24 Raman-allowed modes in the real GdFeO(3)-type structure have counterparts in only one of the four simpler structures, obtained by a single basic distortion. The assignment of the Raman lines of CaMnO(3) to definite atomic vibrations, most of them activated by a single basic distortion, was made in close comparison with the results of lattice dynamical calculations and the Raman spectra of isostructural LaMnO(3) and CaGeO(3).
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12. |
- Alattar, AG, et al.
(author)
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Gene editing of CD34+ progenitor cells from single blood donor waste bags to create cultured early erythroid cells for study of blood group knock-outs
- 2020
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In: Vox Sanguinis. - : Wiley. - 1423-0410 .- 0042-9007. ; 115:Suppl. s1, s. 363-363
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Many blood group antigens are carried by red cell surface proteins, thefunctions of which are not yet fully characterized or in some cases completelyunknown. By investigating red cells with naturally-occurring blood group variants,much has been learnt about the underlying molecules. However, interindividualvariation affecting other molecules than the one(s) of interest may confound orotherwise hamper such studies. As an alternative, a reductionistic approach whereonly a single factor differs between test and control cells significantly facilitatesinterpretation of functional studies. Using various siRNA, shRNA and various gene-editing tools blood group expression can be manipulated and useful modelsdeveloped. Applying the latter on primary hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells(HSPCs) can be challenging.Aims: We evaluated a protocol for gene editing of CD44 using a CRISPR/Cas9hybrid system on HSPCs isolated from blood donation leukocyte waste bags fromsingle donors to develop a model for study of blood group molecular function inerythropoiesis.Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were from anonymizedleucocyte waste bags obtained after whole blood unit processing in the Reveosautomated blood component system. Cells were harvested following Lymphoprepgradient separation and CD34+HSPCs enriched and collected using magnetic beads.CD34+cells were cultured in 2-phase culture medium to generate erythroid cellsfrom HSPCs (Vidovic, Vox Sang 2017). For CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, a short guideRNA (sgRNA) targeting CD44 was designed and cloned into the lentiCRISPR v2vector (Addgene plasmid #52961). A non-targeting sgRNA cloned into the vectorwas used as control. Lentivirus particles were produced in the human 293T cell lineas described previously (Galeev, Methods Mol Biol 2017). Equal number of CD34+cells were transduced 24 hours after collection using RetroNectin following theRetroNectin-Bound Virus (RBV) Infection Method according to manufacturer’sprotocol. Cells were transduced at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 10 with atarget transduction efficiency of 20–30%. Cells were cultured at 37°C, 5% CO2 for72 hours in phase I culture medium and then electroporated with Cas9 mRNA usingthe ECM 830 Electroporation System as described previously for cord blood-derivedCD34+cells (Backstrom, Exp Hematol 2019). GFP+CD44-edited cell frequencieswere monitored by flow cytometry at day 7 of the HSPC expansion phase and atday 14 of the erythroid expansion-differentiation phase using antibodies againsterythroid-specific cell surface markers GPA and Band3 in addition to CD49d toassess the erythroid development stage.Results: We tested the above protocol and observed that the frequencies of editedcells lacking CD44 expression within the GFP+population at day 7 of culture were10–25% while the edited frequencies were increased at day 14 of culture to 60–80%within the GFP+cells. Whilst this stage corresponds to erythroblasts, earlier or laterstages can be tested.Summary/Conclusions: The previously established hybrid system for CRISPR/Cas9gene editing in cord blood-derived CD34+HSPCs, which combines lentiviraldelivery of the sgRNA with transient delivery of Cas9 mRNA by electroporation, isalso applicable to primary human adult HSPCs from Reveos-processed single-donorwhole blood donation, resulting in a traceable high-yield gene-editing system tostudy blood group function and erythroid development
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14. |
- Andreasson, Jakob, 1975, et al.
(author)
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Franck-Condon higher order lattice excitations in the LaFe(1-x)Cr(x)O3 (x=0, 0.1, 0.5, 0.9, 1.0) perovskites due to Fe-Cr charge transfer effects
- 2007
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In: Physical Review B. ; 75, s. 104302-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- First and higher order lattice excitiations in the B-site disordered perovskites LaFe(1-x)Cr(x)O3 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.5, 0.9, 1) and La(0.835)Sr(0.165)Fe(0.5)Cr(0.5)O(3-d) are investigated using temperature dependent and polarised inelastic light scattering [lambda = 515 nm (2.41 eV) and 676 nm (1.83 eV)] on oriented crystallites.A peak at approximately 2.4 eV in the imaginary part of the dielectric function of LaFe(0.5)Cr(0.5)O3 is assigned to a charge transfer from Fe 3+ (d5) to Cr 3+ (d3) ions and coupled the appearance of an intense Ag-like mode at approximately 700 cm-1 in the Raman data. This excitation is identified as a symmetric oxygen breathing mode activated by the Fe-Cr charge transfer through an orbital coupling mechanism. Higher order scattering (up to 7th order) of the intrinsic Raman active symmetric breathing mode is also explained by an orbital mediated, electron-phonon coupling, similar to the Franck-Condon effect observed in the Jahn-Teller active perovskite structured manganite LaMnO3. These results show that the Franck-Condon mechanism is a more common mechanism for resonant higher order scattering in solids than previously believed and propose the LaFe(1-x)Cr(x)O(3) system as a model system for electron-phonon coupling and higher order Raman scattering in solids.
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15. |
- Baker, Darren A., et al.
(author)
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Opportunities in lignin based carbon fibre
- 2015
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In: NWBC 2015. - Espoo : VTT. - 9789513883539 ; , s. 244-251
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Innventia AB's LignoBoost process enables the extraction of high purity lignin efficiently from the black liquor in kraft mills. A stream of black liquor is taken from the evaporation plant and the lignin is precipitated by acidification and filtered. The filter cake is redispersed and acidified and the resulting slurry is filtered and washed. High purity lignin can be produced at several scales, namely 10g, 1kg, 10kg and over 1,000kg. Innventia has invested significantly to demonstrate the potential of lignin as a viable feedstock for carbon fibre manufacture. Initially, the fibre melt spinning performance of the lignin is assessed using single filament melt extrusion and then melt spinning is performed at the multifilament scale, where fine fibres can be produced for conversion to carbon fibre. Oxidative thermostabilisation of the lignin fibres is carried out so that carbonisation can proceed. The effects of thermal treatment programmes and tensioning have been studied by using either thermomechanical analysis or by using test equipment specially designed to monitor carbonisation profiles with either stress or strain control. In addition, continuous processes for the conversion of lignin fibre to carbon fibre are being developed.
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16. |
- Botero, Carlos Alberto, et al.
(author)
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Microstructural and mechanical evaluation of a cr-mo-v cold-work tool steel produced via electron beam melting (Ebm)
- 2021
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In: Materials. - : MDPI AG. - 1996-1944. ; 14:11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this work, a highly alloyed cold work tool steel, Uddeholm Vanadis 4 Extra, was manufactured via the electron beam melting (EBM) technique. The corresponding material microstructure and carbide precipitation behavior as well as the microstructural changes after heat treatment were characterized, and key mechanical properties were investigated. In the as-built condition, the mi-crostructure consists of a discontinuous network of very fine primary Mo-and V-rich carbides dispersed in an auto-tempered martensite matrix together with ≈15% of retained austenite. Adjusted heat treatment procedures allowed optimizing the microstructure by the elimination of Mo-rich carbides and the precipitation of fine and different sized V-rich carbides, along with a decrease in the retained austenite content below 2%. Hardness response, compressive strength, and abrasive wear properties of the EBM-manufactured material are similar or superior to its as-HIP forged counterparts manufactured using traditional powder metallurgy route. In the material as built by EBM, an impact toughness of 16–17 J was achieved. Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) was applied in order to further increase ductility and to investigate its impact upon the microstructure and properties of the material. After HIPing with optimized protocols, the ductility increased over 20 J.
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19. |
- Bäckström, Ann, 1976-
(author)
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Rock damage caused by underground excavation and meteorite impacts
- 2008
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The intent of this thesis is to contribute to the understanding of the origin of fractures in rock. The man-made fracturing from engineering activities in crystalline rock as well as the fracturing induced by the natural process of meteorite impacts is studied by means of various characterization methods. In contrast to engineering induced rock fracturing, where the goal usually is to minimize rock damage, meteorite impacts cause abundant fracturing in the surrounding bedrock. In a rock mass the interactions of fractures on the microscopic scale (mm-cm scale) influence fractures on the mesoscopic scale (dm-m scale) as well as the interaction of the mesocopic fractures influencing fractures on the macroscopic scale (m-km scale). Thus, among several methods used on different scales, two characterization tools have been developed further. This investigation ranges from the investigation of micro-fracturing in ultra-brittle rock on laboratory scale to the remote sensing of fractures in large scale structures, such as meteorite impacts. On the microscopic scale, the role of fractures pre-existing to the laboratory testing is observed to affect the development of new fractures. On the mesoscopic scale, the evaluation of the geometric information from 3D-laser scanning has been further developed for the characterisation of fractures from tunnelling and to evaluate the efficiency of the tunnel blasting technique in crystalline rock. By combining information on: i) the overbreak and underbreak; ii) the orientation and visibility of blasting drillholes and; iii) the natural and blasting fractures in three dimensions; a analysis of the rock mass can be made. This analysis of the rock mass is much deeper than usually obtained in rock engineering for site characterization in relation to the blasting technique can be obtained based on the new data acquisition. Finally, the estimation of fracturing in and around two meteorite impact structures has been used to reach a deeper understanding of the relation between fracture, their water content and the electric properties of the rock mass. A correlation between electric resistivity and fracture frequency in highly fractured crystalline rock has been developed and applied to potential impact crater structures. The results presented in this thesis enables more accurate modelling of rock fractures, both supporting rock engineering design and interpretation of meteorite impact phenomena.
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20. |
- Bäckström, Caroline A., et al.
(author)
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Digital Tools as Parental Support : A Study Protocol Describing Prospective Development and Exploration of Two Digital Tools for Parents
- 2021
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In: Frontiers in Digital Health. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 2673-253X .- 2673-253X. ; 3, s. 1-9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The access to digital tools for parents is increasing, and further exploration is needed to gain knowledge about parents' experiences in using such tools, for example, when preparing for childbirth and parenthood. This study protocol describes a prospective study that will explore serious games as digital tools for parental support, and both parents' and healthcare professionals' views will be included. The objectives of the prospective study are to explore two different serious games: (1) Childbirth Journey (Swedish: Förlossningsresan), relating to pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood; and (2) Interplay (Swedish: Samspel), relating to parental couple relationships and parenthood.Methods: An intervention study will be conducted. The study will include four different sub-studies (A–D) with both qualitative and quantitative methods and a longitudinal design. Both parents (A, B and D) and healthcare professionals (C) will be included, and data will be collected through interviews (A–C) and repeated web-based questionnaires (D). Data will be analysed using phenomenography and qualitative content analysis (A–C), and descriptive and analytical analyses will be performed for comparisons and associations (D).Discussion: The value of monitoring and reporting on developments and trends in digital innovation for public health has been stipulated by the World Health Organization. The prospective study will contribute further knowledge about multidisciplinary development of digital tools as professional support for parents, as well as knowledge about parents' and healthcare professionals' experiences using digital tools concerning pregnancy, labour, parenthood and parental couple relationships.Trial Registration: This study was retrospectively registered (02/10/2020) within the ISRCTN with ID: ISRCTN18017741. http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN18017741.
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21. |
- Bäckström, Caroline A., et al.
(author)
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Expecting parents’ use of digital sources in preparation for parenthood in a digitalised society – a systematic review
- 2022
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In: Digital Health. - : Sage Publications. - 2055-2076. ; 8
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundIn today's society, people are experiencing the rapid development of digitalisation. Expecting parents may have difficulties evaluating the information online; they are not always sure which sources of information are trustworthy, and this exacerbates their feelings of anxiety. More research is needed to broaden the knowledge about how their use of digital sources may influence their health.QuestionThe focus of this study was to explore expecting parents’ use of digital sources and how this influences their health during pregnancy.MethodsA systematic review covered the thematic analysis of 39 articles.FindingsThe analysis resulted in the following theme: The digitalised society involves both opportunities and challenges, and expecting parents express a need for a variety of digital sources to improve their health, and sub-themes: Digital sources could promote parents’ health and well-being in a digitalised society; Consuming digital health information facilitates understanding, different feelings and social connections; and A variety of digital sources may facilitate parental identification and adaption to parenthood.ConclusionDifferent digital sources in our digitalised society mean access to information and opportunities to extend social connections for expecting parents. This can promote their ability to understand and adapt to parenthood, as well as to improve their health and well-being and make the parental transition. However, professional support during face-to-face consultations cannot always be exchanged to digital sources. It is important to base digital sources devoted to expecting parents and digitalisation overall on multi-sectorial collaborations and coordination between different organisations and the digital sources they provide.
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22. |
- Bäckström, Caroline A., et al.
(author)
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Healthcare professionals' perceptions of a digital parental support, Childbirth Journey, constructed as a serious game—An intervention study
- 2023
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In: Frontiers in Digital Health. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 2673-253X. ; 5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Globally, the digital sources developed and available in antenatal care differ, and infrastructure challenges may impede the further development of such sources. Challenges accompanying digital developments can include the commonly occurring high workload, which affects healthcare professionals' ability to acquire professional knowledge about how to best support parents in using digital sources. Including healthcare professionals in the development process of digital sources may increase the likelihood that such sources will be adopted and employed by these professionals in their future care work. Therefore, the present research explored healthcare professionals' perceptions of the digital support intervention Childbirth Journey, which was constructed as a serious game for expectant parents. Methods: Data were collected through semi-structured focus-group interviews with 11 midwives at antenatal, labour and postnatal clinics as well as with child healthcare nurses. Prior to the interviews, all participants were provided the intervention, Childbirth Journey, which is a serious game in a mobile application format consisting of two distinct parts: (1) a story-driven game and (2) a Knowledge Portal. The data were analysed using phenomenographic methods. Results: The perceptions of Childbirth Journey by healthcare professionals, midwives and child healthcare nurses are presented in four descriptive categories: extended professional support, trustworthy contents, diversity or individuality, and both appealing and in need of development. Conclusions: Current study revealed that Childbirth Journey may be utilised as a digital support for parents, allowing healthcare professionals to offer a digital solution as a complementary support to standard, face-to-face meetings with caregivers. However, the research results also revealed that some elements of Childbirth Journey must be improved, thereby representing a main contribution of this study: insights into how to better develop digital tools under the umbrella of health care. Thus, we conclude that in order to create sustainable and safe digital care solutions that function as trustworthy professional supports instead of technical products that risk harming users, the perspectives of both patients and healthcare professionals should be considered in the exploration and development of these solutions.
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23. |
- Bäckström, Caroline A., et al.
(author)
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How partners of pregnant women use their social networks when preparing for childbirth and parenthood : A qualitative study
- 2020
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In: Nordic journal of nursing research. - : Sage Publications. - 2057-1585 .- 2057-1593. ; 41:1, s. 25-33
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Social contextual circumstances have an influence on parental transition, and social support has been shown to facilitate the transition to parenthood, among other states. Further knowledge is, however, needed to explore how partners of pregnant women use their social networks during pregnancy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore how partners of pregnant women use their social networks when preparing for childbirth and parenting. Within this study, a social network is defined as social connections such as family, friends and significant others. In total, 14 partners (expectant fathers and co-mothers) were interviewed. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. EQUATOR Network guidelines and the COREQ checklist were applied. The analysis resulted in one theme of meaning: Partners use their social networks to receive social support, which facilitates understanding about how to prepare for childbirth and parenthood, which was described through three sub-themes. The results highlight the importance of social networks for partners when preparing for childbirth and parenthood. Professionals should aim to strengthen and extend partners’ social networks and access to social support. This could be done not only to support partners to attend parental classes, but also to participate socially as well as engage with other expectant parents within the classes.
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24. |
- Bäckström, Caroline A., et al.
(author)
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In the need of a digital cicerone in healthcare? – Guidance for parents
- 2022
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In: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1471-2393 .- 1471-2393. ; 22:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To explore parents’ experiences using digital tools in relation to pregnancy, labor and birth, and the child’s first 18 months. Background: Parents find relevant information using digital healthcare tools, material obtained from professionals, as well as personal opinions and experiences that vary in quality. Method: Fifteen parents were interviewed and data were analyzed beginning with content analysis and followed by thematic analysis. Results: The main theme was insecurity and responsibility for own choices and knowledge. Parents use digital tools to take responsibility for their insecurity and need for knowledge when entering parenthood. Conclusion: The parents’ experiences highlighted that (1) insecurity can be both eased and enhanced using digital tools, (2) they took responsibility for feelings of insecurity and the search for knowledge, and (3) they needed knowledge to make the right choices and feel secure that these choices are made in the best interest of their new family.
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25. |
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26. |
- Bäckström, Caroline A., et al.
(author)
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Kvalitet i parrelation hos förstagångsmammor och partners i relation till graviditet och de första sex månaderna av föräldraskap
- 2021
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Bakgrund:Att genomgå föräldratransition och bli förälder har beskrivits som en av de mest omfattande livsförändringarna i en människas liv. Föräldratransition medför nya relationer inom föräldrarnas sociala nätverk. För föräldrarna bildas nya roller i parrelationen eftersom de går från att endast vara partners till att även vara föräldrar tillsammans. Denna livsförändring kan medföra en försämring i den uppfattade kvaliteten i parrelationen. Föräldrarnas tillgång till socialt stöd och deras känsla av sammanhang kan ha inverkan på deras förmåga att uppfatta kvalitet i parrelationen. Syfte:Att utforska faktorer associerade med kvalitet i parrelation hos förstagångsmammor och partners i relation till graviditet och de första sex månaderna av föräldraskap. Metod:En prospektiv longitudinell kohortstudie med enkätundersökningar vid: graviditetsvecka 25; första veckan och sex månader efter förlossning. Förändringar i uppfattad kvalitet i parrelation (QDR36), känsla av sammanhang (SOC-13) samt socialt stöd (MSPSS) utforskades. Multipla linjära regressioner genomfördes för att utforska faktorer associerade med kvalitet i parrelation. Resultat:Totalt ingick 302 föräldrar i studien. Både förstagångsmammor och partners rapporterade en lägre kvalitet i parrelation och högre känsla av sammanhang sex månader efter förlossning, jämfört med under graviditet. Förstagångsmammors högre kvalitet i parrelation var associerat med deras: 1) partners mer positiva känsla inför föräldraskap; 2) högre uppfattade sociala stöd samt 3) känsla av sammanhang under graviditet och 4) mer positiva förändring i känsla av sammanhang mellan graviditet och sex månader efter förlossning. Partners högre kvalitet i parrelation var associerat med deras mer positiva förändring i uppfattat socialt stöd mellan graviditet och sex månader efter förlossning. Konklusion:Liknande mönster i förändring över tid i relation till kvalitet i parrelation och känsla av sammanhang framkom för förstagångsmammor och partners. Detta indikerar att föräldratransition har en positiv inverkan på föräldrars förmåga att hantera sin livssituation även fast deras kvalitet i parrelation sjunker under föräldratransitionen.
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27. |
- Bäckström, Caroline A., et al.
(author)
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Midwives' Experiences of Providing the "Inspirational Lecture" as a Care Intervention for Expectant Parents : A Qualitative Study
- 2020
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In: Frontiers In Public Health. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 2296-2565. ; 8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: In most Western countries, ordinary parental classes exist and have become a well-established form of professional support within midwifery care, even though some of these classes lack evidence of benefits for the parents. A Swedish randomized controlled trial including an intervention as a pilot study, revealed that a type of parental preparatory professional support provided for expectant parents, the "inspirational lecture," showed a tendency to be beneficial for parents' birth experience, and their perceived quality of parental couple relationship. However, there is no previous research on the midwives' experiences from providing the inspirational lecture. Carrying out research on midwives' experiences from providing the lecture, could bring future opportunities to provide a work-integrated learning (WIL) related to professionals' skills, and the pedagogic used. Aim: To elucidate midwives' experiences about providing the inspirational lecture as a care intervention for expectant parents. Methods: Midwives were interviewed and data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The midwives strived to put childbirth into a comprehensive and manageable context for the expectant parents, during the inspirational lecture. For this, different approaches were used to make expectant parents understand how the parents themselves can be engaged participants in their own birth. Conclusion and Clinical Implications: The midwives used the inspirational lecture to provide the expectant parents with knowledge about how they, as a parental couple, could cooperate and feel safe in relation to the upcoming birth. This could be understood as if the midwives were striving to facilitate the integrative power of the parental couple, which is the couples' ability to gather their joint power. These results can assist midwives and serve as a reference for providing parental classes for expectant parents with a focus on promoting both the parents' individual as well as mutual skills.
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28. |
- Bäckström, Caroline A., et al.
(author)
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Parents' Experiences of Receiving Professional Support Through Extended Home Visits During Pregnancy and Early Childhood : A Phenomenographic Study
- 2021
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In: Frontiers In Public Health. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 2296-2565. ; 9
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: While becoming a parent can be challenging for all, it can particularly be challenging for those parents and children who are in a vulnerable situation—e.g., in families whose members have problems related to health, relationships, or socioeconomic status. It is essential for health care professionals to identify the more vulnerable families at an early stage. Home visits are one cost-effective way of identifying and supporting such families. This study describes the parental experiences of an intervention that involves professional support in the form of extended home visits. The aim of the study is to describe the parents' understanding of their experiences of receiving professional support through extended home visits both during pregnancy and the first 15 months of their child's life. Methods/Design: A phenomenographic approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 parents who had received the intervention. The interviews were analyzed using the seven-step phenomenography model described by Sjöström and Dahlgren. Results: The following three descriptive categories emerged from the analysis: (1) conceptions concerning the meaning of the physical environment, (2) conceptions concerning extended home visits promoting feelings of self-confidence in the parental role, and (3) conceptions concerning extended home visits promoting parental participation and relations. Conclusion and Clinical Implications: Extended home visits as a form of professional support appear to promote parental self-confidence in parenting ability, giving parents a feeling of security that facilitates conversation with professionals. Children and their entire families had natural roles during home visits, which allowed the children to behave more characteristically. Furthermore, the home visits were understood to facilitate social support through social activities at the child health center as well as integration into Swedish society for migrant parents. Professional support should be adjusted to the unique individual needs of parents, which demands a variety of supportive interventions—for example, reorganizing one or two of the regular clinical visits currently being scheduled as home visits instead.
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29. |
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30. |
- Bäckström, Caroline A., et al.
(author)
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Quality of couple relationship among first-time mothers and partners, during pregnancy and the first six months of parenthood
- 2018
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In: Sexual & Reproductive HealthCare. - : Elsevier. - 1877-5756 .- 1877-5764. ; 17, s. 56-64
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- HighlightsSocial support is associated with first-time mothers’ and partners’ perceived quality of couple relationship six months after birth.Sense of Coherence is associated with first-time mothers’ perceived quality of couple relationship six months after birth.First-time mothers’ and partners’ Sense of Coherence increase between pregnancy and six months after birth.Partners’ feelings for parenthood is associated with first-time mothers’ perception of quality of couple relationship six months after birth.First-time mothers’ and partners’ perceived quality of couple relationship is decreasing after childbirth.
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31. |
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32. |
- Bäckström, Caroline A., et al.
(author)
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'To be able to support her, I must feel calm and safe' : Pregnant women's partners perceptions of professional support during pregnancy
- 2017
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In: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. - : BioMed Central. - 1471-2393 .- 1471-2393. ; 17:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Professional support does not always meet the needs of expectant fathers or co-mothers. The way in which professional support is offered during pregnancy varies internationally, depending on the country. In order to attain a greater understanding of partners' experiences of professional support, it is necessary to further illuminate their perceptions of it. The aim of this study was therefore to explore pregnant women's partners' perceptions of professional support during pregnancy.Methods: Qualitative research design. Partners of pregnant women were interviewed during gestational week 36-38. Individual semi-structured interviews were used to explore the partners' perceptions. The data was analysed using a phenomenographic approach. The study was performed in a county in south-western Sweden; the data collection was conducted from November 2014 to February 2015. Fourteen partners (expectant fathers and co-mothers) of women who were expectant first-time mothers with singleton pregnancies, were interviewed.Results: The findings of the study are presented through four descriptive categories: Ability to absorb adequate information; Possibility to meet and share with other expectant parents; Confirmation of the partner's importance; and Influence on the couple relationship. Using a theoretical assumption of the relationship between the categories showed that the fourth category was influenced by the other three categories.Conclusions: The partners perceived that professional support during pregnancy could influence the couple relationship. The partners' ability to communicate and to experience togetherness with the women increased when the expectant couple received professional support together. The support created also possibilities to meet and share experiences with other expectant parents. In contrast, a lack of support was found to contribute to partners' feelings of unimportance. It was essential that the midwives included the partners by confirming that they were individuals who had different needs for various types of professional support. The partners perceived it easier to absorb information when it was adequate and given with a pedagogic that made the partners become interested and emotionally engaged.
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33. |
- Bäckström, Caroline A., et al.
(author)
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Two sides of breastfeeding support : experiences of women and midwives
- 2010
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In: International Breastfeeding Journal. - : BioMed Central. - 1746-4358. ; 5, s. Article number 20-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Midwives’ support of breastfeeding in maternity wards has been proven to provide an impact on women’s breastfeeding experiences. In previous studies women describe professional support unfavourably, with an emphasis on time pressures, lack of availability or guidance, promotion of unhelpful practices, and conflicting advice. Thus, the present study aims to investigate women’s experiences and reflections of receiving breastfeeding support and midwives’ experiences and reflections of giving breastfeeding support. Methods: This study was carried out in a county in southwestern Sweden during 2003-2004. A qualitative method, content analysis, was chosen for the study. The data came from interviews with women as well as interviews with midwives who were experienced in breastfeeding support. Results: The women’s and midwives’ experiences and reflections of receiving and giving breastfeeding support were conceptualized as one main theme: “Individualized breastfeeding support increases confidence and satisfaction.” This theme contained three categories: “The unique woman,” ”The sensitive confirming process,” and “Consistency of ongoing support.” In order to feel confident in their new motherhood role, the women wanted more confirmation as unique individuals and as breastfeeding women; they wanted to be listened to; and they wanted more time, understanding, and follow-up from health professionals. In contrast, the midwives described themselves as encouraging and confirming of the women’s needs. Conclusions: If health care professionals responded to the woman’s unique needs, the woman felt that the breastfeeding support was good and was based on her as an individual, otherwise a feeling of uncertainty emerged. The midwives, however, expressed that they gave the women individual support, but they also expressed that the support came from different points of view, because the midwives interpreted women’s signals differently.
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34. |
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35. |
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36. |
- Bäckström, Erica, et al.
(author)
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Uncovering the regional localization of inhaled salmeterol retention in the lung
- 2018
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In: Drug Delivery. - : Taylor & Francis Group. - 1071-7544 .- 1521-0464. ; 25:1, s. 838-845
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Treatment of respiratory disease with a drug delivered via inhalation is generally held as being beneficial as it provides direct access to the lung target site with a minimum systemic exposure. There is however only limited information of the regional localization of drug retention following inhalation. The aim of this study was to investigate the regional and histological localization of salmeterol retention in the lungs after inhalation and to compare it to systemic administration. Lung distribution of salmeterol delivered to rats via nebulization or intravenous (IV) injection was analyzed with high-resolution mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). Salmeterol was widely distributed in the entire section at 5 min after inhalation, by 15 min it was preferentially retained in bronchial tissue. Via a novel dual-isotope study, where salmeterol was delivered via inhalation and d(3)-salmeterol via IV to the same rat, could the effective gain in drug concentration associated with inhaled delivery relative to IV, expressed as a site-specific lung targeting factor, was 5-, 31-, and 45-fold for the alveolar region, bronchial sub-epithelium and epithelium, respectively. We anticipate that this MSI-based framework for quantifying regional and histological lung targeting by inhalation will accelerate discovery and development of local and more precise treatments of respiratory disease.
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37. |
- Bäckström, Joakim, et al.
(author)
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Raman scattering in \RmYBa$_2$Cu$_4$O$_8$ and PrBa$_2$Cu$_4$O$_8$ : Indications of pseudogap effects in non-superconducting \RmPrBa$_2$Cu$_4$O$_8$
- 2000
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In: Physical Review B Condensed Matter. - 0163-1829 .- 1095-3795. ; 61, s. 7049-7054
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- By analysis of the Raman spectra of superconducting YBa2Cu4O8 (Y-124), we observe a suppression of low-energy electronic density of states that we link to changes in the linewidth of the Ba-phonon mode. These effects occur at a temperature below 150 K, where also anomalies in resistivity and other physical properties take place. We argue that these changes in the Raman spectra of Y-124 are connected to the opening of a pseudogap. Analogous anomalies in resistivity and the Ba-phonon width in the nonsuperconducting homologue PrBa2Cu4O8 (Pr-124) below 150 K suggest that similar pseudogap effects can occur without a following transition to a superconducting state at a lower temperature.
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38. |
- Bäckström, Joakim, et al.
(author)
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Raman scattering in YBa2Cu4O8 and PrBa2Cu4O8 - indications of pseudogap effects in non-superconducting PrBa2Cu4O8
- 2000
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In: Physica. C, Superconductivity. - 0921-4534 .- 1873-2143. ; 341, s. 2251-2252
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- By analysis of the temperature evolution of Raman spectra, we connect an observed supression in low-energy electronic density of states to an anomalous sharpening of the Ba-phonon mode in superconducting YBa2Cu4O8 (Y-124) at around T=150 K. We link the supression of electronic excitations to an opening of a pseudogap. Similar effects observed for the Ba-phonon mode at roughly the same temperature in non-superconducting PrBa2Cu4O8 (Pr-124) suggests that a pseduogap opens up around 150 K also in this material.
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39. |
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40. |
- Bäckström, Magnus, et al.
(author)
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Draining function of porous asphalt during snowmelt and temporary freezing
- 2000
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In: Canadian journal of civil engineering (Print). - : Canadian Science Publishing. - 0315-1468 .- 1208-6029. ; 27:3, s. 594-598
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Urban runoff creates problems with flooding and pollution of receiving waters. Furthermore, cold climate conditions have a degenerating effect on stormwater systems and road constructions. Porous asphalt has been used as a wearing course on highways and in porous pavement constructions all around the world. The main focus of this study was to evaluate the function of porous asphalt in cold climates. Measurements of the draining function of porous asphalt were carried out in a climate room with adjustable temperature in the range -10%C to +20%C. At freezing point, the infiltration capacity of porous asphalt was approximately 50% of the infiltration capacity at +20%C. When the porous asphalt was exposed to alternating melting and freezing during 2 days, conditions similar to the snowmelt period, the infiltration capacity was reduced by approximately 90%. Based on the results of this study and previous studies, the infiltration capacity of porous asphalt was estimated to be 1-5 mm/min for snowmelt conditions.
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41. |
- Bäckström, Mats G., et al.
(author)
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Can intentional electrical discharges be used for HPM protection?
- 2011
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In: 2011 IEEE International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility, EMC 2011; Long Beach, CA; 14 August 2011 through 19 August 2011. - 1077-4076. ; , s. 752-757
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The possibility to protect electronics against High Power Microwaves (HPM) using an intentional electrical discharge triggered by the HPM pulse has been investigated. The case considered is a resonant slot, located e.g. in an antenna array or in a Frequency Selective Surface (FSS). The reduction of the pulse energy transmitted through the slot is regarded to be the most important parameter of merit. Experimental and theoretical research showed that a spark in the middle of a 46.3 0.1 mm resonant slot, induced by the incident HPM-pulse, gave a reduction of the transmitted pulse energy of about 24 dB. The studies showed that the investigated approach can provide a quite good level of protection that at least reduces the requirements on additional protection components such as limiters integrated in receivers located behind the slot. In order to achieve a sufficiently strong enhancement of the electric field to initiate breakdown in wide slots one presumably has to introduce a small pointed gap in the middle of the slot. This may in turn require that a radioactive sample is located close to the gap in order to produce a sufficient number of seed electrons necessary for triggering the discharge. © 2011 IEEE.
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42. |
- Bäckström, M., et al.
(author)
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Improved product quality and increased production capacity with impulse technology
- 2009
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In: Pulp & paper Canada. - 0316-4004. ; 110:2, s. 33-36
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Impulse technology is a high-intensity web consolidation technique in which water is removed from a wet paper web by the combined action of mechanical pressure and intense heat. Pilot trials show that impulse technology is a feasible technique for the production of linerboard, paperboard and fine paper. Improved dewatering, combined with enhanced mechanical and surface properties, are benefits that can be obtained.
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43. |
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44. |
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45. |
- Bäckström, Torbjörn, et al.
(author)
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Paradoxical effects of GABA-A modulators may explain sex steroid induced negative mood symptoms in some persons
- 2011
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In: Neuroscience. - Oxford : Elsevier BV. - 0306-4522 .- 1873-7544. ; 191:Special issue, s. 46-54
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Some women have negative mood symptoms, caused by progestagens in hormonal contraceptives or sequential hormone therapy or by progesterone in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, which may be attributed to metabolites acting on the GABA-A receptor. The GABA system is the major inhibitory system in the adult CNS and most positive modulators of the GABA-A receptor (benzodiazepines, barbiturates, alcohol, GABA steroids), induce inhibitory (e.g. anesthetic, sedative, anticonvulsant, anxiolytic) effects. However, some individuals have adverse effects (seizures, increased pain, anxiety, irritability, aggression) upon exposure. Positive GABA-A receptor modulators induce strong paradoxical effects including negative mood in 3%-8% of those exposed, while up to 25% have moderate symptoms. The effect is biphasic: low concentrations induce an adverse anxiogenic effect while higher concentrations decrease this effect and show inhibitory, calming properties. The prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is also 3%-8% among women in fertile ages, and up to 25% have more moderate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Patients with PMDD have severe luteal phase-related symptoms and show changes in GABA-A receptor sensitivity and GABA concentrations. Findings suggest that negative mood symptoms in women with PMDD are caused by the paradoxical effect of allopregnanolone mediated via the GABA-A receptor, which may be explained by one or more of three hypotheses regarding the paradoxical effect of GABA steroids on behavior: (1) under certain conditions, such as puberty, the relative fraction of certain GABA-A receptor subtypes may be altered, and at those subtypes the GABA steroids may act as negative modulators in contrast to their usual role as positive modulators; (2) in certain brain areas of vulnerable women the transmembrane C1(-) gradient may be altered by factors such as estrogens that favor excitability; (3) inhibition of inhibitory neurons may promote disinhibition, and hence excitability. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Neuroactive Steroids: Focus on Human Brain. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of IBRO.
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46. |
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47. |
- Chartkunchand, C, et al.
(author)
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Measuring the 2D3/2 Ni− excited state lifetime in DESIREE
- 2015
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In: Journal of Physics: Conference Series. - : IOP Publishing. - 1742-6588 .- 1742-6596. ; 635
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Experimental studies of the radiative lifetime of the sole excited state in the nickel anion are presented. Beams of Ni− stored in DESIREE at cryogenic temperatures were subject to photodetachment at different photon energies and the resulting neutrals collected. Preliminary analysis of the decay in neutral production yields a radiative lifetime of approximately 15 seconds for the 3d94s2 2D3/2 excited state.
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48. |
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49. |
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50. |
- Galushin, Sergey, et al.
(author)
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Joint application of risk oriented accident analysis methodology and PSA level 2 to severe accident issues in Nordic BWR
- 2018
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In: PSAM 2018 - Probabilistic Safety Assessment and Management. - : International Association for Probablistic Safety Assessment and Management (IAPSAM).
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A comprehensive and robust assessment of severe accident management effectiveness in preventing unacceptable releases is a challenge for a today’s real life PSA. This is mainly due to the fact that major uncertainty is determined by the physical phenomena and timing of the events. The static PSA is built on choosing scenario parameters to describe the accident progression sequence and typically uses a limited number of simulations in the underlying deterministic analysis. Risk Oriented Accident Analysis Methodology framework (ROAAM+) is being developed in order to enable consistent and comprehensive treatment of both epistemic and aleatory uncertainties. The framework is based on a set of deterministic models that describe different stages of the accident progression. The results are presented in terms of distributions of conditional containment failure probabilities for given combinations of the scenario parameters. This information is used for enhanced modeling in the PSA-L2. Specifically, it includes improved definitions of the sequences determined by the physical phenomena rather than stochastic failures of the equipment, improved knowledge of timing in sequences and estimation of probabilities determined by the uncertainties in the phenomena. In this work we present an example of application of the dynamic approach in a large scale PSA model and show that the integration of the ROAAM+ results and the PSA model can potentially lead to a considerable change in PSA Level 2 analysis results.
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