| 1. |
- Abelev, Betty, et al.
(author)
-
Long-range angular correlations on the near and away side in p-Pb collisions at root S-NN=5.02 TeV
- 2013
-
In: Physics Letters. Section B: Nuclear, Elementary Particle and High-Energy Physics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0370-2693. ; 719:1-3, s. 29-41
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Angular correlations between charged trigger and associated particles are measured by the ALICE detector in p-Pb collisions at a nucleon-nucleon centre-of-mass energy of 5.02 TeV for transverse momentum ranges within 0.5 < P-T,P-assoc < P-T,P-trig < 4 GeV/c. The correlations are measured over two units of pseudorapidity and full azimuthal angle in different intervals of event multiplicity, and expressed as associated yield per trigger particle. Two long-range ridge-like structures, one on the near side and one on the away side, are observed when the per-trigger yield obtained in low-multiplicity events is subtracted from the one in high-multiplicity events. The excess on the near-side is qualitatively similar to that recently reported by the CMS Collaboration, while the excess on the away-side is reported for the first time. The two-ridge structure projected onto azimuthal angle is quantified with the second and third Fourier coefficients as well as by near-side and away-side yields and widths. The yields on the near side and on the away side are equal within the uncertainties for all studied event multiplicity and p(T) bins, and the widths show no significant evolution with event multiplicity or p(T). These findings suggest that the near-side ridge is accompanied by an essentially identical away-side ridge. (c) 2013 CERN. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 2. |
- Abelev, Betty, et al.
(author)
-
Measurement of prompt J/psi and beauty hadron production cross sections at mid-rapidity in pp collisions at root s=7 TeV
- 2012
-
In: Journal of High Energy Physics. - 1029-8479. ; :11
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The ALICE experiment at the LHC has studied J/psi production at mid-rapidity in pp collisions at root s = 7 TeV through its electron pair decay on a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity L-int = 5.6 nb(-1). The fraction of J/psi from the decay of long-lived beauty hadrons was determined for J/psi candidates with transverse momentum p(t) > 1,3 GeV/c and rapidity vertical bar y vertical bar < 0.9. The cross section for prompt J/psi mesons, i.e. directly produced J/psi and prompt decays of heavier charmonium states such as the psi(2S) and chi(c) resonances, is sigma(prompt J/psi) (p(t) > 1.3 GeV/c, vertical bar y vertical bar < 0.9) = 8.3 +/- 0.8(stat.) +/- 1.1 (syst.)(-1.4)(+1.5) (syst. pol.) mu b. The cross section for the production of b-hadrons decaying to J/psi with p(t) > 1.3 GeV/c and vertical bar y vertical bar < 0.9 is a sigma(J/psi <- hB) (p(t) > 1.3 GeV/c, vertical bar y vertical bar < 0.9) = 1.46 +/- 0.38 (stat.)(-0.32)(+0.26) (syst.) mu b. The results are compared to QCD model predictions. The shape of the p(t) and y distributions of b-quarks predicted by perturbative QCD model calculations are used to extrapolate the measured cross section to derive the b (b) over bar pair total cross section and d sigma/dy at mid-rapidity.
|
|
| 3. |
- Abelev, Betty, et al.
(author)
-
Underlying Event measurements in pp collisions at root s=0.9 and 7 TeV with the ALICE experiment at the LHC
- 2012
-
In: Journal of High Energy Physics. - 1029-8479. ; :7
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present measurements of Underlying Event observables in pp collisions at root s = 0 : 9 and 7 TeV. The analysis is performed as a function of the highest charged-particle transverse momentum p(T),L-T in the event. Different regions are defined with respect to the azimuthal direction of the leading (highest transverse momentum) track: Toward, Transverse and Away. The Toward and Away regions collect the fragmentation products of the hardest partonic interaction. The Transverse region is expected to be most sensitive to the Underlying Event activity. The study is performed with charged particles above three different p(T) thresholds: 0.15, 0.5 and 1.0 GeV/c. In the Transverse region we observe an increase in the multiplicity of a factor 2-3 between the lower and higher collision energies, depending on the track p(T) threshold considered. Data are compared to PYTHIA 6.4, PYTHIA 8.1 and PHOJET. On average, all models considered underestimate the multiplicity and summed p(T) in the Transverse region by about 10-30%.
|
|
| 4. |
- 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.
|
|
| 5. |
- Hudson, Lawrence N, et al.
(author)
-
The database of the PREDICTS (Projecting Responses of Ecological Diversity In Changing Terrestrial Systems) project
- 2017
-
In: Ecology and Evolution. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 2045-7758. ; 7:1, s. 145-188
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The PREDICTS project-Projecting Responses of Ecological Diversity In Changing Terrestrial Systems (www.predicts.org.uk)-has collated from published studies a large, reasonably representative database of comparable samples of biodiversity from multiple sites that differ in the nature or intensity of human impacts relating to land use. We have used this evidence base to develop global and regional statistical models of how local biodiversity responds to these measures. We describe and make freely available this 2016 release of the database, containing more than 3.2 million records sampled at over 26,000 locations and representing over 47,000 species. We outline how the database can help in answering a range of questions in ecology and conservation biology. To our knowledge, this is the largest and most geographically and taxonomically representative database of spatial comparisons of biodiversity that has been collated to date; it will be useful to researchers and international efforts wishing to model and understand the global status of biodiversity.
|
|
| 6. |
- Perucca, Giulia, et al.
(author)
-
Radiologic follow-up in Fontan-associated liver disease in Europe: European Society of Paediatric Radiology survey demonstrates the need for a consensus protocol
- 2021
-
In: Pediatric Radiology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0301-0449 .- 1432-1998. ; 51:13, s. 2607-2610
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Fontan surgery is a life-saving procedure for newborns with complex cardiac malformations, but it originates complications in different organs. The liver is also affected, with development of fibrosis and sometimes cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. There is no general agreement on how to follow-up these children for the development of liver disease. To understand the current practice on liver follow-up, we invited members of the European Society of Paediatric Radiology (ESPR) to fill out an online questionnaire. The survey comprised seven questions about when and how liver follow-up is performed on Fontan patients. While we found some agreement on the use of US as screening tool, and of MRI for nodule characterization, the discrepancies on timing and the lack of a shared protocol make it currently impossible to compare data among centers.
|
|
| 7. |
- Perucca, Giulia, et al.
(author)
-
Surveillance of Fontan-associated liver disease: current standards and a proposal from the European Society of Paediatric Radiology Abdominal Task Force
- 2021
-
In: Pediatric Radiology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0301-0449 .- 1432-1998. ; 51:13, s. 2598-2606
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Since Francis Fontan first introduced the eponymous technique, the Fontan procedure, this type of surgical palliation has allowed thousands of children affected by specific heart malformations to reach adulthood. Nevertheless, abdominal, thoracic, lymphatic and neurologic complications are the price that is paid by these patients. Our review focuses on Fontan-associated liver disease; the purpose is to summarize the current understanding of its physiopathology, the aim of follow-up and the specific radiologic follow-up performed in Europe. Finally, we as members of the Abdominal Task Force of the European Society of Paediatric Radiology propose a consensus-based imaging follow-up algorithm.
|
|
| 8. |
- Witjes, J. Alfred, et al.
(author)
-
EAU-ESMO Consensus Statements on the Management of Advanced and Variant Bladder Cancer – An International Collaborative Multistakeholder Effort : Under the Auspices of the EAU-ESMO Guidelines Committees
- 2020
-
In: European Urology. - : Elsevier. - 0302-2838 .- 1873-7560. ; 77:2, s. 223-250
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Although guidelines exist for advanced and variant bladder cancer management, evidence is limited/conflicting in some areas and the optimal approach remains controversial.OBJECTIVE: To bring together a large multidisciplinary group of experts to develop consensus statements on controversial topics in bladder cancer management.DESIGN: A steering committee compiled proposed statements regarding advanced and variant bladder cancer management which were assessed by 113 experts in a Delphi survey. Statements not reaching consensus were reviewed; those prioritised were revised by a panel of 45 experts prior to voting during a consensus conference.SETTING: Online Delphi survey and consensus conference.PARTICIPANTS: The European Association of Urology (EAU), the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), experts in bladder cancer management.OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statements were ranked by experts according to their level of agreement: 1-3 (disagree), 4-6 (equivocal), and 7-9 (agree). A priori (level 1) consensus was defined as ≥70% agreement and ≤15% disagreement, or vice versa. In the Delphi survey, a second analysis was restricted to stakeholder group(s) considered to have adequate expertise relating to each statement (to achieve level 2 consensus).RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Overall, 116 statements were included in the Delphi survey. Of these statements, 33 (28%) achieved level 1 consensus and 49 (42%) achieved level 1 or 2 consensus. At the consensus conference, 22 of 27 (81%) statements achieved consensus. These consensus statements provide further guidance across a broad range of topics, including the management of variant histologies, the role/limitations of prognostic biomarkers in clinical decision making, bladder preservation strategies, modern radiotherapy techniques, the management of oligometastatic disease, and the evolving role of checkpoint inhibitor therapy in metastatic disease.CONCLUSIONS: These consensus statements provide further guidance on controversial topics in advanced and variant bladder cancer management until a time when further evidence is available to guide our approach.PATIENT SUMMARY: This report summarises findings from an international, multistakeholder project organised by the EAU and ESMO. In this project, a steering committee identified areas of bladder cancer management where there is currently no good-quality evidence to guide treatment decisions. From this, they developed a series of proposed statements, 71 of which achieved consensus by a large group of experts in the field of bladder cancer. It is anticipated that these statements will provide further guidance to health care professionals and could help improve patient outcomes until a time when good-quality evidence is available.
|
|
| 9. |
- Abend, Sven, et al.
(author)
-
Terrestrial very-long-baseline atom interferometry : Workshop summary
- 2024
-
In: AVS Quantum Science. - : American Institute of Physics (AIP). - 2639-0213. ; 6:2
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This document presents a summary of the 2023 Terrestrial Very-Long-Baseline Atom Interferometry Workshop hosted by CERN. The workshop brought together experts from around the world to discuss the exciting developments in large-scale atom interferometer (AI) prototypes and their potential for detecting ultralight dark matter and gravitational waves. The primary objective of the workshop was to lay the groundwork for an international TVLBAI proto-collaboration. This collaboration aims to unite researchers from different institutions to strategize and secure funding for terrestrial large-scale AI projects. The ultimate goal is to create a roadmap detailing the design and technology choices for one or more kilometer--scale detectors, which will be operational in the mid-2030s. The key sections of this report present the physics case and technical challenges, together with a comprehensive overview of the discussions at the workshop together with the main conclusions.
|
|
| 10. |
- Arrazola Vasquez, Elsa Maria, et al.
(author)
-
Estimating energy costs of earthworm burrowing using calorimetry
- 2024
-
In: European Journal of Soil Biology. - 1164-5563 .- 1778-3615. ; 121
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Earthworm burrowing is essential for soil functioning in temperate climates. It is known that soil compaction hampers earthworm burrowing, but there is a lack of knowledge on how it affects the energy costs of earthworms. In the present study, we used respirometry and isothermal calorimetry to quantify earthworm respiration rates and heat dissipation in two endogeic species, Aporrectodea caliginosa and Aporrectodea tuberculata , in compacted and non -compacted soils. We put the measured respiration rates and heat dissipation in relation to the burrow volume and cast volume produced by the earthworms. We found that at higher compaction levels, respiration rates and dissipated heat increased for both studied species. The energy costs associated with burrowing were a significant fraction of the total energy costs. Our results indicate that energy costs per burrow volume increase due to compaction, and that the specific energy costs for burrowing (i.e., per gram earthworm) were lower for A. tuberculata than for A. caliginosa . Further studies are needed to confirm our results. We discuss the potential and current limitations of isothermal calorimetry as a method for direct quantification of energy costs of earthworms. There is a need for further studies that quantify how energy costs of burrowing are affected by various soil conditions, to better predict the implications of land use and soil management on soil processes and functions mediated by earthworm burrowing.
|
|
| 11. |
- Blomqvist, Maria, et al.
(author)
-
Chlamydia psittaci in birds of prey, Sweden
- 2012
-
In: Infection Ecology and Epidemiology. - 2000-8686. ; 2, s. 8435-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Chlamydia psittaci is an intracellular bacterium primarily causing respiratory diseases in birds but may also be transmitted to other animals, including humans. The prevalence of the pathogen in wild birds in Sweden is largely unknown. Methods: DNA was extracted from cloacae swabs and screened for C. psittaci by using a 23S rRNA gene PCR assay. Partial 16S rRNA and ompA gene fragments were sequence determined and phylogenies were analysed by the neighbour-joining method. Results and conclusion: The C. psittaci prevalence was 1.3% in 319 Peregrine Falcons and White-tailed Sea Eagles, vulnerable top-predators in Sweden. 16S rRNA and ompA gene analysis showed that novel Chlamydia species, as well as novel C. psittaci strains, are to be found among wild birds.
|
|
| 12. |
- Blomqvist, Maria, et al.
(author)
-
Chlamydia psittaci in Swedish Wetland Birds : A Risk to Zoonotic Infection?
- 2012
-
In: Avian diseases. - 0005-2086 .- 1938-4351. ; 56:4, s. 737-740
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Chlamydia psittaci in birds may be transmitted to humans and cause respiratory infections, sometimes as severe disease. Our study investigated the C. psittaci prevalence in migratory birds in Sweden by real-time PCR. Fecal specimens or cloacal swabs were collected from 497 birds from 22 different species, mainly mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), at two bird observatories in Sweden. DNA from C. psittaci was found in six (1.2%) birds from three different species. Five of the positive specimens were infected with four novel strains of C. psittaci, based on sequencing of partial 16S rRNA gene and ompA gene, and the sixth was indentified as a recently described Chlamydiaceae-like bacterium. Considering exposure to humans it is concluded that the risk of zoonotic infection is low.
|
|
| 13. |
- Blomqvist, Maria, et al.
(author)
-
Chlamydophila psittaci in birds of prey, Sweden
- 2012
-
In: Infection Ecology & Epidemiology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 2000-8686. ; 2
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Chlamydia psittaci is an intracellular bacterium primarily causing respiratory diseases in birds but may also be transmitted to other animals, including humans. The prevalence of the pathogen in wild birds in Sweden is largely unknown.Methods: DNA was extracted from cloacae swabs and screened for C. psittaci by using a 23S rRNA gene PCR assay. Partial 16S rRNA and ompA gene fragments were sequence determined and phylogenies were analysed by the neighbour-joining method.Results and conclusion: The C. psittaci prevalence was 1.3% in 319 Peregrine Falcons and White-tailed Sea Eagles, vulnerable top-predators in Sweden. 16S rRNA and ompA gene analysis showed that novel Chlamydia species, as well as novel C. psittaci strains, are to be found among wild birds.
|
|
| 14. |
|
|
| 15. |
- Buttner, Karina Andrea, et al.
(author)
-
ompA Sequencing and Multilocus Sequence Typing of Lymphogranuloma Venereum Cases in Buenos Aires Reveal New Chlamydia trachomatis Genotypes
- 2024
-
In: Microorganisms. - : MDPI. - 2076-2607. ; 12:3
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Since the Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) outbreak was first described in Buenos Aires in 2017, the detected strains presented peculiar characteristics. Our goal was to increase the understanding of the strains involved in the LGV outbreak in Argentina. We characterized the ompA gene sequences, using Sanger sequencing, of 88 LGV strains from 239 symptomatic patients in Buenos Aires enrolled between 2017 and 2019, and selected 20 C. trachomatis strains for further characterization using Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST). Following the ompA gene analysis of the 88 LGV strains, we detected 43% L2b, 31% L1-like, and 26% L2. Among the 38 L2b samples analyzed, there were 7 distinct sequences, 3 of them not previously reported (L2bv12, L2bv13, and L2bv14). Additionally, we detected a strain with a new mutation (AM884176.1:g.59122A>T) found in the position defining L2 or L2b, proposed as L2i. Using MLST, five different sequence types (STs) were detected, including the ST2 (corresponding to the L1-like strains) and a new one (ST60). ST58 was associated with the concomitant presence of another STI and HIV. A high genetic diversity in C. trachomatis LGV strains in Argentina was observed in a short period of time, with a relatively low number of samples from a limited geographical area.
|
|
| 16. |
- Christerson, Linus, et al.
(author)
-
A novel Chlamydiaceae-like bacterium found in faecal specimens from sea birds from the Bering Sea
- 2010
-
In: Environmental Microbiology Reports. - : Wiley. - 1758-2229. ; 2:4, s. 605-610
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The family Chlamydiaceae contains several bacterial pathogens of important human and veterinary medical concern, such as Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydophila psittaci. Within the order Chlamydiales there are also an increasing number of chlamydia-like bacteria whose biodiversity, host range and environmental spread seem to have been largely underestimated, and which are currently being investigated for their potential medical relevance. In this study we present 16S rRNA, rnpB and ompA gene sequence data congruently indicating a novel chlamydia-like bacterium found in faecal specimens from opportunistic fish-eating sea birds, belonging to the Laridae and Alcidae families, from the Bering Sea. This novel bacterium appears to be closer to the Chlamydiaceae than other chlamydia-like bacteria and is most likely a novel genus within the Chlamydiaceae family.
|
|
| 17. |
- De la Cadena, Alejandro, et al.
(author)
-
Intermolecular exciton-exciton annihilation in phospholipid vesicles doped with [Ru(bpy)(2)dppz](2+)
- 2016
-
In: Chemical Physics Letters. - : Elsevier BV. - 0009-2614. ; 644, s. 56-61
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The ultrafast photophysics of [Ru(bpy)(2)dppz](2+) (dppz = dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]-phenazine) embedded into the walls of phospholipid vesicles has been studied by femtosecond time-resolved pump-probe spectroscopy. While [Ru(bpy)(2)dppz](2+) has been studied intensively with respect to its intramolecular charge transfer processes, which are associated with the well known light-switch effect, this study focuses on intermolecular energy transfer processes taking place upon dense packing of the complexes into a phospholipid membrane composed of dipalmitoyl-t-a-phosphatidylglycerol, which can be thought of as a simplistic model of a cellular membrane. The data indicate additional quenching of excited [Ru(bpy)(2)dppz](2+) upon increasing the pump-pulse intensity. Hence, the observed photophysics, which is assigned to the presence of intermolecular exciton-exciton annihilation at high pump-intensities, might be related to the ultrafast photophysics of [Ru(bpy)(2)dppz](2+) when used as a chromophore to stain cells, an effect that may be taken into account during the employment of novel cellular markers based on Ru polypyridine complexes. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 18. |
- Dubouis, Ghislain, et al.
(author)
-
It starts at home? Climate policies targeting household consumption and behavioral decisions are key to low-carbon futures
- 2019
-
In: Energy Research & Social Science. - : Elsevier. - 2214-6296 .- 2214-6326. ; 52, s. 144-158
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Through their consumption behavior, households are responsible for 72% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, they are key actors in reaching the 1.5°C goal under the Paris Agreement. However, the possible contribution and position of households in climate policies is neither well understood, nor do households receive sufficiently high priority in current climate policy strategies. This paper investigates how behavioral change can achieve a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in European high-income countries. It uses theoretical thinking and some core results from the HOPE research project, which investigated household preferences for reducing emissions in four European cities in France, Germany, Norway and Sweden. The paper makes five major points: First, car and plane mobility, meat and dairy consumption, as well as heating are the most dominant components of household footprints. Second, household living situations (demographics, size of home) greatly influence the household potential to reduce their footprint, even more than country or city location. Third, household decisions can be sequential and temporally dynamic, shifting through different phases such as childhood, adulthood, and illness. Fourth, short term voluntary efforts will not be sufficient by themselves to achieve the drastic reductions needed to achieve the 1.5°C goal; instead, households need a regulatory framework supporting their behavioral changes. Fifth, there is a mismatch between the roles and responsibilities conveyed by current climate policies and household perceptions of responsibility. We then conclude with further recommendations for research and policy.
|
|
| 19. |
- Fages, Anne, et al.
(author)
-
Investigating sources of variability in metabolomic data in the EPIC study : the Principal Component Partial R-square (PC-PR2) method
- 2014
-
In: Metabolomics. - : Springer. - 1573-3882 .- 1573-3890. ; 10:6, s. 1074-1083
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The key goal of metabolomic studies is to identify relevant individual biomarkers or composite metabolic patterns associated with particular disease status or patho-physiological conditions. There are currently very few approaches to evaluate the variability of metabolomic data in terms of characteristics of individuals or aspects pertaining to technical processing. To address this issue, a method was developed to identify and quantify the contribution of relevant sources of variation in metabolomic data prior to investigation of etiological hypotheses. The Principal Component Partial R-square (PC-PR2) method combines features of principal component and of multivariable linear regression analyses. Within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and nutrition (EPIC), metabolic profiles were determined by H-1 NMR analysis on 807 serum samples originating from a nested liver cancer case-control study. PC-PR2 was used to quantify the variability of metabolomic profiles in terms of study subjects age, sex, body mass index, country of origin, smoking status, diabetes and fasting status, as well as factors related to sample processing. PC-PR2 enables the evaluation of important sources of variations in metabolomic studies within large-scale epidemiological investigations.
|
|
| 20. |
- Fages, Anne, et al.
(author)
-
Metabolomic profiles of hepatocellular carcinoma in a European prospective cohort.
- 2015
-
In: BMC Medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1741-7015. ; 13:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent form of liver cancer, is difficult to diagnose and has limited treatment options with a low survival rate. Aside from a few key risk factors, such as hepatitis, high alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, and diabetes, there is incomplete etiologic understanding of the disease and little progress in identification of early risk biomarkers.
|
|
| 21. |
-
Food security in the High North : contemporary challenges across the circumpolar region
- 2021
-
Editorial collection (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This book explores the challenges facing food security, sustainability, sover-eignty, and supply chains in the Arctic, with a specific focus on Indigenous Peoples.Offering multidisciplinary insights with a particular focus on populations in the European High North region, the book highlights the importance of accessible and sustainable traditional foods for the dietary needs of local and Indigenous Peoples. It focuses on foods and natural products that are unique to this region and considers how they play a significant role towards food security and sovereignty. The book captures the tremendous com-plexity facing populations here as they strive to maintain sustainable food systems – both subsistent and commercial – and regain sovereignty over tra-ditional food production policies. A range of issues are explored from food contamination risks, due to increasing human activities in the region, such as mining, to changing livelihoods and gender roles in the maintenance of traditional food security and sovereignty. The book also considers process-ing methods that combine indigenous and traditional knowledge to convert the traditional foods, which are harvested or hunted, into local foods.This book offers a broader understanding of food security and sovereignty, and will be of interest to academics, scholars, and policy makers working in food studies, geography and environmental studies, agricultural studies, so-ciology, anthropology, political science, health studies, and biology.
|
|
| 22. |
-
Food security in the high north : contemporary challenges across the circumpolar region
- 2021
-
Editorial collection (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This book explores the challenges facing food security, sustainability, sovereignty, and supply chains in the Arctic, with a specific focus on Indigenous Peoples. Offering multidisciplinary insights and with a particular focus on populations in the European High North region, the book highlights the importance of accessible and sustainable traditional foods for the dietary needs of local and Indigenous Peoples. It focuses on foods and natural products that are unique to this region and considers how they play a significant role towards food security and sovereignty. The book captures the tremendous complexity facing populations here as they strive to maintain sustainable food systems - both subsistent and commercial - and regain sovereignty over traditional food production policies. A range of issues are explored including food contamination risks, due to increasing human activities in the region, such as mining, to changing livelihoods and gender roles in the maintenance of traditional food security and sovereignty. The book also considers processing methods that combine indigenous and traditional knowledge to convert the traditional foods, that are harvested and hunted, into local foods. This book offers a broader understanding of food security and sovereignty and will be of interest to academics, scholars and policy makers working in food studies; geography and environmental studies; agricultural studies; sociology; anthropology; political science; health studies and biology.
|
|
| 23. |
- Forteza, Maria J., et al.
(author)
-
Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase regulates vascular inflammation in atherosclerosis and increases cardiovascular risk
- 2023
-
In: Cardiovascular Research. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0008-6363 .- 1755-3245. ; 119:7, s. 1524-1536
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Recent studies have revealed a close connection between cellular metabolism and the chronic inflammatory process of atherosclerosis. While the link between systemic metabolism and atherosclerosis is well established, the implications of altered metabolism in the artery wall are less understood. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK)-dependent inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) has been identified as a major metabolic step regulating inflammation. Whether the PDK/PDH axis plays a role in vascular inflammation and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains unclear. Methods and results Gene profiling of human atherosclerotic plaques revealed a strong correlation between PDK1 and PDK4 transcript levels and the expression of pro-inflammatory and destabilizing genes. Remarkably, the PDK1 and PDK4 expression correlated with a more vulnerable plaque phenotype, and PDK1 expression was found to predict future major adverse cardiovascular events. Using the small-molecule PDK inhibitor dichloroacetate (DCA) that restores arterial PDH activity, we demonstrated that the PDK/PDH axis is a major immunometabolic pathway, regulating immune cell polarization, plaque development, and fibrous cap formation in Apoe−/− mice. Surprisingly, we discovered that DCA regulates succinate release and mitigates its GPR91-dependent signals promoting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL-1β secretion by macrophages in the plaque. Conclusions We have demonstrated for the first time that the PDK/PDH axis is associated with vascular inflammation in humans and particularly that the PDK1 isozyme is associated with more severe disease and could predict secondary cardiovascular events. Moreover, we demonstrate that targeting the PDK/PDH axis with DCA skews the immune system, inhibits vascular inflammation and atherogenesis, and promotes plaque stability features in Apoe−/− mice. These results point toward a promising treatment to combat atherosclerosis.
|
|
| 24. |
- Grandahl, Maria, et al.
(author)
-
‘To be on the safe side’ : a qualitative study regarding users’ beliefs and experiences of internet-based self-sampling for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae testing
- 2020
-
In: BMJ Open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 10:12
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: In Sweden, an increasing number of tests for sexually transmitted infections are conducted. Self-sampling services are provided free of charge at the national eHealth website. Our aim was to obtain a deeper understanding of users' beliefs and experiences of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) self-sampling services. Methods: This qualitative study is part of the national project 'Internet-based chlamydia and gonorrhoea self-sampling test', conducted in Sweden. Individuals ordering a CT/NG self-sampling test at home from the eHealth website were invited to participate. Of the 114 individuals who agreed, a purposeful sample including 20 women and men aged 18-49 years (mean, 30.8 years) participated in a telephone interview in 2019. Results: The test service for CT/NG was highly appreciated by men and women of different ages. Round-the-clock accessibility, avoiding clinical visits, ease of use, confidentiality and a rapid test result were reasons for this appreciation. Language, uncertainty about the correct sampling procedure, unreliable postal services and concerns about handling of personal data were mentioned as barriers. Reasons for testing were checking after unprotected sex, symptoms, checking a partner's fidelity or a regular routine-'to be on the safe side'. Knowledge about the infections and their consequences was limited; some considered them severe, especially if they could threaten fertility, and others were less concerned. Disclosing an infection was described as emotionally stressful. Participants had high self-efficacy in relation to the test and would not hesitate to use the service again, even if it involved a cost. Conclusions: Internet-based CT/NG self-sampling at home was highly appreciated and was used for individual health reasons, but also out of concern for others' health and for society as a whole. The benefits seem to outweigh the barriers, and the service may therefore continue to be widely offered.
|
|
| 25. |
- Grandahl, Maria, et al.
(author)
-
Users' Opinions of Internet-based Self-sampling Tests for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Sweden
- 2020
-
In: Acta Dermato-Venereologica. - : Medical Journals Sweden AB. - 0001-5555 .- 1651-2057. ; 100:18
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Internet-based testing for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a public health service in Sweden. However, knowledge about users of the service is limited. This study examined experiences of using the C. trachomatis/N. gonorrhoeae self-sampling service. Individuals ordering a free-of-charge C. trachomatis/N. gonorrhoeae self-sampling test from an eHealth website in 2018/2019 were invited to complete a questionnaire. Of the 1,785 participants 69.4% were women. The majority of participants (77.1%) were single and heterosexual (88.2%) and 5.3% of samples tested positive. The self-sampling service was appreciated, with > 90% considering it good/very good. The main reason subjects gave for testing was to check their health after unprotected sex (72.9%). Almost half (44.7%) had regretted having sex after alcohol intake. Differences in attitudes were seen between categories: born vs not born in Sweden, employed vs student, single vs married/having a partner. Participants were happy with the self-sampling test service, and sexual risk behaviours motivated use of the test.
|
|
| 26. |
- Herrmann, Alina, et al.
(author)
-
Household preferences for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in four European high-income countries : Does health information matter? A mixed-methods study protocol
- 2017
-
In: BMC Public Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2458. ; 18
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: It is now universally acknowledged that climate change constitutes a major threat to human health. At the same time, some of the measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, so-called climate change mitigation measures, have significant health co-benefits (e.g., walking or cycling more; eating less meat). The goal of limiting global warming to 1,5° Celsius set by the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris in 2015 can only be reached if all stakeholders, including households, take actions to mitigate climate change. Results on whether framing mitigation measures in terms of their health co-benefits increases the likelihood of their implementation are inconsistent. The present study protocol describes the transdisciplinary project HOPE (HOuseholds’ Preferences for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in four European high-income countries) that investigates the role of health co-benefits in households’ decision making on climate change mitigation measures in urban households in France, Germany, Norway and Sweden.Methods: HOPE employs a mixed-methods approach combining status-quo carbon footprint assessments, simulations of the reduction of households’ carbon footprints, and qualitative in-depth interviews with a subgroup of households. Furthermore, a policy analysis of current household oriented climate policies is conducted. In the simulation of the reduction of households’ carbon footprints, half of the households are provided with information on health co-benefits of climate change mitigation measures, the other half is not. Households’ willingness to implement the measures is assessed and compared in between-group analyses of variance.Discussion: This is one of the first comprehensive mixed-methods approaches to investigate which mitigation measures households are most willing to implement in order to reach the 1,5° target set by the Paris Agreement, and whether health co-benefits can serve as a motivator for households to implement these measures. The comparison of the empirical data with current climate policies will provide knowledge for tailoring effective climate change mitigation and health policies.
|
|
| 27. |
|
|
| 28. |
- Herrmann, Alina, et al.
(author)
-
The Role of Health in Households' Balancing Act for Lifestyles Compatible with the Paris Agreement : Qualitative Results from Mannheim, Germany
- 2020
-
In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 17:4
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Household lifestyles are the main drivers of climate change. Climate change mitigation measures directed to households often have substantial health co-benefits. The European mixed-methods study HOPE (HOuseholds' Preferences for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in four European high-income countries) investigates households' preferences for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and particularly researches the role of information on health co-benefits in households' decision making. The results presented in this study are derived from 18 qualitative interviews, conducted with a subsample of households from Mannheim, Germany. The in-depth interviews were transcribed verbatim, analyzed with a qualitative content analysis, supported by NVivo software. They showed that, in order to reduce their greenhouse gas emission in a way compatible with the 1.5 °C goal, households have to undertake a difficult balancing act, considering factors from the individual sphere, such as health co-benefits, as well as from the public sphere, such as (climate) policies. Shared responsibility and equity are important aspects of households. In conclusion, health is an important factor in households' decision making. However, information policies about health co-benefits need to go along with structural policy measures, in order to support households effectively in the implementation of healthy and climate-friendly lifestyles, especially in sectors where behavior change is difficult, like the mobility sector.
|
|
| 29. |
- Herrmann, Björn, et al.
(author)
-
Chlamydia trachomatis testing : a national evaluation of internet based self-sampling in sweden
- 2019
-
In: Sexually Transmitted Infections. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 1368-4973 .- 1472-3263. ; 95, s. A72-A72
-
Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Background Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) testing in Sweden is free of charge and now exceeds 600,000 annual tests in a population of 10 million. These tests include internet-based self-sampling tests, a service that gradually has been implemented as a part of routine diagnostics in all 21 counties. To our knowledge Sweden is the country with the highest coverage of internet based self-sampling for CT. This study evaluates the diagnostic outcome for self-sampling.Methods Requests for both self-sampling at home and clinic based sampling for CT-testing were sent to the laboratories in 18 of 21 counties. All 18 counties provided data on self-sampling in 2017 and 12 counties (representing 80% of the population) provided data on both self-collected samples at home and clinic based testing for the years 2013 to 2017.Results The proportion of self-sampling increased from 12.9% in 2013 to 17.8% in 2016 when compared to national chlamydia test figures. Between 23% and 26% of delivered test kits were never sent back for analysis during 2013–2017. In analysis of 12 counties self-sampling increased by 110% between 2013 (n=32,993) and 2017 (n=69,181) for women, compared to 67% for men (2013: n=21,008; 2017: n=35,091). Test volumes for clinic based sampling was fairly constant for both sexes (women 2013 n=245,274; 2017 n=243,338; men 2013 n=97,519; 2017 n=110,617). The proportion of men was 36% for self-sampling compared to 30% (p<0,00001) for clinic based sampling, and the positivity rate decreased for both groups from 2013 to 2017 (7,8% to 7,1% (p<0,01)) vs 9.1% to 7.0% (p<0,0001)). Corresponding figures for women went from 5.3% to 4.6% (p<0,0001)and from 4.9% to 4.1% (p<0,0001).Conclusion Self-sampling has increased significantly in recent years, especially among women.The positivity rate is similar in self-collected and clinic collected samples.Self-sampling reaches men more than clinic based testing, but not as much as expected.Disclosure No significant relationships.
|
|
| 30. |
|
|
| 31. |
- Herrmann, Inga, et al.
(author)
-
Effect of temperature on the performance of laboratory-scale phosphorus-removing filter beds in on-site wastewater treatment
- 2014
-
In: Chemosphere. - : Elsevier BV. - 0045-6535 .- 1879-1298. ; 117, s. 360-366
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- P-sorbing filter beds appear to be viable options for treating wastewater to reduce P discharges and recover this non-renewable resource. However, greater knowledge of filters’ responses to temperature variations is required to assess their likely performance in full-scale applications and facilitate the transfer of laboratory results to the field. Thus, in the present study two filter materials (Top16 and Polonite) were characterized physicochemically and effects of temperature on their performance were investigated under controlled laboratory conditions. Using a 22 factorial design and secondary wastewater eight filter columns were tested at temperatures of 4.3 °C and 16.5 °C. Temperature significantly (α = 0.05) and strongly affected the P binding capacity of both materials, as it was 1.2- and 1.5-fold higher at 16.5 °C than at 4.3 °C for Top16 and Polonite, respectively. This is probably due to the enhanced precipitation of calcium phosphates at higher temperature. Observed reductions in total organic carbon content in the wastewater were also positively correlated with temperature, while the pH and reduction of dissolved organic carbon remained unaffected. The physicochemical analyses indicated that several calcium phases dissolved from the filter materials, primarily gypsum and bassanite from Top16 and Portlandite from Polonite. No clear evidence of any crystalline calcium phosphates was observed in the used materials. The results clearly show that temperature strongly influences the retention of P in filters and its effects should be carefully considered before using candidate filters in full-scale applications.
|
|
| 32. |
- Herrmann, Inga, et al.
(author)
-
Enhancing the reliability of laboratory phosphorus filter tests: effect of influent properties and interpretation of effluent parameters
- 2014
-
In: Water, Air and Soil Pollution. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0049-6979 .- 1573-2932. ; 225:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Filtration can be a convenient technique for removing phosphorus (P) at on-site wastewater treatment facilities to recycle this non-renewable element. When testing potentially suitable materials for these filters, the properties of the influent and the method used to analyse measured effluent concentrations both affect the P binding capacity determined in filter tests and therewith filter longevity predictions. At present, there is a lack of robust methods for material investigation and filter test interpretation. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of inflow PO4-P concentrations (concentration) and hydraulic surface load (load) on P binding capacity and to analyse possible interpretations of laboratory filter tests. A 22 factorial experiment with replicates was performed on the calcium-based filter material Filtra P. The investigated concentrations ranged from 12 to 50 mg L-1 and loads from 419 to 1,023 L m-2 day-1. P binding capacity (calculated by mass balance including data until PO4-P breakthrough point) was negatively affected by concentration and positively affected by load, with the effect of concentration being slightly greater. Depending on the factors' settings and on the method of evaluation (i.e. analysing all pre-saturation data or considering only pre-breakthrough results), the total measured P binding capacity varied between 2.2 and 9.0 g kg-1. The part of the breakthrough curve between the breakthrough point and saturation contributed significantly to the measured P binding capacity, and it took about three times longer for the filters to become saturated than to reach breakthrough. Furthermore, a considerable amount of P that had reacted with the filter material was washed out of the filters as particle-bound P. This indicates that it is important to determine both the PO4-P and the particle-bound P phases in the filter effluent
|
|
| 33. |
|
|
| 34. |
|
|
| 35. |
- Herrmann, Inga, et al.
(author)
-
Modeling phosphate transport and removal in a compact bed filled with a mineral-based sorbent for domestic wastewater treatment
- 2013
-
In: Journal of Contaminant Hydrology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-7722 .- 1873-6009. ; 154, s. 70-77
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Phosphorus filter units containing mineral-based sorbents with a high phosphate (PO4) binding capacity have been shown to be appropriate for removing PO4 in the treatment of domestic wastewater in on-site facilities. However, a better understanding of their PO4 removal mechanisms, and reactions that could lead to the formation of PO4 compounds, is required to evaluate the potential utility of candidate sorbents. Models based on data obtained from laboratory-scale experiments with columns of selected materials can be valuable for acquiring such understanding. Thus, in this study the transport and removal of PO4 in experiments with a laboratory-scale column filled with a commercial silicate-based sorbent were modeled, using the hydro-geochemical transport code PHREEQC. The resulting models, that incorporated the dissolution of calcite, kinetic constrains for the dissolution of calcium oxide (CaO) and wollastonite (CaSiO3), and the precipitation of amorphous tricalcium phosphate, Ca3(PO 4)2, successfully simulated the removal of PO4 observed in the experiments.
|
|
| 36. |
- Herrmann, Inga, et al.
(author)
-
Phosphorus binding to Filtra P in batch tests
- 2012
-
In: Environmental technology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0959-3330 .- 1479-487X. ; 33:9, s. 1013-1019
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Recent guidelines from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency recommend stricter regulations for phosphorus (P) reduction in small-scale wastewater treatment, which raises the need for additional and novel treatment steps in small-scale facilities. Following a biological pre-treatment, filter systems can be a convenient option. In this study, the P binding capacity of the filter material Filtra P was investigated in batch tests. The batch test method was evaluated with respect to the effects of liquid-to-solid ratio and particle size on P binding capacity. For initial concentrations (ci ) between 3 and 100 mg L−1, the P in the solution was completely and rapidly bound to the material, indicating that Filtra P was an efficient substrate for this process. The maximum amount of bound P was 4.3 ± 0.64 g kg−1 at c i = 300 mg L−1. P binding capacity and turbidity measured in the supernatant correlated positively. Turbidity was probably caused by calcium-P-precipitates suggesting precipitation was the major removal mechanism. Neither liquid-to-solid ratio, nor particle size, affected P binding capacity significantly (α = 0.05) at ci = 1000 mg L−1, confirming that the conditions used in the batch tests were appropriate. In full-scale applications, the precipitate formed may be at risk of being washed out of the filter, leading to low total P reduction and recovery.
|
|
| 37. |
- Herrmann, Inga, et al.
(author)
-
Phosphorus fluxes and recovery options in the wastewater system of the city of Luleå, Northern Sweden
- 2012
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Phosphorus fluxes in Sweden’s municipal wastewater systems are barely known today and phosphorus recovery is poor in many systems. Further, there are about one million on-site treatment facilities, of which a majority has a low phosphorus capturing potential. There is a need to identify phosphorus losses and recovery options in the systems to increase phosphorus recovery both on centralised and decentralised level. This study focuses on the municipality of Luleå, northern Sweden. Luleå’s sanitary system is partly centralised (discharging to a WWTP with a moving bed biofilm reactor and chemical phosphorus precipitation) and partly decentralised (with several small-scale or on-site treatment facilities). The aim of this study is to identify and quantify phosphorus fluxes, including phosphorus recovery rates and losses, in the municipality’s existing sanitary system. Furthermore, alternative and innovative sanitary systems are analysed towards their phosphorus fluxes and recovery options. The study therefore contributes to more sustainable sanitation systems
|
|
| 38. |
|
|
| 39. |
- Herrmann, Inga, et al.
(author)
-
The effect of hydraulic loading rate and influent source on the binding capacity of phosphorus filters
- 2013
-
In: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 8:8
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Sorption by active filter media can be a convenient option for phosphorus (P) removal and recovery from wastewater for on-site treatment systems. There is a need for a robust laboratory method for the investigation of filter materials to enable a reliable estimation of their longevity. The objectives of this study were to (1) investigate and (2) quantify the effect of hydraulic loading rate and influent source (secondary wastewater and synthetic phosphate solution) on P binding capacity determined in laboratory column tests and (3) to study how much time is needed for the P to react with the filter material (reaction time). To study the effects of these factors, a 22 factorial experiment with 11 filter columns was performed. The reaction time was studied in a batch experiment. Both factors significantly (α = 0.05) affected the P binding capacity negatively, but the interaction of the two factors was not significant. Increasing the loading rate from 100 to 1200 L m-2 d-1 decreased P binding capacity from 1.152 to 0.070 g kg-1 for wastewater filters and from 1.382 to 0.300 g kg-1 for phosphate solution filters. At a loading rate of 100 L m-2 d-1, the average P binding capacity of wastewater filters was 1.152 g kg-1 as opposed to 1.382 g kg-1 for phosphate solution filters. Therefore, influent source or hydraulic loading rate should be carefully controlled in the laboratory. When phosphate solution and wastewater were used, the reaction times for the filters to remove P were determined to be 5 and 15 minutes, respectively, suggesting that a short residence time is required. However, breakthrough in this study occurred unexpectedly quickly, implying that more time is needed for the P that has reacted to be physically retained in the filter.
|
|
| 40. |
|
|
| 41. |
- Herrmann, Inga, 1978-, et al.
(author)
-
Treatment of Phosphorus and Bacteria in Filters used for On-Site Sanitation in Cold Climate
- 2016
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Swedish rural on-site wastewater facilities need to reduce the phosphorus (P) concentrations in the wastewater to prevent eutrophication of the Baltic Sea, as well as the bacteria concentrations to comply with EU standards for bathing water quality. The aim of this study was to investigate two different on-site filter systems at full-scale, sand filters and (often subsequently used) alkaline P filters towards their performance to treat P and bacteria from domestic wastewater. Flow-proportional composite samples were taken from five sand filter beds and two P filters. Four of the five investigated sand filters considerably reduced the concentration of total P in the wastewater. However, infiltrating soil / ground water may have diluted the effluents. The investigated P filters varied in performance. While one of them treated P effectively, the other one performed poorly, probably due to old age and clogging. Low inlet P concentrations impeded the general assessment of the P filters’ efficiency. Concentrations of four indicator bacteria, intestinal enterococci, E. coli, total coliforms and C. perfringens, were considerably reduced in four of the five investigated sand filter beds. Bacteria removal in the two investigated P filters was difficult to assess because of low bacteria concentrations in the influents.
|
|
| 42. |
- Herrmann, Maria, et al.
(author)
-
40Ar/39Ar age evidence for an impact-generated hydrothermal system in the Devonian Siljan crater, Sweden
- 2021
-
In: Large Meteorite Impacts and Planetary Evolution VI. - : Geological Society of America. - 0072-1077. - 9780813795508 ; 550, s. 569-583
-
Book chapter (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Crater-forming events are generally followed by the development of hydrothermal systems due to the rapid heating of the target rock. Such hydrothermal systems are a feature of nearly all large terrestrial impact structures. For the Siljan impact structure in Sweden, there is evidence for such a fossil hydrothermal system, possibly triggered by the impact event ca. 380 Ma. To investigate the thermal regime of the near-surface hydrothermal activity of the Siljan crater, biotite and amphibole grains extracted from samples collected in a transect across the high-pressure regime recorded by the central uplift, as well as from distal localities outside the central uplift of the crater, were dated using the 40Ar/39Ar laser step-heating technique. Our results show that biotite from inside the central uplift, which was strongly altered to chlorite by low-temperature (200-340°C) hydrothermal reactions, yields strongly disturbed age spectra. The first and second (low laser power) step ages range from ca. 1300 to 190 Ma. In contrast, biotite from outside the central uplift and amphibole, irrespective of location inside or outside of the central uplift, are much less altered, which is reflected in less disturbed, near-flat age spectra. This result indicates that the hydrothermal temperatures inside the central uplift were >200°C, sufficient to disturb the K-Ar system of biotite during its chloritization, but too low to affect the amphibole (closure temperature of 480-580°C). In contrast, the temperature of the hydrothermal system outside of the central uplift was <200°C, as no significant reset of the K-Ar system can be observed in either biotite or amphibole. Our results are consistent with estimated trapping temperatures from fluid inclusion studies, which show a decrease from 327-342°C within the central uplift to 40-225°C toward outside the central uplift. We conclude that the near-surface hydrothermal system in the Siljan impact structure was an impact-triggered system. This system was strongly active, with its highest temperature inside the central uplift and decreasing rapidly toward the outlying part of the crater.
|
|
| 43. |
- Herrmann, Maria
(author)
-
Geochronology of impact structures - constraining syn- and post-impact processes using the 40Ar/39Ar and U-Pb techniques
- 2020
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The discovery, at the beginning of the 20th century, that elements can transform into other elements, due to the spontaneous decay of an instable to a stable atomic nuclei, gave rise to a powerful source for age information in many fields of earth science. For impact structures, it is crucial to establish well-defined and precise ages in order to understand how impact events affect the Earth’s geo and biosphere and also with regard to possible future events that can have devastating effects on our civilization.During the impact cratering process immense amount of energy is released in relatively short time, resulting in extreme temperature and pressure conditions that can even melt and vaporize rocks. The thermal impact is so high that in consequence, the composition between instable and stable nuclei in a melted rock or mineral is changed due to the loss of stable nuclei through diffusion. Thus, the atomic or isotopic clock of a rock or mineral is reset and the accumulation of new stable nuclei starts again, preserving the imprint of the impact event. Traditionally, impact structures are dated by 40Ar/39Ar on impact melts. Such melts quench soon after their formation and thus, inhibit the diffusional loss of newly-formed stable nuclei. Therefore, these melts can be used to date an impact event. Further, individual minerals can yield impact-related ages, too, such as zircon. The U-Pb decay in zircon is the most widely used dating method. Due to the recrystallisation or new growth of zircon within impact melts, Pb is lost, indicating an impact relation. However, even though impact events have a devastating effect, in some cases minerals preserved in the target rock show no sign of shock, but instead, be affected by post-impact processes, such as by hydrothermal activity. Thus, impact crater ages are not always straight forward and should be interpreted with great care.The U-Pb analyses of zircon grains from the target rock of the Siljan impact structure in Sweden can be explained by different residency time of zircon at shallow, cool crustal levels rather than by the impact event. Prior to the uplift by the impact event about 380 Ma ago, zircon grains near the crater centre resided at greater depth, where radiation-damaged lattice is able to anneal due to higher temperatures, leading to much less Pb loss. Whilst zircon grains distal to the crater centre was preserved near the erosional surface at temperatures that inhibit any annealing of radiation damage since >1260 Ma and thus, prone to lose more Pb.The 40Ar/39Ar age data of biotite and amphibole from the Siljan target rock exclude an impact age, as well, and instead, indicate an imprint by hydrothermal fluids driven by the impact. Whilst the 40Ar/39Ar dating of whole rock impactites from the Hummeln and Mien impact structures in Sweden and the Puchezh-Katunki impact structure in Russia suggests a correlation with an impact event, even though Hummeln shows only a partial reset of the 40Ar/39Ar system and Puchezh-Katunki yield an age range between 192 and 196 Ma.Further challenges combine dating with element mapping and microtextural analyses. Highly shocked zircon, extracted from impact melts of the Mien crater, with certain textural features can yield U-Pb ages that are impact-related. It shows that the formation of shock textures in zircon is promoted when the lattice is metamict, i.e., damaged by radiation due to the U-Pb decay.
|
|
| 44. |
- Herrmann, Maria, et al.
(author)
-
The effect of low-temperature annealing on discordance of U–Pb zircon ages
- 2021
-
In: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 11:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Discordant U–Pb data of zircon are commonly attributed to Pb loss from domains with variable degree of radiation damage that resulted from α-decay of U and Th, which often complicates the correct age interpretation of the sample. Here we present U–Pb zircon data from 23 samples of ca. 1.7–1.9 Ga granitoid rocks in and around the Siljan impact structure in central Sweden. Our results show that zircon from rocks within the structure that form an uplifted central plateau lost significantly less radiogenic Pb compared to zircon grains in rocks outside the plateau. We hypothesize that zircon in rocks within the central plateau remained crystalline through continuous annealing of crystal structure damages induced from decay of U and Th until uplifted to the surface by the impact event ca. 380 Ma ago. In contrast, zircon grains distal to the impact have accumulated radiation damage at shallow and cool conditions since at least 1.26 Ga, making them vulnerable to fluid-induced Pb-loss. Our data are consistent with studies on alpha recoil and fission tracks, showing that annealing in zircon occurs at temperatures as low as 200–250 °C. Zircon grains from these samples are texturally simple, i.e., neither xenocrysts nor metamorphic overgrowths have been observed. Therefore, the lower intercepts obtained from regression of variably discordant zircon data are more likely recording the age of fluid-assisted Pb-loss from radiation-damaged zircon at shallow levels rather than linked to regional magmatic or tectonic events.
|
|
| 45. |
- Herrmann, Maria, et al.
(author)
-
The first U–Pb age for shocked zircon from the Mien impact structure, Sweden, and implications for metamictization-induced zircon texture formed during impact events
- 2024
-
In: Meteoritics and Planetary Science. - 1086-9379. ; 59:1, s. 211-241
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Shocked zircon from impactites from the Mien impact structure, Sweden, has been investigated with the aim to date the impact event and correlate the degree of U–Pb age resetting with shock-related microtextures. In situ U–Pb spot isotope analyses of granular and microporous–granular zircon grains from the impact melt rocks give an age of 120.0 ± 1.0 Ma. This essentially confirms the previous best estimate age of 122.4 ± 2.3 Ma, while also increasing precision on the Mien impact age. U–Pb isotope mapping shows that radiation damage likely explains the similar U–Pb age reset associated with different shock-related microtextures. Microporous and some of the granular and microporous–granular domains yield higher U concentrations along with younger 238U/206Pb dates. Lower U contents with older 238U/206Pb dates are predominately observed in pristine domains. Due to the U-decay, the zircon lattice is damaged, a process through which Pb can be lost. This would result in younger 238U/206Pb dates, as observed for the high U domains. As the zircon crystal lattices were locally weakened, metamictization possibly facilitated the development of microporous and granular textures during the impact event. Analyses of unshocked Mien zircon confirm that radiation damage already existed before impact. Lead loss from granular domains occurred through recrystallization and from microporous domains through Pb leaching by hydrothermal fluids. In addition, our study demonstrates the utility of combined U–Pb isotope mapping and spot analysis in unraveling the link between U–Pb resetting and shock-related microtextures, the formation of which was in this case likely promoted by pre-existing radiation damage.
|
|
| 46. |
- Hossain, Kamrul, et al.
(author)
-
Introduction : conceptualizing food (in)security in the High North
- 2021
-
In: Food Security in the High North. - Abingdon : Routledge. - 9781138370067 - 9781003057758 ; , s. 1-12
-
Book chapter (other academic/artistic)abstract
- This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book uses various other concepts, such as food resilience and traditional and local knowledge in food practices and in traditional food systems. It defines food resilience as ‘capacity over time of a food system and its units at multiple levels, to provide sufficient, appropriate and accessible food to all, in the face of various and even unforeseen disturbances’. The book analyses issues related to Indigenous Peoples, livelihood practices, and traditional knowledge in the context of food production, consumption, and diversity. It explores the value of stockfish for strengthening the local food system and the role of stockfish in enhancing local food security. The book investigate the potential of Indigenous knowledge-based traditional pasture management and a rotational grazing system. It highlights the food insecurity of reindeer herders after the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident.
|
|
| 47. |
- Isaksson, Jenny, et al.
(author)
-
Chlamydiaceae-like bacterium, but no Chlamydia psittaci, in sea birds from Antarctica
- 2015
-
In: Polar Biology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0722-4060 .- 1432-2056. ; 38:11, s. 1931-1936
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Within the growing order of Chlamydiales, there are a number of pathogens. One is Chlamydia psittaci, a zoonotic pathogen, with birds as natural hosts that may be transmitted to humans and cause severe respiratory disease, psittacosis. The prevalence of this pathogen in Antarctic birds is almost unknown as well as the ramifications of its potential spread in na < ve bird populations. To investigate the prevalence of chlamydia organisms, cloacal and fecal samples were collected from 264 penguins and 263 seabirds on the Antarctic Peninsula and in Southern Chile. No C. psittaci could be detected by 23S rRNA real-time PCR. However, DNA sequencing of the 16S rRNA 298-bp signature sequence revealed a Chlamydiaceae-like bacterium previously found in seabirds from the subarctic zone, demonstrating that this not yet fully characterized bacterium is widespread. In conclusion, the prevalence of C. psittaci among wild birds on the Antarctic Peninsula seems to be low, but other types of chlamydial organisms are common. Further studies are required to taxonomically define and finally understand the role of these non-classified Chlamydiae.
|
|
| 48. |
- Kaykhaii, Saida, 1989-, et al.
(author)
-
Applicability of using sedimentation and membrane filtration for stormwater treatment
- 2021
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Stormwater runoff is one of the most important contributor of pollutants to natural waters. Therefore, separation of pollutants from stormwater runoff before entering the receiving waters is an important issue. Nitrogen (ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, total nitrogen), phosphorus (organic and inorganic), metals (Fe, Cd, Zn, Pb, As, Al, metalloid arsenic, Cr, Cu, Ni in total, dissolved and truly dissolved form) are main compounds that are contained in various concentrations in the runoff and should be separated. Various methods have been used for stormwater treatment. Membrane technology has shown acceptable treatment ability in water and wastewater industries1, but is not yet used for treatment of stormwater. Ceramic, polymeric and metallic membranes have been used in other research studies in order to optimise removal efficiency for separation of particulate, colloidal and dissolved substances in runoff. To prevent fouling, which is the major problem in membranes and to decrease the operational cost, use of a proper pre-treatment is helpful 2–4, as is periodical cleaning of membrane surface 5,6. This process can be further assisted by using membranes with larger pore size (microfiltration, ultrafiltration) than nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes which have smaller pore size but higher removal efficiency. In this study, sedimentation was used as a pre-treatment method and a membrane process with different pore sizes and pulsatile flow (fluid flow with periodical variation) were evaluated with respect to separation of pollutants from a snowmelt mixture. For the aim of this research work, polyether sulfone nanofiltration and ultrafiltration membranes (PES NF, UF membrane) were used to assess the ability of the overall process to postpone fouling and treat the snowmelt mixture. The variation of pulse frequency was chosen between 0 and 2 Hz. A peristaltic pump with a constant rotational velocity of 220 rpm was used in all the experiments. Sedimentation as pre-treatment method was investigated in pre-experiments and it was shown that a variation in sedimentation time between 0.5-1 hours did not affect the treatment ability of the process. Therefore, 0.5 hour of sedimentation time was chosen in order to reduce the experimental run time. The experimental runs will be carried out during the winter period Feb-April 2021. The concentration of TSS, pH, total and dissolved metals and chloride, as well as the particle size distribution, turbidity and volume of clean water achieved in each experimental run is measured. The results from these experiments will give valuable information about treatment efficiency, if pulsatile flow increases the treatment performance as well as knowledge about the clogging process of the filter.
|
|
| 49. |
- Kaykhaii, Saida, 1989-, et al.
(author)
-
Enhancing stormwater treatment through ultrafiltration: impact of cleaning chemicals and backwash duration on membrane efficiency
- 2023
-
In: Water Reuse. - : IWA Publishing. - 2709-6092 .- 2709-6106. ; 13:4, s. 634-646
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The effect of chemical cleaning and regular backwashing on the efficiency of an ultrafiltration membrane fouled during stormwater treatment was studied. Increasing backwash time from 30 to 60 s resulted in an increase in productivity by 20%. However, the productivity was highest when a backwash time of 45 s was used (3% higher than using 60 s). Chemical cleaning was carried out using an alkaline solution (NaOH with or without NaOCl) followed by acid washing with HCl. The addition of NaOCl to the cleaning chemical did not significantly increase the efficiency of chemical cleaning, and the average pure water permeability increase was 97 ± 13 LMH bar−1 after chemical cleaning with NaOH followed by HCl and 117 ± 15 LMH bar−1 after chemical cleaning with NaOH + NaOCl followed by HCl, on average. In addition, reversibility after chemical cleaning was 96 ± 67%, on average. The result from scanning electron microscopy showed that at the end of the experiments, inorganic foulants existed in both the inner layer (feed side) and the outer layer (permeate side) of the membrane.
|
|
| 50. |
- Kaykhaii, Saida, 1989-, et al.
(author)
-
Stormwater treatment using an ultrafiltration membrane and pulsatile fluid flow
- 2023
-
In: Urban Water Journal. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1573-062X .- 1744-9006.
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A polymeric ultrafiltration (UF) membrane was used for stormwater treatment, with the focus on evaluating the increase in the membrane process productivity by adding pulsatile fluid flow to UF membrane treatment. Sedimentation and sieving were used as pre-treatment. The result showed that increasing the pulse frequency from 0 to 4 Hz increased productivity from -6.6 to 82 LMH. UF membrane removed suspended solids, oil and turbidity below detection limit. The UF membrane also separated total coliforms, E. coli and P. aeruginosa below detection limit. Total organic carbon (TOC) was reduced by between 70 and 91%. In addition, the UF membrane was able to reduce BOD7 and COD to below 7 mg/L in the permeate. According to the US EPA, WHO, and national regulations in Canada, Japan, and South Korea, treated stormwater can be used for flushing toilets and streets irrigation and agricultural use.
|
|
