| 1. |
- Axelsson, Sara, et al.
(author)
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Bell's palsy : the effect of prednisolone and/or valaciclovir versus placebo in relation to baseline severity in a randomised controlled trial
- 2012
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In: Clinical Otolaryngology. - : Wiley. - 1749-4478 .- 1365-2273 .- 1749-4486. ; 37:4, s. 283-290
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: To evaluate the treatment effect of prednisolone and/or valaciclovir in Bells palsy patients with different baseline severity of palsy.Design: Patient data were collected from the Scandinavian Bells Palsy Study, a prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-centre trial.Setting: Sixteen otorhinolaryngological centres in Sweden and one in Finland.Participants: Altogether, 829 patients aged 1875 years were treated within 72 h of palsy onset. Patients were randomly assigned to treatment with prednisolone plus placebo (n = 210), valaciclovir plus placebo (n = 207), prednisolone plus valaciclovir (n = 206), placebo plus placebo (n = 206). Follow-up was 12 months.Main outcome measures: Facial function was assessed using the Sunnybrook grading scale at baseline and at 12 months. Complete recovery was defined as Sunnybrook score = 100.Results: All patients, regardless of baseline severity, showed significantly higher complete recovery rates if treated with prednisolone compared with no prednisolone. In patients with severe palsy, recovery at 12 months was 51% with prednisolone treatment versus 31% without prednisolone (P = 0.02). Corresponding results were 68%versus 51% (P = 0.004) for moderate, and 83%versus 73% (P = 0.02) for mild palsy. In patient groups with moderate and mild palsy at baseline, significantly fewer prednisolone-treated patients had synkinesis at 12 months (P = 0.04 and P < 0.0001, respectively). For patients with severe palsy at baseline, prednisolone versus no prednisolone made no significant difference regarding synkinesis at 12 months. Valaciclovir did not add any significant effect to prednisolone regarding recovery rate or synkinesis at 12 months.Conclusion: Prednisolone treatment resulted in higher complete recovery rates, regardless of severity at baseline. Prednisolone treatment should be considered in all patients irrespective of degree of palsy.
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| 2. |
- Axelsson, Sara, et al.
(author)
-
Prednisolone in Bell's Palsy Related to Treatment Start and Age
- 2011
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In: Otology and Neurotology. - 1531-7129 .- 1537-4505. ; 32:1, s. 141-146
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To evaluate if treatment start and age are related to the outcome in Bell's palsy patients treated with prednisolone. Study Design: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Setting: Sixteen otorhinolaryngologic centers in Sweden and 1 in Finland. Patients: Data were collected from the Scandinavian Bell's palsy study. A total of 829 patients were treated within 72 hours of onset of palsy. Follow-up was 12 months. Intervention: Patients were randomly assigned to treatment with placebo plus placebo (n = 206), prednisolone plus placebo (n = 210), valacyclovir plus placebo (n = 207), or prednisolone plus valacyclovir (n = 206). Main Outcome Measures: Facial function was assessed with the Sunnybrook grading system, and complete recovery was defined as Sunnybrook = 100. Time from onset of palsy to treatment start was registered. Results: Patients treated with prednisolone within 24 hours and 25 to 48 hours had significantly higher complete recovery rates, 66% (103/156) and 76% (128/168), than patients given no prednisolone, 51% (77/152) and 58% (102/177) (p = 0.008 and p = 0.0003, respectively). For patients treated within 49 to 72 hours of palsy onset, there were no significant differences. Patients aged 40 years or older had significantly higher complete recovery rates if treated with prednisolone, whereas patients aged younger than 40 years did not differ with respect to prednisolone treatment. However, synkinesis was significantly less in patients younger than 40 years given prednisolone (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Treatment with prednisolone within 48 hours of onset of palsy resulted in significantly higher complete recovery rates and less synkinesis compared with no prednisolone.
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| 3. |
- Berg, Thomas, et al.
(author)
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The Effect of Prednisolone on Sequelae in Bell's Palsy
- 2012
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In: Archives of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery. - 0886-4470 .- 1538-361X. ; 138:5, s. 443-447
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To study whether prednisolone reduces sequelae in Bell's palsy. Design: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial with 12 months of follow-up. Setting: Seventeen referral centers. Patients: In all, 829 patients aged 18 to 75 years. Interventions: Randomization within 72 hours in a factorial fashion to placebo plus placebo (n=206); prednisolone, 60 mg/d for 5 days, with the dosage then tapered for 5 days, plus placebo (n=210); valacyclovir hydrochloride, 1000 mg 3 times daily for 7 days, plus placebo (n=207); or prednisolone plus valacyclovir (n=206). Main Outcome Measures: Facial function at 12 months assessed with the Sunnybrook and House-Brackmann grading systems. Results: In 184 of the 829 patients, the Sunnybrook score was less than 90 at 12 months; 71 had been treated with prednisolone and 113 had not (P<.001). In 98 patients, the Sunnybrook score was less than 70; 33 had received prednisolone and 65 had not (P<.001). The difference between patients who received prednisolone and who did not in House-Brackmann gradings higher than I and higher than II was also significant (P<.001 and P=.01, respectively). No significant difference was found between patients who received prednisolone and those who did not in Sunnybrook scores less than 50 (P=.10) or House-Brackmann grades higher than III (P=.80). Synkinesis was assessed with the Sunnybrook score in 743 patients. Ninety-six patients had a synkinesis score more than 2, of whom 33 had received prednisolone and 63 had not (P=.001). Sixty patients had a synkinesis score more than 4, of whom 22 had received prednisolone and 38 had not (P=.005). Conclusion: Prednisolone significantly reduces mild and moderate sequelae in Bell's palsy.
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| 4. |
- Boman, Anton, et al.
(author)
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Isotopic variations of Fe and Zn in Finnish acid sulfate soils
- 2010
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In: Proceedings of the 19th World Congress of Soil Science. - 9780646537832 ; , s. 1-4
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The use of a Neptune high-resolution MC-ICP-MS (Thermo Fisher Scientific) in this study has enabled high precision measurements of Fe and Zn isotopic ratios in Finnish acid sulfate soils in one near shore area (Vassor) and one inland area (Rintala).
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| 5. |
- Burström, Lena
(author)
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Patient Safety in the Emergency Department : Culture, Waiting, and Outcomes of Efficiency and Quality
- 2014
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The overall aim of this thesis was to investigate patient safety in the emergency department (ED) and to determine whether this varies according to patient safety culture, waiting, and outcomes of efficiency and quality variables.I: Patient safety culture was described in the EDs of two different hospitals before and after a quality improvement project. The questionnaire “Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture” was used to investigate the patient safety culture. The main finding was that the staff at both hospitals scored more positively in the dimension Team-work within hospital after implementing a new work model aimed at improving patient flow and patient safety in the ED. Otherwise, we found only modest improvements.II: Grounded theory was used to explore what happens in the ED from the staff perspective. Their main concern was reducing patients’ non-acceptable waiting time. Management of waiting was improved either by increasing the throughput of patient flow by structure pushing and by shuffling patients, or by changing the experience of waiting by calming patients and by feinting to cover up.III: Three Swedish EDs with different triage models were compared in terms of efficiency and quality. The median length of stay was 158 minutes for physician-led team triage compared with 243 and 197 minutes for nurse–emergency physician and nurse–junior physician triage, respectively. Quality indicators (i.e., patients leaving before treatment was completed, the rate of unscheduled return within 24 and 72 hours, and mortality rate within 7 and 30 days) improved under the physician-led team triage.IV: Efficiency and quality variables were compared from before (2008) to after (2012) a reorganization with a shift of triage model at a single ED. Time from registration to physician decreased by 47 minutes, and the length of stay decreased by 34 minutes. Several quality measures differed between the two years, in favour of 2012. Patients leaving before treatment was completed, unscheduled return within 24 and 72 hours, and mortality rate within 7 and 30 days all improved despite the reduced admission rate.In conclusion, the studies underscore the need to improve patient safety in the ED. It is important to the patient safety culture to reduce patient waiting because it dynamically affects both patients and staff. Physician-led team triage may be a suitable model for reducing patient waiting time and increasing patient safety.
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| 6. |
- Burström, Lena, et al.
(author)
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Physician-led team triage based on lean principles may be superior for efficiency and quality? : A comparison of three emergency departments with different triage models
- 2012
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1757-7241. ; 20:1, s. 57-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND:The management of emergency departments (EDs) principally involves maintaining effective patient flow and care. Different triage models are used today to achieve these two goals. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of different triage models used in three Swedish EDs. Using efficiency and quality indicators, we compared the following triage models: physician-led team triage, nurse first/emergency physician second, and nurse first/junior physician second.METHODS: All data of patients arriving at the three EDs between 08:00- and 21:00 throughout 2008 were collected and merged into a database. The following efficiency indicators were measured: length of stay (LOS) including time to physician, time from physician to discharge, and 4-hour turnover rate. The following quality indicators were measured: rate of patients left before treatment was completed, unscheduled return within 24 and 72 hours, and mortality rate within 7 and 30 days.RESULTS: Data from 160,684 patients were analysed. The median length of stay was 158 minutes for physician-led team triage, compared with 243 and 197 minutes for nurse/emergency physician and nurse/junior physician triage, respectively (p < 0.001). The rate of patients left before treatment was completed was 3.1 % for physician-led team triage, 5.3 % for nurse/emergency physician, and 9.6 % for nurse/junior physician triage (p < 0.001). Further, the rates of unscheduled return within 24 hours were significantly lower for physician-led team triage, 1.0 %, compared with 2.1 %, and 2.5 % for nurse/emergency physician, and nurse/junior physician, respectively (p < 0.001). The mortality rate within 7 days was 0.8 % for physician-led team triage and 1.0 % for the two other triage models (p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONS: Physician-led team triage seemed advantageous, both expressed as efficiency and quality indicators, compared with the two other models.
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| 7. |
- Burström, Lena, et al.
(author)
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The patient safety culture as perceived by staff at two different emergency departments before and after introducing a flow-oriented working model with team triage and lean principles : A repeated cross-sectional study
- 2014
-
In: BMC Health Services Research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1472-6963. ; 14
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Patient safety is of the utmost importance in health care. The patient safety culture in an institution has great impact on patient safety. To enhance patient safety and to design strategies to reduce medical injuries, there is a current focus on measuring the patient safety culture. The aim of the present study was to describe the patient safety culture in an ED at two different hospitals before and after a Quality improvement (QI) project that was aimed to enhance patient safety. Methods: A repeated cross-sectional design, using the Hospital Survey On Patient Safety Culture questionnaire before and after a quality improvement project in two emergency departments at a county hospital and a university hospital. The questionnaire was developed to obtain a better understanding of the patient safety culture of an entire hospital or of specific departments. The Swedish version has 51 questions and 15 dimensions. Results: At the county hospital, a difference between baseline and follow-up was observed in three dimensions. For two of these dimensions, Team-work within hospital and Communication openness, a higher score was measured at the follow-up. At the university hospital, a higher score was measured at follow-up for the two dimensions Team-work across hospital units and Team-work within hospital. Conclusion: The result showed changes in the self-estimated patient safety culture, mainly regarding team-work and communication openness. Most of the improvements at follow-up were seen by physicians, and mainly at the county hospital.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Cederblad, Lena, et al.
(author)
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The Combined Effects of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms, Tobacco Products, and Ethanol on Normal Resting Blood Mononuclear Cells
- 2013
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In: Nicotine & tobacco research. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-2203 .- 1469-994X. ; 15:5, s. 890-895
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Tobacco and ethanol consumption are crucial factors in the development of various diseases including cancer. In this investigation, we evaluated the combined effects of a number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), with ethanol and tobacco products on healthy individuals. Methods: Pure nicotine, cigarette smoke extract, and Swedish snuff (snus) extract were used. The effects were examined by means of in vitro cell cycle progression and cell death of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from healthy donors. Results: After 3 days, in vitro, resting PBMCs entered the S and G2 stage in the presence of 100 mu M nicotine. The PBMCs only proceeded to S stage, in the presence of 0.2% ethanol. The nicotine- and ethanol-induced normal cell cycle progression correlated to a number of SNPs in the IL12RB2, Rad 52, XRCC2, P53, CCND3, and ABCA1 genes. Certain SNPs in Caspases 8, IL12RB2, Rad 52, MMP2, and MDM2 genes appeared to significantly influence the effects of EtOH-, snus-, and snus + EtOH-induced cell death. Importantly, the highest degree of cell death was observed in the presence of smoke + EtOH. The amount of cell death under this treatment condition also correlated to specific SNPs, located in the MDM2, ABCA1, or GASC1 genes. Conclusions: Cigarette smoke in combination with ethanol strongly induced massive cell death. Long-term exposure to smoke and ethanol could provoke chronic inflammation, and this could be the initiation of disease including the development of cancer at various sites.
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| 11. |
- Cheng, Junping, et al.
(author)
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The use of closo-dodecaborate-containing linker improves targeting of HNSCC xenografts with radioiodinated chimeric monoclonal antibody U36
- 2010
-
In: Molecular Medicine Reports. - : Spandidos Publications. - 1791-2997. ; 3:1, s. 155-160
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Radionuclide imaging of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) has the potential to contribute to improved diagnosis and staging, thereby making more effective treatment possible. Chimeric monoclonal antibody U36 (cMAb U36), specific to CD44v6 antigen. is a candidate for the targeting of HNSCC. The aim of this study was to compare the influence of indirect iodination via closo-dodecaborate-based linker (DABI) with the influence of direct radioiodination on the biodistribution of the chimeric anti-CD44v6 antibody U36. The study was performed using nude mice bearing UT-SCC7 HNSCC xenografts using the paired-label method. The biodistribution of cMAb U36 labelled directly with I-131 and using DABI with I-125 was compared in the same animals. The influence of DABI on the tumour-to-organ ratio was evaluated. For both conjugates, radioactivity uptake in blood and organs decreased with time, except in tumours and the thyroid. DABI-labelled cMAb U36 was characterised by fast blood clearance and an elevated uptake in the liver and spleen. The use of DABI enabled a 1.5 to 2-fold improvement in the tumour-to-blood and tumour-to-organ ratios in comparison with direct radioiodination, with the exception of the liver and spleen. These results indicate that DABI is a promising linker for the coupling of radioiodine to HNSCC-targeting antibodies.
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
- Engström, Anna, et al.
(author)
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Detection of Rifampicin Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis by Padlock Probes and Magnetic Nanobead- Based Readout
- 2013
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In: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 8:4, s. e62015-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Control of the global epidemic tuberculosis is severely hampered by the emergence of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. Molecular methods offer a more rapid means of characterizing resistant strains than phenotypic drug susceptibility testing. We have developed a molecular method for detection of rifampicin-resistant M. tuberculosis based on padlock probes and magnetic nanobeads. Padlockprobes were designed to target the most common mutations associated with rifampicinresistance in M. tuberculosis, i.e. at codons 516, 526 and 531 in the gene rpoB. Fordetection of the wild type sequence at all three codons simultaneously, a padlock probe and two gap-fill oligonucleotides were used in a novel assay configuration, requiring three ligation events for circularization. The assay also includes a probe for identificationof the M. tuberculosis complex. Circularized probes were amplified by rolling circle amplification. Amplification products were coupled to oligonucleotide-conjugatedmagnetic nanobeads and detected by measuring the frequency-dependent magneticresponse of the beads using a portable AC susceptometer.
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Engström, Emelie, et al.
(author)
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A systematic review on regression test selection techniques
- 2010
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In: Information and Software Technology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0950-5849. ; 52:1, s. 14-30
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Regression testing is verifying that previously functioning software remains after a change. With the goal of finding a basis for further research in a joint industry-academia research project, we conducted a systematic review of empirical evaluations of regression test selection techniques. We identified 27 papers reporting 36 empirical studies, 21 experiments and 15 case studies. In total 28 techniques for regression test selection are evaluated. We present a qualitative analysis of the findings, an overview of techniques for regression test selection and related empirical evidence. No technique was found clearly superior since the results depend on many varying factors. We identified a need for empirical studies where concepts are evaluated rather than small variations in technical implementations.
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| 18. |
- Engström, Jens, et al.
(author)
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A resonant Two Body System for a point absorbing Wave Energy Converter with direct-driven linear generator
- 2011
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In: Journal of Applied Physics. - : AIP Publishing. - 0021-8979 .- 1089-7550. ; 110:12, s. 124904-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Based on an earlier conceptual model of a two body system point absorbing wave energy converter tuned to resonance in Swedish west coast sea states, an extended coupled hydrodynamic, mechanic, and electromagnetic model has been developed. The hydrodynamic characteristics of the two body system are studied in the frequency and time domain, while its response to real Swedish west coast sea states are studied in the time domain, by using a wave energy converter model with two independently moving bodies connected to a direct driven linear generator with non-linear damping. The two body system wave energy converter gives nearly 80% power capture ratio in irregular waves. The resonant behaviour is shown to be sensitive to the shape of the spectrum, and the distance between the two bodies is shown to have a large effect on the power absorption.
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| 19. |
- Engström, Jens, 1977-
(author)
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Hydrodynamic Modelling for a Point Absorbing Wave Energy Converter
- 2011
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Surface gravity waves in the world’s oceans contain a renewable source of free power on the order of terawatts that has to this date not been commercially utilized. The division of Electricity at Uppsala University is developing a technology to harvest this energy. The technology is a point absorber type wave energy converter based on a direct-driven linear generator placed on the sea bed connected via a line to a buoy on the surface. The work in this thesis is focused mainly on the energy transport of ocean waves and on increasing the transfer of energy from the waves to the generator and load. Potential linear wave theory is used to describe the ocean waves and to derive the hydrodynamic forces that are exerted on the buoy. Expressions for the energy transport in polychromatic waves travelling over waters of finite depth are derived and extracted from measured time series of wave elevation collected at the Lysekil test site. The results are compared to existing solutions that uses the simpler deep water approximation. A Two-Body system wave energy converter model tuned to resonance in Swedish west coast sea states is developed based on the Lysekil project concept. The first indicative results are derived by using a linear resistive load. The concept is further extended by a coupled hydrodynamic and electromagnetic model with two more realistic non-linear load conditions. Results show that the use of the deep water approximation gives a too low energy transport in the time averaged as well as in the total instantaneous energy transport. Around the resonance frequency, a Two-Body System gives a power capture ratio of up to 80 percent. For more energetic sea states the power capture ratio decreases rapidly, indicating a smoother power output. The currents in the generator when using the Two-Body system is shown to be more evenly distributed compared to the conventional system, indicating a better utilization of the electrical equipment. Although the resonant nature of the system makes it sensitive to the shape of the wave spectrum, results indicate a threefold increase in annual power production compared to the conventional system.
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| 20. |
- Engström, Jens, et al.
(author)
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Performance of large arrays of point absorbing direct-driven wave energy converters
- 2013
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In: Journal of Applied Physics. - : AIP Publishing. - 0021-8979 .- 1089-7550. ; 114:20, s. 204502-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Future commercial installation of wave energy plants using point absorber technology will require clusters of tens up to several hundred devices, in order to reach a viable electricity production. Interconnected devices also serve the purpose of power smoothing, which is especially important for devices using direct-driven power take off. The scope of this paper is to evaluate a method to optimize wave energy farms in terms of power production, economic viability and resources. In particular, the paper deals with the power variation in a large array of point-absorbing direct-driven wave energy converters, and the smoothing effect due to the number of devices and their hydrodynamic interactions. A few array geometries are compared and 34 sea states measured at the Lysekil research site at the Swedish west coast are used in the simulations. Potential linear flow theory are used with full hydrodynamic interactions between the buoys. It is shown that the variance in power production depends crucially on the geometry of the array and the number of interacting devices, but not significantly on the energy period of the waves.
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| 21. |
- Engström, Jens, et al.
(author)
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Total instantaneous energy transport in polychromatic fluid gravity waves at finite depth
- 2012
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In: Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy. - : AIP Publishing. - 1941-7012. ; 4:3, s. 033108-1-033108-8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The total instantaneous energy transport can be found for polychromatic waves when using the deep water approximation. Expanding this theory to waves in waters of finite depth, we derive an expression for the total instantaneous energy transport for polychromatic fluid gravity waves based on potential theory with linearized free surface boundary conditions. We present the results for time series of wave elevation measured at the Uppsala University wave energy research test site. We show that a significant proportion of the total instantaneous energy transport is not accounted for when using the deep water theory. This is important since many wave energy conversion devices under development will operate in waters that do not fulfil the deep water criteria.
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| 22. |
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| 23. |
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| 24. |
- Engström, Mats, et al.
(author)
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But how do you go about it? : Mobilization processes in partnership building concerning the public face of contract archaeology
- 2011
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In: Current Swedish Archaeology. - Stockholm : Swedish Archaeological Society. - 1102-7355. ; 19, s. 203-222
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Partnership and dialogue are central concepts in national heritage management. This article problematizes the concepts on the basis of a theme project conducted in a high school, where the aim has been to give the pupils insight into history-making processes. The school project was carried out as part of the public activity in a major contract archaeology project. The text has a self-reflexive perspective, analysing mobilization processes in connection with the establishment and implementation of the theme project. The article shows the pragmatic attitude of the institutional actors to different educational ideals, with partnership as an instrument on its own in terms of market aspects. This raises ethical questions about the pupils and the conditions for the desired partnership.
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| 25. |
- Eriksson, Henrik, et al.
(author)
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Nursing under the skin : a netnographic study of metaphors and meanings in nursing tattoos.
- 2014
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In: Nursing Inquiry. - : Wiley. - 1320-7881 .- 1440-1800. ; 21:4, s. 318-26
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aims of this study were to present themes in nursing motifs as depicted in tattoos and to describe how it reflects upon nursing in popular culture as well as within professional nursing culture. An archival and cross-sectional observational study was conducted online to search for images of nursing tattoos that were freely available, by utilizing the netnographic methodology. The 400 images were analyzed in a process that consisted of four analytical steps focusing on metaphors and meanings in the tattoos. The findings present four themes: angels of mercy and domination; hegemonic nursing technology; embodying the corps; and nurses within the belly of the monster. The tattoos serve as a mirror of popular culture and the professional culture of nurses and nursing practice within the context of body art. Body art policy statements have been included in nursing personnel dress code policies. Usually these policies prohibit tattoos that are sexist, symbolize sex or could contribute and reproduce racial oppression. The results show that the tattoos can be interpreted according to several layers of meanings in relation to such policies. We therefore stress that this is an area highly relevant for further analyses in nursing research.
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
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| 28. |
- Göteman, Malin, 1980-, et al.
(author)
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Methods of reducing power fluctuations in wave energy parks
- 2014
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In: Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy. - : AIP Publishing. - 1941-7012. ; 6, s. 043103-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- One of the major challenges in constructing effective and economically viable wave energy parks is to reduce the large fluctuations in power output. In this paper, we study different methods of reducing the fluctuations and improve the output power quality. The parameters studied include the number of devices, the separating distance between units, the global and local geometries of the array, sea state and incoming wave direction, and the impact of including buoys of different radii in an array. Our results show that, e. g., the fluctuations as well as power per device decrease strictly with the number of interacting units, when the separating distance is kept constant. However, including more devices in a park with fixed area will not necessarily result in lowered power fluctuations. We also show that varying the distance between units affects the power fluctuations to a much larger extent than it affects the magnitude of the absorbed power. The fluctuations are slightly lower in more realistic, randomized geometries where the buoys tend to drift slightly off their mean positions, and significantly lower in semi-circular geometries as opposed to rectangular geometries.
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| 29. |
- Haddad Momeni, Majid, et al.
(author)
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Structural, Biochemical, and Computational Characterization of the Glycoside Hydrolase Family 7 Cellobiohydrolase of the Tree-killing Fungus Heterobasidion irregulare
- 2013
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In: Journal of Biological Chemistry. - 0021-9258 .- 1083-351X. ; 288:8, s. 5861-5872
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Root rot fungi of the Heterobasidion annosum complex are the most damaging pathogens in temperate forests, and the recently sequenced Heterobasidion irregulare genome revealed over 280 carbohydrate-active enzymes. Here, H. irregulare was grown on biomass, and the most abundant protein in the culture filtrate was identified as the only family 7 glycoside hydrolase in the genome, which consists of a single catalytic domain, lacking a linker and carbohydrate-binding module. The enzyme, HirCel7A, was characterized biochemically to determine the optimal conditions for activity. HirCel7A was crystallized and the structure, refined at 1.7 angstrom resolution, confirms that HirCel7A is a cellobiohydrolase rather than an endoglucanase, with a cellulose-binding tunnel that is more closed than Phanerochaete chrysosporium Cel7D and more open than Hypocrea jecorina Cel7A, suggesting intermediate enzyme properties. Molecular simulations were conducted to ascertain differences in enzyme-ligand interactions, ligand solvation, and loop flexibility between the family 7 glycoside hydrolase cellobiohydrolases from H. irregulare, H. jecorina, and P. chrysosporium. The structural comparisons and simulations suggest significant differences in enzyme-ligand interactions at the tunnel entrance in the -7 to -4 binding sites and suggest that a tyrosine residue at the tunnel entrance of HirCel7A may serve as an additional ligand-binding site. Additionally, the loops over the active site in H. jecorina Cel7A are more closed than loops in the other two enzymes, which has implications for the degree of processivity, endo- initiation, and substrate dissociation. Overall, this study highlights molecular level features important to understanding this biologically and industrially important family of glycoside hydrolases.
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| 30. |
- Hanson, Mats, et al.
(author)
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Enhance the attractiveness of studies in science and technology
- 2010
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In: Joint International IGIP-SEFI Annual Conference 2010.
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper discusses some aspects of attractiveness of engineering and technology studies to be monitored by ATTRACT project the Enhance the Attractiveness of Studies in Science and Technology, ATTRACT, project is within the EU A Lifelong Learning Programme - subprogram KA1 Policy Cooperation and Innovation. The objective is to present the foundation for and the goals with the project. Nine universities in EU will collaborate around four themes to increase the attractiveness of Engineering Education. The areas are: The attractiveness of being an engineer Formal hinders Attracting students to studies in science and technology /engineering education Student retention Result from the TREE - Teaching and Research in Engineering in Europe Socrates Thematic Network project, the TechBARO in Finland and the Technology Delegation project in Sweden has given inspiration in setting up the the foundation for ATTRACT project together with other international indicatives. The work is in progress 2010 to 2012 and the outcomes will be presented continually on the ATTRACT website http://www.attractproject.org/ , in journals and at conferences.
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| 31. |
- Hong, Yue, et al.
(author)
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Review on electrical control strategies for wave energy converting systems
- 2014
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In: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews. - : Elsevier BV. - 1364-0321 .- 1879-0690. ; 31, s. 329-342
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Renewable energy techniques are now gaining more and more attention as the years pass by, not only because of the threat of climate change but also, e.g. due to serious pollution problems in some countries and because the renewable energy technologies have matured and can be depended upon an increasing degree. The energy from ocean waves bares tremendous potential as a source of renewable energy, and the related technologies have continually been improved during the last decades. In this paper, different types of wave energy converters are classified by their mechanical structure and how they absorb energy from ocean waves. The paper presents a review of strategies for electrical control of wave energy converters as well as energy storage techniques. Strategies of electrical control are used to achieve a higher energy absorption, and they are also of interest because of the large variety among different strategies. Furthermore, the control strategies strongly affect the complexity of both the mechanical and the electrical system, thus not only impacting energy absorption but also robustness, survivability, maintenance requirements and thus in the end the cost of electricity from ocean waves.
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| 32. |
- Humble, Mats B., 1952-, et al.
(author)
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Plasma oxytocin changes and anti-obsessive response during serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment : a placebo controlled study
- 2013
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In: BMC Psychiatry. - 1471-244X. ; 13, s. 344-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The drug treatments of choice for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs). However, a correlation between the neuropeptide oxytocin in cerebrospinal fluid and the severity of OCD has previously been shown, and oxytocin and serotonin are interconnected within the brain. Few studies have investigated whether SRIs have any effect on oxytocin; thus, our aim was to explore the possibility that oxytocinergic mechanisms contribute to the anti-obsessive effect of SRIs.Method: In a randomized, double-blind trial, comparing SRIs (clomipramine and paroxetine) with placebo in 36 adults with OCD (characterized for subtypes), plasma oxytocin was measured with radioimmunoassay after plasma extraction, at baseline, after 1 week, and after 4 weeks of treatment, and related to baseline severity and clinical response after 12 weeks, as measured by the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS).Results: Baseline oxytocin levels correlated positively with baseline Y-BOCS ratings, but only among the future SRI responders. Patients with early onset of OCD had higher baseline oxytocin. During treatment, plasma oxytocin did not differ between SRI and placebo treatment. In SRI responders, plasma oxytocin first decreased and then increased; in non-responders (to SRI as well as to placebo), the reverse was the case. After 4 weeks, treatment responders had attained higher oxytocin levels compared to non-responders. The intra-individual range (i.e. the variability) of plasma oxytocin between measurements was the measure that best differentiated responders from non-responders. This range was higher in responders than non-responders, and lower in patients with autistic traits.Conclusions: SRIs have highly variable effects on plasma oxytocin between individuals. The associations between baseline oxytocin and OCD severity and between oxytocin changes and treatment response support the notions that oxytocin is involved in OCD pathophysiology, and that the anti-obsessive effects of SRIs are partly exerted through oxytocinergic mechanisms.
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| 33. |
- Isberg, Jan, et al.
(author)
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Depth variation of energy transport in fluid gravity waves
- 2010
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In: Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy. - : AIP Publishing. - 1941-7012. ; 2:2, s. 023104-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We calculate the distribution of energy flux as a function of the distance below the surface for propagating polychromatic gravity fluid surface waves. Linear theory has been used to derive closed-form expressions for the energy flux as a function of depth. In this context we discuss the power distribution for real ocean waves measured off the west coast of Sweden and compare this to the energy flux distribution for waves with Pierson-Moskowitz and Bretschneider spectral distributions. This is done in order to get an improved understanding of how to improve the power absorption in wave energy converters, and this is also discussed in this paper.
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| 34. |
- Johannsson, Gudmundur, 1960, et al.
(author)
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Improved cortisol exposure-time profile and outcome in patients with adrenal insufficiency : a prospective randomised trial of a novel hydrocortisone dual-release formulation
- 2012
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In: Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. - : The Endocrine Society. - 0021-972X .- 1945-7197. ; 97:2, s. 473-481
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context: Patients with treated adrenal insufficiency (AI) have increased morbidity and mortality rate. Our goal was to improve outcome by developing a once-daily (OD) oral hydrocortisone dual-release tablet with a more physiological exposure-time cortisol profile.Objective: The aim was to compare pharmacokinetics and metabolic outcome between OD and the same daily dose of thrice-daily (TID) dose of conventional hydrocortisone tablets.Design and Setting: We conducted an open, randomized, two-period, 12-wk crossover multicenter trial with a 24-wk extension at five university hospital centers.Patients: The trial enrolled 64 adults with primary AI; 11 had concomitant diabetes mellitus (DM).Intervention: The same daily dose of hydrocortisone was administered as OD dual-release or TID.Main Outcome Measure: We evaluated cortisol pharmacokinetics.Results: Compared with conventional TID, OD provided a sustained serum cortisol profile 0-4 h after the morning intake and reduced the late afternoon and the 24-h cortisol exposure. The mean weight (difference = -0.7 kg, P = 0.005), systolic blood pressure (difference = -5.5 mm Hg, P = 0.0001) and diastolic blood pressure (difference: -2.3 mm Hg; P = 0.03), and glycated hemoglobin (absolute difference = -0.1%, P = 0.0006) were all reduced after OD compared with TID at 12 wk. Compared with TID, a reduction in glycated hemoglobin by 0.6% was observed in patients with concomitant DM during OD (P = 0.004).Conclusion: The OD dual-release tablet provided a more circadian-based serum cortisol profile. Reduced body weight, reduced blood pressure, and improved glucose metabolism were observed during OD treatment. In particular, glucose metabolism improved in patients with concomitant DM.
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| 35. |
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| 36. |
- Kanerva, Mervi, et al.
(author)
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Sunnybrook and House-Brackmann Systems in 5397 Facial Gradings
- 2011
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In: Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. - : Wiley. - 0194-5998 .- 1097-6817. ; 144:4, s. 570-574
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives. To study the correlation between Sunnybrook and House-Brackmann facial grading systems at different time points during the course of peripheral facial palsy. Study Design. Prospective multicenter trial. Setting. Seventeen otorhinolaryngological centers. Subjects and Methods. Data are part of the Scandinavian Bell's palsy study. The facial function of 1920 patients with peripheral facial palsy was assessed 5397 times with both Sunnybrook and House-Brackmann (H-B) facial grading systems. Grading was done at initial visit, at days 11 to 17 of palsy onset, and at 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Statistical evaluation was by Spearman correlation coefficient and box plot analysis. Results. Spearman correlation coefficient varied from -0.81 to -0.96, with the weakest correlation found at initial visit. Box plot analysis for all assessments revealed that Sunnybrook scores were widely spread over different H-B grades. With 50% of the results closest to the median, Sunnybrook composite scores varied in H-B grades as follows: H-B I, 100; H-B II, 71 to 90; H-B III, 43 to 62; H-B IV, 26 to 43; H-B V, 13 to 25; and H-B VI, 5 to 14. Conclusion. Gradings correlated better in follow-up assessments than at initial visit. As shown by the wide overlap of the grading results, subjective grading systems are only approximate. However, a conversion table for Sunnybrook and H-B gradings was obtained and is included in the article. It can be used for further development of facial grading systems.
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| 37. |
- Karlström, Annika, et al.
(author)
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Women's postoperative experiences before and after the introduction of spinal opioids in anaesthesia for caesareansection
- 2010
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In: Journal of Clinical Nursing. - : Wiley. - 0962-1067 .- 1365-2702. ; 19:9-10, s. 1326-1334
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aim.The aim was to evaluate a new anaesthetic routine and to study the effect of spinal opioids for caesarean section on postoperative pain, expectations of pain, satisfaction with pain treatment, breastfeeding, infant care and length of hospital stay.Background.Inadequate postoperative pain relief is a problem among hospitalised patients. Women undergoing caesarean section have been shown to experience high levels of pain during the first days after operation. Women are expected to breastfeed and care for their newborn while recovering from major abdominal surgery and sufficient pain relief are of importance.Design.Comparative patient survey.Methods.Data were collected through a questionnaire distributed to two independent samples of women undergoing elective and emergency caesarean section before and after the introduction of an additive of opioids in obstetric spinal anaesthesia. Chi-square tests were performed, and risk ratios were used for bivariate analysis. Logistic regression modelling was used for multivariate analysis.Results.The group of women undergoing caesarean section with opioids added to the spinal anaesthesia reported significantly lower levels of experienced pain. High pain levels irrespective of mode of caesarean section affected breastfeeding and infant care. Length of hospital stay for caesarean women was shortened and the consumption of analgesics was reduced.Conclusions.Women receiving an additive of opioids in spinal anaesthesia experienced lower levels of pain. Low pain levels facilitate breastfeeding and infant care and are of relevance for financial considerations.Relevance to clinical practice.The results of this study indicate that spinal opioids for women undergoing caesarean section have a positive effect on the postoperative pain experience. Women undergoing caesarean section and have high pain levels are in special need of attention and care because of a higher risk of a decreased ability to breastfeed and to take care of their newborn.
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| 38. |
- Larsson, Mats, et al.
(author)
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Brain Responses to Visceral Stimuli Reflect Visceral Sensitivity Thresholds in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- 2012
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In: Gastroenterology. - : Elsevier. - 0016-5085 .- 1528-0012. ; 142:3, s. 463-472
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND & AIMS:Only a fraction of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have increased perceptual sensitivity to rectal distension, indicating differences in processing and/or modulation of visceral afferent signals. We investigated the brain mechanisms of these perceptual differences.METHODS:We analyzed data from 44 women with IBS and 20 female healthy subjects (controls). IBS symptom severity was determined by a severity scoring system. Anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed using the hospital anxiety and depression score. Blood oxygen level-dependent signals were measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging during expectation and delivery of high (45 mmHg) and low (15 mmHg) intensity rectal distensions. Perception thresholds to rectal distension were determined in the scanner. Brain imaging data were compared among 18 normosensitive and 15 hypersensitive patients with IBS and 18 controls. Results were reported significant if peak P-values were ≤.05, with family-wise error correction in regions of interest.RESULTS:The subgroups of patients with IBS were similar in age, symptom duration, psychological symptoms, and IBS symptom severity. Although brain responses to distension were similar between normosensitive patients and controls, hypersensitive patients with IBS had greater activation of insula and reduced deactivation in pregenual anterior cingulate cortex during noxious rectal distensions, compared to controls and normosensitive patients with IBS. During expectation of rectal distension, normosensitive patients with IBS had more activation in right hippocampus than controls.CONCLUSIONS:Despite similarities in symptoms, hyper- and normosensitive patients with IBS differ in cerebral responses to standardized rectal distensions and their expectation, consistent with differences in ascending visceral afferent input.
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| 39. |
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| 40. |
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| 41. |
- Lowén, Mats, et al.
(author)
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Effect of hypnotherapy and educational intervention on brain response to visceral stimulus in the irritable bowel syndrome
- 2013
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In: Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0269-2813 .- 1365-2036. ; 37:12, s. 1184-1197
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Gut-directed hypnotherapy can reduce IBS symptoms, but the mechanisms underlying this therapeutic effect remain unknown. Aim To determine the effect of hypnotherapy and educational intervention on brain responses to cued rectal distensions in IBS patients. Methods Forty-four women with moderate-to-severe IBS and 20 healthy controls (HCs) were included. Blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signals were measured by functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) during expectation and delivery of high- (45mmHg) and low-intensity (15mmHg) rectal distensions. Twenty-five patients were assigned to hypnotherapy (HYP) and 16 to educational intervention (EDU). Thirty-one patients completed treatments and posttreatment fMRI. Results Similar symptom reduction was achieved in both groups. Clinically successful treatment (all responders) was associated with significant BOLD attenuation during high-intensity distension in the dorsal and ventral anterior insula (cluster size 142, P=0.006, and cluster size 101, P=0.005 respectively). Moreover HYP responders demonstrated a prepost treatment BOLD attenuation in posterior insula (cluster sizes 59, P=0.05) while EDU responders had a BOLD attenuation in prefrontal cortex (cluster size 60, P=0.05). Prepost differences for expectation conditions were almost exclusively seen in the HYP group. Following treatment, the brain response to distension was similar to that observed in HCs, suggesting that the treatment had a normalising effect on the central processing abnormality of visceral signals in IBS. Conclusions The abnormal processing and enhanced perception of visceral stimuli in IBS can be normalised by psychological interventions. Symptom improvement in the treatment groups may be mediated by different brain mechanisms. Clinical trial number: NCT01815164.
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| 42. |
- Marsk, Elin, et al.
(author)
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Early Deterioration in Bell's Palsy : Prognosis and Effect of Prednisolone
- 2010
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In: Otology and Neurotology. - 1531-7129 .- 1537-4505. ; 31:9, s. 1503-1507
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To assess if early deterioration is a negative prognostic factor in Bell's palsy and if prednisolone treatment reduces early progression and enhances recovery. Study Design: Data extracted from the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter, Scandinavian Bell's palsy study. Setting: Sixteen tertiary referral centers in Sweden and one in Finland. Patients: A total of 829 patients aged 18 to 75 years with Bell's palsy. Intervention: The study design was factorial; 416 patients were given prednisolone, whereas 413 did not receive the drug. Data were analyzed with a modified intention-to-treat principle and the last-observation-carried-forward method. Main Outcome Measures: Facial function was assessed within 72 hours before treatment start, at Days 11 to 17, and at 12 months. Sunnybrook was used as the main facial grading system with complete recovery defined as Sunnybrook 100. Results: In 236 (28%) of 829 patients, the palsy deteriorated from baseline to the first follow-up at Days 11 to 17. Complete recovery at 12 months was 45% among subjects with early deterioration compared with 73% in patients with no initial deterioration (p < 0.0001). In the early deterioration group, complete recovery at 12 months was 62% in patients treated with prednisolone and 31% in those not treated (p G 0.0001). Conclusion: Early deterioration in Bell's palsy is a negative prognostic factor for complete recovery at 12 months. Prednisolone given within 72 hours may reduce early progression and improve the outcome of palsy.
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| 43. |
- Marsk, Elin, et al.
(author)
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Prediction of nonrecovery in Bell's palsy using sunnybrook grading
- 2012
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In: The Laryngoscope. - : Wiley. - 0023-852X .- 1531-4995. ; 122:4, s. 901-906
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives/Hypothesis: To develop a clinical prognostic model to identify Bell's palsy patients with risk for nonrecovery at 12 months. Study Design: Data from a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study. Methods: There were 829 patients with Bell's palsy randomized in a factorial fashion to treatment with prednisolone or no prednisolone. Facial function was assessed with the Sunnybrook grading scale. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses at different time points were used to identify factors predicting nonrecovery, defined as Sunnybrook < 70 at 12 months. Variables studied were age, gender, time to inclusion, prednisolone treatment, side of palsy, pain at inclusion, and Sunnybrook scores. Factors of predictable significance were used to construct prognostic models at baseline, days 11 to 17, and at 1 month. Receiver operating characteristics curves were created to test the predictive capacity of the models. Results: At baseline, treatment with prednisolone or no prednisolone (P = .0005), age (P = .04) and the Sunnybrook score (P = .0002) were significant factors for predicting nonrecovery. The receiver operating characteristics area under the curve at baseline for these three variables was 0.74 (sensitivity 0.83, specificity 0.57). At days 11 to 17 and at 1 month, the Sunnybrook score was the only significant predictive variable. The respective areas under the curves for the Sunnybrook score at these time points were 0.83 (sensitivity 0.81, specificity 0.75) and 0.94 (sensitivity 0.91, specificity 0.85). Conclusions: Sunnybrook grading at 1 month most accurately predicts nonrecovery at 12 months in Bell's palsy.
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| 44. |
- Marsk, Elin, et al.
(author)
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Validation of a Swedish version of the Facial Disability Index (FDI) and the Facial Clinimetric Evaluation (FaCE) scale
- 2013
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In: Acta Oto-Laryngologica. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0001-6489 .- 1651-2251. ; 133:6, s. 662-669
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Conclusion: Swedish versions of the Facial Disability Index (FDI) and Facial Clinimetric Evaluation (FaCE) scale are psychometrically valid. Both questionnaires can be used for clinical studies on peripheral facial palsy patients, and provide important information on quality of life. Objectives: To translate and validate Swedish versions of the FDI and FaCE scale in patients with peripheral facial palsy. Methods: Translation of the original questionnaires followed international guidelines. Internal consistency and test-retest stability were assessed in adult patients with stable peripheral facial palsy. Facial function was examined with the Sunnybrook and House-Brackmann scales. Subjects answered the questionnaires twice with a 2-week interval. Validity was assessed by comparing FDI and FaCE scale scores to SF-36 and Sunnybrook/House-Brackmann scores. Results: Ninety-three patients were included, 53% women and 47% men, mean age 56.9 years and mean duration of palsy 51.9 months. The questionnaires showed good/excellent psychometric properties with Cronbach's alpha scores between 0.76 and 0.92. In the test-retest analysis, intra-class correlation coefficients were very good for both questionnaires with scores of 0.83-0.97. Both questionnaires showed good sensitivity to discriminate between patients with varying degrees of facial dysfunction. Moderate to strong correlation was found between the social domains in the questionnaires when compared with the equivalent domains in SF-36.
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| 45. |
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| 46. |
- Ryttlefors, Mats, et al.
(author)
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Neurointensive care is justified in elderly patients with severe subarachnoid hemorrhage--an outcome and secondary insults study
- 2010
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In: Acta Neurochirurgica. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0001-6268 .- 0942-0940. ; 152:2, s. 241-249
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PURPOSE: The aim was to study the outcome and the occurrence of secondary brain insults in elderly patients with severe subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in comparison to younger patients. METHODS: Ninety-nine patients with severe SAH requiring a ventriculostomy and management at the neurointensive care unit with at least 120 h of multimodality monitoring data during the first 240 h following SAH were included. Data were continuously recorded for intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral perfusion pressure, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and temperature. Secondary insult levels were defined and quantified as percent of good monitoring time at insult level. Outcome according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale was evaluated at 6 months after the SAH. Age-dependent differences in occurrence of secondary insults and clinical characteristics were analyzed with multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Good recovery or moderate disability was achieved in 24.1% of the elderly and in 42.9% of the younger patients. The frequency of severe disability was 41.4% in the elderly and 37.1% in the younger patients. The occurrence of ICP insults was lower and the occurrence of hypertensive, hypotensive, and hypoxemic insults were higher in the elderly patients. CONCLUSIONS: An independent outcome was achieved in a substantial proportion of the elderly with severe SAH, and the proportion of severe disability was not greater than among the younger patients, which justifies neurointensive care also in elderly patients. The occurrence of secondary insults was age dependent. Future studies of multimodality monitoring may provide age-specific secondary insult levels necessary for a tailored neurointensive care specific for elderly patients with severe SAH.
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| 47. |
- Ryttlefors, Mats, et al.
(author)
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Patient age and vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage
- 2010
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In: Neurosurgery. - 0148-396X .- 1524-4040. ; 67:4, s. 911-917
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) from a ruptured intracranial aneurysm is a devastating disease with high mortality and morbidity. The incidence of SAH increases with advancing age. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether age is an independent predictor of angiographic vasospasm, delayed ischemic neurological deficits (DINDs), or abnormal transcranial Doppler (TCD) measurements in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. METHODS: Data from CONSCIOUS-1 (Clazosentan to Overcome Neurological Ischemia and Infarct Occurring After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage study), a dose-finding study of clazosentan, were used. Data on angiographic vasospasm, DINDs, and TCD abnormalities were prospectively recorded as well as baseline characteristics and treatment data. Patient age was considered in 3 ways: as a continuous variable, dichotomized at age 65 years, and categorized by decade. Age was investigated as the main variable, whereas other possible confounding variables were adjusted for in the multiple logistic regression modeling with each of 3 dichotomized vasospasm outcome measures, presence or absence of angiographic vasospasm, DINDs, and TCD abnormalities as the dependent variable. RESULTS: The proportions of patients with angiographic vasospasm, DINDs, and TCD abnormalities were 45%, 19%, and 81%, respectively. Age, whether considered as a continuous, dichotomous, or a categorical variable, was not significantly associated with angiographic vasospasm, DINDs, or abnormal TCD measurements. CONCLUSION: Age does not seem to be a significant predictor for cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage.
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| 48. |
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| 49. |
- Tyrberg, Simon, 1979-, et al.
(author)
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Wave Buoy and Translator Motions - On-Site Measurements and Simulations
- 2011
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In: IEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering. - 0364-9059 .- 1558-1691. ; 36:3, s. 377-385
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- For a complete understanding of a wave energy conversion device, it is important to know how the proposed device moves in the water, how this motion can be measured, and to what extent the motion can be predicted or simulated. The magnitude and character of the motion has impacts on engineering issues and optimization of control parameters, as well as the theoretical understanding of the system. This paper presents real sea measurements of buoy motion and translator motion fora wave energy system using a linear generator. Buoy motion has been measured using two different systems: a land-based optical system and a buoy-based accelerometer system. The data have been compared to simulations from a Simulink model for the entire system. The two real sea measurements of buoy motion have been found to correlate well in the vertical direction, where the measured range of motion and the standard deviation of the position distributions differed with 3 and 4 cm, respectively. The difference in the horizontal direction ismore substantial. The main reason for this is that the buoy rotation about its axis of symmetry was not measured. However, used together the two systems give a good understanding of buoy motion. In a first comparison, the simulations show good agreement with the measured motion for both translator and buoy.
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| 50. |
- Vasur, Jonas, et al.
(author)
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Synthesis of cyclic β-glucan using Laminarinase 16A glycosynthase mutant from the basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium
- 2010
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In: Journal of the American Chemical Society. - : American Chemical Society. - 0002-7863 .- 1520-5126. ; 132:5, s. 1724-1730
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Glycosynthases are precise molecular instruments for making specifically linked oligosaccharides. X-ray crystallography screening of ligands bound to the 1,3(4)-β-d-glucanase nucleophile mutant E115S of Phanerochaete chrysosporium Laminarinase 16A (Lam16A) showed that laminariheptaose (L7) bound in an arch with the reducing and nonreducing ends occupying either side of the catalytic cleft of the enzyme. The X-ray structure of Lam16A E115S in complex with α-laminariheptaosyl fluoride (αL7F) revealed how αL7F could make a nucleophilic attack upon itself. Indeed, when Lam16A E115S was allowed to react with αL7F the major product was a cyclic β-1,3-heptaglucan, as shown by mass spectrometry. NMR confirmed uniquely β-1,3-linkages and no reducing end. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that the cyclic laminariheptaose molecule is not completely planar and that torsion angles at the glycosidic linkages fluctuate between two energy minima. This is the first report of a glycosynthase that joins the reducing and nonreducing ends of a single oligosaccharide and the first reported synthesis of cyclic β-glucan.
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