| 1. |
- Bertilsson, Johan, et al.
(author)
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Stress Levels Escalate When Repeatedly Performing Tasks Involving Threats
- 2019
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In: Frontiers in Psychology. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1664-1078. ; 10, s. 1562-1562
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Police work may include performing repeated tasks under the influence of psychological stress, which can affect perceptual, cognitive and motor performance. However, it is largely unknown how repeatedly performing stressful tasks physically affect police officers in terms of heart rate and pupil diameter properties. Psychological stress is commonly assessed by monitoring the changes in these biomarkers. Heart rate and pupil diameter was measured in 12 male police officers when performing a sequence of four stressful tasks, each lasting between 20 and 130 s. The participants were first placed in a dimly illuminated anteroom before allowed to enter a brightly lit room where a scenario was played out. After each task was performed, the participants returned to the anteroom for about 30 s before performing the next sequential task. Performing a repeated sequence of stressful tasks caused a significant increase in heart rate (p = 0.005). The heart rate started to increase already before entering the scenario room and was significantly larger just after starting the task than just before starting the task (p < 0.001). This pattern was more marked during the first tasks (p < 0.001). Issuance of a verbal "abort" command which terminated the tasks led to a significant increase of heart rate (p = 0.002), especially when performing the first tasks (p = 0.002). The pupil diameter changed significantly during the repeated tasks during all phases but in a complex pattern where the pupil diameter reached a minimum during task 2 followed by an increase during tasks 3 and 4 (p ≤ 0.020). During the initial tasks, the pupil size (p = 0.014) increased significantly. The results suggest that being repeatedly exposed to stressful tasks can produce in itself an escalation of psychological stress, this even prior to being exposed to the task. However, the characteristics of both the heart rate and pupil diameter were complex, thus, the findings highlight the importance of studying the effects and dynamics of different stress-generating factors. Monitoring heart rate was found useful to screen for stress responses, and thus, to be a vehicle for indication if and when rotation of deployed personnel is necessary to avoid sustained high stress exposures.
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| 2. |
- Philippot, Gaetan, et al.
(author)
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A Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 (CB1R) Agonist Enhances the Developmental Neurotoxicity of Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)
- 2018
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In: Toxicological Sciences. - : OXFORD UNIV PRESS. - 1096-6080 .- 1096-0929. ; 166:1, s. 203-212
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Acetaminophen (AAP; also known as paracetamol) is the most used and only recommended analgesic and antipyretic among pregnant women and young children. However, recent findings in both humans and rodents suggest a link between developmental exposure to AAP and adverse neurobehavioral effects later in life. We hypothesized that the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) may be involved in the developmental neurotoxicity of AAP, owing to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system. Here we test if CB1R agonist WIN 55 212-2 (WIN) and AAP can interact when exposure occurs during a neurodevelopmental stage known for increased growth rate and for its vulnerability to AAP exposure. We exposed male NMRI mice on postnatal day 10 to different combinations of AAP and WIN. Adult mice, neonatally co-exposed to AAP and WIN, displayed a significant lack of habituation in the spontaneous behavior test, when compared with controls and single agent exposed mice. These adult adverse effects may at least in part be explained by a reduction of transcript levels of hippocampal synaptophysin (Syp) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (Trkb), and cerebral cortical fatty acid amide hydroxylase (Faah), 24h after exposure. These findings are consistent with our hypothesis that AAP and WIN can interact when exposure occurs during early postnatal brain development in mice. Assuming our results are relevant for humans, they raise concerns on AAP safety because it is the only recommended analgesic and antipyretic during pregnancy and early life.
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Andersson, Roger, et al.
(author)
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B-field energy dependent phase lag dispersion in magnetomotive ultrasound imaging
- 2015
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In: 2015 IEEE International Ultrasonics Symposium (IUS). - 1948-5719.
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Magnetomotive ultrasound imaging is an emerging technique where superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles can be used as an ultrasound contrast agent. A time-varying external magnetic field acts to move tissue embedded particles, and ultrasound is used to detect the resulting tissue movement. In experimental phantom studies we have observed a phase lag dispersion in the magnetomotive response in respect to applied time-varying magnetic field (B-field). We hypothesize that this dispersion is triggered by the strength of the applied B-field in combination with concentration of embedded nanoparticles in the region. The cohort response of the nanoparticles aligns as the magnetic field gets more energetic. Moreover, the tightening of the phase response indicate an asymptotic tapering towards a phase limit.
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| 5. |
- Anton, Nicholas, et al.
(author)
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AXIAL TURBINE DESIGN FOR A TWIN-TURBINE HEAVY-DUTY TURBOCHARGER CONCEPT
- 2018
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In: PROCEEDINGS OF THE ASME TURBO EXPO. - : ASME Press. - 9780791851005
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In the process of evaluating a parallel twin-turbine pulse-turbocharged concept, the results considering the turbine operation clearly pointed towards an axial type of turbine. The radial turbine design first analyzed was seen to suffer from sub-optimum values of flow coefficient, stage loading and blade speed-ratio. Modifying the radial turbine by both assessing the influence of "trim" and inlet tip diameter all concluded that this type of turbine is limited for the concept. Mainly, the turbine stage was experiencing high values of flow coefficient, requiring a more high flowing type of turbine. Therefore, an axial turbine stage could be feasible as this type of turbine can handle significantly higher flow rates very efficiently. Also, the design spectrum is broader as the shape of the turbine blades is not restricted by a radially fibred geometry as in the radial turbine case. In this paper, a single stage axial turbine design is presented. As most turbocharger concepts for automotive and heavy-duty applications are dominated by radial turbines, the axial turbine is an interesting option to be evaluated for pulse charged concepts. Values of crank-angle-resolved turbine and flow parameters from engine simulations are used as input to the design and subsequent analysis. The data provides a valuable insight into the fluctuating turbine operating conditions and is a necessity for matching a pulse-turbocharged system. Starting on a 1D-basis, the design process is followed through, resulting in a fully defined 3D-geometry. The 3D-design is evaluated both with respect to FEA and CFD as to confirm high performance and durability. Turbine maps were used as input to the engine simulation in order to assess this design with respect to "on-engine" conditions and to engine performance. The axial design shows clear advantages with regards to turbine parameters, efficiency and tip speed levels compared to a reference radial design. Improvement in turbine efficiency enhanced the engine performance significantly. The study concludes that the proposed single stage axial turbine stage design is viable for a pulse-turbocharged six cylinder heavy-duty engine. Taking into account both turbine performance and durability aspects, validation in engine simulations, a highly efficient engine with a practical and realizable turbocharger concept resulted.
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| 6. |
- Anton, Nicholas, et al.
(author)
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Exhaust volume dependency of turbocharger turbine design for a heavy duty otto cycle engine
- 2017
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In: Proceedings of the ASME Turbo Expo. - : ASME Press. - 9780791850800
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study is considering turbocharger turbine performance at "on-engine" conditions with respect to turbine design variables and exhaust manifold volume. The highly unsteady nature of the internal combustion engine will result in a very wide range of turbine operation, far from steady flow conditions. As most turbomachinery design work is conducted at steady state, the influence of the chosen turbine design variables on the crank-angle-resolved turbine performance will be of prime interest. In order to achieve high turbocharger efficiency with the greatest benefits for the engine, the turbine will need high efficiency at the energetic exhaust pressure pulse peak. The starting point for this paper is a target full load power curve for a heavy duty Otto-cycle engine, which will dictate an initial compressor and turbine match. Three radial turbine designs are investigated, differing with respect to efficiency characteristics, using a common compressor stage. The influence of the chosen turbine design variables considering a main contributor to unsteadiness, exhaust manifold volume, is evaluated using 1D engine simulation software. A discussion is held in conjunction with this regarding the efficiency potential of each turbine design and limitations of turbine types.
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| 7. |
- Anton, Nicholas, et al.
(author)
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ON THE CHOICE OF TURBINE TYPE FOR A TWIN-TURBINE HEAVY-DUTY TURBOCHARGER CONCEPT
- 2018
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In: PROCEEDINGS OF THE ASME TURBO EXPO. - : AMER SOC MECHANICAL ENGINEERS. ; 8
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this study, a fundamental approach to the choice of turbocharger turbine for a pulse-charged heavy-duty diesel engine is presented. A standard six-cylinder engine build with a production exhaust manifold and a Twin-scroll turbocharger is used as a baseline case. The engine exhaust configuration is redesigned and evaluated in engine simulations for a pulse-charged concept consisting of a parallel twin-turbine layout. This concept will allow for pulse separation with minimized exhaust pulse interference and low exhaust manifold volume. This turbocharger concept is uncommon, as most previous studies have considered two stage systems, various multiple entry turbine stages etc. Even more rare is the fundamental aspect regarding the choice of turbine type as most manufacturers tend to focus on radial turbines, which by far dominate the turbochargers of automotive and heavy-duty applications. By characterizing the turbine operation with regards to turbine parameters for optimum performance found in literature a better understanding of the limitations of turbine types can be achieved. A compact and low volume exhaust manifold design is constructed for the turbocharger concept and the reference radial turbine map is scaled in engine simulations to a pre-set AFR-target at a low engine RPM. By obtaining crank-angle-resolved data from engine simulations, key turbine parameters are studied with regard to the engine exhaust pulse-train. At the energetic exhaust pressure pulse peak, the reference radial turbine is seen to operate with suboptimum values of Blade-Speed-Ratio, Stage Loading and Flow Coefficient. The study concludes that in order to achieve high turbine efficiency for this pulse-charged turbocharger concept, a turbine with efficiency optimum towards low Blade-Speed Ratios, high Stage Loading and high Flow Coefficient is required. An axial turbine of low degree of reaction-design could be viable in this respect.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Anton, Nicholas, et al.
(author)
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Twin-Scroll turbocharger turbine stage evaluation of experimental data and simulations
- 2018
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In: Institution of Mechanical Engineers - 13th International Conference on Turbochargers and. - : Institution of Mechanical Engineers. - 9781510873872 ; , s. 487-502
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this study a novel comparison of CFD, measured data and a ID-model is presented for a Twin-scroll turbocharger turbine stage. Both full and single admission flow divisions were taken into consideration and shown to represent "on-engine" conditions in the high and low engine rpm range respectively for a heavy-duty 6-cylinder diesel engine. With this in mind, the turbine stage was evaluated for each flow division at several rotational speeds. Both high and low pressure ratios were run. Emphasis is made on high pressure ratios as it is the most relevant case with regards to the energy levels of the exhaust flow. The purpose of the study was to gain insight into the differences and similarities between gas stand measurements, a ID-model and CFD considering performance and turbine stage parameters. The study concludes that the results from the measurements in the gas stand and ID-model, obtained best correlation with the CFD results at low turbine pressure ratios. At high pressure ratios significant deviations were observed. In order to check for discrepancies, both frozen rotor and stage interfaces were considered in the CFD-model, with an additional variant taking the rotor-volute tongue clocking into account. All interfaces resulted in the same trends, although the frozen rotor approach provided the best correlation with measured data. The clocking effect was seen not to affect the results to a great extent in this case. The main difference between the CFD and measurements in combination with the ID model-prediction primarily occur at the rotor inlet. The pressures were predicted to be substantially higher by the CFD calculations due to reduced pressure losses in the volute. Especially taking effect at high turbine pressure ratios which is most relevant for turbocharger applications and therefor the mapping process in the gas stand. This can be one of the reasons for significant deviations in efficiency, turbine parameters etc. at high pressure ratios as effectively more energy will be available to the rotor for a given turbine stage pressure ratio. In general best coherence was achieved for the full admission case. Even so, trends of main parameters such as efficiency, flow capacity and turbine parameters point in the same direction comparing CFD with calculations and measured results for both full and single admission.
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| 11. |
- Buratovic, Sonja, et al.
(author)
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Developmental effects of fractionated low-dose exposure to gamma radiation on behaviour and susceptibility of the cholinergic system in mice
- 2016
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In: International Journal of Radiation Biology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0955-3002 .- 1362-3095. ; 92:7, s. 371-379
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: To investigate whether neonatal exposure to fractionated external gamma radiation and co-exposure to radiation and nicotine can affect/exacerbate developmental neurotoxic effects, including altered behavior/cognitive function and the susceptibility of the cholinergic system in adult male mice. Materials and methods: Neonatal male Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice were irradiated with one 200 mGy fraction/day and/or exposed to nicotine (66 μg/kg b.w.) twice daily on postnatal day (PND) 10, 10–11, 10–12 or 10–13 (nicotine only). At 2 months of age the animals were tested for spontaneous behavior in a novel home environment, habituation capacity and nicotine-induced behavior. Results: Fractionated irradiation and co-exposure to radiation and nicotine on three consecutive days disrupted behavior and habituation and altered susceptibility of the cholinergic system. All observed effects were significantly more pronounced in mice co-exposed to both radiation and nicotine. Conclusions: The fractionated irradiation regime affects behavior/cognitive function in a similar manner as has previously been observed for single-dose exposures. Neonatal co-exposure to radiation and nicotine, during a critical period of brain development in general and cholinergic system development in particular, enhance these behavioral defects suggesting that the cholinergic system can be a target system for this type of developmental neurotoxic effects.
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| 12. |
- Buratovic, Sonja, 1986-, et al.
(author)
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Effects on adult cognitive function after neonatal exposure to clinically relevant doses of ionising radiation and ketamine in mice
- 2018
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In: British Journal of Anaesthesia. - : ELSEVIER SCI LTD. - 0007-0912 .- 1471-6771. ; 120:3, s. 546-554
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Radiological methods for screening, diagnostics and therapy are frequently used in healthcare. In infants and children, anaesthesia/sedation is often used in these situations to relieve the patients' perception of stress or pain. Both ionising radiation (IR) and ketamine have been shown to induce developmental neurotoxic effects and this study aimed to identify the combined effects of these in a murine model. Methods: Male mice were exposed to a single dose of ketamine (7.5 mg kg(-1) body weight) s.c. on postnatal day 10. One hour after ketamine exposure, mice were whole body irradiated with 50-200 mGy gamma radiation (Cs-137). Behavioural observations were performed at 2, 4 and 5 months of age. At 6 months of age, cerebral cortex and hippocampus tissue were analysed for neuroprotein levels. Results: Animals co-exposed to IR and ketamine displayed significant (P <= 0.01) lack of habituation in the spontaneous behaviour test, when compared with controls and single agent exposed mice. In the Morris Water Maze test, co-exposed animals showed significant (P <= 0.05) impaired learning and memory capacity in both the spatial acquisition task and the relearning test compared with controls and single agent exposed mice. Furthermore, in co-exposed mice a significantly (P <= 0.05) elevated level of tau protein in cerebral cortex was observed. Single agent exposure did not cause any significant effects on the investigated endpoints. Conclusion: Co-exposure to IR and ketamine can aggravate developmental neurotoxic effects at doses where the single agent exposure does not impact on the measured variables. These findings show that estimation of risk after paediatric low-dose IR exposure, based upon radiation dose alone, may underestimate the consequences for this vulnerable population.
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
- Buratovic, Sonja, 1986-
(author)
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Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation Induces Neurotoxicity in the Neonate : Acute or fractionated doses and interaction with xenobiotics in mice
- 2016
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- This thesis examines the developmental neurotoxic effects of exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation (IR), alone or together with xenobiotics, during a critical period of neonatal brain development in mice.During mammalian brain development there is a period called the brain growth spurt (BGS), which involves extensive growth and maturation of the brain. It is known that neonatal exposure during the BGS to xenobiotics can have a negative impact on neonatal brain development, resulting in impaired cognitive function in the adult mouse. In humans, the BGS starts during the third trimester of pregnancy and continues for approximately 2 years in the child. The present thesis has identified a defined critical period, during the BGS, when IR can induce developmental neurotoxicity in mice. The observed neurotoxicity was not dependent on sex or strain and manifested as altered neurobehaviour in the adult mouse. Furthermore, fractionated dose exposures appear to be as potent as a higher acute dose. The cholinergic system can be a target system for developmental neurotoxicity of IR, since alterations in adult mouse cholinergic system susceptibility were observed. Co-exposure to IR and nicotine exacerbated the behavioural disturbances and cholinergic system dysfunction. Furthermore, co-exposure with the environmental agent paraquat has indicated that the dopaminergic system can be a potential target. In this thesis, clinically relevant doses of IR and a sedative/anesthetic agent (ketamine) were shown to interact and exacerbate defects in adult mouse neurobehaviour, learning and memory, following neonatal exposure, at doses where the single agents did not have any impact on the measured variables. This indicates a shift in the dose-response curve for IR, towards lower doses, if exposure occurs during the neonatal brain development. In addition, co-exposed mice, showing cognitive defects, expressed elevated levels of tau protein in the cerebral cortex. Furthermore, exacerbation of neurochemical deviations were observed following co-exposure compared to irradiation alone.Further investigations of neurotoxic effects following fractionated or acute low-dose IR, modelling the clinical situation during repeated CT scans or levels of radiation deposited in non-target tissue during radiotherapy, and possible interaction effects with xenobiotics, is of great importance in the field of radioprotection.
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Dahl, Mats, et al.
(author)
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Analysis of eyewitness testimony in a police shooting with fatal outcome - Manifestations of spatial and temporal distortions
- 2018
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In: Cogent Psychology. - : Taylor & Francis. - 2331-1908. ; 5:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Eyewitness statements are commonly used in the criminal justice system and viewed as having a high-probative value, especially when the witness has no motive to lie, other witness recollection corroborates the account, orthe witness is highly confident. A fatal police shooting incident in Sweden had 13 witnesses (nine civilians and four police officers) and was also filmed with two mobile phones. All interviews were conducted before witnesses viewed the films, allowing for the analysis of discrepancies between their statements and the videos. In this incident, a police patrol was sent to find out a man who was reported to have attacked two persons with a knife. When found, the perpetrator refused to obey the officer's commands, and the police eventually shot at him. The analysis showed clear differences between the witness testimonies and the film. Elements associated with perceived threat, for example, the assailant's armament and movement direction and number of shots fired, were remembered fairly accurately. However, most witnesses poorly recollected when, that is, after which shot, the assailant fell to the ground. Moreover, memory of the actual order of events was altered and important aspects omitted that were crucial from a legal point of view.
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| 18. |
- Dwyer, Helen, 1963-
(author)
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Children at risk Securitization theory and special education reforms
- 2018
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Special education is to a significant extent based on special education programmes and support to children who are identified as children at risk. These programmes and support are often framed in educational reforms that aim to reduce risk and barriers to equal opportunities for learning and wellbeing. This thesis sets out to explore processes of special education reforms, with a special focus on the implementation of certain reforms. Here, a theoretical framework almost unknown in special education – securitization theory – is introduced, drawing on a tradition of securitization studies within the fields of Political Science and International Relations. The Copenhagen School’s theory of securitization referred to in the thesis describes the handling of vulnerabilities, insecurities and perceived threats through the initiation and implementation of securitization processes, such as, for example, education reforms. In short, securitization theory helps us understand processes of educational reforms in terms of identified threats, such as, for example, those against equal education for a specific group of pupils. Firstly, the reforms themselves are understood as securitization projects aimed at reducing threats to the young generation and as a consequence for society. Policies that concern children who are at risk by not receiving equal education, are handled differently among various securitization actors depending on how they perceive threats and education reform as a way to handle the perceived threat. Secondly, I introduce a new term into the examination of securitization processes – extended securitization actor. This assists the comprehension of additional implementation procedures and turns of securitization processes in the analytical procedure. Thirdly – and here I also add to the existing securitization theory – I show how a specific reform might itself be experienced as a threat to the goals and interests of actors at the lower levels of the implementation chain, which as a consequence, produces counter securitization processes that seem to influence the implementation of the education reform. The empirical parts of the thesis consist of empirical studies from South Africa and Sweden. Discussed are those education reform policies between the mid 1940s and 1970s in South Africa and Sweden that were directed towards the indigenous populations. Children “at risk” here concern educational issues linked to identity- and ethnic belonging and access to equal education for all children. Another study brings up the perception of environmental threats and international claims of incorporating Education for sustainable development (ESD) into national education. Children at risk can here be understood as those exposed to environmental hazards and in exposed land areas. Still another study deals with threats concerning political and societal exclusion of ethnic and vulnerable groups. Education reform should here be seen against the historic background of former Apartheid policies and the need for democratic development with a special emphasis on teachers’ attitudes towards inclusion and perceived threats by teachers in connection with implementing inclusive education.
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| 19. |
- Edin, Per-Anders, et al.
(author)
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The Rising Return to Non-cognitive Skills*
- 2018
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- We examine the changes in the rewards to cognitive and non-cognitive skill during the time period 1992-2013. Using unique administrative data for Sweden, we document a secular increase in the returns to non-cognitive skill. This increase is particularly pronounced in the private sector, at the upper-end of the wage distribution, and relative to the evolution of the return to cognitive skill. Sorting across occupations responded to changes in the returns to skills. Workers with an abundance of non-cognitive skill were increasingly sorted into abstract and non-routine occupations, for example. Such occupations also saw greater increases in the relative return to non-cognitive skill. This suggests that the optimal skill mixes of jobs have changed over time, that there is sorting on comparative advantage, and that demand-side factors are primarily driving the evolution of the return to non-cognitive skill. Consistent with this, we also show that hikes in offshoring and IT-investments increase the relative reward to non-cognitive skill and the relative intensity of non-cognitive skill usage.
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| 20. |
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
- Eriksson, Per, et al.
(author)
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Neonatal exposure to whole body ionizing radiation induces adult neurobehavioural defects : Critical period, dose-response effects and strain and sex comparison
- 2016
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In: Behavioural Brain Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0166-4328 .- 1872-7549. ; 304, s. 11-19
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Development of the brain includes periods which can be critical for its normal maturation. The present study investigates specifically vulnerable peri-/postnatal periods in mice which are essential for understanding the etiology behind radiation induced neurotoxicity and functional defects, including evaluation of neurotoxicity between sexes or commonly used laboratory mouse strains following low/moderate doses of ionizing radiation (IR). Male Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice, whole body irradiated to a single 500 mGy IR dose, on postnatal day (PND) 3 or PND 10 showed an altered adult spontaneous behaviour and impaired habituation capacity, whereas irradiation on PND 19 did not have any impact on the studied variables. Both NMRI and C57bl/6 male and female mice showed an altered adult spontaneous behaviour and impaired habituation following a single whole body irradiation of 500 or 1000 mGy, but not after 20 or 100 mGy, on PND 10. The present study shows that exposure to low/moderate doses of IR during critical life stages might be involved in the induction of neurological/neurodegenerative disorder/disease. A specifically vulnerable period for radiation induced neurotoxicity seems to be around PND 3-10 in mice. Further studies are needed to investigate mechanisms involved in induction of developmental neurotoxicity following low dose irradiation.
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| 23. |
- Fredriksson, Anneli, et al.
(author)
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Eccentric small-zone ray tracing wavefront aberrometry for refraction in keratoconus
- 2016
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In: Acta Ophthalmologica. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 1755-375X .- 1755-3768. ; 94:7, s. 679-684
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PURPOSE: To compare objective refraction using small-zone eccentric laser ray tracing (LRT) wavefront aberrometry to standard autorefraction in keratoconus (KC), and whether the visual acuities achieved with these refractions differ from corresponding values in healthy eyes.METHODS: Twenty-nine eyes of 29 patients with KC and 29 eyes of 29 healthy controls were included in this prospective unmasked case-control study. The uncorrected (UCVA) and spectacle-corrected (SCVA) Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) visual acuities based on refractions derived from LRT in central and four eccentric zones were compared to those achieved with standard autorefraction. The spherical equivalent (M) and two astigmatic power vectors (C0 and C45) were calculated for all refractions. Pentacam HR(®) was used to generate keratometry readings of the corresponding zones.RESULTS: In KC, the refraction from the upper nasal zone rendered a higher SCVA than the standard autorefraction more often than in the controls (p < 0.001). There were no significant variation in M between the different LRT measurement points in the control group, but central data provided the best SCVA. The UCVA:s and SCVA:s were worse in KC, and the KC eyes showed inferior myopia and superior hyperopia. Multiple refractions rendered similar SCVA:s in KC. Pentacam HR(®) showed higher keratometry readings infero-temporally, but also lower readings supero-nasally, compared to controls.CONCLUSION: In KC, eccentric LRT measurements gave better SCVA than standard autorefraction more often than in healthy eyes. Eccentric LRT may become a valuable tool in the demanding task of subjective refraction in KC.
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| 24. |
- Fredriksson, Albin, et al.
(author)
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Maximizing the probability of satisfying the clinical goals in radiation therapy treatment planning under setup uncertainty
- 2015
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In: Medical physics (Lancaster). - : Wiley. - 0094-2405. ; 42:7, s. 3992-3999
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: This paper introduces a method that maximizes the probability of satisfying the clinical goals in intensity-modulated radiation therapy treatments subject to setup uncertainty. Methods: The authors perform robust optimization in which the clinical goals are constrained to be satisfied whenever the setup error falls within an uncertainty set. The shape of the uncertainty set is included as a variable in the optimization. The goal of the optimization is to modify the shape of the uncertainty set in order to maximize the probability that the setup error will fall within the modified set. Because the constraints enforce the clinical goals to be satisfied under all setup errors within the uncertainty set, this is equivalent to maximizing the probability of satisfying the clinical goals. This type of robust optimization is studied with respect to photon and proton therapy applied to a prostate case and compared to robust optimization using an a priori defined uncertainty set. Results: Slight reductions of the uncertainty sets resulted in plans that satisfied a larger number of clinical goals than optimization with respect to a priori defined uncertainty sets, both within the reduced uncertainty sets and within the a priori, nonreduced, uncertainty sets. For the prostate case, the plans taking reduced uncertainty sets into account satisfied 1.4 (photons) and 1.5 (protons) times as many clinical goals over the scenarios as the method taking a priori uncertainty sets into account. Conclusions: Reducing the uncertainty sets enabled the optimization to find better solutions with respect to the errors within the reduced as well as the nonreduced uncertainty sets and thereby achieve higher probability of satisfying the clinical goals. This shows that asking for a little less in the optimization sometimes leads to better overall plan quality.
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| 25. |
- Fredriksson, Anneli, et al.
(author)
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Measurement centration and zone diameter in anterior, posterior and total corneal astigmatism in keratoconus
- 2017
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In: Acta Ophthalmologica. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1755-375X .- 1755-3768. ; 95:8, s. 826-833
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose To investigate the central and paracentral astigmatism and the significance of centration and measurement zone diameter compared to a 3-mm pupil-centred measurement zone in keratoconus and in healthy eyes.Methods Twenty-eight right eyes from 28 KC patients with an inferotemporal cone were selected according to specified criteria based on Oculus Pentacam HR (R) measurements and were matched with healthy control eyes. The flat (K1) and steep (K2) keratometry readings were registered from the Total Corneal Refractive Power' (TCRP) display as well as the anterior and posterior corneal astigmatism displays (ACA and PCA, respectively). Astigmatic power vectors KP0 and KP45 were calculated and analysed for a 6-mm and two 3-mm zones centred on the corneal apex and the pupil, and for 8 paracentral 3-mm zones.Results The astigmatism was generally higher in KC. Many astigmatic values in KC differed between the 3-mm pupil-centred and the 3- and 6-mm apex-centred zones in KC. In the controls, no corresponding differences between measurement zones were seen, apart from PCA, which differed. The magnitude and direction of KP0 and KP45 varied greatly between the paracentral measurements in KC.Conclusion Centration and measurement zone diameter have great impacts on the astigmatic values in KC. A small pupil-centred measurement zone should be considered when evaluating the astigmatism in KC.
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
- Fredriksson, Magnus, et al.
(author)
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Using Small Diameter Logs for Cross Laminated Timber Production
- 2015
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In: BioResources. - : BioResources. - 1930-2126. ; 10:1, s. 1477-1486
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Sawing small diameter logs results in lower yield compared to sawing large diameter logs. This is due to geometry; fitting rectangular blocks inside an approximately cylindrical shape is more difficult for small than for large diameters. If small diameter logs were sawn in a way that follows the outer shape, yield would increase. The present study considers whether this can be done by sawing flitches into trapeze shapes. These can be glued together into rectangular products. Cross laminated timber (CLT) products are suitable for this. The study was based on 4,860 softwood logs that where scanned, and the scanning data was used for sawing simulation. The log top diameters ranged from 92 to 434 mm. The volume yield of CLT production using trapeze edging was compared to cant sawing of boards. The trapeze edging and CLT production process improved yield compared to cant sawing by 17.4 percent units, for logs of a top diameter smaller than 185 mm. For all logs, the yield decreased using the trapeze edging method. To conclude, a trapeze edging method shows promise in terms of increasing volume yield for small diameter logs, if boards can be properly taken care of in a CLT production process
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| 28. |
- Fredriksson, Magnus, et al.
(author)
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Validating a crosscutting simulation program based on computed tomography scanning of logs
- 2015
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In: European Journal of Wood and Wood Products. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0018-3768 .- 1436-736X. ; 73:2, s. 143-150
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Wood scanners and software for calculating crosscutting positions have been used in the wood industry for some years now. The scanners are used to detect biological and geometrical deviations on the sawn timber, which makes it possible to remove undesired defects using crosscut saws. Yield calculations for crosscutting have not been investigated to the same extent as sawing yield calculations for primary breakdown of logs, especially if the whole chain from log to end product is considered. The objective of this study was to validate the result of a computer program developed for simulating crosscutting of boards. The crosscut simulations were performed with respect to knot characteristics on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) board surfaces. Validating a crosscutting simulation program would mean that it can be used to investigate how raw material and customization of quality rules affect the yield in a wood production chain from log to crosscut end product. The validation showed that crosscutting yield for boards could be predicted with a root mean square error of 13 percentage points, and the technique can be used to identify unsuitable logs for a certain product at an early stage of production.
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| 29. |
- Fredriksson, Nils Johan, 1979-, et al.
(author)
-
Recurrent promoter mutations in melanoma are defined by an extended context-specific mutational signature
- 2017
-
In: Plos Genetics. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1553-7404 .- 1553-7390. ; 13:5
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Sequencing of whole tumor genomes holds the promise of revealing functional somatic regulatory mutations, such as those described in the TERT promoter. Recurrent promoter mutations have been identified in many additional genes and appear to be particularly common in melanoma, but convincing functional data such as influence on gene expression has been more elusive. Here, we show that frequently recurring promoter mutations in melanoma occur almost exclusively at cytosines flanked by a distinct sequence signature, TTCCG, with TERT as a notable exception. In active, but not inactive, promoters, mutation frequencies for cytosines at the 5' end of this ETS-like motif were considerably higher than expected based on a UV trinucleotide mutational signature. Additional analyses solidify this pattern as an extended context-specific mutational signature that mediates an exceptional position-specific vulnerability to UV mutagenesis, arguing against positive selection. We further use ultra-sensitive amplicon sequencing to demonstrate that cell cultures exposed to UV light quickly develop subclonal mutations specifically in affected positions. Our findings have implications for the interpretation of somatic mutations in regulatory regions, and underscore the importance of genomic context and extended sequence patterns to accurately describe mutational signatures in cancer.
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| 30. |
- Fredriksson, Robert, et al.
(author)
-
The polyamine transporter Slc18b1(VPAT) is important for both short and long time memory and for regulation of polyamine content in the brain.
- 2019
-
In: PLOS Genetics. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1553-7390 .- 1553-7404. ; 15:12
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- SLC18B1 is a sister gene to the vesicular monoamine and acetylcholine transporters, and the only known polyamine transporter, with unknown physiological role. We reveal that Slc18b1 knock out mice has significantly reduced polyamine content in the brain providing the first evidence that Slc18b1 is functionally required for regulating polyamine levels. We found that this mouse has impaired short and long term memory in novel object recognition, radial arm maze and self-administration paradigms. We also show that Slc18b1 KO mice have altered expression of genes involved in Long Term Potentiation, plasticity, calcium signalling and synaptic functions and that expression of components of GABA and glutamate signalling are changed. We further observe a partial resistance to diazepam, manifested as significantly lowered reduction in locomotion after diazepam treatment. We suggest that removal of Slc18b1 leads to reduction of polyamine contents in neurons, resulting in reduced GABA signalling due to long-term reduction in glutamatergic signalling.
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| 31. |
- Färdig, Rickard, et al.
(author)
-
Neurocognitive functioning and outcome of the Illness Management and Recovery Program for clients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder
- 2016
-
In: Nordic Journal of Psychiatry. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0803-9488 .- 1502-4725. ; 70:6, s. 430-435
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The relationship between psychosocial programming and neurocognition has been established in previous research, but has not been explored in the context of the Illness Management and Recovery Program (IMR). This study examined associations between neurocognition and illness self-management skills acquisition, based on two previous trials of IMR. Neurocognitive functioning was assessed at baseline and post-treatment in 53 participants with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who completed the IMR. Illness self-management was measured by the client and clinician versions of the Illness Management and Recovery Scale. Statistical analyses investigated improvements in neurocognitive functioning and possible association between illness self-management skills acquisition and neurocognitive functioning. Speed of processing as measured by the Trail Making Test A, was related to client-reported acquisition of illness self-management skills, before and after controlling for psychiatric symptoms and medication, but did not predict improvement in clinician ratings of client illness self-management skills. However, when controlling for client session attendance rates, the association between speed of processing and client-reported illness self-management skills acquisition ceased to be statistically significant, which suggests that compromised neurocognitive functioning does not reduce response to training in illness self-management in itself. The association between the frequency of attended IMR sessions and outcome of the IMR seems to decrease the negative impact of compromised neurocognition on illness self-management skills acquisition. Also, clients with slower speed of processing may experience less benefit from the IMR and may attend fewer sessions.
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| 32. |
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| 33. |
- Hallgren, Stefan, et al.
(author)
-
More signs of neurotoxicity of surfactants and flame retardants - Neonatal PFOS and PBDE 99 cause transcriptional alterations in cholinergic genes in the mouse CNS
- 2015
-
In: Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1382-6689 .- 1872-7077. ; 40:2, s. 409-416
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Maternally and lactionally transferred persistent organic pollutants may interfere with CNS development. Here, 10-day-old male mice were exposed to single oral doses of PFOS (perflourooctanosulphonate) or PBDE 99 (2,2',4,4',5-penta-bromodiphenyl ether), and examined for changes in cholinergic gene transcription in the CNS 24 h and 7 weeks later. 24 h after exposure qPCR analyses revealed decreased transcription of nAChR-beta 2 and AChE in cortex, and increased mAChR-5 in hippocampus of PFOS treated mice. Neonatal PFOS treatment altered spontaneous behaviour at 2 months of age but did not affect gene transcription in adults. At 2 months of age neonatally PBDE 99 treated mice had altered spontaneous behaviour, and cortical transcription of AChE, nAChR-alpha 4, nAChR-beta 2 and mAChR-5 were elevated. Our results indicate that PFOS and PBDE 99 affects the developing central cholinergic system by altering gene transcription in cortex and hippocampus, which may in part account for mechanisms causing changes in spontaneous behaviour.
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| 34. |
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| 35. |
- Henricson, Anders, et al.
(author)
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Total ankle replacement and contralateral ankle arthrodesis in 16 patients from the Swedish Ankle Registry : Self-reported function and satisfaction
- 2016
-
In: Foot and Ankle Surgery. - : Elsevier BV. - 1268-7731 .- 1460-9584. ; 22:1, s. 32-34
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Both total ankle replacement (TAR) and ankle arthrodesis do show some problems in long-term studies. To choose either of these surgical options is a delicate task. There are no randomized studies reported in the literature and no previous studies in which patients constitute the own controls. Methods: Patients with a TAR and a contralateral ankle arthrodesis were identified in the Swedish Ankle Register. A self-reported foot and ankle specific questionnaire (SEFAS) was sent to these patients who also were asked to report their grade of satisfaction from 1 to 5. Results: The median SEFAS score was 32 (16-44) for the prostheses and 27 (14-47) for the arthrodeses. The median satisfaction score was 2 (1-4) for the prostheses and 2 (1-5) for the arthrodeses. There were no statistically significant difference between the prosthetic side and the fused side regarding these scores. Conclusion: Patients who had undergone ankle arthrodesis on one side and had the contralateral ankle replaced, were equally satisfied with both procedures.
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| 36. |
- Jonasson, Hanna, et al.
(author)
-
Oxygen saturation, red blood cell tissue fraction and speed resolved perfusion — A new optical method for microcirculatory assessment
- 2015
-
In: Microvascular Research. - : Academic Press. - 0026-2862 .- 1095-9319. ; 102, s. 70-77
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We have developed a new fiber-optic system that combines diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and laser Doppler Flowmetry (LDF) for a multi-modal assessment of the microcirculation. Quantitative data is achieved with an inverse Monte Carlo algorithm based on an individually adaptive skin model. The output parameters are calculated from the model and given in absolute units: hemoglobin oxygen saturation (%), red blood cell (RBC) tissue fraction (%), and the speed resolved RBC perfusion separated into three speed regions; 0–1 mm/s, 1–10 mm/s and above 10 mm/s (% mm/s). The aim was to explore microcirculatory parameters using the new optical method, integrating DRS and LDF in a joint skin model, during local heating of the dorsal foot and venous and arterial occlusion of the forearm in 23 healthy subjects (age 20–28 years). There were differences in the three speed regions in regard to blood flow changes due to local heating, where perfusion for high speeds increased the most. There was also a high correlation between changes in oxygenation and changes in perfusion for higher speeds. Oxygen saturation at baseline was 44% on foot, increasing to 83% at plateau after heating. The larger increase in perfusion for higher speeds than for lower speeds together with the oxygenation increase during thermal provocation, shows a local thermoregulatory blood flow in presumably arteriolar dermal vessels. In conclusion, there are improved possibilities to assess microcirculation using integrated DRS and LDF in a joint skin model by enabling both oxygenation and speed resolved blood flow assessment simultaneously and in the same skin site. Output parameters in absolute units may also yield new insights about the microcirculatory system.
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| 37. |
- Lee, Iwa, et al.
(author)
-
Developmental neurotoxic effects of two pesticides : behavior and biomolecular studies on chlorpyrifos and carbaryl
- 2015
-
In: Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0041-008X .- 1096-0333. ; 288:3, s. 429-438
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In recent times, an increased occurrence of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as neurodevelopmental delays and cognitive abnormalities has been recognized. Exposure to pesticides has been suspected to be a possible cause of these disorders, as these compounds target the nervous system of pests. Due to the similarities of brain development and composition, these pesticides may also be neurotoxic to humans. We studied two different pesticides, chlorpyrifos and carbaryl, which specifically inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the nervous system. The aim of the study was to investigate if the pesticides can induce neurotoxic effects, when exposure occurs during a period of rapid brain growth and maturation. The results from the present study show that both compounds can affect protein levels in the developing brain and induce persistent adult behavior and cognitive impairments, in mice neonatally exposed to a single oral dose of chlorpyrifos (0.1, 1.0 or 5 mg/kg body weight) or carbaryl (0.5, 5.0 or 20.0 mg/kg body weight) on postnatal day 10. The results also indicate that the developmental neurotoxic effects induced are not related to the classical mechanism of acute cholinergic hyperstimulation, as the AChE inhibition level (8–12%) remained below the threshold for causing systemic toxicity. The neurotoxic effects are more likely caused by a disturbed neurodevelopment, as similar behavioral neurotoxic effects have been reported in studies with pesticides such as organochlorines, organophosphates, pyrethroids and POPs, when exposed during a critical window of neonatal brain development.
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| 38. |
- Lee, Iwa, et al.
(author)
-
Developmental neurotoxic effects of two pesticides : behavior and neuroprotein studies on endosulfan and cypermethrin
- 2015
-
In: Toxicology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0300-483X .- 1879-3185. ; 335, s. 1-10
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Developmental neurotoxicity of industrial chemicals and pharmaceuticals have been of growing interest in recent years due to the increasing reports of neuropsychiatric disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism. Exposure to these substances during early development may lead to adverse behavior effects manifested at a later phase of life. Pesticides are a wide group of chemicals which are still actively used and residues are found in the environment and in food products.The present study investigated the potential developmental neurotoxic effects of two different types of pesticides, endosulfan and cypermethrin, after a single neonatal exposure during a critical period of brain development. Ten-day-old male NMRI mice were administrated an oral dose of endosulfan or cypermethrin (0.1 or 0.5 mg/kg body weight, respectively). Levels of proteins were measured in the neonatal and adult brain, and adult behavioral testing was performed. The results indicate that both pesticides may induce altered levels of neuroproteins, important for normal brain development, and neurobehavioral abnormalities manifested as altered adult spontaneous behavior and ability to habituate to a novel home environment. The neurotoxic behavioral effects were also presentseveral months after the initial testing, indicating long-lasting or even persistent irreversible effects. Also, the present study suggests a possible link between the altered levels of neuroprotein and changes in behavior when exposed during a critical period of brain development.
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| 39. |
- Markström, Emilia, 1989-, et al.
(author)
-
Drivers and barriers for an increased use of bio-based buildning materials in Sweden
- 2016
-
In: Proceedings of the 12th meeting of the Northern European Network for Wood Science and Engineering (WSE). - Riga : Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry. - 9789934149818 ; , s. 15-21
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To limit the climate impact of buildings, low carbon materials such as bio-based materials could be used. This study intends to contribute to the understanding of drivers and barriers for an increased use of bio-based building materials in apartment buildings. For this purpose, semi-structured interviews with Swedish architects, contractors and developers were conducted. The results indicate weak drivers for selecting bio-based materials at present and that the key barriers are insufficient incentives, lack of knowledge and experience, bad examples, issues regarding performance, and construction-related culture and habits. Important future drivers could be green building certificates and other environmental standards and regulations, evidence that the materials keep a certain quality over time, and educational support from municipalities.
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| 40. |
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| 41. |
- Markström, Emillia, 1989-, et al.
(author)
-
Swedish architects view of engineered wood products in buildings
- 2018
-
In: Journal of Cleaner Production. - : Elsevier BV. - 0959-6526 .- 1879-1786. ; 181, s. 33-41
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- From a climate perspective, it could be advantageous to increase the use of wood products in buildings, but the use of sawn timber and engineered wood products (EWPs) in multi-storey buildings above two floors are a relatively new business (in Sweden since 1995) and there is a risk that wood as construction material is met with low awareness and high uncertainty by the construction sector. The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) to learn Swedish architects' views of using EWPs in buildings, and 2) to identify parameters that positively influence the likelihood that EWPs will be selected to a greater extent and the relative importance of those parameters. A survey was sent out to Swedish architects and 67 answers were received. The result indicates that architects in Sweden have a positive attitude towards EWPs in general and that the majority think that they will probably increase their use of these materials. Low impact on the environment, aesthetic appeal, and fast construction were the most common reasons stated for selecting EWPs. The Swedish architects have in general a moderate impact on the selection of materials, and the most common reason for not selecting EWPs was that other decision makers involved in the building projects prefer other materials. A lack of knowledge and information as well as uncertainties regarding the quality over time were other common reasons for not selecting EWPs. It was found that architects who had participated in building projects where EWPs had been chosen due to their low environmental impact and/or aesthetic appearance were more likely to state that they will increase their use of EWPs. The results also show that influence on material selection, knowledge of EWPs, experience of the use of EWPs, and the architect's own attitude to the use of EWPs affect the likelihood of an increased use.
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| 42. |
- Markström, Emilia, et al.
(author)
-
Use of bio-based building materials: perceptions of Swedish architects and contractors
- 2016
-
In: New Horizons for the Forest Products Industry.. - Madison : Forest Products Society.
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study is intended to contribute to the understanding of the probability that bio-based materials are chosen in residential buildings and to the understanding of the drivers and barriers for an increased use of bio-based building materials. For this purpose, semi-structured interviews were held with Swedish architects and contractors. The results indicate a low probability of selection of bio-based materials in Swedish residential building, mainly due to insufficient incentives, lack of knowledge and experience, bad examples, issues regarding performance and construction-related culture and habit. However, the attitude among contractors has started to change in a more positive direction. Green building certificates, as well as other environmental standards and regulations, were seen as a promising way to increase the use of bio-based materials. Evidence that the materials maintain a certain quality over time was also identified as an important measure to increase the incentives to select bio-based materials.
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| 43. |
- McGinn, Steven, et al.
(author)
-
New Technologies for DNA analysis-A review of the READNA Project.
- 2016
-
In: New Biotechnology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1876-4347 .- 1871-6784.
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The REvolutionary Approaches and Devices for Nucleic Acid analysis (READNA) project received funding from the European Commission for 4 1/2 years. The objectives of the project revolved around technological developments in nucleic acid analysis. The project partners have discovered, created and developed a huge body of insights into nucleic acid analysis, ranging from improvements and implementation of current technologies to the most promising sequencing technologies that constitute a 3(rd) and 4(th) generation of sequencing methods with nanopores and in situ sequencing, respectively.
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| 44. |
- Nilsson, Anna, 1984-
(author)
-
Mechanisms Behind Illness-Induced Anorexia
- 2016
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Loss of appetite is together with fever and malaise hallmarks of infection. Loosing appetite during an acute infection such as influenza does not result in any longlasting effects, but loosing appetite during chronic diseases such as cancer or AIDS constitutes a risk factor for mortality. Food intake regulation during inflammation is orchestrated by the brain in response to peripheral inflammatory signals. It is known that expression of the prostaglandin synthesizing enzyme cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) is crucial for the mechanisms underlying inflammation-induced anorexia, and that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is involved in anorexia induced by interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). In this thesis I examined the prostaglandin-pathways proposed to be involved in anorexia. We show that acute anorexia is dependent on COX-2 expression, while cancer-induced anorexia is mediated by cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1), at least in the initial stages, suggesting that the signaling pathways for chronic- and acute anorexia are distinct. We were able to demonstrate that the pathway underlying acute anorexia is distinct from that of fever, and that taste aversion is prostaglandin independent. We could also show that both acute and chronic anorexia-cachexia is dependent on expression of myeloid differentiation primary response gene (MyD88) in hematopoietic/myeloid cells.In summary, the findings presented in this thesis suggest that anorexia is a result of many different signaling pathways, as opposed to what is the case for several other inflammatory symptoms such as fever and malaise, where the pathways have been shown to be very exclusive. This provides new insight into the diversity of the pathways underlying inflammatory symptoms, which is fundamental for the ability to present potential, symptom-specific drug targets.
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| 45. |
- Nilsson, Jonas, 1979, et al.
(author)
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Worst Case Analysis of Automotive Collision Avoidance Systems
- 2016
-
In: IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology. - 0018-9545 .- 1939-9359. ; 65:4, s. 1899-1911
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Automotive Collision Avoidance (CA) systems help drivers to avoid collisions through autonomous interventions by braking or steering. If the decision to intervene is made too early, the intervention can become a nuisance to the driver and if the decision is made too late, the safety benefits of the intervention will be reduced. The decision to intervene is commonly based on a threat function. The dimensionality of the input state space for the threat function is in general very large making exhaustive evaluation in real vehicles intractable. This paper presents a method for efficient estimation of a conservative bound on CA system performance, i.e. the worst case performance. Closedform expressions are derived for the worst case performance, in terms of early or unnecessary interventions, with regards to longitudinal or lateral prediction and measurement errors. Also, we derive closed-form expressions for robust avoidance scenarios, in which no unnecessary intervention will occur. For a system example, numerical results show how decision timing and robustness depend on scenario and system parameters. The method can be used for e.g. defining system requirements, system verification, system tuning or system sensitivity analysis with regards to scenario variations and sensor measurement errors.
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| 46. |
- Nordström, Maria, et al.
(author)
-
Refractive improvements and safety with topography-guided corneal crosslinking for keratoconus : 1-year results
- 2017
-
In: British Journal of Ophthalmology. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 0007-1161 .- 1468-2079. ; 101:7, s. 920-925
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PURPOSE: To assess the refractive improvements and the corneal endothelial safety of an individualised topography-guided regimen for corneal crosslinking in progressive keratoconus.METHODS: An open-label prospective randomised clinical trial was performed at the Department of Clinical Sciences, Ophthalmology, Umeå University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden. Thirty-seven patients (50 eyes) with progressive keratoconus planned for corneal crosslinking were included. The patients were randomised to topography-guided crosslinking (photorefractive intrastromal crosslinking (PiXL); n=25) or uniform 9 mm crosslinking (corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL); n=25). Visual acuity, refraction, keratometry (K1, K2 and Kmax) and corneal endothelial morphometry were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The PiXL treatment involved an asymmetrical treatment zone centred on the area of maximum corneal steepness with treatment energies ranging from 7.2 to 15.0 J/cm(2); the CXL treatment was a uniform 9 mm 5.4 J/cm(2) pulsed crosslinking. The main outcome measures were changes in refractive errors and corneal endothelial cell density.RESULTS: The spherical refractive errors decreased (p<0.05) and the visual acuity improved (p<0.01) at 3, 6 and 12 months after PiXL, but not after CXL. The between-groups differences, however, were not significant. K2 and Kmax decreased at 3, 6 and 12 months after PiXL (p<0.01), but not after CXL (p<0.01 when comparing the two treatments). No corneal endothelial cell loss was seen after either treatment.CONCLUSIONS: Individualised topography-based crosslinking treatment centred on the ectatic cone has the potential to improve the corneal shape in keratoconus with decreased spherical refractive errors and improved visual acuity, without damage to the corneal endothelium.
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| 47. |
- Nyman, Yvonne, et al.
(author)
-
Etomidate exposure in early infant mice (P10) does not induce apoptosis or affect behaviour
- 2016
-
In: Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica. - : Wiley. - 0001-5172 .- 1399-6576. ; 60:5, s. 588-596
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundNumerous animal studies have shown that all commonly used intravenous anaesthetic drugs and volatile agents may cause neuronal apoptosis following exposure in early life. Most studies have focussed on detecting increased apoptosis but their methods are not always readily transferrable to humans.The lipid formulation of etomidate represents an alternative to the currently established intravenous anaesthetic agents but there is no animal or human data on apoptosis or long-term behavioural changes. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of etomidate on cerebral neuronal apoptosis and long-term behavioural effects using an established mouse model that represents the clinically relevant period of anaesthesia during early infancy in humans.MethodsSix groups of 10 day old mice (P10) were injected with either etomidate 0.3, 3 or 10 mg/kg, propofol 60 mg/kg, ketamine 50 mg/kg or placebo only. Apoptosis in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus was assessed 24 h after treatment (activated caspase-3). Late behavioural effects were tested at 2 months of age (spontaneous activity in a new environment).ResultsNo evidence was found of differences in activated caspase 3-concentrations among the study groups. Significant late behavioural changes were only observed in the ketamine group.ConclusionA single dose of etomidate in early infant mice at P10 did not produce evidence of cerebral apoptosis or impaired adult motor behaviour.
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| 48. |
- Petersson, Ulf, et al.
(author)
-
Police officer involved shootings - retrospective study of situational characteristics
- 2017
-
In: Police Practice & Research. - : Routledge. - 1561-4263 .- 1477-271X. ; 18:3, s. 306-321
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The study analyzed the situational characteristics of 112 incidents where police used firearms to handle high threat situations. Most shooting incidents emanated from usually uneventful tasks, e.g., handling burglaries or disturbances. The assailants were commonly armed with firearms (26%), sharp (27%) or blunt objects (10%). The incidents were regularly short-lasting (in 39% were shots fired 3s from threat emerged) and occurred at short distances (in 42% at distances 3m). Predominantly, the first responders had to address the situation and did so with warning shots or, equally common, with fire-for-effect shots (40%) or a combination thereof. Psychological stress was manifested as feelings of panic at some point and as motor skill alterations, e.g., firing without using sights and with one hand only. Analysis of these incidents shows that all field duty police officers should receive training in handling potentially life-threatening, sudden, close-range attacks.
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| 49. |
- Philippot, Gaëtan, et al.
(author)
-
Adult neurobehavioral alterations in male and female mice following developmental exposure to paracetamol (acetaminophen) : characterization of a critical period
- 2017
-
In: Journal of Applied Toxicology. - : Wiley. - 0260-437X .- 1099-1263. ; 37:10, s. 1174-1181
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a widely used non-prescription drug with analgesic and antipyretic properties. Among pregnant women and young children, paracetamol is one of the most frequently used drugs and is considered the first-choice treatment for pain and/or fever. Recent findings in both human and animal studies have shown associations between paracetamol intake during brain development and adverse behavioral outcomes later in life. The present study was undertaken to investigate if the induction of these effects depend on when the exposure occurs during a critical period of brain development and if male and female mice are equally affected. Mice of both sexes were exposed to two doses of paracetamol (30 + 30 mg kg – 1 , 4 h apart) on postnatal days (PND) 3, 10 or 19. Spontaneous behavior, when introduced to a new home environment, was observed at the age of 2 months. We show that adverse effects on adult behavior and cognitive function occurred in both male and female mice exposed to paracetamol on PND 3 and 10, but not when exposed on PND 19. These neurodevelopmental time points in mice correspond to the beginning of the third trimester of pregnancy and the time around birth in humans, supporting existing human data. Considering that paracetamol is the first choice treatment for pain and/or fever during pregnancy and early life, these results may be of great importance for future research and, ultimately, for clinical practice
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| 50. |
- Philippot, Gaetan, et al.
(author)
-
Developmental effects of neonatal fractionated co-exposure to low-dose gamma radiation and paraquat on behaviour in adult mice
- 2019
-
In: Journal of Applied Toxicology. - : Wiley. - 0260-437X .- 1099-1263. ; 39:4, s. 582-589
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Radiological methods for screening, diagnostics and therapy are often used in healthcare; however, it has recently been reported that developmental exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation (IR) causes neurotoxicity. Environmental chemicals also have the potential to affect the developing brain and the concomitant effects caused by IR and chemicals are of high interest today. We therefore aim to investigate if low-dose IR can interact with the known neurotoxicant paraquat to induce neurotoxicity in the neonatal mouse model. Using the same model, we also aim to investigate if fractionated low-dose IR can be as neurotoxic as higher acute doses. Male mice were exposed to a single dose of paraquat (0.2 or 0.02 mg/kg) on postnatal day 10 and 11. Two hours following paraquat exposure, mice were whole body irradiated with 100 or 300 mGy gamma radiation (Cs-137). Behavioural observations were performed at 2 and 3 months of age. Following behavioural testing, we evaluated striatal dopaminergic gene transcription. Animals co-exposed to IR and paraquat generally displayed altered spontaneous behaviour compared to controls and single agent exposed mice. Stronger effects by combined exposure were also observed on adult memory and learning. However, dopaminergic gene transcript levels remained unchanged by treatment. Co-exposure to low-dose IR and paraquat can interact to exacerbate neurotoxic effects and to impair cognitive function. Furthermore, fractionation of the radiation dose was observed to be as potent as higher acute exposure for induction of developmental neurotoxicity.
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