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- Popat, S, et al.
(author)
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Variation in the CTLA4/CD28 gene region confers an increased risk of coeliac disease.
- 2002
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In: Annals of human genetics. - 0003-4800 .- 1469-1809. ; 66:Pt 2, s. 125-37
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Susceptibility to coeliac disease involves HLA and non-HLA-linked genes. The CTLA4/CD28 gene region encodes immune regulatory T-cell surface molecules and is a strong candidate as a susceptibility locus. We evaluated CTLA4/CD28 in coeliac disease by genetic linkage and association and combined our findings with published studies through a meta-analysis. 116 multiplex families were genotyped across CTLA4/CD28 using eight markers. The contribution of CTLA4/CD28 to coeliac disease was assessed by non-parametric linkage and association analyses. Seven studies were identified that had evaluated the relationship between CTLA4/CD28 and coeliac disease and a pooled analysis of data undertaken. In our study there was evidence for a relationship between variation in the CTLA4/CD28 region and coeliac disease by linkage and association analyses. However, the findings did not attain formal statistical significance (p = 0.004 and 0.039, respectively). Pooling findings with published results showed significant evidence for linkage (504 families) and association (940 families): p values, 0.0001 and 0.0014 at D2S2214, respectively, and 0.0008 and 0.0006 at D2S116, respectively. These findings suggest that variation in the CD28/CTLA4 gene region is a determinant of coeliac disease susceptibility. Dissecting the sequence variation underlying this relationship will depend on further analyses utilising denser sets of markers.
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- Glimelius, B, et al.
(author)
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The Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Health Care (SBU) systematic overview of chemotherapy effects in some major tumour types--summary and conclusions
- 2001
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In: Acta oncologica (Stockholm, Sweden). - : Informa UK Limited. - 0284-186X. ; 40, s. 135-
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This report by The Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Health Care (SBU) reviews, classifies, and grades the scientific literature on cancer chemotherapy in some major tumour types, describes the practice of chemotherapy in Sweden, compares practice with scientific knowledge, and analyses the costs and cost-effectiveness of chemotherapy. The report is intended primarily for decision-makers at various levels, both practitioners and administrators. It is also of interest for the medical profession. The extensive body of scientific literature was reviewed according to strict criteria that reflected the scientific weight of the literature. Sixteen experts representing different disciplines (oncology, surgery, internal medicine, health economy and quality of life research) participated in the literature review. Each section was discussed within the project group and was reviewed by at least one, but usually two international researchers. Additional input was provided by national experts representing different scientific disciplines. For the final evaluation to be as close to the objective truth as possible, a concerted effort was made to guarantee objectivity and thorough assessment of current knowledge about the effects of chemotherapy on the selected cancers. The tumour types selected for this assessment include firstly those types where three investigations had shown an increased use of chemotherapy in Sweden during the latest decade. These were non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer and urinary bladder cancer. Secondly, the two tumour types comprising the greatest number of patients treated with chemotherapy in Sweden, breast cancer and haematological malignancies, were included. Among the haematological malignancies, the most prevalent ones, acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), Hodgkin's disease (HD), aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) of the large B-cell type and indolent NHL of follicular type were evaluated. These constitute about 75%, of all haematological malignancies. Thirdly, ovarian cancer was included since chemotherapy has been extensively used and since, at the time of the planning of this overview, a group of very expensive drugs, the taxanes, had preliminarily shown promising results. A wealth of scientific literature has been published on cancer therapy. The review presented in this report is limited to scientific studies judged to be important for evaluating chemotherapy efficacy. Assessments of the content and quality of these studies, and a critical summary of the results in all stages of the selected tumours, have never before been attempted in this way. However, similar comprehensive overviews of certain stages of the tumours have previously been made. These overviews were also critically evaluated. Totally 1,496 studies involving 558,743 patients were reviewed. The survey of practice of chemotherapy use involved all departments of surgery, urology, gynaecology, internal medicine including haematologic units, pulmonary medicine and general and gynaecologic oncology at 16 hospitals in two health care regions in Sweden, covering 39% of the Swedish population. During the 4 weeks of the survey, all patients with the diagnoses concerned who received chemotherapy were registered. The study included 1,590 patients. The working group's general conclusions are summarised in the following points: The literature on the effects of chemotherapy is extensive. Chemotherapy has a well-documented role in the curative and palliative treatment of patients with several types of cancer. The use of chemotherapy is of utmost importance for the possibility of cure in certain tumour types. In other tumours, chemotherapy increases the possibility of cure when added to local and regional treatments, particularly surgery. In the instances of no possibility of cure, chemotherapy may to a variable extent improve both patient survival and well-being. In Sweden chemotherapy is largely used in accordance with that documented in the scientific literature. The extent of both over- and under-treatment seems to be limited but cannot be excluded at the individual patient level. The literature-based knowledge is scientifically of lower quality in the most chemotherapy sensitive tumours than in tumours showing more limited sensitivity. In the more sensitive tumours, positive effects on a symptomatic stage and survival were seen several decades ago. In those days, clinical treatment studies did not fulfil the current high quality requirements. Small life-prolonging effects of chemotherapy are sometimes very well documented in large, high quality scientific studies. Some of these s
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- Gaziano, Liam, et al.
(author)
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Actionable druggable genome-wide Mendelian randomization identifies repurposing opportunities for COVID-19
- 2021
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In: Nature Medicine. - : Springer Nature. - 1078-8956 .- 1546-170X. ; 27:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Large-scale Mendelian randomization and colocalization analyses using gene expression and soluble protein data for 1,263 actionable druggable genes, which encode protein targets for approved drugs or drugs in clinical development, identify IFNAR2 and ACE2 as the most promising therapeutic targets for early management of COVID-19. Drug repurposing provides a rapid approach to meet the urgent need for therapeutics to address COVID-19. To identify therapeutic targets relevant to COVID-19, we conducted Mendelian randomization analyses, deriving genetic instruments based on transcriptomic and proteomic data for 1,263 actionable proteins that are targeted by approved drugs or in clinical phase of drug development. Using summary statistics from the Host Genetics Initiative and the Million Veteran Program, we studied 7,554 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and >1 million controls. We found significant Mendelian randomization results for three proteins (ACE2, P = 1.6 x 10(-6); IFNAR2, P = 9.8 x 10(-11) and IL-10RB, P = 2.3 x 10(-14)) using cis-expression quantitative trait loci genetic instruments that also had strong evidence for colocalization with COVID-19 hospitalization. To disentangle the shared expression quantitative trait loci signal for IL10RB and IFNAR2, we conducted phenome-wide association scans and pathway enrichment analysis, which suggested that IFNAR2 is more likely to play a role in COVID-19 hospitalization. Our findings prioritize trials of drugs targeting IFNAR2 and ACE2 for early management of COVID-19.
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- Lossow, Stefan, et al.
(author)
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A reassessment of the discrepancies in the annual variation of delta D-H2O in the tropical lower stratosphere between the MIPAS and ACE-FTS satellite data sets
- 2020
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In: Atmospheric Measurement Techniques. - : Copernicus GmbH. - 1867-1381 .- 1867-8548. ; 13:1, s. 287-308
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The annual variation of delta D in the tropical lower stratosphere is a critical indicator for the relative importance of different processes contributing to the transport of water vapour through the cold tropical tropopause region into the stratosphere. Distinct observational discrepancies of the delta D annual variation were visible in the works of Steinwagner et al. (2010) and Randel et al. (2012). Steinwagner et al. (2010) analysed MIPAS (Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding) observations retrieved with the IMK/IAA (Institut fur Meteorologie und Klimaforschung in Karlsruhe, Germany, in collaboration with the Instituto de Astrofisica de Andalucia in Granada, Spain) processor, while Randel et al. (2012) focused on ACE-FTS (Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment Fourier Transform Spectrometer) observations. Here we reassess the discrepancies based on newer MIPAS (IMK/IAA) and ACE-FTS data sets, also showing for completeness results from SMR (Sub-Millimetre Radiometer) observations and a ECHAM/MESSy (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Hamburg and Modular Earth Sub-model System) Atmospheric Chemistry (EMAC) simulation (Eichinger et al., 2015b). Similar to the old analyses, the MIPAS data set yields a pronounced annual variation (maximum about 75 parts per thousand), while that derived from the ACE-FTS data set is rather weak (maximum about 25 parts per thousand). While all data sets exhibit the phase progression typical for the tape recorder, the annual maximum in the ACE-FTS data set precedes that in the MIPAS data set by 2 to 3 months. We critically consider several possible reasons for the observed discrepancies, focusing primarily on the MIPAS data set. We show that the delta D annual variation in the MIPAS data up to an altitude of 40 hPa is substantially impacted by a start altitude effect, i.e. dependency between the lowermost altitude where MIPAS retrievals are possible and retrieved data at higher altitudes. In itself this effect does not explain the differences with the ACE-FTS data. In addition, there is a mismatch in the vertical resolution of the MIPAS HDO and H2O data (being consistently better for HDO), which actually results in an artificial tape-recorder-like signal in delta D. Considering these MIPAS characteristics largely removes any discrepancies between the MIPAS and ACE-FTS data sets and shows that the MIPAS data are consistent with a delta D tape recorder signal with an amplitude of about 25 parts per thousand in the lowermost stratosphere.
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11. |
- Lossow, Stefan, 1977, et al.
(author)
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The SPARC water vapour assessment II: Profile-to-profile comparisons of stratospheric and lower mesospheric water vapour data sets obtained from satellites
- 2019
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In: Atmospheric Measurement Techniques. - : Copernicus GmbH. - 1867-1381 .- 1867-8548. ; 12:5, s. 2693-2732
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This work is distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. Within the framework of the second SPARC (Stratosphere-troposphere Processes And their Role in Climate) water vapour assessment (WAVAS-II), profile-to-profile comparisons of stratospheric and lower mesospheric water vapour were performed by considering 33 data sets derived from satellite observations of 15 different instruments. These comparisons aimed to provide a picture of the typical biases and drifts in the observational database and to identify data-set-specific problems. The observational database typically exhibits the largest biases below 70 hPa, both in absolute and relative terms. The smallest biases are often found between 50 and 5 hPa. Typically, they range from 0.25 to 0.5 ppmv (5 % to 10 %) in this altitude region, based on the 50 % percentile over the different comparison results. Higher up, the biases increase with altitude overall but this general behaviour is accompanied by considerable variations. Characteristic values vary between 0.3 and 1 ppmv (4 % to 20 %). Obvious data-set-specific bias issues are found for a number of data sets. In our work we performed a drift analysis for data sets overlapping for a period of at least 36 months. This assessment shows a wide range of drifts among the different data sets that are statistically significant at the 2 σ uncertainty level. In general, the smallest drifts are found in the altitude range between about 30 and 10 hPa. Histograms considering results from all altitudes indicate the largest occurrence for drifts between 0.05 and 0.3 ppmv decade-1. Comparisons of our drift estimates to those derived from comparisons of zonal mean time series only exhibit statistically significant differences in slightly more than 3 % of the comparisons. Hence, drift estimates from profile-to-profile and zonal mean time series comparisons are largely interchangeable. As for the biases, a number of data sets exhibit prominent drift issues. In our analyses we found that the large number of MIPAS data sets included in the assessment affects our general results as well as the bias summaries we provide for the individual data sets. This is because these data sets exhibit a relative similarity with respect to the remaining data sets, despite the fact that they are based on different measurement modes and different processors implementing different retrieval choices. Because of that, we have by default considered an aggregation of the comparison results obtained from MIPAS data sets. Results without this aggregation are provided on multiple occasions to characterise the effects due to the numerous MIPAS data sets. Among other effects, they cause a reduction of the typical biases in the observational database.
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12. |
- Nordgren, A, et al.
(author)
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Tree root and soil heterotrophic respiration as revealed by girdling of boreal Scots pine forest: : extending observations beyond the first year
- 2003
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In: Plant, Cell and Environment. - : Wiley. - 0140-7791. ; 26:8, s. 1287-1296
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Limitations in available techniques to separate autotrophic (root) and soil heterotrophic respiration have hampered the understanding of forest C cycling. The former is here defined as respiration by roots, their associated mycorrhizal fungi and other micro-organisms in the rhizosphere directly dependent on labile C compounds leaked from roots. In order to separate the autotrophic and heterotrophic components of soil respiration, all Scots pine trees in 900 m2 plots were girdled to instantaneously terminate the supply of current photosynthates from the tree canopy to roots. Högberg et al. (Nature 411, 789-792, 2001) reported that autotrophic activity contributed up to 56% of total soil respiration during the first summer of this experiment. They also found that mobilization of stored starch (and likely also sugars) in roots after girdling caused an increased apparent heterotrophic respiration on girdled plots. Herein a transient increase in the δ13C of soil CO2 efflux after girdling, thought to be due to decomposition of 13C-enriched ectomycorrhizal mycelium and root starch and sugar reserves, is reported. In the second year after girdling, when starch reserves of girdled tree roots were exhausted, calculated root respiration increased up to 65% of total soil CO2 efflux. It is suggested that this estimate of its contribution to soil respiration is more precise than the previous based on one year of observation. Heterotrophic respiration declined in response to a 20-day-long 6 °C decline in soil temperature during the second summer, whereas root respiration did not decline. This did not support the idea that root respiration should be more sensitive to variations in soil temperature. It is suggested that above-ground photosynthetic activity and allocation patterns of recent photosynthates to roots should be considered in models of responses of forest C balances to global climate change
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- Anderbrant, Olle, et al.
(author)
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Geographic variation in the field response of male European pine sawflies, Neodiprion sertifer , to different pheromone stereoisomers and esters
- 2000
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In: Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata. - : Wiley. - 1570-7458 .- 0013-8703. ; 95:3, s. 229-239
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The European pine sawfly, Neodiprion sertifer (Geoffroy) (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae), is a widespread and economically important forest insect. The sex pheromone communication system of this species has been previously investigated in North America, Japan and Europe, with the acetate or propionate of the alcohol (2S,3S,7S)-3,7-dimethyl-2-pentadecanol (diprionol) shown to be the main pheromone component. In some locations, male attraction either increased or decreased by the addition of the (2S,3R,7R)-diprionyl acetate isomer. However, these studies were made with different batches of synthetic pheromones, with different types of traps and according to different procedures, so the observed differences might not reflect true geographic variation. Here we investigate the geographic pattern of male sawfly response by using identical chemicals, traps and experimental procedures at eight field sites ranging from Japan in the east to Canada in the west. We found an increased inhibitory effect of the (2S,3R,7R)-isomer from Japan and Siberia to Europe. At the eastern sites, increasing amounts of the (2S,3R,7R)-isomer up to and equal to the amount of the (2S,3S,7S )-isomer, did not influence the trap catch, whereas at sites in Europe, as little as 1% of the (2S,3R,7R)-isomer almost completely inhibited the attraction. The response of the North American population was intermediate. The only site in which the (2S,3R,7R)-isomer was essential for the attraction of males was in Siberia. A similar pattern was found for the (2S,3R,7S)-isomer. Both the acetate and the propionate form of the (2S,3S,7S)-isomer were attractive by themselves in Japan, Europe and North America, and neither the (2S,3R,7S)-isomer nor the (2S,3R,7R)-isomer alone were attractive, in the acetate or propionate form. We discuss the significance of our findings for the development of more efficient monitoring schemes and for the causes of population divergence and speciation in the European pine sawfly.
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- Berglund, P., et al.
(author)
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Alcohols as enantioselective inhibitors in a lipase catalysed esterification of a chiral acyl donor
- 1995
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In: Biotechnology Letters. - 0141-5492. ; 17:1, s. 55-60
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Increased reaction rates and increased enantioselectivities were observed with decreased concentrations of n-alkanols when resolving 2-methyldecanoic acid by esterification catalysed by immobilised lipase from Candida rugosa at controlled water activities in cyclohexane. The enantioselectivity was found to be independent of the water activity in the reaction medium at the n-heptanol concentrations investigated. However, when n-decanol was used as the acyl acceptor, not only the alcohol concentration but also the water activity in the reaction medium, influenced the enantioselectivity. The results obtained showed that the low enantioselectivity seen at a high alcohol concentration could be explained by the alcohol influencing the apparent V(max)(S) and V(max)(R) differently.
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19. |
- Betson, N. R., et al.
(author)
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No diurnal variation in rate or carbon isotope composition of soil respiration in a boreal forest
- 2007
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In: Tree Physiology. - 0829-318X. ; 27:5, s. 749-756
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Characterization of soil respiration rates and delta(13C) values of soil-respired CO2 are often based on measurements at a particular time of day. A study by Gower et al. (2001) in a boreal forest demonstrated diurnal patterns of soil CO2 flux using transparent measurement chambers that included the understory vegetation. It is unclear whether these diurnal patterns were solely the result of photosynthetic CO2 uptake during the day by the understory or whether there were underlying trends in soil respiration, perhaps driven by plant root allocation, as recently demonstrated in Mediterranean oak savannah. We undertook intensive sampling campaigns in a boreal Picea abies L. Karst. forest to investigate whether diurnal variations in soil respiration rate and stable carbon isotope ratio (delta C-13) exist in this ecosystem when no understory vegetation is present in the measurement chamber. Soil respiration rates and delta C-13 were measured on plots in which trees were either girdled (to terminate the fraction of soil respiration directly dependent on recent photosynthate from the trees), or not girdled, every 4 h over two 48-hour cycles during the growth season of 2004. Shoot photosynthesis and environmental parameters were measured concurrently. No diurnal patterns in soil respiration rates and delta C-13 were observed in either treatment, despite substantial variations in climatic conditions and shoot photosynthetic rates in non-girdled trees. Consequently, assessment of daily soil respiration rates and delta C-13 in boreal forest systems by single, instantaneous daily measurements does not appear to be confounded by substantial diurnal variation.
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- Castro, Vasco, et al.
(author)
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NMR investigations of interactions between anesthetics and lipid bilayers
- 2008
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In: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Biomembranes. - : ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV. - 0005-2736 .- 1879-2642. ; 1178:11, s. 2604-2611
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Interactions between anesthetics (lidocaine and short chain alcohols) and lipid membranes formed by dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) were studied using NMR spectroscopy. The orientational order of lidocaine was investigated using deuterium NMR on a selectively labelled compound whereas segmental ordering in the lipids was probed by two-dimensional 1H–13C separated local field experiments under magic-angle spinning conditions. In addition, trajectories generated in molecular dynamics (MD) computer simulations were used for interpretation of the experimental results. Separate simulations were carried out with charged and uncharged lidocaine molecules. Reasonable agreement between experimental dipolar interactions and the calculated counterparts was observed. Our results clearly show that charged lidocaine affects significantly the lipid headgroup. In particular the ordering of the lipids is increased accompanied by drastic changes in the orientation of the P–N vector in the choline group.
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- Gunnarsson Sarius, Niklas, 1976-, et al.
(author)
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Ni and Ti diffusion barrier layers between Ti-Si-C-Ag nanocomposite coatings and Cu-based substrates
- 2012
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In: Surface & Coatings Technology. - : Elsevier. - 0257-8972 .- 1879-3347. ; 206:8-9, s. 2558-2565
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Sputtered Ni and Ti layers were investigated as substitutes for electroplated Ni as adiffusion barrier between Ti-Si-C and Ti-Si-C-Ag nanocomposite coatings and Cu orCuSn substrates. Samples were subjected to thermal annealing studies by exposure to400 ºC during 11 h. Dense diffusion barrier and coating hindered Cu from diffusing tothe surface. This condition was achieved for electroplated Ni in combination withmagnetron-sputtered Ti-Si-C and Ti-Si-C-Ag layers deposited at 230 ºC and 300 ºC,and sputtered Ti or Ni layers in combination with Ti-Si-C-Ag deposited at 300 ºC.
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28. |
- Holmberg, Erland, et al.
(author)
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Reaction conditions for the resolution of 2-methylalkanoic acids in esterification and hydrolysis with lipase from Candida cylindracea
- 1991
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In: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. - 0175-7598. ; 35:5, s. 572-578
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We have demonstrated resolution of 2-methylalkanoic acids using lipase from Candida cylindracea as a catalyst. The resolution of 2-methyldecanoic acid was more successful than that of 2-methylbutyric acid both by esterification and hydrolysis. This indicates that the resolution of the acid is dependent on the chain length of the acid moiety. The chain length of the alcohol moiety of the ester affected the resolution of the long-chain acid only. Using esterification, (R)-2-methyldecanoic acid was produced in an enantiomeric excess (e.e.) of 95% (E = 40). If the enantiomeric ratio is low (E = 3.6), as in the resolution of 2-methylbutyric acid, esterification combined with a high equilibrium conversion could be used to yield the remaining acid in a high e.e. In the hydrolytic reactions, the e.e. and the equilibrium conversion were dependent on the pH and the presence of CaCl2. When octyl 2-methyldecanoate was hydrolysed at pH 8.0 in the presence of CaCl2, the (S)-acid was formed with an e.e. of 80% (E = 9), but when the hydrolysis was carried out at pH 7.5 without CaCl2, a very low e.e. and a low equilibrium conversion were observed. The latter conditions allowed the esterification of 2-methyldecanoic acid with 1-octanol even in aqueous medium.
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30. |
- Hänninen, Tuomas, 1988-
(author)
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Silicon Nitride Based Coatings Grown by Reactive Magnetron Sputtering
- 2018
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Silicon nitride and silicon nitride-based ceramics have several favorable material properties, such as high hardness and good wear resistance, which makes them important materials for the coating industry. This thesis focuses the synthesis of silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and silicon carbonitride thin films by reactive magnetron sputtering. The films were characterized based on their chemical composition, chemical bonding structure, and mechanical properties to link the growth conditions to the film properties. Silicon nitride films were synthesized by reactive high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) from a Si target in Ar/N2 atmospheres, whereas silicon oxynitride films were grown by using nitrous oxide as the reactive gas. Silicon carbonitride was synthesized by two different methods. The first method was using acetylene (C2H2) in addition to N2 in a Si HiPIMS process and the other was co-sputtering of Si and C, using HiPIMS for Si and direct current magnetron sputtering (DCMS) for graphite targets in an Ar/N2 atmosphere. Langmuir probe measurements were carried out for the silicon nitride and silicon oxynitride processes and positive ion mass spectrometry for the silicon nitride processes to gain further understanding on the plasma conditions during film growth. The target current and voltage waveforms of the reactive HiPIMS processes were evaluated.The main deposition parameter affecting the nitrogen concentration of silicon nitride films was found to be the nitrogen content in the plasma. Films with nitrogen contents of 50 at.% were deposited at N2/Ar flow ratios of 0.3 and above. These films showed Si-N as the dominating component in Si 2p X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) core level spectra and Si–Si bonds were absent. The substrate temperature and target power were found to affect the nitrogen content to a lower extent. The residual stress and hardness of the films were found to increase with the film nitrogen content. Another factors influencing the coating stress were the process pressure, negative substrate bias, substrate temperature, and HiPIMS pulse energy. Silicon nitride coatings with good adhesion and low levels of compressive residual stress were grown by using a pressure of 600 mPa, a substrate temperature below 200 °C, pulse energies below 2.5 Ws, and negative bias voltages up to 100 V.The elemental composition of silicon oxynitride films was shown to depend on the target power settings as well as on the nitrous oxide flow rate. Silicon oxide-like films were synthesized under poisoned target surface conditions, whereas films deposited in the transition regime between poisoned and metallic conditions showed higher nitrogen concentrations. The nitrogen content of the films deposited in the transition region was controlled by the applied gas flow rate. The applied target power did not affect the nitrogen concentration in the transition regime, while the oxygen content increased at decreasing target powers. The chemical composition of the films was shown to range from silicon-rich to effectively stoichiometric silicon oxynitrides, where no Si–Si contributions were found in the XPS Si 2p core level spectra. The film optical properties, namely the refractive index and extinction coefficient, were shown to depend on the film chemical bonding, with the stoichiometric films displaying optical properties falling between those of silicon oxide and silicon nitride.The properties of silicon carbonitride films were greatly influenced by the synthesis method. The films deposited by HiPIMS using acetylene as the carbon source showed silicon nitride-like mechanical properties, such as a hardness of ~ 20 GPa and compressive residual stresses of 1.7 – 1.9 GPa, up to film carbon contents of 30 at.%. At larger film carbon contents the films had increasingly amorphous carbon-like properties, such as densities below 2 g/cm3 and hardnesses below 10 GPa. The films with more than 30 at.% carbon also showed columnar morphologies in cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy, whereas films with lower carbon content showed dense morphologies. Due to the use of acetylene the carbonitride films contained hydrogen, up to ~ 15 at.%. The co-sputtered silicon carbonitride films showed a layered SiNx/CNx structure. The hardness of these films increased with the film carbon content, reaching a maximum of 18 GPa at a film carbon content of 12 at.%. Comparatively hard and low stressed films were grown by co-sputtering using a C target power of 1200 W for a C content around 12 at.%, a negative substrate bias less than 100 V, and a substrate temperature up to 340 °C.
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31. |
- Högberg, Cecilia, et al.
(author)
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Diagnosing colorectal cancer in primary care : cohort study in Sweden of qualitative faecal immunochemical tests, haemoglobin levels, and platelet counts
- 2020
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In: British Journal of General Practice. - London : Royal College of General Practitioners. - 0960-1643 .- 1478-5242. ; 70:701, s. E843-E851
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnostics are challenging in primary care and reliable diagnostic aids are desired. Qualitative faecal immunochemical tests (FITs) have been used for suspected CRC in Sweden since the mid-2000s, but evidence regarding their effectiveness is scarce. Anaemia and thrombocytosis are both associated with CRC. Aim To evaluate the usefulness of qualitative FITs requested for symptomatic patients in primary care, atone and combined with findings of anaemia and thrombocytosis, in the diagnosis of CRC. Design and setting A population-based cohort study using electronic health records and data from the Swedish Cancer Register, covering five Swedish regions. Method Patients aged >= 18 years in the five regions who had provided FITs requested by primary care practitioners from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015 were identified. FIT and blood-count data were registered and all CRC diagnoses made within 2 years were retrieved. Diagnostic measurements were calculated. Results In total, 15 789 patients provided FITs (four different brands); of these patients, 304 were later diagnosed with CRC. Haemoglobin levels were available for 13 863 patients, and platelet counts for 10 973 patients. Calculated for the different FIT brands only, the sensitivities for CRC were 81.6%-100%; specificities 65.7%-79.5%: positive predictive values 4.7%-8.1%; and negative predictive values 99.5%-100%. Calculated for the finding of either a positive FIT or anaemia, the sensitivities increased to 88.9-100%. Adding thrombocytosis did not further increase the diagnostic performance. Conclusion Qualitative FITs requested in primary care seem to be useful as rule in tests for referral when CRC is suspected. A negative FIT and no anaemia indicate a low risk of CRC.
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32. |
- Högberg, Cecilia, et al.
(author)
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Qualitative faecal immunochemical tests (FITs) for diagnosing colorectal cancer in patients with histories of rectal bleeding in primary care : a cohort study
- 2020
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In: International Journal of Colorectal Disease. - : Springer. - 0179-1958 .- 1432-1262. ; 35, s. 2035-2040
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Rectal bleeding is considered an alarm symptom for colorectal cancer (CRC) but it is common and mostly caused by benign conditions. Qualitative faecal immunochemical tests (FITs) for occult blood have been used as diagnostic aids for many years in Sweden when CRC is suspected. The study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of FITs requested by primary care physicians for patients with and without histories of rectal bleeding, in the diagnosis of CRC. Methods Results of all FITs requested in primary care for symptomatic patients in the orebro region during 2015 were retrieved. Data on each patient's history of rectal bleeding was gathered from electronic health records. Patients diagnosed with CRC within 2 years were identified from the Swedish Cancer Register. The analysis focused on three-sample FITs, the customary FIT in Sweden. Results A total of 4232 patients provided three-sample FITs. Information about the presence/absence of rectal bleeding was available for 2027 patients, of which 59 were diagnosed with CRC. For 606 patients with the presence of rectal bleeding, the FIT showed sensitivity 96.2%, specificity 60.2%, positive predictive value 9.8% (95% CI 6.1-13.4) and negative predictive value 99.7% (95% CI 99.2-100) for CRC. For 1421 patients without rectal bleeding, the corresponding figures were 100%, 73.6%, 8.3% (95% CI 5.6-10.9) and 100% (95% CI 99.6-100). Conclusion The diagnostic performance of a qualitative three-sample FIT provided by symptomatic patients in primary care was similar for those with and without a history of rectal bleeding. FITs seem useful for prioritising patients also with rectal bleeding for further investigation.
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33. |
- Högberg, Charlotta, et al.
(author)
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The SPARC water vapour assessment II: Profile-to-profile and climatological comparisons of stratospheric δd(H2O) observations from satellite
- 2019
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In: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. - : Copernicus GmbH. - 1680-7316 .- 1680-7324. ; 19:4, s. 2497-2526
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Within the framework of the second SPARC (Stratosphere-troposphere Processes And their Role in Climate) water vapour assessment (WAVAS-II), we evaluated five data sets of δD(H2O) obtained from observations by Odin/SMR (Sub-Millimetre Radiometer), Envisat/MIPAS (Environmental Satellite/Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding), and SCISAT/ACE-FTS (Science Satellite/Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment - Fourier Transform Spectrometer) using profile-to-profile and climatological comparisons. These comparisons aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of typical uncertainties in the observational database that could be considered in the future in observational and modelling studies. Our primary focus is on stratospheric altitudes, but results for the upper troposphere and lower mesosphere are also shown. There are clear quantitative differences in the measurements of the isotopic ratio, mainly with regard to comparisons between the SMR data set and both the MIPAS and ACE-FTS data sets. In the lower stratosphere, the SMR data set shows a higher depletion in δD than the MIPAS and ACE-FTS data sets. The differences maximise close to 50hPa and exceed 200%. With increasing altitude, the biases decrease. Above 4hPa, the SMR data set shows a lower δD depletion than the MIPAS data sets, occasionally exceeding 100%. Overall, the δD biases of the SMR data set are driven by HDO biases in the lower stratosphere and by H2O biases in the upper stratosphere and lower mesosphere. In between, in the middle stratosphere, the biases in δD are the result of deviations in both HDO and H2O. These biases are attributed to issues with the calibration, in particular in terms of the sideband filtering, and uncertainties in spectroscopic parameters. The MIPAS and ACE-FTS data sets agree rather well between about 100 and 10hPa. The MIPAS data sets show less depletion below approximately 15hPa (up to about 30%), due to differences in both HDO and H2O. Higher up this behaviour is reversed, and towards the upper stratosphere the biases increase. This is driven by increasing biases in H2O, and on occasion the differences in δD exceed 80%. Below 100hPa, the differences between the MIPAS and ACE-FTS data sets are even larger. In the climatological comparisons, the MIPAS data sets continue to show less depletion in δD than the ACE-FTS data sets below 15hPa during all seasons, with some variations in magnitude. The differences between the MIPAS and ACE-FTS data have multiple causes, such as differences in the temporal and spatial sampling (except for the profile-to-profile comparisons), cloud influence, vertical resolution, and the microwindows and spectroscopic database chosen. Differences between data sets from the same instrument are typically small in the stratosphere. Overall, if the data sets are considered together, the differences in δD among them in key areas of scientific interest (e.g. tropical and polar lower stratosphere, lower mesosphere, and upper troposphere) are too large to draw robust conclusions on atmospheric processes affecting the water vapour budget and distribution, e.g. the relative importance of different mechanisms transporting water vapour into the stratosphere.
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34. |
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35. |
- Högberg, Cecilia, et al.
(author)
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Use of faecal immunochemical tests common in patients with suspected colorectal cancer but unrelated to travel distance to secondary care : a population-based study from Swedish primary care
- 2022
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care. - : Taylor & Francis Group. - 0281-3432 .- 1502-7724. ; 40:4, s. 459-465
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Evidence is increasing for the use of faecal immunochemical tests (FITs) for occult blood as diagnostic tools when colorectal cancer can be suspected. FITs have been used for this purpose in Swedish primary care since around 2005 despite absence of supporting guidelines. To our knowledge, the extent of this use has not been studied. Objective To investigate the use of FITs as diagnostic tools, and if the use was related to patient age, sex and travel time from primary care to diagnostic facilities in secondary care. Design Population-based retrospective study using data from electronic health records. Setting and subjects Patients >= 18 years that provided FITs in primary care in five Swedish health care regions during 2015. Driving times from their primary care centres to secondary care were calculated. Main outcome measures The proportion of patients that provided FITs was calculated for each region, different age intervals and grouped driving times. Results 18,913 patients provided FITs. The proportion of listed patients in the five regions that provided FITs increased with age: 0.86-1.2% for ages <65 years, 3.6-4.1% for ages 65-79 years and 3.8-6.1% for ages >= 80 years. Differences between the regions were small. There was no overall correlation between the proportion of patients that provided FITs and driving time to secondary care. Conclusion FITs were used extensively in Swedish primary care with a higher use in older age groups. There was no tendency towards a higher use of FITs at primary care centres with longer driving times to secondary care.
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36. |
- Högberg, G, et al.
(author)
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Does vitamin D play a role in depression? A review of clinical, epidemiological and biological studies
- 2014
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In: Current Nutrition and Food Science. - : Bentham Science Publishers B.V.. - 1573-4013 .- 2212-3881. ; 10:1, s. 16-28
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- There is a growing interest in the possible associations between vitamin D and depression. In this mini-review we present diagnostic criteria of different depression scales, with special focus on somatic complaints, possible links between depression and vitamin D and an overview of studies on vitamin D levels/vitamin D supplementation in depressed patients. We observed that complaints of a somatic character, potentially linked to vitamin D deficiency, are important parts of the diagnostic assessment in depression. Depressed patients often had low levels of vitamin D, and seven out of nine large (n>1000) observational studies showed an association between vitamin D levels and depression. Five studies of vitamin D supplementation in depressed patients with vitamin D deficiency showed significant reductions in depressive symptoms post-supplementation. However, only two of these studies were randomized controlled trials, and one of them had only 15 subjects. We recommend that depressed patients should generally be screened for vitamin D deficiency. Aside an increased risk of impaired bone health, individual patients may have symptoms of depression related to potentially deficient vitamin D levels. However, further randomized controlled studies of the effects of vitamin D supplementation in depressed patients are needed. © 2014 Bentham Science Publishers.
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37. |
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38. |
- Högberg, Hans-Erik, et al.
(author)
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Biocatalysis as a useful tool in pheromone synthesis. Enantiomerically pure building blocks from baker's yeast reductions and enzyme catalysed resoluti
- 1994
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In: Catalysis Today. - : Elsevier BV. - 0920-5861. ; 22:3, s. 591-606
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Biocatalytical methods are presented which provide useful building blocks for pheromone synthesis. Examples of the utility of this approach are the preparation of building blocks for the synthesis of stereochemically pure isomers of pine sawfly pheromones and some other pheromones. Enantiom- erically pure ( 98% ee) 2-methyl-1-alkanols 2 were obtained via baker's yeast reduction of suitable α,β-unsaturated aldehydes, and by using lipases from Pseudomonas to effect resolution by transesterification of suitable racemic precursors to 2-methyl-1-alkanols 2 which gave high enantiomeric ratios E > 100. The resolution by esterification mediated by lipase from Candida rugosa of racemic 2-methylalkanoic acids also gave high enantiomeric ratios E> 100 after having improved the reaction conditions by regulating water activity, by choice of the appropriate complimentary substrate alcohol and by adjusting the initial equivalents of the latter present at the start. Also discussed is the separation of diastereomers of diprionol 1, which is naturally occurring in the pine sawfly Neodiprion sertifer, where it is the direct precursor of its pheromone.
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39. |
- Högberg, Hans, 1968-, et al.
(author)
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Growth and characterization of MAX-phase thin films
- 2005
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In: Surface and Coatings Technology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0257-8972 .- 1879-3347. ; 193, s. 6-10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report that magnetron sputtering can be applied to synthesize MAX-phase films of several systems including Ti–Si–C, Ti–Ge–C, Ti–Al–C, and Ti–Al–N. In particular, epitaxial films of the known phases Ti3SiC2, Ti3GeC2, Ti2GeC, Ti3AlC2, Ti2AlC, and Ti2AlN as well as the newly discovered thin film phases Ti4SiC3, Ti4GeC3 and intergrown structures can be deposited at 900–1000 °C on Al2O3(0001) and MgO(111) pre-seeded with TiC or Ti(Al)N. From XTEM and AFM we suggest a growth and nucleation model where MAX-phase nucleation is initiated at surface steps or facets on the seed layer and followed by lateral growth. Differences between the growth behavior of the systems with respect to phase distribution and phase stabilities are discussed. Characterization of mechanical properties for Tin+1Si–Cn films with nanoindentation show decreased hardness from about 25 to 15 GPa upon penetration of the basal planes with characteristic large plastic deformation with pile up dependent on the choice of MAX material. This is explained by cohesive delamination of the basal planes and kink band formation, in agreement with the observations made for bulk material. Measurements of the electrical resistivity for Ti–Si–C and Ti–Al–N films with four-point probe technique show values of 30 and 39 μΩ cm, respectively, comparable to bulk materials.
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40. |
- Högberg, Karl-Anders, et al.
(author)
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Critical factors affecting ex vitro performance of somatic embryo plants of Picea abies
- 2001
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0282-7581 .- 1651-1891. ; 16:4, s. 295-304
-
Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The potential to use somatic embryos for large-scale propagation of elite genotypes, for integration into breeding programmes and for connecting breeding and mass propagation, is receiving much attention. However, before the methods are applied it is important that the plants regenerated via somatic embryogenesis grow as expected, i.e. as seedlings or cuttings. Growth of somatic embryo plants is under a cumulative influence of a number of treatments given during the in vitro phase and during the ex vitro establishment phase. The aim of this study was to identify treatments with a negative influence on the subsequent growth of somatic embryo plants of Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.). Based on the results, the time of contact with abscisic acid during somatic embryo maturation and the length of continuous light treatment (CLT) during the first growth period strongly affect the height growth during two successive growth periods. In both cases longer treatments exerted negative effects. Based on these results a new method was set up, which includes: (1) prematuration treatment of the suspension culture in a growth regulator-free medium, by which the maturation step is synchronized and contracted; and (2) a two-phase germination treatment, first on a solidified medium and then in a liquid medium. This treatment avoids extended CLT during the first growth period. Another advantage of the two-phase germination treatment is a better root-system development. Somatic embryo plants produced according to this method can be transferred directly from in vitro conditions to the greenhouse.
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44. |
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45. |
- Landstrlom, L., et al.
(author)
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In situ monitoring of size distributions and characterization of nanoparticles during W ablation in N2 atmosphere
- 2003
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In: Journal of Applied Physics. - : AIP Publishing. - 0021-8979 .- 1089-7550. ; 94:3, s. 2011-2017
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Amporphous WN0.3 nanoparticles were generated by pulsed excimer ablation of tungsten in a N2 ambient at atmospheric pressure. Size distributions and concentrations were monitored by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and condensation particle counter (CPC) with different laser parameters and sport sizes. It was found that the fast desorptive part for which a thermal process for material removal was ruled out and the 'real' ablation gave rise to different types of size distributions.
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46. |
- Lee, S. -K, et al.
(author)
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The formation and characterization of epitaxial titanium carbide contacts to 4H-SiC
- 2000
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In: Materials Research Society Symposium - Proceedings. - San Francisco, CA. ; , s. T691-T696
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Epitaxial TiC Ohmic and Schottky contacts to 4H-SiC were formed by a new deposition method, UHV co-evaporation with Ti and C60, at low temperature (< 500°C). We achieved a contact resistivity of 2 × 10-5 Ωcm2 at 25°C for as deposited Ohmic contacts on Al ion implanted 4H-Silicon carbide. The rectifying behavior of TiC Schottky contacts was also investigated using I-V and C-V. The measured Schottky barrier height (SBH) was 1.26 eV for n-type and 1.65 eV for p-type 4H-SiC using C-V measurements for frequencies ranging from 1kHz to 1MHz. LEED, RBS, XPS, and XRD measurements were performed to analyze composition ratio, interface reaction, and structural properties of the TiC epitaxial layer.
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47. |
- Lind, Andreas, 1985-, et al.
(author)
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Multi-Objective Optimization of an Assembly Layout Using Nature-Inspired Algorithms and a Digital Human Modeling Tool
- 2024
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In: IISE Transactions on Occupational Ergonomics and Human Factors. - : Taylor & Francis Group. - 2472-5838 .- 2472-5846.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSIn the context of Industry 5.0, our study advances manufacturing factory layout planning by integrating multi-objective optimization with nature-inspired algorithms and a digital human modeling tool. This approach aims to overcome the limitations of traditional planning methods, which often rely on engineers’ expertise and inputs from various functions in a company, leading to slow processes and risk of human errors. By focusing the multi-objective optimization on three primary targets, our methodology promotes objective and efficient layout planning, simultaneously considering worker well-being and system performance efficiency. Illustrated through a pedal car assembly station layout case, we demonstrate how layout planning can transition into a transparent, cross-disciplinary, and automated activity. This methodology provides multi-objective decision support, showcasing a significant step forward in manufacturing factory layout design practices.TECHNICAL ABSTRACTRationale: Integrating multi-objective optimization in manufacturing layout planning addresses simultaneous considerations of productivity, worker well-being, and space efficiency, moving beyond traditional, expert-reliant methods that often overlook critical design aspects. Leveraging nature-inspired algorithms and a digital human modeling tool, this study advances a holistic, automated design process in line with Industry 5.0. Purpose: This research demonstrates an innovative approach to manufacturing layout optimization that simultaneously considers worker well-being and system performance. Utilizing the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) alongside a Digital Human Modeling (DHM) tool, the study proposes layouts that equally prioritize ergonomic factors, productivity, and area utilization. Methods: Through a pedal car assembly station case, the study illustrates the transition of layout planning into a transparent, cross-disciplinary, and automated process. This method offers objective decision support, balancing diverse objectives concurrently. Results: The optimization results obtained from the NSGA-II and PSO algorithms represent feasible non-dominated solutions of layout proposals, with the NSGA-II algorithm finding a solution superior in all objectives compared to the expert engineer-designed start solution for the layout. This demonstrates the presented method’s capacity to refine layout planning practices significantly. Conclusions: The study validates the effectiveness of combining multi-objective optimization with digital human modeling in manufacturing layout planning, aligning with Industry 5.0’s emphasis on human-centric processes. It proves that operational efficiency and worker well-being can be simultaneously considered and presents future potential manufacturing design advancements. This approach underscores the necessity of multi-objective consideration for optimal layout achievement, marking a progressive step in meeting modern manufacturing’s complex demands.
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48. |
- Lossow, Stefan, 1977, et al.
(author)
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A reassessment of the discrepancies in the annual variation of δD-H2O in the tropical lower stratosphere between the MIPAS and ACE-FTS satellite data sets
- 2020
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In: Atmospheric Measurement Techniques. - : Copernicus GmbH. - 1867-1381 .- 1867-8548. ; 13:1, s. 287-308
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The annual variation of δD in the tropical lower stratosphere is a critical indicator for the relative importance of different processes contributing to the transport of water vapour through the cold tropical tropopause region into the stratosphere. Distinct observational discrepancies of the δD annual variation were visible in the works of Steinwagner et al. (2010) and Randel et al. (2012). Steinwagner et al. (2010) analysed MIPAS (Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding) observations retrieved with the IMK/IAA (Institut für Meteorologie und Klimaforschung in Karlsruhe, Germany, in collaboration with the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía in Granada, Spain) processor, while Randel et al. (2012) focused on ACE-FTS (Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment Fourier Transform Spectrometer) observations. Here we reassess the discrepancies based on newer MIPAS (IMK/IAA) and ACE-FTS data sets, also showing for completeness results from SMR (Sub-Millimetre Radiometer) observations and a ECHAM/MESSy (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Hamburg and Modular Earth Submodel System) Atmospheric Chemistry (EMAC) simulation (Eichinger et al., 2015b). Similar to the old analyses, the MIPAS data set yields a pronounced annual variation (maximum about 75 ‰), while that derived from the ACE-FTS data set is rather weak (maximum about 25 ‰). While all data sets exhibit the phase progression typical for the tape recorder, the annual maximum in the ACE-FTS data set precedes that in the MIPAS data set by 2 to 3 months. We critically consider several possible reasons for the observed discrepancies, focusing primarily on the MIPAS data set. We show that the δD annual variation in the MIPAS data up to an altitude of 40 hPa is substantially impacted by a “start altitude effect”, i.e. dependency between the lowermost altitude where MIPAS retrievals are possible and retrieved data at higher altitudes. In itself this effect does not explain the differences with the ACE-FTS data. In addition, there is a mismatch in the vertical resolution of the MIPAS HDO and H2O data (being consistently better for HDO), which actually results in an artificial tape-recorder-like signal in δD. Considering these MIPAS characteristics largely removes any discrepancies between the MIPAS and ACE-FTS data sets and shows that the MIPAS data are consistent with a δD tape recorder signal with an amplitude of about 25 ‰ in the lowermost stratosphere.
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49. |
- Luthander, Charlotte Millde, et al.
(author)
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Results from the National Perinatal Patient Safety Program in Sweden : the challenge of evaluation
- 2016
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In: Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. - : Wiley. - 0001-6349 .- 1600-0412. ; 95:5, s. 596-603
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- IntroductionWe studied the effects of the national Perinatal Patient Safety Program in Sweden, addressing local improvement measures, changes in the proportion of low Apgar score and the number of settled injury claims due to asphyxia. Material and methodsFinal reports on achieved improvements from all Swedish obstetric units were analyzed and categories of the improvement measures taken in perinatal risk areas were established. Data on all term newborns during 2006-12 were obtained from the Medical Birth Registry. Incidence of 5-min Apgar score <7 was analyzed before, during and after the intervention. The odds ratio for low Apgar score in period iII vs. period I was calculated. Patient injury claims from The Swedish National Patient Insurance Company (LoF) were analyzed. ResultsNumerous local improvement initiatives were reported. The incidence of 5-min Apgar score <7 on a national level remained unchanged during the study periods. The units with the highest rate of Apgar score <7 showed a significant decrease in Apgar score of 4-6 after the intervention, whereas units with the lowest rate of Apgar score <7 showed a significant increase in Apgar score <7 after the intervention. A decline in settled claims due to substandard care was observed (7.5%, 2012-14; p for trend 0.049). ConclusionThe national incidence of low Apgar score remained unchanged but a reduction of settled claims of severely asphyxiated neonates was observed. The study highlights the need for robust designs when evaluating large-scale initiatives for improving patient safety at delivery, along with the difficulties in performing them.
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50. |
- Lyytikäinen-Saarenmaa, P, et al.
(author)
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Monitoring the European pine sawfly with pheromone traps in maturing Scots pine stands
- 2006
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In: Agricultural and Forest Entomology. - : Wiley. - 1461-9555 .- 1461-9563. ; 8:1, s. 7-15
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- 1. During 1989-93, field studies were conducted in Finland to develop a method based on pheromone traps to monitor and forecast population levels of the European pine sawfly (Neodiprion sertifer Geoffr.) and tree defoliation. 2. Three traps per site were baited with 100 μg of the N. sertifer sex pheromone, the acetate ester of (2S,3S,7S)-3,7-dimethyl-2-pentadecanol (diprionol), in maturing pine stands in southern and central Finland. In addition, three different dosages (1, 10 and 100 μg) of the pheromone were tested in 1991-92. 3. The highest number of males was observed in traps baited with the highest dose. On average, there was a 10-fold increase in trap catch between lure doses. 4. Density of overwintering eggs was used to evaluate the effectiveness of pheromone traps in predicting sawfly populations. The proportion of healthy overwintering eggs was determined each year. A model based on the number of current shoots on sample trees, diameter at breast height and tree height was formulated to estimate eggs per hectare. 5. Linear regression analysis produced high coefficients of determination between number of males in traps and density of total eggs in the subsequent generation, when populations were at peak densities. The relationships were not significant for low population densities. The results indicate a risk of moderate defoliation when the seasonal trap catch is 800-1000 males per trap or higher.
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