1. |
- Rajewsky, N., et al.
(author)
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LifeTime and improving European healthcare through cell-based interceptive medicine
- 2020
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In: Nature. - : Springer Nature. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 587:7834, s. 377-386
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- LifeTime aims to track, understand and target human cells during the onset and progression of complex diseases and their response to therapy at single-cell resolution. This mission will be implemented through the development and integration of single-cell multi-omics and imaging, artificial intelligence and patient-derived experimental disease models during progression from health to disease. Analysis of such large molecular and clinical datasets will discover molecular mechanisms, create predictive computational models of disease progression, and reveal new drug targets and therapies. Timely detection and interception of disease embedded in an ethical and patient-centered vision will be achieved through interactions across academia, hospitals, patient-associations, health data management systems and industry. Applying this strategy to key medical challenges in cancer, neurological, infectious, chronic inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases at the single-cell level will usher in cell-based interceptive medicine in Europe over the next decade.
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2. |
- Aarestrup, FM, et al.
(author)
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Towards a European health research and innovation cloud (HRIC)
- 2020
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In: Genome medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1756-994X. ; 12:1, s. 18-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The European Union (EU) initiative on the Digital Transformation of Health and Care (Digicare) aims to provide the conditions necessary for building a secure, flexible, and decentralized digital health infrastructure. Creating a European Health Research and Innovation Cloud (HRIC) within this environment should enable data sharing and analysis for health research across the EU, in compliance with data protection legislation while preserving the full trust of the participants. Such a HRIC should learn from and build on existing data infrastructures, integrate best practices, and focus on the concrete needs of the community in terms of technologies, governance, management, regulation, and ethics requirements. Here, we describe the vision and expected benefits of digital data sharing in health research activities and present a roadmap that fosters the opportunities while answering the challenges of implementing a HRIC. For this, we put forward five specific recommendations and action points to ensure that a European HRIC: i) is built on established standards and guidelines, providing cloud technologies through an open and decentralized infrastructure; ii) is developed and certified to the highest standards of interoperability and data security that can be trusted by all stakeholders; iii) is supported by a robust ethical and legal framework that is compliant with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR); iv) establishes a proper environment for the training of new generations of data and medical scientists; and v) stimulates research and innovation in transnational collaborations through public and private initiatives and partnerships funded by the EU through Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe.
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3. |
- Robb, A O, et al.
(author)
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The influence of the menstrual cycle, normal pregnancy and pre-eclampsia on platelet activation
- 2010
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In: Thrombosis and Haemostasis. - 0340-6245 .- 2567-689X. ; 103:2, s. 372-378
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Platelet activation has a key role in mediating thrombotic and inflammatory events. This study aimed to determine the influence of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and pre-eclampsia on in vivo platelet activation. Twelve healthy nulliparous, non-smoking women with regular menses were studied over a single menstrual cycle. Twenty-one healthy primigravida pregnant women were studied longitudinally at 16, 24, 32 and 37 weeks gestation and seven weeks post-partum. Sixteen primigravida women with pre-eclampsia were studied at time of diagnosis and at seven weeks post-partum. Platelet-monocyte aggregates and platelet-surface P-selectin expression were assessed by flow-cytometry. Soluble P-selectin and CD40 ligand (CD40L) were measured by ELISA. Markers of platelet activation did not vary over the menstrual cycle. Platelet-monocyte aggregates were greater in the third trimester of pregnancy compared to non-pregnant women (p=0.003). Platelet surface and plasma soluble P-selectin concentrations increased with gestation (p<0.0001) and were raised by 24 weeks of pregnancy compared to non-pregnant women (p< or =0.02 for both) and together with platelet monocyte aggregates, decreased post-partum (p< or =0.02). Soluble CD40L concentrations fell in pregnancy, reaching a nadir at mid-gestation (p=0.002). There were no differences in markers of platelet activation between normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancies. In conclusion, platelet activation is increased in pregnancy and increases with gestation but is unaffected by pre-eclampsia. This suggests that systemic platelet activation is a feature of pregnancy but this is not affected by established pre-eclampsia.
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4. |
- Anchang-Kimbi, Judith K., et al.
(author)
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Antenatal care visit attendance, intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy (IPTp) and malaria parasitaemia at delivery
- 2014
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In: Malaria Journal. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1475-2875. ; 13, s. 162-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The determinants and barriers for delivery and uptake of IPTp vary with different regions in sub-Saharan Africa. This study evaluated the determinants of ANC clinic attendance and IPTp-SP uptake among parturient women from Mount Cameroon Area and hypothesized that time of first ANC clinic attendance could influence uptake of IPTp-SP/dosage and consequently malaria parasite infection status at delivery. Methods: Two cross sectional surveys were carried out at the Government Medical Centre in the Mutengene Health Area, Mt Cameroon Area from March to October 2007 and June 2008 to April 2009. Consented parturient women were consecutively enrolled in both surveys. In 2007, socio-demographic data, ANC clinic attendance, gestational age, fever history and reported use/dosage of IPTp-SP were documented using a structured questionnaire. In the second survey only IPT-SP usage/dosage was recorded. Malaria parasitaemia at delivery was determined by blood smear microscopy and placental histology. Results and discussion: In 2007, among the 287 women interviewed, 2.2%, 59.7%, and 38.1% enrolled in the first, second and third trimester respectively. About 90% of women received at least one dose SP but only 53% received the two doses in 2007 and by 2009 IPTp-two doses coverage increased to 64%. Early clinic attendance was associated (P = 0.016) with fever history while being unmarried (OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.3-3.8) was significantly associated with fewer clinic visits (<4visits). Women who received one SP dose (OR = 3.7; 95% CI: 2.0-6.8) were more likely not to have attended >= 4visits. A higher proportion (P < 0.001) of women with first visit during the third trimester received only one dose, meanwhile, those who had an early first ANC attendance were more likely (OR = 0.4; 95% CI = 0.2 - 0.7) to receive two or more doses. Microscopic parasitaemia at delivery was frequent (P = 0.007) among women who enrolled in the third trimester and had received only one SP dose than in those with two doses. Conclusion: In the study area, late first ANC clinic enrolment and fewer clinic visits may prevent the uptake of two SP doses and education on early and regular ANC clinic visits can increase IPTp coverage.
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5. |
- Auffray, C., et al.
(author)
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COVID-19 and beyond : a call for action and audacious solidarity to all the citizens and nations, it is humanity’s fight
- 2020
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In: F1000 Research. - : F1000 Research Ltd. - 2046-1402. ; 9, s. 1130-18
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) belongs to a subgroup of coronaviruses rampant in bats for centuries. It caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Most patients recover, but a minority of severe cases experience acute respiratory distress or an inflammatory storm devastating many organs that can lead to patient death. The spread of SARS-CoV-2 was facilitated by the increasing intensity of air travel, urban congestion and human contact during the past decades. Until therapies and vaccines are available, tests for virus exposure, confinement and distancing measures have helped curb the pandemic. Vision: The COVID-19 pandemic calls for safeguards and remediation measures through a systemic response. Self-organizing initiatives by scientists and citizens are developing an advanced collective intelligence response to the coronavirus crisis. Their integration forms Olympiads of Solidarity and Health. Their ability to optimize our response to COVID-19 could serve as a model to trigger a global metamorphosis of our societies with far-reaching consequences for attacking fundamental challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. Mission: For COVID-19 and these other challenges, there is no alternative but action. Meeting in Paris in 2003, we set out to "rethink research to understand life and improve health." We have formed an international coalition of academia and industry ecosystems taking a systems medicine approach to understanding COVID-19 by thoroughly characterizing viruses, patients and populations during the pandemic, using openly shared tools. All results will be publicly available with no initial claims for intellectual property rights. This World Alliance for Health and Wellbeing will catalyze the creation of medical and health products such as diagnostic tests, drugs and vaccines that become common goods accessible to all, while seeking further alliances with civil society to bridge with socio-ecological and technological approaches that characterise urban systems, for a collective response to future health emergencies.
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9. |
- Liti, Gianni, et al.
(author)
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Population genomics of domestic and wild yeasts.
- 2009
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In: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1476-4687 .- 0028-0836. ; 458:7236, s. 337-41
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Since the completion of the genome sequence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in 1996 (refs 1, 2), there has been a large increase in complete genome sequences, accompanied by great advances in our understanding of genome evolution. Although little is known about the natural and life histories of yeasts in the wild, there are an increasing number of studies looking at ecological and geographic distributions, population structure and sexual versus asexual reproduction. Less well understood at the whole genome level are the evolutionary processes acting within populations and species that lead to adaptation to different environments, phenotypic differences and reproductive isolation. Here we present one- to fourfold or more coverage of the genome sequences of over seventy isolates of the baker's yeast S. cerevisiae and its closest relative, Saccharomyces paradoxus. We examine variation in gene content, single nucleotide polymorphisms, nucleotide insertions and deletions, copy numbers and transposable elements. We find that phenotypic variation broadly correlates with global genome-wide phylogenetic relationships. S. paradoxus populations are well delineated along geographic boundaries, whereas the variation among worldwide S. cerevisiae isolates shows less differentiation and is comparable to a single S. paradoxus population. Rather than one or two domestication events leading to the extant baker's yeasts, the population structure of S. cerevisiae consists of a few well-defined, geographically isolated lineages and many different mosaics of these lineages, supporting the idea that human influence provided the opportunity for cross-breeding and production of new combinations of pre-existing variations.
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12. |
- Adrian-Kalchhauser, I., et al.
(author)
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The round goby genome provides insights into mechanisms that may facilitate biological invasions
- 2020
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In: BMC Biology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1741-7007. ; 18:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background The invasive benthic round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) is the most successful temperate invasive fish and has spread in aquatic ecosystems on both sides of the Atlantic. Invasive species constitute powerful in situ experimental systems to study fast adaptation and directional selection on short ecological timescales and present promising case studies to understand factors involved the impressive ability of some species to colonize novel environments. We seize the unique opportunity presented by the round goby invasion to study genomic substrates potentially involved in colonization success. Results We report a highly contiguous long-read-based genome and analyze gene families that we hypothesize to relate to the ability of these fish to deal with novel environments. The analyses provide novel insights from the large evolutionary scale to the small species-specific scale. We describe expansions in specific cytochrome P450 enzymes, a remarkably diverse innate immune system, an ancient duplication in red light vision accompanied by red skin fluorescence, evolutionary patterns of epigenetic regulators, and the presence of osmoregulatory genes that may have contributed to the round goby's capacity to invade cold and salty waters. A recurring theme across all analyzed gene families is gene expansions. Conclusions The expanded innate immune system of round goby may potentially contribute to its ability to colonize novel areas. Since other gene families also feature copy number expansions in the round goby, and since other Gobiidae also feature fascinating environmental adaptations and are excellent colonizers, further long-read genome approaches across the goby family may reveal whether gene copy number expansions are more generally related to the ability to conquer new habitats in Gobiidae or in fish.
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13. |
- Akhtar, N, et al.
(author)
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Osmoregulation and protein expression in a pbs2delta mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae during adaptation to hypersaline stress.
- 1997
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In: FEBS letters. - 0014-5793. ; 403:2, s. 173-80
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We deleted the PBS2 gene encoding the MAP kinase activator of the osmosignaling HOG pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and examined the effects on the kinetics of the osmoregulatory glycerol response and protein induction during adaptation to 0.7 M NaCl. Changes in protein expression as analyzed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D PAGE) demonstrated that for the 29 proteins showing a 6-fold induction in wild-type cells during adaptation to NaCl stress, all displayed a decreased and delayed response in pbs2delta cells. Of the seven proteins that were identified, two were previously not known to be under HOG pathway control: Ald6p, an isoform of aldehyde dehydrogenase and Dak1p, a putative dihydroxyacetone kinase. The presence of a remaining significant induction in pbs2delta cells for about half of the examined proteins indicates existence of alternative osmosignaling pathway(s). Northern analysis of the salt induced transcription of GPD1 and GPP2, encoding the cytosolic glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and glycerol-3-phosphatase involved in the osmostress induced glycerol production, demonstrated an about 20-fold PBS2-dependent transient activation, in agreement with the previously reported transient nature of the signal transduced by the HOG pathway.
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14. |
- Al Moubayed, Samer, et al.
(author)
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Talking with Furhat - multi-party interaction with a back-projected robot head
- 2012
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In: Proceedings of Fonetik 2012. - Gothenberg, Sweden. ; , s. 109-112
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- This is a condensed presentation of some recent work on a back-projected robotic head for multi-party interaction in public settings. We will describe some of the design strategies and give some preliminary analysis of an interaction database collected at the Robotville exhibition at the London Science Museum
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15. |
- Anchang-Kimbi, Judith K., et al.
(author)
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IgG isotypic antibodies to crude Plasmodium falciparum blood-stage antigen associated with placental malaria infection in parturient Cameroonian women
- 2016
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In: African Health Sciences. - : African Journals Online (AJOL). - 1680-6905 .- 1729-0503. ; 16:4, s. 1007-1017
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Few studies have reported an association between placental malaria (PM) infection and levels of isotypic antibodies against non-pregnancy associated antigens. Objective: To determine and evaluate IgG isotypic antibody levels to crude P. falciparum blood stage in women with and without PM infection. Methods: Levels of IgG (IgG1-IgG4) and IgM to crude P. falciparum blood stage antigen were measured by ELISA in 271 parturient women. Placental malaria infection was determined by placental blood microscopy and placental histology. Age, parity and intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) usage were considered during analysis. Results: P. falciparum-specific IgG1 (96.5%) and IgG3 (96.7%) antibodies were predominant compared with IgG2 (64.6%) and IgG4 (49.1%). Active PM infection was associated with significant increased levels of IgG1, IgG4 and IgM while lower levels of these antibodies were associated with uptake of two or more IPTp-SP doses. PM infection was the only independent factor associated with IgG4 levels. Mean IgG1 + IgG3/IgG2 + IgG4 and IgG1 + IgG2 + IgG3/IgG4 ratios were higher among the PM-uninfected group while IgG4/IgG2 ratio prevailed in the infected group. Conclusion: PM infection and IPTp-SP dosage influenced P. falciparum-specific isotypic antibody responses to blood stage antigens. An increase in IgG4 levels in response to PM infection is of particular interest.
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16. |
- Balmes, Olivier, et al.
(author)
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Reversible formation of a PdCx phase in Pd nanoparticles upon CO and O-2 exposure
- 2012
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In: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 1463-9084 .- 1463-9076. ; 14:14, s. 4796-4801
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The structure and chemical composition of Pd nanoparticles exposed to pure CO and mixtures of CO and O-2 at elevated temperatures have been studied in situ by a combination of X-ray Diffraction and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy in pressures ranging from ultra high vacuum to 10 mbar and from room temperature to a few hundred degrees celsius. Our investigation shows that under CO exposure, above a certain temperature, carbon dissolves into the Pd particles forming a carbide phase. Upon exposure to CO and O-2 mixtures, the carbide phase forms and disappears reversibly, switching at the stoichiometric ratio for CO oxidation. This finding opens new scenarios for the understanding of catalytic oxidation of C-based molecules.
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18. |
- Bertenstam, J, et al.
(author)
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THE WAXHOLM APPLICATION DATABASE
- 1995
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper describes an application database collected in Wizard-of-Oz experiments in a spoken dialogue system, WAXHOLM. The system provides information on boat traffic in the Stockholm archipelago. The database consists of utterance-length speech files, their corressonding transcriptions, and log files of the dialogue sessions. In addition to the spontaneous dialogue speech, the material also comprise recordings of phonetically balanced reference sentences uttered by all 66 subjects. In the paper the recording procedure is described as well as some characteristics of the speech data and the dialogue.
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19. |
- Björsell, Tove, et al.
(author)
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Risk factors for impaired respiratory function post COVID-19 : A prospective cohort study of nonhospitalized and hospitalized patients
- 2023
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In: Journal of Internal Medicine. - : Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Inc.. - 0954-6820 .- 1365-2796. ; 293:5, s. 600-614
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Severe COVID-19 increases the risk for long-term respiratory impairment, but data after mild COVID-19 are scarce. Our aims were to determine risk factors for reduced respiratory function 3-6 months after COVID-19 infection and to investigate if reduced respiratory function would relate to impairment of exercise performance and breathlessness.METHODS: Patients with COVID-19 were enrolled at the University Hospitals of Umeå and Örebro, and Karlstad Central Hospital, Sweden. Disease severity was defined as mild (nonhospitalized), moderate (hospitalized with or without oxygen treatment), and severe (intensive care). Spirometry, including diffusion capacity (DLCO ), was performed 3-6 months after hospital discharge or study enrollment (for nonhospitalized patients). Breathlessness (defined as ≥1 according to the modified Medical Research Council scale) and functional exercise capacity (1-min sit-to-stand test; 1-MSTST) were assessed.RESULTS: Between April 2020 and May 2021, 337 patients were enrolled in the study. Forced vital capacity and DLCO were significantly lower in patients with severe COVID-19. Among hospitalized patients, 20% had reduced DLCO , versus 4% in nonhospitalized. Breathlessness was found in 40.6% of the participants and was associated with impaired DLCO . A pathological desaturation or heart rate response was observed in 17% of participants during the 1-MSTST. However, this response was not associated with reduced DLCO .CONCLUSION: Reduced DLCO was the major respiratory impairment 3-6 months following COVID-19, with hospitalization as the most important risk factor. The lack of association between impaired DLCO and pathological physiological responses to exertion suggests that these physiological responses are not primarily related to decreased lung function.
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22. |
- Blomberg, Mats, et al.
(author)
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Speech recognition in the Waxholm dialog system
- 1994
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The speech recognition component in the KTH "Waxholm" dialog system is described. It will handle continuous speech with a vocabulary of about 1000 words. The output of the recogniser is fed to a probabilistic, knowledge-based parser, that contains a context-free grammar compiled into an augmented transition network.
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23. |
- Blomberg, Sara, et al.
(author)
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A high pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study of oxidation and reduction of Rh(100) and Rh nanoparticles
- 2014
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In: Surface Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 0039-6028. ; 628, s. 153-158
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We have studied the oxidation and reduction of Rh(100) and SiO2 supported Rh particles using high pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. We show that the formation and reduction of Rh bulk oxide can be followed in situ in O-2 and CO pressures in the range of 0.1 Torr. In general, the oxidation/reduction processes are similar on Rh(100) and the nanoparticles, but there are significant differences in temperature dependence. Already at a sample temperature of 140 degrees C, the particles show clear signs of a thin bulk oxide, while an ultra-thin so-called surface oxide covers the single crystal at the same temperature. Both of these oxide films, however, hinder further oxidation, and a thick oxide is only found at a temperature of at least 300 degrees C, for both samples. The reduction, in contrast, starts at a higher temperature on the particles as compared to the single crystal, but once started the particles are completely reduced at lower temperatures. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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27. |
- Blomberg, Sara, et al.
(author)
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Structure of the Rh2O3(0001) surface
- 2012
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In: Surface Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 0039-6028. ; 606:17-18, s. 1416-1421
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We have studied the (0001) surface termination of Rh2O3 on a Rh(111) single crystal using a combination of high resolution core level spectroscopy, low energy electron diffraction, scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory. By exposing the Rh(111) to atomic oxygen we are able to grow Rh2O3 layers exposing the (0001) surface. The experiments support the theoretical predictions stating that the surface is terminated with an O-Rh-O trilayer yielding a RhO2 termination instead of a bulk Rh2O3 termination. The structural details as found by the DFT calculations are presented and reasons for the previously observed strong differences in catalytic activity between the structurally similar RhO2 surface oxide, and the Rh2O3(0001) surface are discussed. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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32. |
- Currier, Russell W, et al.
(author)
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The evolution of infectious agents in relation to sex in animals and humans: brief discussions of some individual organisms.
- 2011
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In: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. - : Wiley. - 1749-6632 .- 0077-8923. ; 1230, s. 74-107, s. 74-107
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The following series of concise summaries addresses the evolution of infectious agents in relation to sex in animals and humans from the perspective of three specific questions: (1) what have we learned about the likely origin and phylogeny, up to the establishment of the infectious agent in the genital econiche, including the relative frequency of its sexual transmission; (2) what further research is needed to provide additional knowledge on some of these evolutionary aspects; and (3) what evolutionary considerations might aid in providing novel approaches to the more practical clinical and public health issues facing us currently and in the future?
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33. |
- Davoine, Celine, et al.
(author)
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Functional metabolomics as a tool to analyze Mediator function and structure in plants
- 2017
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In: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library Science. - 1932-6203. ; 12:6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Mediator is a multiprotein transcriptional co-regulator complex composed of four modules; Head, Middle, Tail, and Kinase. It conveys signals from promoter-bound transcriptional regulators to RNA polymerase II and thus plays an essential role in eukaryotic gene regulation. We describe subunit localization and activities of Mediator in Arabidopsis through metabolome and transcriptome analyses from a set of Mediator mutants. Functional metabolomic analysis based on the metabolite profiles of Mediator mutants using multivariate statistical analysis and heat-map visualization shows that different subunit mutants display distinct metabolite profiles, which cluster according to the reported localization of the corresponding subunits in yeast. Based on these results, we suggest localization of previously unassigned plant Mediator subunits to specific modules. We also describe novel roles for individual subunits in development, and demonstrate changes in gene expression patterns and specific metabolite levels in med18 and med25, which can explain their phenotypes. We find that med18 displays levels of phytoalexins normally found in wild type plants only after exposure to pathogens. Our results indicate that different Mediator subunits are involved in specific signaling pathways that control developmental processes and tolerance to pathogen infections.
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38. |
- Giha, H. A., et al.
(author)
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A malaria serological map indicating the intersection between parasite antigenic diversity and host antibody repertoires
- 2012
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In: European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0934-9723 .- 1435-4373. ; 31:11, s. 3117-3125
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A malaria vaccine targeting Plasmodium falciparum remains a strategic goal for malaria control. If a polyvalent vaccine is to be developed, its subunits would probably be chosen based on immunogenicity (concentration of elicited antibodies) and associations of selected antigens with protection. We propose an additional possible selection criterion for the inclusion of subunit antigens; that is, coordination between elicited antibodies. For the quantitative estimation of this coordination, we developed a malaria serological map (MSM). Construction of the MSM was based on three categories of variables: (i) malaria antigens, (ii) total IgG and IgG subclasses, (iii) different sources of plasma. To validate the MSM, in this study, we used four malaria antigens (AMA1, MSP2-3D7, MSP2-FC27 and Pf332-C231) and re-grouped the plasma samples into five pairs of subsets based on age, gender, residence, HbAS and malaria morbidity in 9 years. The plasma total IgG and IgG subclasses to the test antigens were measured, and the whole material was used for the MSM construction. Most of the variables in the MSM were previously tested and their associations with malaria morbidity are known. The coordination of response to each antigens pair in the MSM was quantified as the correlation rate (CR = overall number of significant correlations/total number of correlations x 100 %). Unexpectedly, the results showed that low CRs were mostly associated with variables linked with malaria protection and the antigen eliciting the least CRs was the one associated with protection. The MSM is, thus, of potential value for vaccine design and understanding of malaria natural immunity.
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39. |
- Groenen, M. A., et al.
(author)
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Analyses of pig genomes provide insight into porcine demography and evolution
- 2012
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In: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 491:7424, s. 393-398
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- For 10,000 years pigs and humans have shared a close and complex relationship. From domestication to modern breeding practices, humans have shaped the genomes of domestic pigs. Here we present the assembly and analysis of the genome sequence of a female domestic Duroc pig (Sus scrofa) and a comparison with the genomes of wild and domestic pigs from Europe and Asia. Wild pigs emerged in South East Asia and subsequently spread across Eurasia. Our results reveal a deep phylogenetic split between European and Asian wild boars approximately 1 million years ago, and a selective sweep analysis indicates selection on genes involved in RNA processing and regulation. Genes associated with immune response and olfaction exhibit fast evolution. Pigs have the largest repertoire of functional olfactory receptor genes, reflecting the importance of smell in this scavenging animal. The pig genome sequence provides an important resource for further improvements of this important livestock species, and our identification of many putative disease-causing variants extends the potential of the pig as a biomedical model.
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43. |
- Jallow, Muminatou, et al.
(author)
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Genome-wide and fine-resolution association analysis of malaria in West Africa.
- 2009
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In: Nature Genetics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1061-4036 .- 1546-1718. ; , s. 657-665
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report a genome-wide association (GWA) study of severe malaria in The Gambia. The initial GWA scan included 2,500 children genotyped on the Affymetrix 500K GeneChip, and a replication study included 3,400 children. We used this to examine the performance of GWA methods in Africa. We found considerable population stratification, and also that signals of association at known malaria resistance loci were greatly attenuated owing to weak linkage disequilibrium (LD). To investigate possible solutions to the problem of low LD, we focused on the HbS locus, sequencing this region of the genome in 62 Gambian individuals and then using these data to conduct multipoint imputation in the GWA samples. This increased the signal of association, from P = 4 x 10(-7) to P = 4 x 10(-14), with the peak of the signal located precisely at the HbS causal variant. Our findings provide proof of principle that fine-resolution multipoint imputation, based on population-specific sequencing data, can substantially boost authentic GWA signals and enable fine mapping of causal variants in African populations.
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44. |
- Janhunen, P., et al.
(author)
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Statistics of a parallel Poynting vector in the auroral zone as a function of altitude using Polar EFI and MFE data and Astrid-2 EMMA data
- 2005
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In: Annales Geophysicae. - : Copernicus GmbH. - 0992-7689 .- 1432-0576. ; 23:5, s. 1797-1806
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We study the wave-related (AC) and static (DC) parallel Poynting vector (Poynting energy flux) as a function of altitude in auroral field lines using Polar EFI and MFE data. The study is statistical and contains 5 years of data in the altitude range 5000-30 000km. We verify the low altitude part of the results by comparison with earlier Astrid-2 EMMA Poynting vector statistics at 1000km altitude. The EMMA data are also used to statistically compensate the Polar results for the missing zonal electric field component. We compare the Poynting vector with previous statistical DMSP satellite data concerning the electron precipitation power. We find that the AC Poynting vector (Alfvenwave related Poynting vector) is statistically not sufficient to power auroral electron precipitation, although it may, for K-P> 2, power 25-50% of it. The statistical AC Poynting vector also has a stepwise transition at R=4 R-E, so that its amplitude increases with increasing altitude. We suggest that this corresponds to Alfven waves being in Landau resonance with electrons, so that wave-induced electron acceleration takes place at this altitude range, which was earlier named the Alfven Resonosphere (ARS). The DC Poynting vector is similar to 3 times larger than electron precipitation and corresponds mainly to ionospheric Joule heating. In the morning sector (02:00-06:00 MLT) we find that the DC Poynting vector has a nontrivial altitude profile such that it decreases by a factor of similar to 2 when moving upward from 3 to 4 RE radial distance. In other nightside MLT sectors the altitude profile is more uniform. The morning sector nontrivial altitude profile may be due to divergence
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46. |
- Johannesson, Kerstin, 1955, et al.
(author)
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Ten years of marine evolutionary biology - challenges and achievements of a multidisciplinary research initiative
- 2023
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In: Evolutionary Applications. - : Wiley. - 1752-4571. ; 16:2, s. 530-41
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Centre for Marine Evolutionary Biology (CeMEB) at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, was established in 2008 through a 10-year research grant of 8.7 m€ to a team of senior researchers. Today, CeMEB members have contributed >500 scientific publications, 30 PhD theses and have organised 75 meetings and courses, including 18 three-day meetings and four conferences. What are the footprints of CeMEB, and how will the centre continue to play a national and international role as an important node of marine evolutionary research? In this perspective arcticle we first look back over the 10 years of CeMEB activities and briefly survey some of the many achievements of CeMEB. We furthermore compare the initial goals, as formulated in the grant application, with what has been achieved, and discuss challenges and milestones along the way. Finally, we bring forward some general lessons that can be learnt from a research funding of this type, and we take also look ahead, discussing how CeMEB’s achievements and lessons can be used as a springboard to the future of marine evolutionary biology.
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- Johansson, Oskar N., 1984, et al.
(author)
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Skeletonema marinoi as a new genetic model for marine chain-forming diatoms
- 2019
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In: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Diatoms are ubiquitous primary producers in marine ecosystems and freshwater habitats. Due to their complex evolutionary history, much remains unknown about the specific gene functions in diatoms that underlie their broad ecological success. In this study, we have genetically transformed the centric diatom Skeletonema marinoi, a dominant phytoplankton species in temperate coastal regions. Transformation of S. marinoi is the first for a true chain-forming diatom, with the random genomic integration via non homologous recombination of a linear DNA construct expressing the resistance gene to the antibiotic zeocin. A set of molecular tools were developed for reliably identifying the genomic insertion site within each transformant, many of which disrupt recognizable genes and constitute null or knock-down mutations. We now propose S. marinoi as a new genetic model for marine diatoms, representing true chain-forming species that play a central role in global photosynthetic carbon sequestration and the biogeochemical cycling of silicates and various nutrients, as well as having potential biotechnological applications.
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