1. |
- Branth, Stefan, et al.
(author)
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Minor changes in blood lipids after 6 weeks of high-volume low- intensity physical activity with strict energy balance control.
- 2006
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In: Eur J Appl Physiol. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1439-6319 .- 1439-6327. ; 96:3, s. 1-7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Physical activity has been shown to favorably affect metabolic risk markers, including blood lipids. The impact of high-energy turnover, without influencing the traditionally used markers of exercise training effects, on blood lipids is still unclear. The aim was to study the effect of high-volume low-intensity physical activity on the blood lipid pattern, with a tight control of diet and energy balance. Eight untrained men [42.5 (12.1) years, body mass index 24.2 (2.8) kg m(-2)] were tested in two different 6-week protocols. In the sedentary protocol, the subjects were instructed to limit their everyday physical activity. In the activity protocol, a 2-h physical activity bout was performed 5 days week(-1) (~40% of VO(2max); equivalent of an additional 21 MJ week(-1) in energy expenditure). The diet for both protocols comprised ~40 energy percent (E%) fat, ~50 E% carbohydrates (CHO). The polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids ratio of the diet was ~0.12. There were no changes during each 6-week period or differences between the two protocols in body weight, body composition or aerobic capacity. Low-intensity physical activity did not affect lipid parameters substantially, except for a slightly lower Apo-B/Apo-A1 ratio with the activity protocol (P<0.05). Total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as Apo-B and Apo-A1, were increased during the beginning of each 6-week period (P<0.05), but returned to basal levels by the sixth week. In conclusion, 6 weeks of high-volume low-intensity physical activity did not affect blood lipids substantially.
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2. |
- El-Khoury, Antoine E, et al.
(author)
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Moderate exercise at energy balance does not affect 24-h leucine oxidation or nitrogen retention in healthy men
- 1997
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In: American Journal of Physiology. - 0002-9513 .- 2163-5773. ; 273:2, s. E394-E407
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Short-term metabolic experiments have revealed that physical exercise increases the oxidation of leucine, which has been interpreted to indicate an increased requirement for dietary protein in physically active subjects. Because it may be inaccurate to extrapolate measurements of amino acid oxidation made over a few hours to the entire day, we have carried out a continuous 24-h intravenous [1-13C]leucine/[15N]urea tracer study in eight healthy adult men. Their diet supplied 1 g protein.kg-1.day-1, and exercise (mean maximal O2 consumption 46%) was for 90 min during the 12-h fast and 12-h fed periods of the day. Subjects were adapted to the diet and exercise regimen for 6 days. Then, on day 7, they were dressed in the University of Uppsala energy metabolic unit's direct calorimeter suit, were connected to an open-hood indirect calorimeter, and received the tracers. Exercise increased leucine oxidation by approximately 50 and 30% over preexercise rates for fast and fed periods, respectively. This increase amounted to approximately 4-7% of daily leucine oxidation. Subjects remained in body leucine equilibrium (balance -4.6 +/- 10.5 mg.kg-1.day-1; -3.6 +/- 8.3% of intake; P = not significant from zero balance). Therefore, moderate exercise did not cause a significant deterioration in leucine homeostasis at a protein intake of 1 g.kg-1.day-1. These findings underscore the importance of carrying out precise, continuous, 24-h measurements of whole body leucine kinetics; this model should be of value in studies concerning the quantitative interactions among physical exercise, energy/protein metabolism, and diet in humans.
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3. |
- Hugoson, Anders, et al.
(author)
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Oral health of individuals aged 3-80 years in Jönköping, Sweden during 30 years (1973-2003) : II. Review of clinical and radiographic findings
- 2005
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In: Swedish Dental Journal. - 0347-9994. ; 29:4, s. 139-155
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this epidemiological study was to analyze various clinical and radiographic data on oral health and compare the results to those of three cross-sectional studies carried out in 1973 and 1983, and 1993. In 1973, 1983, 1993, and 2003 a random sample of 1,000; 1,104; 1,078; and 987 individuals, respectively, were studied. The individuals were evenly distributed in the age groups 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 years. In 1973 80-year-olds were not included. All subjects were inhabitants of the City of Jönköping, Sweden. The clinical and radiographic examination assessed edentulousness, removable dentures, implants, number of teeth, caries, restorations and overhangs, oral hygiene, calculus, periodontal status, endodontic treatment, and periapical status. The number of edentulous individuals in the age groups 40-70 years was reduced from 16 per cent in 1973 to 8 per cent in 1993, and to 1 per cent in 2003. The mean number of teeth increased, and up to the age of 60 years, individuals had more or less complete dentitions. During the 30-year period,the number of carious lesions and restorations decreased in general. In the 15-year-olds the decrease in number of restored tooth surfaces was 900 per cent and the corresponding figure for 30-year-olds was 79 per cent. The age groups 60-800 years showed an increase in number of restored tooth surfaces and had as a mean 50 filled tooth surfaces. The oral health among 3-5-year-olds improved markedly between 1973 and 1993. In 2003, however, there was no further improvement in 3- and 5-year-olds compared to 1993. Generally, restorations in 2003 exhibited a high quality and 90-95 per cent had no proximal overhangs. In 1973 this figure was about 60 per cent. In the age groups 20-50 years there were continuously fewer teeth fitted with crowns or bridges during the 30-year period. In 1973 the 50-year-olds had a mean of 24.5 per cent of the teeth crowned and in 2003 6.8 percent. Compared to data from 1973 there was a reduction by half concerning occurrence of plaque and gingivitis in 2003. The frequency of individuals with one or more periodontal pockets (> or = 4 mm) increased with age. In 2003 the bone level at the age of 60 years corresponded to the bone level at the age of 40 years in 1973. The percentage of endodontically treated teeth was lower in 2003 in all age groups compared to 1973, 1983, and 1993. The percentage of endodontically treated teeth with periapical orjuxtaradicular destructions was generally lower in 2003 than in the earlier surveys, about 20 per cent in 2003 compared to 25-30 per cent in 1973,1983, and 1993. The comparison of the four studies shows that there has been a great overall improvement in oral health over this 30-year period.
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4. |
- Sjödin, Anders M, et al.
(author)
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The influence of physical activity on BMR
- 1996
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In: Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. - 0195-9131 .- 1530-0315. ; 28:1, s. 85-91
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In addition to factors such as fat free mass, hormonal status, genetics and energy balance, previous physical activity has been shown to influence energy turnover during resting (RMR = resting metabolic rate) or basal conditions(BMR = basal metabolic rate). This article presents data on BMR from elite endurance athletes (4 female and 4 male), at least 39 h after their last training session, in comparison with sedentary nonathletic controls matched for sex and fat free mass (FFM). Comparisons with theoretical calculations of BMR were also made. The athletes were shown to have a significantly higher BMR than was expected from calculations based on body mass (16%, P < 0.05) or body composition (12%, P < 0.05). There were no corresponding differences found in the nonathletic control group. The athletes had a 13% higher (P < 0.001) BMR than controls if related to FFM and 16% (P = 0.001) if related to both FFM and fat mass (FM). The athletes were also found to have 10% lower R-values (P < 0.01) indicating higher fat oxidation. The conformity of these findings with the present literature and the possible mechanisms behind them as well as its influence on theoretical calculations of energy turnover (ET) based on activity factors expressed as multiples of RMR are further discussed.
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5. |
- Sjödin, Fredrik, et al.
(author)
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Measures against preschool noise and its adverse effects on the personnel : an intervention study
- 2014
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In: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0340-0131 .- 1432-1246. ; 87:1, s. 95-110
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of the study was to analyze the exposure effects of different types of noise measures carried out at preschools. The project was carried out as an intervention study. The investigation included 89 employees at 17 preschools in the northern part of Sweden. Individual noise recordings and recordings in dining rooms and play halls were made at two departments in each preschool. The adverse effects on the employees were analyzed with validated questionnaires and saliva cortisol samples. Evaluations were made before and 1 year after the first measurement. Between the two measurements, measures were taken to improve the sound environments at the preschools. The effects of the measures varied a lot, with respect to both the sound environments and health. Regarding acoustical measures, significant changes were seen for some of the variables analyzed. For most of the tested effects, the changes, however, were very small and non-significant. The effects of organizational measures on the objective and subjective noise values were in overall less pronounced. Acoustical measures improved the subjectively rated sound environment more than organizational measures. This may be due to the high work effort needed to implement organizational measures. Even though the sound level was not lower, the personnel experienced improvements of the sound environment.
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6. |
- Sjödin, Fredrik, et al.
(author)
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Minimizing speech contribution using different microphone noise dosimeter positions
- 2012
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In: Proceedings of BNAM 2012. - Odense : University of Southern Denmark. - 9788799540006
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Use of noise dosimeter recordings in low sound level environments is often problematic due to the voice contribution from the carrier. The aim of the study was to find a microphone position with low speech contribution while still providing an accurate sound level recording. An experiment with different microphone positions was conducted in a low sound reverberation room. Two types of noise dosimeters were used (Brüel & Kjaer 4445 and Larson Davis Spark 706-Atex). In repeated measurements the carrier was instructed to read a text chapter during 60 seconds and at a speech of level about 60 dB(A), acquired by practice, with different background noise and noise levels. White noise and preschool noise was used at sound levels 50, 60, 70 and 80 dB(A). The voice contribution to the background noise level was then measured. Three microphone positions were tested; on the shoulder, above the ear and on the back of the head. The position with the microphone placed behind the head of the carrier had the lowest speech contribution, less than 2 dB(A) to the background noise at 70 dB(A). This compared to positions right above the ear 6 dB(A and on the shoulder 12 dB(A).
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7. |
- Sjödin, Fredrik, et al.
(author)
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Noise and stress effects on preschool personnel
- 2012
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In: Noise & Health. - : Medknow. - 1463-1741 .- 1998-4030. ; 14:59, s. 166-178
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of the study was to analyze the presence of stress-related health problems among preschool employees and the way in which these reactions are related to noise and other work parameters. The investigation included 101 employees at 17 preschools in Umea County, located in northern Sweden. Individual noise recordings and recordings in dining rooms and play halls were made at two departments from each preschool. The adverse effects on the employees were analyzed by use of different validated questionnaires and by saliva cortisol samples. Stress and energy output were pronounced among the employees, and about 30 of the staff experienced strong burnout syndromes. Mental recovery after work was low, indicated by remaining high levels of stress after work. The burnout symptoms were associated with reduced sleep quality and morning sleepiness. Cortisol levels supported the conclusion about pronounced daily stress levels of the preschool employees.
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8. |
- Sjödin, Fredrik, et al.
(author)
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Noise exposure and auditory effects on preschool personnel
- 2012
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In: Noise & Health. - : Medknow Publications. - 1463-1741 .- 1998-4030. ; 14:57, s. 72-82
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Hearing impairments and tinnitus are being reported in an increasing extent from employees in the preschool. The investigation included 101 employees at 17 preschools in Umeå county, Sweden. Individual noise recordings and stationary recordings in dining rooms and play halls were conducted at two departments per preschool. The effects of noise exposures were carried out through audiometric screenings and by use of questionnaires. The average individual noise exposure was close to 71 dB(A), with individual differences but small differences between the preschools. The noise levels in the dining room and playing halls were about 64 dB(A), with small differences between the investigated types of rooms and preschools. The hearing loss of the employees was significantly higher for the frequencies tested when compared with an unexposed control group in Sweden. Symptoms of tinnitus were reported among about 31% of the employees. Annoyance was rated as somewhat to very annoying. The voices of the children were the most annoying noise source. The dB(A) level and fluctuation of the noise exposure were significantly correlated to the number of children per department. The preschool sound environment is complex and our findings indicate that the sound environment is hazardous regarding auditory disorders. The fluctuation of the noise is of special interest for further research.
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9. |
- Sjödin, Fredrik, 1978-
(author)
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Noise in the preschool : health and preventive measures
- 2012
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- This thesis is based on noise recordings and health evaluations carried out at preschools in the northern part of Sweden. Sound level recordings were made on individuals and by use of stationary devices in dining rooms and play halls. Health evaluations were based on ratings by use of questionnaires and by analyses of cortisol.The average equivalent individual noise exposure was 71 dB(A). The average equivalent noise levels in the dining room and playing halls were 64 dB(A). The hearing loss of the employees was significantly higher for the frequencies tested than in an unexposed control group. Symptoms of tinnitus were reported among 31% of the employees. Noise annoyance was rated as somewhat to very annoying, and the voices of the children were the most annoying noise source. The dB(A) level and fluctuations of the noise exposure were significantly correlated with the number of children per department. Stress and energy output were pronounced among the employees. About 30% of the staff experienced strong burnout syndromes. Mental recovery was low as indicated by noise fatigue and high levels of stress after work. Increased cortisol levels during work were associated with higher number of children present at the department.An essential finding of the thesis was that noise and noise sources may impair the pedagogic work, thereby increasing the work load of employees. It is concluded that noise exposure in the preschool, isolated or in combination with other stressors, plays a fundamental role in the building up of acute as well as long term stress. An intervention study implementing six acoustical and seven organizational measures was tested, aimed to improve the noise situation in the departments. Acoustical measures improved the noise situation as well as the rated noise experiences better than the organizational measures.
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10. |
- Sjödin, Fredrik, et al.
(author)
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Tinnitus, noise and health effects in preschool environments
- 2012
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In: Proceedings of BNAM 2012. - Odense : University of Southern Denmark. - 9788799540006
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The study included 93 employees at 17 preschools in the county of Umeå located in northern part ofSweden. Personal daily noise dosimeter recordings were made at five representative work days.Stationary noise recordings were made during the same days at two departments of each preschool, in theplaying halls and in the dining rooms. Besides audiometric tests, the employees rated their experiences ofthe noise, hearing and tinnitus as well as well as different health effects, on validated questionnaires.Tinnitus was reported among 31 per cent of the participants. The study group was dichotomized intoemployees with or without tinnitus. Employees with tinnitus reported higher prevalence of subjectivehearing loss, higher experiences of elevated sound levels at work, anxiety of the noise at work, chestpressure/pain, burn out symptoms, depression and reduced sleep quality. Significant differences wereseen for shoulder tension/pain. No group differences were seen for the objective personal or stationarynoise measures or the number of children present at the department. The results of the study are discussedin terms of underlying causes and the way in which the symptom interfere with experiences and healtheffects of the employees.
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11. |
- Sjödin, Fredrik, et al.
(author)
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Work related stress and stressors in the preschool environment
-
Other publication (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The study included six departments, with two employees at each department, characterized by high levels of stress and burnout and six departments, with two employees at each department, characterized by low levels of stress andburnout. A total of 24 females with a mean age of 43.5 years participated in the study. The employees rated stress at work and burnout by use of different questionnaires. Cortisol samples were collected at wake up, one hour afterwake up, at 11:00 am and at 09:00 pm. An observation study was made to create an overview of the interactionbetween the children and the personnel during periods described as overloading.More than 50% of the employees stated that all members of the staff did not have equal commitment to the work. About 8% considered this stressful to a high degree. More than half found their increased administrative work task as stressful to a high degree. Half of the personnel felt it stressful to a high degree, not being able to give all the children the attention they needed.The highest stressors regarding the organization of the work were when conflicts occurred among the personnel. The highest stressors regarding noise were the children´s voices closely followed by noise when changing the children´sclothes. The highest stressor regarding the constitution of the child group was when the personnel experienced that they had a child in the group they thought needed special support. In general, the high stress group rated all stressors as higher compared to the low stress group. Significant differences were pronounced among stressors regarding“organization of the work” and “work situations”. The results also indicate that individuals who are highly stressed by noise from the childrens activities rated their rewards as lower. The high stress group had more communications to and from the children, both before lunch and during lunch.An essential conclusion, is also that noise and noise sources, may impair the work situation of the employees fundamentally, thereby increasing the stress levels. It is assumed that noise exposures in the preschool, isolated or in combination with other stressor, plays a fundamental role in the building up acute as well as long term stress. One of the stand points of the study is that overloaded communication between the personnel and children might be a pronounced factor behind the situational and longterm stress.
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12. |
- Sjödin, Åke, et al.
(author)
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Wear particles from road traffic : A field, laboratory and modelling study - final report
- 2010
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- This report is an outcome of a major research effort within the Swedish National Road Vehicle Emission Research Programme EMFO, carried out 2005-2008 in collaboration between IVL, Lund University, the City of Stockholm and VTI. Within the project extensive data have been collected by a variety of methods for measuring, sampling and analysing the chemical composition of primarily three different fractions of particulate matter - PM10, PM2.5, PM1. Emphasis has been on the PM10 fraction, in the case of which preferably the major Swedish cities experience significant problems with complying with the legally binding air quality standards. The collected data originate from indoor measurements in controlled runs with the VTI circular road simulator as well as ambient air measurements at both street and roof level in a variety of Swedish cities. Based on elemental (metals etc.) source profiles of various sources to the different particle fractions, derived from the literature or from measurements carried out within the project, several different receptor models (e.g. COPREM, PMF) were applied to the collected data to derive the contributions from exhaust, brake wear, tyre wear, road surface wear, long-range transport etc., to the measured concentrations of PM10 and other particle fractions in urban environments. Furthermore, from the measurements, emission factors (expressed in grams per vehkm) for the various particle fractions, as well as for a large number of contained metals (about 30 metals) were derived for a major city street in Stockholm. Total emission factors as well as emission factors for each of the different source types (exhaust, brake wear, tyre wear and road surface wear) have also been derived from the measurements.
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13. |
- Sjödin, Åke, et al.
(author)
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Wear particles from road traffic - a field, laboratory and modelling study. Final report
- 2010
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The present report forms the final report from a major research project within the Swedish National Road Vehicle Emission Research Programme EMFO, carried out during the period 2005-2008. The project was carried out in collaboration between IVL, Lund University, SLB analys and VTI. Within the project extensive data have been collected by a variety of methods for measuring, sampling and analysing the chemical composition of different fractions of airborne particulate matter, with emphasis on the PM10 fraction. Collected data originate from indoor measurements in controlled runs with a circular road simulator as well as ambient air measurements at both street and roof level in a variety of Swedish cities. Based on elemental (metals etc.) source profiles of various sources to the different particle fractions, derived from the literature or from measurements carried out within the project, several different receptor models (e.g. COPREM, PMF) were applied to the collected data to derive the contribution from exhaust, brake wear, tyre wear, road surface wear, long-range transport etc., to the measured concentrations of PM10 and other particle fractions in urban environments. An important result of the project is the evidence for the great importance of studded tyres for the high PM10 concentration levels that occur in many Swedish cities during winter and early spring. According to the controlled indoor experiments with the road simulator studded tyres give rise to ten times higher emissions of PM10 than non-studded (friction) winter tyres, while PM10 emissions caused by summer tyres is almost negligible
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14. |
- Tornberg, Åsa B.B., et al.
(author)
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Reduced Neuromuscular Performance in Amenorrheic Elite Endurance Athletes
- 2017
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In: Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. - : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. - 0195-9131 .- 1530-0315. ; 49:12, s. 2478-2485
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction Secondary functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (SFHA) is common among female athletes, especially in weight-sensitive sports. The aim of this study was to investigate the link between SFHA and neuromuscular performance in elite endurance athletes. Methods Sixteen eumenorrheic (EUM) and 14 SFHA athletes from national teams and competitive clubs participated. Methods included gynecological examination, body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), resting metabolic rate and work efficiency, exercise capacity, knee muscular strength (KMS) and knee muscular endurance (KME), reaction time (RT), blood sampling performed on the third to fifth days of the menstrual cycle, and 7-d assessment of energy availability. Results SFHA athletes had lower estrogen (0.12 0.03 vs 0.17 +/- 0.09 nmolL(-1), P < 0.05), triiodothyronine (T-3) (1.4 +/- 0.2 vs 1.7 +/- 0.3 nmolL(-1), P < 0.01), and blood glucose (3.8 +/- 0.3 vs 4.4 +/- 0.3 mmolL(-1), P < 0.001) but higher cortisol levels (564 +/- 111 vs 400 +/- 140 nmolL(-1), P < 0.05) compared with EUM athletes. SFHA had a lower body weight (55.0 +/- 5.8 vs 60.6 +/- 7.1 kg, P < 0.05), but no difference in exercise capacity between groups was found (56.4 +/- 5.8 vs 54.0 +/- 6.3 mL O(2)min(-1)kg(-1)). RT was 7% longer, and KMS and KME were 11% and 20% lower compared with EUM athletes. RT was negatively associated with glucose (r = -0.40, P < 0.05), T-3 (r = -0.37, P < 0.05), and estrogen (r = -0.43, P < 0.05), but positively associated with cortisol (r = 0.38, P < 0.05). KMS and KME correlated with fat-free mass in the tested leg (FFMleg; r = 0.52, P < 0.001; r = 0.58, P < 0.001) but were negatively associated with cortisol (r = -0.42, P < 0.05; r = -0.59, P < 0.001). FFMleg explained the differences in KMS, while reproductive function and FFMleg independently explained the variability in KME. Conclusions We found lower neuromuscular performance among SFHA compared with EUM athletes linked to a lower FFMleg, glucose, estrogen, T-3, and elevated cortisol levels.
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15. |
- Aberg, Carola Höglund, et al.
(author)
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Presence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in young individuals : a 16-year clinical and microbiological follow-up study.
- 2009
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In: Journal of clinical periodontology. - 1600-051X. ; 36:10, s. 815-22
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AIM: To look for clinical signs of periodontal disease in young adults who exhibited radiographic bone loss and detectable numbers of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in their primary dentition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Periodontal status and radiographic bone loss were examined in each of the subjects 16 years after the baseline observations. Techniques for anaerobic and selective culture, and checkerboard, were used to detect periodontitis-associated bacterial species. The isolated A. actinomycetemcomitans strains were characterized by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Signs of localized attachment loss were found in three out of the 13 examined subjects. A. actinomycetemcomitans was recovered from six of these subjects and two of these samples were from sites with deepened probing depths and attachment loss. Among the isolated A. actinomycetemcomitans strains, serotypes a-c and e, but not d or f, were found. None of the isolated strains belonged to the highly leucotoxic JP2 clone, and one strain lacked genes for the cytolethal distending toxin. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that the presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans and early bone loss in the primary dentition does not necessarily predispose the individual to periodontal attachment loss in the permanent dentition.
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16. |
- Ahlinder, Jon, et al.
(author)
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Increased knowledge of Francisella genus diversity highlights the benefits of optimised DNA-based assays
- 2012
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In: BMC Microbiology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2180. ; 12, s. 220-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Recent advances in sequencing technologies offer promising tools for generating large numbers of genomes, larger typing databases and improved mapping of environmental bacterial diversity. However, DNA-based methods for the detection of Francisella were developed with limited knowledge about genetic diversity. This, together with the high sequence identity between several Francisella species, means there is a high risk of false identification and detection of the highly virulent pathogen Francisella tularensis. Moreover, phylogenetic reconstructions using single or limited numbers of marker sequences often result in incorrect tree topologies and inferred evolutionary distances. The recent growth in publicly accessible whole-genome sequences now allows evaluation of published genetic markers to determine optimal combinations of markers that minimise both time and laboratory costs. Results: In the present study, we evaluated 38 previously published DNA markers and the corresponding PCR primers against 42 genomes representing the currently known diversity of the genus Francisella. The results highlight that PCR assays for Francisella tularensis are often complicated by low specificity, resulting in a high probability of false positives. A method to select a set of one to seven markers for obtaining optimal phylogenetic resolution or diagnostic accuracy is presented. Conclusions: Current multiple-locus sequence-typing systems and detection assays of Francisella, could be improved by redesigning some of the primers and reselecting typing markers. The use of only a few optimally selected sequence-typing markers allows construction of phylogenetic topologies with almost the same accuracy as topologies based on whole-genome sequences.
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17. |
- Ahmed, Mobyen Uddin, Dr, 1976-, et al.
(author)
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Dilemmas in designing e-learning experiences for professionals
- 2021
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In: Proceedings of the European Conference on e-Learning, ECEL. ; , s. 10-17
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aims of this research are to enhance industry-university collaboration and to design learning experiences connecting the research front to practitioners. We present an empirical study with a qualitative approach involving teachers who gathered data from newly developed advanced level courses in artificial intelligence, energy, environmental, and systems engineering. The study is part of FutureE, an academic development project over 3 years involving 12 courses. The project, as well as this study, is part of a cross-disciplinary collaboration effort. Empirical data comes from course evaluations, course analysis, teacher workshops, and semi-structured interviews with selected students, who are also professionals. This paper will discuss course design and course implementation by presenting dilemmas and paradoxes. Flexibility is key for the completion of studies while working. Academia needs to develop new ways to offer flexible education for students from a professional context, but still fulfil high quality standards and regulations as an academic institution. Student-to-student interactions are often suggested as necessary for qualified learning, and students support this idea but will often not commit to it during courses. Other dilemmas are micro-sized learning versus vast knowledge, flexibility versus deadlines as motivating factors, and feedback hunger versus hesitation to share work. Furthermore, we present the challenges of providing equivalent online experience to practical in-person labs. On a structural level, dilemmas appear in the communication between university management and teachers. These dilemmas are often the result of a culture designed for traditional campus education. We suggest a user-oriented approach to solve these dilemmas, which involves changes in teacher roles, culture, and processes. The findings will be relevant for teachers designing and running courses aiming to attract professionals. They will also be relevant for university management, building a strategy for lifelong e-learning based on co-creation with industry.
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18. |
- Andersson, Anders, et al.
(author)
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A transcriptional timetable of autumn senescence
- 2004
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In: Genome Biology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1465-6906 .- 1474-760X. ; 5:4, s. R24-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background We have developed genomic tools to allow the genus Populus (aspens and cottonwoods) to be exploited as a full-featured model for investigating fundamental aspects of tree biology. We have undertaken large-scale expressed sequence tag (EST) sequencing programs and created Populus microarrays with significant gene coverage. One of the important aspects of plant biology that cannot be studied in annual plants is the gene activity involved in the induction of autumn leaf senescence. Results On the basis of 36,354 Populus ESTs, obtained from seven cDNA libraries, we have created a DNA microarray consisting of 13,490 clones, spotted in duplicate. Of these clones, 12,376 (92%) were confirmed by resequencing and all sequences were annotated and functionally classified. Here we have used the microarray to study transcript abundance in leaves of a free-growing aspen tree (Populus tremula) in northern Sweden during natural autumn senescence. Of the 13,490 spotted clones, 3,792 represented genes with significant expression in all leaf samples from the seven studied dates. Conclusions We observed a major shift in gene expression, coinciding with massive chlorophyll degradation, that reflected a shift from photosynthetic competence to energy generation by mitochondrial respiration, oxidation of fatty acids and nutrient mobilization. Autumn senescence had much in common with senescence in annual plants; for example many proteases were induced. We also found evidence for increased transcriptional activity before the appearance of visible signs of senescence, presumably preparing the leaf for degradation of its components.
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21. |
- Andersson, Agneta, et al.
(author)
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Effects of physical exercise on phospholipid fatty acid composition in skeletal muscle
- 1998
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In: American Journal of Physiology. Endocrinology and Metabolism. - 0193-1849 .- 1522-1555. ; 274:37, s. E432-E438
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The effects of low-intensity exercise on the fatty acid composition in skeletal muscle and in serum were studied in 19 sedentary, middle-aged Swedish men. During a 10-wk period, all subjects were given a standardized diet with an identical fat composition. After 4 wk on this diet, they were randomly allocated to a daily exercise program (55% peak oxygen uptake) or to continue to live a sedentary life for the remaining 6 wk. Aerobic capacity (submaximal bicycle test) and peripheral insulin sensitivity (hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp) improved with training, whereas the body weight as well as the body composition (underwater weighing and bioimpedance) were unchanged. The proportions of palmitic acid (16:0) and linoleic acid [18:2(n-6)] and the sum of n-6 fatty acids [18:2(n-6), 20:3(n-6), 20:4(n-6)] were decreased in skeletal muscle phospholipids, whereas the proportion of oleic acid [18:1(n-9)] was increased, by training. The fatty acid profile in skeletal muscle triglycerides remained unchanged. We conclude that regular low-intensity exercise influences the fatty acid composition of the phospholipids in skeletal muscle, which hypothetically may contribute to changes of the skeletal muscle membrane fluidity and influence the peripheral insulin sensitivity.
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22. |
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23. |
- Andersson, Agneta, et al.
(author)
-
Fatty acid profile of skeletal muscle phospholipids in trained and untrained young men
- 2000
-
In: American Journal of Physiology. Endocrinology and Metabolism. - 0193-1849 .- 1522-1555. ; 279:4, s. E744-E751
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Endurance trained (n = 14) and untrained young men (n = 15) were compared regarding the fatty acid profile of the vastus lateralis muscle after 8 wk on diets with a similar fatty acid composition. The skeletal muscle phospholipids in the trained group contained lower proportions of palmitic acid (16:0) (-12.4%, P < 0.001) and di-homo-gamma-linolenic acid [20:3(n-6)] (-15.3%, P = 0.018), a lower n-6-to-n-3 ratio (-42.0%, P = 0.015), higher proportions of stearic acid (18:0) (+9.8%, P = 0.004) and sum of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (+33.8%, P = 0.009), and a higher ratio between 20:4(n-6) to 20:3(n-6) (+18.4%, P = 0.006) compared with those in the untrained group. The group differences in 16:0, 20:3(n-6), 18:0/16:0, and 20:4(n-6)/20:3(n-6) were independent of fiber-type distribution. The trained group also showed a lower proportion of 16:0 (-7.9%, P < 0.001) in skeletal muscle triglycerides irrespective of fiber type. In conclusion, the fatty acid profile of the skeletal muscle differed between trained and untrained individuals, although the dietary fatty acid composition was similar. This difference was not explained by different fiber-type distribution alone but appears to be a direct consequence of changes in fatty acid metabolism due to the higher level of physical activity.
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24. |
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25. |
- Birdsell, Dawn N, et al.
(author)
-
Francisella tularensis subsp. tularensis group A.I, United States
- 2014
-
In: Emerging Infectious Diseases. - : Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). - 1080-6040 .- 1080-6059. ; 20:5, s. 861-865
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We used whole-genome analysis and subsequent characterization of geographically diverse strains using new genetic signatures to identify distinct subgroups within Francisella tularensis subsp. tularensis group A.I: A.I.3, A.I.8, and A.I.12. These subgroups exhibit complex phylogeographic patterns within North America. The widest distribution was observed for A.I.12, which suggests an adaptive advantage.
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26. |
- Björn, Anders, et al.
(author)
-
The Dirichlet problem for p-harmonic functions with respect to arbitrary compactifications
- 2018
-
In: Revista matemática iberoamericana. - : EUROPEAN MATHEMATICAL SOC. - 0213-2230 .- 2235-0616. ; 34:3, s. 1323-1360
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We study the Dirichlet problem for p-harmonic functions on metric spaces with respect to arbitrary compactifications. A particular focus is on the Perron method, and as a new approach to the invariance problem we introduce Sobolev-Perron solutions. We obtain various resolutivity and invariance results, and also show that most functions that have earlier been proved to be resolutive are in fact Sobolev-resolutive. We also introduce (Sobolev)-Wiener solutions and harmonizability in this nonlinear context, and study their connections to (Sobolev)-Perron solutions, partly using Q-compactifications.
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27. |
- Christensen, Andreas, 1987-
(author)
-
Capacities, Poincaré inequalities and gluing metric spaces.
- 2023
-
Licentiate thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- This thesis consists of an introduction, and one research paper with results related to potential theory both in the classical Euclidean setting, as well as in quite general metric spaces.The introduction contains a theoretical and historical background of some basic concepts, and their more modern generalisations to metric spaces developed in the last 30 years. By using upper gradients it is possible to define such notions as first order Sobolev spaces, p-harmonic functions and capacity on metric spaces. When generalising classical results to metric spaces, one often needs to impose some structure on the space by making additional assumptions, such as a doubling condition and a Poincaré inequality.In the included research paper, we study a certain type of metric spaces called bow-ties, which consist of two metric spaces glued together at a single designated point. For a doubling measure μ, we characterise when μ supports a Poincar´e inequality on the bow-tie, in terms of Poincaré inequalities on the separate parts together with a variational p-capacity condition and a quasiconvexity-type condition. The variational p-capacity condition is then characterised by a sharp measure decay condition at the designated point.We also study the special case when the bow-tie consists of the positive and negative hyperquadrants in Rn, equipped with a radial doubling measure. In this setting, we characterise the validity of the p-Poincaré inequality in various ways, and then provide a formula for the variational p-capacity of annuli centred at the origin.i
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28. |
- Dwibedi, Chinmay Kumar, et al.
(author)
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Biological amplification of low frequency mutations unravels laboratory culture history of the bio-threat agent Francisella tularensis
- 2020
-
In: Forensic Science International. - : Elsevier. - 1872-4973 .- 1878-0326. ; 45
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Challenges of investigating a suspected bio attack include establishing if microorganisms have been cultured to produce attack material and to identify their source. Addressing both issues, we have investigated genetic variations that emerge during laboratory culturing of the bacterial pathogen Francisella tularensis. Key aims were to identify genetic variations that are characteristic of laboratory culturing and explore the possibility of using biological amplification to identify genetic variation present at exceedingly low frequencies in a source sample. We used parallel serial passage experiments and high-throughput sequencing of F. tularensis to explore the genetic variation. We found that during early laboratory culture passages of F. tularensis, gene duplications emerged in the pathogen genome followed by single-nucleotide polymorphisms in genes for bacterial capsule synthesis. Based on a biological enrichment scheme and the use of high-throughput sequencing, we identified genetic variation that likely pre-existed in a source sample. The results support that capsule synthesis gene mutations are common during laboratory culture, and that a biological amplification strategy is useful for linking a F. tularensis sample to a specific laboratory variant among many highly similar variants.
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29. |
- Forsberg, Hans, et al.
(author)
-
Oral health in the adult population of Västerbotten, Sweden - a comparison between an epidemiological survery and data obtained from digital dental records
- 2008
-
In: Swedish Dental Journal: Oral health in the adult population of Västerbotten, Sweden - a comparison between an epidemiological survey and data obtained from digital records.. ; 32, s. 17-25
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The objective of this study was to analyse the possibilities and limitations of using data drawn from electronic dental patient records (EDPRs) in monitoring dental health among adults in a northern Swedish county. Material and Methods: The study population comprised all 35-, 50-, 65- and 75-year-old patients who were examined and, where required, received treatment at the Public Dental Service (PDS) in Västerbotten, Sweden, in 2003 and in 2004. In total 2,497 patients in 2003, and 2,546 patients in 2004 met the inclusion criteria. As controls, 779 subjects randomly drawn from the adult population in the same age groups and from the same county were used. They participated in an oral health survey and were examined clinically between October 2002 and March 2003. Results: When oral health was estimated based on EDPRs the prevalence of edentulous subject was significantly underestimated, while the mean numbers of teeth and the mean values of sound teeth were significantly overestimated. No statistically significant difference was found in prevalence of primary decayed tooth surfaces (DS). The prevalence of filled teeth (FT) was fairly similar between the study samples. Registrations of periodontal status were mainly missing in the EDPRs. Since registrations related to temporomandibular disorders are not included in the T4 system its prevalence could no be assessed and accordingly not compared with the epidemiological sample. Conclusion: The study shows that clinical registration based on EDPRs is at present not accurate enough to be used as indicators of oral health status among adults in a community.The objective of this study was to analyse the possibilities and limitations of using data drawn from electronic dental patient records (EDPRs) in monitoring dental health among adults in a northern Swedish county. Material and Methods: The study population comprised all 35-, 50-, 65- and 75-year-old patients who were examined and, where required, received treatment at the Public Dental Service (PDS) in Västerbotten, Sweden, in 2003 and in 2004. In total 2,497 patients in 2003, and 2,546 patients in 2004 met the inclusion criteria. As controls, 779 subjects randomly drawn from the adult population in the same age groups and from the same county were used. They participated in an oral health survey and were examined clinically between October 2002 and March 2003. Results: When oral health was estimated based on EDPRs the prevalence of edentulous subject was significantly underestimated, while the mean numbers of teeth and the mean values of sound teeth were significantly overestimated. No statistically significant difference was found in prevalence of primary decayed tooth surfaces (DS). The prevalence of filled teeth (FT) was fairly similar between the study samples. Registrations of periodontal status were mainly missing in the EDPRs. Since registrations related to temporomandibular disorders are not included in the T4 system its prevalence could no be assessed and accordingly not compared with the epidemiological sample. Conclusion: The study shows that clinical registration based on EDPRs is at present not accurate enough to be used as indicators of oral health status among adults in a community.
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30. |
- Fraser, Magdalena, et al.
(author)
-
The stone cist conundrum : A multidisciplinary approach to investigate Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age population demography on the island of Gotland
- 2018
-
In: Journal of Archaeological Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 2352-409X .- 2352-4103. ; 20, s. 324-337
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Late Neolithic period in Scandinavia [LN, c. 2350-1700 cal BCE] marks a time of considerable changes in settlement patterns, economy, and material culture. This shift also lays the foundation for the demographic developments in the Early Bronze Age [EBA, c. 1700-1100 cal BCE]. However, little is presently known regarding the developments from these time-periods on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea. During the Middle Neolithic period [MN, c. 3300-2350 cal BCE], Gotland was inhabited by groups associated with the Funnel Beaker culture [TRB, c. 4000-2700 cal BCE], and the sub-Neolithic Pitted Ware culture [PWC, c. 3300-2300 cal BCE]. Some indications of connections with the Bathe Axe/Corded Ware cultures [BAC/CWC, c. 2800-2300 cal BCE] have also been found, but no typical BAC/CWC burials have been located on the island to date. Here, we investigate the chronological and internal relationship of twenty-three individuals buried in four LN/EBA stone cist burials; Haffinds, Hagur, Suderkvie, and Utalskog on Gotland. We present eleven mitochondrial genomes [from 23 X to 1271 X coverage], and twenty-three new radiocarbon dates, as well as stable isotope data for diet. We examine the local Sr-baseline range for Gotland, and present new Sr-data to discuss mobility patterns of the individuals. The genetic results are compared and discussed in light of earlier cultural periods from Gotland [TRB and PWC], and CWC from the European continent, as well as contemporaneous LN secondary burials in the MN Ansarve dolmen. We find that all burials were used into the EBA, but only two of the cists showed activity already during the LN. We also see some mobility to Gotland during the LN/EBA period based on Strontium and mitochondrial data. We see a shift in the dietary pattern compared to the preceding period on the island [TRB and PWC], and the two LN individuals from the Ansarve dolmen exhibited different dietary and mobility patterns compared to the individuals from the LN/EBA stone cist burials. We find that most of the cist burials were used by individuals local to the area of the burials, with the exception of the large LN/EBA Haffinds cist burial which showed higher levels of mobility. Our modeling of ancestral mitochondrial contribution from chronologically older individuals recovered in the cultural contexts of TRB, PWC and CWC show that the best model is a 55/45 mix of CWC and TRB individuals. A 3-way model with a slight influx from PWC [5%] also had a good fit. This is difficult to reconcile with the current archaeological evidence on the island. We suggest that the maternal CWC/TRB contribution we see in the local LN/EBA individuals derives from migrants after the Scandinavian MN period, which possible also admixed with smaller local groups connected with the PWC. Further genomic analyses of these groups on Gotland will help to clarify the demographic history during the MN to EBA time periods.
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31. |
- Gama, Fabio, 1980-
(author)
-
Managing the Collaborative Front End of Innovation in Manufacturing Firms : Requirements, Capabilities, and Conditions
- 2018
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The front end of innovation is critical to innovative efforts in firms yet it remains to be poorly understood. This especially important since innovation efforts in the front end are becoming increasingly open in line with the era of open innovation. Although the literature on the front end of innovation is well developed, prior studies have largely focused on bilateral agreements and have overlooked conditions for collaborations with science-based partners (universities and research institutes). This is especially true for manufacturing firms, for which a continuous stream of new product ideas are a key source of competitiveness. To make things worse, the front end of innovation in this setting is often characterized by incongruent practices by partners, different magnitudes of fuzziness, and high risks in revealing new ideas. Developing new product definitions with different partners is thus a risky endeavor that may seriously compromise competitive advantages if mishandled. Therefore, there is a need for greater knowledge to facilitate the collaborative front end with different types of partners. Accordingly, the purpose of this dissertation is to understand how to manage the collaborative front end in manufacturing firms, with a particular focus on requirements, capabilities, and conditions.To fulfill this research purpose, data on manufacturing firms were collected through four case studies and one survey. In total, this dissertation is based on empirical data from 81 interviews with R&D members across 10 medium-sized and large manufacturing firms, as well as a survey of 146 small and medium-sized manufacturing firms. Respondents were based in Brazil or Sweden. The key theories and literatures covered in this dissertation include coordination modes, control mechanisms, organizational routines, the resource-based view, and appropriability mechanisms.This dissertation makes numerous theoretical contributions to the front-end literature. First, it extends the front-end literature by presenting the concepts of systematic idea generation and fuzziness assessment as a prerequisite for improving front-end performance. Second, this dissertation extends the front-end literature by listing the collaboration conditions that help firms cooperate with science-based partners. By collaborating with science-based partners, firms can access (unpublished) codified and tacit scientific knowledge, enabling them to rapidly build on the latest research findings. The findings suggest particular practices that can be applied to reduce cultural differences and diminish goal divergence among project members. Third, the findings in this dissertation enrich the front-end literature by describing a set of detailed practices to streamline the involvement of different types of partners using diverse protective practices. Fourth, it suggests a theoretical framework that describes how to manage the collaborative front end of innovation. The theoretical framework explains how manufacturing firms can use their organizational capabilities to develop new product ideas efficiently and safely. In particular, the framework discerns the capabilities that are necessary to explore mechanisms, practices, and routines in terms of divergent thinking, external expertise, and multiple opinions. Altogether, these contributions assist firms to better manage collaborative front end.
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32. |
- Gustavson, Christina, et al.
(author)
-
Age at onset of substance abuse: a crucial covariate of psychopathic traits and aggression in adult offenders.
- 2007
-
In: Psychiatry research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0165-1781 .- 1872-7123. ; 153:2, s. 195-8
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To examine age at onset of substance abuse in relation to other factors of relevance to criminal behavior, we compared Life History of Aggression (LHA) scores, traits of psychopathy according to the Psychopathy Checklist--Revised (PCL-R), and violent recidivism in 100 violent offenders with early (before the age of 18) versus late onset of abuse or dependence. Of 56 subjects with a history of alcohol and/or drug abuse, an early onset was ascertained in 31. The duration of abuse did not correlate with the LHA and PCL-R scores or with violent recidivism, but the age at onset correlated strongly with all these factors and also remained their strongest correlate in multivariate models including childhood-onset attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, and drug abuse as covariates. Strong mathematical associations with aggression, psychopathy, and recidivism pointed to age at onset of substance abuse as a marker of possible complications that require preventive social, educational and medical measures.
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33. |
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34. |
- Hugoson, Anders, et al.
(author)
-
Oral health of individuals aged 3-80 years in Jönköping, Sweden during 30 years (1973-2003) : I. Review of findings on dental care habits and knowledge of oral health
- 2005
-
In: Swedish Dental Journal. - 0347-9994. ; 29:4, s. 125-138
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of the present study was to compare data on dental care habits and knowledge of oral health in four cross-sectional epidemiological studies carried out in 1973,1983,1993, and 2003. The 1973 study constituted a random sample of 1,000 individuals evenly distributed in the age groups 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 years. The same age groups with addition of a group of 80-year-olds were included in the 1983, 1993 and 2003 studies, which comprised 1,104, 1,078, and 987 individuals, respectively. A questionnaire about dental care habits and knowledge of oral health was used in connection with a clinical and radiographic examination. The same questions were used in all the four studies. An addition to the 1993 and 2003 investigations were questions concerning ethnic background. In 2003 approximately 90-95 per cent of all individuals were visiting the dentist on a regular basis every or every second year. The 30- and 40-yea r-olds, however, did not visit a dentist as regularly in 2003 as in 1993. In these age groups 21-24 per cent of the individuals, respectively, reported that they had not visited a dentist in the last 2 years. Almost all children 3-15 years old received their dental care within the Public Dental Service (PDS). During the period 1973-2003 an increase in percentage of individuals aged 20-50 years treated by the PDS was seen compared to private practice, while among 60-80 year-olds there were only minor changes. Most so-year-olds and older received their dental care by private practitioners. About 70-80 per cent of all adults in 2003 were enrolled in a recall system on the dentist's initiative while in 1973 most appointments were based on the patient's own initiative. The number of individuals who were frightened, 5-17 per cent, or felt discomfort at the prospect of an appointment with the dentist was more or less the same during the whole period. The knowledge of the etiology of dental diseases did not changed much between 1973 and 2003. The frequency of toothbrushing increased since 1973 and in 2003 more than 90 per cent of all individuals brushed their teeth twice or once a day. The use of dental floss and toothpicks decreased in 2003 compared to 1983 and 1993. Almost all individuals in 2003 used fluoride toothpaste. It was obvious that the dental team constituted the main source of dental health information. For the age groups 20 and 30 years information from friends and relatives was also important. In the age groups 3-20 years up to 45 per cent of the individuals were consuming soft drinks every day or several times a week.
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35. |
- Hugoson, Anders, et al.
(author)
-
Trends over 30 years, 1973-2003, in the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease
- 2008
-
In: Journal of Clinical Periodontology. - 0303-6979 .- 1600-051X. ; 35:5, s. 405-414
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AIM: The present investigation presents findings of the prevalence and distribution of gingivitis and periodontitis in a Swedish population over the 30 years 1973-2003. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four cross-sectional epidemiological studies in 1973, 1983, 1993, and 2003 were performed in Jönköping, Sweden. Random samples of individuals aged 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 years were examined clinically and radiographically. Diagnostic criteria were edentulousness, number of teeth, plaque, gingival status, probing pocket depth, gingival recession, alveolar bone level, and classification according to periodontal disease status. RESULTS: In all age groups, the number of edentulous individuals decreased dramatically and the number of teeth increased. Oral hygiene improved considerably. Over the 30 years, the proportion of periodontally healthy individuals increased from 8% in 1973 to 44% in 2003 and the proportion of individuals with gingivitis and moderate periodontitis decreased. There was a non-significant trend for the proportion of individuals with severe periodontal disease experience (Group 4) to decrease, while the proportion of individuals with advanced periodontitis (Group 5) remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: Oral hygiene and periodontal health improved significantly in the 20-80-year age groups over the 30 years 1973-2003.
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36. |
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37. |
- Högmo, Anders, et al.
(author)
-
Base of tongue squamous cell carcinomas, outcome depending on treatment strategy and p16 status. A population-based study from the Swedish Head and Neck Cancer Register
- 2022
-
In: Acta Oncologica. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0284-186X .- 1651-226X. ; 61:4, s. 433-440
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The base of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (BOTSCC) is mainly an HPV-related tumor. Radiotherapy (EBRT) ± concomitant chemotherapy (CT) is the backbone of the curatively intended treatment, with brachytherapy (BT) boost as an option. With four different treatment strategies in Sweden, a retrospective study based on the population-based Swedish Head and Neck Cancer Register (SweHNCR) was initiated.Material and methods: Data on tumors, treatment and outcomes in patients with BOTSCC treated between 2008 and 2014 were validated through medical records and updated as needed. Data on p16 status were updated or completed with immunohistochemical analysis of archived tumor material. Tumors were reclassified according to the UICC 8th edition.Results: Treatment was EBRT, EBRT + CT, EBRT + BT or EBRT + CT + BT in 151, 145, 82 and 167 patients respectively (n = 545). A p16 analysis was available in 414 cases; 338 were p16+ and 76 p16−. 5-year overall survival (OS) was 68% (95% CI: 64–72%), with76% and 37% for p16+ patients and p16− patients, respectively. An increase in OS was found with the addition of CT to EBRT for patients with p16+ tumors, stages II–III, but for patients with tumor stage I, p16+ (UICC 8) none of the treatment strategies was superior to EBRT alone.Conclusion: In the present retrospective population-based study of BOTSCC brachytherapy was found to be of no beneficial value in curatively intended treatment. An increase in survival was found for EBRT + CT compared to EBRT alone in patients with advanced cases, stages II and III (UICC 8), but none of the regimes was significantly superior to EBRT as a single treatment modality for stage I (UICC 8), provided there was p16 positivity in the tumor. In the small group of patients with p16− tumors, a poorer prognosis was found, but the small sample size did not allow any comparisons between different treatment strategies.
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38. |
- Kanerva, Pentti, et al.
(author)
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Computing with large random patterns
- 2001. - 1
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In: Foundations of Real-World Intelligence. - Stanford, California : CSLI Publications. ; , s. 251-311
-
Book chapter (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We describe a style of computing that differs from traditional numeric and symbolic computing and is suited for modeling neural networks. We focus on one aspect of ``neurocomputing,'' namely, computing with large random patterns, or high-dimensional random vectors, and ask what kind of computing they perform and whether they can help us understand how the brain processes information and how the mind works. Rapidly developing hardware technology will soon be able to produce the massive circuits that this style of computing requires. This chapter develops a theory on which the computing could be based.
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39. |
- Karlsson, Edvin, et al.
(author)
-
The phylogeographic pattern of Francisella tularensis in Sweden indicates a Scandinavian origin of Eurosiberian tularaemia
- 2013
-
In: Environmental Microbiology. - : Wiley. - 1462-2912 .- 1462-2920. ; 15:2, s. 634-645
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Previous studies of the causative agent of tularaemia, Francisella tularensis have identified phylogeographic patterns suggestive of environmental maintenance reservoirs. To investigate the phylogeography of tularaemia in Sweden, we selected 163 clinical isolates obtained during 1995-2009 in 10 counties and sequenced one isolate's genome to identify new genetic markers. An improved typing scheme based on two indels and nine SNPs was developed using hydrolysis or TaqMan MGB probe assays. The results showed that much of the known global genetic diversity of F. tularensis subsp. holarctica is present in Sweden. Thirteen of the 163 isolates belonged to a new genetic group that is basal to all other known members of the major genetic clade B.I, which is spread across the Eurosiberian region. One hundred and twenty-five of the 163 Swedish isolates belonged to B.I, but individual clades' frequencies differed from county to county (P < 0.001). Subsequent analyses revealed a correlation between genotype variation over time and recurrent outbreaks at specific places, supporting the 'maintenance reservoir' environmental maintenance hypothesis. Most importantly, the findings reveal the presence of diverse source populations of F. tularensis subsp. holarctica in Sweden and suggest a historical spread of the disease from Scandinavia to other parts of Eurosiberia.
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40. |
- Kellgren, Therese, et al.
(author)
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Completed genome and emergence scenario of the multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogen Staphylococcus epidermidis ST215
- 2024
-
In: BMC Microbiology. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1471-2180. ; 24:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: A multidrug-resistant lineage of Staphylococcus epidermidis named ST215 is a common cause of prosthetic joint infections and other deep surgical site infections in Northern Europe, but is not present elsewhere. The increasing resistance among S. epidermidis strains is a global concern. We used whole-genome sequencing to characterize ST215 from healthcare settings.Results: We completed the genome of a ST215 isolate from a Swedish hospital using short and long reads, resulting in a circular 2,676,787 bp chromosome and a 2,326 bp plasmid. The new ST215 genome was placed in phylogenetic context using 1,361 finished public S. epidermidis reference genomes. We generated 10 additional short-read ST215 genomes and 11 short-read genomes of ST2, which is another common multidrug-resistant lineage at the same hospital. We studied recombination’s role in the evolution of ST2 and ST215, and found multiple recombination events averaging 30–50 kb. By comparing the results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing for 31 antimicrobial drugs with the genome content encoding antimicrobial resistance in the ST215 and ST2 isolates, we found highly similar resistance traits between the isolates, with 22 resistance genes being shared between all the ST215 and ST2 genomes. The ST215 genome contained 29 genes that were historically identified as virulence genes of S. epidermidis ST2. We established that in the nucleotide sequence stretches identified as recombination events, virulence genes were overrepresented in ST215, while antibiotic resistance genes were overrepresented in ST2.Conclusions: This study features the extensive antibiotic resistance and virulence gene content in ST215 genomes. ST215 and ST2 lineages have similarly evolved, acquiring resistance and virulence through genomic recombination. The results highlight the threat of new multidrug-resistant S. epidermidis lineages emerging in healthcare settings.
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41. |
- Lif Holgerson, Pernilla, et al.
(author)
-
A longitudinal study of the development of the saliva microbiome in infants 2 days to 5 years compared to the microbiome in adolescents
- 2020
-
In: Scientific Reports. - : Nature Publishing Group. - 2045-2322. ; 10:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Understanding oral microbiota programming attracts increasing interest due to its importance for oral health and potential associations with systemic diseases. Here the oral microbiota was longitudinally characterized in children from 2 days (n = 206) to 5 years of age and in young adults (n = 175) by sequencing of the v3-v4 region of the 16S rRNA gene from saliva extracted DNA. Alpha diversity increased by age, with 2-day- and 3-month-old infants in one sub-group, and 18-month- and 3-year-old children in another. Firmicutes decreased up to 3 years of age, whereas Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Fusobacteria abundances increased. Abiotrophia, Actinomyces, Capnocytophaga, Corynebacterium, Fusobacterium, Kingella, Leptotrichia, Neisseria and Porphyromonas appeared from 18-months of age. This was paralleled by expansions in the core microbiome that continued up to adulthood. The age-related microbiota transformation was paralleled by functional alterations, e.g., changed metabolic pathways that reflected e.g., breastfeeding and increasing proportions of anaerobic species. Oral microbiotas differed by feeding mode and weakly by mode of delivery, but not gender, pacifier use or cleaning method or probiotic intake. The study shows that the saliva microbiota is diverse 2 days after birth and under transformation up to 5 years of age and beyond, with fluctuations possibly reflecting age-related environmental influences.
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42. |
- Lärkeryd, Adrian, et al.
(author)
-
CanSNPer : a hierarchical genotype classifier of clonal pathogens
- 2014
-
In: Bioinformatics. - : Oxford University Press. - 1367-4803 .- 1367-4811. ; 30:12, s. 1762-1764
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Advances in typing methodologies have recently reformed the field of molecular epidemiology of pathogens. The falling cost of sequencing technologies is creating a deluge of whole genome sequencing data that burdens bioinformatics resources and tool development. In particular, single nucleotide polymorphisms in core genomes of pathogens are recognized as the most important markers for inferring genetic relationships because they are evolutionarily stable and amenable to high-throughput detection methods. Sequence data will provide an excellent opportunity to extend our understanding of infectious disease when the challenge of extracting knowledge from available sequence resources is met. Here, we present an efficient and user-friendly genotype classification pipeline, CanSNPer, based on an easily expandable database of predefined canonical single nucleotide polymorphisms.
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43. |
- Malmström, Helena Jankovic, et al.
(author)
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Ancient mitochondrial DNA from the northern fringe of the Neolithic farming expansion in Europe sheds light on the dispersion process
- 2015
-
In: Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Biological Sciences. - : The Royal Society. - 0962-8436 .- 1471-2970. ; 370:1660
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The European Neolithization process started around 12 000 years ago in the Near East. The introduction of agriculture spread north and west throughout Europe and a key question has been if this was brought about by migrating individuals, by an exchange of ideas or a by a mixture of these. The earliest farming evidence in Scandinavia is found within the Funnel Beaker Culture complex (Trichterbecherkultur, TRB) which represents the northernmost extension of Neolithic farmers in Europe. The TRB coexisted for almost a millennium with hunter-gatherers of the Pitted Ware Cultural complex (PWC). If migration was a substantial part of the Neolithization, even the northerly TRB community would display a closer genetic affinity to other farmer populations than to hunter-gatherer populations. We deep-sequenced the mitochondrial hypervariable region 1 from seven farmers (six TRB and one Battle Axe complex, BAC) and 13 hunter-gatherers (PWC) and authenticated the sequences using postmortem DNA damage patterns. A comparison with 124 previously published sequences from prehistoric Europe shows that the TRB individuals share a close affinity to Central European farmer populations, and that they are distinct from hunter-gatherer groups, including the geographically close and partially contemporary PWC that show a close affinity to the European Mesolithic hunter-gatherers.
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44. |
- Malý, Lukáš, 1983-
(author)
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Newtonian Spaces Based on Quasi-Banach Function Lattices
- 2012
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Licentiate thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The traditional first-order analysis in Euclidean spaces relies on the Sobolev spaces W1,p(Ω), where Ω ⊂ Rn is open and p ∈ [1, ∞].The Sobolev norm is then defined as the sum of Lp norms of a function and its distributional gradient.We generalize the notion of Sobolev spaces in two different ways. First, the underlying function norm will be replaced by the “norm” of a quasi-Banach function lattice. Second, we will investigate functions defined on an abstract metric measure space and that is why the distributional gradients need to be substituted.The thesis consists of two papers. The first one builds up the elementary theory of Newtonian spaces based on quasi-Banach function lattices. These lattices are complete linear spaces of measurable functions with a topology given by a quasinorm satisfying the lattice property. Newtonian spaces are first-order Sobolev-type spaces on abstract metric measure spaces, where the role of weak derivatives is passed on to upper gradients. Tools such asmoduli of curve families and the Sobolev capacity are developed, which allows us to study basic properties of the Newtonian functions.We will see that Newtonian spaces can be equivalently defined using the notion of weak upper gradients, which increases the number of techniques available to study these spaces. The absolute continuity of Newtonian functions along curves and the completeness of Newtonian spaces in this general setting are also established.The second paper in the thesis then continues with investigation of properties of Newtonian spaces based on quasi-Banach function lattices. The set of all weak upper gradients of a Newtonian function is of particular interest.We will prove that minimalweak upper gradients exist in this general setting.Assuming that Lebesgue’s differentiation theoremholds for the underlyingmetricmeasure space,wewill find a family of representation formulae. Furthermore, the connection between pointwise convergence of a sequence of Newtonian functions and its convergence in norm is studied.
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45. |
- Malý, Lukáš, 1983-
(author)
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Sobolev-Type Spaces : Properties of Newtonian Functions Based on Quasi-Banach Function Lattices in Metric Spaces
- 2014
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- This thesis consists of four papers and focuses on function spaces related to first-order analysis in abstract metric measure spaces. The classical (i.e., Sobolev) theory in Euclidean spaces makes use of summability of distributional gradients, whose definition depends on the linear structure of Rn. In metric spaces, we can replace the distributional gradients by (weak) upper gradients that control the functions’ behavior along (almost) all rectifiable curves, which gives rise to the so-called Newtonian spaces. The summability condition, considered in the thesis, is expressed using a general Banach function lattice quasi-norm and so an extensive framework is built. Sobolev-type spaces (mainly based on the Lp norm) on metric spaces, and Newtonian spaces in particular, have been under intensive study since the mid-1990s.In Paper I, the elementary theory of Newtonian spaces based on quasi-Banach function lattices is built up. Standard tools such as moduli of curve families and the Sobolev capacity are developed and applied to study the basic properties of Newtonian functions. Summability of a (weak) upper gradient of a function is shown to guarantee the function’s absolute continuity on almost all curves. Moreover, Newtonian spaces are proven complete in this general setting.Paper II investigates the set of all weak upper gradients of a Newtonian function. In particular, existence of minimal weak upper gradients is established. Validity of Lebesgue’s differentiation theorem for the underlying metric measure space ensures that a family of representation formulae for minimal weak upper gradients can be found. Furthermore, the connection between pointwise and norm convergence of a sequence of Newtonian functions is studied.Smooth functions are frequently used as an approximation of Sobolev functions in analysis of partial differential equations. In fact, Lipschitz continuity, which is (unlike -smoothness) well-defined even for functions on metric spaces, often suffices as a regularity condition. Thus, Paper III concentrates on the question when Lipschitz functions provide good approximations of Newtonian functions. As shown in the paper, it suffices that the function lattice quasi-norm is absolutely continuous and a fractional sharp maximal operator satisfies a weak norm estimate, which it does, e.g., in doubling Poincaré spaces if a non-centered maximal operator of Hardy–Littlewood type is locally weakly bounded. Therefore, such a local weak boundedness on rearrangement-invariant spaces is explored as well.Finer qualitative properties of Newtonian functions and the Sobolev capacity get into focus in Paper IV. Under certain hypotheses, Newtonian functions are proven to be quasi-continuous, which yields that the capacity is an outer capacity. Various sufficient conditions for local boundedness and continuity of Newtonian functions are established. Finally, quasi-continuity is applied to discuss density of locally Lipschitz functions in Newtonian spaces on open subsets of doubling Poincaré spaces.
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46. |
- Melin, Anna K., Assistant Professor, 1965-, et al.
(author)
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Impact of Menstrual Function on Hormonal Response to Repeated Bouts of Intense Exercise
- 2019
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In: Frontiers in Physiology. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 1664-042X. ; 10, s. 1-8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Strenous exercise stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary (HP) axis in order to ensure homeostasis and promote anabolism. Furthermore, exercise stimulates a transient increase in the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) suggested to mediate the anxiolytic effects of exercise. Athletes with secondary functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) have been reported to have lower BDNF, and a blunted HP axis response to exercise as athletes with overtraining syndrome. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the hormonal and BDNF responses to a two-bout maximal exercise protocol with four hours of recovery in between in FHA and eumenorrheic (EUM) athletes. Methods: Eumenorrheic (n = 16) and FHA (n = 14) endurance athletes were recruited from national teams and competitive clubs. Protocols included gynecological examination; body composition (DXA); 7-day assessment of energy availability; blood sampling pre and post the two exercises tests. Results: There were no differences between groups in hormonal responses to the first exercise bout. After the second exercise bout IGFBP-3 increased more in FHA compared with EUM athletes (2.1 +/- 0.5 vs. 0.6 +/- 0.6 mu g/L, p = 0.048). There were non-significant trends toward higher increase in IGF-1 (39.3 +/- 4.3 vs. 28.0 +/- 4.6 mu g/L, p = 0.074), BDNF (96.5 +/- 22.9 vs. 34.4 +/- 23.5 mu g/L, p = 0.058), GH to cortisol ratio (0.329 +/- 0.010 vs. 0.058 +/- 0.010, p = 0.082), and decrease in IGF-1 to IGFBP-3 ratio (-2.04 +/- 1.2 vs. 0.92 +/- 1.22, p = 0.081) in athletes with FHA compared with EUM athletes. Furthermore, there was a non-significant trend toward a higher increase in prolactin to cortisol ratio in EUM athletes compared with athletes with FHA (0.60 +/- 0.15 vs. 0.23 +/- 0.15, p = 0.071). No differences in the hormonal or BDNF responses between the two exercise bouts as a result of menstrual function were found. Conclusion: No major differences in the hormonal or BDNF responses between the two exercise bouts as a result of menstrual function could be detected.
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47. |
- Melin, Anna K., 1965-, et al.
(author)
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The LEAF questionnaire : a screening tool for the identification of female athletes at risk for the female athlete triad
- 2014
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In: British Journal of Sports Medicine. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 0306-3674 .- 1473-0480. ; 48, s. 540-545
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Low energy availability (EA) in female athletes with or without an eating disorder (ED) increases the risk of oligomenorrhoea/functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea and impaired bone health, a syndrome called the female athlete triad (Triad). There are validated psychometric instruments developed to detect disordered eating behaviour (DE), but no validated screening tool to detect persistent low EA and Triad conditions, with or without DE/ED, is available.Aim The aim of this observational study was to develop and test a screening tool designed to identify female athletes at risk for the Triad.Methods Female athletes (n=84) with 18–39 years of age and training≥5 times/week filled out the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q), which comprised questions regarding injuries and gastrointestinal and reproductive function. Reliability and internal consistency were evaluated in a subsample of female dancers and endurance athletes (n=37). Discriminant as well as concurrent validity was evaluated by testing self-reported data against measured current EA, menstrual function and bone health in endurance athletes from sports such as long distance running and triathlon (n=45).Results The 25-item LEAF-Q produced an acceptable sensitivity (78%) and specificity (90%) in order to correctly classify current EA and/or reproductive function and/or bone health.Conclusions The LEAF-Q is brief and easy to administer, and relevant as a complement to existing validated DE screening instruments, when screening female athletes at risk for the Triad, in order to enable early detection and intervention.
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48. |
- Mwasa, Abubakar, 1980-
(author)
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Boundary Value Problems for Nonlinear Elliptic Equations in Divergence Form
- 2021
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The thesis consists of three papers focussing on the study of nonlinear elliptic partial differential equations in a nonempty open subset Ω of the n-dimensional Euclidean space Rn. We study the existence and uniqueness of the solutions, as well as their behaviour near the boundary of Ω. The behaviour of the solutions at infinity is also discussed when Ω is unbounded. In Paper A, we consider a mixed boundary value problem for the p-Laplace equation ∆pu := div(|∇u| p−2∇u) = 0 in an open infinite circular half-cylinder with prescribed Dirichlet boundary data on a part of the boundary and zero Neumann boundary data on the rest. By a suitable transformation of the independent variables, this mixed problem is transformed into a Dirichlet problem for a degenerate (weighted) elliptic equation on a bounded set. By analysing the transformed problem in weighted Sobolev spaces, it is possible to obtain the existence of continuous weak solutions to the mixed problem, both for Sobolev and for continuous data on the Dirichlet part of the boundary. A characterisation of the boundary regularity of the point at infinity is obtained in terms of a new variational capacity adapted to the cylinder. In Paper B, we study Perron solutions to the Dirichlet problem for the degenerate quasilinear elliptic equation div A(x, ∇u) = 0 in a bounded open subset of Rn. The vector-valued function A satisfies the standard ellipticity assumptions with a parameter 1 < p < ∞ and a p-admissible weight w. For general boundary data, the Perron method produces a lower and an upper solution, and if they coincide then the boundary data are called resolutive. We show that arbitrary perturbations on sets of weighted p-capacity zero of continuous (and quasicontinuous Sobolev) boundary data f are resolutive, and that the Perron solutions for f and such perturbations coincide. As a consequence, it is also proved that the Perron solution with continuous boundary data is the unique bounded continuous weak solution that takes the required boundary data outside a set of weighted p-capacity zero. Some results in Paper C are a generalisation of those in Paper A, extended to quasilinear elliptic equations of the form div A(x, ∇u) = 0. Here, results from Paper B are used to prove the existence and uniqueness of continuous weak solutions to the mixed boundary value problem for continuous Dirichlet data. Regularity of the boundary point at infinity for the equation div A(x, ∇u) = 0 is characterised by a Wiener type criterion. We show that sets of Sobolev p-capacity zero are removable for the solutions and also discuss the behaviour of the solutions at ∞. In particular, a certain trichotomy is proved, similar to the Phragmén–Lindelöf principle.
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49. |
- Myrtennäs, Kerstin, et al.
(author)
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Genome sequence of Francisella Tularensis subspecies holarctica Strain FSC200, isolated from a child with Tularemia
- 2012
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In: Journal of Bacteriology. - : American Society for Microbiology. - 0021-9193 .- 1098-5530. ; 194:24, s. 6965-6966
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Here we report the complete, accurate 1.89-Mb genome sequence of Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica strain FSC200, isolated in 1998 in the Swedish municipality Ljusdal, which is in an area where tularemia is highly endemic. This genome is important because strain FSC200 has been extensively used for functional and genetic studies of Francisella and is well-characterized.
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50. |
- Möller, Anders, et al.
(author)
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Industrial Requirements on Component Technologies for Vehicular Control Systems
- 2006
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Software component technologies for automotive applications are desired due to the envisioned benefits in reuse, variant handling, and porting; thus, facilitating both efficient development and increased quality of software products. Component based software development has had success in the PC application domain, but requirements are different in the embedded domain and existing technologies does not match. Hence, software component technologies have not yet been generally accepted by embedded-systems industries.In order to better understand why this is the case, we present two separate case-studies together with an evaluation of the existing component technologies suitable for embedded control systems.The first case-study presents a set of requirements based on industrial needs, which are deemed decisive for introducing a component technology. Furthermore, in the second study, we asked the companies involved to grade these requirements.Then, we use these requirements to compare existing component technologies suitable for embedded systems. One of our conclusions is that none of the studied technologies is a perfect match for the industrial requirements. Furthermore, no single technology stands out as being a significantly better choice than the others; each technology has its own pros and cons.The results can be used to guide modifications and/or extensions to existing component technologies in order to make them better suited for industrial deployment in the automotive domain. The results can also serve to guide other software engineering research by showing the most desired areas within component-based software engineering.
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