Filetype
The aim of the current work was at development and validation of modeling tools for simulation of pulverised wood flames in furnaces and study how different factors influence on such flames. The numerical model involves different sub-models for the physo-chemical processes, such as, two-phase flow motion, drying, devolatilization and shrinkage of particles, the formation and oxidation of volatile,
The intention of this thesis was to investigate autoimmune markers for type 1 diabetes, together with signs of enterovirus infections during the pre- and perinatal period of life, and their possible association with the development of diabetes during childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. We found that: 1. Newborns with ABO immunization, linked in epidemiological studies with heightened diab
New neurons are spontaneously generated in two regions of the adult brain, the hippocampus and the subventricular zone/olfactory bulb. The objective of this thesis was to study potential implications for adult neurogenesis in Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's diseases (PD). PD is characterized by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. It has been suggested that new dopaminer
It is generally recognized that the EU accession process has profound effects on state transformation in the postcommunist applicant countries. A key problem of postcommunism has been a weak ability to implement public policy. This study explores how efforts to fulfill EU conditionality may influence implementing capacity. Firstly, it advances a theoretical framework for this purpose, focusing on
The ability to obtain correct balance control information and adjust motor performance appropriately are essential elements in effective postural control. However, functional disorders may affect the reliability of receptor information and ability to carry out corrective motions needed to maintain balance. This emphasizes the importance of rapid and accurate adaptation processes that can optimize
This thesis describes investigations of the use of cryogenically cooled rare-earth-ion-doped crystals for quantum information processing and quantum optics. Several aspects of the coherent interaction between light and rare-earth ions in solids are addressed. Quantum information science has given physicists new views of quantum mechanics. The transmission of quantum states has already found pract
Abstract Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and serious complication after cardiothoracic surgery and is associated with increased short- and long-term mortality risk. Despite extensive studies in the field, a comprehensive understanding of this syndrome has remained elusive, partly due to divergent definitions of AKI and partly due to the limitations of available routine biomarkers to predict,
This thesis explores a novel transistor technology based on vertical InAs nanowires, which could be considered both for low-power high-frequency analog applications and for replacing Si CMOS in the continued scaling of digital electronics. The potential of this device - the vertical InAs nanowire MOSFET – lies in the combination of the outstanding transport properties of InAs and the improved elec
The patient with unilateral trans-tribal amputation for vascular disease. Functional assessments, prognostic factors and cost of prostheses. The aims of the study were to focus on the functional ability of the dysvascular patient with unilateral trans-tibial amputation and the early rehabilitation period, defined here as the period between the amputation and the prosthetic fitting. Results revea
Neuroblastoma is a tumor of the sympathetic nervous system, and arises during early childhood. The tumor is highly heterogeneous and evidence, such as expression of genes normally only expressed during embryonic and fetal stages, suggests that the tumor is of embryonic origin and that the tumor arises as a consequence of perturbed differentiation during the development of the sympathetic nervous s
Proprioceptive ability was estimated in different groups of patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury as well as in different groups of healthy uninjured individuals. In study I, patients with poor outcome of the ACL injury – i.e. persistent symptoms of instability – were compared with patients with few symptoms after ACL injury, as well as with a control group. The results showed that
The primary role of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), an 84 kDa enzyme of 768 amino acids (in the rat protein), is to hydrolyse stored triacylglycerols in adipocytes of white adipose tissue. Catecholamines and insulin regulate lipolysis through cellular signalling. A major target of this regulation is HSL, activated through phosphorylation by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (cAMP-PK). Insulin activate
Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a potent vasoconstrictor that is implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension, heart failure and atherosclerosis. In this thesis, the efficacy and safety of Ang II receptor blockers (ARB) were evaluated. The vasomotor effects of Ang II in endothelium-denuded human coronary arteries were characterized by in vitro pharmacology and the Ang II receptor mRNA levels were qua
Background and objective: General anaesthesia impairs respiratory function. The present studies were performed to compare arterial concentration of sevoflurane, oxygen and carbon dioxide in normal and overweight patients ventilated with increased tidal volume (VT), or normal tidal volume with and without PEEP. Methods: Prospective, randomised, clinical studies. ASA І and II abdominal surgery patie
FLT3, a receptor tyrosine kinase, is expressed in hematopoietic progenitor cells. FLT3-ITD (internal tandem duplication) and D835 mutations are found in approximately 30% and 7% of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) patients respectively, and correlate with a poor prognosis, thus making the mutated receptor a potential therapeutic target. FLT3 mutations cause constitutive activation of intrinsic tyrosin
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are remains of ancient retroviral infections of the germ line and constitute as much as 3 % of the human genome. HERVs are genetic elements that potentially may provide important biological functions by several different mechanisms. The ability to transpose long after the initial insertion into the germ line may provide a potent source of insertional mutagenes
Using energy at low-quality levels opens up new possibilities for low-energy houses. Low-quality energy can be heat at a temperature that is close to that of its surrounding, and can be used, for example, to pre-heat ventilation air or domestic hot water. Pre-heating the incoming outdoor air reduces the need to heat ventilation and reduces the need for high-quality energy such as electricity or he
The polyamines putrescine, spermidine and spermine are essential for cell growth and differentiation. The biosynthesis of polyamines are tightly regulated by feedback mechanisms involving two enzymes, namely ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (AdoMetDC). This thesis deals with the mechanisms behind the polyamine-mediated feedback control of these enzymes. The poly
