Filetype
This thesis presents the results of studies focused on effects caused by nano-sized particles using freshwater filter feeder Daphnia magna. I showed that both positively and negatively surface charged PS NPs induced significant mortality in D. magna after a life-time (103 days) of exposure at low concentrations. Previously, it was shown that negatively surface charged PS NPs are acutely not toxic
Ring-shaped superfluids with weak links provide a perfect environment for studying persistent currents and dynamic stirring protocols. Here, we investigate the effects of a weak-link system on dipolar supersolids. By calculating the ground-state energy at fixed angular momenta, we find that metastable persistent currents may exist in the supersolid phase near the superfluid transition point. When
Halide perovskites solar cells are now approaching commercialisation. In this transition from academic research towards industrialisation, standardized testing protocols and reliable dissemination of performance metrics are crucial. In this study, we analyze data from over 16,000 publications in the Perovskite Database to investigate the assumed equality between the integrated external quantum eff
A deeper understanding of the differences between quantum and classical dynamics promises great potential for emerging technologies. Nevertheless, some aspects remain poorly understood, particularly concerning the role of quantum coherence in open quantum systems. On the one hand, coherence leads to entanglement and even nonlocality. On the other, it may lead to a suppression of fluctuations, caus
Cities have an important role to play in implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to mobilize sustainability at the urban level. Yet, municipalities encounter challenges in localizing the SDGs into their governance structures, and there is a need to advance our understanding of cities strengths and weaknesses in such processes. In this article we provide knowledge and reflectio
Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) can be used as antibody mimics to develop robust chemical sensors. One challenging problem in using MIPs for sensor development is the lack of reliable conjugation chemistry that allows MIPs to be fixed on transducer surface. In this work, we study the use of epoxy silane to immobilize MIP nanoparticles on model transducer surfaces without impairing the functi
Previous studies indicate that calcium and its regulating hormones, i.e. parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D, might affect breast cancer risk. Evidence also suggests that this relationship could be influenced by menopausal status and BMI. We examined breast cancer risk related to pre-diagnostic serum levels of vitamin D (25OHD(2) and 25OHD(3)), PTH and calcium using a nested case-control desig
Bone marrow-derived natural killer (NK) cells constitute the major subset of cytotoxic lymphocytes in peripheral blood. They provide innate defense against intracellular infection or malignancy and contribute to immune homeostasis. Large numbers of NK cells are also present in tissues, including the liver and uterus, where they can mediate immunosurveillance but also play important roles in tissue
Background: Previous studies have indicated that fat distribution is important in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We investigated the association between fat distribution, as measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and the incidence of stroke. Methods: A cohort of 2751 men and women aged >= 40 years was recruited. Baseline levels of abdominal, gynoid and total body fat
BackgroundObesity is a complex disease caused by the interplay of genetic and lifestyle factors, but identification of gene-lifestyle interactions in obesity has remained challenging. Few large-scale studies have reported use of genome-wide approaches to investigate gene-lifestyle interactions in obesity.MethodsIn the PROMIS study, a cross-sectional study based in Pakistan, we calculated BMI varia
Congenital deficiency of the proprotein convertase subtilisine/kexin type 1 gene (PCSK1), which encodes proprotein convertase 1/3, causes a severe multihormonal disorder marked by early-onset obesity. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs6232 and rs6234-rs6235 in PCSK1 have been associated with obesity. However, case-control studies carried out in populations of different ethnicities have
This study examined specific measures of weight loss in relation to incident diabetes and improvement in cardiometabolic risk factors.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This prospective, observational study analyzed nine weight measures, characterizing baseline weight, short- versus long-term weight loss, short- versus long-term weight regain, and weight cycling, within the Diabetes Prevention Program (
Reprogramming of somatic cells into pluripotency stem cell state have opened new opportunities in cell replacement therapy and disease modeling in a number of neurological disorders. It still remains unknown, however, to what degree the grafted human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) differentiate into a functional neuronal phenotype and if they integrate into the host circuitry. Here we pre
The paper examines the ways in which states facilitate 'new enclosures' of natural resources, and the challenges of this as a strategy of development and environmental sustainability. We argue that enclosures introduce significant changes in property regimes, which redefine conditions for the access and control of land and forest, especially for tribal and indigenous communities. In this context,
Existing evidence on the effects of manganese and selenium during fetal life on neurodevelopmental disorders is inadequate. This study aims to investigate the hypothesized relationship between fetal exposure to manganese and selenium and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis in childhood. Children born between 1978 and 2000 with ADHD (n=166) were identified at the Department of
To accurately examine associations of physical activity (PA) with disease outcomes, a valid method of assessing free-living activity is required. We examined the validity of a brief PA questionnaire (PAQ) used in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). PA energy expenditure (PAEE) and time spent in moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was measured in 1,94
Objective: To assess associations and genotype x treatment interactions for melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) locus variants and obesity-related traits. Design and Methods: Diabetes prevention program (DPP) participants (N = 3,819, of whom 3,356 were genotyped for baseline and 3,234 for longitudinal analyses) were randomized into intensive lifestyle modification (diet, exercise, weight loss), metform
The aim of the study was to determine whether genetically raised fasting glucose (FG) levels are associated with blood pressure (BP) in healthy children and adolescents. We used 11 common genetic variants of FG discovered in genome-wide association studies (GWAS), including the rs560887 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the G6PC2 locus found to be robustly associated with FG in child
Abstract Background and aims. Microscopic colitis (MC), predominantly affecting women, is associated with thyroid disorders, although purely defined of which type, or compared with controls. Its association with subclinical thyroid disorders, and related increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, has never been examined. The aim was to examine the prevalence of autoantibodies and subclinical and c
