Evolution and Ecology of AhR genes in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)

In vertebrates, studies of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) have been of particular interest due to its direct involvement in the toxic effects exerted by several environmental pollutants, such as PCB and dioxin. After binding to the toxic molecule, this receptor initiates transcription of several genes that are part of the biotransformation battery but most notably the cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes, which results in an excessive release of oxidative enzymes and free radicals. The AhR is represented by a single gene in mammals (AhR1) but two distinct genes reside in other vertebrates like birds and fish (AhR1 and AhR2). The Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) is a common top-predator to the Baltic Sea, a region that is one of the most contaminated bodies of water within Europe after a long history of high pollution exposures. In this thesis, I describe the identification and characterization of six AhR genes in the Atlantic salmon, two AhR1 and four AhR2 genes. I have investigated if AhR genotypes interact differently with individual load of PCBs so mediating differences in AhR/CYP1A1 transcription levels and thereby also affecting tissue levels of antioxidants in foraging individuals from natural populations of Atlantic salmon in the Baltic Sea. I have identified allelic variation in the AhR2 5´-flanking region and measured the levels of PCB and astaxanthin in muscle tissue. The transcription levels of the AhR2 genes and the CYP1A1 gene were measured by real-time quantitative PCR. The analyses revealed that the relative transcription levels of the AhR2a, AhR2g and AhR2d genes were significantly correlated with the relative transcription levels of the CYP1A1 gene and that the transcription of CYP1A1 was negatively correlated with antioxidant levels (i.e. astaxanthin) in muscle. The transcription level of one of the salmon AhR genes, AhRa, was significantly associated with the AhR2a 5´-flanking region genotype and with the interaction of the genotype and individual PCB level. There was no correlation between the levels of PCB in muscle and the transcription levels of CYP1A1. These results suggest that biotransformation activity in wild Atlantic salmon individuals from the Baltic Sea may be affected by genetic polymorphisms at the AhR loci. Finally, I have investigated the evolution of AhR genes in Atlantic salmon and vertebrates by searching for AhR homologs in the database containing the complete genome of the pufferfish (Fugu rubripes). I have described the evolution of vertebrates and fish in an attempt to explain the incidence of multiple AhR genes in the salmon genome, concluding that these genes probably arose from several whole-genome duplication events in the ancestors of salmonid fish

Electrofuels: a review of pathways and production costs

Electrofuels are produced from carbon dioxide (CO2) and water using electricity as the primary source of energy. Production costs for the fuel options methane, methanol, dimethyl ether, Fischer-Tropsch (FT) diesel are estimated based on different assumptions. The production costs of these electrofuels, for a best, average and worst case, was found to be in the range of 120-135, 200-230 and 650-770 €2015/MWh fuel respectively where methane had the lowest and FT diesel the highest costs within each range

Range expansion and the possibility of an emerging contact zone between two subspecies of Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita ssp.

The Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita is represented in Sweden by two different subspecies; the northern well-established abietinus and the southern recently established collybita which has expanded its range northward during the past two decades. At present, an area approximately 500 km wide separates the two subspecies. In order to document differences between the northern and southern populations we compared morphology, vocalisation, habitat choice, and neutral genetic variation in mitochondrial (mt) DNA and at four microsatellite loci of 30 male Chiffchaffs from each subspecies. Our results show significant differences in several morphological traits and in song. Playback experiments revealed a significant difference in aggressive behaviour depending on which population-specific song that was played to the birds. Mitochondrial DNA was geographically structured with similar to 90% of the birds carrying a mt haplotype matching their sample population. No allelic differences at the microsatellite loci were found between populations. Our data demonstrate a substantial differentiation between the northern and southern populations despite gene flow, clearly separating them into the subspecies abietinus and collybita

No diagnostic value of plasma clusterin in Alzheimer's disease.

There is an urgent need for biomarkers to enable early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It has recently been shown that a variant within the clusterin gene is associated with increased risk of AD and plasma levels of clusterin have been found to be associated with the risk of AD. We, therefore, investigated the diagnostic value of clusterin by quantifying clusterin using an ELISA in plasma from 171 controls, 127 patients with AD, 82 patients with other dementias and 30 patients with depression. We observed similar plasma clusterin levels in controls, AD patients and patients with other dementias, suggesting that plasma clusterin levels have no diagnostic value for AD. There was a slight, but significant, increase in plasma clusterin in patients with depression compared to all other groups tested, which may warrant further investigation

Criteria and Decision Support for A Sustainable Choice of Alternative Marine Fuels

To reach the International Maritime Organization, IMO, vision of a 50% greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction by 2050, there is a need for action. Good decision support is needed for decisions on fuel and energy conversion systems due to the complexity. This paper aims to get an overview of the criteria types included in present assessments of future marine fuels, to evaluate these and to highlight the most important criteria. This is done using a literature review of selected scientific articles and reports and the authors’ own insights from assessing marine fuels. There are different views regarding the goal of fuel change, what fuel names to use as well as regarding the criteria to assess, which therefore vary in the literature. Quite a few articles and reports include a comparison of several alternative fuels. To promote a transition to fuels with significant GHG reduction potential, it is crucial to apply a life cycle perspective and to assess fuel options in a multicriteria perspective. The recommended minimum set of criteria to consider when evaluating future marine fuels differ somewhat between fuels that can be used in existing ships and fuels that can be used in new types of propulsion system

Reviewing the development of alternative aviation fuels and aircraft propulsion systems

Alternative aviation fuels such as bio-jet fuels, liquid natural gas (LCH4), hydrogen (H2), electro-jet fuels and direct electricity use play an important role in decarbonizing the aviation sector. New aircraft propulsion systems are being developed but low-blending of fuels is possible for some options. It is imperative to understand the technical, environmental and economic performance of the different alternative aviation fuels and the new engine and propulsion technologies for the utilization of these fuels. We have reviewed various literature to map the current status of development on alternative aviation fuels and related aircraft propulsion systems in relation to different perspective such as their cost and technical maturity. There are several challenges related to the design and implementation of the fuels and new propulsion systems. For instance, the volumetric energy content of alternative fuels is lower than the conventional aviation fuels which requires larger fuel storage tanks. Despite the advantageous environmental performance, both the bio-jet and electro-jet fuels are currently not economically competitive. Yet, studies forecast that increased use of alternative aviation fuels is possible after modifications of engines, fuel storage tanks and improvements of the aerodynamics of aircraft and by introducing subsidies and/or carbon taxes on conventional jet fuels

Alterations of matrix metalloproteinases in the healthy elderly with increased risk of prodromal Alzheimer's disease

INTRODUCTION: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are believed to be involved in the pathologic processes behind Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we aimed to examine the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of MMPs and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in individuals with AD dementia and cognitively healthy elderly individuals, and to investigate their relationship with established CSF biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease.METHODS: CSF was collected from 38 individuals with AD dementia and 34 cognitively healthy elderly individuals. The CSF was analyzed for MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9, TIMP-1, beta-amyloid1-42 (Abeta42), total tau protein (T-tau) and phosphorylated tau protein (P-tau). MMP/TIMP-1 ratios were calculated. APOE genotype was determined for the participants.RESULTS: AD patients had higher MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios and lower TIMP-1 levels compared to cognitively healthy individuals. In AD patients, the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio correlated with CSF T-tau, a marker of neurodegeneration. Interestingly, the cognitively healthy individuals with risk markers for future AD, i.e. AD-supportive CSF biomarker levels of T-tau, P-tau and Abeta42 or the presence of the APOE epsilon4 allele, had higher CSF MMP-3 and MMP-9 levels and higher CSF MMP-3/TIMP-1 ratios compared to the healthy individuals without risk markers. The CSF levels of MMP-3 and -9 in the control group also correlated with the CSF T-tau and P-tau levels.CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that MMP-3 and MMP-9 might be involved in early pathogenesis of AD and that MMPs could be associated with neuronal degeneration and formation of neurofibrillary tangles even prior to development of overt cognitive dysfunction

Life-Cycle Assessment and Costing of Fuels and Propulsion Systems in Future Fossil-Free Shipping

Future ships need to operate with low or possibly zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while ensuring low influence on other environmental impacts and that the operation is economically feasible. This study conducts a life-cycle evaluation of potential decarbonization solutions involving selected energy carriers (electrolytic hydrogen, electro-ammonia, electro-methanol, and electricity) in different propulsion system setups (engines, fuel cells, and carbon capture technologies) in terms of environmental impact and costs. The results of the study show that the assessed decarbonization options are promising measures to reduce maritime GHG emissions with low-carbon-intensive electricity. The same order of GHG reduction is shown to be possible independent of the propulsion system and energy carrier used onboard, However, the carbon abatement cost ranges from 300 to 550 (sic)/tCO(2)eq, and there is a trade-off with environmental impacts such as human toxicity (cancer and non-cancer effects) and freshwater ecotoxicity mainly linked with the wind infrastructure used for electricity production, Electro-ammonia in fuel cells is indicated to be effective in terms of the carbon abatement cost followed by the so-called HyMethShip concept. The higher abatement cost of all options compared to current options indicates that major incentives and policy measures are required to promote the introduction of alternative fuel and propulsion systems

Styrning med både budget och balanserat styrkort - en studie om hur arbetet kan förbättras

Syftet är att beskriva hur man i ett företag arbetar med både budget och balanserat styrkort samt att analysera detta arbetssätt och ge förslag till förbättring och samordning av de båda styrverktygen. En kvalitativ ansats, i form av en fallstudie, ligger till grund för studien och data har insamlats såväl genom intervjuer som genom litteraturstudier. Teorier med anknytning till uppsatsens huvudområden budget och balanserat styrkort har använts. Därutöver har även teorier som berör samordningen mellan de två styrverktygen tillämpats. Den empiriska studien utgörs av det material som framkommit vid intervjuer med respondenter från fallföretaget. Samtliga av dessa respondenter har haft god insikt i arbetet med styrkort och budget. Uppsatsen har resulterat i förslag till förbättring av arbetet med de båda styrinstrumenten budget och balanserat styrkort. När det gäller budgeten så bör medarbetarna bli mer delaktiga i såväl framtagandeprocessen som uppföljningsarbetet. Man bör även övergå till att använda sig av en reviderad budget för att åstadkomma en mer verklighetsförankrad styrning. När det gäller arbetet med det balanserade styrkortet måste ansträngningar genomföras för att göra strategin känd i organisationen. Utöver detta bör ett antal förändringar vad gäller de olika perspektiven och måtten genomföras. I övrigt ges förslag på hur processerna kan samordnas ytterligare avseende framtagande och uppföljning. Styrningen kan i framtiden förbättras genom ett system med rullande prognoser och balanserat styrkort

Lärmiljö eller lekplats? : Förmedlingsteknik, tilltal och intention i museiutställningar riktade till barn

The subject of our master’s thesis is museum exhibitions for children. The thesis is based on three research questions: “What purposes do institutions have when they decide to produce museum exhibitions specifically for children?”, “What are the similarities and differences concerning the intermediation techniques, voice and intent in this type of exhibitions?” and “How does the underlying intentions relate to the actual exhibitions?” The theory used is based on a design-oriented multimodal perspective on learning. Multimodality pays special attention to the interplay between different medias in communication. We have also used theories on learning and play in developmental psychology. As a method we have combined exhibition analysis inspired by Rune Gade and interviews with exhibition producers and other persons connected to the exhibitions. We have chosen three different exhibitions for children for comparison and analysis. In our selection it was an important starting point to select museum exhibitions and not exhibitions that are designed solely as a playroom or exhibitions at nearby institutions such as science centers or culture centers. The focus of our study consists of the following exhibitions: Bird, fish or in between at Örebro County Museum, Earthlings at The Museum of World Culture and the travelling exhibition A journey back and forth produced by the National History Museum and the Swedish Exhibition Agency in collaboration with the Institute for Future Studies. Some of our conclusions are that the intentions behind the exhibitions are influenced by the government's priority regarding culture for children and that all three exhibitions in our study are good examples of how museums can work towards children based on different resources and expertise. Overall, our study shows that it is more difficult to express intentions of the exhibitions, the more complex and multifaceted they are, while smaller and simpler goals are easier to achieve. From our research we have drawn the conclusions that an exhibition for children should offer: a learning environment, play, but not play for play´s sake, interaction on different levels and possibilities for family learning