Customer Information Usage: Improving Supply Chain Performance and Advancing Logistics Services in Construction Projects

This study investigates how continuous improvement of logistics services in a project- based context such as construction can be enhanced by a “priority matrix for service improvements”. Construction services in general, and logistic services in specific, have great impact on efficiency and sustainability (environmental as well as social). Solutions and experience from e.g. manufacturing and retailing that have undergone major transformation through industrialization and, more recently, servitization, to improve the quality and novelty of their offerings, there is a great potential in addressing the complex coordination, inefficient processes, and waste of materials in the project-based context of the construction industry. Whilst improvement initiatives concerning product quality are important inspiration of such transformation, they are based on continuous production processes and become a challenge when this experience is transferred to the project-based, construction industry. As response, this study draws upon the concept of service quality as the basis for improvement initiatives – a concept based on relations between actors that last beyond individual projects

John William Halderman—In Memoriam

INTRODUCTION: The balance between T(H)1, T(H)2, T(H)17, and regulatory T cells has been suggested to be disturbed in type 1 diabetes (T1D). We investigated this balance in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from children at risk of developing T1D and children with T1D. METHODS: We studied PBMC expression levels of markers related to T(H)1 (T-bet, IL-12Rβ(1), IL-12Rβ(2)), T(H)2 (GATA-3, IL-4Rα), T(H)17 (IL-17A), and regulatory T cells (Foxp3, ICOS, and CTLA-4) with real-time polymerase chain reaction from 17 children with T1D, 13 children with β-cell autoimmunity, 15 children with T1D risk-associated human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes, and 24 healthy, control children. RESULTS: We observed decreased expression levels of GATA-3 by PBMC of healthy children with autoantibodies compared to healthy, control children (p = 0.014) or children with HLA risk alleles (p = 0.032). Children with T1D demonstrated lower expression levels of T-bet, IL-12Rβ(1), and IL-4Rα both at diagnosis and 12 months later. CONCLUSION: We found no indication of aberrant activation of T(H)1, T(H)17, or Treg in peripheral blood from children with or without risk of T1D. The observed immunological differences between children at risk of and with T1D should be considered when immunopathogenesis of β-cell destruction is studied

Functional coupling analysis suggests link between the obesity gene FTO and the BDNF-NTRK2 signaling pathway

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The Fat mass and obesity gene (FTO) has been identified through genome wide association studies as an important genetic factor contributing to a higher body mass index (BMI). However, the molecular context in which this effect is mediated has yet to be determined. We investigated the potential molecular network for FTO by analyzing co-expression and protein-protein interaction databases, Coxpresdb and IntAct, as well as the functional coupling predicting multi-source database, FunCoup. Hypothalamic expression of FTO-linked genes defined with this bioinformatics approach was subsequently studied using quantitative real time-PCR in mouse feeding models known to affect FTO expression.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We identified several candidate genes for functional coupling to FTO through database studies and selected nine for further study in animal models. We observed hypothalamic expression of Profilin 2 (Pfn2), cAMP-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit beta (Prkacb), Brain derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf), neurotrophic tyrosine kinase, receptor, type 2 (Ntrk2), Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3), and Btbd12 to be co-regulated in concert with Fto. Pfn2 and Prkacb have previously not been linked to feeding regulation.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Gene expression studies validate several candidates generated through database studies of possible FTO-interactors. We speculate about a wider functional role for FTO in the context of current and recent findings, such as in extracellular ligand-induced neuronal plasticity via NTRK2/BDNF, possibly via interaction with the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ).</p

Rapid Identification of Bio-Molecules Applied for Detection of Biosecurity Agents Using Rolling Circle Amplification

Detection and identification of pathogens in environmental samples for biosecurity applications are challenging due to the strict requirements on specificity, sensitivity and time. We have developed a concept for quick, specific and sensitive pathogen identification in environmental samples. Target identification is realized by padlock- and proximity probing, and reacted probes are amplified by RCA (rolling-circle amplification). The individual RCA products are labeled by fluorescence and enumerated by an instrument, developed for sensitive and rapid digital analysis. The concept is demonstrated by identification of simili biowarfare agents for bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pantoea agglomerans) and spores (Bacillus atrophaeus) released in field

Variation in GYS1 interacts with exercise and gender to predict cardiovascular mortality

"Background. The muscle glycogen synthase gene (GYS1) has been associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D), the metabolic syndrome (MetS), male myocardial infarction and a defective increase in muscle glycogen synthase protein in response to exercise. We addressed the questions whether polymorphism in GYS1 can predict cardiovascular (CV) mortality in a high-risk population, if this risk is influenced by gender or physical activity, and if the association is independent of genetic variation in nearby apolipoprotein E gene (APOE). Methodology/Principal Findings. Polymorphisms in GYS1 (XbaIC>T) and APOE (-219G>T, epsilon 2/epsilon 3/epsilon 4) were genotyped in 4,654 subjects participating in the Botnia T2D-family study and followed for a median of eight years. Mortality analyses were performed using Cox proportional-hazards regression. During the follow-up period, 749 individuals died, 409 due to CV causes. In males the GYS1 XbaI T-allele (hazard ratio (HR) 1.9 [1.2-2.9]), T2D (2.5 [1.7-3.8]), earlier CV events (1.7 [1.2-2.5]), physical inactivity (1.9 [1.2-2.9]) and smoking (1.5 [1.0-2.3]) predicted CV mortality. The GYS1 XbaI T-allele predicted CV mortality particularly in physically active males (HR 1.7 [1.3-2.0]). Association of GYS1 with CV mortality was independent of APOE (219TT/epsilon 4), which by its own exerted an effect on CV mortality risk in females (2.9 [1.9-4.4]). Other independent predictors of CV mortality in females were fasting plasma glucose (1.2 [1.1-1.2]), high body mass index (BMI) (1.0 [1.0-1.1]), hypertension (1.9 [1.2-3.1]), earlier CV events (1.9 [1.3-2.8]) and physical inactivity (1.9 [1.2-2.8]). Conclusions/Significance. Polymorphisms in GYS1 and APOE predict CV mortality in T2D families in a gender-specific fashion and independently of each other. Physical exercise seems to unmask the effect associated with the GYS1 polymorphism, rendering carriers of the variant allele less susceptible to the protective effect of exercise on the risk of CV death, which finding could be compatible with a previous demonstration of defective increase in the glycogen synthase protein in carriers of this polymorphism.""Background. The muscle glycogen synthase gene (GYS1) has been associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D), the metabolic syndrome (MetS), male myocardial infarction and a defective increase in muscle glycogen synthase protein in response to exercise. We addressed the questions whether polymorphism in GYS1 can predict cardiovascular (CV) mortality in a high-risk population, if this risk is influenced by gender or physical activity, and if the association is independent of genetic variation in nearby apolipoprotein E gene (APOE). Methodology/Principal Findings. Polymorphisms in GYS1 (XbaIC>T) and APOE (-219G>T, epsilon 2/epsilon 3/epsilon 4) were genotyped in 4,654 subjects participating in the Botnia T2D-family study and followed for a median of eight years. Mortality analyses were performed using Cox proportional-hazards regression. During the follow-up period, 749 individuals died, 409 due to CV causes. In males the GYS1 XbaI T-allele (hazard ratio (HR) 1.9 [1.2-2.9]), T2D (2.5 [1.7-3.8]), earlier CV events (1.7 [1.2-2.5]), physical inactivity (1.9 [1.2-2.9]) and smoking (1.5 [1.0-2.3]) predicted CV mortality. The GYS1 XbaI T-allele predicted CV mortality particularly in physically active males (HR 1.7 [1.3-2.0]). Association of GYS1 with CV mortality was independent of APOE (219TT/epsilon 4), which by its own exerted an effect on CV mortality risk in females (2.9 [1.9-4.4]). Other independent predictors of CV mortality in females were fasting plasma glucose (1.2 [1.1-1.2]), high body mass index (BMI) (1.0 [1.0-1.1]), hypertension (1.9 [1.2-3.1]), earlier CV events (1.9 [1.3-2.8]) and physical inactivity (1.9 [1.2-2.8]). Conclusions/Significance. Polymorphisms in GYS1 and APOE predict CV mortality in T2D families in a gender-specific fashion and independently of each other. Physical exercise seems to unmask the effect associated with the GYS1 polymorphism, rendering carriers of the variant allele less susceptible to the protective effect of exercise on the risk of CV death, which finding could be compatible with a previous demonstration of defective increase in the glycogen synthase protein in carriers of this polymorphism.""Background. The muscle glycogen synthase gene (GYS1) has been associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D), the metabolic syndrome (MetS), male myocardial infarction and a defective increase in muscle glycogen synthase protein in response to exercise. We addressed the questions whether polymorphism in GYS1 can predict cardiovascular (CV) mortality in a high-risk population, if this risk is influenced by gender or physical activity, and if the association is independent of genetic variation in nearby apolipoprotein E gene (APOE). Methodology/Principal Findings. Polymorphisms in GYS1 (XbaIC>T) and APOE (-219G>T, epsilon 2/epsilon 3/epsilon 4) were genotyped in 4,654 subjects participating in the Botnia T2D-family study and followed for a median of eight years. Mortality analyses were performed using Cox proportional-hazards regression. During the follow-up period, 749 individuals died, 409 due to CV causes. In males the GYS1 XbaI T-allele (hazard ratio (HR) 1.9 [1.2-2.9]), T2D (2.5 [1.7-3.8]), earlier CV events (1.7 [1.2-2.5]), physical inactivity (1.9 [1.2-2.9]) and smoking (1.5 [1.0-2.3]) predicted CV mortality. The GYS1 XbaI T-allele predicted CV mortality particularly in physically active males (HR 1.7 [1.3-2.0]). Association of GYS1 with CV mortality was independent of APOE (219TT/epsilon 4), which by its own exerted an effect on CV mortality risk in females (2.9 [1.9-4.4]). Other independent predictors of CV mortality in females were fasting plasma glucose (1.2 [1.1-1.2]), high body mass index (BMI) (1.0 [1.0-1.1]), hypertension (1.9 [1.2-3.1]), earlier CV events (1.9 [1.3-2.8]) and physical inactivity (1.9 [1.2-2.8]). Conclusions/Significance. Polymorphisms in GYS1 and APOE predict CV mortality in T2D families in a gender-specific fashion and independently of each other. Physical exercise seems to unmask the effect associated with the GYS1 polymorphism, rendering carriers of the variant allele less susceptible to the protective effect of exercise on the risk of CV death, which finding could be compatible with a previous demonstration of defective increase in the glycogen synthase protein in carriers of this polymorphism."Peer reviewe

Lärstilar. En översikt av fyra populära lärstilsteorier

Uppsatsen är en kort översikt av fyra populära och lättillgängliga lärstilsteorier som Rita & Kenneth Dunn, David Kolb, Gordon Pask respektive Anthony Gregorc har framställt. Syftet med examensarbetet är att ge en översikt av området lärstilar. Vad kan man se för likheter och skillnader mellan dessa fyra system av lärstilar? För att kunna ge den översikt jag vill av teorierna och få svar på de frågor jag har ställt, gjor- des en litteraturstudie med hjälp av litteratur och ett antal hemsidor på internet. Studien visar att alla fyra lärstilsteorier använder sig av många lösryckta påståenden som är löst baserade på forskning som det är svårt att få någon vidare kännedom om. Enligt litteratur och hemsidor jag tagit del av skall dessa teorier vara väldigt välkända och använda på många håll. Dock har jag t.ex. aldrig hört talas om begreppet lärstilar under min lärarutbildning. Alla fyra teorier delar in oss människor i olika lärstilar och det finns olika faktorer som skall ha stor betydelse för specifika lärstilar. Denna indelning som de valt att göra är olika från teori till teori: Pask använder två, Gregorc och Kolb fyra och makarna Dunn fem områden som visar vägar till olika lärstilar

Provocerade uppsägningar : Om arbetsgivare vars handlande strider mot god sed på arbetsmarknaden

A notice of termination by the employer must be based on objective grounds. The employeeon the other hand can resignate with no ground required. However, certain situations occurcalled provoked dismissals where the employee formally has resignated but it has in fact beeninduced by the employer whose behavior then is considered at odds with good labour marketpractice. If a resignation is regarded as a provoked dismissal, it is considered a termination bythe employer which then must show objective grounds for that termination. Provokeddismissals are not regulated in Swedish law and therefore complex to determine, especiallywhat is to be considered behavior at odds with good labour market. A situation where an employer has neglected their obligations towards the employee insubstantial respects, which also give the employee right to resign from their position withimmediate effect, is usually considered a case of provoked dismissal. Another significantfactor is that the behavior is intended to make the employee resign or that the employer isaware that the employee is in a difficult situation and thus the risk that he or she will resign. Additionally, this thesis has found that violence and mild violence is not something theemployee should have to endure, neither critique that is unjustified, excessive or repeated. Asfar as the employer has knowledge about harassment or discrimination occurring in theworkplace without taking the measure necessary, it is likely a ground of a provoked dismissalas well

Genes predisposing to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular mortality

Cardiovascular complications are frequent in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular death is the most common cause of death for these individuals. A region on chromosome 19 (19q13) has been indicated by several genome scans as a susceptibility locus for T2D or components of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). This gene rich region contains the gene encoding muscle glycogen synthase (GYS1), earlier associated with T2D and myocardial infarction in males, as well as the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) that has been associated with cardiovascular disease. Previous studies have also demonstrated a role for genetic variation in genes encoding adiponectin (APM1), PPARgamma (PPARG), and PGC-1alpha (PPARGC1A) in T2D and components of MetS. Lower adiponectin serum levels are present in T2D, obesity and cardiovascular disease. The aims of this thesis were to obtain more information on regulation of expression of GYS1 and APM1 genes, and to study if variation in five genes earlier indicated as susceptibility genes for T2D or components of MetS (GYS1, APOE, APM1, PPARG and PPARGC1A) predict cardiovascular mortality in T2D families. The minimal promoter of GYS1 was identified and the transcriptional activity of the promoter was negatively regulated by forskolin whereas no effect of short time treatment with insulin was observed. The XbaI polymorphism in GYS1 was associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular mortality in males, an effect modulated by the level of physical activity, whereas variants in APOE increased the risk for cardiovascular mortality in females. In morbidly obese subjects, adiponectin serum levels correlated with visceral APM1 expression and carriers of the APM1 G276T G-allele had lower expression of adiponectin mRNA in visceral adipose tissue as well as a higher fat percent than non-carriers. Survival analyses revealed that variations in APM1 (G276T) and PPARG (Pro12Ala), and in particular a combination of risk genotypes of these two polymorphisms were associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular mortality in T2D patients. Increasing the knowledge of gene regulation and expression as well as of how an individual's genetic background determines disease susceptibility and how the individual will respond to environmental factors might in the future lead to more specific and individually accustomed treatments of T2D and CVD

Studies of immunological risk factors in type 1 diabetes

Background: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic, autoimmune disease caused by a T cell mediated destruction of ß-cells in pancreas. The development of T1D is determined by a combination of genetic susceptibility genes and environmental factors involved in the pathogenesis of T1D. This thesis aimed to investigate diverse environmental and immunological risk factors associated with the development of T1D. This was accomplished by comparing autoantibody development, T cell responses and the function of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells between healthy children, children at risk of T1D and T1D patients. Results: Induction of autoantibodies in as young children as one year old, was associated with previously identified environmental risk factors of T1D, such as maternal gastroenteritis during pregnancy and early introduction of cow’s milk. We did not see any general increase in the activity of peripheral blood TH subtypes in children with HLA class II risk haplotypes associated with T1D, nor were HLA class II risk haplotypes associated with any aberrant cytokine production in response to antigenic stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. However children with a HLA class II protective haplotype showed an increased production of IFN-γ in response to enteroviral stimulation. CTLA-4 polymorphisms connected with a risk of autoimmune disease were associated with enhanced production of IFN-γ. Healthy children with ß-cell autoantibodies had a lower expression level of GATA-3 compared to health children with HLA risk genotype or children without risk. Instead, children with manifest T1D showed lower expression levels of T-bet, IL-12Rß1 and IL-4Rα. Both T1D and healthy children showed the same expression of the regulatory markers Foxp3, CTLA-4 and ICOS in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and the amount of CD4+CD25+ T cells did neither reveal any differences. The regulatory T cells seemed also to be functional in children with T1D, since increased proliferation after depletion of CD4+CD25high cells from PBMC was demonstrated in T1D as well as in healthy children.However, T1D children did have more intracellular CTLA-4 per CD4+CD25high T cell, increased levels of serum C-reactive protein and higher spontaneous expression of IFN-α in CD25depleted PBMC, all which are signs of activation of the immune system. This suggests a normal or enhanced functional activity of regulatory T cells in T1D at diagnosis. Conclusions: Our findings emphasize that environmental risk factors do have a role in the development of ß-cell autoimmunity. Our results do not support a systemic activation of the immune system in pre-diabetes or T1D, but instead a possible up-regulation of regulatory mechanisms seems to occur after diagnosis of T1D, which probably tries to dampen the autoimmune reaction taking place