The development and evaluation of exercises for meaningful responses in reading in grade two

Research chapter for this study will be found in Ash, Dorothea: "Development and evaluation of silent reading exercises in grade one" Thesis (M.A.)--Boston Universit

Expression of uterine oxytocin receptors and blood progesterone, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2α, and ionized calcium levels in dystocic bitches

This study aimed to examine the etiology of canine dystocia by measuring the relative expression of oxytocin receptor (OXTR) mRNA and the concentration of serum progesterone, plasma PGF(2 alpha) metabolite (PGFM), and blood ionized calcium (iCa) near term and in dystocia. Altogether 58 bitches were included in this study, 41 of which underwent cesarean section (CS). The four CS groups were based on history: complete uterine inertia (CUI; n = 7), partial uterine inertia (PUI; n = 13), obstructive dystocia (OD; n = 10), and elective cesarean section (ECS; n = 11). An additional group of medically treated dystocia without CS (MD; n = 8) and a control group (C; n = 9) with normal parturition (without CS and medical treatment) were also formed. Blood samples were taken prior to CS or medical treatment. Progesterone concentrations were highest in the ECS and a significant difference (p 0.05) was observed in iCa concentrations between the groups. Relative OXTR mRNA expression was evaluated with real-time PCR from full-thickness uterine samples taken from the incision site during CS. The expression was highest in the ECS and the difference in expression was significant (p <0.05) between the ECS and the OD and between ECS and the combined dystocia (CUI, PUI, OD) groups (COMB2). The study supports previous reports of decreasing progesterone and increasing PGFM during prepartum luteolysis. Upregulation of OXTR occurs near term. In obstructive dystocia, a prolonged influence of oxytocin and uterine exhaustion may lead to downregulation of OXTR. Complete primary uterine inertia may have a different etiology as no clear decrease in OXTR was observed in CUI as in OD. It remains unclear if parturition ceases because of uterine inertia or if uterine inertia occurs because of ceased parturition and desensitization of receptors. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Peer reviewe

Effects of offshore wind farms on marine wildlife

Marine management plans over the world express high expectations to the development of offshore wind energy. This would obviously contribute to renewable energy production, but potential conflicts with other usages of the marine landscape, as well as conservation interests, are evident. The present study synthesizes the current state of understanding on the effects of offshore wind farms on marine wildlife, in order to identify general versus local conclusions in published studies. The results were translated into a generalized impact assessment for coastal waters in Sweden, which covers a range of salinity conditions from marine to nearly fresh waters. Hence, the conclusions are potentially applicable to marine planning situations in various aquatic ecosystems. The assessment considered impact with respect to temporal and spatial extent of the pressure, effect within each ecosystem component, and level of certainty. Research on the environmental effects of offshore wind farms has gone through a rapid maturation and learning process, with the bulk of knowledge being developed within the past ten years. The studies showed a high level of consensus with respect to the construction phase, indicating that potential impacts on marine life should be carefully considered in marine spatial planning. Potential impacts during the operational phase were more locally variable, and could be either negative or positive depending on biological conditions as well as prevailing management goals. There was paucity in studies on cumulative impacts and long-term effects on the food web, as well as on combined effects with other human activities, such as the fisheries. These aspects remain key open issues for a sustainable marine spatial planning

Crosslocations : looking for somewhere in particular across the Mediterranean

This is a book based on the photography carried out during the Crosslocations project. It provides both a visual and textual outline of the idea of Crosslocations and an understanding of how the idea was researched and experienced in the field sites of the research project. It is an accessible and methodologically innovative method used to describe the results of Crosslocations.Non peer reviewe

C57Bl/6N mice have an attenuated lung inflammatory response to dsRNA compared to C57Bl/6J and BALB/c mice

Background Lower respiratory infections caused by ssRNA viruses are a major health burden globally. Translational mouse models are a valuable tool for medical research, including research on respiratory viral infections. In in vivo mouse models, synthetic dsRNA can be used as a surrogate for ssRNA virus replication. However, studies investigating how genetic background of mice impacts the murine lung inflammatory response to dsRNA is lacking. Hence, we have compared lung immunological responses of BALB/c, C57Bl/6N and C57Bl/6J mice to synthetic dsRNA. Methods dsRNA was administered intranasally to BALB/c, C57Bl/6N and C57Bl/6J mice once/day for three consecutive days. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, inflammatory cells, and total protein concentration were analyzed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Pattern recognition receptors levels (TLR3, MDA5 and RIG-I) were measured in lung homogenates using RT-qPCR and western blot. Gene expression of IFN-β, TNF-α, IL-1β and CXCL1 was assessed in lung homogenates by RT-qPCR. ELISA was used to analyze protein concentrations of CXCL1 and IL-1β in BALF and lung homogenates. Results BALB/c and C57Bl/6J mice showed infiltration of neutrophils to the lung, and an increase in total protein concentration and LDH activity in response to dsRNA administration. Only modest increases in these parameters were observed for C57Bl/6N mice. Similarly, dsRNA administration evoked an upregulation of MDA5 and RIG-I gene and protein expression in BALB/c and C57Bl/6J, but not C57Bl/6N, mice. Further, dsRNA provoked an increase in gene expression of TNF-α in BALB/c and C57Bl/6J mice, IL-1β only in C57Bl/6N mice and CXCL1 exclusively in BALB/c mice. BALF levels of CXCL1 and IL-1β were increased in BALB/c and C57Bl/6J mice in response to dsRNA, whereas the response of C57Bl/6N was blunt. Overall, inter-strain comparisons of the lung reactivity to dsRNA revealed that BALB/c, followed by C57Bl/6J, had the most pronounced respiratory inflammatory responses, while the responses of C57Bl/6N mice were attenuated. Conclusions We report clear differences of the lung innate inflammatory response to dsRNA between BALB/c, C57Bl/6J and C57Bl/6N mice. Of particular note, the highlighted differences in the inflammatory response of C57Bl/6J and C57Bl/6N substrains underscore the value of strain selection in mouse models of respiratory viral infections

The viral protein corona directs viral pathogenesis and amyloid aggregation

Artificial nanoparticles accumulate a protein corona layer in biological fluids, which significantly influences their bioactivity. As nanosized obligate intracellular parasites, viruses share many biophysical properties with artificial nanoparticles in extracellular environments and here we show that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) accumulate a rich and distinctive protein corona in different biological fluids. Moreover, we show that corona pre-coating differentially affects viral infectivity and immune cell activation. In addition, we demonstrate that viruses bind amyloidogenic peptides in their corona and catalyze amyloid formation via surface-assisted heterogeneous nucleation. Importantly, we show that HSV-1 catalyzes the aggregation of the amyloid beta-peptide (A beta(42)), a major constituent of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease, in vitro and in animal models. Our results highlight the viral protein corona as an acquired structural layer that is critical for viral-host interactions and illustrate a mechanistic convergence between viral and amyloid pathologies.Peer reviewe

Diagnosis and management of individuals with Fetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder; a consensus statement from the European Reference Network for Congenital Malformations and Intellectual Disability

Background: A pattern of major and minor congenital anomalies, facial dysmorphic features, and neurodevelopmental difficulties, including cognitive and social impairments has been reported in some children exposed to sodium valproate (VPA) during pregnancy. Recognition of the increased risks of in utero exposure to VPA for congenital malformations, and for the neurodevelopmental effects in particular, has taken many years but these are now acknowledged following the publication of the outcomes of several prospective studies and registries. As with other teratogens, exposure to VPA can have variable effects, ranging from a characteristic pattern of major malformations and significant intellectual disability to the other end of the continuum, characterised by facial dysmorphism which is often difficult to discern and a more moderate effect on neurodevelopment and general health. It has become clear that some individuals with FVSD have complex needs requiring multidisciplinary care but information regarding management is currently lacking in the medical literature. Methods: An expert group was convened by ERN-ITHACA, the European Reference Network for Congenital Malformations and Intellectual Disability comprised of professionals involved in the care of individuals with FVSD and with patient representation. Review of published and unpublished literature concerning management of FVSD was undertaken and the level of evidence from these sources graded. Management recommendations were made based on strength of evidence and consensus expert opinion, in the setting of an expert consensus meeting. These were then refined using an iterative process and wider consultation. Results: Whilst there was strong evidence regarding the increase in risk for major congenital malformations and neurodevelopmental difficulties there was a lack of high level evidence in other areas and in particular in terms of optimal clinical management.. The expert consensus approach facilitated the formulation of management recommendations, based on literature evidence and best practice. The outcome of the review and group discussions leads us to propose the term Fetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder (FVSD) as we feel this better encompasses the broad range of effects seen following VPA exposure in utero. Conclusion: The expert consensus approach can be used to define the best available clinical guidance for the diagnosis and management of rare disorders such as FVSD. FVSD can have medical, developmental and neuropsychological impacts with life-long consequences and affected individuals benefit from the input of a number of different health professionals.Peer reviewe

Special educators´ relational competence

The aim of our study is to contribute with knowledge about what characterizes special educators´relational competence. In our study we have used results from an ongoing research project with the title ”Pre-service Special Educators´ Relational Competence” under the guidance of professor Jonas Aspelin at Kristianstad University. The aim of that research project is to explore what charactarizes relational competence in a special educational context to be able to educate pre-service special educators´ in relational competence. Our material have been collected from a web survey. Active special educators´ have responded on the survey. The results have been interpreted per thematic analysis founded in a relational perspective (Persson, 1998), a communicative relational perspective (Ahlberg, 2013) and Løgstrups theory of the Ethical Claim (Løgstrup, 1994). The thematical analysis is presented in tables and diagrams as well as a representative selection of quotes from the respondents. In the theoretical concept analysis the results have been interpreted by interpersonal meetings, focal point of education (utbildningens brännpunkt) (Aspelin, 2013), authenticity (Fibaek Laursen, 2004) and faith and trust (Løgstrup, 1994). In summary the results show that relational competence plays an important role in special educators´ success in their profession. They experience that their knowledge is sufficient according to the concept relational competence and that they first of all have acquired it through experience. Trustful relations to students in difficulties is promoted by making the student feel security´, faith and trust. There is a unity that relations to students in difficulties can be promoted by tutorial, reflective dialogs. It is every students´ right to be able to communicate, be listened to and to feel participation. That is the reason why it is important to put the relation between teacher and student in the focal point. Special educators need to take every opportunity to build trustful relations to students in difficulties.Syftet med vår studie är att bidra med kunskap kring vad som utmärker specialpedagogers och speciallärares relationskompetens. I vår studie har vi tagit del av empiri från ett pågående forskningsprojekt med titeln ”Pre-service Special Educators´ Relational Competence” under ledning av professor Jonas Aspelin på Högskolan Kristianstad. Syftet med det forskningsprojektet är att utforska vad som utmärker relationskompetens i specialpedagogisk kontext för att kunna utbilda blivande speciallärare och specialpedagoger i relationskompetens. Vårt material har samlats in genom en online enkät. Enkäten har besvarats av verksamma speciallärare och specialpedagoger. Resultaten av enkätsvaren har tolkats genom en tematisk analys där vi utgått ifrån det relationella perspektivet (Persson, 1998) ett kommunikativt relationsinriktat perspektiv (Ahlberg, 2013) och Løgstrups teori om det etiska kravet (Løgstrup, 1994). Den tematiska analysen redovisas med tabeller och figurer. Även ett representativt urval av citat från respondenterna redovisas. I den teoretiska begreppsanalysen har resultaten tolkats utifrån mellanmänskliga möten, utbildningens brännpunkt (Aspelin, 2013), autenticitet (Fibaek Laursen, 2004) samt förtroende och tillit (Løgstrup, 1994). Sammanfattningsvis visar resultaten att relationskompetens är viktigt för att speciallärare och specialpedagoger ska lyckas väl i sitt arbete. De upplever att de har tillräckliga kunskaper om begreppet relationskompetens och att de framförallt har fått det genom erfarenhet. Goda relationer till elever i svårigheter främjas genom att få eleven att känna trygghet, förtroende och tillit. Det finns en enighet kring att relationer till elever i svårigheter kan främjas genom handledning och reflekterande samtal. Det är en rättighet för alla elever att få komma till tals, bli lyssnade till och känna delaktighet. Därför är det viktigt att sätta relationen lärare- elev i brännpunkten. Speciallärare och specialpedagoger behöver ta varje tillfälle i akt för att bygga goda relationer med elever i svårigheter

The effects of wind power on marine life : A Synthesis

As in many other countries, an expansion of wind power is expected in Sweden during the coming decades. The expansion is driven by rising prices on electricity and the need for an increased production of renewable energy. Since wind conditions at sea are good and relatively constant, several offshore wind farms are planned in Swedish waters. Offshore wind power with a total effect of about 2500 MW has been granted permission and an additional 5500 MW are being planned for. Examples of granted projects are Storgrundet with an effect of 265 MW, Stora Middelgrund with an effect of 860 MW and Kårehamn with an effect of 48 MW. The largest offshore wind farm in Sweden today is Lillgrund in Öresund, with its 48 turbines with an installed effect of 110 MW. Prior to this expected expansion, it is important to investigate the environmental impact of offshore wind power, and how possible negative effects can be minimized. This synopsis about the impact of wind power on the marine life in Swedish waters is based on more than 600 studies, most of which are scientific articles, but also reports by companies and authorities. Habitats and species in Swedish marine areas Swedish marine areas are characterized by a unique salinity gradient that varies from marine conditions in Skagerrak to almost limnic environments in the Gulf of Bothnia. There are also vast differences between areas in terms of environmental factors such as insolation, temperature and wave exposure. This entails variation in species composition, dominance by different populations and structural differences in plant and animal communities. Therefore, this synopsis provides environment descriptions of three widely separated marine areas: the Swedish West Coast (Kattegat and Skagerrak), the Baltic Proper and the Gulf of Bothnia (Bothnian Sea and Bothnian Bay). The main focus is on occurrence of species and communities within the depth interval that is of interest for establishing offshore wind power in Sweden. Offshore wind power There are mainly two types of foundation structures used in Sweden today: gravity-based foundations and monopile foundations. These are also the most commercially viable. Offshore wind farm projects affect the environment in different ways during installation, operation and decommissioning. The installation phase is assessed as having the largest impact on the environment, since high noise levels and sediment dispersal can affect marine organisms. A wind farm during operation can cause barrier effects as well as changes in the natural environment. The decommissioning phase can again enhance noise levels and lead to sediment dispersal in the wind park and its adjacent area.  Effects on marine organisms and communities  Since marine environmental conditions vary between different locations as well as over time, it is difficult to make universal assessments of the effects of offshore wind power. This increases the importance of well-designed pilot studies and monitoring programs of the local environment. Also, location-specific surveys minimize the risk that costly measures to reduce negative impact are used when they are not needed. In general, installation and decommissioning of offshore wind farms should be planned so that sensitive reproductive periods for marine species are avoided. Particular consideration might also be needed for constructions in important growth and spawning areas for fish and marine mammals, or specific environments, such as offshore banks with high natural values. Below is a list of the effects that, according to existing knowledge and accessible literature, might affect marine organisms and communities. Each effect has been assessed after how long, and to what scale, it affects the marine life in the wind farm area. Acoustic disturbances during the installation As monopile foundations are being driven into the sea floor, a lot of noise is generated that spreads in the water. Cod and herring can potentially perceive noise from pile driving at a distance of 80 kilometres, experiencing physical damage and death at just a few meters from the place of installation. For all types of work involving noise, flight reactions in fish are expected within a distance of about one kilometre from the source. The greatest risk of significant harm to fish populations exists if the installation overlaps with important recruitment areas for threatened or weak populations. Among the marine mammals, porpoises have proved to get both impaired hearing and behavioural disturbances from noise associated with pile driving. There are no studies indicating any long-term negative effects on any of the seal species occurring in Swedish waters. It is not possible to draw any general conclusions of the effects on invertebrates from pile driving noise, since the group is too large and diverse. The few studies that exist, however, show that oysters are relatively sensitive, whilst mussels are not affected at all. The effects of high noise levels can be reduced by, for example, successively increasing the power and thus the noise during piling, so that larger animals such as fish, seal and porpoises are intimidated at an early stage and leave the construction area well before high noise levels are reached. Sediment dispersal Dredging work during the construction of gravitational foundations, and laying of cables between the wind turbines and land, can cause sediment from the bottom to whirl up and disperse in the water mass. The amount of sediment dispersed depends on the type of sediment, water currents and which dredging method is being used. Increased concentrations of sediment in the water affect mainly fish fry and larval stages negatively. Invertebrates are often adapted to re-suspension of sediment, since it occurs naturally in their environment. The sediment dispersal at the construction of a wind farm is often confined to a short period. The effects are also relatively small due to the fact that the bottom sediment is usually coarse-grained. The overall assessment is therefore that sediment dispersal is a limited problem for most animal and plant communities, but specific consideration should be taken and fish recruitment periods should be avoided. Introduction of a new habitat The foundations of wind turbines can function as artificial reefs and attract many fish species, particularly around gravitational foundations which have a structurally complex erosion protection. At first there is often a redistribution of fish from nearby areas to the wind park foundations, but over time an actual increased fish production within the park is possible, as long as the park is large enough and the fishing pressure is low. The structure of the erosion protection can bring local positive effects for crustaceans such as lobster and crab, by functioning as shelter as well as increasing their foraging area. One example of a species that seems to increase locally around foundation structures on the Swedish West Coast and the Baltic Proper is the blue mussel. Which species that will dominate depends on the salinity in the area. There are no studies showing that foundation structures will facilitate the distribution of new species to Swedish marine areas. One reason for this might be that the total amount of hard bottom surface formed by the foundations and their structures is relatively small compared to natural hard bottoms. Turbine noise and boat traffic Maintenance work on the wind turbines causes a certain increase in boat traffic in the area of an operating wind farm. Also, different parts of the turbines generate noise during operation that spreads through the water. The reactions of fish on noise from turbines and boat engines vary, but study results indicate that the effect on most fish species from noise produced in a wind farm is low. There are, however, no studies on long-term effects of stress due to an increased noise level or effects of noise disturbance on fish spawning behaviour. Porpoises especially, but to some extent also seals, are sensitive to noise disturbance. Today there are no studies showing negative effects from the operational sounds from a wind farm on populations of marine mammals. The noise of both strong winds and engines from ships often exceeds the underwater noise generated by operating wind farms. Electromagnetic fields The electric cables leading from a wind turbine generates a magnetic field that decreases with distance from the cable. The expected effect on most fish species is low, but since the effect is ongoing throughout the entire operational stage, the risk should be considered in areas that are important to migrating fish species. No studies have been found that show how electromagnetic fields affect marine mammals. The few studies that have been found on invertebrates indicate that the electromagnetic fields around common transmission cables have no effect on either reproduction or survival. Exclusion of birds Most birds do not avoid wind farm areas. An exception is several common diving ducks that avoid flying or swimming within wind farms and keep a safe distance of at least 500 meters to a turbine tower. The most common food for these species in the Baltic Sea is blue mussels. Areas within the Swedish economic zone where a large-scale expansion of wind power would have the greatest effect on the ducks, and thereby indirectly affect the benthic community, are the offshore banks in the central Baltic Proper, mainly Hoburg Bank and Northern Midsjö Bank, where two thirds of the oldsquaw populations in Europe overwinters. The level of impact will depend on the total area of the park, and the distance between the turbine towers. Large-scale studies are needed in order to assess if the effect might lead to substantial changes for the benthic community. Gaps of knowledge The basis of this synopsis is research results from studies concerning single wind turbines or small wind farms, which in many cases is enough to assess the effects that can be expected on different groups of marine organisms. However, there is a lack of knowledge on how the large-scale wind power development will affect marine ecosystems in the long term. Since it is impossible to extrapolate this knowledge based on a single wind turbine or wind farm, further studies are needed where changes in larger parks are followed over long periods of time. Identified effects should also be weighed and put in relation to other human activities, as well as to today’s need of increasing the use of renewable energy and reduce environmental pollution. Since a largescale expansion of wind power is expected along the coasts of many countries around the Baltic Sea and in the North Sea, there is a need for a coordinated international research program, for example an interdisciplinary EU-project