Filtyp
This thesis presents results from two projects using photometric observations to investigate stellar populations in Local Group galaxies. In the first project, Strömgren photometry is used to study stellar populations in dwarf spheroidal galaxies. It is demonstrated that the Strömgren c1 and m1 colour indices can be efficiently used to identify RGB members in dwarf spheroidal galaxies, and d
Resident skin micro-organisms such as S. epidermidis and other coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), are by far the most common causes of biomaterial-associated infections. These micro-organisms often exhibit surface adhesins that specifically bind serum and tissue proteins adsorbed to implanted biomaterials. The aim of this study was to extend our knowledge about such adhesins produced by CoNS
In 2009 the EU approved two directives as a first initiative towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and becoming independent of fossil fuels: the Renewable Energy Directive and the Fuel Quality Directive. As a result, the demand for biofuels will increase enormously over the next decade, both nationally and in the entire EU. This huge demand will require a more advanced type of biofuels, produc
The adaptation of geophysical methods for civil engineering purposes represents an important contribution to the development of geotechnical site investigation methodology. The term geotechnical site investigation here refers to all investigations performed prior to or during construction; i.e. investigations to support and refine a conceptual geological model as well as to provide a model of geot
This work contributes to our understanding of mitochondrial responses to changing environmental conditions in plants. The first part of this thesis is focused in the study of redox regulation of mitochondrial gene expression. By using inhibitors, the redox state of the components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain was selectively affected. Effects of the altered redox state of these components
How do molecules arrange themselves in a crystal? It is today not possible to definite predict the three-dimensional packing arrangement of molecules in the crystalline solid state. The aim of the work presented in this thesis has been to gain more knowledge of what principles that govern molecular packing. Platinum(II) complexes have been chosen as model system since these compounds are stable,
The two last novels by Richard Hughes (1900-1976), the first in his planned The Human Predicament series, are partly set in Germany in the years between the First and the Second World War. Much of the action in The Fox in the Attic (1961) takes part in and around Munich, culminating in a fictional reconstruction of the so-called Hitler Putsch on November 8-9, 1923, the future dictator's aborted ea
The issue of higher education and its relation to the working life of graduates has been intensely discussed since the beginning of the 1990’s. There have been constant complaints about an alleged mismatch between graduate competence and competence required by potential employers, regardless of field. On the other hand, representatives of higher education have stressed the independent role of univ
The chloroplast-localized small heat shock protein (sHsp) Hsp21 belongs to the family of alpha-crystallin like sHsps which form large oligomeric structures and protect partly unfolded aggregation-prone proteins against aggregation. The main focus for this thesis has been on the highly conserved methionines in Hsp21. These methionine residues are situated on one side of an amphipathic alpha-helix.
The Class Aves (birds) is generally divided into two main groups - the Palaeognathae and the Neognathae. Paleognathous birds are the flightless ratites and the tinamous, while Neognathae include all other extant birds (more than 9,000 species). This opinion has prevailed for more than a century and is primarily based on morphological studies of the avian bony palate. In this study, the relationsh
Abstract The efficiency of different leachate treatment methods for the removal of refractory organic compounds and ammonium-nitrogen was investigated. The methods evaluated were nitrification, denitrification, adsorption onto activated carbon, precipitation by ferric chloride or aluminum sulphate and oxidation by ozone or Fenton´s reagent. Furthermore, analyses were performed on leachates from mu
Two non-thermal regimens of light interaction with biological tissue, that are in a natural way connected, are discussed in the present thesis. These are photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of malignant tumours and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) for tissue characterization. In PDT, a photochemical reaction is induced by non-ionizing electromagnetic irradiation in tissue where photosens
In my research, I have explored various aspects of acetals and their reactivity. Acetals have a central role in carbohydrate chemistry as an inherent functionality and as versatile protecting groups. The first part of the thesis summarizes results on regioselective reductive openings of benzylidene acetals. We thus used deuterium substituted benzylidene acetals and boranes, to investigate stereose
This thesis aims at shedding light on three important issues related to intra-industry trade (IIT); the relevance of demand patterns, horizontal versus vertical IIT, and the measurement of IIT. Chapter two analyses IIT between high and low-income countries, and uses a theoretical model that explains the exchange of similar products of different qualities. We are particularly interested in the rol
This work addresses the phenomenon of long-term, so-called ‘independent’ travelling, or backpacking, often to destinations described as the ‘third world’. It regards backpacker journeys as arenas for identity work, for expressing individuality and a ‘strong character’. Rather than merely being a parenthetic detour in time and space a backpacker’s trip to the tropics can be understood as a creative
The expression of surface adhesion molecules on white blood cells (WBC) and platelets, and the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) after incubation with expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)- or woven Dacron grafts was determined. Both graft-materials induced alteration of the WBC adhesion molecule receptor and caused release of TNF-a and IL-6, higher for wov
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor deficits. Levodopa treatment provides marked symptomatic relief. However, within 5-10 years after the start of Levodopa treatment, most PD patients display a gradual loss of drug efficacy. Importantly, the neuropathology of PD is dominated by a marked loss of dopaminergic neurons located in the substantia nigra.
Is it possible to understand a society and a certain place that is long since gone? The aim of this thesis is to study and analyse a historic period and its people through the remains of their material culture, the social relations and how these were materialized in an urban setting. The main subject of the empirical study, the medieval episcopal town of Linköping, has shifted out-look, function a
The over-arching objectives of this thesis were to formulate a method to describe the consequences of traffic casualties, and to explain the influence of different traffic engineering factors on these consequences for society and individuals over time. A more detailed objective was to examine whether available short-term indicators can be used to predict consequences in a long-term perspective. Ot
During the period (1976-1995) a total of 175 consecutive patients (m 88/f 87) with neuropathologically verified vascular dementia (VaD) were examined. 22 patients with pure Alzheimer's Disease (AD) were also studied. All patients were diagnosed and followed at the Department of Psychogeriatrics (Lund University Hospital). The neuropathological examination revealed VaD, sometimes with additional co
