Showing papers by "Linköping University published in 2011"
TL;DR: 2D nanosheets, composed of a few Ti 3 C 2 layers and conical scrolls, produced by the room temperature exfoliation of Ti 3 AlC 2 in hydrofl uoric acid are reported, which opens a door to the synthesis of a large number of other 2D crystals.
Abstract: Currently, however, there are relatively few such atomically layered solids. [ 2–5 ] Here, we report on 2D nanosheets, composed of a few Ti 3 C 2 layers and conical scrolls, produced by the room temperature exfoliation of Ti 3 AlC 2 in hydrofl uoric acid. The large elastic moduli predicted by ab initio simulation, and the possibility of varying their surface chemistries (herein they are terminated by hydroxyl and/or fl uorine groups) render these nanosheets attractive as polymer composite fi llers. Theory also predicts that their bandgap can be tuned by varying their surface terminations. The good conductivity and ductility of the treated powders suggest uses in Li-ion batteries, pseudocapacitors, and other electronic applications. Since Ti 3 AlC 2 is a member of a 60 + group of layered ternary carbides and nitrides known as the MAX phases, this discovery opens a door to the synthesis of a large number of other 2D crystals. Arguably the most studied freestanding 2D material is graphene, which was produced by mechanical exfoliation into single-layers in 2004. [ 1 ] Some other layered materials, such as hexagonal BN, [ 2 ] transition metal oxides, and hydroxides, [ 4 ] as well as clays, [ 3 ] have also been exfoliated into 2D sheets. Interestingly, exfoliated MoS 2 single layers were reported as early as in 1986. [ 5 ] Graphene is fi nding its way to applications ranging from supercapacitor electrodes [ 6 ] to reinforcement in composites. [ 7 ] Although graphene has attracted more attention than all other 2D materials combined, its simple chemistry and the weak van der Waals bonding between layers in multilayer structures limit its use. Complex, layered structures that contain more than one element may offer new properties because they
6,846 citations
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TL;DR: It is shown that the use of moderately large antenna arrays can improve the spectral and energy efficiency with orders of magnitude compared to a single-antenna system.
Abstract: A multiplicity of autonomous terminals simultaneously transmits data streams to a compact array of antennas. The array uses imperfect channel-state information derived from transmitted pilots to extract the individual data streams. The power radiated by the terminals can be made inversely proportional to the square-root of the number of base station antennas with no reduction in performance. In contrast if perfect channel-state information were available the power could be made inversely proportional to the number of antennas. Lower capacity bounds for maximum-ratio combining (MRC), zero-forcing (ZF) and minimum mean-square error (MMSE) detection are derived. A MRC receiver normally performs worse than ZF and MMSE. However as power levels are reduced, the cross-talk introduced by the inferior maximum-ratio receiver eventually falls below the noise level and this simple receiver becomes a viable option. The tradeoff between the energy efficiency (as measured in bits/J) and spectral efficiency (as measured in bits/channel use/terminal) is quantified. It is shown that the use of moderately large antenna arrays can improve the spectral and energy efficiency with orders of magnitude compared to a single-antenna system.
2,421 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that conducting polymers might be capable of meeting the demands of electricity production from waste heat (co-generation) and natural heat sources and to generate electricity from large volumes of warm fluids, heat exchangers must be functionalized with TEGs.
Abstract: Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) transform a heat flow into electricity. Thermoelectric materials are being investigated for electricity production from waste heat (co-generation) and natural heat sources. For temperatures below 200 °C, the best commercially available inorganic semiconductors are bismuth telluride (Bi(2)Te(3))-based alloys, which possess a figure of merit ZT close to one. Most of the recently discovered thermoelectric materials with ZT>2 exhibit one common property, namely their low lattice thermal conductivities. Nevertheless, a high ZT value is not enough to create a viable technology platform for energy harvesting. To generate electricity from large volumes of warm fluids, heat exchangers must be functionalized with TEGs. This requires thermoelectric materials that are readily synthesized, air stable, environmentally friendly and solution processable to create patterns on large areas. Here we show that conducting polymers might be capable of meeting these demands. The accurate control of the oxidation level in poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) combined with its low intrinsic thermal conductivity (λ=0.37 W m(-1) K(-1)) yields a ZT=0.25 at room temperature that approaches the values required for efficient devices.
1,470 citations
TL;DR: A few simple routines to facilitate and safeguard the transition to person-centered care are proposed that if conscientiously and systematically applied, will help to make PCC the focus and mainstay of care in long-term illness.
Abstract: Long-term diseases are today the leading cause of mortality worldwide and are estimated to be the leading cause of disability by 2020. Person-centered care (PCC) has been shown to advance concordance between care provider and patient on treatment plans, improve health outcomes and increase patient satisfaction. Yet, despite these and other documented benefits, there are a variety of significant challenges to putting PCC into clinical practice. Although care providers today broadly acknowledge PCC to be an important part of care, in our experience we must establish routines that initiate, integrate, and safeguard PCC in daily clinical practice to ensure that PCC is systematically and consistently practiced, i.e. not just when we feel we have time for it. In this paper, we propose a few simple routines to facilitate and safeguard the transition to PCC. We believe that if conscientiously and systematically applied, they will help to make PCC the focus and mainstay of care in long-term illness.
1,251 citations
TL;DR: The continental GHG sink may be considerably overestimated, and freshwaters need to be recognized as important in the global carbon cycle.
Abstract: Inland waters (lakes, reservoirs, streams, and rivers) are often substantial methane (CH4) sources in the terrestrial landscape. They are, however, not yet well integrated in global greenhouse gas (GHG) budgets. Data from 474 freshwater ecosystems and the most recent global water area estimates indicate that freshwaters emit at least 103 teragrams of CH4 year−1, corresponding to 0.65 petagrams of C as carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalents year−1, offsetting 25% of the estimated land carbon sink. Thus, the continental GHG sink may be considerably overestimated, and freshwaters need to be recognized as important in the global carbon cycle.
1,208 citations
TL;DR: The training and match injury incidences were stable over the period with no significant differences between seasons, and the risk of injury increased with time in each half of matches.
Abstract: Objective To study the injury characteristics in professional football and to follow the variation of injury incidence during a match, during a season and over consecutive seasons.
Design Prospective cohort study where teams were followed for seven consecutive seasons. Team medical staff recorded individual player exposure and time-loss injuries from 2001 to 2008.
Setting European professional men's football.
Participants The first team squads of 23 teams selected by the Union of European Football Associations as belonging to the 50 best European teams.
Main outcome measurement Injury incidence.
Results 4483 injuries occurred during 566 000 h of exposure, giving an injury incidence of 8.0 injuries/1000 h. The injury incidence during matches was higher than in training (27.5 vs 4.1, p<0.0001). A player sustained on average 2.0 injuries per season, and a team with typically 25 players can thus expect about 50 injuries each season. The single most common injury subtype was thigh strain, representing 17% of all injuries. Re-injuries constituted 12% of all injuries, and they caused longer absences than non re-injuries (24 vs 18 days, p<0.0001). The incidence of match injuries showed an increasing injury tendency over time in both the first and second halves (p<0.0001). Traumatic injuries and hamstring strains were more frequent during the competitive season, while overuse injuries were common during the preseason. Training and match injury incidences were stable over the period with no significant differences between seasons.
Conclusions The training and match injury incidences were stable over seven seasons. The risk of injury increased with time in each half of matches.
1,104 citations
TL;DR: Muscle injuries constitute almost one third of all time-loss injuries in men’s professional football, and 92% of all injuries affect the 4 big muscle groups in the lower limbs.
Abstract: Background: Muscle injuries constitute a large percentage of all injuries in football.
Purpose: To investigate the incidence and nature of muscle injuries in male professional footballers.
Study De ...
1,083 citations
Duke University1, Cleveland Clinic2, University of Alberta3, Stavanger University Hospital4, Pierre-and-Marie-Curie University5, University of California, San Francisco6, Veterans Health Administration7, University of Glasgow8, Université de Montréal9, University of Gothenburg10, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill11, Charité12, University of Oslo13, Rabin Medical Center14, Johnson & Johnson15, Emory University16, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul17, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile18, Linköping University19, MetroHealth20, University of California, Los Angeles21, Janssen Pharmaceutica22, University of Maryland, Baltimore23, University of Florida24, University of Pennsylvania25, Dalhousie University26, Ford Motor Company27, Monash University28, Vilnius University29, University of Washington30, Mexican Social Security Institute31, University of Brescia32, Seoul National University33, Mayo Clinic34, Wrocław Medical University35, Mahidol University36, University of Otago37, University of Groningen38, Thomas Jefferson University39
TL;DR: In this article, Nesiritide was not associated with an increase or a decrease in the rate of death and rehospitalization and had a small, nonsignificant effect on dyspnea when used in combination with other therapies.
Abstract: A b s t r ac t Background Nesiritide is approved in the United States for early relief of dyspnea in patients with acute heart failure. Previous meta-analyses have raised questions regarding renal toxicity and the mortality associated with this agent. Methods We randomly assigned 7141 patients who were hospitalized with acute heart failure to receive either nesiritide or placebo for 24 to 168 hours in addition to standard care. Coprimary end points were the change in dyspnea at 6 and 24 hours, as measured on a 7-point Likert scale, and the composite end point of rehospitalization for heart failure or death within 30 days. Results Patients randomly assigned to nesiritide, as compared with those assigned to placebo, more frequently reported markedly or moderately improved dyspnea at 6 hours (44.5% vs. 42.1%, P = 0.03) and 24 hours (68.2% vs. 66.1%, P = 0.007), but the prespecified level for significance (P≤0.005 for both assessments or P≤0.0025 for either) was not met. The rate of rehospitalization for heart failure or death from any cause within 30 days was 9.4% in the nesiritide group versus 10.1% in the placebo group (absolute difference, −0.7 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], −2.1 to 0.7; P = 0.31). There were no significant differences in rates of death from any cause at 30 days (3.6% with nesiritide vs. 4.0% with placebo; absolute difference, −0.4 percentage points; 95% CI, −1.3 to 0.5) or rates of worsening renal function, defined by more than a 25% decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (31.4% vs. 29.5%; odds ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.98 to 1.21; P = 0.11). Conclusions Nesiritide was not associated with an increase or a decrease in the rate of death and rehospitalization and had a small, nonsignificant effect on dyspnea when used in combination with other therapies. It was not associated with a worsening of renal function, but it was associated with an increase in rates of hypotension. On the basis of these results, nesiritide cannot be recommended for routine use in the broad population of patients with acute heart failure. (Funded by Scios; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00475852.)
1,046 citations
17 Oct 2011
TL;DR: The method is shown to be an effective means of isolating the malware and alerting the users of a downloaded malware, showing the potential for avoiding the spreading of a detected malware to a larger community.
Abstract: The sharp increase in the number of smartphones on the market, with the Android platform posed to becoming a market leader makes the need for malware analysis on this platform an urgent issue.In this paper we capitalize on earlier approaches for dynamic analysis of application behavior as a means for detecting malware in the Android platform. The detector is embedded in a overall framework for collection of traces from an unlimited number of real users based on crowdsourcing. Our framework has been demonstrated by analyzing the data collected in the central server using two types of data sets: those from artificial malware created for test purposes, and those from real malware found in the wild. The method is shown to be an effective means of isolating the malware and alerting the users of a downloaded malware. This shows the potential for avoiding the spreading of a detected malware to a larger community.
1,035 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the research development in supply chain risk management (SCRM), which has shown an increasing global attention in recent years, and present a literature survey and ci...
825 citations
National Renewable Energy Laboratory1, Technical University of Denmark2, ENEA3, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev4, Solarmer Energy, Inc.5, Dresden University of Technology6, Graz University of Technology7, Linköping University8, University of Pittsburgh9, National Institute of Standards and Technology10, Technische Universität Ilmenau11, Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena12, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven13
TL;DR: Procedures for testing organic solar cell devices and modules with respect to stability and operational lifetime are described and generally agreed test conditions and practices are generally agreed to allow ready comparison between laboratories and to help improving the reliability of reported values.
TL;DR: Invitation to mammographic screening results in a highly significant decrease in breast cancer-specific mortality, and Evaluation of the full impact of screening, in particular estimates of absolute benefit and number needed to screen, requires follow-up times exceeding 20 years.
Abstract: The results of the Swedish Two-County Trial of mammographic screening are qualitatively the same at 29-year follow-up as when they were first published: A substantial and significant reduction in breast cancer mortality was associated with an invitation to screening.
TL;DR: Although there was a high prevalence of current bisphosphonate use among patients with atypical fractures, the absolute risk was small, and population-based nationwide analyses may be reassuring for patients who receive bisph phosphonates.
Abstract: A b s t r ac t Methods In Sweden, 12,777 women 55 years of age or older sustained a fracture of the femur in 2008 We reviewed radiographs of 1234 of the 1271 women who had a subtrochan- teric or shaft fracture and identified 59 patients with atypical fractures Data on medications and coexisting conditions were obtained from national registries The relative and absolute risk of atypical fractures associated with bisphosphonate use was estimated by means of a nationwide cohort analysis The 59 case patients were also compared with 263 control patients who had ordinary subtrochanteric or shaft fractures Results The age-adjusted relative risk of atypical fracture was 473 (95% confidence interval (CI), 256 to 873) in the cohort analysis The increase in absolute risk was 5 cases per 10,000 patient-years (95% CI, 4 to 7) A total of 78% of the case patients and 10% of the controls had received bisphosphonates, corresponding to a multivariable- adjusted odds ratio of 333 (95% CI, 143 to 778) The risk was independent of co- existing conditions and of concurrent use of other drugs with known effects on bone The duration of use influenced the risk (odds ratio per 100 daily doses, 13; 95% CI, 11 to 16) After drug withdrawal, the risk diminished by 70% per year since the last use (odds ratio, 028; 95% CI, 021 to 038) Conclusions These population-based nationwide analyses may be reassuring for patients who receive bisphosphonates Although there was a high prevalence of current bisphos- phonate use among patients with atypical fractures, the absolute risk was small (Funded by the Swedish Research Council)
TL;DR: Practical advice for the application of exercise in heart failure and how to overcome traditional barriers is provided, based on the current scientific and clinical knowledge supporting the beneficial effect of this intervention.
Abstract: The European Society of Cardiology heart failure guidelines firmly recommend regular physical activity and structured exercise training (ET), but this recommendation is still poorly implemented in daily clinical practice outside specialized centres and in the real world of heart failure clinics. In reality, exercise intolerance can be successfully tackled by applying ET. We need to encourage the mindset that breathlessness may be evidence of signalling between the periphery and central haemodynamic performance and regular physical activity may ultimately bring about favourable changes in myocardial function, symptoms, functional capacity, and increased hospitalization-free life span and probably survival. In this position paper, we provide practical advice for the application of exercise in heart failure and how to overcome traditional barriers, based on the current scientific and clinical knowledge supporting the beneficial effect of this intervention.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the importance of hydropower reservoirs and their role in the formation of the world's largest reservoir network, covering an area of 3.4 x 10.5 km(2) and comprising about 20% of all reservoirs.
Abstract: Hydroelectric reservoirs cover an area of 3.4 x 10(5) km(2) and comprise about 20% of all reservoirs. In addition, they contain large stores of formerly terrestrial organic carbon. Significant amou ...
TL;DR: A Maximum Likelihood (ML) framework is employed and an Expectation Maximisation (EM) algorithm is derived to compute these ML estimates, which lend itself perfectly to the particle smoother, which provides arbitrarily good estimates.
TL;DR: A detailed overview of the key players of the intestinal mucosal barrier and review of the current literature from studies in humans and human systems on mechanisms underlying mucosal barriers dysfunction in inflammatory bowel diseases can be found in this article.
Abstract: The current paradigm of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), both Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), involves the interaction between environmental factors in the intestinal lumen and inappropriate host immune responses in genetically predisposed individuals. The intestinal mucosal barrier has evolved to maintain a delicate balance between absorbing essential nutrients while preventing the entry and responding to harmful contents. In IBD, disruptions of essential elements of the intestinal barrier lead to permeability defects. These barrier defects exacerbate the underlying immune system, subsequently resulting in tissue damage. The epithelial phenotype in active IBD is very similar in CD and UC. It is characterized by increased secretion of chloride and water, leading to diarrhea, increased permeability via both the transcellular and paracellular routes, and increased apoptosis of epithelial cells. The main cytokine that seems to drive these changes is tumor necrosis factor alpha in CD, whereas interleukin (IL)-13 may be more important in UC. Therapeutic restoration of the mucosal barrier would provide protection and prevent antigenic overload due to intestinal “leakiness.” Here we give an overview of the key players of the intestinal mucosal barrier and review the current literature from studies in humans and human systems on mechanisms underlying mucosal barrier dysfunction in IBD. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2011;)
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that technology-specific policies are necessary if we are to meet the climate challenge and that a main contribution of innovation system (IS) analysis to the study of sustainability transitions is that it allows policy makers to identify the processes and components in a system where intervention is likely to matter most.
Abstract: This paper argues (1) that technology-specific policies are necessary if we are to meet the climate challenge and (2) that a main contribution of innovation system (IS) analysis to the study of sustainability transitions is that it allows policy makers to identify the processes and components in a system where intervention is likely to matter most. We demonstrate that an IS framework can identify a diverse set of system weaknesses in the field of environmental innovation and identify five venues for further research that can help strengthen the framework and improve its application to environmental innovations.
TL;DR: Multidirectional, 3D cine velocity acquisitions are contributing to the understanding of normal and pathologically altered blood flow features, and offers the potential for retrospective quantification of flow and other hemodynamic parameters.
Abstract: Phase contrast cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is able to measure all three directional components of the velocities of blood flow relative to the three spatial dimensions and the time course of the heart cycle. In this article, methods used for the acquisition, visualization, and quantification of such datasets are reviewed and illustrated. Currently, the acquisition of 3D cine (4D) phase contrast velocity data, synchronized relative to both cardiac and respiratory movements takes about ten minutes or more, even when using parallel imaging and optimized pulse sequence design. The large resulting datasets need appropriate post processing for the visualization of multidirectional flow, for example as vector fields, pathlines or streamlines, or for retrospective volumetric quantification. Multidirectional velocity acquisitions have provided 3D visualization of large scale flow features of the healthy heart and great vessels, and have shown altered patterns of flow in abnormal chambers and vessels. Clinically relevant examples include retrograde streams in atheromatous descending aortas as potential thrombo-embolic pathways in patients with cryptogenic stroke and marked variations of flow visualized in common aortic pathologies. Compared to standard clinical tools, 4D velocity mapping offers the potential for retrospective quantification of flow and other hemodynamic parameters. Multidirectional, 3D cine velocity acquisitions are contributing to the understanding of normal and pathologically altered blood flow features. Although more rapid and user-friendly strategies for acquisition and analysis may be needed before 4D velocity acquisitions come to be adopted in routine clinical CMR, their capacity to measure multidirectional flows throughout a study volume has contributed novel insights into cardiovascular fluid dynamics in health and disease.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors propose a research agenda that advances the methodological and theoretical understanding of what sustainability science can be, how it can be pursued and what it can contribute, and the key focus is on knowledge structuring.
Abstract: It is urgent in science and society to address climate change and other sustainability challenges such as biodiversity loss, deforestation, depletion of marine fish stocks, global ill-health, land degradation, land use change and water scarcity. Sustainability science (SS) is an attempt to bridge the natural and social sciences for seeking creative solutions to these complex challenges. In this article, we propose a research agenda that advances the methodological and theoretical understanding of what SS can be, how it can be pursued and what it can contribute. The key focus is on knowledge structuring. For that purpose, we designed a generic research platform organised as a three-dimensional matrix comprising three components: core themes (scientific understanding, sustainability goals, sustainability pathways); cross-cutting critical and problem-solving approaches; and any combination of the sustainability challenges above. As an example, we insert four sustainability challenges into the matrix (biodiversity loss, climate change, land use changes, water scarcity). Based on the matrix with the four challenges, we discuss three issues for advancing theory and methodology in SS: how new synergies across natural and social sciences can be created; how integrated theories for understanding and responding to complex sustainability issues can be developed; and how theories and concepts in economics, gender studies, geography, political science and sociology can be applied in SS. The generic research platform serves to structure and create new knowledge in SS and is a tool for exploring any set of sustainability challenges. The combined critical and problem-solving approach is essential.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors have made adjustments to existing frameworks and developed a qualitatively new method, the high temperature effective potential method, which is a general theory and is proven on a number of model systems.
Abstract: In the search of clean and efficient energy sources intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells are among the prime candidates. What sets the limit of their efficiency is the solid electrolyte. A promising material for the electrolyte is ceria. This thesis aims to improve the characteristics of these electrolytes and help provide thorough physical understanding of the processes involved. This is realised using first principles calculations. The class of methods based on density functional theory generally ignores temperature effects. To accurately describe the intermediate temperature characteristics I have made adjustments to existing frameworks and developed a qualitatively new method. The new technique, the high temperature effective potential method, is a general theory. The validity is proven on a number of model systems. Other subprojects include low-dimensional segregation effects, adjustments to defect concentration formalism and optimisations of ionic conductivity.
TL;DR: It is suggested that future studies of immunotherapeutic intervention with teplizumab might have increased success in prevention of a decline in β-cell function (measured by C-peptide) and provision of glycaemic control at reduced doses of insulin if they target patients early after diagnosis of diabetes and children.
01 May 2011
TL;DR: It is shown how higher order tensors can be estimated using a generalization of the same simple formulation as a number of known structure tensor algorithms by formulating them in monomial filter set terms.
Abstract: Estimation of local spatial structure has a long history and numerous analysis tools have been developed. A concept that is widely recognized as fundamental in the analysis is the structure tensor. However, precisely what it is taken to mean varies within the research community. We present a new method for structure tensor estimation which is a generalization of many of it's predecessors. The method uses filter sets having Fourier directional responses being monomials of the normalized frequency vector, one odd order sub-set and one even order sub-set. It is shown that such filter sets allow for a particularly simple way of attaining phase invariant, positive semi-definite, local structure tensor estimates. We continue to compare a number of known structure tensor algorithms by formulating them in monomial filter set terms. In conclusion we show how higher order tensors can be estimated using a generalization of the same simple formulation.
TL;DR: This work demonstrates the great potential of isoindigo moieties as electron-deficient units for building donor-acceptor-type polymers for high-performance polymer solar cells.
Abstract: A new, low-band-gap alternating copolymer consisting of terthiophene and isoindigo has been designed and synthesized. Solar cells based on this polymer and PC71BM show a power conversion efficiency of 6.3%, which is a record for polymer solar cells based on a polymer with an optical band gap below 1.5 eV. This work demonstrates the great potential of isoindigo moieties as electron-deficient units for building donor–acceptor-type polymers for high-performance polymer solar cells.
TL;DR: The present paper summarizes the available evidence, promotes self‐care management, and aims to provide practical advice for health professionals delivering care to HF patients, and defines avenues of research to optimize self-care strategies in a number of key areas to derive further benefits.
Abstract: Guidelines on heart failure (HF) stress the importance of lifestyle advice, although there is little evidence that such recommendations improve symptoms or prognosis. Patients experience symptoms of different intensities which impair their daily activities and reduce the quality-of-life. To cope with their clinical condition, many patients seek advice about lifestyle and self-management strategies when in contact with medical care providers, particularly specialized HF services. Self-care management is an important part of HF treatment, thus health professionals working with patients with HF have recognized the need for more specific recommendations on lifestyle advice. The present paper summarizes the available evidence, promotes self-care management, and aims to provide practical advice for health professionals delivering care to HF patients. It also defines avenues of research to optimize self-care strategies in a number of key areas to derive further benefits.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the relationship among the complexity of customer needs, customer centricity, innovativeness, service differentiation, and business performance within the context of companies.
TL;DR: Recommendations for new criteria are given for the sports medicine community to consider, before allowing an athlete to return to sports after an ACL reconstruction, that are not demanding enough or not sensitive enough to identify differences between injured and non-injured sides.
Abstract: The purpose of this article is to present recommendations for new muscle strength and hop performance criteria prior to a return to sports after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. A search was made of relevant literature relating to muscle function, self-reported questionnaires on symptoms, function and knee-related quality of life, as well as the rate of re-injury, the rate of return to sports and the development of osteoarthritis after ACL reconstruction. The literature was reviewed and discussed by the European Board of Sports Rehabilitation in order to reach consensus on criteria for muscle strength and hop performance prior to a return to sports. The majority of athletes that sustain an (ACL) injury do not successfully return to their pre-injury sport, even though most athletes achieve what is considered to be acceptable muscle function. On self-reported questionnaires, the athletes report high ratings for fear of re-injury, low ratings for their knee function during sports and low ratings for their knee-related quality of life. The conclusion is that the muscle function tests that are commonly used are not demanding enough or not sensitive enough to identify differences between injured and non-injured sides. Recommendations for new criteria are given for the sports medicine community to consider, before allowing an athlete to return to sports after an ACL reconstruction. IV.
TL;DR: Citation Rodríguez‐Martínez H, Kvist U, Ernerudh J, Sanz L, Calvete JJ: Seminal Plasma Proteins: What Role Do They Play?
Abstract: Problem Semen is a heterogenous and complex cell suspension in a protein-rich fluid with different functions, some of them well known, others still obscure. Method of study This paper reviews, comparatively, our current knowledge on the growing field of proteomics of the SP and its relevance in relation to the in vivo situation, for the sake of reproductive biology, diagnostics and treatment. Results Ejaculated spermatozoa, primarily bathing in cauda epididymal fluid, are (in vitro) bulky, exposed to most, if not all, secretions from the accessory sexual glands. In vivo, however, not all spermatozoa are necessarily exposed to all secretions from these glands, because sperm cohorts are delivered in differential order and bathe in seminal plasma (SP) with different concentrations of constituents, including peptides and proteins. Proteins are relevant for sperm function and relate to sperm interactions with the various environments along the female genital tract towards the oocyte vestments. Specific peptides and proteins act as signals for the female immune system to modulate sperm rejection or tolerance, perhaps even influencing the relative intrinsic fertility of the male and/or couple by attaining a status of maternal tolerance towards embryo and placental development. Conclusions Proteins of the seminal plasma have an ample panorama of action, and some appear responsible for establishing fertility.
TL;DR: In this article, the differences between proactive and reactive market research techniques during the development of new market offerings were analyzed, and significant differences were found, in terms of both content and originality, between the technique based on customer co-creation and the two traditional market research methods.
Abstract: Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to understand the differences between proactive and reactive market research techniques during the development of new market offerings. The study focused on the financial and innovative performance of traditional market research techniques, such as focus groups and in-depth interviews, in comparison to more co-creation-oriented techniques that are designed to capture customers value-in-use. Design/methodology/approach - The study was a two-stage process. Study I, an empirical investigation of 195 development projects in European companies, examined how these companies use different market research techniques and how this relates to the profit margins of new products and services. Study II designed an experiment with 50 users of a consumer good and evaluated the contribution of different market research techniques, based on the degree of originality and customer value. Findings - Significant differences were found, in terms of both content and originality, between the technique based on customer co-creation and the two traditional market research techniques (Study II). These findings can help to explain why the relationship between the use of market research techniques and profit margin (Study I) is stronger for co-creation techniques than it is for traditional market research techniques. Originality/value - Despite empirical evidence that the application of market research techniques based on co-creation can lead to original ideas, there is a lack of valid studies regarding how co-creation techniques perform in relation to more traditional methods of collaboration with customers.
TL;DR: A thorough summary of the genetics and clinical features of these tumors is given, both as part of the classical syndromes such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), von Hippel-Lindau disease, neurofibromatosis type 1, and succinate dehydrogenase-related PCC-PGL and within syndrome associated with a smaller fraction of PCCs/PGLs, such as Carney triad.
Abstract: Pheochromocytomas (PCCs) and paragangliomas (PGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors of the adrenal glands and the sympathetic and parasympathetic paraganglia. They can occur sporadically or as a part of different hereditary tumor syndromes. About 30% of PCCs and PGLs are currently believed to be caused by germline mutations and several novel susceptibility genes have recently been discovered. The clinical presentation, including localization, malignant potential, and age of onset, varies depending on the genetic background of the tumors. By reviewing more than 1700 reported cases of hereditary PCC and PGL, a thorough summary of the genetics and clinical features of these tumors is given, both as part of the classical syndromes such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), von Hippel-Lindau disease, neurofibromatosis type 1, and succinate dehydrogenase-related PCC-PGL and within syndromes associated with a smaller fraction of PCCs/PGLs, such as Carney triad, Carney-Stratakis syndrome, and MEN1. The review also covers the most recently discovered susceptibility genes including KIF1Bβ, EGLN1/PHD2, SDHAF2, TMEM127, SDHA, and MAX, as well as a comparison with the sporadic form. Further, the latest advances in elucidating the cellular pathways involved in PCC and PGL development are discussed in detail. Finally, an algorithm for genetic testing in patients with PCC and PGL is proposed.