Background: The objective of this thesis was to measure oxidative stress (OS) in women with Bipolar Disorder (BD) who used combined oral contraceptives (OCU). Based on our literature review, it was predicted that OCU would increase OS levels relative to non-contraceptive users (NCU) in women. Methods: Thirty-five participants (BD n=25; Control n=10) were recruited from an ongoing study based in British Columbia ‘The Systematic Treatment Optimization Program in Early Mania.’ Participants were administered psychological screening tools (Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) and provided a blood sample for the assays (Lipid Hydroperoxide (LPH), Protein Carbonylation, 4-Hydroxynonenal, 3-Nitrotyrosine (3-NT) and 17-Beta Estradiol). Results: In our primary analysis we did not find differences in OS between BD and controls relative to OCU. Within our remaining analyses, only BD women (n=17) and who gave smoking status were included. We found 3-NT to be increased in OCU compared to NCU (F (1, 12) = 5.639, p = 0.035). With respect to mood stabilizer use, 3-NT was increased in OCU relative to NCU (F (1, 10) = 6.33, p=0.031). As for atypical antipsychotics, 3-NT was heightened in OCU adjunctive users compared to NCU who did not use atypical antipsychotics (F (3, 10) = 4.822, p = 0.025). As for our correlation analyses, YRMS correlated with 3-NT and LPH in OCU BD women (r(11)= 0.711, p=0.014 and r(11) = 0.676, p=0.022, respectively) and 17-Beta Estradiol correlated with LPH (r(17) = 0.598, p = 0.001). Our results are preliminary and are limited by our small sample size and various other factors (i.e. controls). Conclusion: The association between hormones and oxidative stress still remains controversial. Here we showed, after controlling for smoking, BMI and age the use of a COC significantly increased 3-NT in women with BD. Moreover, hormones may influence the relationship between OS and mood episodes. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

This thesis evaluates the effects of Combined Heating and Power (CHP) systems with a Propane fueled spark ignited engine as prime mover used in a small commercial building. The system was evaluated in five different U.S. cities. The most common operating modes, thermal load following (FTL) and electric load following (FEL) were evaluated, and an optimized operating mode was developed and investigated. The optimized operating mode is a hybrid (FHL) of FEL and FTL operation. Methodology for the derivation and application of these models is presented. Also, the economic effects of Diesel and Natural Gas were investigated. The results for all five cities and all three operating modes were gathered and compared with a conventional system. Comparisons were made based on cost, primary energy consumption, and carbon dioxide emissions. It was concluded that the feasibility of CHP had great potential, but is highly dependent upon the location of the system.

No description available.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karolinska institutet, 2007. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karolinska institutet, 2009. / Härtill 6 uppsatser.

No description available.

In this thesis, the behaviour of glued laminated timber combined with hardwood and softwood lamallae is investigated. The influence of hardwood in the tension and compression zone, in terms of strength and stiffness is evaluated.The basis of evaluation consists of determining the behaviour of beams with various combinations of hardwood solely in the tension zone along with beams with hardwood in the tension and compression zone. The influence of different amount of hardwood for both cases is studied my means of experimental and analytical methods.Experimental data attained by performing bending tests are evaluated for different combinations made from spruce and oak. By comparing the experimental and analytical data an increase in the strength and stiffness in various combinations is observed and potrayed which varies based on different wood species.

Title: Trends in performance development in combined events. Objectives: The aim of this work was to investigate trends of the performance development in combined events during 2005-2014 based on results of top level competitions and interindividual variability of the point structure of individual combined events athletes. Methods: In this work we used the method of comparison and analysis of the performance development in combined events. Results: The trend of the performance in combined events did not change. Combined events are dominated by athletes with excellent sprint-jumping performances without significant weaknesses in throwing disciplines. The evenness of women opponents is more evident than among men. Slight progression in men's decathlon ocurred in the years 2012-2014 because of the high scores of Ashton Eaton's winning performances. Carolina Klüft dominated women heptathlon in the years 2005-2007, but the average score among heptathletes did not increase. In indoor pentathlon, the development was slightly progressive until 2012. Average scores of pentathletes were similar to the winning performances showing high evenness of opponents. Point structures of five selected male and female athletes (of top performance level) in the observed time period show understandable differences from...

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. / The U.S. Army's Objective Force is being developed as a faster, lighter, more rapidly deployable alternative to the current force structure. The development of a strategy for the allocation of the Unit of Action's organic sensing assets is necessary to achieve the maximum situational awareness and information dominance required for successful combat operations on the future battlefield. This thesis presents a methodology for finding an appropriate mix and allocation strategy for organic Unit of Action sensors in a given scenario. Three aggregate levels are identified: sensors, platforms, and packages and performance measures are developed at each level. Two optimization models were developed, (1) a Sensor Allocation Model that, given a fixed mix or inventory, allocates assets to target areas on the battlefield, and (2) a Sensor Mix Model that suggests an organic mix of sensors for consideration in developing the Objective Force structure. These models have the additional potential for use as an operational decision support tool for unit commanders. The notional data set used for model development included ten platform types, ten target clusters, ten target categories, four enemy orders of battle, and four outcomes, however these inputs are easily modified based on the requirements of the user or analyst. / Major, United States Army

The aim of this study is to compare teachers’ views of homework, their work withreading homework, and what the interaction is like in connection with this. Acombination of methods in the form of observations and semi-structured interviews wasused to follow two teachers working in the early years of compulsory school. The studyfound that the teachers work solely with reading homework, although in different ways,as regards both the design and the implementation, suggesting that the teachers’ practiceis grounded in research on homework. According to the teachers, homework in the earlyyears of compulsory school can be beneficial in that it prepares the pupils for later yearsin school and that it can be an instrument in the work of consolidating knowledge. Onthe other hand, homework steals part of the pupils’ leisure time and can cause stress intheir everyday life. To avoid unclarity and stress in the home, the teacher should giveclear and thorough instructions communicating the purpose, expectations, and meaning.