Life Forms is an examination of organic shapes in textile material and garments. The clothes deals with questions of tactile and emotional attraction in fashion, while the project as a whole is an attempt to constantly let creativity and curiosity be a part of the process.By using a method of letting go of the control and see what chance and the properties of the material might lead to, this work has become a growing organism of its own.The end result is a group of unique pieces, all in different materials and colour shades. They’re held together by concept as well as relations in tone and cuts. The collection could be viewed as a visual statement or worn with lots of care and love. / Program: Modedesignutbildningen

Vi har gjort en studie som syftar till att undersöka hur miljödebatten och klimatfrågan påverkat dagens organisationer. I ett led att genomföra studien har vi utgått från vår kvalificerade gissning innebärande att ett nytt paradigm har gett sig till känna. Paradigmet benämns som miljöinriktat management. Vår problemdiskussion utmynnar i frågeställningar om hur organisationer bör hantera uppkomsten av miljöinriktat management. Vidare frågor som berörs är hur ledare bör hantera paradigmskiftet och vilka risker ett utelämnande av miljöinriktat management innebär. Studien är relevant då många organisationer enligt oss idag saknar beredskapsplaner för hur de ska anpassa sig till ett nytt paradigm. Anledningen till att vi vill behandla den här problematiken beror på att vi anser att många organisationers framtida överlevnad kan hänga på att ledarna öppnar sina sinnen för nytänkande. De behöver även upplysas eller påminnas om vad ett paradigmskifte egentligen innebär. Vi är inte ute efter att lösa problemen utan snarare är miljöproblemens karaktär av sådan art att de måste kontrolleras och hanteras. Uppsatsen fokuserar på att skapa en större förståelse inom området. I ett led att samla in information och se vad dagens organisationer har för inställning till det nya paradigmet har vi genomfört tre djupintervjuer enligt en kvalitativ metod. Hanterandet av insamlat material sker genom en abduktiv process för att således få fördjupad kunskap om fenomenet. Vi är alltså inte ute efter att göra anspråk på en allmängiltig sanning. Respondenterna har varit miljöchefer från Volvo personvagnar, Renova samt Gryaab. Resultatet från intervjuerna kopplas samman till de teorier vi behandlat genom ett användande av den narrativa kunskapsformen. I tolkningsarbetet har vi använt Hernadis hermeneutiska triad för att först rekonstruera intervjuerna. Vidare dekonstrueras texten, monteras ned för bland annat finna bakomliggande motiv, för att slutligen konstruera eller författa en egen text inom området. De kunskaper vi erhållit under arbetets gång mynnar ut i en narrativ modell som vi kommit att kalla ”organisationens evolutionsprocess”. Slutsatser som kan dras genom den är att organisationer ständigt påverkas av signaler utifrån av olika karaktär och styrka. Modellen förklarar hur organisationen likt en organism anpassar sig i en evolutionär process till det förändrade landskapet. En organisations grundförutsättning för att hantera processen är flerkretsinlärning som innebär ett kontinuerligt ifrågasättande av verksamhetens operationsregler. Det här är viktigt för att undkomma fällan som rör vanliga tankemönster, det så kallade psykiska fängelset.

Neste trabalho foram caracterizadas molecularmente e inferidas as relações filogenéticas de 14 isolados brasileiros de Acanthamoeba, provenientes de casos de ceratite, e 8 isolados da ATCC (4 de ceratite e 4 ambientais). Foram utilizados inicialmente os métodos de RAPD, RFLP de DNA genômico total e RFLP do SSU rDNA. Apesar de revelar a alta variabilidade genética em Acanthamoeba, estes métodos permitiram estabelecer grupos bem definidos de isolados mais similares geneticamente. O seqüenciamento do SSU rDNA permitiu a inferência da filogenia entre os isolados utilizados nesse estudo em relação àqueles presentes na literatura, que estão distribuídos em doze tipos de seqüência deste gene. Dentre os 17 isolados de ceratite presentes em nosso estudo, 16 apresentaram SSU rDNA tipo T4 (anteriormente já fortemente correlacionado à ceratite) e um deles constitui um novo tipo de seqüência. Dois dos 4 isolados ATCC (ambientais) cujas seqüências ainda não haviam sido determinadas também apresentaram novos tipos de SSU rDNA, enquanto outros 2 apresentaram o tipo T4. / In this work we performed the molecular phylogeny and characterization of 22 Acanthamoeba isolates, 14 Brazilian keratitis isolates and 8 from ATCC, 4 keratitis and 4 environmental isolates. In spite of the extensive genetic variability disclosed by RAPD, total genomic DNA RFLP and SSU rDNA RFLP techniques, these methods enabled us to group some isolates in well defined clusters of genetically more related organisms. Sequencing of SSU rDNA allowed inference of the phylogeny of our isolates with those present in the literature, which are distributed through 12 sequence types of this gene. Among the 17 keratitis isolates of our study, 16 presented SSU rDNA of type T4 (previously found to be strongly correlated to keratitis), and one was assigned to a new sequence type. Of the 4 isolates from ATCC whose sequences were previously undetermined, the two environmental isolates also constituted new sequence types, while the two keratitis isolates were assigned to type T4.

Performance is key to survival. From day-to-day foraging events, to reproductive activities, to life-or-death crises, how well an organism performs these tasks can determine success or failure. Selection, therefore, both natural and sexual, act upon performance, and performance demands on individuals shape a population’s morphological and physiological trait distributions. While studies of morphological adaptations to ecological pressures implicitly center on the idea that responses to selection improve performance via changes in morphology, the relationships between morphology, performance, and fitness are not always well understood. In this dissertation, I investigate these relationships explicitly, as well as determine the effects that different ecological and genetic contexts have on selection and how populations respond to performance pressures. Using a model of lizard locomotor performance, I address three issues that may impact selection on performance that are often overlooked in performance studies. First, performance is not a static trait. Rather, individuals possess a range of performance abilities or intensities that can be expressed as needed. Using a novel, individual-based, quantitative genetic simulation model, I demonstrate the effects of variable performance expression and genetic constraints on how a population experiences and responds to selection on sprint and endurance performance. Second, sex differences in performance are expected in sexually dimorphic species, but empirical evidence for this is lacking. To this end, I measured and analyzed multivariate morphology and performance in Anolis carolinensis to identify sex-specific patterns in functional morphology and functional trade-offs within a broad suite of performance traits. Third, intralocus sexual conflict should constrain the evolution of the multivariate performance phenotype in both sexes. By extending the simulation model to include correlated trait inheritance between sexes and sex-specific selection on certain performance traits, I demonstrate the extent to which this sexual conflict constrains performance evolution. In combining studies of natural populations with simulation studies of selection, this dissertation embraces the complexity of performance to address the multiple contributing factors and constraints on performance evolution, and demonstrates the importance of accounting for such complexity when studying animal performance.

Since a proper balance between anabolic and catabolic reactions is essential for all eukaryotes, the basic mechanisms for regulation of the energy and carbon metabolism have been conserved throughout evolution. The moss Physcomitrella patens, which belongs to one of the basal clades among land plants, has many unique properties that make it an excellent plant model system. We have used a yeast two-hybrid system to identify novel possible regulators or targets of the moss Snf1-related kinases, previously shown to regulate energy homeostasis. The function of the identified interactors PpSki1 and PpSki2 was analyzed in order to better understand the biological role of plant Snf1-related kinases. The recently completed genome sequence of Physcomitrella was used in a comparative approach to study to what extent key enzyme and gene families involved in transport and metabolism of sugars and in regulation of the energy and carbon metabolism are conserved between mosses and vascular plants. It has long been known that transformed DNA can replicate episomally in Physcomitrella. We have now shown that such DNA can be rescued back into E. coli. Surprisingly, we found that the original plasmid can be recovered from moss transformants obtained with circular DNA. Plasmids rescued from transformants obtained with linearized DNA had been repaired either by homologous recombination or by cohesive end re-ligation. These findings suggest that methods using shuttle plasmids are feasible in Physcomitrella. Hexokinase, a key enzyme in the carbon metabolism, catalyzes the first step in hexose metabolism, but is also involved in sugar sensing and signaling. We have now made an initial characterization of the complete hexokinase family in Physcomitrella which is encoded by 11 genes. Two new types of plant hexokinases, types C and D, were found in addition to the previously described types A and B.

Primary cilia are evolutionarily conserved organelles required in a number of signalling pathways influencing the development and behaviour of a diverse range of organisms. More recently, studies into a new class of human diseases known as ciliopathies have helped to shed light on the critical role of this once-ignored signalling centre. Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) proteins localize to the primary cilium and participate in cilium biogenesis and function. BBS is a pleiotropic human disorder with variable severity that is suitable as a disease model for investigating the pathogenesis of a number of common ciliopathy features such as photoreceptor degeneration, renal cysts, and obesity. The C. elegans genome encodes a number of BBS proteins which undergo intraflagellar transport (IFT) at the primary cilium. Given the conservation between C. elegans and human BBS proteins, I hypothesize the existence of unidentified conserved genetic pathways related to the functions of these proteins. Using C. elegans, I characterize novel features of bbs mutants while identifying sources of genomic variation that may elucidate the variability of human BBS features. I show that C. elegans bbs mutants exhibit smaller body size, delayed development, and decreased exploration behaviour. Moreover, I identify a role for the soluble guanylate cyclases GCY-35/GCY-36 in modifying these bbs phenotypes. I conclude that BBS proteins non-cell autonomously influence a set of body cavity neurons in which GCY-35/GCY-36 function genetically upstream of a cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG), EGL-4, to control body size. Furthermore, the role of GCY-35/GCY-36 is unique amongst a large number of guanylate cyclases and BBS proteins may influence body size via an IFT-independent function. I explore the biological functions of EGL-4 and conclude that it may regulate body size through multiple cellular mechanisms. I also examine potential candidate genes related to cGMP production and turnover, confirming that additional cGMP-related factors can influence body size although not necessarily in body cavity neurons. In conclusion, I propose a model where BBS-expressing sensory neurons influence body size and development through cGMP-PKG signalling in body cavity neurons while functioning in parallel with additional sensory neurons (possibly BBS-independent) that use similar cGMP-PKG signalling dynamics.

Primary cilia are evolutionarily conserved organelles required in a number of signalling pathways influencing the development and behaviour of a diverse range of organisms. More recently, studies into a new class of human diseases known as ciliopathies have helped to shed light on the critical role of this once-ignored signalling centre. Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) proteins localize to the primary cilium and participate in cilium biogenesis and function. BBS is a pleiotropic human disorder with variable severity that is suitable as a disease model for investigating the pathogenesis of a number of common ciliopathy features such as photoreceptor degeneration, renal cysts, and obesity. The C. elegans genome encodes a number of BBS proteins which undergo intraflagellar transport (IFT) at the primary cilium. Given the conservation between C. elegans and human BBS proteins, I hypothesize the existence of unidentified conserved genetic pathways related to the functions of these proteins. Using C. elegans, I characterize novel features of bbs mutants while identifying sources of genomic variation that may elucidate the variability of human BBS features. I show that C. elegans bbs mutants exhibit smaller body size, delayed development, and decreased exploration behaviour. Moreover, I identify a role for the soluble guanylate cyclases GCY-35/GCY-36 in modifying these bbs phenotypes. I conclude that BBS proteins non-cell autonomously influence a set of body cavity neurons in which GCY-35/GCY-36 function genetically upstream of a cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG), EGL-4, to control body size. Furthermore, the role of GCY-35/GCY-36 is unique amongst a large number of guanylate cyclases and BBS proteins may influence body size via an IFT-independent function. I explore the biological functions of EGL-4 and conclude that it may regulate body size through multiple cellular mechanisms. I also examine potential candidate genes related to cGMP production and turnover, confirming that additional cGMP-related factors can influence body size although not necessarily in body cavity neurons. In conclusion, I propose a model where BBS-expressing sensory neurons influence body size and development through cGMP-PKG signalling in body cavity neurons while functioning in parallel with additional sensory neurons (possibly BBS-independent) that use similar cGMP-PKG signalling dynamics.

As many buying decision are made in retail stores, it is interesting to investigate which factors, such as noise, lighting, music, colour, layout or visual communication have a significant influence on customers’ behaviour in a supermarket. Since only a few studies have been conducted among customers in Sweden, this paper examined their behaviour in the supermarket. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of the various environmental factors in the supermarket as well as how the perceived servicescape influences customers’ behaviour in the store. The research approach used was that of a single case study, based on survey instrument (personal interviews and electronic collection) in order to collect data on facets in regards to the perceived servicescape and customers’ behaviour in the supermarket. A supermarket chain – the ICA group, precisely ICA MAXI in Jönköping was used for this purpose. The collected data was analysed with the means of factor analysis and multiple regression methods in order to obtain factors that can influence customers’ behaviour in the supermarket. The conducted study showed that lighting, noise, colours, signs and symbols as well as space/function conditions such as layout and equipment are the factors that create emotionally pleasant environment in the supermarket. Thus, these factors influence customers’ moods, attitudes or certain beliefs about the supermarket. Moreover, customers may feel happier, more satisfied or relaxed in the supermarket, which lead to arousal – stimulation or excitement. Furthermore, the environmental factors explain the approach behaviour such as exploring the supermarket, spending more time on browsing the products which, consequently, refer to an increased number of items bought.

This thesis is dedicated to developments and applications of metabolomics, exploiting high field NMR spectroscopy. The first part is dedicated to a general presentation of metabolomics. We also report results about the introduction of reduced dimensionality techniques for the characterization of complex mixtures, coined targeted projection NMR spectroscopy. The second part of this manuscript reports results about three different metabolomic studies carried out in human populations. The first analysis demonstrates the suitability for metabolomics of serum samples collected in the framework of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study. The second study investigates a serum metabolic signature of metastatic breast cancer. The last analysis establishes potential plasma metabolic signatures for different liver pathologies, like hepatocellular carcinoma. The third part of this thesis is dedicated to the characterization of various model organisms. The first study presents a characterization of plasma and urine metabolic differences between four rat strains commonly used as controls in genetic studies. In the second study, we investigate the effects of physiological aging in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) and observe that dietary restriction buffers metabolic changes associated with aging. We further identify that perturbations in phosphocholine metabolism correlate with life expectancy. The third analysis of this part characterizes the ahr-1 C. elegans mutant, showing strong metabolic changes in ahr-1 mutants, which suggest an involvement in development and aging processes. We finally investigate in the last study the effects at the metabolic level of the interaction between an endogenous protein E4F1 and a viral protein HBx in liver cells infected by hepatitis B virus.

Tyrimo objektas: Maisto papildų vartojimo paplitimas tinklininkų ir rankininkų, bei jų fizinis pajėgumas. Tyrimo problema: Maisto papildų vartojimo paplitimas tinklininkų ir rankininkų, bei jų fizinis pajėgumas yra mažai nagrinėti teoriniu ir empiriniu lygmeniu. Tikslas: Nustatyti maisto papildų vartojimo paplitimą tinklininkų ir rankininkų, bei jų fizinį pajėgumą. Uždaviniai: 1) Nustatyti ir palyginti įvairių maisto papildų vartojimo ypatumus tinklininkų ir rankininkų grupėse. 2) Nustatyti ir palyginti maisto papildų daromą įtaką fiziniam pajėgumui tinklininkų ir rankininkų grupėse. Hipotezė: Maisto papildų daroma įtaka sportininkų organizmui yra susijusi su geresniu fiziniu pajėgumu. Išvados: 1. Tyrimo dalyviai daugiausia vartojo baltymų ir angliavandenių mišinius, o mažiausiai tarp tiriamųjų buvo vartojami HMB maisto papildai. Tinklininkai labiausiai buvo linkę vartoti baltymų ir angliavandenių mišinius, rankininkai L-karnitiną, amino rūgštis bei baltymų ir angliavandenių mišinius. Rankininkų ir tinklininkų maisto papildų vartojamų preparatų pasirinkimas gana skirtingas. 2. Tinklininkų grupėje, praėjus 6 mėn. nuo tyrimo pradžios, geresniems staigiosios jėgos rezultatams, taikant šuolio į tolį pratimą, reikšmės turėjo amino rūgščių maisto papildų vartojimas, o rankininkų grupėje – kreatino maisto papildų vartojimas. Taikant šuolio aukštyn atsispiriant pratimą, geresniems tinklininkų rezultatams, praėjus 6 mėn. nuo tyrimo pradžios, reikšmės turėjo kreatino, o... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Object of this study: Prevalence of food supplements usage for volleyball and handball players’ and their physical fitness. Problem of this study: Prevalence of food supplements usage and their physical fitness (particularly for volleyball and handball players) is a low-examined theoretically and empirically. Aim: Identify the prevalence of food supplements usage for volleyball and handball players‘ and their physical fitness. Tasks: 1) Identify and compare the food supplements usage features for volleyball and handball players. 2) Identify and compare the influence of food supplements for volleyball and handball players’ physical fitness. Hypothesis: The influence of food supplements for athletes’ organism is related with better physical fitness. Findings: 1. Participants of this study mainly used protein and carbohydrates’ mixtures and the least among the subjects were used the HMB supplements. Volleyball players was the most likely to use mixtures’ of protein and carbohydrates, handball players – L-carnitine, amino acids, protein and carbohydrate mixtures. As can be seen, handball and volleyball players select quite different food supplements to use. 2. The emergency power, when the long jump exercise was used, after 6 months from the beginning of this study was better for those volleyball players‘ who used amino acids and for handball players’ – who used supplements of creatine. When the jump up exercise was used, better results (after 6 months from the... [to full text]