Publikationer från Uppsala Universitet
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Three-pion Bose-Einstein correlations measured in proton-proton collisions
No full textA study on the Bose-Einstein correlations for triplets of same-sign pions is presented. The analysis is performed using proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of root s = 7TeV, recorded by the LHCb experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.0 fb(-1). For the first time, the results are interpreted in the core-halo model. The parameters of the model are determined in regions of charged-particle multiplicity. This measurement provides insight into the nature of hadronisation in terms of coherence, being consistent with the presence of coherent emission of pions.For complete list of authors see http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/JHEP08(2025)174</p
TENDL random files for Pu-239 and the Jezebel experiment with the Halfway Monte Carlo method
No full textThe aim of this thesis is to simulate how uncertainties propagate in the Jezebel experiment. Jezebel was an experiment performed by the Los Alamos National Laboratory in 1954-1955 and consisted of three main parts made of mostly 239Pu with the aim of determining the critical mass of this isotope. A lot of data was collected and is still used in research today; an example being the quest to determine the critical mass of 239Pu which has been revisited multiple times. One way the data can be used is for simulations of nuclear assemblies and Monte Carlo methods are one approach to simulate nuclear physics. The Halfway Monte Carlo method uses pre-calculated sensitivity matrices, unique for each reaction channel and geometry, in order to simulate neutron transport and propagate uncertainties in nuclear data. In this thesis we use sensitivity matrices constructed from Jezebel data in order to propagate uncertainties in cross section data to the uncertainty in the criticality of the assembly, ∆keff. Here, criticality being whether the reactions sustain themselves or not. Another purpose of this study is to generalize an existing code to work with any compatible dataset, i.e. random files and sensitivity matrices. The code now functions with a configuration file containing all of the relevant directories and settings. We have also been able to obtain values of ∆keff for four different configurations of Jezebel with four reaction channels for each configuration. However, comparing the results with results from Lady Godiva and other Jezebel results, the results of this thesis seem implausible and should be re-evaluated if used in further research. The issue appears to be the set of sensitivity matrices used, which yielded large full-width-at-half-maximum (FWHM) values in the ∆keff histograms compared to Lady Godiva and other Jezebel results
Holotype genome of the lesula provides insights into demography and evolution of a threatened primate lineage
No full textBackground: The development of genome sequencing techniques has revolutionized evolutionary biology, facilitating the study of adaptation and speciation at the genome level. Genomic data has also become a cornerstone in conservation management, allowing inferences of population demography and genetic diversity. Results: We sequence the genome of the holotype specimen of the elusive lesula (Cercopithecus lomamiensis), a recently described member of the guenons (tribe Cercopithecini), endemic to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Using published and novel genomic data, we explore the evolutionary and demographic history of C. lomamiensis and its sister species C. hamlyni. We estimate that the two species split ca. 3-4 million years ago, and find that they both show high genetic diversity despite being listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. We identify signatures of positive selection in genes involved in pelage coloration and immune functions, as well as skeletal morphology and locomotor behavior, potentially related to the terrestrial lifestyle of C. lomamiensis and C. hamlyni, which stand out among the otherwise arboreal Cercopithecus genus. We specifically explore whether introgression from more distantly related terrestrial guenons was involved in the evolution of terrestriality in the hamlyni group, but found low molecular convergence suggesting that putative terrestrial adaptations occurred largely independently. Conclusions: This study provides insights into the demography and evolutionary history in a poorly known, threatened primate lineage. Furthermore, our results suggest that genomic erosion is not an imminent threat to these species, and that conservation management should prioritize actions to prevent further population decline
Reconsidering the Depth and Size of the EU in View of Enlargement in a Time of War
No full textIn the final chapter, the authors discuss the forthcoming enlargement of the European Union (EU), focusing on both its depth and size. It is argued that while previous enlargements also had a geopolitical component, this time, enlargement plays out in the context of a large war in Eastern Europe and an international system marked by instability and great power rivalry. A major challenge for EU enlargement is Russia’s intent to influence developments not only in Ukraine and Moldova but also in the Western Balkans. Additionally, the strategic rivalry with China poses further complications. Further, it is argued that by opening negotiations with Ukraine, the EU will play an important role in a future peace settlement. The chapter reflects on lessons from previous enlargements, emphasising the need for the EU to consider issues such as weak economic performance, patchy enforcement of the rule of law, and the fragile democracy that characterise many candidate countries. The chapter concludes by exploring various models for the EU’s future, concentrating on its depth and size. The authors argue that the EU should embrace this enlargement as an opportunity, reform its institutions, and move away from the requirement of unanimity where it is obsolete
Combining use and provision practices in socio-ecological transitions : the case of car-sharing in swedish flexible parking standards in new residential buildings
No full textThis paper combines mobility biography with Social Practice Theory (SPT) to understand whether flexible parking standards (where developers can substitute parking spaces with mobility services) can increase car-sharing and lower car ownership through an investigation of eight blocks of flats in Sweden, using interviews, surveys and car-sharing data. We also study ‘provision practices’ of mobility services by combining SPT with Actor Network Theory (ANT). The use of car-sharing increased in all blocks of flats and car ownership decreased in three of the houses. We draw the conclusion that when some material circumstances intersect with key life events the materiality of flexible parking standards may ‘be the weight that tips the scale’, and make people sell their car. The spatio-temporal sequencing of bundled practices changes over the life-course and our results indicate that the policy reform may facilitate for a prolonged period without cars in the household. For car sharing to recruit practitioners, it is important that the mobility services remain and are adequately administered. Finally, the flexible parking standard policy needs to be well aligned with other policies for car-sharing to recruit practitioners from the private car practice
The Ancient Pergamos Project : Fieldwork report for 2024
No full textThe aim of this paper is to report on the fieldwork conducted at Pergamos in 2024, in order to make the data available and to provide preliminary observations and interpretations of the finds. In the absence of any previous archaeological work at the site, the main objective of this first fieldwork season was to construct a basic chronological framework of human presence and activity. To this end, a systematic surface survey was carried out, providing an overview of the material, along with excavations in the lower terrace of the hill of Koules/Alonaki, in connection to the better-preserved southern fortification walls. The architectural elements and the finds unearthed revealed important, previously unknown, aspects about ancient Pergamos, embracing a variety of activities and indicating connections with both the local/regional material culture but also with that of regions further away
The European BestAgeing Study on microRNA candidates reveals distinct signatures with diagnostic and prognostic potential in cardiovascular disease.
No full textBACKGROUND: Circulating miRNAs have emerged as promising biomarker candidates due to their stability and their role in regulating key pathological pathways in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Yet, large-scale, multicentre studies examining their diagnostic and prognostic potential are scarce. This study evaluates the potential of miRNA expression profiles to inform disease classification and risk stratification across major CVD phenotypes, including acute coronary syndrome (ACS), chronic coronary artery disease (CAD), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM), in a large, multicentre European cohort. METHODS: We assessed genome-wide miRNA expression profiles in a total of 1209 cardiovascular patients and 848 controls in a uniform, standardized fashion, which renders this study one of the largest prospective miRNA studies. To focus on only the most biologically plausible miRNAs for clinical translation, we mined all original studies of miRNA candidates in CVD and performed differential miRNA expression and enrichment analysis. We then trained disease-specific binary classification models to evaluate the diagnostic potential of miRNA signatures. Finally, we evaluated prognosis and disease severity based on distinct miRNA levels. RESULTS: Six hundred thirty four original abstracts were identified, detailing 166 ACS, 181 CAD, 56 DCM, and 182 ICM miRNAs. Without further optimization, the signatures of a priori miRNAs already yielded very good diagnostic performance with ROC AUC of 0.83-0.95. There was an improvement when considering additional miRNAs in a discovery setting. Interestingly, in ACS, CAD, and DCM, we observed a significantly worse prognosis in probands with higher miRNA-derived disease probabilities, indicating an association with prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: The European BestAgeing miRNA study reveals emerging associations of several miRNA signatures with cardiovascular disease discrimination and prognostication, providing a foundation for future external validation and potential clinical translation of this class of markers
Giving voice to people with dementia and their informal caregivers : Informing the development of complex interventions
No full textThis thesis informed the development of complex interventions to support people with dementia and depression, and their informal caregivers (caregivers), to live well. The thesis was embedded within two parallel research projects, INVOLVERA (Study I & II) and DeCiDE (Study III & IV), both situated within the MRC framework intervention development phase. Study I, a mixed-methods systematic review, aimed to examine the effectiveness of psychological interventions to improve mental health and psychological well-being in people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment; examine the effectiveness of these interventions to improve mental health and psychological well-being in caregivers; examine potential clinical and methodological moderators associated with effectiveness; explore factors associated with the acceptability of psychological interventions from the perspective of key interest-holders; and examine the completeness and quality of intervention reporting. A small effect size favoring the intervention was found for depressive symptoms for people with dementia or MCI, and no effect for caregivers. Factors associated with intervention acceptability according to the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability were identified. Intervention reporting completeness and quality was generally inadequate. Study II, a qualitative study, aimed to explore the needs and preferences of key interest-holders concerning the content and delivery model of a guided LI-BA intervention for people with dementia, and adapt the intervention to ensure cultural appropriateness, relevancy, and acceptability to people with dementia and their caregivers. Content analysis generated three categories: Content, Delivery procedures, and Illness trajectory. Findings informed adaptations to increase intervention inclusiveness and take into account dementia symptomatology. Study III, a qualitative study, aimed to explore the experiences of accessing and receiving formal and informal support among daughter caregivers of people living with dementia. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we generated two themes: Types of support – describing the caregiver support context, and Mismatched support – describing support as inadequate and complex to navigate. Study IV, a qualitative study, aimed to explore challenges experienced by daughter caregivers, reporting varying severity of depressive symptoms, of a parent with dementia. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we generated an overarching theme, Changing roles and expectations over time, and three themes: Puzzle of life – Balancing roles, Caregiver role – Expectations and role reversal, and Relationship with the parent – Reciprocity and loss. Findings described daughter caregivers’ challenges with balancing multiple roles with limited time and energy, role expectations, their relationship with their parent, and anticipatory grief. This thesis contributes to literature on developing interventions tailored to needs of people with dementia and daughter caregivers.
Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Buried Battery Interfaces : From Ex Situ to Operando
No full textThe continued development of lithium-ion batteries critically relies on understanding the reactions occurring at electrode-electrolyte interfaces. This thesis applies and advances Photoelectron Spectroscopy (PES) methodologies – ranging from ex situ to operando techniques – to investigate these reactions, in particular electrolyte decomposition, at buried interfaces underneath the surface. Before diving into electrochemistry, it is important to establish the probing depth for such surface-sensitive studies. Therefore, the thesis begins by experimentally determining the inelastic mean free path for polymers and solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) using the overlayer method. The measured values are compared with current predictive models, and key considerations for using this method are discussed. The investigation of electrolyte decomposition then proceeds with an ex situ study on the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), comparing how fluorinated and fluorine-free liquid electrolytes decompose on various anode materials. Here, a preferential decomposition mechanism is revealed: the fluorinated electrolyte tends to degrade on silicon, whereas the fluorine-free one degrades preferentially on graphite. To access early-stage decomposition under controlled conditions, an in situ lithium deposition that intends to mimic the first plating process is used. This approach enables direct observation of SPE decomposition when it is brought in contact with lithium, and allows us to identify differences in stability among various lithium salts. Using this as a stepping stone, I advance to operando measurements in an anode-free cell configuration with SPEs. By tracking spectral changes during cell operation, the dynamic evolution of SEI, i.e. the polymer and lithium salt decomposition pathways, is resolved. The influence of different applied electrochemical protocols on decomposition behavior, as well as the evolution of the copper working electrode, are also examined. Importantly, these operando experiments capture reactions that cannot be discovered by the in situ lithium deposition study alone. Finally, the feasibility of conducting these complex operando experiments in laboratory-scale instruments is assessed. The initial results, technical challenges, and potential for broader accessibility are outlined. By applying and advancing PES across various systems, my thesis contributes to a more well-defined picture of interfacial evolution, offering insights for the development of next-generation batteries
Measurement of the branching fraction ratio RK at large dilepton invariant mass
No full textA test of lepton universality between muons and electrons is performed using B+ -> K+ l(+)l(-) decays (where l = e, mu), in the dilepton invariant-mass-squared region above 14.3 GeV2/c(4). The data used for the measurement consists of beauty meson decays produced in proton-proton collisions, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9 fb(-1), collected by the LHCb experiment between 2011 and 2018. The ratio of branching fractions for B+ -> K+ mu(+)mu(-) and B+ -> K+ e(+)e(-) decays is measured to be R-K = 1.08(-0.09)(+0.11) (stat) (+0.04)(-0.04) (syst), which is consistent with the Standard Model prediction of unity. This constitutes the most precise test of lepton flavour universality using B+ -> K+ l(+)l(-) decays with dilepton invariant-mass-squared above the psi(2S) mass, whilst being the first of its kind at a hadron collider.For complete list of authors see http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/JHEP07(2025)198</p