bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amino Acid and Sugar Catabolism in the Marine Bacterium Phaeobacter inhibens DSM 17395 from an Energetic Viewpoint
Authors: Wünsch Daniel , Trautwein Kathleen , Scheve Sabine , Hinrichs Christina , Feenders Christoph , Blasius Bernd , Schomburg Dietmar , Rabus Ralf
Published: October 2019

Heterotrophic members of the bacterioplankton serve the marine ecosystem by transforming organic matter, an activity that is governed by the bacterial growth efficiencies (BGEs) obtained under given environmental conditions. In marine ecology, the concept of BGE refers to the carbon assimilation efficiency within natural communities. The marine bacterium studied here,
Phaeobacter inhibens
DSM 17395, is a copiotrophic representative of the globally abundant
Roseobacter
group, and the 15 catabolic pathways investigated are widespread among these marine heterotrophs. Combining pathway-specific catabolic ATP yields with in-depth quantitative physiological data could (i) provide a new baseline for the study of growth energetics and efficiency in further
Roseobacter
group members and other copiotrophic marine bacteria in productive coastal ecosystems and (ii) contribute to a better understanding of the factors controlling BGE (including the additional energetic burden arising from widespread secondary-metabolite formation) based on laboratory studies with pure cultures.
Early Growth Response 1 Deficiency Protects the Host against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Lung Infection
Authors: Pang Zheng , Raudonis Renee , McCormick Craig , Cheng Zhenyu
Published: October 2019

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is an opportunistic pathogen that is a common cause of nosocomial infections. The molecular mechanisms governing immune responses to
P. aeruginosa
infection remain incompletely defined. Early growth response 1 (Egr-1) is a zinc-finger transcription factor that controls inflammatory responses. Here, we characterized the role of Egr-1 in host defense against
P. aeruginosa
infection in a mouse model of acute bacterial pneumonia.
Structure and Metal Binding Properties of
Chlamydia trachomatis
YtgA
Authors: Luo Zhenyao , Neville Stephanie L. , Campbell Rebecca , Morey Jacqueline R. , Menon Shruti , Thomas Mark , Eijkelkamp Bart A. , Ween Miranda P. , Huston Wilhelmina M. , Kobe Bostjan , McDevitt Christopher A.
Published: October 2019

Chlamydia trachomatis
is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in developed countries, with an estimated global prevalence of 4.2% in the 15- to 49-year age group. Although infection is asymptomatic in more than 80% of infected women, about 10% of cases result in serious disease. Infection by
C. trachomatis
is dependent on the ability to acquire essential nutrients, such as the transition metal iron, from host cells. In this study, we show that iron is the most abundant transition metal in
C. trachomatis
and report the structural and biochemical properties of the iron-recruiting protein YtgA. Knowledge of the high-resolution structure of YtgA will provide a platform for future structure-based antimicrobial design approaches.
Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis with
Bartonella washoensis
in a Human European Patient and Its Detection in Red Squirrels (
Sciurus vulgaris
)
Authors: von Loewenich Friederike D. , Seckert Christof , Dauber Elke , Kik Marja J. L. , de Vries Ankje , Sprong Hein , Buschmann Katja , Aardema Matthew L. , Brandstetter Moritz
Published: October 2019

Members of the genus
Bartonella
are fastidious Gram-negative facultative intracellular bacteria that are typically transmitted by arthropod vectors. Several
Bartonella
spp. have been found to cause culture-negative endocarditis in humans. Here, we report the case of a 75-year-old German woman with prosthetic valve endocarditis due to
Bartonella washoensis
.
Revealing emplacement dynamics of a simple flood basalt eruption unit using systematic compositional heterogeneities
Authors: Vye-Brown* C. , Barry† T.L. , Self§ S.
Published: October 2019

Intralava geochemical variations resulting from subtle changes in magma composition are used here to provide insights into the spatial-temporal development of large basalt lava flow fields. Recognition that flood basalt lavas are emplaced by inflation processes, akin to modern pāhoehoe lava, provides a spatial and temporal frame-work, both vertically at single locations and laterally between locations, in which to examine lava flow emplacement and lava flow field development. Assuming the lava inflation model, we combined detailed field mapping with analysis of compositional profiles across a single flow field to determine the internal spatio-temporal development of the Palouse Falls flow field, a lava produced by an individual Columbia River flood basalt eruption.

Geochemical analyses of samples from constituent lobes of the Palouse Falls lava field demonstrate that systematic compositional whole-rock variations can be traced throughout the flow field from the area of the vent to the distal limits. Chemical heterogeneity within individual lava lobes (and outcrops) shows an increase from lava crusts to cores, e.g., MgO = 3.24–4.23 wt%, Fe2O3 = 14.71–16.05 wt%, Cr = 29–52 ppm, and TiO2 = 2.83–3.14 wt%. This is accompanied by a decrease in incompatible elements, e.g., Y = 46.1–43.4 ppm, Zr = 207–172 ppm, and V = 397–367 ppm. Systematic compositional variations from the source to distal areas are observed through constituent lobes of the Palouse Falls flow field. However, compositional heterogeneity in any one lobe appears less variable in the middle of the flow field as compared to more proximal and distal margins. Excursions from the general progressive trend from vent to distal limits are also observed and may reflect lateral spread of the flow field during emplacement, resulting in the juxtaposition of lobes of different composition.

Transport of magma through connected sheet lobe cores, acting as internal flow pathways to reach the flow front, is interpreted as the method of lava transport. Additionally, this can explain the general paucity of lava tubes within flood basalt provinces. In general, flow field development by a network of lava lobes may account for the occurrence of compositionally similar glasses noted at the proximal and distal ends of some flood basalt lavas.
Voluminous and compositionally diverse, middle Miocene Strawberry Volcanics of NE Oregon: Magmatism cogenetic with flood basalts of the Columbia River Basalt Group
Authors: Steiner Arron , Streck Martin J.
Published: October 2019

The mid-Miocene Strawberry volcanic field of northeastern Oregon is an example of intracontinental flood volcanism that produced lavas of both tholeiitic and calcalkaline compositions derived by open-system processes. Until now, these dominantly calc-alkaline lavas have not been considered to have a petrogenetic origin similar to that of the flood basalts of the Pacific Northwest because of their calc-alkaline composition. These lavas are situated in between and co-erupted with the dominant volcanic field of the Columbia River Basalt Group (CRBG). Due to the timing, location, and diversity of these erupted units, the Strawberry Volcanics may hold valuable information about the role of crustal modification during large magmatic events such as hotspot volcanism. The earliest eruptions of the Strawberry Volcanics began at 16.2 Ma and appear continuous to 15.3 Ma, characterized by low-silica rhyolite. High-silica, A-type rhyolite eruptions followed at 15.3 Ma. The silicic eruptions continued until 14.6 Ma, with an estimated total volume up to ~100 km3. The first eruptions of the intermediate lava flows occurred at 15.6 Ma and continued with both tholeiitic and calc-alkaline, and transitional, lavas until 12.5 Ma. Volume estimates of the intermediate lavas are ~1100 km3. The mafic lavas are sparse (~2% of total volume) and are distributed throughout the upper sequences, and they appear to be near last to arrive at the surface. Herein, we show that the Strawberry Volcanics are not only related in time and space to the Columbia River Basalt, but they also share some chemical traits, specifically to the Steens Basalt. Evidence of this similarity includes: overlapping normalized incompatible trace-element patterns, selected trace-element ratios, and radiogenic isotopes. Furthermore, we compared the Strawberry rhyolites to the other mid-Miocene rhyolites of eastern Oregon associated with the inception of the Yellowstone–Snake River Plain hotspot and found overlapping eruption ages, trace and rare earth element compositions, and “A-type” rhyolite characteristics. This research concludes that the Strawberry Volcanics were part of the regional basalt to rhyolite magmatism of the Yellowstone–Snake River Plain hotspot.
Products, processes, and implications of Keanakāko‘i volcanism, Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i
Authors: Swanson Donald A. , Houghton Bruce F.
Published: October 2019

The Keanakāko‘i Tephra offers an exceptional window into the explosive portion of Kīlauea’s recent past. Once thought to be the products of a single eruption, the deposits instead formed through a wide range of pyroclastic activity during an ~300 yr period following the collapse of the modern caldera in ca. 1500 CE. No single shallow conduit or vent system prevailed during this period, and most of the deposits are confined to distinct sectors around the caldera. Vent position shifted abruptly and repeatedly throughout this time period. This combination of circumstances, influenced by prevailing wind direction, led to rapid lateral changes in the stratigraphy. We define and describe 12 units, several of which are subdivided into subunits or beds, and place them in a framework that reflects volcanologic processes as well as temporal succession.

Eruption style and intensity are exceptionally diverse for a basaltic shield volcano. Bulk tephra volumes range from 106 to 107 m3, and the volcanic explosivity index (VEI) ranges from 1 to 3. The most intense activity included high Hawaiian fountaining eruptions, probably associated with caldera-confined lava flows, and subplinian and phreatoplinian explosions. There was also a wide range of less intense phreatomagmatic activity characterized by different magma/water ratios, with products ranging from ballistic block falls, to cross-bedded pyroclastic density current deposits, to fine-grained ash falls commonly bearing accretionary lapilli.

Resumption of a Keanakāko‘i style and pattern of volcanism, which seems possible given events unfolding in May–July 2018, has serious implication in terms of future volcanic risk. The hazards associated with every style of explosive activity at Kīlauea summit are quite distinct from the dominantly effusive style of the past 200 yr and should be factored into any future evaluation of risk.
Gravity signature of basaltic fill in Kīlauea caldera, Island of Hawai‛i
Authors: Gailler Lydie , Kauahikaua Jim
Published: October 2019

Characterization of the subsurface structure of a volcanic edifice is essential to understanding volcanic behavior. One of the best-studied volcanoes is Kīlauea (Island of Hawai‘i). Geological evidence suggests that the formation of the summit caldera of Kīlauea is cyclic, with repeated collapse followed by filling with lava. The most recent collapse occurred ca. 1500 CE, producing a basin that is several hundred meters deeper than the current caldera. In this study, we used two- and three-dimensional gravity modeling of spatially dense gravity data covering the summit area to suggest that, since its formation in 1500 CE, the caldera has been progressively filled by lava flows that are slightly denser than those found in the rim and outboard of the caldera. The geometry of this fill, inferred from gravity data, enables us to reconstruct the morphology of the 1500 CE caldera before its subsequent filling. The coincidence of fumarolic zones and thermal anomalies observed at the surface with the interpreted 1500 CE caldera rim suggests that hydrothermal fluid circulation is guided by the more permeable inner faults bounding the main caldera.
Explosive eruptions at the summit of Mauna Loa: Lithology, modeling, and dating
Authors: Trusdell Frank A. , Hungerford Jefferson D.G. , Stone John O. , Fifield Keith , McCann Kaitlin , Wershow Harold , Zaarur Shikma , Boyd Melissa Dimeo
Published: October 2019

Near Moku‘āweoweo, Mauna Loa’s summit caldera, there are three fans of explosive deposits. The fans, located to the west, northwest, and east, are strongly arcuate in map view. Along ‘Āinapō Trail, 2.8–3.5 km southeast of the caldera, there are several small kīpuka that expose a fourth explosive deposit. Although these explosive deposits have been known for some time, no study bearing on the nature of the explosive activity that formed them has been done. By analyzing cosmogenic exposure age data and the physical properties of the debris fans—lithology, size distributions, and clast dispersal—we conclude that the lithic deposits are the result of five separate phreatic events. The lithic ejecta consist of fragments of ponded lavas, pāhoehoe, gabbroic xenoliths, and “bread-crust” fragments. The exposure ages indicate that the explosive deposit on the west caldera rim was erupted 868 ± 57 yr B.P.; for the northwest fan, the age determination is 829 ± 51 yr B.P.; and on the east rim, ejecta deposits are younger, with ages of 150 ± 20 and 220 ± 20 yr B.P. Lavas underlying these deposits have exposure ages of 960–1020 yr B.P., consistent with the stratigraphy. Near ‘Āinapō Trail, the explosive deposit is much older, overlain by flows dated with a pooled mean age of 1507 ± 19 yr B.P. From the cosmogenic dating, we have three reliable and unambiguous dates. At a much earlier time, a fourth explosive eruption created the ‘Āinapō Trail deposit. We conclude there were at least five explosive episodes around the summit caldera. These deposits, along with recent work done on Kīlauea’s explosive activity, further discredit the notion that Hawaiian volcanoes are strictly effusive in nature. The evidence from the summit of Mauna Loa indicates that it, too, has erupted explosively in recent history.
The interplay among clast size, vesicularity, postfragmentation expansion, and clast breakage: An example from the 1.8 ka Taupo eruption
Authors: Mitchell S.J. , Biass S. , Houghton* B.F. , Anderson A. , Bonny E. , Walker B.H. , Mintz B.G. , Turner N.R. , Frank D. , Carey R.J. , Rosenberg M.D.
Published: October 2019

Field studies of tephra-fall deposits traditionally use the density of juvenile pyroclasts to determine vesicularity of the host magma at the point of fragmentation. A range of pyroclast sizes between 16 and 32 mm has commonly been chosen for this purpose. Larger pyroclasts outside this range may undergo postfragmentation vesiculation due to slow cooling of the interior of the clasts, while smaller pyroclasts may be too small to represent accurately the distribution of the largest vesicles. The assumption of this method, of course, is that the 16–32 mm size range is representative of the fragmented magma. We explore, in detail, variations in density over a size range of 4–128 mm from Unit 2 pyroclasts of the 1.8 ka Taupo eruption and make inferences about the roles of postfragmentation vesiculation and secondary breakage of pyroclasts. We find (1) there is a clear threshold for onset of postfragmentation vesiculation at >32 mm, and (2) there are broken small pieces of the largest pyroclasts in the sample that artificially skew the density distribution for smaller size fractions. We constrain uncertainty associated with vesicularity measurements and offer best-practice recommendations in the hope of improving consistency of field sampling and laboratory processing of pyroclast populations for vesicularity studies.
A review of the Earth history record in the Cretaceous, Paleogene, and Neogene pelagic carbonates of the Umbria-Marche Apennines (Italy): Twenty-five years of the Geological Observatory of Coldigioco
Authors: Alvarez Walter
Published: October 2019

The Cretaceous and Paleogene pelagic limestone and marl formations of the Umbria-Marche Apennines of north-central Italy have proven to be exceptional recorders of the history of Earth and of life on Earth, and they have been the subject of numerous geological and paleontological studies over the last several decades. Founded a quarter century ago, in 1992, the Geological Observatory of Coldigioco is a research and teaching center focused on these exceptional rocks. This chapter is a historical introduction that briefly reviews the highlights of the lithologic, biostratigraphic, sedimentologic, magnetostratigraphic, impact-stratigraphic, geochemical, geochronological, time-scale, and cyclostratigraphical research done on the Umbria-Marche stratigraphic sequence, much of it facilitated by the Geological Observatory of Coldigioco. This review covers work up to the Coldigioco 25th anniversary Penrose conference in September 2017; it does not treat work presented at that conference or done since then. A remarkable irony is that a century ago, the Umbria-Marche Cretaceous–Paleogene sequence was so difficult to date that early work contained an error of ~35 m.y., but now there is a reasonable hope that this entire section may eventually be dated to an accuracy and precision of ~10,000 yr. This review begins with an homage to the little medieval city of Gubbio, its wild Festa dei Ceri, and its Bottaccione Gorge, where much of the research described here has been done. The review ends with three points of perspective. The first is the notion that sometimes geology can be done by looking up at the sky, and astronomy can be done by looking down at Earth, with much of the Coldigioco-based research being of this latter kind. The second is the observation that geology and paleontology are contributing far more new information to Big History—to our integrated knowledge of the past—than any other historical field in the humanities or sciences. The third is that three of the major scientific revolutions of geology in the twentieth century have direct connections to the Umbria-Marche stratigraphic sequence—the turbidite revolution, the development of plate tectonics, and the downfall of strict uniformitarianism.
Cyclostratigraphic investigations in the Calcare Massiccio (Early Jurassic, Umbria-Marche Basin) through photogrammetry
Authors: Penasa Luca , Franceschi* Marco , Gattolin Giovanni , Preto Nereo , Deseilligny Marc-Pierrot , Montanari Alessandro
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we present a case study to demonstrate the potential of photogrammetry in cyclostratigraphic applications. To this end, we considered an ~300-m-thick section exposing the Lower Jurassic Calcare Massiccio Formation in the Marche Apennines of central Italy. The Calcare Massiccio comprises a thick succession of peritidal shallow-water carbonates displaying a prominent sedimentary cyclicity, where supratidal and subtidal facies alternate. The section investigated in this study is exposed on the wall of an active quarry and is almost completely inaccessible because it is vertical and because of safety and liability regulations. This setting prevents the application of standard sampling and facies analysis techniques on the whole series. An accurate three-dimensional model of the quarry wall was therefore produced by processing ~360 digital images through photogrammetry and generating a high-resolution (centimeter-scale) point cloud of the outcrop with red-green-blue (RGB) values associated with each point. An ~150-m-long log representing color variations on a continuous portion of the exposed succession was then extracted from the point cloud by converting the original RGB values to grayscale values. The main facies were directly investigated in an ~10-m-long accessible section that was logged and sampled, and it was established that supratidal facies with planar stromatolites and teepee structures are darker in color, while subtidal facies, made of bioturbated mudstones to floatstones with gastropods and oncoids, display lighter color. This provided ground-truth data with which to interpret the grayscale variations in terms of facies alternations. Time-series analysis was then carried out on the grayscale series, and this revealed prominent cyclicities. Because the biochronostratigraphic framework of the Calcare Massiccio is poor, the potential orbital origin of these frequencies was tested with the average spectral misfit technique. Preliminary results suggest that the observed spectral features are compatible with Milankovitch periods and that astronomical forcing might have been a major driver in the deposition of the Calcare Massiccio Formation. Furthermore, they testify to the great potential of photogrammetry in cyclostratigraphic applications, especially when large-scale, inaccessible outcrops have to be investigated.
Multiproxy Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary event stratigraphy: An Umbria-Marche basinwide perspective
Authors: Sinnesael Matthias , Montanari Alessandro , Frontalini Fabrizio , Coccioni Rodolfo , Gattacceca Jérôme , Snoeck Christophe , Wegner Wencke , Koeberl Christian , Morgan Leah E. , Winter Niels J. de , DePaolo Donald J. , Claeys Philippe
Published: October 2019

The complete and well-studied pelagic carbonate successions from the Umbria-Marche basin (Italy) permit the study of the event-rich stratigraphic interval around the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary (e.g., Deccan volcanism, boundary impact, Paleocene recovery, and climate). To test the robustness of various proxy records (bulk carbonate δ13C, δ18O, 87Sr/86Sr, and Ca, Fe, Sr, and Mn concentrations) inside the Umbria-Marche basin, several stratigraphically equivalent sections were investigated (Bottaccione Gorge, Contessa Highway, Fornaci East quarry, Frontale, Morello, and Petriccio core). Besides the classical Gubbio sections of Bottaccione and Contessa, the new Morello section is put forward as an alternative location for this stratigraphic interval because it is less altered by burial diagenesis. Elemental profiles (Ca, Fe, Sr, Mn) acquired by handheld X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) efficiently provide regional chemostratigraphic and paleoenvironmental information. The Deccan volcanism, the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary, the characteristic pattern of the Sr/Ca profile across the boundary driven by the extinction and recovery of coccolithophores, and the Dan-C2 hyperthermal event are examples of such recorded paleoenvironmental events. Moreover, cyclostratigraphic analyses of proxies of detrital input (magnetic susceptibility and Fe concentrations) show the imprint in the sedimentary record of a 2.4 m.y. eccentricity minimum around 66.45–66.25 Ma, and suggest that the occurrence of the Dan-C2 hyperthermal event was astronomically paced.
Expansion breccias in Lower Cretaceous Apennine pelagic limestones: I. Geological observations
Authors: Alvarez* Walter , Belza Joke , Chan Lung S. , Claeys Philippe , Geiser Peter , Menichetti Marco , Shimabukuro David H. , Tavarnelli Enrico
Published: October 2019

Breccias affecting the pelagic Lower Cretaceous Maiolica limestone of the Umbria-Marche Apennines of central Italy contain 10-cm-diameter to submillimeter angular clasts of white pelagic limestone and black chert, separated by a filling of sparry calcite. The clasts can often be seen to have originally fitted together, indicating extension without shear, and this is the case in all three dimensions, arguing for roughly isotropic volumetric expansion. Breccia fragments are separated by sparry calcite bodies comparable in width to the fragments; this shows that the breccias were not formed by collapse, or by a single large explosion, after either of which the fragments would surely have fallen to the bottom of the cavity, but probably by multiple small expansion events, each followed by calcite deposition in the small voids that opened up. The breccia sometimes occurs in dramatic topographic walls, a few tens of meters in both width and height, although there is not a one-to-one correspondence between breccia and walls. The sparry-calcite fill indicates that water with dissolved CO2 was involved in formation of the breccias, presumably providing the high fluid pressure that forced the fragments apart. The breccia is bounded stratigraphically above by the middle Cretaceous Marne a Fucoidi (Fucoid marls), which appears to represent an aquiclude that limited the volume of high fluid pressure (PF). Although the mechanism of formation of the expansion breccias is not yet clear, we list observations that need to be accounted for by such a mechanism and discuss how these observations might be explained.
Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary tsunamite on the Adriatic carbonate platform and possible source of a hypothetical Atlantic-to-western-Tethys megatsunami
Authors: Korbar* Tvrtko
Published: October 2019

An unusual deposit at the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary within the Adriatic carbonate platform shallow-water succession is interpreted as a major tsunamite, and a possible mechanism that links it to the Chicxulub asteroid impact on Yucatan (Mexico) is speculated. Although the K-Pg boundary hiatus is a common feature within the shallow-marine successions of the Adriatic carbonate platform, three exceptional sections were discovered that are characterized by continuous sedimentation and the event beds at the K-Pg boundary. Two sections include ~5-m-thick coarse-grained complex event beds intercalated within more than 100-m-thick successions of predominantly micritic carbonates deposited in the protected low-energy inner-platform setting, relatively proximal to the platform-margin embayments. The third section is characterized by an ~10-cm-thick event bed showing distinct soft-sediment bioturbation, and it is interpreted as a more distal section. It has been reported previously that the Chicxulub impact cratering generated an almost global tsunami, while the seismic waves caused collapses of the North American southeastern margins. It is hypothesized that the collapses could have generated a megatsunami in the Atlantic Ocean that could pass through a deep seaway between the Atlantic and western Tethys Oceans and finally terminate on the Adriatic carbonate platform, located ~10,000 km from the impact site. Considering the fact that there are potential sedimentological indications for such a huge sedimentary event in NW Africa (Morocco), focused research is needed in the region, along with landslide tsunami modeling, for a relevant evaluation of the hypothesis.
Reconnaissance reassessment of the late Eocene Oceanic unit, Barbados: Microtektite geochemistry, zircon U-Pb geochronology, micropaleontology, and provenance
Authors: Weber* John , Wilson† Brent , Koeberl Christian , O’Sullivan Paul , Donelick Ray , Posner§ Esther S.
Published: October 2019

We measured stratigraphic sections and collected samples from Oceanic suite outcrops at Gay’s Cove and Bath Cliffs, Barbados, in order to restudy the late Eocene microtektite layer(s) and provide new geological context. We disaggregated and processed samples into separates of microfossils, microtektites, and heavy minerals, and we present up-to-date glass geochemistry, biostratigraphic analysis, and detrital zircon U-Pb analysis. Results from the new Barbadian microtektite glass chemistry analysis (Gay’s Cove) compare well with those from other published microtektite analyses, as well as those from the correlative North American strewn field. Micropaleontology confirms a late Eocene age for the Oceanic microtektite horizon at Gay’s Cove. Using U-Pb, we dated 24 Tertiary zircon grains, probably from volcanic ash-fall events, which at Gay’s Cove yielded a preliminary, poorly defined, and incorrect depositional age for the microtektite layer (≤31.84 ± 0.85 Ma; weighted mean of only three grains). Three additional new U-Pb depositional ages (≤38.52 ± 1.0 Ma, ≤39.23 ± 0.3 Ma, ≤35.25 ± 0.82 Ma) were obtained from bottom to top in the 24 m section at Bath Cliffs. We also dated 46 Paleozoic–Proterozoic zircon grains using U-Pb and discuss whether these “old” grains represent recycled (subducted and extruded) volcanic grains or windblown silt/sand from Africa.
Late Pleistocene tectonic tilting of the Frasassi anticline from offset stalagmites in the Grotta Grande del Vento (Marche, Italy)
Authors: Bice David , Lacroce Michael , McGee David , Montanari Alessandro
Published: October 2019

The massive Jurassic limestone making up the core of the Frasassi-Valmontagnana blind thrust anticline hosts a large sulfidic cave complex, which, due to Pleistocene tectonic uplift, has been incised by the Sentino River, forming the deep Frasassi Gorge. The Frasassi cave complex is organized into seven horizontal levels, with the youngest and presently active one at river level, and the oldest (ca. 1.2 Ma) one some 200 m above the Sentino River. Therefore, the Frasassi cave complex records the river incision history of this still-active Apennine mountain belt. In addition to an uplift rate of ~0.55 mm/yr for the Holocene, previous radioisotopic dating and surveying of phreatic calcite deposits revealed an overall tilting of the Frasassi anticline of ~0.2° toward N60E for the past 9000 or so years. Our study adds to this history of tectonic tilting by focusing on a group of 30 tilted stalagmites found at the bottom of the Abisso Ancona of the Grotta Grande del Vento (the largest room in the Frasassi complex). These stalagmites have a fairly uniform plunge of ~81° trending toward N30W, and we interpret this to record a tilt of the cave toward S30E during the formation of the stalagmites. From U-Th dating of these paleotiltmeters, we deduce that the Frasassi anticline was tilted by ~0.3° from 32 to 7 k.y. B.P., and the tilt rate gradually increased during this period. The 60° (NE) direction of oblique-slip faults in this area and the local focal mechanisms of recent seismic activity suggest that the tilting is caused by movement along a listric oblique strike-slip zone south of the Frasassi anticline. Our findings also demonstrate that given the right conditions, stalagmites can be used as paleotiltmeters that provide insight into recent crustal deformation.
Provenance studies of amphorae from the Greek colony Pharos on the island of Hvar, Croatia
Authors: Miše*,† Maja , Serneels† V. , Matana† A. , Montanari† A. , Kirigin† B.
Published: October 2019

We present the results of a compositional characterization study of amphorae from the ancient Greek town of Pharos, today Stari Grad, on the island of Hvar, in central Dalmatia, Croatia. The aim of the study was to identify the provenance of amphorae unearthed in Pharos, to determine the locally produced amphorae, and to identify the provenance of imported amphorae with a scientific-based approach, using optical thin-section petrography and bulk geochemical analysis by wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence on 19 samples of different types of amphorae and reference materials. The results of the analyses allowed us to identify a group of imported amphorae from Corinth or Corfu and a group of imported amphorae from southern Italy, probably from Calabria. We were also able to identify a third group of imported amphorae from an as-yet-unknown provenance/workshop. Finally, according to the geochemical composition and close match with the reference material, namely, kitchenware, only two amphorae from the examined collection could be identified as local products. The results of the compositional characterization of amphorae from Pharos show us that an ancient Greek town had trade contacts beyond the Adriatic-Ionian region, and they provide opportunities for further studies of ancient amphorae production and circulation in this part of the Mediterranean.
Educational attainment in childhood cancer survivors: a meta-analysis
Authors: Saatci Defne , Thomas Andrew , Botting Beverley , Sutcliffe Alastair G
Published: October 2019

Objective

To assess differences across educational outcomes in survivors of childhood cancer (CCS) compared with peers.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

Data sources and study selection

Medline, EMBASE, ERIC, CINAHL and PsycInfo from inception to 1st August 2018. Any peer reviewed, comparative study with a population of any survivor of childhood cancer, from high-economy countries, reporting outcomes on educational attainment, were selected.

Results

26 studies representing 28 434 CCS, 17 814 matched controls, 6582 siblings and six population studies from 11 high-income countries, which have similar access to education and years of mandatory schooling as reported by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, were included. CCS were more likely to remain at compulsory level (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.26 to 1.43) and less likely to complete secondary (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.0) and tertiary level education (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.98). They were more likely to require special educational needs (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.91 to 3.20). Subgroup analyses revealed that survivors, irrespective of central nervous system (CNS) involvement, were less likely to progress onto secondary level compared with cancer-free peers (OR 1.77. 95% CI 1.46 to 2.15; OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.42, respectively). This, however, changed at tertiary level where those with CNS involvement continued to perform worse (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.68) but those without appeared to perform similarly to their peers (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.25).

Conclusions

Compared with controls, we have elucidated significant differences in educational attainment in survivors. This is sustained across different countries, making it an international issue. CNS involvement plays a key role in educational achievement. Clinicians, teachers and policymakers should be made aware of differences and consider advocating for early educational support for survivors.
A case of sporadic erythromelalgia presenting with small fibre neuropathy
Authors: Patel Pavan , Zhang Yan , Unikel Lynne H , Edwards Christopher
Published: October 2019

Erythromelalgia (EM) is a rare disorder of small nerve fibres that leads to painful flushing and burning paresthesisas of the distal extremities and is typically associated with heat or physical activity; relief is found using cooling measures. Its effects are often debilitating in the general population, but this patient had an excellent response to specific treatment options and continues to maintain employment, something many individuals suffering from EM are unable to do. His presentation was also unique in that he had isolated, proximal involvement as his condition progressed whereas typically only the distal extremities are affected. Routine electromyography and nerve conduction studies were normal, whereas nerve biopsy demonstrated findings of small fibre neuropathy. Ultimately, his condition was managed with carbamazepine and his symptoms have almost entirely resolved to date.
An unusual presentation of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma following blunt abdominal trauma
Authors: Nashed Karim , Lai Keith , Stevens Tyler , Morris-Stiff Gareth
Published: October 2019

A 79-year-old woman presented to the emergency department following a motor vehicle collision. As part of her workup she underwent a CT scan which identified a large mass containing calcifications centred around the gastric antrum, and while being assessed she produced 500 mL of haematemesis. An endoscopy revealed an area of friable mucosa the nature of which was uncertain, and multiple biopsies revealed amyloid deposition and activeHelicobacter pylorigastritis. Following review of imaging and pathology, a diagnosis of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma was established. She was treated with quadruple therapy for theH. pyloriand at 6-month follow-up she is asymptomatic with repeat endoscopy revealing healing of the ulceration and no biopsy evidence ofH. pylorior MALT.
Nationwide trends in the epidemiology of diabetic foot complications and lower-extremity amputation over an 8-year period
Authors: Lin Cheng-Wei , Armstrong David G , Lin Chia-Hung , Liu Pi-Hua , Hung Shih-Yuan , Lee Shu-Ru , Huang Chung-Huei , Huang Yu-Yao
Published: October 2019

Objective

To study the prevalence and trends of lower extremity complications of diabetes over an 8-year period in a single nation.

Research design and methods

Nationwide data for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and diabetic foot complications (DFCs) were analyzed over an 8-year period (2007–2014) from National Health Insurance Research Database using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision disease coding. The DFCs were defined as ulcers, infections, gangrene, and hospitalization for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Trends of patient characteristics, foot presentation, and the execution of major procedures were studied, including lower-extremity amputations (LEAs).

Results

Along with the T2D population increasing over time, the absolute number of people with DFCs increased by 33.4%, but retained a prevalence of around 2% per year. The annual incident of LEAs decreased from 2.85 to 2.06 per 1000 T2D population (p=0.001) with the major LEA proportion decreasing from 56.2% to 47.4% (p<0.001).

The mean age of patients increased from 65.3 to 66.3 years and most of the associated comorbidities of diabetes were increased. For example, end-stage renal disease increased from 4.9% to 7.7% (p=0.008). The incidence of gangrene on presentation decreased from 14.7% to 11.3% (p<0.001) with a concomitant increase in vascular interventions (6.2% to 19.5%, p<0.001).

Conclusions

DFCs remain a sustained major medical problem. These nationwide long-term data suggest trends toward older people with greater comorbidities such as PAD and renal disease. Nevertheless, promising trends of reducing gangrene on presentation paired with increases in vascular interventions support continued vigilance and rapid, coordinated interdisciplinary diabetic foot care.
Validity of sample sizes in publications of randomised controlled trials on the treatment of age-related macular degeneration: cross-sectional evaluation
Authors: Tulka Sabrina , Geis Berit , Baulig Christine , Knippschild Stephanie , Krummenauer Frank
Published: October 2019

Objective

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the completeness and accuracy of the reporting of sample size calculations in randomised controlled trial (RCT) publications on the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods

A sample of 97 RCTs published between 2004 and 2014 was reviewed for the calculation of their sample size. It was examined whether a (complete) description of the sample size calculation was presented. Furthermore, the sample size was recalculated, whenever possible based on the published details, in order to verify the reported number of patients.

Primary outcome measure

The primary endpoint of this cross-sectional investigation was a described sample size calculation that was reproducible, complete and correct (maximum tolerated deviation between reported and replicated sample size ±2 participants per trial arm).

Results

A total of 50 publications (52%) did not provide any information on the justification of the number of patients included. Only 17 publications (18%) provided all the necessary parameters for recalculation; 8 of 97 (8%, 95%-CI: 4% to 16%) publications achieved the primary endpoint. The median relative deviation between reported and recalculated sample sizes was 1%, with a range from −43% to +66%.

Conclusion

Although a transparent sample size legitimation is a crucial determinant of an RCT’s methodological validity, more than half of the RCT publications considered failed to report them. Furthermore, reported sample size legitimations were often incomplete or incorrect. In summary, clinical authors should pay more attention to the transparent reporting of sample size calculation, and clinical journal reviewers may opt to reproduce reported sample size calculations.

Synopsis

More than half of the analysed RCT publications on the treatment of AMD did not report a transparent sample size calculation. Only 8% reported a complete and correct sample size calculation.
Impact of surgical maxillomandibular advancement upon pharyngeal airway volume and the apnoea–hypopnoea index in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Giralt-Hernando Maria , Valls-Ontañón Adaia , Guijarro-Martínez Raquel , Masià-Gridilla Jorge , Hernández-Alfaro Federico
Published: October 2019

Background

A systematic review was carried out on the effect of surgical maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) on pharyngeal airway (PA) dimensions and the apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), with the aim of determining whether increased PA in the context of MMA is the main factor conditioning the subsequent decrease in AHI.

Methods

A search was made of the PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar and Cochrane databases. A total of 496 studies were identified. The inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of moderate to severe OSA, MMA success evaluated by polysomnography, reporting of the magnitude of MMA achieved, PA increase and a minimum follow-up of 6 months.

Results

Following application of the eligibility criteria, eight articles were included. Metaregression analysis showed MMA to significantly increase both pharyngeal airway volume (PAV) (mean 7.35 cm3(range 5.35–9.34)) and pharyngeal airway space (mean 4.75 mm (range 3.15–6.35)) and ensure a final AHI score below the threshold of 20 (mean 12.9 events/hour).

Conclusions

Although subgroup analysis showed MMA to be effective in treating OSA, more randomised trials are needed to individualise the required magnitude and direction of surgical movements in each patient, and to standardise the measurements of linear and nonlinear PAV parameters.
Pregnancies associated with etonogestrel implants in the UK: comparison of two 5-year reporting periods
Authors: Rowlands Sam , Cornforth Emma , Harrison-Woolrych Mira
Published: October 2019

Objectives

(1) To identify pregnancies associated with the use of the contraceptive implants Implanon and Nexplanon in the UK during two 5-year reporting periods. (2) To classify the possible reasons for device failure in cases reported for each implant. (3) To examine any differences between reasons for pregnancies associated with these products.

Study design

Extraction of data from the UK spontaneous reporting system for adverse drug reactions in relation to etonogestrel implants. Reports indicating pregnancy were identified for the periods 2005–2009 (Implanon) and 2012–2016 (Nexplanon). Possible reasons for failure of the method in each reported case were assigned to one of eight predetermined categories.

Results

After exclusions, 229 Implanon and 234 Nexplanon cases contained sufficient information for analysis. True method failures accounted for a majority of the pregnancies in those using contraceptive implants (58%); the next most common cause was missing implants (26% of pregnancies). In all categories of cases, there was no difference in frequency of pregnancy when the two time periods were compared.

Conclusions

There is still potential for greater avoidance of pregnancies associated with etonogestrel implant use.

Implications

This study underscores the continuing need for taking a full drug history, timing the insertion on days 1–5 or according to recommended quick starting routines and palpating the arm after implant insertion.
Social determinants of self-reported pre-exposure prophylaxis use among a national sample of US men who have sex with men
Authors: Chu Brian A , Castellanos Erick R , Gonzales Manuel M , Gaither Thomas W
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Various disparities exist in HIV transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM). Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been shown to decrease the acquisition of HIV, but there is variation in uptake within the MSM population. We aim to characterise PrEP use and correlates of self-reported PrEP use in a large national sample of urban MSM in the USA.

Methods

Using data from a geosocial-networking application, a national sample (n=3744) from the largest 50 metropolitan centres in the USA was obtained.

Results

We found 18.1% (95% CI 16.8 to 19.3) of profiles reported using PrEP, with decreased reported PrEP use in younger MSM aged 18–24 years (adjusted OR (aOR)=0.5, 95% CI 0.3 to 0.7), obese MSM (aOR=0.5, 95% CI 0.3 to 0.9), black MSM (aOR=0.6, 95% CI 0.4 to 0.9) and MSM in the South (aOR=0.7, 95% CI 0.5 to 0.9).

Conclusion

Significant disparities exist in PrEP reporting by age and among black, Southern US and obese MSM. More research is needed to better understand these disparities.
Experimentally derived incorporation rates and diet-to-tissue discrimination values for carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in gray wolves (Canis lupus) fed a marine diet
Authors: Stanek A.E. , Wolf N. , Welker J.M. , Jensen S.
Published: October 2019

Recent studies have noted the differential effects of marine versus terrestrial diets on the carbon and nitrogen stable isotope (13C and 15N, respectively) diet-to-tissue discrimination values and incorporation rates for omnivorous and carnivorous mammals. Inaccurate estimates of these parameters may result in misrepresentation of diet composition or in the timing of diet shifts. Here, we present the results of a diet-switch experiment designed to estimate diet-to-tissue discrimination values and incorporation rates for tissues of gray wolves (Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758) fed a diet of Pacific salmon (genus Oncorhynchus Suckley, 1861). Our results demonstrate substantial differences in both parameters between wolves maintained on a marine (salmon) diet and wolves maintained on terrestrially sourced prey (beef, Bos taurus Linnaeus, 1758). Increased awareness of the significance of marine resources to omnivorous and carnivorous consumers, like wolves, highlights the importance of phenomenological and mechanistic understandings of the effects of fish and other marine prey on dietary investigations based on stable isotopes.
Developments towards the delivery of selenium ion beams at ISOLDE
Authors: Chrysalidis K. , Ballof J. , Düllmann Ch. E. , Fedosseev V. N. , Granados C. , Marsh B. A. , Martinez Palenzuela Y. , Ramos J. P. , Rothe S. , Stora T. , Wendt K.
Published: October 2019

The production of selenium ion beams has been investigated at the CERN-ISOLDE facility via two different ionization methods. Whilst molecular selenium (SeCO) beams were produced at ISOLDE since the early 1990s, recent attempts at reliably reproducing these results have so far been unsuccessful. Here we report on tests of a step-wise resonance laser ionization scheme for atomic selenium using the ISOLDE Resonance Ionization Laser Ion Source (RILIS). For stable selenium an ionization efficiency of 1% was achieved. During the first on-line radioisotope production tests, a yield of $ \approx 2.4 \times 10^4$≈2.4×104 ions/μC was measured for 71Se+, using a ZrO2 target with an electron impact ion source. In parallel, an approach for extraction of molecular carbonyl selenide (SeCO) beams was tested. The same ion source and target material were used and a maximum yield of $ \approx 3.6\times 10^5$≈3.6×105 ions/μ C of 71SeCO+ was measured.
EXPORT AND INVENTORY: EVIDENCE FROM CHINESE FIRMS
Authors: ZHAO XIAOTAO , CHEN XIAOPING
Published: October 2019

This paper investigates the effect of export on firm inventory using Chinese firm data. We find that exporting increases firms’ inventory stocks. Also, exporting to more distant destinations is associated with less frequent and more concentrated export transactions.