bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Restricted morphospace occupancy of early Cambrian reef-building archaeocyaths
Authors: Cordie David R. , Dornbos Stephen Q. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe evolution of novel morphologies can signify expansion of a clade into new niches. This can be studied in the fossil record by investigating the morphospace occupancy of organisms, with small morphospaces signifying low morphological disparity and more diffuse morphospaces suggesting a broader range of morphologies adapted to different environments. Morphological disparity of many taxa (arthropods, crinoids, etc.) from the Cambrian to modern intervals have been studied in this manner. However, no study has investigated this in archaeocyaths, which, as reef builders, can have a disproportionate effect on early Cambrian biodiversity relative to their frequency. Here, we collect morphological data on archaeocyathan sponges, mostly from Laurentia. More than 600 museum specimens and 400 field samples were measured for traditional morphometric characters and discrete gross morphological characteristics. We find that archaeocyaths have an average cup/individual (body) diameter of 10.6 mm. This is significantly smaller than a selected group of modern demosponges and lithistid sponges that measure 94.1 mm and 66.8 mm in diameter, respectively, and each has a larger size variance. Archaeocyathan gross morphologies are also highly constrained to a few simple morphologies (three to six categories), while modern demosponges and lithistids are more diverse (nine categories each). These data indicate that Laurentian archaeocyaths were restricted in their morphological disparity, potentially due to limitations imposed by having a robust calcareous skeleton while still maintaining a large intervallum cavity space to facilitate passive entrainment. The fact that these Cambrian reef builders were restricted in their morphological complexity may have had a strong influence on the biodiversity of early Phanerozoic ecosystems. Furthermore, a clade limited to only a few specific morphologies is at an increased risk of extinction.
Endogenous biosynthesis of n-3 long-chain PUFA in Atlantic salmon
Authors: Mock Thomas S. , Francis David S. , Jago Matthew K. , Glencross Brett D. , Smullen Richard P. , Turchini Giovanni M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractA more efficient utilisation of marine-derived sources of dietary n-3 long-chain PUFA (n-3 LC PUFA) in cultured Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) could be achieved by nutritional strategies that maximise endogenous n-3 LC PUFA synthesis. The objective of the present study was to quantify the extent of n-3 LC PUFA biosynthesis and the resultant effect on fillet nutritional quality in large fish. Four diets were manufactured, providing altered levels of dietary n-3 substrate, namely, 18 : 3n-3, and end products, namely, 20 : 5n-3 and 22 : 6n-3. After 283 d of feeding, fish grew in excess of 3000 g and no differences in growth performance or biometrical parameters were recorded. An analysis of fatty acid composition and in vivo metabolism revealed that endogenous production of n-3 LC PUFA in fish fed a diet containing no added fish oil resulted in fillet levels of n-3 LC PUFA comparable with fish fed a diet with added fish oil. However, this result was not consistent among all treatments. Another major finding of this study was the presence of abundant dietary n-3 substrate, with the addition of dietary n-3 end product (i.e. fish oil) served to increase final fillet levels of n-3 LC PUFA. Specifically, preferential β-oxidation of dietary C18n-3 PUFA resulted in conservation of n-3 LC PUFA from catabolism. Ultimately, this study highlights the potential for endogenous synthesis of n-3 LC PUFA to, partially, support a substantial reduction in the amount of dietary fish oil in diets for Atlantic salmon reared in seawater.
From the border to the bedroom: changing conflict dynamics in Karamoja, Uganda
Authors: Stites Elizabeth , Howe Kimberly 
Published: March 2019

AbstractFor the latter decades of the last century, the Karamoja region of north-eastern Uganda was infamous as a place of violent cattle raids and road ambushes, populated by fierce warriors. Using primary data, this article examines the shifts from large-scale raiding to opportunistic theft as well as the profound transformation in the security environment over the past 10 years. We argue that the combination of a top-down sustained disarmament campaign and grassroots peace resolutions have created relative stability for the first time in decades. This stability has allowed for the expansion of markets, investments by national and international actors, and the rejuvenation of livelihoods for many residents. However, while large-scale violent cattle raids are largely a thing of the past, violence and insecurity have shifted to the domestic sphere in the form of small-scale but pervasive thefts and rampant domestic violence.
Chinese entrepreneurial migrants in Ghana: socioeconomic impacts and Ghanaian trader attitudes
Authors: Dankwah Kwaku Opoku , Valenta Marko 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis article explores attitudes of Ghanaian traders towards an increasing Chinese influx into Ghanaian trading spaces and the impacts of Chinese merchants on Ghanaian traders and trading spaces. Despite a late entrance of Chinese merchants into Ghanaian trading spaces relative to Lebanese, Indians and Nigerians, the abrupt change in size of the Chinese trading community along with its huge capital and cheap goods have had big impacts on local trading spaces. We maintain that relations between Ghanaian traders and Chinese counterparts may be roughly described as complementary, collaborative and competitive. While the Chinese impacts are seen as positive by some Ghanaian traders and landlords, they are negative for others. Yet, we argue that these relations are also nuanced and rooted in each Ghanaian trader's position amidst the Chinese presence. This article contributes to the literature on dynamics of South-to-South movements. It adds to growing studies on contemporary Chinese emigrations and accompanying impacts in host communities.
Kinetic Simulations of Electron Acceleration by Dispersive Scale Alfvén Waves in Jupiter's Magnetosphere
Authors: Damiano P. A. , Delamere P. A. , Stauffer B. , Ng C.‐S. , Johnson J. R. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractElectron acceleration by dispersive scale Alfvén waves at Jupiter is investigated using a Gyrofluid‐Kinetic‐Electron model. Specifically, the simulations consider the propagation of an Alfvén wave perturbation from the center of the Io plasma torus to high‐latitude regions that are consistent with recent Juno satellite observations (e.g., Allegrini et al., 2017, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017GL073180; Mauk, et al., 2017a, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature23648; Mauk, et al., 2017b, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016GL072286; Szalay et al., 2018, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JE005752). As in those observations, the energized electron spectra is broadband in nature and the majority of the energization is under the interaction of inertial Alfvén waves at high latitudes. The extent of the energization associated with these waves is proportional to both the magnitude of the wave perturbation and the ratio of the torus to high‐latitude density.
Imaging Subduction Beneath Mount St. Helens: Implications for Slab Dehydration and Magma Transport
Authors: Mann Michael Everett , Abers Geoffrey A. , Crosbie Kayla , Creager Kenneth , Ulberg Carl , Moran Seth , Rondenay Stéphane 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMount St. Helens (MSH) is anomalously 35–50 km trenchward of the main Cascade arc. To elucidate the source of this anomalous forearc volcanism, the teleseismic‐scattered wavefield is used to image beneath MSH with a dense broadband seismic array. Two‐dimensional migration shows the subducting Juan de Fuca crust to at least 80‐km depth, with its surface only 68 ± 2 km deep beneath MSH. Migration and three‐dimensional stacking reveal a clear upper‐plate Moho east of MSH that disappears west of it. This disappearance is a result of both hydration of the mantle wedge and a westward change in overlying crust. Migration images also show that the subducting plate continues without break along strike. Combined with low temperatures inferred for the mantle wedge, this geometry greatly limits possible source regions for mantle melts that contribute to MSH magmas and requires lateral migration over large distances.
Underground Measurement of Magnetic Field Pulses During the Early Stage of Rocket‐Triggered Lightning
Authors: Li Xiao , Lu Gaopeng , Fan Yanfeng , Jiang Rubin , Zhang Hongbo , Li Dongshuai , Liu Mingyuan , Wang Yongping , Ren Huan 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWe examined the underground magnetic field near the lightning channel with low‐frequency magnetic sensor based on SHAndong Triggering Lightning Experiment (SHATLE). Two sensors were deployed, one at 1‐m height above ground and another one at 2‐m depth underground at a distance of 78 m from the lightning channel, and the magnetic pulses during the initial stage of triggered lightning were recorded. The experimental results show that the microsecond‐scale magnetic pulses radiated by the upward lightning leader can be detected in the subsurface space and the magnetic signal is modified by the soil medium. Specifically, the amplitude at the depth of 2 m is attenuated typically more than 55%, and the attenuation decreases as the timescale of the magnetic pulse increases; meanwhile, the peak time of the underground magnetic pulse is delayed by about 0.6 μs, and the half‐peak width of the magnetic pulse is increased by 0.2–0.8 μs (namely, by 20% to 32%). The results of Fourier analysis indicate that the component with relatively high frequency is subject to more attenuation than is the component with relatively low frequency. In addition, the simulation of magnetic field with the channel‐base current by using the transmission line model is consistent with the measurement, indicating that the modification on the waveform characteristics of the lightning pulse measured underground could provide valuable information for retrieving the electromagnetic parameters of soil.
Statistical Study of Atmospheric Turbulence by Thorpe Analysis
Authors: Zhang Jian , Zhang Shao Dong , Huang Chun Ming , Huang Kai Ming , Gong Yun , Gan Quan , Zhang Ye Hui 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe variability in turbulence is a crucial topic in the lower atmosphere. This study aims to validate the credibility of Thorpe analysis in the statistical study of atmospheric turbulence by applying this method on high‐resolution radiosonde data that are a composite of seven sites at midlatitudes from January 2012 to December 2016. The spatiotemporal variability of turbulent energy dissipation rate is also addressed from 2.4 to 30 km, thereby exhibiting remarkable spatial inhomogeneities and well‐defined seasonal variations. If the ratio between Ozmidov and Thorpe lengths (i.e., c2) is a lognormal distribution, then energy dissipation rate can be simulated by the Monte Carlo method. The approximate proportionalities between the energy dissipation rates revealed by a constant c2 and a lognormally distributed c2 that is based on the results from Schneider et al. (2015) exist at middle, low, and high latitudes. At midlatitudes, energy dissipation rates by the simulated cases are quantitatively consistent with the radar results. These results suggest that, even for a highly variable c2, the Thorpe analysis can be statistically applied to the stably stratified free atmosphere, and the optimal value of c2 is 0.54 at all heights and latitudes. We also speculate that the statistical application of a Thorpe sort is acceptable when c2 simply follows a lognormal distribution.
The NASA Wallops Flight Facility Digital Ozonesonde Record: Reprocessing, Uncertainties, and Dual Launches
Authors: Witte Jacquelyn C. , Thompson Anne M. , Schmidlin F. J. , Northam E. Thomas , Wolff Katherine R. , Brothers George B. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe NASA Wallops Flight Facility (WFF; Wallops Is., VA, USA) is the longest continuously operating ozonesonde station in the continental United States (since 1970). The well‐established WFF ozonesonde system comprises a Science Pump Corporation (SPC) electrochemical concentration cell (ECC) ozone sensor with a 1% potassium iodide and phosphate buffer sensing solution type (SST), interfaced with a Lockheed Martin Sippican radiosonde that provides winds, GPS coordinates, pressure, temperature, and relative humidity. A major milestone has been achieved with the reprocessing of the WFF ozone profiles during the digital measurement era (since 1995) to remove known biases and improve overall accuracy. We present an overview of the reprocessing methods and evaluate the homogenized data set relative to the original records, colocated Dobson, and satellite overpasses. Reprocessing yields modest changes in total column ozone by up to 3%, affirming the high data quality of the original ozone records. First estimates of ozone uncertainty are summarized and found to be consistent with estimates from previous studies. WFF has a history of evaluating ozonesonde performance via dual sonde launches that have tested standard operating procedures and combinations of ECC sensors and SST formulae. This rich data set illustrates how various ECC/SST combinations affect the ozone measurement. Results from the dual launches reaffirm the World Meteorological Organization recommended standard operating procedures where the ozone agreement between the SPC/1% Buffer and EN‐SCI/0.5% Half Buffer pair is well within ±5% throughout the profile. Tests of the SST under field conditions reveal the high sensitivity of ozone measurements to the buffer strength.
Source Localization of Microseismic Emissions During Pneumatic Fracturing
Authors: Turquet Antoine L. , Toussaint Renaud , Eriksen Fredrik Kvalheim , Daniel Guillaume , Lengliné Olivier , Flekkøy Eirik G. , Måløy Knut Jørgen 
Published: March 2019

AbstractLocalization of signals is a widely applied technique used in different areas of science telecommunication, medicine, or seismology. In this work, we study microseismic emissions due to stick‐slip events during pneumatic fracture in a transparent setup at laboratory scale and apply a localization method “Estimated Source Energy Homogeneity.” The seismic location results are compared with the image correlation results for displacement maps corresponding to the event times. We have observed (using optics and acoustics) that the movement starts inside the porous medium and progresses toward the channel tips, eventually causing channels to grow further. This finding could be of interest in understanding fluid‐induced earthquake nucleation processes. Similar to in‐site applications of pneumatic or fluid‐related fracturing, it shows that the area influenced extends beyond the fracture tips. This also shows why even after the end of pumping, we may get earthquakes, such as in the Basel case (Haring et al., 2008, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geothermics.2008.06.002).
A novel germline mutation of the SFTPA1 gene in familial interstitial pneumonia
Authors: Doubková Martina , Staňo Kozubík Kateřina , Radová Lenka , Pešová Michaela , Trizuljak Jakub , Pál Karol , Svobodová Klára , Réblová Kamila , Svozilová Hana , Vrzalová Zuzana , Pospíšilová Šárka , Doubek Michael 
Published: March 2019

AbstractDifferent genes related to alveolar stability have been associated with familial interstitial pneumonia (FIP). Here, we report a novel, rare SFTPA1 variant in a family with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP). We performed whole-exome sequencing on germline DNA samples from four members of one family; three of them showed signs of pulmonary fibrosis (idiopathic interstitial pneumonia) with autosomal-dominant inheritance. A heterozygous single nucleotide variant c.532 G > A in the SFTPA1 gene has been identified. This variant encodes the substitution p.(Val178Met), localized within the carbohydrate recognition domain of surfactant protein A and segregates with the genes causing idiopathic interstitial pneumonia. This rare variant has not been previously reported. We also analyzed the detected sequence variant in the protein structure in silico. The replacement of valine by the larger methionine inside the protein may cause a disruption in the protein structure. The c.532 G > A variant was further validated using Sanger sequencing of the amplicons, confirming the diagnosis in all symptomatic family members. Moreover, this variant was also found by Sanger sequencing in one other symptomatic family member and one young asymptomatic family member. The autosomal-dominant inheritance, the family history of IIP, and the evidence of a mutation occurring in part of the SFTPA1 gene all suggest a novel variant that causes FIP.
Stem cell proliferation is induced by apoptotic bodies from dying cells during epithelial tissue maintenance
Authors: Brock Courtney K. , Wallin Stephen T. , Ruiz Oscar E. , Samms Krystin M. , Mandal Amrita , Sumner Elizabeth A. , Eisenhoffer George T. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractEpithelial tissues require the removal and replacement of damaged cells to sustain a functional barrier. Dying cells provide instructive cues that can influence surrounding cells to proliferate, but how these signals are transmitted to their healthy neighbors to control cellular behaviors during tissue homeostasis remains poorly understood. Here we show that dying stem cells facilitate communication with adjacent stem cells by caspase-dependent production of Wnt8a-containing apoptotic bodies to drive cellular turnover in living epithelia. Basal stem cells engulf apoptotic bodies, activate Wnt signaling, and are stimulated to divide to maintain tissue-wide cell numbers. Inhibition of either cell death or Wnt signaling eliminated the apoptosis-induced cell division, while overexpression of Wnt8a signaling combined with induced cell death led to an expansion of the stem cell population. We conclude that ingestion of apoptotic bodies represents a regulatory mechanism linking death and division to maintain overall stem cell numbers and epithelial tissue homeostasis.
Identification of the laccase-like multicopper oxidase gene family of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) and expression analysis in six ancient Tuscan varieties
Authors: Berni Roberto , Piasecki Emilie , Legay Sylvain , Hausman Jean-Francois , Siddiqui Khawar Sohail , Cai Giampiero , Guerriero Gea 
Published: March 2019

AbstractLaccase-like multicopper oxidases (LMCOs) are versatile enzymes used as biocatalysts performing the oxidation of different substrates of industrial relevance, with or without the intervention of a mediator. They have attracted a lot of interest for biotechnological applications in light of their eco-friendliness: they indeed oxidize the substrate(s) by coupling the four electron reduction of the final acceptor, molecular oxygen (O2), to water. Plant LMCOs represent a still poorly studied, important class of oxidoreductases controlling e.g. the post-harvest quality of fruits and enabling the tailoring of designer energy crops. We here sought to identify the LMCOs inPrunus aviumL., whose fruits are rich in bioactive molecules, but are also highly perishable. The goal was to analyze them using bioinformatics (phylogenetic andin silicostructural analyses) and to perform a targeted expression study on a subset of genes in six ancient varieties from Tuscany, all threatened by genetic erosion. These sweet cherry varieties contain higher amount of bioactive molecules, as compared to commercial counterparts. The results shown demonstrate strikingly different gene expression patterns in the six ancient varieties (‘Benedetta’, ‘Carlotta’, ‘Crognola’, ‘Maggiola’, ‘Morellona’, ‘Moscatella’) belonging to the Tuscan Regional Bank of Germplasm, as compared to a widely used commercial one (‘Durone’). The motivation of this study is the economic importance ofP. aviumand the involvement of LMCOs in post-harvest fruit parameters, like color. The results presented pave the way to follow-up researches on LMCOs of sweet cherry exploring post-harvest fruit parameters (e.g. anthocyanin stability responsible for pericarp browning and the preservation of the appealing red color), as well as developmental processes, like stony pit formation.
Cisplatin shows greater efficacy than gemcitabine when combined with nab-paclitaxel in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Li Yi , Zhao Yannan , Gong Chengcheng , Xie Yizhao , Hu Xichun , Zhang Jian , Wang Leiping , Zhang Sheng , Cao Jun , Tao Zhonghua , Wang Biyun 
Published: March 2019

AbstractOur study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of nab-paclitaxel plus cisplatin (AP) with nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine (AG) in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). We collected data from two single-arm, phase II MBC studies. In NCT01149798, seventy-three MBC patients received 125 mg/m2 nab-paclitaxel on days 1, 8 and 15 followed by 75 mg/m2 cisplatin on day 1 of a 28-day cycle. In NCT01550848, eighty-four MBC patients received 125 mg/m2 nab-paclitaxel and 800 mg/m2 gemcitabine on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle. The endpoints were the overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and safety profiles of these regimens. Among the 157 patients included, the ORR were 67.1% and 52.4% for the AP and AG arms, respectively (odds ratio [OR] = 0.246; hazard ratio [HR] = 1.485; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.762–2.985). After median follow-up periods of 26.3 and 23.3 months in the AP and AG arms, the median PFS were 9.8 months (95%CI, 8.1–11.6) and 8.1 months (95%CI, 6.8–9.4), respectively, while the median OS were 26.9 months (95%CI, 22.4–31.4) and 25.5 months (95%CI, 19.3–31.4), respectively. Neither PFS nor OS adjusted for the number of metastases, occurrence of liver metastasis and chemotherapeutic lines differed significantly between the two arms (PFS:HR = 0.769; 95%CI, 0.541–1.092; p = 0.142; OS:HR = 0.686; 95%CI, 0.426–1.104; p = 0.120). However, PFS was significantly better with AP than with AG in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) patients (HR = 0.308; 95%CI, 0.129–0.732; p = 0.008). Adverse events were more common with AP than with AG, except for edema and myalgia. Both regimens showed substantial efficacy and were tolerated well in MBC patients. mTNBC who received AP rather than AG showed longer PFS. However, adverse events were more common with AP. Thus, AP may be worth recommending to mTNBC, while AG may be a better alternative for MBC patients with other subtypes.