| 81. |
- Qvarnström, Martin, et al.
(författare)
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Filter feeding in Late Jurassic pterosaurs supported by coprolite contents
- 2019
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Ingår i: PeerJ. - : PEERJ INC. - 2167-8359. ; 7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Diets of pterosaurs have mainly been inferred from indirect evidence such as comparative anatomy, associations of co-occurring fossils, and functional morphology. Gut contents are rare, and until now there is only a single coprolite (fossil dropping), with unidentified inclusions, known. Here we describe three coprolites collected from a palaeosurface with numerous pterosaur tracks found in early Kimmeridgian (Hypselocyclum Zone) intertidal deposits of the Wierzbica Quarry, Poland. The specimens' morphology and association to the tracks suggest a pterosaur producer. Synchrotron scans reveal numerous small inclusions, with foraminifera making up the majority of the identifiable ones. Other small remains include shells/carapaces (of bivalves, ostracods, and other crustaceans/arthropods) and bristles (some possibly of polychaete worms). The high density of the small shelly inclusions suggest that they were not accidently ingested, but constituted an important food source for the pterosaur(s), perhaps together with unpreserved soft-bodied animals. The combined evidence from the tracks and coprolites suggest a filter-feeding ctenochasmatid as the most likely tracemaker. If true, this significantly expands the bromalite record for this pterosaur group, which was previously only known from gastroliths. Moreover, this study also provides the first direct evidence of filter feeding in Jurassic pterosaurs and shows that they had a similar diet to the recent Chilean flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis).
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| 82. |
- Roselli, Carolina, et al.
(författare)
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Multi-ethnic genome-wide association study for atrial fibrillation
- 2018
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Ingår i: Nature Genetics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1061-4036 .- 1546-1718. ; 50:9, s. 1225-1233
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects more than 33 million individuals worldwide(1) and has a complex heritability(2). We conducted the largest meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for AF to date, consisting of more than half a million individuals, including 65,446 with AF. In total, we identified 97 loci significantly associated with AF, including 67 that were novel in a combined-ancestry analysis, and 3 that were novel in a European-specific analysis. We sought to identify AF-associated genes at the GWAS loci by performing RNA-sequencing and expression quantitative trait locus analyses in 101 left atrial samples, the most relevant tissue for AF. We also performed transcriptome-wide analyses that identified 57 AF-associated genes, 42 of which overlap with GWAS loci. The identified loci implicate genes enriched within cardiac developmental, electrophysiological, contractile and structural pathways. These results extend our understanding of the biological pathways underlying AF and may facilitate the development of therapeutics for AF.
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| 83. |
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| 84. |
- Sanchez, Sophie, et al.
(författare)
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A new tool for determining degrees of mineralization in fossil amphibian skeletons : The example of the Late Palaeozoic branchiosaurid Apateon from the Autun Basin, France
- 2010
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Ingår i: Comptes rendus. Palevol. - : Elsevier BV. - 1631-0683 .- 1777-571X. ; 9:6-7, s. 311-317
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Studying ontogenetic features of fossil tetrapods is of major interest for investigating the adaptive strategies of early tetrapods to their palaeoenvironments. To determine the degree of calcification of skeletal elements, biologists have until now relied on X-ray radiographs of organisms or isolated bones, or on thin sections. An X-ray tomographic scan of Apateon, a Carboniferous - Permian branchiosaurid from the Autun Basin, France, reveals distinct density properties related to different mineralized tissues (calcified cartilage versus bone). The rendering of Apateon as a "test individual" provides a 3D map of the degrees of ossification of the axial and cranial elements. The combination of these anatomical observations with histological information from classical thin sections made in limb bones of several other specimens of the same locality allows the detailed determination of their ontogenetic stage. A comparison with the well-known specimens of the Saar-Nahe Basin, Germany, makes it possible to investigate the influence of different palaeoenvironments on ontogenetic features.
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| 85. |
- Schmitz, Alexander, et al.
(författare)
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Longitudinal minimal residual disease assessment in multiple myeloma patients in complete remission : results from the NMSG flow-MRD substudy within the EMN02/HO95 MM trial
- 2022
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Ingår i: BMC Cancer. - : BMC. - 1471-2407. ; 22:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Multiple myeloma remains an incurable disease with multiple relapses due to residual myeloma cells in the bone marrow of patients after therapy. Presence of small number of cancer cells in the body after cancer treatment, called minimal residual disease, has been shown to be prognostic for progression-free and overall survival. However, for multiple myeloma, it is unclear whether patients attaining minimal residual disease negativity may be candidates for treatment discontinuation. We investigated, if longitudinal flow cytometry-based monitoring of minimal residual disease (flow-MRD) may predict disease progression earlier and with higher sensitivity compared to biochemical assessments. Methods: Patients from the Nordic countries with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma enrolled in the European-Myeloma-Network-02/Hovon-95 (EMN02/HO95) trial and undergoing bone marrow aspiration confirmation of complete response, were eligible for this Nordic Myeloma Study Group (NMSG) substudy. Longitdudinal flow-MRD assessment of bone marrow samples was performed to identify and enumerate residual malignant plasma cells until observed clinical progression. Results: Minimal residual disease dynamics were compared to biochemically assessed changes in serum free light chain and M-component. Among 20 patients, reaching complete response or stringent complete response during the observation period, and with >= 3 sequential flow-MRD assessments analysed over time, increasing levels of minimal residual disease in the bone marrow were observed in six cases, preceding biochemically assessed disease and clinical progression by 5.5 months and 12.6 months (mean values), respectively. Mean malignant plasma cells doubling time for the six patients was 1.8 months (95% CI, 1.4-2.3 months). Minimal malignant plasma cells detection limit was 4 x 10-5. Conclusions: Flow-MRD is a sensitive method for longitudinal monitoring of minimal residual disease dynamics in multiple myeloma patients in complete response. Increasing minimal residual disease levels precedes biochemically assessed changes and is an early indicator of subsequent clinical progression.
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| 86. |
- Snitting, Daniel, 1977-
(författare)
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Morphology, Taxonomy and Interrelationships of Tristichopterid Fishes (Sarcopterygii, Tetrapodomorpha)
- 2008
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Tristichopterids (Sarcopterygii, Tetrapodomorpha) form a monophyletic group of exclusively Devonian fishes. This thesis consists of descriptions of new material of tristichopterids and closely related taxa, as well as new interpretations and descriptions of previously figured material. Redescribed specimens were originally figured as far back as 1861, and publications as old as this are almost always of limited use as anatomical and systematical references, in addition to being difficult to acquire. The possibility of using new techniques and new theoretical frameworks also provides good justification for taking a second look at such specimens. In the case of this thesis, this includes the use of computed tomography scanning methods, and the cladistic approach to describing the interrelationships of taxa. The thesis includes a complete taxonomy of valid tristichopterid taxa, in addition to two new phylogenetic analyses incorporating the taxa that were described or redescribed. One of the analyses deals with the interrelationships of taxa along the entire tetrapod stem, and establishes the monophyly of the Tristichopteridae. The other analysis focuses on tristichopterid interrelationships. An account is given of evolutionary trends within Tristichopteridae, and instances of parallel evolution between tristichopterids and other tetrapodomorph groups are discussed. The biogeographical implications of tristichopterid occurences world-wide seem to corroborate the picture provided by other vertebrate groups, and give further support to one of two main hypotheses concerning the relative positions of Gondwana and Laurussia, the two major palaeocontinents during the Late Devonian. The supported hypothesis proposes a close proximity between southern Laurussia and northwestern Gondwana, as evidenced by the wide dispersal of derived tristichopterids by the Late Devonian. A Laurussian origin of tristichopterids is proposed.
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| 87. |
- Timonen, Hilkka, et al.
(författare)
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Influence of fuel ethanol content on primary emissions and secondary aerosol formation potential for a modern flex-fuel gasoline vehicle
- 2017
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Ingår i: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. - : Copernicus GmbH. - 1680-7316 .- 1680-7324. ; 17:8, s. 5311-5329
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The effect of fuel ethanol content (10, 85 and 100 %) on primary emissions and on subsequent secondary aerosol formation was investigated for a Euro 5 flex-fuel gasoline vehicle. Emissions were characterized during a New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) using a comprehensive setup of high time-resolution instruments. A detailed chemical composition of the exhaust particulate matter (PM) was studied using a soot particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SPAMS), and secondary aerosol formation was studied using a potential aerosol mass (PAM) chamber. For the primary gaseous compounds, an increase in total hydrocarbon emissions and a decrease in aromatic BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes) compounds was observed when the amount of ethanol in the fuel increased. In regard to particles, the largest primary particulate matter concentrations and potential for secondary particle formation was measured for the E10 fuel (10% ethanol). As the ethanol content of the fuel increased, a significant decrease in the average primary particulate matter concentrations over the NEDC was found. The PM emissions were 0.45, 0.25 and 0.15 mgm-3 for E10, E85 and E100, respectively. Similarly, a clear decrease in secondary aerosol formation potential was observed with a larger contribution of ethanol in the fuel. The secondary-toprimary PM ratios were 13.4 and 1.5 for E10 and E85, respectively. For E100, a slight decrease in PM mass was observed after the PAM chamber, indicating that the PM produced by secondary aerosol formation was less than the PM lost through wall losses or the degradation of the primary organic aerosol (POA) in the chamber. For all fuel blends, the formed secondary aerosol consisted mostly of organic compounds. For E10, the contribution of organic compounds containing oxygen increased from 35 %, measured for primary organics, to 62% after the PAM chamber. For E85, the contribution of organic compounds containing oxygen increased from 42% (primary) to 57% (after the PAM chamber), whereas for E100 the amount of oxidized organics remained the same (approximately 62 %) with the PAM chamber when compared to the primary emissions.
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| 88. |
- Trinajstic, Kate, et al.
(författare)
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Fossil Musculature of the Most Primitive Jawed Vertebrates
- 2013
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Ingår i: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 341:6142, s. 160-164
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The transition from jawless to jawed vertebrates (gnathostomes) resulted in the reconfiguration of the muscles and skeleton of the head, including the creation of a separate shoulder girdle with distinct neck muscles. We describe here the only known examples of preserved musculature from placoderms (extinct armored fishes), the phylogenetically most basal jawed vertebrates. Placoderms possess a regionalized muscular anatomy that differs radically from the musculature of extant sharks, which is often viewed as primitive for gnathostomes. The placoderm data suggest that neck musculature evolved together with a dermal joint between skull and shoulder girdle, not as part of a broadly flexible neck as in sharks, and that transverse abdominal muscles are an innovation of gnathostomes rather than of tetrapods.
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| 89. |
- Vierth, Inge, 1959-, et al.
(författare)
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Elanvändning för längre och tyngre tåg : sammanfattning av resultat, erfarenheter och lärdomar från ELVIS-demonstrationsprojekt
- 2015
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Projektet som redovisas i detta notat analyserar hur godstransporterna på järnväg kan effektiviseras. Hypoteserna är att transporterna kan effektiviseras genom att använda längre respektive tyngre godståg, genom att genomföra energibesparande åtgärder samt att det kan finnas andra typer av nyttor för företagen och hela samhället. I rapporten sammanfattas resultat och erfarenheter från tre tidigare delrapporter framtagna inom ramen för projektet. Skogsindustriföretagen och andra varuägare och transportföretag ser möjligheter att minska transportkostnaderna genom att använda längre och tyngre tåg och/eller att effektivisera elanvändningen. Trafikverket ser att längre och tyngre tåg möjliggör att den befintliga järnvägsinfrastrukturen utnyttjas mer effektivt. Trafikverket ser även effektiviseringsmöjligheter genom en konsekvent mätning av elanvändningen och analys av faktorerna som påverkar elanvändningen. Forskare, företag och Trafikverket slutsatsen att det finns stora behov att kvalitetssäkra de data som tas fram i de befintliga databaserna på Trafikverket. Detta gäller såväl information om elanvändningen som uppgifter om de faktorer som kan påverka elanvändningen, till exempel tågens längd, tågens bruttovikt, antalet stopp, hastighet och topografi. Inom ramen för tre fallstudier, Gävle-Malmö, Holmsund–Skövde och Mora-Gävle genomfördes försök med olika förklarande variabler. Med hänsyn till fallstudiernas och försökens olika förutsättningar och tyngdpunkter är det svårt att göra direkta jämförelser. Några övergripande slutsatser med avseende på elanvändningen kan dock dras, exempelvis: • Tågets vikt (i antal ton) och längd (antal vagnar) ökar elanvändningen i försöken. • I vissa försök finns stöd för att det finns skalfördelar. • Lokförarens körstil (bland annat återmatning) påverkar elanvändningen.
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| 90. |
- Visibile, Alberto, 1989, et al.
(författare)
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An Alternative Method of Measuring Area Specific Resistance of Chromia Scales Using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Journal of the Electrochemical Society. - : The Electrochemical Society. - 0013-4651 .- 1945-7111. ; 170:3
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A novel method that employs electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is developed to characterize the oxide scale resistance and thickness of Crofer 22 APU after exposure at 800 degrees C in humidified air. Crofer 22 APU, is one of the most commonly used materials for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) interconnects, an application for which oxide scale resistance is of paramount importance. The kinetics of oxide growth were studied for up to 6,000 h using three different techniques: electron microscopy of cross-sections, gravimetry, and EIS capacitance measurements of the oxide scale. EIS was used to evaluate the scale thickness starting from the material capacitance, and the material resistance at high temperature was estimated using extrapolation of the impedance values at room temperature. The result obtained with this novel EIS method are comparable to those obtained using conventional techniques, and in addition, the new method is cheaper, faster, and more reliable. Moreover, it enables repetitive exposures of the same sample without altering the specimen properties.
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