1. |
- Kanai, M, et al.
(author)
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- 2023
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swepub:Mat__t
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2. |
- Niemi, MEK, et al.
(author)
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- 2021
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swepub:Mat__t
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3. |
- Abel, I, et al.
(author)
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Overview of the JET results with the ITER-like wall
- 2013
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In: Nuclear Fusion. - : IOP Publishing. - 1741-4326 .- 0029-5515. ; 53:10, s. 104002-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Following the completion in May 2011 of the shutdown for the installation of the beryllium wall and the tungsten divertor, the first set of JET campaigns have addressed the investigation of the retention properties and the development of operational scenarios with the new plasma-facing materials. The large reduction in the carbon content (more than a factor ten) led to a much lower Z(eff) (1.2-1.4) during L- and H-mode plasmas, and radiation during the burn-through phase of the plasma initiation with the consequence that breakdown failures are almost absent. Gas balance experiments have shown that the fuel retention rate with the new wall is substantially reduced with respect to the C wall. The re-establishment of the baseline H-mode and hybrid scenarios compatible with the new wall has required an optimization of the control of metallic impurity sources and heat loads. Stable type-I ELMy H-mode regimes with H-98,H-y2 close to 1 and beta(N) similar to 1.6 have been achieved using gas injection. ELM frequency is a key factor for the control of the metallic impurity accumulation. Pedestal temperatures tend to be lower with the new wall, leading to reduced confinement, but nitrogen seeding restores high pedestal temperatures and confinement. Compared with the carbon wall, major disruptions with the new wall show a lower radiated power and a slower current quench. The higher heat loads on Be wall plasma-facing components due to lower radiation made the routine use of massive gas injection for disruption mitigation essential.
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4. |
- Romanelli, F, et al.
(author)
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Overview of the JET results
- 2011
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In: Nuclear Fusion. - : IOP Publishing. - 1741-4326 .- 0029-5515. ; 51:9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Since the last IAEA Conference JET has been in operation for one year with a programmatic focus on the qualification of ITER operating scenarios, the consolidation of ITER design choices and preparation for plasma operation with the ITER-like wall presently being installed in JET. Good progress has been achieved, including stationary ELMy H-mode operation at 4.5 MA. The high confinement hybrid scenario has been extended to high triangularity, lower ρ*and to pulse lengths comparable to the resistive time. The steady-state scenario has also been extended to lower ρ*and ν*and optimized to simultaneously achieve, under stationary conditions, ITER-like values of all other relevant normalized parameters. A dedicated helium campaign has allowed key aspects of plasma control and H-mode operation for the ITER non-activated phase to be evaluated. Effective sawtooth control by fast ions has been demonstrated with3He minority ICRH, a scenario with negligible minority current drive. Edge localized mode (ELM) control studies using external n = 1 and n = 2 perturbation fields have found a resonance effect in ELM frequency for specific q95values. Complete ELM suppression has, however, not been observed, even with an edge Chirikov parameter larger than 1. Pellet ELM pacing has been demonstrated and the minimum pellet size needed to trigger an ELM has been estimated. For both natural and mitigated ELMs a broadening of the divertor ELM-wetted area with increasing ELM size has been found. In disruption studies with massive gas injection up to 50% of the thermal energy could be radiated before, and 20% during, the thermal quench. Halo currents could be reduced by 60% and, using argon/deuterium and neon/deuterium gas mixtures, runaway electron generation could be avoided. Most objectives of the ITER-like ICRH antenna have been demonstrated; matching with closely packed straps, ELM resilience, scattering matrix arc detection and operation at high power density (6.2 MW m-2) and antenna strap voltages (42 kV). Coupling measurements are in very good agreement with TOPICA modelling. © 2011 IAEA, Vienna.
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7. |
- Downey, Harriet, et al.
(author)
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Training future generations to deliver evidence-based conservation and ecosystem management
- 2021
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In: Ecological Solutions and Evidence. - : Wiley. - 2688-8319. ; 2:1
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- 1. To be effective, the next generation of conservation practitioners and managers need to be critical thinkers with a deep understanding of how to make evidence-based decisions and of the value of evidence synthesis.2. If, as educators, we do not make these priorities a core part of what we teach, we are failing to prepare our students to make an effective contribution to conservation practice.3. To help overcome this problem we have created open access online teaching materials in multiple languages that are stored in Applied Ecology Resources. So far, 117 educators from 23 countries have acknowledged the importance of this and are already teaching or about to teach skills in appraising or using evidence in conservation decision-making. This includes 145 undergraduate, postgraduate or professional development courses.4. We call for wider teaching of the tools and skills that facilitate evidence-based conservation and also suggest that providing online teaching materials in multiple languages could be beneficial for improving global understanding of other subject areas.
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9. |
- Godhe, Anna, 1967, et al.
(author)
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Intercalibration of classical and molecular techniques for identification of Alexandrium fundyense (Dinophyceae) and estimation of cell densities
- 2007
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In: Harmful Algae. - : Elsevier BV. - 1568-9883. ; 6:1, s. 56-72
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A workshop with the aim to compare classical and molecular techniques for phytoplankton enumeration took place at Kristineberg Marine Research Station, Sweden, in August 2005. Seventeen different techniques - nine classical microscopic-based and eight molecular methods - were compared. Alexandrium fundyense was the target organism in four experiments. Experiment 1 was designed to determine the range of cell densities over which the methods were applicable. Experiment 2 tested the species specificity of the methods by adding Alexandrium ostenfeldii, to samples containing A. fundyense. Experiments 3 and 4 tested the ability of the methods to detect the target organism within a natural phytoplankton community. Most of the methods could detect cells at the lowest concentration tested, 100 cells L-1, but the variance was high for methods using small volumes, such as counting chambers and slides. In general, the precision and reproducibility of the investigated methods increased with increased target cell concentration. Particularly molecular methods were exceptions in that their relative standard deviation did not vary with target cell concentration. Only two of the microscopic methods and three of the molecular methods had a significant linear relationship between their cell count estimates and the A. fundyense concentration in experiment 2, where the objective was to discriminate that species from a morphologically similar and genetically closely related species. None of the investigated methods were affected by the addition of a natural plankton community background matrix in experiment 3. The results of this study are discussed in the context of previous intercomparisons and the difficulties in defining the absolute, true target cell concentration. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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10. |
- Sukuru, Sai Chetan K, et al.
(author)
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Discovering new classes of Brugia malayi asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase inhibitors and relating specificity to conformational change.
- 2006
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In: Journal of computer-aided molecular design. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0920-654X .- 1573-4951. ; 20:3, s. 159-78
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- SLIDE software, which models the flexibility of protein and ligand side chains while docking, was used to screen several large databases to identify inhibitors of Brugia malayi asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase (AsnRS), a target for anti-parasitic drug design. Seven classes of compounds identified by SLIDE were confirmed as micromolar inhibitors of the enzyme. Analogs of one of these classes of inhibitors, the long side-chain variolins, cannot bind to the adenosyl pocket of the closed conformation of AsnRS due to steric clashes, though the short side-chain variolins identified by SLIDE apparently bind isosterically with adenosine. We hypothesized that an open conformation of the motif 2 loop also permits the long side-chain variolins to bind in the adenosine pocket and that their selectivity for Brugia relative to human AsnRS can be explained by differences in the sequence and conformation of this loop. Loop flexibility sampling using Rigidity Optimized Conformational Kinetics (ROCK) confirms this possibility, while scoring of the relative affinities of the different ligands by SLIDE correlates well with the compounds' ranks in inhibition assays. Combining ROCK and SLIDE provides a promising approach for exploiting conformational flexibility in structure-based screening and design of species selective inhibitors.
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11. |
- Waddell, Shona J., et al.
(author)
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Biomimetic oyster shell-replicated topography alters the behaviour of human skeletal stem cells
- 2018
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In: Journal of Tissue Engineering. - : Sage Publications. - 2041-7314. ; 9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The regenerative potential of skeletal stem cells provides an attractive prospect to generate bone tissue needed for musculoskeletal reparation. A central issue remains efficacious, controlled cell differentiation strategies to aid progression of cell therapies to the clinic. The nacre surface from Pinctada maxima shells is known to enhance bone formation. However, to date, there is a paucity of information on the role of the topography of P. maxima surfaces, nacre and prism. To investigate this, nacre and prism topographical features were replicated onto polycaprolactone and skeletal stem cell behaviour on the surfaces studied. Skeletal stem cells on nacre surfaces exhibited an increase in cell area, increase in expression of osteogenic markers ALP (p<0.05) and OCN (p<0.01) and increased metabolite intensity (p<0.05), indicating a role of nacre surface to induce osteogenic differentiation, while on prism surfaces, skeletal stem cells did not show alterations in cell area or osteogenic marker expression and a decrease in metabolite intensity (p<0.05), demonstrating a distinct role for the prism surface, with the potential to maintain the skeletal stem cell phenotype.
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12. |
- Andric, Fanny, et al.
(author)
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Immune Microenvironment in Sporadic Early-Onset versus Average-Onset Colorectal Cancer
- 2023
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In: Cancers. - : MDPI AG. - 2072-6694. ; 15:5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Simple Summary The incidence of non-hereditary cancer in the left colon and rectum is increasing in young patients worldwide for unknown reasons. To understand this phenomenon, the biology of early-onset colorectal cancer needs to be established. Here, we investigated the immune response to tumors by selecting a highly representative group of patients younger than 45 years matched to those aged 70-75 years, excluding hereditary cases. Both T-cell distribution in tumors and expression of 770 immune-related genes were overall similar between the groups. The findings suggest that the immune response in cancer of the left colon and rectum is not dependent on age and that early-onset colorectal cancer is likely not related to immune response deficiencies. The incidence of left-sided colon and rectal cancer in young people are increasing worldwide, but its causes are poorly understood. It is not clear if the tumor microenvironment is dependent on age of onset, and little is known about the composition of tumor-infiltrating T cells in early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC). To address this, we investigated T-cell subsets and performed gene expression immune profiling in sporadic EOCRC tumors and matched average-onset colorectal cancer (AOCRC) tumors. Left-sided colon and rectal tumors from 40 cases were analyzed; 20 EOCRC (<45 years) patients were matched 1:1 to AOCRC (70-75 years) patients by gender, tumor location, and stage. Cases with germline pathogenic variants, inflammatory bowel disease or neoadjuvant-treated tumors were excluded. For T cells in tumors and stroma, a multiplex immunofluorescence assay combined with digital image analysis and machine learning algorithms was used. Immunological mediators in the tumor microenvironment were assessed by NanoString gene expression profiling of mRNA. Immunofluorescence revealed no significant difference between EOCRC and AOCRC with regard to infiltration of total T cells, conventional CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, regulatory T cells, or gamma delta T cells. Most T cells were located in the stroma in both EOCRC and AOCRC. Immune profiling by gene expression revealed higher expression in AOCRC of the immunoregulatory cytokine IL-10, the inhibitory NK cell receptors KIR3DL3 and KLRB1 (CD161), and IFN-a7 (IFNA7). In contrast, the interferon-induced gene IFIT2 was more highly expressed in EOCRC. However, in a global analysis of 770 tumor immunity genes, no significant differences could be detected. T-cell infiltration and expression of inflammatory mediators are similar in EOCRC and AOCRC. This may indicate that the immune response to cancer in left colon and rectum is not related to age of onset and that EOCRC is likely not driven by immune response deficiency.
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14. |
- Cusack, M., et al.
(author)
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Red coralline algae assessed as marine pH proxies using B-11 MAS NMR
- 2015
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In: Scientific Reports. - : Nature Publishing Group. - 2045-2322. ; 5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Reconstructing pH from biogenic carbonates using boron isotopic compositions relies on the assumption that only borate, and no boric acid, is present. Red coralline algae are frequently used in palaeoenvironmental reconstruction due to their widespread distribution and regular banding frequency. Prior to undertaking pH reconstructions using red coralline algae we tested the boron composition of the red coralline alga Lithothamnion glaciale using high field NMR. In bulk analysed samples, thirty percent of boron was present as boric acid. We suggest that prior to reconstructing pH using coralline algae 1) species-specific boron compositions and 2) within-skeleton special distributions of boron are determined for multiple species. This will enable site selective boron analyses to be conducted validating coralline algae as palaeo-pH proxies based on boron isotopic compositions.
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15. |
- Dai, Rui, et al.
(author)
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The Impact of the Gut Microbiome, Environment, and Diet in Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Development
- 2024
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In: CANCERS. - 2072-6694. ; 16:3
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Simple Summary Population statistics from recent years have demonstrated that rates of colorectal cancer among younger individuals have been increasing with alarming rates of mortality. This is contradictory to expectations given preventative clinical measures and suggests that there are factors that may cause greater rates of cancer in younger generations that are different than in older populations. Bacteria and other microbial organisms in the gut microbiome are crucial to human health, and research studies are beginning to demonstrate that disruptions to the gut microbiome are tied to recent increasing trends of colorectal cancer in younger populations.Abstract Traditionally considered a disease common in the older population, colorectal cancer is increasing in incidence among younger demographics. Evidence suggests that populational- and generational-level shifts in the composition of the human gut microbiome may be tied to the recent trends in gastrointestinal carcinogenesis. This review provides an overview of current research and putative mechanisms behind the rising incidence of colorectal cancer in the younger population, with insight into future interventions that may prevent or reverse the rate of early-onset colorectal carcinoma.
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16. |
- Daly, D., et al.
(author)
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Learning about pelvic floor muscle exercises before and during pregnancy: a cross-sectional study
- 2019
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In: International Urogynecology Journal. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0937-3462 .- 1433-3023. ; 30:6, s. 965-975
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction and hypothesisAll pregnant women should be given advice on the benefits of pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFMEs) in preventing urinary incontinence (UI) and know how to exercise correctly. This study explored women's knowledge and practice of PFMEs, their sources of knowledge and prevalence of UI before and during pregnancy.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study with 567 women, 239 primiparous and 328 multiparous, recruited from one maternity hospital in Ireland. Logistic regression was used to examine associations.ResultsPre-pregnancy, 41% of women (n=232) learnt to do PFMEs, 30% (n=172) did exercises and 28% (n=159) experienced UI. Women more likely to report UI were aged 35years (p=0.03), had a BMI 30kg/m(2) (p=0.01) or did PFMEs but were unsure they were exercising correctly (p=0.03). During pregnancy, 50% of women (n=281) received PFME information during antenatal visits and 38.6% (n=219) attended antenatal classes. Women less likely to do PFMEs daily or weekly had no formal educational qualification (p=0.01), did not do PFMEs pre-pregnancy (p<0.0001) or did not attend the physiotherapist-led PFME education session (p<0.0001). In multivariable analysis, the two factors significantly associated with UI during pregnancy were being aged 30-34years (p=0.05) and reporting UI pre-pregnancy (p<0.0001).ConclusionsThis benchmarking exercise revealed considerable gaps in the totality of PFME education and services offered in the site hospital. We recommend that others do likewise to enable learning from those who have addressed service deficits.
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17. |
- Fitzer, Susan C., et al.
(author)
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Biomineral shell formation under ocean acidification : a shift from order to chaos
- 2016
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In: Scientific Reports. - : Nature Publishing Group. - 2045-2322. ; 6
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Biomineral production in marine organisms employs transient phases of amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) in the construction of crystalline shells. Increasing seawater pCO(2) leads to ocean acidification (OA) with a reduction in oceanic carbonate concentration which could have a negative impact on shell formation and therefore survival. We demonstrate significant changes in the hydrated and dehydrated forms of ACC in the aragonite and calcite layers of Mytilus edulis shells cultured under acidification conditions (1000 mu atm pCO(2)) compared to present day conditions (380 mu atm pCO(2)). In OA conditions, Mytilus edulis has more ACC at crystalisation sites. Here, we use the high-spatial resolution of synchrotron X-ray Photo Emission Electron Microscopy (XPEEM) combined with X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) to investigate the influence of OA on the ACC formation in the shells of adult Mytilus edulis. Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) confirms that OA reduces crystallographic control of shell formation. The results demonstrate that OA induces more ACC formation and less crystallographic control in mussels suggesting that ACC is used as a repair mechanism to combat shell damage under OA. However, the resultant reduced crystallographic control in mussels raises concerns for shell protective function under predation and changing environments.
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18. |
- Fitzer, Susan C., et al.
(author)
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Ocean acidification alters the material properties of Mytilus edulis shells
- 2015
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In: Journal of the Royal Society Interface. - : Royal Society Publishing. - 1742-5689 .- 1742-5662. ; 12:103
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ocean acidification (OA) and the resultant changing carbonate saturation states is threatening the formation of calcium carbonate shells and exoskeletons of marine organisms. The production of biominerals in such organisms relies on the availability of carbonate and the ability of the organism to biomineralize in changing environments. To understand how biomineralizers will respond to OA the common blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, was cultured at projected levels of pCO(2) (380, 550, 750, 1000 mu atm) and increased temperatures (ambient, ambient plus 2 degrees C). Nanoindentation (a single mussel shell) and microhardness testing were used to assess the material properties of the shells. Young's modulus (E), hardness (H) and toughness (K-IC) were measured in mussel shells grown in multiple stressor conditions. OA caused mussels to produce shell calcite that is stiffer (higher modulus of elasticity) and harder than shells grown in control conditions. The outer shell (calcite) is more brittle in OA conditions while the inner shell (aragonite) is softer and less stiff in shells grown under OA conditions. Combining increasing ocean pCO(2) and temperatures as projected for future global ocean appears to reduce the impact of increasing pCO(2) on the material properties of the mussel shell. OA may cause changes in shell material properties that could prove problematic under predation scenarios for the mussels; however, this may be partially mitigated by increasing temperature.
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19. |
- Fitzer, Susan C., et al.
(author)
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Ocean acidification and temperature increase impact mussel shell shape and thickness : problematic for protection?
- 2015
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In: Ecology and Evolution. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 2045-7758. ; 5:21, s. 4875-4884
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ocean acidification threatens organisms that produce calcium carbonate shells by potentially generating an under-saturated carbonate environment. Resultant reduced calcification and growth, and subsequent dissolution of exoskeletons, would raise concerns over the ability of the shell to provide protection for the marine organism under ocean acidification and increased temperatures. We examined the impact of combined ocean acidification and temperature increase on shell formation of the economically important edible mussel Mytilus edulis. Shell growth and thickness along with a shell thickness index and shape analysis were determined. The ability of M.edulis to produce a functional protective shell after 9months of experimental culture under ocean acidification and increasing temperatures (380, 550, 750, 1000atm pCO(2), and 750, 1000atm pCO(2)+2 degrees C) was assessed. Mussel shells grown under ocean acidification conditions displayed significant reductions in shell aragonite thickness, shell thickness index, and changes to shell shape (750, 1000atm pCO(2)) compared to those shells grown under ambient conditions (380atm pCO(2)). Ocean acidification resulted in rounder, flatter mussel shells with thinner aragonite layers likely to be more vulnerable to fracture under changing environments and predation. The changes in shape presented here could present a compensatory mechanism to enhance protection against predators and changing environments under ocean acidification when mussels are unable to grow thicker shells. Here, we present the first assessment of mussel shell shape to determine implications for functional protection under ocean acidification.
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20. |
- Fitzer, Susan C., et al.
(author)
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Ocean acidification impacts mussel control on biomineralisation
- 2014
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In: Scientific Reports. - : Nature Publishing Group. - 2045-2322. ; 4
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ocean acidification is altering the oceanic carbonate saturation state and threatening the survival of marine calcifying organisms. Production of their calcium carbonate exoskeletons is dependent not only on the environmental seawater carbonate chemistry but also the ability to produce biominerals through proteins. We present shell growth and structural responses by the economically important marine calcifier Mytilus edulis to ocean acidification scenarios (380, 550, 750, 1000 mu atm pCO(2)). After six months of incubation at 750 matm pCO(2), reduced carbonic anhydrase protein activity and shell growth occurs in M. edulis. Beyond that, at 1000 matm pCO(2), biomineralisation continued but with compensated metabolism of proteins and increased calcite growth. Mussel growth occurs at a cost to the structural integrity of the shell due to structural disorientation of calcite crystals. This loss of structural integrity could impact mussel shell strength and reduce protection from predators and changing environments.
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21. |
- Fitzer, Susan C., et al.
(author)
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Ocean acidification reduces the crystallographic control in juvenile mussel shells
- 2014
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In: Journal of Structural Biology. - : Elsevier. - 1047-8477 .- 1095-8657. ; 188:1, s. 39-45
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Global climate change threatens the oceans as anthropogenic carbon dioxide causes ocean acidification and reduced carbonate saturation. Future projections indicate under saturation of aragonite, and potentially calcite, in the oceans by 2100. Calcifying organisms are those most at risk from such ocean acidification, as carbonate is vital in the biomineralisation of their calcium carbonate protective shells. This study highlights the importance of multi-generational studies to investigate how marine organisms can potentially adapt to future projected global climate change. Mytilus edulis is an economically important marine calcifier vulnerable to decreasing carbonate saturation as their shells comprise two calcium carbonate polymorphs: aragonite and calcite. M. edulis specimens were cultured under current and projected pCO(2) (380, 550, 750 and 1000 mu atm), following 6 months of experimental culture, adults produced second generation juvenile mussels. juvenile mussel shells were examined for structural and crystallographic orientation of aragonite and calcite. At 1000 mu atm pCO(2), juvenile mussels spawned and grown under this high pCO(2) do not produce aragonite which is more vulnerable to carbonate under-saturation than calcite. Calcite and aragonite were produced at 380, 550 and 750 mu atm pCO(2). Electron back scatter diffraction analyses reveal less constraint in crystallographic orientation with increased pCO(2). Shell formation is maintained, although the nacre crystals appear corroded and crystals are not so closely layered together. The differences in ultrastructure and crystallography in shells formed by juveniles spawned from adults in high pCO(2) conditions may prove instrumental in their ability to survive ocean acidification.
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23. |
- Sloyan, Bernadette M., et al.
(author)
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The global ocean ship-base hydrographic investigations program (GO-SHIP): A platform for integrated multidisciplinary ocean science
- 2019
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In: Frontiers in Marine Science. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2296-7745. ; 6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Global Ocean Ship-Based Hydrographic Investigations Program (GO-SHIP) provides a globally coordinated network and oversight of 55 sustained decadal repeat hydrographic reference (core) lines as part of the global ocean/climate observing systems (GOOS/GCOS) for study of physical oceanography, the ocean carbon, oxygen and nutrient cycles, and marine biogeochemistry. GO-SHIP enables assessment of the ocean sequestration of heat and carbon, changing ocean circulation and ventilation patterns, and their effects on ocean health and Earth's climate. Rapid quality control and open data release along with incorporation of the GO-SHIP effort in the Joint Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM) in situ Observing Programs Support Center (JCOMMOPS) have increased the profile of, and participation in, the program and led to increased data use for a range of efforts.
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