bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successive Onset of Molecular, Cellular and Tissue-Specific Responses in Midgut Gland of Littorina littorea Exposed to Sub-Lethal Cadmium Concentrations
Authors: Benito Denis , Niederwanger Michael , Izagirre Urtzi , Dallinger Reinhard , Soto Manu
Published: August 2017

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most harmful metals, being toxic to most animal species, including marine invertebrates. Among marine gastropods, the periwinkle (Littorina littorea) in particular can accumulate high amounts of Cd in its midgut gland. In this organ, the metal can elicit extensive cytological and tissue-specific alterations that may reach, depending on the intensity of Cd exposure, from reversible lesions to pathological cellular disruptions. At the same time, Littorina littorea expresses a Cd-specific metallothionein (MT) that, due to its molecular features, expectedly exerts a protective function against the adverse intracellular effects of this metal. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to assess the time course of MT induction in the periwinkle’s midgut gland on the one hand, and cellular and tissue-specific alterations in the digestive organ complex (midgut gland and digestive tract) on the other, upon exposure to sub-lethal Cd concentrations (0.25 and 1 mg Cd/L) over 21 days. Depending on the Cd concentrations applied, the beginning of alterations of the assessed parameters followed distinct concentration-dependent and time-dependent patterns, where the timeframe for the onset of the different response reactions became narrower at higher Cd concentrations compared to lower exposure concentrations.
GLUT10—Lacking in Arterial Tortuosity Syndrome—Is Localized to the Endoplasmic Reticulum of Human Fibroblasts
Authors: Gamberucci Alessandra , Marcolongo Paola , Németh Csilla , Zoppi Nicoletta , Szarka András , Chiarelli Nicola , Hegedűs Tamás , Ritelli Marco , Carini Giulia , Willaert Andy , Callewaert Bert , Coucke Paul , Benedetti Angiolo , Margittai Éva , Fulceri Rosella , Bánhegyi Gábor , Colombi Marina
Published: August 2017

GLUT10 belongs to a family of transporters that catalyze the uptake of sugars/polyols by facilitated diffusion. Loss-of-function mutations in the SLC2A10 gene encoding GLUT10 are responsible for arterial tortuosity syndrome (ATS). Since subcellular distribution of the transporter is dubious, we aimed to clarify the localization of GLUT10. In silico GLUT10 localization prediction suggested its presence in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Immunoblotting showed the presence of GLUT10 protein in the microsomal, but not in mitochondrial fractions of human fibroblasts and liver tissue. An even cytosolic distribution with an intense perinuclear decoration of GLUT10 was demonstrated by immunofluorescence in human fibroblasts, whilst mitochondrial markers revealed a fully different decoration pattern. GLUT10 decoration was fully absent in fibroblasts from three ATS patients. Expression of exogenous, tagged GLUT10 in fibroblasts from an ATS patient revealed a strict co-localization with the ER marker protein disulfide isomerase (PDI). The results demonstrate that GLUT10 is present in the ER.
Chemokines as a Conductor of Bone Marrow Microenvironment in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Mukaida Naofumi , Tanabe Yamato , Baba Tomohisa
Published: August 2017

All blood lineage cells are generated from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which reside in bone marrow after birth. HSCs self-renew, proliferate, and differentiate into mature progeny under the control of local microenvironments including hematopoietic niche, which can deliver regulatory signals in the form of bound or secreted molecules and from physical cues such as oxygen tension and shear stress. Among these mediators, accumulating evidence indicates the potential involvement of several chemokines, particularly CXCL12, in the interaction between HSCs and bone marrow microenvironments. Fusion between breakpoint cluster region (BCR) and Abelson murine leukemia viral oncogene homolog (ABL)-1 gene gives rise to BCR-ABL protein with a constitutive tyrosine kinase activity and transforms HSCs and/or hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) into disease-propagating leukemia stem cells (LSCs) in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). LSCs can self-renew, proliferate, and differentiate under the influence of the signals delivered by bone marrow microenvironments including niche, as HSCs can. Thus, the interaction with bone marrow microenvironments is indispensable for the initiation, maintenance, and progression of CML. Moreover, the crosstalk between LSCs and bone marrow microenvironments can contribute to some instances of therapeutic resistance. Furthermore, evidence is accumulating to indicate the important roles of bone marrow microenvironment-derived chemokines. Hence, we will herein discuss the roles of chemokines in CML with a focus on bone marrow microenvironments.
Circadian and Light Regulated Expression of CBFs and their Upstream Signalling Genes in Barley
Authors: Gierczik Krisztián , Novák Aliz , Ahres Mohamed , Székely András , Soltész Alexandra , Boldizsár Ákos , Gulyás Zsolt , Kalapos Balázs , Monostori István , Kozma-Bognár László , Galiba Gábor , Vágújfalvi Attila
Published: August 2017

CBF (C-repeat binding factor) transcription factors show high expression levels in response to cold; moreover, they play a key regulatory role in cold acclimation processes. Recently, however, more and more information has led to the conclusion that, apart from cold, light—including its spectra—also has a crucial role in regulating CBF expression. Earlier, studies established that the expression patterns of some of these regulatory genes follow circadian rhythms. To understand more of this complex acclimation process, we studied the expression patterns of the signal transducing pathways, including signal perception, the circadian clock and phospholipid signalling pathways, upstream of the CBF gene regulatory hub. To exclude the confounding effect of cold, experiments were carried out at 22 °C. Our results show that the expression of genes implicated in the phospholipid signalling pathway follow a circadian rhythm. We demonstrated that, from among the tested CBF genes expressed in Hordeum vulgare (Hv) under our conditions, only the members of the HvCBF4-phylogenetic subgroup showed a circadian pattern. We found that the HvCBF4-subgroup genes were expressed late in the afternoon or early in the night. We also determined the expression changes under supplemental far-red illumination and established that the transcript accumulation had appeared four hours earlier and more intensely in several cases. Based on our results, we propose a model to illustrate the effect of the circadian clock and the quality of the light on the elements of signalling pathways upstream of the HvCBFs, thus integrating the complex regulation of the early cellular responses, which finally lead to an elevated abiotic stress tolerance.
Influence of Binders and Lightweight Aggregates on the Properties of Cementitious Mortars: From Traditional Requirements to Indoor Air Quality Improvement
Authors: Giosuè Chiara , Pierpaoli Mattia , Mobili Alessandra , Ruello Maria , Tittarelli Francesca
Published: August 2017

Innovative and multifunctional mortars for renders and panels were manufactured using white photocatalytic and non-photocatalytic cement as binder. Unconventional aggregates, based on lightweight materials with high specific surface and adsorbent properties, were adopted in order to investigate the possible ability to passively improve indoor air quality. The reference mortar was manufactured with traditional calcareous sand. Results show that even if the mechanical properties of mortars with unconventional aggregates generally decrease, they remain acceptable for application as render. The innovative mortars were able to passively improve indoor air quality in terms of transpirability (70% higher), moisture buffering ability (65% higher) and depolluting capacity (up to 75% higher) compared to traditional ones under the current test conditions.
Self-Sealing Cementitious Materials by Using Water-Swelling Rubber Particles
Authors: Lv Leyang , Schlangen Erik , Xing Feng
Published: August 2017

Water ingress into cracked concrete structures is a serious problem, as it can cause leakage and reinforcement corrosion and thus reduce functionality and safety of the structures. In this study, the application of water-swelling rubber particles for providing the cracked concrete a self-sealing function was developed. The feasibility of applying water-swelling rubber particles and the influence of incorporating water-swelling rubber particles on the mechanical properties of concrete was investigated. The self-sealing efficiency of water-swelling rubber particles with different content and particle size was quantified through a permeability test. The sealing effect of the water swelling rubber particles was monitored by X-ray computed tomography. The experimental results show that, by using 6% of these water swelling rubber particles as a replacement of aggregates in concrete, up to 64% and 61% decrease of water permeability was realized for 0.7 mm and 1.0 mm cracks. Furthermore, when the concrete cracks, the water swelling rubber particles can act as a crack bridging filler, preventing the crack from fully separating the specimens in two pieces.
Effect of Mg on the Microstructure and Corrosion Resistance of the Continuously Hot-Dip Galvanizing Zn-Mg Coating
Authors: Dong Anping , Li Baoping , Lu Yanling , Zhu Guoliang , Xing Hui , Shu Da , Sun Baode , Wang Jun
Published: August 2017

The microstructure of continuously hot-dip galvanizing Zn-Mg coating was investigated in order to obtain the mechanism of the effects of Mg on the corrosion resistance. In this paper, the vertical section of the Zn-0.20 wt % Al-Mg ternary phase diagram near the Al-low corner was calculated. The results indicates that the phase composition of the Zn-0.20 wt % Al-Mg ternary phase diagram near the Al-low corner is the same as Zn-Mg binary phase diagram, suggesting Al in the Zn-Mg (ZM) coatings mainly concentrates on the interfacial layer between the coating and steel substrate. The microstructure of continuously hot-dip galvanizing ZM coatings with 0.20 wt % Al containing 1.0–3.0 wt % Mg was investigated using tunneling electron microscopy (TEM). The morphology of Zn in the coating changes from bulk to strip and finally to mesh-like, and the MgZn2 changes from rod-like to mesh-like with the Mg content increasing. Al in the ZM coatings mainly segregates at the Fe2Al5 inhibition layer and the Mg added to the Zn bath makes this inhibition layer thinner and uneven. Compared to GI coating, the time of the first red rust appears increases by more than two-fold and expansion rate of red rust reduces by more than four-fold in terms of salt spray experiment. The ZM coating containing 2.0 wt % Mg has the best corrosion resistance. The enhanced corrosion resistance of ZM coatings mainly depends on different corrosion products.
Myticalins: A Novel Multigenic Family of Linear, Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides from Marine Mussels (Mytilus spp.)
Authors: Leoni Gabriele , De Poli Andrea , Mardirossian Mario , Gambato Stefano , Florian Fiorella , Venier Paola , Wilson Daniel , Tossi Alessandro , Pallavicini Alberto , Gerdol Marco
Published: August 2017

The application of high-throughput sequencing technologies to non-model organisms has brought new opportunities for the identification of bioactive peptides from genomes and transcriptomes. From this point of view, marine invertebrates represent a potentially rich, yet largely unexplored resource for de novo discovery due to their adaptation to diverse challenging habitats. Bioinformatics analyses of available genomic and transcriptomic data allowed us to identify myticalins, a novel family of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, and a similar family of AMPs from Modiolus spp., named modiocalins. Their coding sequence encompasses two conserved N-terminal (signal peptide) and C-terminal (propeptide) regions and a hypervariable central cationic region corresponding to the mature peptide. Myticalins are taxonomically restricted to Mytiloida and they can be classified into four subfamilies. These AMPs are subject to considerable interindividual sequence variability and possibly to presence/absence variation. Functional assays performed on selected members of this family indicate a remarkable tissue-specific expression (in gills) and broad spectrum of activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Overall, we present the first linear AMPs ever described in marine mussels and confirm the great potential of bioinformatics tools for the de novo discovery of bioactive peptides in non-model organisms.
An Electromagnetically Actuated Double-Sided Cell-Stretching Device for Mechanobiology Research
Authors: Kamble Harshad , Vadivelu Raja , Barton Mathew , Boriachek Kseniia , Munaz Ahmed , Park Sungsu , Shiddiky Muhammad , Nguyen Nam-Trung
Published: August 2017

Cellular response to mechanical stimuli is an integral part of cell homeostasis. The interaction of the extracellular matrix with the mechanical stress plays an important role in cytoskeleton organisation and cell alignment. Insights from the response can be utilised to develop cell culture methods that achieve predefined cell patterns, which are critical for tissue remodelling and cell therapy. We report the working principle, design, simulation, and characterisation of a novel electromagnetic cell stretching platform based on the double-sided axial stretching approach. The device is capable of introducing a cyclic and static strain pattern on a cell culture. The platform was tested with fibroblasts. The experimental results are consistent with the previously reported cytoskeleton reorganisation and cell reorientation induced by strain. Our observations suggest that the cell orientation is highly influenced by external mechanical cues. Cells reorganise their cytoskeletons to avoid external strain and to maintain intact extracellular matrix arrangements.
Precision Nutrition: A Review of Personalized Nutritional Approaches for the Prevention and Management of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: De Toro-Martín Juan , Arsenault Benoit , Després Jean-Pierre , Vohl Marie-Claude
Published: August 2017

The translation of the growing increase of findings emerging from basic nutritional science into meaningful and clinically relevant dietary advices represents nowadays one of the main challenges of clinical nutrition. From nutrigenomics to deep phenotyping, many factors need to be taken into account in designing personalized and unbiased nutritional solutions for individuals or population sub-groups. Likewise, a concerted effort among basic, clinical scientists and health professionals will be needed to establish a comprehensive framework allowing the implementation of these new findings at the population level. In a world characterized by an overwhelming increase in the prevalence of obesity and associated metabolic disturbances, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, tailored nutrition prescription represents a promising approach for both the prevention and management of metabolic syndrome. This review aims to discuss recent works in the field of precision nutrition analyzing most relevant aspects affecting an individual response to lifestyle/nutritional interventions. Latest advances in the analysis and monitoring of dietary habits, food behaviors, physical activity/exercise and deep phenotyping will be discussed, as well as the relevance of novel applications of nutrigenomics, metabolomics and microbiota profiling. Recent findings in the development of precision nutrition are highlighted. Finally, results from published studies providing examples of new avenues to successfully implement innovative precision nutrition approaches will be reviewed.
Prevention and Therapy of Type 2 Diabetes—What Is the Potential of Daily Water Intake and Its Mineral Nutrients?
Authors: Naumann Johannes , Biehler Diana , Lüty Tania , Sadaghiani Catharina
Published: August 2017

We aim to present an overview of the possible influence of drinking water in general and mineral water in particular in improving glycemic parameters in persons with or without type 2 diabetes. We performed a literature search that produced 15 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on this topic with mainly small sample sizes. We also discuss relevant observational and animal studies as well as the effects of important supplements in mineral water such as hydrogencarbonate and magnesium. There is low evidence for the positive effects of water or mineral water in improving glycemic parameters in diabetic and non-diabetic persons, and the results are heterogenous, making it difficult to reach an unequivocal conclusion. Meta-analyses of prospective cohort studies and other observational studies, studies with animal models and interventional studies using hydrogencarbonate and magnesium supplements suggest a probable positive effect of drinking water and mineral water in particular on glycemic parameters, supporting the positive results found in some of the RCTs, especially those substituting diet beverages or caloric beverages with water, or those using bicarbonate and magnesium-rich water. Regarding the high prevalence, the associated suffering and the resulting health expenditures of type 2 diabetes, it is imperative to conduct larger and more rigorous trials to answer the question whether drinking water or mineral water can improve glycemic parameters in diabetic and non-diabetic persons.
Effects of a Voluntary Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling System on Packaged Food Reformulation: The Health Star Rating System in New Zealand
Authors: Mhurchu Cliona , Eyles Helen , Choi Yeun-Hyang
Published: August 2017

Interpretive, front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition labels may encourage reformulation of packaged foods. We aimed to evaluate the effects of the Health Star Rating (HSR), a new voluntary interpretive FOP labelling system, on food reformulation in New Zealand. Annual surveys of packaged food and beverage labelling and composition were undertaken in supermarkets before and after adoption of HSR i.e., 2014 to 2016. Outcomes assessed were HSR uptake by food group star ratings of products displaying a HSR label; nutritional composition of products displaying HSR compared with non-HSR products; and the composition of products displaying HSR labels in 2016 compared with their composition prior to introduction of HSR. In 2016, two years after adoption of the voluntary system, 5.3% of packaged food and beverage products surveyed (n = 807/15,357) displayed HSR labels. The highest rates of uptake were for cereals, convenience foods, packaged fruit and vegetables, sauces and spreads, and ‘Other’ products (predominantly breakfast beverages). Products displaying HSR labels had higher energy density but had significantly lower mean saturated fat, total sugar and sodium, and higher fibre, contents than non-HSR products (all p-values < 0.001). Small but statistically significant changes were observed in mean energy density (−29 KJ/100 g, p = 0.002), sodium (−49 mg/100 g, p = 0.03) and fibre (+0.5 g/100 g, p = 0.001) contents of HSR-labelled products compared with their composition prior to adoption of HSR. Reformulation of HSR-labelled products was greater than that of non-HSR-labelled products over the same period, e.g., energy reduction in HSR products was greater than in non-HSR products (−1.5% versus −0.4%), and sodium content of HSR products decreased by 4.6% while that of non-HSR products increased by 3.1%. We conclude that roll-out of the voluntary HSR labelling system is driving healthier reformulation of some products. Greater uptake across the full food supply should improve population diets.
An Integrated Approach to Generating Accurate DTM from Airborne Full-Waveform LiDAR Data
Authors: Hu Baoxin , Gumerov Damir , Wang Jianguo , Zhang and Wen
Published: August 2017

In this study, full-waveform LiDAR data were exploited to detect weak returns backscattered by the bare terrain underneath vegetation canopies and thus improve the generation of a digital terrain model (DTM). Building on the methods of progressive generation of triangulation irregular network (TIN) model reported in the literature, we proposed an integrated approach where echo detection, terrain identification, and TIN generation were carried out iteratively. The proposed method was tested on a dataset collected by a Riegl LMS Q-560 scanner over a study area near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada (46°33′56′′N, 83°25′18′′W). The results demonstrated that more terrain points under shrubs could be identified, and the generated DTMs exhibited more details in the terrain than those obtained using the progressive TIN method. In addition, 1275 points across this study area were surveyed on the ground and used to validate the proposed approach. The estimated elevations were shown to have a strong linear relationship with the measured ones, with R2 values above 0.98, and the RMSEs (Root Mean Squared Errors) between them were less than 0.15 m even for areas with hilly terrains underneath vegetation canopies.
Understanding the Generation of Value along Supply Chains: Balancing Control Information and Relational Governance Mechanisms in Downstream and Upstream Relationships
Authors: Ramon-Jeronimo Juan , Florez-Lopez Raquel , Ramon-Jeronimo Maria
Published: August 2017

Firms are involved in supply chains to achieve operative efficiency, develop strategic advantages, and generate financial profits. However, there is limited evidence regarding how governance mechanisms influence the generation of value from collaboration. Furthermore, how a particular buyer or supplier position provides benefits to partners is unclear. In this paper, we examine the roles of management control information as both a governance mechanism and a source of dynamic capabilities, and its interaction with relational variables to create and capture value following a demand-side perspective. Two separate studies are developed using multigroup structural equation modelling, which analyse buyer and supplier positions played by the firm as a complex supply chain node. The results demonstrate that the characteristics of information sharing have different impacts on value, depending on the role played in the relationship. Although timely information sharing appears to be the key source of operative and financial value in downstream relationships, disaggregated information sharing generates additional strategic advantages in upstream relationships. The presence of different control-trust frameworks mediates the process of value generation, leading to different managerial and theoretical implications.
Host and Viral Factors in HIV-Mediated Bystander Apoptosis
Authors: Garg Himanshu , Joshi Anjali
Published: August 2017

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections lead to a progressive loss of CD4 T cells primarily via the process of apoptosis. With a limited number of infected cells and vastly disproportionate apoptosis in HIV infected patients, it is believed that apoptosis of uninfected bystander cells plays a significant role in this process. Disease progression in HIV infected individuals is highly variable suggesting that both host and viral factors may influence HIV mediated apoptosis. Amongst the viral factors, the role of Envelope (Env) glycoprotein in bystander apoptosis is well documented. Recent evidence on the variability in apoptosis induction by primary patient derived Envs underscores the role of Env glycoprotein in HIV disease. Amongst the host factors, the role of C-C Chemokine Receptor type 5 (CCR5), a coreceptor for HIV Env, is also becoming increasingly evident. Polymorphisms in the CCR5 gene and promoter affect CCR5 cell surface expression and correlate with both apoptosis and CD4 loss. Finally, chronic immune activation in HIV infections induces multiple defects in the immune system and has recently been shown to accelerate HIV Env mediated CD4 apoptosis. Consequently, those factors that affect CCR5 expression and/or immune activation in turn indirectly regulate HIV mediated apoptosis making this phenomenon both complex and multifactorial. This review explores the complex role of various host and viral factors in determining HIV mediated bystander apoptosis.
Effectiveness of Runoff Control Legislation and Active, Beautiful, Clean (ABC) Waters Design Features in Singapore
Authors: Goh Xue , Radhakrishnan Mohanasundar , Zevenbergen Chris , Pathirana Assela
Published: August 2017

Storm water management in Singapore has always been a challenge due to intense rainfall in a flat, low-lying and urbanised catchment. PUB’s (Singapore’s National Water Agency) recent runoff control regulation limits the runoff coefficient to 0.55 for developments larger than or equal to 0.2 ha. The use of Active, Beautiful, Clean (ABC) Waters design features are encouraged to attain peak runoff reduction. Hence the paper focuses on (i) determining the actual hydrological response regime of Singapore using the relationship between runoff coefficient (C), land use and slope; and (ii) investigating the effectiveness of ABC Waters design features in delaying and reducing peak runoff using a modelling approach. Based on a Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) model and using elevation, land use and soil data as inputs, the peak C-values were obtained for 50 m × 50 m grid cells. The results show that for the same land use, the one with steeper slope resulted in a higher runoff coefficient. Simulations were carried out in two study areas, Green Walk District and Tengah Subcatchment, where ABC Waters design features (such as porous pavements, green roofs, rain gardens) and detention tanks were incorporated to reduce C-values. Results showed that peak C-values can be reduced to less than 0.55 after increasing the green areas and constructing detention facilities. Reduction in peak discharge (22% to 63%) and a delay in peak discharge by up to 30 min were also observed. Hence, it is recommended to consider the relationship between slope and land use while determining runoff coefficients; and to incorporate ABC Waters design features in urban design to reduce the peak flow and runoff coefficient (C).
Estimation of Suspended Sediment Loads Using Copula Functions
Authors: Bezak Nejc , Rusjan Simon , Kramar Fijavž Marjeta , Mikoš Matjaž , Šraj Mojca
Published: August 2017

Suspended sediment load (SSL) observations are usually less frequent than precipitation and river discharge measurements; therefore a reliable procedure is needed for the estimation of SSL. One year of precipitation, SSL, and discharge measurements at 20-min intervals were performed at the Kuzlovec torrent in Slovenia. The Frank copula was selected to construct an event-based model using the following variables: precipitation sum (P), peak discharge (Q), and SSL. The idea was to estimate the SSL based on the measured P and Q. The proposed model was additionally tested using the daily data from the Gornja Radgona station on the Mura River, for which 29 years of data were available and where Khoudraji-Liebscher copulas were used. The estimated SSL values using the copula were compared with different regression models. The proposed copula model yielded meaningful SSL estimates. Some performance criteria and tests indicated that the copula model gives a better fit to the measured data than other tested methods.
Comparative transcriptomics indicate changes in cell wall organization and stress response in seedlings during spaceflight
Authors: Johnson Christina M. , Subramanian Aswati , Pattathil Sivakumar , Correll Melanie J. , Kiss John Z.
Published: August 2017

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Plants will play an important role in the future of space exploration as part of bioregenerative life support. Thus, it is important to understand the effects of microgravity and spaceflight on gene expression in plant development.

METHODS:

We analyzed the transcriptome of Arabidopsis thaliana using the Biological Research in Canisters (BRIC) hardware during Space Shuttle mission STS‐131. The bioinformatics methods used included RMA (robust multi‐array average), MAS5 (Microarray Suite 5.0), and PLIER (probe logarithmic intensity error estimation). Glycome profiling was used to analyze cell wall composition in the samples. In addition, our results were compared to those of two other groups using the same hardware on the same mission (BRIC‐16).

KEY RESULTS:

In our BRIC‐16 experiments, we noted expression changes in genes involved in hypoxia and heat shock responses, DNA repair, and cell wall structure between spaceflight samples compared to the ground controls. In addition, glycome profiling supported our expression analyses in that there was a difference in cell wall components between ground control and spaceflight‐grown plants. Comparing our studies to those of the other BRIC‐16 experiments demonstrated that, even with the same hardware and similar biological materials, differences in results in gene expression were found among these spaceflight experiments.

CONCLUSIONS:

A common theme from our BRIC‐16 space experiments and those of the other two groups was the downregulation of water stress response genes in spaceflight. In addition, all three studies found differential regulation of genes associated with cell wall remodeling and stress responses between spaceflight‐grown and ground control plants.
The Cosmic-Ray Ionization Rate in the Galactic Disk, as Determined from Observations of Molecular Ions
Authors: Neufeld David A. , Wolfire Mark G.
Published: August 2017

We have obtained estimates for the cosmic-ray ionization rate (CRIR) in the Galactic disk, using a detailed model for the physics and chemistry of diffuse interstellar gas clouds to interpret previously published measurements of the abundance of four molecular ions: ArH+, OH+,

, and

. For diffuse atomic clouds at Galactocentric distances in the range

, observations of ArH+, OH+, and

imply a mean primary CRIR of

per hydrogen atom, where

. Within diffuse molecular clouds observed toward stars in the solar neighborhood, measurements of

and H2 imply a primary CRIR of

per H atom, corresponding to a total ionization rate per H2 molecule of

in good accord with previous estimates. These estimates are also in good agreement with a rederivation, presented here, of the CRIR implied by recent observations of carbon and hydrogen radio recombination lines along the sight line to Cas A. Here, our best-fit estimate for the primary CRIR is

per H atom. Our results show marginal evidence that the CRIR in diffuse molecular clouds decreases with cloud extinction,

, with a best-fit dependence

for

.
APOGEE Chemical Abundances of the Sagittarius Dwarf Galaxy
Authors: Hasselquist Sten , Shetrone Matthew , Smith Verne , Holtzman Jon , McWilliam Andrew , Fernández-Trincado J. G. , Beers Timothy C. , Majewski Steven R. , Nidever David L. , Tang Baitian , Tissera Patricia B. , Alvar Emma Fernández , Allende Prieto Carlos , Almeida Andres , Anguiano Borja , Battaglia Giuseppina , Carigi Leticia , Delgado Inglada Gloria , Frinchaboy Peter , García-Hernández D. A. , Geisler Doug , Minniti Dante , Placco Vinicius M. , Schultheis Mathias , Sobeck Jennifer , Villanova Sandro
Published: August 2017

The Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment provides the opportunity of measuring elemental abundances for C, N, O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, K, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni in vast numbers of stars. We analyze thechemical-abundance patterns of these elements for 158 red giant stars belonging to the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy (Sgr). This is the largest sample of Sgr stars with detailed chemical abundances, and it is the first time that C, N, P, K, V, Cr, Co, and Ni have been studied at high resolution in this galaxy. We find that the Sgr stars with [Fe/H] ≳ −0.8 are deficient in all elemental abundance ratios (expressed as [X/Fe]) relative to the Milky Way, suggesting that the Sgr stars observed today were formed from gas that was less enriched by Type II SNe than stars formed in the Milky Way. By examining the relative deficiencies of the hydrostatic (O, Na, Mg, and Al) and explosive (Si, P, K, and Mn) elements, our analysis supports the argument that previous generations of Sgr stars were formed with a top-light initial mass function, one lacking the most massive stars that would normally pollute the interstellar medium with the hydrostatic elements. We use a simple chemical-evolution model, flexCE, to further support our claim and conclude that recent stellar generations of Fornax and the Large Magellanic Cloud could also have formed according to a top-light initial mass function.
Observable Emission Features of Black Hole GRMHD Jets on Event Horizon Scales
Authors: Pu Hung-Yi , Wu Kinwah , Younsi Ziri , Asada Keiichi , Mizuno Yosuke , Nakamura Masanori
Published: August 2017

The general-relativistic magnetohydrodynamical (GRMHD) formulation for black hole-powered jets naturally gives rise to a stagnation surface, where inflows and outflows along magnetic field lines that thread the black hole event horizon originate. We derive a conservative formulation for the transport of energetic electrons, which are initially injected at the stagnation surface and subsequently transported along flow streamlines. With this formulation the energy spectra evolution of the electrons along the flow in the presence of radiative and adiabatic cooling is determined. For flows regulated by synchrotron radiative losses and adiabatic cooling, the effective radio emission region is found to be finite, and geometrically it is more extended along the jet central axis. Moreover, the emission from regions adjacent to the stagnation surface is expected to be the most luminous as this is where the freshly injected energetic electrons are concentrated. An observable stagnation surface is thus a strong prediction of the GRMHD jet model with the prescribed non-thermal electron injection. Future millimeter/submillimeter (mm/sub-mm) very-long-baseline interferometric observations of supermassive black hole candidates, such as the one at the center of M87, can verify this GRMHD jet model and its associated non-thermal electron injection mechanism.
NuSTAR Hard X-Ray Observations of the Energetic Millisecond Pulsars PSR B1821-24, PSR B1937+21, and PSR J0218+4232
Authors: Gotthelf E. V. , Bogdanov S.
Published: August 2017

We present Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) hard X-ray timing and spectroscopy of the three exceptionally energetic rotation-powered millisecond pulsars PSRs B1821-24, B1937+21, and J0218+4232. By correcting for the frequency and phase drifts of the NuSTAR onboard clock, we are able to recover the intrinsic hard X-ray pulse profiles of all three pulsars with a resolution down to

. The substantial reduction of background emission relative to previous broadband X-ray observations allows us to detect for the first time pulsed emission up to ∼50 keV, ∼20 keV, and ∼25 keV for the three pulsars, respectively. We conduct phase-resolved spectroscopy in the 0.5–79 keV range for all three objects, obtaining the best measurements yet of the broadband spectral shape and high-energy pulsed emission to date. We find extensions of the same power-law continua seen at lower energies, with no conclusive evidence for a spectral turnover or break. Extrapolation of the X-ray power-law spectrum to higher energies reveals that a turnover in the 100 keV to 100 MeV range is required to accommodate the high-energy γ-ray emission observed with Fermi-LAT, similar to the spectral energy distribution observed for the Crab pulsar.
The 12C/13C Ratio in Sgr B2(N): Constraints for Galactic Chemical Evolution and Isotopic Chemistry
Authors: Halfen D. T. , Woolf N. J. , Ziurys L. M.
Published: August 2017

A study has been conducted of 12C/13C ratios in five complex molecules in the Galactic center. H2CS, CH3CCH, NH2CHO, CH2CHCN, and CH3CH2CN and their 13C-substituted species have been observed in numerous transitions at 1, 2, and 3 mm, acquired in a spectral-line survey of Sgr B2(N), conducted with the telescopes of the Arizona Radio Observatory (ARO). Between 22 and 54 individual, unblended lines for the 12C species and 2–54 for 13C-substituted analogs were modeled in a global radiative transfer analysis. All five molecules were found to consistently exhibit two velocity components near V
LSR ∼ 64 and 73 km s−1, with column densities ranging from N
tot ∼ 3 × 1014 − 4 × 1017 cm−2 and ∼2 × 1013 − 1 × 1017 cm−2 for the 12C and 13C species, respectively. Based on 14 different isotopic combinations, ratios were obtained in the range 12C/13C = 15 ± 5 to 33 ± 13, with an average value of 24 ± 7, based on comparison of column densities. These measurements better anchor the 12C/13C ratio at the Galactic center, and suggest a slightly revised isotope gradient of 12C/13C = 5.21(0.52) D
GC + 22.6(3.3). As indicated by the column densities, no preferential 13C enrichment was found on the differing carbon sites of CH3CCH, CH2CHCN, and CH3CH2CN. Because of the elevated temperatures in Sgr B2(N), 13C isotopic substitution is effectively “scrambled,” diminishing chemical fractionation effects. The resulting ratios thus reflect stellar nucleosynthesis and Galactic chemical evolution, as is likely the case for most warm clouds.
The Initial Mass Function in the Nearest Strong Lenses from SNELLS: Assessing the Consistency of Lensing, Dynamical, and Spectroscopic Constraints
Authors: Newman Andrew B. , Smith Russell J. , Conroy Charlie , Villaume Alexa , van Dokkum Pieter
Published: August 2017

We present new observations of the three nearest early-type galaxy (ETG) strong lenses discovered in the SINFONI Nearby Elliptical Lens Locator Survey (SNELLS). Based on their lensing masses, these ETGs were inferred to have a stellar initial mass function (IMF) consistent with that of the Milky Way, not the bottom-heavy IMF that has been reported as typical for high-σ ETGs based on lensing, dynamical, and stellar population synthesis techniques. We use these unique systems to test the consistency of IMF estimates derived from different methods. We first estimate the stellar M
*/L using lensing and stellar dynamics. We then fit high-quality optical spectra of the lenses using an updated version of the stellar population synthesis models developed by Conroy & van Dokkum. When examined individually, we find good agreement among these methods for one galaxy. The other two galaxies show 2–3σ tension with lensing estimates, depending on the dark matter contribution, when considering IMFs that extend to 0.08 M
⊙. Allowing a variable low-mass cutoff or a nonparametric form of the IMF reduces the tension among the IMF estimates to <2σ. There is moderate evidence for a reduced number of low-mass stars in the SNELLS spectra, but no such evidence in a composite spectrum of matched-σ ETGs drawn from the SDSS. Such variation in the form of the IMF at low stellar masses (m ≲ 0.3 M
⊙), if present, could reconcile lensing/dynamical and spectroscopic IMF estimates for the SNELLS lenses and account for their lighter M
*/L relative to the mean matched-σ ETG. We provide the spectra used in this study to facilitate future comparisons.
TMRT Observations of 26 Pulsars at 8.6 GHz
Authors: Zhao 赵汝 Ru-Shuang 双 , Wu 吴鑫 Xin-Ji 基 , Yan 闫 Zhen 振 , Shen 沈志 Zhi-Qiang 强 , Manchester R. N. , Qiao 乔国 Guo-Jun 俊 , Xu 徐仁 Ren-Xin 新 , Wu 吴亚 Ya-Jun 军 , Zhao 赵融 Rong-Bing 冰 , Li 李 Bin 斌 , Du 杜源 Yuan-Jie 杰 , Lee 李柯 Ke-Jia 伽 , Hao 郝龙 Long-Fei 飞 , Liu 刘庆 Qing-Hui 会 , Lu 卢吉 Ji-Guang 光 , Shang 尚伦 Lun-Hua 华 , Wang 王锦 Jin-Qing 清 , Wang 汪 Min 敏 , Yuan 袁 Jin 瑾 , Zhi 支启 Qi-Jun 军 , Zhong 仲伟 Wei-Ye 业
Published: August 2017

Integrated pulse profiles at 8.6 GHz obtained with the Shanghai Tian Ma Radio Telescope (TMRT) are presented for a sample of 26 pulsars. Mean flux densities and pulse width parameters of these pulsars are estimated. For 11 pulsars these are the first high-frequency observations and for a further four, our observations have a better signal-to-noise ratio than previous observations. For one (PSR J0742−2822), the 8.6 GHz profile differs from previously observed profiles. A comparison of 19 profiles with those at other frequencies shows that in nine cases, the separation between the outmost leading and trailing components decreases with frequency, which is roughly in agreement with radius-to-frequency mapping, whereas in the other 10 the separation is nearly constant. Different spectral indices of profile components lead to the variation of integrated pulse profile shapes with frequency. In seven pulsars with multi-component profiles, the spectral indices of the central components are steeper than those of the outer components. For the 12 pulsars with multi-component profiles in the high-frequency sample, we estimate the core width using Gaussian fitting and discuss the width-period relationship.
Detection of Extraplanar Diffuse Ionized Gas in M83*
Authors: Boettcher Erin , Gallagher III J. S. , Zweibel Ellen G.
Published: August 2017

We present the first kinematic study of extraplanar diffuse ionized gas (eDIG) in the nearby, face-on disk galaxy M83 using optical emission-line spectroscopy from the Robert Stobie Spectrograph on the Southern African Large Telescope. We use a Markov Chain Monte Carlo method to decompose the [N ii]

6548, 6583, Hα, and [S ii]

6717, 6731 emission lines into H ii region and diffuse ionized gas emission. Extraplanar, diffuse gas is distinguished by its emission-line ratios ([N ii]λ6583/Hα

) and its rotational velocity lag with respect to the disk (

km s−1 in projection). With interesting implications for isotropy, the velocity dispersion of the diffuse gas,

km s−1, is a factor of a few higher in M83 than in the Milky Way and nearby, edge-on disk galaxies. The turbulent pressure gradient is sufficient to support the eDIG layer in dynamical equilibrium at an electron scale height of

kpc. However, this dynamical equilibrium model must be finely tuned to reproduce the rotational velocity lag. There is evidence of local bulk flows near star-forming regions in the disk, suggesting that the dynamical state of the gas may be intermediate between a dynamical equilibrium and a galactic fountain flow. As one of the first efforts to study eDIG kinematics in a face-on galaxy, this study demonstrates the feasibility of characterizing the radial distribution, bulk velocities, and vertical velocity dispersions in low-inclination systems.
Molecular Gas in Three z ∼ 7 Quasar Host Galaxies
Authors: Venemans Bram P. , Walter Fabian , Decarli Roberto , Ferkinhoff Carl , Weiß Axel , Findlay Joseph R. , McMahon Richard G. , Sutherland Will J. , Meijerink Rowin
Published: August 2017

We present ALMA band 3 observations of the CO(6–5), CO(7–6), and [C i] 369 μm emission lines in three of the highest-redshift quasar host galaxies at

. These measurements constitute the highest-redshift CO detections to date. The target quasars have previously been detected in [C ii] 158 μm emission and the underlying FIR dust continuum. We detect (spatially unresolved, at a resolution of >2″, or ≳14 kpc) CO emission in all three quasar hosts. In two sources, we detect the continuum emission around 400 μm (rest-frame), and in one source we detect [C i] at low significance. We derive molecular gas reservoirs of (1–3) × 1010

in the quasar hosts, i.e., approximately only 10 times the mass of their central supermassive black holes. The extrapolated [C ii]-to-CO(1–0) luminosity ratio is 2500–4200, consistent with measurements in galaxies at lower redshift. The detection of the [C i] line in one quasar host galaxy and the limit on the [C i] emission in the other two hosts enables a first characterization of the physical properties of the interstellar medium in z ∼ 7 quasar hosts. In the sources, the derived global CO/[C ii]/[C i] line ratios are consistent with expectations from photodissociation regions, but not X-ray-dominated regions. This suggest that quantities derived from the molecular gas and dust emission are related to ongoing star-formation activity in the quasar hosts, providing further evidence that the quasar hosts studied here harbor intense starbursts in addition to their active nucleus.
A Tale of Two Transients: GW 170104 and GRB 170105A
Authors: Bhalerao V. , Kasliwal M. M. , Bhattacharya D. , Corsi A. , Aarthy E. , Adams S. M. , Blagorodnova N. , Cantwell T. , Cenko S. B. , Fender R. , Frail D. , Itoh R. , Jencson J. , Kawai N. , Kong A. K. H. , Kupfer T. , Kutyrev A. , Mao J. , Mate S. , Mithun N. P. S. , Mooley K. , Perley D. A. , Perrott Y. C. , Quimby R. M. , Rao A. R. , Singer L. P. , Sharma V. , Titterington D. J. , Troja E. , Vadawale S. V. , Vibhute A. , Vedantham H. , Veilleux S.
Published: August 2017

We present multi-wavelength follow-up campaigns by the AstroSat CZTI and GROWTH collaborations in search of an electromagnetic counterpart to the gravitational wave event GW 170104. At the time of the GW 170104 trigger, the AstroSat CZTI field of view covered 50.3% of the sky localization. We do not detect any hard X-ray (>100 keV) signal at this time, and place an upper limit of

, for a 1 s timescale. Separately, the ATLAS survey reported a rapidly fading optical source dubbed ATLAS17aeu in the error circle of GW 170104. Our panchromatic investigation of ATLAS17aeu shows that it is the afterglow of an unrelated long, soft GRB 170105A, with only a fortuitous spatial coincidence with GW 170104. We then discuss the properties of this transient in the context of standard long GRB afterglow models.
Thermal Electrons in Gamma-Ray Burst Afterglows
Authors: Ressler Sean M. , Laskar Tanmoy
Published: August 2017

To date, nearly all multi-wavelength modeling of long-duration γ-ray bursts has ignored synchrotron radiation from the significant population of electrons expected to pass the shock without acceleration into a power-law distribution. We investigate the effect of including the contribution of thermal, non-accelerated electrons to synchrotron absorption and emission in the standard afterglow model, and show that these thermal electrons provide an additional source of opacity to synchrotron self-absorption, and yield an additional emission component at higher energies. The extra opacity results in an increase in the synchrotron self-absorption frequency by factors of 10–100 for fiducial parameters. The nature of the additional emission depends on the details of the thermal population, but is generally observed to yield a spectral peak in the optical brighter than radiation from the nonthermal population by similar factors a few seconds after the burst, remaining detectable at millimeter and radio frequencies several days later.
Studies of the Core Conditions of the Earth and Super-Earths Using Intense Ion Beams at FAIR
Authors: Tahir N. A. , Lomonosov I. V. , Borm B. , Piriz A. R. , Shutov A. , Neumayer P. , Bagnoud V. , Piriz S. A.
Published: August 2017

Using detailed numerical simulations, we present the design of an experiment that will generate samples of iron under extreme conditions of density and pressure believed to exist in the interior of the Earth and interior of extrasolar Earth-like planets. In the proposed experiment design, an intense uranium beam is used to implode a multilayered cylindrical target that consists of a thin Fe cylinder enclosed in a thick massive W shell. Such intense uranium beams will be available at the heavy-ion synchrotron, SIS100, at the Facility for Antiprotons and Ion Research (FAIR), at Darmstadt, which is under construction and will become operational in the next few years. It is expected that the beam intensity will increase gradually over a couple of years to its maximum design value. Therefore, in our studies, we have considered a wide range of beam parameters, from the initial beam intensity (“Day One”) to the maximum specified value. It is also worth noting that two different focal spot geometries have been used. In one case, a circular focal spot with a Gaussian transverse intensity distribution is considered, whereas in the other case, an annular focal spot is used. With these two beam geometries, one can access different parts of the Fe phase diagram. For example, heating the sample with a circular focal spot generates a hot liquid state, while an annular focal spot can produce a highly compressed liquid or a highly compressed solid phase depending on the beam intensity.