bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperate Ice Beneath the “Polar” Taylor Glacier, Victoria Land, Antarctica (Abstract only)
Authors: Robinson P.H.
Published: September 2017

Two interdependent lines of evidence contribute to an understanding of basal ice conditions within Taylor Glacier, from the thermal regime and from features of the englacial and basal debris. The thermal regime of the basal ice in Taylor Glacier suggests mechanisms for the entrainment and transportation of debris near the glacier sole.

Assuming steady-state conditions, basal temperatures over the ablation area of Taylor Glacier were calculated from the geothermal heat in flux, the nearsurface ice temperatures, ice velocities, and the ice thickness. In over 50% of the lower ablation area the basal ice may be melting.

The englacial and basal debris is incorporated by processes operating at the glacier sole. Englacial debris is incorporated by particle regelation; basal debris is incorporated by freezing block regelation. Both processes occur close to the glacier margin, where inner warm basal ice is in contact with marginal cold ice. The debris frozen to the sole here remains relatively unmodified during transport to the margin.

Both lines of evidence indicate that Taylor Glacier is, and has been, capable of erosion and entrainment of debris by temperate ice at the glacier sole. Debris deposited along the margin i s similar to drift deposited beyond the glacier, implying that any recent climatic changes have had little effect on basal ice conditions within Taylor Glacier.
Radio Echo-Sounding of Riiser-Larsenisen (Abstract only)
Authors: Orheim Olav
Published: September 2017

The Norwegian Antarctic Research Expedition 1978–79 used the Scott Polar Research Institute Mk IV radio echo-sounding system fitted in a Bell 206B helicopter to survey 620 km of Riiser-Larsenisen and 100 km across the outer part of Stancomb-Wills Ice Stream. Observed thicknesses of Riiser-Larsenisen decrease from 700 m at the grounding line to less than 200 m at the ice front. The thickness of Bllenga ice rise varied between 200 and 450 m. The ice shelf thins towards the east, and seems there to flow obliquely to the ice front (Fig.1).

Step-like change in thickness of >150 m over 500 m horizontal distance i s observed in the central part of the ice shelf. The records also demonstrate undulations in ice thickness of 600 to 700 m wavelength and 50 m amplitude, and various types of rifts and crevasses. Internal layering is recorded at 250 to 300 m depth over Blåenga and i n the ice shelf up-stream of this ice rise.

Observed ice thicknesses on Stancomb-Wills Ice Stream range from 130 to 220 m, with no systematic decrease towards the ice front. The records include long sections of heavy scatter from densely spaced rifts and bottom crevasses. This ice stream attains velocities > 4 km a−1, and is much more active than Riiser-Larsenisen. This high activity has resulted in extensive fracturing of the ice shelf.
Iceberg Response to Sea State (Abstract only)
Authors: Orheim Olav , Wadhams Peter , Kristensen Monica
Published: September 2017

Data from instruments placed on tabular Antarctic icebergs show that they flex, heave, and roll in response to ocean waves. One iceberg was monitored for 13 months in the Weddell Sea by an automatic data collection platform deployed by the Norwegian Antarctic Research Expedition 1978-79. The temperature sensors demonstrated burial by snow-fall during autumn and winter, but melting during the following summer led to a net annual surface mass balance of -0.1 m water equivalent and to snow and firn temperatures being raised to the melting point. Strain and tilt instruments showed flexure and tilt with main frequencies around 15 to 20 s, but short sampling periods made it difficult to conduct comprehensive statistical analysis of the data.
Contribution to the modelling of the ice accretion process: ice density variation with the impacted surface angle
Authors: Bain M. , Gayet J. F
Published: September 2017

Icing measurements were carried out in natural winter clouds with an instrumented wind tunnel set up at the summit of Puy de Dome (1 500 m a.s.l.). The microphysical data (liquid water content, droplet spectra) were obtained by using the particle measuring system PMS ASSP 100. The ice density was measured on a rotating cylinder and the ice deposit of the cross-section was photographed on a fixed cylinder. The density measurements ranged from 300 to 900 kg m–3 during the experioment and are in agreement with Macklin’s results (1962). The profile of the ice deposit is comparedto the profile predicted by the model of Lozowski and others (19791, which considers a fixed density.

We propose to improve this model by talking into account the variation of ice density with the angle of impact on the cylinder. This calculation is based on Macklin’s results and on the determination of the local impact speed by using the result of Langrature, air speed, liquid wter content, and, especially, the droplet distribution. The improvement is not sufficiemuir and Blodgett (1960). The variation o fice density with the angle depends on various parameters: pressure, tempen to explain some observed profiles; this may be attributed to the fact that the model is not time-dependent.
A Biviscous Modified Bingham Model of Snow Avalanche Motion
Authors: Dent J. D. , Lang T. E.
Published: September 2017

A modified Bingham numerical model is developed and tested for the simulation of the motion of snow avalanches. This two-dimensional, incompressible model takes the form of a two-viscosity system in which a large viscosity is employed in the low stress regions of the flow and a smaller viscosity is used in the high stress regions. The model involves three parameters: the two viscosities, and the value of the stress for the transition between the two flow regimes. A simple no-slip boundary condition is used at the interface between the flowing snow and the stationary snow surface. Model parameters are evaluated by simulating the motion of the leading edge of the flowing snow, velocity versus depth information, and debris distribution of small snow test experiments.
Creep of Columnar-Grained Ice at Low Stress
Authors: Gold L. W.
Published: September 2017

An investigation was undertaken of the creep of columnar-grained ice under constant compressive stresses of 98 and 59 kPa in order to extend the observed relationship between strain-rate and stress further into the low-stress region. Stress was applied perpendicular to the long direction of the grains. Observations were made for temperatures between -5 and -40°C. The steady-state creep rate for secondary creep was not yet attained for strain of 1.4% and stress of 98 kPa. An initial yield was observed at that stress in the strain range of 0.2 to 0.3%, similar to that seen at higher stress. The observations showed that the strain-rate tended to a linear dependence on stress below 49 kPa and that more than one dislocation process with different values for the stress exponent may contribute to the strain at higher stresses. An activation energy of 63 kJ mol−1 was consistent with the observed temperature dependence of the strain-rate. Straining ice to a given strain under a stress of about 0.3 MPa and then reducing the load may be a convenient way to study the stress, strain and temperature dependence of the strain-rate at low stress.
Reconnaissance of the Glaciers of the Susitna River Basin in Connection with Proposed Hydroelectric Development
Authors: Harrison W. D. , Drage B. T. , Bredthauer S. , Johnson D. , Schoch C. , Follett A. B.
Published: September 2017

A reconnaissance program has been carried out to identify problems caused by glaciers in a large proposed hydroelectric development in the Susitna River basin of Alaska. Balance measurements on the major glaciers have been initiated, and long-term balance between 1949 and 1980 has been estimated from existing photo sets. From the latter it appears that shrinking of the glac!iers, which comprise 4% of the basin area, may have contributed appreciably to the measured basin runoff. A potential instability in the drainage of Eureka Glacier, on the edge of the basin, has been identified. The glaciers of the basin seem to be largely temperate, and most of them are surging or pulsing types. Velocity measurements show seasonal variations that suggest appreciable contribution to the motion from basal sliding. A study of the moraines of Susitna Glacier, which is a surging type, indicates that no surge is imminent. Glacier-dammed lakes exist in the basin; they are small but could be enlarged by surging or other mechanisms. Some general problems in the estimation of the transport of suspended sediment are noted.
Effect of Sample and Grain Size on the Compressive Strength of Ice
Authors: Jones Stephen J. , Chew H. A. M.
Published: September 2017

The effect of sample and grain size on the uniaxial compressive strength of polycrystalline ice has been investigated at -10°C, at a strain-rate of 5.5 × 10-4 s-1 The results show (a) that the sample size must be 12 or more times greater than the grain size for ft to have no effect on the strength and (b) that there is no significant dependence of compressive strength on grain size, within the grain-size range of 0.6 to 2.0 mm.
Gravity Measurements in Permafrost Terrain Containing Massive Ground Ice
Authors: Kawasaki K. , Osterkamp T. E. , Jurick R.W. , Kienle J.
Published: September 2017

Gravity measurements were made with a very sensitive gravimeter in permafrost terrain containing massive ground ice and other segregated ice. Measurements were first taken along a line over undisturbed terrain where a road cut was to be made; a second gravity profile parallel to the first profile but laterally displaced from it by about 36 m was subsequently made along the edge of the roadbed after road construction. Data from pre-construction borings and a profile of subsurface soil and ice conditions, synthesized from information obtained during cutting, were used for ground-truth information and compared with the gravity measurements. The horizontal dimensions and locations of the deposits of ground ice embedded in the soil layer correlated reasonably well with the dimensions and locations of the lows in the gravity profile. However, the second profile, taken along the roadbed, also showed significant variation even after the usual types of gravity corrections were applied, suggesting that there are significant horizontal variations in the density of the topmost layers of the underlying bedrock (schist) through which the cut was made.

The density contrast of the undisturbed ice-rich soil as a function of distance along the first pro-file was estimated assuming the contrast was produced by infinitely long, transverse, rectangular blocks of given dimensions but unknown density. A set of equations dependent (to a first approximation) only on the unknown block densities was constructed from the corrected gravity data and solved by the Gauss-Seidel method. The maximum contrast for one block was found to be about 0.4 Mg m3 which gives a volumetric ice content of about 80% for the block, if the mean den-sity for all the blocks is taken to be 1.45 Mgg m3

A third gravity profile was made over an artificially-constructed ice mass with dimensions of 34 × 0.69 × 3.2 m buried at a depth of 1.2 m. This profile did not show conclusively the presence of the ice mass, partly because the anomaly it produces is close to the nominal limit of detection of the gravimeter.

It is concluded that large massive ground ice can be detected by means of its gravitational field using sensitive commercially-available gravimeters in conjunction with some ground-truth data. However, the application of such gravimeters to routine pre-construction investigations and terrain reconnaissance for ground ice is limited by their sensitivity and by the requirement for a stable measuring platform. At present, the gravity method and possibly impulse radar are the only non-contacting remote methods for obtaining an estimate of the excess ice in permafrost.
Modelling of Antarctic Tabular Icebergs in Ocean Waves
Authors: Kristensen Monica , Squire Vernon A.
Published: September 2017

The prediction of the motions of a tabular iceberg in a seaway is a problem which cannot be solved with a simple approach. The main difficulty lies in the size and mass of the iceberg, which produce frequency-dependent hydrodynamical effects as it moves in the water. Specifically, any solution must take into account both the added inertia and the generation of surface waves caused by the motions of the berg. Early attempts at modelling, which did not include these terms, could not accurately predict the complicated response behaviour seen in field data. In this paper we discuss some modifications to a two-dimensional simulation of floating bodies in waves, which must be applied when the motions and the hydro-dynamical pressures beneath tabular icebergs are required.
Snow Control Studies of Elevated Buildings in the Antarctic
Authors: Mitsuhashi Hiromi , Hannuki Toshio , Sato Toshio , Kusunoki Kou
Published: September 2017

To elaborate design concepts of elevated buildings in an area of drifting snow, snow deposition and wind profiles around two buildings at Syowa station, Antarctica, were observed in 1978. To interpret the observed results in detail, wind-tunnel experiments on scale models were carried out. A wind-scooped snow deposit was formed behind the building and a sharp ridge was formed on the lee side. The highest point of the deposit was at a distance of 1 or 1.5 times the floor height (about 1.5 m) and the skirt of the snowdrift extended about 5 times the height of the roof. Wind profiles measured near one of the buildings (ionosphere hut) were expressed in terms of the logarithmic law. Two methods based on wind-tunnel experiments were used to estimate the development of snowdrifts around the building: one is to estimate the deposition from the difference in transport of blowing snow calculated from wind profiles and snowdrift flux profiles, the other is by deduction from the distribution of wind profiles. These experiments together with previous ones indicated that the optimum floor height was about 44Î of the height of the building.
Experimental Studies on Snow Accretion at Subzero Temperatures
Authors: Mizuno Yukiko , Wakahama Gorow
Published: September 2017

In order to clarify the process of snow accretion, which occurs at a temperature below the melting point of ice, experimental studies were made on the microscopic process of ice Adhesion as well as the tensile adhesive strength of snow onto various kinds of materials.

For this purpose, direct observations were made of the formation of an ice bond developed at the interface between an ice particle and a plate made of a transparent material such as glass, acrylic plastic (polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)), or ice, and measurements made of the growth rate of the real contact area.

The growth rate of an ice bond formed at the interface between an ice particle and the plate of a hydrophilic material such as glass was equal to or slightly larger than that of ice sintering, while an ice bond was not formed at the interface between an ice particle and the plate of a hydrophobic material such as teflon.

As for adhesive strength, with the lapse of time it increased rapidly at the former interface and slowly at the latter interface. Examinations of fracture planes revealed that at or near the interface a pure adhesive break did not take place with the exception of teflon and vinyl, and that what took place there was a cohesive break or a mixture of cohesive and adhesive breaks.
INVESTIGATION OF DISEASES OF JUVENILE CATLA FROM CULTURE POND FARMING CONDITION IN MYMENSINGH
Authors: Das D. R. , Chandra K. J.
Published: September 2017

Investigation on health conditions and diseases of juvenile catla (Catla catla) was carried out for clinical and histopathological observations from different farms of Mymensingh region.  A total of eight (8) farms, four Government (Govt.) and four Private (Pvt.) fish farms were selected for the study. The Indian major carp - catla was examined during June, 2010 to May, 2012. Monthly samplings were carried out with 5 fishes from each farm. Altogether 960 fish hosts were examined during the study period. Water quality parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonia, hardness, alkalinity, transparency and depth of water etc. were taken and management practices were investigated fortnightly interval. These were almost similar for all experimental ponds. The risk of being infestation by parasites of catla significantly (p<0.001) increased when the water quality parameters were not maintained the optimum level. Clinical examination of fishes was also carried out for any kind of abnormalities at monthly intervals. For histopathological studies skin, muscle, gill, liver and kidney were collected, processed and stained in Haematoxylin and Eosin. Histologically, catla of different fish farms were more affected in colder months (October to January). Structures of fish organs were normal from March to July. In the months of September, minor pathologies were found to be started and in the months of February the pathological condition of fish gradually reduced. Pathological changes like necrosis, fungal granuloma, protozoan and monogenean cyst, vacuolation, melanomacrophase, haemorrhage, hypertrophy, hyperplasia and clubbing were recorded in all the investigated organs. Among them fish gills and skin were more affected followed by liver and kidney. Again when considered individual fish farm, fish of Pvt. Fish farms were more affected than others. The study showed that severity of clinically and pathologically changes were gradually increased in November to January. During the period mixed infection of protozoa, monogenea and argulus were noticed in catla of the investigated farms.
Research on Investment Risk Management of Chinese Prefabricated Construction Projects Based on a System Dynamics Model
Authors: Li Ming , Li Ganbin , Huang Yanqing , Deng Liyan
Published: September 2017

Prefabricated construction, a new direction for the future development of the Chinese construction industry, can maximize the requirements of “green”. As a new form of green building, prefabricated construction is of particular interest. On account of the immature development of the green building market in China, the investment risk for prefabricated construction is higher than for traditional architecture. Hence, it is especially important to improve its investment risk identification and management. This study adopts system dynamics and builds a risk identification feedback chart and risk flow chart, to comprehensively identify investment risks that projects in China may face and to process quantitative estimation of investment risk factors. Key factors influencing project investment risks are found, and corresponding measures are pointedly proposed. This paper may provide guidance and a reference for promoting the sound development of prefabricated construction in China.
Direct Seeding of Pinus halepensis Mill. for Recovery of Burned Semi-Arid Forests: Implications for Post-Fire Management for Improving Natural Regeneration
Authors: García-Morote Francisco , Martínez-García Eduardo , Andrés-Abellán Manuela , Caballero Eva , Miettinen Heli , López-Serrano Francisco
Published: September 2017

Background: In order to maximize the resiliency of Pinus halepensis in semiarid forests, we analyzed direct seeding methods to recover burned stands by simulating post-fire soil treatments. Methods: Seeding was done by installing spot seeding (100 seeds in a 50 × 50 cm plot), using five methods: (1) covering seeding with wood chips; (2) seeding in branch piles; (3) seeding along trunks on contour-felled logs (on the shaded side); (4) seeding next to grass (Stipa tenacissima); and (5) seeding on the bare ground (control). The experiment was replicated according to aspect (northern and southern aspects). The response variables were seed germination (%), and seedling survival after the summer (measured in autumn 2015 and 2016). Direct seeding was carried out in 32 plots with 160-spot seeding, and data were analyzed using general linear models, including nested random effects. Results: Wood chips as a surface-covering material represented the only treatment that significantly improved seed germination and seedling survival (by 12.4%, and 17.4 seedlings m−2 in year 2, respectively) compared with the control in the two topographic aspects. Conclusions: Covering seeding with wood chips, and thus chipping wood within the burned stand, form a recommended post-fire treatment to improve regeneration in Pinus halepensis semiarid stands.
Accurate Reconstruction of the Roman Circus in Milan by Georeferencing Heterogeneous Data Sources with GIS
Authors: Guidi Gabriele , Gonizzi Barsanti Sara , Micoli Laura , Malik Umair
Published: September 2017

This paper presents the methodological approach and the actual workflow for creating the 3D digital reconstruction in time of the ancient Roman Circus of Milan, which is presently covered completely by the urban fabric of the modern city. The diachronic reconstruction is based on a proper mix of quantitative data originated by current 3D surveys and historical sources, such as ancient maps, drawings, archaeological reports, restrictions decrees, and old photographs. When possible, such heterogeneous sources have been georeferenced and stored in a GIS system. In this way the sources have been analyzed in depth, allowing the deduction of geometrical information not explicitly revealed by the material available. A reliable reconstruction of the area in different historical periods has been therefore hypothesized. This research has been carried on in the framework of the project Cultural Heritage Through Time—CHT2, funded by the Joint Programming Initiative on Cultural Heritage (JPI-CH), supported by the Italian Ministry for Cultural Heritage (MiBACT), the Italian Ministry for University and Research (MIUR), and the European Commission.
Genome-Wide Identification of the PHD-Finger Family Genes and Their Responses to Environmental Stresses in Oryza sativa L.
Authors: Sun Mingzhe , Jia Bowei , Yang Junkai , Cui Na , Zhu Yanming , Sun Xiaoli
Published: September 2017

The PHD-finger family has been demonstrated to be involved in regulating plant growth and development. However, little information is given for its role in environmental stress responses. Here, we identified a total of 59 PHD family genes in the rice genome. These OsPHDs genes were located on eleven chromosomes and synteny analysis only revealed nine duplicated pairs within the rice PHD family. Phylogenetic analysis of all OsPHDs and PHDs from other species revealed that they could be grouped into two major clusters. Furthermore, OsPHDs were clustered into eight groups and members from different groups displayed a great divergence in terms of gene structure, functional domains and conserved motifs. We also found that with the exception of OsPHD6, all OsPHDs were expressed in at least one of the ten tested tissues and OsPHDs from certain groups were expressed in specific tissues. Moreover, our results also uncovered differential responses of OsPHDs expression to environmental stresses, including ABA (abscisic acid), water deficit, cold and high Cd. By using quantitative real-time PCR, we further confirmed the differential expression of OsPHDs under these stresses. OsPHD1/7/8/13/33 were differentially expressed under water deficit and Cd stresses, while OsPHD5/17 showed altered expression under water deficit and cold stresses. Moreover, OsPHD3/44/28 displayed differential expression under ABA and Cd stresses. In conclusion, our results provide valuable information on the rice PHD family in plant responses to environmental stress, which will be helpful for further characterizing their biological roles in responding to environmental stresses.
Detection of Bacterial Pathogens from Broncho-Alveolar Lavage by Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Leo Stefano , Gaïa Nadia , Ruppé Etienne , Emonet Stephane , Girard Myriam , Lazarevic Vladimir , Schrenzel Jacques
Published: September 2017

The applications of whole-metagenome shotgun sequencing (WMGS) in routine clinical analysis are still limited. A combination of a DNA extraction procedure, sequencing, and bioinformatics tools is essential for the removal of human DNA and for improving bacterial species identification in a timely manner. We tackled these issues with a broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) sample from an immunocompromised patient who had developed severe chronic pneumonia. We extracted DNA from the BAL sample with protocols based either on sequential lysis of human and bacterial cells or on the mechanical disruption of all cells. Metagenomic libraries were sequenced on Illumina HiSeq platforms. Microbial community composition was determined by k-mer analysis or by mapping to taxonomic markers. Results were compared to those obtained by conventional clinical culture and molecular methods. Compared to mechanical cell disruption, a sequential lysis protocol resulted in a significantly increased proportion of bacterial DNA over human DNA and higher sequence coverage of Mycobacterium abscessus, Corynebacterium jeikeium and Rothia dentocariosa, the bacteria reported by clinical microbiology tests. In addition, we identified anaerobic bacteria not searched for by the clinical laboratory. Our results further support the implementation of WMGS in clinical routine diagnosis for bacterial identification.
Elongation of Axon Extension for Human iPSC-Derived Retinal Ganglion Cells by a Nano-Imprinted Scaffold
Authors: Yang Tien-Chun , Chuang Jen-Hua , Buddhakosai Waradee , Wu Wen-Ju , Lee Chen-Ju , Chen Wun-Syuan , Yang Yi-Ping , Li Ming-Chia , Peng Chi-Hsien , Chen Shih-Jen
Published: September 2017

Optic neuropathies, such as glaucoma and Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) lead to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss and therefore motivate the application of transplantation technique into disease therapy. However, it is a challenge to direct the transplanted optic nerve axons to the correct location of the retina. The use of appropriate scaffold can promote the proper axon growth. Recently, biocompatible materials have been integrated into the medical field, such as tissue engineering and reconstruction of damaged tissues or organs. We, herein, utilized nano-imprinting to create a scaffold mimicking the in vitro tissue microarchitecture, and guiding the axonal growth and orientation of the RGCs. We observed that the robust, long, and organized axons of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived RGCs projected axially along the scaffold grooves. The RGCs grown on the scaffold expressed the specific neuronal biomarkers indicating their proper functionality. Thus, based on our in vitro culture system, this device can be useful for the neurophysiological analysis and transplantation for ophthalmic neuropathy treatment.
Reduced Fluorescent Protein Switching Fatigue by Binding-Induced Emissive State Stabilization
Authors: Roebroek Thijs , Duwé Sam , Vandenberg Wim , Dedecker Peter
Published: September 2017

Reversibly switchable fluorescent proteins (RSFPs) enable advanced fluorescence imaging, though the performance of this imaging crucially depends on the properties of the labels. We report on the use of an existing small binding peptide, named Enhancer, to modulate the spectroscopic properties of the recently developed rsGreen series of RSFPs. Fusion constructs of Enhancer with rsGreen1 and rsGreenF revealed an increased molecular brightness and pH stability, although expression in living E. coli or HeLa cells resulted in a decrease of the overall emission. Surprisingly, Enhancer binding also increased off-switching speed and resistance to switching fatigue. Further investigation suggested that the RSFPs can interconvert between fast- and slow-switching emissive states, with the overall protein population gradually converting to the slow-switching state through irradiation. The Enhancer modulates the spectroscopic properties of both states, but also preferentially stabilizes the fast-switching state, supporting the increased fatigue resistance. This work demonstrates how the photo-physical properties of RSFPs can be influenced by their binding to other small proteins, which opens up new horizons for applications that may require such modulation. Furthermore, we provide new insights into the photoswitching kinetics that should be of general consideration when developing new RSFPs with improved or different photochromic properties.
Autophagy and Inflammatory Response in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Ngabire Daniel , Kim Gun-Do
Published: September 2017

Cell death is the last fate of the life cycle of cells. Different pathways involved in cell death are known to date, and are mostly represented by apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy. Autophagy is one of the most preserved cell death pathways, characterized by the elimination of large parts of cytoplasmic components after being consumed by a double-membraned vesicle called an autophagosome. The formed autophagosome then fuses with a lysosome containing degrading enzymes and leads to the digestion of the autophagosome content. Autophagy is triggered by stress-related inducers, and is partially dependent on apoptotic proteins. It plays a major role in cancer, particularly in the tumor microenvironment where it has a paradoxical function in acting as a tumor suppressor and also as a tumor promoter. In the tumor microenvironment, autophagy regulates the differentiation of macrophages into tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). TAMs and CAFs are abundantly present in the tumor microenvironment, and participate actively in tumor growth, tumor invasiveness, and tumor resistance to chemotherapy.
Introduction: Drosophila—A Model System for Developmental Biology
Authors: Tolwinski Nicholas
Published: September 2017

Drosophila melanogaster, known colloquially as the fruit fly, remains one of the most commonly used model organisms for biomedical science.[...]
Microstructural Investigation of Heat-Treated Ultra-High Performance Concrete for Optimum Production
Authors: Kang Sung-Hoon , Lee Ji-Hyung , Hong Sung-Gul , Moon Juhyuk
Published: September 2017

For optimum production of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), the material and microstructural properties of UHPC cured under various heat treatment (HT) conditions are studied. The effects of HT temperature and duration on the hydration reaction, microstructure, and mechanical properties of UHPC are investigated. Increasing HT temperature accelerates both cement hydration and pozzolanic reaction, but the latter is more significantly affected. This accelerated pozzolanic reaction in UHPC clearly enhances compressive strength. However, strength after the HT becomes stable as most of the hydration finishes during the HT period. Particularly, it was concluded that the mechanical benefit of the increased temperature and duration on the 28 day-strength is not noticeable when the HT temperature is above 60 °C (with a 48 h duration) or the HT duration is longer than 12 h (with 90 °C temperature). On the other hand, even with a minimal HT condition such as 1 day at 60 °C or 12 h at 90 °C, outstanding compressive strength of 179 MPa and flexural tensile strength of 49 MPa are achieved at 28 days. Microstructural investigation conducted herein suggests that portlandite content can be a good indicator for the mechanical performance of UHPC regardless of its HT curing conditions. These findings can contribute to reducing manufacturing energy consumption, cost, and environmental impact in the production of UHPC and be helpful for practitioners to better understand the effect of HT on UHPC and optimize its production.
Giant Strain and Induced Ferroelectricity in Amorphous BaTiO3 Films under Poling
Authors: Vaghefi Pegah , Baghizadeh Ali , Lourenço Armando , Amaral Vitor , Kholkin Andre
Published: September 2017

We report an effect of giant surface modification of a 5.6 nm thick BaTiO3 film grown on Si (100) substrate under poling by conductive tip of a scanning probe microscope (SPM). The surface can be locally elevated by about 9 nm under −20 V applied during scanning, resulting in the maximum strain of 160%. The threshold voltage for the surface modification is about 12 V. The modified topography is stable enough with time and slowly decays after poling with the rate ~0.02 nm/min. Strong vertical piezoresponse after poling is observed, too. Combined measurements by SPM and piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) prove that the poled material develops high ferroelectric polarization that cannot be switched back even under an oppositely oriented electric field. The topography modification is hypothesized to be due to a strong Joule heating and concomitant interface reaction between underlying Si and BaTiO3. The top layer is supposed to become ferroelectric as a result of local crystallization of amorphous BaTiO3. This work opens up new possibilities to form nanoscale ferroelectric structures useful for various applications.
The Effect of Copper Addition on the Activity and Stability of Iron-Based CO2 Hydrogenation Catalysts
Authors: Bradley Matthew , Ananth Ramagopal , Willauer Heather , Baldwin Jeffrey , Hardy Dennis , Williams Frederick
Published: September 2017

Iron-based CO2 catalysts have shown promise as a viable route to the production of olefins from CO2 and H2 gas. However, these catalysts can suffer from low conversion and high methane selectivity, as well as being particularly vulnerable to water produced during the reaction. In an effort to improve both the activity and durability of iron-based catalysts on an alumina support, copper (10–30%) has been added to the catalyst matrix. In this paper, the effects of copper addition on the catalyst activity and morphology are examined. The addition of 10% copper significantly increases the CO2 conversion, and decreases methane and carbon monoxide selectivity, without significantly altering the crystallinity and structure of the catalyst itself. The FeCu/K catalysts form an inverse spinel crystal phase that is independent of copper content and a metallic phase that increases in abundance with copper loading (>10% Cu). At higher loadings, copper separates from the iron oxide phase and produces metallic copper as shown by SEM-EDS. An addition of copper appears to increase the rate of the Fischer–Tropsch reaction step, as shown by modeling of the chemical kinetics and the inter- and intra-particle transport of mass and energy.
Capsaicin Supplementation Improved Risk Factors of Coronary Heart Disease in Individuals with Low HDL-C Levels
Authors: Qin Yu , Ran Li , Wang Jing , Yu Li , Lang He-Dong , Wang Xiao-Lan , Mi Man-Tian , Zhu Jun-Dong
Published: September 2017

Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of capsaicin intervention on the serum lipid profile in adults with low HDL-C. In a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial, 42 eligible subjects were randomly assigned to the capsaicin (n = 21, 4 mg of capsaicin daily) or to the control group (n = 21, 0.05 mg of capsaicin daily) and consumed two capsaicin or control capsules, which contained the powder of the skin of different peppers, twice daily for three months. Thirty-five subjects completed the trial (18 in the capsaicin group and 17 in the control group). The baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. Compared with the control group, fasting serum HDL-C levels significantly increased to 1.00 ± 0.13 mmol/L from 0.92 ± 0.13 mmol/L in the capsaicin group (p = 0.030), while levels of triglycerides and C-reactive protein and phospholipid transfer protein activity moderately decreased (all p < 0.05). Other lipids, apolipoproteins, glucose, and other parameters did not significantly change. In conclusion, capsaicin improved risk factors of CHD in individuals with low HDL-C and may contribute to the prevention and treatment of CHD.
Different Effects of Maternal Low-Isoflavone Soy Protein and Genistein Consumption on Hepatic Lipid Metabolism of 21-Day-Old Male Rat Offspring
Authors: Han Anna , Won Sae , Kwon Young
Published: September 2017

Amino acid composition and isoflavone are alleged contributors to the beneficial effects of soy protein isolate (SPI) on lipid metabolism. Therefore, we investigated the contributing component(s) of SPI in a maternal diet to the regulation of lipid metabolism in offspring. We also determined serum parameters in dams to investigate specific maternal cues that might be responsible for this regulation. Female rats were fed either a casein (CAS), a low-isoflavone SPI, or a casein plus genistein (GEN, 250 mg/kg) diet for two weeks before mating, as well as during pregnancy and lactation. Male offspring (CAS, SPI and GEN groups) were studied 21 days after birth. The SPI group had lower serum triglyceride levels than the other groups. Serum cholesterol was reduced in both the SPI and GEN groups compared with the CAS group. Expressions of target genes of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α were altered in the SPI group. Serum aromatic amino acid levels in dams were associated with serum triglyceride in offspring. In conclusion, the maternal consumption of a low-isoflavone SPI diet or a casein diet containing genistein has different effects on the lipid metabolism of their offspring; however, more profound effects were observed in the SPI group. Therefore, the altered lipid metabolism of offspring may be attributed to amino acid composition in maternal dietary protein sources.
Developmental Programming of Obesity and Liver Metabolism by Maternal Perinatal Nutrition Involves the Melanocortin System
Authors: Cordero Paul , Li Jiawei , Nguyen Vi , Pombo Joaquim , Maicas Nuria , Novelli Marco , Taylor Paul , Samuelsson Anne-Maj , Vinciguerra Manlio , Oben Jude
Published: September 2017

Maternal obesity predisposes offspring to metabolic dysfunction and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Melanocortin-4 receptor (Mc4r)-deficient mouse models exhibit obesity during adulthood. Here, we aim to determine the influence of the Mc4r gene on the liver of mice subjected to perinatal diet-induced obesity. Female mice heterozygous for Mc4r fed an obesogenic or a control diet for 5 weeks were mated with heterozygous males, with the same diet continued throughout pregnancy and lactation, generating four offspring groups: control wild type (C_wt), control knockout (C_KO), obese wild type (Ob_wt), and obese knockout (Ob_KO). At 21 days, offspring were genotyped, weaned onto a control diet, and sacrificed at 6 months old. Offspring phenotypic characteristics, plasma biochemical profile, liver histology, and hepatic gene expression were analyzed. Mc4r_ko offspring showed higher body, liver and adipose tissue weights respect to the wild type animals. Histological examination showed mild hepatic steatosis in offspring group C_KO. The expression of hepatic genes involved in regulating inflammation, fibrosis, and immune cell infiltration were upregulated by the absence of the Mc4r gene. These results demonstrate that maternal obesogenic feeding during the perinatal period programs offspring obesity development with involvement of the Mc4r system.
Dietary Inflammatory Index and Colorectal Cancer Risk—A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shivappa Nitin , Godos Justyna , Hébert James , Wirth Michael , Piuri Gabriele , Speciani Attilio , Grosso Giuseppe
Published: September 2017

Diet and chronic inflammation of the colon have been suggested to be risk factors in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). The possible link between inflammatory potential of diet, measured through the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®), and CRC has been investigated in several populations across the world. The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis on studies exploring this association. Data from nine studies were eligible, of which five were case-control and four were cohort studies. Results from meta-analysis showed a positive association between increasing DII scores, indicating a pro-inflammatory diet, and CRC. Individuals in the highest versus the lowest (reference) DII category showed an overall 40% increased risk of CRC with moderate evidence of heterogeneity [relative risk (RR) = 1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.26, 1.55; I2 = 69%, p < 0.001]. When analyzed as a continuous variable, results showed an increased risk of CRC of 7% for a 1-point increase in the DII score. Results remained unchanged when analyses were restricted to the four prospective studies. Results of our meta-analysis support the importance of adopting a healthier anti-inflammatory diet in preventing CRC. These results further substantiate the utility of DII as tool to characterize the inflammatory potential of diet and to predict CRC.
Polyphenols from Root, Tubercles and Grains Cropped in Brazil: Chemical and Nutritional Characterization and Their Effects on Human Health and Diseases
Authors: Baião Diego , De Freitas Cyntia , Gomes Laidson , Da Silva Davi , Correa Anna , Pereira Patricia , Aguila Eduardo , Paschoalin Vania
Published: September 2017

Throughout evolution, plants have developed the ability to produce secondary phenolic metabolites, which are important for their interactions with the environment, reproductive strategies and defense mechanisms. These (poly)phenolic compounds are a heterogeneous group of natural antioxidants found in vegetables, cereals and leguminous that exert beneficial and protective actions on human health, playing roles such as enzymatic reaction inhibitors and cofactors, toxic chemicals scavengers and biochemical reaction substrates, increasing the absorption of essential nutrients and selectively inhibiting deleterious intestinal bacteria. Polyphenols present in some commodity grains, such as soy and cocoa beans, as well as in other vegetables considered security foods for developing countries, including cassava, taro and beetroot, all of them cropped in Brazil, have been identified and quantified in order to point out their bioavailability and the adequate dietary intake to promote health. The effects of the flavonoid and non-flavonoid compounds present in these vegetables, their metabolism and their effects on preventing chronic and degenerative disorders like cancers, diabetes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular and neurological diseases are herein discussed based on recent epidemiological studies.
The Impotence of Non-Brownian Particles on the Gel Transition of Colloidal Suspensions
Authors: Morelly Samantha , Tang Maureen , Alvarez Nicolas
Published: September 2017

The ability to predict transitions in the microstructure of mixed colloidal suspensions is of extreme interest and importance. The data presented here is specific to the case of battery electrode slurries whereby the carbon additive is reported to form strong colloidal gels. Using rheology, we have determined the effect of mixed particle systems on the critical gel transition ϕ gel . More specifically, we show that the introduction of a high volume fraction of large non-Brownian particles has little to no effect on ϕ gel . Although ϕ gel is unchanged, the larger particles do change the shape of the linear viscoelasticity and the nonlinear yielding behavior. There are interesting similarities to the nonlinear behavior of the colloidal gels with trends observed for colloidal glasses. A comparison of experimental data and the prediction from theory shows that the equation presented by Poon et al. is able to quantitatively predict the transition from a fluid state to a gel state.
Physico-Chemical Properties of Soybean Meal-Based Adhesives Reinforced by Ethylene Glycol Diglycidyl Ether and Modified Nanocrystalline Cellulose
Authors: Li Xiaona , Chen Mingsong , Zhang Jizhi , Gao Qiang , Zhang Shifeng , Li Jianzhang
Published: September 2017

An eco-friendly soybean meal-based adhesive (SM adhesive) was developed by incorporating ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDE) and nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC). In order to introduce epoxy groups, NCC was modified by KH560 (denoted as MNCC). The functional groups, thermal stability, and cross section of the resultant adhesive were characterized. Three-ply plywood was fabricated to measure the dry and wet shear strength of the adhesive. The experimental results showed that the epoxy groups on MNCC reacted with the carboxyl group of SM protein molecules, forming a crosslinking network and a ductile adhesive layer. As a result, compared with the SM adhesive modified by EGDE, the thermal stability of the adhesive with MNCC was improved and the wet shear strength was increased to 1.08 MPa.
Impacts of Urbanization on Vegetation Phenology over the Past Three Decades in Shanghai, China
Authors: Qiu Tong , Song Conghe , Li Junxiang
Published: September 2017

Vegetation phenology manifests the rhythm of annual plant life activities. It has been extensively studied in natural ecosystems. However, major knowledge gaps still exist in understanding the impacts of urbanization on vegetation phenology. This study addresses two questions to fill the knowledge gaps: (1) How does vegetation phenology vary spatially and temporally along a rural-to-urban transect in Shanghai, China, over the past three decades? (2) How do landscape composition and configuration affect those variations of vegetation phenology? To answer these questions, 30 m × 30 m mean vegetation phenology metrics, including the start of growing season (SOS), end of growing season (EOS), and length of growing season (LOS), were derived for urban vegetation using dense stacks of enhanced vegetation index (EVI) time series from images collected by Landsat 5–8 satellites from 1984 to 2015. Landscape pattern metrics were calculated using high spatial resolution aerial photos. We then used Pearson correlation analysis to quantify the associations between phenology patterns and landscape metrics. We found that vegetation in urban centers experienced advances of SOS for 5–10 days and delays of EOS for 5–11 days compared with those located in the surrounding rural areas. Additionally, we observed strong positive correlations between landscape composition (percentage of landscape area) of developed land and LOS of urban vegetation. We also found that the landscape configuration of local land cover types, especially patch density and edge density, was significantly correlated with the spatial patterns of vegetation phenology. These results demonstrate that vegetation phenology in the urban area is significantly different from its rural surroundings. These findings have implications for urban environmental management, ranging from biodiversity protection to public health risk reduction.
Extra-Dimensional “Metamaterials”: A Model of Inflation Due to a Metric Signature Transition
Authors: Smolyaninov Igor
Published: September 2017

Lattices of topological defects, such as Abrikosov lattices and domain wall lattices, often arise as metastable ground states in higher-dimensional field theoretical models. We demonstrate that such lattice states may be described as extra-dimensional “metamaterials” via higher-dimensional effective medium theory. A 4 + 1 dimensional extension of Maxwell electrodynamics with a compactified time-like dimension is considered as an example. It is demonstrated that from the point of view of macroscopic electrodynamics an Abrikosov lattice state in such a 4 + 1 dimensional spacetime may be described as a uniaxial hyperbolic medium. Extraordinary photons perceive this medium as a 3 + 1 dimensional Minkowski spacetime in which one of the original spatial dimensions plays the role of a new time-like coordinate. Since the metric signature of this effective spacetime depends on the Abrikosov lattice periodicity, the described model may be useful in studying metric signature transitions.