bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermoelectric probe of defect state induced by ionic liquid gating in vanadium dioxide
Authors: Xing Hui , Zhang Peihong , Zeng Hao
Published: May 2020

Thermoelectric measurements detect the asymmetry between the density of states above and below the chemical potential in a material. They provide insights into small variations in the density of states near the chemical potential, complementing electron transport measurements. Here, we report combined resistance and thermoelectric power measurements of vanadium dioxide (VO2), a prototypical correlated electron material, under ionic-liquid (IL) gating. We show that under our gating conditions, the charge transport below the metal-to-insulator-transition (MIT) temperature remains in the thermally activated regime, while the Seebeck coefficient exhibits an apparent transition from semiconducting to metallic behavior. The contrasting behavior indicates changes in the electronic structure upon IL gating, due to the formation of oxygen defect states. The experimental results are corroborated by numerical simulations based on a model density of states incorporating a gating-induced defect band. Our study reveals thermoelectric measurements to be a convenient and sensitive probe for the role of defect states induced by IL gating in suppressing the MIT in VO2, which remains benign in charge transport measurements, and possibly for studying defect states in other materials.
Single atoms or not? The limitation of EXAFS
Authors: Feng Kun , Zhang Huizhen , Gao Jin , Xu Jiabin , Dong Yuming , Kang Zhenhui , Zhong Jun
Published: May 2020

Single atom catalysts (SACs) have recently attracted much attention. To identify the single atom materials, a combination of high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) and synchrotron radiation-based extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) is typically used. However, the present work reveals that EXAFS is not sensitive enough to identify single atoms in many cases, which may easily confuse the contributions from small clusters or nanoparticles due to the polydispersity and disorder effects. Also, HAADF-STEM measures very limited regions, which may easily miss other compositions. The real catalytic sites in various reactions could be significantly different from the single atom sites due to the complicated compositions in the so-called “SACs,” which may also lead to misunderstanding of the working mechanism.
Dynamic responses of gas exchange and photochemistry to heat interference during drought in wheat and sorghum
Authors: Zhu Lingling , Cernusak Lucas A. , Song Xin
Published: May 2020

Drought and heat stress significantly affect crop growth and productivity worldwide. It is unknown how heat interference during drought affects physiological processes dynamically in crops. Here we focussed on gas exchange and photochemistry in wheat and sorghum in response to simulated heat interference via +15°C of temperature during ~2 week drought and re-watering. Results showed that drought decreased net photosynthesis (Anet), stomatal conductance (gs), maximum velocity of ribulose-1, 5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase carboxylation (Vcmax) and electron transport rate (J) in both wheat and sorghum. Heat interference did not further reduce Anet or gs. Drought increased non-photochemical quenching (Φnpq), whereas heat interference decreased Φnpq. The δ13C of leaf, stem and roots was higher in drought-treated wheat but lower in drought-treated sorghum. The results suggest that (1) even under drought conditions wheat and sorghum increased or maintained gs for transpirational cooling to alleviate negative effects by heat interference; (2) non-photochemical quenching responded differently to drought and heat stress; (3) wheat and sorghum responded in opposing patterns in δ13C. These findings point to the importance of stomatal regulation under heat crossed with drought stress and could provide useful information on development of better strategies to secure crop production for future climate change.
On instabilities of deep learning in image reconstruction and the potential costs of AI
Authors: Antun Vegard , Renna Francesco , Poon Clarice , Adcock Ben , Hansen Anders C.
Published: May 2020

Deep learning, due to its unprecedented success in tasks such as image classification, has emerged as a new tool in image reconstruction with potential to change the field. In this paper, we demonstrate a crucial phenomenon: Deep learning typically yields unstable methods for image reconstruction. The instabilities usually occur in several forms: 1) Certain tiny, almost undetectable perturbations, both in the image and sampling domain, may result in severe artefacts in the reconstruction; 2) a small structural change, for example, a tumor, may not be captured in the reconstructed image; and 3) (a counterintuitive type of instability) more samples may yield poorer performance. Our stability test with algorithms and easy-to-use software detects the instability phenomena. The test is aimed at researchers, to test their networks for instabilities, and for government agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to secure safe use of deep learning methods.
Hepatic gap junctions amplify alcohol liver injury by propagating cGAS-mediated IRF3 activation
Authors: Luther Jay , Khan Sanjoy , Gala Manish K. , Kedrin Dmitry , Sridharan Gautham , Goodman Russell P. , Garber John J. , Masia Ricard , Diagacomo Erik , Adams Daniel , King Kevin R. , Piaker Samuel , Reinecker Hans-Christian , Yarmush Martin L. , Argemi Josepmaria , Bataller Ramon , Dienstag Jules L. , Chung Raymond T. , Patel Suraj J.
Published: May 2020

Significance

Alcohol-related liver disease is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Improved patient outcomes will be driven by advances in our understanding of disease pathogenesis, allowing for the development of novel, targeted therapeutics. By combining patient data with animal models of alcohol-related liver disease, we demonstrate the critical importance of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate–adenosine monophosphate synthase-interferon regulatory factor 3 (cGAS-IRF3) pathway and its amplification through hepatocyte intercellular communication in fueling liver injury caused by alcohol. Thus, our results identify two potentially druggable pathways to improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality resulting from this devastating disease.
The Noise Collector for sparse recovery in high dimensions
Authors: Moscoso Miguel , Novikov Alexei , Papanicolaou George , Tsogka Chrysoula
Published: May 2020

Significance

The ability to detect sparse signals from noisy, high-dimensional data is a top priority in modern science and engineering. For optimal results, current approaches need to tune parameters that depend on the level of noise, which is often difficult to estimate. We develop a parameter-free, computationally efficient,ℓ1-norm minimization approach that has a zero false discovery rate (no false positives) with high probability for any level of noise while it detects the exact location of sparse signals when the noise is not too large.
Structural venomics reveals evolution of a complex venom by duplication and diversification of an ancient peptide-encoding gene
Authors: Pineda Sandy S. , Chin Yanni K.-Y. , Undheim Eivind A. B. , Senff Sebastian , Mobli Mehdi , Dauly Claire , Escoubas Pierre , Nicholson Graham M. , Kaas Quentin , Guo Shaodong , Herzig Volker , Mattick John S. , King Glenn F.
Published: May 2020

Spiders are one of the most successful venomous animals, with more than 48,000 described species. Most spider venoms are dominated by cysteine-rich peptides with a diverse range of pharmacological activities. Some spider venoms contain thousands of unique peptides, but little is known about the mechanisms used to generate such complex chemical arsenals. We used an integrated transcriptomic, proteomic, and structural biology approach to demonstrate that the lethal Australian funnel-web spider produces 33 superfamilies of venom peptides and proteins. Twenty-six of the 33 superfamilies are disulfide-rich peptides, and we show that 15 of these are knottins that contribute >90% of the venom proteome. NMR analyses revealed that most of these disulfide-rich peptides are structurally related and range in complexity from simple to highly elaborated knottin domains, as well as double-knot toxins, that likely evolved from a single ancestral toxin gene.
Anesthesia-induced loss of consciousness disrupts auditory responses beyond primary cortex
Authors: Krom Aaron J. , Marmelshtein Amit , Gelbard-Sagiv Hagar , Tankus Ariel , Hayat Hanna , Hayat Daniel , Matot Idit , Strauss Ido , Fahoum Firas , Soehle Martin , Boström Jan , Mormann Florian , Fried Itzhak , Nir Yuval
Published: May 2020

Significance

We studied how anesthesia-induced loss of consciousness (LOC) affects processing of external sensory events at single-neuron resolution in epilepsy patients implanted with depth electrodes for clinical treatment. Just before electrode removal, patients were lightly anesthetized with propofol while we presented sounds around LOC. We found that auditory responses were widespread across the brain during wakefulness. Upon LOC, robust responses persisted in primary auditory cortex while responses in high-order auditory regions were mostly attenuated. In addition, gamma power responses in local field potentials strengthened upon LOC, in contrast to spiking activities. The disruption in sensory signaling beyond primary cortices highlights impaired cortical connectivity as a key factor in LOC and may guide future development of anesthesia monitors and anesthetic agents.
Microbiota-derived butyrate dynamically regulates intestinal homeostasis through regulation of actin-associated protein synaptopodin
Authors: Wang Ruth X. , Lee J. Scott , Campbell Eric L. , Colgan Sean P.
Published: May 2020

Significance

Intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction and dysbiosis are central themes of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Initial studies revealed that the SCFA butyrate selectively promotes epithelial wound-healing responses. Using unbiased single-cell RNA sequencing approaches, we identified a cluster of actin-associated genes regulated by butyrate. Among these, we showed the selective induction of SYNPO as an intestinal tight junction protein with a central role in epithelial barrier regulation. Studies in vivo revealed that microbiota depletion abolished SYNPO expression that was rescued with butyrate. Analysis of
Synpo
-deficient mice revealed increased susceptibility to colitis and delayed resolution of disease with increased mucosal permeability. These findings highlight a fundamental contribution of the microbiota to homeostatic intestinal mucosal function through selective regulation of SYNPO.
Adaptive social networks promote the wisdom of crowds
Authors: Almaatouq Abdullah , Noriega-Campero Alejandro , Alotaibi Abdulrahman , Krafft P. M. , Moussaid Mehdi , Pentland Alex
Published: May 2020

Social networks continuously change as new ties are created and existing ones fade. It is widely acknowledged that our social embedding has a substantial impact on what information we receive and how we form beliefs and make decisions. However, most empirical studies on the role of social networks in collective intelligence have overlooked the dynamic nature of social networks and its role in fostering adaptive collective intelligence. Therefore, little is known about how groups of individuals dynamically modify their local connections and, accordingly, the topology of the network of interactions to respond to changing environmental conditions. In this paper, we address this question through a series of behavioral experiments and supporting simulations. Our results reveal that, in the presence of plasticity and feedback, social networks can adapt to biased and changing information environments and produce collective estimates that are more accurate than their best-performing member. To explain these results, we explore two mechanisms: 1) a global-adaptation mechanism where the structural connectivity of the network itself changes such that it amplifies the estimates of high-performing members within the group (i.e., the network “edges” encode the computation); and 2) a local-adaptation mechanism where accurate individuals are more resistant to social influence (i.e., adjustments to the attributes of the “node” in the network); therefore, their initial belief is disproportionately weighted in the collective estimate. Our findings substantiate the role of social-network plasticity and feedback as key adaptive mechanisms for refining individual and collective judgments.
Secure large-scale genome-wide association studies using homomorphic encryption
Authors: Blatt Marcelo , Gusev Alexander , Polyakov Yuriy , Goldwasser Shafi
Published: May 2020

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) seek to identify genetic variants associated with a trait, and have been a powerful approach for understanding complex diseases. A critical challenge for GWASs has been the dependence on individual-level data that typically have strict privacy requirements, creating an urgent need for methods that preserve the individual-level privacy of participants. Here, we present a privacy-preserving framework based on several advances in homomorphic encryption and demonstrate that it can perform an accurate GWAS analysis for a real dataset of more than 25,000 individuals, keeping all individual data encrypted and requiring no user interactions. Our extrapolations show that it can evaluate GWASs of 100,000 individuals and 500,000 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 5.6 h on a single server node (or in 11 min on 31 server nodes running in parallel). Our performance results are more than one order of magnitude faster than prior state-of-the-art results using secure multiparty computation, which requires continuous user interactions, with the accuracy of both solutions being similar. Our homomorphic encryption advances can also be applied to other domains where large-scale statistical analyses over encrypted data are needed.
Late-spring frost risk between 1959 and 2017 decreased in North America but increased in Europe and Asia
Authors: Zohner Constantin M. , Mo Lidong , Renner Susanne S. , Svenning Jens-Christian , Vitasse Yann , Benito Blas M. , Ordonez Alejandro , Baumgarten Frederik , Bastin Jean-François , Sebald Veronica , Reich Peter B. , Liang Jingjing , Nabuurs Gert-Jan , de-Miguel Sergio , Alberti Giorgio , Antón-Fernández Clara , Balazy Radomir , Brändli Urs-Beat , Chen Han Y. H. , Chisholm Chelsea , Cienciala Emil , Dayanandan Selvadurai , Fayle Tom M. , Frizzera Lorenzo , Gianelle Damiano , Jagodzinski Andrzej M. , Jaroszewicz Bogdan , Jucker Tommaso , Kepfer-Rojas Sebastian , Khan Mohammed Latif , Kim Hyun Seok , Korjus Henn , Johannsen Vivian Kvist , Laarmann Diana , Lang Mait , Zawila-Niedzwiecki Tomasz , Niklaus Pascal A. , Paquette Alain , Pretzsch Hans , Saikia Purabi , Schall Peter , Šebeň Vladimír , Svoboda Miroslav , Tikhonova Elena , Viana Helder , Zhang Chunyu , Zhao Xiuhai , Crowther Thomas W.
Published: May 2020

Late-spring frosts (LSFs) affect the performance of plants and animals across the world’s temperate and boreal zones, but despite their ecological and economic impact on agriculture and forestry, the geographic distribution and evolutionary impact of these frost events are poorly understood. Here, we analyze LSFs between 1959 and 2017 and the resistance strategies of Northern Hemisphere woody species to infer trees’ adaptations for minimizing frost damage to their leaves and to forecast forest vulnerability under the ongoing changes in frost frequencies. Trait values on leaf-out and leaf-freezing resistance come from up to 1,500 temperate and boreal woody species cultivated in common gardens. We find that areas in which LSFs are common, such as eastern North America, harbor tree species with cautious (late-leafing) leaf-out strategies. Areas in which LSFs used to be unlikely, such as broad-leaved forests and shrublands in Europe and Asia, instead harbor opportunistic tree species (quickly reacting to warming air temperatures). LSFs in the latter regions are currently increasing, and given species’ innate resistance strategies, we estimate that ∼35% of the European and ∼26% of the Asian temperate forest area, but only ∼10% of the North American, will experience increasing late-frost damage in the future. Our findings reveal region-specific changes in the spring-frost risk that can inform decision-making in land management, forestry, agriculture, and insurance policy.
The PDK1-FoxO1 signaling in adipocytes controls systemic insulin sensitivity through the 5-lipoxygenase–leukotriene B
4
axis
Authors: Hosooka Tetsuya , Hosokawa Yusei , Matsugi Kaku , Shinohara Masakazu , Senga Yoko , Tamori Yoshikazu , Aoki Chikako , Matsui Sho , Sasaki Tsutomu , Kitamura Tadahiro , Kuroda Masashi , Sakaue Hiroshi , Nomura Kazuhiro , Yoshino Kei , Nabatame Yuko , Itoh Yoshito , Yamaguchi Kanji , Hayashi Yoshitake , Nakae Jun , Accili Domenico , Yokomizo Takehiko , Seino Susumu , Kasuga Masato , Ogawa Wataru
Published: May 2020

Significance

Recent studies have implicated LTB
4
in inflammation in adipose tissue and in the subsequent development of insulin resistance. The mechanism by which LTB
4
is produced in adipose tissue has remained unknown, however. We now reveal that insulin regulates LTB
4
production in adipocytes via a PDK1–FoxO1–5-LO pathway and thereby maintains systemic insulin sensitivity. Whereas signaling pathways of insulin and LTB
4
have been extensively investigated, a cross-talk between these two signaling pathways has not been reported. We also reveal that LTB
4
exists in plasma at concentrations sufficient to activate its receptor BLT1 and that the plasma concentration of LTB
4
correlated with insulin resistance in human, implying that LTB
4
is a mediator of organ cross-talk.
Indirect reciprocity with simple records
Authors: Clark Daniel , Fudenberg Drew , Wolitzky Alexander
Published: May 2020

Significance

Indirect reciprocity is a foundational mechanism of human cooperation, and understanding the social structures that allow it to arise continues to be a core issue in both the social sciences and evolutionary biology. This paper analyzes a model of indirect reciprocity in steady-state equilibria, where players observe only their partners’ records, and each individual’s record depends on the individual’s own past behavior alone. We show that tolerant trigger strategies based on these simple records can robustly support positive social cooperation in games with sufficient “strategic complementarity,” both in the prisoner’s dilemma and in some multiplayer public goods games, and we show that the resulting cooperative equilibria have strong stability properties.
Pore-size dependence and slow relaxation of hydrogel friction on smooth surfaces
Authors: Cuccia Nicholas L. , Pothineni Suraj , Wu Brady , Méndez Harper Joshua , Burton Justin C.
Published: May 2020

Significance

Hydrogel’s slippery surface is derived from its cohabited nature: a sparse, cross-linked polymer network filled with fluid. However, the link between hydrogel’s microscopic properties and its macroscopic friction is not well understood. Here we show that when hydrogel is dragged along a smooth, wet solid surface, the friction is controlled by hydrodynamic interactions within the gel’s polymer network. When dragged very slowly, fluid flows through the porous gel, dominating hydrogel’s friction. When dragged more quickly, the friction coefficient abruptly decreases and exhibits transient, slow relaxation over long timescales. Stretching of entangled polymers at the hydrogel’s sliding interface explains this behavior. These results may guide molecular design principles for hydrogel materials including soft contact lenses, artificial joints, and soft robotic devices.
Sperm proteins SOF1, TMEM95, and SPACA6 are required for sperm−oocyte fusion in mice
Authors: Noda Taichi , Lu Yonggang , Fujihara Yoshitaka , Oura Seiya , Koyano Takayuki , Kobayashi Sumire , Matzuk Martin M. , Ikawa Masahito
Published: May 2020

Significance

The sperm−oocyte fusion step is important to transport the male genome into oocytes. So far, IZUMO1 and FIMP have been identified as fusion-related proteins in spermatozoa, but the molecular mechanisms underpinning sperm−oocyte fusion and all of the proteins required for this essential process remain unclear. In this study, using CRISPR-Cas9−mediated gene knockouts in mice, we discover that sperm proteins SOF1, TMEM95, and SPACA6 are required for sperm−oocyte fusion and male fertility. As these genes are conserved among mammals including human, they may explain not only the sperm−oocyte fusion process but also idiopathic male infertility and be unique targets for contraception.
Flowering plant composition shapes pathogen infection intensity and reproduction in bumble bee colonies
Authors: Adler Lynn S. , Barber Nicholas A. , Biller Olivia M. , Irwin Rebecca E.
Published: May 2020

Pathogens pose significant threats to pollinator health and food security. Pollinators can transmit diseases during foraging, but the consequences of plant species composition for infection is unknown. In agroecosystems, flowering strips or hedgerows are often used to augment pollinator habitat. We used canola as a focal crop in tents and manipulated flowering strip composition using plant species we had previously shown to result in higher or lower bee infection in short-term trials. We also manipulated initial colony infection to assess impacts on foraging behavior. Flowering strips using high-infection plant species nearly doubled bumble bee colony infection intensity compared to low-infection plant species, with intermediate infection in canola-only tents. Both infection treatment and flowering strips reduced visits to canola, but we saw no evidence that infection treatment shifted foraging preferences. Although high-infection flowering strips increased colony infection intensity, colony reproduction was improved with any flowering strips compared to canola alone. Effects of flowering strips on colony reproduction were explained by nectar availability, but effects of flowering strips on infection intensity were not. Thus, flowering strips benefited colony reproduction by adding floral resources, but certain plant species also come with a risk of increased pathogen infection intensity.
Identifying sequence perturbations to an intrinsically disordered protein that determine its phase-separation behavior
Authors: Schuster Benjamin S. , Dignon Gregory L. , Tang Wai Shing , Kelley Fleurie M. , Ranganath Aishwarya Kanchi , Jahnke Craig N. , Simpkins Alison G. , Regy Roshan Mammen , Hammer Daniel A. , Good Matthew C. , Mittal Jeetain
Published: May 2020

Significance

Membraneless organelles are assemblies of highly concentrated biomolecules that form through liquid–liquid phase separation. These assemblies are often enriched in intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), which play an important role in driving phase separation. Understanding the sequence-to-phase behavior relationship of these disordered proteins is important for understanding the biochemistry of membraneless organelles, as well as for designing synthetic organelles and biomaterials. In this work, we explore a model protein, the disordered N-terminal domain of LAF-1, and highlight how three key features of the sequence control the protein’s propensity to phase-separate. Combining state-of-the-art simulations with experiments, we find that phase behavior of this model IDP is dictated by the presence of a short conserved domain, charge patterning, and arginine–tyrosine interactions.
Biased signaling by endogenous opioid peptides
Authors: Gomes Ivone , Sierra Salvador , Lueptow Lindsay , Gupta Achla , Gouty Shawn , Margolis Elyssa B. , Cox Brian M. , Devi Lakshmi A.
Published: May 2020

Significance

There are >20 different endogenous opioid peptides derived from the three precursors proopiomelanocortin, proenkephalin, and prodynorphin; a long-standing question is the biological utility of having this variety of peptides. We addressed this question by systematically evaluating ligand binding and signaling properties of the peptides at each of the three opioid receptor types. Contrary to the prevailing notion, we show that all of the peptides bind and activate the three opioid receptors and that shorter β-endorphin peptides exhibit agonistic activity. Finally, we demonstrate that some endogenous peptides favor particular signaling pathways at the three receptors leading to biased signaling. These findings highlight the complexity of signaling where multiple opioid receptors are expressed and/or many opioid peptides are released.
Preventing presbycusis in mice with enhanced medial olivocochlear feedback
Authors: Boero Luis E. , Castagna Valeria C. , Terreros Gonzalo , Moglie Marcelo J. , Silva Sebastián , Maass Juan C. , Fuchs Paul A. , Delano Paul H. , Elgoyhen Ana Belén , Gómez-Casati María Eugenia
Published: May 2020

Significance

Age-related hearing loss is the most common cause of hearing loss. Here, we show that medial olivocochlear feedback mediates resistance to age-related hearing loss—presbycusis—and that this occurs via the α9α10 cholinergic nicotinic receptor complexes on outer hair cells. These findings are particularly promising because they provide a proof of principle supporting the enhancement of the medial olivocochlear system as a viable approach for prevention or treatment of age-related hearing loss. Therefore, it opens the way to the design of novel positive modulators of α9α10 nAChR receptors for clinical use in the prevention of both noise and age-related hearing loss.
A Triassic stem-salamander from Kyrgyzstan and the origin of salamanders
Authors: Schoch Rainer R. , Werneburg Ralf , Voigt Sebastian
Published: May 2020

Significance

The origin of modern amphibians remains controversial, and especially the fossil record of salamanders remains poor. Their tiny, feeble skeletons are rarely preserved in rocks of the early Mesozoic era, the time frame in which they are believed to have originated. Here we report 230 million-year-old fossils from Kyrgyzstan, Inner Asia, providing the most ancient evidence of salamanders. They enable us to reconstruct crucial steps in the evolution of the salamander body plan, sharing numerous features with ancient amphibians, the temnospondyls. These finds push back the rock record of salamanders by 60 to 74 Ma and at the same time bridge the wide anatomic gap among salamanders, frogs, and temnospondyls.
Structural basis of peptidoglycan endopeptidase regulation
Authors: Shin Jung-Ho , Sulpizio Alan G. , Kelley Aaron , Alvarez Laura , Murphy Shannon G. , Fan Lixin , Cava Felipe , Mao Yuxin , Saper Mark A. , Dörr Tobias
Published: May 2020

Most bacteria surround themselves with a cell wall, a strong meshwork consisting primarily of the polymerized aminosugar peptidoglycan (PG). PG is essential for structural maintenance of bacterial cells, and thus for viability. PG is also constantly synthesized and turned over; the latter process is mediated by PG cleavage enzymes, for example, the endopeptidases (EPs). EPs themselves are essential for growth but also promote lethal cell wall degradation after exposure to antibiotics that inhibit PG synthases (e.g., β-lactams). Thus, EPs are attractive targets for novel antibiotics and their adjuvants. However, we have a poor understanding of how these enzymes are regulated in vivo, depriving us of novel pathways for the development of such antibiotics. Here, we have solved crystal structures of the LysM/M23 family peptidase ShyA, the primary EP of the cholera pathogen
Vibrio cholerae
. Our data suggest that ShyA assumes two drastically different conformations: a more open form that allows for substrate binding and a closed form, which we predicted to be catalytically inactive. Mutations expected to promote the open conformation caused enhanced activity in vitro and in vivo, and these results were recapitulated in EPs from the divergent pathogens
Neisseria gonorrheae
and
Escherichia coli
. Our results suggest that LysM/M23 EPs are regulated via release of the inhibitory Domain 1 from the M23 active site, likely through conformational rearrangement in vivo.
Superhydrophobic photothermal icephobic surfaces based on candle soot
Authors: Wu Shuwang , Du Yingjie , Alsaid Yousif , Wu Dong , Hua Mutian , Yan Yichen , Yao Bowen , Ma Yanfei , Zhu Xinyuan , He Ximin
Published: May 2020

Significance

Here cheap candle soot is utilized to make superhydrophobic photothermal icephobic surfaces. The candle soot provides the hierarchical structure for superhydrophobicity; meanwhile, sunlight can be trapped in the hierarchical structure to enhance the light absorption leading to a high photothermal efficiency. The superhydrophobicity can help maintain the excellent photothermal performance. Firstly, the superhydrophobic candle soot surface can remove the melted water immediately leaving a dry surface, which avoids the reflectance and thermal mass of melted water and thus reduces the heat loss. Secondly, the surface is capable of self-cleaning; dust and other contaminants can be washed away by rain or melted water to prevent the blocking and scattering of sunlight, highly benefiting the maintaining of long-term high photothermal efficiency.
Temporal flexibility of gene regulatory network underlies a novel wing pattern in flies
Authors: Dufour Héloïse D. , Koshikawa Shigeyuki , Finet Cédric
Published: May 2020

Organisms have evolved endless morphological, physiological, and behavioral novel traits during the course of evolution. Novel traits were proposed to evolve mainly by orchestration of preexisting genes. Over the past two decades, biologists have shown that cooption of gene regulatory networks (GRNs) indeed underlies numerous evolutionary novelties. However, very little is known about the actual GRN properties that allow such redeployment. Here we have investigated the generation and evolution of the complex wing pattern of the flySamoaia leonensis. We show that the transcription factor Engrailed is recruited independently from the other players of the anterior–posterior specification network to generate a new wing pattern. We argue that partial cooption is made possible because 1) the anterior–posterior specification GRN is flexible over time in the developing wing and 2) this flexibility results from the fact that every single gene of the GRN possesses its own functional time window. We propose that the temporal flexibility of a GRN is a general prerequisite for its possible cooption during the course of evolution.
Unexpected formation of oxygen-free products and nitrous acid from the ozonolysis of the neonicotinoid nitenpyram
Authors: Wang Weihong , Ezell Michael J. , Lakey Pascale S. J. , Aregahegn Kifle Z. , Shiraiwa Manabu , Finlayson-Pitts Barbara J.
Published: May 2020

Significance

The neonicotinoid nitenpyram (NPM) has widespread use in agricultural settings and for flea control in animals. This may be oxidized on contact with air pollutants such as ozone to form new products that have different toxicity compared to the parent compound, yet little is known of the reaction kinetics, products, and mechanisms. We show here that many of the ozonolysis products of NPM do not contain oxygen, despite the highly oxidizing environment. Understanding such unusual and previously unrecognized chemistry is critical for accurate assessment of the environmental fates and impacts of this neonicotinoid. We also show that nitrous acid, a major source of the highly reactive hydroxyl free radical in air (but whose sources are controversial), is also generated.
Tell us about that
Authors: Burn Jo Anna , Crezee Ineke H.M.
Published: May 2020

This chapter contains a discussion of the
findings of a small study in which the authors applied voice
recording technology to enable student interpreters to practise
authentic legal question-and-answer discourse from the
examination-in-chief and cross-examination phases of two jury trials
in New Zealand. The chapter discusses the purpose of lawyers’
questions in the common law adversarial courtroom, and identifies
the question types used in the video clips shown to students. It
then focuses on student renditions, identifying which types of
questions were interpreted most accurately, and which types of
questions were interpreted least accurately. The authors offer some
suggestions as to why some question forms may pose difficulties for
interpreters, and make some practical suggestions to improve student
understanding of the pragmatic intent of questions in the different
parts of the trial process.
Australian court interpreters’ preparation practices
Authors: Wong Vicky Wan Kei
Published: May 2020

In a pioneering national survey of court
interpreting in Australia, 84% of the surveyed interpreters
responded that they did not receive any preparation materials prior
to their court interpreting assignments.1 As part of a larger PhD project
investigating the role of preparation using case-related
materials2 in court
interpreting,3 I
conducted a national survey of Australian court interpreters’
preparation practices in 2016. This article highlights the survey
results and presents a synthesis of findings from the quantitative
and qualitative data collected in the survey.4
Organising a profession
Authors: Ortega Herráez Juan Miguel
Published: May 2020

The establishment and consolidation of sound
professional organisations is a necessary step towards the
professionalisation of community interpreting, alongside the
adoption of legal provisions. This contribution will firstly focus
on how the community of translators and interpreters in Spain is
organised professionally. Next it will analyse its role in the
current process of introducing a new regulatory framework for legal
interpreting and translation (LIT) and a register of court
interpreters and translators. These changes respond to the
obligation to transpose EU supranational legislation which aims to
secure interpreting and translation quality, and the right to a fair
trial in multilingual proceedings. The main features and
shortcomings of the newly introduced Spanish legislation (Ley Orgánica 5/2015) will
also be addressed and critically discussed in this chapter.
Teaching police to work effectively with interpreters
Authors: Del Pozo Triviño Maribel
Published: May 2020

The right of individuals to understand and be
understood in judicial procedures is enshrined in several
international and national legislative instruments. This right is
often exercised through the intervention of translators and
interpreters whenever individuals do not speak or understand the
language of the country in which they are a party in a judicial
procedure. In order to make such a right effective, legislation has
moved a step forward in recent years and established the need to
guarantee quality translation/interpreting. One mechanism provided
to ensure quality is training of police and judicial staff to
effectively work with interpreters. This chapter describes a 20-hour
training course taught to a mixed group of Spanish police
officers.
Relational, situational and discourse features of mental health
interactions
Authors: Hlavac Jim , Surla Biserka , Zucchi Emiliano
Published: May 2020

This chapter addresses the paucity of
interpreter-focused studies in mental health interpreting and
presents the voices of spoken-language interpreters reporting on
relational, situational and discourse features of the speech of
interlocutors with whom they work. Responses from 10 interpreters
are presented on pre-interactional contact and briefing, physical
configuration of setting, discourse of mental health clinicians, and
discourse of mental health patients. Despite guidelines to both
clinicians and interpreters, occurrence of a pre-interaction
briefing is variable. An equidistant position to other interlocutors
is the most common configuration. Descriptions of discourse relate
to pace of speech, brevity, clinicians’ alignment with patients,
with the physiological, emotional and psychological state of
patients listed as challenging features. Code-switching as an
unmarked speech variety but also as a conspicuous feature relevant
to diagnosis is also reported.
Metaphor emergence in cinematic discourse
Authors: Urios-Aparisi Eduardo
Published: May 2020

In this chapter, I analyze the creation of meaning in cinema with two of the components of their mise-en-scéne: food and cityscapes. I compare Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation (2003) and Isabel Coixet’s Map of the Sounds of Tokyo (2009a) and I show how those components work as meaning attractors within the complex system of cinematic discourse following Larsen-Freeman & Cameron (2008) and Cameron & Deignan (2006). I consider that metaphor in cinema is a dynamic phenomenon in the Complex Adaptive System created by the work of a team actively participating in the development of a narrative. Processes such as metaphor and the interaction of repetition, intertextuality and cinematic resources are essential elements in this kind of group-creativity.
Figuring it out
Authors: Bhaya Nair Rukmini
Published: May 2020

Satya Nadella, Vikram Chandra and Manjul Bhargava, three public figures of Indian origin, have recently suggested that significant similarities exist between the creative processes involved in writing poetry and in producing computer codes. This paper explores some of the consequences of drawing on unfamiliar ‘non-western’ cultural traditions to augment current theories of creativity, coding and performativity. More specifically, it examines the premise that ‘creativity’ relies on an able grasp of rules, extends to a risk-taking capacity to break these very rules and, sometimes, to combine them with other embodied modes such as music and dance. The chapter argues that this premise is investigated in Indian treatises from Bharata to Nagojibhatta, who may have been early advocates of multimodality in the pre-modern world.
The dynamic co-development of linguistic and discourse-semantic
complexity in advanced L2 writing
Authors: Wang Yu , Tao Shoucun
Published: May 2020

This study reports on an exploratory investigation of the
developmental and interaction patterns of linguistic and discourse-semantic
complexity in two advanced Chinese EFL learners’ argumentative writings.
Adopting a complex dynamic systems theory approach, this work captures
linguistic complexity by using subordination and phrasal elaboration
metrics, and semantic complexity by examining grammatical metaphor. The
findings are: (a) the two sub-systems of linguistic complexity develop
through different paths, featuring nonlinearity with progress and
regression; (b) semantic complexity generally undergoes dynamic
development – however, there seems to be inter-participant variation in
terms of transitional phases; (c) the interaction of linguistic and semantic
complexity is diversified between the subsystems and at the individual
level. The level of L2 skillfulness and integrated feedback are likely to
contribute jointly to the results. These findings have implications for both
L2 writing research and instruction.
Profiling the dynamic changes of syntactic complexity in L2 academic
writing
Authors: Rosmawati R.
Published: May 2020

This chapter investigates changes in the textual
manifestation of the syntactic complexity construct in second language (L2)
academic writing at the advanced level through linguistically profiling the
academic essays of an L2 graduate student in a Master of Education (TESOL)
program in Australia. This work explores the dynamic changes of the
subconstructs of syntactic complexity at the sentential, clausal, and
phrasal levels synchronously through the perspective of complex dynamic
systems theory (CDST). To do so, this chapter also introduces a multilevel
synchrony method which translates the feature of nestedness of language
structure into data mapping, exploration, and profiling. The resulting
profile offers visual access, through numerical data and graphs, to the
mechanisms that underpin the changes manifest in the language produced by
the learner. The findings are then discussed within the framework of CDST
and the characteristics of academic writing in English.
The elusive phase shift
Authors: Hepford Elizabeth
Published: May 2020

This chapter explores phase shifts,
which occur when dynamic systems enter a period of fluctuation that results
in a new stable pattern (Larsen-Freeman
& Cameron, 2008). Phase shifts remain elusive in L2 writing
research due to a lack sufficiently dense data to detect them and a lack of
recognition when they occur. Moreover, the majority of L2 writing research
involving phase shift analysis focuses on cognitive factors analyzed with
quantitative tools, thus neglecting qualitative methods and the influence of
external social factors that may impact change. This chapter examines the
definition of phase shifts, reviews relevant complexity theory-inspired
quantitative and qualitative methodologies for analyzing L2 writing, and
proposes adapting quantitative descriptive research techniques (Ortega & Iberri-Shea, 2005) to
investigate social ecosystem variables that may lead to phase shifts.
Identity (self-)deconstruction in Chinese police’s civil conflict mediation
Authors: Feng Wenjing , Chen Xinren
Published: May 2020

While recent pragmatic research on identity in discourse mainly focuses on ubiquitous construction of one’s own or others’ identity, inadequate attention has been directed to the frequently occurring deconstruction of self-constructed and other-assigned identities. Drawing on transcripts of recordings of 19 Chinese police officer-mediated interactions, this study examines what, how and why self-constructed and other-assigned identities of police officers are deconstructed. Qualitative analysis of the data shows that Chinese police officers’ self-constructed non-institutional identities were often deconstructed by disputants via negating their contextual appropriateness or their social or institutional rightness, whereas police officers also often deconstructed the institutional identities assigned to them by the disputants via negating the validity of the assigned institutional identity or the institutional relationship. It is argued that the cause of this identity deconstruction phenomenon is rooted in police officers’ identity dilemma arising from social changes regarding police work in China.
Comparison between conceptions and assessment practices among secondary education teachers: more differences than similarities (Comparación entre concepciones y prácticas de evaluación en profesores de Educación Secundaria: más diferencias que semejanzas)
Authors: Fernández-Ruiz Javier , Panadero Ernesto
Published: May 2020

Teachers’ conceptions can affect any teaching practice, including assessment. Compared with the previous learning stages in Spain, the accreditation-based focus increases in secondary education. Therefore, it is necessary to study the conceptions teachers have of assessment during this stage and the role these play in their teaching practices. The study participants comprised 219 secondary education teachers. A mixed methodology including a questionnaire, dilemmas and the analysis of test contents was used. An analysis was implemented of the relationship between the conceptions of assessment and the type of tests used, self-assessment and peer assessment, and characteristics of feedback. The teachers reported having a formative conception, but this was incoherent with their assessment methods characterized by a scarce use of self-assessment and peer assessment and a hardly formative feedback. In conclusion, we highlight the relevance of the teaching-related conceptions in the education system and the need for working jointly with teachers to implement an authentically formative assessment in the classroom, with an emphasis on consistency between conceptions and practices.
Dynamical Algebras in the 1+1 Dirac Oscillator and the Jaynes–Cummings Model*
Authors: Song Wen-Ya , Zhang Fu-Lin
Published: May 2020

We study the algebraic structure of the one-dimensional Dirac oscillator by extending the concept of spin symmetry to a noncommutative case. An SO(4) algebra is found connecting the eigenstates of the Dirac oscillator, in which the two elements of Cartan subalgebra are conserved quantities. Similar results are obtained in the Jaynes–Cummings model.
Quantum Deletion of Copies of Two Non-orthogonal Quantum States via Weak Measurement*
Authors: Shang Wei-Min , Zhou Jie , Meng Hui-Xian , Chen Jing-Ling
Published: May 2020

We propose a scenario to increase the probability of probabilistic quantum deletion and to enhance the fidelity of approximate quantum deletion for two non-orthogonal states via weak measurement. More interestingly, by pretreating the given non-orthogonal states, the probability of probabilistic quantum deletion and fidelity of approximate quantum deletion can reach 1. Since outcomes of the weak measurement that we required are probabilistic, we perform the subsequent deleting process only when the outcome of weak measurement is “yes”. Remarkably, we find that our scenario has better performance in quantum information process; for example, it costs less quantum resources and time.
Self-Assembly of Dimer Motors under Confined Conditions*
Authors: Zhou An , Qiao Li-Yan , Wei Gui-Na , Jiang Zhou-Ting , Zhao Ye-Hua
Published: May 2020

Chemically synthetic nanomotors can consume fuel in the environment and utilize the self-generated concentration gradient to self-propel themselves in the system. We study the collective dynamics of an ensemble of sphere dimers built from linked catalytic and noncatalytic monomers. Because of the confinement from the fuel field and the interactions among motors, the ensemble of dimer motors can self-organize into various nanostructures, such as a radial pattern in the spherical fuel field and a staggered radial pattern in a cylindrical fuel field. The influence of the dimer volume fraction on the self-assembly is also investigated and the formed nanostructures are analyzed in detail. The results presented here may give insight into the application of the self-assembly of active materials.
Three-Dimensional Compensation for Minimizing Heating of the Ion in Surface-Electrode Trap*
Authors: Li Ji , Chen Liang , Chen Yi-He , Liu Zhi-Chao , Zhang Hang , Feng Mang
Published: May 2020

The trapped ions confined in a surface-electrode trap (SET) could be free from rf heating if they stay at the rf potential null of the potential well. We report our effort to compensate three-dimensionally for the micromotion of a single 40Ca+ ion near the rf potential null, which largely suppresses the ion’s heating and thus helps to achieve the cooling of the ion down to 3.4 mK, which is very close to the Doppler limit. This is the prerequisite of the sideband cooling in our SET.
Monolithic 0–f Scheme-Based Frequency Comb Directly Driven by a High-Power Ti:Sapphire Oscillator*
Authors: Jiang Jian-Wang , Fang Shao-Bo , Zhang Zi-Yue , Zhu Jiang-Feng , Han Hai-Nian , Chang Guo-Qing , Wei Zhi-Yi
Published: May 2020

A monolithic 0–f scheme-based femtosecond optical frequency comb directly driven by a high-power Ti:sapphire laser oscillator is demonstrated. The spectrum covering from 650 nm to 950 nm is generated from the Ti:sapphire oscillator with a repetition rate of 170 MHz. The average output power up to 630 mW is delivered under the pump power of 4.5 W. A 44-dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the carrier-envelope phase offset (CEO) beat note is achieved under the resolution of 100 kHz and is long-term stabilized to a reference source at 20 MHz. The integrated phase noise (IPN) in the range from 1 Hz to 1 MHz is calculated to be 138 mrad, corresponding to the timing jitter of 63 as at the central wavelength of 790 nm.