bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maintenance of cell wall remodeling and vesicle production are connected in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Salgueiro Vivian , Bertol Jorge , Gutierrez Claude , Serrano-Mestre Jose L , Ferrer-Luzon Noelia , Palacios Ainhoa , Pasquina-Lemonche Laia , Espalliat Akbar , Lerma Laura , Weinrick Brian , Lavin Jose L , Elortza Felix , Azkalgorta Mikel , Prieto Alicia , Buendía-Nacarino Pilar , Luque-García José L , Neyrolles Olivier , Cava Felipe , Hobbs Jamie K , Sanz Joaquín , Prados-Rosales Rafael
Published: October 2024

Pathogenic and nonpathogenic mycobacteria secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) under various conditions. EVs produced by
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(
Mtb
) have raised significant interest for their potential in cell communication, nutrient acquisition, and immune evasion. However, the relevance of vesicle secretion during tuberculosis infection remains unknown due to the limited understanding of mycobacterial vesicle biogenesis. We have previously shown that a transposon mutant in the LCP-related gene
virR
(

virR
mut

) manifested a strong attenuated phenotype during experimental macrophage and murine infections, concomitant to enhanced vesicle release. In this study, we aimed to understand the role of VirR in the vesicle production process in
Mtb
. We employ genetic, transcriptional, proteomics, ultrastructural and biochemical methods to investigate the underlying processes explaining the enhanced vesiculogenesis phenomenon observed in the

virR
mut

. Our results establish that VirR is critical to sustain proper cell permeability via regulation of cell envelope remodeling possibly through the interaction with similar cell envelope proteins, which control the link between peptidoglycan and arabinogalactan. These findings advance our understanding of mycobacterial extracellular vesicle biogenesis and suggest that these set of proteins could be attractive targets for therapeutic intervention.
Alteration of long and short-term hematopoietic stem cell ratio causes myeloid-biased hematopoiesis
Authors: Nishi Katsuyuki , Sakamaki Taro , Nagasaka Akiomi , Kao Kevin S , Sadaoka Kay , Asano Masahide , Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Takaori-Kondo Akifumi , Miyanishi Masanori
Published: October 2024

Myeloid-biased hematopoiesis is a well-known age-related alteration. Several possibilities, including myeloid-biased hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) clones, may explain this. However, the precise mechanisms remain controversial.Utilizing the Hoxb5 reporter system to prospectively isolate long-term HSCs (LT-HSCs) and short-term HSCs (ST-HSCs), we found that young and aged LT-HSCs co-transplanted into the same recipients demonstrated nearly equivalent myeloid lineage output, contrary to the theory of myeloid-biased HSC clones. Transcriptomics indicated no significant myeloid gene enrichment in aged LT-HSCs compared to their young counterparts. Instead, transplanting reconstituted young HSCs with the ratio of LT/ST-HSCs seen in aged mice can significantly skew the lineage output to myeloid cells. In addition, while the niche environment in the bone marrow minimally affects myeloid-biased hematopoiesis, aged thymi and spleens substantially hinder lymphoid hematopoiesis, resulting in further myeloid-domination. Thus, we demonstrate that myeloid-biased hematopoiesis in aged organisms originates due to alteration of the ratio between LT-HSCs and ST-HSCs rather than in heterogeneous HSC clones with various cell fates.
Transcriptome-wide identification of 5-methylcytosine by deaminase and reader protein-assisted sequencing
Authors: Zhou Jiale , Zhao Ding , Li Jinze , Kong Deqiang , Li Xiangrui , Zhang Renquan , Liang Yuru , Gao Xun , Qian Yuqiang , Wang Di , Chen Jiahui , Lai Liangxue , Han Yang , Li Zhanjun
Published: October 2024

5-Methylcytosine (m
5
C) is one of the major post-transcriptional modifications in mRNA and is highly involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases. However, the capacity of existing assays for accurately and comprehensively transcriptome-wide m
5
C mapping still needs improvement. Here, we develop a detection method named DRAM (deaminase and reader protein assisted RNA methylation analysis), in which deaminases (APOBEC1 and TadA-8e) are fused with m
5
C reader proteins (ALYREF and YBX1) to identify the m
5
C sites through deamination events neighboring the methylation sites. This antibody-free and bisulfite-free approach provides transcriptome-wide editing regions which are highly overlapped with the publicly available BS-seq datasets and allows for a more stable and comprehensive identification of the m
5
C loci. In addition, DRAM system even supports ultra-low input RNA (10ng) and monitors the dynamic accumulation of cellular m
5
C. We anticipate that the DRAM system could pave the way for uncovering further biological functions of m
5
C modifications.
Edge computing resource scheduling method based on container elastic scaling
Authors: Wang Huaijun , Deng Erhao , Li Junhuai , Zhang Chenfei
Published: October 2024

Edge computing is a crucial technology to solve the problem of computing resources and bandwidth required for extensive edge data processing, as well as for meeting the real-time demands of applications. Container virtualization technology has become the underlying technical basis for edge computing due to its efficient performance. Because the traditional container scaling strategy has issues such as long response times, low resource utilization, and unpredictable container application loads, this article proposes a method for scheduling edge computing resources based on the elastic scaling of containers. Firstly, a container load prediction model (Trend Enhanced-Temporal Convolutional Network, TE-TCN) is designed based on the temporal convolutional neural network, which features an encoder-decoder structure. The encoder extracts potential temporal relationship features from the historical data of the container load, while the decoder identifies the trend item of the container load through the trend enhancement module. Subsequently, the information extracted by the encoder and decoder is fed into the fully connected layer to facilitate container load prediction using the dual-input ResNet method. Secondly, Markov decision process (MDP) is used to model the elastic expansion problem of containers in multi-objective optimization. Utilizing the prediction outcomes of the TE-TCN load prediction model, a time-varying action space is formulated to address the issue of excessive action space in conventional reinforcement learning. Subsequently, a predictive container scaling strategy based on reinforcement learning is devised to align with the application load patterns in the container environment, enabling adaptation to the surge in traffic generated by the container environment. Finally, the experimental results on the WorldCup98 dataset and the real dataset show that the TE-TCN model can accurately predict the container load change. Experiments in the actual environment demonstrate that the proposed strategy reduces the average response time by 16.2% when the burst load arrives, and increases the average CPU utilization by 44.6% when the jitter load occurs.
Applications of dry chain technology to maintain high seed viability in tropical climates
Authors: Guzzon Filippo , Costich Denise E. , Afzal Irfan , Barboza Barquero Luis , Monge Vargas Andrés Antonio , Vargas Ramírez Ester , Bello Pedro , Dahal Peetambar , Sánchez Cano César , Zavala Espinosa Cristian , Imran Shakeel , Patolo Soane , Tukia Tevita Ngaloafe , Van Asbrouck Johan , Nabubuniyaka-Young Elina , Gianella Maraeva , Bradford Kent J.
Published: October 2024

Seed storage life in tropical areas is shortened by high humidity and temperature and the general inaccessibility to dehumidifying and refrigeration systems, resulting in rapid decreases in seed viability in storage as well as a high incidence of fungal and insect infestations. The dry chain, based on rapid and deep drying of seeds after harvest followed by packaging in moisture-proof containers, has been proposed as an effective method to maintain seed quality during medium-term storage in humid climates, even without refrigeration. In addition, seed drying with zeolite drying beads can be more effective and economical than sun or heated-air drying under these warm, humid conditions. In this paper, we review recent published literature regarding the dry chain, considering different crop species, storage environments and seed traits. In addition, we provide new original data on the application of dry chain methods and their implementation at larger scales in South Asia, Latin America and Pacific Island Countries. The clear conclusion is that the combination of reusable drying beads and waterproof storage containers enables the implementation of the dry chain in tropical climates, enhancing seed viability and quality in storage of many crop species. The dry chain approach can therefore significantly enhance seed security for farmers in many tropical countries. Finally, we propose actions and strategies that could guide further scaling-up implementation of this technology.
Ddüwéwé: cartografía para una invasión sinestésica
Authors: Contreras Manuel
Published: October 2024

Este artículo describe uno de mis proyectos recientes desarrollado en el contexto de mi doctorado en Música en la Universidad de Huddersfield, Reino Unido. Ddüwéwé es una palabra mapudungun que significa 'la urdimbre, el hilo con el que se teje' (Alonqueo Piutrín, 2018, p. 74) y es el título de una iniciativa colaborativa que involucra composición musical, instalación visual y representación teatral, abordando algunos aspectos del pueblo Mapuche: una de las Primeras Naciones en el sur de Chile y Argentina. A partir de dos objetos rituales Mapuche que encarnan su visión del mundo, el proyecto desarrolló interpretaciones interdisciplinarias de mis observaciones sobre la experiencia de habitar los espacios performativos involucrados: el edificio Richard Steinitz de la Universidad de Huddersfield (Reino Unido) y el Teatro del Parque Cultural de Valparaíso (Chile). Mis observaciones de estos espacios revelaron qué hace el habitante en su interior, o, en otras palabras, cuál es el acto que define la experiencia del habitante: una acción de acercarse observando y caminando. Además, un intercambio colaborativo con otros profesionales permitió la concepción de una instalación espacial y visual y la construcción dramatúrgica del proyecto. La experiencia ofrece nuevas proyecciones sobre elementos esenciales y aspectos complementarios como factores de jerarquía en propuestas interdisciplinarias.
Esculpiendo el sonido: consideraciones teóricas y prácticas para el diseño y construcción de instalaciones sonoras
Authors: Méndez Camilo
Published: October 2024

El uso de instrumentos musicales preparados o lo que conceptualmente llamo objetos musicales imposibles, para componer música, no es un fenómeno nuevo. En este artículo, se discuten las consideraciones teóricas y prácticas para diseñar y construir instrumentos modificados. Igualmente, se examinan mis experiencias pasadas, así como las prácticas y los métodos de investigación creativa existentes. Mi objetivo es expandir el concepto de objetos musicales imposibles mediante la transición a un enfoque escultórico de la composición musical. Este enfoque implica recontextualizar estos objetos como esculturas sonoras dentro de estructuras complejas, específicamente instalaciones sonoras. Para producir instrumentos musicales modificados y hacer la transición a un enfoque más amplio en el que estos objetos se vuelvan a imaginar como partes constituyentes dentro de las instalaciones sonoras, es esencial comprender su mecánica y establecer el hecho de que el espacio de actuación también se ha transformado. Por ello, la colaboración con músicos, lauderos y constructores de instrumentos en forma de experimentación y sesiones de prueba se convierte en una parte fundamental del proceso creativo. Durante estas sesiones se evaluó la efectividad, practicidad, portabilidad e invasividad de objetos. Los resultados de estas evaluaciones han sido catalogados. En este artículo, se incluirán algunos ejemplos y se profundizará sobre sus implicaciones para proyectos creativos actuales y futuros.
¿Qué decir? ¿Cómo decir? ¿Dónde decir? Sobre la escritura en torno a la colaboración poético-sonora con Pía Sommer.
Authors: Eisner Federico
Published: October 2024

Este texto/muestra sonora se propone discutir los problemas de la escritura sobre la producción sonora propia en el contexto de la Investigación Artística, a partir de dos intervenciones electroacústicas sobre poemas sonoros de la artista chilena Pía Sommer y de una colaboración performática con ella. A través de la muestra de ejemplos sonoros y audiovisuales, y de las diferentes reflexiones que van surgiendo, busco mostrar lo que considero los logros y las dificultades de la escritura en torno a estos casos específicos. Dichos problemas emergieron con una fuerza – a ratos paralizante - durante mi investigación doctoral. Ante la confusión (auto)etnográfica, la (falsa) tensión obra/tesis y la imposibilidad de una mínima distancia crítica, la triada de preguntas que titula esta presentación se transformó en coordenadas de un viaje escritural en una constelación metodológica en donde era muy fácil perderse. Esta presentación habla de a dónde llevó ese extravío.
El Ciclo Artístico-Reflexivo de Doble Verificación (CARDC) y el software Music: una herramienta metodológica en el campo de la Investigación Artística y su aplicación
Authors: Vieira Feichas Leonardo
Published: October 2024

Este artículo presenta la herramienta metodológica en el campo de la investigación artística denominada "Ciclo Artístico-Reflexivo de Double Checking (CARDC)" (Feichas, 2022) y el proyecto en curso para desarrollar una aplicación relacionada denominada "Music". El proyecto, que involucra tecnología de la información e inteligencia artificial, es una asociación entre la Universidad Federal de Acre (UFAC) y el Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica (ITA), con el objetivo de proponer de manera más práctica la aplicación del CARDC. accesible. El desarrollo del proyecto se basa en las orientaciones teórico/filosóficas del concepto CARDC, trasladadas al software a través de la codificación de este concepto en el área de la música. En conclusión, presentamos resultados preliminares sobre el uso de la aplicación en dispositivos portátiles y discutimos el uso de CARDC y los aspectos observados con su uso a través de una aplicación dedicada, entendiendo con resultados de investigación de campo que hay demanda, que la idea de la aplicación responde a esta demanda y que es urgente para el desarrollo de estudios comunes en áreas relacionadas con la investigación artística, como, pero no limitado a, la música.
A Case of denoid Cystic Carcinoma of Submadibular Salivary Gland: An Aggressive Neoplasm with Multiple Recurrences
Authors: Jagtap Sunil Vitthalrao , Jagtap Shubham S , Ahluwalia Ramnik Singh , Billawaria Sonam
Published: October 2024

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC) is an uncommon form of malignant neoplasm of the salivary gland. ACC is a rare epithelial, slowgrowing yet aggressive neoplasm with a remarkable capacity for recurrence. It most commonly develops in the salivary glands or other regions of the head and neck. Hereby, authors present a case of a 72-year-old female who presented with a rapidly enlarging swelling in the right submandibular region, which had recurred three times. Histopathological examination reported it as ACC grade II. ACC is known for its ability to invade perineurally, its high frequency of local and distant recurrence and its poor long-term prognosis. In the present case, the treatment provided was complete surgical resection. The patient underwent wide surgical excision of the lesion with appropriate margins, as well as a completion neck dissection of level IA. The histopathological diagnosis is based on tissue examination findings that exhibit typical histologic features. The presence and percentage of solid architecture reflect clinical outcomes and should be reported in the pathology report. Current diagnostics mainly rely on histomorphology, along with immunohistochemistry and cytogenetics. Poor prognostic factors include large tumour size, solid growth pattern, positive surgical margins, nodal status, nuclear atypia, high mitotic activity, high-grade transformation, lymphovascular invasion and tumour necrosis. The patient was kept on regular follow-up and there was no recurrence or metastasis noted over two years. ACC remains extremely difficult to treat due to its high recurrence and metastasis rates. The authors are presenting a case of right submandibular gland ACC for its rarity, multiple recurrences, aggressive clinical behaviour and associated radiological and histopathological findings.
Environmental analysis
Authors: Hill Ian , Gamble Michelle , Booth Tom , Anastasiadou Kyriaki , Gilardet Alexandre , Soares Da Silva Marina , Kelly Monica , Williams Mia , Swali Pooja , Skoglund Pontus
Published: October 2024

An archaeological watching brief was undertaken at the Jedburgh Abbey Rampart during repair and construction works to consolidate and secure the ‘rampart’ wall and its face, both of which had begun to deteriorate and fail. The watching brief followed on from earlier works to investigate the construction of the ‘rampart’, which had revealed the presence of disarticulated skeletal remains behind the wall. The excavations undertaken during the repair works have helped to infer the methods employed for the construction of the ‘rampart’, likely dating to the late 18th century. During construction several burials of the former Low Kirkyard were disturbed and displaced, with the disarticulated remains of several skeletons found within the construction deposits. The watching brief also revealed the remains of five burials that were partially disturbed during construction, with skeletal remains dating from the 15th century onwards. Disturbance to earlier graves, not disturbed by the construction, were also identified, the results of which indicate changing attitudes to skeletal remains through the post medieval and early modern periods.
A ÁGUA PARA CONSUMO HUMANO EM TEMPOS DE PANDEMIA DA COVID-19 EM UMA CIDADE NO OESTE DA BAHIA
Authors: Silva Maiara Macedo , Ilha da Silva Adriana
Published: October 2024

O artigo tem como objetivo analisar o acesso econômico à água potável na área urbana de um município do Oeste da Bahia em tempos de pandemia da Covid-19. Assim, foram elaborados mapas com o panorama do acesso econômico ao abastecimento de água, na área urbana do município de Barreiras, Bahia, com o intuito de descrever espacialmente como se distribuiu, por bairros, no período de março de 2020 a maio 2021, os cortes de água, as inscrições no programa de Tarifa Social e sua relação com o Cadastro Único do governo Federal. Diante da crise sanitária da Covid-19 e da situação econômica do Brasil muitos obstáculos são enfrentados pela população vulnerabilizada para garantia de direitos que são essenciais, como o acesso à água. Assim, com esse estudo foi possível verificar que, no período de pandemia, muitas pessoas tiveram o abastecimento de água interrompido por corte no fornecimento, sobretudo nos bairros mais pobres. Além disso, fez-se uma reflexão acerca das desigualdades sociais e da importância de repensar critérios para seleção de beneficiários de programas sociais que subsidiam o acesso à água potável.
Sonderrechte in der Aktiengesellschaft (Teil 1) Dogmatik, Rechtspraxis, Gattungs-Sonderrechte
Authors: Bayer Walter , Philemon Rauch Fritz
Published: October 2024

Sonderrechte in der AG werden im aktuellen Schrifttum nur punktuell und teilweise auch völlig unzulänglich behandelt. Rechtsprechung ist selten. Dies gilt sowohl für Gattungs-Sonderrechte i.S.v. § 11 AktG als insbesondere auch für individuelle Aktionärs- Sonderrechte i.S.v. § 35 BGB; dass es letztere in der AG gibt, wird teilweise (wenn auch zu Unrecht) bestritten. Eine intensive Beschäftigung mit der Thematik kommt zu dem Ergebnis, dass die Dogmatik, die für Sonderrechte i.S.v. § 35 BGB entwickelt worden ist, in vielfältiger Weise auch für Sonderrechte des Aktionärs fruchtbar gemacht werden kann. Auch ist der Spielraum für individuelle Sonderrechte in der AG viel größer, als von Teilen des Schrifttums mit Hinweis auf die Satzungsstrenge behauptet wird. Diese Erkenntnis bietet der Praxis, speziell bei geschlossenen Familiengesellschaften und start ups, bedeutsame Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten. Der Beitrag behandelt das Thema „Sonderrechte in der AG“ sowohl im Hinblick auf Gattungs- Sonderrechte nach § 11 AktG als auch im Hinblick auf individuelle Sonderrechte i.S.v. § 35 BGB zum einen grundlegend und mit innovativen Ansätzen, zum anderen aber auch mit praxisnaher Erörterung zahlreicher Einzelfragen; hiervon kann auch die aktuelle Diskussion zu verschiedenen Problemen der neuerdings wieder zulässigen Mehrstimmrechtsaktien profitieren. Der zweite Teil des Beitrags zu den individuellen Aktionärs- Sonderrechten ist bereits jetzt online abrufbar (Bayer/Rauch, AG0071104).
The Canadian Artificial Intelligence and Data Act and the EU AI Act: Will Sanity Prevail as they more closely align? – Part 2 — Changes to both Acts bring them closer together... but not too close
Authors: Beardwood John
Published: October 2024

Part 1 of this paper (Beardwood, CRi 2024, 97) provided an update on the progress of AIDA and the EU AI Act (I), outlined a summary roadmap of the base similarities and differences between the two items of legislation (II), reviewed the objectives of AIDA in contrast to the EU AI Act (III), compared their respective jurisdictional scope (IV), reviewed their respective definitions of AI systems (V), outlined new definitions/concepts which have been introduced into the legislation (VI), outlined the extent to which there are exclusions for the public sector (VII) and for research (VIII), and provided an overview of their respective risk-based approaches (IX). This Part 2 compares in detail the obligations for High-Impact Systems and General-Purpose Systems (AIDA) (X), and for High-Risk AI Systems and General-Purpose AI Systems (EU AI Act) (XI), and finally reviews the penalties and offences for noncompliance imposed by AIDA and EU AI Act (XII) before concluding (XIII).
Zum ertragsteuerrechtlichen Transparenzprinzip in der jüngsten Rechtsprechung des BFH
Authors: Wacker Roland
Published: October 2024

Die Ausformung des für Personengesellschaften und vergleichbare Gemeinschaften geltenden ertragsteuerrechtlichen Transparenzprinzips durch die Rechtsprechung des BFH blickt auf eine längere und wechselvolle Geschichte dialektischer Teilschritte zurück. Der hiernach, insbesondere durch die Rechtsprechung des Großen Senat vorgegebene und damit zugleich aktuelle Erkenntnisstand bildet den Ausgangspunkt für die Besprechung der jüngst ergangenen BFH-Urteile v. 24.4.2024 - IV R 27/21, FR 2024, 759 sowie v. 26.9.2023 - IX R 13/22, FR 2024, 318.
Zuführung eines Abfindungsbetrages in ein Zeitwertkonto – steuerliche Behandlung und aktuelle Rechtsprechung: BFH v. 3.5.2023 – IX R 25/21, FR 2023, 932
Authors: Mund Michelle
Published: October 2024

Der BFH hat bezüglich der Fragestellung, ob Abfindungsbeträge einem Wertguthaben zugeführt werden können und ob auf diesem Weg der Arbeitnehmer die sofortige Besteuerung des Abfindungsbetrages verhindern kann, am 3.5.2023 eine richtungsweisende Entscheidung getroffen (IX R 25/21, FR 2023, 932). Dieser Beitrag erläutert die Auswirkungen der Entscheidung und ordnet sie in die einschlägige Rechtsentwicklung zu diesem Thema ein.
Pillar 2 und M&A – Neue Herausforderungen durch die globale Mindestbesteuerung
Authors: Scherr Julius U.
Published: October 2024

Der Beitrag untersucht die Auswirkungen der globalen Mindestbesteuerung auf Unternehmenstransaktionen und geht auf ausgewählte Problemstellungen in den unterschiedlichen Transaktionsphasen ein. Durch das am 27.12.2023 in Deutschland in Kraft getretene Mindeststeuergesetz (MinStG) werden die von der OECD verabschiedeten Vorgaben zur globalen Mindestbesteuerung umgesetzt, die eine Mindeststeuer von 15 % für Unternehmen sicherstellen soll. Die Regelungen des MinStG sind durch eine hohe Komplexität gekennzeichnet, die vor allem bei Unternehmenstransaktionen besonderer Aufmerksamkeit bedarf.
Tagungsbericht zur Umsatzsteuertagung des UmsatzsteuerForums im Künstlerhaus in München
Authors: Nieskens Frauke-Sophie , Nieskens Hans
Published: October 2024

Unter dem Generalthema „Die elektronische Rechnung in der Umsatzsteuer - Chance oder Belastung?“ veranstaltete das UmsatzsteuerForum e.V. in Kooperation mit dem Verband der elektronischen Rechnung (VER) am 12.9.2024 vor mehr als 180 Teilnehmern ein Symposium zu Fragen rund um die ab 1.1.2025 in Deutschland verpflichtende elektronische Rechnung im standardisierten Format. Veranstaltungsort war das 1893 errichtete Künstlerhaus am Stachus in München, der perfekte Kontrast zu den Umwälzungen in der Umsatzsteuer im digitalen Zeitalter.
An inhibitory epitope of human Toll‐like receptor 4 resides on leucine‐rich repeat 13 and is recognized by a monoclonal antibody
Authors: Tsukamoto Hiroki , Yamagata Yuki , Ukai Ippo , Takeuchi Shino , Okubo Misaki , Kobayashi Yohei , Kozakai Sao , Kubota Kanae , Mumasaki Muneo , Kanemitsu Yoshitomi , Matsumoto Yotaro , Tomioka Yoshihisa
Published: July 2017

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced activation of Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) elicits the innate immune response and can trigger septic shock if excessive. Two antibodies (HT4 and HT52) inhibit LPS‐induced human TLR4 activation via novel LPS binding‐independent mechanisms. The HT52 epitope resides on leucine‐rich repeat 2 (LRR2) and is a feature of many inhibitory antibodies; antigen specificity of HT4 does not reside in LRR2. Here, we identified an HT4 epitope on LRR13 located close to the TLR4 dimerization interface that plays a role in NFκB activation. HT4 and HT52 mutually enhanced TLR4 inhibition. LRR13 is a novel inhibitory epitope and may be useful for developing anti‐TLR4 antibodies. Combination therapy with LRR2 and LRR13 may effectively inhibit TLR4 activation.
Triggered lightning spectroscopy: Part 1. A qualitative analysis
Authors: Walker T. Daniel , Christian Hugh J.
Published: July 2017

The first high‐speed spectra of triggered lightning have been obtained. During the summers of 2012 and 2013, spectra were recorded at the International Center for Lightning Research and Testing, Camp Blanding, FL. The spectra were recorded with a high‐speed camera with a grism mounted in front of it. The triggered lightning channels observed were generally at low altitude in a region that included the copper wire. Spectral emissions were recorded at each phase: the initial stage, dart leader, return stroke, and continuing current. These spectra are separated into two major regions: soft ultraviolet to visible (3800–6200 Å) and visible to near infrared (6200–8700 Å). The emissions during the initial stage reflect those of a copper wire burn in air. The majority of the emissions are neutral copper. After the initial stage comes the first return stroke which contains no detected molecular emissions; however, it does contain neutral, singly, and doubly ionized nitrogen and oxygen, neutral argon, and neutral hydrogen. Occasionally, before a return stroke, the dart leader coming down the channel will be stepped. During these occasions the leader spectra resemble that of the return stroke but are dimmer and shorter lived. After the initial portion of the return stroke, there are often changes in the luminosity of the spectrum which corresponds with fluctuations in the continuing current. During these “reillumination phases” no singly or doubly ionized lines have been observed to reemerge over the detection threshold, only neutral emission features.
Influence of shale‐total organic content on CO2 geo‐storage potential
Authors: Arif Muhammad , Lebedev Maxim , Barifcani Ahmed , Iglauer Stefan
Published: July 2017

Shale CO2 wettability is a key factor which determines the structural trapping capacity of a caprock. However, the influence of shale‐total organic content (TOC) on wettability (and thus on storage potential) has not been evaluated despite the fact that naturally occurring shale formations can vary dramatically in TOC, and that even minute TOC strongly affects storage capacities and containment security. Thus, there is a serious lack of understanding in terms of how shale, with varying organic content, performs in a CO2 geo‐storage context. We demonstrate here that CO2‐wettability scales with shale‐TOC at storage conditions, and we propose that if TOC is low, shale is suitable as a caprock in conventional structural trapping scenarios, while if TOC is ultrahigh to medium, the shale itself is suitable as a storage medium (via adsorption trapping after CO2 injection through fractured horizontal wells).
Seawater‐groundwater mixing in and fluxes from coastal sediment overlying discrete fresh seepage zones: A modeling study
Authors: Zamora Peter B. , Cardenas M. Bayani , Lloren Ronald , Siringan Fernando P.
Published: July 2017

Submarine fresh groundwater discharging from discrete zones such as conduits overlain by thick sediment remains poorly documented and understood despite common anecdotal accounts of it. We analyzed this phenomenon by a suite of variable‐density, variably saturated groundwater flow simulations guided by field studies. The field observations included point flux and salinity measurements using seepage meters spread across the intertidal and the subtidal zones. The discretely measured seepage fluxes in the subtidal region were as high and the salinity was as fresh as those from the intertidal zone. Both fluxes and salinities varied with tides. Two‐dimensional simulations of the idealized beach‐ocean vertical section with discrete freshwater springs at the base showed the development of seawater recirculation cells along the edge of freshwater discharge plumes emanating from the outlets, causing mixing. Brackish water discharges at the sediment‐water interface above where the plume mixes with the recirculating seawater. Sensitivity analyses showed that stronger terrestrial fresh groundwater flow increases the freshwater plume size but does not affect the mixing zone width. Tidal oscillations and a dynamic fresh groundwater flow widened the mixing zones and increased pore water flux across the sediment‐water interface. Sediment thickness had a minor effect on the width of both the freshwater plume and its surrounding mixing zone. The subtidal freshwater plume and mixing zone likely represent a unique but potentially ubiquitous setting which hosts dramatic ecological and chemical gradients. Their local biogeochemical niche and coastal scale ecosystem impacts will need to be considered in investigations of coastlines.
Bridging the gap between cyclone wind and wave by C‐band SAR measurements
Authors: Shao Weizeng , Li Xiaofeng , Hwang Paul , Zhang Biao , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: July 2017

Active microwave remote sensing of hurricane‐strength wind is a challenging task due to the saturation of col‐polarization backscattering signal under such condition. Here we take advantage of the fact that wind sea wave growth does not saturate at high wind and the intrinsic relationship among wind‐wave triplets (sea surface wind speed, significant wave height, and peak wave period) within a tropical storm to derive the wind speed. Three Sentinel‐1 (S‐1) and nine RADARSAT‐2 (R‐2) C‐band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images acquired between 20 and 40 m/s winds are collected in this study. The S‐1 and R‐2 SAR‐derived winds are compared with those measured by coincident National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Stepped‐Frequency Microwave Radiometer (SFMR) and simulated by Symmetric Hurricane Estimates for Wind (SHEW) model. Validations against SFMR winds for S‐1 show Root‐Mean‐Square Error (RMSE) of 1.7 m/s with a 0.2 m/s bias at the left side of cyclone centers and RMSE of 2.9 m/s RMSE with a 0.56 bias at the backside of cyclone centers. R‐2 SAR‐derived winds against SHEW model results show a RMSE of 2.4 m/s with a 0.3 m/s bias and 2.6 m/s with a 0.35 m/s bias at the right side and the left side of cyclone centers, while the RMSE is 3.9 m/s with a 0.1 m/s bias at the backside of cyclone centers. The wave‐information‐based wind retrieval method works well at the left side and right side, but less accurately at the backside of a tropical storm when wind wave and swell are mixed.
Deepwater dynamics and mixing processes during a major inflow event in the central Baltic Sea
Authors: Holtermann Peter L. , Prien Ralf , Naumann Michael , Mohrholz Volker , Umlauf Lars
Published: July 2017

Intrusions of large amounts of dense and oxygen‐rich waters during so‐called Major Baltic Inflows (MBIs) form an essential component of the Baltic Sea overturning circulation and deepwater ventilation. Despite their importance, however, detailed observations of the processes occurring in the central basins during an MBI are virtually lacking. Here data from a long‐term deployment of an autonomous profiling platform located in the center of one of the main basins are presented, providing the first direct and detailed view of the deepwater modifications and dynamics induced by one of the largest MBIs ever recorded (MBI 2014/2015). Approximately, 21 Gmol of oxygen were imported during three distinct inflow phases with an unexpectedly large contribution of oxic intrusions at intermediate depth. Oxygen consumption rates during the stagnation period immediately following the inflow phase was found to be 87 g m−2 yr−1 with a dominant contribution of sedimentary oxygen demand. The most energetic deepwater processes (topographic and near‐inertial waves) were only marginally affected by the inflow; however, subinertial energy levels associated with intrusions and eddies were strongly enhanced. Turbulence microstructure data revealed that the deep interior regions remain essentially nonturbulent even during the energetic conditions of an MBI, emphasizing the importance of boundary mixing. Warm intrusions frequently showed a temperature fine structure with vertical scales of the order of 0.1 m, without any signs of active turbulence. At the upper flanks of these intrusions, double‐diffusive staircases were often found to develop, suggesting an important alternative mixing process during inflow conditions.
Sense size‐dependent dust loading and emission from space using reflected solar and infrared spectral measurements: An observation system simulation experiment
Authors: Xu Xiaoguang , Wang Jun , Wang Yi , Henze Daven K. , Zhang Li , Grell Georg A. , McKeen Stuart A. , Wielicki Bruce A.
Published: July 2017

The Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory (CLARREO) satellite mission observes hyperspectral Earth reflected solar (RS) and emitted infrared radiance (IR). Such measurements span an additional dimension on spectrally dependent scattering and absorption of dust, the critical signals for particle size. Through a suite of observation system simulation experiments (OSSEs), this study assesses the capability of CLARREO's measurements for recovering size‐dependent dust emissions in GEOS‐Chem chemistry transport model (CTM). To this end, another CTM (Flow‐following finite‐volume Icosahedral Model‐Chem, or FIM‐Chem) is used for the nature run to simulate CLARREO spectral radiances. The spectral signals are then used for analyzing the sensitivities and error characteristics of dust optical depth (DOD) under three observations scenarios (IR only, RS only, and combined IR and RS) using an optimal estimation technique. Next, these synthetic data are assimilated into GEOS‐Chem adjoint model to constrain dust emissions of four particle sizes with radii from 0.1 μm to 6.0 μm. The OSSEs results indicate (1) the IR spectra are most sensitive to dust of the third size bin (1.8–3.0 μm) and least sensitive to the smallest bin (0.1–1.0 μm); (2) the RS spectra are most sensitive to dust of the smallest size bin and the sensitivity decreases as dust size increases; (3) combining IR and RS spectra can fully characterize DOD across all sizes, providing the best constraints for size‐resolved dust emissions; and (4) CLARREO data fail to constrain the spatial distribution of dust sources due to its narrow swath and joint observations from CLARREO‐calibrated sensors with wide swath are desirable.
Springtime major pollution events by aerosol over Paris Area: From a case study to a multiannual analysis
Authors: Chazette Patrick , Royer Philippe
Published: July 2017

A study of the intense spring pollution events occurring between 2007 and 2016 on the Paris Area is presented using ground‐based and spaceborne measurements. Emphasis is placed on 2011 where data included ground‐based lidar measurements. This last period corresponds with the highest regional pollution levels of the past decade. The information threshold (daily average of (mass concentration of particles with aerodynamic diameter less than 10 μm) PM10 > 50 μg m−3) was exceeded 16 times, while the alert threshold (daily average of PM10 > 80 μg m−3) was exceeded twice. The information (alert) threshold exists to protect the most fragile people (the entire population). Ground‐based and spaceborne measurements demonstrate the benefit of their synergy as each is representative of specific space and time scales. The operational products of the spaceborne instruments Cloud‐Aerosol LIdar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer are used. For 2011, CALIOP vertical profiles are inversed to assess the backscatter to extinction ratio, which is then successfully compared with similar results derived from the CALIOP operational products, a ground‐based lidar and Sun photometers. The aerosols are identified to be polluted continental and polluted dust aerosols following the criteria used for the inversion of the CALIOP profiles. Aerosol typing is consistent between the ground‐based and spaceborne lidars, demonstrating the importance of CALIOP for other years where the ground‐based lidar was not in operation. The main pollution sources responsible for the spring aerosol pollution, occurring during anticyclonic meteorological conditions, are identified as coming from Western Europe: Benelux, Rhine‐Ruhr area, and the Lorraine area.
Modeled effects of irrigation on surface climate in the Heihe River Basin, Northwest China
Authors: Zhang Xuezhen , Xiong Zhe , Tang Qiuhong
Published: July 2017

In Northwest China, water originates from the mountain area and is largely used for irrigation agriculture in the middle reaches. This study investigates the local and remote impact of irrigation on regional climate in the Heihe River Basin, the second largest inland river basin in Northwest China. An irrigation scheme was developed and incorporated into the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with the Noah‐MP land surface scheme (WRF/Noah‐MP). The effects of irrigation is assessed by comparing the model simulations with and without consideration of irrigation (hereafter, IRRG and NATU simulations, respectively) for five growth seasons (May to September) from 2009 to 2013. As consequences of irrigation, daily mean temperature decreased by ~1.7°C and humidity increased by ~2.3 g kg−1 (corresponding to ~38.5%) over irrigated area. The temperature and humidity of IRRG simulation matched well with the observations, whereas NATU simulation overestimated temperature and underestimated humidity over irrigated area. The effects on temperature and humidity are generally small outside the irrigated area. The cooling and wetting effects have opposing impacts on convective precipitation, resulting in a negligible change in localized precipitation over irrigated area. However, irrigation may induce water vapor convergence and enhance precipitation remotely in the southeastern portion of the Heihe River Basin.
Convergence and divergence in spherical harmonic series of the gravitational field generated by high‐resolution planetary topography—A case study for the Moon
Authors: Hirt Christian , Kuhn Michael
Published: July 2017

Theoretically, spherical harmonic (SH) series expansions of the external gravitational potential are guaranteed to converge outside the Brillouin sphere enclosing all field‐generating masses. Inside that sphere, the series may be convergent or may be divergent. The series convergence behavior is a highly unstable quantity that is little studied for high‐resolution mass distributions. Here we shed light on the behavior of SH series expansions of the gravitational potential of the Moon. We present a set of systematic numerical experiments where the gravity field generated by the topographic masses is forward‐modeled in spherical harmonics and with numerical integration techniques at various heights and different levels of resolution, increasing from harmonic degree 90 to 2160 (~61 to 2.5 km scales). The numerical integration is free from any divergence issues and therefore suitable to reliably assess convergence versus divergence of the SH series. Our experiments provide unprecedented detailed insights into the divergence issue. We show that the SH gravity field of degree‐180 topography is convergent anywhere in free space. When the resolution of the topographic mass model is increased to degree 360, divergence starts to affect very high degree gravity signals over regions deep inside the Brillouin sphere. For degree 2160 topography/gravity models, severe divergence (with several 1000 mGal amplitudes) prohibits accurate gravity modeling over most of the topography. As a key result, we formulate a new hypothesis to predict divergence: if the potential degree variances show a minimum, then the SH series expansions diverge somewhere inside the Brillouin sphere and modeling of the internal potential becomes relevant.
DNRA in intertidal sediments of the Yangtze Estuary
Authors: Yin Guoyu , Hou Lijun , Liu Min , Li Xiaofei , Zheng Yanling , Gao Juan , Jiang Xiaofen , Wang Rong , Yu Chendi , Lin Xianbiao
Published: July 2017

Dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) plays an important role in regulating the fate of reactive nitrogen in estuarine and coastal ecosystems. In this work, intertidal sediments of the Yangtze Estuary were collected in January and August 2015. Potential rates of DNRA and associated functional gene were investigated with nitrogen isotope‐tracing and molecular techniques. The measured DNRA rates ranged from 0.14 to 5.57 μmol 15N kg−1 h−1 in the intertidal sediments. DNRA rates were tightly related to abundance of nrfA gene (p < 0.001), demonstrating that fermentation reaction may be the dominant pathway of DNRA in the study area. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed a relationship between DNRA and organic matter and NO2−, suggesting that these substrates stimulated the metabolism of DNRA microorganisms. On the other hand, the correlation between abundances of nrfA gene and Fe2+ and sulfide in the RDA analysis implied that oxidation of both Fe2+ and sulfide can enhance fermentative DNRA by providing extra free energy. DNRA converted approximately 2.29 × 105 t of nitrate to ammonia annually in the sampling area of the Yangtze Estuary, and most of the converted ammonium was retained in the estuarine ecosystem. DNRA may further contribute to eutrophication in the Yangtze Estuary and also in the other hypereutrophic estuaries.
Evaluation of extreme ionospheric total electron content gradient associated with plasma bubbles for GNSS Ground‐Based Augmentation System
Authors: Saito S. , Yoshihara T.
Published: July 2017

Associated with plasma bubbles, extreme spatial gradients in ionospheric total electron content (TEC) were observed on 8 April 2008 at Ishigaki (24.3°N, 124.2°E, +19.6° magnetic latitude), Japan. The largest gradient was 3.38 TECU km−1 (total electron content unit, 1 TECU = 1016 el m−2), which is equivalent to an ionospheric delay gradient of 540 mm km−1 at the GPS L1 frequency (1.57542 GHz). This value is confirmed by using multiple estimating methods. The observed value exceeds the maximum ionospheric gradient that has ever been observed (412 mm km−1 or 2.59 TECU km−1) to be associated with a severe magnetic storm. It also exceeds the assumed maximum value (500 mm km−1 or 3.08 TECU km−1) which was used to validate the draft international standard for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Ground‐Based Augmentation Systems (GBAS) to support Category II/III approaches and landings. The steepest part of this extreme gradient had a scale size of 5.3 km, and the front‐normal velocities were estimated to be 71 m s−1 with a wavefront‐normal direction of east‐northeastward. The total width of the transition region from outside to inside the plasma bubble was estimated to be 35.3 km. The gradient of relatively small spatial scale size may fall between an aircraft and a GBAS ground subsystem and may be undetectable by both aircraft and ground.
Protein Coating of DNA Nanostructures for Enhanced Stability and Immunocompatibility
Authors: Auvinen Henni , Zhang Hongbo , Nonappa  , Kopilow Alisa , Niemelä Elina H. , Nummelin Sami , Correia Alexandra , Santos Hélder A. , Linko Veikko , Kostiainen Mauri A.
Published: July 2017

Fully addressable DNA nanostructures, especially DNA origami, possess huge potential to serve as inherently biocompatible and versatile molecular platforms. However, their use as delivery vehicles in therapeutics is compromised by their low stability and poor transfection rates. This study shows that DNA origami can be coated by precisely defined one‐to‐one protein‐dendron conjugates to tackle the aforementioned issues. The dendron part of the conjugate serves as a cationic binding domain that attaches to the negatively charged DNA origami surface via electrostatic interactions. The protein is attached to dendron through cysteine‐maleimide bond, making the modular approach highly versatile. This work demonstrates the coating using two different proteins: bovine serum albumin (BSA) and class II hydrophobin (HFBI). The results reveal that BSA‐coating significantly improves the origami stability against endonucleases (DNase I) and enhances the transfection into human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. Importantly, it is observed that BSA‐coating attenuates the activation of immune response in mouse primary splenocytes. Serum albumin is the most abundant protein in the blood with a long circulation half‐life and has already found clinically approved applications in drug delivery. It is therefore envisioned that the proposed system can open up further opportunities to tune the properties of DNA nanostructures in biological environment, and enable their use in various delivery applications.
Agenesis of the corpus callosum, developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder, facial dysmorphism, and posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy associated with ZEB1 gene deletion
Authors: Chaudhry Ayeshah , Chung Brian H. , Stavropoulos Dimitri J. , Araya Marcela P. , Ali Asim , Heon Elise , Chitayat David
Published: July 2017

We report on a girl diagnosed prenatally with agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) on fetal ultrasound and MRI. On postnatal follow‐up she was noted to have developmental delay, facial dysmorphism, autism spectrum disorder, and posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPD). Array‐comparative genomic hybridization analysis (Array‐CGH) showed a 2.05 Mb de novo interstitial deletion at 10p11.23p11.22. The deleted region overlaps 1 OMIM Morbid Map gene, ZEB1 (the zinc finger E‐box binding homeobox transcription factor 1), previously associated with posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy type 3 (PPCD3). To our best knowledge this is the first reported case with a deletion of the ZEB1 gene in an individual with ACC and PPD, showing that the haploinsufficiency of the ZEB1 is likely the cause of our patient's phenotype.