bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of the gas density distribution in the accelerator of the ELISE test facility
Authors: Siragusa M. , Sartori E. , Bonomo F. , Heinemann B. , Orozco G. , Serianni G.
Published: January 2020

In multiaperture electrostatic accelerators of negative ion sources, the plasma discharge is sustained by injecting gas in the plasma source, in a dynamic equilibrium with the gas flowing out through the accelerator. In this work, we present a three-dimensional numerical simulation of the gas flow inside the accelerator system of the large negative ion source ELISE at Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik Garching. ELISE has 640 apertures per electrode and lateral gaps between the electrode support structures that also contribute to the total gas conductance. Assuming molecular regime, we estimated the gas conductance, the gas density profile along the path of the ion beams from upstream of the plasma grid to downstream of the ground grid, and the transverse nonuniformities in the accelerator. The simulation included the most relevant geometrical features, while the results are compared to analytical results.
Effect of the magnetic impurity on the charge diffusion in highly dilute Ce doped LaMnO3
Authors: Cabrera-Pasca G. A. , Bosch-Santos B. , Burimova A. , Correa E. L. , Carbonari A. W.
Published: January 2020

LaMnO3+δ is a complex oxide, which, depending on the oxygen excess concentration, presents different crystalline structure and interesting magnetic and electric properties such as colossal magnetoresistance, polaron dynamics, multiferroic behavior, and charge-orbital ordering. This complexity requires different characterization techniques to draw a picture as complete as possible allowing a good understanding of these phenomena. Here, we have used the perturbed angular correlation (PAC) technique to measure hyperfine interactions at La and Mn sites of LaMnO3+δ(δ ∼0.15) using 140Ce and 111Cd at La sites as probe nuclei in order to investigate within an atomic scale the magnetic and electric interactions in this compound. The results show that 111Cd nuclei occupy highly symmetric local sites in agreement with a rhombohedral structure. The magnetic hyperfine field (Bhf) measured with 111Cd at La sites is very small (Bhf = 0.40 T) due to the supertransferred magnetic field from Mn neighbors through oxygen orbitals. On the other hand, 140Ce nuclei at La sites present a saturation field of around 3.7 T much higher than that expected for La sites (due to the weak transfer field by superexchange mechanism). In addition, for temperature range above the magnetic ordering (200-300 K) a dynamic hyperfine interaction was observed characterized by the attenuation parameter λ(T) whose temperature dependence allowed to determine the activation energy (Ea) associated to charge transfer. The polarization of the 4f-electron of Ce impurities affects the local magnetic field at impurity sites as well as the Ea.
Decoration by dual-phase Li2ZrO3 islands with core–shell structures enhances the electrochemical performance of high-voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4
Authors: Zhao R. , Li L. , Li Y. P. , Xu T. H. , Pan D. , Yu C. Y. , Zhao H. L. , Bai Y.
Published: January 2020

A high-voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) cathode was modified by Li2ZrO3 (LZO), a fast ion conductor with a unique core–shell crystalline-amorphous structure. The electrochemical results indicated a greatly improved capacity retention for LNMO-1LZO compared to LNMO. Moreover, the rate performance (100 mAh·g−1) of LNMO-1LZO at a high current density of 10 C was superior to those of pristine LNMO and other modified samples. The enhanced electrochemical performance was ascribed to the generation of dual-phase island-shaped LZO with an interior crystalline phase, which accelerated Li+ diffusion, and an exterior amorphous shell, which enhanced interfacial compatibility and stability without influencing the intrinsic spinel structure of bulk LNMO. Thus, modification with this hybrid material has the remarkable synergetic effect of enhancing interfacial Li+ diffusion and stabilizing the interfacial structure during cycling.
Performance prediction of PV modules based on artificial neural network and explicit analytical model
Authors: Zhang Chen , Zhang Yunpeng , Su Jialei , Gu Tingkun , Yang Ming
Published: January 2020

The accurate characterization and prediction of current-voltage characteristics of photovoltaic (PV) modules under different operating conditions is essential for solar power forecasting and ensuring grid stability. The traditional method based on the single-diode model is inconvenient and complex because the current-voltage equation is implicit. In this paper, a novel method combining an artificial neural network (ANN) with an explicit analytical model (EAM) is proposed for predicting the I-V characteristics of PV modules under different operating conditions. The EAM makes it efficient to obtain the I-V curves from the estimated model parameters due to its simplicity and explicit expression. The ANN based on the EAM is composed of a three-layer feedforward neural network, in which the inputs are solar irradiation and module temperature and the outputs are the four parameters in EAM. Once the ANN is built and trained by using the measured I-V curves, the shape parameters and I-V curve are predicted by only reading solar irradiation and temperature without solving any nonlinear implicit equations. The accuracy and capability of the proposed method are verified by the experimental data for different types of PV modules. Moreover, the dependence of shape parameters in the EAM on solar irradiation and temperature is investigated first.
Threshold switching of non-stoichiometric CuO nanowire for selector application
Authors: Huang Chi-Hsin , Matsuzaki Kosuke , Nomura Kenji
Published: January 2020

Tunable volatile and non-volatile resistive switching devices were demonstrated with non-stoichiometric CuO nanowire. These resistive switching modes were controlled by the stability of hole-based conductive filaments via the compliance current in the SET process. The CuO-nanowire based volatile threshold switching selector exhibited a bidirectional operation with high selectivity (104), ultra-low OFF-current (<100 pA), and good reliability with the endurance over 105 cycles under the pulse operation. The present study demonstrates the nanowire-based threshold switching selector with the bottom-up method for future cross-point memory, logic application, and neuromorphic computing.
Modification of electron-phonon coupling by micromachining and suspension
Authors: Saira Olli-Pentti , Matheny Matthew H. , Wang Libin , Pekola Jukka , Roukes Michael
Published: January 2020

Weak electron-phonon interaction in metals at low temperatures forms the basis of operation for cryogenic hot-electron bolometers and calorimeters. Here, we develop a thermometry scheme based on proximity supercurrent to study the thermal response of a thin gold film on a SiO2 platform at temperatures below 100 mK. We find that the exponent of the power law describing electron-phonon coupling in the film drops by approximately 1/2 as the platform is micromachined and released from its substrate. This contrasts the conventional theory for bulklike geometries that predicts integer-valued exponents. We attribute the fractional change to a modified phonon spectrum described by recent theoretical developments.
Generalists are more specialized in low-resource habitats, increasing stability of ecological network structure
Authors: Robinson Moria L. , Strauss Sharon Y.
Published: January 2020

Linking mechanistic processes to the stability of ecological networks is a key frontier in ecology. In trophic networks, “modules”—groups of species that interact more with each other than with other members of the community—confer stability, mitigating effects of species loss or perturbation. Modularity, in turn, is shaped by the interplay between species’ diet breadth traits and environmental influences, which together dictate interaction structure. Despite the importance of network modularity, variation in this emergent property is poorly understood in complex natural systems. Using two years of field data, we quantified interactions between a rich community of lepidopteran herbivores and their host plants across a mosaic of low-resource serpentine and high-resource nonserpentine soils. We used literature and our own observations to categorize herbivore species as generalists (feeding on more than one plant family) or specialists (feeding on one plant family). In both years, the plant-herbivore network was more modular on serpentine than on nonserpentine soils—despite large differences in herbivore assemblage size across years. This structural outcome was primarily driven by reduction in the breadth of host plant use by generalist species, rather than by changes in the composition of species with different fundamental diet breadths. Greater modularity—and thus greater stability—reflects environmental conditions and plastic responses by generalist herbivores to low host plant quality. By considering the dual roles of species traits and ecological processes, we provide a deeper mechanistic understanding of network modularity, and suggest a role for resource availability in shaping network persistence.
Oligodendroglial connexin 47 regulates neuroinflammation upon autoimmune demyelination in a novel mouse model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Zhao Yinan , Yamasaki Ryo , Yamaguchi Hiroo , Nagata Satoshi , Une Hayato , Cui Yiwen , Masaki Katsuhisa , Nakamuta Yuko , Iinuma Kyoko , Watanabe Mitsuru , Matsushita Takuya , Isobe Noriko , Kira Jun-ichi
Published: January 2020

In multiple sclerosis plaques, oligodendroglial connexin (Cx) 47 constituting main gap junction channels with astroglial Cx43 is persistently lost. As mice with Cx47 single knockout exhibit no demyelination, the roles of Cx47 remain undefined. We aimed to clarify the effects of oligodendroglia-specific Cx47 inducible conditional knockout (icKO) on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide (MOG35-55) in PLP/CreERT;Cx47fl/fl mice at 14 d after tamoxifen injection. Cx47 icKO mice demonstrated exacerbation of acute and chronic relapsing EAE with more pronounced demyelination than Cx47 flox (fl)/fl littermates. CD3+ T cells more abundantly infiltrated the spinal cord in Cx47 icKO than in Cx47 fl/fl mice throughout the acute to chronic phases. CXCR3-CCR6+CD4+ and IL17+IFNγ-CD4+ helper T (Th) 17 cells isolated from spinal cord and brain tissues were significantly increased in Cx47 icKO mice compared with Cx47 fl/fl mice, while MOG35-55-specific proliferation and proinflammatory cytokine production of splenocytes were unaltered. Microarray analysis of isolated microglia revealed stronger microglial activation toward proinflammatory and injury-response phenotypes with increased expressions of chemokines that can attract Th17 cells, including Ccl2, Ccl3, Ccl4, Ccl7, and Ccl8, in Cx47 icKO mice compared with Cx47 fl/fl mice. In Cx47 icKO mice, NOS2+ and MHC class II+ microglia were more enriched immunohistochemically, and A1-specific astroglial gene expressions and astroglia immunostained for C3, a representative A1 astrocyte marker, were significantly increased at the acute phase, compared with Cx47 fl/fl mice. These findings suggest that oligodendroglia-specific Cx47 ablation induces severe inflammation upon autoimmune demyelination, underscoring a critical role for Cx47 in regulating neuroinflammation.
Lifetimes of interstellar dust from cosmic ray exposure ages of presolar silicon carbide
Authors: Heck Philipp R. , Greer Jennika , Kööp Levke , Trappitsch Reto , Gyngard Frank , Busemann Henner , Maden Colin , Ávila Janaína N. , Davis Andrew M. , Wieler Rainer
Published: January 2020

Significance

Dating of interstellar dust directly with astronomical methods is not possible. Neither is dating based on the decay of long-lived radioactive nuclides, due to current analytical limitations and unknown initial isotopic compositions. Here we present interstellar ages of individual presolar SiC grains from a meteorite. The ages are based on Ne isotopes produced by galactic cosmic rays. Lifetimes of ∼60% of our grains are <3 × 10
8
y, while at least 8% are >10
9
y, in line with what is expected for large grains. The former could be the end products of stars originating in an enhanced star formation episode. Presolar grains are the oldest datable solid samples available and provide invaluable insight into the presolar chronology of our galaxy.
Global trends toward urban street-network sprawl
Authors: Barrington-Leigh Christopher , Millard-Ball Adam
Published: January 2020

We present a global time series of street-network sprawl—that is, sprawl as measured through the local connectivity of the street network. Using high-resolution data from OpenStreetMap and a satellite-derived time series of urbanization, we compute and validate changes over time in multidimensional street connectivity measures based on graph-theoretic and geographic concepts. We report on global, national, and city-level trends since 1975 in the street-network disconnectedness index (SNDi), based on every mapped node and edge in the world. Streets in new developments in 90% of the 134 most populous countries have become less connected since 1975, while just 29% show an improving trend since 2000. The same period saw a near doubling in the relative frequency of a street-network type characterized by high circuity, typical of gated communities. We identify persistence in street-network sprawl, indicative of path-dependent processes. Specifically, cities and countries with low connectivity in recent years also had relatively low preexisting connectivity in our earliest time period. We discuss implications for policy intervention in road building in new and expanding cities as a top priority for sustainable urban development.
Global warming accelerates uptake of atmospheric mercury in regions experiencing glacier retreat
Authors: Wang Xun , Luo Ji , Yuan Wei , Lin Che-Jen , Wang Feiyue , Liu Chen , Wang Genxu , Feng Xinbin
Published: January 2020

Significance

In this study, we identify a process that recaptures atmospheric Hg in glacier-retreated areas driven by global warming. Melting of glaciers is known to release Hg originally locked in ice into the atmosphere and downstream ecosystems. Recession of glaciers promotes rapid establishment of vegetative ecosystems that capture more atmospheric Hg over the long run than the Hg released from glacier melting. The increased vegetative biomass driven by climate change can result in significant changes in global Hg cycling.
RAP80 and BRCA1 PARsylation protect chromosome integrity by preventing retention of BRCA1-B/C complexes in DNA repair foci
Authors: Vohhodina Jekaterina , Toomire Kimberly J. , Petit Sarah A. , Micevic Goran , Kumari Geeta , Botchkarev Vladimir V. , Li Zhe , Livingston David M. , Hu Yiduo
Published: January 2020

Significance

Normally, BRCA1 promotes physiological, error-free homologous recombination repair (HRR) of damaged DNA and genome stability. In contrast, excessive, deregulated HRR can lead to genome instability. The BRCA1-binding protein RAP80 restricts HRR amplitude and genome instability, at least in part by manifesting polyubiquitin and poly-ADP-ribose binding activities in postdamage nuclear foci. Although how these processes operate in detail remains unknown, we find that simultaneous defects in RAP80/BRCA1 complex formation and in BRCA1 poly-ADP-ribosylation result in the persistent accumulation of BRCA1-containing complexes in nuclear foci that also contain CtIP and BACH1. These effects lead to excessive HRR, chromosomal hyper-recombination, and gross chromosomal abnormalities.
Genomic insight into the origins and dispersal of the Brazilian coastal natives
Authors: Castro e Silva Marcos Araújo , Nunes Kelly , Lemes Renan Barbosa , Mas-Sandoval Àlex , Guerra Amorim Carlos Eduardo , Krieger Jose Eduardo , Mill José Geraldo , Salzano Francisco Mauro , Bortolini Maria Cátira , Pereira Alexandre da Costa , Comas David , Hünemeier Tábita
Published: January 2020

In the 15th century, ∼900,000 Native Americans, mostly Tupí speakers, lived on the Brazilian coast. By the end of the 18th century, the coastal native populations were declared extinct. The Tupí arrived on the east coast after leaving the Amazonian basin ∼2,000 y before present; however, there is no consensus on how this migration occurred: toward the northern Amazon and then directly to the Atlantic coast, or heading south into the continent and then migrating to the coast. Here we leveraged genomic data from one of the last remaining putative representatives of the Tupí coastal branch, a small, admixed, self-reported Tupiniquim community, as well as data of a Guaraní Mbyá native population from Southern Brazil and of three other native populations from the Amazonian region. We demonstrated that the Tupiniquim Native American ancestry is not related to any extant Brazilian Native American population already studied, and thus they could be considered the only living representatives of the extinct Tupí branch that used to settle the Atlantic Coast of Brazil. Furthermore, these data show evidence of a direct migration from Amazon to the Northeast Coast in pre-Columbian time, giving rise to the Tupí Coastal populations, and a single distinct migration southward that originated the Guaraní people from Brazil and Paraguay. This study elucidates the population dynamics and diversification of the Brazilian natives at a genomic level, which was made possible by recovering data from the Brazilian coastal population through the genomes of mestizo individuals.
Apex structures enhance water drainage on leaves
Authors: Wang Ting , Si Yifan , Dai Haoyu , Li Chuxin , Gao Can , Dong Zhichao , Jiang Lei
Published: January 2020

Significance

Liquid manipulation is of significance not only for industrial spraying and drainage facilities, but also for the survival of creatures. Plant leaves perform excellently in rainwater drainage and leaf drying at the apex to avoid damage. Here we demonstrate that apex structure enhances water shedding with high dripping frequencies and low retention volumes. Based on the understanding of the tiny apex structure in controlling water delivery at the plant leaf, the evolutionary law of leaf apex shape could be further revealed. The shape-controlled liquid manipulation mechanism would improve the microfluidic and drainage systems.
Polymeric sheet actuators with programmable bioinstructivity
Authors: Deng Zijun , Wang Weiwei , Xu Xun , Gould Oliver E. C. , Kratz Karl , Ma Nan , Lendlein Andreas
Published: January 2020

Stem cells are capable of sensing and processing environmental inputs, converting this information to output a specific cell lineage through signaling cascades. Despite the combinatorial nature of mechanical, thermal, and biochemical signals, these stimuli have typically been decoupled and applied independently, requiring continuous regulation by controlling units. We employ a programmable polymer actuator sheet to autonomously synchronize thermal and mechanical signals applied to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Using a grid on its underside, the shape change of polymer sheet, as well as cell morphology, calcium (Ca
2+
) influx, and focal adhesion assembly, could be visualized and quantified. This paper gives compelling evidence that the temperature sensing and mechanosensing of MSCs are interconnected via intracellular Ca
2+
. Up-regulated Ca
2+
levels lead to a remarkable alteration of histone H3K9 acetylation and activation of osteogenic related genes. The interplay of physical, thermal, and biochemical signaling was utilized to accelerate the cell differentiation toward osteogenic lineage. The approach of programmable bioinstructivity provides a fundamental principle for functional biomaterials exhibiting multifaceted stimuli on differentiation programs. Technological impact is expected in the tissue engineering of periosteum for treating bone defects.
A scalable pipeline for designing reconfigurable organisms
Authors: Kriegman Sam , Blackiston Douglas , Levin Michael , Bongard Josh
Published: January 2020

Living systems are more robust, diverse, complex, and supportive of human life than any technology yet created. However, our ability to create novel lifeforms is currently limited to varying existing organisms or bioengineering organoids in vitro. Here we show a scalable pipeline for creating functional novel lifeforms: AI methods automatically design diverse candidate lifeforms in silico to perform some desired function, and transferable designs are then created using a cell-based construction toolkit to realize living systems with the predicted behaviors. Although some steps in this pipeline still require manual intervention, complete automation in future would pave the way to designing and deploying unique, bespoke living systems for a wide range of functions.
The nutrient sensor OGT regulates Hipk stability and tumorigenic-like activities inDrosophila
Authors: Wong Kenneth Kin Lam , Liu Ta-Wei , Parker Jessica M. , Sinclair Donald A. R. , Chen Yi-Yun , Khoo Kay-Hooi , Vocadlo David J. , Verheyen Esther M.
Published: January 2020

Environmental cues such as nutrients alter cellular behaviors by acting on a wide array of molecular sensors inside cells. Of emerging interest is the link observed between effects of dietary sugars on cancer proliferation. Here, we identify the requirements of hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP) andO-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) forDrosophilahomeodomain-interacting protein kinase (Hipk)-induced growth abnormalities in response to a high sugar diet. On a normal diet, OGT is both necessary and sufficient for inducing Hipk-mediated tumor-like growth. We further show that OGT maintains Hipk protein stability by blocking its proteasomal degradation and that Hipk isO-GlcNAcylated by OGT. In mammalian cells, human HIPK2 proteins accumulate posttranscriptionally upon OGT overexpression. Mass spectrometry analyses reveal that HIPK2 is at leastO-GlcNAc modified at S852, T1009, and S1147 residues. Mutations of these residues reduce HIPK2O-GlcNAcylation and stability. Together, our data demonstrate a conserved role of OGT in positively regulating the protein stability of HIPKs (fly Hipk and human HIPK2), which likely permits the nutritional responsiveness of HIPKs.
Probabilistic reanalysis of storm surge extremes in Europe
Authors: Calafat Francisco M. , Marcos Marta
Published: January 2020

Extreme sea levels are a significant threat to life, property, and the environment. These threats are managed by coastal planers through the implementation of risk mitigation strategies. Central to such strategies is knowledge of extreme event probabilities. Typically, these probabilities are estimated by fitting a suitable distribution to the observed extreme data. Estimates, however, are often uncertain due to the small number of extreme events in the tide gauge record and are only available at gauged locations. This restricts our ability to implement cost-effective mitigation. A remarkable fact about sea-level extremes is the existence of spatial dependences, yet the vast majority of studies to date have analyzed extremes on a site-by-site basis. Here we demonstrate that spatial dependences can be exploited to address the limitations posed by the spatiotemporal sparseness of the observational record. We achieve this by pooling all of the tide gauge data together through a Bayesian hierarchical model that describes how the distribution of surge extremes varies in time and space. Our approach has two highly desirable advantages: 1) it enables sharing of information across data sites, with a consequent drastic reduction in estimation uncertainty; 2) it permits interpolation of both the extreme values and the extreme distribution parameters at any arbitrary ungauged location. Using our model, we produce an observation-based probabilistic reanalysis of surge extremes covering the entire Atlantic and North Sea coasts of Europe for the period 1960–2013.
Climate change and the opportunity cost of conflict
Authors: Roche Kevin R. , Müller-Itten Michèle , Dralle David N. , Bolster Diogo , Müller Marc F.
Published: January 2020

Significance

There is growing consensus among academics that climate change may amplify the risk of violent conflicts. While underlying mechanisms are poorly understood, negative income shocks associated with climate variability have been long hypothesized to play an important role. We relate recent hydrologic and microeconomic advances to investigate the theoretical foundation of this claim. Results prescribe caution in interpreting empirical relations between climate variability and conflict in the context of climate change. While fighting preferentially occurs during climate anomalies, more frequent anomalies may not yield more conflicts. By shifting the entire distribution of rainfall, climate change effectively redefines the very notion of climate anomaly. Adaptation to this new normal can have a dominant, and often counterintuitive, effect on conflict probability.
Nociceptin attenuates the escalation of oxycodone self-administration by normalizing CeA–GABA transmission in highly addicted rats
Authors: Kallupi Marsida , Carrette Lieselot L. G. , Kononoff Jenni , Solberg Woods Leah C. , Palmer Abraham A. , Schweitzer Paul , George Olivier , de Guglielmo Giordano
Published: January 2020

Significance

More than 2 million individuals in the United States currently have a substance use disorder that is related to prescription opioid pain relievers. We identified individual differences in oxycodone addiction-like behaviors in outbred heterogenous stock rats with high and low addiction-like behaviors. We found that the downregulation of nociceptin levels in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) may be responsible for hyper–γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic tone in the CeA that is observed in individuals who develop addiction-like behaviors. The development of small molecules that target the nociceptin system may have therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of opioid use disorder.
A molecularly engineered antiviral banana lectin inhibits fusion and is efficacious against influenza virus infection in vivo
Authors: Covés-Datson Evelyn M. , King Steven R. , Legendre Maureen , Gupta Auroni , Chan Susana M. , Gitlin Emily , Kulkarni Vikram V. , Pantaleón García Jezreel , Smee Donald F. , Lipka Elke , Evans Scott E. , Tarbet E. Bart , Ono Akira , Markovitz David M.
Published: January 2020

Significance

There is a pressing need for new antiinfluenza therapeutic agents. We show that a molecularly engineered banana lectin (carbohydrate-binding protein) has broad-spectrum activity against all influenza strains tested, including drug-resistant and currently circulating strains; is safe upon repeated administration in mice; and, moreover, is efficacious at treating lethal influenza infection via clinically pertinent routes of administration. We demonstrate that the lectin binds to the viral hemagglutinin glycoprotein and exerts its primary antiviral effect via inhibition of an early stage of the viral life cycle, viral membrane fusion to the host endosomal membrane. Our findings indicate that this engineered lectin, which has a mechanism of action quite distinct from the presently available agents, has potential as an antiinfluenza agent.
Multifeature analyses of vascular cambial cells reveal longevity mechanisms in old
Ginkgo biloba
trees
Authors: Wang Li , Cui Jiawen , Jin Biao , Zhao Jianguo , Xu Huimin , Lu Zhaogeng , Li Weixing , Li Xiaoxia , Li Linling , Liang Eryuan , Rao Xiaolan , Wang Shufang , Fu Chunxiang , Cao Fuliang , Dixon Richard A. , Lin Jinxing
Published: January 2020

Aging is a universal property of multicellular organisms. Although some tree species can live for centuries or millennia, the molecular and metabolic mechanisms underlying their longevity are unclear. To address this, we investigated age-related changes in the vascular cambium from 15- to 667-y-old
Ginkgo biloba
trees. The ring width decreased sharply during the first 100 to 200 y, with only a slight change after 200 y of age, accompanied by decreasing numbers of cambial cell layers. In contrast, average basal area increment (BAI) continuously increased with aging, showing that the lateral meristem can retain indeterminacy in old trees. The indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) concentration in cambial cells decreased with age, whereas the content of abscisic acid (ABA) increased significantly. In addition, cell division-, cell expansion-, and differentiation-related genes exhibited significantly lower expression in old trees, especially miR166 and HD-ZIP III interaction networks involved in cambial activity. Disease resistance-associated genes retained high expression in old trees, along with genes associated with synthesis of preformed protective secondary metabolites. Comprehensive evaluation of the expression of genes related to autophagy, senescence, and age-related miRNAs, together with analysis of leaf photosynthetic efficiencies and seed germination rates, demonstrated that the old trees are still in a healthy, mature state, and senescence is not manifested at the whole-plant level. Taken together, our results reveal that long-lived trees have evolved compensatory mechanisms to maintain a balance between growth and aging processes. This involves continued cambial divisions, high expression of resistance-associated genes, and continued synthetic capacity of preformed protective secondary metabolites.
Quantitative detection of iodine in the stratosphere
Authors: Koenig Theodore K. , Baidar Sunil , Campuzano-Jost Pedro , Cuevas Carlos A. , Dix Barbara , Fernandez Rafael P. , Guo Hongyu , Hall Samuel R. , Kinnison Douglas , Nault Benjamin A. , Ullmann Kirk , Jimenez Jose L. , Saiz-Lopez Alfonso , Volkamer Rainer
Published: January 2020

Oceanic emissions of iodine destroy ozone, modify oxidative capacity, and can form new particles in the troposphere. However, the impact of iodine in the stratosphere is highly uncertain due to the lack of previous quantitative measurements. Here, we report quantitative measurements of iodine monoxide radicals and particulate iodine (I
y,part
) from aircraft in the stratosphere. These measurements support that 0.77 ± 0.10 parts per trillion by volume (pptv) total inorganic iodine (I
y
) is injected to the stratosphere. These high I
y
amounts are indicative of active iodine recycling on ice in the upper troposphere (UT), support the upper end of recent I
y
estimates (0 to 0.8 pptv) by the World Meteorological Organization, and are incompatible with zero stratospheric iodine injection. Gas-phase iodine (I
y,gas
) in the UT (0.67 ± 0.09 pptv) converts to I
y,part
sharply near the tropopause. In the stratosphere, IO radicals remain detectable (0.06 ± 0.03 pptv), indicating persistent I
y,part
recycling back to I
y,gas
as a result of active multiphase chemistry. At the observed levels, iodine is responsible for 32% of the halogen-induced ozone loss (bromine 40%, chlorine 28%), due primarily to previously unconsidered heterogeneous chemistry. Anthropogenic (pollution) ozone has increased iodine emissions since preindustrial times (ca. factor of 3 since 1950) and could be partly responsible for the continued decrease of ozone in the lower stratosphere. Increasing iodine emissions have implications for ozone radiative forcing and possibly new particle formation near the tropopause.
CK1α, CK1δ, and CK1ε are necrosome components which phosphorylate serine 227 of human RIPK3 to activate necroptosis
Authors: Hanna-Addams Sarah , Liu Shuzhen , Liu Hua , Chen She , Wang Zhigao
Published: January 2020

Significance

Necroptosis is a form of cell death implicated in many human diseases. A series of requirements has to be fulfilled before the cell makes the ultimate decision to die. One such essential event in necroptosis is the phosphorylation of RIPK3. It has previously been suggested that RIPK3 might phosphorylate itself. Here we discover that CK1 family kinases directly phosphorylate RIPK3. In cells without CK1 proteins, RIPK3 is not phosphorylated and the cells remain alive when exposed to necroptosis-inducing signals. Additionally, when cells express a form of RIPK3 which cannot be recognized by CK1, the cells also remain alive. This work defines a step in the necroptosis pathway and identifies potential targets for intervening necroptosis-associated diseases.
Language industry views on the profile of the post-editor
Authors: Cid Clara Ginovart , Colominas Carme , Oliver Antoni
Published: January 2020

The more language service companies (LSCs) include machine translation post-editing (MTPE) in their workflows, the
more important it is to know how the PE task is performed, who the post-editors are, and what skills they should have. This
research is designed to address such questions. It aims to deepen our knowledge of current practices to later create new training
content and adapt existing training methodologies to different types of audiences. Based on the results of a survey of LSCs and
other companies who currently use MTPE, we present a picture of evolving practices in the contemporary European MTPE market, and
opinions held about this emerging métier. Our research finds that a high level of expertise in MTPE may not
necessarily be indicative of the industry, and that the post-editor of MT has a multi- and transdisciplinary profile.
Comparative study on microstructures and properties of Mn-containing and Mn-free bainitic steels
Authors: Long Xiaoyan , Zhang Ruijie , Zhang Fucheng , Zhang Ming
Published: January 2020

The effects of Mn on the microstructure and impact-abrasion wear resistance of bainitic steel were studied. Results showed that the Mn-containing steel possessed finer microstructure and higher volume fraction of retained austenite, in comparison with the Mn-free steel. This was caused by lower transformation temperature and higher strength of undercooled austenite. The weight loss of Mn-free steel varying with the impact load was larger than that of Mn-containing steel. High strength, hardness and toughness of Mn-containing steel were conducive to improving wear resistance. More retained austenite in Mn-containing steel played an active role in work hardening and hindering crack propagation. However, the portion of retained austenite that induced martensitic transformation was the same with increasing impact-wear load.
Nanoindentation response of interphase precipitation in a Nb microalloyed steel
Authors: Liu Xuefeng , Yang Yong , Jia Tao , Zhang Xiaoming , Wang Zhaodong
Published: January 2020

In this work, dedicated isothermal transformation studies were performed in a Fe–C–Mn–Nb alloy to obtain two types of precipitate morphology embedded in a similar ferritic matrix. Nano-hardness of individual ferrite grain was measured by using an in situ nano-mechanical tester. The peak of nano-hardness distribution from interphase and dispersed precipitate strengthened ferrite corresponds to the nano-hardness range of 2.6–2.8 and 2.5–2.6 GPa, respectively. A wider spread of nano-hardness from interphase precipitate strengthened ferrite was observed and rationalised by considering the variation in inter-particle spacing on slip planes. The ‘pop-ins’ on the load-depth curve was not able to be correlated with the morphology of a precipitate.
Expression of two glutamate decarboxylase genes in Lactobacillus brevis during gamma-aminobutyric acid production with date residue extract
Authors: Hasegawa Momoko , Fujii Sotaro , Funato Kouichi , Yoshida Atsushi , Sambongi Yoshihiro
Published: January 2020

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is produced by Lactobacillus brevis using date residue fermentation. In this study, the GABA production method was improved, for which L. brevis strain JCM 1059T was the most efficient among the four L. brevis strains examined. This was presumably due to a difference in the expression level of the gene encoding glutamate decarboxylase that catalyzes GABA synthesis.

Abbreviation

GABA: gamma-aminobutyric acid
A lower affinity to cytosolic proteins reveals VDAC3 isoform-specific role in mitochondrial biology
Authors: Queralt-Martín María , Bergdoll Lucie , Teijido Oscar , Munshi Nabill , Jacobs Daniel , Kuszak Adam J. , Protchenko Olga , Reina Simona , Magrì Andrea , De Pinto Vito , Bezrukov Sergey M. , Abramson Jeff , Rostovtseva Tatiana K.
Published: January 2020

Voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) is the major pathway for the transport of ions and metabolites across the mitochondrial outer membrane. Among the three known mammalian VDAC isoforms, VDAC3 is the least characterized, but unique functional roles have been proposed in cellular and animal models. Yet, a high-sequence similarity between VDAC1 and VDAC3 is indicative of a similar pore-forming structure. Here, we conclusively show that VDAC3 forms stable, highly conductive voltage-gated channels that, much like VDAC1, are weakly anion selective and facilitate metabolite exchange, but exhibit unique properties when interacting with the cytosolic proteins α-synuclein and tubulin. These two proteins are known to be potent regulators of VDAC1 and induce similar characteristic blockages (on the millisecond time scale) of VDAC3, but with 10- to 100-fold reduced on-rates and altered α-synuclein blocking times, indicative of an isoform-specific function. Through cysteine scanning mutagenesis, we found that VDAC3’s cysteine residues regulate its interaction with α-synuclein, demonstrating VDAC3-unique functional properties and further highlighting a general molecular mechanism for VDAC isoform-specific regulation of mitochondrial bioenergetics.
Global warming to increase violent crime in the United States
Authors: Harp Ryan D , Karnauskas Kristopher B
Published: January 2020

Recent studies have revealed large and robust correlations between seasonal climate and violent crime rates at regional scales within the continental United States, begging the question of how future climate change will influence violent crime rates. Here, we combine empirical models from previous studies with 42 state-of-the-art global climate models to make such projections, while accounting for key factors like regionality and seasonality, and appropriately combining multiple of sources of uncertainty. Our results indicate that the United States should expect an additional 3.2 [2.1–4.5] or 2.3 [1.5–3.2] million violent crimes between 2020 and 2099, depending on greenhouse gas emissions scenario. We also reveal critical dependencies of these violent crime projections on various global warming targets, such as those associated with the Paris Agreement (1.5 °C and 2 °C). These results emphasize the often-overlooked socially-mediated impacts of climate change on human health, with an estimated economic cost of $5 billion annually.
Nonadiabatic escape and stochastic resonance
Authors: Moon W , Balmforth N , Wettlaufer J S
Published: January 2020

We analyze the fluctuation-driven escape of particles from a metastable state under the influence of a weak periodic force. We develop an asymptotic method to solve the appropriate Fokker–Planck equation with mixed natural and absorbing boundary conditions. The approach uses two boundary layers flanking an interior region; most of the probability is concentrated within the boundary layer near the metastable point of the potential and particles transit the interior region before exiting the domain through the other boundary layer, which is near the unstable maximal point of the potential. The dominant processes in each region are given by approximate time-dependent solutions matched to construct the approximate composite solution, which gives the rate of escape with weak periodic forcing. Using reflection we extend the method to a double well potential influenced by white noise and weak periodic forcing, and thereby derive a two-state stochastic model—the simplest treatment of stochastic resonance theory—in the nonadiabatic limit.
Comparative analysis of various heating sources for individual dwellings
Authors: Moroz M V , Podbelskaya D N
Published: January 2020

In the modern world there is a huge variety of different options for heating systems that we can use in the design and construction of residential buildings. The choice of the most economically and technically advantageous heating system plays a big role for the further comfortable living of people. The article discusses the performance and cost effectiveness of various heating systems using modern materials and technologies in the conditions of the city of Irkutsk. Based on the calculations made, we performed an analysis of heating systems with various heat sources using the example of both classic water heating systems and various sources of electric heating from the already widespread underfloor heating to the less common infrared heating systems. We also considered the possibility of using alternative energy sources to cover the consumption of electricity when using electric heating.
The complex mobile independent power station for the recreational areas
Authors: Tunik A A , Tolstoy M Y , Kalashnikov M P
Published: January 2020

There are many problems with energy supply and waste water utilization of recreational areas associated with increased environmental requirements and restrictions. These areas include the Baikal Lake, there are many settlements and tourist campings around. The use of traditional energy and wastewater systems at these sites is problematic. In the result of the our research a complex mobile independent power station was developed, which will allow to solve the above problems. This installation includes renewable energy equipment, which allows to receive electricity and heat energy, as well as utilize the wastewater.
Predictive assessment of man-made risks during oil-handling operations at tank farms
Authors: Drozdova T I , Vereshchagina A S
Published: January 2020

Predictive analysis of events associated with the depressurization of the tank during the filling of fuel showed the probability of the occurrence and development of fires resulting from the spread of clouds of flammable gases with concentrations corresponding to the concentration limits of ignition. It is shown that when fuel ignites with the development of a pool fire or when an air shock wave propagates as a result of an explosion of the fuel-air mixture, the damaging factors will have a negative effect, which will lead to destruction and damage to the operating personnel.
Preparation of product for environmentally friendly plant protection
Authors: Gorelova O M , Kurtukova L V , Rusakov S G
Published: January 2020

The paper discusses environmentally friendly ways to improve the productivity of crop production. Drugs made from plants containing terpenes are capable to protect crops from various diseases and stimulate their development. Outer bark of birch may contain triterpene alcohol betulin up to 40% of the mass, which allows to obtain environmentally friendly plant protection products. Experimental studies are devoted to studying the process of extracting betulin from birch bark, creating a betulin-containing preparation “Stimulin” for treating seeds and vegetative plants, as well as testing “Stimulin” on various agricultural cultures. The results of the use of the drug showed a significant increase in yield (by 8-35 %%) of crops such as wheat, barley, buckwheat, soybeans, and watermelons. The test of the fungicidal activity of “Stimulin” was carried out on sea buckthorn, the main causative agent of diseases and the cause of drying of which is the Fusarium mushroom. The fungicidal activity of “Stimulin” is comparable to potent synthetic agrochemicals.
Health risk assessment for people consuming agricultural products grown in the zone of aluminum production
Authors: Ivanova S V , Ryabchikova I A
Published: January 2020

Most of the Russian people consume products grown in their gardens located near large industrial centers. Toxic substances can enter the human body together with agricultural products grown on polluted land. The article aims to assess carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks to health of people consuming agricultural products (root and tuber crops) grown in the area affected by aluminum production (the Southern Baikal region). The risk was assessed using a model developed by U.S.EPA. The carcinogenic risk for average concentrations of benz(a)pyrene in vegetables was CR=1.09·10-4. The value is between maximum permissible and unacceptable levels. The chronic non-carcinogenic risk exceeds the safe value four times (HI = 4.15) due to large doses of iron (HQ=2.47) and nickel (HQ=0.88). The total value of the hazard coefficient for fluorine (HQ=0.74) entering the human body with root and tuber crops does not exceed the permissible level, despite the fact that it is one of the main components of soil pollution near aluminum production plants.
Wastewater treatment and application in the advanced nanofiltration system
Authors: Junussova L R , Chicherin S V
Published: January 2020

The Aral Sea Region is characterized by being a very demanding consumer of industrial wastewater treatment. We studied the effects of various pretreatment methods on aluminum production. This method can be used as an alternative one in industrial wastewater treatment. The aim of multi-year study is to explore a nanofiltration as a one of the most attractive technologies for this application since nanofiltration membranes can retain ions and small organic molecules from an aqueous solution. But it is also very challenging due to the presence of salts and operating problems such as fouling, salt deposition, etc. Result becomes available thank to experimental set-up based on an ion exchange and a reverse osmosis. Results are also verified by evaluation tests and field applications showing their usage and wastewater conversion efficiency. The technological scheme includes combined water treatment plant using desalination technology and additional block functioning for an aluminum production and a temporary storage. Aluminum is to be produced of the Syr Darya river rich of it with the help of cutting-edge technology of oxide film removal and cartridge packing. This work evaluates the use of aluminum accumulated in the reaction unit by means of aluminum powder plus water module to reduce the pollutant contents of industrial wastewater quickly and effectively. The invention makes it possible to reduce the cost of aluminum by 3-4 times. Energy consumption of the desalination process was also discussed. Extracted aluminum is a superior material for industry. The high activity of aluminum to water is prohibited by a thin layer of aluminum oxide on its surface. The water treatment system with a combined phase purification and desalination may contribute up to 50 per cent to meeting the reduction of energy consumption for end product (aluminum).