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At least 793 records · Page 44

H2A.X promotes endosperm-specific DNA methylation in Arabidopsis thaliana

Background: H2A.X is an H2A variant histone in eukaryotes, unique for its ability to respond to DNA damage, initiating the DNA repair pathway. H2A.X replacement within the histone octamer is mediated by the FAcilitates Chromatin Transactions (FACT) complex, a key chromatin remodeler. FACT is required for DEMETER (DME)-mediated DNA demethylation at certain loci in Arabidopsis thaliana female gametophytes during reproduction. Here, we sought to investigate whether H2A.X is involved in DME- and FACT-mediated DNA demethylation during reproduction. Results: H2A.X is encoded by two genes in Arabidopsis genome, HTA3 and HTA5. We generated h2a.x double mutants, which displayed a normal growth profile, whereby flowering time, seed development, and root tip organization, S-phase progression and proliferation were all normal. However, h2a.x mutants were more sensitive to genotoxic stress, consistent with previous reports. H2A.X fused to Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) under the H2A.X promoter was highly expressed especially in newly developing Arabidopsis tissues, including in male and female gametophytes, where DME is also expressed. We examined DNA methylation in h2a.x developing seeds and seedlings using whole genome bisulfite sequencing, and found that CG DNA methylation is decreased genome-wide in h2a.x mutant endosperm. Hypomethylation was most striking in transposon bodies, and occurred on both parental alleles in the developing endosperm, but not the embryo or seedling. h2a.x-mediated hypomethylated sites overlapped DME targets, but also included other loci, predominately located in heterochromatic transposons and intergenic DNA. Conclusions: Our genome-wide methylation analyses suggest that H2A.X could function in preventing access of the DME demethylase to non-canonical sites. Overall, our data suggest that H2A.X is required to maintain DNA methylation homeostasis in the unique chromatin environment of the Arabidopsis endosperm.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

ECCE sensitivity studies for single hadron transverse single spin asymmetry measurements

Here, we performed feasibility studies for various single transverse spin measurements that are related to the Sivers effect, transversity and the tensor charge, and the Collins fragmentation function. The processes studied include semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering (SIDIS) where single hadrons (pions and kaons) were detected in addition to the scattered DIS lepton. The data were obtained in pythia6 and geant4 simulated e+p collisions at 18 GeV on 275 GeV, 18 on 100, 10 on 100, and 5 on 41 that use the ECCE detector configuration. Typical DIS kinematics were selected, most notably Q 2 >1 GeV 2 , and cover the x range from 10 -4 to 1. The single spin asymmetries were extracted as a function of x and Q 2 , as well as the semi-inclusive variables z, which corresponds to the momentum fraction the detected hadron carries relative to the struck parton, and P T , which corresponds to the transverse momentum of the detected hadron relative to the virtual photon. They are obtained in azimuthal moments in combinations of the azimuthal angles of the hadron transverse momentum and transverse spin of the nucleon relative to the lepton scattering plane. In order to extract asymmetries, the initially unpolarized MonteCarlo was re-weighted in the true kinematic variables, hadron types and parton flavors based on global fits of fixed target SIDIS experiments and e + e – annihilation data. The expected statistical precision of such measurements is extrapolated to 10 fb –1 and potential systematic uncertainties are approximated given the deviations between true and reconstructed yields. Similar neutron information is obtained by comparing the ECCE e+p pseudo-data with the same from the EIC Yellow Report and scaling the corresponding Yellow Report e+ 3 He pseudo-data uncertainties accordingly. The impact on the knowledge of the Sivers functions, transversity and tensor charges, and the Collins function has then been evaluated in the same phenomenological extractions as in the Yellow Report. Finally, the impact is found to be comparable to that obtained with the parametrized Yellow Report detector and shows that the ECCE detector configuration can fulfill the physics goals on these quantities.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Evaluation of longitudinal double-spin asymmetry measurements in semi-inclusive deep-inelastic scattering from the proton for the ECCE detector design

The evaluation of the measurement of double-spin asymmetries for charge-separated pions and kaons produced in deep-inelastic scattering from the proton using the ECCE detector design concept is presented, for the combinations of lepton and hadron beam energies of 5 × 41 GeV 2 and 18 × 275 GeV 2 . The study uses unpolarised simulated data that are processed through a full GEANT simulation of the detector. These data are then reweighted at the parton level with DSSV helicity distributions and DSS fragmentation functions, in order to generate the relevant asymmetries, and subsequently analysed. Furthermore, the performed analysis shows that the ECCE detector concept provides the resolution and acceptance, with a broad coverage in kinematic phase space, needed for a robust extraction of asymmetries. This, in turn, allows for a precise extraction of sea-quark helicity distributions.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Robust natural nanocomposites realizing unprecedented ultrafast precise molecular separations

Synthetic polymer membranes can potentially reduce the large energy and carbon footprints that are typically associated with traditional chemical separation technologies. Unfortunately, current production protocols negate the green benefits of membrane separation. To address this bottleneck, here we report the use of natural materials monosaccharide – glucose and polydopamine and Zr-based metal organic frameworks (MOFs) to fabricate ultrathin nanocomposite membranes via interfacial polymerization reaction. The synergistic effect of these three materials on angstrom-scale molecular transport both in organic solvent and aqueous environment was elucidated using a series of complementary techniques. We demonstrate such nature-inspired nanocomposite membranes enable structural stability even in polar aprotic solvents, and unparalleled ultra-fast, low-pressure, precise separations in both nanofiltration modes, which easily surpass state-of-the-art membranes relying on unsustainable materials. Finally, the multi-functionality of saccharide nanocomposites was elegantly harnessed to impact separation applications that contribute towards a better living environment.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Protonic Ceramics for Energy Storage & Electricity Generation with Ammonia (Final Report)

The commercial product resulting from this R&D project will enable cost-effective synthesis of the Carbon Neutral Liquid Fuel (CNLF) ammonia, a common chemical, at a small scale for energy and industrial applications using only intermittent renewable energy, water, and air as feedstocks. These products are also capable of producing electrical energy from the CNLF in a fuel cell mode of operation. Thus, the eventual commercial product enables both single direction production of either CLNF or electricity, or alternatively functions as a fully reversible, self-contained energy storage device. The renewed interest in developing electrolysis systems is driven, in part, by the burgeoning renewable, solar, and wind industries and the need for an energy conversion and storage technology that can convert intermittent solar and wind energy into the production of hydrogen. Electrolysis systems integrated into both distributed and central renewable power plants would utilize solar and wind energy as their primary power source to produce renewably generated hydrogen for local energy storage or chemical feedstock purposes. Ammonia is an excellent surrogate for hydrogen transportation. NH3 presents an attractive alternative to hydrogen as a working fluid in reversible devices towards a sustainable green energy-oriented future. Ammonia can be easily liquefied at room temperature at about 8 bar or at -33°C at ambient pressure. In contrast, the liquefaction temperature of hydrogen is -253°C at ambient pressure. NH3 has a significantly higher volumetric energy density (12.7 MJ/L) than compressed hydrogen (4.5 MJ/L at ~70 MPa) or liquefied hydrogen (8.5 MJ/L). Additionally, ammonia is a widely used raw material for agriculture fertilizer and thus has well-established storage, transport, and handling processes (about 180 million tons of ammonia are produced annually). Techno-economic analysis suggests ammonia is the least expensive fuel among hydrogen, gasoline, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, and methanol.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Structure-guided utilization of lignocellulose for catalysis, energy, and biomaterials

As a complex composite of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, plant lignocellulose has long served as a major resource for biomass conversion, materials engineering, and bio-based product development. High-resolution structural insights enabled by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) now allow the mapping of polymer interfaces, identification of functional group accessibility, and tracking of molecular organization during processing, all of which are critical factors for optimizing catalytic strategies. These insights could drive transformative progress in lignocellulose-based applications, including selective depolymerization, improved pretreatment design, and efficient upcycling of lignin into resins, plastics, and biomedical materials. In industry-relevant contexts, such as biofuel generation and renewable material manufacturing, understanding the hydration dynamics, cross-linking patterns, and structural heterogeneity is also essential. The ability to visualize these features in native biomass presents a unique opportunity to develop new strategies for sustainability and performance. As the structural toolbox continues to expand, it is becoming a central enabler for innovations in renewable energy, green chemistry, and advanced bioproducts.

bioproduct↗

An unexpected hydratase synthesizes the green light-absorbing pigment fucoxanthin

Abstract The ketocarotenoid fucoxanthin and its derivatives can absorb blue–green light enriched in marine environments. Fucoxanthin is widely adopted by phytoplankton species as a main light-harvesting pigment, in contrast to land plants that primarily employ chlorophylls. Despite its supreme abundance in the oceans, the last steps of fucoxanthin biosynthesis have remained elusive. Here, we identified the carotenoid isomerase-like protein CRTISO5 as the diatom fucoxanthin synthase that is related to the carotenoid cis–trans isomerase CRTISO from land plants but harbors unexpected enzymatic activity. A crtiso5 knockout mutant in the model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum completely lacked fucoxanthin and accumulated the acetylenic carotenoid phaneroxanthin. Recombinant CRTISO5 converted phaneroxanthin into fucoxanthin in vitro by hydrating its carbon–carbon triple bond, instead of functioning as an isomerase. Molecular docking and mutational analyses revealed residues essential for this activity. Furthermore, a photophysiological characterization of the crtiso5 mutant revealed a major structural and functional role of fucoxanthin in photosynthetic pigment–protein complexes of diatoms. As CRTISO5 hydrates an internal alkyne physiologically, the enzyme has unique potential for biocatalytic applications. The discovery of CRTISO5 illustrates how neofunctionalization leads to major diversification events in evolution of photosynthetic mechanisms and the prominent brown coloration of most marine photosynthetic eukaryotes.

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology↗

The Dark Energy Camera Plane Survey 2 (DECaPS2): More Sky, Less Bias, and Better Uncertainties

Abstract Deep optical and near-infrared imaging of the entire Galactic plane is essential for understanding our Galaxy’s stars, gas, and dust. The second data release of the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) Plane Survey extends the five-band optical and near-infrared survey of the southern Galactic plane to cover 6.5% of the sky, ∣ b ∣ ≤ 10°, and 6° > ℓ > −124°, complementary to coverage by Pan-STARRS1. Typical single-exposure effective depths, including crowding effects and other complications, are 23.5, 22.6, 22.1, 21.6, and 20.8 mag in g , r , i , z , and Y bands, respectively, with around 1″ seeing. The survey comprises 3.32 billion objects built from 34 billion detections in 21,400 exposures, totaling 260 hr open shutter time on the DECam at Cerro Tololo. The data reduction pipeline features several improvements, including the addition of synthetic source injection tests to validate photometric solutions across the entire survey footprint. A convenient functional form for the detection bias in the faint limit was derived and leveraged to characterize the photometric pipeline performance. A new postprocessing technique was applied to every detection to debias and improve uncertainty estimates of the flux in the presence of structured backgrounds, specifically targeting nebulosity. The images and source catalogs are publicly available at http://decaps.skymaps.info/ .

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Green synthesis of sulfur‐doped g‐C 3 N 4 nanosheets for enhanced removal of oxytetracycline under visible‐light irradiation and reduction of its N ‐nitrosodimethylamine formation potential

Abstract BACKGROUND In this study, sulfur‐doped g‐C 3 N 4 (SCN) nanosheets were synthesized using thiourea as a precursor, and then used to catalyze the degradation of oxytetracycline (OTC) under visible‐light irradiation. OTC was chosen as target contaminant because of it being an important precursor of N ‐nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). RESULTS The removal of OTC was influenced by its initial concentration, initial pH, SCN dosage and water matrices. OTC (≤10 mg L −1 ) was almost completely removed in 40 min under the conditions of an initial pH of 7.0 and a SCN dose of 1.0 g L −1 , and its degradation was well described by the pseudo‐first‐order kinetics model. Water matrices would also influence the degradation of OTC in the system. Electron paramagnetic resonance analysis and trapping experiments confirmed that the function of the radicals for OTC removal followed the order of • O 2 − > • OH > h + . Eight transformation products were determined during the degradation of OTC, it being removed through four pathways: methyl oxidization, demethylation, decarbonylation and secondary alcohol oxidation. SCN was stable in the system, as the removal efficiency of OTC was not significantly reduced even after three recycles. In addition, 55.5% of NDMA formation potential of OTC was reduced after SCN catalytic oxidation. CONCLUSIONS The results imply that the visible‐light‐driven SCN catalytic oxidation is an effective technology not only for the removal of OTC but also for the reduction of NDMA formation potential. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry

Dou, Yicheng↗

Developing Advanced Genetic and Synthetic Biology Tools for Improved Algae Productivity

Under the UCSD-led Productivity Enhanced Algae and ToolKits (PEAK) project we sought to develop tools to enable the production of valuable co-products, as well as strategies to decrease the cost of cultivation, with an intended outcome of enabling the economic production of algae-based biofuel. We have developed new genetic tools and high throughput selection methods for eukaryotic green algae and used them to express a high value recombinant protein; a growth factor known as Osteopontin (OPN). Recombinant OPN protein expression levels were improved through a newly developed rapid breeding and mutagenesis strain improvement method to generate a robust strain capable of growing in outdoors raceway conditions in brackish water that tolerated high pH and large temperature swings. We further applied the new genetic tools to express recombinant protein in a recently bioprospected strain with even more robust growth characteristics. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic we used our improved workflow to rapidly express, purify, and characterize a recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) and demonstrate that it functionally interacts with its cognate human host receptor ACE2. The newly identified extremophile strain Chlamydomonas sp (402), both mating type (mt+) and mating type (mt-), have been deposited in the Chlamydomonas Resource Center (https://www.chlamycollection.org/), making them available world-wide with no restrictions. In addition, all of genetic tools are also deposited at this site and are also available world-wide with no restrictions.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Identification and overexpression of endogenous transcription factors to enhance lipid accumulation in the biotechnologically relevant species Chlamydomonas pacifica

Sustainable low-carbon energy solutions are critical to mitigating global carbon emissions. Algae-based platforms offer potential by converting carbon dioxide into valuable products while aiding carbon sequestration. However, scaling algae cultivation faces challenges like contamination in outdoor systems. Previously, our lab evolved Chlamydomonas pacifica, an extremophile green alga, which tolerates high temperature, pH, salinity, and light, making it ideal for large-scale bioproduct production, including biodiesel. Here, we enhanced lipid accumulation in evolved C. pacifica by identifying and overexpressing key endogenous transcription factors through genome-wide in-silico analysis and in-vivo testing. These factors include Lipid Remodeling Regulator 1 (CpaLRL1), Nitrogen Response Regulator 1 (CpaNRR1), Compromised Hydrolysis of Triacylglycerols 7 (CpaCHT7), and Phosphorus Starvation Response 1 (CpaPSR1). Under nitrogen deprivation, CpaLRL1, CpaNRR1, and CpaCHT7 overexpression enhanced lipid accumulation compared to wild-type. However, CpaPSR1 increased lipid accumulation compared to wild-type in normal media and did not increase further under nitrogen deprivation, highlighting the difference in function based on media conditions. Notably, lipid analysis of CpaPSR1 under normal media conditions revealed a 2.4-fold increase in triglycerides (TAGs) compared to the wild-type, highlighting its potential for biodiesel production. This approach provides a framework for transcription factor-focused metabolic engineering in algae, advancing bioenergy and biomaterial production.

Biofuels↗

Quenching, bursting, and galaxy shapes: colour transformation as a function of morphology

ABSTRACT Different mechanisms for quenching star formation in galaxies are commonly invoked in the literature, but the relative impact of each one at different cosmic epochs is still unknown. In particular, the relation between these processes and morphological transformation remains poorly understood. In this work, we measure the effectiveness of changes in star formation rates by analysing a new parameter, the Star Formation Acceleration (SFA), as a function of galaxy morphology. This methodology is capable of identifying both bursting and quenching episodes that occurred in the preceding 300 Myr. We use morphological classification catalogues based on Deep Learning techniques. Our final sample has ∼14 200 spirals and ∼2500 ellipticals. We find that elliptical galaxies in the transition region have median shorter quenching time-scales (τ < 1 Gyr) than spirals (τ ≥ 1 Gyr). This result conforms to the scenario in which major mergers and other violent processes play a fundamental role in galaxy evolution for most ellipticals, not only quenching star formation more rapidly but also playing a role in morphological transformation. We also find that ∼two-thirds of galaxies bursting in the green valley in our sample are massive spirals ($M_\star \ge 10^{11.0}\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$) with signs of disturbance. This is in accordance with the scenario where low-mass galaxies are losing their gas in an interaction with a massive galaxy: while the former is quenching, the last is being refueled and going through a burst, showing signs of recent interaction.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

$\gamma$-ray angular correlations, distributions and linear polarization in tracking arrays

With $\gamma $-ray tracking arrays, the angular correlation and, especially, the linear polarization of $\gamma $ rays can be measured with high precision. However, because of the complexity of these spectrometers, measuring angular distributions is more involved. The techniques and associated formalisms were developed and established in the 1950s. The experimental setups of that era were relatively simple when compared to the advanced $\gamma $-ray tracking arrays available today. This paper aims to review and refine these techniques, unify the nomenclatures and, specifically, adapt them for use with the newest tracking arrays. In addition, new methods for producing the required response functions for these arrays are introduced.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Contrasting age-dependent leaf acclimation strategies drive vegetation greening across deciduous broadleaf forests in mid- to high latitudes

Increasing leaf area and extending vegetation growing seasons are two primary drivers of global greening, which has emerged as one of the most significant responses to climate change. However, it remains unclear how these two leaf acclimation strategies would vary across forests at a large spatial scale. Here, in this study, using multiple satellite-based datasets and field measurements, we analysed the temporal changes (Δ) in maximal leaf area index (LAI max ) and length of the growing season (LOS) from 2002 to 2021 across deciduous broadleaf forests (DBFs) in the middle to high latitudes. Contrary to the widely held assumption of coordination, our results revealed a negative correlation between ΔLAI max and ΔLOS. Notably, the trade-offs between ΔLAImax and ΔLOS were strongly explained by stand age. Younger DBFs, with lower baseline LAI max , predominantly located in eastern Asia, displayed an increase in LAI max with small changes in LOS. This acquisitive strategy facilitated younger DBFs to grow more photosynthetically efficient leaves with low leaf mass per area, enhancing their light use efficiency. Conversely, older DBFs with a higher baseline LAI max , primarily located in North America and Europe, extended their LOS by increasing leaf mass per area. This conservative strategy facilitated older DBFs to produce thicker, but less photosynthetically efficient leaves, resulting in decreased light use efficiency. Our findings offer new insights into the contrasting changes in leaf area and growing season length and highlight their divergent impacts on ecosystem functioning.

Wang, Fangyi [Sun Yat-Sen Univ., Zhuhai (China)]↗

Oxygen-Vacancy Abundant Nanoporous Ni/NiMnO 3 /MnO 2 @NiMn Electrodes with Ultrahigh Capacitance and Energy Density for Supercapacitors

High-performance energy storage devices (HPEDs) play a critical role in the realization of clean energy and thus enable the overarching pursuit of nonpolluting, green technologies. Supercapacitors are one class of such lucrative HPEDs; however, a serious limiting factor of supercapacitor technology is its sub-par energy density. Here, this report presents hitherto unchartered pathway of physical deformation, chemical dealloying, and microstructure engineering to produce ultrahigh-capacitance, energy-dense NiMn alloy electrodes. The activated electrode delivered an ultrahigh specific-capacitance of 2700 F/cm 3 at 0.5 A/cm 3 . The symmetric device showcased an excellent energy density of 96.94 Wh/L and a remarkable cycle life of 95% retention after 10,000 cycles. Transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography studies revealed the evolution of a unique hierarchical microstructure comprising fine Ni/NiMnO 3 nanoligaments within MnO 2 -rich nanoflakes. Theoretical analysis using density functional theory showed semimetallic nature of the nanoscaled oxygen-vacancy-rich NiMnO 3 structure, highlighting enhanced carrier concentration and electronic conductivity of the active region. Furthermore, the geometrical model of NiMnO 3 crystals revealed relatively large voids, likely providing channels for the ion intercalation/de-intercalation. The current processing approach is highly adaptable and can be applied to a wide range of material systems for designing highly efficient electrodes for energy-storage devices.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Electrochemical ammonia synthesis via nitrate reduction on Fe single atom catalyst

Electrochemically converting nitrate, a widespread water pollutant, back to valuable ammonia is a green and delocalized route for ammonia synthesis, and can be an appealing and supplementary alternative to the Haber-Bosch process. However, as there are other nitrate reduction pathways present, selectively guiding the reaction pathway towards ammonia is currently challenged by the lack of efficient catalysts. Here we report a selective and active nitrate reduction to ammonia on Fe single atom catalyst, with a maximal ammonia Faradaic efficiency of ~ 75% and a yield rate of up to ~ 20,000 μg h –1 mg cat. –1 (0.46 mmol h –1 cm –2 ). Our Fe single atom catalyst can effectively prevent the N-N coupling step required for N 2 due to the lack of neighboring metal sites, promoting ammonia product selectivity. Density functional theory calculations reveal the reaction mechanisms and the potential limiting steps for nitrate reduction on atomically dispersed Fe sites.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Inverse aspect-ratio expanded tokamak equilibria

Following Greene et al. [Phys. Fluids 14, 671 (1971)] and Connor et al. [Phys. Plasmas 31, 577 (1988); Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 34, 161 (1992); and Nucl. Fusion 33, 1533 (1993)], the Grad-Shafranov equation for an axisymmetric tokamak plasma equilibrium is solved via an expansion in the, supposedly small, inverse aspect-ratio of the plasma, ϵ. The displacements of equilibrium magnetic flux-surfaces due to plasma shaping are assumed to be $\mathcal{O}$(ϵ) smaller than the minor radii of the surfaces, but no other restriction is placed on the nature of the shaping. The solution of the Grad-Shafranov equation is matched to a vacuum solution that extends to infinity, and consists of an expansion in toroidal functions. The external poloidal magnetic field generated by a finite set of discrete external poloidal magnetic field-coils is calculated, and incorporated into the toroidal function expansion. In this manner, the shape of a large aspect-ratio tokamak plasma is directly related to the currents flowing in the external poloidal field-coils. Finally, a pedestal in the plasma pressure, and the associated spike in the bootstrap current, are incorporated into the model.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Formulation of a one-dimensional electrostatic plasma model for testing the validity of kinetic theory

Here, we present a one-dimensional (1-D) model composed of aligned, electrostatically interacting charged disks, conceived to address in a computable model the validity of the Bogoliubov assumption on the decay of particle correlations in the Born–Bogoliubov–Green–Kirkwood–Yvon hierarchy. This assumption is a basic premise of plasma kinetic theory. The disk model exhibits spatially 1-D features at short distances, but retains 3-D features at large distances. Here the collective dynamics of this model plasma is investigated by solving the corresponding Vlasov equation. In addition, the implementation of the model for the numerical validation of the Bogoliubov assumption is formulated.

1-D plasma model↗