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At least 37 records · Page 2

The OSIRIS-REx Sample Return Capsule re-entry: A coordinated seismo-acoustic observational campaign for the study of meteor phenomena

Objects entering Earth’s atmosphere at hypersonic velocities may generate powerful acoustic waves. Depending on atmospheric conditions and acoustic propagation paths, they may be captured using ground or balloon-borne microbarometers and microphones. Impacts into the Earth’s atmosphere by asteroids in a meter-size range are sporadic and unannounced, and thus, well-documented scientific observations of asteroids are rare and generally happen by chance. Arriving from interplanetary space at hypervelocity, spacecraft are considered analogues for low velocity meteoroids and asteroids impacting the Earth’s atmosphere, and as such provide unprecedented and unique opportunity to carry out planned observational campaigns and perform detailed studies of meteor phenomena. However, since the end of the Apollo era, only four instances of a hypersonic re-entry of an artificial body from interplanetary space with an incident speed of 11-12 km/s have been observed and studied. These were the Sample Return Capsules (SRCs) that brought physical samples of extraterrestrial material back to Earth (Genesis, Stardust, Hayabusa 1, Hayabusa 2). These re-entries were also detected by infrasound and/or seismic sensors. The next opportunity to observe an artificial meteor will be on 24 September 2023 with the re-entry of NASA’s OSIRIS-REx SRC that will bring samples of the carbonaceous near-Earth asteroid Bennu. The re-entry consists of several flight phases, including hypersonic and supersonic, providing a unique opportunity to observe these by infrasound and seismic sensors. We will discuss observational campaign efforts aimed to capture geophysical signals generated by the OSIRIS-REx SRC re-entry. This campaign utilizes an unparalleled number of instruments, both ground and airborne, strategically positioned in the immediate and extended region around the projected re-entry trajectory to maximize the scientific output.

47 - OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Caspase-dependent inhibition of store-operated Ca{sup 2+} entry into apoptosis-committed Jurkat cells

Activation of T-cells triggers store-operated Ca{sup 2+} entry, which begins a signaling cascade leading to induction of appropriate gene expression and eventually lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation. The simultaneous enhancement of Fas ligand gene expression in activated cells allows the immune response to be limited by committing the activated cells to apoptosis. In apoptotic cells the store-operated calcium entry is significantly inhibited. It has been documented that moderate activation of Fas receptor may cause reversible inhibition of store-operated channels by ceramide released from hydrolyzed sphingomyelin. Here we show that activation of Fas receptor in T-cells results in caspase-dependent decrease of cellular STIM1 and Orai1 protein content. This effect may be responsible for the substantial inhibition of Ca{sup 2+} entry into Jurkat cells undergoing apoptosis. In turn, this inhibition might prevent overloading of cells with calcium and protect them against necrosis. -- Research highlights: {yields} Fas activation reduces STIM1 and Orai1 protein content in caspase dependent manner. {yields} Fas activation partially reduces mitochondrial potential in caspase dependent manner. {yields} Fas stimulation inhibits of store-operated Ca{sup 2+} entry in caspase dependent manner. {yields} Inhibition of Ca{sup 2+} entry in apoptotic cells may protect them from secondary necrosis.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Checking Questionable Entry of Personally Identifiable Information Encrypted by One-Way Hash Transformation

Background: As one of the several effective solutions for personal privacy protection, a global unique identifier (GUID) is linked with hash codes that are generated from combinations of personally identifiable information (PII) by a one-way hash algorithm. On the GUID server, no PII is permitted to be stored, and only GUID and hash codes are allowed. The quality of PII entry is critical to the GUID system. Objective: The goal of our study was to explore a method of checking questionable entry of PII in this context without using or sending any portion of PII while registering a subject. Methods: According to the principle of GUID system, all possible combination patterns of PII fields were analyzed and used to generate hash codes, which were stored on the GUID server. Based on the matching rules of the GUID system, an error-checking algorithm was developed using set theory to check PII entry errors. We selected 200,000 simulated individuals with randomly-planted errors to evaluate the proposed algorithm. These errors were placed in the required PII fields or optional PII fields. The performance of the proposed algorithm was also tested in the registering system of study subjects. Results: There are 127,700 error-planted subjects, of which 114,464 (89.64%) can still be identified as the previous one and remaining 13,236 (10.36%, 13,236/127,700) are discriminated as new subjects. As expected, 100% of nonidentified subjects had errors within the required PII fields. The possibility that a subject is identified is related to the count and the type of incorrect PII field. For all identified subjects, their errors can be found by the proposed algorithm. The scope of questionable PII fields is also associated with the count and the type of the incorrect PII field. The best situation is to precisely find the exact incorrect PII fields, and the worst situation is to shrink the questionable scope only to a set of 13 PII fields. In the application, the proposed algorithm can give a hint of questionable PII entry and perform as an effective tool. Conclusions: The GUID system has high error tolerance and may correctly identify and associate a subject even with few PII field errors. Correct data entry, especially required PII fields, is critical to avoiding false splits. In the context of one-way hash transformation, the questionable input of PII may be identified by applying set theory operators based on the hash codes. The count and the type of incorrect PII fields play an important role in identifying a subject and locating questionable PII fields.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Optimizing TLB entries for mixed page size storage in contiguous memory

A system and method for accessing memory are provided. The system comprises a lookup buffer for storing one or more page table entries, wherein each of the one or more page table entries comprises at least a virtual page number and a physical page number; a logic circuit for receiving a virtual address from said processor, said logic circuit for matching the virtual address to the virtual page number in one of the page table entries to select the physical page number in the same page table entry, said page table entry having one or more bits set to exclude a memory range from a page.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Optimizing TLB entries for mixed page size storage in contiguous memory

A system and method for accessing memory are provided. The system comprises a lookup buffer for storing one or more page table entries, wherein each of the one or more page table entries comprises at least a virtual page number and a physical page number; a logic circuit for receiving a virtual address from said processor, said logic circuit for matching the virtual address to the virtual page number in one of the page table entries to select the physical page number in the same page table entry, said page table entry having one or more bits set to exclude a memory range from a page.

Chen, Dong↗

A Novel Device for True Lumen Re-Entry After Subintimal Recanalization of Superficial Femoral Arteries: First-in-Man Experience and Technical Description

Subintimal angioplasty (SAP) is frequently performed for the treatment of critical limb ischemia (CLI) and has been recognized as an effective technique for these patients. Nevertheless, this approach is limited by the lack of controlled re-entry into the true lumen of the target vessel. We describe a novel device for true lumen re-entry after subintimal recanalization of superficial femoral arteries (SFA). We report our experience with six patients treated between April 2009 and January 2010 with a novel system designed to facilitate true lumen re-entry. The device was advanced by ipsilateral antegrade approach through a 6-French sheath. Successful reaccess into the true lumen was obtained in five of six patients without complications. The patient in whom the reaccess to the true lumen was not possible underwent successful bypass surgery. At 30 days follow-up, the SFA was patent in all patients according to echo-Doppler examination. Our preliminary experience indicates that this novel re-entry device increases the success rate of percutaneous revascularization of chronically occluded SFA.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

A new strategy to identify hepatitis B virus entry inhibitors by AlphaScreen technology targeting the envelope-receptor interaction

Highlights: • AlphaScreen evaluating LHBs-NTCP binding identified rapamycin as an anti-HBV agent. • Rapamycin directly interacted with NTCP. • Rapamycin inhibited the infection of HBV and HDV. • Everolimus and temsirolimus possessed higher anti-HBV potency than rapamycin. • First report applying AlphaScreen to the identification of viral entry inhibitors. Current anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) agents have limited effect in curing HBV infection, and thus novel anti-HBV agents with different modes of action are in demand. In this study, we applied AlphaScreen assay to high-throughput screening of small molecules inhibiting the interaction between HBV large surface antigen (LHBs) and the HBV entry receptor, sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP). From the chemical screening, we identified that rapamycin, an immunosuppressant, strongly inhibited the LHBs-NTCP interaction. Rapamycin inhibited hepatocyte infection with HBV without significant cytotoxicity. This activity was due to impaired attachment of the LHBs preS1 domain to cell surface. Pretreatment of target cells with rapamycin remarkably reduced their susceptibility to preS1 attachment, while rapamycin pretreatment to preS1 did not affect its attachment activity, suggesting that rapamycin targets the host side. In support of this, a surface plasmon resonance analysis showed a direct interaction of rapamycin with NTCP. Consistently, rapamycin also prevented hepatitis D virus infection, whose entry into cells is also mediated by NTCP. We also identified two rapamycin derivatives, everolimus and temsirolimus, which possessed higher anti-HBV potencies than rapamycin. Thus, this is the first report for application of AlphaScreen technology that monitors a viral envelope-receptor interaction to identify viral entry inhibitors.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Flavivirus infection from mosquitoes in vitro reveals cell entry at the plasma membrane

Dengue and West Nile viruses are enveloped RNA viruses that belong to genus Flavivirus (family Flaviviridae) and are considered important mosquito-borne viral pathogenic agents worldwide. A potential target for intervention strategies is the virus cell entry mechanism. Previous studies of flavivirus entry have focused on the effects of biochemical and molecular inhibitors on viral entry leading to controversial conclusions suggesting that the process is dependent upon endocytosis and low pH mediated membrane fusion. In this study we analyzed the early events in the infection process by means of electron microscopy and immuno-gold labeling of viral particles during cell entry, and used as a new approach for infecting cells with viruses obtained directly from mosquitoes. The results show that Dengue and West Nile viruses may infect cells by a mechanism that involves direct penetration of the host cell plasma membrane as proposed for alphaviruses.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

The V domain of dog PVRL4 (nectin-4) mediates canine distemper virus entry and virus cell-to-cell spread

The entry of canine distemper virus (CDV) is a multistep process that involves the attachment of CDV hemagglutinin (H) to its cellular receptor, followed by fusion between virus and cell membranes. Our laboratory recently identified PVRL4 (nectin-4) to be the epithelial receptor for measles and canine distemper viruses. In this study, we demonstrate that the V domain of PVRL4 is critical for CDV entry and virus cell-to-cell spread. Furthermore, four key amino acid residues within the V domain of dog PVRL4 and two within the CDV hemagglutinin were shown to be essential for receptor-mediated virus entry. - Highlights: • PVRL4 (nectin-4) is the epithelial cell receptor for measles and canine distemper viruses. • V domain of PVRL4 is critical for CDV entry, cell-to-cell spread, and syncytia formation. • Chimeric PVRL1 backbone substituted with the V domain of PVRL4 can function as a receptor. • Amino acids (F132/P133/A134/G135) within the V domain are essential for PVRL4 receptor activity. • Amino acids (P493/Y539) within CDV H protein are essential for PVRL4 receptor interaction.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Molecular determinants of dengue virus 2 envelope protein important for virus entry in FcγRIIA-mediated antibody-dependent enhancement of infection

Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of infection may cause severe illness in patients suffering a secondary infection by a heterologous dengue virus (DENV) serotype. During ADE of infection, cross-reactive non- or poorly-neutralizing antibodies form infectious virus-Ab complexes with the newly infecting serotype and enhance virus infection by binding to the Fcγ receptors (FcγR) on FcγR-bearing cells. In this study, we determined that molecular determinants of DENV2 envelope protein critical for virus entry during non-ADE infection are also required for ADE infection mediated by FcγRIIA, and binding of virus-Ab complexes with FcγRIIA alone is not sufficient for ADE of infection. The FcγRIIA mainly plays an auxiliary role in concentrating the virus–Ab complex to the cell surface, and other primary cellular receptors are required for virus entry. Understanding the viral entry pathway in ADE of DENV infection will greatly facilitate rational designs of anti-viral therapeutics against severe dengue disease associated with ADE. - Highlights: • KKK305/307/310 in DENV2 E-DIII is critical for virus attachment in ADE and non-ADE infection. • Binding of DENV2–Ab complex with FcγRII alone is not sufficient for virus entry in ADE infection. • Other primary receptors were required for DENV2 internalization during FcγRII–mediated ADE. • G104 and L135 of DENV2 E are critical for virus-mediated membrane fusion. • DENV2 virus-mediated membrane fusion is required for both ADE and non-ADE infection.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Identification of residues on human receptor DPP4 critical for MERS-CoV binding and entry

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infects host cells through binding the receptor binding domain (RBD) on its spike glycoprotein to human receptor dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (hDPP4). Here, we report identification of critical residues on hDPP4 for RBD binding and virus entry through analysis of a panel of hDPP4 mutants. Based on the RBD–hDPP4 crystal structure we reported, the mutated residues were located at the interface between RBD and hDPP4, which potentially changed the polarity, hydrophobic or hydrophilic properties of hDPP4, thereby interfering or disrupting their interaction with RBD. Using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) binding analysis and pseudovirus infection assay, we showed that several residues in hDPP4–RBD binding interface were important on hDPP4–RBD binding and viral entry. These results provide atomic insights into the features of interactions between hDPP4 and MERS-CoV RBD, and also provide potential explanation for cellular and species tropism of MERS-CoV infection. - Highlights: • It has been demonstrated that MERS-CoV infects host cells through binding its envelope spike (S) glycoprotein to the host cellular receptor dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4). • To identify the critical residues on hDPP4 for RBD binding and virus entry, we constructed a panel of hDPP4 mutants based on structure-guided mutagenesis. • Using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) binding analysis and pseudovirus infection assay, we showed that several residues on hDPP4 had significant impacts on virus/receptor interactions and viral entry. • Our study has provided new insights into the features of interactions between hDPP4 and MERS-CoV RBD, and provides potential explanation for cellular and species tropism of MERS-CoV infection.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Contribution of N-linked glycans on HSV-2 gB to cell–cell fusion and viral entry

HSV-2 is the major cause of genital herpes and its infection increases the risk of HIV-1 acquisition and transmission. HSV-2 glycoprotein B together with glycoproteins D, H and L are indispensable for viral entry, of which gB, as a class III fusogen, plays an essential role. HSV-2 gB has seven potential N-linked glycosylation (N-CHO) sites, but their significance has yet to be determined. For the first time, we systematically analyzed the contributions of N-linked glycans on gB to cell–cell fusion and viral entry. Our results demonstrated that, of the seven potential N-CHO sites on gB, mutation at N390, N483 or N668 decreased cell–cell fusion and viral entry, while mutation at N133 mainly affected protein expression and the production of infectious virus particles by blocking the transport of gB from the endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi. Our findings highlight the significance of N-linked glycans on HSV-2 gB expression and function. - Highlights: • N-linked glycan at N133 is important for gB intracellular trafficking and maturation. • N-linked glycans at N390, N483 and N668 on gB are necessary for optimal cell–cell fusion. • N-linked glycans at N390, N483 and N668 on gB are necessary for optimal viral entry.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Experimental energy resolution of a paracentric hemispherical deflector analyzer for different entry positions and bias

A specially designed hemispherical deflector analyzer (HDA) with 5-element input lens having a movable entry position R{sub 0} suitable for electron energy analysis in atomic collisions was constructed and tested. The energy resolution of the HDA was experimentally determined for three different entry positions R{sub 0}= 84, 100, 112 mm as a function of the nominal entry potential V(R{sub 0}) under pre-retardation conditions. The resolution for the (conventional) entry at the mean radius R{sub 0}= 100 mm was found to be a factor of 1.6-2 times worse than the resolution for the two (paracentric) positions R{sub 0}= 84 and 112 mm at particular values of V(R{sub 0}). These results provide the first experimental verification and a proof of principle of the utility of such a paracentric HDA, while demonstrating its advantages over the conventional HDA: greater dispersion with reduced angular aberrations resulting in better energy resolution without the use of any additional fringing field correction electrodes. Supporting simulations of the entire lens plus HDA spectrometer are also provided and mostly found to be within 20%-30% of experimental values. The paracentric HDA is expected to provide a lower cost and/or more compact alternative to the conventional HDA particularly useful in modern applications utilizing a position sensitive detector.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Stock-Specific Size and Timing at Ocean Entry of Columbia River Juvenile Chinook Salmon and Steelhead: Implications for Early Ocean Growth

Abstract Juvenile salmon transitioning from freshwater to marine environments experience high variation in growth and survival, yet the specific causes of this variation are poorly understood. Size at and timing of ocean entry may contribute to this variation because they influence both the availability of prey and vulnerability to predators. To explore this issue, we used stock assignments based on genetic stock identification and internal tags to document the stock-specific size and timing of juvenile hatchery and presumed wild Columbia River Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and steelhead O. mykiss at ocean entry during 2007–2011. We found that juvenile salmon and steelhead had consistent stock-specific capture dates, with lower-river stocks typically having earlier timing than those originating farther upstream. Mean size also varied among stocks and was related to hatchery practices. Hatchery yearling Chinook Salmon and steelhead were consistently larger than wild fish from the same stocks, although timing in the estuary was similar. In contrast, hatchery subyearling Chinook Salmon were of similar size to wild fish but entered the ocean up to a month earlier. We evaluated the potential importance of these traits on early marine growth by estimating stock-specific growth rates for Chinook Salmon caught in estuarine and ocean habitats. Growth rates were related to relative ocean entry timing, with lower growth rates for stocks that had only recently arrived in marine waters. Our results demonstrate that stocks within a single basin can differ in their size and timing of ocean entry, life history traits that contribute to early marine growth and potentially to the survival of juvenile salmon. Our results also highlight the necessity of considering stock-specific variation in life history traits to understand salmon ecology and survival across the entire life cycle. Received January 16, 2015; accepted April 28, 2015

Weitkamp, Laurie A.↗

Structural and functional studies of a phosphatidic acid-binding antifungal plant defensin MtDef4: Identification of an RGFRRR motif governing fungal cell entry

A highly conserved plant defensin MtDef4 potently inhibits the growth of a filamentous fungus Fusarium graminearum. MtDef4 is internalized by cells of F. graminearum. To determine its mechanism of fungal cell entry and antifungal action, NMR solution structure of MtDef4 has been determined. The analysis of its structure has revealed a positively charged patch on the surface of the protein consisting of arginine residues in its γ-core signature, a major determinant of the antifungal activity of MtDef4. Here, we report functional analysis of the RGFRRR motif of the γ-core signature of MtDef4. The replacement of RGFRRR to AAAARR or to RGFRAA not only abolishes fungal cell entry but also results in loss of the antifungal activity of MtDef4. MtDef4 binds strongly to phosphatidic acid (PA), a precursor for the biosynthesis of membrane phospholipids and a signaling lipid known to recruit cytosolic proteins to membranes. Mutations of RGFRRR which abolish fungal cell entry of MtDef4 also impair its binding to PA. Our results suggest that RGFRRR motif is a translocation signal for entry of MtDef4 into fungal cells and that this positively charged motif likely mediates interaction of this defensin with PA as part of its antifungal action.

antifungal agent↗

Acoustic Observations of the OSIRIS-REx Sample Return Capsule Re-Entry from Wendover Airport

The Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security‐Regolith Explorer sample return capsule (SRC) re‐entered the Earth’s atmosphere at hypersonic speeds from interplanetary space on 24 September 2023. The current work reports on 18 ground‐based acoustic sensors deployed at Wendover Airport, the same location that the Genesis and Stardust SRC re‐entries were recorded. Four different sensors (Chaparral Physics, Gem, Wilson Engineering Research and Development [WERD], and RedVox) were deployed in close proximity to compare their performance. All the sensors captured an N‐wave signal associated with the SRC re‐entry shock wave followed by a broadband coda. The Chaparral Physics array served as the high‐fidelity reference measurement. The N‐wave signal had a peak‐to‐peak amplitude of 4.07 Pa with a fundamental frequency of 4.98 Hz from 167.5° measured clockwise from north, nearly perpendicular to the SRC trajectory. In addition, high coherence in the coda was shown to be associated reflections from the surrounding mountains. In general, the more economical sensors (Gem, WERD, and RedVox) produced results that were consistent with these observations and sensor specifications. Beamforming with these single sensors arranged as an array showed agreement with the high‐fidelity array to within a couple of degrees. Furthermore, the current high‐fidelity results were compared with the measurements during the Genesis and Stardust SRC re‐entries. All three entries produced a broadband fundamental peak at a frequency that was inversely related to the SRC diameter as well as evidence of reflections from the surrounding topography.

KC, Real J. [Oklahoma State University, Stillwater↗

Entry and Disposition of Zika Virus Immune Complexes in a Tissue Culture Model of the Maternal-Fetal Interface

Zika virus (ZIKV) infections have been associated with an increased incidence of severe microcephaly and other neurodevelopmental disorders in newborn babies. Passive immunization with anti-ZIKV neutralizing antibodies has the potential to become a feasible treatment or prophylaxis option during pregnancy. Prior to clinical use, such antibodies should be assessed for their ability to block ZIKV passage to the fetus. We used human placental and mammalian cell monolayers that express FcRn and laboratory preparations of anti-ZIKV antibodies as a model system to investigate the disposition of ZIKV/antibody immune complexes (ICs) at the maternal-fetal interface. We further characterized solution properties of the ICs to evaluate whether these are related to in vitro effects. We found that both ZIKV and ZIKV envelope glycoprotein can enter and passage through epithelial cells, especially those that overexpress FcRn. In the presence of ZIKV antibodies, Zika virus entry was bimodal, with reduced entry at the lowest (0.3–3 ng/mL) and highest (µg/mL) antibody concentrations. Intermediate concentrations attenuated inhibition or enhanced viral entry. With respect to anti-ZIKV antibodies, we found that their degradation was accelerated when presented as ICs containing increased amounts of ZIKV immunogen. Of the two monoclonal antibodies tested, the preparation with higher aggregation also exhibited higher degradation. Our studies confirm that intact Zika virus and its envelope immunogen have the potential to enter and be transferred across placental and other epithelial cells that express FcRn. Presence of anti-ZIKV IgG antibodies can either block or enhance cellular entry, with the antibody concentration playing a complex role in this process. Physicochemical properties of IgG antibodies can influence their degradation in vitro.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Investigating the Relationship Between Bolide Entry Angle and Apparent Direction of Infrasound Signal Arrivals

Infrasound sensing offers critical capabilities for detecting and geolocating bolide events globally. However, the observed back azimuths, directions from which infrasound signals arrive at stations, often differ from the theoretical expectations based on the bolide’s peak brightness location. For objects with shallow entry angles, which traverse longer atmospheric paths, acoustic energy may be emitted from multiple points along the trajectory, leading to substantial variability in back azimuth residuals. This study investigates how the entry angle of energetic bolides affects the back azimuth deviations, independent of extrinsic factors such as atmospheric propagation, station noise, and signal processing methodologies. A theoretical framework, the Bolide Infrasound Back-Azimuth EXplorer Model (BIBEX-M), was developed to compute predicted back azimuths solely from geometric considerations. The model quantifies how these residuals vary as a function of source-to-receiver distance, revealing that bolides entering at shallow angles, e.g., 10°, can produce average residuals of 20°, with deviations reaching up to 46° at distances below 1000 km, and remaining significant even at 5000 km (up to 8°). In contrast, bolides with steeper entry angles, e.g., > 60°, show smaller deviations, typically under 5° at 1000 km and diminishing to less than ~1° beyond 5000 km. These findings attest to the need for careful interpretation when evaluating signal detections and estimating bolide locations. This work is not only pertinent to bolides but also to other high-energy, extended-duration atmospheric phenomena such as space debris and reentry events, where similar geometric considerations can influence infrasound arrival directions.

Acoustics↗