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At least 451 records · Page 25

Defining upstream enhancing and inhibiting sequence patterns for plant peroxisome targeting signal type 1 using large–scale in silico and in vivo analyses

Peroxisomes are universal eukaryotic organelles essential to plants and animals. Most peroxisomal matrix proteins carry peroxisome targeting signal type 1 (PTS1), a C-terminal tripeptide. Studies from various kingdoms have revealed influences from sequence upstream of the tripeptide on peroxisome targeting, supporting the view that positive charges in the upstream region are the major enhancing elements. However, a systematic approach to better define the upstream elements influencing PTS1 targeting capability is needed. Here, we used protein sequences from 177 plant genomes to perform large-scale and in-depth analysis of the PTS1 domain, which includes the PTS1 tripeptide and upstream sequence elements. We identified and verified 12 low-frequency PTS1 tripeptides and revealed upstream enhancing and inhibiting sequence patterns for peroxisome targeting, which were subsequently validated in vivo. Follow-up analysis revealed that nonpolar and acidic residues have relatively strong enhancing and inhibiting effects, respectively, on peroxisome targeting. However, in contrast to the previous understanding, positive charges alone do not show the anticipated enhancing effect and that both the position and property of the residues within these patterns are important for peroxisome targeting. We further demonstrated that the three residues immediately upstream of the tripeptide are the core influencers, with a ‘basic-nonpolar-basic’ pattern serving as a strong and universal enhancing pattern for peroxisome targeting. These findings have significantly advanced our knowledge of the PTS1 domain in plants and likely other eukaryotic species as well. The principles and strategies employed in the present study may also be applied to deciphering auxiliary targeting signals for other organelles.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Recoil polarization in 𝐾 + ⁢𝑌 electroproduction in the nucleon resonance region with CLAS12

Hyperon recoil polarization measurements for the exclusive electroproduction of 𝐾 + ⁢Λ and 𝐾 + ⁢Σ 0 final states from an unpolarized proton target have been carried out using the CLAS12 spectrometer at Jefferson Laboratory. The measurements at beam energies of 6.535 and 7.546 GeV span the range of four-momentum transfer 𝑄 2 from 0.3 to 4.5GeV 2 and invariant mass 𝑊 from 1.6 to 2.4 GeV, while covering the full center-of-mass angular range of the 𝐾 + . These new Λ polarization observables extend the existing data in a similar kinematic range but from a significantly larger dataset. However, they represent the first electroproduction measurements of this observable for the Σ 0 . These data will allow for better exploration of the reaction mechanism in strangeness production, for further understanding of the spectrum and structure of excited nucleon states that couple to 𝐾⁢𝑌, and for improved insight into the strong interaction in the nonperturbative domain.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Fully Additively Manufactured Wetted Foam Capsules for Inertial Confinement Fusion

In the pursuit of realizing reliable clean energy generation via inertial confinement fusion (ICF), wetted foam (WF) capsule targets have long been coveted due to their potential to simplify the target fielding process and suppress hydrodynamic instabilities and material mixing that limit achievable energy output, yet producing and deploying a WF target has proven challenging. Here, in this work, we demonstrate the design, fabrication, metrology, and testing of fully additively manufactured (AM) foam-lined capsules using two-photon polymerization (2PP) for ICF. We successfully fielded an AM polymeric foam capsule with a 3-mm outer diameter, a nominally 15-µm-thick solid outer layer, a 120-µm-thick inner foam layer, and a 250-µm outer diameter copper fill tube on the National Ignition Facility for a polar direct-drive shot, and we showcase deuterium wetting of the capsule foam layer inside an ignition target proofing station. Our exploration showed that 2PP can produce fieldable targets with complex geometries and potentially shorten the design iteration turnaround time and the overall target fabrication time.

Target↗

The Gravity and Extreme Magnetism Small Explorer (GEMS)

The Gravity and Extreme Magnetism Small Explorer (GEMS) was selected by NASA for flight in 2014 to make a sensitive search for X-ray polarization from a wide set of source classes, including stellar black holes, Seyfert galaxies and quasars, blazars, rotation and accretion-powered pulsars, magnetars, shell supernova remnants and pulsar wind nebulae. Among the primary scientific objectives are determining the effects of the spin of black holes and the geometry of supermassive black hole accretion, determining the configurations of the magnetic fields and the X-ray emission of magnetars, and determining the magnetic structure of the supernova shocks in which cosmic rays are accelerated. GEMS will observe 23 targets during a 16 month prime mission, in observations that will be able to reach predicted levels of polarization. The mission can be extended to provide a guest observer phase. The GEMS instrument has time projection chamber polarimeters with high 2-10 keV efficiency at the focus of thin foil mirrors. The 4.5 m focal length mirrors will be deployed on an extended boom. The spacecraft with the instrument is rotated with a period of about 10 minutes to enable measurement and correction of systematic errors. A small Bragg reflection soft X-ray experiment takes advantage of this rotation to obtain a measurement at 0.5 keV. The design of the GEMS instrument and the mission, the expected performance and the planned science program will be discussed.

Kallman, T. R.↗

Dihadron azimuthal asymmetry and light-quark dipole moments at the Electron-Ion Collider

Here, we propose a novel method to probe light-quark dipole moments by examining the azimuthal asymmetries between a collinear pair of hadrons in semi-inclusive deep inelastic lepton scattering off an unpolarized proton target at the Electron-Ion Collider. These asymmetries provide a means to observe transversely polarized quarks, which arise exclusively from the interference between the dipole and the Standard Model interactions, thereby depending linearly on the dipole couplings. We demonstrate that this novel approach can enhance current constraints on light-quark dipole operators by an order of magnitude, free from contamination of other new physics effects. Furthermore, it allows for a simultaneous determination of both the real and imaginary parts of the dipole couplings, offering a new avenue for investigating potential CP-violating effects at high energies.

dihadron fragmentation↗

Direct evidence of the dominant role of multiphoton permanent-dipole transitions in strong-field dissociation of NO 2 +

We study laser-induced dissociation of a metastable NO 2+ ion-beam target into N + +O + , focusing on the prominent contribution by molecules breaking parallel to the polarization at high peak laser intensity (~10 15 W/cm 2 ). Our experimental results and time-dependent Schrödinger equation calculations show that, contrary to commonly held intuition that electronic transitions always prevail, the dominant process underlying this highly aligned dissociation is a multiphoton permanent-dipole transition involving only the electronic ground state and leading to its vibrational continuum. Strong-field permanent-dipole transitions should thus be considered generally, as they may play a significant role in other heteronuclear molecules. Moreover, their role should only grow in importance for longer wavelengths, a trending direction in ultrafast laser studies.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Measurement of the Photon Beam Asymmetry in yP -> K+S0 at Ey=8.5 GeV with GlueX

In this work the photon beam asymmetry Sigma for the reaction yp ? K+S0 (1193) is measured using the GlueX experiment in Hall D at Jefferson Lab. The analysis used data that were collected using a linearly polarized photon beam in the energy range (8.2 - 8.8) GeV incident on a liquid hydrogen target. The beam asymmetries are measured as a function of the Mandelstam variable t and as a single value for the low u region. These are the first exclusive measurements of the photon beam asymmetry Sigma in this reaction at energies above the baryon resonance region. For the t-channel, results are close to unity and show that the reaction is dominated by the natural-parity exchange of the K? (892) Regge trajectory as predicted by theoretical models. A value of Sigma = 0.410±0.090 is obtained for the u-channel and suggests the exchange of both Sigma(J = 1/2) and Y*(J = 3/2) trajectory contributions to the production of K+S0.

Wickramaarachchi, Nilanga↗

The Solvation of the E. coli CheY Phosphorylation Site Mapped by XFMS

The Escherichia coli CheY protein belongs to a large bacterial response regulator superfamily. X-ray hydroxy radical foot-printing with mass spectroscopy (XFMS) has shown that allosteric activation of CheY by its motor target triggers a concerted internalization of aromatic sidechains. We reanalyzed the XFMS data to compare polar versus non-polar CheY residue positions. The polar residues around and including the 57D phosphorylated site had an elevated hydroxy radical reactivity. Bioinformatic measures revealed that a water-mediated hydrogen bond network connected this ring of residues with the central 57D. These residues solvated 57D to energetically stabilize the apo-CheY fold. The abundance of these reactive residues was reduced upon activation. This result was supported by the bioinformatics and consistent with the previously reported activation-induced increase in core hydrophobicity. It further illustrated XFMS detection of structural waters. Direct contacts between the ring residues and the phosphorylation site would stabilize the aspartyl phosphate. In addition, we report that the ring residue, 18R, is a constant central node in the 57D solvation network and that 18R non-polar substitutions determine CheY diversity as assessed by its evolutionary trace in bacteria with well-studied chemotaxis. These results showcase the importance of structured water dynamics for phosphorylation-mediated signal transduction.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Asteroid shapes from radar echo spectra - A new theoretical approach

Asteroid shape determinations are presently made by means of a novel technique based on the geometric relation between spectral edge frequencies and the shape of a rotating, rigid radar target. By employing the echo spectra obtained at many rotational phases, the asteroid's convex polar silhouette hull is obtained; noise content is treated as a problem in weighted-least-squares optimization, subject to inequality constraints. The performance of this estimation method is assessed in a series of simulated data giving attention to spectral noise propagation into hull error; sensitivity to echo strength and spectral resolution are also evaluated.

Ostro, Steven J.↗

Evidence for particle acceleration in AE Aqr from radio and X-ray observations

The novalike cataclysmic variable AE Aquarii shows evidence for radio synchrotron emission from expanding magnetized clouds. The radio and UV flare timescales are similar indicating that the central engine is located close to the white dwarf. A collisionless shock may develop above the polar cap, which may explain the observed temperature. Protons and ions accelerated up to energies of more than 1 TeV can diffuse away from the central engine, enter magnetized clouds, and generate waves which in turn heat and accelerate electrons. An embarrassing situation exists where reprocessed optical and X-ray pulsations (33 s) are observed, but the expected direct X-ray pulse from the white dwarf is absent. The standard theory for CVs cannot explain this, and one possible explanation is that a beam of relativistic protons and ions from the polar cap may give the observed reprocessed optical to X-rays in a thick target fixed in the system.

De Jager, O. C.↗

Target Calibration: Retro-Reflection Mechanisms at 2 Micron

With the growing use of 2-micrometer eye-safe solid-state laser transmitters in coherent Doppler lidar applications, there is increased interest in the reflectance properties of hard target calibration materials at this wavelength. One of the factors to be considered is the polarization characteristic of the transmitter/receiver. The two fundamental lidar systems are either based upon the backscattering of linearly polarized or circularly polarized light. Consequently, the response of calibration materials to the particular state of polarization of the incident radiation is an important consideration. Ideally the calibration materials should have a similar reflectance response to that of the remote scattering medium that is being observed. Also the material should be most efficiently adapted to the polarization characteristics of the lidar system. There are two measurement parameters that are useful in presenting the characteristics of polarization of reflecting materials. The first is the linear polarization ratio: mu (sub l) =I (sub ol)/I (sub sl), where ol denotes opposite linear and sl denotes same linear. The second is circular polarization ratio: mu (sub c) = I (sub sc)/I (sub oc) where ol denotes opposite circular and sc denotes same circular. Notice that the ratios are inverted with respect to same polarization. It is the relative values of these polarization ratios that are used to characterize the retro-reflectance mechanism. Measurement of these parameters is conveniently obtained by using the Stokes vectors corresponding to the polarized backscatter at and near the retro-angle.

Haner, David A.↗

Progress of the NASA ACE Mission Polarimeter Working Group Instrument Inter-Comparison

The NASA Aerosol-Cloud-Ecosystem (ACE) mission is a National Research Council Decadal Survey recommended mission that will contain an imaging polarimeter for remote sensing of aerosols and clouds. A variety of airborne polarimeter prototypes exist, so the ACE Polarimeter Working Group (ACEPWG) was formed to share information between groups and collectively work for improved measurement techniques, uncertainty characterization, and algorithm development. The initial focus has been on observations made during the Polarimeter Definition Experiment (PODEX), conducted in early 2013 in Southern California. Three ACE mission supported polarimeters were deployed on the high altitude ER-2 aircraft as it flew over a variety of targets. Two of those instruments to date have successfully produced Level 1 (geolocated radiance and polarization) data. Initial matched scene inter-comparisons found little radiometric, but significant polarimetric, bias. After improvement to geolocation in one instrument, and calibration in the other, polarimetric comparisons have improved significantly. We will describe these results, remaining unresolved issues, and future plans.

Polarimeter↗

Development of Carbon Flux Model Using ABI Data Over the Conterminous US

The satellite-driven carbon flux estimation has been playing important role to estimate continental-scale carbon budget. One of the biggest recent advances in the satellite-driven carbon flux modeling is utilization of high-frequent geostationary satellites to estimate diurnal cycle in carbon fluxes. The satellite based carbon flux estimation used the polar orbiting satellite sensors (e.g., Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)), which allow us to observe target regions only once during the day. The new generation of geostationary satellite sensors provide frequent observations, often less than every 10 minutes. Here, we use GOES Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) data to estimate hourly NEE over the conterminous US. We used the Terrestrial Observation Prediction System (TOPS) model for estimating hourly NEE. TOPS is a diagnostic ecosystem process model that simulates the fluxes of carbon and water through vegetation in response to climate variability. For the climate input, we developed hourly climate data using the same algorithm with NASA Earth Exchange Gridded Daily Meteorology (NEX-GDM) datasets based on machine learning techniques. The hourly climate data includes precipitation, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, dew point temperature, and solar radiation were derived from the Geostationary observations. The spatial patterns of ecosystem parameters used in TOPS are optimized using satellite Solar Induced Fluorescence (SIF) data. The high frequency GPP estimations from geostationary satellite sensors make it comparable to the instantaneous SIF data than daily GPP. We also used Ameriflux data for optimization of model parameters and the validation of the output. The derived data addresses the diurnal dynamics of carbon cycling at large scales and should help in reducing the uncertainties in carbon budget studies.

geostationary satellite↗

Nitrogen Vacancies Induce Fatigue in Ferroelectric Al 0.93 B 0.07 N

Wurtzite ferroelectrics (e.g., Al 0.93 B 0.07 N) are being explored for high-temperature and emerging near-, or in-compute, memory architectures due to the material advantages offered by their large remanent polarization and robust chemical stability. Despite these advantages, current Al0.93B0.07N devices do not have sufficient endurance lifetime to meet roadmap targets. To identify the defects responsible for this limited endurance, a combination of electronic measurements and optical spectroscopies characterized the evolution of defect states within Al 0.93 B 0.07 N with cycling. Ultrathin (∼10 nm) metal contacts were used to optically probe regions subject to ferroelectric switching; photoluminescence spectroscopy identified the emergence of a transition near 2.1 eV whose intensity scaled with the non-switching polarization quantified via positive-up negative-down (PUND) measurements. Accompanying thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) and modulus spectroscopy measurements also observed the strengthening of a state near 2.1 eV. The origin of this feature is ascribed to transitions between a nitrogen vacancy and another defect deeper in the bandgap. Recognizing that the impurity concentration is largely fixed, strengthening of this transition indicates an increase in the number of nitrogen vacancies. Switching, therefore, creates vacancies in Al 0.93 B 0.07 N likely due to hot-atom damage induced by the aggressive fields necessary to switch wurtzite materials that ultimately limits endurance.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

All-dielectric multi-resonant bullseye antennas

Integrated devices that generate multiple optical resonances in the same volume can enhance on-chip nonlinear frequency generation, nonlinear spectroscopy, and quantum sensing. Here, we demonstrate circular Bragg antennas that exhibit multiple spatially overlapping, polarization-selective optical resonances. Using templated atomic layer deposition of TiO 2 , these devices can be fabricated on arbitrary substrates, making them compatible with a wide range of nonlinear materials and sensing targets, and couple efficiently to underlying films. In this work, we detail the design, simulation, and fabrication of all-dielectric multi-resonant bullseye antennas and characterize their performance using polarized broadband reflection spectroscopy.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Ultrafast spin-nematic and ferroelectric phase transitions induced by femtosecond light pulses

We report, optically induced phase transitions of the manganite Pr 1/3 Ca 2/3 MnO 3 have been simulated by using a model Hamiltonian that captures the dynamics of strongly correlated charge, orbital, lattice, and spin degrees of freedom. Its parameters have been extracted from first-principles calculations. Beyond a critical intensity of a femtosecond light pulse, the material undergoes an ultrafast and nonthermal magnetic phase transition from a noncollinear to collinear antiferromagnetic phase. The light-pulse excites selectively either a spin-nematic or a ferroelectric phase, depending on the light polarization. The behavior can be traced to an optically induced ferromagnetic coupling between Mn trimers, i.e., polarons which are delocalized over three Mn sites. The polarization guides the polymerization of the polaronic crystal into distinct patterns of ferromagnetic chains determining the target phase.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Measurement of the photon beam asymmetry in γ → p → K + Σ 0 at E γ = 8.5 GeV

We report measurements of the photon beam asymmetry $\Sigma$ for the reaction $\vec{\gamma} p\to K^+\Sigma^0$(1193) using the GlueX spectrometer in Hall D at Jefferson Lab. Data were collected using a linearly polarized photon beam in the energy range of 8.2-8.8 GeV incident on a liquid hydrogen target. The beam asymmetry $\Sigma$ was measured as a function of the Mandelstam variable $t$, and a single value of $\Sigma$ was extracted for events produced in the $u$-channel. These are the first exclusive measurements of the photon beam asymmetry $\Sigma$ for the reaction in this energy range. For the $t$-channel, the measured beam asymmetry is close to unity over the $t$-range studied, $-t=(0.1-1.4)~$(GeV/$c$)$^{2}$, with an average value of $\Sigma = 1.00\pm 0.05$. This agrees with theoretical models that describe the reaction via the natural-parity exchange of the $K^{*}$(892) Regge trajectory. A value of $\Sigma = 0.41 \pm 0.09$ is obtained for the $u$-channel integrated up to $-u=2.0$~(GeV/$c$)$^{2}$.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Light Meson Spectroscopy with GlueX and Beyond

The GlueX experiment at Jefferson Lab was specifically designed for precision studies of the light-meson spectrum. For this purpose, a photon beam with energies up to 12 GeV is directed onto a liquid hydrogen target contained within a hermetic detector with near-complete neutral and charged particle coverage. Linear polarization of the photon beam with a maximum around 9 GeV provides additional information about the production process. In 2018, the experiment completed its first phase, recording data with a total integrated luminosity above 400 pb?1. We highlight a selection of results from this world-leading data set with emphasis on the search for light hybrid mesons. In the mean time, the detector underwent significant upgrades and is currently recording data with an even higher luminosity. The future plans of the GlueX experiment to explore the meson spectrum with unprecedented precision are summarized.

Austregesilo, Alexander↗