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At least 829 records · Page 46

Entire expressed peripheral blood transcriptome in pediatric severe malarial anemia

Abstract This study on severe malarial anemia (SMA: Hb < 6.0 g/dL), a leading global cause of childhood morbidity and mortality, compares the entire expressed whole blood host transcriptome between Kenyan children (3-48 mos.) with non-SMA (Hb ≥ 6.0 g/dL, n = 39) and SMA ( n = 18). Differential expression analyses reveal 1403 up-regulated and 279 down-regulated transcripts in SMA, signifying impairments in host inflammasome activation, cell death, and innate immune and cellular stress responses. Immune cell profiling shows decreased memory responses, antigen presentation, and immediate pathogen clearance, suggesting an immature/improperly regulated immune response in SMA. Module repertoire analysis of blood-specific gene signatures identifies up-regulation of erythroid genes, enhanced neutrophil activation, and impaired inflammatory responses in SMA. Enrichment analyses converge on disruptions in cellular homeostasis and regulatory pathways for the ubiquitin-proteasome system, autophagy, and heme metabolism. Pathway analyses highlight activation in response to hypoxic conditions [Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF)−1 target and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) signaling] as a central theme in SMA. These signaling pathways are also top-ranking in protein abundance measures and a Ugandan SMA cohort with available transcriptomic data. Targeted RNA-Seq validation shows strong concordance with our entire expressed transcriptome data. These findings identify key molecular themes in SMA pathogenesis, offering potential targets for new malaria therapies.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Genomes of multicellular algal sisters to land plants illuminate signaling network evolution

Zygnematophyceae are the algal sisters of land plants. Here we sequenced four genomes of filamentous Zygnematophyceae, including chromosome-scale assemblies for three strains of Zygnema circumcarinatum . We inferred traits in the ancestor of Zygnematophyceae and land plants that might have ushered in the conquest of land by plants: expanded genes for signaling cascades, environmental response, and multicellular growth. Zygnematophyceae and land plants share all the major enzymes for cell wall synthesis and remodifications, and gene gains shaped this toolkit. Co-expression network analyses uncover gene cohorts that unite environmental signaling with multicellular developmental programs. Our data shed light on a molecular chassis that balances environmental response and growth modulation across more than 600 million years of streptophyte evolution.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Control of transcription elongation and DNA repair by alarmone ppGpp

Second messenger (p)ppGpp (collectively guanosine tetraphosphate and guanosine pentaphosphate) mediates bacterial adaptation to nutritional stress by modulating transcription initiation. More recently, ppGpp has been implicated in coupling transcription and DNA repair; however, the mechanism of ppGpp engagement remained elusive. Here we present structural, biochemical and genetic evidence that ppGpp controls Escherichia coli RNA polymerase (RNAP) during elongation via a specific site that is nonfunctional during initiation. Structure-guided mutagenesis renders the elongation (but not initiation) complex unresponsive to ppGpp and increases bacterial sensitivity to genotoxic agents and ultraviolet radiation. Thus, ppGpp binds RNAP at sites with distinct functions in initiation and elongation, with the latter being important for promoting DNA repair. Our data provide insights on the molecular mechanism of ppGpp-mediated adaptation during stress, and further highlight the intricate relationships between genome stability, stress responses and transcription.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Geometry-complete diffusion for 3D molecule generation and optimization

Abstract Generative deep learning methods have recently been proposed for generating 3D molecules using equivariant graph neural networks (GNNs) within a denoising diffusion framework. However, such methods are unable to learn important geometric properties of 3D molecules, as they adopt molecule-agnostic and non-geometric GNNs as their 3D graph denoising networks, which notably hinders their ability to generate valid large 3D molecules. In this work, we address these gaps by introducing the Geometry-Complete Diffusion Model (GCDM) for 3D molecule generation, which outperforms existing 3D molecular diffusion models by significant margins across conditional and unconditional settings for the QM9 dataset and the larger GEOM-Drugs dataset, respectively. Importantly, we demonstrate that GCDM’s generative denoising process enables the model to generate a significant proportion of valid and energetically-stable large molecules at the scale of GEOM-Drugs, whereas previous methods fail to do so with the features they learn. Additionally, we show that extensions of GCDM can not only effectively design 3D molecules for specific protein pockets but can be repurposed to consistently optimize the geometry and chemical composition of existing 3D molecules for molecular stability and property specificity, demonstrating new versatility of molecular diffusion models. Code and data are freely available on GitHub .

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Uncovering novel liquid organic hydrogen carriers: a systematic exploration of chemical compound space using cheminformatics and quantum chemical methods

We present a comprehensive, in silico-based discovery approach to identifying novel liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) candidates using cheminformatics methods and quantum chemical calculations. We screened over 160 billion molecules from ZINC15 and GDB-17 chemical databases for structural similarity to known LOHCs and employed a data-driven selection criterion connecting molecular features with dehydrogenation enthalpy. This scoring criterion effectively predicts dehydrogenation enthalpies from SMILES strings, streamlining the LOHC screening process. After rigorous screening and down-selection, we compiled a database of 3000 dehydrogenation reactions for the most promising LOHC candidates, setting the stage for future selection based on kinetics and catalysis. This work demonstrates the significant impact of integrating quantum chemistry and cheminformatics in materials discovery, accelerating the selection process while reducing experimental efforts and time. By proposing new molecules as prospective LOHC candidates, our study provides a valuable resource for researchers and engineers in the development of advanced LOHC systems and showcases a successful approach for high-throughput discovery, contributing to more efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

CFM-ID 4.0 – a web server for accurate MS-based metabolite identification

The CFM-ID 4.0 web server (https://cfmid.wishartlab.com) is an online tool for predicting, annotating and interpreting tandem mass (MS/MS) spectra of small molecules. It is specifically designed to assist researchers pursuing studies in metabolomics, exposomics and analytical chemistry. More specifically, CFM-ID 4.0 supports the: 1) prediction of electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectra (ESI-QTOF-MS/MS) for small molecules over multiple collision energies (10 eV, 20 eV, and 40 eV); 2) annotation of ESI-QTOF-MS/MS spectra given the structure of the compound; and 3) identification of a small molecule that generated a given ESI-QTOF-MS/MS spectrum at one or more collision energies. The CFM-ID 4.0 web server makes use of a substantially improved MS fragmentation algorithm, a much larger database of experimental and in silico predicted MS/MS spectra and improved scoring methods to offer more accurate MS/MS spectral prediction and MS/MS-based compound identification. Compared to earlier versions of CFM-ID, this new version has an MS/MS spectral prediction performance that is ~22% better and a compound identification accuracy that is ~35% better on a standard (CASMI 2016) testing dataset. CFM-ID 4.0 also features a neutral loss function that allows users to identify similar or substituent compounds where no match can be found using CFM-ID’s regular MS/MS-to-compound identification utility. Finally, the CFM-ID 4.0 web server now offers a much more refined user interface that is easier to use, supports molecular formula identification (from MS/MS data), provides more interactively viewable data (including proposed fragment ion structures) and displays MS mirror plots for comparing predicted with observed MS/MS spectra. These improvements should make CFM-ID 4.0 much more useful to the community and should make small molecule identification much easier, faster, and more accurate.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Coordinated resource allocation to plant growth–defense tradeoffs

Summary Plant resource allocation patterns often reveal tradeoffs that favor growth (G) over defense (D), or vice versa. Ecologists most often explain G–D tradeoffs through principles of economic optimality, in which negative trait correlations are attributed to the reconciliation of fitness costs. Recently, researchers in molecular biology have developed ‘big data’ resources including multi‐omic (e.g. transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic) studies that describe the cellular processes controlling gene expression in model species. In this synthesis, we bridge ecological theory with discoveries in multi‐omics biology to better understand how selection has shaped the mechanisms of G–D tradeoffs. Multi‐omic studies reveal strategically coordinated patterns in resource allocation that are enabled by phytohormone crosstalk and transcriptional signal cascades. Coordinated resource allocation justifies the framework of optimality theory, while providing mechanistic insight into the feedbacks and control hubs that calibrate G–D tradeoff commitments. We use the existing literature to describe the coordinated resource allocation hypothesis (CoRAH) that accounts for balanced cellular controls during the expression of G–D tradeoffs, while sustaining stored resource pools to buffer the impacts of future stresses. The integrative mechanisms of the CoRAH unify the supply‐ and demand‐side perspectives of previous G–D tradeoff theories.

Monson, Russell K.↗

Organic Matter Composition in June 2023 and September 2023 Across the McKenzie Sub-Basin Impacted by the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire

This dataset represents results from a field study aiming to understand the variability in post-fire responses of dissolved organic matter and determine drivers of post-fire responses. Samples were collected at 58 sites within the McKenzie River Watershed (Oregon, USA) that were upstream, within, and downstream of the Holiday Farm Fire burn perimeter. The samples were collected in June 2023 and September 2023 during storm events, approximately 3 years post-fire. Samples were characterized for benezenepolycarboxylic acids (BPCA) and ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry. Dissolved organic carbon and optics (absorbance and fluorescence) data can be found in a separate data packages (https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/datasets/zc77sz60m, https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/datasets/mc87q034m). Related data from a subset of sites from 2020-2022 can be found at https://data.ess-dive.lbl.gov/datasets/doi:10.15485/1869708 and https://data.ess-dive.lbl.gov/datasets/doi:10.15485/2478546. For details on how to navigate data packages generated by this project, see https://data.ess-dive.lbl.gov/portals/PNNLRiverCorridorSFA/About. This dataset contains (1) file-level metadata; (2) data dictionary; (3) data package readme; (4) metadata; (5) methods information; (6) benzene polycarboxylic acid (BPCA) concentration data; (7) Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS) methods; (8) folder of high resolution characterization of organic matter via 12 Tesla FTICR-MS data generated through the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL; https://www.pnnl.gov/environmental-molecular-sciences-laboratory). This package contains the following file types: csv, xml, pdf.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Navier: Dataflow Architecture for Computation Chemistry

Navier’s objectives were two evaluate the use of emerging technologies, especially dataflow accelerators, for high-performance computing (HPC) applications, specifically in the domain of chemistry, and to develop a prototype software stack to support such applications. Navier builds on capabilities previously developed by synergistic projects, such as PNNL Data Model Convergence (DMC) LDRD Hardware Advanced Workflows (HAW) and DuOMO, as well as DOE ARIAA. Throughout its 18 months, the Navier team developed new capabilities and artifacts at all levels of the HW/SW stack, provided a seamless way to integrate novel computing architectures (Sambanova SN10 and Xilinx Versal AI) into an existing software stack, developed chemistry workflows, data analytics tools, and HPC molecular dynamics workflows that leverage the developed stack and PNNL institutional investments in emerging architectures. Navier also explored the use of active learning to accelerate a computational chemistry workflow for organic molecules on PNNL Junction cluster (in collaboration with AMD/Xilinx). Navier developed tools, methodologies, and studies for hardware software co-design and (sparse) dataflow accelerators that are composable and can be used together or separately. These methodologies are now used in other projects, such as DOE AMAIS and HPDA. This report describes Navier’s achievement, the developed tools and methodologies, and the research findings and conclusions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Cryo-EM structure of the diapause chaperone artemin

The protein artemin acts as both an RNA and protein chaperone and constitutes over 10% of all protein in Artemia cysts during diapause. However, its mechanistic details remain elusive since no high-resolution structure of artemin exists. Here we report the full-length structure of artemin at 2.04 Å resolution. The cryo-EM map contains density for an intramolecular disulfide bond between Cys22-Cys61 and resolves the entire C-terminus extending into the core of the assembled protein cage but in a different configuration than previously hypothesized with molecular modeling. We also provide data supporting the role of C-terminal helix F towards stabilizing the dimer form that is believed to be important for its chaperoning activity. We were able to destabilize this effect by placing a tag at the C-terminus to fully pack the internal cavity and cause limited steric hindrance.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Dissociation energies of some high temperature molecules containing aluminum

The Knudsen cell mass spectrometric method has been used to investigate the gaseous molecules Al2, AlSi,AlSiO, AlC2, Al2C2, and AlAuC2. Special attention was given to the experimental considerations and techniques needed to identify and to measure ion intensities for very low abundance molecular species. Second- and third-law procedures were used to obtain reaction enthalpies for pressure calibration independent and isomolecular exchange reactions. Dissociation energies for the molecules were derived from the measured ion intensities, free-energy functions obtained from estimated molecular constants, and auxiliary thermodynamic data. The bonding and stability of these aluminum containing molecules are compared with other similar species.

Stearns, C. A.↗

The imaging photopolarimeter experiment on Pioneer 11

For 2 weeks continuous imaging, photometry, and polarimetry observations were made of Jupiter and the Galilean satellites in red and blue light from Pioneer 11. Measurements of Jupiter's north and south polar regions were possible because the spacecraft trajectory was highly inclined to the planet's equatorial plane. One of the highest resolution images obtained is presented here along with a comparison of a sample of our photometric and polarimetric data with a simple model. The data seem consistent with increased molecular scattering at high latitudes.

Baker, A. L.↗

Comments on the origins of the diffuse interstellar bands

Most work in recent years on the unidentified diffuse interstellar bands has been concentrated on the hypothesis that they are produced by some process in solid grains. We review that hypothesis and the arguments which support it, and find that diffuse band formation by certain classes of molecules should not yet be ruled out. Since several relevant observations have been made in the last four years, the observational data on the bands are reviewed. It would appear that these data are as consistent with molecular origins for the bands as with grain origins. Types of molecular transitions which give rise to 'diffuse' bands are described. These transitions can occur in relatively simple molecules composed of cosmically abundant elements and can produce broad, unresolvable profiles without destroying the molecule. New observations are suggested which could produce decisive evidence with which to determine whether the diffuse bands originate in grains, molecules, or both.

Smith, W. H.↗

Measurements of the thermal plasma environment of the Space Shuttle

The paper presents some initial results on measurements of the thermal plasma environment obtained by a spherical retarding potential analyzer and a Langmuir probe flown on (STS-3) as part of the NASA Office of Space Science-1 payload in March 1982. One of the major effects observed is a higher degree of turbulence in the ambient plasma compared to what is observed from similar instruments flown on unmanned satellites. In addition we see the temperature of the thermal electrons elevated to values of 4000-5000 K. Associated with elevated electron temperatures are regions of enhanced plasma density resulting from the appearance of high densities of molecular ions. The thermal plasma data also show clear effects of an induced V x B.L potential at the location of the probes which matches that produced by an L vector linking the probes to the engine nozzles; thereby establishing the prime return current location on the Orbiter. The final observations discussed are the pronounced and complex wake effects resulting both from the main structure of the Orbiter and from the complex shapes of appendages attached to the Orbiter.

Raitt, W. J.↗

Star Formation in Globules

The low mass star formation process was studied by application of submillimeter and supplementing far-infrared continuum observations by molecular line observations to the discovery and analysis of compact cores in molecular clouds with low luminosity. These dense regions are likely to be the sites where a cloud has recently collapsed or is still collapsing to form a star. Observations show that nonisotropic effects must play an important role in star formation. Four low luminosity sources embedded in the clouds L1551, B335, L1455 and L723 are presented. All these sources exhibit collimated bipolar molecular outflows of varying strengths. Data on the outflows are combined with determinations of mass, luminosity and temperature of the dust in the dense cores surrounding these embedded energy sources, to infer the evolutionary stage of the object. The possible role of the cores in channeling or generating the outflow is examined.

Davidson, J. A.↗

Induced orientational behavior of liquid crystal polymer by carbon fibers

Experimental results are presented that show that the structure of carbon fibers induces molecular orientation of liquid crystal polymers. X-ray diffraction data are used to demonstrate final collinearity of the polymer molecular axis and carbon fiber axis independent of fabrication approaches or prefabrication orientation of the polymer relative to the carbon fiber direction. The final degree of polymer molecular orientation approximately equals the degree of carbon basal plane orientation within the carbon fiber.

Chung, T. S.↗

Composition of faint comets

The study uses an emission line, differential imaging camera built by the Science Operations Branch. This instrument allows photometric data to be obtained over a large area of a comet in a large number of resolution elements. The detector is a 100x100 Reticon array which with interchangeable optics can give resolutions from 2" to 30" over a field of 1' to 15'. The camera through its controlling computer can simultaneously take images in on-line and continuum filters and through computer subtraction and calibration present a photometric image of the comet produced by only the emission of the molecule under study. Initial work has shown two significant problems. First the auxiliary equipment of the telescope has not allowed the unambiguous location of faint comets so that systematic observations could be made, and secondly initial data has not shown much molecular emission from the faint comets which were located. Work last year on a software and hardware display system and this year on additional guide motors on the 36-inch telescope has allowed the differential camera to act as its own finder and guide scope. Comet IRAS was observed in C2 and CO+, as well as an occultation by the comet of SAO029103. The perodic comet Giacobini-Zinner was also observed in C2.

Brown, L. W.↗