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At least 865 records · Page 48

Adaptive Uncertainty Quantification for Stochastic Hyperbolic Conservation Laws

Here, we propose a predictor-corrector adaptive method for the study of hyperbolic partial differential equations (PDEs) under uncertainty. Constructed around the framework of stochastic finite volume (SFV) methods, our approach circumvents sampling schemes or simulation ensembles while also preserving fundamental properties, in particular hyperbolicity of the resulting systems and conservation of the discrete solutions. Furthermore, we augment the existing SFV theory with a priori convergence results for statistical quantities, in particular push-forward densities, which we demonstrate through numerical experiments. By linking refinement indicators to regions of the physical and stochastic spaces, we drive anisotropic refinements of the discretizations, introducing new degrees of freedom where deemed profitable. To illustrate our proposed method, we consider a series of numerical examples for nonlinear hyperbolic PDEs based on Burgers’ and Euler’s equations.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

New LHC benchmarks for the $\mathcal{CP}$-conserving two-Higgs-doublet model

We introduce a strategy to study the parameter space of the general, CP-conserving, two-Higgs-doublet Model (2HDM) with a softly broken $\mathbb Z_{2}$-symmetry by means of a new “hybrid” basis. In this basis the input parameters are the measured values of the mass of the observed Standard Model (SM)-like Higgs boson and its coupling strength to vector boson pairs, the mass of the second CP-even Higgs boson, the ratio of neutral Higgs vacuum expectation values, and three additional dimensionless parameters. Here, using the hybrid basis, we present numerical scans of the 2HDM parameter space where we survey available parameter regions and analyze model constraints. From these results, we define a number of benchmark scenarios that capture different aspects of non-standard Higgs phenomenology that are of interest for future LHC Higgs searches.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Efficient Reformulation of Linear and Nonlinear Solid-Phase Diffusion in Lithium-ion Battery Models using Symmetric Polynomials: Mass Conservation and Computational Efficiency

Lithium-ion batteries are typically modeled using porous electrode theory coupled with various transport and reaction mechanisms, along with suitable discretization or approximations for the solid-phase diffusion equation. The solid-phase diffusion equation represents the main computational burden for typical pseudo-2-dimensional (p2D) models since these equations in the pseudo r -dimension must be solved at each point in the computational grid. This substantially increases the complexity of the model as well as the computational time. Traditional approaches towards simplifying solid-phase diffusion possess certain significant limitations, especially in modeling emerging electrode materials which involve phase changes and variable diffusivities. A computationally efficient representation for solid-phase diffusion is discussed in this paper based on symmetric polynomials using Orthogonal Collocation and Galerkin formulation (weak form). A systematic approach is provided to increase the accuracy of the approximation (p form in finite element methods) to enable efficient simulation with a minimal number of semi-discretized equations, ensuring mass conservation even for non-linear diffusion problems involving variable diffusivities. These methods are then demonstrated by incorporation into the full p2D model, illustrating their advantages in simulating high C-rates and short-time dynamic operation of Lithium-ion batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Simulating pitch angle scattering using an explicitly solvable energy-conserving algorithm

Particle distribution functions evolving under the Lorentz operator can be simulated with the Langevin equation for pitch angle scattering. This approach is frequently used in particle based Monte-Carlo simulations of plasma collisions, among others. However, most numerical treatments do not guarantee energy conservation, which may lead to unphysical artifacts such as numerical heating and spectra distortions. We present a novel structure-preserving numerical algorithm for the Langevin equation for pitch angle scattering. Similar to the well-known Boris algorithm, the proposed numerical scheme takes advantage of the structure-preserving properties of the Cayley transform when calculating the velocity-space rotations. The resulting algorithm is explicitly solvable, while preserving the norm of velocities down to machine precision. We demonstrate that the method has the same order of numerical convergence as the traditional stochastic Euler-Maruyama method.

Zhang, Xin↗

Conserving Land–Atmosphere Synthesis Suite (CLASS)

Accurate estimates of terrestrial water and energy cycle components are needed to better understand climate processes and improve models’ ability to simulate future change. Various observational estimates are available for the individual budget terms; however, these typically show inconsistencies when combined in a budget. In this work, a Conserving Land–Atmosphere Synthesis Suite (CLASS) of estimates of simultaneously balanced surface water and energy budget components is developed. Individual CLASS variable datasets, where possible, 1) combine a range of existing variable product estimates, and hence overcome the limitations of estimates from a single source; 2) are observationally constrained with in situ measurements; 3) have uncertainty estimates that are consistent with their agreement with in situ observations; and 4) are consistent with each other by being able to solve the water and energy budgets simultaneously. First, available datasets of a budget variable are merged by implementing a weighting method that accounts both for the ability of datasets to match in situ measurements and the error covariance between datasets. Then, the budget terms are adjusted by applying an objective variational data assimilation technique (DAT) that enforces the simultaneous closure of the surface water and energy budgets linked through the equivalence of evapotranspiration and latent heat. Comparing component estimates before and after applying the DAT against in situ measurements of energy fluxes and streamflow showed that modified estimates agree better with in situ observations across various metrics, but also revealed some inconsistencies between water budget terms in June over the higher latitudes.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Conservation of the C-type lectin fold for accommodating massive sequence variation in archaeal diversity-generating retroelements

Diversity-generating retroelements (DGRs) provide organisms with a unique means for adaptation to a dynamic environment through massive protein sequence variation. The potential scope of this variation exceeds that of the vertebrate adaptive immune system. DGRs were known to exist only in viruses and bacteria until their recent discovery in archaea belonging to the ‘microbial dark matter’, specifically in organisms closely related to Nanoarchaeota. However, Nanoarchaeota DGR variable proteins were unassignable to known protein folds and apparently unrelated to characterized DGR variable proteins. To address the issue of how Nanoarchaeota DGR variable proteins accommodate massive sequence variation, we determined the 2.52 Å resolution limit crystal structure of one such protein, AvpA, which revealed a C-type lectin (CLec)-fold that organizes a putative ligand-binding site that is capable of accommodating 1013 sequences. This fold is surprisingly reminiscent of the CLec-folds of viral and bacterial DGR variable protein, but differs sufficiently to define a new CLec-fold subclass, which is consistent with early divergence between bacterial and archaeal DGRs. The structure also enabled identification of a group of AvpA-like proteins in multiple putative DGRs from uncultivated archaea. These variable proteins may aid Nanoarchaeota and these uncultivated archaea in symbiotic relationships. Our results have uncovered the widespread conservation of the CLec-fold in viruses, bacteria, and archaea for accommodating massive sequence variation. In addition, to our knowledge, this is the first report of an archaeal CLec-fold protein.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Single mutation at a highly conserved region of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase enables isobutyl acetate production directly from cellulose by Clostridium thermocellum at elevated temperatures

Abstract Background Esters are versatile chemicals and potential drop-in biofuels. To develop a sustainable production platform, microbial ester biosynthesis using alcohol acetyltransferases (AATs) has been studied for decades. Volatility of esters endows high-temperature fermentation with advantageous downstream product separation. However, due to the limited thermostability of AATs known, the ester biosynthesis has largely relied on use of mesophilic microbes. Therefore, developing thermostable AATs is important for ester production directly from lignocellulosic biomass by the thermophilic consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) microbes, e.g., Clostridium thermocellum . Results In this study, we engineered a thermostable chloramphenicol acetyltransferase from Staphylococcus aureus (CAT Sa ) for enhanced isobutyl acetate production at elevated temperatures. We first analyzed the broad alcohol substrate range of CAT Sa . Then, we targeted a highly conserved region in the binding pocket of CAT Sa for mutagenesis. The mutagenesis revealed that F97W significantly increased conversion of isobutanol to isobutyl acetate. Using CAT Sa F97W, we demonstrated direct conversion of cellulose into isobutyl acetate by an engineered C. thermocellum at elevated temperatures. Conclusions This study highlights that CAT is a potential thermostable AAT that can be harnessed to develop the thermophilic CBP microbial platform for biosynthesis of designer bioesters directly from lignocellulosic biomass.

Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology↗

Advancing stem cell technologies for conservation of wildlife biodiversity

ABSTRACT Wildlife biodiversity is essential for healthy, resilient and sustainable ecosystems. For biologists, this diversity also represents a treasure trove of genetic, molecular and developmental mechanisms that deepen our understanding of the origins and rules of life. However, the rapid decline in biodiversity reported recently foreshadows a potentially catastrophic collapse of many important ecosystems and the associated irreversible loss of many forms of life on our planet. Immediate action by conservationists of all stripes is required to avert this disaster. In this Spotlight, we draw together insights and proposals discussed at a recent workshop hosted by Revive & Restore, which gathered experts to discuss how stem cell technologies can support traditional conservation techniques and help protect animal biodiversity. We discuss reprogramming, in vitro gametogenesis, disease modelling and embryo modelling, and we highlight the prospects for leveraging stem cell technologies beyond mammalian species.

Developmental Biology↗

Is Breast-Conserving Therapy Appropriate for Male Breast Cancer Patients? A National Cancer Database Analysis

Background: Current treatment guidelines for male breast cancer are predominantly guided by female-only clinical trials. With scarce research, it is unclear whether breast-conserving therapy (BCT) is equivalent to mastectomy in men. We sought to compare overall survival (OS) among male breast cancer patients who underwent BCT versus mastectomy. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 8445 stage I–II (T1–2 N0–1 M0) male breast cancer patients from the National Cancer Database (2004–2014). Patients were grouped according to surgical and radiation therapy (RT). BCT was defined as partial mastectomy followed by RT. Multivariable and inverse probability of treatment-weighted (IPTW) Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare OS between treatment groups, controlling for demographic and clinicopathologic characteristics. Results: Most patients underwent total mastectomy (61.2%), whereas 18.2% underwent BCT, 12.4% underwent total mastectomy with RT, and 8.2% underwent partial mastectomy alone. In multivariable and IPTW models, partial mastectomy alone, total mastectomy alone, and total mastectomy with RT were associated with worse OS compared with BCT (p < 0.001 all). Ten-year OS was 73.8% for BCT and 56.3, 58.0 and 56.3% for other treatment approaches. Older age, higher T/N stage, histological grade, and triple-negative receptor status were associated with poorer OS (p < 0.05). Subgroup analysis by stage demonstrated similar results. Conclusions: In this national sample of male breast cancer patients, BCT was associated with greater survival. The underlying mechanisms of this association warrant further study, because more routine adoption of BCT in male breast cancer appears to translate into clinically meaningful improvements in survival.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

A Comparison of Patient-Reported Outcomes After Breast-Conserving Surgery and Mastectomy with Implant Breast Reconstruction

Background: Many factors influence decisions regarding choice of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) versus mastectomy with reconstruction for early invasive breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to compare patient satisfaction following BCS and mastectomy with implant reconstruction (M-iR) utilizing the BREAST-Q patient-reported outcome measure. Methods: Women with stage I or II breast cancer undergoing BCS or M-iR who completed a BREAST-Q from 2010 to 2016 were identified by retrospective review of a prospective database. Baseline characteristics were compared, and linear mixed models were used to analyze associations with BREAST-Q scores over time. Results: Our study group was composed of 3233 women; 2026 (63%) had BCS, 123 (3.8%) had nipple-sparing mastectomy, and 1084 (34%) had skin-sparing or total mastectomy. Median time from surgery to BREAST-Q was 205 days for BCS and 639 days for M-iR (p < 0.001). Regardless of type of surgery, breast satisfaction scores decreased significantly over time (p < 0.001), whereas psychosocial (p = 0.001) and sexual (p = 0.004) well-being scores increased significantly over time. BCS was associated with significantly higher scores over time compared with M-iR across all subscales (all p < 0.001). Radiation was significantly associated with decreased scores over time across all subscales (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: Breast satisfaction and quality-of-life scores were higher for BCS compared with M-iR in early-stage invasive breast cancer. These findings may help in counseling women who have a choice for surgical treatment. Breast satisfaction scores decreased over time in all women, highlighting the need for further evaluation with longer follow-up.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Redefining Eligibility by Analyzing Canceled Intraoperative Radiotherapy as a Boost for Patients Undergoing Breast-Conserving Treatment

Background: Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) with a 50-kV x-ray is used for a tumor bed boost during breast-conserving surgery. This study evaluated the anatomicosurgical factors associated with cancellation of planned IORT. Methods: Patient eligibility for the study included age of 20 years or older, compatibility for lumpectomy, and ductal carcinoma in situ or stages 1–3 invasive carcinoma. All the patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and multidisciplinary team evaluations. Resection margins were assessed by frozen pathology. Pre- and intraoperative variables were compared between the IORT and IORT-cancellation groups. Results: A total of 434 patients underwent surgeries for IORT between August 2014 and December 2017. For 90 of these patients, IORT was canceled because of repeated positive margins leading to a large cavity or total mastectomy (n = 27), insufficient cavity-skin distance (n = 14), satellite lesions leading to a large cavity or total mastectomy (n = 12), MRI findings of a large primary tumor or uncertain margins leading to a large cavity (n = 6), cavity geometry unsuitable for IORT (n = 6), subareolar tumor extension (n = 6), tumor abutting the pectoralis muscle (n = 3), patient refusal (n = 5), intraoperative confirmation of bilateral breast cancer (n = 3) or benign pathology (n = 3), device malfunction (n = 3), or scheduling difficulty (n = 2). A tumor larger than 2 cm (P = 0.014) and the presence of satellite lesions (P = 0.014) were independent predictors of IORT cancellation. Conclusions: Surgical procedures resulting in large cavities were the leading cause of IORT cancellation. Multidisciplinary evaluations using MRI were critical for completion of IORT procedures.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

BEPAM Model Code and CABBI Simulation Results for "Assessing the Returns to Land and Greenhouse Gas Savings from Producing Energy Crops on Conservation Reserve Program Land"

This dataset contains BEPAM model code and input data to the replicate the results for "Assessing the Returns to Land and Greenhouse Gas Savings from Producing Energy Crops on Conservation Reserve Program Land." The dataset consists of: (1) The replication codes and data for the BEPAM model. The code file is named as output_0213-2020_Complete_daycent-agversion-[rental payment level]%_[biomass price].gms. (BEPAM-CRP model-Sep2020.zip) (2) Simulation results from the BEPAM model (BEPAM_Simulation_Results.csv) * Item (1) is in GAMS format. Item (2) is in text format.

biomass price↗

EfgA is a conserved formaldehyde sensor that leads to bacterial growth arrest in response to elevated formaldehyde

Normal cellular processes give rise to toxic metabolites that cells must mitigate. Formaldehyde is a universal stressor and potent metabolic toxin that is generated in organisms from bacteria to humans. Methylotrophic bacteria such as Methylorubrum extorquens face an acute challenge due to their production of formaldehyde as an obligate central intermediate of single-carbon metabolism. Mechanisms to sense and respond to formaldehyde were speculated to exist in methylotrophs for decades but had never been discovered. Here, we identify a member of the DUF336 domain family, named efgA for enhanced formaldehyde growth, that plays an important role in endogenous formaldehyde stress response in M . extorquens PA1 and is found almost exclusively in methylotrophic taxa. Our experimental analyses reveal that EfgA is a formaldehyde sensor that rapidly arrests growth in response to elevated levels of formaldehyde. Heterologous expression of EfgA in Escherichia coli increases formaldehyde resistance, indicating that its interaction partners are widespread and conserved. EfgA represents the first example of a formaldehyde stress response system that does not involve enzymatic detoxification. Thus, EfgA comprises a unique stress response mechanism in bacteria, whereby a single protein directly senses elevated levels of a toxic intracellular metabolite and safeguards cells from potential damage.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

A most wanted list of conserved microbial protein families with no known domains

The number and proportion of genes with no known function are growing rapidly. To quantify this phenomenon and provide criteria for prioritizing genes for functional characterization, we developed a bioinformatics pipeline that identifies robustly defined protein families with no annotated domains, ranks these with respect to phylogenetic breadth, and identifies them in metagenomics data. We applied this approach to 271 965 protein families from the SFams database and discovered many with no functional annotation, including >118 000 families lacking any known protein domain. From these, we prioritized 6 668 conserved protein families with at least three sequences from organisms in at least two distinct classes. These Function Unknown Families (FUnkFams) are present in Tara Oceans Expedition and Human Microbiome Project metagenomes, with distributions associated with sampling environment. Our findings highlight the extent of functional novelty in sequence databases and establish an approach for creating a “most wanted” list of genes to prioritize for further characterization.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Conserved HA-peptide NG34 formulated in pCMV-CTLA4-Ig reduces viral shedding in pigs after a heterosubtypic influenza virus SwH3N2 challenge

Swine influenza viruses (SIVs), the causal agents of swine influenza, are not only important to control due to the economic losses in the swine industry, but also can be pandemic pathogens. Vaccination is one of the most relevant strategies to control and prevent influenza infection. Current human vaccines against influenza induce strain-specific immunity and annual update is required due to the virus antigenic shift phenomena. Previously, our group has reported the use of conserved hemagglutinin peptides (HA-peptides) derived from H1-influenza virus as a potential multivalent vaccine candidate. Immunization of swine with these HA-peptides elicited antibodies that recognized and neutralized heterologous influenza viruses in vitro and demonstrated strong hemagglutination-inhibiting activity. In the present work, we cloned one HA-peptide (named NG34) into a plasmid fused with cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen (CTLA4) which is a molecule that modifies T cell activation and with an adjuvant activity interfering with the adaptive immune response. The resulting plasmid, named pCMV-CTLA4-Ig-NG34, was administered twice to animals employing a needle-free delivery approach. Two studies were carried out to test the efficacy of pCMV-CTLA4-Ig-NG34 as a potential swine influenza vaccine, one in seronegative and another in seropositive pigs against SIV. The second one was aimed to evaluate whether pCMV-CTLA4-Ig-NG34 vaccination would overcome maternally derived antibodies (MDA). After immunization, all animals were intranasally challenged with an H3N2 influenza strain. A complete elimination or significant reduction in the viral shedding was observed within the first week after the challenge in the vaccinated animals from both studies. In addition, no challenged heterologous virus load was detected in the airways of vaccinated pigs. Overall, it is suggested that the pCMV-CTLA4-Ig-NG34 vaccine formulation could potentially be used as a multivalent vaccine against influenza viruses. © 2019 Sisteré-Oró et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Biophysical and biochemical studies support TP0094 as a phosphotransacetylase in an acetogenic energy-conservation pathway in Treponema pallidum

The mechanisms of energy generation and carbon-source utilization in the syphilis spirochete Treponema pallidum have remained enigmatic despite complete genomic sequence information. Whereas the bacterium harbors enzymes for glycolysis, the apparatus for more efficient use of glucose catabolites, namely the citric-acid cycle, is apparently not present. Yet, the organism’s energy needs likely exceed the modest output from glycolysis alone. Recently, building on our structure-function studies of T . pallidum lipoproteins, we proposed a “flavin-centric” metabolic lifestyle for the organism that partially resolves this conundrum. As a part of the hypothesis, we have proposed that T . pallidum contains an acetogenic energy-conservation pathway that catabolizes D-lactate, yielding acetate, reducing equivalents for the generation and maintenance of chemiosmotic potential, and ATP. We already have confirmed the D-lactate dehydrogenase activity in T . pallidum necessary for this pathway to operate. In the current study, we focused on another enzyme ostensibly involved in treponemal acetogenesis, phosphotransacetylase (Pta). This enzyme is putatively identified as TP0094 and, in this study, we determined a high-resolution (1.95 Å) X-ray crystal structure of the protein, finding that its fold comports with other known Pta enzymes. Further studies on its solution behavior and enzyme activity confirmed that it has the properties of a Pta. These results are consistent with the proposed acetogenesis pathway in T . pallidum , and we propose that the protein be referred to henceforth as TpPta.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Broadly neutralizing humanized SARS-CoV-2 antibody binds to a conserved epitope on Spike and provides antiviral protection through inhalation-based delivery in non-human primates

The COVID-19 pandemic represents a global challenge that has impacted and is expected to continue to impact the lives and health of people across the world for the foreseeable future. The rollout of vaccines has provided highly anticipated relief, but effective therapeutics are required to further reduce the risk and severity of infections. Monoclonal antibodies have been shown to be effective as therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2, but as new variants of concern (VoC) continue to emerge, their utility and use have waned due to limited or no efficacy against these variants. Furthermore, cumbersome systemic administration limits easy and broad access to such drugs. As well, concentrations of systemically administered antibodies in the mucosal epithelium, a primary site of initial infection, are dependent on neonatal Fc receptor mediated transport and require high drug concentrations. To reduce the viral load more effectively in the lung, we developed an inhalable formulation of a SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody binding to a conserved epitope on the Spike protein, ensuring pan-neutralizing properties. Administration of this antibody via a vibrating mesh nebulization device retained antibody integrity and resulted in effective distribution of the antibody in the upper and lower respiratory tract of non-human primates (NHP). In comparison with intravenous administration, significantly higher antibody concentrations can be obtained in the lung, resulting in highly effective reduction in viral load post SARS-CoV-2 challenge. This approach may reduce the barriers of access and uptake of antibody therapeutics in real-world clinical settings and provide a more effective blueprint for targeting existing and potentially emerging respiratory tract viruses.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

FTICR-MS Data from Multi-continent River Water and Sediment and from Coastal River Fresh and Saline Sediment Associated with: “Dissolved Organic Matter Functional Trait Relationships are Conserved Across Rivers”

This data package is associated with the publication “Dissolved Organic Matter Functional Trait Relationships are Conserved Across Rivers” submitted to PNAS (Stegen et al., 2023). The study aims to understand large-scale spatial structure of the dissolved organic matter (DOM) thermodynamic traits and inter-trait relationships by investigating (1) river water and sediments collected along 97 rivers spanning 3 continents and (2) coastal sediment collected from fresh and saline locations in Pacific and Gulf/Atlantic rivers. Sediment extracts and water samples were analyzed using ultrahigh resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS). This dataset is comprised of three folders (1) Coastal, (2) WHONDR_S19S, and (3) Data_Dictionaries. Coastal contains (1) a subfolder with processed FTICR-MS data as csv files and sample collection metadata, (2) a subfolder with R scripts used to process the data and create associated figures, (3) a subfolder with the raw, unprocessed FTICR-MS data as .xml files, and (4) a readme file with more information about the dataset and instructions for using Formularity (https://omics.pnl.gov/software/formularity). WHONDRS_S19S contains (1) a csv file with processed FTICR data, (2) a csv with sample collection metadata, (3) a csv with sample geospatial data, (4) a csv with simulated lambda model outputs, (5) a subfolder with R scripts used to process the data and create associated figures, and (6) a readme file with more information regarding WHONDRS raw FTICR data and processing scripts. Data_Dictionaries contains data dictionaries for each csv file in the data package. The 97 global river corridors were part of a WHONDRS (https://whondrs.pnnl.gov) study. The raw, unprocessed FTICR-MS data with additional data can be found at doi:10.15485/1729719 for sediments and doi:10.15485/1603775 for water. This data package contains the processed data used in the associated manuscript. The coastal data has not been previously published, and this data package contains both the raw and processed data. Version 3 of this data package published February 2023 includes updates to the title of the manuscript, additional data and data dictionary and updated scripts linked to new analysis.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗