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At least 1,261 records · Page 70

Pitfalls in the n -mode representation of vibrational potentials

Simulations of anharmonic vibrational motion rely on computationally expedient representations of the governing potential energy surface. The n-mode representation (n-MR)—effectively a many-body expansion in the space of molecular vibrations—is a general and efficient approach that is often used for this purpose in vibrational self-consistent field (VSCF) calculations and correlated analogues thereof. In the present analysis, a lack of convergence in many VSCF calculations is shown to originate from negative and unbound potentials at truncated orders of the n-MR expansion. For cases of strong anharmonic coupling between modes, the n-MR can both dip below the true global minimum of the potential surface and lead to effective single-mode potentials in VSCF that do not correspond to bound vibrational problems, even for bound total potentials. The present analysis serves mainly as a pathology report of this issue. Furthermore, this insight into the origin of VSCF non-convergence provides a simple, albeit ad hoc, route to correct the problem by “painting in” the full representation of groups of modes that exhibit these negative potentials at little additional computational cost. Somewhat surprisingly, this approach also reasonably approximates the results of the next-higher n-MR order and identifies groups of modes with particularly strong coupling. The method is shown to identify and correct problematic triples of modes—and restore SCF convergence—in two-mode representations of challenging test systems, including the water dimer and trimer, as well as protonated tropine.

Chemistry↗

LaFeSi–LaFe 13-x Si x composites: Modulating magnetic and magnetocaloric properties through inherent stress manipulation

We examine structural and magnetic properties of a series of La–Fe–Si alloys in the region of concentrations where they naturally form two-phase LaFeSi–LaFe 13-x Si x composites with variable content and connectivity of LaFe 13-x Si x grains distributed within the LaFeSi matrix. Theoretical calculations confirm that the LaFeSi constituent is magnetically and structurally inert below room temperature and at pressures between -10 and 10 GPa. The LaFe 13-x Si x constituent, on the other hand, is magnetically and structurally active: it exhibits first-order magnetostructural transformations that, in addition to x Si , can be controlled with temperature, magnetic field, and pressure. In composites where the concentration of the inactive constituent is ~70 wt. % or greater, the standard, single-step, LaFe 13-x Si x first-order phase transformation proceeds in two steps separated by over 30 K in a zero magnetic field. Increasing the magnetic field recouples the two steps and restores the single-step phase transformation pathway. We analyze the roles of stresses caused by both thermal expansion mismatch and the first-order magnetic phase transition in LaFe 13-x Si x to rationalize the observed physical behaviors that emerge as the temperature or/and magnetic field vary.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Arsenic activation and compensation in single crystal CdTe bilayers

In state-of-the art polycrystalline CdTe photovoltaics, group-V dopant activation is about 2%. Low activation can create electronic defects and lead to recombination and band tail losses. To develop methods to overcome this limitation, dopant activation was systematically investigated using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) grown single crystal bilayers of As-doped CdTe on undoped CdTe. Results suggest multiple paths for improved As-activation in polycrystalline CdTe-based devices. It was found that the carrier concentration in this MBE material saturated at ∼3 × 1016 cm−3, with high levels (>50%) of As-activation possible. High activation could be achieved with a post-growth activation temperature of ∼450 °C, when the initial doping level was below the saturation level. However, at typical polycrystalline As incorporation levels (>5 × 1016 cm−3), the excess As is inactive or compensating, requiring elevated temperatures (500–600 °C) to achieve high activation. Oxygen in the annealing ambient was detrimental, while the effect of CdCl2 in the ambient is more case-dependent. A 575 °C activation anneal was combined with a 450 °C CdCl2 treatment to better understand the implications for polycrystalline CdTe. Interestingly, on highly doped samples, processes ending with a high temperature step displayed high activation, while those ending at 450 °C significantly reduced the carrier concentration (with or without CdCl2 in the ambient). Low activation can be restored with another high temperature anneal, allowing reproducible toggling between high and low activation based on the final temperature. Photoluminescence revealed the presence of donor–acceptor pairs in the low activation state that appear to be associated with a compensating defect.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Symmetry-projected spin-AGP methods applied to spin systems

Symmetry-projected wave function methods capture static correlation by breaking and restoring the symmetries of a system. In this article, we present the symmetry-projected spin antisymmetrized geminal power (spin-AGP) state projected onto space group symmetry as well as complex conjugation, spin-flip, and time-reversal symmetries. The method is benchmarked on the 1D XXZ model and the 2D J 1 − J 2 model with square and triangular lattices. Our results indicate that symmetry projection methods provide a powerful tool for frustrated spin systems.

Antisymmetrized geminal power↗

Analog-to-digital converter based on voltage-controlled superconducting devices

The increasing demand for cryogenic electronics in superconducting and quantum computing systems calls for ultra-energy-efficient data conversion architectures that remain functional at deep cryogenic temperatures. Here, in this work, we present the first design of a voltage-controlled superconducting flash analog-to-digital converter (ADC) based on a voltage-controlled quantum-enhanced Josephson junction field-effect transistor (JJFET). Exploiting its strong gate tunability and transistor-like behavior, the JJFET offers a scalable alternative to conventional current-controlled superconducting devices while aligning naturally with CMOS-style design methodologies. Building on our previously developed Verilog-A compact model calibrated to experimental data, we design and simulate a three-bit JJFET-based flash ADC targeted for integration within cryogenic control and readout circuitry in quantum computing. The core comparator block is realized through careful bias current selection and augmented with a three-terminal nanocryotron to precisely define reference voltages. Cascaded JJFET comparators ensure robust voltage gain, cascadability, and logic-level restoration across stages. Simulation results demonstrate accurate quantization behavior with ultra-low power dissipation, underscoring the feasibility of voltage-driven superconducting mixed-signal circuits. This work establishes a critical step toward unifying superconducting logic and data conversion, paving the way for scalable cryogenic architectures in quantum–classical co-processors, low-power artificial intelligence accelerators, and next-generation energy-constrained computing platforms.

Analog-to-digital converter↗

Structural basis for autophagy inhibition by the human Rubicon–Rab7 complex

Rubicon is a potent negative regulator of autophagy and a potential target for autophagy-inducing therapeutics. Rubicon-mediated inhibition of autophagy requires the interaction of the C-terminal Rubicon homology (RH) domain of Rubicon with Rab7–GTP. Here we report the 2.8-Å crystal structure of the Rubicon RH domain in complex with Rab7–GTP. Our structure reveals a fold for the RH domain built around four zinc clusters. The switch regions of Rab7 insert into pockets on the surface of the RH domain in a mode that is distinct from those of other Rab–effector complexes. Rubicon residues at the dimer interface are required for Rubicon and Rab7 to colocalize in living cells. Mutation of Rubicon RH residues in the Rab7-binding site restores efficient autophagic flux in the presence of overexpressed Rubicon, validating the Rubicon RH domain as a promising therapeutic target.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Green diatom mutants reveal an intricate biosynthetic pathway of fucoxanthin

Fucoxanthin is a major light-harvesting pigment in ecologically important algae such as diatoms, haptophytes, and brown algae (Phaeophyceae). Therefore, it is a major driver of global primary productivity. Species of these algal groups are brown colored because the high amounts of fucoxanthin bound to the proteins of their photosynthetic machineries enable efficient absorption of green light. While the structure of these fucoxanthin-chlorophyll proteins has recently been resolved, the biosynthetic pathway of fucoxanthin is still unknown. Here, we identified two enzymes central to this pathway by generating corresponding knockout mutants of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum that are green due to the lack of fucoxanthin. Complementation of the mutants with the native genes or orthologs from haptophytes restored fucoxanthin biosynthesis. We propose a complete biosynthetic path to fucoxanthin in diatoms and haptophytes based on the carotenoid intermediates identified in the mutants and in vitro biochemical assays. It is substantially more complex than anticipated and reveals diadinoxanthin metabolism as the central regulatory hub connecting the photoprotective xanthophyll cycle and the formation of fucoxanthin. Moreover, our data show that the pathway evolved by repeated duplication and neofunctionalization of genes for the xanthophyll cycle enzymes violaxanthin de-epoxidase and zeaxanthin epoxidase. Brown algae lack diadinoxanthin and the genes described here and instead use an alternative pathway predicted to involve fewer enzymes. Our work represents a major step forward in elucidating the biosynthesis of fucoxanthin and understanding the evolution, biogenesis, and regulation of the photosynthetic machinery in algae.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Cryo-EM analyses of KIT and oncogenic mutants reveal structural oncogenic plasticity and a target for therapeutic intervention

The receptor tyrosine kinase KIT and its ligand stem cell factor (SCF) are required for the development of hematopoietic stem cells, germ cells, and other cells. A variety of human cancers, such as acute myeloid leukemia, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and mast cell leukemia, are driven by somatic gain-of-function KIT mutations. Here, we report cryo electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structural analyses of full-length wild-type and two oncogenic KIT mutants, which show that the overall symmetric arrangement of the extracellular domain of ligand-occupied KIT dimers contains asymmetric D5 homotypic contacts juxtaposing the plasma membrane. Mutational analysis of KIT reveals in D5 region an “Achilles heel” for therapeutic intervention. A ligand-sensitized oncogenic KIT mutant exhibits a more comprehensive and stable D5 asymmetric conformation. A constitutively active ligand-independent oncogenic KIT mutant adopts a V-shaped conformation solely held by D5-mediated contacts. Binding of SCF to this mutant fully restores the conformation of wild-type KIT dimers, including the formation of salt bridges responsible for D4 homotypic contacts and other hallmarks of SCF-induced KIT dimerization. These experiments reveal an unexpected structural plasticity of oncogenic KIT mutants and a therapeutic target in D5.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Enumerating soil biodiversity

Soil is an immense habitat for diverse organisms across the tree of life, but just how many organisms live in soil is surprisingly unknown. Previous efforts to enumerate soil biodiversity consider only certain types of organisms (e.g., animals) or report values for diverse groups without partitioning species that live in soil versus other habitats. Here, we reviewed the biodiversity literature to show that soil is likely home to 59 ± 15% of the species on Earth. We therefore estimate an approximately two times greater soil biodiversity than previous estimates, and we include representatives from the simplest (microbial) to most complex (mammals) organisms. Enchytraeidae have the greatest percentage of species in soil (98.6%), followed by fungi (90%), Plantae (85.5%), and Isoptera (84.2%). Our results demonstrate that soil is the most biodiverse singular habitat. By using this estimate of soil biodiversity, we can more accurately and quantitatively advocate for soil organismal conservation and restoration as a central goal of the Anthropocene.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Structural insights reveal interplay between LAG-3 homodimerization, ligand binding, and function

Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3) is an inhibitory receptor expressed on activated T cells and an emerging immunotherapy target. Domain 1 (D1) of LAG-3, which has been purported to directly interact with major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) and fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1), has been the major focus for the development of therapeutic antibodies that inhibit LAG-3 receptor-ligand interactions and restore T cell function. Here, we present a high-resolution structure of glycosylated mouse LAG-3 ectodomain, identifying that cis-homodimerization, mediated through a network of hydrophobic residues within domain 2 (D2), is critically required for LAG-3 function. Additionally, we found a previously unidentified key protein-glycan interaction in the dimer interface that affects the spatial orientation of the neighboring D1 domain. Mutation of LAG-3 D2 residues reduced dimer formation, dramatically abolished LAG-3 binding to both MHCII and FGL1 ligands, and consequentially inhibited the role of LAG-3 in suppressing T cell responses. Intriguingly, we showed that antibodies directed against D1, D2, and D3 domains are all capable of blocking LAG-3 dimer formation and MHCII and FGL-1 ligand binding, suggesting a potential allosteric model of LAG-3 function tightly regulated by dimerization. Furthermore, our work reveals unique epitopes, in addition to D1, that can be targeted for immunotherapy of cancer and other human diseases.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

INDETERMINATE1 -mediated expression of FT family genes is required for proper timing of flowering in Brachypodium distachyon

The transition to flowering is a major developmental switch in plants. In many temperate grasses, perception of indicators of seasonal change, such as changing day-length and temperature, leads to expression of FLOWERING LOCUS T1 ( FT1 ) and FT-Like ( FTL ) genes that are essential for promoting the transition to flowering. However, little is known about the upstream regulators of FT1 and FTL genes in temperate grasses. Here, we characterize the monocot-specific gene INDETERMINATE1 ( BdID1 ) in Brachypodium distachyon and demonstrate that BdID1 is a regulator of FT family genes. Mutations in ID1 impact the ability of the short-day (SD) vernalization, cold vernalization, and long-day (LD) photoperiod pathways to induce certain FTL genes. BdID1 is required for upregulation of FTL9 ( FT-LIKE9 ) expression by the SD vernalization pathway, and overexpression of FTL9 in an id1 background can partially restore the delayed flowering phenotype of id1 . We show that BdID1 binds in vitro to the promoter region of FTL genes suggesting that ID1 directly activates FTL expression. Transcriptome analysis shows that BdID1 is required for FT1 , FT2 , FTL12 , and FTL13 expression under inductive LD photoperiods, indicating that BdID1 is a regulator of the FT gene family. Moreover, overexpression of FT1 in the id1 background results in rapid flowering similar to overexpressing FT1 in the wild type, demonstrating that BdID1 is upstream of FT family genes. Interestingly, ID1 negatively regulates a previously uncharacterized FTL gene, FTL4, and we show that FTL4 is a repressor of flowering. Thus, BdID1 is critical for proper timing of flowering in temperate grasses.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Catch bond kinetics are instrumental to cohesion of fire ant rafts under load

Dynamic networks composed of constituents that break and reform bonds reversibly are ubiquitous in nature owing to their modular architectures that enable functions like energy dissipation, self-healing, and even activity. While bond breaking depends only on the current configuration of attachment in these networks, reattachment depends also on the proximity of constituents. Therefore, dynamic networks composed of macroscale constituents (not benefited by the secondary interactions cohering analogous networks composed of molecular-scale constituents) must rely on primary bonds for cohesion and self-repair. Toward understanding how such macroscale networks might adaptively achieve this, we explore the uniaxial tensile response of 2D rafts composed of interlinked fire ants ( S. invicta ). Through experiments and discrete numerical modeling, we find that ant rafts adaptively stabilize their bonded ant-to-ant interactions in response to tensile strains, indicating catch bond dynamics. Consequently, low-strain rates that should theoretically induce creep mechanics of these rafts instead induce elastic-like response. Our results suggest that this force-stabilization delays dissolution of the rafts and improves toughness. Nevertheless, above 35 % strain low cohesion and stress localization cause nucleation and growth of voids whose coalescence patterns result from force-stabilization. These voids mitigate structural repair until initial raft densities are restored and ants can reconnect across defects. However mechanical recovery of ant rafts during cyclic loading suggests that—even upon reinstatement of initial densities—ants exhibit slower repair kinetics if they were recently loaded at faster strain rates. These results exemplify fire ants’ status as active agents capable of memory-driven, stimuli-response for potential inspiration of adaptive structural materials.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Electron transfer in polysaccharide monooxygenase catalysis

Polysaccharide monooxygenase (PMO) catalysis involves the chemically difficult hydroxylation of unactivated C–H bonds in carbohydrates. The reaction requires reducing equivalents and will utilize either oxygen or hydrogen peroxide as a cosubstrate. Two key mechanistic questions are addressed here: 1) How does the enzyme regulate the timely and tightly controlled electron delivery to the mononuclear copper active site, especially when bound substrate occludes the active site? and 2) How does this electron delivery differ when utilizing oxygen or hydrogen peroxide as a cosubstrate? Using a computational approach, potential paths of electron transfer (ET) to the active site copper ion were identified in a representative AA9 family PMO from Myceliophthora thermophila ( Mt PMO9E). When Y62, a buried residue 12 Å from the active site, is mutated to F, lower activity is observed with O 2 . However, a WT-level activity is observed with H 2 O 2 as a cosubstrate indicating an important role in ET for O 2 activation. To better understand the structural effects of mutations to Y62 and axial copper ligand Y168, crystal structures were solved of the wild type Mt PMO9E and the variants Y62W, Y62F, and Y168F. A bioinformatic analysis revealed that position 62 is conserved as either Y or W in the AA9 family. The Mt PMO9E Y62W variant has restored activity with O 2 . Overall, the use of redox-active residues to supply electrons for the reaction with O 2 appears to be widespread in the AA9 family. Furthermore, the results provide a molecular framework to understand catalysis with O 2 versus H 2 O 2 .

Sayler, Richard I. (ORCID:000000017252707X)↗

Atomic ionization: sd energy imbalance and Perdew–Zunger self-interaction correction energy penalty in 3d atoms

To accurately describe the energetics of transition metal systems, density functional approximations (DFAs) must provide a balanced description of s- and d- electrons. One measure of this is the sd transfer error, which has previously been defined as E ( 3 d n − 1 4 s 1 ) − E ( 3 d n − 2 4 s 2 ) . Theoretical concerns have been raised about this definition due to its evaluation of excited-state energies using ground-state DFAs. A more serious concern appears to be strong correlation in the 4s 2 configuration. Here, we define a ground-state measure of the sd energy imbalance, based on the errors of s- and d-electron second ionization energies of the 3d atoms, that effectively circumvents the aforementioned problems. We find an improved performance as we move from the local spin density approximation (LSDA) to the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) generalized gradient approximation (GGA) to the regularized and restored Strongly Constrained and Appropriately Normed (r 2 SCAN) meta-GGA for first-row transition metal atoms. However, we find large (∼2 eV) ground-state sd energy imbalances when applying a Perdew–Zunger 1981 self-interaction correction. This is attributed to an “energy penalty” associated with the noded 3d orbitals. A local scaling of the self-interaction correction to LSDA results in a balance of s- and d-errors.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Oscillatory redox behavior in oxides: Cyclic surface reconstruction and reactivity modulation via the Mars–van Krevelen mechanism

The breaking of translational symmetry at oxide surfaces gives rise to coordinatively unsaturated cations/anions and surface restructuring—key factors that govern surface reactivity. Using direct in situ environmental transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations along with atomistic modeling, we report oscillatory redox behavior in CuO under H 2 , where cyclic surface reconstruction and reactivity modulation occur via the Mars–van Krevelen (MvK) mechanism. We observe self-switching between oxygen-rich and oxygen-deficient surface reconstructions, alternately activating and deactivating the surface for H 2 O formation. During periods of chemical inactivity, the oxygen-deficient surface undergoes slow reoxidation via lattice oxygen diffusing from subsurface and bulk reservoirs, restoring the active oxygen-rich surface termination. The inherent disparity in chemical activity among undercoordinated surface ions, along with sluggish subsurface-to-surface oxygen replenishment, drives this oscillatory redox cycle, modulating H2-induced loss of lattice oxygen at the surface and its delayed replenishment from the subsurface. This creates spatiotemporally separated redox steps at the oxide surface. The phenomena and atomistic insights presented here have significant implications for manipulating the surface reactivity of oxides by tuning the separation of these redox steps.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Tumor-promoting UBR4 coordinates impaired mitophagy–associated senescence and lung adenocarcinoma pathogenesis

Cellular senescence, an irreversible cell cycle arrest, plays a pivotal role in development, aging, and tumor suppression. However, the fundamental pathway coordinating senescence and neoplastic transformation remains unclear. Here, we describe the tumorigenic involvement of ubiquitin protein ligase E3 component n-recognin 4 (UBR4), an E3 ubiquitin ligase of the N-degron pathway, in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Public genome databases revealed high UBR4 expression in LUAD patients, associated with a dysregulated cell cycle and impaired mitochondrial homeostasis.UBR4knockout (ΔUBR4) in A549 lung cancer cells induced cellular senescence with defective mitochondria. Restoration of UBR4 or antioxidant treatment reversed the ΔUBR4 phenotypes caused by impaired mitophagy. Mitochondrial stress exacerbated mitochondrial dysfunction in ΔUBR4 cells, contributing to diverse cellular phenotypes. Additionally, ΔUBR4 cells exhibited substantially slow tumor growth in mouse xenograft models. In LUAD patients, UBR4 levels correlated with tumor stage, mitophagy markers, and poor survival. These findings suggest a tumor-promoting function of UBR4 in LUAD by regulating mitochondrial quality control. Further research into the pharmacological inhibition of UBR4 could open promising avenues for developing effective antitumor therapies targeting LUAD.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Uncertainty-Aware and Explainable Human Error Detection in the Operation of Nuclear Power Plants

The timely and accurate identification of incidents, such as human factor error, is important to restore nuclear power plants (NPPs) to a stable state. However, the identification of abnormal operating conditions is difficult because of the existence of multiple scenarios. In addition, to implement mitigation actions rapidly after an incident occurs, operators must accurately identify an incident by monitoring the trends of many variables. The mental burden posed by this can increase human error and cause failure in identifying incidents. Failure to identify incidents directly results in erroneous mitigation measures, which are detrimental to NPPs. In this study, we leverage uncertainty-aware models to identify such errors and thereby increase the chances of mitigating them. We use the data collected from a physical test bed. The goal is to identify both certain and accurate models. For this, the two main aspects of focus in this study are explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) and uncertainty quantification (UQ). While XAI elucidates the decision pathway, UQ evaluates decision reliability. Their integration paints a comprehensive picture, signifying that understanding decisions and their confidence should be interlinked. Thus, in this study we leverage UQ measures (e.g. entropy and mutual information) along with Shapley additive explanations to gain insights into the features contributing to both accuracy and uncertainty in error identification. Furthermore, our results show that uncertainty-aware models combined with XAI tools can explain the artificial intelligence–prescribed decisions, with the potential of better explaining errors for the operators.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Identification of Distorted Gamma-Ray Signature Patterns Using Digital Filtering and Auto-Associative Memory Implemented with a Hopfield Neural Network

The detection and identification of radioactive sources in search applications involve analyzing passive gamma-ray emissions from high-level radioactive materials. This process uses a mobile detector-spectrometer in a complex field test environment. Recently, the use of artificial intelligence for gamma-ray spectrum analysis has shown promising results. However, challenges persist in identifying isotopic signatures from spectral measurements that may be distorted due to source shielding, random variations in natural radioactive background, or insufficient measurement time to obtain clear spectral lines. Here, this paper presents a novel intelligent signature recognition method that combines digital filtering techniques with an artificial Hopfield Neural Network (HNN). The HNN leverages auto-associative memory to store training sample patterns and match them with incoming gamma spectra from distorted sources. It restores the testing sources’ measurements by finding the closest matching signature patterns in the spectral library. Before HNN recognition, the measured spectrum undergoes preprocessing with a digital image filter to reduce fluctuations. Performance of the proposed method is evaluated using a set of gamma-ray spectra measured with a sodium iodide detector. The data collected include measurements from six pure samples: 241 Am, 60 Co, 137 Cs, 192 Ir, 239 Pu, and 235 U, which are used for training and validation (i.e. six cases). Additionally, the data set contains 24 distorted synthesized sources with various fluctuating backgrounds. Test results demonstrate the potential of the proposed method to accurately recognize the correct isotope with high precision, achieving an accuracy rate exceeding 85%. Furthermore, the proposed method exhibits superior performance compared to the conventional multiple regression fitting and simple feedforward neural network methods.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗