Contents
March 2018
Vol 4, Issue 3
Vol 4, Issue 3
Contents
Research Articles
- High-capacity aqueous zinc batteries using sustainable quinone electrodes
Sustainable and ubiquitous organic quinone cathodes contribute to high-capacity and safe rechargeable zinc batteries.
- Synthetic electromagnetic knot in a three-dimensional skyrmion
We experimentally simulate a quantum-mechanical particle interacting with knotted electromagnetic fields.
- Near-field strong coupling of single quantum dots
Scanning probe technology is used to examine near-field strong coupling of a plasmonic resonator and a single colloidal quantum dot.
- Oxide-mediated recovery of field-effect mobility in plasma-treated MoS2
Time-controlled plasma treatment of MoS2 FETs improves carrier transport due to the presence of a two-dimensional oxide phase.
- Optical manipulation of work function contrasts on metal thin films
Generation of optically modulated work function contrasts on a metal film permitting in-plane photocurrent.
- Critical behavior within 20 fs drives the out-of-equilibrium laser-induced magnetic phase transition in nickel
High-harmonic spectroscopies reveal that fast energy transfer within 20 fs triggers ultrafast magnetic phase transition in Ni.
- On-chip dual-comb source for spectroscopy
A compact, integrated dual-comb source is developed on a single chip to demonstrate fast, real-time spectroscopy of materials.
- In situ formation of molecular Ni-Fe active sites on heteroatom-doped graphene as a heterogeneous electrocatalyst toward oxygen evolution
Molecularly sized and heterogeneous Ni-Fe sites on graphene serve as efficient electrocatalysts.
- 15N4-1,2,4,5-tetrazines as potential molecular tags: Integrating bioorthogonal chemistry with hyperpolarization and unearthing para-N2
A bioorthogonal reaction–based HP-MR strategy affords novel hyperpolarized products from tetrazine, including para-15N2 gas.
- Na+/vacancy disordering promises high-rate Na-ion batteries
We demonstrate that Na+/vacancy disordering of P2-type layered cathodes ensures both fast Na mobility and a low Na diffusion barrier.
- Rotation of endosomes demonstrates coordination of molecular motors during axonal transport
Multipolarization microscopy shows tight linkage of the rotational dynamics of axonal endosomes to molecular motor activity.
- Fluid pressure and shear zone development over the locked to slow slip region in Cascadia
Seismic data collected at the Cascadia subduction zone illuminate seismic structure across the locked to slow slip transition.
- Anisotropic, lightweight, strong, and super thermally insulating nanowood with naturally aligned nanocellulose
Researchers transformed natural wood into a super thermal insulation structural material with aligned cellulose nanofibers.
- Shark baselines and the conservation role of remote coral reef ecosystems
Integrative and historical approach redefines shark baselines in remote coral reef ecosystems.
- Favoring the unfavored: Selective electrochemical nitrogen fixation using a reticular chemistry approach
Originally unfavored nitrogen-to-ammonia electroconversion is now preferred over competing reaction using reticular chemistry.
- Large-scale polymeric carbon nanotube membranes with sub–1.27-nm pores
We report the first study of large-scale polymer membranes with <1.27-nm-diameter aligned carbon nanotubes.
- Hallmarks of science missing from North American wildlife management
Fundamental components of science are often lacking in U.S. state and Canadian provincial hunt management systems.
- Fragile skin microbiomes in megacities are assembled by a predominantly niche-based process
Predominant niche-based process assembly of megacity skin microbiomes results in a relatively fragile microbial network.
- Atomically thin gallium layers from solid-melt exfoliation
A unique way to synthesize innovative 2D gallenene.
- Surface-agnostic highly stretchable and bendable conductive MXene multilayers
Bendable, stretchable MXene multilayer coatings are deposited onto a wide variety of surfaces, rendering them conductive and responsive.
- Mechanisms of KCNQ1 channel dysfunction in long QT syndrome involving voltage sensor domain mutations
Long QT syndrome–associated mutations in KCNQ1 most often destabilize the protein, leading to mistrafficking and degradation.
- Global climate change and local land subsidence exacerbate inundation risk to the San Francisco Bay Area
The risk of coastal flooding is likely exacerbated because of the concerted impact of sea level rise and local land subsidence.
- A metal-organic framework with ultrahigh glass-forming ability
We have discovered and clarified the ultrahigh glass-forming ability of the metal-organic frameworks—ZIF-62 [Zn(Im2−xbImx)].
- Immune evasion mediated by PD-L1 on glioblastoma-derived extracellular vesicles
Glioblastoma can suppress immunity by using surface PD-L1 on extracellular vesicles to block T cell receptor–mediated T cell activation.
- Mapping metabolic changes by noninvasive, multiparametric, high-resolution imaging using endogenous contrast
Two-photon imaging provides noninvasive, label-free, quantitative assays of metabolic changes at the single-cell or tissue level.
- Low hydrogen contents in the cores of terrestrial planets
During planetary accretion, hydrogen behaves as a lithophile element and is unlikely to be a major element in planetary cores.
- New science in plain sight: Citizen scientists lead to the discovery of optical structure in the upper atmosphere
Citizen scientists, along with satellite and ground-based sensors, have revealed a new arc boundary at subauroral latitudes.
- Daylight-driven rechargeable antibacterial and antiviral nanofibrous membranes for bioprotective applications
Daylight-driven antimicrobial nanomaterials serve as a novel barrier for transmission of emerging infectious diseases.
- Divergence in problem-solving skills is associated with differential expression of glutamate receptors in wild finches
Wild birds that vary in their problem-solving capacity were found to express different neurotransmitter receptor densities.
- Nature, formation, and distribution of carbonates on Ceres
Hydrated carbonates indicate that the surface of Ceres is recent and dehydration is ongoing, implying a still-evolving body.
- Past and future drought in Mongolia
Mongolian tree rings indicate that recent moisture extremes, although unusual, are not unprecedented in the last 2060 years.
- Quantum coherence–driven self-organized criticality and nonequilibrium light localization
We study quantum coherence–driven light localization far from equilibrium, exhibiting critical behavior and self-organization.
- MHC class I in dopaminergic neurons suppresses relapse to reward seeking
Cocaine self-administration persistently reduces MHCI in dopamine neurons, resulting in relapse to cocaine seeking.
- Optimal structure and parameter learning of Ising models
An arbitrary Ising model can be exactly recovered from observations using an information-theoretically optimal amount of data.
- Direct imaging of electron transfer and its influence on superconducting pairing at FeSe/SrTiO3 interface
We demonstrated electron transfer across the FeSe/STO interface and showed its dominant role in Tc enhancement in this system.
- Earthquakes drive large-scale submarine canyon development and sediment supply to deep-ocean basins
Coseismic canyon flushing reveals how earthquakes drive canyon development and deep-sea sediment dispersal on active margins.
- Variations in the amount of water ice on Ceres’ surface suggest a seasonal water cycle
Local detection of increasing amount of water ice on Ceres’ surface indicates an active body and a possible seasonal cycle.
- Asymmetric photon transport in organic semiconductor nanowires through electrically controlled exciton diffusion
Asymmetric photon transport was experimentally realized in a single organic semiconductor nanowire.
- Determination of layer-dependent exciton binding energies in few-layer black phosphorus
We determine the strongly layer-dependent exciton binding energies in few-layer black phosphorus by infrared spectroscopy.
- Coming out in STEM: Factors affecting retention of sexual minority STEM students
LGBQ college students are 7% less likely than heterosexuals to persist in STEM after 4 years versus switching to a non-STEM field.
- Manipulation of host and parasite microbiotas: Survival strategies during chronic nematode infection
Intestinal parasite selects for its own intestinal microbiota from the host and modifies the host’s microbiota.
- Phosphorylation decelerates conformational dynamics in bacterial translation elongation factors
Phosphorylation-induced conformational trap is an essential mechanism for phosphoregulation of bacterial metabolism.
- Oriented chiral water wires in artificial transmembrane channels
Chiral dipolar oriented water wires are observed inside artificial water channels embedded in supported bilayer membranes.
- Global variations of large megathrust earthquake rupture characteristics
Regional patterns of large earthquake rupture complexity are revealed by a new measure, REEF (radiated energy enhancement factor).
- Structures of monomeric and oligomeric forms of the Toxoplasma gondii perforin-like protein 1
Structures of Toxoplasma perforin-like protein facilitate understanding of the protein’s role in infection and disease.
- Terahertz electrical writing speed in an antiferromagnetic memory
We demonstrate terahertz electrical writing speed in an antiferromagnetic memory at an energy of the gigahertz speed writing.
- Repopulating retinal microglia restore endogenous organization and function under CX3CL1-CX3CR1 regulation
Chemokine signaling via CX3CL1-CX3CR1 helps regulate homeostasis in the population of microglia in the adult mouse retina.
- Stabilizing electrochemical interfaces in viscoelastic liquid electrolytes
Viscoelastic liquid electrolytes composed of ultrahigh molecular weight polymer solutions stabilize electrodeposition of metals by suppressing electroconvection.
- A single-atom 3D sub-attonewton force sensor
We realize a 3D force sensor through super-resolution imaging of a single trapped ion and measured a 95-zN light force.
- Molecular engineering of Rashba spin-charge converter
Researchers report the discovery of a way for molecular engineering of Rashba spin-orbit devices.
- Coherent order parameter oscillations in the ground state of the excitonic insulator Ta2NiSe5
Ultrafast spectroscopy reveals coherent oscillations of a phonon-coupled BEC of excitons in an excitonic insulator.
- Temperature effect on phase state and reactivity controls atmospheric multiphase chemistry and transport of PAHs
Atmospheric refrigerator increases the global transport and health risks of carcinogenic PAHs.
- Revealing pathways from payments for ecosystem services to socioeconomic outcomes
Multiple pathways lead to unexpected outcomes of conservation programs.
- Bats without borders: Predators learn novel prey cues from other predatory species
Bats learn about novel acoustic prey cues as quickly from heterospecifics as from conspecifics.
- Unique genetic cassettes in a Thermoanaerobacterium contribute to simultaneous conversion of cellulose and monosugars into butanol
We present a genome-level understanding of how cellulose is metabolized by Thermoanaerobacterium for biobutanol production.
- Dislocation-driven growth of two-dimensional lateral quantum-well superlattices
Inherent strain in lattice mismatched lateral heterostructures can help to create quantum-well superlattices in the 2D limit.
- Stretchable ultrasonic transducer arrays for three-dimensional imaging on complex surfaces
Ultrasound adds the third dimension to wearable sensors.
- Critical advancements in achieving high power and stable nonprecious metal catalyst–based MEAs for real-world proton exchange membrane fuel cell applications
The first commercially viable hydrogen/air performance for a nonprecious metal catalyst–based PEMFC is demonstrated.
- Metamorphic records of multiple seismic cycles during subduction
Garnets record subduction earthquakes.
- The limits of earthquake early warning: Timeliness of ground motion estimates
In only rare cases will earthquake early warning systems be able to provide useful warnings for high levels of ground motion.
- Nonequilibrium optical control of dynamical states in superconducting nanowire circuits
First observation of the photoinduced transition between dynamical superconducting states and hidden dynamical states.
- Machine learning–enabled identification of material phase transitions based on experimental data: Exploring collective dynamics in ferroelectric relaxors
Machine learning of dynamic responses allows determination of structural phase transitions in relaxor ferroelectrics.
- Organization of feed-forward loop motifs reveals architectural principles in natural and engineered networks
We develop methods to decipher the rules controlling how small structures cluster and connect in complex networks.
- Oxygen isotopic evidence for accretion of Earth’s water before a high-energy Moon-forming giant impact
We show that the bulk of Earth’s water was delivered before the high-energy collision that led to the formation of the Moon.
- Poro-elasto-capillary wicking of cellulose sponges
Capillary rise of water in porous cellulose sponges is investigated considering hygroscopic shape evolutions of micropores.
- A climate-associated multispecies cryptic cline in the northwest Atlantic
Cryptic multispecies genetic structure reflects ocean climate and is associated with response to climate change.
- Room temperature solid-state quantum emitters in the telecom range
An optically stable, room temperature single-photon emitter operating in telecom wavelength range is discovered in GaN.
- Highly efficient electrochemical reforming of CH4/CO2 in a solid oxide electrolyser
Electrochemical reforming of CH4/CO2 is demonstrated in a solid oxide electrolyser.
- Shaken and stirred: Random organization reduces viscosity and dissipation in granular suspensions
Driven tuning dramatically enhances flowability in a broad class of suspended granular materials.
- The photoreactive free radical in eumelanin
We demonstrate experimentally for the first time the presence of two free radicals in the pigment eumelanin.
- Universal characteristics of particle shape evolution by bed-load chipping
Sediments moved by wind, rivers, and waves round in the same way due to geometry.
- Giant perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in Fe/III-V nitride thin films
Order-of-magnitude enhancement of PMA is induced by first-order correction of spin-orbit coupling.
- Submesoscale Rossby waves on the Antarctic circumpolar current
Submesoscale Rossby waves are found along the Antarctic circumpolar current where they drive strong vertical circulations.
- Nanostructure, osteopontin, and mechanical properties of calcitic avian eggshell
The biomineral phase of avian eggshell is characterized at the nanostructure scale and correlated with functional properties.
- Hydrophilic directional slippery rough surfaces for water harvesting
A hydrophilic directional slippery rough surface outperforms conventional liquid-repellent surfaces in water harvesting.
- Molecular engineered conjugated polymer with high thermal conductivity
Molecular engineering of intra- and interchain interactions transforms polymers into good heat conductors.
- Electrically tunable single- and few-layer MoS2 nanoelectromechanical systems with broad dynamic range
Atomically thin semiconductor resonators vibrating at radio frequencies with exceptional tunability and broad dynamic range.
- Reconciling biodiversity and carbon stock conservation in an Afrotropical forest landscape
Positive relationships between carbon storage and taxonomic diversity are not predominant at the local scale.
- Saturation of charge-induced water alignment at model membrane surfaces
Interfacial water alignment at charged membranes saturates via two different mechanisms upon increasing the charge density.
Errata
Technical Comments
- Response to comment on “Climate legacies drive global soil carbon stocks in terrestrial ecosystem”
We discuss possible mechanisms to explain paleoclimate as a predictor of the current distribution of global soil C content.
- Comment on “Climate legacies drive global soil carbon stocks in terrestrial ecosystems”
Radiocarbon measurements suggest that topsoil organic carbon was derived from recent vegetation.
About The Cover
ONLINE COVER With the help of citizen scientists, researchers have discovered two radio-quiet gamma ray millisecond pulsars (MSPs), or spinning neutron stars, one of which is the only known MSP to remain undetected in radio observations. Since many gamma-ray MSPs are not detectable from Earth, the method used in this study may help future efforts related to determining the true population of MSPs. MSPs spin hundreds of times per second and seem to pulsate as their emission beams cross the Earth's line of sight. The Large Area Telescope (LAT), which launched on the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope in 2008, has discovered more than 200 gamma-ray pulsars, half of which are MSPs and the other half of which originate from unknown sources. However, pulsations from gamma-ray pulsars can only be found by "blindly" searching through Fermi's data for pulsations at unknown frequencies. With the help of Einstein@Home, a volunteer computing system, Colin J. Clark, his colleagues and the public searched through 5.5 years' worth of Fermi data for pulsations from unidentified sources. Their efforts resulted in detecting 17 young pulsars, including two radio-quiet gamma-ray MSP pulsars, each at different frequencies. CREDIT: DANA BERRY/SKYWORKS/NASA