Multi-messenger observations of a binary neutron star merger

On 2017 August 17 a binary neutron star coalescence candidate (later designated GW170817) with merger time 12:41:04 UTC was observed through gravitational waves by the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors. The Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor independently detected a gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) with a time delay of ~1.7 s with respect to the merger time. From the gravitational-wave signal, the source was initially localized to a sky region of 31 deg2 at a luminosity distance of 40+8-8 Mpc and with component masses consistent with neutron stars. The component masses were later measured to be in the range 0.86 to 2.26 Mo. An extensive observing campaign was launched across the electromagnetic spectrum leading to the discovery of a bright optical transient (SSS17a, now with the IAU identification of AT 2017gfo) in NGC 4993 (at ~40 Mpc) less than 11 hours after the merger by the One- Meter, Two Hemisphere (1M2H) team using the 1 m Swope Telescope. The optical transient was independently detected by multiple teams within an hour. Subsequent observations targeted the object and its environment. Early ultraviolet observations revealed a blue transient that faded within 48 hours. Optical and infrared observations showed a redward evolution over ~10 days. Following early non-detections, X-ray and radio emission were discovered at the transient’s position ~9 and ~16 days, respectively, after the merger. Both the X-ray and radio emission likely arise from a physical process that is distinct from the one that generates the UV/optical/near-infrared emission. No ultra-high-energy gamma-rays and no neutrino candidates consistent with the source were found in follow-up searches. These observations support the hypothesis that GW170817 was produced by the merger of two neutron stars in NGC4993 followed by a short gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) and a kilonova/macronova powered by the radioactive decay of r-process nuclei synthesized in the ejecta

Rapid Mapping of Active Site of KSI by Paramagnetic NMR

Active site mapping has been done for Delta(5)-3-ketosteroid isomerase (KSI) by analyses of paramagnetic effect on H-1-N-15 HSQC spectra using 4-hydroxyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxy (HyTEMPO) and an intermediate analog (equilenin). Our result revealed that residues in hydrophobic cavity of KSI, particularly active site region, mainly experienced a high line-broadening effect of NMR signal with HyTEMPO, while they experienced full recovery of a lineshape upon the addition of equilenin. The mapped region was very similar to the active site of KSI as described by the crystal structure. These observations indicate that a combined use of paramagnetic reagent and substrate (or analog) could rapidly identify the residues in potential active site of KSI, and can be applied to the analysis of both active site and function in unknown protein.110sciescopuskc

Photosynthetic seasonality of global tropical forests constrained by hydroclimate

The response of tropical forests to droughts is highly uncertain1. During the dry season, canopy photosynthesis of some tropical forests can decline, whereas in others it can be maintained at the same or a higher level than during the wet season2. However, it remains uncertain to what extent water availability is responsible for productivity declines of tropical forests during the dry season2, 3. Here we use global satellite observations of two independent measures of vegetation photosynthetic properties (enhanced vegetation index from 2002 to 2012 and solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence from 2007 to 2012) to investigate links between hydroclimate and tropical forest productivity. We find that above an annual rainfall threshold of approximately 2,000 mm yr−1, the evergreen state is sustained during the dry season in tropical rainforests worldwide, whereas below that threshold, this is not the case. Through a water-budget analysis of precipitation, potential evapotranspiration and satellite measurements of water storage change, we demonstrate that this threshold determines whether the supply of seasonally redistributed subsurface water storage from the wet season can satisfy plant water demands in the subsequent dry season. We conclude that water availability exerts a first-order control on vegetation seasonality in tropical forests globally. Our framework can also help identify where tropical forests may be vulnerable or resilient to future hydroclimatic changes

Proceedings of The HKIE Geotechnical Division 43rd Annual Seminar: Towards a Smart-Green-Resilient Geo-Future for World-class City

This seminar proceedings contain articles on the various research ideas of the academic community and practitioners presented at The HKIE Geotechnical Division 43rd Annual Seminar (GDAS2023). This seminarprovides a platform for policymakers, practitioners, and academia to share their insights and brainstorm ideas with a view to seizing future opportunities and shaping the new future of Hong Kong. GDAS2023 was organized by the Geotechnical Division, The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers on 19th May 2023. Seminar Title: The HKIE Geotechnical Division 43rd Annual SeminarSeminar Acronym: GDAS2023Seminar Date: 19 May 2023Seminar Location:  Hong KongSeminar Organizers: Geotechnical Division, The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers Link to the GDAS2021 Proceedings: Proceedings of The HKIE Geotechnical Division 41st Annual Seminar Link to the GDAS2022 Proceedings: Proceedings of The HKIE Geotechnical Division 42nd Annual Semina

Genetic Regulation of T Regulatory, CD4, and CD8 Cell Numbers by the Arthritis Severity Loci Cia5a, Cia5d, and the MHC/Cia1 in the Rat

T cells have a central role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune arthritis, and several abnormalities in T cell homeostasis have been described in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We hypothesized that T cell phenotypes, including frequencies of different subsets of T regulatory (Treg) cells and in vitro functional responses could be genetically determined. Furthermore, we considered that the genetic contribution would be accounted for by one of the arthritis regulatory quantitative trait loci (QTL), thus providing novel clues to gene mode of action. T cells were isolated from thymus, peripheral blood, and spleen from DA (arthritis-susceptible) and ACI and F344 (arthritis-resistant) strains and from F344.DA(Cia1), DA.F344(Cia5a), and DA.F344(Cia5d) rats congenic for arthritis QTL. T cell subpopulations differed significantly between DA, F344, and ACI. DA rats had an increased frequency of CD4+ cells, and a reduction in CD8+ and CD4+CD45RC|o Treg cells, compared with F344. The differences in CD4/CD8 and CD4+CD45RC|o Treg cells were accounted for by Cia5a. DA rats also had a reduced frequency of CD8+CD45RC|o CD25+ Treg cells compared with F344, and that difference was explained by Cia5d. DA rats also had a significantly lower frequency of CD4+CD25+ and CD8+CD25+ thymocytes, and of peripheral blood CD8+CD45RC|o Treg cells, compared with F344 rats, and that difference was accounted for by the MHC. This is the first identification of arthritis severity QTL regulating numbers of CD4+CD45RC|o (Cia5a) and CD8+CD45RC|o CD25+ (Cia5d) Treg cells. The MHC effect on CD8+ Treg cells and CD25+ thymocytes raises a novel potential explanation for its association with arthritis