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Ultrasensitive feedback control can improve robust gene expressions in cell populations, yet it usually requires large chemical productions that cause severe burden to cells. Inspired by `division-of-labor' in heterogeneous populations, we propose a bistable switch circuit that utilizes quorum sensing systems to coordinate heterogeneous phenotypes' behaviors. We show that ultrasensitivity emerges from a collection of parallel bistable switches in individual cells. When applied to feedback control of population level expressions, it can achieve robust reference tracking and adaptation to disturbances. In particular, we demonstrate that molecular sequestration enables tunable hysteresis in single switches, leading to a wide range of stable population level expressions. 

Lightning increases the atmosphere’s ability to cleanse itself by producing nitric oxide (NO), leading to atmospheric chemistry that forms ozone (O₃) and the atmosphere’s primary oxidant, the hydroxyl radical (OH). Our analysis of a 2012 airborne study of deep convection and chemistry demonstrates that lightning also directly generates the oxidants OH and the hydroperoxyl radical (HO₂). Extreme amounts of OH and HO₂were discovered and linked to visible flashes occurring in front of the aircraft and to subvisible discharges in electrified anvil regions. This enhanced OH and HO₂is orders of magnitude greater than any previous atmospheric observation. Lightning-generated OH in all storms happening at the same time globally can be responsible for a highly uncertain, but substantial, 2 to 16% of global atmospheric OH oxidation.

 

Production of coal and natural gas is responsible for one third of anthropogenic methane (CH₄) emissions in the United States. Here we examine CH₄emissions from coal and natural gas production in southwestern Pennsylvania. Using a top‐down methodology combining measurements of CH₄and ethane, we conclude that while Environmental Protection Agency inventories appear to report emissions from coal accurately, emissions from unconventional natural gas are underreported in the region by a factor of 5 (±3). However, production‐scaled CH₄emissions from unconventional gas production in the Marcellus remain small compared to other basins due to its large production per well. After normalizing emissions by energy produced, total greenhouse gas emissions from Pennsylvania unconventional natural gas production produce half the carbon footprint compared to regionally produced coal, with carbon dioxide emissions from combustion being the dominant source of greenhouse gas emissions for both sources.