bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The US Political Economy of Climate Change: Impacts of the “Fracking” Boom on State-Level Climate Policies
Authors: Zacher Sam
Published: January 2023

In the face of the intensifying global climate crisis, the US has failed to implement comprehensive policies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. During the 2000s, the shale oil and gas extraction (i.e., “fracking”) revolution highlighted the American energy economy. Is the fracking boom partially to blame for US lagging on climate policy? Political economy theory suggests that economic resources are primary drivers of policy outcomes. In this paper, I originally evaluate that claim in the context of the American states, the governments most powerful to mitigate emissions while the federal government faces gridlock. I first introduce an original measure of one state-level climate policy: adoption of the low-emission vehicle (LEV) policy from 1991 to 2015. I then frame the US fracking boom of the mid-to-late 2000s as a natural experiment, employing a difference-in-difference design to compare the effects of fracking on two climate policies across the American states – LEV and renewable electricity policy. Results yield evidence of a causal impact of the fracking boom on state LEV adoption and more suggestive evidence of an impact on renewable electricity mandates. I conclude by arguing that efforts to evaluate the influence of business on policy should account for “structural power” mechanisms.
Influence of a cereal rye cover crop on the critical period for weed control in soybean
Authors: Kumari Annu , Price Andrew J. , Korres Nicholas E. , Gamble Audrey , Li Steve
Published: January 2023

Soybean is the world’s most widely grown leguminous crop and is an important source of oil and protein for food and feed in addition to other industrial uses. However, herbicide-resistant and troublesome weed control challenges limit yield potential and threaten conservation tillage (CT) systems. Cover crops have been widely adopted as an integrated pest management component in CT systems to suppress weeds and maintain soybean yield potential. A 3-yr field experiment was conducted to estimate the influence of a cereal rye cover crop following CT on the critical period for weed control (CPWC) in soybean. The experiment was implemented in a split-plot design in which main plots as CT following cover crop (CT + CC), CT following winter fallow (CT + WF), and conventional tillage (CVT), and subplots were multiple durations of weed-free and weed interference. Results showed that the estimated CPWC of CT + CC and CT + WF treatments was 0 wk and >7 wk, respectively, in 2018. In 2019, the estimated CPWC was 0 wk, 5.0 wk, and 1.3 wk under CT + CC, CT + WF, and CVT treatments, respectively. In 2020, the estimated CPWC was 3.5 wk, >6.2 wk, and 0 wk under CT + CC, CT + WF, and CVT treatments, respectively. The presence of a cover crop delayed the CTWR and caused an early beginning of the CWFP compared with CT + WF treatment, and hence shortened the CPWC in 2018 and 2019. In conclusion, the CT + WF system did not reduce the weed competition and subsequent yield loss in soybean compared to the CT + CC system.
A sustainable approach for weed and insect management in sweetpotato: breeding for weed and insect tolerant/resistant clones
Authors: Wadl Phillip A. , Campbell H. Tyler , Rutter William B. , Williams Livy H. , Murphey Victoria , Culbreath Julianna , Cutulle Matthew
Published: January 2023

Weed management is consistently ranked among the top priorities of the United States sweetpotato industry. To provide additional weed and insect management strategies for sweetpotato, we initiated development of insect-resistant germplasm that also has weed tolerance by breeding and selecting for sweetpotato clones that are fast growing and have semi-erect to erect canopy architecture. Field studies were conducted in 2018 and 2019 in Charleston, South Carolina, to quantify the effects of weed-free interval and sweetpotato clone on weed counts for naturally occurring weed species, storage root yield, and insect resistance to the major pests of sweetpotato. Weed-free intervals included plots that were weedy all season and weed-free for 2, 3, and 4 wk after transplanting. Sweetpotato clones evaluated included ‘Beauregard’, ‘Covington’, ‘Monaco’, and six advanced selections with semi-erect to erect plant habit. Significant weed-free interval and sweetpotato clone main effects were observed for all variables measured, but not for their interaction. Two sweetpotato clones, USDA-17-037 and USDA-17-077, were consistent across both years and had the lowest weed counts, exhibited enhanced insect resistance, and were the highest yielding entries. These results demonstrate the potential for development of insect-resistant sweetpotato germplasm with a vigorous, erect plant habit that may be less susceptible to weed interference than cultivars with spreading shoot growth. The combination of germplasm that is both resistant to insect pests and competitive with weeds can provide organic and subsistence sweetpotato growers solutions to these critical issues related to sweetpotato production.
Investigating the Diurnal Radiative, Turbulent, and Biophysical Processes in the Amazonian Canopy‐Atmosphere Interface by Combining LES Simulations and Observations
Authors: Pedruzo‐Bagazgoitia X. , Patton E. G. , Moene A. F. , Ouwersloot H. G. , Gerken T. , Machado L. A. T. , Martin S. T. , Sörgel M. , Stoy P. C. , Yamasoe M. A. , Vilà‐Guerau de Arellano J.
Published: January 2023

We investigate the atmospheric diurnal variability inside and above the Amazonian rainforest for a representative day during the dry season. To this end, we combine high‐resolution large‐eddy simulations that are constrained and evaluated against a comprehensive observation set, including CO2 concentrations, gathered during GoAmazon2014/15. We design systematic numerical experiments to quantify whether a multilayer approach in solving the explicit canopy improves our canopy‐atmosphere representation. We particularly focus on the relationship between photosynthesis and plant transpiration, and their distribution at leaf and canopy scales. We found the variability of photosynthesis drivers like vapor pressure deficit and leaf temperature to be about 3 times larger for sunlit leaves compared to shaded leaves. This leads to a large spread on leaf stomatal conductance values with minimum and maximum values varying more than 100%. Regarding the turbulent structure, we find wind‐driven stripe‐like shapes at the canopy top and structures resembling convective cells at the canopy. Wind‐related variables provide the best spatiotemporal agreement between model and observations. The potential temperature and heat flux profiles agree with an observed decoupling near the canopy top interface, although with less variability and cold biases of up to 3 K. The increasing complexity on the biophysical processes leads to the largest disagreements for evaporation, CO2 plant assimilation and soil efflux. The model is able to capture the correct dependences and trends with the magnitudes still differing. We finally discuss the need to revise leaf and soil models and to complete the observations at leaf and canopy levels.
Mutation-associated transcripts reconstruct the prognostic features of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Liang Libo , Li Yi , Ying Binwu , Huang Xinyan , Liao Shenling , Yang Jiajin , Liao Ga
Published: January 2023

Tongue squamous cell carcinoma is highly malignant and has a poor prognosis. In this study, we aimed to combine whole-genome sequencing, whole-genome methylation, and whole-transcriptome analyses to understand the molecular mechanisms of tongue squamous cell carcinoma better. Oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma and adjacent normal tissues from five patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma were included as five paired samples. After multi-omics sequencing, differentially methylated intervals, methylated loop sites, methylated promoters, and transcripts were screened for variation in all paired samples. Correlations were analyzed to determine biological processes in tongue squamous cell carcinoma. We found five mutated methylation promoters that were significantly associated with mRNA and lncRNA expression levels. Functional annotation of these transcripts revealed their involvement in triggering the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade, which is associated with cancer progression and the development of drug resistance during treatment. The prognostic signature models constructed based onWDR81andHNRNPH1and combined clinical phenotype–gene prognostic signature models showed high predictive efficacy and can be applied to predict patient prognostic risk in clinical settings. We identified biological processes in tongue squamous cell carcinoma that are initiated by mutations in the methylation promoter and are associated with the expression levels of specific mRNAs and lncRNAs. Collectively, changes in transcript levels affect the prognosis of tongue squamous cell carcinoma patients.
Advanced liquid crystal-based switchable optical devices for light protection applications: principles and strategies
Authors: Zhang Ruicong , Zhang Zhibo , Han Jiecai , Yang Lei , li Jiajun , Song Zicheng , Wang Tianyu , Zhu Jiaqi
Published: January 2023

With the development of optical technologies, transparent materials that provide protection from light have received considerable attention from scholars. As important channels for external light, windows play a vital role in the regulation of light in buildings, vehicles, and aircrafts. There is a need for windows with switchable optical properties to prevent or attenuate damage or interference to the human eye and light-sensitive instruments by inappropriate optical radiation. In this context, liquid crystals (LCs), owing to their rich responsiveness and unique optical properties, have been considered among the best candidates for advanced light protection materials. In this review, we provide an overview of advances in research on LC-based methods for protection against light. First, we introduce the characteristics of different light sources and their protection requirements. Second, we introduce several classes of light modulation principles based on liquid crystal materials and demonstrate the feasibility of using them for light protection. In addition, we discuss current light protection strategies based on liquid crystal materials for different applications. Finally, we discuss the problems and shortcomings of current strategies. We propose several suggestions for the development of liquid crystal materials in the field of light protection.
Neuroanatomical correlates of genetic risk for obesity in children
Authors: Morys Filip , Yu Eric , Shishikura Mari , Paquola Casey , Vainik Uku , Nave Gideon , Koellinger Philipp , Gan-Or Ziv , Dagher Alain
Published: January 2023

Obesity has a strong genetic component, with up to 20% of variance in body mass index (BMI) being accounted for by common polygenic variation. Most genetic polymorphisms associated with BMI are related to genes expressed in the central nervous system. At the same time, higher BMI is associated with neurocognitive changes. However, the direct link between genetics of obesity and neurobehavioral mechanisms related to weight gain is missing. Here, we use a large sample of participants (n > 4000) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development cohort to investigate how genetic risk for obesity, expressed as polygenic risk score for BMI (BMI-PRS), is related to brain and behavioral measures in adolescents. In a series of analyses, we show that BMI-PRS is related to lower cortical volume and thickness in the frontal and temporal areas, relative to age-expected values. Relatedly, using structural equation modeling, we find that lower overall cortical volume is associated with higher impulsivity, which in turn is related to an increase in BMI 1 year later. In sum, our study shows that obesity might partially stem from genetic risk as expressed in brain changes in the frontal and temporal brain areas, and changes in impulsivity.
MFG-E8 stabilized by deubiquitinase USP14 suppresses cigarette smoke-induced ferroptosis in bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Cui Yanan , Luo Lijuan , Zeng Zihang , Liu Xiangming , Li Tiao , He Xue , Ma Yiming , Meng Weiwei , Zeng Huihui , Long Yingjiao , Zong Dandan , Chen Yan
Published: January 2023

Milk fat globule epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8) participates in a range of cellular processes, including reducing apoptosis and oxidative stress. However, its protective activity against cigarette smoke-induced ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the modulation of MFG-E8 remain unclear. Here, we showed that cigarette smoke diminished MFG-E8 protein levels but had no significant effect on its mRNA levels in lung tissues of humans and mice and in two human bronchial epithelial cell lines. MFG-E8 could attenuate ferroptosis induced by cigarette smoke extract (CSE) in vivo and in vitro. We identified ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (USP14) as a deubiquitinase of MFG-E8 in human bronchial epithelial cells. USP14 interacted with, deubiquitinated and stabilized MFG-E8. Furthermore, USP14 inhibited CSE-induced MFG-E8 proteasomal degradation. USP14 expression downregulated by CSE decreased MFG-E8 abundance and further reduced the antiferroptotic effect of MFG-E8. These findings suggest that USP14 is an essential regulator of MFG-E8 through the proteasomal pathway and that the USP14/MFG-E8 axis plays a critical role in regulating CSE-induced ferroptosis of bronchial epithelial cells.
NF-κB/RelA controlled A20 limits TRAIL-induced apoptosis in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Geismann Claudia , Hauser Charlotte , Grohmann Frauke , Schneeweis Christian , Bölter Nico , Gundlach Jan-Paul , Schneider Günter , Röcken Christoph , Meinhardt Christian , Schäfer Heiner , Schreiber Stefan , Arlt Alexander
Published: January 2023

The emergence of resistance to systemic therapies in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is still a major obstacle in clinical practice. Both, constitutive and inducible NF-κB activity are known as key players in this context. To identify differentially expressed and TRAIL resistance mediating NF-κB target genes, TRAIL sensitive and resistant PDAC cell lines were analyzed by transcriptome assays. In this context, A20 was identified as an NF-κB/RelA inducible target gene. Translational PDAC tissue analysis confirmed the correlation of elevated A20 protein expression with activated RelA expression in PDAC patients. In in vitro experiments, an elevated A20 expression is accompanied by a specific resistance toward TRAIL-mediated apoptosis but not to chemotherapeutic-induced cell death. This TRAIL resistance was attributed to A20´s E3-ligase activity-mediating Zink finger domain. Furthermore, the ubiquitin-binding scaffold protein p62 was identified as indispensable for the TRAIL-mediated apoptosis-inducing pathway affected by A20. The results of this study identify A20 as a possible therapeutic target to affect resistance to TRAIL-induced apoptosis in PDAC cells.
The splanchnic mesenchyme is the tissue of origin for pancreatic fibroblasts during homeostasis and tumorigenesis
Authors: Han Lu , Wu Yongxia , Fang Kun , Sweeney Sean , Roesner Ulyss K. , Parrish Melodie , Patel Khushbu , Walter Tom , Piermattei Julia , Trimboli Anthony , Lefler Julia , Timmers Cynthia D. , Yu Xue-Zhong , Jin Victor X. , Zimmermann Michael T. , Mathison Angela J. , Urrutia Raul , Ostrowski Michael C. , Leone Gustavo
Published: January 2023

Pancreatic cancer is characterized by abundant desmoplasia, a dense stroma composed of extra-cellular and cellular components, with cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) being the major cellular component. However, the tissue(s) of origin for CAFs remains controversial. Here we determine the tissue origin of pancreatic CAFs through comprehensive lineage tracing studies in mice. We find that the splanchnic mesenchyme, the fetal cell layer surrounding the endoderm from which the pancreatic epithelium originates, gives rise to the majority of resident fibroblasts in the normal pancreas. In a genetic mouse model of pancreatic cancer, resident fibroblasts expand and constitute the bulk of CAFs. Single cell RNA profiling identifies gene expression signatures that are shared among the fetal splanchnic mesenchyme, adult fibroblasts and CAFs, suggesting a persistent transcriptional program underlies splanchnic lineage differentiation. Together, this study defines the phylogeny of the mesenchymal component of the pancreas and provides insights into pancreatic morphogenesis and tumorigenesis.
Recovery of oxidized two-dimensional MXenes through high frequency nanoscale electromechanical vibration
Authors: Ahmed Heba , Alijani Hossein , El-Ghazaly Ahmed , Halim Joseph , Murdoch Billy J. , Ehrnst Yemima , Massahud Emily , Rezk Amgad R. , Rosen Johanna , Yeo Leslie Y.
Published: January 2023

MXenes hold immense potential given their superior electrical properties. The practical adoption of these promising materials is, however, severely constrained by their oxidative susceptibility, leading to significant performance deterioration and lifespan limitations. Attempts to preserve MXenes have been limited, and it has not been possible thus far to reverse the material’s performance. In this work, we show that subjecting oxidized micron or nanometer thickness dry MXene films—even those constructed from nanometer-order solution-dispersed oxidized flakes—to just one minute of 10 MHz nanoscale electromechanical vibration leads to considerable removal of its surface oxide layer, whilst preserving its structure and characteristics. Importantly, electrochemical performance is recovered close to that of their original state: the pseudocapacitance, which decreased by almost 50% due to its oxidation, reverses to approximately 98% of its original value, with good capacitance retention ( ≈ 93%) following 10,000 charge–discharge cycles at 10 A g−1. These promising results allude to the exciting possibility for rejuvenating the material for reuse, therefore offering a more economical and sustainable route that improves its potential for practical translation.
High-performance Marangoni hydrogel rotors with asymmetric porosity and drag reduction profile
Authors: Wu Hao , Chen Yiyu , Xu Wenlong , Xin Chen , Wu Tao , Feng Wei , Yu Hao , Chen Chao , Jiang Shaojun , Zhang Yachao , Wang Xiaojie , Duan Minghui , Zhang Cong , Liu Shunli , Wang Dawei , Hu Yanlei , Li Jiawen , Li Erqiang , Wu HengAn , Chu Jiaru , Wu Dong
Published: January 2023

Miniaturized rotors based on Marangoni effect have attracted great attentions due to their promising applications in propulsion and power generation. Despite intensive studies, the development of Marangoni rotors with high rotation output and fuel economy remains challenging. To address this challenge, we introduce an asymmetric porosity strategy to fabricate Marangoni rotor composed of thermoresponsive hydrogel and low surface tension anesthetic metabolite. Combining enhanced Marangoni propulsion of asymmetric porosity with drag reduction of well-designed profile, our rotor precedes previous studies in rotation output (~15 times) and fuel economy (~34% higher). Utilizing thermoresponsive hydrogel, the rotor realizes rapid refueling within 33 s. Moreover, iron-powder dopant further imparts the rotors with individual-specific locomotion in group under magnetic stimuli. Significantly, diverse functionalities including kinetic energy transmission, mini-generator and environmental remediation are demonstrated, which open new perspectives for designing miniaturized rotating machineries and inspire researchers in robotics, energy, and environment.
Neoadjuvant therapy with immune checkpoint blockade, antiangiogenesis, and chemotherapy for locally advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Li Song , Yu Wenbin , Xie Fei , Luo Haitao , Liu Zhimin , Lv Weiwei , Shi Duanbo , Yu Dexin , Gao Peng , Chen Cheng , Wei Meng , Zhou Wenhao , Wang Jiaqian , Zhao Zhikun , Dai Xin , Xu Qian , Zhang Xue , Huang Miao , Huang Kai , Wang Jian , Li Jisheng , Sheng Lei , Liu Lian
Published: January 2023

Despite neoadjuvant/conversion chemotherapy, the prognosis of cT4a/bN+ gastric cancer is poor. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and antiangiogenic agents have shown activity in late-stage gastric cancer, but their efficacy in the neoadjuvant/conversion setting is unclear. In this single-armed, phase II, exploratory trial (NCT03878472), we evaluate the efficacy of a combination of ICI (camrelizumab), antiangiogenesis (apatinib), and chemotherapy (S-1 ± oxaliplatin) for neoadjuvant/conversion treatment of cT4a/bN+ gastric cancer. The primary endpoints are pathological responses and their potential biomarkers. Secondary endpoints include safety, objective response, progression-free survival, and overall survival. Complete and major pathological response rates are 15.8% and 26.3%. Pathological responses correlate significantly with microsatellite instability status, PD-L1 expression, and tumor mutational burden. In addition, multi-omics examination reveals several putative biomarkers for pathological responses, including RREB1 and SSPO mutation, immune-related signatures, and a peripheral T cell expansion score. Multi-omics also demonstrates dynamic changes in dominant tumor subclones, immune microenvironments, and T cell receptor repertoires during neoadjuvant immunotherapy. The toxicity and post-surgery complications are limited. These data support further validation of ICI- and antiangiogenesis-based neoadjuvant/conversion therapy in large randomized trials and provide candidate biomarkers.
Temperature-related mortality in China from specific injury
Authors: Hu Jianxiong , He Guanhao , Meng Ruilin , Gong Weiwei , Ren Zhoupeng , Shi Heng , Lin Ziqiang , Liu Tao , Zeng Fangfang , Yin Peng , Bai Guoxia , Qin Mingfang , Hou Zhulin , Dong Xiaomei , Zhou Chunliang , Pingcuo Zhuoma , Xiao Yize , Yu Min , Huang Biao , Xu Xiaojun , Lin Lifeng , Xiao Jianpeng , Zhong Jieming , Jin Donghui , Zhao Qinglong , Li Yajie , Gama Cangjue , Xu Yiqing , Lv Lingshuang , Zeng Weilin , Li Xing , Luo Liying , Zhou Maigeng , Huang Cunrui , Ma Wenjun
Published: January 2023

Injury poses heavy burden on public health, accounting for nearly 8% of all deaths globally, but little evidence on the role of climate change on injury exists. We collect data during 2013-2019 in six provinces of China to examine the effects of temperature on injury mortality, and to project future mortality burden attributable to temperature change driven by climate change based on the assumption of constant injury mortality and population scenario. The results show that a 0.50% (95% confident interval (CI): 0.13%–0.88%) increase of injury mortality risk for each 1 °C rise in daily temperature, with higher risk for intentional injury (1.13%, 0.55%–1.71%) than that for unintentional injury (0.40%, 0.04%–0.77%). Compared to the 2010s, total injury deaths attributable to temperature change in China would increase 156,586 (37,654–272,316) in the 2090 s under representative concentration pathways 8.5 scenario with the highest for transport injury (64,764, 8,517–115,743). Populations living in Western China, people aged 15–69 years, and male may suffer more injury mortality burden from increased temperature caused by climate change. Our findings may be informative for public health policy development to effectively adapt to climate change.
Sliding ferroelectricity in van der Waals layered γ-InSe semiconductor
Authors: Sui Fengrui , Jin Min , Zhang Yuanyuan , Qi Ruijuan , Wu Yu-Ning , Huang Rong , Yue Fangyu , Chu Junhao
Published: January 2023

Two-dimensional (2D) van-der-Waals (vdW) layered ferroelectric semiconductors are highly desired for in-memory computing and ferroelectric photovoltaics or detectors. Beneficial from the weak interlayer vdW-force, controlling the structure by interlayer twist/translation or doping is an effective strategy to manipulate the fundamental properties of 2D-vdW semiconductors, which has contributed to the newly-emerging sliding ferroelectricity. Here, we report unconventional room-temperature ferroelectricity, both out-of-plane and in-plane, in vdW-layered γ-InSe semiconductor triggered by yttrium-doping (InSe:Y). We determine an effective piezoelectric constant of ∼7.5 pm/V for InSe:Y flakes with thickness of ∼50 nm, about one order of magnitude larger than earlier reports. We directly visualize the enhanced sliding switchable polarization originating from the fantastic microstructure modifications including the stacking-faults elimination and a subtle rhombohedral distortion due to the intralayer compression and continuous interlayer pre-sliding. Our investigations provide new freedom degrees of structure manipulation for intrinsic properties in 2D-vdW-layered semiconductors to expand ferroelectric candidates for next-generation nanoelectronics.
Single-cell transcriptomic analysis reveals diversity within mammalian spinal motor neurons
Authors: Liau Ee Shan , Jin Suoqin , Chen Yen-Chung , Liu Wei-Szu , Calon Maëliss , Nedelec Stéphane , Nie Qing , Chen Jun-An
Published: January 2023

Spinal motor neurons (MNs) integrate sensory stimuli and brain commands to generate movements. In vertebrates, the molecular identities of the cardinal MN types such as those innervating limb versus trunk muscles are well elucidated. Yet the identities of finer subtypes within these cell populations that innervate individual muscle groups remain enigmatic. Here we investigate heterogeneity in mouse MNs using single-cell transcriptomics. Among limb-innervating MNs, we reveal a diverse neuropeptide code for delineating putative motor pool identities. Additionally, we uncover that axial MNs are subdivided into three molecularly distinct subtypes, defined by mediolaterally-biased Satb2, Nr2f2 or Bcl11b expression patterns with different axon guidance signatures. These three subtypes are present in chicken and human embryos, suggesting a conserved axial MN expression pattern across higher vertebrates. Overall, our study provides a molecular resource of spinal MN types and paves the way towards deciphering how neuronal subtypes evolved to accommodate vertebrate motor behaviors.
Regional and tele-connected impacts of the Tibetan Plateau surface darkening
Authors: Tang Shuchang , Vlug Anouk , Piao Shilong , Li Fei , Wang Tao , Krinner Gerhard , Li Laurent Z. X. , Wang Xuhui , Wu Guangjian , Li Yue , Zhang Yuan , Lian Xu , Yao Tandong
Published: January 2023

Despite knowledge of the presence of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) in reorganizing large-scale atmospheric circulation, it remains unclear how surface albedo darkening over TP will impact local glaciers and remote Asian monsoon systems. Here, we use a coupled land-atmosphere global climate model and a glacier model to address these questions. Under a high-emission scenario, TP surface albedo darkening will increase local temperature by 0.24 K by the end of this century. This warming will strengthen the elevated heat pump of TP, increasing South Asian monsoon precipitation while exacerbating the current “South Flood-North Drought” pattern over East Asia. The albedo darkening-induced climate change also leads to an accompanying TP glacier volume loss of 6.9%, which further increases to 25.2% at the equilibrium, with a notable loss in western TP. Our findings emphasize the importance of land-surface change responses in projecting future water resource availability, with important implications for water management policies.
The mitochondrial Hsp70 controls the assembly of the F1FO-ATP synthase
Authors: Song Jiyao , Steidle Liesa , Steymans Isabelle , Singh Jasjot , Sanner Anne , Böttinger Lena , Winter Dominic , Becker Thomas
Published: January 2023

The mitochondrial F1FO-ATP synthase produces the bulk of cellular ATP. The soluble F1 domain contains the catalytic head that is linked via the central stalk and the peripheral stalk to the membrane embedded rotor of the FO domain. The assembly of the F1 domain and its linkage to the peripheral stalk is poorly understood. Here we show a dual function of the mitochondrial Hsp70 (mtHsp70) in the formation of the ATP synthase. First, it cooperates with the assembly factors Atp11 and Atp12 to form the F1 domain of the ATP synthase. Second, the chaperone transfers Atp5 into the assembly line to link the catalytic head with the peripheral stalk. Inactivation of mtHsp70 leads to integration of assembly-defective Atp5 variants into the mature complex, reflecting a quality control function of the chaperone. Thus, mtHsp70 acts as an assembly and quality control factor in the biogenesis of the F1FO-ATP synthase.
Observation based climatology Martian atmospheric waves perturbation Datasets
Authors: Zhang Jie , Ji Qianqian , Sheng Zheng , He Mingyuan , He Yang , Zuo Xinjie , He Zefeng , Qin Zilin , Wu Gangyao
Published: January 2023

The Martian atmospheric waves perturbation Datasets (MAWPD) version 2.0 is the first observation-based climatology dataset of Martian atmospheric waves. It contains climatology-gridded temperature, gravity waves, and tides spanning the whole Martian year. MAWPD uses the Data INterpolating Empirical Orthogonal Functions method (DINEOF) reconstruction method for data assimilation with the observational data from the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS), Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO), Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN), Mars Pathfinder (MP), Mars Phoenix Lander (MPL), Mars Exploration Rover (MER) and Mars Express (MEX) temperature retrievals. The dataset includes gridded fields of temperature (Level 1 data) as well as the physical quantities of GWs (Level 2 data, amplitude, and potential energies), SPWs and tides (Level 2 data, amplitude, and phase). The MAWPD, based entirely on multiple reliable observations, provides climatological background atmospheric information of temperature and wave disturbances on Mars. The dataset is not only useful for observation-based scientific studies concerning Martian atmospheric waves, e.g., circulation, dust storms, and wave excitation mechanism, but also for cross-validating with model-based datasets or model results.
Tranilast protects pancreatic β-cells from palmitic acid-induced lipotoxicity via FoxO-1 inhibition
Authors: Choi Hye-Eun , Kim Dong Young , Choi Mi Jin , Kim Jea Il , Kim Ok-Hee , Lee Jinwook , Seo Eunhui , Cheon Hyae Gyeong
Published: January 2023

Tranilast, an anti-allergic drug used in the treatment of bronchial asthma, was identified as an inhibitor of the transcription factor Forkhead box O-1 (FoxO-1) by high throughput chemical library screening in the present study. Based on FoxO-1’s role in apoptotic cell death and differentiation, we examined the effect of tranilast on palmitic acid (PA)-induced cell damage in INS-1 cells. Tranilast substantially inhibited lipoapoptosis and restored glucose-stimulated insulin secretion under high PA exposure. Moreover, PA-mediated downregulation of PDX-1, MafA, and insulin expression was attenuated by tranilast. PA-induced oxidative and ER stress were also reduced in the presence of tranilast. These protective effects were accompanied by increased phosphorylation and decreased nuclear translocation of FoxO-1. Conversely, the effects of tranilast were diminished when treated in transfected cells with FoxO-1 phosphorylation mutant (S256A), suggesting that the tranilast-mediated effects are associated with inactivation of FoxO-1. Examination of the in vivo effects of tranilast using wild type and diabetic db/db mice showed improved glucose tolerance along with FoxO-1 inactivation in the pancreas of the tranilast-treated groups. Thus, we report here that tranilast has protective effects against PA-induced lipotoxic stress in INS-1 cells, at least partly, via FoxO-1 inactivation, which results in improved glucose tolerance in vivo.
Pool vs single sample determination of serum prolactin to explore venipuncture associated stress induced variation
Authors: Das Madhumita , Gogoi Chitralekha
Published: January 2023

Stress is identified as a cause of transient hyperprolactinemia, whereas venipuncture is considered a source of stress for patient. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of venipuncture-induced stress with elevation of serum prolactin. This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted on a group of 150 outdoor patients visiting a tertiary care hospital. Serial sampling was performed by drawing venous blood at different time intervals (0, 30 and 60 min) by single venipuncture to measure serum prolactin to diagnose stress-induced hyperprolactinemia. The study was conducted in two phases, namely, Phase 1 and Phase 2, at different times. The Phase 1 results were divided into two groups: Group 1 (0 min) and Group 5 (pool prepared from samples collected at 0 + 30 + 60 min). Likewise, the results of Phase 2 were segregated into five groups; Group 1 (0 min), Group 2 (30 min), Group 3 (60 min), Group 4 (average of three groups), and Group 5 (pool from samples collected at 0 + 30 + 60 min). In both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the study, there was a statistically significant (p = 0.0003 in Phase 1 and p = 0.02 in Phase 2) decrease in the mean prolactin (17.99 ± 24.76 ng/mL in Phase 1 and 19.61 ± 23.42 ng/mL in Phase 2) in the pooled samples (Group 5) in comparison to the mean prolactin (19.67 ± 27.69 ng/mL in Phase 1 and 21.06 ± 25.06 ng/mL in Phase 2) of the serum collected at 0 h (Group 1). There was no significant difference in the mean prolactin measured from the pooled samples and average prolactin calculated after individual testing from each sample collected at 0 h, 30 min and 60 min. Venipuncture-triggered fear and apprehension may result in transient hyperprolactinemia. In comparison to performing multiple testing on the samples collected at different time intervals and determining the mean, measurement of the analyte from the pooled serum is the better alternative as it can conserve both time and resources.
Insights into chloroplast genome structure, intraspecific variation, and phylogeny of Cyclamen species (Myrsinoideae)
Authors: Mao Lihui , Zou Qingcheng , Sun Zhongshuai , Dong Qing , Cao Xuerui
Published: January 2023

Species from the flowering plant genus Cyclamen are popular amongst consumers. In particular Cyclamen persicum Mill. has been significantly used commercially, and certain small flowering species such as Cyclamen hederifolium and Cyclamen coum are gradually growing in popularity in the potted flower market. Here, the chloroplast genomes of nine Cyclamen samples including four Cyclamen species and five varieties of C. hederifolium were sequenced for genome structure comparison, White green septal striped leaves related gene screening and DNA molecular markers were developed for phylogenetic analysis. In comparing Cyclamen species’ chloroplast genomes, gene content and gene order were found to be highly similar with the length of genomes ranging from 151,626 to 153,058 bp. The chloroplast genome of Cyclamen has 128 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes, 36 transfer RNA genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA genes. Based on intraspecific variation, seven hotspots, including three genes and four intergenic regions, were identified as variable markers for downstream species delimitation and interspecific relationship analyses. Moreover, a phylogenetic tree constructed with complete chloroplast genomes, revealed that Cyclamen are monophyletic with Lysimachia as the closest neighbor. Phylogenetic analyses of the 14 Cyclamen species with the seven variable regions showed five distinct clades within this genus. The highly supported topologies showed these seven regions may be used as candidate DNA barcode sequences to distinguish Cyclamen species. White green septal striped leaves is common in C. hederifolium, however the molecular mechanism of this has not yet been described. Here, we find that the intergenic region rps4-trnT-UGU seems related to white green septal striped leaves.
Assessment of metabolic syndrome predictors in relation to inflammation and visceral fat tissue in older adults
Authors: Tylutka Anna , Morawin Barbara , Walas Łukasz , Michałek Marta , Gwara Anna , Zembron-Lacny Agnieszka
Published: January 2023

The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome (MetS) focuses on the assessment of risk factors such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, central adiposity and elevated blood pressure. Evidence suggests that markers of systemic inflammation may also be included in the definition of MetS and play some role in its pathogenesis. The study was designed to evaluate low-grade inflammation status in older adults with MetS in relation to increased body fat tissue and an attempt was made to evaluate new predictors for MetS through the analysis of the ROC Curve. Ninety-six middle-aged (69.2 ± 4.9) individuals from University of Third Age (women n = 75 and men n = 21) were allocated to two groups: without metabolic syndrome (n = 37) and with metabolic syndrome (n = 59) according to International Diabetes Federation criteria in agreement with American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute 2009. Participants’ current health status was assessed using medical records from a routine follow-up visit to a primary care physician. Statistical analysis was performed using R studio software. Depending on the normal distribution, ANOVA or the Kruskal–Wallis test was used. The optimal threshold value for clinical stratification (cut-off value) was obtained by calculating the Youden index. The AUC was observed to be the highest for a new anthropometric index i.e. lipid accumulation product (0.820). Low-grade inflammation dominated in MetS group (BMI 28.0 ± 4.4 kg/m2, WHR 0.9 ± 0.1, FM 24.7 ± 7.9 kg) where significantly higher values of TNF-α (p = 0.027) and HGMB-1 protein (p = 0.011) were recorded.The optimal threshold values for immunological indices assessed as new predictors of the metabolic syndrome were: 93.4 for TNF-α, 88.2 for HGMB-1 protein and 1992.75 for ghrelin. High AUC values for these indices additionally confirmed their high diagnostic usefulness in MetS.
Application value of whole exome sequencing in screening and identifying novel mutations of hypopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Yao Jingwei , Ding Yubo , Liu Xiong , Huang Jialu , Zhang Minghui , Zhang Yu , Lv Yufan , Xie Zhuoyi , Zuo Jianhong
Published: January 2023

The research on targeted therapy of hypopharyngeal cancer is very scarce. The discovery of new targeted driver genes will promote the progress of hypopharyngeal cancer therapy to a great extent. In our research, whole-exome sequencing in 10 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer was performed to identify single nucleotide variations (SNVs) and insertions and deletions (INDELs). American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines were used to evaluate the pathogenicity of the selected variants. 8113 mutation sites in 5326 genes were identified after strict screening. We identified 72 pathogenic mutations in 53 genes according to the ACMG guidelines. Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and KEGG enrichment analysis show the effect of these genes on cancer. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) was analyzed by string online software. The validation results of the ualcan database showed that 22 of the 53 genes may be related to the poor prognosis of patients with hypopharyngeal cancer. RBM20 has the most significant correlation with hypopharyngeal cancer, and it is likely to be the driver gene of hypopharyngeal cancer. In conclusion, we found possible therapeutic targets for hypopharyngeal cancer, especially RBM20 and KMT2C. Our study provides a basis for the pathogenesis and targeted therapy of hypopharyngeal cancer.
A dummy molecularly imprinted ratiometric fluorescence nanosensor for the sensitive detection of guanidyl-microcystins in environmental water
Authors: Li Ping , Fu Hao , Bai Zhenyu , Feng Xiaoyang , Qi Ji , Song Xingliang , Hu Xueping , Chen Lingxin
Published: January 2023

A molecularly imprinted ratiometric fluorescence sensor for the sensitive detection of microcystins in environmental water.
Ru–W modified graphitic carbon nitride by a monomer complexation synthesis approach from a tailored polyoxometalate: towards electrochemical detection of hydrogen peroxide released by cells
Authors: Shabana Neermunda , Arjun Ajith Mohan , Rajendran K. , Pathan Soyeb , Rasheed P. Abdul
Published: January 2023

Ru–W nano-cluster modified g-C3N4 was synthesized from a Ru-substituted phosphotungstate precursor, for electrochemical detection of hydrogen peroxide.
Au/Fe3O4-based nanozymes with peroxidase-like activity integrated in immunochromatographic strips for highly-sensitive biomarker detection
Authors: Yang Dong , Wang Lixia , Jia Tongtong , Lian Ting , Yang Kadi , Li Xuhua , Wang Xue , Xue Chaohua
Published: January 2023

Schematic illustration of the assembly of ICTs with Au/Fe3O4 NPs as color label and signal amplification.
Online identification and classification of Gannan navel oranges with Cu contamination by LIBS with IGA-optimized SVM
Authors: Huang Lin , Chen Yangfan , Wang Jianbo , Cheng Zhandong , Tao Lei , Zhou Huamao , Xu Jiang , Yao Mingyin , Liu Muhua , Chen Tianbing
Published: January 2023

An online identification and classification system based on LIBS technology was developed to detect Gannan navel oranges, and realized real-time and fast detection of navel orange quality. Combined with IGA-SVM, the classification accuracy can reach 98% for test samples.
Highly efficient photothermal branched Au–Ag nanoparticles containing procyanidins for synergistic antibacterial and anti-inflammatory immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Hanchi , Wang Dongyang , Huangfu Huimin , Chen Siyu , Qin Qiuyue , Ren Sicong , Zhang Yidi , Fu Li , Zhou Yanmin
Published: January 2023

Photothermal nanoparticles treat periodontal inflammation and promote tissue regeneration by removing biofilms while modulating the immune microenvironment.
Potent intrinsic bactericidal activity of novel copper telluride nano-grape clusters with facile preparation
Authors: Zhou Yanwen , Lei Haozhuo , Wang Meng , Shi Yanbin , Wang Zhaohui
Published: January 2023

By an easy protocol in ambient conditions, novel copper telluride nano-bacterial hunters were prepared, resembling grape clusters, with very potent intrinsic anti-bacterial efficacy.
Manganese(iii) porphyrin-catalyzed regioselective dual functionalization of C(sp3)–H bonds: the transformation of arylalkanes to 1,4-diketones
Authors: Sukiennik Jakub , Pranowo Audrey , Domański Sylwester , Hurej Karolina
Published: January 2023

We have developed a complete methodology for one-pot oxidation of arylalkanes to 1,4-diketones under mild conditions with high site-selectivity, using water as the main solvent and the most basic manganese(iii) porphyrin complex as a catalyst.
pH-feedback systems to program autonomous self-assembly and material lifecycles
Authors: Sharma Charu , Maity Indrajit , Walther Andreas
Published: January 2023

We highlight the development of pH-feedback systems which can be coupled to diverse pH-switchable building blocks to achieve transient self-assemblies and materials with programmable temporal behavior and autonomous lifecycles.
Photo-regulated genetic encoding of dibenzo[c,g][1,2]diazocine on proteins via configuration switching
Authors: Zheng Tingting , Fu Jielin , Xiong Qin , Shen Xin , Li Baolin , Zhao Xiaohu , Yu Zhipeng
Published: January 2023

cDBDAA is now successfully encoded on proteins via a tRNA synthetase, MmcDBDAARS. Light-driven evolution of the MmcDBDAARS enlightens a photo-governed gene expression strategy through the selective recognition of a photo-switched tDBDAA in situ.
Highly electron deficient diketopyrrolopyrroles
Authors: Humphreys Joshua , Malagreca Ferdinando , Hume Paul A. , Davies E. Stephen , Argent Stephen P. , Bradshaw Tracey D. , Amabilino David B.
Published: January 2023

The synthesis, spectroelectrochemical and structural characteristics of highly electron-accepting diketopyrrrolopyrrole (DPP) molecules with adjoining pyridinium rings is reported, along with an assessment of their toxicity, which is apparently low.
Auxeticity of monolayer, few-layer, vdW heterostructure and ribbon penta-graphene
Authors: Ho Viet Hung , Ho Duc Tam , Shin Won Ho , Kim Sung Youb
Published: January 2023

Using molecular statics simulations, we specifically focus on investigating the negative Poisson's ratio of the monolayer, few-layer, van der Waals, and ribbon penta-graphene.
B–H⋯π and C–H⋯π interactions in protein–ligand complexes: carbonic anhydrase II inhibition by carborane sulfonamides
Authors: Fanfrlík Jindřich , Brynda Jiří , Kugler Michael , Lepšík Martin , Pospíšilová Klára , Holub Josef , Hnyk Drahomír , Nekvinda Jan , Grüner Bohumír , Řezáčová Pavlína
Published: January 2023

The first crystallographic and quantum chemical evidence of B–H⋯π interaction in a protein–ligand complex is presented.
Using micro-solvation and generalized coordination numbers to estimate the solvation energies of adsorbed hydroxyl on metal nanoparticles
Authors: Hanselman Selwyn , Koper Marc T. M. , Calle-Vallejo Federico
Published: January 2023

Site-independent solvation energies are observed for *OH on various transition metal nanoparticles, enabling the use of average solvation corrections.
Cu-doped SnS2 nanosheets with superior visible-light photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance
Authors: Di Tingmin , Cao Tengfei , Liu Han , Wang Shenggao , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2023

A Cu doped SnS2 photocatalyst was synthesized by a simple hydrothermal process and displayed enhanced CO2 reduction activity, which is attributed to the narrowed band gap, enlarged SBET, efficient charge separation resulted from Cu doping.
Structure and magnetism of electrospun porous high-entropy (Cr1/5Mn1/5Fe1/5Co1/5Ni1/5)3O4, (Cr1/5Mn1/5Fe1/5Co1/5Zn1/5)3O4 and (Cr1/5Mn1/5Fe1/5Ni1/5Zn1/5)3O4 spinel oxide nanofibers
Authors: Ponti Alessandro , Triolo Claudia , Petrovičovà Beatrix , Ferretti Anna M. , Pagot Gioele , Xu Wenlei , Di Noto Vito , Pinna Nicola , Santangelo Saveria
Published: January 2023

The magnetism of electrospun porous high-entropy spinel oxides can be tuned by changing a single cation.
Collaborative hydrothermal and calcination fabrication of ZnOS heterostructures for visible-light-driven H2 production
Authors: Chen XueLi , Lin ChenXiang , Lai LanHai , Liu MingRui , Zheng Kai , Li SongTao , Li HaiTao
Published: January 2023

Photocatalytic water splitting is forecasted as a promising strategy for H2 production.
The magnetic properties of MAl4(OH)12SO4·3H2O with M = Co2+, Ni2+, and Cu2+determined by a combined experimental and computational approach
Authors: Andersen Anders B. A. , Christiansen Rasmus Tang , Holm-Janas Sofie , Manvell Anna S. , Pedersen Kasper S. , Sheptyakov Denis , Embs Jan Peter , Jacobsen Henrik , Dachs Edgar , Vaara Juha , Lefmann Kim , Nielsen Ulla Gro
Published: January 2023

CoAl4(OH)12(SO4)·3H2O is a 0D magnet and MAl4(OH)12(SO4)·3H2O with M = Ni2+and Cu2+are ferromagnetic spin chains (no magnetic ordering > 2 K) based on magnetic susceptibility, neutron scattering, NMR, and first-principles calculations.
Tuning the electrochemical behavior of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide via doping hexagonal BN for high capacity negative electrodes for Li and Na ion batteries
Authors: Shamim Siraj Ud Daula , Piya Afiya Akter , Rahman Mohammad Sadiqur , Hasan Syed Mahedi , Hossain Md Kamal , Ahmed Farid
Published: January 2023

BN doped reduced graphene oxide (BN-rGO) as promising anode candidate for Li/Na ion batteries.
Salen, salan and salalen zinc(ii) complexes in the interaction with HS−: time-resolved fluorescence applications
Authors: Strianese Maria , D'Auria Gerard Joseph , Lamberti Marina , Landi Alessandro , Peluso Andrea , Varriale Antonio , D'Auria Sabato , Pellecchia Claudio
Published: January 2023

We studied the reactivity of HS− with a family of zinc complexes. The different fluorescence trends observed for 1 and 3 in the presence of HS− has been related with the possible existence of non-radiative decay paths, by means of a DFT-analysis.
Application of fully conjugated covalent organic frameworks in photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction performance
Authors: Lei Tian , Mi Yongsheng , Wei Zihao , Li Shenghua , Pang Siping
Published: January 2023

Photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide into useful feedstocks has attracted increasing attention.