bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
i4DVar: An Integral Correcting Four‐Dimensional Variational Data Assimilation Method
Authors: Tian Xiangjun , Zhang Hongqin , Feng Xiaobing , Li Xin
Published: August 2021

Four‐dimensional variational data assimilation (4DVar) has become an increasingly important tool in data science with wide applications in many engineering and scientific fields. The current state‐of‐the‐art 4DVar offers only two choices in incorporating the forecast model which lead to the strongly and weakly constrained 4DVar approaches. The former ignores the model error and only corrects the initial condition error at the expense of reduced accuracy; while the latter accounts for both the initial and model errors but corrects them separately, which increases computational costs and uncertainty. To overcome these limitations, in this study we develop an integral correcting 4DVar (i4DVar) approach by treating all errors together as a whole and correcting them simultaneously and indiscriminately. Our main idea is to introduce an averaged penalization term in the cost functional to correct the error evolution at selected time steps with same interval, which is amount to dividing the assimilation window into several sub‐windows. As a result, i4DVar greatly enhances the capability of the strongly constrained 4DVar for correcting the model error while also overcomes the limitation of the weakly constrained 4DVar for being prohibitively expensive with added uncertainty. The new i4DVar approach has the potential to be applicable to various scientific and engineering fields as well as industrial sectors which involve big observation data because of its ease of implementation and superior performance.
How Can Wristbands Monitor Pollution, PAHs, and Prenatal Care?
Authors: Tripathy-Lang Alka
Published: August 2021

Silicone wristbands can help monitor pregnant women’s exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Tracking these toxic chemicals, produced by combustion, could improve public health outcomes.
Multiresolution Modeling of High‐Latitude Ionospheric Electric Field Variability and Impact on Joule Heating Using SuperDARN Data
Authors: Matsuo Tomoko , Fan Minjie , Shi Xueling , Miller Caleb , Ruohoniemi J. Michael , Paul Debashis , Lee Thomas C. M.
Published: August 2021

The most dynamic electromagnetic coupling between the magnetosphere and ionosphere occurs in the polar upper atmosphere. It is critical to quantify the electromagnetic energy and momentum input associated with this coupling as its impacts on the ionosphere and thermosphere system are global and major, often leading to considerable disturbances in near‐Earth space environments. The current general circulation models of the upper atmosphere exhibit systematic biases that can be attributed to an inadequate representation of the Joule heating rate resulting from unaccounted stochastic fluctuations of electric fields associated with the magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling. These biases exist regardless of geomagnetic activity levels. To overcome this limitation, a new multiresolution random field modeling approach is developed, and the efficacy of the approach is demonstrated using Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) data carefully curated for the study during a largely quiet 4‐hour period on February 29, 2012. Regional small‐scale electrostatic fields sampled at different resolutions from a probabilistic distribution of electric field variability conditioned on actual SuperDARN LOS observations exhibit considerably more localized fine‐scale features in comparison to global large‐scale fields modeled using the SuperDARN Assimilative Mapping procedure. The overall hemispherically integrated Joule heating rate is increased by a factor of about 1.5 due to the effect of random regional small‐scale electric fields, which is close to the lower end of arbitrarily adjusted Joule heating multiplicative factor of 1.5 and 2.5 typically used in upper atmosphere general circulation models. The study represents an important step toward a data‐driven ensemble modeling of magnetosphere‐ionosphere‐atmosphere coupling processes.
The Scalable Plasma Ion Composition and Electron Density (SPICED) Model for Earth's Inner Magnetosphere
Authors: James Matthew K. , Yeoman Tim K. , Jones Petra , Sandhu Jasmine K. , Goldstein Jerry
Published: August 2021

The plasma mass loading of the terrestrial equatorial inner magnetosphere is a key determinant of the characteristics and propagation of ultra low frequency waves. Electron number density is also an important factor for other types of waves such as chorus, hiss and EMIC waves. In this paper, we use Van Allen Probe data from September 2012 to February 2019 to create average models of electron densities and average ion mass in the plasmasphere and plasmatrough, near the Earth's magnetic equator. These models are combined to provide an estimate of the most probable plasma mass density in the equatorial region. We then use machine learning to form a set of models which are parameterized by the SuperMAG ring current index based on the design of the average models. The resulting set of models are capable of predicting the average ion mass, electron density and plasma mass density in the range and over all magnetic local time sectors during a range of conditions where nT.
The Complex Love Numbers of Long‐Period Zonal Tides Retrieved From Global GPS Displacements: Applications for Determining Mantle Anelasticity
Authors: Ding Hao , Chen ZhiFeng , Pan YuanJin , Zou ChuanYi
Published: August 2021

Long‐period zonal tidal Love numbers are more sensitive to lower‐mantle anelasticity (which is difficult to determine even from laboratory); however, the Love numbers of the zonal tides have not been adequately determined. In this study, we use the optimal sequence estimation method with the Global Positioning System (GPS) displacements to estimate the complex Love numbers of the long‐period zonal tides. For the first time, we retrieve the complex Love numbers h20 and l20 for the Msm, Msf, SN, Mstm, Mtm, Msqm, and Mqm tides from the Up‐ and North‐components of the global GPS displacements; we also re‐estimate the same complex Love numbers for the Mm (monthly) and Mf (fortnightly) tides with a higher precision. Based on the robust estimated h20 and l20 values for the nine zonal tides, we inverse their corresponding mantle anelastic parameters fr and fi, respectively. We finally obtain that the material‐dependent parameter α for the lower mantle is 0.189 ± 0.07, and find that the 18.6‐year nodal tide and the Chandler wobble, as well as the long‐period zonal tides, can be represented by a single absorption band. Our estimates for fr, fi, and α can be further used to construct attenuation and velocity models of the Earth's interior.
Warming‐Induced Northwestward Migration of the Asian Summer Monsoon in the Geological Past: Evidence From Climate Simulations and Geological Reconstructions
Authors: Huang Xiaofang , Yang Shiling , Haywood Alan , Jiang Dabang , Wang Yongda , Sun Minmin , Tang Zihua , Ding Zhongli
Published: August 2021

The cold and warm intervals during the Plio‐Pleistocene provide an opportunity to assess the response of the Asian summer monsoon (ASM) to different levels of global warming. In this study, the northern edge of the ASM, a sensitive indicator of the advance and retreat of the ASM rain belt, was analyzed using climate outputs from PMIP3 and PlioMIP1, for the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, ∼21,000 yr BP), the preindustrial, the mid‐Holocene (∼6,000 yr BP), and the mid‐Pliocene (∼3.3–3.0 Ma), among which the global temperature increased sequentially. The results show that the northern edge of the ASM migrated northwestward by ∼200 km, ∼50 km, and ∼50 km with global warming from the LGM to preindustrial, from the preindustrial to mid‐Holocene, and from the mid‐Holocene to mid‐Pliocene, respectively. These results are generally consistent with geological records. The simulations show that the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) intensified and expanded geographically, and the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) migrated northward over the Indian Ocean and was shifted southward over the western Pacific. This led to a northwestward shift of the Asian monsoonal rain belt, and consequently to wetter conditions in India and northern China. During the mid‐Pliocene, pronounced warming substantially intensified the WPSH, leading to the suppression of moisture transport from the Indian Ocean to southern China and the Indo‐China Peninsula. Our results suggest that if the planet returns to a Pliocene warm world, precipitation will increase in northern China, while southern China and the Indo‐China Peninsula will experience more frequent droughts.
Bidirectional Recoil Leaders in Upward Lightning Flashes Observed at the Säntis Tower
Authors: Sunjerga Antonio , Rubinstein Marcos , Azadifar Mohammad , Mostajabi Amirhossein , Rachidi Farhad
Published: September 2021

We report the observation of three negative upward flashes recorded by a high‐speed camera at the Säntis Tower during the Summer of 2019. The camera was operating at 10,000 fps and an exposure time of 99 μs. Simultaneous measurements of the lightning current were obtained for all three flashes. The close electric field was measured for one of the observed flashes, which was analyzed in detail. In this flash, we observed 50 recoil leaders developing in the decayed channel with speeds characteristic of dart leader processes. Out of the 50 recoil leaders, 45 ended up as attempted leaders, three developed into M‐component‐type ICC (initial continuous current) processes, and two into return strokes. This study reveals that depending on the spatial and temporal properties of electric field in the area of the event and the main channel condition, recoil leaders can develop into different processes in upward negative lightning flashes such as attempted leaders, M‐components, M‐component‐type ICC events, mixed mode pulses, or return strokes. We observed M‐component‐type ICC events with junction heights as low as 137 m, while all of the observed mixed mode pulses seemed to attach directly to the structure. Bidirectional propagation of the recoil leader was also observed.
Investigation of Particle Number Concentrations and New Particle Formation With Largely Reduced Air Pollutant Emissions at a Coastal Semi‐Urban Site in Northern China
Authors: Zhu Yujiao , Shen Yanjie , Li Kai , Meng He , Sun Yue , Yao Xiaohong , Gao Huiwang , Xue Likun , Wang Wenxing
Published: August 2021

To better understand the responses of particle number concentrations (PNCs) and new particle formation (NPF) to the largely reduced air pollutant emissions in urban atmospheres, we investigated the particle number size distributions in Qingdao, a coastal megacity in northern China, during two separate periods, 2010–2012 and 2016–2018. The results show only an average of 5% decrease in the total PNCs in 2016–2018 relative to 2010–2012, although the PM2.5 mass concentration decreased by over 40%. Nucleation‐mode PNCs decreased by 20%, which is attributable to reductions in primary emissions from on‐road vehicles and secondary sources. Unexpectedly, the accumulation‐mode PNCs increased by 11% in 2016–2018 relative to 2010–2012. The SO2 concentrations strongly decreased by ∼60%, and the NPF frequencies slightly decreased from 34% in 2010–2012 to 25% in 2016–2018. However, there were no significant changes in the apparent new particle formation rate (FR) or net maximum increase in nucleation‐mode PNCs (NMINP). The increased concentrations of other precursors may substantially negate the effect of SO2 reduction, leading to the invariant FR and NMINP. The maximum sizes of grown new particles decreased by 50%; combined with the decreased NPF frequency, the contribution of grown new particles to accumulation‐mode PNCs expectedly decreased in 2016–2018 relative to 2010–2012. Alternatively, the increased accumulation‐mode PNCs in 2016–2018 mainly attribute to the enhanced primary combustion emissions excluding on‐road vehicle emissions. The increase in accumulation‐mode PNCs in 2016–2018 provides insights on the inter‐annual variation in satellite‐based cloud properties, which appeared insensitive to the large decrease in satellite‐based aerosol optical depth.
Mare Domes in Mare Tranquillitatis: Identification, Characterization, and Implications for Their Origin
Authors: Qiao Le , Head James W. , Wilson Lionel , Chen Jian , Ling Zongcheng
Published: August 2021

Mare domes, small shield volcanoes typically <∼30 km diameter, are part of the spectrum of lunar volcanic features that characterize extrusive basalt deposits. We used new spacecraft data to document these in Mare Tranquillitatis, among the oldest maria and the site commonly interpreted as an ancient degraded non‐mascon impact basin. We found 283 known and suspected mare domes, with the majority (n = 229) concentrated on a broad, ∼450 km circular topographic rise in eastern Mare Tranquillitatis. The domes (median diameter 5.6 km, height 68 m, volume 0.7 km3) contain summit pits (74%; median diameter 0.8 km), and exhibit minor compositional variability between domes and surrounding flows, suggesting that domes both supply and are embayed by these flows. Based on their characteristics and associations, we interpret the small shield volcanoes to have been built from individual low‐volume (<∼10–100 km3), low volatile content, short duration, cooling‐limited eruptions. The ∼450 km broad volcanic rise is ∼920 m high (volume ∼1.6 × 105 km3) and is interpreted to be built from multiple occurrences of small shield eruptions, a shield plains volcanism style. This implies a shallow mantle source region capable of supplying distributed dike‐emplacement and eruption events over an area of 1.75 × 105 km2 early in mare volcanism history (∼3.7 Ga). The difference between Mare Tranquillitatis and younger mare‐filled mascon basins is attributed to the more ancient thermal state and crustal structure of the viscously relaxed Tranquillitatis basin, and a shallower broad magma source region present in earlier lunar thermal history.
Connecting the Age and Reactivity of Organic Carbon to Watershed Geology and Land Use in Tributaries of the Hudson River
Authors: Stahl Mason , Wassik Jack , Gehring Jaclyn , Horan Connor , Wozniak Andrew
Published: September 2021

We characterized the dissolved organic matter (DOM) under baseflow conditions from a set of rivers in the Mohawk and Hudson River watersheds. The rivers in this study drain a range of bedrock geologies and land cover. We identify how those factors influence riverine DOM reactivity and the source, age, and composition of the biolabile DOM. We performed laboratory incubation experiments to characterize each river's reactive and non‐reactive DOM pools. Measurements of dissolved organic carbon concentration, radiocarbon, Ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy absorbance, and Fourier‐transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR‐MS) analysis were performed at each incubation start and end, allowing us to determine the quantity, age, and composition of the reactive and nonreactive DOM pools. We find that lithology controls bulk DOM ages, with watersheds underlain by shale/limestone having the most aged DOM and crystalline/metasedimentary watersheds having the youngest DOM. We observe that for a given lithology, bulk DOM age increases with the proportion of agricultural land in the watershed–suggesting agricultural practices mobilize aged DOM. FTICR‐MS analysis reveals that both lithology and land cover influence DOM composition. Shale/limestone watersheds showed DOM compositions distinct from other watershed lithologies, and the percentage of nitrogen‐containing DOM correlated with agricultural influence. In two of the studied rivers we find that the biolabile DOM fraction is older than the bulk DOM (upwards of 7 kyr) revealing that aged DOM may be preferentially consumed in these rivers. Our findings provide insight into how riverine carbon cycles may respond to watershed disturbances that influence DOM inputs to rivers.
A dual-role of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein in regulating innate immune response
Authors: Zhao Yinghua , Sui Liyan , Wu Ping , Wang Wenfang , Wang Zedong , Yu Yang , Hou Zhijun , Tan Guangyun , Liu Quan , Wang Guoqing
Published: September 2021

The recently emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is the causative agent of ongoing global pandemic of COVID-19, may trigger immunosuppression in the early stage and overactive immune response in the late stage of infection; However, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here we demonstrated that the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein dually regulated innate immune responses, i.e., the low-dose N protein suppressed type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling and inflammatory cytokines, whereas high-dose N protein promoted IFN-I signaling and inflammatory cytokines. Mechanistically, the SARS-CoV-2 N protein dually regulated the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of IRF3, STAT1, and STAT2. Additionally, low-dose N protein combined with TRIM25 could suppress the ubiquitination and activation of retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I). Our findings revealed a regulatory mechanism of innate immune responses by the SARS-CoV-2 N protein, which would contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and other SARS-like coronaviruses, and development of more effective strategies for controlling COVID-19.
Soil plastispheres as hotspots of antibiotic resistance genes and potential pathogens
Authors: Zhu Dong , Ma Jun , Li Gang , Rillig Matthias C , Zhu Yong-Guan
Published: August 2021

In the Anthropocene, increasing pervasive plastic pollution is creating a new environmental compartment, the plastisphere. How the plastisphere affects microbial communities and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is an issue of global concern. Although this has been studied in aquatic ecosystems, our understanding of plastisphere microbiota in soil ecosystems remains poor. Here, we investigated plastisphere microbiota and ARGs of four types of microplastics (MPs) from diverse soil environments, and revealed effects of manure, temperature, and moisture on them. Our results showed that the MPs select for microbial communities in the plastisphere, and that these plastisphere communities are involved in diverse metabolic pathways, indicating that they could drive diverse ecological processes in the soil ecosystem. The relationship within plastisphere bacterial zero-radius operational taxonomic units (zOTUs) was predominantly positive, and neutral processes appeared to dominate community assembly. However, deterministic processes were more important in explaining the variance in ARGs in plastispheres. A range of potential pathogens and ARGs were detected in the plastisphere, which were enriched compared to the soil but varied across MPs and soil types. We further found that the addition of manure and elevation of soil temperature and moisture all enhance ARGs in plastispheres, and potential pathogens increase with soil moisture. These results suggested that plastispheres are habitats in which an increased potential pathogen abundance is spatially co-located with an increased abundance of ARGs under global change. Our findings provided new insights into the community ecology of the microbiome and antibiotic resistome of the soil plastisphere.
LsAP2 regulates leaf morphology by inhibiting CIN-like TCP transcription factors and repressing LsKAN2 in lettuce
Authors: Luo Chen , Wang Shenglin , Ning Kang , Chen Zijing , Wang Yixin , Yang Jingjing , Wang Qian
Published: September 2021

Leaf size and flatness directly affect photosynthesis and are closely related to agricultural yield. The final leaf size and shape are coordinately determined by cell proliferation, differentiation, and expansion during leaf development. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is one of the most important leafy vegetables worldwide, and lettuce leaves vary in shape and size. However, the molecular mechanisms of leaf development in lettuce are largely unknown. In this study, we showed that the lettuce APETALA2 (LsAP2) gene regulates leaf morphology. LsAP2 encodes a transcriptional repressor that contains the conserved EAR motif, which mediates interactions with the TOPLESS/TOPLESS-RELATED (TPL/TPR) corepressors. Overexpression of LsAP2 led to small and crinkly leaves, and many bulges were seen on the surface of the leaf blade. LsAP2 physically interacted with the CINCINNATA (CIN)-like TEOSINTE BRANCHED1/CYCLOIDEA/PROLIFERATING CELL FACTOR (TCP) transcription factors and inhibited their transcriptional activation activity. RNA sequencing analysis showed that LsAP2 affected the expression of auxin- and polarity-related genes. In addition, LsAP2 directly repressed the abaxial identity gene KANADI2 (LsKAN2). Together, these results indicate that LsAP2 regulates leaf morphology by inhibiting CIN-like TCP transcription factors and repressing LsKAN2, and our work provides insights into the regulatory mechanisms of leaf development in lettuce.
Auxin response and transport during induction of pedicel abscission in tomato
Authors: Dong Xiufen , Ma Chao , Xu Tao , Reid Michael S. , Jiang Cai-Zhong , Li Tianlai
Published: September 2021

Auxin plays a central role in control of organ abscission, and it is thought that changes in the auxin gradient across the abscission zone are the primary determinant of the onset of abscission. The nature of this gradient, whether in concentration, flow, or perhaps in the response system has not conclusively been determined. We employed a DR5::GUS auxin response reporter system to examine the temporal and spatial distribution of the auxin response activity in response to developmental and environmental cues during pedicel abscission in tomato. In pedicels of young and fully open flowers, auxin response, as indicated by GUS activity, was predominantly detected in the vascular tissues and was almost entirely confined to the abscission zone (AZ) and to the distal portion of the pedicel, with a striking reduction in the proximal tissues below the AZ—a ‘step’, rather than a gradient. Following pollination and during early fruit development, auxin response increased substantially throughout the pedicel. Changes in GUS activity following treatments that caused pedicel abscission (flower removal, high temperature, darkness, ethylene, or N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) treatment) were relatively minor, with reduced auxin response in the AZ and some reduction above and below it. Expression of genes encoding some auxin efflux carriers (PIN) and influx carriers (AUX⁄LAX) was substantially reduced in the abscission zone of NPA-treated pedicels, and in pedicels stimulated to abscise by flower removal. Our results suggest that changes in auxin flow distribution through the abscission zone are likely more important than the auxin response system in the regulation of abscission.
UV-B light and its application potential to reduce disease and pest incidence in crops
Authors: Meyer Prisca , Van de Poel Bram , De Coninck Barbara
Published: September 2021

Ultraviolet-B radiation (280–315 nm), perceived by the plant photoreceptor UVR8, is a key environmental signal that influences plant growth and development and can reduce disease and pest incidence. The positive effect of UV-B on disease resistance and incidence in various plant species supports the implementation of supplemental UV-B radiation in sustainable crop production. However, despite many studies focusing on UV-B light, there is no consensus on the best mode of application. This review aims to analyze, evaluate, and organize the different application strategies of UV-B radiation in crop production with a focus on disease resistance. We summarize the physiological effects of UV-B light on plants and discuss how plants perceive and transduce UV-B light by the UVR8 photoreceptor as well as how this perception alters plant specialized metabolite production. Next, we bring together conclusions of various studies with respect to different UV-B application methods to improve plant resistance. In general, supplemental UV-B light has a positive effect on disease resistance in many plant–pathogen combinations, mainly through the induction of the production of specialized metabolites. However, many variables (UV-B light source, plant species, dose and intensity, timing during the day, duration, background light, etc.) make it difficult to compare and draw general conclusions. We compiled the information of recent studies on UV-B light applications, including e.g., details on the UV-B light source, experimental set-up, calculated UV-B light dose, intensity, and duration. This review provides practical insights and facilitates future research on UV-B radiation as a promising tool to reduce disease and pest incidence.
DNA methylation is involved in sexual differentiation and sex chromosome evolution in the dioecious plant garden asparagus
Authors: Li Shu-Fen , Lv Can-Can , Lan Li-Na , Jiang Kai-Lu , Zhang Yu-Lan , Li Ning , Deng Chuan-Liang , Gao Wu-Jun
Published: September 2021

DNA methylation is a crucial regulatory mechanism in many biological processes. However, limited studies have dissected the contribution of DNA methylation to sexual differentiation in dioecious plants. In this study, we investigated the variances in methylation and transcriptional patterns of male and female flowers of garden asparagus. Compared with male flowers, female flowers at the same stages showed higher levels of DNA methylation. Both male and female flowers gained DNA methylation globally from the premeiotic to meiotic stages. Detailed analysis revealed that the increased DNA methylation was largely due to increased CHH methylation. Correlation analysis of differentially expressed genes and differentially methylated regions suggested that DNA methylation might not have contributed to the expression variation of the sex-determining genes SOFF and TDF1 but probably played important roles in sexual differentiation and flower development of garden asparagus. The upregulated genes AoMS1, AoLAP3, AoAMS, and AoLAP5 with varied methylated CHH regions might have been involved in sexual differentiation and flower development of garden asparagus. Plant hormone signaling genes and transcription factor genes also participated in sexual differentiation and flower development with potential epigenetic regulation. In addition, the CG and CHG methylation levels in the Y chromosome were notably higher than those in the X chromosome, implying that DNA methylation might have been involved in Y chromosome evolution. These data provide insights into the epigenetic modification of sexual differentiation and flower development and improve our understanding of sex chromosome evolution in garden asparagus.
A high-quality chromosome-scale assembly of the centipedegrass [Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack.] genome provides insights into chromosomal structural evolution and prostrate growth habit
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Zi Hailing , Wang Rui , Liu Jianxiu , Wang Haoran , Chen Rongrong , Li Ling , Guo Hailin , Chen Jingbo , Li Jianjian , Zong Junqin
Published: September 2021

Centipedegrass [Eremochloa ophiuroides(Munro) Hack.], a member of the Panicoideae subfamily, is one of the most important warm-season turfgrasses originating from China. This grass has an extremely developed prostrate growth habit and has been widely used in transitional and warm climatic regions. To better understand the genetic basis of important biological characteristics, such as prostrate growth and seed yield, in warm-season turfgrasses, we present a high-quality reference genome for centipedegrass and use PacBio, BioNano, and Hi-C technologies to anchor the 867.43 Mb genome assembly into nine pseudochromosomes, with a scaffold N50 of 86.05 Mb and 36,572 annotated genes. Centipedegrass was most closely related to sorghum and diverged from their common ancestor ~16.8 Mya. We detected a novel chromosome reshuffling event in centipedegrass, namely, the nest chromosome fusion event in which fusion of chromosomes 8 and 10 of sorghum into chromosome 3 of centipedegrass likely occurred after the divergence of centipedegrass from sorghum. The typical prostrate growth trait in centipedegrass may be linked to the expansion of candidatePROSTRATE GROWTH 1(PROG1) genes on chromosome 2. Two orthologous genes ofOsPROG1,EoPROG1,andEoPROG2, were confirmed to increase the stem number and decrease the stem angle inArabidopsis. Collectively, our assembled reference genome of centipedegrass offers new knowledge and resources to dissect the genome evolution of Panicoideae and accelerate genome-assisted breeding and improvement of plant architecture in turf plants.
Integrin-αV-mediated activation of TGF-β regulates anti-tumour CD8 T cell immunity and response to PD-1 blockade
Authors: Malenica Ines , Adam Julien , Corgnac Stéphanie , Mezquita Laura , Auclin Edouard , Damei Isabelle , Grynszpan Laetitia , Gros Gwendoline , de Montpréville Vincent , Planchard David , Théret Nathalie , Besse Benjamin , Mami-Chouaib Fathia
Published: September 2021

TGF-β is secreted in the tumour microenvironment in a latent, inactive form bound to latency associated protein and activated by the integrin αV subunit. The activation of latent TGF-β by cancer-cell-expressed αV re-shapes the tumour microenvironment, and this could affect patient responses to PD-1-targeting therapy. Here we show, using multiplex immunofluorescence staining in cohorts of anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1-treated lung cancer patients, that decreased expression of cancer cell αV is associated with improved immunotherapy-related, progression-free survival, as well as with an increased density of CD8+CD103+ tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes. Mechanistically, tumour αV regulates CD8 T cell recruitment, induces CD103 expression on activated CD8+ T cells and promotes their differentiation to granzyme B-producing CD103+CD69+ resident memory T cells via autocrine TGF-β signalling. Thus, our work provides the underlying principle of targeting cancer cell αV for more efficient PD-1 checkpoint blockade therapy.
Aging, inflammation and DNA damage in the somatic testicular niche with idiopathic germ cell aplasia
Authors: Alfano Massimo , Tascini Anna Sofia , Pederzoli Filippo , Locatelli Irene , Nebuloni Manuela , Giannese Francesca , Garcia-Manteiga Jose Manuel , Tonon Giovanni , Amodio Giada , Gregori Silvia , Agresti Alessandra , Montorsi Francesco , Salonia Andrea
Published: September 2021

Molecular mechanisms associated with human germ cell aplasia in infertile men remain undefined. Here we perform single-cell transcriptome profiling to highlight differentially expressed genes and pathways in each somatic cell type in testes of men with idiopathic germ cell aplasia. We identify immaturity of Leydig cells, chronic tissue inflammation, fibrosis, and senescence phenotype of the somatic cells, as well markers of chronic inflammation in the blood. We find that deregulated expression of parentally imprinted genes in myoid and immature Leydig cells, with relevant changes in the ratio of Lamin A/C transcripts and an active DNA damage response in Leydig and peritubular myoid cells are also indicative of senescence of the testicular niche. This study offers molecular insights into the pathogenesis of idiopathic germ cell aplasia.
Histone deacetylase HDA-4-mediated epigenetic regulation in space-flown C. elegans
Authors: Higashitani Atsushi , Hashizume Toko , Takiura Mai , Higashitani Nahoko , Teranishi Mika , Oshima Rika , Yano Sachiko , Kuriyama Kana , Higashibata Akira
Published: September 2021

Epigenetic changes during long-term spaceflight are beginning to be studied by NASA’s twin astronauts and other model organisms. Here, we evaluate the epigenetic regulation of gene expression in space-flown C. elegans by comparing wild type and histone deacetylase (hda)-4 mutants. Expression levels of 39 genes were consistently upregulated in all four generations of adult hda-4 mutants grown under microgravity compared with artificial Earth-like gravity (1G). In contrast, in the wild type, microgravity-induced upregulation of these genes occurred a little. Among these genes, 11 contain the domain of unknown function 19 (DUF-19) and are located in a cluster on chromosome V. When compared with the 1G condition, histone H3 trimethylation at lysine 27 (H3K27me3) increased under microgravity in the DUF-19 containing genes T20D4.12 to 4.10 locus in wild-type adults. On the other hand, this increase was also observed in the hda-4 mutant, but the level was significantly reduced. The body length of wild-type adults decreased slightly but significantly when grown under microgravity. This decrease was even more pronounced with the hda-4 mutant. In ground-based experiments, one of the T20D4.11 overexpressing strains significantly reduced body length and also caused larval growth retardation and arrest. These results indicate that under microgravity, C. elegans activates histone deacetylase HDA-4 to suppress overregulation of several genes, including the DUF-19 family. In other words, the expression of certain genes, including negative regulators of growth and development, is epigenetically fine-tuned to adapt to the space microgravity.
Influence of high heating rates on evolution of oxides on directed laser energy additively fabricated IN718
Authors: Mazumder Sangram , Pantawane Mangesh V. , Dahotre Narendra B.
Published: September 2021

The effect of non-isothermal treatment in oxygen-containing air, via heating rates of 10, 50, and 1000 °C/min until 1000 °C followed by furnace cooling to room temperature on oxides formed on directed laser energy additively fabricated IN718 was studied. Another set of samples heated up to 1000 °C using the same heating rates were isothermally held at 1000 °C for 1 hr followed by furnace cooling to room temperature. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated the presence of NiO on samples only heated at 1000 °C/min. Also, results indicated the absence of Fe-oxides on non-isothermally treated samples, irrespective of heating rate. However, isothermal treatment confirmed the presence of NiO on all samples and Fe-oxides on samples heated via 50 and 1000 °C/min. The durations in complement with the kinetics of the thermal treatments influenced oxide evolution in the samples. Such an experimental approach was adopted to study the material response under dynamic short duration-high temperature oxidation.
An artificial intelligence approach for selecting effective teacher communication strategies in autism education
Authors: Lampos Vasileios , Mintz Joseph , Qu Xiao
Published: September 2021

Effective inclusive education is key in promoting the long-term outcomes of children with autism spectrum conditions (ASC). However, no concrete consensus exists to guide teacher-student interactions in the classroom. In this work, we explore the potential of artificial intelligence as an approach in autism education to assist teachers in effective practice in developing social and educational outcomes for children with ASC. We form a protocol to systematically capture such interactions, and conduct a statistical analysis to uncover basic patterns in the collected observations, including the longer-term effect of specific teacher communication strategies on student response. In addition, we deploy machine learning techniques to predict student response given the form of communication used by teachers under specific classroom conditions and in relation to specified student attributes. Our analysis, drawn on a sample of 5460 coded interactions between teachers and seven students, sheds light on the varying effectiveness of different communication strategies and demonstrates the potential of this approach in making a contribution to autism education.
Early life stress induces age-dependent epigenetic changes in p11 gene expression in male mice
Authors: Seo Mi Kyoung , Lee Jung Goo , Park Sung Woo
Published: September 2021

Early life stress (ELS) causes long-lasting changes in gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms. However, little is known about the effects of ELS in adulthood, specifically across different age groups. In this study, the epigenetic modifications of p11 expression in adult mice subjected to ELS were investigated in different stages of adulthood. Pups experienced maternal separation (MS) for 3 h daily from postnatal day 1 to 21. At young and middle adulthood, behavioral test, hippocampal p11 expression levels, and levels of histone acetylation and methylation and DNA methylation at the hippocampal p11 promoter were measured. Middle-aged, but not young adult, MS mice exhibited increased immobility time in the forced swimming test. Concurrent with reduced hippocampal p11 levels, mice in both age groups showed a decrease in histone acetylation (AcH3) and permissive histone methylation (H3K4me3) at the p11 promoter, as well as an increase in repressive histone methylation (H3K27me3). Moreover, our results showed that the expression, AcH3 and H3Kme3 levels of p11 gene in response to MS were reduced with age. DNA methylation analysis of the p11 promoter revealed increased CpG methylation in middle-aged MS mice only. The results highlight the age-dependent deleterious effects of ELS on the epigenetic modifications of p11 transcription.
Maternal age and maternal environment affect stress reactivity and measures of social behaviour in laying hens
Authors: Peixoto Mariana R. L. V. , Cooley Leanne , Widowski Tina M.
Published: September 2021

Maternal effects can shape the phenotypes of offspring, but the extent to which a layer breeder’s experience can affect commercial laying hens remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the effects of maternal age and maternal environment on laying hens’ behaviour and stress response. In our first experiment (E1), commercial hybrid hens were reared either in aviary or barren brooding cages, then housed in aviary, conventional cages or furnished (enriched) cages, thus forming different maternal housing treatments. Hens from each treatment were inseminated at three ages, and measures of response to manual restraint and social stress were assessed in offspring. In experiment 2 (E2), maternal age effects on offsprings' stress response were further investigated using fertile eggs from commercial breeder flocks at three ages. In E1, maternal age affected struggling and corticosterone during manual restraint, feather pecking and pulling and comb wounds. Additionally, maternal rearing and housing in aviary systems showed positive effects on measures of behaviour and stress response in offspring. Effects of maternal age were not replicated in E2, possibly due to methodological differences or higher tolerance to maternal effects in commercial breeders. Overall, we recommend researchers report parent stock age to increase comparison across studies and thus our understanding of maternal age effects.
Microbiome of highly polluted coal mine drainage from Onyeama, Nigeria, and its potential for sequestrating toxic heavy metals
Authors: Oyetibo Ganiyu Oladunjoye , Enahoro Joy Aimiede , Ikwubuzo Chimuanya Amarachi , Ukwuoma Chiamaka Shileakanwa
Published: September 2021

Drains from coal mines remain a worrisome point-source of toxic metal/metalloid pollutions to the surface- and ground-waters worldwide, requiring sustainable remediation strategies. Understanding the microbial community subtleties through microbiome and geochemical data can provide valuable information on the problem. Furthermore, the autochthonous microorganisms offer a potential means to remediate such contamination. The drains from Onyeama coal mine in Nigeria contained characteristic sulphates (313.0 ± 15.9 mg l−1), carbonate (253.0 ± 22.4 mg l−1), and nitrate (86.6 ± 41.0 mg l−1), having extreme tendencies to enrich receiving environments with extremely high pollution load index (3110 ± 942) for toxic metals/metalloid. The drains exerted severe degree of toxic metals/metalloid contamination (Degree of contamination: 3,400,000 ± 240,000) and consequent astronomically high ecological risks in the order: Lead > Cadmium > Arsenic > Nickel > Cobalt > Iron > Chromium. The microbiome of the drains revealed the dominance of Proteobacteria (50.8%) and Bacteroidetes (18.9%) among the bacterial community, whereas Ascomycota (60.8%) and Ciliophora (12.6%) dominated the eukaryotic community. A consortium of 7 autochthonous bacterial taxa exhibited excellent urease activities (≥ 253 µmol urea min−1) with subsequent stemming of acidic pH to > 8.2 and sequestration of toxic metals (approx. 100% efficiency) as precipitates (15.6 ± 0.92 mg ml−1). The drain is a point source for metals/metalloid pollution, and its bioremediation is achievable with the bacteria consortium.
Assessing the extent and timing of chemosensory impairments during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Cecchetto Cinzia , Di Pizio Antonella , Genovese Federica , Calcinoni Orietta , Macchi Alberto , Dunkel Andreas , Ohla Kathrin , Spinelli Sara , Farruggia Michael C. , Joseph Paule V. , Menini Anna , Cantone Elena , Dinnella Caterina , Cecchini Maria Paola , D’Errico Anna , Mucignat-Caretta Carla , Parma Valentina , Dibattista Michele
Published: September 2021

Chemosensory impairments have been established as a specific indicator of COVID-19. They affect most patients and may persist long past the resolution of respiratory symptoms, representing an unprecedented medical challenge. Since the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic started, we now know much more about smell, taste, and chemesthesis loss associated with COVID-19. However, the temporal dynamics and characteristics of recovery are still unknown. Here, capitalizing on data from the Global Consortium for Chemosensory Research (GCCR) crowdsourced survey, we assessed chemosensory abilities after the resolution of respiratory symptoms in participants diagnosed with COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic in Italy. This analysis led to the identification of two patterns of chemosensory recovery, partial and substantial, which were found to be associated with differential age, degrees of chemosensory loss, and regional patterns. Uncovering the self-reported phenomenology of recovery from smell, taste, and chemesthetic disorders is the first, yet essential step, to provide healthcare professionals with the tools to take purposeful and targeted action to address chemosensory disorders and their severe discomfort.
Delivery mode and perinatal antibiotics influence the predicted metabolic pathways of the gut microbiome
Authors: Vänni Petri , Tejesvi Mysore V. , Ainonen Sofia , Renko Marjo , Korpela Katja , Salo Jarmo , Paalanne Niko , Tapiainen Terhi
Published: September 2021

Delivery mode and perinatal antibiotics influence gut microbiome composition in children. Most microbiome studies have used the sequencing of the bacterial 16S marker gene but have not reported the metabolic function of the gut microbiome, which may mediate biological effects on the host. Here, we used the PICRUSt2 bioinformatics tool to predict the functional profiles of the gut microbiome based on 16S sequencing in two child cohorts. Both Caesarean section and perinatal antibiotics markedly influenced the functional profiles of the gut microbiome at the age of 1 year. In machine learning analysis, bacterial fatty acid, phospholipid, and biotin biosynthesis were the most important pathways that differed according to delivery mode. Proteinogenic amino acid biosynthesis, carbohydrate degradation, pyrimidine deoxyribonucleotide and biotin biosynthesis were the most important pathways differing according to antibiotic exposure. Our study shows that both Caesarean section and perinatal antibiotics markedly influence the predicted metabolic profiles of the gut microbiome at the age of 1 year.
A ratiometric electrochemical microsensor for monitoring chloride ions in vivo
Authors: Xiao Xia , Li Chenchen , Liu Yuzhi , Feng Yaqian , Han Kai , Xiang Haoyue , Shi Guoyue , Gu Hui
Published: September 2021

Chloride ion (Cl−), the most common anion in animal brain, has been verified to play a vital role in maintaining normal physiological processes.
Efficient CO2/CO separation in a stable microporous hydrogen-bonded organic framework
Authors: Wang Jia-Xin , Pei Jiyan , Gu Xiao-Wen , Lin Yu-Xin , Li Bin , Qian Guodong
Published: September 2021

We herein successfully realized the first example of using a stable HOF (ZJU-HOF-1) for highly efficient removal of both trace (1%) and bulk (50%) CO2 from CO2/CO mixtures under dry and humid conditions.
Can nitrogen-based complex hydrides be a hydrogen isotope separation material?
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Cao Hujun , Xiong Zhitao , Bolarin Joshua Adedeji , Zhang Weijin , Chen Ping
Published: September 2021

The nitrogen-based complex hydride Li–N–H has positive thermodynamic isotope effects with a separation factor of 1.42.
Local energy decomposition analysis and molecular properties of encapsulated methane in fullerene (CH4@C60)
Authors: Jaworski Aleksander , Hedin Niklas
Published: September 2021

High-level electronic structure calculations provide quantitative insights into noncovalent interactions in endohedral complexes of fullerene C60 (X@C60; X = He, He2, Ne, Ar, Kr, CH4).
Radical-mediated rearrangements: past, present, and future
Authors: Wu Xinxin , Ma Zhigang , Feng Tingting , Zhu Chen
Published: September 2021

This Review summarizes the past to present achievements in radical-mediated rearrangements, and brings up the prospects that may inspire colleagues to develop more useful synthetic tools based on radical rearrangements.
Regulation methods for the Zn/electrolyte interphase and the effectiveness evaluation in aqueous Zn-ion batteries
Authors: Yuan Libei , Hao Junnan , Kao Chun-Chuan , Wu Chao , Liu Hua-Kun , Dou Shi-Xue , Qiao Shi-Zhang
Published: September 2021

The working principles of interphase strategies to enhance Zn reversibility are discussed. The effectiveness evaluation techniques, including electrochemical methods, characterization measurements, and computational simulations, are proposed.
Highly efficient capacitive deionization of brackish water with manganese vanadate nanorod decorated reduced graphene oxide electrode
Authors: Halabaso Eric R. , Salvacion Jonathan W. L. , Kuncoro Eko Prasetyo , Doong Ruey-An
Published: September 2021

Capacitive deionization (CDI) utilizing metal oxide-decorated carbon-based materials has emerged as a promising process to convert saline water into freshwater due to its lower energy demand and robustness.
Research progress of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on anti-pathogenic microbes and immune regulation activities
Authors: Zhao Zijuan , Feng Meiyan , Wan Juan , Zheng Xin , Teng Cuiqin , Xie Xinya , Pan Wenjing , Hu Baozhu , Huang Jianan , Liu Zhonghua , Wu Jianhua , Cai Shuxian
Published: August 2021

At the end of 2019, the COVID-19 virus spread worldwide, infecting millions of people.
Radical induced disproportionation of alcohols assisted by iodide under acidic conditions
Authors: Peng Yang , Huang Yang , Li Teng , Rong Nianxin , Jiang Haiwei , Shi Hexian , Yang Weiran
Published: September 2021

Alcohol disproportionation can proceed with high efficiency catalyzed by iodide under acidic conditions to yield the corresponding alkane and aldehyde. And the hydrogen transfer happened through the inter-transformation of HI and I2.
Biosynthesis of l-alanine from cis-butenedioic anhydride catalyzed by a triple-enzyme cascade via a genetically modified strain
Authors: Cui Ruizhi , Liu Zhongmei , Yu Puyi , Zhou Li , Zhou Zhemin
Published: September 2021

We not only developed a strategy for the construction of multienzyme systems, which is of considerable value to the sustainable production and biocatalysis, but also provided an l-alanine production process that reduced wastewater and costs.
Light-driven MPV-type reduction of aryl ketones/aldehydes to alcohols with isopropanol under mild conditions
Authors: Cao Dawei , Xia Shumei , Pan Pan , Zeng Huiying , Li Chao-Jun , Peng Yong
Published: September 2021

A light-driven photocatalyst-free strategy for reducing ketones/aldehydes to alcohols using isopropanol as the reducing agent and solvent in the presence of tBuOLi under mild conditions is developed.