mlsa-iai-msu-lab/ru_sci_bench_zho_cite_reranking huggingface dataset:
Sequestration of carbon as carbonate in the critical zone: insights from the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau

The carbon pool stored in soil carbonate is comparable to the soil organic carbon. Therefore, secondary calcite precipitation in supersaturated catchment could be an important, yet poorly constrained, carbon sink within the modern global carbon cycle. The chemical analysis of some dissolved species transported by rivers, such as elevated Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca ratios but also heavy stable Ca isotopic compositions, witness the formation of secondary calcite in rivers draining arid regions. However, in areas affected by active tectonics and rapid physical erosion, co-variations in the fluvial Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca ratios could also be related to incongruent carbonate weathering processes. Here, we present a model to assess the roles played by incongruent carbonate dissolution and secondary calcite precipitation in modern weathering processes. We tested and applied the model to rivers draining the Himalayan-Tibetan region. The results suggest that regional aridity in the drainage basin promotes carbon sequestration as secondary carbonate but that for a given runoff, incongruent dissolution of carbonate possibly related to rapid physical erosion amplifies such sequestration. The isotopic compositions (~(13)C/~(12)C and ~(18)O/~(16)O) of detrital carbonate transported by the main rivers in South and South-East Tibet imply that around 1% of the suspended material transported by those rivers corresponds to secondary carbonate and can represent between 5% and 15% of the alkalinity flux. Most of these alkalinity transported as particulate material is, nevertheless related to the weathering of carbonate lithologies and is also subjected to dissolution prior its final storage in sedimentary basins. However, on glacial-interglacial timescale this will amplify the significant role of mountain weathering on climatic variations.
Seasonal shifts in the solute ion ratios of vadose zone rock moisture from the Eel River Critical Zone Observatory

One of the greatest challenges in critical zone studies is to document the moisture dynamics, water flux, and solute chemistry of the unsaturated, fractured and weathered bedrock that lies between the soil and groundwater table. The central impediment to quantifying this component of the subsurface is the difficulty associated with direct observations. Here, we report solute chemistry as a function of depth collected over a full year across the shale-derived vadose zone of the Eel River Critical Zone Observatory using a set of novel sub-horizontal wellbores, referred to as the vadose zone monitoring system. The results of this first geochemical glimpse into the deep vadose zone indicate a dynamic temporal and depth-resolved structure. Major cation concentrations reflect seasonal changes in precipitation and water saturation, and normalized ratios span the full range of values reported for the world's largest rivers.
Single-cell transcriptome analysis reveals widespread monoallelic gene expression in individual rice mesophyll cells

Monoallelic gene expression refers to the phenomenon that all transcripts of a gene in a cell are expressed from only one of the two alleles in a diploid organism. Although monoallelic gene expression has been occasionally reported with bulk transcriptome analysis in plants, how prevalent it is in individual plant cells remains unknown. Here, we developed a single-cell RNA-seq protocol in rice and investigated allelic expression patterns in mesophyll cells of indica(93-11)and japonica(Nipponbare)inbred lines, as well as their F1 reciprocal hybrids. We observed pervasive monoallelic gene expression in individual mesophyll cells, which could be largely explained by stochastic and independent transcription of two alleles. By contrast, two mechanisms that were proposed previously based on bulk transcriptome analyses, parent-oforigin effects and allelic repression, were not well supported by our data. Furthermore, monoallelically expressed genes exhibited a number of characteristics, such as lower expression levels, narrower H3K4me3/H3K9ac/H3K27me3 peaks, and larger expression divergences between 93-11 and Nipponbare. Taken together, the development of a single-cell RNA-seq protocol in this study offers us an excellent opportunity to investigate the origins and prevalence of monoallelic gene expression in plant cells.
A square-framed ME composite with inherent multiple resonant peaks for broadband magnetoelectric response

Since the last two decades, magnetoelectric(ME)materials have been attracting considerable interest due to the potential applications, particularly in terms of magnetic field sensors, multimode energy harvesters, microelectromechanical systems, tunable microwave devices, tunable bandpass/bandstop filters, tunable phase shifters and spintronics, etc.. ME effect is realized by a stress-mediated mechanical coupling between piezo-magnetic and piezo-electric phases. In recent years, a variety of bulk ME composites have been paid extensive attention, and tremendous progress has been achieved. These composites typically include two phase magnetostrictive/piezoelectric particulate composites made of Fe-Co, Fe-Ni ferrites and Pb(Zr, Ti)O_3(PZT)or BaTiO_3 ferroelectrics in(0-3),(1-3), and(3-3)connectivity, and laminated composites composed of magnetostrictive Tb_(1-x)Dy_xFe_(2-y)(Terfenol-D), Permendur, Fe-Ga, amorphous alloy FeSiB or NiFe_2O_4 phase and piezoelectric PZT, Pb(Mg_(1/3)Nb_(2/3))- O_3-PbTiO_3(PMN-PT)or Pb(Zn_(1/3)Nb_(2/3))O_3-PbTiO_3(PZN-PT)phase in a(2-2),(2-1)or(1-1)connectivity operating in various modes, such as L-T(longitudinally magnetized and transversely poled), T-T(transversely magnetized and transversely poled), L-L(longitudinally magnetized and longitudinally poled)modes.
PTB7-Th based organic solar cell with a high V_(oc) of 1.05 V by modulating the LUMO energy level of benzotriazole-containing non-fullerene acceptor

The open-circuit voltage(Voc)of classical photovoltaic polymers, such as P3HT and PTB7-Th, are always restricted when combining with fullerene derivatives, due to the difficulty of modulating the energy levels of fullerene derivatives. Thus, design of new non-fullerene small molecule acceptor(NFSMA)is very significant to match with these mature polymer donors and improve the V_(oc) and power conversion efficiency(PCE). Here, a new benzotriazole(BTA)-based NFSMA, BTA7 was synthesized by adopting A_2=A_1-D-A_1=A_2 type molecular backbone. By using a strong electron-accepting unit of malononitrile(M)as terminal segment A_2, BTA7 demonstrates strong crystallinity, red-shifted absorption spectrum and down-shifted lowest unoccupied molecular orbital(LUMO)energy levels in comparison with BTA1 and BTA2. Organic solar cells(OSCs)based on PTB7-Th:BTA7 realized a high V_(oc) of 1.05 V with a moderate PCE of 4.60%. The energy loss(E_(loss) = E_g - eV_(oc))of 0.53 eV is lower than the experiential minimum value of 0.6 eV, which indicates PTB7-Th still has large potential to improve the V_(oc) and photovoltaic performance after the development of novel electron acceptors.
Metal/nanocarbon layer current collectors enhanced energy efficiency in lithium-sulfur batteries

Lithium-sulfur(Li-S)batteries with intrinsic merits in high theoretical energy density are the most promising candidate as the next-generation power sources. The strategy to achieve a high utilization of active materials with high energy efficiency is strongly requested for practical applications with less energy loss during repeated cycling. In this contribution, a metal/nanocarbon layer current collector is proposed to enhance the redox reactions of polysulfides in a working Li-S cell. Such a concept is demonstrated by coating graphene–carbon nanotube hybrids(GNHs)on routine aluminum(Al)foil current collectors. The interfacial conductivity and adhesion between the current collector and active material are significantly enhanced. Such novel cell configuration with metal/nanocarbon layer current collectors affords abundant Li ions for rapid redox reactions with small overpotential. Consequently, the Li-S cells with nanostructured current collectors exhibit an initial discharge capacity of 1,113 mAh g~(-1) at 0.5 C, which is ~300 mAh g~(-1) higher than those without a GNH coating layer. The capacity retention is 73% for cells with GNH after 300 cycles. A reduced voltage hysteresis and a high energy efficiency of ca. 90% are therefore achieved. Moreover, the Al/GNH layer current collectors are easily implanted into current cell assembly process for energy storage devices based on complex multi-electron redox reactions(e.g., Li-S batteries, Li-O_2 batteries, fuel cells, and flow batteries).
Pollen tube, a one-way special train for special passengers

Double fertilization is a specific characteristic of angiosperms, in which two sperm cells fuse with the egg and central cell respectively. Different from that of animals, the two sperm cells of angiosperms have lost their motility. Therefore, to fulfill the double fertilization, the two immobile sperm cells have to be sent to the female games by a specific structure, the pollen tube. Upon landing on the stigma of the pistil, the pollen grain germinates and develops the pollen tube. The pollen tube then elongates in the way of tip growth through the transmitting tract along the style. Subsequently, the pollen tube orientates to the micropyle of the ovule, and enters the ovule finally. When the pollen tube reaches the receptive synergid cell in an embryo sac, it bursts and releases two sperm cells to the region close to the egg cell and central cell. Soon one of the sperm cells fertilizes the egg cell to produce an embryo, while the other fuses with the central cell to produce endosperm. During this process the pollen tube actually acts as a one-way specific train to the destination of the female gamete for unique passenger, the sperm cells.
Single crystalline CH_3NH_3PbI_3 self-grown on FTO/TiO_2 substrate for high efficiency perovskite solar cells

Since its first report in 2009, CH_3NH_3PbI_3-based perovskite solar cells(PSCs)have emerged as one of the most exciting developments in the next generation photovoltaic(PV)technologies, with its PV conversion efficiency(PCE)rising spectacularly from 3.81% to 22.1% in just 7 years. Such rapid advance is unprecedented in any other PV systems, fueling intense competitions for its PCE record worldwide. While still far away from its theoretical limit, the recent PCE advances in PSCs have slowed down considerably, due to the inevitable defects associated with grains and grain boundaries in polycrystalline perovskites as well as their poor stability. It is thus not surprising that some of recent efforts in PSCs have been shifted toward developing single crystalline perovskite materials.
From glucose sensing to a unified model of AMPK and mTOR regulation

The AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)is a central energy sensor conserved in most eukaryotes. It is able to sense acute drops in cellular energy signaled by elevated ratios of AMP/ADP: ATP and respond with a multifaceted approach that increases energy supply, reduces energy consumption, and replenishes cellular energy stock. Bona fide AMPK targets regulate all aspects of glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism, as well as autophagy, mitochondria dynamics and biogenesis, neuronal excitability, and even circadian rhythm. Chemicals that activate AMPK have proven utility in the clinic and in animal models for treating diabetes, inflammation, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and aging. However, more is not always mellower in the kingdom of AMPK:(1)AMPK amplification was observed in multiple cancer types;(2)mutations in the c2 subunit that activates AMPK causes familial cardiac arrhythmia, the Wolff-Parkinson-White(WPW)syndrome. Recent breakthroughs in the identification of AMPK as a glucose sensor represent a paradigm shift in our understanding of AMPK regulation and allude to a potentially unifying mechanism governing AMPK and mTOR regulation(Fig. 1).
One-pot synthesis of Li_3VO_4@C nanofibers by electrospinning with enhanced electrochemical performance for lithium-ion batteries

Electrospinning is firstly used to one-pot synthesis of Li_3VO_4@C nanofibers in a large scale. Although with the presence of organic sources in synthesis process, the pure phase Li3VO4 with superior nanofibrous morphology is still successfully obtained through adjusting different heat treatment processes and different vanadium sources. The prepared Li_3VO_4@C nanofibers exhibit a unique structure in which nanosized Li_3VO_4 particles are uniformly embedded in amorphous carbon matrix. Compared with Li_3VO_4/C powder, Li_3VO_4@C nanofibers display enhanced reversible capacity of 451 mAh g~(-1) at 40 mA g~(-1) with an increased initial coulombic efficiency of 82.3%, and the capacity can remain at 394 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles. This superior electrochemical performance can be attributed to its unique structure which ensures a high reactivity by nanosized Li_3VO_4, more stable electrode/electrolyte interface by carbon encapsulation, improved electronic conductivity and buffered volume changes by flexible carbon matrix. The electrospinning technology provides an effective method to obtain high performance Li_3VO_4 as a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries.
Layering of subcontinental lithospheric mantle

Recent seismic studies reveal a sharp velocity drop mostly at ~70–100 km depth within the thick mantle keel beneath cratons, termed the mid-lithosphere discontinuity (MLD). The common presence of the MLD in cratonic regions indicates structural and property layering of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). The nature and origin of the MLD, and many issues associated with the layering of the SCLM are essential to understand the formation and evolution of continents, and have become frontier subjects in the Earth sciences.
Highly nitrogen and sulfur dual-doped carbon microspheres for supercapacitors

Heteroatom doping, especially dual-doped carbon materials have attracted much attention for the past few years, and have been regarded as one of the most efficient strategies to enhance the capacitance behavior of porous carbon materials. In this work, a facile two-step synthetic route was developed to fabricate nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon microsphere (NSCM) by using thiourea as dopant. The N/S doping content is controlled via varying the carbonization temperature. It has been proved that a suitable quantity of N and S groups could not only provide pseudo-capacitance but also promote the electron transfer for carbon materials, which ensures the further utilization of the exposed surfaces for charge storage. The optimized NSCM prepared at a carbonization temperature of 800 °C (NSCM-800) achieves a capacitance of 277.1 F g~(-1) at a current density of 0.3 A g~(-1) in 6.0 mol L~(-1) KOH electrolyte, which is 71% higher than that of undoped carbon microsphere. Besides, NSCM-800 shows an excellent cycling stability, 98.2% of the initial capacitance is retained after 5,000 cycles at a current density of 3.0 A g~(-1).
Genetic diversity and a population structure analysis of accessions in the Chinese cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] germplasm collection

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an important legume crop with diverse uses. The species is presently a minor crop, and evaluation of its genetic diversity has been very limited. In this study, a total of 200 genic and 100 genomic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were developed from cowpea unigene and genome sequences, respectively. Among them, 27 genic and 27 genomic SSR markers were polymorphic and were used for assessment of genetic diversity and population structure in 105 selected cowpea accessions. A total of 155 alleles and 2.9 alleles per marker were identified, and the average polymorphic information content (PIC) value was 0.3615. The average PIC of genomic SSRs (0.3996) was higher than that of genic SSRs (0.3235), and most of the polymorphic genomic SSRs were composed of di- and trinucleotide repeats (51.9% and 37.0% of all loci, respectively). The low level of detected genetic diversity may be attributed to a severe genetic bottleneck that occurred during the cowpea domestication process. The accessions were classified by structure and cluster analysis into four subgroups that correlated well with their geographic origins or collection sites. The classification results were also consistent with the results from principal coordinate analysis and can be used as a guide during future germplasm collection and selection of accessions as breeding materials for cultivar improvement. The newly developed genic and genomic SSR markers described in this study will be valuable genomic resources for the assessment of genetic diversity, population structure, evaluation of germplasm accessions, construction of genetic maps, identification of genes of interest, and application of marker-assisted selection in cowpea breeding programs.
Doubling up the activity of fuel cell catalysts

Efficient electrocatalysis is key to the further development of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) in powering automobiles or home applications. The basic chemical–electrical energy conversion process in PEMFCs can be described in a simple formula: 2H_2 + O_2 → 2H_2O (Fig. 1, inset). However, the slow kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is the most critical step limiting the performance of fuel cells. To date, the Pt-based materials represent the most viable catalysts to drive and speed up the ORR. The high price and scarcity of Pt necessitate much higher Pt-utilization efficiency, using the least amount of Pt to achieve the desired performance [1]. Hence, to promote Pt mass activity is central for cost reductions without sacrificing the performance, which is essential for widespread commercial deployment of fuel cells.
Analysis of promoter activity reveals that GmFTL2 expression differs from that of the known Flowering Locus T genes in soybean

Regulation of flowering is one of the key issues in crop yield. The Flowering Locus T (FT) gene is a well-known florigen, which integrates various signals from multiple flowering-regulation pathways to initiate flowering. We previously reported that there are at least six FT genes (GmFTLl-6) in soybean displaying flowering activity. However, the individual functions of genes GmFTLl-6 remain to be identified. In this study, we cloned the GmFTL2 promoter (GmFTL~(pro)) from soybean (Glycine max) cultivar Tianlong 1 and analyzed its motifs bioinformatically and its expression patterns using both a transgenic approach and quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). In GmFTL~(pro)::GUS transgenic lines, GUS signals were enriched in cotyledons, hypocotyledons, pollen, embryos, and root tips in a photoperiod-independent manner. qRT-PCR confirmed the GUS reporter results. Our results suggest that GmFTL2 expression is regulated by developmental and tissue-specific clues and plays roles in seedling establishment and the development of microgametophytes, embryos, and roots.
Airborne particulate matter pollution in urban China: a chemical mixture perspective from sources to impacts

Rapid urban and industrial development has resulted in severe air-pollution problems in developing countries such as China, especially in highly industrialized and populous urban clusters. Dissecting the complex mixtures of airborne particulate matter (PM) has been a key scientific focus in the last two decades, leading to significant advances in understanding physicochemical compositions for comprehensive source apportionment. However, identifying causative components with an attributable link to population-based health outcomes remains a huge challenge. The microbiome, an integral dimension of the PM mixture, is an unexplored frontier in terms of identities and functions in atmospheric processes and human health. In this review, we identify the major gaps in addressing these issues, and recommend a holistic framework for evaluating the sources, processes and impacts of atmospheric PM pollution. Such an approach and the knowledge generated will facilitate the formulation of regulatory measures to control PM pollution in China and elsewhere.
Facile synthesis of nanoporous CuS nanospheres for high-performance supercapacitor electrodes

In recent years, development of high-performance supercapacitor electrode materials has stimulated a great deal of scientific research. The electrochemical performance of a supercapacitor strongly depends on its material structures. Herein, we report a simple strategy for high-performance supercapacitors by building pseudocapacitive CuS nanospheres with nanoporous structures, nanosized walls (<10 nm) and relatively large specific surface area of 65m~2/g. This electrode demonstrates excellent electrochemical performance including a maximum specific capacitance of 814 F/g at 1 A/g, significant rate capability of 42% capacitance retention at an ultrafast rate of 50 A/g, and outstanding long-term cycling stability at various current densities. The remarkable electrochemical performance of as-prepared nanoporous CuS nanospheres electrode has been attributed to its unique structures that plays a key role in providing short ion and electron diffusion pathways, facilitated ion transport and more active sites for electrochemical reactions. This work sheds a new light on the metal sulfides design philosophy, and demonstrates that nanoporous CuS nanospheres electrode is a promising candidate for application in high-performance supercapacitors.
Hydrothermal conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into high-value energy storage materials

Preparation of hierarchically porous, heteroatom-rich nanostructured carbons through green and scalable routes plays a key role for practical energy storage applications. In this work, naturally abundant lignocellulosic agricultural waste with high initial oxygen content, hazelnut shells, were hydrothermally carbonized and converted into nanostructured ‘hydrochar'. Environmentally benign ceramic/magnesium oxide (MgO) templating was used to introduce porosity into the hydrochar. Electrochemical performance of the resulting material (HM700) was investigated in aqueous solutions of 1M H_2SO_4, 6M KOH and 1M Na_2SO_4, using a three-electrode cell. HM700 achieved a high specific capacitance of 323.2 F/g in 1M H_2SO_4 (at 1 A/g,-0.3 to 0.9 V vs. Ag/AgCl) due to the contributions of oxygen heteroatoms (13.5 wt%) to the total capacitance by pseudo-capacitive effect. Moreover, a maximum energy density of 11.1 Wh/kg and a maximum power density of 3686.2W/kg were attained for the symmetric supercapacitor employing HM700 as electrode material (1M Na_2SO_4, ∆E=2 V), making the device promising for green supercapacitor applications.
Porous nanostructured ZnCo_2O_4 derived from MOF-74: High-performance anode materials for lithium ion batteries

Nanostructured metal oxides derived from metal organic frameworks have been shown to be promising materials for application in high energy density lithium ion batteries. In this work, porous nanostructured ZnCo_2O_4 and Co_3O_4 were synthesized by a facile and cost-effective approach via the calcination of MOF-74 precursors and tested as anode materials for lithium ion batteries. Compared with Co_3O_4, the electrochemical properties of the obtained porous nanostructured ZnCo_2O_4 exhibit higher specific capacity, more excellent cycling stability and better rate capability. It demonstrates a reversible capacity of 1243.2 mAh/g after 80 cycles at 100 mA/g and an excellent rate performance with high average discharge specific capacities of 1586.8, 994.6, 759.6 and 509.2 mAh/g at 200, 400, 600 and 800 mA/g, respectively. The satisfactory electrochemical performances suggest that this porous nanostructured ZnCo_2O_4 is potentially promising for application as an efficient anode material for lithium ion batteries.