| 1. |
- Beal, Jacob, et al.
(author)
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Robust estimation of bacterial cell count from optical density
- 2020
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In: Communications Biology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2399-3642. ; 3:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Optical density (OD) is widely used to estimate the density of cells in liquid culture, but cannot be compared between instruments without a standardized calibration protocol and is challenging to relate to actual cell count. We address this with an interlaboratory study comparing three simple, low-cost, and highly accessible OD calibration protocols across 244 laboratories, applied to eight strains of constitutive GFP-expressing E. coli. Based on our results, we recommend calibrating OD to estimated cell count using serial dilution of silica microspheres, which produces highly precise calibration (95.5% of residuals <1.2-fold), is easily assessed for quality control, also assesses instrument effective linear range, and can be combined with fluorescence calibration to obtain units of Molecules of Equivalent Fluorescein (MEFL) per cell, allowing direct comparison and data fusion with flow cytometry measurements: in our study, fluorescence per cell measurements showed only a 1.07-fold mean difference between plate reader and flow cytometry data.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Lu, Yingchang, et al.
(author)
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Identification of Novel Loci and New Risk Variant in Known Loci for Colorectal Cancer Risk in East Asians
- 2020
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In: Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention. - : American Association for Cancer Research. - 1055-9965 .- 1538-7755. ; 29:2, s. 477-486
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Risk variants identified so far for colorectal cancer explain only a small proportion of milial risk of this cancer, particularly in Asians.Methods: We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of colorectal cancer in East Asians, cluding 23,572 colorectal cancer cases and 48,700 controls. To identify novel risk loci, we selected 60 omising risk variants for replication using data from 58,131 colorectal cancer cases and 67,347 controls European descent. To identify additional risk variants in known colorectal cancer loci, we performed nditional analyses in East Asians.Results: An indel variant, rs67052019 at 1p13.3, was found to be associated with colorectal cancer risk P = 3.9 x 10(-8) in Asians (OR per allele deletion = 1.13, 95% confidence interval = 1.08-1.18). This sociation was replicated in European descendants using a variant (rs2938616) in complete linkage sequilibrium with rs67052019 (P = 7.7 x 10(-3)). Of the remaining 59 variants, 12 showed an association P < 0.05 in the European-ancestry study, including rs11108175 and rs9634162 at P < 5 x 10(-8) and o variants with an association near the genome-wide significance level (rs60911071, P = 5.8 x 10(-8); 62558833, P = 7.5 x 10(-8)) in the combined analyses of Asian- and European-ancestry data. In addition, ing data from East Asians, we identified 13 new risk variants at 11 loci reported from previous GWAS.Conclusions: In this large GWAS, we identified three novel risk loci and two highly suggestive loci for lorectal cancer risk and provided evidence for potential roles of multiple genes and pathways in the iology of colorectal cancer. In addition, we showed that additional risk variants exist in many colorectal ncer risk loci identified previously.Impact: Our study provides novel data to improve the understanding of the genetic basis for colorectal ncer risk.
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| 5. |
- Shu, Xiang, et al.
(author)
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Large-scale Integrated Analysis of Genetics and Metabolomic Data Reveals Potential Links Between Lipids and Colorectal Cancer Risk
- 2022
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In: Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention. - : American Association for Cancer Research. - 1055-9965 .- 1538-7755. ; 31:6, s. 1216-1226
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The etiology of colorectal cancer is not fully understood.Methods: Using genetic variants and metabolomics data including 217 metabolites from the Framingham Heart Study (n = 1,357), we built genetic prediction models for circulating metabolites. Models with prediction R2 > 0.01 (Nmetabolite = 58) were applied to predict levels of metabolites in two large consortia with a combined sample size of approximately 46,300 cases and 59,200 controls of European and approximately 21,700 cases and 47,400 controls of East Asian (EA) descent. Genetically predicted levels of metabolites were evaluated for their associations with colorectal cancer risk in logistic regressions within each racial group, after which the results were combined by meta-analysis.Results: Of the 58 metabolites tested, 24 metabolites were significantly associated with colorectal cancer risk [Benjamini-Hochberg FDR (BH-FDR) < 0.05] in the European population (ORs ranged from 0.91 to 1.06; P values ranged from 0.02 to 6.4 × 10-8). Twenty one of the 24 associations were replicated in the EA population (ORs ranged from 0.26 to 1.69, BH-FDR < 0.05). In addition, the genetically predicted levels of C16:0 cholesteryl ester was significantly associated with colorectal cancer risk in the EA population only (OREA: 1.94, 95% CI, 1.60−2.36, P = 2.6 × 10-11; OREUR: 1.01, 95% CI, 0.99−1.04, P = 0.3). Nineteen of the 25 metabolites were glycerophospholipids and triacylglycerols (TAG). Eighteen associations exhibited significant heterogeneity between the two racial groups (PEUR-EA-Het < 0.005), which were more strongly associated in the EA population. This integrative study suggested a potential role of lipids, especially certain glycerophospholipids and TAGs, in the etiology of colorectal cancer.Conclusions: This study identified potential novel risk biomarkers for colorectal cancer by integrating genetics and circulating metabolomics data.Impact: The identified metabolites could be developed into new tools for risk assessment of colorectal cancer in both European and EA populations.
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| 6. |
- Wan, Lu Ming, et al.
(author)
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Heparanase Facilitates PMA-Induced Megakaryocytic Differentiation in K562 Cells via Interleukin 6/STAT3 Pathway
- 2020
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In: Thrombosis and Haemostasis. - : GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG. - 0340-6245 .- 2567-689X. ; 120:4, s. 647-657
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Heparanase (HPSE) is an endo-beta-D-glucuronidase that cleaves heparan sulfate and hence participates in remodeling of the extracellular matrix, leading to release of cytokines that are immobilized by binding to heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), and consequently activating signaling pathways. This function of HPSE is correlated to its expression level that is normally very low in majority of the tissues. Exceptionally, human platelets express high level of HPSE, suggesting a unique physiological role in this cell. Using K562 cell line, we found a progressive increase of HPSE during the megakaryocytic differentiation. Analysis of a series of megakaryocytic differentiation-related heparin-binding proteins (HBPs) in the cell culture medium revealed an exclusive positive correlation between the level of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and HPSE expression. IL-6 modulated megakaryocytic differentiation through activation of STAT3. Further, we demonstrated that overexpression of HPSE potentiates megakaryocytic differentiation, whereas elimination of HPSE led to a delayed differentiation. This function of HPSE is associated with its activity, as overexpression of inactive HPSE had no effect on IL-6 production and megakaryocytic differentiation. The role of HPSE is further supported by the observation in an umbilical cord blood CD34+ cells megakaryocytic differentiation model. Our data propose a novel role for HPSE in platelets production by a HPSE/IL-6/STAT3 positive feedback loop that specifically regulates megakaryocytes maturation.
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| 7. |
- Wang, Fang, et al.
(author)
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Emerging contaminants: A One Health perspective
- 2024
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In: Innovation. - 2666-6758. ; 5
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Environmental pollution is escalating due to rapid global development that often prioritizes human needs over planetary health. Despite global efforts to mitigate legacy pollutants, the continuous introduction of new substances remains a major threat to both people and the planet. In response, global initiatives are focusing on risk assessment and regulation of emerging contaminants, as demonstrated by the ongoing efforts to establish the UN's Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution Prevention. This review identifies the sources and impacts of emerging contaminants on planetary health, emphasizing the importance of adopting a One Health approach. Strategies for monitoring and addressing these pollutants are discussed, underscoring the need for robust and socially equitable environmental policies at both regional and international levels. Urgent actions are needed to transition toward sustainable pollution management practices to safeguard our planet for future generations.
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| 8. |
- Zhang, Ya Hong, et al.
(author)
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AβPP-tau-HAS1 axis trigger HAS1-related nuclear speckles and gene transcription in Alzheimer's disease
- 2024
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In: Matrix Biology. - 0945-053X. ; 129, s. 29-43
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- As the backbone of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the perineuronal nets (PNNs), hyaluronic acid (HA) provides binding sites for proteoglycans and other ECM components. Although the pivotal of HA has been recognized in Alzheimer's disease (AD), few studies have addressed the relationship between AD pathology and HA synthases (HASs). Here, HASs in different regions of AD brains were screened in transcriptomic database and validated in AβPP/PS1 mice. We found that HAS1 was distributed along the axon and nucleus. Its transcripts were reduced in AD patients and AβPP/PS1 mice. Phosphorylated tau (p-tau) mediates AβPP-induced cytosolic-nuclear translocation of HAS1, and negatively regulated the stability, monoubiquitination, and oligomerization of HAS1, thus reduced the synthesis and release of HA. Furthermore, non-ubiquitinated HAS1 mutant lost its enzyme activity, and translocated from the cytosol into the nucleus, forming nuclear speckles (NS). Unlike the splicing-related NS, less than 1 % of the non-ubiquitinated HAS1 co-localized with SRRM2, proving the regulatory role of HAS1 in gene transcription, indirectly. Thus, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to both non-ubiquitinated HAS1 mutant and AD were screened using transcriptomic datasets. Thirty-nine DEGs were identified, with 64.1 % (25/39) showing consistent results in both datasets. Together, we unearthed an important function of the AβPP-p-tau-HAS1 axis in microenvironment remodeling and gene transcription during AD progression, involving the ubiquitin-proteasome, lysosome, and NS systems.
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| 9. |
- Aprile, E., et al.
(author)
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An approximate likelihood for nuclear recoil searches with XENON1T data
- 2022
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In: European Physical Journal C. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1434-6044 .- 1434-6052. ; 82:11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The XENON collaboration has published stringent limits on specific dark matter – nucleon recoil spectra from dark matter recoiling on the liquid xenon detector target. In this paper, we present an approximate likelihood for the XENON1T 1 t-year nuclear recoil search applicable to any nuclear recoil spectrum. Alongside this paper, we publish data and code to compute upper limits using the method we present. The approximate likelihood is constructed in bins of reconstructed energy, profiled along the signal expectation in each bin. This approach can be used to compute an approximate likelihood and therefore most statistical results for any nuclear recoil spectrum. Computing approximate results with this method is approximately three orders of magnitude faster than the likelihood used in the original publications of XENON1T, where limits were set for specific families of recoil spectra. Using this same method, we include toy Monte Carlo simulation-derived binwise likelihoods for the upcoming XENONnT experiment that can similarly be used to assess the sensitivity to arbitrary nuclear recoil signatures in its eventual 20 t-year exposure.
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| 10. |
- Aprile, E., et al.
(author)
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Application and modeling of an online distillation method to reduce krypton and argon in XENON1T
- 2022
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In: Progress of Theoretical and Experimental Physics. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 2050-3911. ; 2022:5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A novel online distillation technique was developed for the XENON1T dark matter experiment to reduce intrinsic background components more volatile than xenon, such as krypton or argon, while the detector was operating. The method is based on a continuous purification of the gaseous volume of the detector system using the XENON1T cryogenic distillation column. A krypton-in-xenon concentration of (360 +/- 60) ppq was achieved. It is the lowest concentration measured in the fiducial volume of an operating dark matter detector to date. A model was developed and fitted to the data to describe the krypton evolution in the liquid and gas volumes of the detector system for several operation modes over the time span of 550 days, including the commissioning and science runs of XENON1T. The online distillation was also successfully applied to remove Ar-37 after its injection for a low-energy calibration in XENON1T. This makes the usage of Ar-37 as a regular calibration source possible in the future. The online distillation can be applied to next-generation liquid xenon time projection chamber experiments to remove krypton prior to, or during, any science run. The model developed here allows further optimization of the distillation strategy for future large-scale detectors.
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| 11. |
- Aprile, E., et al.
(author)
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Double-weak decays of 124Xe and 136Xe in the XENON1T and XENONnT experiments
- 2022
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In: Physical Review C. - 2469-9985 .- 2469-9993. ; 106:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present results on the search for two-neutrino double-electron capture (2νECEC) of 124Xe and neutrinoless double-β decay (0νββ) of 136Xe in XENON1T. We consider captures from the K shell up to the N shell in the 2νECEC signal model and measure a total half-life of T2νECEC1/2=(1.1±0.2stat±0.1sys)×1022yr with a 0.87 kg yr isotope exposure. The statistical significance of the signal is 7.0σ. We use XENON1T data with 36.16 kg yr of 136Xe exposure to search for 0νββ. We find no evidence of a signal and set a lower limit on the half-life of T0νββ1/2>1.2×1024 yr at 90%CL. This is the best result from a dark matter detector without an enriched target to date. We also report projections on the sensitivity of XENONnT to 0νββ. Assuming a 275 kg yr 136Xe exposure, the expected sensitivity is T0νββ1/2>2.1×1025 yr at 90%CL, corresponding to an effective Majorana mass range of ⟨mββ⟩<(0.19–0.59)eV/c2.
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| 12. |
- Aprile, E., et al.
(author)
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Emission of single and few electrons in XENON1T and limits on light dark matter
- 2022
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In: Physical Review D. - 2470-0010 .- 2470-0029. ; 106:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Delayed single- and few-electron emissions plague dual-phase time projection chambers, limiting their potential to search for light-mass dark matter. This paper examines the origins of these events in the XENON1T experiment. Characterization of the intensity of delayed electron backgrounds shows that the resulting emissions are correlated, in time and position, with high-energy events and can effectively be vetoed. In this work we extend previous S2-only analyses down to a single electron. From this analysis, after removing the correlated backgrounds, we observe rates <30 events/(electron×kg×day) in the region of interest spanning 1 to 5 electrons. We derive 90% confidence upper limits for dark matter-electron scattering, first direct limits on the electric dipole, magnetic dipole, and anapole interactions, and bosonic dark matter models, where we exclude new parameter space for dark photons and solar dark photons.
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| 13. |
- Aprile, E., et al.
(author)
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Material radiopurity control in the XENONnT experiment
- 2022
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In: European Physical Journal C. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1434-6044 .- 1434-6052. ; 82:7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The selection of low-radioactive construction materials is of the utmost importance for rare-event searches and thus critical to the XENONnT experiment. Results of an extensive radioassay program are reported, in which material samples have been screened with gamma-ray spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and 222Rn emanation measurements. Furthermore, the cleanliness procedures applied to remove or mitigate surface contamination of detector materials are described. Screening results, used as inputs for a XENONnT Monte Carlo simulation, predict a reduction of materials background (∼∼17%) with respect to its predecessor XENON1T. Through radon emanation measurements, the expected 222Rn activity concentration in XENONnT is determined to be 4.2 (+0.5−0.7) μBq/kg, a factor three lower with respect to XENON1T. This radon concentration will be further suppressed by means of the novel radon distillation system.
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| 14. |
- Aprile, E., et al.
(author)
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Search for New Physics in Electronic Recoil Data from XENONnT
- 2022
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In: Physical Review Letters. - : American Physical Society. - 0031-9007 .- 1079-7114. ; 129:16
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report on a blinded analysis of low-energy electronic recoil data from the first science run of the XENONnT dark matter experiment. Novel subsystems and the increased 5.9 ton liquid xenon target reduced the background in the (1, 30) keV search region to (15.8±1.3) events/(ton×year×keV), the lowest ever achieved in a dark matter detector and ∼5 times lower than in XENON1T. With an exposure of 1.16 ton-years, we observe no excess above background and set stringent new limits on solar axions, an enhanced neutrino magnetic moment, and bosonic dark matter.
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| 15. |
- Axfors, Cathrine, et al.
(author)
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Mortality outcomes with hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine in COVID-19 from an international collaborative meta-analysis of randomized trials
- 2021
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In: Nature Communications. - : Springer Nature. - 2041-1723. ; 12:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Substantial COVID-19 research investment has been allocated to randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine, which currently face recruitment challenges or early discontinuation. We aim to estimate the effects of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine on survival in COVID-19 from all currently available RCT evidence, published and unpublished. We present a rapid meta-analysis of ongoing, completed, or discontinued RCTs on hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine treatment for any COVID-19 patients (protocol: https://osf.io/QESV4/). We systematically identified unpublished RCTs (ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, Cochrane COVID-registry up to June 11, 2020), and published RCTs (PubMed, medRxiv and bioRxiv up to October 16, 2020). All-cause mortality has been extracted (publications/preprints) or requested from investigators and combined in random-effects meta-analyses, calculating odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), separately for hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine. Prespecified subgroup analyses include patient setting, diagnostic confirmation, control type, and publication status. Sixty-three trials were potentially eligible. We included 14 unpublished trials (1308 patients) and 14 publications/preprints (9011 patients). Results for hydroxychloroquine are dominated by RECOVERY and WHO SOLIDARITY, two highly pragmatic trials, which employed relatively high doses and included 4716 and 1853 patients, respectively (67% of the total sample size). The combined OR on all-cause mortality for hydroxychloroquine is 1.11 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.20; I-2=0%; 26 trials; 10,012 patients) and for chloroquine 1.77 (95%CI: 0.15, 21.13, I-2=0%; 4 trials; 307 patients). We identified no subgroup effects. We found that treatment with hydroxychloroquine is associated with increased mortality in COVID-19 patients, and there is no benefit of chloroquine. Findings have unclear generalizability to outpatients, children, pregnant women, and people with comorbidities. Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine have been investigated as a potential treatment for Covid-19 in several clinical trials. Here the authors report a meta-analysis of published and unpublished trials, and show that treatment with hydroxychloroquine for patients with Covid-19 was associated with increased mortality, and there was no benefit from chloroquine.
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Chen, Hongxia, et al.
(author)
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PRL2 Phosphatase Promotes Oncogenic KIT Signaling in Leukemia Cells through Modulating CBL Phosphorylation
- 2024
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In: Molecular Cancer Research. - 1541-7786. ; 22:1, s. 94-103
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Receptor tyrosine kinase KIT is frequently activated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). While high PRL2 (PTP4A2) expression is correlated with activation of SCF/KIT signaling in AML, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We discovered that inhibition of PRL2 significantly reduces the burden of oncogenic KIT-driven leukemia and extends leukemic mice survival. PRL2 enhances oncogenic KIT signaling in leukemia cells, promoting their proliferation and survival. We found that PRL2 dephosphorylates CBL at tyrosine 371 and inhibits its activity toward KIT, leading to decreased KIT ubiquitination and enhanced AKT and ERK signaling in leukemia cells.
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| 18. |
- Ding, Xue Bing, et al.
(author)
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Impaired meningeal lymphatic drainage in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease
- 2021
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In: Nature Medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1078-8956 .- 1546-170X. ; 27:3, s. 411-418
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Animal studies implicate meningeal lymphatic dysfunction in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, there is no direct evidence in humans to support this role1–5. In this study, we used dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to assess meningeal lymphatic flow in cognitively normal controls and patients with idiopathic PD (iPD) or atypical Parkinsonian (AP) disorders. We found that patients with iPD exhibited significantly reduced flow through the meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs) along the superior sagittal sinus and sigmoid sinus, as well as a notable delay in deep cervical lymph node perfusion, compared to patients with AP. There was no significant difference in the size (cross-sectional area) of mLVs in patients with iPD or AP versus controls. In mice injected with α-synuclein (α-syn) preformed fibrils, we showed that the emergence of α-syn pathology was followed by delayed meningeal lymphatic drainage, loss of tight junctions among meningeal lymphatic endothelial cells and increased inflammation of the meninges. Finally, blocking flow through the mLVs in mice treated with α-syn preformed fibrils increased α-syn pathology and exacerbated motor and memory deficits. These results suggest that meningeal lymphatic drainage dysfunction aggravates α-syn pathology and contributes to the progression of PD.
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| 19. |
- Du, Qian, et al.
(author)
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Porcine circovirus type 2 infection promotes the SUMOylation of nucleophosmin-1 to facilitate the viral circular single-stranded DNA replication
- 2024
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In: PLoS Pathogens. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1553-7366 .- 1553-7374. ; 20:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The mechanism of genome DNA replication in circular single-stranded DNA viruses is currently a mystery, except for the fact that it undergoes rolling-circle replication. Herein, we identified SUMOylated porcine nucleophosmin-1 (pNPM1), which is previously reported to be an interacting protein of the viral capsid protein, as a key regulator that promotes the genome DNA replication of porcine single-stranded DNA circovirus. Upon porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infection, SUMO2/3 were recruited and conjugated with the K263 site of pNPM1's C-terminal domain to SUMOylate pNPM1, subsequently, the SUMOylated pNPM1 were translocated in nucleoli to promote the replication of PCV2 genome DNA. The mutation of the K263 site reduced the SUMOylation levels of pNPM1 and the nucleolar localization of pNPM1, resulting in a decrease in the level of PCV2 DNA replication. Meanwhile, the mutation of the K263 site prevented the interaction of pNPM1 with PCV2 DNA, but not the interaction of pNPM1 with PCV2 Cap. Mechanistically, PCV2 infection increased the expression levels of Ubc9, the only E2 enzyme involved in SUMOylation, through the Cap-mediated activation of ERK signaling. The upregulation of Ubc9 promoted the interaction between pNPM1 and TRIM24, a potential E3 ligase for SUMOylation, thereby facilitating the SUMOylation of pNPM1. The inhibition of ERK activation could significantly reduce the SUMOylation levels and the nucleolar localization of pNPM1, as well as the PCV2 DNA replication levels. These results provide new insights into the mechanism of circular single-stranded DNA virus replication and highlight NPM1 as a potential target for inhibiting PCV2 replication. Different types of DNA viruses employ different mechanisms to replicate their genome DNA. Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the most representative circular single-stranded DNA virus that harms the pig industry all over the world. In this study, we found that the PCV2 Cap interacting protein pNPM1 also interacts with PCV2 DNA in a SUMOylated form to promote PCV2 DNA replication. The SUMOylation of pNPM1 at the conserved K263 site is critical for the interaction of pNPM1 with PCV2 DNA and the replication of PCV2 DNA. Furthermore, we found that PCV2 infection promotes the SUMO2/3 mediated SUMOylation of pNPM1, while does not significantly alter the expression level of pNPM1. PCV2 Cap is the major component that promotes pNPM1 SUMOylation by activating ERK/Ubc9/TRIM24 signalings. These results contribute to a better understanding of the replication mechanism of circular single-stranded DNA viruses, particularly PCV2.
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| 20. |
- Fan, Li Jun, et al.
(author)
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Assessment of Central Asian heat extremes by statistical downscaling: Validation and future projection for 2015‒2100
- 2021
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In: Advances in Climate Change Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 1674-9278. ; 13:1, s. 14-27
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Increasing heatwaves and extreme temperatures have recently been observed across Central Asia (CA). Accurately assessing and projecting the changing climate extremes at the local (station) scale required for climate risk management are therefore highly important. However, global and regional climate models often fail to represent the statistical distributions of observed daily extreme variables and hence extremes in complex terrain. In this work, we developed a statistical downscaling (SD) model to project summer daily maximum temperature (Tmax) and heatwave indices for 65 meteorological stations in CA toward 2100. The SD model involves first-order autoregression and multiple linear regression using large-scale Tmax and circulation indices (CIs) as predictors, and the model is cross-validated against historical observations. The local Tmax and heatwave indices are then projected for 2015–2100 driven by the output of a global climate model (CNRM-CM6-1) under four Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP126, SSP245, SSP370, and SSP585). The application of the SD model significantly improves forecasting of the probability distribution (10th/90th percentiles) of Tmax at stations, particularly across mountainous regions. The model also captures interannual variability and the long-term trend in Tmax, consistent with synoptic-scale inputs. SD projections demonstrate strong warming trends of summer Tmax in CA toward 2100 with rates between 0.35–0.64 °C per decade based on the SSP245 and SSP370 scenarios. Consequently, heatwave occurrence is projected to rise by 1.0–5.0 and 2.0–7.0 d per decade under the SSP245 and SSP370 scenarios, respectively, by 2100. Duration, intensity, and amplitude of heatwaves rise at greater rates under higher-emission scenarios, particularly in southeastern CA. The proposed SD model serves as a useful tool for assessing local climate extremes, which are needed for regional risk management and policymaking for adaption to climate change.
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| 21. |
- Fang, Li Tai, et al.
(author)
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Establishing community reference samples, data and call sets for benchmarking cancer mutation detection using whole-genome sequencing
- 2021
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In: Nature Biotechnology. - : Springer Nature. - 1087-0156 .- 1546-1696. ; 39:9, s. 1151-1160
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Tumor-normal paired DNA samples from a breast cancer cell line and a matched lymphoblastoid cell line enable calibration of clinical sequencing pipelines and benchmarking 'tumor-only' or 'matched tumor-normal' analyses. The lack of samples for generating standardized DNA datasets for setting up a sequencing pipeline or benchmarking the performance of different algorithms limits the implementation and uptake of cancer genomics. Here, we describe reference call sets obtained from paired tumor-normal genomic DNA (gDNA) samples derived from a breast cancer cell line-which is highly heterogeneous, with an aneuploid genome, and enriched in somatic alterations-and a matched lymphoblastoid cell line. We partially validated both somatic mutations and germline variants in these call sets via whole-exome sequencing (WES) with different sequencing platforms and targeted sequencing with >2,000-fold coverage, spanning 82% of genomic regions with high confidence. Although the gDNA reference samples are not representative of primary cancer cells from a clinical sample, when setting up a sequencing pipeline, they not only minimize potential biases from technologies, assays and informatics but also provide a unique resource for benchmarking 'tumor-only' or 'matched tumor-normal' analyses.
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| 22. |
- Geng, Xiaofei, et al.
(author)
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Year-Round Measurements of Dissolved Black Carbon in Coastal Southeast Asia Aerosols : Rethinking Its Atmospheric Deposition in the Ocean
- 2021
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In: Journal of Geophysical Research - Atmospheres. - 2169-897X .- 2169-8996. ; 126:18
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Dissolved black carbon (DBC) is an important recalcitrant fraction of marine dissolved organic matter. Riverine discharge is the largest known source of oceanic DBC; however, the significance of atmospheric deposition as a source of oceanic DBC remains poorly understood. In this study, year-round aerosol sampling was carried out at a rural coastal site in Southeast Asia for DBC analysis using the benzene polycarboxylic acid (BPCA) method. The results revealed the uncertainty of an earlier estimate of the atmospheric deposition flux of DBC to the global ocean (FDBC), which assumed a linear correlation between DBC and water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC). The correlation between DBC and WSOC depended on the sources of carbonaceous aerosols. The DBC/WSOC ratios were higher for the biomass burning aerosols. DBC was linearly correlated with black carbon (BC) for biomass or fossil fuel combustion aerosols. However, the DBC/BC ratios were higher for biomass burning aerosols (0.41 ± 0.22), whereas lower for fossil fuel combustion aerosols (0.04 ± 0.03). FDBC was revisited based on the relationship between DBC and BC. FDBC is primarily contributed by biomass burning aerosols and maybe previously underestimated. In this study, the DBC in aerosols had less condensed aromatic structures than the DBC present in the major rivers of the world, as shown by the BPCA compositions. This indicated that oceanic DBC sourced from atmospheric deposition was less likely to be removed by photodegradation and sedimentation, as compared to the DBC sourced from riverine discharge.
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| 23. |
- Gu, Shi-Ran, et al.
(author)
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Phylogeny and re-circumscription of Cheniella (Leguminosae: Cercidoideae) based on plastome data and morphology, with description of three new species
- 2024
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In: TAXON. - 0040-0262 .- 1996-8175. ; 73:2, s. 475-502
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Subfamily Cercidoideae is an early-diverging lineage of Leguminosae, within which the number and classification of genera have been controversial. Cheniella is a recently described genus in the Cercidoideae which requires revision and testing of its monophyly and circumscription. Here we infer the phylogenetic position and infrageneric relationships of Cheniella as well as the intergeneric relationships of Cercidoideae using 48 newly sequenced plastid genomes, including 34 individuals representing all species of Cheniella. Our phylogenetic analyses yield a well-resolved tree of Cercidoideae with robust support at most nodes. We also present morphological studies through field work and herbarium studies to re-assess the classification and circumscription of the genus. Based on the results of molecular analyses and morphological studies combined with distribution data, we broaden the circumscription of Cheniella to comprise a total of 15 species and 3 subspecies, including three new species (C. hechiensis, C. longistaminea, C. pubicarpa), one new combination (C. tianlinensis) and one new status and combination (C. longipes).
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| 24. |
- Guo, Jin, et al.
(author)
-
Decoupling economic and energy growth : aspiration or reality?
- 2021
-
In: Environmental Research Letters. - : Institute of Physics Publishing (IOPP). - 1748-9326. ; 16:4
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Energy has long been a driving force of economic growth; however, it comes with environmental costs and security challenges. This study analyzes the energy-economy nexus and explores their decoupling possibilities by using cross-country data over the years 1971-2014. The results indicate that, while energy use and economic growth exhibit a typical inverted U-shaped decoupling relationship for the industrialized countries, they have been rising in tandem for the developing economies. Among factors, it is the economic scale, population size, and energy intensity that are the decisive factors. Among countries, it is the U.S., China, and India, which mainly dominate the global economy-energy trend. Overall, we conclude that any global economy-energy decoupling may confront challenges and uncertainty. To better decouple economic growth from energy use, we propose policies for more structural reforms, a clean energy system, improved energy efficiency, and efficient energy demand-side management.
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| 25. |
- Heger, Julian E., et al.
(author)
-
Superlattice deformation in quantum dot films on flexible substrates via uniaxial strain
- 2023
-
In: Nanoscale Horizons. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 2055-6764 .- 2055-6756. ; 8:3, s. 383-395
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The superlattice in a quantum dot (QD) film on a flexible substrate deformed by uniaxial strain shows a phase transition in unit cell symmetry. With increasing uniaxial strain, the QD superlattice unit cell changes from tetragonal to cubic to tetragonal phase as measured with in situ grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS). The respective changes in the optoelectronic coupling are probed with photoluminescence (PL) measurements. The PL emission intensity follows the phase transition due to the resulting changing inter-dot distances. The changes in PL intensity accompany a redshift in the emission spectrum, which agrees with the Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) theory. The results are essential for a fundamental understanding of the impact of strain on the performance of flexible devices based on QD films, such as wearable electronics and next-generation solar cells on flexible substrates.
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| 26. |
- Jin, Ying-Hui, et al.
(author)
-
Chemoprophylaxis, diagnosis, treatments, and discharge management of COVID-19 : An evidence-based clinical practice guideline (updated version)
- 2020
-
In: Military Medical Research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2054-9369. ; 7:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of a rapidly spreading illness, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), affecting more than seventeen million people around the world. Diagnosis and treatment guidelines for clinicians caring for patients are needed. In the early stage, we have issued "A rapid advice guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infected pneumonia (standard version)"; now there are many direct evidences emerged and may change some of previous recommendations and it is ripe for develop an evidence-based guideline. We formed a working group of clinical experts and methodologists. The steering group members proposed 29 questions that are relevant to the management of COVID-19 covering the following areas: chemoprophylaxis, diagnosis, treatments, and discharge management. We searched the literature for direct evidence on the management of COVID-19, and assessed its certainty generated recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Recommendations were either strong or weak, or in the form of ungraded consensus-based statement. Finally, we issued 34 statements. Among them, 6 were strong recommendations for, 14 were weak recommendations for, 3 were weak recommendations against and 11 were ungraded consensus-based statement. They covered topics of chemoprophylaxis (including agents and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) agents), diagnosis (including clinical manifestations, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respiratory tract specimens, IgM and IgG antibody tests, chest computed tomography, chest x-ray, and CT features of asymptomatic infections), treatments (including lopinavir-ritonavir, umifenovir, favipiravir, interferon, remdesivir, combination of antiviral drugs, hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine, interleukin-6 inhibitors, interleukin-1 inhibitors, glucocorticoid, qingfei paidu decoction, lianhua qingwen granules/capsules, convalescent plasma, lung transplantation, invasive or noninvasive ventilation, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)), and discharge management (including discharge criteria and management plan in patients whose RT-PCR retesting shows SARS-CoV-2 positive after discharge). We also created two figures of these recommendations for the implementation purpose. We hope these recommendations can help support healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients.
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| 27. |
- Jones, Geraint H., et al.
(author)
-
The Comet Interceptor Mission
- 2024
-
In: Space Science Reviews. - : Springer Nature. - 0038-6308 .- 1572-9672. ; 220:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Here we describe the novel, multi-point Comet Interceptor mission. It is dedicated to the exploration of a little-processed long-period comet, possibly entering the inner Solar System for the first time, or to encounter an interstellar object originating at another star. The objectives of the mission are to address the following questions: What are the surface composition, shape, morphology, and structure of the target object? What is the composition of the gas and dust in the coma, its connection to the nucleus, and the nature of its interaction with the solar wind? The mission was proposed to the European Space Agency in 2018, and formally adopted by the agency in June 2022, for launch in 2029 together with the Ariel mission. Comet Interceptor will take advantage of the opportunity presented by ESA’s F-Class call for fast, flexible, low-cost missions to which it was proposed. The call required a launch to a halo orbit around the Sun-Earth L2 point. The mission can take advantage of this placement to wait for the discovery of a suitable comet reachable with its minimum Δ V capability of 600 ms − 1 . Comet Interceptor will be unique in encountering and studying, at a nominal closest approach distance of 1000 km, a comet that represents a near-pristine sample of material from the formation of the Solar System. It will also add a capability that no previous cometary mission has had, which is to deploy two sub-probes – B1, provided by the Japanese space agency, JAXA, and B2 – that will follow different trajectories through the coma. While the main probe passes at a nominal 1000 km distance, probes B1 and B2 will follow different chords through the coma at distances of 850 km and 400 km, respectively. The result will be unique, simultaneous, spatially resolved information of the 3-dimensional properties of the target comet and its interaction with the space environment. We present the mission’s science background leading to these objectives, as well as an overview of the scientific instruments, mission design, and schedule.
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| 28. |
- Kaldmäe, Margit, et al.
(author)
-
A “spindle and thread” mechanism unblocks p53 translation by modulating N-terminal disorder
- 2022
-
In: Structure. - : Elsevier BV. - 0969-2126 .- 1878-4186. ; 30:5, s. 733-742, e1-e7
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Disordered proteins pose a major challenge to structural biology. A prominent example is the tumor suppressor p53, whose low expression levels and poor conformational stability hamper the development of cancer therapeutics. All these characteristics make it a prime example of “life on the edge of solubility.” Here, we investigate whether these features can be modulated by fusing the protein to a highly soluble spider silk domain (NT∗). The chimeric protein displays highly efficient translation and is fully active in human cancer cells. Biophysical characterization reveals a compact conformation, with the disordered transactivation domain of p53 wrapped around the NT∗ domain. We conclude that interactions with NT∗ help to unblock translation of the proline-rich disordered region of p53. Expression of partially disordered cancer targets is similarly enhanced by NT∗. In summary, we demonstrate that inducing co-translational folding via a molecular “spindle and thread” mechanism unblocks protein translation in vitro.
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| 29. |
- King, Sontoria D., et al.
(author)
-
Genetic Susceptibility to Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Risk for Pancreatic Cancer: Mendelian Randomization
- 2023
-
In: Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention. - : American Association For Cancer Research (AACR). - 1055-9965 .- 1538-7755. ; 32:9, s. 1265-1269
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: There are conflicting data on whether nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with susceptibility to pancreatic cancer. Using Mendelian randomization (MR), we investigated the relationship between genetic predisposition to NAFLD and risk for pancreatic cancer.METHODS: Data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) within the Pancreatic Cancer Cohort Consortium (PanScan; cases n = 5,090, controls n = 8,733) and the Pancreatic Cancer Case Control Consortium (PanC4; cases n = 4,163, controls n = 3,792) were analyzed. We used data on 68 genetic variants with four different MR methods [inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger, simple median, and penalized weighted median] separately to predict genetic heritability of NAFLD. We then assessed the relationship between each of the four MR methods and pancreatic cancer risk, using logistic regression to calculate ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusting for PC risk factors, including obesity and diabetes.RESULTS: No association was found between genetically predicted NAFLD and pancreatic cancer risk in the PanScan or PanC4 samples [e.g., PanScan, IVW OR, 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.88-1.22; MR-Egger OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.65-1.21; PanC4, IVW OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.90-1.27; MR-Egger OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.67-1.28]. None of the four MR methods indicated an association between genetically predicted NAFLD and pancreatic cancer risk in either sample.CONCLUSIONS: Genetic predisposition to NAFLD is not associated with pancreatic cancer risk.IMPACT: Given the close relationship between NAFLD and metabolic conditions, it is plausible that any association between NAFLD and pancreatic cancer might reflect host metabolic perturbations (e.g., obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome) and does not necessarily reflect a causal relationship between NAFLD and pancreatic cancer.
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| 30. |
- Kluge, Regina M., et al.
(author)
-
Doping Dependent In-Plane and Cross-Plane Thermoelectric Performance of Thin n-Type Polymer P(NDI2OD-T2) Films
- 2020
-
In: Advanced Functional Materials. - : Wiley. - 1616-301X .- 1616-3028. ; 30:28
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Thermoelectric generators pose a promising approach in renewable energies as they can convert waste heat into electricity. In order to build high efficiency devices, suitable thermoelectric materials, both n- and p-type, are needed. Here, the n-type high-mobility polymer poly[N,N '-bis(2-octyldodecyl)naphthalene-1,4,5,8-bis(dicarboximide)-2,6-diyl]-alt-5,5 '-(2,2 '-bithiophene) (P(NDI2OD-T2)) is focused upon. Via solution doping with 4-(1,3-dimethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzoimidazol-2-yl)-N,N-diphenylaniline (N-DPBI), a maximum power factor of (1.84 +/- 0.13) mu W K-2 m(-1) is achieved in an in-plane geometry for 5 wt% dopant concentration. Additionally, UV-vis spectroscopy and grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering are applied to elucidate the mechanisms of the doping process and to explain the discrepancy in thermoelectric performance depending on the charge carriers being either transported in-plane or cross-plane. Morphological changes are found such that the crystallites, built-up by extended polymer chains interacting via lamellar and pi-pi stacking, re-arrange from face- to edge-on orientation upon doping. At high doping concentrations, dopant molecules disturb the crystallinity of the polymer, hindering charge transport and leading to a decreased power factor at high dopant concentrations. These observations explain why an intermediate doping concentration of N-DPBI leads to an optimized thermoelectric performance of P(NDI2OD-T2) in an in-plane geometry as compared to the cross-plane case.
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| 31. |
- Kristan, Matej, et al.
(author)
-
The first visual object tracking segmentation VOTS2023 challenge results
- 2023
-
In: 2023 IEEE/CVF International conference on computer vision workshops (ICCVW). - : Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.. - 9798350307443 - 9798350307450 ; , s. 1788-1810
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Visual Object Tracking Segmentation VOTS2023 challenge is the eleventh annual tracker benchmarking activity of the VOT initiative. This challenge is the first to merge short-term and long-term as well as single-target and multiple-target tracking with segmentation masks as the only target location specification. A new dataset was created; the ground truth has been withheld to prevent overfitting. New performance measures and evaluation protocols have been created along with a new toolkit and an evaluation server. Results of the presented 47 trackers indicate that modern tracking frameworks are well-suited to deal with convergence of short-term and long-term tracking and that multiple and single target tracking can be considered a single problem. A leaderboard, with participating trackers details, the source code, the datasets, and the evaluation kit are publicly available at the challenge website1
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| 32. |
- Kristan, Matej, et al.
(author)
-
The Ninth Visual Object Tracking VOT2021 Challenge Results
- 2021
-
In: 2021 IEEE/CVF INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON COMPUTER VISION WORKSHOPS (ICCVW 2021). - : IEEE COMPUTER SOC. - 9781665401913 ; , s. 2711-2738
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Visual Object Tracking challenge VOT2021 is the ninth annual tracker benchmarking activity organized by the VOT initiative. Results of 71 trackers are presented; many are state-of-the-art trackers published at major computer vision conferences or in journals in recent years. The VOT2021 challenge was composed of four sub-challenges focusing on different tracking domains: (i) VOT-ST2021 challenge focused on short-term tracking in RGB, (ii) VOT-RT2021 challenge focused on "real-time" short-term tracking in RGB, (iii) VOT-LT2021 focused on long-term tracking, namely coping with target disappearance and reappearance and (iv) VOT-RGBD2021 challenge focused on long-term tracking in RGB and depth imagery. The VOT-ST2021 dataset was refreshed, while VOT-RGBD2021 introduces a training dataset and sequestered dataset for winner identification. The source code for most of the trackers, the datasets, the evaluation kit and the results along with the source code for most trackers are publicly available at the challenge website(1).
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| 33. |
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| 34. |
- Li, Sirui, et al.
(author)
-
Glioma grading, molecular feature classification, and microstructural characterization using MR diffusional variance decomposition (DIVIDE) imaging
- 2021
-
In: European Radiology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0938-7994 .- 1432-1084. ; 31:11, s. 8197-8207
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To evaluate the potential of diffusional variance decomposition (DIVIDE) for grading, molecular feature classification, and microstructural characterization of gliomas. Materials and methods: Participants with suspected gliomas underwent DIVIDE imaging, yielding parameter maps of fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), anisotropic mean kurtosis (MKA), isotropic mean kurtosis (MKI), total mean kurtosis (MKT), MKA/MKT, and microscopic fractional anisotropy (μFA). Tumor type and grade, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1/2 mutant status, and the Ki-67 labeling index (Ki-67 LI) were determined after surgery. Statistical analysis included 33 high-grade gliomas (HGG) and 17 low-grade gliomas (LGG). Tumor diffusion metrics were compared between HGG and LGG, among grades, and between wild and mutated IDH types using appropriate tests according to normality assessment results. Receiver operating characteristic and Spearman correlation analysis were also used for statistical evaluations. Results: FA, MD, MKA, MKI, MKT, μFA, and MKA/MKT differed between HGG and LGG (FA: p = 0.047; MD: p = 0.037, others p < 0.001), and among glioma grade II, III, and IV (FA: p = 0.048; MD: p = 0.038, others p < 0.001). All diffusion metrics differed between wild-type and mutated IDH tumors (MKI: p = 0.003; others: p < 0.001). The metrics that best discriminated between HGG and LGGs and between wild-type and mutated IDH tumors were MKT and FA respectively (area under the curve 0.866 and 0.881). All diffusion metrics except FA showed significant correlation with Ki-67 LI, and MKI had the highest correlation coefficient (rs = 0.618). Conclusion: DIVIDE is a promising technique for glioma characterization and diagnosis. Key Points: • DIVIDE metrics MKIis related to cell density heterogeneity while MKAand μFA are related to cell eccentricity. • DIVIDE metrics can effectively differentiate LGG from HGG and IDH mutation from wild-type tumor, and showed significant correlation with the Ki-67 labeling index. • MKIwas larger than MKAwhich indicates predominant cell density heterogeneity in gliomas. • MKAand MKIincreased with grade or degree of malignancy, however with a relatively larger increase in the cell eccentricity metric MKAin relation to the cell density heterogeneity metric MKI.
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| 35. |
- Li, Zhiyang, et al.
(author)
-
Magnetic carbon nanotube modified S-scheme TiO2-x/g-C3N4/CNFe heterojunction coupled with peroxymonosulfate for effective visible-light-driven photodegradation via enhanced interfacial charge separation
- 2023
-
In: Separation and Purification Technology. - : Elsevier. - 1383-5866 .- 1873-3794. ; 308
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To remediate water bodies contaminated with organic micropollutants, recyclable and visible-light-driven coupled photocatalysis-peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation systems were established by synthesizing magnetic-carbon-nanotubes (CNFe) modified TiO2-x/g-C3N4/CNFe (TCNCNFe) S-scheme heterojunction with oxygen vacancies (O-v) by a simple hydrothermal-calcination approach. The introduction of O-v and CNFe enhances the visible-light-harvesting efficiency and the internal electric field across the heterojunction accompanying favorable energy band bending could effectively migrate the photoexcited electrons along the S-scheme mechanism, thus highly suppressing in situ recombination and improving charge separation. Therefore the TCNCNFe-(30-500)/PMS/Vis system achieved 95.4% removal efficiency of atrazine after 30 min irradiation, meanwhile exhibited excellent recyclability without metal ion leaching due to the unique pod-like nanostructure of CNFe. Moreover, the impacts of certain various reaction variables on pollutant removal were explored to evaluate the practical application potential. Interestingly, the biotoxicity of the treated reaction filtrate was significantly alleviated compared to that of ATZ solution. Furthermore, the exploration of photocatalytic reaction mechanism revealed that the dominant reactive oxidizing species contributed in the following order: h(+) > (OH)-O-center dot > O-center dot(2)- > (SO4-)-S-center dot, and the feasible photodegradation pathway of atrazine was presented based on the determined in-termediates. Hence, this research work holds great promise in ecological environment protection using sustainable solar energy.
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| 36. |
- Liu, Junwen, et al.
(author)
-
Isotope constraints of the strong influence of biomass burning to climate-forcing Black Carbon aerosols over Southeast Asia
- 2020
-
In: Science of the Total Environment. - : Elsevier BV. - 0048-9697 .- 1879-1026. ; 744
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Black Carbon (BC) deteriorates air quality and contributes to climate warming, yet its regionally- and seasonally-varying emission sources are poorly constrained. Here we employ natural abundance radiocarbon (C-14) measurements of BC intercepted at a northern Malaysia regional receptor site, Bachok, to quantify the relative biomass vs. fossil source contributions of atmospheric BC, in a first year-round study for SE Asia (December 2015-December 2016). The annual average C-14 signature suggests as large contributions from biomass burning as from fossil fuel combustion. This is similar to findings from analogous measurements at S Asian receptors sites (similar to 50% biomass burning), while E Asia sites are dominated by fossil emission (similar to 20% biomass burning). The C-14-based source fingerprinting of BC in the dry spring season in SE Asia signals an even more elevated biomass burning contribution (similar to 70% or even higher), presumably from forest, shrub and agricultural fires. This is consistent with this period showing also elevated ratio of organic carbon to BC (up from similar to 5 to 30) and estimates of BC emissions from satellite fire data. Hence, the present study emphasizes the importance of mitigating dry season vegetation fires in SE Asia.
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| 37. |
- Lo Faro, Valeria, Postdoc, et al.
(author)
-
Novel ancestry-specific primary open-angle glaucoma loci and shared biology with vascular mechanisms and cell proliferation
- 2024
-
In: Cell Reports Medicine. - : Elsevier. - 2666-3791. ; 5:2
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Primary open -angle glaucoma (POAG), a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally, shows disparity in prevalence and manifestations across ancestries. We perform meta -analysis across 15 biobanks (of the Global Biobank Meta -analysis Initiative) (n = 1,487,441: cases = 26,848) and merge with previous multiancestry studies, with the combined dataset representing the largest and most diverse POAG study to date (n = 1,478,037: cases = 46,325) and identify 17 novel significant loci, 5 of which were ancestry specific. Gene -enrichment and transcriptome-wide association analyses implicate vascular and cancer genes, a fifth of which are primary ciliary related. We perform an extensive statistical analysis of SIX6 and CDKN2B-AS1 loci in human GTEx data and across large electronic health records showing interaction between SIX6 gene and causal variants in the chr9p21.3 locus, with expression effect on CDKN2A/B. Our results suggest that some POAG risk variants may be ancestry specific, sex specific, or both, and support the contribution of genes involved in programmed cell death in POAG pathogenesis.
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| 38. |
- Lu, Yang, et al.
(author)
-
sp-Carbon Incorporated Conductive Metal-Organic Framework as Photocathode for Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Generation
- 2022
-
In: Angewandte Chemie International Edition. - : Wiley. - 1433-7851 .- 1521-3773. ; 61:39
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted increasing interest for broad applications in catalysis and gas separation due to their high porosity. However, the insulating feature and the limited active sites hindered MOFs as photocathode active materials for application in photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen generation. Herein, we develop a layered conductive two-dimensional conjugated MOF (2D c-MOF) comprising sp-carbon active sites based on arylene-ethynylene macrocycle ligand via CuO4 linking, named as Cu3HHAE2. This sp-carbon 2D c-MOF displays apparent semiconducting behavior and broad light absorption till the near-infrared band (1600 nm). Due to the abundant acetylene units, the Cu3HHAE2 could act as the first case of MOF photocathode for photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen generation and presents a record hydrogen-evolution photocurrent density of ≈260 μA cm−2 at 0 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode among the structurally-defined cocatalyst-free organic photocathodes.
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| 39. |
- Luo, Yifei, et al.
(author)
-
Technology Roadmap for Flexible Sensors
- 2023
-
In: ACS Nano. - : American Chemical Society. - 1936-0851 .- 1936-086X. ; 17:6, s. 5211-5295
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Humans rely increasingly on sensors to address grand challenges and to improve quality of life in the era of digitalization and big data. For ubiquitous sensing, flexible sensors are developed to overcome the limitations of conventional rigid counterparts. Despite rapid advancement in bench-side research over the last decade, the market adoption of flexible sensors remains limited. To ease and to expedite their deployment, here, we identify bottlenecks hindering the maturation of flexible sensors and propose promising solutions. We first analyze challenges in achieving satisfactory sensing performance for real-world applications and then summarize issues in compatible sensor-biology interfaces, followed by brief discussions on powering and connecting sensor networks. Issues en route to commercialization and for sustainable growth of the sector are also analyzed, highlighting environmental concerns and emphasizing nontechnical issues such as business, regulatory, and ethical considerations. Additionally, we look at future intelligent flexible sensors. In proposing a comprehensive roadmap, we hope to steer research efforts towards common goals and to guide coordinated development strategies from disparate communities. Through such collaborative efforts, scientific breakthroughs can be made sooner and capitalized for the betterment of humanity.
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| 40. |
- Miao, Linguang, et al.
(author)
-
Improving the SM2RAIN-derived rainfall estimation using Bayesian optimization
- 2023
-
In: Journal of Hydrology. - 0022-1694. ; 622
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The rainfall product derived from the SM2RAIN (Soil Moisture to Rain) algorithm has been widely used. However, there is still a large uncertainty partly due to the soil moisture input and parameters estimation of the SM2RAIN algorithm, which limits the application of the model in alpine regions. Here, the SM2RAIN-BayesOpt algorithm was developed by integrating the SM2RAIN algorithm and Bayesian optimization to improve the estimation of parameters (Z, a, b, Tbase, Tpot), subsequently incorporating SMAP Level-3 soil moisture products for rainfall estimation. The performance of the SM2RAIN-BayesOpt algorithm was evaluated based on observed rainfall data under different environmental conditions in three typical alpine regions, namely Tibetan Plateau, Heihe River Basin, and Shandian River Basin. Moreover, SM2RAIN-BayesOpt, IMERG-V06B, and ERA5 reanalysis rainfall estimates were also compared with in-situ rainfall observations. The results showed that the proposed SM2RAIN-BayesOpt algorithm can obtain more accurate rainfall estimates in all studied areas in terms of different evaluation metrics. It was also found that our proposed SM2RAIN-BayesOpt algorithm performs better in alpine meadows and grassland than in desert and forestland. SM2RAIN-BayesOpt algorithm can considerably improve the accuracy of rainfall estimation, and it is of significant value for rainfall monitoring in alpine regions where observational data are scarce.
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| 41. |
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| 42. |
- Pecunia, Vincenzo, et al.
(author)
-
Roadmap on energy harvesting materials
- 2023
-
In: Journal of Physics. - : IOP Publishing. - 2515-7639. ; 6:4
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ambient energy harvesting has great potential to contribute to sustainable development and address growing environmental challenges. Converting waste energy from energy-intensive processes and systems (e.g. combustion engines and furnaces) is crucial to reducing their environmental impact and achieving net-zero emissions. Compact energy harvesters will also be key to powering the exponentially growing smart devices ecosystem that is part of the Internet of Things, thus enabling futuristic applications that can improve our quality of life (e.g. smart homes, smart cities, smart manufacturing, and smart healthcare). To achieve these goals, innovative materials are needed to efficiently convert ambient energy into electricity through various physical mechanisms, such as the photovoltaic effect, thermoelectricity, piezoelectricity, triboelectricity, and radiofrequency wireless power transfer. By bringing together the perspectives of experts in various types of energy harvesting materials, this Roadmap provides extensive insights into recent advances and present challenges in the field. Additionally, the Roadmap analyses the key performance metrics of these technologies in relation to their ultimate energy conversion limits. Building on these insights, the Roadmap outlines promising directions for future research to fully harness the potential of energy harvesting materials for green energy anytime, anywhere.
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| 43. |
- Qi, Di, et al.
(author)
-
Climate change drives rapid decadal acidification in the Arctic Ocean from 1994 to 2020
- 2022
-
In: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 377:6614, s. 1544-1550
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Arctic Ocean has experienced rapid warming and sea ice loss in recent decades, becoming the first open-ocean basin to experience widespread aragonite undersaturation [saturation state of aragonite (Warag) < 1]. However, its trend toward long-term ocean acidification and the underlying mechanisms remain undocumented. Here, we report rapid acidification there, with rates three to four times higher than in other ocean basins, and attribute it to changing sea ice coverage on a decadal time scale. Sea ice melt exposes seawater to the atmosphere and promotes rapid uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide, lowering its alkalinity and buffer capacity and thus leading to sharp declines in pH and Warag. We predict a further decrease in pH, particularly at higher latitudes where sea ice retreat is active, whereas Arctic warming may counteract decreases in Warag in the future.
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| 44. |
- Shi, Li, et al.
(author)
-
Distribution of Wealth Households in Urban China
- 2020
-
In: Research on China’s Income Distribution and Labor Market (Vol.3, Ch.12). - Beijing, P.R. China : China Human Resources & Social Security Publishing Group Co., Ltd. - 9787516743195 ; , s. 271-285
-
Book chapter (peer-reviewed)
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| 45. |
- Shi, Z., et al.
(author)
-
An Eastward Current Encircling Mercury
- 2022
-
In: Geophysical Research Letters. - : American Geophysical Union (AGU). - 0094-8276 .- 1944-8007. ; 49:10
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Mercury has a terrestrial-like magnetosphere which is usually taken as a scaled-down-version of Earth's magnetosphere with a similar current system. We examine Mercury's magnetospheric current system based on a survey of Mercury's magnetic field measured by the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry, and Ranging spacecraft as well as computer simulations. We show that there is no significant Earth-like ring current flowing westward around Mercury, instead, we find, for the first time, an eastward current (EC) encircling the planet near the night-side magnetic equator with an altitude of ∼500–1,000 km. The EC is closed with the dayside magnetopause current and could be driven by the gradient of plasma pressure as a diamagnetic current. Thus, Mercury's magnetosphere is not a scaled-down Earth magnetosphere, but a unique natural space plasma laboratory. Our findings offer fresh insights to analyze data from the BepiColombo mission, which is expected to orbit Mercury in 2025.
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| 46. |
- Wang, Sifan, et al.
(author)
-
Fire carbon emissions over Equatorial Asia reduced by shortened dry seasons
- 2023
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In: npj Climate and Atmospheric Science. - 2397-3722. ; 6:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Fire carbon emissions over Equatorial Asia (EQAS) play a critical role in the global carbon cycle. Most regional fire emissions (89.0%) occur in the dry season, but how changes in the dry-season length affect the fire emissions remains poorly understood. Here we show that, the length of the EQAS dry season has decreased significantly during 1979–2021, and the delayed dry season onset (5.4 ± 1.6 (± one standard error) days decade−1) due to increased precipitation (36.4 ± 9.1 mm decade−1) in the early dry season is the main reason. The dry season length is strongly correlated with the length of the fire season. Increased precipitation during the early dry season led to a significant reduction (May: −0.7 ± 0.4 Tg C decade−1; August: −12.9 ± 6.7 Tg C decade−1) in fire carbon emissions during the early and peak fire season. Climate models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 project a continued decline in future dry season length in EQAS under medium and high-emission scenarios, implying further reductions in fire carbon emissions.
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| 47. |
- Wang, Xiaohua, et al.
(author)
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Tacrolimus Causes Hypertension by Increasing Vascular Contractility via RhoA (Ras Homolog Family Member A)/ROCK (Rho-Associated Protein Kinase) Pathway in Mice
- 2022
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In: Hypertension. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 0194-911X .- 1524-4563. ; 79:10, s. 2228-2238
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: To provide tacrolimus is first-line treatment after liver and kidney transplantation. However, hypertension and nephrotoxicity are common tacrolimus side effects that limit its use. Although tacrolimus-related hypertension is well known, the underlying mechanisms are not. Here, we test whether tacrolimus-induced hypertension involves the RhoA (Ras homolog family member A)/ROCK (Rho-associated protein kinase) pathway in male C57Bl/6 mice. methods: Intra-arterial blood pressure was measured under anesthesia. The reactivity of renal afferent arterioles and mesenteric arteries were assessed in vitro using microperfusion and wire myography, respectively. Results: Tacrolimus induced a transient rise in systolic arterial pressure that was blocked by the RhoA/ROCK inhibitor Fasudil (12.0 +/- 0.9 versus 3.2 +/- 0.7; P<0.001). Moreover, tacrolimus reduced the glomerular filtration rate, which was also prevented by Fasudil (187 +/- 20 versus 281 +/- 8.5; P<0.001). Interestingly, tacrolimus enhanced the sensitivity of afferent arterioles and mesenteric arteries to Ang II (angiotensin II), likely due to increased intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and sensitization. Fasudil prevented increased Ang II-sensitivity and blocked Ca2+ mobilization and sensitization. Preincubation of mouse aortic vascular smooth muscle cells with tacrolimus activated the RhoA/ROCK/MYPT-1 (myosin phosphatase targeting subunit 1) pathway. Further, tacrolimus increased cytoplasmic reactive oxygen species generation in afferent arterioles (107 +/- 5.9 versus 163 +/- 6.4; P<0.001) and in cultured mouse aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (100 +/- 7.5 versus 160 +/- 23.2; P<0.01). Finally, the reactive oxygen species scavenger Tempol inhibited tacrolimus-induced Ang II hypersensitivity in afferent arterioles and mesenteric arteries. Conclusions: The RhoA/ROCK pathway may play an important role in tacrolimus-induced hypertension by enhancing Ang II-specific vasoconstriction, and reactive oxygen species may participate in this process by activating the RhoA/ROCK pathway.
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| 48. |
- Wang, Yilin, et al.
(author)
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Control of the Crystallization and Phase Separation Kinetics in Sequential Blade-Coated Organic Solar Cells by Optimizing the Upper Layer Processing Solvent
- 2023
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In: Advanced Energy Materials. - : Wiley. - 1614-6832 .- 1614-6840. ; 13:7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Sequential deposition of the active layer in organic solar cells (OSCs) is favorable to circumvent the existing drawbacks associated with controlling the microstructure in bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) device fabrication. However, how the processing solvents impact on the morphology during sequential deposition processes is still poorly understood. Herein, high-efficiency OSCs are fabricated by a sequential blade coating (SBC) through optimization of the morphology evolution process induced by processing solvents. It is demonstrated that the device performance is highly dependent on the processing solvent of the upper layer. In situ morphology characterizations reveal that an obvious liquid–solid phase separation can be identified during the chlorobenzene processing of the D18 layer, corresponding to larger phase separation. During chloroform (CF) processing of the D18 layer, a proper aggregation rate of Y6 and favorable intermixing of lower and upper layers results in the enhanced crystallinity of the acceptor. This facilitates efficient exciton dissociation and charge transport with an inhibited charge recombination in the D18/CF-based devices, contributing to a superior performance of 17.23%. These results highlight the importance of the processing solvent for the upper layer in the SBC strategy and suggest the great potential of achieving optimized morphology and high-efficiency OSCs using the SBC strategy.
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| 49. |
- Wei, Chu, et al.
(author)
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CO2 allocation and equity issues under China's carbon neutrality targets : Recent advances and a review
- 2024
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In: China economic review. - : Elsevier. - 1043-951X .- 1873-7781. ; 83
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- This editorial establishes the context for our special issue, devoted to exploring CO2 allocation and equity considerations within the framework of China's ambitions for carbon neutrality. As the world's largest greenhouse gas emitter, China has made a pivotal development in mitigating climate change efforts with its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. This collection of 16 diverse papers delves into recent advancements, challenges, and thematic explorations related to carbon dioxide emissions, providing a holistic analysis of the allocation mechanisms and the critical balance between equity and efficiency. The contributions, which span a wide range of disciplines, collectively reveal the nuances of integrating economic growth, social justice, and environmental stewardship in China's transition to a sustainable, low -carbon future. The editorial not only synthesizes the key insights from the included papers but also frames the overarching narrative, highlighting the significance of collaborative and equitable approaches in achieving China's carbon neutrality targets.
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| 50. |
- Wei, Chu, et al.
(author)
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Digital technology and energy sustainability : Impacts and policy needs
- 2021
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In: Resources, Conservation and Recycling. - : Elsevier. - 0921-3449 .- 1879-0658. ; 170
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This special issue aims to focus on the impact of the emerging digital technologies on the sustainability of energy systems, and consequently the needs for policy measures to provide an appropriate regulatory framework and confront associated unintended challenges. Different and innovative methodological approaches are encouraged. The content of this special issue is not limited to a certain country. The editors welcome any case studies from developed and developing countries with clear relevance for global digital technology development. Topics of specific interest include, but are not limited to, the following: Impacts of digital technology and digitalization practice on energy systems, climate and, the environment. Possible changes resulting from digitalization in electricity generation, mobility, housing, etc. and consequences of energy digitalization for energy market reforms. Impacts of digital technology and digitalization on economic growth, social inequality, sustainability, and quality of life. Impacts of digital technology on access to affordable modern energy services, especially in rural areas. Policy responses to deal with the high energy consumption of new digital infrastructure in energy systems. The role of digital technology in supporting energy security. Emerging questions about energy sustainability during the growth of digital technology.
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