Light-absorbing impurities on Keqikaer Glacier in western Tien Shan: concentrations and potential impact on albedo reduction

Light-absorbing impurities on glaciers are important factors that influence glacial surface albedo and accelerate glacier melt. In this study, the quantity of light-absorbing impurities on Keqikaer Glacier in western Tien Shan, Central Asia, was measured. We found that the average concentrations of black carbon was 2,180 ng/g, with a range from 250 ng/g to more than 10,000 ng/g. The average concentrations of organic carbon and mineral dust were 1,738 ng/g and 194 μg/g, respectively. Based on simulations performed with the Snow Ice Aerosol Radiative model simulations, black carbon and dust are responsible for approximately 64% and 9%, respectively, of the albedo reduction, and are associated with instantaneous radiative forcing of 323.18 W/m2(ranging from 142.16 to 619.25 W/m2) and 24.05 W/m2(ranging from 0.15 to69.77 W/m2), respectively. For different scenarios, the albedo and radiative forcing effect of black carbon is considerably greater than that of dust. The estimated radiative forcing at Keqikaer Glacier is higher than most similar values estimated by previous studies on the Tibetan Plateau, perhaps as a result of black carbon enrichment by melt scavenging. Light-absorbing impurities deposited on Keqikaer Glacier appear to mainly originate from central Asia, Siberia, western China(including the Taklimakan Desert) and parts of South Asia in summer, and from the Middle East and Central Asia in winter.A footprint analysis indicates that a large fraction(>60%) of the black carbon contributions on Keqikaer Glacier comes from anthropogenic sources. These results provide a scientific basis for regional mitigation efforts to reduce black carbon.

Biological roles and potential clinical values of circular RNAs in gastrointestinal malignancies

Circular RNAs(circ RNAs),a class of endogenous RNA molecules,are produced by alternative splicing of precursor RNA and are covalently linked at the 5′and 3′ends.Recent studies have revealed that dysregulated circ RNAs are closely related to the occurrence and progression of gastrointestinal malignancies.Accumulating evidence indicates that circ RNAs,including circ PVT1,circ LARP4,circ-SFMBT2,cir-ITCH,circ RNA_100782,circ_100395,circ-DONSON,hsa_circ_0001368,circ NRIP1,circ FAT1(e2),circ CCDC66,circ SMARCA5,circ-ZNF652,and circ_0030235 play important roles in the proliferation,differentiation,invasion,and metastasis of cancer cells through a variety of mechanisms,such as acting as micro RNA sponges,interacting with RNA-binding proteins,regulating gene transcription and alternative splicing,and being translated into proteins.With the characteristics of high abundance,high stability,extensive functions,and certain tissue-,time-and diseasespecific expressions,circ RNAs are expected to provide novel perspectives for the diagnoses and treatments of gastrointestinal malignancies.

Research progress on behaviors and environmental effects of mercury in the cryosphere of the Tibetan Plateau:a critical review

The behavior and fates of environmental pollutants within the cryosphere and the associated environmental impacts are of increasing concerns in the context of global warming.The Tibetan Plateau(TP),also known as the"Third Pole",represents one of the most important cryospheric regions in the world.Mercury(Hg)is recognized as a global pollutant.Here,we summarize the current knowledge of Hg concentration levels,pools and spatio-temporal distribution in cryospheric environments(e.g.,glacier,permafrost),and its transfer and potential cycle in the TP cryospheric region.Transboundary transport of anthropogenic Hg from the surrounding heavily-polluted regions,such as South and Southeast Asia,provides significant sources of atmospheric Hg depositions onto the TP cryosphere.We concluded that the melting of the cryosphere on the TP represents an increasing source of Hg and brings a risk to the TP environment.In addition,global warming acts as an important catalyst accelerating the release of legacy Hg from the melting cryosphere,adversely impacting ecosystems and biological health.Furthermore,we emphasize on the remaining gaps and proposed issues needed to be addressed in future work,including enhancing our knowledge on some key release pathways and the related environmental effects of Hg in the cryospheric region,integrated observation and consideration of Hg distribution,migration and cycle processes at a key region,and uses of Hg isotopic technical and Hg models to improve the understanding of Hg cycling in the TP cryospheric region.

Effect of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2overexpression in 3T3-L1 is associated to an increase in mono-unsaturated fatty acid accumulation

Background：Fatty acid（FA） composition is the most important parameter affecting the flavor and nutritional value of the meat.The final and the only committed step in the biosynthesis of triglycerides is catalyzed by diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2（DGAT2）.The role of DGAT2 in lipid accumulation has been demonstrated in adipocytes,However,little is known about the effect of DGAT2 on the FA composition of these cells.Methods：To investigate the role of DGAT2 in regulating lipid accumulation,FA composition and the expression of adipogenic genes,we cloned the open reading frame of the porcine DGAT2 gene and established 3T3-L1 cells that overexpressed DGAT2.Cells were then cultured in differentiation medium（DM） without FA,with a mixture of FAs（FA-DM）,or containing a ^（13）C stable isotope-labeled FA mixture（IFA-DM）.The FA composition of adipocytes was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry.Quantitative PCR and western blotting were employed to detect expression of adipogenic genes in 3T3-L1 adipocytes cultured with FA-DM for 12 d.Results：The triacylglyceride（TAG） content was significantly higher in 3T3-L1 adipocytes overexpressing DGAT2 than in control cells.When cultured in DM or FA-DM for 12 d,cells overexpressing DGAT2 showed a higher proportion of unsaturated FAs（C16：1 and C18：1）.However,when cells overexpressing DGAT2 were cultured with FA-DM for30 min,the FA composition was almost identical to that of controls.Further,the proportion of stable isotope-labeled FAs were similar in 3T3-L1 adipocytes overexpressing DGAT2 and control cells cultured in IFA-DM for 12 d.These results collectively indicate that the higher proportion of mono-unsaturated FAs,C16：1 and C18：1,may originate from de novo FA synthesis but not from the uptake of specific FAs from the medium.This hypothesis is further supported by evidence that both mRNA and protein expression of genes involved in FA synthesis（ACACA,FASN,SCD1,and A-FABP）were significantly higher in cells overexpressing DGAT2 than in control cells.Conclusions：In conclusion,our study revealed that TAG accumulation,the proportion of MUFAs,and the expression of adipogenic genes were higher in 3T3-L1 cells overexpressing DGAT2 than in control cells.

Atmospheric particle-bound mercury in the northern Indo-Gangetic Plain region:Insights into sources from mercury isotope analysis and influencing factors

Lumbini is a world heritage site located in the southern plains region of Nepal, and is regarded as a potential site for evaluating transboundary air pollution due to its proximity to the border with India. In this study, 82 aerosol samples were collected between April 2013 and July 2014 to investigate the levels of particulate-bound mercury(PBM) and the corresponding seasonality, sources, and influencing factors.The PBM concentration in total suspended particulate(TSP) matter ranged from 6.8 pg m^(-3) to351.7 pg m^(-3)(mean of 99.7 ± 92.6 pg m^(-3)), which exceeded the ranges reported for remote and rural sites worldwide. The Hg content(PBM/TSP) ranged from 68.2 ng g^(-1) to 1744.8 ng g^(-1)(mean of 446.9 ±312.7 ng g^(-1)), indicating anthropogenic enrichment. The PBM levels were higher in the dry season(i.e.,winter and the pre-monsoon period) than in the wet season(i.e., the monsoon period). In addition, the δ^(202) Hg signature indicated that waste/coal burning and traffic were the major sources of Hg in Lumbini during the pre-monsoon period. Meanwhile, precipitation occurring during photochemical processes in the atmosphere may have been responsible for the observed Δ^(199) Hg values in the aerosol samples obtained during the monsoon period. The PBM concentration was influenced mostly by the resuspension of polluted dust during dry periods and crop residue burning during the post-monsoon period. The estimated PBM deposition flux at Lumbini was 15.7 lg m^(-2) yr^(-1). This study provides a reference dataset of atmospheric PBM over a year, which can be useful for understanding the geochemical cycling of Hg in this region of limited data.

Spatial distribution and risk assessments of mercury in topsoils of Central Asia

Central Asia is one of the largest arid areas on earth,yet little is known about the concentration levels and risks of mercury(Hg)in the soils of this region.In this study,extensive sampling of topsoils(0-10 cm)from representative landscapes was carried out over Central Asia(i.e.,Tajikistan,Uzbekistan,and Kyrgyzstan).The total mercury(THg)concentrations in topsoils varied widely from 1.6 to 908.0 ng/g,with high values observed in samples collected in the capital cities and urban areas.Topsoil THg concentrations among different landscapes showed a decreasing order of urban(79.8±184.0 ng/g)>woodland(27.3±28.9 ng/g)>grassland(20.6±15.9 ng/g)>farmland(18.3±9.5 ng/g)>desert(12.3±8.0 ng/g).High THg concentrations were found in the capital cities/urban clusters,followed by a gradual decrease towards the peripheries.THg concentrations were found to be negatively correlated with the distance from the sampling sites to their nearest cities,indicating that anthropogenic emissions significantly influenced the spatial distribution of topsoil Hg.A significant correlation between THg concentrations and topsoil total organic carbon(TOC)contents was also observed,suggesting that TOC played an essential role in the spatial distribution of topsoil Hg.The assessments of pollution and potential ecological risk suggested that topsoils in highly densely-populated areas were contaminated by Hg and had higher degrees of potential ecological risks.The health risk assessment results showed that the exposure risk of topsoil Hg to children was higher than that to adults.Fortunately,there was no unacceptable human health risk of topsoil Hg.This study clarified the spatial distribution and risks of Hg in the Central Asian topsoils,offering new insight into the risk prevention and control of soil Hg.

亚微米去顶角八面体LiNi_(0.08)Mn_(1.92)O_(4)正极材料制备及高温电化学性能

采用低温固相燃烧法快速制备了一种具有{111}、{110}和{100}晶面的去顶角八面体LiNi_(0.08)Mn_(1.92)O_(4)(LNMO)正极材料,其高暴露{111}晶面可以减少充放电过程中Mn的溶解,面积相对较小的{110}和{100}晶面可增加Li^(+)快速扩散的通道.测试结果表明,所合成的LNMO具有LiMn_(2)O_(4)特有的立方晶系结构,其颗粒尺寸为亚微米级.LNMO的高温电化学性能优异,在55℃,1和5 C的首次放电比容量分别为109.9和98.0 m Ah/g,分别循环300次后容量保持率为75.8%和80.5%;即使在55℃,10和15 C下分别循环1000次后仍具有48.4%和49.4%的容量保持率,而未掺杂的LiMn_(2)O_(4)于15 C循环1000次后容量损失高达98%.LNMO在55℃有较高的Li^(+)扩散系数(D=3.86×10^(-15)cm^(2)/s)和较小的电荷转移阻抗(循环前、后R_(ct)=158.0和279.8Ω)以及较低的表观活化能(E_(a)=17.63 k J/mol),说明Ni掺杂能够提高Li^(+)在尖晶石型LiMn_(2)O_(4)内的扩散速率及减小锂离子在脱嵌过程中的能垒,从而提高锂离子的扩散速率和倍率性能.对LNMO于55℃循环1000次后的极片进行X射线衍射(XRD)分析,发现LNMO电极材料的晶体结构基本保持不变,表明Ni掺杂提高了锰酸锂材料在55℃长循环过程中的晶体结构稳定性,有效抑制了Jahn-Teller效应及Mn的溶解,显著提升了其高温电化学性能.本工作为尖晶石LiMn_(2)O_(4)电极材料在高温方面的应用提供了借鉴.

Insights into mercury in glacier snow and its incorporation into meltwater runoff based on observations in the southern Tibetan Plateau

The Tibetan Plateau（TP） is recognized as ＂Water Tower of Asia＂. Yet our understanding of mechanisms influencing incorporation of mercury（Hg） into freshwater in mountain glaciers on the TP remains quite limited. Extensive sampling of environmental matrices（e.g., snow/ice）were conducted on the East Rongbuk glacier on Mt. Everest and Zhadang glacier on Mt.Nyainqentanglha for Hg speciation analysis. Speciated Hg behaved quite different during snowmelt： a preferential early release of DHg（dissolved Hg） was observed at the onset of snowmelt, whereas PHg（particulate-bound Hg） and THg（total Hg） become relatively enriched in snow and released later. Small fraction of Hg in snow was lost during a snowmelt day（18.9%–34.7%） with a large proportion（58.1%–87.3%） contributed by PHg decrease, indicating that the deposited Hg is most likely retained in glacier snow/ice. Furthermore, THg were positively correlated with PHg and crustal major ions（e.g., Ca2＋, Mg2＋） during snowmelt, indicating that Hg is mainly migrated with particulates. The main pathway of Hg loss during snowmelt was most probably associated with release of PHg with meltwater, which was greatly influenced by ablation intensity of snow/ice. This should be paid particular concern as Hg preserved in mountain glaciers will mostly enter aquatic ecosystem as climate warms, impacting on downstream ecosystems adversely. Obvious decrease of THg during the downstream transport from glacier was observed with a large proportion contributed by PHg decrease. The main removal mechanism of Hg was associated with sedimentation of PHg during the transport process.

Increased mercury pollution revealed by tree rings from the China's Tianshan Mountains

Mercury (Hg)can be transported globally by the atmospheric circulation and it accumulates and biomagnifies along food chains [1,2].Due to its threats to human health and wildlife when converted to the neurotoxin methyl mercury,variations in Hg concentration in various ecosystems were paid more attention by scientists recently.Natural processes such as geothermal activities, volcanic activities,and weathering of Hg-containing rocks,can release a mass of Hg to the environment.Anthropogenic emissions had become the main atmospheric pollution source since the Industrial Revolution.A recent study indicated that half of the Hg presented in atmosphere was sourced from human activities and about 73%total mercury was released after 1850[3].Aiming to reduce the impact of Hg to environmental and human health,UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme)passed the Minamata Convention in 2013to limit Hg emission through contro|ling technologies on air pollution.

Trace elements and rare earth elements in wet deposition of Lijiang,Mt.Yulong region,southeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau

In order to investigate the compositions and wet deposition fluxes of trace elements and rare earth elements（REEs） in the precipitation of the southeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, 38 precipitation samples were collected from March to August in 2012 in an urban site of Lijiang city in the Mt. Yulong region. The concentrations of most trace elements and REEs were higher during the non-monsoon season than during the monsoon season,indicating that the lower concentrations of trace elements and REEs observed during monsoon had been influenced by the dilution effect of increased precipitation. The concentrations of trace elements in the precipitation of Lijiang city were slightly higher than those observed in remote sites of the Tibetan Plateau but much lower than those observed in the metropolises of China, indicating that the atmospheric environment of Lijiang city was less influenced by anthropogenic emissions, and, as a consequence, the air quality was still relatively good. However, the results of enrichment factor and principal component analysis revealed that some anthropogenic activities（e.g., the increasing traffic emissions from the rapid development of tourism） were most likely important contributors to trace elements, while the regional/local crustal sources rather than anthropogenic activities were the predominant contributors to the REEs in the wet deposition of Lijiang city. Our study was relevant not only for assessing the current status of the atmospheric environment in the Mt. Yulong region, but also for specific management actions to be implemented for the control of atmospheric inputs and the health of the environment for the future.

Action mechanisms and research methods of tRNA-derived small RNAs

tRNA-derived small RNAs(tsRNAs),including tRNA-derived fragments(tRFs)and tRNA halves(tiRNAs),are small regulatory RNAs processed from mature tRNAs or precursor tRNAs.tRFs and tiRNAs play biological roles through a variety of mechanisms by interacting with proteins or mRNA,inhibiting translation,and regulating gene expression,the cell cycle,and chromatin and epigenetic modifications.The establishment and application of research technologies are important in understanding the biological roles of tRFs and tiRNAs.To study the molecular mechanisms of tRFs and tiRNAs,researchers have used a variety of bioinformatics and molecular biology methods,such as microarray analysis,real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR);Northern blotting;RNA sequencing(RNA-seq);cross-linking,ligation and sequencing of hybrids(CLASH);and photoactivatable-ribonucleoside-enhanced cross-linking and immunoprecipitation(PAR-CLIP).This paper summarizes the classification,action mechanisms,and roles of tRFs and tiRNAs in human diseases and the related signal transduction pathways,targeted therapies,databases,and research methods associated with them.

tRNA-derived small RNAs:Mechanisms and potential roles in cancers

Transfer RNAs(tRNAs)are essential for protein synthesis.Mature or pre-tRNAs may be cleaved to produce tRNA-derived small RNAs(tsRNAs).tsRNAs,divided into tRNA-derived stress-induced RNA(tiRNAs)and tRNA-derived fragments(tRFs),play versatile roles in a number of fundamental biological processes.tsRNAs not only play regulatory roles in gene silencing,RNA stability,reverse transcription,and translation,but are also closely related to cell proliferation,migration,cell cycle,and apoptosis.Their abnormal expression is associated with the occurrence and development of various human diseases,especially cancer.This paper reviews the classification,biogenesis,and mechanism of action of tsRNAs,and the research progress to date on tsRNAs in cancers.These findings provide new opportunities for diagnostic biomarkers and treatment targets of several types of cancers including gastric cancer,colorectal cancer,hepatocellular carcinomas,pancreatic cancer,breast cancer,prostate cancer,renal cell carcinoma,ovarian cancer,lung cancer,bladder cancer,thyroid cancer,oral cancer,and leukemia.

Nitrogenous and carbonaceous aerosols in PM_(2.5) and TSP during pre-monsoon:Characteristics and sources in the highly polluted mountain valley

This study reports for the first time a comprehensive analysis of nitrogenous and carbona-ceous aerosols in simultaneously collected PM_(2.5) and TSP during pre-monsoon(March-May 2018)from a highly polluted urban Kathmandu Valley(KV)of the Himalayan foothills.The mean mass concentration of PM_(2.5)(129.8 μg/m^(3))was only-25%of TSP mass(558.7 μg/m^(3))indicating the dominance of coarser mode aerosols.However,the mean concentration as well as fractional contributions of water-soluble total nitrogen(WSTN)and carbonaceous species reveal their predominance in find-mode aerosols.The mean mass concentration of WSTN was 17.43±4.70 μg/m^(3)(14%)in PM_(2.5) and 24.64±8.07 μg/m^(3)(5%)in TSP.Moreover,the fractional contribution of total carbonaceous aerosols(TCA)is much higher in PM_(2.5)(~34%)than that in TSP(~20%).The relatively low OC/EC ratio in PM_(2.5)(3.03±1.47)and TSP(4.64±1.73)suggests fossil fuel combustion as the major sources of carbonaceous aerosols with contributions from secondary organic aerosols.Five-day air mass back trajectories sim-ulated with the HYSPLIT model,together with MODIS fire counts indicate the influence of local emissions as well as transported pollutants from the Indo-Gangetic Plain region to the south of the Himalayan foothills.Principal component analysis(PCA)also suggests a mixed contribution from other local anthropogenic,biomass burning,and crustal sources.Our re-sults highlight that it is necessary to control local emissions as well as regional transport while designing mitigation measures to reduce the KV's air pollution.

Vertical distribution characteristics of soil mercury and its formation mechanism in permafrost regions:A case study of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Continuing permafrost degradation is increasing the risk of mercury(Hg) exposure in the permafrost regions on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau(QTP),but related studies are still limited,especially the ones on the detailed Hg migration processes in permafrost.The vertical distribution characteristics of soil Hg were investigated in three ecosystems in the Beiluhe area on the QTP,and its influencing factors and formation mechanism were investigated.The results indicate that the total soil mercury(THg)concentration in the Beiluhe area remains at an extremely low level(6.33±2.45 ng/g).In the vertical profile,the THg concentration of the shallow soil layer(0-50 cm)(5.96±2.22 ng/g)is significantly lower than that of the deep layer(50-400 cm)(7.44±2.71 ng/g)(p<0.05).Within the upper 50 cm,the THg concentration decreases with soil depth,and the peak THg concentration occurs at 100-300 cm on the entire profile.Although the THg concentration is slightly affected by the organic matter in the shallow soil layer,in general,the soil parent material is the dominant factor affecting the THg concentration.Intense weathering results in a low THg concentration in the shallow soil layer because the soil Hg is carried downward with the soil moisture.To a certain depth,the impermeable frozen soil layer intercepts the flow of the soil Hg,and it forms a Hg enrichment layer.This paper presents the distinctive pattern of the soil Hg distribution in the permafrost regions of the QTP.

Long-term mercury variations in tree rings of the permafrost forest,northeastern China

Permafrost is a potential mercury(Hg)pool released by thawing,which can raise the risk of Hg pollution under global warming.Tree rings are useful archives of environment-specific Hg exposure over long periods.We determined Hg concentrations in tree rings of two dominant tree species(Larix gmelinii Rupr.and Pinus sylvestris var.mongolica)at permafrost sites in northeastern China.The biweighted mean Hg concentrations ranged from 0.36 to 3.96 ng g^(-1) from 1840 to 2014.The tree-ring width had no significant influence on the Hg concentration.Larch Hg increased slightly before the 1970 s and peaked in the 1990 s.However,the pine Hg concentration increased continuously until the 1930 s,decreased rapidly until the 1970 s,then rose to a peak in the late 1980 s.The change of Hg concentrations in larch and pine revealed a time offset of 4 to 5 years,which implied possibly high mobility of Hg in pine tree rings.Higher Hg concentrations from 1920 to 1960 and subsequent decreases in isolated permafrost forests revealed the local geographical Hg cycling history.Lower Hg concentrations and faster increases in larch suggest the role of additional winter Hg loading for the evergreen pine and species-specific differences in root absorption in response to melting permafrost.Our results highlight possible geographical impacts on tree-ring Hg records,improve understanding of Hg cycles in permafrost forest,and suggest a need to sample additional species in a range of permafrost environments.

Concentration,sources and wet deposition of dissolved nitrogen and organic carbon in the Northern Indo-Gangetic Plain during monsoon

Precipitation represents an important phenomenon for carbon and nitrogen deposition.Here,the concentrations and fluxes of dissolved organic carbon(DOC)and total dissolved nitrogen(TDN)with their potential sources were analyzed in wet precipitation during summer monsoon from the Northern Indo-Gangetic Plain(IGP),important but neglected area.The volume-weighted mean(VWM)concentration of DOC and TDN were 687.04 and 1210.23μg/L,respectively.Similarly,the VWM concentration of major ions were in a sequence of NH_(4)^(+)>Ca^(2+)>SO_(4)^(2-)>Na^(+)>K^(+)>NO_(3)~->Cl~->Mg^(2+)>F~->NO_(2)~-,suggesting NH_(4)^(+)and Ca^(2+)from agricultural activities and crustal dust played a vital role in precipitation chemistry.Moreover,the wet deposition flux of DOC and TDN were 9.95 and 17.06 kg/(ha year),respectively.The wet deposition flux of inorganic nitrogen species such as NH_(4)^(+)-N and NO_(3)^(-)-N were 14.31 and 0.47 kg/(ha year),respectively,demonstrating the strong influence of emission sources and precipitation volume.Source attribution from different analysis suggested the influence of biomass burning on DOC and anthropogenic activities(agriculture,animal husbandry)on nitrogenous species.The air-mass back trajectory analysis indicated the influence of air masses originating from the Bay of Bengal,which possibly carried marine and anthropogenic pollutants along with the biomass burning emissions to the sampling site.This study bridges the data gap in the less studied part of the northern IGP region and provides new information for policy makers to deal with pollution control.