Search

As the urgency to limit global warming has intensified, negative emissions technology such as direct air capture and carbon sequestration are increasingly considered in climate mitigation scenarios. When Iceland opened the commercial-grade direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS) facility in 2021, this marked a breakthrough for DACCS technology as a scalable climate mitigation solution. This study investigates the adoption of DACCS in Iceland and the potential for diffusion into other contexts as a global decarbonization solution. We implement expert interviews to analyze the adoption of technology, and to identify the various requirements of scaling DACCS into local and global contexts. Using inductive thematic analysis, we characterize the diverging perspectives on the role of carbon dioxide removal as a climate mitigation solution and also identify pathways toward technology upscaling at national, regional, and global scales. Despite the successful technology demonstration of DACCS, we find that experts hold different mental models of climate mitigation generally, characterized as "nature vs. technology." We also find that experts clearly articulate the necessary conditions for the diffusion of DACCS more broadly, including explicit regulatory measures as guardrails against a "license to pollute" as well as bilateral governance structures that include financial investment. Finally, we find that the importance of public acceptance of the technology was noted among all expert groups. Limited data exist on the acceptance of DACCS paired with renewable energy and this is a future research recommendation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

KCNQ1, the major component of the slow-delayed rectifier potassium channel, is responsible for repolarization of cardiac action potential. Mutations in this channel can lead to a variety of diseases, most notably long QT syndrome. It is currently unknown how many of these mutations change channel function and structure on a molecular level. Since tetramerization is key to proper function and structure of the channel, it is likely that mutations modify the stability of KCNQ1 oligomers. Presently, the C-terminal domain of KCNQ1 has been noted as the driving force for oligomer formation. However, truncated versions of this protein lacking the C-terminal domain still tetramerize. Therefore, we explored the role of native cysteine residues in a truncated construct of human KCNQ1, amino acids 100–370, by blocking potential interactions of cysteines with a nitroxide based spin label. Mobility of the spin labels was investigated with continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance (CW-EPR) spectroscopy. The oligomerization state was examined by gel electrophoresis. The data provide information on tetramerization of human KCNQ1 without the C-terminal domain. Specifically, how blocking the side chains of native cysteines residues reduces oligomerization. A better understanding of tetramer formation could provide improved understanding of the molecular etiology of long QT syndrome and other diseases related to KCNQ1. • Exploration of oligomerization of Kv channels without C-terminal domain. • Nitroxide based spin labeling of native cysteine residues alters oligomerization. • C214 plays a role in the stability and or formation of KCNQ1 tetramers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive portions of the human genome have unknown function, including those derived from transposable elements. One such element, the DNA transposon Hsmar1, entered the primate lineage approximately 50 million years ago leaving behind terminal inverted repeat (TIR) sequences and a single intact copy of the Hsmar1 transposase, which retains its ancestral TIR-DNA-binding activity, and is fused with a lysine methyltransferase SET domain to constitute the chimeric SETMAR gene. Here, we provide a structural basis for recognition of TIRs by SETMAR and investigate the function of SETMAR through genome-wide approaches. As elucidated in our 2.37 Å crystal structure, SETMAR forms a dimeric complex with each DNA-binding domain bound specifically to TIRDNA through the formation of 32 hydrogen bonds. We found that SETMAR recognizes primarily TIR sequences (-5000 sites) within the human genome as assessed by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analysis. In two SETMAR KO cell lines, we identified 163 shared differentially expressed genes and 233 shared alternative splicing events. Among these genes are several pre-mRNA-splicing factors, transcription factors, and genes associated with neuronal function, and one alternatively spliced primate-specific gene, TMEM14B, which has been identified as a marker for neocortex expansion associated with brain evolution. Taken together, our results suggest a model in which SETMAR impacts differential expression and alternative splicing of genes associated with transcription and neuronal function, potentially through both its TIR-specific DNA-binding and lysine methyltransferase activities, consistent with a role for SETMAR in simian primate development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibility of substantial offshore wind energy development in the United States (U.S.) is rapidly advancing. Several offshore wind projects have been proposed proximate to federally-recognized tribal territory. Historically marginalized, indigenous communities have for centuries experienced injustices during the expansion of the U.S. energy system. Few studies have systematically examined the responses of indigenous communities to offshore wind, and little is known about the ways that indigenous concerns are leveraged by non-members to advance a position advocating for or against offshore development. In this study, we examine the discourses that surround indigenous communities through legally mandated decision-making processes for two proposed offshore wind projects in the northeast U.S. We show that narratives surrounding indigenous stakeholders in the offshore wind scoping process can be thematically identified as: 1. religious, cultural, and spiritual value , 2. land and identity , and 3. process and procedures. However, the concerns and perspectives of indigenous communities are mostly brought forth by non-group members, and were found to be leveraged or diminished by non-indigenous individuals pushing anti- or pro-offshore wind sentiment. This reveals the finding that indigenous concerns are being co-opted or sidelined through formal and legal decision-making processes in the U.S. The results indicate that the formal consultation process failed to meet standards of energy justice by inadvertently giving outsize voice to lesser impacted communities. Therefore, our study cautions that energy justice is not achieved solely through "inclusive" processes and decision-makers should be diligent in considering the multi-faceted aspects of justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the reasons behind the rejection of papers submitted to the Journal of Mental Health, highlighting the increasing number of submissions and the rigorous review process. Topics include the importance of meeting submission criteria, considerations during the scientific evaluation process, and specific guidelines for different types of studies, such as prioritizing international importance and avoiding redundant research on topics like COVID-19.

Hsp90s are ATP-dependent chaperones that collaborate with co-chaperones and Hsp70s to remodel client proteins. Grp94 is the ER Hsp90 homolog essential for folding multiple secretory and membrane proteins. Grp94 interacts with the ER Hsp70, BiP, although the collaboration of the ER chaperones in protein remodeling is not well understood. Grp94 undergoes large-scale conformational changes that are coupled to chaperone activity. Within Grp94, a region called the pre-N domain suppresses ATP hydrolysis and conformational transitions to the active chaperone conformation. In this work, we combined in vivo and in vitro functional assays and structural studies to characterize the chaperone mechanism of Grp94. We show that Grp94 directly collaborates with the BiP chaperone system to fold clients. Grp94's pre-N domain is not necessary for Grp94-client interactions. The folding of some Grp94 clients does not require direct interactions between Grp94 and BiP in vivo, suggesting that the canonical collaboration may not be a general chaperone mechanism for Grp94. The BiP co-chaperone DnaJB11 promotes the interaction between Grp94 and BiP, relieving the pre-N domain suppression of Grp94's ATP hydrolysis activity. In structural studies, we find that ATP binding by Grp94 alters the ATP lid conformation, while BiP binding stabilizes a partially closed Grp94 intermediate. Together, BiP and ATP push Grp94 into the active closed conformation for client folding. We also find that nucleotide binding reduces Grp94's affinity for clients, which is important for productive client folding. Alteration of client affinity by nucleotide binding may be a conserved chaperone mechanism for a subset of ER chaperones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

KCNQ1 (Kv7.1 or KvLQT1) is a voltage-gated potassium ion channel that is involved in the ventricular repolarization following an action potential in the heart. It forms a complex with KCNE1 in the heart and is the pore forming subunit of slow delayed rectifier potassium current (I ks). Mutations in KCNQ1, leading to a dysfunctional channel or loss of activity have been implicated in a cardiac disorder, long QT syndrome. In this study, we report the overexpression, purification, biochemical characterization of human KCNQ1 100 – 370 , and lipid bilayer dynamics upon interaction with KCNQ1 100 – 370. The recombinant human KCNQ1 was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified into n-dodecylphosphocholine (DPC) micelles. The purified KCNQ1 100 – 370 was biochemically characterized by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, western blot and nano-LC-MS/MS to confirm the identity of the protein. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy was utilized to confirm the secondary structure of purified protein in vesicles. Furthermore, 31P and 2H solid-state NMR spectroscopy in DPPC/POPC/POPG vesicles (MLVs) indicated a direct interaction between KCNQ 100 – 370 and the phospholipid head groups. Finally, a visual inspection of KCNQ1 100 – 370 incorporated into MLVs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The findings of this study provide avenues for future structural studies of the human KCNQ1 ion channel to have an in depth understanding of its structure-function relationship. [Display omitted] • Purification of KCNQ1 potassium ion channel • Probing the interaction of KCNQ1 with the membrane using solid-state NMR spectroscopic techniques • Secondary structural characteristics of KCNQ1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have been performed in the last three decades to assess the impacts of marine biofouling on offshore wind turbines (OWTs) substructures. Marine biofouling generally refers to the settlement and growth of aquatic organisms on human-made structures situated in marine and estuarine environments. OWTs continue to demonstrate significant energy extraction potential and their performance in the ocean is a promising area of research. Most wind turbine installations are in shallow water depths of less than 100 m. At these depths, biofouling can be seen on a large section of cylindrical structures, including mooring lines or power cables, with considerable roughness. This paper provides a review of biofouling phenomena in the context of offshore/marine cylindrical structures. The ecological and social implications of biofouling are reviewed alongside the technical parameters of what is considered to be undesired growth among engineers. The review specifically highlights various marine fouling parameters and laboratory approaches employed by past researchers in modelling biofouling, and the latter's effects on hydrodynamic loading from wave and current excitation. This paper explores challenges in modelling biofouling caused by its intrinsic randomness and uncertainty, as well as suggestions for many studies on marine fouling that are currently absent. • Study of the effect of surface roughness is done under the premise of hard biofouling. • Only a few studies have investigated the impact of soft and lengthy flapping biofouling. • Dependence of biofouling only on surface roughness remains a debated topic. • Ecological effects of biofouling and social preferences for artificial reefs complicate antifouling designs. • Most research rarely considers the effects of fatigue environmental conditions on OWTs substructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]