Using brain cell-type-specific protein interactomes to interpret neurodevelopmental genetic signals in schizophrenia

Genetics have nominated many schizophrenia risk genes and identified convergent signals between schizophrenia and neurodevelopmental disorders. However, functional interpretation of the nominated genes in the relevant brain cell types is often lacking. We executed interaction proteomics for six schizophrenia risk genes that have also been implicated in neurodevelopment in human induced cortical neurons. The resulting protein network is enriched for common variant risk of schizophrenia in Europeans and East Asians, is down-regulated in layer 5/6 cortical neurons of individuals affected by schizophrenia, and can complement fine-mapping and eQTL data to prioritize additional genes in GWAS loci. A sub-network centered on HCN1 is enriched for common variant risk and contains proteins (HCN4 and AKAP11) enriched for rare protein-truncating mutations in individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Our findings showcase brain cell-type-specific interactomes as an organizing framework to facilitate interpretation of genetic and transcriptomic data in schizophrenia and its related disorders

Fiscal policy and ecological sustainability: a post-Keynesian perspective

Fiscal policy has a strong role to play in the transition to an ecologically sustainable economy. This paper critically discusses the way that green fiscal policy has been analysed in both conventional and post-Keynesian approaches. It then uses a recently developed post-Keynesian ecological macroeconomic model in order to provide a comparative evaluation of three different types of green fiscal policy: carbon taxes, green subsidies and green public investment. We show that (i) carbon taxes reduce global warming but increase financial risks due to their adverse effects on the profitability of firms and credit availability; (ii) green subsidies and green public investment improve ecological efficiency, but their positive environmental impact is partially offset by their macroeconomic rebound effects; and (iii) a green fiscal policy mix derives better outcomes than isolated policies. Directions for future heterodox macroeconomic research on the links between fiscal policy and ecological sustainability are suggested

Enhanced Li-Ion-Storage Performance of MoS2 through Multistage Structural Design

Inspired by a folded protein, multistage structural MoS2 is designed as an advanced anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are initially performed, demonstrating that the ideal primary structure (P-MoS2) has saw-tooth-like edges terminated by Mo atoms and the desired secondary structure (C-MoS2) may form via crumpling. For the latter, more exposed (002) planes exist within the wrinkled parts, creating more active sites and promoting isotropic Li+ insertion. Importantly, the rate capability and capacity of a MoS2 anode are enhanced after such a P-MoS2 to C-MoS2 transition: a superb specific capacity of 1490 mAh/g for C-MoS2 at 0.1 A/g (vs. 1083 mAh/g for P-MoS2), an excellent cycling stability (858 mAh/g after 450 cycles at 0.5 A/g), and an improved rate capability of 591 mAh/g at 1 A/g (vs. 465 mAh/g) are documented. The curving effects and mechanical properties of a single C-MoS2 particle are further visualized by insitu TEM. Drastically enlarged spacing changes upon Li-insertion and high elasticity are confirmed, which lead to enhanced LIB performances and the excellent mechanical strength of C-MoS2. The present multistage design of a MoS2 structure should pave the way toward high-energy MoS2 anode materials for future LIBs