About

Jingyi Huang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research focuses on soil physics, proximal and remote sensing, digital soil mapping, and soil-vegetation-atmosphere interactions. He integrates proximal and remote sensing technologies with process-based models to enhance the understanding of water, carbon, nutrient, and energy cycles, particularly under the influences of climate change and human disturbance. His work involves combining soil sensing technologies, big data analytics, and machine learning to monitor, model, and map fluxes of water, carbon, nutrients, and energy across various scales for sustainable natural resources management.

Research topics

• Environmental science
• Soil science
• Geology
• Remote sensing
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Agronomy
• Agroforestry
• Meteorology
• Environmental chemistry
• Geography
• Climatology
• Water resource management
• Geotechnical engineering
• Materials science

Selected publications

• Stability and Reactivity of Alternative Nucleobases in Concentrated Sulfuric Acid

  Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · 2026-02-14

  datasetOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  Supplementary Data for the paper entitled: Stability and Reactivity of Alternative Nucleobases in Concentrated Sulfuric Acid Jingcheng Huang1,*, Sara Seager1,2,3, Maxwell D. Seager4, Janusz J. Petkowski5,6 1Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA 2Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA 3Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA 4Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA 5Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 50‑370 Wroclaw, Poland 6JJ Scientific, Mazowieckie, 02-792 Warsaw, Poland *Correspondence: huangjc@mit.edu

  PublisherDOI

• Enhancing the Surface Mobility of Polymer Glasses by Inducing Flattened Chains at the Surface

  Macromolecules · 2026-02-12

  articleCorresponding

  Increased mobility of molecules at the surface of glassy materials enables cold welding and processing at temperatures below their glass-transition temperatures. However, deep penetration of surface polymer coils into the glassy bulk “locks” surface chains, slowing their diffusivity and compromising the interfacial bonding process. This study demonstrates a strategy to promote surface chain mobility by altering the ways in which the polymers spread out at the surface. This was achieved by adding a copolymer interfacial modifier, comprising a component with low surface free energy (γ) and one with the same chemistry as the polymer, e.g., poly(styrene-sta-pentafluorostyrene) [P(S-sta-PFS)]. The low-γ units (i.e., PFS) spathaceously adsorb onto the polystyrene (PS) film surface, driven by minimization of the free surface energy, generating two-dimensional, flattened chains with a reduced penetration depth at the surface, which alleviates the dynamic locking effect and lowers the energy barrier for surface chain diffusion. The enhanced surface diffusivity imparted by flattened P(S-sta-PFS) chains facilitated the welding of PS in its glassy state, achieving a bonding strength nearly twice that of naive PS glass. Our endeavor represents a step toward efficient cold processing of polymer materials.

  PublisherDOI

• Novel Growth Pattern for Improving the Growth Quality of GaN Films during Deposition on a Nanocosine-Patterned Substrate by Molecular Dynamics Simulation

  Crystal Growth & Design · 2026-02-19

  article

  Improving the growth quality of thin films during deposition has been the subject of classical studies in semiconductor materials science. Previous research has shown that gallium nitride (GaN) films deposited on concave-patterned substrates exhibit better photoelectric properties. Herein, the growth of GaN films deposited on a novel nanocosine-patterned aluminum nitride (AlN) substrate is investigated by molecular dynamics simulation. This substrate contains concave patterning, which is conducive to better light-extraction performance, and GaN films with good crystal quality are obtained on the substrate. Results demonstrate that the degree of substrate patterning exerts a key effect on film quality. Case2 refers to the patterned model with an area change percentage of approximately 1.5. The proportion of wurtzite atoms in films deposited on Case2 nanocosine-patterned AlN substrates is higher than that in films deposited on unpatterned substrates at all temperatures. In addition, the former is more appropriate for low-temperature deposition to produce GaN thin films with better crystal quality. The film deposited on the nanocosine-patterned AlN substrate exhibits a shorter dislocation length and more complicated configuration. This condition is conducive to the postprocessing of the film, in contrast to the continuous and extensive dislocation defects in the deposited film on an unpatterned substrate. Choosing Case2 as an AlN patterning parameter for GaN growth at 2000 K helps to obtain high-quality GaN with a greater wurtzite structure content and fewer dislocations in simulation. Overall, this study investigates the deposition of GaN thin films at the nanoscale and obtains the temperature range and patterning information on the involved substrate for a high proportion of crystalline atoms, high density, low dislocation content, and low roughness to provide ideas for the high-quality growth of GaN thin films.

  PublisherDOI

• Kidney Function Biomarkers and Longitudinal Changes in Schizophrenia: Evidence From a 14‐Year Health Checkup Cohort in Western China

  Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine · 2026-03-01

  articleSenior authorCorresponding

  ABSTRACT Background Patients with schizophrenia exhibit decreased kidney function biomarkers in cross‐sectional studies, despite their elevated risk of chronic kidney disease. Evidence from large‐scale longitudinal studies to better understand this phenomenon remains limited. We aimed to explore the long‐term trajectories of kidney biomarkers in patients with schizophrenia. Methods On the basis of the West China Hospital Alliance Longitudinal Epidemiology wellness (WHALE) study, an ongoing prospective cohort comprising approximately 680,000 participants, 510 schizophrenia patients, and 1490 non‐schizophrenia controls were included. Biomarkers, including metabolic waste products, original estimate glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs), and derived eGFRs, were extracted from the electronic health records. Latent class mixed model identified distinct trajectories, and logistic regression assessed the associations between schizophrenia and the identified trajectories. Results Distinct kidney biomarkers trajectories were identified. Schizophrenia was associated with increased odds of the stable‐to‐decline trajectory in the 2012 cystatin C‐based equation (eGFRcys12) (odds ratio [OR] = 4.608, P FDR < 0.001), the decreasing trajectory (OR = 4.300, P FDR < 0.001) in the combined creatinine–cystatin C equation (eGFRcc), the low stable‐to‐decline pattern for the mean of the eGFRcys12 and the 2021 creatinine‐based equation (mean eGFR) (OR = 2.563, P FDR = 0.018), and the stable‐to‐decline pattern for the difference of the eGFRcys12 and the 2021 creatinine‐based equation (eGFRdiff) (OR = 11.424, P FDR < 0.001). Conclusions Schizophrenia patients tend to exhibit higher levels of eGFRcys12 and lower levels of mean eGFR and eGFRcc. Heterogeneity in the temporal sensitivity of kidney biomarkers suggests the need for tailored approaches to kidney disease monitoring in this population.

  PublisherDOI

• The association between oral health-related quality-of-life and smile aesthetic indices among Chinese individuals

  Medicine · 2026-02-27

  articleOpen access1st author

  The aesthetic qualities of a smile play a crucial role in social interactions, affecting an individual's perceived attractiveness and emotional communication. This study investigated the relationship between smile aesthetics and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among Chinese college students. This cross-sectional study recruited 220 college students in China using convenience sampling. Frontal smile images were obtained from each participant to evaluate the Smile Index, Gingival Display, visible teeth count during smiling, and buccal corridor ratio. The psychosocial impact of the dental aesthetics questionnaire and oral health impact profile-14 were used to evaluate the OHRQoL of the participants. Correlations were observed between the number of visible maxillary teeth and self-assurance in dental appearance (R = 0.158, P = .026), as well as between the width of the buccal corridor and its influence on social perceptions (R = 0.149, P = .149 for social impact; R = 0.161, P = .023 for oral health impact profile-14). In contrast, a negative correlation was observed between the buccal corridor width and dental self-assurance (r = -0.156, P = .027), while the index for gingival exposure exhibited a robust negative relationship with concerns related to aesthetics (r = -0.185, P = .009). The aesthetics of smiles appear to be related to OHRQoL among college students, highlighting the crucial role of aesthetic factors in orthodontic interventions. These results emphasize the necessity of a holistic dental care approach that integrates both functional and aesthetic aspects of oral health.

  PublisherDOI

• Targeted gene editing of bacterial cellulose biosynthesis-related genes enables programmable mechanical properties of bacterial cellulose

  Bioresource Technology · 2026-02-08 · 1 citations

  article
  PublisherDOI

• Online 2D-LC-Q-TOF/MS and MALDI-MSI techniques were employed to elucidate the spatial distribution and metabolic regulation of the active components of Smilax glabra Roxb in the kidneys of hyperuricemia rats

  Results in Chemistry · 2026-04-02

  articleOpen accessCorresponding

  Smilax glabra Roxb (SGR) is a Chinese herbal remedy that originates from both medicinal and culinary traditions. It is known for its beneficial effects, such as reducing inflammation, lowering uric acid levels, and protecting the cardiovascular system. Nonetheless, no research has been performed to ascertain if SGR enhances uric acid excretion through the regulation of lipid metabolism in the body. Consequently, we examined the differential metabolites in the renal tissues of rats following oral administration of SGR extract, employing metabolomics alongside MALDI-MSI, to further elucidate the processes by which SGR reduces uric acid levels. The findings revealed that SGR markedly decreased serum concentrations of uric acid, creatinine, and urea nitrogen, illustrating its renoprotective effects. Metabolomic study revealed 21 unique metabolites, predominantly linked to purine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and linoleic acid metabolism. MALDI-MSI studies indicated that eight chemicals linked to purine metabolic pathways in rat kidneys demonstrated substantial alterations after SGR treatment. The substances comprised triglycerides (4 DG), glycerophospholipids (2 PE, 2 PC, and 2 PS), and sphingolipids (6 Cer). The data suggest that SGR can regulate hyperuricemia by influencing multiple substances and pathways. This study offers theoretical validation for the application of SGR in addressing metabolic diseases and renal impairment linked to hyperuricemia, establishing a foundation for subsequent investigations into its therapeutic efficacy. • SGR can effectively reduce plasma UA, CRE, and BUN levels and alleviate kidney damage. • Using the online 2D-LC Q-TOF-MS technique, it was found that SGR can regulate renal purine metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism in HUA rats. • Application of MALDI-MSI in endogenous and exogenous molecular mass spectrometry imaging of rat kidneys after SGR administration.

  PublisherDOI

• Effects of a smartphone-monitored physical exercise management program on the recovery of patients after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm: a randomized controlled trial

  Trials · 2026-02-18

  articleOpen access1st author

  BACKGROUND: Physical exercise is known to enhance vascular function by regulating PPARs, ERs, and RXR signaling pathways. It improves cardiopulmonary capacity through optimized lipid metabolism, immune regulation, and blood pressure reduction. Additionally, exercise reduces postoperative complications by maintaining energy expenditure and skeletal muscle function, which may ultimately improve patients' quality of life (QoL). However, the safety and efficacy of exercise therapy post-endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) remain uncertain. Due to the potential impact of exercise training on abdominal pressure, supervised exercise by medical professionals is crucial for ensuring patient safety. Although exercise offers notable benefits, patient adherence tends to be low. Therefore, leveraging smartphones as pervasive monitoring tools may provide timely feedback on patients' exercise status and influence their behavior. This trial aims to assess whether a smartphone-monitored physical exercise management program, including physical exercise interventions under medical supervision for 3 months, affects the short-term QoL of individuals post-EVAR. METHODS: A total of 176 participants with abdominal aortic aneurysms will be recruited from the Department of Vascular Surgery at West China Hospital of Sichuan University. All participants will receive standard medical care according to current guidelines. The experimental group will be monitored via smartphones using WeChat for exercise tracking by medical staff, while the control group will not have real-time monitoring or feedback from mobile health tools. The trial will last 3 months, with assessments at baseline and 3 months. Primary outcomes include QoL assessments at 1 and 3 months post-surgery. Secondary outcomes include exercise capacity, frailty status, muscle strength, resting heart rate, and lung function at 1 and 3 months post-surgery. Additionally, adverse events in the first month post-surgery will be measured, including all-cause mortality, unplanned reoperations, readmissions, endoleaks, major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, renal impairment, and pulmonary infections. Exercise-related adverse events, such as falls, injuries, and fractures, will also be assessed. DISCUSSION: The study utilizes smartphones to monitor physical exercise during and after activities. It provides personalized feedback and implements strategies to enhance motivation through engaging activities. The results of this study will provide crucial insights and evidence on the impact of early exercise in patients post-EVAR, guiding the scientific prescription of exercise programs for these patients. Providing exercise instructors and dynamically tailoring exercises to individual cases is crucial for reinforcing patient adherence to smartphone-based tracking and exercise programs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: chictr.org.cn ChiCTR2400083901. Registered on May 7, 2024.

  PublisherDOI

• Deletion of dltD gene modulates biofilm matrix and acid metabolism to attenuate Streptococcus mutans cariogenicity

  Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology · 2026-02-16

  articleOpen access

  Introduction Streptococcus mutans (SM) is one of the key pathogenic bacteria in the occurrence and development of dental caries. Its complex virulence regulation network has become an important target in current ecological caries prevention research. This study explored how dltD attenuates SM cariogenicity using standard strain SM UA159, high-cariogenic clinical strain SM 593, and their dltD deletion/complemented strains. Methods In this study, the clinical serotype C SM 593 clinical strain isolated from caries-active patients (DMFT6), the SM 593 dltD deletion strain ( SM 593- dltD ), and SM 593- dltD complementary strain ( SM 593- dltD-c ) were selected as the experimental strains. Rat caries model was constructed to detect the cariogenicity. Colony forming counting units (CFU) counting was used to detect the colonization ability in vivo . The adhesion ability and surface hydrophobicity of each strain were examined by tube attachment assay and microbial adhesion to hydrocarbons method. Biofilm of each strain was constructed in vitro ., CFU counting and MTT staining were used to analyze the SM biofilm formation. Laser confocal scanning microscope were used to observe the biofilm morphology, live/dead staining distribution. Anthrone-sulfuric acid assay, laser confocal scanning microscope, SYTOX probe assay and BCA protein kit assay were used to detect the extracellular polysaccharide content, extracellular polysaccharide distribution, eDNA content and extracellular protein content of the biofilm. Acid production was examined by detecting the pH of the biofilm supernatant. Potassium iodide assay and lactate dehydrogenase detection kit assay were used to examine intracellular polysaccharides and lactate dehydrogenase activity. CFU counting was used to detect the adaptive acid tolerance ability. Laurdan fluorescent probe was used to examine the cell membranes fluidity under the acidic condition. The expression of genes related to biofilm formation and acid tolerance was detected by RTqPCR. Results In vivo , dltD deletion significantly reduced fissure and proximal caries severity (P<0.05), with strain-specific colonization differences. In vitro , dltD deletion strains showed decreased biofilm viable cells (P<0.05), metabolic activity (P<0.01), and water-insoluble polysaccharides (P<0.01), associated with downregulated gtfB and gtfC expression (P<0.05), increased autolysis, and extracellular DNA (P<0.01). Acidogenicity and acid tolerance were impaired, associated with downregulated dexA , fabM , and atpD expression (P<0.05). Discussion These findings confirmed that dltD deletion attenuates SM cariogenicity by disrupting biofilm EPS and acid metabolism, supporting dltD as a potential target for caries prevention.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Effects of fertilization measures on soil fertility and crop yields in drylands of the North China Plain: a meta-analysis

  Frontiers in Plant Science · 2026-02-11

  articleOpen access

  This study aims to quantify the effects of three fertilization patterns—“chemical fertilizer alone,” “organic fertilizer alone,” and “mixed application of organic and inorganic fertilizers”—on soil fertility and crop yields. It also assesses the relationships among baseline soil properties, climatic factors, and fertilization effects in the North China Plain. By compiling relevant literature on these three fertilization patterns over the past 30 years in the region and employing meta-analysis methods, this study incorporated 63 wheat-related studies (1,065 datasets) and 34 maize-related studies (631 datasets). The analysis examined the effects of different fertilization methods on crop yield, soil nutrients, microbial carbon and nitrogen content, and soil enzyme activity, as well as the relationships between baseline soil properties, climatic factors, and fertilization outcomes. Results revealed: 1) Short-term application of chemical fertilizers and organic-inorganic composite fertilizers significantly increased wheat yields more than maize yields, whereas organic fertilizer application boosted maize yields more than wheat yields. Organic-inorganic composite fertilization most significantly enhanced soil microbial biomass and key soil enzyme activities, while chemical fertilizer alone showed the weakest improvement effects. 2) Fertilization impacts yield under baseline conditions of soil pH 6–8, soil organic matter content below 15 g/kg, annual mean temperature of 13°C–14°C, and annual precipitation exceeding 500 mm. 3) Long-term application of chemical fertilizers alone shows slowing yield increases, whereas organic-inorganic composite fertilization sustainably boosts yields and mitigates the impact of single factors on production. Unified comprehensive fertilization rates for wheat and maize are recommended as follows: nitrogen fertilizer application of 150–225 kg·ha ⁻¹ , phosphorus fertilizer of 60–90 kg·ha⁻¹, potassium fertilizer of 30–60 kg·ha⁻¹, supplemented with 7.5–9 tons·ha⁻¹ of organic fertilizer. This approach outperforms single-fertilizer regimes in improving soil microbial properties and enzyme activity, serving as the key to superior yield maintenance. The recommended integrated fertilization rates strike a balance between reducing chemical fertilizer use, stabilizing yields, and enhancing soil fertility, providing practical guidance for fertilizer management in the North China Plain.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Frequent coauthors

• John Triantafilis

  140 shared

• I. M. Daniel

  Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1

  42 shared

• Budiman Minasny

  38 shared

• Alex B. McBratney

  37 shared

• Da Huang

  Huazhong Agricultural University

  36 shared

• Alfred E. Hartemink

  30 shared

• Guangqing Liu

  Beijing University of Chemical Technology

  29 shared

• Gilles Montagnac

  Laboratoire de Géologie de Lyon : Terre, Planètes et Environnement

  29 shared

Labs

• Soil and Environmental Sciences Analysis LabPI

  Not provided

Education

• Ph.D., Soil Science

  University of Wisconsin-Madison

  2013

• M.S., Soil Science

  University of Wisconsin-Madison

  2009

• B.S., Soil Science

  University of Wisconsin-Madison

  2007