•We examined changes in the value of the ecosystem service in the North China Plain.•The value of the ecosystem service (VES) increased by $ 21.61 billion in 2000USD.•Land-use change led to a loss of ...$ 0.08 billion in 2000USD from the VES.•Land-use change only accounted for 0.35% of changes in the ecosystem service.
Land-use change is a major factor driving ecosystem service change. Measuring the ecosystem service variation in response to land-use change is an effective way to assess the environmental costs and benefits of different approaches to policy-based planning. In the present study, we examined the changes in value of the ecosystem services (VES) in the North China Plain (NCP), which is an agricultural region, producing over 35% of the total grain in China, and estimated the changes of VES resulting from land-use change. A model mainly based on net primary productivity (NPP) and soil erosion amount was developed to assess the VES. The results show that the total VES of the NCP increased by $ 21.61 billion in 2000USD during 2000–2008. However, the land-use change led to a net loss of VES by 0.08 billionUSD. The expansion of built-up areas contributed to 84.61% of the loss of VES caused by land-use change. The increase of NPP mainly accounted for the increase of VES since it significantly improved the ecosystem service functions of gas regulation, nutrient cycling, and organic material provision. Overall, compared to other factors, land-use change only accounted for 0.35% of VES change during 2000–2008 in NCP.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
In this work, the electrochemical activation of graphite felt electrode for vanadium redox flow battery (VRB) was studied. Graphite felt (GF) electrode was oxidized at a range of electrochemical ...oxidation degrees in H2SO4 solution. The electrochemical performance of the treaded GF was discussed, and the law of the surface properties of GF which changed along with the electrochemical oxidation degree was proposed. The structure, composition, surface tension and electrochemical properties of the oxidized GF (OGF) were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), contact angle measurements, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The GF oxidized at 560–840mAhg−1 exhibited the best activity toward VO2+/VO2+ redox reaction, according with the highest COH and COOH content (ca. 34%) on its surface. The mechanisms of VO2+/VO2+ redox reaction on OGF were also discussed. VRB single cell with pristine GF and OGF as the electrode were test at various charge–discharge current densities, respectively. The columbic efficiency (CE), voltage efficiency (VE) and energy efficiency (EE) of the cell using OGF electrode are much higher than the cell using pristine GF, suggested that the electro-oxidation method is a promising technology for the activation of GF electrode.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
Abstract
Epigenome-Wide Association Study (EWAS) has become increasingly significant in identifying the associations between epigenetic variations and different biological traits. In this study, we ...develop EWAS Atlas (http://bigd.big.ac.cn/ewas), a curated knowledgebase of EWAS that provides a comprehensive collection of EWAS knowledge. Unlike extant data-oriented epigenetic resources, EWAS Atlas features manual curation of EWAS knowledge from extensive publications. In the current implementation, EWAS Atlas focuses on DNA methylation—one of the key epigenetic marks; it integrates a large number of 329 172 high-quality EWAS associations, involving 112 tissues/cell lines and covering 305 traits, 1830 cohorts and 390 ontology entities, which are completely based on manual curation from 649 studies reported in 401 publications. In addition, it is equipped with a powerful trait enrichment analysis tool, which is capable of profiling trait-trait and trait-epigenome relationships. Future developments include regular curation of recent EWAS publications, incorporation of more epigenetic marks and possible integration of EWAS with GWAS. Collectively, EWAS Atlas is dedicated to the curation, integration and standardization of EWAS knowledge and has the great potential to help researchers dissect molecular mechanisms of epigenetic modifications associated with biological traits.
In response to the energy crisis, global warming and climate changes, microalgae have received increasingly global attention as a renewable, alternative and sustainable source for the production of ...biodiesel. Much original research regarding microalgal biodiesel production has been reported. However, microalgal biodiesel faces plenty of challenges that current cultivation and biodiesel conversion is economically unfeasible for industrial applications on a large scale. This perspective paper first briefly discusses the latest advances in liquid transportation biodiesel production from microalgal biomass, including microalgal growth, biomass harvesting and drying, lipid extraction and biodiesel conversion. Subsequently, strategies for the future development of microalgal biodiesel have been proposed and discussed, in an attempt to reduce the cost gap. From the microalgal biodiesel production chain perspective, genetic and metabolic engineering, isolation of suitable species, high-efficiency bioreactor development, efficient culturing system development, optimal harvest process design, high-efficiency lipid extraction and transesterification method development will have critical roles to play. It is worthy of note that the increase of the outcome credits can also realize the reduction of the economic gap, and the main measures include appropriate glycerol recovery and reutilization, integration with wastewater treatment and CO2 mitigation together with microalgal biorefinery for the production of multiple co-products with high values. Finally, concluding remarks are put forward.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
Background Integrin-dependent cell adhesion and migration play important roles in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The roles of integrin activating molecules including talins and kindlins, however, are ...unclear in SSc. Objectives We aimed to explore the function of integrin activating molecules in SSc. Methods Transcriptome analysis of skin datasets of SSc patients was performed to explore the function of integrin-activating molecules including talin1, talin2, kindlin1, kindlin2 and kindlin3 in SSc. Expression of talin1 in skin tissue was assessed by multiplex immunohistochemistry staining. Levels of talin1 in serum were determined by ELISA. The effects of talin1 inhibition were analyzed in human dermal fibroblasts by real-time PCR, western blot and flow cytometry. Results We identified that talin1 appeared to be the primary integrin activating molecule involved in skin fibrosis of SSc. Talin1 was significantly upregulated and positively correlates with the modified Rodnan skin thickness score (mRSS) and the expression of pro-fibrotic biomarkers in the skin lesions of SSc patients. Further analyses revealed that talin1 is predominantly expressed in the dermal fibroblasts of SSc skin and promotes fibroblast activation and collagen production. Additionally, talin1 primarily exerts its effects through integrin β1 and β5 in SSc. Conclusions Overexpressed talin1 is participated in skin fibrosis of SSc, and talin1 appears to be a potential new therapeutic target for SSc.
Aiming at the livelihood of fishermen under the fishing prohibition policy, quantitative research methods were used to explore the relationship between the willingness to quit fishing and livelihood ...capital. With reference to 609 survey data from 20 fishing grounds in 2 counties and cities of Hubei Province, this paper explores the necessity of convincing fishermen in the Yangtze River to quit fishing and evaluates the impact of livelihood mode on Honghu fishermen’s willingness to quit fishing by means of structural equation model based on the sustainable livelihood framework developed by the UK Department for International Development. The results showed the following conclusions: (1) The proportion of fishermen who are willing to participate in quitting fishing is 66.7%, indicating that fishery production is still the main source of livelihood for many fishermen. The overall willingness of fishermen to quit fishing is strong, and fishermen have realized the importance of protecting fishery resources. (2) There is a strong correlation between the indicators of livelihood capital and the willingness of fishermen to quit fishing. Among them, the human capital has the most significant impact on fishermen’s willingness to quit fishing for some compensation from public power. The research conclusion is helpful for the government to improve the fishing prohibition policy in a targeted manner and mobilize the enthusiasm of fishermen to protect fishery resources.
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
•Sub-regional classification of Hubei Province based on natural-social-economic factors.•Quantification of important ESs based on the InVEST model.•The trade-offs/synergies between ESs in different ...sub-regions were analysed.•The response of ESs to landscape patterns in different sub-regions was analysed.•Study provides a reference for regional landscape pattern optimization and ecosystem service capacity enhancement.
The regional landscape pattern heterogeneity and the spatiotemporal distribution of ecosystem services (ESs) are influenced by the distribution of natural resources and regional socio-economic development. Analyzing ESs and the landscape pattern impact on ESs in different sub-regions by separating the natural, economic, and social factors is important for regional development and conservation. In this study, Fragstats, the integrated valuation of ecosystem services and tradeoffs (InVEST) model and R software were applicated to analyze the response of ESs trade-offs to landscape characteristics under socio-economic-natural zoning, using a variety of data in Hubei Province as an example. The results showed that: (1) Hubei Province was divided into four sub-regions: a woodland protection zone (WPZ), a rapid urbanization zone (RUZ), a plain agricultural zone (PAZ), and a mountainous agricultural zone (MAZ). (2) The water yield (WY) and crop production (CP) services increased by 769.32 mm and 5.07 × 106 t from 2000 to 2020, respectively, while the carbon sequestration (CS) and nutrient discharge (ND) services decreased by 6.96 × 106 t and 2.75 × 107 kg, respectively. (3) There were differences in the interactions of ESs in four sub-regions. The WY in the RUZ exhibited a strong trade-off relationship with the remaining three ESs, while WY and ND showed a weak synergistic relationship in the two agricultural zones. (4) The response of the ESs to landscape patterns was not the same in different sub-regions. The dominant land types had a weaker impact on the ESs than the non-dominant land use types in the WPZ and RUZ. These results indicate that the different distributions of the natural resources and the unsynchronized social and economic development had effects on ESs, and that landscape pattern optimization enhances ESs should be considered in ecosystem protection.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
The Genome Warehouse (GWH) is a public repository housing genome assembly data for a wide range of species and delivering a series of web services for genome data submission, storage, release, and ...sharing. As one of the core resources in the National Genomics Data Center (NGDC), part of the China National Center for Bioinformation (CNCB; https://ngdc.cncb.ac.cn), GWH accepts both full and partial (chloroplast, mitochondrion, and plasmid) genome sequences with different assembly levels, as well as an update of existing genome assemblies. For each assembly, GWH collects detailed genome-related metadata of biological project, biological sample, and genome assembly, in addition to genome sequence and annotation. To archive high-quality genome sequences and annotations, GWH is equipped with a uniform and standardized procedure for quality control. Besides basic browse and search functionalities, all released genome sequences and annotations can be visualized with JBrowse. By May 21, 2021, GWH has received 19,124 direct submissions covering a diversity of 1108 species and has released 8772 of them. Collectively, GWH serves as an important resource for genome-scale data management and provides free and publicly accessible data to support research activities throughout the world. GWH is publicly accessible at https://ngdc.cncb.ac.cn/gwh.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Hybrid membranes of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) and mesoporous silica SBA-15 are prepared with various mass ratios for vanadium redox flow battery (VRB) application and investigated ...in detail. The hybrid membranes are dense and homogeneous with no visible hole as the SEM and EDX images shown. With the increasing of SBA-15 mass ratio, the physicochemical property, VO2+ permeability, mechanical property and thermal stability of hybrid membranes exhibit good trends, which can be attributed to the interaction between SPEEK and SBA-15. The hybrid membrane with 20 wt.% SBA-15 (termed as S/SBA-15 20) shows the VRB single cell performance of CE 96.3% and EE 88.1% at 60 mA cm−2 due to its good balance of proton conductivity and VO2+ permeability, while Nafion 117 membrane shows the cell performance of CE 92.2% and EE 81.0%. Besides, the S/SBA-15 20 membrane shows stable cell performance of highly stable efficiency and slower discharge capacity decline during 120 cycles at 60 mA cm−2. Therefore, the SPEEK/SBA-15 hybrid membranes with optimized mass ratio and excellent VRB performance can be achieved, exhibiting good potential usage in VRB systems.
The left side of graphical abstract image is the combination of SPEEK/SBA-15 hybrid membrane photograph and stable efficiency in cycle life test. The right side of graphical abstract image is the schematic of the interaction between SPEEK and SBA-15. Display omitted
•SPEEK/SBA-15 (S/SBA-15) hybrid membranes are used in vanadium redox flow battery.•S/SBA-15 hybrid membranes are dense and homogeneous with no visible hole.•Membranes show good property trends for the interaction between SPEEK and SBA-15.•S/SBA-15 20 membrane shows highest efficiency and highly stable cycle performance.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
•The outburst mechanism is described by the Solid-Fluid transition of gas-bearing coal.•A unified model with the solid-fluid transition is established to describe the outburst initiation and ...development.•FEMLIP is adopted to solve the large deformation during the outburst process.
As coal and gas outburst is a frequent disaster and its mechanism still unclear, consistent numerical modeling is indispensable to enable further investigations owing to difficulties in field observation. As gas-bearing coal with outburst proneness is considered a granular material, the outburst phenomenon is described by a solid-fluid transition that is developed in gas-bearing coal. Inter particle meso-contacts become bondless while the gas-bearing coal is sufficiently degraded. The solid-fluid transition occurs in case of the vanishing second-order work (d2w) when the gas pressure threshold (pt) is satisfied. A unified model for describing the consistent process of outburst is established herein. Finite elements method with Lagrangian integration points (FEMLIP) is used to model solid-fluid transition behavior of gas-bearing coal. The numerical results present the entire process of the outburst and satisfies a four-stage description. The unified model for outburst is beneficial for the study of the outburst mechanism.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
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