bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Importance of Weighting High-Resolution Proxy Data From Bivalve Shells to Avoid Bias Caused by Sample Spot Geometry and Variability in Seasonal Growth Rate
Authors: Schöne Bernd R. , Marali Soraya , Mertz-Kraus Regina , Butler Paul G. , Wanamaker Alan D. , Fröhlich Lukas
Published: May 2022

Shells of bivalve mollusks serve as archives for past climates and ecosystems, and human-environmental interactions as well as life history traits and physiology of the animals. Amongst other proxies, data can be recorded in the shells in the form of element chemical properties. As demonstrated here with measured chemical data (10 elements) from 12 Arctica islandica specimens complemented by numerical simulations, mistakes during sclerochronological data processing can introduce significant bias, adding a further source of error to paleoenvironmental or biological reconstructions. Specifically, signal extraction from noisy LA-ICP-MS (Laser Ablation—Inductively Coupled Plasma—Mass Spectrometry) data generated in line scan mode with circular LA spots requires a weighted rather than an arithmetic moving average. Otherwise, results can be in error by more than 41%. Furthermore, if variations of seasonal shell growth rate remain unconsidered, arithmetic annual averages of intra-annual data will be biased toward the fast-growing season of the year. Actual chemical data differed by between 3.7 and 33.7% from weighted averages. Numerical simulations not only corroborated these findings, but indicated that arithmetic annual means can overestimate or underestimate the actual environmental variable by nearly 40% relative to its seasonal range. The magnitude and direction of the error depends on the timing and rate of both seasonal shell growth and environmental change. With appropriate spatial sampling resolution, weighting can reduce this bias to almost zero. On average, the error reduction attains 80% at a sample depth of 10, 92% when 20 samples were analyzed and nearly 100% when 100 samples were taken from an annual increment. Under some exceptional, though unrealistic circumstances, arithmetic means can be superior to weighted means. To identify the presence of such cases, a numerical simulation is advised based on the shape, amplitude and phase relationships of both curves, i.e., seasonal shell growth and the environmental quantity. To assess the error of the offset induced by arithmetic averaging, Monte Carlo simulations should be employed and seasonal shell growth curves randomly generated based on observed variations.
Paleo-Environmental Variation and Its Control on the Organic Matter Accumulation in Black Shale of the Permian Gufeng Formation in the Lower Yangtze Area, South China
Authors: Shen Weibing , Wang Yangyang , Zheng Ziyu , Shen Shihao , Xie Hongzhe , Qin Haoyi , Bai Maquzong
Published: May 2022

Mechanism of the organic matter (OM) accumulation in the Middle Permian Gufeng Formation shale in South China is lack of constraints, which restricts the source rock evaluations and shale gas explorations. To decipher the OM accumulation of the Gufeng Formation, geological and geochemical results related to paleo-environmental variations are presented from the shelf Putaoling section in South China. The OM accumulation in the Gufeng Formation is vertically heterogeneous, shown by a medium total organic carbon (TOC) content (2.3%) in the lower member and a high TOC content (9.6%) in the upper member. The organic-rich shales of the Gufeng Formation are deposited in a complex paleo-environment with restrained water conditions, a warm and humid paleoclimate, a relatively strong chemical weathering, significant hydrothermal activities, a high primary productivity, fluctuating redox conditions, and a relatively high sedimentary rate. Compared to the lower member deposited under anoxic conditions, the upper member is formed in a dominantly euxinic environment with higher productivities. The seawater deoxygenation and the upward-increasing productivity jointly lead to the vertical heterogeneity of the OM accumulation in the Gufeng Formation. Thus, an ‘integrated model’ for the OM accumulation in the Gufeng Formation is established, and which adds to our knowledge that no a single factor or model can explain the OM accumulation in all sedimentary environments.
Geochemical Characteristics and Fluid Properties of the Qixia Formation Dolomites of the Middle Permian in the Shuangyushi Block, NW Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Xu Wenli , Zhou Gang , Wan Cixuan , Zhang Lianjin , Tao Jiali , Xu Changhai , Yan Xue
Published: May 2022

On the basis of petrology, in combination with analysis of the geochemical characteristics of major and trace elements, REE (rare earth elements), carbon isotopes, oxygen isotopes, strontium isotopes and fluid inclusions, the geochemical characteristics and fluid properties of the Qixia Formation dolomites of the Middle Permian Qixiain the Shuangyushi block in the NW Sichuan Basin were systematically studied. The analysis results of the samples show that the Qixia dolomites are mainly composed of medium, coarse, medium-coarse crystalline and dolomites with polymodal crystal size distribution, and cloudy centers and clear rims. They generally show dark purple cathodoluminescence (CL) colors in the centers and orange red CL colors in the rims. The Qixia dolomites are relatively highly ordered (0.79–0.95, averaging 0.90). The CaO and MgO contents show a negative correlation. They are characterized by higher Mg/Ca ratio (0.89–0.92, averaging 0.91), high Fe (94–2,991 ppm, averaging 622 ppm), high Mn (26–185 ppm, averaging 102 ppm), high Na (210–374 ppm, averaging 277 ppm) contents, low Sr (53–218 ppm, averaging 93 ppm) content and lower ∑REE (1.10–5.56 ppm, averaging 2.08 ppm) concentrations. The REE patterns of the dolomites are similar to those of the calcites (C1), and are characterized by light REE (LREE) enrichment, heavy REE (HREE) depletion (LREE/HREE = 5.38–9.58, averaging 7.10), and Eu (0.65–4.19, averaging 1.70) and Ce (0.99–9.52, averaging 2.61) positive anomalies. They have consistent δ13C (1.98–4.27‰ VPDB, averaging 3.01‰ VPDB) and δ18O (−9.54‰–−4.65‰ VPDB, averaging −7.09‰ VPDB) values with the coeval seawater. The salinity index Z is larger than 120, with diagenetic temperature higher than normal temperature. The average value of 87Sr/86Sr is positive (0.707150–0.712273, averaging 0.708669), while some samples are consistent to those of the coeval seawater. Their homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions (96.3°C–105.0°C, averaging 101.1°C) exceed 100°C, which is equivalent to the buried paleogeothermal temperature, and their salinity (12.3%–14.3%, averaging 13.5%) is 3–5 times that of normal seawater. Based on the regional geological setting and previous research achievements, the dolomitized fluids in the Qixia Formation are probably derived from seawater or marine fluids sealed in pores under shallow-burial environment. The dolomites experienced late alternation by deep high-salinity hydrothermal fluids, and were formed before the Middle-Late Triassic Period.
A New Impedance Sensor Based on Electronically Implemented Chaotic Coupled van der Pol and Damped Duffing Oscillators
Authors: Pedro Bruna Gabriela , Bertemes-Filho Pedro
Published: May 2022

The chaotic behaviour of a system depends on the parameter values, and when the system exhibits such a chaotic behaviour, it is sensitive to the initial conditions. This feature can be used for manufacturing high sensitivity sensors. Sensors based on chaotic circuits have already been used for measuring water salinity, inductive effects, and both noise and weak signals. This article investigates an impedance sensor based on the van der Pol and Duffing damped oscillators. The calibration process is a key point and therefore the folding behaviour of signal periods was also explored. A sensitivity of 0.15 kΩ/Period was estimated over a range from 89.5 to 91.6 kΩ. This range can be adjusted according to the application by varying the gain of the operational amplifier used in this implementation. The development of this type of sensor might be used in medical and biological engineering for skin impedance measurements, for example. This type of chaotic impedance sensor has the advantage of sensing small disturbances and then rapidly detecting small impedance changes within biological materials.
Troponin T Is Negatively Associated With 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Peripheral Nerve Perfusion in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Jende Johann M. E. , Mooshage Christoph , Kender Zoltan , Schimpfle Lukas , Juerchott Alexander , Nawroth Peter , Heiland Sabine , Bendszus Martin , Kopf Stefan , Kurz Felix T.
Published: May 2022

Objective

The pathogenesis of diabetic polyneuropathy (DN) is poorly understood and given the increasing prevalence of DN, there is a need for clinical or imaging biomarkers that quantify structural and functional nerve damage. While clinical studies have found evidence of an association between elevated levels of troponin T (hsTNT) and N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (proBNP) with microvascular compromise in type 2 diabetes (T2D), their implication in mirroring DN nerve perfusion changes remains unclear. The objective of this study was, therefore, to investigate whether hsTNT and proBNP assays are associated with MRI nerve perfusion in T2D.

Methods

In this prospective cross-sectional single-center case-control study, 56 participants (44 with T2D, 12 healthy control subjects) consented to undergo magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) including dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) perfusion imaging of the right leg. Using the extended Tofts model, primary outcome parameters that were quantified are the sciatic nerve’s microvascular permeability (Ktrans), the extravascular extracellular volume fraction (ve), and the plasma volume fraction (vp), as well as hsTNT and proBNP values from serological workup. Further secondary outcomes were clinical, serological, and electrophysiological findings.

Results

In T2D patients, hsTNT was negatively correlated with Ktrans (r=-0.38; p=0.012) and ve (r=-0.30; p=0.048) but not with vp (r=-0.16; p=0.294). HsTNT, Ktrans, and ve were correlated with peroneal nerve conduction velocities (NCVs; r=-0.44; p=0.006, r=0.42; p=0.008, r=0.39; p=0.014), and tibial NCVs (r=-0.38;p=0.022, r=0.33; p=0.048, r=0.37; p=0.025). No such correlations were found for proBNP.

Conclusions

This study is the first to find that hsTNT is correlated with a decrease of microvascular permeability and a reduced extravascular extracellular volume fraction of nerves in patients with T2D. The results indicate that hsTNT may serve as a potential marker for the assessment of nerve perfusion in future studies on DN.
Identification of a Potential MiRNA–mRNA Regulatory Network for Osteoporosis by Using Bioinformatics Methods: A Retrospective Study Based on the Gene Expression Omnibus Database
Authors: Lin Shi , Wu Jianjun , Chen Baixing , Li Shaoshuo , Huang Hongxing
Published: May 2022

Introduction

As a systemic skeletal dysfunction, osteoporosis (OP) is characterized by low bone mass, impairment of bone microstructure, and a high global morbidity rate. There is increasing evidence that microRNAs (miRNAs) are associated with the pathogenesis of OP. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) is a systematic method for identifying clinically relevant genes involved in disease pathogenesis. However, the study of the miRNA–messenger RNA (mRNA) regulatory network in combination with WGCNA in OP is still lacking.

Methods

The GSE93883 and GSE7158 microarray datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed with the limma package. OP-related miRNAs from the most clinically relevant module were identified by the WGCNA method. The overlap of DE-miRNAs and OP-related miRNAs was identified as OP-related DE-miRNAs. Both upstream transcription factors and downstream targets of OP-related DE-miRNAs were predicted by FunRich. An intersection of predicted target genes and DEGs was confirmed as downstream target genes of OP-related DE-miRNAs. With the use of clusterProfiler in R, Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment were performed on target genes. Finally, both the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and miRNA–mRNA network were constructed and analyzed.

Results

A total of 79 OP-related DE-miRNAs were obtained, most of which were predicted to be regulated by specificity protein 1 (SP1). Subsequently, 197 downstream target genes were screened out. The target genes were enriched in multiple pathways, including signaling pathways closely related to the onset of OP, such as Ras, PI3K-Akt, and ErbB signaling pathways. Through the construction of the OP-related miRNA–mRNA regulatory network, a hub network that may play a prominent role in the formation of OP was documented.

Conclusion

By using WGCNA, we constructed a potential OP-related miRNA–mRNA regulatory network, offering a novel perspective on miRNA regulatory mechanisms in OP.
Profound Perturbation in the Metabolome of a Canine Obesity and Metabolic Disorder Model
Authors: Qu Weiyi , Chen Ze , Hu Xing , Zou Toujun , Huang Yongping , Zhang Yanyan , Hu Yufeng , Tian Song , Wan Juan , Liao Rufang , Bai Lan , Xue Jinhua , Ding Yi , Hu Manli , Zhang Xiao-Jing , Zhang Xin , Zhao Jingjing , Cheng Xu , She Zhi-Gang , Li Hongliang
Published: May 2022

Canine models are increasingly being used in metabolic studies due to their physiological similarity with humans. The present study aimed to identify changes in metabolic pathways and biomarkers with potential clinical utility in a canine model of obesity and metabolic disorders induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Eighteen male beagles were included in this study, 9 of which were fed a HFD for 24 weeks, and the remaining 9 were fed normal chow (NC) during the same period. Plasma and urine samples were collected at weeks 12 and 24 for untargeted metabolomic analysis. Dogs fed a HFD showed a gradual body weight increase during the feeding period and had hyperlipidemia, increased leukocyte counts, and impaired insulin sensitivity at week 24. Plasma and urine metabonomics analysis displayed clear separations between the HFD-fed and NC-fed dogs. A total of 263 plasma metabolites varied between the two groups, including stearidonic acid, linolenic acid, carnitine, long-chain ceramide, 3-methylxanthine, and theophylline, which are mainly engaged in fatty acid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, and caffeine metabolism. A total of 132 urine metabolites related to HFD-induced obesity and metabolic disorders were identified, including 3-methylxanthine, theophylline, pyridoxal 5’-phosphate, and harmine, which participate in pathways such as caffeine metabolism and vitamin digestion and absorption. Eight metabolites with increased abundance (e.g., 3-methylxanthine, theophylline, and harmine) and 4 metabolites with decreased abundance (e.g., trigonelline) in both the plasma and urine of the HFD-fed dogs were identified. In conclusion, the metabolomic analysis revealed molecular events underlying a canine HFD model and identified several metabolites as potential targets for the prevention and treatment of obesity-related metabolic disorders.
Paraventricular Vitamin D Receptors Are Required for Glucose Tolerance in Males but Not Females
Authors: Beck Jessie , da Silva Teixeira Silvania , Harrison Keisha , Phillips Gabrielle , He Yanlin , Sisley Stephanie
Published: May 2022

When delivered directly into the brain, vitamin D, can improve glucose levels in male mice. Additionally, the loss of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in male mice’s paraventricular hypothalamus (PVH) results in impaired glucose tolerance. Data in humans shows that low vitamin D levels are detrimental to glucose homeostasis, an effect that may be more prominent in men. However, it is unknown if vitamin D action in the brain is required for normal glucose regulation in female mice. This study shows that in both viral and genetic models, male mice with obesity and PVH VDR loss have impaired glucose tolerance while female mice are unaffected. Weights were unaltered in both sexes by PVH VDR loss. Additionally, PVH VDR loss did not cause any glucose abnormalities in either sex when the mice were on a chow diet. Utilizing electrophysiology studies, we show PVH VDR loss resulted in decreased baseline firing frequency and resting membrane potential in males, but not females. Additionally, male mice with PVH VDR loss had impaired miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSC), while females were unaffected. Interestingly, the PVH neurons of both sexes were activated by exogenous vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3), an effect dependent upon the VDR. Thus, there is sexual dimorphism, for the actions of the PVH VDR on glucose regulation. PVH VDRs are necessary for normal glucose homeostasis in males but not females and this may be secondary to actions of the VDR on neuronal activity.
Long-Term Stability Metrics of Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Vanka Srinivas , Zeng Guosong , Deutsch Todd G. , Toma Francesca Maria , Mi Zetian
Published: May 2022

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, one of the most promising technologies for clean hydrogen generation, has drawn considerable attention over the past few decades. Achieving simultaneous highly efficient and stable unassisted PEC water splitting has been the “holy grail” in clean and renewable fuel generation. State-of-the-art photoelectrodes have shown relatively high efficiencies (∼10–20%). Still, their stability is limited due to photoelectrode chemical instability, electrolyte resistance, mass transfer issues, and an often unoptimized experimental setup. In this work, we present a framework and a set of protocols for conducting long-term stability experiments and further provide details on several critical factors such as light source calibration, choosing the right counter electrode, the configuration of the PEC cell, and photoelectrode sample preparation.
Geologic Modeling and Ensemble-Based History Matching for Evaluating CO2 Sequestration Potential in Point bar Reservoirs
Authors: Dawuda Ismael , Srinivasan Sanjay
Published: May 2022

The target reservoirs in many CO2 projects exhibit point bar geology characterized by the presence of shale drapes that act as barriers preventing the leakage of CO2. However, the extent of the flow barriers can also impede the displacement of CO2 in such reservoirs and restrict the storage volume. Therefore, developing a framework for modeling point bars and their associated heterogeneities is crucial. Yet, for the point bar model to be geologically realistic and reliable for evaluating CO2 sequestration potential, it should be calibrated to reflect historical data (e.g., CO2 injection data). This study is therefore in two parts. The first part focusses on the modeling of point bar heterogeneities (i.e., lateral accretions and inclined heterolithic stratifications). To ensure that the heterogeneities are preserved, we implemented a gridding scheme that generates curvilinear grids representative of the point bar curvilinear geometry. We subsequently incorporated a grid transformation scheme to facilitate geostatistical modeling of reservoir property distributions. The second part of this study is a model calibration step, where the point bar model is updated by assimilating CO2 injection data, in an ensemble framework. Ensemble-Kalman Filter was used first to update ensembles of point bar geometries, to select the geometry that yields the closest match to observed data. Within this geometry, indicator-based ensemble data assimilation was used to perform updates to the ensemble of point bar permeability models. The indicator approach overcomes the Gaussian limitation of the traditional ensemble Kalman filter. The workflow was run on the Cranfield, Mississippi CO2 injection dataset. It was observed, after model calibration, that the final updated ensemble of models yields a reasonable match with the historical data. The updated models were run in a forecast mode to predict the long-term CO2 sequestration potential of the Cranfield point bar reservoir. Results demonstrate that 1) preserving the heterogeneities in the point bar modeling process, and 2) constraining the point bar model to historical data (e.g., CO2 injection data) are essential for accurately evaluating the CO2 sequestration potential in point bar reservoirs.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Multi-Energy Flow Coupling System With Carbon Emission Target Oriented
Authors: Zong Xuanjun , Yuan Yue , Wu Han
Published: May 2022

In this paper, aiming to achieve the target of carbon emission orientation, a multi-objective optimization model of the multi-energy flow coupling system is proposed, in which all the environmental protection, system economy, and energy efficiency are comprehensively considered as the addressed objectives. To solve the developed model, by combining the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the improved entropy weight method, a so-called AHP-improved entropy weight method is proposed and utilized for weighting the considered objectives, and the model is transformed into a single objective optimization problem, namely, the collaborative optimization model. Then, to expedite the process, a simplified primal dual interior point method is proposed to solve the model. Finally, the results of a case study indicate that the proposed multi-objective collaborative optimization can obtain the optimal solution of the system. In addition, the convergence and global optimization ability of the simplified primal dual interior point method show better characteristics when solving the proposed model.
Distribution Features of Flow Patterns and Pressure Pulsations of Pump-Turbine in Five Operating Modes on the Four-Quadrant Plane
Authors: Hu Dongliang , Cheng Yongguang , Zhang Pengcheng , Wang Xi , Ding Jinghuan , Zhang Xiaoxi
Published: May 2022

To meet the demand of the power grid for flexible regulation, pump turbines have to frequently and fleetly stop, start, and transition between different modes, causing many instability problems. To solve the problems, understanding the complex flow and pressure pulsation features in different working conditions is the prerequisite. In this study, the flow patterns, pressure pulsations, cavitation characteristics, and runner forces of a prototype pump-turbine working under the five operating modes were displayed and analyzed based on computational fluid dynamics simulations. It is shown that when working points are near the pump and turbine design working points, the flow is smooth, with small pressure pulsation and without cavitation; however, when working points deviate from the optimal ones, flow patterns become worse and cavitation appears. In the pump-brake mode, the flow hits the runner blades violently, causing obvious pressure and runner force fluctuations. In the hump region, the flow has a strong impact on the guide vanes, and the rotating stall vortices are apparent in the vane area. In the S-shaped region, pressure pulsations are the highest with prominent rotor–stator interaction and rotating stall. Under similar working conditions, a larger guide-vane opening corresponds to a larger pressure pulsation amplitude. On the spatial distribution, the largest pressure pulsations happen in the vaneless space.
Study on Lithium-Ion Battery Degradation Caused by Side Reactions in Fast-Charging Process
Authors: Gao Zhenhai , Xie Haicheng , Yu Hanqing , Ma Bin , Liu Xinhua , Chen Siyan
Published: May 2022

With the development of electric vehicles, fast-charging is greatly demanded for commercialisation on lithium-ion batteries. The rapid charging process could lead to serious side reactions on the graphite anodes, such as lithium plating and solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film growth, which severely affect the battery performances. However, there is a lack of quantitative research on their contribution ratio to battery performance and the occurrence thresholds. In this work, a P2D model of a lithium-ion battery with the correction of SEI film growth and lithium plating was built. A cyclic charge/discharge experiment was also designed to analyze the changes of SEI film and lithium plating under high charge-rate conditions. It was found that under such conditions, the battery capacity attenuation in the early stage was mainly caused by lithium plating. In the middle and late stages, as the lithium plating tended to be stable, the capacity attenuation was largely caused by the growth of the SEI film. The study provides theoretical support for the improvement of the charge/discharge strategy of lithium-ion batteries.
The Six Dimensions of Value Associated to the use of Copernicus Sentinel Data: Key Findings From the Sentinel Benefits Study
Authors: Sawyer Geoff , Mamais Eleftherios , Papadakis Dimitri
Published: May 2022

The role of Earth Observation (EO) data from satellites in supporting informed decision-making and more efficient operational processes is becoming increasingly recognized. However, analysing the value that this generates remains a challenge. Often, top-down cost-benefit analyses are used to justify budgets but with very broad-based, macro-economic assumptions. The approach discussed in this paper is bottom-up building on the use of a single product or service arising from the use of data coming from one or more of the Copernicus Sentinel satellites. This allows a much finer, detailed understanding of how the data is being used and hence contributing to informed decision making. A case-based, value-chain methodology has been applied through which the impact on society can be analysed. Whilst early cases focused on economic value i.e., monetized benefits, later ones recognise that often the benefits may be wider than this. For instance, organisations can benefit through an increased reputation, or societal values such as quality of life can be felt. Consequently, a set of non-monetary dimensions have been defined which provide a new framework for the analysis. The six dimensions are described in the paper and have been tested on a significant number of recent cases. The paper describes the updated methodology and the results obtained through its application.
Not Just Another Assessment Method: Reimagining Environmental Flows Assessments in the Face of Uncertainty
Authors: Horne Avril C. , Webb J. Angus , Mussehl Meghan , John Andrew , Rumpff Libby , Fowler Keirnan , Lovell Daniel , Poff LeRoy
Published: May 2022

The numerous environmental flows assessment methods that exist typically assume a stationary climate. Adaptive management is commonly put forward as the preferred approach for managing uncertainty and change in environmental flows. However, we contend that a simple adaptive management loop falls short of meeting the challenges posed by climate change. Rather, a fundamental rethink is required to ensure both the structure of environmental flows assessments, along with each individual technical element, actively acknowledges the multiple dimensions of change, variability and complexity in socio-ecological systems. This paper outlines how environmental flow assessments can explicitly address the uncertainty and change inherent in adaptively managing multiple values for management of environmental flows. While non-stationarity and uncertainty are well recognised in the climate literature, these have not been addressed within the structure of environmental flows methodologies. Here, we present an environmental flow assessment that is structured to explicitly consider future change and uncertainty in climate and socio-ecological values, by examining scenarios using ecological models. The environmental flow assessment methodology further supports adaptive management through the intentional integration of participatory approaches and the inclusion of diverse stakeholders. We present a case study to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, highlighting how this methodology facilitates adaptive management. Rethinking our approach to environmental flows assessments is an important step in ensuring that environmental flows continue to work effectively as a management tool under climate change.
Research on Spatial Network Correlation and Influencing Factors of Information Entropy of Carbon Emission Structure in China
Authors: Ma Xin , Guo Fuli , Wang Wenbin , Gao Yuxin
Published: May 2022

Based on the dissipative structure theory, the temporal and spatial evolution process of China’s carbon emission structure during the period of 2005–2020 is evaluated by using information entropy. The spatial correlation of information entropy of China’s carbon emission structure is measured by social network analysis , and the spatial correlation characteristics and influencing factors of information entropy of China’s carbon emission structure are discussed. The results show that the following: 1) The spatial network structure has stability and multiple overlapping additives, and the number of spatial relationships increases from 180 in 2005 to 231 in 2020. 2) According to the results of cluster sector model analysis, each province belongs to four different functional sectors respectively. The first is the “net benefit sector”, which is composed of economically developed regions such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin. The second is the “broker sector”, which includes provinces with strong economic growth vitality, such as Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong. Regarding the third sector, it is the “two-way spillover sector”, which is composed of Henan, Hubei, and other fast-growing provinces in the central region. The next is the “net spillover sector”, which is composed of central and western provinces with rich resources but backward economy, such as Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and Shanxi. 3) The empirical results of the QAP model show that geographical adjacency, urban population, energy consumption, and R and D investment have an impact on the spatial correlation of information entropy of China’s carbon emission structure. Moreover, strengthening the spatial network correlation can promote the improvement of the carbon emission structure and be helpful to realize carbon neutrality and low-carbon sustainable development.
Satellite Analyses Unravel the Multi-Decadal Impact of Dam Management on Tropical Floodplain Vegetation
Authors: Salerno Luca , Moreno-Martínez Álvaro , Izquierdo-Verdiguier Emma , Clinton Nicholas , Siviglia Annunziato , Camporeale Carlo
Published: May 2022

An assessment of river regulation impact on floodplain vegetation is crucial to developing a modern watershed management approach in the Neotropics aimed at mitigating alterations of the floodplain environment. Floodplain forest monitoring requires high–resolution mapping, as vegetation dynamics are in the narrow area at the interface between terrestrial and aquatic systems. The existing satellite images that afford land observations have limitations due to coarse resolution or gaps in data caused by the extreme cloudiness of tropical regions. This study provides a new framework for high-resolution mapping and monitoring of a large-scale tropical forest in the aquatic-terrestrial zone of an Amazon basin. The main aim is to assess the vegetation status and the environmental degradation in a highly altered fluvial setting. To achieve the goal, a remote sensing processing chain, which couples hydrologic and vegetation data, was developed. A map of high-resolution traditional vegetation indices and their non-linear generalization was derived from the high-resolution gap-free reflectance data obtained by combining Landsat and MODIS data, through the HISTARFM algorithm. Subsequently, hydrological modification within these areas was assessed by using a global water surface dataset. In addition, the impact of river regulation on riverine forest carbon cycling was assessed through the analysis of interannual variability of the gross primary production of floodplain vegetation. The framework was applied to analyze the last 2 decades of changes in the floodplain forest of Uatumã river (central Amazon basin), downstream of the Balbina hydropower dam built in 1987. The analysis showed the presence of vegetation degradation in areas of increased hydrologic stress and upland forest encroachment in areas no longer inundated. The dam continues to have effects on vegetation even 30 years after its construction. The ongoing profound reshuffling of the floodplain forest, and the impact on the carbon storage capacity of the floodplain forest suggest that the situation is far from a new environmental equilibrium. The proposed high–resolution approach allows for a detailed mapping of riparian vegetation alterations, helping to develop a more careful management of the watershed through a better understanding of the human footprint on floodplain forests.
Integrating Ecosystem Services Into Assessments of Sustainable Development Goals: A Case Study of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region, China
Authors: Hu Siwei , Yang Yanying , Li Ang , Liu Kai , Mi Changhong , Shi Rongguang
Published: May 2022

Trade-offs between eco-environment protection and socioeconomic development hinder the success of sustainable development goals (SDGs). Solutions based on ecosystem services (ESs) provide the co-benefits and pathways for fulfilling the SDGs. However, assessing the progress towards SDGs based on the contribution of ESs to SDGs is lacking. Here we assessed the spatial-temporal changes of ecosystem service values (ESV) and the SDG scores in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region (BTH) over the past 20 years using “ES-SDG linkages.” The total ESV and ES-SDG Index score in the BTH showed a spatial pattern of high values in the northern plateau and low values in the southern plain. The total ESV increased from 25,335 yuan ha−1 in 2000 to 27,344 yuan ha−1 in 2020, mainly attributed to water provision and water regulation. The decrease of cropland, grassland, and wetland in the BTH between 2000 and 2010 caused a decrease in the value of nine ESs, whereas the increase of forestland, waterbodies and wetland between 2010 and 2020 contributed to an increase in the value of seven ESs. The ES-SDG Index score decreased slightly from 36.8 in 2000 to 35.5 in 2010, and then increased to 36.0 in 2020 due to the control of rapid urbanization and strengthen of ecological restoration. Our study indicates that the changes of ES-SDG Index score mainly depended on food provision, water provision, climate regulation, nutrient cycling, habitat & biodiversity, and cultural services. The assessment of SDGs suggests that SDG6, SDG11, and SDG12 should be prioritized to advance the synergistic development of SDGs in the BTH, which will also enhance the understanding of stakeholders about the progress of achieving SDGs.
Carbon Emission Peak Paths Under Different Scenarios Based on the LEAP Model—A Case Study of Suzhou, China
Authors: Sun Wenjie , Zhao Yi , Li Zeng , Yin Yitong , Cao Chenglong
Published: May 2022

Environmental pollution caused by energy consumption is a global problem. Optimization of the energy system will contribute to the sustainable development of city, especially of the industrial cities. Based on the Long-term Energy Alternative Planning System (LEAP) model, the LEAP-Suzhou model was established to explore the energy system optimization and emission reduction path of Suzhou to 2050. By accounting for current energy consumption and carbon emissions, the baseline scenario (BAU) was established. According to the different methods and intensities of energy transformation, an industrial structure optimization scenario (ISO), an energy structure optimization scenario (ESO), and an energy transformation optimization scenario (ETD) were created. Combined with the energy flow diagram, the energy structure and the direction of optimization were analyzed. The results showed that the baseline scenario will consume 259.954 million tons of standard coal by 2050, and the carbon emission will be 677.6 Mt. Compared with BAU, the ISO, ESO, and ETD scenarios will reduce energy consumption by 37.9%, 37.4%, and 74.8%, respectively, by 2050. ETD had the best carbon dioxide reduction, followed by ESO, and finally ISO. Among them, the carbon emission of ETD will reach its peak around 2030 and decrease to 73.8 Mt in 2050, resulting in the best emission reduction effect. This scenario is the best path for Suzhou to achieve the goal of “carbon peak and neutrality” and sustainable development. The LEAP-Suzhou model successfully explores the low carbon path of Suzhou, provides policy guidance for the optimization of energy transition and carbon neutrality of industrial cities, In the future, the energy structure should be further optimized in Suzhou, and advanced energy technologies should be introduced to improve energy efficiency, especially for the power generation sector, and the proportion of clean energy such as gas should be further expanded.
Can Market-Oriented Environmental Regulation Tools Improve Green Total Factor Energy Efficiency? Analyzing the Emission Trading System
Authors: Wang Xingshuai , Tang Shida , Ahmad Mahmood , Bai Yang
Published: May 2022

Undoubtedly, green total factor energy efficiency plays a pivotal role in achieving energy conservation, emission reduction, and green development goals. China mainly used command-based environmental regulation tools to enhance the green total factor energy efficiency in the early stage. Later, under the new trend of market-oriented reform, the Chinese government introduced market-oriented environmental regulation tools such as carbon rights. However, the effectiveness of market-oriented environmental regulation tools is still unclear. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of market-oriented environmental regulation tools on green total factor energy efficiency by using the data of 265 cities in China. For this purpose, yearly data from 2003 to 2017 are employed using the difference-in-difference method. The empirical results unveil that the emission trading system can significantly improve green all factor energy efficiency. In addition, the heterogeneity analysis shows that the emission trading system is conducive to improving energy efficiency in resource-based cities. Based on the results, this study provides policy enlightenment for market-oriented environmental regulation tools to promote green development according to the local conditions.
Prairie Strips and Lower Land Use Intensity Increase Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
Authors: Kemmerling Lindsey R. , Rutkoski Corinn E. , Evans Sarah E. , Helms Jackson A. , Cordova-Ortiz Esbeiry S. , Smith Jamie D. , Vázquez Custodio Jorge A. , Vizza Carmella , Haddad Nick M.
Published: May 2022

Agricultural landscapes can be managed to protect biodiversity and maintain ecosystem services. One approach to achieve this is to restore native perennial vegetation within croplands. Where rowcrops have displaced prairie, as in the US Midwest, restoration of native perennial vegetation can align with crops in so called “prairie strips.” We tested the effect of prairie strips in addition to other management practices on a variety of taxa and on a suite of ecosystem services. To do so, we worked within a 33-year-old experiment that included treatments that varied methods of agricultural management across a gradient of land use intensity. In the two lowest intensity crop management treatments, we introduced prairie strips that occupied 5% of crop area. We addressed three questions: (1) What are the effects of newly established prairie strips on the spillover of biodiversity and ecosystem services into cropland? (2) How does time since prairie strip establishment affect biodiversity and ecosystem services? (3) What are the tradeoffs and synergies among biodiversity conservation, non-provisioning ecosystem services, and provisioning ecosystem services (crop yield) across a land use intensity gradient (which includes prairie strips)? Within prairie strip treatments, where sampling effort occurred within and at increasing distance from strips, dung beetle abundance, spider abundance and richness, active carbon, decomposition, and pollination decreased with distance from prairie strips, and this effect increased between the first and second year. Across the entire land use intensity gradient, treatments with prairie strips and reduced chemical inputs had higher butterfly abundance, spider abundance, and pollination services. In addition, soil organic carbon, butterfly richness, and spider richness increased with a decrease in land use intensity. Crop yield in one treatment with prairie strips was equal to that of the highest intensity management, even while including the area taken out of production. We found no effects of strips on ant biodiversity and greenhouse gas emissions (N2O and CH4). Our results show that, even in early establishment, prairie strips and lower land use intensity can contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services without a disproportionate loss of crop yield.
Stocks and Productivity of Dead Wood in Mangrove Forests: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Mugi Lilian Mwihaki , Kiss Dora , Kairo James Gitundu , Huxham Mark Richard
Published: May 2022

The functional and ecological importance of dead wood in terrestrial forests is widely recognized and researched. In contrast, much less is known about dead wood in mangrove forests, despite its known or demonstrated contribution to key ecological processes including nutrient cycling and seedling recruitment. In addition, mangrove dead wood provides an important service for millions of people; harvesting wood for fuel is widespread in mangroves and is often vital for the lives and wellbeing of people living close to these forests. Limited information on stocks and production, and the drivers of these, means that understanding and managing the supply of this service is difficult. Here we conduct a systematic review of the literature on dead wood stocks and production in mangrove ecosystems. Four hundred and seventy-five subject articles were found, with large gaps in geography, species, and forest type. After excluding records that were not relevant to our study and those from mass mortality events, 68 studies remained. We also added new data from 9 sites in Kenya, to provide overall estimates of mean (± SD) stocks of dead wood of 16.85 ± 25.35 Mg ha−1 standing and 29.92 ± 36.72 Mg ha−1 downed. Our analysis shows that potentially, higher stocks of dead wood might be found in forests without evidence of human impact. Average mean production with 95% CI was 6.30, 3.10–11.40 Mg ha−1 yr−1. Estimates of daily wood use were applied to give likely demands on wood from mangrove dependent communities. This review reveals the paucity of research on mangrove dead wood, hence these estimates of average stocks and productivity remain very limited and thus, further work on the dynamics of dead wood in mangroves and the ecological effects of its removal is needed.
Association of a Novel DOCK2 Mutation-Related Gene Signature With Immune in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Huang Yushen , Luo Wen , Chen Siyun , Su Hongmei , Zhu Wuchang , Wei Yuanyuan , Qiu Yue , Long Yan , Shi Yanxia , Wei Jinbin
Published: May 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Many studies have shown that dedicator of cytokinesis 2 (DOCK2) has a crucial role as a prognostic factor in various cancers. However, the potentiality of DOCK2 in the diagnosis of HCC has not been fully elucidated. In this work, we aimed to investigate the prognostic role of DOCK2 mutation in HCC. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) cohorts were utilized to identify the mutation frequency of DOCK2. Then, univariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, random forest (RF), and multivariate Cox regression analysis were performed to develop the risk score that was significantly related to DOCK2 mutation. Moreover, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA), and immune correlation analysis were conducted for an in-depth study of the biological process of DOCK2 mutation involved in HCC. The results revealed that the mutation frequency of DOCK2 was relatively higher than that in non-cancer control subjects, and patients with DOCK2 mutations had a low survival rate and a poor prognosis compared with the DOCK2-wild group. In addition, the secretin receptor (SCTR), tetratricopeptide repeat, ankyrin repeat and coiled-coil domain-containing 1 (TANC1), Alkb homolog 7 (ALKBH7), FRAS1-related extracellular matrix 2 (FREM2), and G protein subunit gamma 4 (GNG4) were found to be the most relevant prognostic genes of DOCK2 mutation, and the risk score based on the five genes played an excellent role in predicting the status of survival, tumor mutation burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI) in DOCK2 mutant patients. In addition, DOCK2 mutation and the risk score were closely related to immune responses. In conclusion, the present study identifies a novel prognostic signature in light of DOCK2 mutation-related genes that shows great prognostic value in HCC patients; and this gene mutation might promote tumor progression by influencing immune responses. These data may provide valuable insights for future investigations into personalized forecasting methods and also shed light on stratified precision oncology treatment.
Effect of Panicle Morphology on Grain Filling and Rice Yield: Genetic Control and Molecular Regulation
Authors: Parida Ajay Kumar , Sekhar Sudhanshu , Panda Binay Bhushan , Sahu Gyanasri , Shaw Birendra Prasad
Published: May 2022

The demand for rice is likely to increase approximately 1.5 times by the year 2050. In contrast, the rice production is stagnant since the past decade as the ongoing rice breeding program is unable to increase the production further, primarily because of the problem in grain filling. Investigations have revealed several reasons for poor filling of the grains in the inferior spikelets of the compact panicle, which are otherwise genetically competent to develop into well-filled grains. Among these, the important reasons are 1) poor activities of the starch biosynthesizing enzymes, 2) high ethylene production leading to inhibition in expressions of the starch biosynthesizing enzymes, 3) insufficient division of the endosperm cells and endoreduplication of their nuclei, 4) low accumulation of cytokinins and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) that promote grain filling, and 5) altered expressions of the miRNAs unfavorable for grain filling. At the genetic level, several genes/QTLs linked to the yield traits have been identified, but the information so far has not been put into perspective toward increasing the rice production. Keeping in view the genetic competency of the inferior spikelets to develop into well-filled grains and based on the findings from the recent research studies, improving grain filling in these spikelets seems plausible through the following biotechnological interventions: 1) spikelet-specific knockdown of the genes involved in ethylene synthesis and overexpression of β-CAS (β-cyanoalanine) for enhanced scavenging of CN− formed as a byproduct of ethylene biosynthesis; 2) designing molecular means for increased accumulation of cytokinins, abscisic acid (ABA), and IAA in the caryopses; 3) manipulation of expression of the transcription factors like MYC and OsbZIP58 to drive the expression of the starch biosynthesizing enzymes; 4) spikelet-specific overexpression of the cyclins like CycB;1 and CycH;1 for promoting endosperm cell division; and 5) the targeted increase in accumulation of ABA in the straw during the grain filling stage for increased carbon resource remobilization to the grains. Identification of genes determining panicle compactness could also lead to an increase in rice yield through conversion of a compact-panicle into a lax/open one. These efforts have the ability to increase rice production by as much as 30%, which could be more than the set production target by the year 2050.