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Wort, derived from malt saccharification, contains a myriad of vital nutrients, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and sugars. Beer, a time-honored libation originating from malt fermentation, graces the palate with its rich flavor and purported health benefits. Unfortunately, due to its high alcohol content, consuming beer is considered inappropriate for pregnant women and children. Hence, there is a need to develop a low-alcohol or alcohol-free fermented beverage derived from wort. This research utilized water kefir grains to produce a low-alcohol fermented beverage from wort and examined the effects of water kefir grains fermentation on various attributes of the wort, including physicochemical properties, organic acid composition, sensory characteristics, volatile compounds, and microbial diversity. Remarkably, after fermentation, a new type of low-alcohol or alcohol-free wort beverage is produced. Moreover, the fermentation process generated numerous volatile components that enhanced the sensory profile of the beverage. The findings presented in this study serve as a valuable guide for the development of innovative low-alcohol or non-alcohol fermented beverages from wort. • The impact of water kefir grain fermentation on wort was studied. • Fermentation produces a new low-alcohol or alcohol-free wort beverage. • Fermentation increased the total flavonoid content in wort. • GC-MS and GC-IMS investigated flavor differences of wort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kiwifruit, a climacteric-fruit susceptible to rapid deterioration, attains considerable value upon transformation into kiwifruit wine, thereby increasing its added value. However, a noteworthy challenge arises from its high pectin content, which negatively affects byproduct quality, necessitating pectinase treatment during processing. Commercial pectinases exhibit heightened pectin esterase activity, giving rise to safety apprehensions due to augmented methanol content during kiwifruit pectin hydrolysis. In this study, Bacillus velezensis W17-6 was screened for its high pectinase activity coupled with low pectin esterase activity. The resultant crude pectinase named PBV was acquired through fed-batch-fermentation and partial purification. Subsequently, PBV was deployed in the fermentation of Xuxiang kiwifruit wine, and its impact on overall quality was assessed through diverse analyses. The results indicated that Xuxiang kiwifruit wine with PBV treatment outperformed counterparts treated with commercial pectinases. PBV treatment not only yielded superior clarity (83.75% ± 0.47%) and juice yield (81.60% ± 0.47%) but also increased the total flavonoids content in Xuxiang kiwifruit wine by 1.2 times compared to commercial pectinase. Notably, the methanol content of PBV-treated Xuxiang kiwifruit wine was significantly lower at 36.13 ± 1.83 mg/L than that of wines treated with two commercial pectinases. PBV-treated kiwifruit wine also exhibited elevated concentrations of volatile compounds such as phenethyl alcohol, ethyl undecanoate, lauric aldehyde, isobutyric acid, and myrcene. Impressively, PBV-treated kiwifruit wine surpassed other wines in both electronic and artificial sensory analyses. In summary, PBV exhibits substantial potential in the production of low-methanol, high-quality kiwifruit wine, enhancing the flavor and nutritional value while minimizing methanol production and improving the safety profile. • The effect of different pectinase treatments on kiwifruit wines was determined. • Bacillus velezensis W17-6 produced a pectinase with low pectin esterase activity. • PBV-treated kiwifruit wine had the lowest methanol content. • PBV-treated kiwifruit wine had rich nutritional value and volatile compounds. • PBV-treated kiwifruit wine had the highest sensory score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore novel producing strategies for enhancing flavor compounds profile and quality of strawberry wine, we studied the effect of the sequential fermentation of two selected indigenous non- Saccharomyces yeasts (Hanseniaspora uvarum PGR9 and Kurtzmaniella quercitrusa PGT1) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae CGMCC 2.3854 on the fermentation kinetics, physicochemical characteristics, organic acids, antioxidant activity, volatile compositions, and sensory properties. Results showed that the ethanol content produced by the fermentation of Kq-Sc was significantly lower than that of Sc pure fermentation. In addition, the total volatile compounds concentration produced by the fermentation of Hu-Sc (16.2 ± 3.6 mg/L) and Kq - Sc (19.5 ± 3.1 mg/L) were significantly higher than that of Sc pure fermentation (13.8 ± 2.0 mg/L). In particular, the Kq-Sc strawberry wine presented the highest number of relative odor-active compounds (rOAV ≥1). Moreover, strawberry wine fermented by Hu + Kq-Sc showed the highest ABTS free radical scavenging ability and the highest overall sensory qualities. The results indicated that the K. quercitrusa PGT1 strain could be an alternative yeast for producing strawberry wine, and the sequential fermentations of Kq-Sc and Hu + Kq-Sc were effective strategies for improving the flavor and quality of strawberry wine. • The Kq-Sc strawberry wine had the highest content of total flavor compounds. • The Hu + Kq-Sc strawberry wine presented the highest overall sensory qualities. • Sequential fermentation enhanced the flavor and quality of strawberry wine. • The Hu and Kq could be the potential strains for fermented strawberry wine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peptide ferrous chelate is a new type of biological iron, which has the advantages of high absorption rate, safety and no digestive tract irritation. In this study, microbial fermentation was used for the first time to prepare iron-chelating peptides. Forty-eight strains were applied to ferment scallop skirts. A dominating strain was eliminated by using the iron binding capacity of the scallop skirt hydrolysate as the screening index. The scallop skirt hydrolysate fermented by Bacillus subtilis M17-b7 showed excellent iron-chelating capacity (96.20% ± 0.03%). Meanwhile, the structure, morphology and bioactivity of fermented scallop skirt hydrolysate (FSH) and fermented scallop skirt hydrolysate-iron (FSH–Fe) were measured. Based on the amino acid composition and spectral analysis, it was confirmed that the significant amino acids contains carboxyl, carbonyl, and amino groups. The result of scanning electron microscope indicated that the surface of FSH became porous and the particles were bigger after chelating with ferrous. Moreover, the peptide-ferrous chelate was more stable in salt solutions and simulated gastric juice compared with ferrous sulfate. It is also noteworthy that the preparation of ferrous chelate peptides by fermentation is cost-effective compared with enzymatic hydrolysis. Therefore, this study provides theoretical support for the use of fermentation as a promising tool to produce peptide-ferrous chelate. [Display omitted] • For the first time, ferrous chelating peptides of seafood were produced via fermentation. • Scallop skirt peptide fermented by Bacillus subtilis M17 b7 has excellent ferrous chelating rate of 10.77 mg/g. • Iron-chelating capacity of the hydrolysates depended on the –COOH and –NH 2. • The peptide-ferrous chelate was more stable in salt solutions and simulated gastric juice compared with ferrous sulfate. • Microbial fermentation was more cost-effective than enzymatic methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • It analyzes the feasibility of achieving net zero emission in the Chinese power sector by 2050 and the required policy measures. • It is essential to foster the concurrent development of renewable energy, energy storage, and demand response technologies. • The carbon pricing mechanism with exponential growth is more suitable. • Referring to the European offshore wind power investment model is beneficial for the development of offshore wind power in China. The low-carbon transition in China's power sector plays a crucial role in the mitigation of climate change worldwide, and increasing renewable energy penetration rate is widely recognized as the key approach to decarbonize this sector. This paper proposes a renewable energy penetration model to examine the feasibility for net zero emission by 2050 in China's power sector taking into account of economic and social development. It also evaluates the impacts of carbon pricing and financial incentives on renewable energy penetration and carbon emissions. The results indicate that along with economic development, China's electricity demand will continue to grow, but at a gradually slowing rate. It is possible for the power sector to achieve net zero emission by 2050 while meeting this growing electricity demand, with a renewable energy penetration rate of 75%. To ensure the achievement of the goal, we recommend setting the carbon price with the current market price as the baseline and increasing it annually by a relative increment index of 10%. Furthermore, given the high initial cost and late start of offshore wind power, we suggest incorporating associated grid connection cost into the transmission and distribution price to ensure the comprehensive and healthy development of renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel core-shell ZnO/BiOBr heterojunction was prepared by hydrothermal-ionic liquid method. • ZnO/BiOBr heterojunction exhibited an excellent visible-ligh photocatalytic activity. • Light absorption and photocarriers' migration were enhanced compared to ZnO or BiOBr. Core-shell ZnO/BiOBr heterojunction was prepared by a simple hydrothermal-ionic liquid method. Hollow ZnO microspheres were firstly synthesized by hydrothermal method. Then BiOBr nanosheets were evenly wrapped on the ZnO microspheres through an ionic-liquid method. The prepared dahlia-like core-shell ZnO/BiOBr microspheres had a much larger BET surface area and mesopore volume than that of ZnO. Its visible-light absorption and charge carrier's separation were greatly enhanced due to the synergistic effect of the core-shell nanostructure and formation of ZnO/BiOBr heterojunction. It had an excellent photocatalytic performance in the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC): 86.76 % TC was degraded after irradiation for 90 min., which was 1.38 times of the pure ZnO and 1.35 times of the BiOBr, respectively. [Display omitted] Core-shell ZnO/BiOBr heterojunction with high photocatalytic performance prepared by hydrothermal-ionic liquid method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ergothioneine (EGT) is a natural histidine-derived compound with strong antioxidant activity. This research evaluated the potential of EGT to protect against liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4) both in vivo and in vitro for the first time. Animal results showed that daily supplement of EGT (continuous gavage for 21 days) significantly reduced the levels of elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), regulated inflammatory factor levels, and improved antioxidant enzyme activity in mice after CCl 4 treatment. In addition, cell results showed that exposure to CCl 4 causes significant oxidative stress in LO2 cells, which was mitigated after EGT pretreatment. Furthermore, EGT treatment reduced reactive oxygen species production and improved mitochondrial function compared with the model group, which was potentially mediated by the activation of the Nrf2/ARE pathway. These findings provided a scientific theoretical basis for the application of EGT in prevention of liver injury. • EGT can be well-absorbed in Caco2 cells monolayers. • EGT supplement can reduce ROS and lipid peroxidation levels in the liver. • EGT pretreatment can alleviate the oxidative damage and apoptosis induced by CCl 4. • EGT alleviates oxidative damage by regulating the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is currently facing a critical challenge in completing its second radical energy transition from fossil to zero-carbon energy amidst the impacts of climate change and the international landscape. In order to clarify the concept of energy transition and the challenges facing China's energy transition, this paper adopts a research framework with Multi-Level Perspective to sort out China's energy history. Drawing on China's energy transition experience, this paper derives four key conclusions. Firstly, the energy transition is a comprehensive transformation of the energy system, which is influenced by the macro landscape, socio-technical regime and innovation niche. Secondly, based on the intensity of the transition, the historical energy transitions can be divided into two categories: incremental energy transitions and radical energy transitions. Thirdly, China's past energy transitions are mainly incremental energy transitions. Influenced by the macro environment and socio-technical regime, the transition process is mostly iterative and tortuous. Fourthly, China's energy transition is facing significant challenges in the current stage, with a tight schedule and heavy tasks, and a lack of basic scientific and technological theories and niche innovations. Building on these findings, specific recommendations to policy makers are provided. • The energy transition is a comprehensive transformation of the energy system. • China's past energy transitions are mainly incremental energy transitions. • China's energy transition faces great difficulties at this stage. • China must champion robust institutional reforms and expedite niche innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing penetration of renewables, load flexibility is crucial to balance the power system in China. Data centers are rapidly growing energy consumers and their flexible operations could make them a potential source of load flexibility. However, there have been no large-scale attempts to apply this concept in China. This paper utilizes a hybrid research method to explore the flexibility potentials, identifying key technical, financial, policy, and institutional barriers. The study quantifies the flexibility potential of data centers in China and provides solutions for addressing the identified solutions. • A hybrid research method of literature review, questionnaire, and semi-structured interviews is employed. • Potentials, barriers, and possible solutions for data centers in China to provide flexibility are analyzed in four parts. • Power flexibility potentials of data centers in China is quantified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The superfine porous NiFe2O4 microspheres were successfully synthesized via a one-step solvothermal approach. • The porous NiFe2O4 sensors exhibited high and rapid response for selective detection of acetone gas. • The porous NiFe2O4 sensors exhibited low detection limit (200 ppb) to acetone gas. Spinel-type oxides have attracted a broad interest in sensing materials research owing to their high catalytic activity and flexibly tunable chemical properties. Here, we report the synthesis of superfine porous NiFe 2 O 4 microspheres by one-step solvothermal approach, in order to fabricate ultra-sensitive acetone sensors for real-time monitoring, relying on the high catalytic activity of NiFe 2 O 4 and effective mass transfer property of porous microspheres structure. The porous NiFe 2 O 4 sensors displayed high selectivity to acetone against other interfering gases, giving a high sensitivity (27.4), fast response time (2 s) towards 100 ppm acetone and low detection limit (200 ppb) at 250 °C. This paper proposed a general approach for fabricating highly sensitive gas sensor based on spinel-type oxides in monitoring volatile organic pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • One step synthesis of branched SnO 2 /ZnO heterostructures and their enhanced gas-sensing properties. • Branched SnO 2 /ZnO heterostructures were synthesized via a facile one-step hydrothermal method for the first time. • The branched SnO 2 /ZnO heterostructures exhibited excellent ethanol gas sensing property. • The branched SnO 2 /ZnO heterostructures exhibited fast response and recovery property for selective detection of ethanol. Abstract In this work, a novel branched heterostructural composite composed of nanorods ZnO backbone and SnO 2 branches was prepared via a facile one-step hydrothermal method. The morphology, structure and component of the SnO 2 /ZnO composite was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and elemental mapping analysis. The evolution process of the SnO 2 /ZnO composite was observed by SEM that the SnO 2 branches gradually grow on ZnO backbones. The composite with novel heterostructure was applied as the sensing material for the fabrication of gas sensor, and their gas sensing properties were tested for response to various gases. Compared to pure ZnO gas sensors the branched SnO 2 /ZnO gas sensor exhibited enhanced gas sensing properties toward ethanol, giving a response of 18.1–100 ppm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • p12-knockout generates a HR deficiency phenotype. • Pol δ 4 is required for full expression of cellular HR activity. • p12 knockout cells are sensitized to PARP inhibitors. • p12 expression is a potential biomarker for the use of PARP inhibitors. • p12 deficiency may have a role in SCLC tumorigenesis. Abstract Human DNA polymerase δ is normally present in unstressed, non-dividing cells as a heterotetramer (Pol δ 4). Its smallest subunit, p12, is transiently degraded in response to UV damage, as well as during the entry into S-phase, resulting in the conversion of Pol δ 4 to a trimer (Pol δ 3). In order to further understand the specific cellular roles of these two forms of Pol δ, the gene (POLD4) encoding p12 was disrupted by CRISPR/Cas9 to produce p12 knockout (p12KO) cells. Thus, Pol δ 4 is absent in p12KO cells, leaving Pol δ 3 as the sole source of Pol δ activity. GFP reporter assays revealed that the p12KO cells exhibited a defect in homologous recombination (HR) repair, indicating that Pol δ4, but not Pol δ 3, is required for HR. Expression of Flag-tagged p12 in p12KO cells to restore Pol δ 4 alleviated the HR defect. These results establish a specific requirement for Pol δ 4 in HR repair. This leads to the prediction that p12KO cells should be more sensitive to chemotherapeutic agents, and should exhibit synthetic lethal killing by PARP inhibitors. These predictions were confirmed by clonogenic cell survival assays of p12KO cells treated with cisplatin and mitomycin C, and with the PARP inhibitors Olaparib, Talazoparib, Rucaparib, and Niraparib. The sensitivity to PARP inhibitors in H1299-p12KO cells was alleviated by expression of Flag-p12. These findings have clinical significance, as the expression levels of p12 could be a predictive biomarker of tumor response to PARP inhibitors. In addition, small cell lung cancers (SCLC) are known to exhibit a defect in p12 expression. Analysis of several SCLC cell lines showed that they exhibit hypersensitivity to PARP inhibitors, providing evidence that loss of p12 expression could represent a novel molecular basis for HR deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract We provide a novel and simple strategy for fabricating 3D inverse opal heterostructure composites multilayer films on target substrate and it could be used as n-n heterostructure-based gas sensor. Highlights • The 3D inverse opal (IO) ZnO-In 2 O 3 multilayer films (MFs) fabricated via a simple and effective strategy. • The large-scale 3D IO MFs can be easily transferred onto any target substrates without being destroyed. • The 3D IO ZnO-In 2 O 3 MFs sensor exhibits higher response toward acetone gas at lower operating temperature. Abstract The preparation of highly ordered porous semiconducting metal oxides (SMOs) films is a hot issue in the field of chemical sensor. Herein, we successfully fabricated 3D inverse opal (IO) ZnO-In 2 O 3 composites multilayer films (MFs) via a novel strategy that combing ultrasonic nebulization deposition technique with polystyrene (PS) spheres template. Such one-step synthetic method is advantageous to achieve the construction of large-scale interconnected macro-porous (pore size: ∼170 nm) structure in composites materials, which is beneficial for facilitating gas molecule transport into the sensing layers and accelerating the surface reactions process. More significantly, by using this method, the large-scale 3D IO MFs made in this work can be easily transferred onto any target substrates without being destroyed. Due to the IO multilayer films structure and abundant heterointerfaces, the 3D IO ZnO-In 2 O 3 MFs-based gas sensor exhibited higher response toward acetone at lower operating temperature, better selectivity and long-term stability, faster recovery speed and lower detection limit. Consequently, the approach described herein is more suitable for the synthesis of porous composites materials films, in order to fabricate high performance chemical sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous CuFe 2 O 4 nanospheres were successfully prepared via a facile solvothermal method with subsequent calcination treatment. Various techniques were employed to investigate the structural and morphological characteristics of the as-synthesized product. The results revealed that the hierarchical CuFe 2 O 4 porous nanospheres with a diameter of about 200 nm were composed of many nanoparticles. In addition, gas sensors were fabricated with the as-prepared samples, and their gas sensing performances were systematically investigated. Compared with pure CuO and Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles, the CuFe 2 O 4 nanostructure exhibited superior gas sensing properties toward acetone at the operating temperature of 250 °C, including high response, outstanding selectivity, and excellent response-recovery property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ergothioneine (EGT) is a natural sulfur-containing amino acid with potent antioxidant and cytoprotective activities. In this study, the oxidation tolerance of 23 different Rhodotorula strains were screened with hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) as the inhibitory condition. By measuring their carotenoid and EGT production and correlation analysis with H 2 O 2 tolerance, the results showed that the carotenoid synthesis capacity has no effect on H 2 O 2 tolerance, in contrast to a strong positive correlation between EGT yield and H 2 O 2 tolerance of Rhodotorula species. In addition, a high EGT-producing strain R. mucilaginosa DL-X01 was screened with the yield of 38.48 ± 2.71 mg/L in a shaking flask fermentation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest EGT yield ever reported in non-recombinant strains. Growth kinetic data showed that DL-X01 had a longer lag phase in the presence of exogenous oxidant, but a shorter generation time and higher specific growth rate after entering the exponential phase. The results of this study provided a potential simple and rapid method for screening high EGT-producing strains, which could promote the efficient production of EGT by microorganisms and further development of the red yeast in the food and biotechnology industries. • Carotenoid content had no effect on H 2 O 2 tolerance of Rhodotorula species. • EGT yield of Rhodotorula species positively correlated with H 2 O 2 tolerance. • Rhodotorula mucilaginosa DL-X01 has excellent ergothioneine production capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind curtailment is currently one of the major challenges in China’s renewable energy development. Technical solutions to wind curtailment could include more flexible power sources, storage and grid facilities. These, however, are long-term solutions due to physical, economic and institutional constraints. We argue that an effective short-term solution could be the full utilization of the technical potential of the existing power system, particularly by using China’s dominant coal-fired power capacity to provide peak regulation services for the priority dispatch of wind power. This paper assesses the economic and environmental effects of this approach. To this end, four scenarios are developed: Scenario I—full wind curtailment and average dispatch of coal-fired power, Scenario II—no wind curtailment and average dispatch of coal-fired power, Scenario III— no wind curtailment and optimal dispatch of coal-fired power, and Scenario IV —partial wind curtailment and optimal dispatch of coal-fired power. The economic and environmental effects under the four scenarios are then computed using the GAMS program based on the load curve on a typical spring day for a coal-fired power plant and a wind farm in China’s northeastern Harbin City. The results of our research show that whilst Scenario IV has the best economic effects, Scenarios III and IV have the best environmental effects. Scenario IV is considered the optimal solution as more economic benefits could be realized at the expense of smaller wind curtailment. Drawing on these results, it is recommended to amend the Renewable Energy Law to allow a small proportion of renewable energy curtailment; to enhance the flexibility of the existing coal-fired power units; to advance energy efficient power dispatch approach; and to incentivise coal-fired power to provide peak regulation services for renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kombucha is a kind of traditional fermented sugared tea rich in polyphenols. Although the health effects of tea polyphenols (TPPs) have been extensively studied, the biotransformation of the TPPs during kombucha fermentation was not fully elucidated. In this study, the polyphenol transformation capacity of microbial strains and the synthetic microbial communities during the tea broth fermentation were investigated. Firstly, six microbial species demonstrated different polyphenol transformation abilities: Acetobacter pasteurianus , Zygosaccharomyces bailii and Debaryomyce hansenii could increase the contents of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the most abundant components of TPPs. Z. bailii and Acetobacter xylinum could enhance the concentration of TPPs with low molecular weight. Then, four synthetic microbial communities (SMC) consisting of different species were constructed to ferment the black tea broth. When different strains coexisted, their interaction could further enhance kombucha's phenols transformation and antioxidant activity. Specifically, the SMC, constructed by Z. bailii , L. plantarum and D. hansenii , could enhance the EGCG content significantly in tea broth and the total phenols and flavonoid contents. Meanwhile, the antioxidant activities of kombucha fermented by this SMC were found to be relatively high among different fermented tea broth groups. Besides, it is demonstrated that A. pasteurianus was a strong competitor in the tea broth environment. This bacterium could decrease the number of viable yeast cells by producing more acid. This study demonstrated that the construction of suitable synthetic microbial communities would help reveal the phenolic metabolic characteristics of complex microbial communities and obtain customizable phenolic combinations for kombucha products. [Display omitted] • Microbial strains showed distinct polyphenol transformation capacities. • SMCs further enhance specific phenols and antioxidant activities of kombucha. • Antioxidant activity of kombucha is related to total phenols and phenolic profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Cancer cells rely on the activation of telomerase or the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathways for telomere maintenance and survival. ALT involves homologous recombination (HR)-dependent exchange and/or HR-associated synthesis of telomeric DNA. Utilizing proximity-dependent biotinylation (BioID), we sought to determine the proteome of telomeres in cancer cells that employ these distinct telomere elongation mechanisms. Our analysis reveals that multiple DNA repair networks converge at ALT telomeres. These include the specialized translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) proteins FANCJ-RAD18-PCNA and, most notably, DNA polymerase eta (Polη). We observe that the depletion of Polη leads to increased ALT activity and late DNA polymerase δ (Polδ)-dependent synthesis of telomeric DNA in mitosis. We propose that Polη fulfills an important role in managing replicative stress at ALT telomeres, maintaining telomere recombination at tolerable levels and stimulating DNA synthesis by Polδ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs) play an important role in the recognition of pheromones by insects. However, the abilities of these PBPs to discriminate pheromone components and recognize the isomers are unclear. Dendrolimus houi and Dendrolimus kikuchii are two sympatric coniferous pests whose pheromones have cis-trans isomers. We used these insect species to detect the precise recognition abilities of PBPs. The four PBPs examined showed male-biased antenna-intensive expression patterns, whereas PBP1 showed higher expression than PBP2 in the antenna. DhouPBP1 only bound to a minor interspecific pheromone component, whereas DhouPBP2 bound to all three intraspecific components and another minor interspecific component. DkikPBP1 and DkikPBP2 could recognize all three intraspecific components with affinities negatively correlated with their ratios, and they bound to interspecific pheromones with affinity that was positively correlated with the ratios. The four PBPs have different cis-trans isomer discrimination abilities, i.e., DhouPBP1 and DkikPBP1 could not discriminate the two cis-trans isomer pairs of pheromones from the two species, whereas DhouPBP2 could discriminate between both pairs, and DkikPBP2 could only discriminate one pair. Overall, PBPs from D. houi and D. kikuchii use different strategies to help the moths to discriminate the intra- and interspecific pheromone components. Our work will contribute to better understanding of the sex pheromone recognition mechanism in these two sister species of moths and provide insights into more effective management practices of these pest species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DSPV (Distributed solar PV) power, either located on rooftops or ground-mounted, is by far one of the most important and fast-growing renewable energy technologies. Since the second half of 2012, China has shifted from LSPV (large-scale solar PV) to DSPV and a series of policy to promote DSPV power deployment have been put in place. Unfortunately these policies were not well performed due to myriad constraints on DSPV power deployment across the country. Building mainly on non-academic sources including government documents and presentations, industry reports and presentations, media reports, and interviews, this paper firstly provides a comprehensive review of China's policy on DSPV passed between the second half of 2012 and the first half of 2014, then barriers associated with DSPV deployment are identified. This is followed by an account and discussions of recent policy changes since Sep 2014, and major local incentives. In addition, policy performance is briefly reviewed. At the end of the paper, conclusions and policy implications are provided. This paper provides an understanding of the recent DSPV policy progress in China and insights for policy makers in other economies which are experimenting DSPV power policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of its energy transition strategy, China has set ambitious targets for increasing the contribution of renewable energy and, in particular, of wind power. However, the Chinese power sector has not undergone the necessary reforms to facilitate the integration and absorption of a larger share of variable renewable energy. This is evident from the difficulties in absorbing wind power from already commissioned wind farms and the resultant curtailment of wind power. Pumped storage hydroelectricity (PSH) is a flexible power source that can facilitate higher penetration levels of wind power as well as complement China’s growing nuclear power capacity. However, regulatory policy constraints have restricted the effective utilization of existing PSH capacity and discouraged investment in new PSH capacity. This paper examines these constraints and assesses the likely impact of new policies designed to address them. Finally, policy recommendations and concluding remarks are provided. This paper contributes to the literature on renewable energy integration from a new perspective. The lessons from China are relevant to other countries going through the energy transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, an increasing number of Chinese wind power firms have been going international in search of global market for development channels. By employing qualitative research and case study methods, this paper examines the export scale and markets of China’s wind turbines, the market entry modes and location choices of China’s outward foreign direct investment (FDI) in the wind power sector, identifies the determinants and prospects of Chinese wind firms’ internationalization, as well as provides policy implications. It is found that Chinese wind power firms has chosen to internationalize very differently from the Uppsala model in that the exports and FDI of Chinese wind power firms both took place around 2008, and the exports and FDI of Chinese wind power firms are closely linked. The determinants of Chinese wind firms’ internationalization are the competitive advantages of leading Chinese wind firms and the intensified domestic market competition, followed by Chinese government support for internationalization and the attractive overseas market. The prospects of Chinese wind firms’ internationalization are bright but challenging. Drawn on this analysis, conclusions and three policy implications are provided at the end of the paper. This paper contributes to the study of China’s wind power sector from a new perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of papain on the physicochemical and microbiological properties, volatile compound profiles, and sensorial attributes of Chouguiyu. Papain was applied at a dose of 10, 50, 200, 400 U/g fish. Results showed that papain addition improved the release of free amino acids, essential amino acids, eicosapentaenoi acid (EPA, C20:5n3), and docosapentenoic acid (DPA, C22:5n6), respectively. Lower biogenic amines content, higher the volatile compound concentrations and relative abundance of Lactobacillales were also observed. Further results showed that the papain dose group decreased the fermentation time from 10 to 7 days while good organoleptic quality was remained, especially in the 200 U/g dose group. The redundancy analysis (RDA) showed a high correlation between Lactobacillus and the key volatile compounds in the 200 U/g and 400 U/g groups, which indicated that Lactobacillus could contribute to the fatty flavor. In summary, proper papain addition (i.e. 200 U/g or 400 U/g) could reduce biogenic amines contents and maintain acceptable sensorial properties of Chouguiyu in a shorter fermentation time. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Along with China's rapid economic growth, the environmental externality in the country is getting more and more serious. China's environmental externality is accompanied by environmental inequality, which presents two characteristics: First, the health loss caused by environmental externality is concentrated in the elderly and children. We take Beijing as an empirical analysis to conclude that children (0–4 years old) are the largest group suffered from respiratory disease; while the seniors are the largest group suffered from cardiovascular disease. Second, China's environmental inequality is mainly caused by the transfer of industries from urban to rural areas/suburbs. The villagers in poor rural areas are the biggest victims. China's environmental inequality is reflected particularly by the phenomenon of “cancer villages” which has existed ever since the end of 1970s. Finally, policy recommendations are provided for reducing China's environmental externality and inequality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Himalaya and Lhasa blocks act as the main belt of convergence and collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates. Their crustal structures can be used to understand the dynamic process of continent–continent collision. Herein, we present a 3D crustal density model beneath these two tectonic blocks constrained by a review of all available active seismic and passive seismological results on the velocity structure of crust and lower lithosphere. From our final crustal density model, we infer that the present subduction-angle of the Indian plate is small, but presents some variations along the west–east extension of the orogenic belt: The dip angle of the Moho interface is about 8–9° in the eastern and western part of the orogenic belt, and about 16° in the central part. Integrating crustal P-wave velocity distribution from wide-angle seismic profiling, geothermal data and our crustal density model, we infer a crustal composition model, which is composed of an upper crust with granite–granodiorite and granite gneiss beneath the Lhasa block; biotite gneiss and phyllite beneath the Himalaya, a middle crust with granulite facies and possible pelitic gneisses, and a lower crust with gabbro–norite–troctolite and mafic granulite beneath the Lhasa block. Our density structure (<3.2g/cm3) and composition (no fitting to eclogite) in the lower crust do not be favor to the speculation of ecologitized lower crust beneath Himalaya and the southern of Lhasa block. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Wind power and solar PV power are the two major renewable energy technologies that are currently under rapid development in China. In this paper, the similarities and differences between the development trajectories of the two sectors are examined in terms of development status, development policy and development trend. Five interesting findings from the comparison are obtained and several policy recommendations are made. This paper contributes to the study on China's renewable energy policy from a new perspective. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] We described the ultrastructure of antennal sensilla of Acantholyda posticalis. [•] We found a special type of basiconic sensilla with both a terminal pore and numerous wall pores. [•] Variation of the antenna distal flagellomere was described by scanning electron microscope. [•] Information obtained from the sensilla structure can promote the chemical ecology studies of Pamphiliidae. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: China''s PV industry has developed rapidly in recent years due to the dramatic demand from the world market. In contrast, until 2010 China''s domestic PV market has been very small due to lack of sufficient incentives in the country to promote domestic PV deployment. However, since early 2009 many incentives have been implemented in China. The paper makes an analysis on China''s solar PV incentive policies, particularly the national FIT scheme. Policy recommendations are made with regard to the promotion of the domestic solar PV market, including the construction of an effective national FIT scheme, the imposition of renewable portfolio system as well as the establishment of sound technical and administration standards for the grid-connection of PV systems. The paper contributes to the academic literature over China''s solar PV power policy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In vitro assay of mammalian DNA replication has been variously approached. Using gapped circular duplex substrates containing a 500-base single-stranded DNA region, we have constructed a mammalian cell-free system in which physiological DNA replication may be reproduced. Reaction of the gapped plasmid substrate with crude extracts of human HeLaS3 cells induces efficient DNA synthesis in vitro. The induced synthesis was strongly inhibited by aphidicolin and completely depended on dNTP added to the system. In cell extracts in which PCNA was depleted step-wise by immunoprecipitation, DNA synthesis was accordingly reduced. These data suggest that replicative DNA polymerases, particularly pol delta, may chiefly function in this system. Furthermore, DNA synthesis is made quantifiable in this system, which enables us to evaluate the efficiency of DNA replication induced. Our system sensitively and quantitatively detected the reduction of the DNA replication efficiency in the DNA substrates damaged by oxidation or UV cross-linking and in the presence of a potent chain terminator, ara-CTP. The quantitative assessment of mammalian DNA replication may provide various advantages not only in basic research but also in drug development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In both budding and fission yeast, a large number of ribonucleotides are incorporated into DNA during replication by the major replicative polymerases (Pols α, δ and ɛ). They are subsequently removed by RNase H2-dependent repair, which if defective leads to replication stress and genome instability. To extend these studies to humans, where an RNase H2 defect results in an autoimmune disease, here we compare the ability of human and yeast Pol δ to incorporate, proofread, and bypass ribonucleotides during DNA synthesis. In reactions containing nucleotide concentrations estimated to be present in mammalian cells, human Pol δ stably incorporates one rNTP for approximately 2000 dNTPs, a ratio similar to that for yeast Pol δ. This result predicts that human Pol δ may introduce more than a million ribonucleotides into the nuclear genome per replication cycle, an amount recently reported to be present in the genome of RNase H2-defective mouse cells. Consistent with such abundant stable incorporation, we show that the 3′-exonuclease activity of yeast and human Pol δ largely fails to edit ribonucleotides during polymerization. We also show that, like yeast Pol δ, human Pol δ pauses as it bypasses ribonucleotides in DNA templates, with four consecutive ribonucleotides in a DNA template being more problematic than single ribonucleotides. In conjunction with recent studies in yeast and mice, this ribonucleotide incorporation may be relevant to impaired development and disease when RNase H2 is defective in mammals. As one tool to investigate ribonucleotide incorporation by Pol δ in human cells, we show that human Pol δ containing a Leu606Met substitution in the polymerase active site incorporates 7-fold more ribonucleotides into DNA than does wild type Pol δ. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Even though China''s wind power industry has experienced a rapid growth since the beginning of this century, the utilization of wind power is still worrisome. In 2010, about 30% of China''s total installed capacity could not get access to the grid. And about 10% of China''s total wind power generation was curtailed. The problem of wind power curtailment is more prominent in Northeast-China region. The main particularity of Northeast China Grid is as follows: during the long heating period in winter, combined heat and power thermal plants need to modify the turbine generator''s output to meet the heating demand and thus the thermal power peak regulation capacity is reduced, as a result the barriers of wind power consumption are increased. This paper provides a new perspective of the constraints on the effective utilization of wind power in the Northeast China Grid. We argue that there are two categories of constrained factors: structural factor and operational factor. The former includes grid structure, wind source structure, power source structure, and market structure. The latter includes power price mechanism, dispatch mode arrangement, wind power integration codes, and wind power forecast. At last, we make policy recommendations: promote the coordination between wind farm investment and grid construction, strengthen interprovincial power trade mechanism, implement flexible pricing mechanisms as well as improve current dispatch mode, etc. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: During 2010 and 2011, China had been the largest producer of wind turbines in the world for two consecutive years. How China can transform from being the largest producer to being the strongest producer of wind turbines is currently a great concern in the industry. The purpose of this paper is to discuss this issue from the perspective of the international competitiveness of China''s wind turbine manufacturing industry. Firstly, the paper establishes a model for evaluating the international competitiveness of wind turbine manufacturing industry, which consists of five first-level indexes and 10 second-level indexes. Then, the paper uses these indexes to evaluate the international competitiveness of six leading wind turbine companies in the world—Vestas (Denmark), Gamesa (Germany), GE Wind (the USA), Nordex (Spain), Suzlon (India) and Sinovel (China). The result shows that the international competitiveness of the Chinese wind turbine company, Sinovel, ranked the fifth, lagging behind Vestas, Gamesa, GE Wind and Suzlon. Finally, the paper makes in-depth analysis on the major factors that hamper the international competitiveness of China''s wind turbine manufacturing industry and provides implications for future development of the industry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Between 2006 and 2010 the installed capacity of wind power in China has doubled and by 2010 China''s cumulative installed capacity of wind power ranked the first in the world, surpassing the United States. However, the rapid expansion of installed capacity has not been matched by grid connection, and this deficiency has aroused the concern of both policy makers and scholars. Unlike most of the current studies which focus on technical strategies in China''s wind power industry, this paper analyzes the problem from a policy perspective. The paper analyzes the four challenges that large scale wind power integration in China faces: the uncoordinated development between wind power capacity and power grids; the lack of suitable technical codes for wind power integration; the unclear nature of the grid companies’ responsibility for grid connection; and the inadequate economic incentives for grid enterprises. To address these problems, the paper recommends that the government: formulates policies to better coordinate the development of wind power and the planning and construction of power grids; establishes grid codes that reflect in particular the requirements to be met by users of power transmission and distribution networks; and integrates administrative intervention and economic incentive policies to stimulate the grid enterprises’ enthusiasm to absorb wind power generation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Inulinase is an important enzyme used in the high fructose syrup and other related industries. A more cost-effective approach is required for producing highly active inulinase. In this study, the gene encoding inulinase of the yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus CBS 6556 was expressed in methylotrophic host Pichia pastoris and secretory production of recombinant inulinase (rKmINU) in the yeast under methanol induction was achieved. The purified rKmINU showed a specific activity of 2714U/mg, which is over 12-fold higher than those of other inulinases described previously. It displayed excellent stability from 30 to 50°C and pH 3.0–5.0, and the half-life of rKmINU was over 96h under these conditions. Moreover, rKmINU saccharified Jerusalem artichoke tuber juice effectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The glycoside hydrolase β-1,3-glucomannanase is an enzyme that specifically breaks the β-1,3 glycosidic bond of the glucomannan, the main cell wall constituent of some yeasts. In this work, a codon optimized DNA sequence of the MAN5C gene from Penicillium lilacinum ATCC 36010 was expressed in the yeast Pichia pastoris under the control of AOX1 promoter. The recombinant protein plMAN5C was purified from the shake flask culture and the stirred-tank bioreactor culture in yields of 30.0mg/l and 224.0mg/l, respectively. The purified protein had a specific activity of 14.6U/mg at 37°C, pH 4.5. Biochemical analysis showed that the optimal temperature and pH for plMAN5C were 50°C and 4.5, respectively. The recombinant plMAN5C was efficient in lysis of the cell wall of the red yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides to form protoplast. Our work provided an effective system for heterogeneous production of β-1,3-glucomannanase, which should facilitate a more convenient application of this enzyme in biotechnology and other related areas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]