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    Evolution of the South China Sea
    SUN Zhen
    Chinese Journal of Nature    2022, 44 (1): 31-38.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.0253-9608.2022.01.003
    Abstract8106)      PDF(pc) (6495KB)(2492)       Save
    South China Sea is the largest marginal sea of the eastern Asia. It has developed complex structures and rich hydrocarbon potential. For a long time, scientists are arguing about how South China Sea evolved into its present situation, as well as the deep driving mechanism and controlling factors. In order to resolve the above-mentioned questions, large amounts of geophysical investigations and 3 turns with 5 International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) expeditions were carried out in South China Sea, which in turn led to significant progress. This paper summarized the dynamic attribute and the evolution history of the South China Sea based on the past decades of research progress. Three existing scientific questions were raised the following summary, including the mechanism of margin transition from active to passive, the breaking up pattern of the South China Sea continental margin and the dynamics of extraordinary large amount of magmatism during the South China Sea evolution. Hopefully these questions can be resolved through more cutting-edge investigation and IODP drilling expeditions, serving for the natural resources exploration and submarine hazards monitoring.
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    Research progress of two-dimensional semiconductor photocatalytic materials
    XU Ruohang, CUI Dandan, HAO Weichang
    Chinese Journal of Nature    2023, 45 (5): 355-362.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.0253-9608.2023.05.00410.3969/j.issn.0253-9608.2023.05.004
    Abstract8084)      PDF(pc) (3218KB)(1462)       Save
    Photocatalytic technology can directly use low-energy-density sunlight to drive chemical reactions to realize the direct conversion of solar energy to high-density chemical energy to produce clean energy and industrial raw materials, and can also drive the degradation of pollutants and toxic substances to control environmental pollution. Although there have been more and more reports on the research and development of photocatalytic materials, they are still far from meeting the requirements of largescale applications in terms of catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability. In recent years, among many reported photocatalysts, twodimensional semiconductor materials have shown excellent catalytic performance and application prospects. This paper systematically summarizes the research status of two-dimensional semiconductor photocatalytic materials, and proposes future research and directions outlook.
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    Climate change and carbon neutrality
    ZHOU Tianjun, CHEN Xiaolong, ZHANG Wenxia, ZHANG Lixia
    Chinese Journal of Nature    2024, 46 (1): 1-11.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.0253-9608.2024.01.001
    Abstract7948)      PDF(pc) (3339KB)(3162)       Save
    Since the industrial revolution, carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere has risen sharply due to the widely-used fossil fuel, leading to global warming and frequent extreme climate events. To effectively confront and mitigate the climate change, in the Paris Agreement, the international community set warming targets to hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 ℃ above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 ℃ above pre-industrial levels. The concept of carbon neutrality starts spreading and known by larger communities. Here, we introduced some basic facts of global warming and the effect of anthropogenic carbon emission on the warming, summarized main results with respect to future climate changes, elucidated the relationship between 1.5/2 ℃ warming threshold and the carbon neutral, and finally overviewed the efforts of carbon reduction made by international community to effectively adapt to and mitigate the global warming.
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    Evolutions, functions and conservations of mountains-rivers-forests-croplands-lakesgrasslands-deserts system 
    SHI Yue, ZHAO Xia, ZHU Jiangling, FANG Jingyun
    Chinese Journal of Nature    2022, 44 (1): 1-18.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.0253-9608.2022.01.001
    Abstract6911)      PDF(pc) (8123KB)(2618)       Save
     Mountains-rivers-forests-croplands-lakes-grasslands-deserts system is a brief summary and easy-to-understanding description of China’s diversified ecosystems. Despite the significant differences in the appearance and structures, mountains, rivers, forests, croplands, lakes, grasslands, and deserts together constitute a “community of life” through complex interconnections and interactions, providing material foundations and necessary conditions for the development of human society. At present, the integrated management, protection and restoration of the system have been an important starting point to promote the construction of ecological civilization in China. We summarize the background information on each component of the system, and briefly describe their formations and main functions. Meanwhile, we discuss how to conduct the governance, conservation and utilization of the system in the context of ecological civilization construction, review several cases which showed negative impacts on the environments, and briefly elaborate the measurements for ecological civilization construction from the perspective of ecology.
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    Skin wound healing: process and molecular mechanisms
    WANG Juan, LI Xiaojie, DOU Hanyu, DING Xiaolei
    Chinese Journal of Nature    2022, 44 (2): 87-95.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.0253-9608.2022.02.002
    Abstract4386)      PDF(pc) (1768KB)(6611)       Save
    Effective tissue repair is essential for the survival of all multicellular organism. Skin plays a vital role in protecting body from harsh external environments. Upon injury, skin wound heals by a dynamic biological process that involves complex interaction of multiple cell lineages, extracellular matrix molecules and soluble mediators. The compromised or aberrant tissue repair response can lead to unhealing wounds, scarring and even malignancy conversion. In this review, we highlight current concepts in cutaneous wound healing and propose the central mechanisms that regulate wound healing.
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    Focusing on ChatGPT: development, impact, and challenges
    LUO Ge, ZHANG Xinpeng
    Chinese Journal of Nature    2023, 45 (2): 106-108.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.0253-9608.2023.02.004
    Abstract4305)      PDF(pc) (1672KB)(2989)       Save
    ChatGPT is a product of the continuous development and an optimization of a large-scale natural language model GPT. Recently, it has received a great deal of attentions from both academia and industry. “He” uses the most basic language communication form to complete interactions with anyone, and paves the way for language to connect to the multimodal world. In this article, we retrospect the development history of ChatGPT and introduce its impact on multimodality, personalization, and interactivity. Finally, we discuss potential issues that may arise in the current and future applications of ChatGPT.
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    Application status and prospects of magnesium alloy structural materials
    TAN Jun, WANG Fanglei, JIANG Bin, PAN Fusheng
    Chinese Journal of Nature    2023, 45 (2): 93-105.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.0253-9608.2023.02.003
    Abstract3530)      PDF(pc) (3268KB)(7439)       Save
    The density of magnesium alloy is only that of 2/3 of aluminum alloy, 1/4 of steel. Therefore, the mass application of magnesium alloy parts can help lightweight and energy-saving. In the background of carbon emission peak and carbon neutrality policies, the development of magnesium material application has huge potential and great promise. This paper analyzes the current situation and processing techniques of magnesium alloy industry at home and abroad. The development and application of magnesium alloy as structural materials in automobile, rail transportation, bicycle, 3C (computer, communication and consumer electronics), aerospace, defense industry, etc., are highlighted and reviewed. The main problems of the current magnesium industry are summarized. Finally, the prospects of magnesium alloy as structural materials are outlined.
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    Brief history, present and future of metallic glasses
    WANG Weihua
    Chinese Journal of Nature    2022, 44 (3): 173-181.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.0253-9608.2022.03.001
    Abstract3343)      PDF(pc) (3648KB)(2982)       Save
    Metallic glasses are novel metallic materials with long-range atomic disorder and short-range atomic order. Its formation involves in modern formation technology such as rapid quenching, high pressure, severe shear deformation, and ideas such as entropy modulation, and advanced manufacture and so on. The metallic glass, which is a newcomer in glass and metal families, is at the cutting edge of research and of current interest and significance in condensed matter physics, materials science and engineering. The unique structural features and outstanding mechanical, physical and chemical properties of the metallic glasses provide model system for studying some long-standing fundamental issues and have potential engineering and functional applications. In this article,the autho r comprehensively reviews the development history of the metallic glasses, and briefly introduces the recent progress in fundamental research and applications, and also predicts the future of the rapidly moving field.
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    Development and key problems of hydrogen metallurgy
    LU Xionggang, ZHANG Yuwen , ZHU Kai , LI Guangshi , YE Shuixin , WU Wenhe
    Chinese Journal of Nature    2022, 44 (4): 251-266.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.0253-9608.2022.04.001
    Abstract2494)      PDF(pc) (7588KB)(4160)       Save
    Under the background of “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality”strategy, hydrogen metallurgy with hydrogen instead of carbon become one of the effective ways for iron and steel enterprises to realize green, low-carbon and sustainable development while optimizing energy structure and process flow. Sorting and tracing the development history of hydrogen metallurgy, taking the signing of the United Nations Framework Convention on climate change and the Kyoto Protocol as a time node, combined with the improvement of iron ore smelting process from “replacing coke with coal and gas” to “replacing carbon with hydrogen and reducing carbon with hydrogen”, the low-carbon transformation of ironmaking process is from reducing the dependence on coke and coking coal to focusing on reducing carbon emissions, and then to taking net zero carbon emissions as the ultimate goal, gradually forming two technical routes: hydrogen-rich smelting process of blast furnace and hydrogen based direct reduction process. According to the current production structure and carbon reduction goal of China's iron and steel industry, the blast furnace ironmaking process, which accounts for 90% of the output, emits a large proportion of carbon emissions. The low-carbon smelting of blast furnace is an important path to realize the low-carbon transformation of China's iron and steel industry. At the same time, the hydrogen-rich smelting of blast furnace is an important breakthrough path, which is of significance to the industrial application of ironmaking in the transition period of carbon peak and carbon neutrality. From the perspective of the future development of the iron and steel industry and the transformation of energy structure, hydrogen based direct reduction process is an important route to achieve net zero carbon emission in the iron and steel industry. At the same time, the key problems to be solved in the development of hydrogen metallurgy include green and economic hydrogen production and safe large-scale hydrogen use.
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    Technology for terahertz wave manipulation: harnessing the light of terahertz
    YAO Jianquan, LI Jie, ZHANG Yating, DING Xin, WU Liang
    Chinese Journal of Nature    2023, 45 (1): 1-16.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.0253-9608.2023.01.001
    Abstract2264)      PDF(pc) (7929KB)(3300)       Save
    With the deepening of research, terahertz (THz) science and technology becomes increasingly prominent in many fields for both basic research and engineering applications. Radiation source, transmission and control, detection and sensing are three important
    aspects that need to be explored in the further development of THz technology. The common basis of THz wave applications is to
    make the effective interaction with the material for carrying information or transmitting power. To implement these processes, we
    need to control the electromagnetic parameters like amplitude, phase, frequency, polarization, wavefront and the photonic parameters like spin and orbital angular momentum of THz wave. The above manipulation can be carried out directly at the radiation source or additional functional devices in the transmission process. In this paper, several representative source- and device-based THz manipulation technologies are introduced, and the basic principles, development history and latest progress are summarized. The development of THz manipulation technology will lay a solid foundation for the further application of THz wave.
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    Challenges and hopes in obesity intervention
    ZHANG Yankang, ZHANG Ting, LI Yu, MA Xinran, XU Lingyan
    Chinese Journal of Nature    2022, 44 (6): 469-479.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.0253-9608.2022.03.012
    Abstract1725)      PDF(pc) (1842KB)(3622)       Save
    Obesity is characterized by the excess accumulation of fat caused by long-term imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. Obesity becomes a major public health problem with increasing prevalence worldwide. Obesity is the major risk factor for various diseases including diabetes, fatty liver, cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer, which cause serious health consequences and limits human healthspan and lifespan. Nonetheless, current therapeutic interventions are still lacking due to limited efficacy or potential adverse effects. Therefore, it is imperative to obtain deeper mechanistic understandings and novel intervention strategies for obesity. Here, we comprehensively discuss the leading causes, intervention ways, existing problems and future perspective for better understanding and treating obesity. Overall, although it is still a major challenge, promising ways for weight control are emerging.
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    A review of formation control for unmanned surface vehicles
    BAO Lingzhi, DU Jiahui, HU Xinming, YUAN Xiaoyu, WENG Lei, ZHONG Yuxuan
    Chinese Journal of Nature    2023, 45 (3): 207-216.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.0253-9608.2023.03.005
    Abstract1575)      PDF(pc) (5522KB)(4422)       Save
    In order to adapt to various combat tasks in the increasingly complex marine environment, unmanned surface vehicles usually operate cooperatively in a group mode, among which unmanned surface vehicles formation control has developed rapidly in recent years. The present paper reviews the development of unmanned surface vehicle structures presently, and discusses the latest research of three key technologies, i.e., unmanned surface vehicles tasks assignment, formation control and obstacle avoidance. Finally, the research directions and future trends of unmanned vehicle formation control are summarized and prospected.
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    A research progress of thermo-perception and thermo-responses in rice
    KAN Yi, LIN Hongxuan
    Chinese Journal of Nature    2022, 44 (6): 411-421.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.0253-9608.2022.06.001
    Abstract1468)      PDF(pc) (5048KB)(1751)       Save
    Global warming threatens food security, and rice is vulnerable to high temperatures, especially at reproductive stage. Plants perceive high temperatures and activate downstream responses in different levels, including disruptions in membrane fluidity, protein homeostasis and reactive oxygen species homeostasis. Rice responds to high temperature in different subcellular structures (cell membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, chloroplast) and different physiological and biochemical processes (nucleic acid, protein, metabolism). Natural alleles are more convenient for agricultural production, among which TT1 (Thermotolerance 1), TT2 and TT3 are three indispensable natural alleles conferring rice thermotolerance respectively via cytotoxic protein elimination, calcium signaling-mediated wax metabolism and membrane-chloroplast signaling. Therefore, it is of great significance to mine natural alleles of thermotolerance and clarify the mechanism of thermo-perception and thermo-responses, providing a theoretical basis for breeding thermotolerant varieties in crops.
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    Angiosperm diversity and conservation progress in China
    ZHAO Yujie, ZHAO Lina, HU Haihua, PENG Danxiao, CHEN Zhiduan, LU Limin
    Chinese Journal of Nature    2023, 45 (6): 399-409.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.0253-9608.2023.06.001
    Abstract1452)      PDF(pc) (39996KB)(619)       Save
    Due to the impact of climate change and human activities, China’s biodiversity is under serious threat, which requires urgent conservation actions. According to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the “3030 Target” calls for at least 30% of the world’s land and oceans to be protected by 2030. Although the current protected areas in China have covered ca. 18% of its land area, large conservation gaps remain to achieve the 30% target. It is therefore urgent to identify more conservation priorities. Researchers identified southwest China as the diversity hotspot of flowering plants based on numerous diversity indices, such as those incorporating richness, endemism, vulnerability, and evolutionary history. Furthermore, unique conservation gaps is identified using the categorical analysis of neo- and paleo-endemism (CANAPE), integrative richness-based index (Irich), and integrative phylogenybased index (Iphyl). These progresses provide solid scientific support for improving China’s nature reserve system.
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    Regulation of light harvesting and electron transfer process of plant photosynthesis
    CHEN Zhufeng, TIAN Lijin
    Chinese Journal of Nature    2024, 46 (1): 35-45.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.0253-9608.2024.01.004
    Abstract1397)      PDF(pc) (4322KB)(2332)       Save
    Photosynthesis is the largest energy and mass conversion process on the earth, providing the essential foundation for almost all life. It is also the most significant biological carbon fixation process in the world. As the first step of photosynthesis, light reaction has a crucial effect on plant growth. With the development of modern interdisciplinary integration in recent years, new molecular elements have been identified for some classical regulatory pathways, and several new regulatory mechanisms have emerged. In this paper, we briefly introduce the light reaction of photosynthesis, then discuss the regulation mechanisms of photosynthetic light harvesting and electron transfer process based on the latest research progress. Research on plant light reaction regulation not only deepens the understanding of photosynthesis but also inspires optimizing crop growth to meet the world’s challenge of food and energy shortages.
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    Diagnosis and treatment of chronic heart failure
    SUN Junyi , XUE Ruicong , LIANG Weihao , DONG Yugang , LIU Chen
    Chinese Journal of Nature    2022, 44 (2): 126-148.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.0253-9608.2022.02.007
    Abstract1339)      PDF(pc) (2218KB)(2227)       Save
    Heart failure is the terminal stage of various heart diseases, and its high mortality and re-hospitalization rate are always been a difficulty in treatment. After years of clinical and basic research, the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure have updated
    rapidly. The current national heart failure guidelines have subdivided heart failure into multiple categories, and have specific diagnosis and treatment methods for each category. This review provides a comprehensive introduction to chronic heart failure in terms of epidemiology, etiology and triggers, diagnosis and treatment of heart failure, complications and prognosis management based on the Chinese, American and European heart failure guidelines. It also makes a brief analysis and outlook for existing clinical trials, in order to make more readers understand the disease.
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    Progress on the correlation between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease#br#
    TU Yan , YANG Chanjuan , HUANG Ying , LI Shichao , ZENG Qingchun
    Chinese Journal of Nature    2022, 44 (2): 149-154.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.0253-9608.2022.02.008
    Abstract1090)      PDF(pc) (1251KB)(903)       Save
    Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver dysfunction and a serious global health problem. NAFLD has been linked with insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, conditions known to be associated to cardiovascular disease (CVD). A large number of publications demonstrated that people with non-alcoholic fatty liver have an increased risk for developing CVDs, which represent the major cause of death under this setting. Accumulating evidence suggested that NAFLD should be not only a risk factor for CVD but also may be actively involved in the pathogenesis of CVD.
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    Passive control of vibration in pipes conveying fluid
    DING Hu
    Chinese Journal of Nature    2022, 44 (4): 316-322.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.0253-9608.2022.04.006
    Abstract1041)      PDF(pc) (2052KB)(3397)       Save
    The pipe exhibits complex vibration characteristics under the action of flowing fluid and external excitations. Investigations on design, optimization, and application of the control schemes for the vibration of pipes are still active since more and more new configurations are needed in more and more new practical circumstances. The present work provides a comprehensive review of state-of-the-art researches related to passive control of vibration of pipes conveying fluid. The work begins with a survey of the important vibration control and dynamics characteristics of pipes conveying fluid. Secondly, the general characteristics of the research on the dynamics of the pipe are introduced. Then, the research progress of passive control of vibration of pipes conveying fluid is summarized. At last, some further promising directions are suggested. That this paper will help researchers to understand the research status of passive control of pipe vibration, and can arouse more attentions to vibration control of pipes, so as to promote the efficient and safe operation of pipe systems.
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