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Toxicological responses in halophyte Suaeda salsa to mercury under environmentally relevant salinityMercury is a highly risky heavy metal contaminant in intertidal zones in the Yellow River Delta (YRD). Suaeda salsa is a native halophyte in the YRD. In this work, we investigated the toxicological effects of mercury (20 mu g L-1) in S. salsa under environmentally relevant salinity (500 mM). The metabolic responses included the increased amino acids and decreased succinate, fructose, glucose, fumarate and ferulate in above-ground part of S. salsa exposed to mercury. The expression levels of INPS, CMO, BADH, CAT and GPx were elevated in above-ground part of S. salsa after combined Hg and salinity exposure. Increased activities of antioxidant enzymes including SOD, POD and CAT were uniquely observed in salinity-treated samples. Our results indicated potential oxidative stresses and disturbances in protein bio-degradation and energy metabolism induced by mercury in S. salsa. Additionally, both synergistic and antagonistic effects were observed in S. salsa exposed to combined mercury and salinity. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Second-Generation Biofuels : Economics and PoliciesRecent increases in production of crop-based (or first-generation) biofuels have engendered increasing concerns over potential conflicts with food supplies and land protection, as well as disputes over greenhouse gas reductions. This has heightened a sense of urgency around the development of biofuels produced from non-food biomass (second-generation biofuels). This study reviews the economic potential and environmental implications of production of second-generation biofuels from a variety of various feedstocks. Although second-generation biofuels could significantly contribute to the future energy supply mix, cost is a major barrier to increasing commercial production in the near to medium term. Depending on various factors, the cost of second-generation (cellulosic) ethanol can be two to three times as high as the current price of gasoline on an energy equivalent basis. The cost of biodiesel produced from microalgae, a prospective feedstock, is many times higher than the current price of diesel. Policy instruments for increasing biofuels use, such as fiscal incentives, should be based on the relative merits of different types of biofuels.
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MongoliaThe purpose of this report is to examine
 development trends in the Southern Gobi Region (SGR) as they
 affect livestock and wildlife. It provides an overview of
 the environment and natural resources of the region,
 discusses existing relationships and interactions among
 humans, livestock, large herbivore wildlife, and the natural
 resources on which they are dependent. It then explores the
 impact that economic development of the region is likely to
 have if that development does not consider the needs of the
 current users. The importance of rangeland and water
 resources in this region is illustrated by the case study of
 herder interactions with the Wild Ass or Khulan. This study
 found that Mongolians in the SGR, especially pastoralists,
 are interested in wildlife and can be willing cooperators in
 conservation, especially if they receive some compensation
 for their efforts. The general conclusion reached by this
 report is that direct competition for resources is not now
 the primary issue affecting the relationship between humans,
 pastoral livestock and large herbivore wildlife; rather it
 is the lack or loss of a conservation ethic that provides
 protection for traditional users of natural resources,
 enforcement of hunting regulations, and prevents illegal
 sport hunting that is rapidly reducing populations of large
 wild herbivores in the region. Although economic development
 of the region will undoubtedly proceed, having in place an
 effective and functional natural resource management program
 is critical.