An equilibrium-based YinYang bipolar dynamic Generalization of CPT (G-CPT) symmetry is introduced based on energy/information conservational quantum emergence-submergence. As a bottleneck of quantum computing, quantum...An equilibrium-based YinYang bipolar dynamic Generalization of CPT (G-CPT) symmetry is introduced based on energy/information conservational quantum emergence-submergence. As a bottleneck of quantum computing, quantum decoherence or collapse has been plaguing quantum mechanics for decades. It is suggested that the crux of the problem can trace its origin back to the incompleteness of CPT symmetry due to the lack of holistic representation for equilibrium-based bipolar coexistence. In this work, the notion of quantum emergence-submergence is coined as two opposite processes with bipolar energy/information conservation. The new notion leads to G-CPT symmetry supported by a Bipolar Quantum Cellular Automata (BQCA) interpretation of quantum mechanics. It is shown that the new interpretation further leads to the unification of electromagnetic particle-antiparticle bipolarity and gravitational action-reaction bipolarity as well as CPT symmetry and CP violation into a philosophically, geometrically and logically different quantum gravity theory. On one hand, G-CPT symmetry enables a Bipolar Quantum Agent (BQA) to emerge as a bipolar quantum superposition or entanglement coupled to a globally coherent BQCA;on the other hand, G-CP violation supports a causal theory of BQA submergence or decoupling from the global coherence. In turn, BQAs can submerge from one world but emerge in another within YinYang bipolar quantum geometry. It is suggested that all logical, physical, social, biological and mental worlds are bipolar quantum entangled under G-CPT symmetry. It is contended that G-CPT symmetry constitutes an analytical paradigm of quantum mechanics and quantum gravity—a fundamental departure from “what goes around comes around”. The new paradigm leads to a number of predictions and challenges.展开更多
The scientific program of the Qur’anic Botanic Garden(QBG)is concerning with agricultural,conservational,biotechnology and medicinal fields.The QBG not only focusing on the study of the plants mentioned in the Holy ...The scientific program of the Qur’anic Botanic Garden(QBG)is concerning with agricultural,conservational,biotechnology and medicinal fields.The QBG not only focusing on the study of the plants mentioned in the Holy Qur’an and Hadith,but also the endogenous plants of the Flora of Qatar and potential medicinal plants of the Arabic world.In the Hadith,the Prophet’s sayings,there are more than 20 plants mentioned in the occasions of cosmetic or medicinal uses.The garden is conserving special kinds of plants collected from different parts of the world to be restored at one place for preservation and study purposes.Both ex-situ and in-situ conservational programs are designed to collect and conserve plants inside and outside their natural habitats.The QBG plant nursery,herbarium,and seeds units are main components of the QBG that build to produce and preserve the plants at QBG.More than 59 plant spices are preserved from three different geographical zones:desert,Mediterranean and tropical zones.The Garden also is collecting and preserving those traditional entities from the entire world in order to be exhibited in the Botanic Museum of the QBG.By following the Islamic principles of conservation,the QBG highlights these conservational ethics and explains them for all people.Garden emphasizes multi-activities,campaigns,events,fairs and exhibitions for the students and public in order to encourage people to preserve the natural resources through an ordinately oriented educational program which is based on plant conservation.Another side of QBG’s conservation roles is the conservation based on community engagement and education.QBG’s education programs,horticulture and conservation programs,dissemination activities,and partnerships are fundamental in ensuring the transfer of this knowledge to the global community.展开更多
Equations of interface mass conservation of nonsteady-state crystalline growth process are established. These equations provide a basic mathematical model for the strict treatment of the non-equilibrium and nonlinear ...Equations of interface mass conservation of nonsteady-state crystalline growth process are established. These equations provide a basic mathematical model for the strict treatment of the non-equilibrium and nonlinear problems in the formation of crystalline growth layers. A kinetic model is built of nonlinear self-catalytic crystalline reaction for the formation of impurity growth layer in flux single crystalline growth. Discussion is made, from the formation of self-organization pattern, on some origins of growth layers that are difficult to explain by existing theories展开更多
Successful ex situ conservation of plant populations requires a high degree of genetic representativeness.However,spatially biased sampling in ex situ conservation efforts may fail to capture all wild genetic clusters...Successful ex situ conservation of plant populations requires a high degree of genetic representativeness.However,spatially biased sampling in ex situ conservation efforts may fail to capture all wild genetic clusters for species with range-wide genetic structure.To investigate the extent of spatially biased sampling in living collections and the coverage of wild genetic clusters in plant populations under ex situ conservation worldwide,we combined a global synthesis of ex situ conservation efforts with a case study of an endangered riparian plant species,Myricaria laxiflora.Our analysis of ex situ conservation worldwide revealed that the majority(82.6%)of ex situ populations fail to cover all wild genetic clusters,largely due to spatially biased sampling with low geographic coverage.Our case study of M.laxiflora showed that genetic diversity differed between the ex situ and upstream populations,while it was comparable between ex situ populations and other wild populations.However,current ex situ populations did not cover all wild genetic clusters,as the upstream genetic cluster was previously uncollected.Our study suggests that the failure to cover all wild genetic clusters in ex situ populations is a widespread issue,and ex situ populations with high genetic diversity can also fail to cover all wild genetic clusters.In future ex situ conservation programs,both the importance of high genetic diversity and the high coverage of wild genetic clusters should be prioritized.展开更多
Background:We present a case of two major complications following insertion of a nephrostomy managed in a minimally invasive way.Our case is the first in the literature to describe this minimally invasive treatment te...Background:We present a case of two major complications following insertion of a nephrostomy managed in a minimally invasive way.Our case is the first in the literature to describe this minimally invasive treatment technique for colon perforation in a completely asymptomatic patient.Case Description:A 75-year-old female patient with a history of bilateral obstructive uropathy secondary to bilateral radiation-induced ureteric strictures attended for bilateral nephrostomy placement.The patient had a history of endometrial cancer,treated previously by total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy and brachytherapy.Her recovery had been further complicated by the development of radiation cystitis,small bowel resection,and short gut syndrome.The strictures had previously been managed with bilateral double J stents,which have now failed.A left-sided nephrostomy insertion was performed.ACT-scan prompted by a repeat deterioration in renal function revealed a right-sided hydronephrosis and suggested transcolic passage of the previously placed leftsided nephrostomy.She had remained clinically well and apyretic.A right-sided nephrostomy was inserted,and the left re-sited following a colonoscopy-guided nephrostomy removal and clip occlusion of the nephrostomy tract.The patient then developed a pseudoaneurysm,which was managed with embolization.The patient was able to return home with corrected kidney function.The three-monthly checks for changes in nephrostomy catheters did not reveal any complications.Conclusions:The patient therefore presented with two major complications of nephrostomy placement:colonic perforation and pseudoaneurysm,classified as Clavien IIIb and IIIa,respectively.Multidisciplinary management,including urologists,gastroenterologists,general surgeons,and radiologists,enabled a minimally invasive management.Minimally invasive management with endoscopic clip placement appears to be a safe alternative to directed fistula of colonic perforation.展开更多
Tajikistan represents a core region of the biodiversity hotspot in Central Asian mountains and has exceptional vascular plant diversity.However,the species diversity of the country faces urgent conservation challenges...Tajikistan represents a core region of the biodiversity hotspot in Central Asian mountains and has exceptional vascular plant diversity.However,the species diversity of the country faces urgent conservation challenges.There has been a lack of a comprehensive and multidimensional assessment to inform strategic conservation planning.Therefore,this study integrated 4 key biodiversity indices including species richness(SR),phylogenetic diversity(PD),threatened species richness(TSR),and endemic species richness(ESR)to map species diversity distribution patterns,identify conservation gaps,and elucidate their effects of climatic factors.This study revealed that species diversity shows a clear trend of decreasing from the western region to the eastern region of Tajikistan.The central–western mountains(specifically the Gissar-Darvasian and Zeravshanian regions)emerge as irreplaceable biodiversity hotspots.However,we found a severe spatial mismatch between these priority areas and the existing protected areas(PAs).Protection coverage for all hotspots was alarmingly low,ranging from 31.00%to 38.00%.Consequently,a critical 64.80%of integrated priority areas fall outside of the current PAs,representing a major conservation gap.This study identified precipitation seasonality and isothermality as the principal drivers,collectively explaining over 50.00%of the diversity variation and suggesting high vulnerability to hydrological shifts.Furthermore,we detected significant geographic sampling bias in the public biodiversity databases,with the most critical hotspot being systematically under-sampled.This study provides a robust scientific basis for conservation action,highlighting the urgent need to strategically expand PAs in the under-protected southwestern region and to mitigate critical sampling gaps through targeted data digitization and field surveys.These measures are indispensable for securing Tajikistan’s unique biodiversity and achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework Target 3(“30×30 Protection”).展开更多
Plants constitute nearly 80%of the planet’s total biomass(Bar-On et al.,2018);however,this vital group is experiencing severe threats,and recent evaluations indicate that approximately 45%of the world's described...Plants constitute nearly 80%of the planet’s total biomass(Bar-On et al.,2018);however,this vital group is experiencing severe threats,and recent evaluations indicate that approximately 45%of the world's described plant species are at risk of extinction(Bachman et al.,2024).The number of plant extinctions has increased by 60%in the last 100 years(Di Marco et al.,2017).Over the past 250 years,571 plant species have gone extinct—more than twice the combined total of extinct birds,mammals,and amphibians(217 species)(Briggs,2019).展开更多
Effective conservation relies on robust assessments;however,the lack of waterbird data in the Yellow River Basin(YRB)has led to an underestimation of key habitat significance.This study addressed this gap by evaluatin...Effective conservation relies on robust assessments;however,the lack of waterbird data in the Yellow River Basin(YRB)has led to an underestimation of key habitat significance.This study addressed this gap by evaluating YRB wetland conservation importance using waterbirds as indicators and applying Ramsar,Important Bird Areas(IBA),and East Asian-Australasian Flyway(EAAF)criteria.We integrated coordinated surveys with citizen science data,creating a framework that tackles data deficiencies along the under-monitored Central Asian Flyway(CAF).Our analysis identified 75 priority wetlands,supporting 15 threatened species and 49 exceeding global/flyway 1%thresholds,highlighting the basin's biodiversity.We observed strong seasonal habitat use,with high-altitude wetlands vital for breeding and migration,and the Yellow River Delta providing year-round refuge.This research also provided data to refine Baer's Pochard population estimates.Alarmingly,one-third of the identified priority areas,primarily rivers and lakes,remain unprotected.To address this,we recommend systematic surveys,enhanced protected areas,OECMs,and targeted wetland restoration.This study underscores the YRB's role in regional conservation and provides essential data for adaptive management,particularly emphasizing the CAF's importance.展开更多
The Selenge River Basin(SRB)in Mongolia has faced ecosystem degradation because of climate change and overloading.The dynamics of the pastoral system and the extent of overload under future scenarios have not been doc...The Selenge River Basin(SRB)in Mongolia has faced ecosystem degradation because of climate change and overloading.The dynamics of the pastoral system and the extent of overload under future scenarios have not been documented.This study aims to answer the following questions:Will the typical soums in the SRB become more overgrazed in the future?What optimal strategy should be implemented?Multisource data were integrated and utilized to model the pastoral system of typical soums using a system dynamics approach.Future scenarios under three SSP-RCPs were projected using the model.The conclusions are as follows:(1)From upstream to downstream,rational scenarios for pastoral system transferred from SSP1-RCP2.6 to SSP2-RCP4.5,which reflect improved productivity at the expense of ecosystem stability.(2)Compared with that during the historical period of 2000-2020,the projected carrying capacity of the soums decreases by 15.2%-37.3%,whereas the number of livestock continues to increase.Consequently,the stocking rate is expected to increase from 0.32-1.16 during 2000-2020 to 1.26-2.02 during 2021-2050,indicating that rangeland will become more overloaded.(3)A livestock reduction strategy based on future livestock stock and grassland carrying capacity scenarios was proposed to maintain a dynamic forage-livestock equilibrium.It is suggested that reducing livestock is a practical option for harmonizing grassland conservation with livestock husbandry development.展开更多
Addressing the widespread issues of internal fragmentation within protected areas and the neglect of surrounding critical habitat networks,this study aims to develop an assessment framework for the precise identificat...Addressing the widespread issues of internal fragmentation within protected areas and the neglect of surrounding critical habitat networks,this study aims to develop an assessment framework for the precise identification and remediation of regional conservation gaps.To this end,we introduce the Framework for Conservation Priority Identification(FCPI).The framework integrates Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis(MSPA),the Remote Sensing Ecological Index(RSEI),Circuit Theory,and the Minimum Cumulative Resistance(MCR)model to formulate a multidimensional conservation priority index.This index facilitates the identification of critical ecological network components and enables the dynamic prioritization of conservation efforts.A case study of Fuzhou City from 2014 to 2020 reveals that despite an overall improvement in regional environmental quality,the functionality of core ecological sources has markedly declined.Between 2014 and 2020,the number of ecological sources grew by 76.9%,yet their total area shrank by 13.9%.Concurrently,the number of ecological corridors rose from 27 to 53,extending their total length by 380.23 km,which indicates an intensifying trend of habitat fragmentation.Furthermore,a significant number of crucial ecological network nodes,particularly within Minhou County,lie explicitly outside the existing protected area system.This confirms the presence of conservation gaps and unveils the spatiotemporal dynamics of shifting conservation priorities.The research validates that the proposed FCPI can effectively diagnose the dynamic deficiencies within conservation systems.It offers scientific decisionsupport for local governments,facilitating a transition from isolated conservation efforts towards systematic and comprehensive ecological network governance.展开更多
Biodiversity constitutes the fundamental cornerstone of ecosystem stability and resilience,furnishing indispensable services that encompass food production,the provision of clean water,climate regulation and the contr...Biodiversity constitutes the fundamental cornerstone of ecosystem stability and resilience,furnishing indispensable services that encompass food production,the provision of clean water,climate regulation and the control of disease.Nonetheless,the planet is currently experiencing an unprecedented biodiversity crisis.展开更多
The promotion of rural revitalization within the ecological conservation areas(“ECAs”) requires a careful balance between ecological protection and economic development and should be guided by the principle of ecolo...The promotion of rural revitalization within the ecological conservation areas(“ECAs”) requires a careful balance between ecological protection and economic development and should be guided by the principle of ecological priority. The cultivation of rural “Local Specialty Products”(“LSPs”) under a green-development framework aligns with the functional positioning of these areas, drives the revitalization of rural industries, and constitutes a fundamental strategy for addressing the unique challenges they face. Although ECAs possess inherent advantages in terms of developing LSPs, they are also confronted by multiple constraints. Accordingly, we propose development objectives that emphasize(a) driving rural industrial prosperity,(b) enhancing the appeal of agricultural heritage, and(c) ensuring inclusive prosperity in the farming communities. In selecting pathways for growth, priority should be given to improving the quality of products, fostering distinctiveness of the technologies, nurturing cultural identities, and upholding the principle of common prosperity. From a policy standpoint, the development of rural LSPs should be recognized as a key lever for advancing the comprehensiveness of rural revitalization in the ECAs. We recommend a set of supportive measures—namely, reinforcing the guidance for spatial planning, integrating the consolidation of factor inputs, and ensuring the robustness of organizational guarantees—to facilitate the high-quality development of LSPs in these areas.展开更多
In recent years,there has been a growing global demand for carbon neutrality and energy efficiency,which are expected to become long-term trends.In the field of architecture,an effective approach to achieve this is to...In recent years,there has been a growing global demand for carbon neutrality and energy efficiency,which are expected to become long-term trends.In the field of architecture,an effective approach to achieve this is to reduce heat loss in buildings.Vacuum insulation panels(VIPs),a type of high-performance insulation material,have been increasingly utilised in the construction industry and have played an increa-singly important role as their performance and manufacturing processes continue to improve.This paper provides a review of the factors affecting the thermal conductivity of VIPs and presents a detailed overview of the research progress on core materials,barrier films,and getters.The current research status of VIPs is summarised,including their thermal conductivity,service life,and thermal bridging effects,as well as their applications in the field of architecture.This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding for relevant practitioners on the factors influencing the thermal conductivity of VIPs,and based on which,measures can be taken to produce VIPs with lower thermal conductivity and longer service life.展开更多
Ecological conservation is at a crossroad as environmental stresses around the world intensify and traditional models of conservation exhibit intrinsic weaknesses in their response to present and future problems.In th...Ecological conservation is at a crossroad as environmental stresses around the world intensify and traditional models of conservation exhibit intrinsic weaknesses in their response to present and future problems.In the project,we evaluated novel approaches integrating adaptive management,technological innovations,and community-based action towards more efficient sustainable conservation results and ecosystem resilience.The multi-site experimental design was based on comparison between conventional reserve management and novel integrative models implemented in diverse ecological zones.Data were collected over a period of three years employing remote sensing technologies,in situ biodiversity assessments,and large socioeconomic surveys.These instruments enabled a robust and multi-dimensional measurement of variables such as species diversity,ecological resilience,community engagement,and stakeholder engagement.The results indicate that adaptive strategies significantly enhance real-time decision-making abilities and enhance long-term ecosystem resilience.Further,technology-driven monitoring greatly enhances data accuracy,responsiveness,and early warning capabilities.Besides that,community-based conservation initiatives were found to be pivotal in facilitating local stewardship,enhancing participatory governance,and enabling more adaptive and adaptive policy systems.This research rejects mainstream conservation paradigms by placing importance on flexibility,interdisciplinarity,and inclusivity of governance systems in effectively mitigating the impacts of climate change and loss of biodiversity.Our findings offer strong evidence that emerging paradigms of conservation can provide greater ecological and social sustainability than traditional methods.These results support the need for a paradigm shift towards conservation strategies that are dynamic,collaborative,and technologically integrated,with significant implications for policy formulation as well as operational environmental management.展开更多
Felid species hold critical ecological roles within tropical forest ecosystems and are particularly susceptible to human-induced disturbances.However,there is limited research on how sympatric felid species are distri...Felid species hold critical ecological roles within tropical forest ecosystems and are particularly susceptible to human-induced disturbances.However,there is limited research on how sympatric felid species are distributed and coexist in human-dominated habitats.Using a long-term camera trap survey conducted in the disturbed tropical habitats of Xishuangbanna,southwestern China,we assessed the occupancy and spatio-temporal segregation among four sympatric felid species(Leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis,Marbled cat Pardofelis marmorata,Asiatic golden cat Catopuma temminckii,and Clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa),and explored how these patterns correlate with similarities in species traits.We found that the occupancy probabilities of leopard cats and clouded leopards were primarily influenced by anthropogenic disturbances rather than natural factors,with both species negatively affected by croplands.Similar species responses to croplands and livestock may facilitate the co-occurrence of leopard cats with clouded leopards in areas farther from croplands and with golden cats in regions with higher livestock abundance.The lack of significant spatial segregation among species is likely due to the observed segregation in daily activity patterns,which positively correlated with species trait similarities.Our study enhances our understanding of felid community assembly in the face of expanding human activity,offering valuable insights for future conservation in the Xishuangbanna region.展开更多
The Himalayan monal(Lophophorus impejanus),Nepal’s national bird,is a protected species facing significant conservation challenges.Understanding the distribution and habitat preferences of the Himalayan monal(HM)is c...The Himalayan monal(Lophophorus impejanus),Nepal’s national bird,is a protected species facing significant conservation challenges.Understanding the distribution and habitat preferences of the Himalayan monal(HM)is crucial for its conservation.This study was conducted in the Langtang National Park(LNP),Nepal using the route census method during both winter(November/December 2022)and summer(June 2023)seasons to examine the seasonal variation in HM’s elevational distribution and habitat preference.Further,we assessed their conservation threats by conducting a semi-structured questionnaire survey with the local residents.During the winter period,the HMs preferred grassland habitats,while in the summer,their preference shifted to shrubland and barren area.HM abundance was negatively associated with the Normalized Differential Vegetation Index(NDVI)and the shortest distance from the survey trails in the winter.The HMs actively avoided areas with high anthropogenic pressure.In the summer,they showed a wider elevational range up to 4400 m above sea level(a.s.l.),with a higher sighting frequency between 3600 and 3900 m a.s.l.The questionnaire survey of the local residents revealed that anthropogenic pressure such as poaching and free-ranging livestock grazing are the major threats to the species in the study area.This study provides valuable insight into the complex habitat preferences and critical threats faced by the HMs in LNP and underscores the urgent need for targeted conservation action.展开更多
Global marine ecosystems are signiicantly endangered by microplastic pollution,leading to comprehensive investigations into its distribution and impacts on the health of ecosystem.This research employs the Alseamar Au...Global marine ecosystems are signiicantly endangered by microplastic pollution,leading to comprehensive investigations into its distribution and impacts on the health of ecosystem.This research employs the Alseamar Autonomous Underwater Vehicle(AUV)known as Glider to investigate microplastic concentrations within the Al Hoceima Marine Protected Area(MPA).Our objective is to identify spatial patterns that reveal pollution hotspots and furnish data for targeted conservation efforts and pollution prevention.We aim to identify regions with elevated microplastic concentrations by meticulously analyzing microplastic level graphs,with a speciic focus on temporal variations.The results reveal notable patterns,such as increased densities aroundishing harbors and near urban centers,potentially linked to anthropogenic activities.Additionally,we observe variations in pollution levels throughout different glider operation cycles,underscoring the importance of understanding the spatio‑temporal dynamics of microplastic distribution.Al Hoceima Marine protected areas exhibiting lower microplastic concentrations illustrate the eficacy of such zones in alleviating pollution impacts,thereby underscoring the signiicance of conservation efforts in safeguarding marine biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.Ultimately,our research enhances our comprehension of the pressures exerted by humans on marine environments and underscores the necessity of proactive conservation measures to shield marine ecosystems from the threats posed by microplastic pollution.展开更多
Whilst phosphorus(P)in soil is considered to be abundant,the portion available for plant uptake constitutes less than 1%of the overall P present.To enhance crop productivity,the utilization of mineral P fertilizers ha...Whilst phosphorus(P)in soil is considered to be abundant,the portion available for plant uptake constitutes less than 1%of the overall P present.To enhance crop productivity,the utilization of mineral P fertilizers has become pervasive in agriculture.Nonetheless,the escalating prices of chemical fertilizers,coupled with new European regulations prohibiting the use of P fertilizers containing cadmium,have highlighted the urgency to identify environmentally friendly products and practices for P fertilization in agricultural soils.This comprehensive review delves into the current landscape of P fertilization from agricultural,political,and economic standpoints.We recognize the potential of microbes in mobilizing P,but emphasize the necessity for more robust research to establish their effectiveness in promoting plant P uptake under real-world conditions.Additionally,we explore the role of agricultural conservation practices,such as optimal tillage,diversified cropping systems,and increased organic carbon input,in conserving P.Furthermore,this review contemplates forthcoming innovations in research.These innovations encompass the development of enhanced formulations for biofertilizers and the undertaking of more comprehensive studies within the realm of conservation agriculture.All these endeavors collectively hold the potential to augment P accessibility to plants in a sustainable manner,thereby advancing agricultural sustainability and productivity.展开更多
Inbreeding increases genome homozygosity within populations,which can exacerbate inbreeding depression by exposing homozygous deleterious alleles that are responsible for declines in fitness traits.In small population...Inbreeding increases genome homozygosity within populations,which can exacerbate inbreeding depression by exposing homozygous deleterious alleles that are responsible for declines in fitness traits.In small populations,genetic purging that occurs under the pressure of natural selection acts as an opposing force,contributing to a reduction of deleterious alleles.Both inbreeding and genetic purging are paramount in the field of conservation genomics.The Amur tiger(Panthera tigris altaica)lives in small populations in the forests of Northeast Asia and is among the most endangered animals on the planet.Using genome-wide assessment and comparison,we reveal substantially higher and more extensive inbreeding in wild Amur tigers(F_(ROH)=0.50)than in captive individuals(F_(ROH)=0.24).However,a relatively reduced number of lossof-function mutations in wild Amur tigers is observed compared to captive individuals,indicating genetic purging of inbreeding load with relatively large-effect alleles.The higher ratio of homozygous mutation load and number of fixed damaging alleles in the wild population indicates a less-efficient genetic purging,with purifying selection also contributing to this process.These findings provide valuable insights for the future conservation of Amur tigers.展开更多
Preserving genetic diversity is crucial for the long-term survival of wild plant species,yet many remain at risk of genetic erosion due to small population sizes and habitat fragmentation.Here,we present a comparative...Preserving genetic diversity is crucial for the long-term survival of wild plant species,yet many remain at risk of genetic erosion due to small population sizes and habitat fragmentation.Here,we present a comparative genomic study of the critically endangered Oreocharis esquirolii(Gesneriaceae)and its widespread congener O.maximowiczii.We assembled and annotated chromosome-level reference genomes for both species and generated whole-genome resequencing data from 28 O.esquirolii and 79 O.maximowiczii individuals.Our analyses reveal substantially lower genetic diversity and higher inbreeding in O.esquirolii,despite its overall reduced mutational burden.Notably,O.esquirolii exhibits an elevated proportion of strongly deleterious mutations relative to O.maximowiczii,suggesting that limited opportunities for purging have allowed these variants to accumulate.These contrasting genomic profileslikely reflectdivergent demographic histories,with O.esquirolii having experienced severe bottlenecks and protracted population decline.Collectively,our findingshighlight the critically endangered status of O.esquirolii,characterized by diminished genetic diversity,pronounced inbreeding,and reduced ability to eliminate deleterious alleles.This study provides valuable genomic resources for the Gesneriaceae family and underscores the urgent need for targeted conservation measures,including habitat protection and ex situ preservation efforts,to mitigate the extinction risk facing O.esquirolii and potentially other threatened congeners.展开更多
文摘An equilibrium-based YinYang bipolar dynamic Generalization of CPT (G-CPT) symmetry is introduced based on energy/information conservational quantum emergence-submergence. As a bottleneck of quantum computing, quantum decoherence or collapse has been plaguing quantum mechanics for decades. It is suggested that the crux of the problem can trace its origin back to the incompleteness of CPT symmetry due to the lack of holistic representation for equilibrium-based bipolar coexistence. In this work, the notion of quantum emergence-submergence is coined as two opposite processes with bipolar energy/information conservation. The new notion leads to G-CPT symmetry supported by a Bipolar Quantum Cellular Automata (BQCA) interpretation of quantum mechanics. It is shown that the new interpretation further leads to the unification of electromagnetic particle-antiparticle bipolarity and gravitational action-reaction bipolarity as well as CPT symmetry and CP violation into a philosophically, geometrically and logically different quantum gravity theory. On one hand, G-CPT symmetry enables a Bipolar Quantum Agent (BQA) to emerge as a bipolar quantum superposition or entanglement coupled to a globally coherent BQCA;on the other hand, G-CP violation supports a causal theory of BQA submergence or decoupling from the global coherence. In turn, BQAs can submerge from one world but emerge in another within YinYang bipolar quantum geometry. It is suggested that all logical, physical, social, biological and mental worlds are bipolar quantum entangled under G-CPT symmetry. It is contended that G-CPT symmetry constitutes an analytical paradigm of quantum mechanics and quantum gravity—a fundamental departure from “what goes around comes around”. The new paradigm leads to a number of predictions and challenges.
文摘The scientific program of the Qur’anic Botanic Garden(QBG)is concerning with agricultural,conservational,biotechnology and medicinal fields.The QBG not only focusing on the study of the plants mentioned in the Holy Qur’an and Hadith,but also the endogenous plants of the Flora of Qatar and potential medicinal plants of the Arabic world.In the Hadith,the Prophet’s sayings,there are more than 20 plants mentioned in the occasions of cosmetic or medicinal uses.The garden is conserving special kinds of plants collected from different parts of the world to be restored at one place for preservation and study purposes.Both ex-situ and in-situ conservational programs are designed to collect and conserve plants inside and outside their natural habitats.The QBG plant nursery,herbarium,and seeds units are main components of the QBG that build to produce and preserve the plants at QBG.More than 59 plant spices are preserved from three different geographical zones:desert,Mediterranean and tropical zones.The Garden also is collecting and preserving those traditional entities from the entire world in order to be exhibited in the Botanic Museum of the QBG.By following the Islamic principles of conservation,the QBG highlights these conservational ethics and explains them for all people.Garden emphasizes multi-activities,campaigns,events,fairs and exhibitions for the students and public in order to encourage people to preserve the natural resources through an ordinately oriented educational program which is based on plant conservation.Another side of QBG’s conservation roles is the conservation based on community engagement and education.QBG’s education programs,horticulture and conservation programs,dissemination activities,and partnerships are fundamental in ensuring the transfer of this knowledge to the global community.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
文摘Equations of interface mass conservation of nonsteady-state crystalline growth process are established. These equations provide a basic mathematical model for the strict treatment of the non-equilibrium and nonlinear problems in the formation of crystalline growth layers. A kinetic model is built of nonlinear self-catalytic crystalline reaction for the formation of impurity growth layer in flux single crystalline growth. Discussion is made, from the formation of self-organization pattern, on some origins of growth layers that are difficult to explain by existing theories
基金supported by National Key Research and Development Program of China(2024YFF1307400)Hubei Provincial Natural Science Foundation and Three Gorges Innovation Development Joint Fund(Grant No.2023AFD195)China Three Gorges Corporation(NBZZ202300130).
文摘Successful ex situ conservation of plant populations requires a high degree of genetic representativeness.However,spatially biased sampling in ex situ conservation efforts may fail to capture all wild genetic clusters for species with range-wide genetic structure.To investigate the extent of spatially biased sampling in living collections and the coverage of wild genetic clusters in plant populations under ex situ conservation worldwide,we combined a global synthesis of ex situ conservation efforts with a case study of an endangered riparian plant species,Myricaria laxiflora.Our analysis of ex situ conservation worldwide revealed that the majority(82.6%)of ex situ populations fail to cover all wild genetic clusters,largely due to spatially biased sampling with low geographic coverage.Our case study of M.laxiflora showed that genetic diversity differed between the ex situ and upstream populations,while it was comparable between ex situ populations and other wild populations.However,current ex situ populations did not cover all wild genetic clusters,as the upstream genetic cluster was previously uncollected.Our study suggests that the failure to cover all wild genetic clusters in ex situ populations is a widespread issue,and ex situ populations with high genetic diversity can also fail to cover all wild genetic clusters.In future ex situ conservation programs,both the importance of high genetic diversity and the high coverage of wild genetic clusters should be prioritized.
文摘Background:We present a case of two major complications following insertion of a nephrostomy managed in a minimally invasive way.Our case is the first in the literature to describe this minimally invasive treatment technique for colon perforation in a completely asymptomatic patient.Case Description:A 75-year-old female patient with a history of bilateral obstructive uropathy secondary to bilateral radiation-induced ureteric strictures attended for bilateral nephrostomy placement.The patient had a history of endometrial cancer,treated previously by total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy and brachytherapy.Her recovery had been further complicated by the development of radiation cystitis,small bowel resection,and short gut syndrome.The strictures had previously been managed with bilateral double J stents,which have now failed.A left-sided nephrostomy insertion was performed.ACT-scan prompted by a repeat deterioration in renal function revealed a right-sided hydronephrosis and suggested transcolic passage of the previously placed leftsided nephrostomy.She had remained clinically well and apyretic.A right-sided nephrostomy was inserted,and the left re-sited following a colonoscopy-guided nephrostomy removal and clip occlusion of the nephrostomy tract.The patient then developed a pseudoaneurysm,which was managed with embolization.The patient was able to return home with corrected kidney function.The three-monthly checks for changes in nephrostomy catheters did not reveal any complications.Conclusions:The patient therefore presented with two major complications of nephrostomy placement:colonic perforation and pseudoaneurysm,classified as Clavien IIIb and IIIa,respectively.Multidisciplinary management,including urologists,gastroenterologists,general surgeons,and radiologists,enabled a minimally invasive management.Minimally invasive management with endoscopic clip placement appears to be a safe alternative to directed fistula of colonic perforation.
基金the Chinese Academy of Sciences Research Center for Ecology and Environment of Central Asia(RCEECA),the construction and joint research for the China-Tajikistan“Belt and Road”Joint Laboratory on Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use(2024YFE0214200)the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Partnership and International Technology Cooperation Plan of Science and Technology Projects(2023E01018,2025E01056)the Chinese Academy of Sciences President’s International Fellowship Initiative(PIFI)(2024VBC0006).
文摘Tajikistan represents a core region of the biodiversity hotspot in Central Asian mountains and has exceptional vascular plant diversity.However,the species diversity of the country faces urgent conservation challenges.There has been a lack of a comprehensive and multidimensional assessment to inform strategic conservation planning.Therefore,this study integrated 4 key biodiversity indices including species richness(SR),phylogenetic diversity(PD),threatened species richness(TSR),and endemic species richness(ESR)to map species diversity distribution patterns,identify conservation gaps,and elucidate their effects of climatic factors.This study revealed that species diversity shows a clear trend of decreasing from the western region to the eastern region of Tajikistan.The central–western mountains(specifically the Gissar-Darvasian and Zeravshanian regions)emerge as irreplaceable biodiversity hotspots.However,we found a severe spatial mismatch between these priority areas and the existing protected areas(PAs).Protection coverage for all hotspots was alarmingly low,ranging from 31.00%to 38.00%.Consequently,a critical 64.80%of integrated priority areas fall outside of the current PAs,representing a major conservation gap.This study identified precipitation seasonality and isothermality as the principal drivers,collectively explaining over 50.00%of the diversity variation and suggesting high vulnerability to hydrological shifts.Furthermore,we detected significant geographic sampling bias in the public biodiversity databases,with the most critical hotspot being systematically under-sampled.This study provides a robust scientific basis for conservation action,highlighting the urgent need to strategically expand PAs in the under-protected southwestern region and to mitigate critical sampling gaps through targeted data digitization and field surveys.These measures are indispensable for securing Tajikistan’s unique biodiversity and achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework Target 3(“30×30 Protection”).
基金support of the ORG.one project of Oxford Nanopore Technologies(ONT),the Rufford Grants(45249-1)the Idea Wild Grants(Project ID-KJOSINDI0125-00)the Mohamed Bin Zyed Species Conservation(MBZ)(GEF Grant no-240535253)Funds in our efforts to conserve threatened trees in the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot Forest regions.
文摘Plants constitute nearly 80%of the planet’s total biomass(Bar-On et al.,2018);however,this vital group is experiencing severe threats,and recent evaluations indicate that approximately 45%of the world's described plant species are at risk of extinction(Bachman et al.,2024).The number of plant extinctions has increased by 60%in the last 100 years(Di Marco et al.,2017).Over the past 250 years,571 plant species have gone extinct—more than twice the combined total of extinct birds,mammals,and amphibians(217 species)(Briggs,2019).
基金The Science and Technology Basic Resources Survey Project,No.2021FY101002Wetland Protection and Restoration in China Funded by the Palson Institute and Laoniu Foundation,UNDP-GEF Flyway Project,No.PIMS ID:6110。
文摘Effective conservation relies on robust assessments;however,the lack of waterbird data in the Yellow River Basin(YRB)has led to an underestimation of key habitat significance.This study addressed this gap by evaluating YRB wetland conservation importance using waterbirds as indicators and applying Ramsar,Important Bird Areas(IBA),and East Asian-Australasian Flyway(EAAF)criteria.We integrated coordinated surveys with citizen science data,creating a framework that tackles data deficiencies along the under-monitored Central Asian Flyway(CAF).Our analysis identified 75 priority wetlands,supporting 15 threatened species and 49 exceeding global/flyway 1%thresholds,highlighting the basin's biodiversity.We observed strong seasonal habitat use,with high-altitude wetlands vital for breeding and migration,and the Yellow River Delta providing year-round refuge.This research also provided data to refine Baer's Pochard population estimates.Alarmingly,one-third of the identified priority areas,primarily rivers and lakes,remain unprotected.To address this,we recommend systematic surveys,enhanced protected areas,OECMs,and targeted wetland restoration.This study underscores the YRB's role in regional conservation and provides essential data for adaptive management,particularly emphasizing the CAF's importance.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.32161143025,No.42371283,No.W2412155National Key R&D Program of China,No.2022YFE0119200。
文摘The Selenge River Basin(SRB)in Mongolia has faced ecosystem degradation because of climate change and overloading.The dynamics of the pastoral system and the extent of overload under future scenarios have not been documented.This study aims to answer the following questions:Will the typical soums in the SRB become more overgrazed in the future?What optimal strategy should be implemented?Multisource data were integrated and utilized to model the pastoral system of typical soums using a system dynamics approach.Future scenarios under three SSP-RCPs were projected using the model.The conclusions are as follows:(1)From upstream to downstream,rational scenarios for pastoral system transferred from SSP1-RCP2.6 to SSP2-RCP4.5,which reflect improved productivity at the expense of ecosystem stability.(2)Compared with that during the historical period of 2000-2020,the projected carrying capacity of the soums decreases by 15.2%-37.3%,whereas the number of livestock continues to increase.Consequently,the stocking rate is expected to increase from 0.32-1.16 during 2000-2020 to 1.26-2.02 during 2021-2050,indicating that rangeland will become more overloaded.(3)A livestock reduction strategy based on future livestock stock and grassland carrying capacity scenarios was proposed to maintain a dynamic forage-livestock equilibrium.It is suggested that reducing livestock is a practical option for harmonizing grassland conservation with livestock husbandry development.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province(2023J01434)the Science and Technology Innovation Special Fund Project of Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University(KFb22028XA)。
文摘Addressing the widespread issues of internal fragmentation within protected areas and the neglect of surrounding critical habitat networks,this study aims to develop an assessment framework for the precise identification and remediation of regional conservation gaps.To this end,we introduce the Framework for Conservation Priority Identification(FCPI).The framework integrates Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis(MSPA),the Remote Sensing Ecological Index(RSEI),Circuit Theory,and the Minimum Cumulative Resistance(MCR)model to formulate a multidimensional conservation priority index.This index facilitates the identification of critical ecological network components and enables the dynamic prioritization of conservation efforts.A case study of Fuzhou City from 2014 to 2020 reveals that despite an overall improvement in regional environmental quality,the functionality of core ecological sources has markedly declined.Between 2014 and 2020,the number of ecological sources grew by 76.9%,yet their total area shrank by 13.9%.Concurrently,the number of ecological corridors rose from 27 to 53,extending their total length by 380.23 km,which indicates an intensifying trend of habitat fragmentation.Furthermore,a significant number of crucial ecological network nodes,particularly within Minhou County,lie explicitly outside the existing protected area system.This confirms the presence of conservation gaps and unveils the spatiotemporal dynamics of shifting conservation priorities.The research validates that the proposed FCPI can effectively diagnose the dynamic deficiencies within conservation systems.It offers scientific decisionsupport for local governments,facilitating a transition from isolated conservation efforts towards systematic and comprehensive ecological network governance.
基金supported by the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation-Special Program on Biodiversity(2023B0303050001).
文摘Biodiversity constitutes the fundamental cornerstone of ecosystem stability and resilience,furnishing indispensable services that encompass food production,the provision of clean water,climate regulation and the control of disease.Nonetheless,the planet is currently experiencing an unprecedented biodiversity crisis.
基金a phased research outcome report of the Major Innovation Project of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences,“Research on Major Issues in Improving the Mechanisms and Institutions for Integrated Urban-Rural Development”(Project No. 2024YZD008)。
文摘The promotion of rural revitalization within the ecological conservation areas(“ECAs”) requires a careful balance between ecological protection and economic development and should be guided by the principle of ecological priority. The cultivation of rural “Local Specialty Products”(“LSPs”) under a green-development framework aligns with the functional positioning of these areas, drives the revitalization of rural industries, and constitutes a fundamental strategy for addressing the unique challenges they face. Although ECAs possess inherent advantages in terms of developing LSPs, they are also confronted by multiple constraints. Accordingly, we propose development objectives that emphasize(a) driving rural industrial prosperity,(b) enhancing the appeal of agricultural heritage, and(c) ensuring inclusive prosperity in the farming communities. In selecting pathways for growth, priority should be given to improving the quality of products, fostering distinctiveness of the technologies, nurturing cultural identities, and upholding the principle of common prosperity. From a policy standpoint, the development of rural LSPs should be recognized as a key lever for advancing the comprehensiveness of rural revitalization in the ECAs. We recommend a set of supportive measures—namely, reinforcing the guidance for spatial planning, integrating the consolidation of factor inputs, and ensuring the robustness of organizational guarantees—to facilitate the high-quality development of LSPs in these areas.
文摘In recent years,there has been a growing global demand for carbon neutrality and energy efficiency,which are expected to become long-term trends.In the field of architecture,an effective approach to achieve this is to reduce heat loss in buildings.Vacuum insulation panels(VIPs),a type of high-performance insulation material,have been increasingly utilised in the construction industry and have played an increa-singly important role as their performance and manufacturing processes continue to improve.This paper provides a review of the factors affecting the thermal conductivity of VIPs and presents a detailed overview of the research progress on core materials,barrier films,and getters.The current research status of VIPs is summarised,including their thermal conductivity,service life,and thermal bridging effects,as well as their applications in the field of architecture.This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding for relevant practitioners on the factors influencing the thermal conductivity of VIPs,and based on which,measures can be taken to produce VIPs with lower thermal conductivity and longer service life.
基金supported by the Lebanese International University(LIU)with a funding amount of$500.
文摘Ecological conservation is at a crossroad as environmental stresses around the world intensify and traditional models of conservation exhibit intrinsic weaknesses in their response to present and future problems.In the project,we evaluated novel approaches integrating adaptive management,technological innovations,and community-based action towards more efficient sustainable conservation results and ecosystem resilience.The multi-site experimental design was based on comparison between conventional reserve management and novel integrative models implemented in diverse ecological zones.Data were collected over a period of three years employing remote sensing technologies,in situ biodiversity assessments,and large socioeconomic surveys.These instruments enabled a robust and multi-dimensional measurement of variables such as species diversity,ecological resilience,community engagement,and stakeholder engagement.The results indicate that adaptive strategies significantly enhance real-time decision-making abilities and enhance long-term ecosystem resilience.Further,technology-driven monitoring greatly enhances data accuracy,responsiveness,and early warning capabilities.Besides that,community-based conservation initiatives were found to be pivotal in facilitating local stewardship,enhancing participatory governance,and enabling more adaptive and adaptive policy systems.This research rejects mainstream conservation paradigms by placing importance on flexibility,interdisciplinarity,and inclusivity of governance systems in effectively mitigating the impacts of climate change and loss of biodiversity.Our findings offer strong evidence that emerging paradigms of conservation can provide greater ecological and social sustainability than traditional methods.These results support the need for a paradigm shift towards conservation strategies that are dynamic,collaborative,and technologically integrated,with significant implications for policy formulation as well as operational environmental management.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32371745)the Transboundary Cooperation on Biodiversity Research and Conservation in Gaoligong Mountains(E1ZK251)+3 种基金the 14th Five-Year Plan of the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden,Chinese Academy of Sciences(E3ZKFF7B,E3ZKFF9B)the Yunnan Revitalization Talent Support Program“Innovation Team”Project(202405AS350019)Yunnan International Joint Laboratory for the Conservation and Utilization of Tropical Timber Tree Species(202403AP140004)the Postdoctoral Fellowship of Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden,CAS。
文摘Felid species hold critical ecological roles within tropical forest ecosystems and are particularly susceptible to human-induced disturbances.However,there is limited research on how sympatric felid species are distributed and coexist in human-dominated habitats.Using a long-term camera trap survey conducted in the disturbed tropical habitats of Xishuangbanna,southwestern China,we assessed the occupancy and spatio-temporal segregation among four sympatric felid species(Leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis,Marbled cat Pardofelis marmorata,Asiatic golden cat Catopuma temminckii,and Clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa),and explored how these patterns correlate with similarities in species traits.We found that the occupancy probabilities of leopard cats and clouded leopards were primarily influenced by anthropogenic disturbances rather than natural factors,with both species negatively affected by croplands.Similar species responses to croplands and livestock may facilitate the co-occurrence of leopard cats with clouded leopards in areas farther from croplands and with golden cats in regions with higher livestock abundance.The lack of significant spatial segregation among species is likely due to the observed segregation in daily activity patterns,which positively correlated with species trait similarities.Our study enhances our understanding of felid community assembly in the face of expanding human activity,offering valuable insights for future conservation in the Xishuangbanna region.
基金an MSc thesis research grant from the Zoological Society of London(ZSL)Nepal.RCK’s effort was supported in part by the Office of Research Infrastructure Programs(ORIP)of the National Institutes of Health through grant number P51OD010425 to the Washington National Primate Research Center,USA。
文摘The Himalayan monal(Lophophorus impejanus),Nepal’s national bird,is a protected species facing significant conservation challenges.Understanding the distribution and habitat preferences of the Himalayan monal(HM)is crucial for its conservation.This study was conducted in the Langtang National Park(LNP),Nepal using the route census method during both winter(November/December 2022)and summer(June 2023)seasons to examine the seasonal variation in HM’s elevational distribution and habitat preference.Further,we assessed their conservation threats by conducting a semi-structured questionnaire survey with the local residents.During the winter period,the HMs preferred grassland habitats,while in the summer,their preference shifted to shrubland and barren area.HM abundance was negatively associated with the Normalized Differential Vegetation Index(NDVI)and the shortest distance from the survey trails in the winter.The HMs actively avoided areas with high anthropogenic pressure.In the summer,they showed a wider elevational range up to 4400 m above sea level(a.s.l.),with a higher sighting frequency between 3600 and 3900 m a.s.l.The questionnaire survey of the local residents revealed that anthropogenic pressure such as poaching and free-ranging livestock grazing are the major threats to the species in the study area.This study provides valuable insight into the complex habitat preferences and critical threats faced by the HMs in LNP and underscores the urgent need for targeted conservation action.
文摘Global marine ecosystems are signiicantly endangered by microplastic pollution,leading to comprehensive investigations into its distribution and impacts on the health of ecosystem.This research employs the Alseamar Autonomous Underwater Vehicle(AUV)known as Glider to investigate microplastic concentrations within the Al Hoceima Marine Protected Area(MPA).Our objective is to identify spatial patterns that reveal pollution hotspots and furnish data for targeted conservation efforts and pollution prevention.We aim to identify regions with elevated microplastic concentrations by meticulously analyzing microplastic level graphs,with a speciic focus on temporal variations.The results reveal notable patterns,such as increased densities aroundishing harbors and near urban centers,potentially linked to anthropogenic activities.Additionally,we observe variations in pollution levels throughout different glider operation cycles,underscoring the importance of understanding the spatio‑temporal dynamics of microplastic distribution.Al Hoceima Marine protected areas exhibiting lower microplastic concentrations illustrate the eficacy of such zones in alleviating pollution impacts,thereby underscoring the signiicance of conservation efforts in safeguarding marine biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.Ultimately,our research enhances our comprehension of the pressures exerted by humans on marine environments and underscores the necessity of proactive conservation measures to shield marine ecosystems from the threats posed by microplastic pollution.
基金financed by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and the European Regional Development Fund(ERDF)(No.PID20211234690BI00)the European Joint Program EJP_Soil(TRACE-Soils)(No.862695)+1 种基金the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation(RED2018-102624TMCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033)the Project PREPSOIL European Union(No.101070045,HORIZON CSA)。
文摘Whilst phosphorus(P)in soil is considered to be abundant,the portion available for plant uptake constitutes less than 1%of the overall P present.To enhance crop productivity,the utilization of mineral P fertilizers has become pervasive in agriculture.Nonetheless,the escalating prices of chemical fertilizers,coupled with new European regulations prohibiting the use of P fertilizers containing cadmium,have highlighted the urgency to identify environmentally friendly products and practices for P fertilization in agricultural soils.This comprehensive review delves into the current landscape of P fertilization from agricultural,political,and economic standpoints.We recognize the potential of microbes in mobilizing P,but emphasize the necessity for more robust research to establish their effectiveness in promoting plant P uptake under real-world conditions.Additionally,we explore the role of agricultural conservation practices,such as optimal tillage,diversified cropping systems,and increased organic carbon input,in conserving P.Furthermore,this review contemplates forthcoming innovations in research.These innovations encompass the development of enhanced formulations for biofertilizers and the undertaking of more comprehensive studies within the realm of conservation agriculture.All these endeavors collectively hold the potential to augment P accessibility to plants in a sustainable manner,thereby advancing agricultural sustainability and productivity.
基金supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China(2572022DQ03)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32170517)+2 种基金the Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Read and Write(2017B030301011)the Start-up Scientific Foundation of Northeast Forestry University(60201524043)supported by China National GeneBank(CNGB).
文摘Inbreeding increases genome homozygosity within populations,which can exacerbate inbreeding depression by exposing homozygous deleterious alleles that are responsible for declines in fitness traits.In small populations,genetic purging that occurs under the pressure of natural selection acts as an opposing force,contributing to a reduction of deleterious alleles.Both inbreeding and genetic purging are paramount in the field of conservation genomics.The Amur tiger(Panthera tigris altaica)lives in small populations in the forests of Northeast Asia and is among the most endangered animals on the planet.Using genome-wide assessment and comparison,we reveal substantially higher and more extensive inbreeding in wild Amur tigers(F_(ROH)=0.50)than in captive individuals(F_(ROH)=0.24).However,a relatively reduced number of lossof-function mutations in wild Amur tigers is observed compared to captive individuals,indicating genetic purging of inbreeding load with relatively large-effect alleles.The higher ratio of homozygous mutation load and number of fixed damaging alleles in the wild population indicates a less-efficient genetic purging,with purifying selection also contributing to this process.These findings provide valuable insights for the future conservation of Amur tigers.
基金supported by National Key R&D Program of China(2024YFF1307400)Guangdong S&T Program(2022B1111230001).
文摘Preserving genetic diversity is crucial for the long-term survival of wild plant species,yet many remain at risk of genetic erosion due to small population sizes and habitat fragmentation.Here,we present a comparative genomic study of the critically endangered Oreocharis esquirolii(Gesneriaceae)and its widespread congener O.maximowiczii.We assembled and annotated chromosome-level reference genomes for both species and generated whole-genome resequencing data from 28 O.esquirolii and 79 O.maximowiczii individuals.Our analyses reveal substantially lower genetic diversity and higher inbreeding in O.esquirolii,despite its overall reduced mutational burden.Notably,O.esquirolii exhibits an elevated proportion of strongly deleterious mutations relative to O.maximowiczii,suggesting that limited opportunities for purging have allowed these variants to accumulate.These contrasting genomic profileslikely reflectdivergent demographic histories,with O.esquirolii having experienced severe bottlenecks and protracted population decline.Collectively,our findingshighlight the critically endangered status of O.esquirolii,characterized by diminished genetic diversity,pronounced inbreeding,and reduced ability to eliminate deleterious alleles.This study provides valuable genomic resources for the Gesneriaceae family and underscores the urgent need for targeted conservation measures,including habitat protection and ex situ preservation efforts,to mitigate the extinction risk facing O.esquirolii and potentially other threatened congeners.
