The concept of the brain cognitive reserve is derived from the well-acknowledged notion that the degree of brain damage does not always match the severity of clinical symptoms and neurological/cognitive outcomes.It ha...The concept of the brain cognitive reserve is derived from the well-acknowledged notion that the degree of brain damage does not always match the severity of clinical symptoms and neurological/cognitive outcomes.It has been suggested that the size of the brain(brain reserve) and the extent of neural connections acquired through life(neural reserve) set a threshold beyond which noticeable impairments occur.In contrast,cognitive reserve refers to the brain's ability to adapt and reo rganize stru cturally and functionally to resist damage and maintain function,including neural reserve and brain maintenance,resilience,and compensation(Verkhratsky and Zorec,2024).展开更多
Elk are seen at the Tian’ezhou National Nature Reserve for Elk in Shishou,Hubei Province,on 27 November 2025.The reserve’s elk population has risen from just 64 in the 1990s to more than 4,500 today.
CHINA.Dinghu Mountain National Nature Reserve.Located in Zhaoqing,Guangdong Province,Dinghu Mountain National Nature Reserve is a pristine natural sanctuary spanning 1,133 hectares within the low mountain ranges of th...CHINA.Dinghu Mountain National Nature Reserve.Located in Zhaoqing,Guangdong Province,Dinghu Mountain National Nature Reserve is a pristine natural sanctuary spanning 1,133 hectares within the low mountain ranges of the Dayunwu Mountains.展开更多
Load balancing is vital for the efficient and long-term operation of cloud data centers.With virtualization,post(reactive)migration of virtual machines(VMs)after allocation is the traditional way for load balancing an...Load balancing is vital for the efficient and long-term operation of cloud data centers.With virtualization,post(reactive)migration of virtual machines(VMs)after allocation is the traditional way for load balancing and consolidation.However,it is not easy for reactive migration to obtain predefined load balance objectives and it may interrupt services and bring instability.Therefore,we provide a new approach,called Prepartition,for load balancing.It partitions a VM request into a few sub-requests sequentially with start time,end time and capacity demands,and treats each sub-request as a regular VM request.In this way,it can proactively set a bound for each VM request on each physical machine and makes the scheduler get ready before VM migration to obtain the predefined load balancing goal,which supports the resource allocation in a fine-grained manner.Simulations with real-world trace and synthetic data show that our proposed approach with offline version(PrepartitionOff)scheduling has 10%–20%better performance than the existing load balancing baselines under several metrics,including average utilization,imbalance degree,makespan and Capacity_makespan.We also extend Prepartition to online load balancing.Evaluation results show that our proposed approach also outperforms state-of-the-art online algorithms.展开更多
Firms employing both offshore outsourcing and nearshore sourcing strategies may face supply disruption,demand uncertainty,and quality risks simultaneously.Sourcing decisions become inevitably important and complicated...Firms employing both offshore outsourcing and nearshore sourcing strategies may face supply disruption,demand uncertainty,and quality risks simultaneously.Sourcing decisions become inevitably important and complicated when both profit and the customer-service level are taken into consideration.In this paper,we model a scenario where a manufacturer who faces stochastic demand procures major modules from an overseas supplier and two local suppliers.The overseas supplier offers quality products while being susceptible to disruption risks;if the local suppliers,who are completely reliable and serve as a backup,offer products that are of inferior quality,it may result in lower market acceptance and a bad experience for the final customers.The manufacturer has to reserve capacity with backup suppliers before urgent orders are placed,when the primary source experiences a shortfall.We explicitly derive the manufacturer’s optimal order quantities and reservation quantities,which are functions of the heterogeneous suppliers’wholesale prices,reservation prices,and other parameters.The impacts of the fill-rate constraint and customer-experience quality constraint on the manufacturer’s purchasing decisions are investigated.Interesting managerial insights on the merits of backup sourcing with capacity reservations for managing demand uncertainties and supply disruption risks are also discussed.展开更多
Dune barrier systems represent highly sought-after coastal landscapes for tourism and urban development around the world.However,a century ago,they were considered hazardous environments due to their great dynamic nat...Dune barrier systems represent highly sought-after coastal landscapes for tourism and urban development around the world.However,a century ago,they were considered hazardous environments due to their great dynamic nature.As a result,stabilization practices were considered necessary.The systematic introduction of fast-growing exotic trees helped stabilize the sand,making it easier for tourism urbanization to take place,but also leading to erosion processes.This paper aims to assess long-term changes in vegetation cover over a large temperate barrier in Argentina.This complex region includes urban resorts,afforestation zones,and protected areas.A GIS-based geospatial analysis was conducted using a large satellite database(>350 images),and the future evolution of the vegetation was modeled.The results revealed two primary spatiotemporal patterns associated with a gradual expansion of vegetation cover,accompanied by a concurrent reduction in sandy areas.In 1986,the dune area comprised 75%more surface than vegetation,whereas in 2021,it represented 60%less than vegetation.Furthermore,the 2050 scenario suggests a potential 40%reduction of dunes in certain areas.It is necessary to enhance management actions aimed at maintaining dune mobility and ensuring local and regional sediment balance.Long-term management strategies must focus on restoring native plant communities and controlling invasive species,and avoiding new dune fixation initiatives based on the introduction of exotic species.展开更多
Clarifying the mechanisms through which coal mining affects groundwater storage(GWS)variations is crucial for water resource conservation and sustainable development.The Ordos Mining Region in China,a key energy base ...Clarifying the mechanisms through which coal mining affects groundwater storage(GWS)variations is crucial for water resource conservation and sustainable development.The Ordos Mining Region in China,a key energy base in China with significant strategic importance,has undergone intensive coal mining activities that have substantially disrupted regional groundwater circulation.This study integrated data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Satellite(GRACE)and Famine Early Warning Systems Network(FEWS NET)Land Data Assimilation System(FLDAS)models,combined with weighted downscaling methodology and water balance principles,to reconstruct high-resolution(0.01°)terrestrial water storage(TWS)and GWS changes in the Ordos Mining Region,China from April 2002 to December 2021.The accuracy of GWS variations were validated through pumping test measurements.Subsequently,Geodetector analysis was implemented to quantify the contributions of natural and anthropogenic factors to groundwater storage dynamics.Key findings include:1)TWS in the study area showed a fluctuating but overall decreasing trend,with a total reduction of 8901.11 mm during study period.The most significant annual decrease occurred in 2021,reaching 1696.77 mm.2)GWS exhibited an accelerated decline,with an average annual change rate of 44.35 mm/yr,totaling a decrease of 887.05 mm.The lowest annual groundwater storage level was recorded in 2020,reaching 185.69 mm.3)Precipitation(PRE)contributed the most to GWS variation(q=0.52),followed by coal mining water consumption(MWS)(q=0.41).The interaction between PRE and MWS exhibited a nonlinear enhancement effect on GWS changes(0.54).The synergistic effect of natural hydrological factors has a great influence on the change of GWS,but coal mining water consumption will continue to reduce GWS.These findings provide critical references for the management and regulation of groundwater resource in mining regions.展开更多
Objective To evaluate the association of GGN repeat polymorphism of androgen receptor(AR)with ovarian reserve and ovarian response in controlled ovarian stimulation(COS).Methods This genetic association study was cond...Objective To evaluate the association of GGN repeat polymorphism of androgen receptor(AR)with ovarian reserve and ovarian response in controlled ovarian stimulation(COS).Methods This genetic association study was conducted among a total of 361 women aged≤40 years with basal FSH≤12 U/L undergoing the GnRH-agonist long protocol for COS in a university affiliated IVF center.GGN repeat in the AR gene was analyzed with Sanger sequencing.The primary endpoint was the number of antral follicle counts(AFCs),and the secondary endpoints were stimulation days,total dose of gonadotropin(Gn)used,total number of retrieved oocytes,ovarian sensitivity index,and follicular output rate.Results The GGN repeat in exon 1 of the AR gene ranged from 13 to 24,and the median repeat length was 22.Based on the genotypes(S for GGN repeats<22,L for GGN repeats≥22),the patients were divided into 3 groups:SS,SL,and LL.Generalized regression analysis indicated that the number of AFCs in group SS was significantly lower than those in group SL(adjusted β=1.8,95%CI:0.2-3.4,P=0.024)and group LL(adjusted β=1.5,95%CI:0.2-2.7,P=0.021).No significant difference was observed in the number of AFCs between group SL and group LL(P>0.05).Generalized regression analysis indicated no significant differences in ovarian stimulation parameters among the 3 groups,either before or after adjusting for confounding factors(P>0.05).Conclusion GGN repeat length on the AR gene is associated with AFC but not with ovarian response in Chinese women,indicating that AR gene polymorphisms may affect ovarian reserve.展开更多
CHINA Gaoligongshan National Natural Reserve Rising to over 4,000 metres above sea level in western Yunnan Province,Gaoligong Mountain forms part of the southern Hengduan Mountain Range and is renowned for its rich bi...CHINA Gaoligongshan National Natural Reserve Rising to over 4,000 metres above sea level in western Yunnan Province,Gaoligong Mountain forms part of the southern Hengduan Mountain Range and is renowned for its rich biodiversity and vibrant cultural landscape.Encompassing a vast protected area across the Tengchong and Baoshan regions,the Gaoligongshan National Natural Reserve is a secluded ecological treasure trove.In April 2000,the reserve joined the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.展开更多
The pioneering work of China’s Zhejiang Province in biosphere preservation and restoration,as well as its green development of residential areas around its nature reserves,made it the ideal location to host the 5th W...The pioneering work of China’s Zhejiang Province in biosphere preservation and restoration,as well as its green development of residential areas around its nature reserves,made it the ideal location to host the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves and share China’s achievements in this field with the world.展开更多
Established in 1958,Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve is one of China’s first protected areas.Covering about 2,435 square km,it is the country’s largest tropical primeval forest and one of the world’s most biol...Established in 1958,Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve is one of China’s first protected areas.Covering about 2,435 square km,it is the country’s largest tropical primeval forest and one of the world’s most biologically diverse regions.In 1993,it became part of the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve Network,reflecting its global ecological significance.展开更多
Background Non-invasive computed tomography angiography(CTA)-based fractional flow reserve(CT-FFR)could become a gatekeeper to invasive coronary angiography.Deep learning(DL)-based CT-FFR has shown promise when compar...Background Non-invasive computed tomography angiography(CTA)-based fractional flow reserve(CT-FFR)could become a gatekeeper to invasive coronary angiography.Deep learning(DL)-based CT-FFR has shown promise when compared to invasive FFR.To evaluate the performance of a DL-based CT-FFR technique,DeepVessel FFR(DVFFR).Methods This retrospective study was designed for iScheMia Assessment based on a Retrospective,single-center Trial of CTFFR(SMART).Patients suspected of stable coronary artery disease(CAD)and undergoing both CTA and invasive FFR examinations were consecutively selected from the Beijing Anzhen Hospital between January 1,2016 to December 30,2018.FFR obtained during invasive coronary angiography was used as the reference standard.DVFFR was calculated blindly using a DL-based CTFFR approach that utilized the complete tree structure of the coronary arteries.Results Three hundred and thirty nine patients(60.5±10.0 years and 209 men)and 414 vessels with direct invasive FFR were included in the analysis.At per-vessel level,sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,positive predictive value(PPV)and negative predictive value(NPV)of DVFFR were 94.7%,88.6%,90.8%,82.7%,and 96.7%,respectively.The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve(AUC)was 0.95 for DVFFR and 0.56 for CTA-based assessment with a significant difference(P<0.0001).At patient level,sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,PPV and NPV of DVFFR were 93.8%,88.0%,90.3%,83.0%,and 95.8%,respectively.The computation for DVFFR was fast with the average time of 22.5±1.9 s.Conclusions The results demonstrate that DVFFR was able to evaluate lesion hemodynamic significance accurately and effectively with improved diagnostic performance over CTA alone.Coronary artery disease(CAD)is a critical disease in which coronary artery luminal narrowing may result in myocardial ischemia.Early and effective assessment of myocardial ischemia is essential for optimal treatment planning so as to improve the quality of life and reduce medical costs.展开更多
The Yangtze finless porpoise(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis)is distributed in the main stream of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River,as well as in Dongting and Poyang lakes.Currently,the mos...The Yangtze finless porpoise(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis)is distributed in the main stream of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River,as well as in Dongting and Poyang lakes.Currently,the most crucial conservation approach involves the establishment and management of both in-situ and ex-situ nature reserves.Since the 1990s,seven nature reserves have been established in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River,covering nearly one-third of its main stream.Additionally,two nature reserves,one in the Dongting Lake and another in the Poyang Lake,have been set up;and three ex-situ nature reserves have been established in three oxbows respectively in Hunan,Hubei,and Anhui provinces.Through measures such as improving the ecological environment quality within the reserves,regulating human activities,and conducting continuous monitoring,the finless porpoise population showed a slight increase in 2022 for the first time.The ex-situ population has continued to grow,with four individuals being released back into the main stream of the Yangtze River after undergoing reintroduction training in 2023.Based on the population development lasting for over three decades,and predictions of future ecological changes,orderly establishment and scientific management of nature reserves have played a key role in and will remain an important basis for the sustaining growth of the finless porpoise population.展开更多
CHINA Tarim Populus Euphratica National Nature Reserve Located along the northern edge of the Taklimakan Desert in Xinjiang,the Tarim Populus Euphratica National Nature Reserve lies in the middle reaches of the Tarim ...CHINA Tarim Populus Euphratica National Nature Reserve Located along the northern edge of the Taklimakan Desert in Xinjiang,the Tarim Populus Euphratica National Nature Reserve lies in the middle reaches of the Tarim River-the longest inland river in China-within Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture.Established in 1983 and upgraded to a national reserve in 2006,it covers an area of about 395,420 hectares,including a core,bu!er,and experimental zone.The reserve features alluvial plains and desert terrain,with elevations ranging from 800 to 940 metres.The landscape consists of river floodplains,ancient riverbeds,and oasis margins,forming a remarkable ecological mosaic shaped by the Tarim River and its tributaries.The region experiences a typical temperate continental desert climate-dry,hot,and windy with scarce rainfall.展开更多
[Objectives]To analyze the composition of lycophytes and ferns in Yunzhongshan Nature Reserve,Fujian Province.[Methods]This study examined the composition of lycophytes and ferns in Yunzhongshan Nature Reserve through...[Objectives]To analyze the composition of lycophytes and ferns in Yunzhongshan Nature Reserve,Fujian Province.[Methods]This study examined the composition of lycophytes and ferns in Yunzhongshan Nature Reserve through field investigations and specimen identification,supplemented by a review of relevant literature.[Results]A total of 84 species of lycophytes and ferns were identified,encompassing 55 genera and 29 families.This included 14 species of lycophytes distributed across 8 genera and 3 families,as well as 70 species of ferns belonging to 47 genera and 26 families.Polypodiaceae and Selaginella were the dominant family and genus,respectively,while oligospecific families and monotypic genera were significant components of lycophytes and ferns in the region.The distribution types of these families were primarily cosmopolitan and tropical.The Germline differentiation degree(SD)was 3.34,and the proportion of rare or endangered species among lycophytes and ferns was 8.33%.[Conclusions]Yunzhongshan Nature Reserve possesses a diverse array of lycophyte and fern species.This study offers valuable scientific insights that can inform efforts related to the conservation of biodiversity,resource utilization and development,species introduction,and system evolution of lycophytes and ferns within the reserve.展开更多
A milu deer crosses a river in Dafeng,Jiangsu Province,on 2 July.The city is home to the world’s largest milu deer nature reserve,covering 78,000 hectares and hosting the largest wild population of the species globally.
Ovarian aging is characterized by a progressive decline in oocyte quality and quantity with age.Icariin(ICA),a flavonoid compound derived from Epimedium species,has demonstrated potential as an agent for ovarian resto...Ovarian aging is characterized by a progressive decline in oocyte quality and quantity with age.Icariin(ICA),a flavonoid compound derived from Epimedium species,has demonstrated potential as an agent for ovarian restoration.In this study,a subcutaneous implantation system using gelatin methacryloyl(GelMA)hydrogel embedded with ICA was developed to restore ovarian function in aged female mice.Mice were assigned to receive subcutaneous implantation of GelMA alone(GelMA group),GelMA containing ICA(GelMA/ICA group),or a sham operation.Ovarian morphology,serum hormone levels,follicle counts across developmental stages,and reproductive outcomes were evaluated.In vitro fertilization(IVF)and embryo culture assays were performed to assess oocyte developmental potential,while a 10 day natural mating trial was conducted to determine fertility restoration.RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)and RT-qPCR were performed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.Results showed that GelMA/ICA treatment significantly increased ovarian index(0.19±0.01 vs.0.13±0.01,P<0.0001)and follicle numbers at all developmental stages,including primordial(383.33±151.65 vs.107.14±32.26,P<0.0001),primary(203.33±83.22 vs.91.43±27.04,P=0.003),and secondary follicles(154.17±52.00 vs.59.28±20.50,P=0.029)compared to the sham controls.Hormonal analyses revealed a significant reduction in serum follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH,11.97±3.53 vs.53.10±17.89 ng/mL,P=0.0008),accompanied by elevated anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH,22.97±2.26 vs.5.54±1.56 ng/mL,P<0.0001)and estradiol(E2,315.30±37.62 vs.168.5±14.78 pg/mL,P<0.0001).Oocyte yield and developmental potential improved significantly,as reflected by the increased number of superovulated MII oocytes(17.83±5.15 vs.4.83±4.79,P=0.0002),and higher proportions of two-cell(85.90%±6.16%vs.50.00%±10.00%,P=0.0009),four-cell(81.67%±9.76%vs.50.00%±10.00%,P=0.0061),and blastocyst stage embryos(64.25%±10.55%vs.23.33%±15.28%,P=0.0067).Live birth numbers were significantly increased following GelMA/ICA treatment(6.90±3.21 vs.1.72±2.05,P=0.0001).Transcriptomic analysis revealed up-regulation of genes associated with cytoskeletal organization(Vil1,Tubb3),lipid storage(Soat2,Plin4),oocyte maturation(Oosp2),and cytokine secretion(Cxcl12).Collectively,these findings suggest that GelMA/ICA hydrogels effectively reverse key hallmarks of ovarian aging and restore reproductive function in aged mice,offering a promising platform for fertility preservation and a novel therapeutic for future investigations into ovarian aging.展开更多
The Goral municipality of Ždiar(a Conservation Reserve of Folk Architecture since 1977)is one of the most attractive areas in Slovakia under the growing influence of the developing tourism.Since 1949 it has been part ...The Goral municipality of Ždiar(a Conservation Reserve of Folk Architecture since 1977)is one of the most attractive areas in Slovakia under the growing influence of the developing tourism.Since 1949 it has been part of the protection zone of the Tatra National Park and since 1993 it has been part of the transition zone of the Tatra Biosphere Reserve.In recent years,tourism has taken a major role in the transition zone of this biosphere reserve.In the presented contribution,we therefore evaluate the impact of developing tourism in the cadastral area of the municipality ofŽdiar between 1950 and 2022.We rely primarily on available statistical data from various sources and on the analysis of the historical and contemporary landscape structure.During this period,almost 50%of the area has changed land cover.The activities that have significantly changed the landscape include afforestation,deforestation,agrointensification,deurbanisation(naturalisation),urbanisation(anthropisation):tourism development and construction of a water reservoir.Tourism has become the main driver of the economy here and opens up opportunities especially for local inhabitants.However,the lack of completed tourism infrastructure is a drawback.We recommend the establishment of the Coordinating Council of the Tatra Biosphere Reserve and permanent employees at the National Park Administration.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the quantitative influence of engineering parameters(diameter,bending angle)of minimally invasive surgical instruments and single-port laparoscopic surgery on biomarkers of ovarian reserve fun...Objective:To investigate the quantitative influence of engineering parameters(diameter,bending angle)of minimally invasive surgical instruments and single-port laparoscopic surgery on biomarkers of ovarian reserve function,and establish a multi-parameter coupled mathematical prediction model,providing a theoretical basis for precision instrument design and operation optimization.Methods:A total of 45 reproductive-age patients undergoing single-port laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy were selected.Through orthogonal experimental design,the instrument diameter(3/5/8 mm)and bending angle(30°/60°/90°)were divided into 9 groups,with5 cases in each group.Changes in serum AMH(anti-müllerian hormone),FSH(follicle-stimulating hormone),INHB(inhibin B)and ultrasonic AFC(antral follicle count)indexes were measured before surgery and on the 2nd to 3rd day of the first menstrual period after surgery.Enhanced CT images and laparoscopic images of ovarian force distribution were obtained.Finite element analysis(FEA)of the single-port instrument-ovarian tissue model was performed using ABAQUS software to calculate stress distribution in the ovarian cortex.Oscillatory shear experiments were used to determine the characteristics of viscoelastic property changes in the linear viscoelastic range of ovarian tissue.Results:The rate of decrease in AMH was lower in the 3 mm diameter-30°angle group(P<0.05);the peak Von Mises stress in the D3-θ30 group was lower than that in the other groups(P<0.05);the optimal parameter combination was a diameter of 3.13 mm and an angle of 21.72°,with the model calculating an AMH attenuation of 20%.Ovarian tissue changed with the frequency of the oscillatory shear test.In the low-frequency region(<1 Hz):G'>G''(elasticity-dominated);in the high-frequency region(>5 Hz):G''>G'(viscosity-dominated);the crossover point was at 5 Hz,where G'=G''=5 kPa.Before ovarian dissection:G'was relatively high and G''was relatively low,with elasticity dominating.During dissection:G'decreased and G''increased,with instrument stress causing damage.After dissection:G'further decreased and G''continued to rise,resulting in irreversible damage to the ovarian stroma.Conclusion:The engineering parameters of minimally invasive instruments significantly affect the ovarian reserve function index AMH and the peak Von Mises stress of the ovary through mechanical stress transmission.Using an instrument with a diameter of 3.13 mm and a bending angle of 21.72°can more effectively reduce the impact of single-port laparoscopic surgery on AMH decline.展开更多
NATURAL WONDERS IN CHINA AND AFRICA An aerial view of Irtysh River(CNS)CHINA Altay Mountains Two-River Source Nature Reserve Established in September 2001,the Altay Mountains Two-River Source Nature Reserve protects t...NATURAL WONDERS IN CHINA AND AFRICA An aerial view of Irtysh River(CNS)CHINA Altay Mountains Two-River Source Nature Reserve Established in September 2001,the Altay Mountains Two-River Source Nature Reserve protects the critical headwater ecosys-tems of two major rivers in northwest China.“Altay,”a name of Mongolian origin,translates to“gold.”This aptly gives the Altay Mountains their mean-ing:“the Golden Mountains.”展开更多
文摘The concept of the brain cognitive reserve is derived from the well-acknowledged notion that the degree of brain damage does not always match the severity of clinical symptoms and neurological/cognitive outcomes.It has been suggested that the size of the brain(brain reserve) and the extent of neural connections acquired through life(neural reserve) set a threshold beyond which noticeable impairments occur.In contrast,cognitive reserve refers to the brain's ability to adapt and reo rganize stru cturally and functionally to resist damage and maintain function,including neural reserve and brain maintenance,resilience,and compensation(Verkhratsky and Zorec,2024).
文摘Elk are seen at the Tian’ezhou National Nature Reserve for Elk in Shishou,Hubei Province,on 27 November 2025.The reserve’s elk population has risen from just 64 in the 1990s to more than 4,500 today.
文摘CHINA.Dinghu Mountain National Nature Reserve.Located in Zhaoqing,Guangdong Province,Dinghu Mountain National Nature Reserve is a pristine natural sanctuary spanning 1,133 hectares within the low mountain ranges of the Dayunwu Mountains.
基金supported by Shenzhen Industrial Application Projects of undertaking the National Key Research and Development Program of China under Grant No.CJGJZD20210408091600002the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No.62102408Shenzhen Science and Technology Program under Grant No.RCBS20210609104609044.
文摘Load balancing is vital for the efficient and long-term operation of cloud data centers.With virtualization,post(reactive)migration of virtual machines(VMs)after allocation is the traditional way for load balancing and consolidation.However,it is not easy for reactive migration to obtain predefined load balance objectives and it may interrupt services and bring instability.Therefore,we provide a new approach,called Prepartition,for load balancing.It partitions a VM request into a few sub-requests sequentially with start time,end time and capacity demands,and treats each sub-request as a regular VM request.In this way,it can proactively set a bound for each VM request on each physical machine and makes the scheduler get ready before VM migration to obtain the predefined load balancing goal,which supports the resource allocation in a fine-grained manner.Simulations with real-world trace and synthetic data show that our proposed approach with offline version(PrepartitionOff)scheduling has 10%–20%better performance than the existing load balancing baselines under several metrics,including average utilization,imbalance degree,makespan and Capacity_makespan.We also extend Prepartition to online load balancing.Evaluation results show that our proposed approach also outperforms state-of-the-art online algorithms.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.71201047,No.71433003,No.71601069)the Humanities and Social Sciences Foundation of the Ministry of Education in China(No.12YJC630058)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.2016B09314).
文摘Firms employing both offshore outsourcing and nearshore sourcing strategies may face supply disruption,demand uncertainty,and quality risks simultaneously.Sourcing decisions become inevitably important and complicated when both profit and the customer-service level are taken into consideration.In this paper,we model a scenario where a manufacturer who faces stochastic demand procures major modules from an overseas supplier and two local suppliers.The overseas supplier offers quality products while being susceptible to disruption risks;if the local suppliers,who are completely reliable and serve as a backup,offer products that are of inferior quality,it may result in lower market acceptance and a bad experience for the final customers.The manufacturer has to reserve capacity with backup suppliers before urgent orders are placed,when the primary source experiences a shortfall.We explicitly derive the manufacturer’s optimal order quantities and reservation quantities,which are functions of the heterogeneous suppliers’wholesale prices,reservation prices,and other parameters.The impacts of the fill-rate constraint and customer-experience quality constraint on the manufacturer’s purchasing decisions are investigated.Interesting managerial insights on the merits of backup sourcing with capacity reservations for managing demand uncertainties and supply disruption risks are also discussed.
基金supported by the Ministry of Science,Technology and Innovation of Argentina trough the project“Topografía,escurrimiento superficial y monitoreo de playas en el Partido de Villa Gesell,provincia de Buenos Aires”(Impact.AR N°106-RESOL-2022-224-APN-SACT#MCT)by the Nacional Council of Scientific and Technical Research(CONICET)through the project“Impactos de la reversión del nivel del mar en Buenos Aires,Argentina”(PIP 21/2311220200100041CO-RESOL-2021-1639-APN-DIR#CONICET)。
文摘Dune barrier systems represent highly sought-after coastal landscapes for tourism and urban development around the world.However,a century ago,they were considered hazardous environments due to their great dynamic nature.As a result,stabilization practices were considered necessary.The systematic introduction of fast-growing exotic trees helped stabilize the sand,making it easier for tourism urbanization to take place,but also leading to erosion processes.This paper aims to assess long-term changes in vegetation cover over a large temperate barrier in Argentina.This complex region includes urban resorts,afforestation zones,and protected areas.A GIS-based geospatial analysis was conducted using a large satellite database(>350 images),and the future evolution of the vegetation was modeled.The results revealed two primary spatiotemporal patterns associated with a gradual expansion of vegetation cover,accompanied by a concurrent reduction in sandy areas.In 1986,the dune area comprised 75%more surface than vegetation,whereas in 2021,it represented 60%less than vegetation.Furthermore,the 2050 scenario suggests a potential 40%reduction of dunes in certain areas.It is necessary to enhance management actions aimed at maintaining dune mobility and ensuring local and regional sediment balance.Long-term management strategies must focus on restoring native plant communities and controlling invasive species,and avoiding new dune fixation initiatives based on the introduction of exotic species.
基金Under the National Key R&D Program Key Project(No.2021YFC3201201)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52360032)+2 种基金Basic Scientific Research Business Fee Project of Colleges And Universities Directly Under the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region(No.JBYYWF2022001)Development Plan of Innovation Team of Colleges And Universities in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region(No.NMGIRT2313)the Innovation Team of‘Grassland Talents’。
文摘Clarifying the mechanisms through which coal mining affects groundwater storage(GWS)variations is crucial for water resource conservation and sustainable development.The Ordos Mining Region in China,a key energy base in China with significant strategic importance,has undergone intensive coal mining activities that have substantially disrupted regional groundwater circulation.This study integrated data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Satellite(GRACE)and Famine Early Warning Systems Network(FEWS NET)Land Data Assimilation System(FLDAS)models,combined with weighted downscaling methodology and water balance principles,to reconstruct high-resolution(0.01°)terrestrial water storage(TWS)and GWS changes in the Ordos Mining Region,China from April 2002 to December 2021.The accuracy of GWS variations were validated through pumping test measurements.Subsequently,Geodetector analysis was implemented to quantify the contributions of natural and anthropogenic factors to groundwater storage dynamics.Key findings include:1)TWS in the study area showed a fluctuating but overall decreasing trend,with a total reduction of 8901.11 mm during study period.The most significant annual decrease occurred in 2021,reaching 1696.77 mm.2)GWS exhibited an accelerated decline,with an average annual change rate of 44.35 mm/yr,totaling a decrease of 887.05 mm.The lowest annual groundwater storage level was recorded in 2020,reaching 185.69 mm.3)Precipitation(PRE)contributed the most to GWS variation(q=0.52),followed by coal mining water consumption(MWS)(q=0.41).The interaction between PRE and MWS exhibited a nonlinear enhancement effect on GWS changes(0.54).The synergistic effect of natural hydrological factors has a great influence on the change of GWS,but coal mining water consumption will continue to reduce GWS.These findings provide critical references for the management and regulation of groundwater resource in mining regions.
文摘Objective To evaluate the association of GGN repeat polymorphism of androgen receptor(AR)with ovarian reserve and ovarian response in controlled ovarian stimulation(COS).Methods This genetic association study was conducted among a total of 361 women aged≤40 years with basal FSH≤12 U/L undergoing the GnRH-agonist long protocol for COS in a university affiliated IVF center.GGN repeat in the AR gene was analyzed with Sanger sequencing.The primary endpoint was the number of antral follicle counts(AFCs),and the secondary endpoints were stimulation days,total dose of gonadotropin(Gn)used,total number of retrieved oocytes,ovarian sensitivity index,and follicular output rate.Results The GGN repeat in exon 1 of the AR gene ranged from 13 to 24,and the median repeat length was 22.Based on the genotypes(S for GGN repeats<22,L for GGN repeats≥22),the patients were divided into 3 groups:SS,SL,and LL.Generalized regression analysis indicated that the number of AFCs in group SS was significantly lower than those in group SL(adjusted β=1.8,95%CI:0.2-3.4,P=0.024)and group LL(adjusted β=1.5,95%CI:0.2-2.7,P=0.021).No significant difference was observed in the number of AFCs between group SL and group LL(P>0.05).Generalized regression analysis indicated no significant differences in ovarian stimulation parameters among the 3 groups,either before or after adjusting for confounding factors(P>0.05).Conclusion GGN repeat length on the AR gene is associated with AFC but not with ovarian response in Chinese women,indicating that AR gene polymorphisms may affect ovarian reserve.
文摘CHINA Gaoligongshan National Natural Reserve Rising to over 4,000 metres above sea level in western Yunnan Province,Gaoligong Mountain forms part of the southern Hengduan Mountain Range and is renowned for its rich biodiversity and vibrant cultural landscape.Encompassing a vast protected area across the Tengchong and Baoshan regions,the Gaoligongshan National Natural Reserve is a secluded ecological treasure trove.In April 2000,the reserve joined the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
文摘The pioneering work of China’s Zhejiang Province in biosphere preservation and restoration,as well as its green development of residential areas around its nature reserves,made it the ideal location to host the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves and share China’s achievements in this field with the world.
文摘Established in 1958,Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve is one of China’s first protected areas.Covering about 2,435 square km,it is the country’s largest tropical primeval forest and one of the world’s most biologically diverse regions.In 1993,it became part of the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve Network,reflecting its global ecological significance.
文摘Background Non-invasive computed tomography angiography(CTA)-based fractional flow reserve(CT-FFR)could become a gatekeeper to invasive coronary angiography.Deep learning(DL)-based CT-FFR has shown promise when compared to invasive FFR.To evaluate the performance of a DL-based CT-FFR technique,DeepVessel FFR(DVFFR).Methods This retrospective study was designed for iScheMia Assessment based on a Retrospective,single-center Trial of CTFFR(SMART).Patients suspected of stable coronary artery disease(CAD)and undergoing both CTA and invasive FFR examinations were consecutively selected from the Beijing Anzhen Hospital between January 1,2016 to December 30,2018.FFR obtained during invasive coronary angiography was used as the reference standard.DVFFR was calculated blindly using a DL-based CTFFR approach that utilized the complete tree structure of the coronary arteries.Results Three hundred and thirty nine patients(60.5±10.0 years and 209 men)and 414 vessels with direct invasive FFR were included in the analysis.At per-vessel level,sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,positive predictive value(PPV)and negative predictive value(NPV)of DVFFR were 94.7%,88.6%,90.8%,82.7%,and 96.7%,respectively.The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve(AUC)was 0.95 for DVFFR and 0.56 for CTA-based assessment with a significant difference(P<0.0001).At patient level,sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,PPV and NPV of DVFFR were 93.8%,88.0%,90.3%,83.0%,and 95.8%,respectively.The computation for DVFFR was fast with the average time of 22.5±1.9 s.Conclusions The results demonstrate that DVFFR was able to evaluate lesion hemodynamic significance accurately and effectively with improved diagnostic performance over CTA alone.Coronary artery disease(CAD)is a critical disease in which coronary artery luminal narrowing may result in myocardial ischemia.Early and effective assessment of myocardial ischemia is essential for optimal treatment planning so as to improve the quality of life and reduce medical costs.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(42225604,31500456,31430080)the 2023 Strategic Consultation Project of the Chinese National Committee for Man and the Biosphere,the National Key Programme of Research and Development of Ministry of Science and Technology of China(2022YFF1301603)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDA23040403).
文摘The Yangtze finless porpoise(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis)is distributed in the main stream of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River,as well as in Dongting and Poyang lakes.Currently,the most crucial conservation approach involves the establishment and management of both in-situ and ex-situ nature reserves.Since the 1990s,seven nature reserves have been established in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River,covering nearly one-third of its main stream.Additionally,two nature reserves,one in the Dongting Lake and another in the Poyang Lake,have been set up;and three ex-situ nature reserves have been established in three oxbows respectively in Hunan,Hubei,and Anhui provinces.Through measures such as improving the ecological environment quality within the reserves,regulating human activities,and conducting continuous monitoring,the finless porpoise population showed a slight increase in 2022 for the first time.The ex-situ population has continued to grow,with four individuals being released back into the main stream of the Yangtze River after undergoing reintroduction training in 2023.Based on the population development lasting for over three decades,and predictions of future ecological changes,orderly establishment and scientific management of nature reserves have played a key role in and will remain an important basis for the sustaining growth of the finless porpoise population.
文摘CHINA Tarim Populus Euphratica National Nature Reserve Located along the northern edge of the Taklimakan Desert in Xinjiang,the Tarim Populus Euphratica National Nature Reserve lies in the middle reaches of the Tarim River-the longest inland river in China-within Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture.Established in 1983 and upgraded to a national reserve in 2006,it covers an area of about 395,420 hectares,including a core,bu!er,and experimental zone.The reserve features alluvial plains and desert terrain,with elevations ranging from 800 to 940 metres.The landscape consists of river floodplains,ancient riverbeds,and oasis margins,forming a remarkable ecological mosaic shaped by the Tarim River and its tributaries.The region experiences a typical temperate continental desert climate-dry,hot,and windy with scarce rainfall.
基金Supported by National Key Protected Plant Investigation Project in Anxi Yunzhongshan Nature Reserve Primarily Focusing on Alsophila spinulosa,Paris polyphylla,and Angiopteris fokiensis([350524]BWZ[CS]2024003).
文摘[Objectives]To analyze the composition of lycophytes and ferns in Yunzhongshan Nature Reserve,Fujian Province.[Methods]This study examined the composition of lycophytes and ferns in Yunzhongshan Nature Reserve through field investigations and specimen identification,supplemented by a review of relevant literature.[Results]A total of 84 species of lycophytes and ferns were identified,encompassing 55 genera and 29 families.This included 14 species of lycophytes distributed across 8 genera and 3 families,as well as 70 species of ferns belonging to 47 genera and 26 families.Polypodiaceae and Selaginella were the dominant family and genus,respectively,while oligospecific families and monotypic genera were significant components of lycophytes and ferns in the region.The distribution types of these families were primarily cosmopolitan and tropical.The Germline differentiation degree(SD)was 3.34,and the proportion of rare or endangered species among lycophytes and ferns was 8.33%.[Conclusions]Yunzhongshan Nature Reserve possesses a diverse array of lycophyte and fern species.This study offers valuable scientific insights that can inform efforts related to the conservation of biodiversity,resource utilization and development,species introduction,and system evolution of lycophytes and ferns within the reserve.
文摘A milu deer crosses a river in Dafeng,Jiangsu Province,on 2 July.The city is home to the world’s largest milu deer nature reserve,covering 78,000 hectares and hosting the largest wild population of the species globally.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82271671)Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Academic Innovation Peak Fund(2024-DF-02)+4 种基金Clinical Trials from Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital(2023-LCYJ-MS-05)Nanjing International Science and Technology Cooperation Program(202201027)to L.D.Research Project of State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health(SKLRM-2022D2)Changzhou Medical Center of Nanjing Medical University(CMCM202203)Clinical Trials from Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital(2022-LCYJ-ZD-02)to H.S.
文摘Ovarian aging is characterized by a progressive decline in oocyte quality and quantity with age.Icariin(ICA),a flavonoid compound derived from Epimedium species,has demonstrated potential as an agent for ovarian restoration.In this study,a subcutaneous implantation system using gelatin methacryloyl(GelMA)hydrogel embedded with ICA was developed to restore ovarian function in aged female mice.Mice were assigned to receive subcutaneous implantation of GelMA alone(GelMA group),GelMA containing ICA(GelMA/ICA group),or a sham operation.Ovarian morphology,serum hormone levels,follicle counts across developmental stages,and reproductive outcomes were evaluated.In vitro fertilization(IVF)and embryo culture assays were performed to assess oocyte developmental potential,while a 10 day natural mating trial was conducted to determine fertility restoration.RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)and RT-qPCR were performed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.Results showed that GelMA/ICA treatment significantly increased ovarian index(0.19±0.01 vs.0.13±0.01,P<0.0001)and follicle numbers at all developmental stages,including primordial(383.33±151.65 vs.107.14±32.26,P<0.0001),primary(203.33±83.22 vs.91.43±27.04,P=0.003),and secondary follicles(154.17±52.00 vs.59.28±20.50,P=0.029)compared to the sham controls.Hormonal analyses revealed a significant reduction in serum follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH,11.97±3.53 vs.53.10±17.89 ng/mL,P=0.0008),accompanied by elevated anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH,22.97±2.26 vs.5.54±1.56 ng/mL,P<0.0001)and estradiol(E2,315.30±37.62 vs.168.5±14.78 pg/mL,P<0.0001).Oocyte yield and developmental potential improved significantly,as reflected by the increased number of superovulated MII oocytes(17.83±5.15 vs.4.83±4.79,P=0.0002),and higher proportions of two-cell(85.90%±6.16%vs.50.00%±10.00%,P=0.0009),four-cell(81.67%±9.76%vs.50.00%±10.00%,P=0.0061),and blastocyst stage embryos(64.25%±10.55%vs.23.33%±15.28%,P=0.0067).Live birth numbers were significantly increased following GelMA/ICA treatment(6.90±3.21 vs.1.72±2.05,P=0.0001).Transcriptomic analysis revealed up-regulation of genes associated with cytoskeletal organization(Vil1,Tubb3),lipid storage(Soat2,Plin4),oocyte maturation(Oosp2),and cytokine secretion(Cxcl12).Collectively,these findings suggest that GelMA/ICA hydrogels effectively reverse key hallmarks of ovarian aging and restore reproductive function in aged mice,offering a promising platform for fertility preservation and a novel therapeutic for future investigations into ovarian aging.
基金supported by the Scientific Grant Agency of the Ministry of Education,Science,Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic and the Slovak Academy of Sciences under grants APVV-20-0108Implementation of Agenda 2030 Through biosphere reserves,VEGA-2/0023/31+1 种基金Analysis and evaluations of the environmental history of selected types of Slovak landscape from the early prehistory to the present and VEGA-1/0504/25Classification of archetypes of the Slovak landscape in the context of socioeconomic changes and current climate developments.
文摘The Goral municipality of Ždiar(a Conservation Reserve of Folk Architecture since 1977)is one of the most attractive areas in Slovakia under the growing influence of the developing tourism.Since 1949 it has been part of the protection zone of the Tatra National Park and since 1993 it has been part of the transition zone of the Tatra Biosphere Reserve.In recent years,tourism has taken a major role in the transition zone of this biosphere reserve.In the presented contribution,we therefore evaluate the impact of developing tourism in the cadastral area of the municipality ofŽdiar between 1950 and 2022.We rely primarily on available statistical data from various sources and on the analysis of the historical and contemporary landscape structure.During this period,almost 50%of the area has changed land cover.The activities that have significantly changed the landscape include afforestation,deforestation,agrointensification,deurbanisation(naturalisation),urbanisation(anthropisation):tourism development and construction of a water reservoir.Tourism has become the main driver of the economy here and opens up opportunities especially for local inhabitants.However,the lack of completed tourism infrastructure is a drawback.We recommend the establishment of the Coordinating Council of the Tatra Biosphere Reserve and permanent employees at the National Park Administration.
文摘Objective:To investigate the quantitative influence of engineering parameters(diameter,bending angle)of minimally invasive surgical instruments and single-port laparoscopic surgery on biomarkers of ovarian reserve function,and establish a multi-parameter coupled mathematical prediction model,providing a theoretical basis for precision instrument design and operation optimization.Methods:A total of 45 reproductive-age patients undergoing single-port laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy were selected.Through orthogonal experimental design,the instrument diameter(3/5/8 mm)and bending angle(30°/60°/90°)were divided into 9 groups,with5 cases in each group.Changes in serum AMH(anti-müllerian hormone),FSH(follicle-stimulating hormone),INHB(inhibin B)and ultrasonic AFC(antral follicle count)indexes were measured before surgery and on the 2nd to 3rd day of the first menstrual period after surgery.Enhanced CT images and laparoscopic images of ovarian force distribution were obtained.Finite element analysis(FEA)of the single-port instrument-ovarian tissue model was performed using ABAQUS software to calculate stress distribution in the ovarian cortex.Oscillatory shear experiments were used to determine the characteristics of viscoelastic property changes in the linear viscoelastic range of ovarian tissue.Results:The rate of decrease in AMH was lower in the 3 mm diameter-30°angle group(P<0.05);the peak Von Mises stress in the D3-θ30 group was lower than that in the other groups(P<0.05);the optimal parameter combination was a diameter of 3.13 mm and an angle of 21.72°,with the model calculating an AMH attenuation of 20%.Ovarian tissue changed with the frequency of the oscillatory shear test.In the low-frequency region(<1 Hz):G'>G''(elasticity-dominated);in the high-frequency region(>5 Hz):G''>G'(viscosity-dominated);the crossover point was at 5 Hz,where G'=G''=5 kPa.Before ovarian dissection:G'was relatively high and G''was relatively low,with elasticity dominating.During dissection:G'decreased and G''increased,with instrument stress causing damage.After dissection:G'further decreased and G''continued to rise,resulting in irreversible damage to the ovarian stroma.Conclusion:The engineering parameters of minimally invasive instruments significantly affect the ovarian reserve function index AMH and the peak Von Mises stress of the ovary through mechanical stress transmission.Using an instrument with a diameter of 3.13 mm and a bending angle of 21.72°can more effectively reduce the impact of single-port laparoscopic surgery on AMH decline.
文摘NATURAL WONDERS IN CHINA AND AFRICA An aerial view of Irtysh River(CNS)CHINA Altay Mountains Two-River Source Nature Reserve Established in September 2001,the Altay Mountains Two-River Source Nature Reserve protects the critical headwater ecosys-tems of two major rivers in northwest China.“Altay,”a name of Mongolian origin,translates to“gold.”This aptly gives the Altay Mountains their mean-ing:“the Golden Mountains.”
