The location of an acute ischemic stroke is associated with its prognosis. The widely used Gaussian model-based parameter, apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC), cannot reveal microstructural changes in different locati...The location of an acute ischemic stroke is associated with its prognosis. The widely used Gaussian model-based parameter, apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC), cannot reveal microstructural changes in different locations or the degree of infarction. This prospective observational study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Xiamen Second Hospital, China(approval No. 2014002).Diffusion kurtosis imaging(DKI) was used to detect 199 lesions in 156 patients with acute ischemic stroke(61 males and 95 females), mean age 63.15 ± 12.34 years. A total of 199 lesions were located in the periventricular white matter(n = 52), corpus callosum(n = 14), cerebellum(n = 29), basal ganglia and thalamus(n = 21), brainstem(n = 21) and gray-white matter junctions(n = 62). Percentage changes of apparent diffusion coefficient(ΔADC) and DKI-derived indices(fractional anisotropy [ΔFA], mean diffusivity [ΔMD], axial diffusivity [ΔD_a], radial diffusivity ΔDr, mean kurtosis [ΔMK], axial kurtosis [ΔK_a], and radial kurtosis [ΔK_r]) of each lesion were computed relative to the normal contralateral region. The results showed that(1) there was no significant difference in ΔADC, ΔMD, ΔD_a or ΔD_r among almost all locations.(2) There was significant difference in ΔMK among almost all locations(except basal ganglia and thalamus vs. brain stem; basal ganglia and thalamus vs. gray-white matter junctions; and brainstem vs. gray-white matter junctions.(3) The degree of change in diffusional kurtosis in descending order was as follows: corpus callosum > periventricular white matter > brainstem > gray-white matter junctions > basal ganglia and thalamus > cerebellum. In conclusion, DKI could reveal the differences in microstructure changes among various locations affected by acute ischemic stroke, and performed better than diffusivity among all groups.展开更多
The depression-like behavior phenotype,neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and miR-124 expression in the hippocampus are the focus of current research on the pathogenesis of depression and antidepressant therapy.The pre...The depression-like behavior phenotype,neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and miR-124 expression in the hippocampus are the focus of current research on the pathogenesis of depression and antidepressant therapy.The present study aimed to clarify the dynamic changes of depression-like behavior,dentate gyrus neurogenesis and hippocampal miR-124 expression during depression induced by chronic stress to reveal pathological features at different stages of depression and to further provide insight into depression treatment.Chronic unpredictable mild stress depression models were established by exposing Sprague-Dawley rats to various mild stressors,including white noise,thermal swimming,stroboscopic illumination,soiled cages,pairing with three other stressed animals,cold swimming,tail pinch,restraint and water and food deprivation.Chronic unpredictable mild stress model rats underwent dynamic observation from 1 to 8 weeks and were compared with a control group(normal feeding without any stressors).To observe changes in the depression-like behavior phenotype during chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression,a sucrose preference test was used to evaluate the degree of anhedonia.An open-field test was used to evaluate locomotor activity and anxiety status.Compared with the control group,chronic unpredictable mild stress rats lost weight but did not have a depression-like behavioral phenotype at 1-4 weeks.Chronic unpredictable mild stress rats presented decreased sucrose preference and locomotor activity at 5-8 weeks.In addition,chronic unpredictable mild stress rats did not have significant anxiety-like behavior during 1-8 weeks of modeling.To observe neurogenesis dysfunctions and changes in neuronal number in the dentate gyrus during chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression,markers(DCX and DCX/BrdU)of neural proliferation and differentiation and the neuronal marker NeuN were assessed by immunofluorescence.Compared with the control group,neurogenesis and the neuronal number in the dentate gyrus did not change from 2 to 6 weeks;however,neural proliferation and differentiation in the dentate gyrus decreased,and the number of neurons decreased until the eighth week in the chronic unpredictable mild stress group.Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays and fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to measure the expression of hippocampal miR-124 during chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression.The results showed that the expression of hippocampal miR-124 was unchanged during the first 4 weeks but increased from 5 to 6 weeks and decreased from 7 to 8 weeks compared with the control group.These findings indicate that during chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression,the behavioral phenotype,miR-124 expression in the hippocampus,neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and neuronal numbers showed dynamic changes,which suggested that various pathological changes occur at different stages of depression.All experimental procedures and protocols were approved by the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine of China in March 2015.展开更多
Intensification of agricultural land use and population growth from 1990-2017 has caused changes in land cover and land use of the Mbarali River sub-catchment which is located in the Upper Great Ruaha Sub basin, Tanza...Intensification of agricultural land use and population growth from 1990-2017 has caused changes in land cover and land use of the Mbarali River sub-catchment which is located in the Upper Great Ruaha Sub basin, Tanzania. This has affected the magnitude of the surface runoff, total water yield and the groundwater flow. This study assesses the impacts of the land cover and land use changes on the stream flows and hydrological water balance components (surface runoff, water yield, percolation and actual evapotranspiration). The land use and land cover (LULC) maps for three window period snapshots, 1990, 2006 and 2017 were created from Landsat TM and OLI_TIRS with the help of QGIS version 2.6. Supervised classification was used to generate LULC maps using the Maximum Likelihood Algorithm and Kappa statistics for assessment of accuracy. SWAT was set up and run to simulate stream flows and hydrological water balance components. The assessment of the impacts of land use and land cover changes on stream flows and hydrological water balance component was performed by comparing hydrological parameters simulated by SWAT using land use scenarios of 2006 and 2017 against the baseline land use scenario of 1990. Accuracy of LULC classification was good with Kappa statistics ranging between 0.9 and 0.99. There was a drastic increase in areal coverage of cultivated land, for periods 1990-2006 (5.84%) and 2006-2017 (12.05%) compared to other LULC. During 2006 and 2017 surface runoff increased by 4% and 9% respectively;however, water yield increased by only 0.5% compared to 1990 baseline period. This was attributed to increased proportion of cultivated land in the sub-catchment which has a high curve number (59.60) that indicates a higher runoff response and low infiltration rate.展开更多
The relatively rapid recession of glaciers in the Himalayas and formation of moraine dammed glacial lakes(MDGLs) in the recent past have increased the risk of glacier lake outburst floods(GLOF) in the countries of Nep...The relatively rapid recession of glaciers in the Himalayas and formation of moraine dammed glacial lakes(MDGLs) in the recent past have increased the risk of glacier lake outburst floods(GLOF) in the countries of Nepal and Bhutan and in the mountainous territory of Sikkim in India. As a product of climate change and global warming, such a risk has not only raised the level of threats to the habitation and infrastructure of the region, but has also contributed to the worsening of the balance of the unique ecosystem that exists in this domain that sustains several of the highest mountain peaks of the world. This study attempts to present an up to date mapping of the MDGLs in the central and eastern Himalayan regions using remote sensing data, with an objective to analyse their surface area variations with time from 1990 through 2015, disaggregated over six episodes. The study also includes the evaluation for susceptibility of MDGLs to GLOF with the least criteria decision analysis(LCDA). Forty two major MDGLs, each having a lake surface area greater than 0.2 km2, that were identified in the Himalayan ranges of Nepal, Bhutan, and Sikkim, have been categorized according to their surface area expansion rates in space and time. The lakes have been identified as located within the elevation range of 3800 m and6800 m above mean sea level(a msl). With a total surface area of 37.9 km2, these MDGLs as a whole were observed to have expanded by an astonishing 43.6% in area over the 25 year period of this study. A factor is introduced to numerically sort the lakes in terms of their relative yearly expansion rates, based on their interpretation of their surface area extents from satellite imageries. Verification of predicted GLOF events in the past using this factor with the limited field data as reported in literature indicates that the present analysis may be considered a sufficiently reliable and rapid technique for assessing the potential bursting susceptibility of the MDGLs. The analysis also indicates that, as of now, there are eight MDGLs in the region which appear to be in highly vulnerable states and have high chances in causing potential GLOF events anytime in the recent future.展开更多
The cooling of the Cenozoic, including the Miocene epoch, was punctuated by many geologically abrupt warming and cooling episodes— strong deviations from the cooling trend with time span of ten to hundred thousands o...The cooling of the Cenozoic, including the Miocene epoch, was punctuated by many geologically abrupt warming and cooling episodes— strong deviations from the cooling trend with time span of ten to hundred thousands of years. Our working hypothesis is that some of those warming episodes at least partially might have been caused by dynamics of the Antarctic Ice Sheet, which, in turn, might have caused strong changes of sea surface salinity in the Miocene Southern Ocean. Feasibility of this hypothesis is explored in a series of offline-coupled ocean-atmosphere computer experiments. The results suggest that relatively small and geologically short-lived changes in freshwater balance in the Southern Ocean could have significantly contributed to at least two prominent warming episodes in the Miocene. Importantly, the scenario-based experiments also suggest that the Southern Ocean was more sensitive to the salinity changes in the Miocene than today, which can attributed to the opening of the Central American Isthmus as a major difference between the Miocene and the present-day ocean-sea geometry.展开更多
Top concepts adopted by the current science on climate changes or atmospheric warming are not in agreement with the first principles of the physics. This paper presents a new understanding on the atmospheric behaviors...Top concepts adopted by the current science on climate changes or atmospheric warming are not in agreement with the first principles of the physics. This paper presents a new understanding on the atmospheric behaviors. For example, the radiation is not the only factor that influences the air temperature, as the law of conservation of energy defines and as shown physically and mathematically in this article. The Sun is not the only heat source for the atmosphere because there is generation of heat at the Earth’s surface by human activities. It is also shown that the water vapor is not a null effect and that the water vapor cannot be removed from the atmosphere for air temperature, greenhouse effect and climate changes considerations, in contrast to the current literature beliefs. The “feedback” concept is unfounded and invalid. The literature also says that “water vapor increases as the Earth’s atmosphere warms”, but this is also incorrect. The above equivocated understanding is accompanied by another one which believes that more water evaporates if the air temperature increases, but it is not in this way. These demonstrations and other authors’ surveys showing that in the last decades the planet became wetter eliminate the literature concept that the water vapor does not have influence on the atmospheric warming/cooling. The conventional water cycle is related to the mass of water (mass of evaporation mass of precipitation) and then the physical and mathematical principles of the new hydrological cycle that includes the direct human influence are shown. The same is done for the carbon cycle. It is solved the problem on why the wind speed on Venus is very high above the cloud deck while it is stagnant below it, being this the same physical principle valid for the Earth’s cloud cover. In the atmosphere, all the corresponding principles are the same, only their amounts change. It is demonstrated that the CO2 is not decisive for building and changing the temperatures of Venus, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter and Earth. Ice cores are not valid for “determining” “past” temperatures of the planet, because the mass of their air bubbles may be old, but the corresponding temperatures are not.展开更多
Glaucoma, the world's leading cause of irreversible blindness, is a condition for which elevated intraocular pressure is currently the only modifiable risk factor. However, the disorder can continue to progress ev...Glaucoma, the world's leading cause of irreversible blindness, is a condition for which elevated intraocular pressure is currently the only modifiable risk factor. However, the disorder can continue to progress even at reduced intraocular pressure. This indicates additional key factors that contribute to the etiopathogenesis. There has been a growing amount of literature suggesting glaucoma as a neurodegenerative disease of the visual system. However, it remains debatable whether the observed pathophysiological conditions are causes or consequences. This review summarizes recent in vivo imaging studies that helped advance the understanding of early glaucoma involvements and disease progression in the brains of humans and experimental animal models. In particular, we focused on the non-invasive detection of early structural and functional brain changes before substantial clinical visual field loss in glaucoma patients; the eye-brain interactions across disease severity; the metabolic changes occurring in the brain's visual system in glaucoma; and, the widespread brain involvements beyond the visual pathway as well as the potential behavioral relevance. If the mechanisms of glaucomatous brain changes are reliably identified, novel neurotherapeutics that target parameters beyond intraocular pressure lowering can be the promise of the near future, which would lead to reduced prevalence of this irreversible but preventable disease.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the changes in total phenols,flavonoids,tannins,vitamin E, β-carotene and antioxidant activity during soaking of three white sorghum varieties.Methods: The changes in total phenols,total ilav...Objective:To investigate the changes in total phenols,flavonoids,tannins,vitamin E, β-carotene and antioxidant activity during soaking of three white sorghum varieties.Methods: The changes in total phenols,total ilavonoids,tannins,phenolic acids compounds,flavonoid components,vitamin E,P-carotene and antioxidant activity during soaking of sorghum grains were determined.Results:Total phenols,total flavonoids,tannins,vitamin E,P-carotene and antioxidant activity in raw sorghum were ranged from 109.21 to 116.70,45.91 to 54.69,1.39 to 21.79 mg/100 g,1.74 to 5.25,0.54 to 1.19 mg/kg and 21.72%to 27.69%and 25.29%to 31.97%,respectively. The above measured compounds were significantly decreased after soaking.p-Hydroxybenzoic acid,vanillic acid,syringic acid and cinnamic acid represent the major phenolic acids in Dorado variety.While ferulic acid,p-coumaric acid,gallic acid and caffeic acid represent the major phenolic acids in Shandaweel-6.On the other hand,protocatechuic acid represents the major phenolic acids in Giza-15.Regarding flavonoids components,Dorado was the highest variety in kampferol and naringenin while Shandaweel-6 was the highest variety in luteolin, apigenin,hypersoid,quercelin and christen.Finally,Giza-15 was the highest variety in catechin. Phenolic acids,flavonoid compounds and antioxidant activities were decreased after soaking. Conclusions:Sorghum varieties have moderate quantities from total phenols,total flavonoids, tannins,phenolic acids compounds,flavonoid components,vitamin E,P-carotene and antioxidant activity which decreased after soaking.展开更多
A new methodology of comparing digital raster maps was proposed which allows not only detecting changes in the maps, but also obtaining quantitative measures of the importance of selected differences. Procedure of obj...A new methodology of comparing digital raster maps was proposed which allows not only detecting changes in the maps, but also obtaining quantitative measures of the importance of selected differences. Procedure of object interpretation of satellite images and forming of OMT (Object Map of Territory) is described. A list of allowable differences between two OMTs is defined. Two steps technique of quantitative measuring is proposed. At the first stage functions are constructed for calculating local measures of differences in the amount, areas and locations of objects on the map, as well as relations between the objects. In the second stage local measures are used to calculate the integral measure in order to get generalized assessment of difference between maps. The methods for constructing functions which calculate local and integral measures of differences are described. Examples of comparing and measuring the differences between OMTs are provided. Obtained results by utilizing this technique can be used to analyze trends, forecast of development and might be helpful for choosing most efficient scenarios for sustainable spatial planning and land management.展开更多
This study aimed to accurately study the intra-annual spatiotemporal variation in the surface urban heat island intensities(SUHIIs) in 1449 cities in China.First, China was divided into five environmental regions.Then...This study aimed to accurately study the intra-annual spatiotemporal variation in the surface urban heat island intensities(SUHIIs) in 1449 cities in China.First, China was divided into five environmental regions.Then, the SUHIIs were accurately calculated based on the modified definitions of the city extents and their corresponding nearby rural areas.Finally, we explored the spatiotemporal variation of the mean, maximum, and minimum values, and ranges of SUHIIs from several aspects.The results showed that larger annual mean daytime SUHIIs occurred in hot-humid South China and cold-humid northeastern China, and the smallest occurred in arid and semiarid west China.The seasonal order of the SUHIIs was summer > spring > autumn > winter in all the temperate regions except west China.The SUHIIs were obviously larger during the rainy season than the dry season in the tropical region.Nevertheless, significant differences were not observed between the two seasons within the rainy or dry periods.During the daytime, the maximum SUHIIs mostly occurred in summer in each region, while the minimum occurred in winter.A few cold island phenomena existed during the nighttime.The maximum SUHIIs were generally significantly positively correlated with the minimum SUHIIs during the daytime, nighttime and all-day in all environmental regions throughout the year and the four seasons.Moreover, significant correlation scarcely existed between the daytime and nighttime ranges of the SUHIIs.In addition, the daytime SUHIIs were also insignificantly correlated with the nighttime SUHIIs in half of the cases.展开更多
Background: Pneumatic arterial tourniquet is a utilized strategy in limb surgeries to provide bloodless field to facilitate surgical procedure. Be that as it may, arterial tourniquet has numerous injurious impacts inc...Background: Pneumatic arterial tourniquet is a utilized strategy in limb surgeries to provide bloodless field to facilitate surgical procedure. Be that as it may, arterial tourniquet has numerous injurious impacts including hemodynamic changes and tourniquet-induced pain which sometimes can be severe and intolerable. Objectives: Our primary aim was to assess the impact of performing “Lumbar Plexus Block and sciatic nerve block” with General Anesthesia (GA) on the degree of arterial tourniquet-induced hemodynamic effects. On the other hand, our secondary aims were: amount of postoperative analgesic prerequisites, patient satisfactory score and documented side effects. Settings and Design: Ain Shams University, Orthopedic operating theatre;a prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Methods and Material: The physical status of 50 patients (both sexes) including I and II patients from American Society of Anesthesiologists, whose ages are from 20 - 40 years, is not so ideal when they are undergoing elective knee Arthroscopy. The duration lasts no more than ninety minutes under GA with application of tourniquet. Patients were allotted haphazardly to one of two groups. In Group C (Control group): Only GA. In Group B: LPB and sciatic nerve block were performed just before GA administration. Intraoperative hemodynamics was recorded at specific timings. Results: Incidence of tourniquet induced hypertension (TIH) was markedly less with Group B at: forty five, sixty, seventy five mins after tourniquet inflation and just before tourniquet deflation. Also, the total ketorolac consumption during first 24 hours of postoperative period was significantly less with Group B (p Conclusions: Combined Sciatic-Lumbar plexus blocks when combined with general anesthesia were very effective in attenuating TIH.展开更多
The criteria used by International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN) for its Red List of Ecosystems(RLE) are the global standards for ecosystem-level risk assessment, and they have been increasingly used for biod...The criteria used by International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN) for its Red List of Ecosystems(RLE) are the global standards for ecosystem-level risk assessment, and they have been increasingly used for biodiversity conservation. The changed distribution area of an ecosystem is one of the key criteria in such assessments. The Stipa bungeana grassland is one of the most widely distributed grasslands in the warm-temperate semi-arid regions of China. However, the total distribution area of this grassland was noted to have shrunk and become fragmented because of its conversion to cropland and grazing-induced degradation. Following the IUCN-RLE standards, here we analyzed changes in the geographical distribution of this degraded grassland, to evaluate its degradation and risk of collapse. Past(1950-1980) distribution areas were extracted from the Vegetation Map of China(1:1,000,000). Present realizable distribution areas were equated to these past areas minus any habitat area losses. We then predicted the grassland’s present and future(under the Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 scenario) potential distribution areas using maximum entropy algorithm(MaxEnt), based on field survey data and nine environmental layers. Our results showed that the S. bungeana grassland was mainly distributed in the Loess Plateau, Hexi Corridor, and low altitudes of the Qilian Mountains and Longshou Mountain. This ecosystem occurred mainly on loess soils, kastanozems, steppe aeolian soils and sierozems. Thermal and edaphic factors were the most important factors limiting the distribution of S. bungeana grassland across China. Since 56.1% of its past distribution area(4.9×10~4 km^2) disappeared in the last 50 a, the present realizable distribution area only amounts to 2.2×10~4 km^2. But only 15.7% of its present potential distribution area(14.0×10~4 km^2) is actually occupied by the S. bungeana grassland. The future potential distribution of S. bungeana grassland was predicted to shift towards northwest, and the total area of this ecosystem will shrink by 12.4% over the next 50 a under the most pessimistic climate change scenario. Accordingly, following the IUCN-RLE criteria, we deemed the S. bungeana grassland ecosystem in China to be endangered(EN). Revegetation projects and the establishment of protected areas are recommended as effective ways to avert this looming crisis. This empirical modeling study provides an example of how IUCN-RLE categories and criteria may be valuably used for ecosystem assessments in China and abroad.展开更多
BACKGROUND Lumbar interbody fusion(LIF)is the primary treatment for lumbar degenerative diseases.Elderly patients are prone to anxiety and depression after undergoing surgery,which affects their postoperative recovery...BACKGROUND Lumbar interbody fusion(LIF)is the primary treatment for lumbar degenerative diseases.Elderly patients are prone to anxiety and depression after undergoing surgery,which affects their postoperative recovery speed and quality of life.Effective prevention of anxiety and depression in elderly patients has become an urgent problem.AIM To investigate the trajectory of anxiety and depression levels in elderly patients after LIF,and the influencing factors.METHODS Random sampling was used to select 239 elderly patients who underwent LIF from January 2020 to December 2024 in Shenzhen Pingle Orthopedic Hospital.General information and surgery-related indices were recorded,and participants completed measures of psychological status,lumbar spine dysfunction,and quality of life.A latent class growth model was used to analyze the post-LIF trajectory of anxiety and depression levels,and unordered multi-categorical logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors.RESULTS Three trajectories of change in anxiety level were identified:Increasing anxiety(n=26,10.88%),decreasing anxiety(n=27,11.30%),and stable anxiety(n=186,77.82%).Likewise,three trajectories of change in depression level were identified:Increasing depression(n=30,12.55%),decreasing depression(n=26,10.88%),and stable depression(n=183,76.57%).Regression analysis showed that having no partner,female sex,elevated Oswestry dysfunction index(ODI)scores,and reduced 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores all contributed to increased anxiety levels,whereas female sex,postoperative opioid use,and elevated ODI scores all contributed to increased depression levels.CONCLUSION During clinical observation,combining factors to predict anxiety and depression in post-LIF elderly patients enables timely intervention,quickens recovery,and enhances quality of life.展开更多
We numerically and experimentally proposed a dual-stop-band terahertz filter based on standard microelectronic fabrication method. The stop bands locate at 0.32 THz and 1.02 THz with 3 dB bandwidths of 0.26 THz and 0....We numerically and experimentally proposed a dual-stop-band terahertz filter based on standard microelectronic fabrication method. The stop bands locate at 0.32 THz and 1.02 THz with 3 dB bandwidths of 0.26 THz and 0.55 THz, respectively. The resonance characteristics of the proposed device were discussed with the help of surface current maps and field density maps extracted from computer simulation software to better understand the working principle of the proposed device. On top of that, a total of seven devices with different dimensions were fabricated to fully discuss the dimension effects on the resonant frequency shift and bandwidth changes. This fabrication process is applicable for related integrated metamaterial devices and provides essential experiment evidences for effective ways of manipulating the transmission spectrum of the proposed filter.展开更多
The age,grain size compositions and major elemental compositions for sediments in core YQ1 from the Yingqiong continental slope in the South China Sea was determined in this paper.It is noted that the periodically cyc...The age,grain size compositions and major elemental compositions for sediments in core YQ1 from the Yingqiong continental slope in the South China Sea was determined in this paper.It is noted that the periodically cyclic change of sedimentation rates occurred in the Yingqiong continental slope in the South China Sea.During the interglacial periods,the sedimentation rates were high,while the sedimentation rates exhibited low values during the glacial periods.During Marine Isotope Stage 1(MIS1),the sedimentary rate could reach about 800 cm kyr-1 and during the MIS6 this area is characterized by the lowest sedimentary rate,which is lower than 3 cm kyr-1.According to the R-mode factor analysis of the major element data,three factors F1(Al2O3,Fe2O3,TiO2 and K2O),F2(MgO and MnO)and F3(Na2O and P2O5)were obtained,which shows that vertical change of the major elemental concentrations in the core was mainly controlled by the nearby terrestrial inputs and the early diagenesis,while the effect of volcanic and biogenous inputs was less.The obvious glacial-interglacial cyclic features are presented in the changes of the typical terrestrial element ratios contained in factor F1,which reflects the impact of glacial-interglacial climatic cycle on the evolution of the East Asian monsoon.This indicates that the major element ratios in terrestrial sediments are significant indicators of regional climate changes.展开更多
We analyzed the characteristics and trends of land-use change in and near the coastal zone of the Yangtze River Delta(YRD) during five periods(1995, 2000 2005, 2010, and 2015) using remotely sensed Landsat imagery. Us...We analyzed the characteristics and trends of land-use change in and near the coastal zone of the Yangtze River Delta(YRD) during five periods(1995, 2000 2005, 2010, and 2015) using remotely sensed Landsat imagery. Using automatic supervised classification combined with visual interpretation, we obtained land-use information for five study areas(Nantong, Shanghai, Jiaxing, Ningbo, and Zhoushan). Significant land-use changes have occurred in this area between 1995 and 2015, characterized in particular by large reductions in cultivated land and rapid increases in urbanized land. In addition, land reclamation was very active in this period as an effective supplement to the increased demand for land development: since 1995, 1622 km^2 of land was reclaimed from near-coastal regions in the study area. This increase in urbanization was jointly driven by population, economic, transportation, and policy factors. Urban areas expanded from the center outward in concentric rings, with infrastructure guiding the radial expansion of development along transportation corridors, thus forming a network of connections. Due to the influence of national land regulation policies, the expansion rate of development in the YRD gradually diminished after 2010. This indicates that the area's resource and environmental carrying capacity has reached a saturation stage in which urbanization has transitioned from broad and incremental expansion to the intensive use of land resources.展开更多
We investigated the effects of elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) on biogeochemistry of marsh sediment including speciation of selected heavy metals in Salinas de San Pedro mudflat in California. The Salinas de San Pedro m...We investigated the effects of elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) on biogeochemistry of marsh sediment including speciation of selected heavy metals in Salinas de San Pedro mudflat in California. The Salinas de San Pedro mudflat has higher carbon (C) content than the vast majority of fully-vegetated salt marshes even with the higher tidal action in the mudflat. Sources for CO2 were identified as atmospheric CO2 as well as due to local fault degassing process. We measured carbon dioxide, methane, total organic carbon, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and heavy metal concentration in various salt marsh locations. Overall, our results showed that CO2 concentration ranging from 418.7 to 436.9 (ppm), which are slightly different in various chambers but are in good agreement with some heavy metal concentrations values in mudflat at or around the same location. The selected metal concentration values (ppm) ranging from 0.003 - 0.011 (As);0.001 - 0.005 (Cd);0.04 - 0.02 (Cr);0.13 - 0.38 (Cu);0.11 - 0.38 (Pb);0.0009 - 0.020 (Se);and 0.188 - 0.321 (Zn). The low dissolved oxygen (ppm) in the pore water sediment indicated suboxic environment. Additionally, CO2 (ppm) and loss on ignition (LOI) (%) correlated inversely;the higher CO2 content, the lower was the LOI (%);that is to say the excess CO2 causes higher rates of decomposition and therefore it leads to lower LOI (%) on the mudflat surface. It appears that the elevated CO2 makes changes in salt marsh pore water chemistry for instance the free ionic metal (Cu2+, Pb2+, etc.) speciation is one of the most reactive form because simply assimilated by the non-decayed or alive organisms in sediment of salt marsh and/or in water. This means that CO2 not only is a sign of improvement in plant productivity, but also activates microbial decomposition through increases in dissolved organic carbon availability. CO2 also increases acidification processes such as anaerobic degradation of microorganism and oxidation of reduced components. The heavy metal concentrations in sediment samples were slightly higher in suboxic layer, yet it appears that salt marsh sediments in Salinas de San Pedro act like a sink for nutrient and carbon by maximizing carbon sequestration.展开更多
In this study, the relative gravity data(2012 e2015), GPS data-derived horizontal deformation(2011 e2014) and the background vertical deformation from the leveling measurements(1970 e2011) in the northeastern margin o...In this study, the relative gravity data(2012 e2015), GPS data-derived horizontal deformation(2011 e2014) and the background vertical deformation from the leveling measurements(1970 e2011) in the northeastern margin of Tibetan Plateau were processed to systematically analysis the mechanism of temporalespatial patterns and the relationship with Menyuan Ms6.4 earthquake. It can be summarized in the following: 1) The regional gravity changes, the GPS and the vertical deformational showed an intense spatial relationship: the gravity increased along with the direction of horizontal movement, and decreased with the crustal uplift and vice versa, which reflected the inherited characteristics of geotectonic activities. 2) The crustal deformations were closely related to the active faults. The contour lines of gravity changes and vertical deformation were generally along with the Qilian-Haiyuan fault(strike is NWW), and the crustal horizontal deformation showed left-lateral strike slip motion near the Qilian-Haiyuan fault. 3) Menyuan Ms6.4 earthquake occurred in the high negative gravity variation area and a high gradient formed in regions, positive and negative variation of gravity amount to 110 m Gal.Specifically, a borderline of positive and negative gravity located in the south of epicenter along the north edge of Qilianshan fault and Lenglongling fault, as well as the vertical and/or horizontal deformation is intensely. The extrusion deformation, surface compression rate and gravity changes were obvious near the epicenter of 2016 Menyuan Earthquake.展开更多
This study was undertaken to apply Geographic Information System “GIS” (ArcGIS 9.3) for calculating shoreline change rates and back-shore surface area due to these changes, particularly after constructing marine str...This study was undertaken to apply Geographic Information System “GIS” (ArcGIS 9.3) for calculating shoreline change rates and back-shore surface area due to these changes, particularly after constructing marine structures: including seawall, detached breakwaters and groins. Modelbuilder in ArcGIS software was used to design and develop an automated technique, module, for estimating such changes (rate and area). These changes are deduced from analysis of beach-nearshore profile surveys between 1970 and 2010 and shoreline position versus prevailing coastal processes. The results show that the major erosion occurred along the Delta promontories;the shoreline of Rosetta retreated (1.6 km) at an average rate of 60 m/yr with loss of back-shore area 6.4 km2;the coastline of Burullus bulge recessed at mean rate of 6 m/yr and decreasing in beach area of 1.31 km2;and at Damietta (Ras El-Bar) the shoreline moved backward (6 m/yr) with disappeared in beach area of 1.13 km2. The shape and orientation of these promontories contributed to create alternation between wave convergence zone that eventually causes erosion, and divergence zones that experienced shoreline accretion. Finally, the engineering structures didn’t solve or stop the erosion problem but shifted it from one place to another.展开更多
Tube spinning technology is one of the effective methods of manufacturing large diameter thin-walled shapes. In this research, effects of major parameters of thermo mechanical tube spinning process such as preform'...Tube spinning technology is one of the effective methods of manufacturing large diameter thin-walled shapes. In this research, effects of major parameters of thermo mechanical tube spinning process such as preform's thickness, percentage of thickness reduction, mandrel rotational speed, feed rate, solution treatment time and aging treatment time on the wall thickness changes and process time in thermo-mechanical tube spinning process for fabrication of 2024 aluminum spun tubes using design of experiments (DOE), are studied. The statistical results are verified through some experiments. Results of experimental evaluation are analyzed by variance analysis and mathematic models are obtained. Finally using these models, input parameters for optimum production are achieved.展开更多
基金supported by the Science and Technology Planned Project from Xiamen Science and Technology Bureau,China,No.3502Z20154065(to LHZ)the Joint Project for Xiamen Key Diseases from Xiamen Science and Technology Bureau,China,No.3502Z20149032(to GG)
文摘The location of an acute ischemic stroke is associated with its prognosis. The widely used Gaussian model-based parameter, apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC), cannot reveal microstructural changes in different locations or the degree of infarction. This prospective observational study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Xiamen Second Hospital, China(approval No. 2014002).Diffusion kurtosis imaging(DKI) was used to detect 199 lesions in 156 patients with acute ischemic stroke(61 males and 95 females), mean age 63.15 ± 12.34 years. A total of 199 lesions were located in the periventricular white matter(n = 52), corpus callosum(n = 14), cerebellum(n = 29), basal ganglia and thalamus(n = 21), brainstem(n = 21) and gray-white matter junctions(n = 62). Percentage changes of apparent diffusion coefficient(ΔADC) and DKI-derived indices(fractional anisotropy [ΔFA], mean diffusivity [ΔMD], axial diffusivity [ΔD_a], radial diffusivity ΔDr, mean kurtosis [ΔMK], axial kurtosis [ΔK_a], and radial kurtosis [ΔK_r]) of each lesion were computed relative to the normal contralateral region. The results showed that(1) there was no significant difference in ΔADC, ΔMD, ΔD_a or ΔD_r among almost all locations.(2) There was significant difference in ΔMK among almost all locations(except basal ganglia and thalamus vs. brain stem; basal ganglia and thalamus vs. gray-white matter junctions; and brainstem vs. gray-white matter junctions.(3) The degree of change in diffusional kurtosis in descending order was as follows: corpus callosum > periventricular white matter > brainstem > gray-white matter junctions > basal ganglia and thalamus > cerebellum. In conclusion, DKI could reveal the differences in microstructure changes among various locations affected by acute ischemic stroke, and performed better than diffusivity among all groups.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81573858(to LLW)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province of China,No.2016A030313648(to CY)the Major Basic Research Project of Educational Commission of Guangdong Province of China,No.2017KZDXM020(to CY)
文摘The depression-like behavior phenotype,neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and miR-124 expression in the hippocampus are the focus of current research on the pathogenesis of depression and antidepressant therapy.The present study aimed to clarify the dynamic changes of depression-like behavior,dentate gyrus neurogenesis and hippocampal miR-124 expression during depression induced by chronic stress to reveal pathological features at different stages of depression and to further provide insight into depression treatment.Chronic unpredictable mild stress depression models were established by exposing Sprague-Dawley rats to various mild stressors,including white noise,thermal swimming,stroboscopic illumination,soiled cages,pairing with three other stressed animals,cold swimming,tail pinch,restraint and water and food deprivation.Chronic unpredictable mild stress model rats underwent dynamic observation from 1 to 8 weeks and were compared with a control group(normal feeding without any stressors).To observe changes in the depression-like behavior phenotype during chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression,a sucrose preference test was used to evaluate the degree of anhedonia.An open-field test was used to evaluate locomotor activity and anxiety status.Compared with the control group,chronic unpredictable mild stress rats lost weight but did not have a depression-like behavioral phenotype at 1-4 weeks.Chronic unpredictable mild stress rats presented decreased sucrose preference and locomotor activity at 5-8 weeks.In addition,chronic unpredictable mild stress rats did not have significant anxiety-like behavior during 1-8 weeks of modeling.To observe neurogenesis dysfunctions and changes in neuronal number in the dentate gyrus during chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression,markers(DCX and DCX/BrdU)of neural proliferation and differentiation and the neuronal marker NeuN were assessed by immunofluorescence.Compared with the control group,neurogenesis and the neuronal number in the dentate gyrus did not change from 2 to 6 weeks;however,neural proliferation and differentiation in the dentate gyrus decreased,and the number of neurons decreased until the eighth week in the chronic unpredictable mild stress group.Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays and fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to measure the expression of hippocampal miR-124 during chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression.The results showed that the expression of hippocampal miR-124 was unchanged during the first 4 weeks but increased from 5 to 6 weeks and decreased from 7 to 8 weeks compared with the control group.These findings indicate that during chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression,the behavioral phenotype,miR-124 expression in the hippocampus,neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and neuronal numbers showed dynamic changes,which suggested that various pathological changes occur at different stages of depression.All experimental procedures and protocols were approved by the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine of China in March 2015.
文摘Intensification of agricultural land use and population growth from 1990-2017 has caused changes in land cover and land use of the Mbarali River sub-catchment which is located in the Upper Great Ruaha Sub basin, Tanzania. This has affected the magnitude of the surface runoff, total water yield and the groundwater flow. This study assesses the impacts of the land cover and land use changes on the stream flows and hydrological water balance components (surface runoff, water yield, percolation and actual evapotranspiration). The land use and land cover (LULC) maps for three window period snapshots, 1990, 2006 and 2017 were created from Landsat TM and OLI_TIRS with the help of QGIS version 2.6. Supervised classification was used to generate LULC maps using the Maximum Likelihood Algorithm and Kappa statistics for assessment of accuracy. SWAT was set up and run to simulate stream flows and hydrological water balance components. The assessment of the impacts of land use and land cover changes on stream flows and hydrological water balance component was performed by comparing hydrological parameters simulated by SWAT using land use scenarios of 2006 and 2017 against the baseline land use scenario of 1990. Accuracy of LULC classification was good with Kappa statistics ranging between 0.9 and 0.99. There was a drastic increase in areal coverage of cultivated land, for periods 1990-2006 (5.84%) and 2006-2017 (12.05%) compared to other LULC. During 2006 and 2017 surface runoff increased by 4% and 9% respectively;however, water yield increased by only 0.5% compared to 1990 baseline period. This was attributed to increased proportion of cultivated land in the sub-catchment which has a high curve number (59.60) that indicates a higher runoff response and low infiltration rate.
文摘The relatively rapid recession of glaciers in the Himalayas and formation of moraine dammed glacial lakes(MDGLs) in the recent past have increased the risk of glacier lake outburst floods(GLOF) in the countries of Nepal and Bhutan and in the mountainous territory of Sikkim in India. As a product of climate change and global warming, such a risk has not only raised the level of threats to the habitation and infrastructure of the region, but has also contributed to the worsening of the balance of the unique ecosystem that exists in this domain that sustains several of the highest mountain peaks of the world. This study attempts to present an up to date mapping of the MDGLs in the central and eastern Himalayan regions using remote sensing data, with an objective to analyse their surface area variations with time from 1990 through 2015, disaggregated over six episodes. The study also includes the evaluation for susceptibility of MDGLs to GLOF with the least criteria decision analysis(LCDA). Forty two major MDGLs, each having a lake surface area greater than 0.2 km2, that were identified in the Himalayan ranges of Nepal, Bhutan, and Sikkim, have been categorized according to their surface area expansion rates in space and time. The lakes have been identified as located within the elevation range of 3800 m and6800 m above mean sea level(a msl). With a total surface area of 37.9 km2, these MDGLs as a whole were observed to have expanded by an astonishing 43.6% in area over the 25 year period of this study. A factor is introduced to numerically sort the lakes in terms of their relative yearly expansion rates, based on their interpretation of their surface area extents from satellite imageries. Verification of predicted GLOF events in the past using this factor with the limited field data as reported in literature indicates that the present analysis may be considered a sufficiently reliable and rapid technique for assessing the potential bursting susceptibility of the MDGLs. The analysis also indicates that, as of now, there are eight MDGLs in the region which appear to be in highly vulnerable states and have high chances in causing potential GLOF events anytime in the recent future.
文摘The cooling of the Cenozoic, including the Miocene epoch, was punctuated by many geologically abrupt warming and cooling episodes— strong deviations from the cooling trend with time span of ten to hundred thousands of years. Our working hypothesis is that some of those warming episodes at least partially might have been caused by dynamics of the Antarctic Ice Sheet, which, in turn, might have caused strong changes of sea surface salinity in the Miocene Southern Ocean. Feasibility of this hypothesis is explored in a series of offline-coupled ocean-atmosphere computer experiments. The results suggest that relatively small and geologically short-lived changes in freshwater balance in the Southern Ocean could have significantly contributed to at least two prominent warming episodes in the Miocene. Importantly, the scenario-based experiments also suggest that the Southern Ocean was more sensitive to the salinity changes in the Miocene than today, which can attributed to the opening of the Central American Isthmus as a major difference between the Miocene and the present-day ocean-sea geometry.
文摘Top concepts adopted by the current science on climate changes or atmospheric warming are not in agreement with the first principles of the physics. This paper presents a new understanding on the atmospheric behaviors. For example, the radiation is not the only factor that influences the air temperature, as the law of conservation of energy defines and as shown physically and mathematically in this article. The Sun is not the only heat source for the atmosphere because there is generation of heat at the Earth’s surface by human activities. It is also shown that the water vapor is not a null effect and that the water vapor cannot be removed from the atmosphere for air temperature, greenhouse effect and climate changes considerations, in contrast to the current literature beliefs. The “feedback” concept is unfounded and invalid. The literature also says that “water vapor increases as the Earth’s atmosphere warms”, but this is also incorrect. The above equivocated understanding is accompanied by another one which believes that more water evaporates if the air temperature increases, but it is not in this way. These demonstrations and other authors’ surveys showing that in the last decades the planet became wetter eliminate the literature concept that the water vapor does not have influence on the atmospheric warming/cooling. The conventional water cycle is related to the mass of water (mass of evaporation mass of precipitation) and then the physical and mathematical principles of the new hydrological cycle that includes the direct human influence are shown. The same is done for the carbon cycle. It is solved the problem on why the wind speed on Venus is very high above the cloud deck while it is stagnant below it, being this the same physical principle valid for the Earth’s cloud cover. In the atmosphere, all the corresponding principles are the same, only their amounts change. It is demonstrated that the CO2 is not decisive for building and changing the temperatures of Venus, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter and Earth. Ice cores are not valid for “determining” “past” temperatures of the planet, because the mass of their air bubbles may be old, but the corresponding temperatures are not.
基金supported by the National Institutes of Health R01-EY028125(Bethesda,MD,USA)(to KCC)BrightFocus Foundation G2013077 and G2016030(Clarksburg,MD,USA)(to KCC)Research to Prevent Blindness/Stavros Niarchos Foundation International Research Collaborators Award(New York,NY,USA)(to KCC)
文摘Glaucoma, the world's leading cause of irreversible blindness, is a condition for which elevated intraocular pressure is currently the only modifiable risk factor. However, the disorder can continue to progress even at reduced intraocular pressure. This indicates additional key factors that contribute to the etiopathogenesis. There has been a growing amount of literature suggesting glaucoma as a neurodegenerative disease of the visual system. However, it remains debatable whether the observed pathophysiological conditions are causes or consequences. This review summarizes recent in vivo imaging studies that helped advance the understanding of early glaucoma involvements and disease progression in the brains of humans and experimental animal models. In particular, we focused on the non-invasive detection of early structural and functional brain changes before substantial clinical visual field loss in glaucoma patients; the eye-brain interactions across disease severity; the metabolic changes occurring in the brain's visual system in glaucoma; and, the widespread brain involvements beyond the visual pathway as well as the potential behavioral relevance. If the mechanisms of glaucomatous brain changes are reliably identified, novel neurotherapeutics that target parameters beyond intraocular pressure lowering can be the promise of the near future, which would lead to reduced prevalence of this irreversible but preventable disease.
基金financially supported by Department of Biochemistry,Faculty of Agriculture.Cario University,and Food Technology Research Institute(FTRI)
文摘Objective:To investigate the changes in total phenols,flavonoids,tannins,vitamin E, β-carotene and antioxidant activity during soaking of three white sorghum varieties.Methods: The changes in total phenols,total ilavonoids,tannins,phenolic acids compounds,flavonoid components,vitamin E,P-carotene and antioxidant activity during soaking of sorghum grains were determined.Results:Total phenols,total flavonoids,tannins,vitamin E,P-carotene and antioxidant activity in raw sorghum were ranged from 109.21 to 116.70,45.91 to 54.69,1.39 to 21.79 mg/100 g,1.74 to 5.25,0.54 to 1.19 mg/kg and 21.72%to 27.69%and 25.29%to 31.97%,respectively. The above measured compounds were significantly decreased after soaking.p-Hydroxybenzoic acid,vanillic acid,syringic acid and cinnamic acid represent the major phenolic acids in Dorado variety.While ferulic acid,p-coumaric acid,gallic acid and caffeic acid represent the major phenolic acids in Shandaweel-6.On the other hand,protocatechuic acid represents the major phenolic acids in Giza-15.Regarding flavonoids components,Dorado was the highest variety in kampferol and naringenin while Shandaweel-6 was the highest variety in luteolin, apigenin,hypersoid,quercelin and christen.Finally,Giza-15 was the highest variety in catechin. Phenolic acids,flavonoid compounds and antioxidant activities were decreased after soaking. Conclusions:Sorghum varieties have moderate quantities from total phenols,total flavonoids, tannins,phenolic acids compounds,flavonoid components,vitamin E,P-carotene and antioxidant activity which decreased after soaking.
文摘A new methodology of comparing digital raster maps was proposed which allows not only detecting changes in the maps, but also obtaining quantitative measures of the importance of selected differences. Procedure of object interpretation of satellite images and forming of OMT (Object Map of Territory) is described. A list of allowable differences between two OMTs is defined. Two steps technique of quantitative measuring is proposed. At the first stage functions are constructed for calculating local measures of differences in the amount, areas and locations of objects on the map, as well as relations between the objects. In the second stage local measures are used to calculate the integral measure in order to get generalized assessment of difference between maps. The methods for constructing functions which calculate local and integral measures of differences are described. Examples of comparing and measuring the differences between OMTs are provided. Obtained results by utilizing this technique can be used to analyze trends, forecast of development and might be helpful for choosing most efficient scenarios for sustainable spatial planning and land management.
基金Under the auspices of National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41901238,41701501)Social Science Fund of China(General Projects)(No.17BJL065)+1 种基金Key Scientific and Technological Project of Henan Province(No.192102310003)Educational Commission of Henan Province(No.2019-ZZJH-094)
文摘This study aimed to accurately study the intra-annual spatiotemporal variation in the surface urban heat island intensities(SUHIIs) in 1449 cities in China.First, China was divided into five environmental regions.Then, the SUHIIs were accurately calculated based on the modified definitions of the city extents and their corresponding nearby rural areas.Finally, we explored the spatiotemporal variation of the mean, maximum, and minimum values, and ranges of SUHIIs from several aspects.The results showed that larger annual mean daytime SUHIIs occurred in hot-humid South China and cold-humid northeastern China, and the smallest occurred in arid and semiarid west China.The seasonal order of the SUHIIs was summer > spring > autumn > winter in all the temperate regions except west China.The SUHIIs were obviously larger during the rainy season than the dry season in the tropical region.Nevertheless, significant differences were not observed between the two seasons within the rainy or dry periods.During the daytime, the maximum SUHIIs mostly occurred in summer in each region, while the minimum occurred in winter.A few cold island phenomena existed during the nighttime.The maximum SUHIIs were generally significantly positively correlated with the minimum SUHIIs during the daytime, nighttime and all-day in all environmental regions throughout the year and the four seasons.Moreover, significant correlation scarcely existed between the daytime and nighttime ranges of the SUHIIs.In addition, the daytime SUHIIs were also insignificantly correlated with the nighttime SUHIIs in half of the cases.
文摘Background: Pneumatic arterial tourniquet is a utilized strategy in limb surgeries to provide bloodless field to facilitate surgical procedure. Be that as it may, arterial tourniquet has numerous injurious impacts including hemodynamic changes and tourniquet-induced pain which sometimes can be severe and intolerable. Objectives: Our primary aim was to assess the impact of performing “Lumbar Plexus Block and sciatic nerve block” with General Anesthesia (GA) on the degree of arterial tourniquet-induced hemodynamic effects. On the other hand, our secondary aims were: amount of postoperative analgesic prerequisites, patient satisfactory score and documented side effects. Settings and Design: Ain Shams University, Orthopedic operating theatre;a prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Methods and Material: The physical status of 50 patients (both sexes) including I and II patients from American Society of Anesthesiologists, whose ages are from 20 - 40 years, is not so ideal when they are undergoing elective knee Arthroscopy. The duration lasts no more than ninety minutes under GA with application of tourniquet. Patients were allotted haphazardly to one of two groups. In Group C (Control group): Only GA. In Group B: LPB and sciatic nerve block were performed just before GA administration. Intraoperative hemodynamics was recorded at specific timings. Results: Incidence of tourniquet induced hypertension (TIH) was markedly less with Group B at: forty five, sixty, seventy five mins after tourniquet inflation and just before tourniquet deflation. Also, the total ketorolac consumption during first 24 hours of postoperative period was significantly less with Group B (p Conclusions: Combined Sciatic-Lumbar plexus blocks when combined with general anesthesia were very effective in attenuating TIH.
基金This research was supported by the National Key Basic Research Program of China(2015FY210200)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDA19050402)+1 种基金the Assessment Methods for Red List of Ecosystems in China Program of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of Chinathe Characteristic Analysis of Important Ecosystems in China Program of the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences.Assistance from many colleagues enabled this study.We thank Dr.WANG Zi,Dr.WU Popo,Ms.ZHU Hong,and Dr.PANG Zhe for their great help during the field survey work.
文摘The criteria used by International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN) for its Red List of Ecosystems(RLE) are the global standards for ecosystem-level risk assessment, and they have been increasingly used for biodiversity conservation. The changed distribution area of an ecosystem is one of the key criteria in such assessments. The Stipa bungeana grassland is one of the most widely distributed grasslands in the warm-temperate semi-arid regions of China. However, the total distribution area of this grassland was noted to have shrunk and become fragmented because of its conversion to cropland and grazing-induced degradation. Following the IUCN-RLE standards, here we analyzed changes in the geographical distribution of this degraded grassland, to evaluate its degradation and risk of collapse. Past(1950-1980) distribution areas were extracted from the Vegetation Map of China(1:1,000,000). Present realizable distribution areas were equated to these past areas minus any habitat area losses. We then predicted the grassland’s present and future(under the Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 scenario) potential distribution areas using maximum entropy algorithm(MaxEnt), based on field survey data and nine environmental layers. Our results showed that the S. bungeana grassland was mainly distributed in the Loess Plateau, Hexi Corridor, and low altitudes of the Qilian Mountains and Longshou Mountain. This ecosystem occurred mainly on loess soils, kastanozems, steppe aeolian soils and sierozems. Thermal and edaphic factors were the most important factors limiting the distribution of S. bungeana grassland across China. Since 56.1% of its past distribution area(4.9×10~4 km^2) disappeared in the last 50 a, the present realizable distribution area only amounts to 2.2×10~4 km^2. But only 15.7% of its present potential distribution area(14.0×10~4 km^2) is actually occupied by the S. bungeana grassland. The future potential distribution of S. bungeana grassland was predicted to shift towards northwest, and the total area of this ecosystem will shrink by 12.4% over the next 50 a under the most pessimistic climate change scenario. Accordingly, following the IUCN-RLE criteria, we deemed the S. bungeana grassland ecosystem in China to be endangered(EN). Revegetation projects and the establishment of protected areas are recommended as effective ways to avert this looming crisis. This empirical modeling study provides an example of how IUCN-RLE categories and criteria may be valuably used for ecosystem assessments in China and abroad.
基金Supported by the Scientific Research Projects of the Health System in Pingshan District,No.2023122.
文摘BACKGROUND Lumbar interbody fusion(LIF)is the primary treatment for lumbar degenerative diseases.Elderly patients are prone to anxiety and depression after undergoing surgery,which affects their postoperative recovery speed and quality of life.Effective prevention of anxiety and depression in elderly patients has become an urgent problem.AIM To investigate the trajectory of anxiety and depression levels in elderly patients after LIF,and the influencing factors.METHODS Random sampling was used to select 239 elderly patients who underwent LIF from January 2020 to December 2024 in Shenzhen Pingle Orthopedic Hospital.General information and surgery-related indices were recorded,and participants completed measures of psychological status,lumbar spine dysfunction,and quality of life.A latent class growth model was used to analyze the post-LIF trajectory of anxiety and depression levels,and unordered multi-categorical logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors.RESULTS Three trajectories of change in anxiety level were identified:Increasing anxiety(n=26,10.88%),decreasing anxiety(n=27,11.30%),and stable anxiety(n=186,77.82%).Likewise,three trajectories of change in depression level were identified:Increasing depression(n=30,12.55%),decreasing depression(n=26,10.88%),and stable depression(n=183,76.57%).Regression analysis showed that having no partner,female sex,elevated Oswestry dysfunction index(ODI)scores,and reduced 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores all contributed to increased anxiety levels,whereas female sex,postoperative opioid use,and elevated ODI scores all contributed to increased depression levels.CONCLUSION During clinical observation,combining factors to predict anxiety and depression in post-LIF elderly patients enables timely intervention,quickens recovery,and enhances quality of life.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.60706031 and 61574015)the National Science Foundation(No.4122058)+3 种基金the Young Elite Teacher Project(No.YETP0536)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Nos.2014JBM009 and W17JB00280)the State Key Laboratory of Rail Traffic Control and Safety(No.RCS2016K009)the “Talents Project” of Beijing Jiaotong University
文摘We numerically and experimentally proposed a dual-stop-band terahertz filter based on standard microelectronic fabrication method. The stop bands locate at 0.32 THz and 1.02 THz with 3 dB bandwidths of 0.26 THz and 0.55 THz, respectively. The resonance characteristics of the proposed device were discussed with the help of surface current maps and field density maps extracted from computer simulation software to better understand the working principle of the proposed device. On top of that, a total of seven devices with different dimensions were fabricated to fully discuss the dimension effects on the resonant frequency shift and bandwidth changes. This fabrication process is applicable for related integrated metamaterial devices and provides essential experiment evidences for effective ways of manipulating the transmission spectrum of the proposed filter.
基金financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (No. 2017 YFC0306703)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 41706065)
文摘The age,grain size compositions and major elemental compositions for sediments in core YQ1 from the Yingqiong continental slope in the South China Sea was determined in this paper.It is noted that the periodically cyclic change of sedimentation rates occurred in the Yingqiong continental slope in the South China Sea.During the interglacial periods,the sedimentation rates were high,while the sedimentation rates exhibited low values during the glacial periods.During Marine Isotope Stage 1(MIS1),the sedimentary rate could reach about 800 cm kyr-1 and during the MIS6 this area is characterized by the lowest sedimentary rate,which is lower than 3 cm kyr-1.According to the R-mode factor analysis of the major element data,three factors F1(Al2O3,Fe2O3,TiO2 and K2O),F2(MgO and MnO)and F3(Na2O and P2O5)were obtained,which shows that vertical change of the major elemental concentrations in the core was mainly controlled by the nearby terrestrial inputs and the early diagenesis,while the effect of volcanic and biogenous inputs was less.The obvious glacial-interglacial cyclic features are presented in the changes of the typical terrestrial element ratios contained in factor F1,which reflects the impact of glacial-interglacial climatic cycle on the evolution of the East Asian monsoon.This indicates that the major element ratios in terrestrial sediments are significant indicators of regional climate changes.
基金supported by China-ASEAN maritime cooperation fund: Comparative Study of Holocene Sedimentary Evolution of the Yangtze River Delta and the Red River Deltathe Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province, China (No. ZR2014DQ020)+1 种基金China Geological Survey Project (No. DD20160145)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 41706074 and 41506107)
文摘We analyzed the characteristics and trends of land-use change in and near the coastal zone of the Yangtze River Delta(YRD) during five periods(1995, 2000 2005, 2010, and 2015) using remotely sensed Landsat imagery. Using automatic supervised classification combined with visual interpretation, we obtained land-use information for five study areas(Nantong, Shanghai, Jiaxing, Ningbo, and Zhoushan). Significant land-use changes have occurred in this area between 1995 and 2015, characterized in particular by large reductions in cultivated land and rapid increases in urbanized land. In addition, land reclamation was very active in this period as an effective supplement to the increased demand for land development: since 1995, 1622 km^2 of land was reclaimed from near-coastal regions in the study area. This increase in urbanization was jointly driven by population, economic, transportation, and policy factors. Urban areas expanded from the center outward in concentric rings, with infrastructure guiding the radial expansion of development along transportation corridors, thus forming a network of connections. Due to the influence of national land regulation policies, the expansion rate of development in the YRD gradually diminished after 2010. This indicates that the area's resource and environmental carrying capacity has reached a saturation stage in which urbanization has transitioned from broad and incremental expansion to the intensive use of land resources.
文摘We investigated the effects of elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) on biogeochemistry of marsh sediment including speciation of selected heavy metals in Salinas de San Pedro mudflat in California. The Salinas de San Pedro mudflat has higher carbon (C) content than the vast majority of fully-vegetated salt marshes even with the higher tidal action in the mudflat. Sources for CO2 were identified as atmospheric CO2 as well as due to local fault degassing process. We measured carbon dioxide, methane, total organic carbon, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and heavy metal concentration in various salt marsh locations. Overall, our results showed that CO2 concentration ranging from 418.7 to 436.9 (ppm), which are slightly different in various chambers but are in good agreement with some heavy metal concentrations values in mudflat at or around the same location. The selected metal concentration values (ppm) ranging from 0.003 - 0.011 (As);0.001 - 0.005 (Cd);0.04 - 0.02 (Cr);0.13 - 0.38 (Cu);0.11 - 0.38 (Pb);0.0009 - 0.020 (Se);and 0.188 - 0.321 (Zn). The low dissolved oxygen (ppm) in the pore water sediment indicated suboxic environment. Additionally, CO2 (ppm) and loss on ignition (LOI) (%) correlated inversely;the higher CO2 content, the lower was the LOI (%);that is to say the excess CO2 causes higher rates of decomposition and therefore it leads to lower LOI (%) on the mudflat surface. It appears that the elevated CO2 makes changes in salt marsh pore water chemistry for instance the free ionic metal (Cu2+, Pb2+, etc.) speciation is one of the most reactive form because simply assimilated by the non-decayed or alive organisms in sediment of salt marsh and/or in water. This means that CO2 not only is a sign of improvement in plant productivity, but also activates microbial decomposition through increases in dissolved organic carbon availability. CO2 also increases acidification processes such as anaerobic degradation of microorganism and oxidation of reduced components. The heavy metal concentrations in sediment samples were slightly higher in suboxic layer, yet it appears that salt marsh sediments in Salinas de San Pedro act like a sink for nutrient and carbon by maximizing carbon sequestration.
基金funded by the directional earthquake tracking task offered by China Earthquake Administration (2017010203)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 41274083)
文摘In this study, the relative gravity data(2012 e2015), GPS data-derived horizontal deformation(2011 e2014) and the background vertical deformation from the leveling measurements(1970 e2011) in the northeastern margin of Tibetan Plateau were processed to systematically analysis the mechanism of temporalespatial patterns and the relationship with Menyuan Ms6.4 earthquake. It can be summarized in the following: 1) The regional gravity changes, the GPS and the vertical deformational showed an intense spatial relationship: the gravity increased along with the direction of horizontal movement, and decreased with the crustal uplift and vice versa, which reflected the inherited characteristics of geotectonic activities. 2) The crustal deformations were closely related to the active faults. The contour lines of gravity changes and vertical deformation were generally along with the Qilian-Haiyuan fault(strike is NWW), and the crustal horizontal deformation showed left-lateral strike slip motion near the Qilian-Haiyuan fault. 3) Menyuan Ms6.4 earthquake occurred in the high negative gravity variation area and a high gradient formed in regions, positive and negative variation of gravity amount to 110 m Gal.Specifically, a borderline of positive and negative gravity located in the south of epicenter along the north edge of Qilianshan fault and Lenglongling fault, as well as the vertical and/or horizontal deformation is intensely. The extrusion deformation, surface compression rate and gravity changes were obvious near the epicenter of 2016 Menyuan Earthquake.
文摘This study was undertaken to apply Geographic Information System “GIS” (ArcGIS 9.3) for calculating shoreline change rates and back-shore surface area due to these changes, particularly after constructing marine structures: including seawall, detached breakwaters and groins. Modelbuilder in ArcGIS software was used to design and develop an automated technique, module, for estimating such changes (rate and area). These changes are deduced from analysis of beach-nearshore profile surveys between 1970 and 2010 and shoreline position versus prevailing coastal processes. The results show that the major erosion occurred along the Delta promontories;the shoreline of Rosetta retreated (1.6 km) at an average rate of 60 m/yr with loss of back-shore area 6.4 km2;the coastline of Burullus bulge recessed at mean rate of 6 m/yr and decreasing in beach area of 1.31 km2;and at Damietta (Ras El-Bar) the shoreline moved backward (6 m/yr) with disappeared in beach area of 1.13 km2. The shape and orientation of these promontories contributed to create alternation between wave convergence zone that eventually causes erosion, and divergence zones that experienced shoreline accretion. Finally, the engineering structures didn’t solve or stop the erosion problem but shifted it from one place to another.
文摘Tube spinning technology is one of the effective methods of manufacturing large diameter thin-walled shapes. In this research, effects of major parameters of thermo mechanical tube spinning process such as preform's thickness, percentage of thickness reduction, mandrel rotational speed, feed rate, solution treatment time and aging treatment time on the wall thickness changes and process time in thermo-mechanical tube spinning process for fabrication of 2024 aluminum spun tubes using design of experiments (DOE), are studied. The statistical results are verified through some experiments. Results of experimental evaluation are analyzed by variance analysis and mathematic models are obtained. Finally using these models, input parameters for optimum production are achieved.
